Destination Weddings

You have just said yes to the guy who asked you "will you marry me?", You've picked the date, found the dress, shoes et al now to find your vendors who will deliver various services that will make your day.

How do you go about finding the right vendors for your big day! Especially when you're thinking of a destination wedding?

Google might be of some help but it's usually best to chose vendors recommended to you by someone who has used their service before and was very happy with the service they received. 

We love weddings and we travel to any destination chosen by our brides. And all our brides come recommended to us from previous clients and we are always humbled by the positive feedback we receive. 

Let's take you on a quick tour of our destination brides over the years. 

First stop Tanzania, Dar es Salam  

Madelines's extensions were installed a few days before the big day. I remember the back on forth when it came to choosing the right extensions as she wanted something fairly easy to manage on honeymoon. She went for wavy Virgin hair extensions. 

For the big day Madeline opted for a centre part hair style with a neat chigon roll at the back framing her face beautifully. 

Our next bride Yewi, her chosen destination was the UAE - Duabi Ritz Carlton. All she said was make "my hair hot! I trust you". 

For her pre wedding drinks we curled her hair and she wore it down, which went beautifully with her soft makeup and sultry little pink dress.

For the big day it self her hair was curled and set using curl clips. We then created a side swept up do to frame her face and give her the chic and sophisticated look to go with her lace dress.

Our next brides choose the continent of Europe to say their vows.

Spain - Malaga 

Moriam chose to have an outdoor ceremony by the sea and it was truly magical!

We arrived a day before the big day to install her extensions which we then styled the morning of the wedding in a soft side swept fringe and soft pinned up curls at the back to complement her dress beautifully. 

France - Provence 

Bola chose the south of France for her big day. She wanted us to incorporate a French braid in her style. SO we created a chignon with the French braid across it and also added some curls which flowed from her side swept fringe.

The wedding ceremony was held in the beautiful courtyard of the Chateau de Robernier,

Each couple made their day unique and also planned activities for their guests to enjoy after the wedding.

Thanks to all our brides for choosing us.. we enjoyed being a part of each and every single one of your special days.

contact us at brides@avoshair.com for all your bridal styling needs and beyond.

Au Natural Bride - Part 1

Going natural is a challenge, and it can feel even more so for your big day when it comes to styling options and keeping your locks moisturised on a day to day basis.

Over the years we have come across a range of clients with varying natural hair textures and our task is to help them achieve their chosen style. 

AVOS Bride Toyin

We can remember one of our very first natural hair brides, Toyin and Seyi.

Toyin has never applied chemicals in her hair and you can tell by the sheer volume, texture and length of her hair - I feel into hair heaven immediately. Her hair was washed and conditioned and then set in rollers to dry. Once the hair was dry we then used a flat iron to smoothen the curls to give the curls their glossy look. Toyin opted for curls and her look was complemented with flowers in her hair - her overall look was romantic and elegant. Make Up by BMakeuppro

AVOS Bride Seyi

Seyi transitioned back to natural hair after years of relaxing and for her big day she opted for an updo. Her hair was blow-dried and curled using a flat iron, we then pinned up the curls into a low bun at the back.




Toriste went for the ultra glam look on her big day. Her hair was washed and conditioned the night before the big day. To achieved her curls and create added volume her hair was put into Bantu knots overnight. The knots were released in the morning and using a wand redefined the curls. Her look was completed with flowers and hair up to show off the lovely detail in her dress. Her face beat was by Alison Cameron.

AVOS Bride Toriste

We enjoy the creativity working with natural hair brides and the challenge. All our brides testify to the fact that their hair despite the humidity retains the style for the best part of the day and over the years new products have been introduced to help.

AVOS Bride Georgina

Georgina opted to for tree braids which we then styled into a low bun. As no heat was applied we created faux curls and pinned to created the side swept fringe and the bun was created with overlapping swirls.Pearls and tiaras rounded off this ultra sophisticated look. Face beat by Pauline Briscoe.

We will be uploading more images of our natural hair brides in the coming weeks, do check out our instagram page for regular updates.

your mane stop
xoxo

Bridal Hair Inspiration

One of the core services we provide as a mobile hair company is bridal hair styling.

Being a part of one of the best days of an individual's life is incredible and in 2015 we are looking forward to providing great service to our clients.   

We talk with Black Brides and Weddings about bridal hair inspiration... Check it out!

http://www.blackbridesandweddings.com/avos-hair-brings-bridal-hair-inspiration/

More inspiration on our instagram page @avoshair

Enjoy.

xoxo

Your mane stop

Trichothearaphy - Video

Video update on our latest blog - click link to watch.

http://youtu.be/K7GrBGet24E

Journey to healthy mane... Your mane stop 

My Mane Journey with Philip Kingsley: Tricotheraphy

I like my hair a lot, you could even say I love it. Sadly it spends majority of the time in a mixture of weaves and braids. why? Well I don’t want it to break, it’s been a long road to get to this point. So when AVOS Hair asked me to trial the new PK Trico hair regime I jumped at the opportunity as it promised to: make your hair look and feel fuller, thicker and more volumized while encouraging healthy hair growth. Healthier hair would result in stronger more resilient hair that I could leave out for longer periods, and of course the added benefit of having fuller and thicker hair. 

Before I started the PK Tricotherapy course, I already had a regime of my own using the Philip Kingsley Moisture Extreme Shampoo, Conditioner and Elasticzier Extreme Pre Shampoo Treatment and for my relax I use Phytospecific relaxer. 

I have my hair relaxed about every 6 months, wash twice a week,allowing it to air dry (only applying heat when I needed to have my hair styled). This has been my routine for the past three years and I started using Philip Kingsley 18 months ago, and I can say my hair texture and growth has vastly improved.

So, moving onto the Tricotherapy regime, consisting of three products to provide an holistic approach to hair care; Tricho Pro: volumizing protein spray, Tricho 7: volumizing hair & scalp treatment, Tricho Complex: hair nutrition formula. I followed the instructions religiously for 8 weeks (I had to stop for about two weeks for unrelated medical reasons), I can honestly say there is a difference!  I'd say it took a few days for me to notice the effects of the volumizing protein spray, this delay in time may have been due to me not having my hair blow dried straight when I started using it. It took about two weeks to notice a more general improvement in my hair. Initially to  really notice the effects of Trichothearapy I had to either blow dry my hair using an afro pik or flat iron it. 

After - left / before - right

Fast forward 8 weeks later.... the result has been outstanding! the amount of hair shedding has reduced and since I relaxed my hair at the start of summer. I have been able to wear my hair out for the longest period in a very long time! 

Now it's recommend you use the product for 3 months before you expect to start seeing results, and this would vary from one person to another.  I was able to see a difference after 8 weeks of use, I was also on holiday in Australia for about two thirds of the time whilst using the product (water down under is softer than that of the UK, most especially in lovely London city). It is also clearly stated on the packaging "DO NOT CONSUME Tricho Complex ON AN EMPTY STOMACH" and please consult your GP prior to use if your on any other medications. It is important that your eat prior to taking the tablet, and you combine this with a healthy and well balanced diet. 

Side note, if Tricho is too much of an investment for you currently, I would fully recommend switching to PK products. There's a range for different hair types e.g. relaxed, natural, in- between, its near impossible not to notice the difference in your hair texture if used properly. 

I have now finished the Tricotheraphy regime, and to maintain my length and healthy hair i will be taking the PK4 Hair supplements as part of my healthy mane lifestyle. This is the  longest period I've had my hair out since my pre-teen years I am  very happy with my hair and the journey continues. 

It also helps to have a stylist who is passionate about your mane and understands you!

Contact us at AVOS Hair for a consultation and how to begin your journey to healthy mane... thank you Yemi for your time and testing our this amazing product for us.

xoxo 

your mane stop

Weddings - we do love a good wedding

Before I got married, I was all about weddings... could not get enough of them. More-so the fact that before I knew my husband would be my husband I had my wedding book filled with inspirations from color themes to locations. I even sketched my dress (thankfully I had the amazing Kosibah save me from myself).

I love hearing stories of how the couples met, their grand ideas for their big day and what they were looking forward to the most.

For me being in the brides room and being a part of her special day gives the most rewarding feeling ever (shout out to all our brides to date for trusting us to style them and get them ready). Whilst very emotional it can also be comical.

There are no two brides that are the same; you get the calm, cool collected bride and you get the wild fun can't seem to sit still kinda bride (I fell into the latter category - my make up artist - Elaine at  Shomya told me this repeatedly *face covered*). Yet what amazes me the most is how brides cope gracefully when things sorta go of course - as they do with weddings.

I had a bride a few years ago, who the night before her wedding received a call from the vicar that the church had flooded (deep breathe). She simply called me in the morning just as I was about to set out to her and said "take your time - no need to get here till later" confused I was like uh? At which point she explained what had happened and as such needed some more time to re-work logistics for the day. Luckily her reception venue had a licence for weddings and they simply had to contact all their guests and inform them of the new location and timing.  Things worked out beautifully in the end.

I also remember getting a call from a bride as I was pulling up at her location that she was having dress issues (I freaked thinking crap not the wedding dress!) alas it was her second dress so worst case scenario she would have just ended up staying in her wedding dress. Luckily order was restored thanks to a dutiful and diligent bridesmaid!

Which brings me to the topic of bridesmaids - it's not about you! So remember when your asked to be one be the best that you can be and support as best as you can and if you feel at any point that supporting and being called upon to run errands aren't your thing then gracefully decline the position. Nothing worse than a bridesmaid that thinks she's the bride.

Brides - no matter how tough it gets hang on tight because I promise you that at the end of the day all that will matter to you most is that you've said "I will" to the man of your choice and your about to begin your happily ever after. Chose the battles you fight during the preparations carefully and focus your energy on your marriage and making it the best! There are many happily married couples, who chose daily to work hard at a fulfilling and enriching marriage - make yours one of them.

Be original and do you... on that note enjoy the pics from one of our 2013 brides who went all out with creativity  - Creative Chemistry! Congrats Tori & Dan bridal party hair styled by us. Brides make up by Alison Cameron and Bridal party make up by - Beauty Boudoir


Happy wedding planning....
xoxo
AVOS

Bridal Mane Tips

Your mane is one of the most important features that will be a point of focus on the big day so it is essential that you maintain a healthy mane habit leading up to the big day and after. Healthy mane [and skin] must be nurtured and cared for; it is a sign of overall health and well-being.

If you chose a simple style, stick to it. The opinion of others really is not that important. The important thing is for you to feel and look how you want to on the day; the pictures will last a lifetime.

Trial

It is advisable that you have a trial run; the way a style looks on someone else will not look the same on you so it is important that the way you look is how you want on the day. 

For your trial you should bring along images of mane styles you like to help your stylist understand the look you’re going for. Be realistic, think about your day to day mane styles and how you like to look [especially for the man your about to marry] when you’re going out for special occasions and with your stylist come up with ways to glam up your style.

If the stylist on your wedding day is not your regular mane stylist, the trial gives both of you the opportunity to meet and understand the expectations for the day during the trial. Be open to advise from your stylist however make sure you’re comfortable with the bridal mane for the day.

Expectations

Whilst your stylist may feel they want to give you the most amazing style on the day, remember they can only work with what you have in terms of your mane type and its current state. For instance, if you’re a natural mane wearer and you prefer not to have heat applied to your mane to alter its natural state, then you should consider styles that are more structured and suited for natural mane.Be realistic, is the style option you’re going for achievable with your hair type?

Accessorise

There are so many available, however it depends on the look you’re going for and the mane style chosen. Flowers are always beautiful and can complement your bouquet, you might also want to try hair pins with crystals and or pearls, or even a brooch can work well if the jewel is the look you are going for.

Extensions

This can give you extra length and volume on the day or for natural mane wearers who would like to protect their hair, this is a good alternative for you to consider if your chosen style requires curls / straightening. If you decide to have extensions and you have never had them installed before, discuss the various options available for your mane type with your mane stylist and try them before the big day. If you decide to go ahead with extensions or if you’re not new to the process your extensions should be installed at least 3 days prior.  This will give your scalp and mane time to settle prior to the day.

Mane Spa

Your mane routine is very important, if you have been laid back about looking after your mane, now is the time to start caring so you’re happy with your overall look on the day. Monthly mane treatments will do wonders for your mane and help to keep it healthy and looking great for the day and after. Have your hair trimmed to avoid split ends, consider taking hair supplements (see your GP before you do so) to help maintain growth and wellbeing of your mane (especially when you have chosen to go on a diet). For your trial and on the wedding day it is essential that you have clean, dry and product free hair, it will make styling easier.

love your mane
xoxo

Before. During. After. Caring for your mane and your extensions

Before your weave is installed, have a deep moisturising treatment and a trim if your will be keeping the extensions in for 2 - 3 months. The treatment will help ensure your hair is well hydrated and  trimming your hair before tucking it away, you will notice considerable growth during your mane hibernation.

During the next few weeks with your extensions installed. If your hair line has been left out, especially in front you should wash and condition it weekly with your weave washed every two weeks.

How to wash your extension if its a DIY process, wash face forward into the bath with diluted cleansing shampoo (Kera-Care hair extensions range is brilliant as it leaves hair refreshed and cleaned) followed by a 10 minutes condition. Make sure you give your hair a good rinse especially between your tracks to ensure your hair is product free. 

Avoid using heavy products on your hair and most especially on your extensions, you want your hair to move with each step you take. Rule of thumb when applying products, use a 5p sized amount! There is nothing less attractive than hair with product build up. If you have left hair all around your hair line, be sure to tuck away the hair at the back and sides if your wearing it down to avoid friction between your hair and the extensions which may lead to breakage.

The trick is to keep your hair hydrated.

You can wrap your hair if it’s straight or add big twists or plaits if you have curly or wavy hair. Wear a silk scarf or hair bonnet before going to bed and if you can invest in a silk pillow case if you find that a scarf never stays on through the night. 

After taking your extensions out, be gentle and brush your hair thoroughly prior to washing it. This is very crucial; washing without brushing your hair out properly will result in hair tangling /matting causing severe breakage. So section your hair into 4 and from tip to root brush, this way you brush out all the daily hair loss that’s been trapped in the canerow.

Your hair should be flawless with or without extensions.

xoxo
your mane stop.

Mane loss.... the bane of hair growth

Humans have approximately 90,000 to 140,000 hairs on their head. It is normal to lose about 50 to 100 hairs a day (if you compare the ratio that's not so bad, we can breathe a sigh of relief - I have!) .
A steady hair loss more than this amount, however, will cause noticeable hair thinning or baldness. Before you try to treat hair loss, you should learn about the possible causes of it. To ensure you know the real reason for your hair loss, you might want to consult with a physician, dermatologist or certified trichologist. 

Reasons for hair loss. 

Genetic

In most cases, especially in men, it is genetic. 

Hormonal Imbalance 

Some other usual causes are hormonal imbalances, chemotherapy, drug side effects and mineral and iron (with iron deficiency you will notice your hair line especially by your temples are visibly thinner) deficiency. The use of Oral contraceptions can also cause hair loss.

Diet

A dramatic change in diet (bet you didn't think what you ate affected the hair on your head).

Illness

sickness such as liver and kidney diseases can cause temporary hair loss as well. This type of hair loss, nonetheless, usually corrects itself within a few months.

Infection / Stress 

In some rare occasions, people can also lose hair because of fungal infection and stress!! (yes stress!), where it is the latter the solution is simple - AVOID Stress and anything that increases your stress levels

Hair Extensions

whilst this can be a protective styling option, you also need to be aware that when your hair is pulled tightly it will result in hair breakage and can lead to traction alopecia. so the next time your having your braids/canerows/weaves/ponytail etc done ask for some tender & gentle touch.

Fact - hair is the fastest growing cell in your body. Why is it so hard to retain growth if that is the case? review your hair habits and routine. 

Healthy hair requires devotion and  you need to make a conscious effort.

Enjoy your journey to healthy Mane.

xoxo

"I Do"

These words are due to come out of my mouth in approximately 6 weeks, and the question I've been asked the most is "who is doing your hair"? well that will be revealed on the day...stay tuned.

I can however share my tips with you on the routines I've developed over the past few months. Nothing new really except sometimes we need to be told so as to put into practices! so am telling you to keep it simple :)

I started by washing my hair at least twice a week using Philip Kingsley moisture extreme shampoo followed by moisture balancing conditioner. This ensured that my hair was clean and moisturised (try washing your hair more often and you will notice the difference in your hair texture and condition). I know the myth but to be honest you would not go a day without taking a bath and the same skin on your body is the same on your head.

My hair is getting the right treatment, I had to ensure that I was maintaining a healthy balanced diet (avoiding as best possible to go on diets) and lifestyle. We'll come back to the effects of  poor diet later.

Once I had my routine on lock,  I also incorporated hair supplements to help give my hair the extra boost it needed on the days I may have forgotten to eat properly (opsie!) we all have those days. To ensure your hair does not suffer supplements can help provide your hair with targeted nutrients (I'll write a blog looking at supplements and dispel the myths).

Trimming your hair after a relax is very important to maintaining healthy hair, it prevents split ends. Remember it is better to be preventive than to cure!

Enjoy loving your mane and let us know your routine!

Our first post.... we hope you enjoyed.

your mane stop.

xoxo

Useful Links
http://www.philipkingsley.co.uk/ethnic-textured-hair/philip-kingsley-moisture-extreme-shampoo.html

http://www.philipkingsley.co.uk/conditioner/philip-kingsley-moisture-balancing-conditioner.html