Mystery Of A Slicked Back Pony

David (Ricky Martin) & Santana (Naya Rivera) GLEE – Tuesday, Feb. 7 on FOX. ©2012 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Adam Rose/FOX

Model, DJ and fashion”It Girl” Harley Viera-Newton was quoted in May of 2008 onRefinery29  regarding her own personal mystery of a slicked back pony.

Known for her spread in magazines like Vogue and Elle, the regular headliner at some of the coolest clubs in NYC reflected on her high school prom hair for her “after-thing.”

Viera-Newton reported “I had my hair in a slick-back pony or something really embarrassing” finishing off her “really slutty, houndstooth, vintage Alaia dress with six-inch Alexander McQueen heels.”

Her first reaction to her slicked back pony and fashions?  She said “I was like, ‘I look good tonight,’ and looking back, I’m like, ‘you look like a whore!”

David (Ricky Martin) & Santana (Naya Rivera) on GLEE on FOX. ©2012 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Adam Rose/FOX (Episodic)

Oddly, even a supercool fashionista like Viera-Newton can struggle with whether a slicked back pony is whorishly embarrassing or sizzling hot.

Of course the fashion choices can play a part, but a slicked back pony is definitely a hairstyle which can scale from slutty to sophisticated depending upon a wide range of factors.

The mystery of a slicked back pony?  Is it fabulous or a fashion disaster?

The Mystery Of The Male Slicked Back Pony

Even more mysterious is when men adopt their own versions of a slicked back ponytail for untold reason.

Case in point?  One Direction hottie Zayn Malik famous for his spectacular sexy quiff he showcased at the 2014 BBC Music Awards.   Fans were in a frenzy with the pop hunk’s bouffant hairdo.

One Direction Zayn Malik’s Mysterious Slicked Back Pony

Santana (Naya Rivera) proposes to Brittany (Heather Morris) GLEE on FOX. ©2014 Fox Broadcasting Co. CR: Tyler Golden/FOX

Shortly after his big hair win at the BBC Music Awards he shocked fans with a slicked back pony at the X Factor live finals on Sunday night, December  14th.

Appearing on the stage alongside his One Direction mates he showcased a bump free, heavily gelled hairstyle pulled tightly back into a retro ponytail.

Zane’s slicked back pony was a complete mystery to fans who responded with very mixed reactions.  Some fans thought he looked hot, others were disappointed the rocker had swapped his sexy quiff for a gel laden pony.

Zane’s fans took to Twitter to lament the demise of his quiff, with the most frequent comment about his slicked back pony being a variety of ‘wtf has zayn done to his hair (sic)’.

Rachel (Lea Michele) “100” Episode of GLEE – Tuesday, March 18 – FOX. ©2014 CR: Adam Rose/FOX

Of course some were enthralled by the new ponytailed look, with one user gushing: ‘Zayn is the only male that can get away with his hair in a ponytail’.

Urban Dictionary Definition of  Slicked Back Pony – Slut Strands

Another mystery surrounding the slicked back pony is the fact it’s defined by the Urban Dictionary as slut strands.  Say what?

The Urban Dictionary’s definition’s is “a type of hairstyle comprising all the hair slicked back from the face (usually in a ponytail) except for two strands, often the same length as the rest of the hair, taken from the two top corners of the forehead and left to dangle “fashionably”.

Kate Walsh Wearing Ponytail During Interview With Jimmy Kimmel – Actress Kate Walsh during an interview with host Jimmy Fallon on September 29, 2014 — (Photo by: Douglas Gorenstein/NBC)
Monday, September 29 on NBC (11:35 p.m.-12:35 a.m.)

Very often this hair has not seen shampoo in weeks and when squeezed would probably be able to dress a garden salad.

This hairstyle is generally sported by the kind of girl who you wouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole, mainly because there is every danger the ten-foot pole would disappear SOMEWHERE and the girl wouldn’t even break a sweat.”

The Slicked Back Pony Isn’t For Everyone

Whether your male or female, young or old, not everyone can pull off a slicked back pony.

The success or failure of a slicked back pony is often tied to where it’s positioned on the head, how much hair is captured by the pony and whether or not it’s  paired with the appropriate fashions.

“Today” (l-r) Katy Perry, Ann Curry – Photo by: Peter Kramer/NBC
Friday, August 27, 2014 on NBC

Tall, impossibly thin super models ala Giselle look picture perfect in the slicked back pony while some celebrities who adopt a similar hairstyle on the Red Carpet get failing marks from the fashion police.

Summary – Mystery Of A Slicked Back Pony

The slicked back pony can scale from uber cool when worn by fashion models to slutty or desperate when coiffed inappropriately.

One size definitely doesn’t fit all when it comes to the slicked back pony.  Some men, especially celebrities like Johnny Depp and Jared Leto look amazing with slicked back ponytails.  Others like Steven Seagal, not so much.

The best approach with a slicked back pony?  Do what works best for you.  Don’t buy into conventional  slicked back pony wisdom or follow what others are doing or thinking.

Follow your own slicked back pony intuition.  Let the mystery of this hairstyle be damned.

Why Hair Products Disappear

Assorted Hair Products – Photo – HairBoutique.com – All Rights Reserved

Have you ever run out of your favorite hair product only to discover it’s vanished from the face of the Earth?

Maybe you wondered why hair products disappear without any forewarning, rhyme or reason?

Although you may have loved and used your favorite hair product for years, there are often a variety of efficiency-oriented reasons why brands are dropped by brick and mortar or online retailers.

Reasons Why Hair Products Disappear

Some of the reasons include, but aren’t limited to:

Assortment Of Hair Products – HB Media.com – All Rights Reserved

1.  Manufacturers stop producing a hair product for a variety of reasons ranging from inability to locate viable ingredients to rapidly increasing packaging costs.
2.  Loss of viable and/or sustainable profit margins due to shrinkage, rising overhead costs or similar challenges.
3.  Introduction of new products (thousands of new hair care products are introduced each year) which grab the target product’s original market share.
4.  Aggressive competition from other on-line retailers or big box stores.
5.  Declining sales.  Many companies discontinue the slowest moving products in specific categories.
6.  Loss of coveted retail shelf space due to rising demand for new and/or organic and/or more natural products.
7.  Nearly-identical products in the same category may result in consumer confusion and loss of interest.
8.  Change in consumer market trends which make a hair product less viable for the long term.
9.  Companies go out of business and/or they’re acquired.  The new owners may reformulate and/or shelve some or all of the pre-existing products.

What Stays Or Goes Depends Upon Customers

Collection of Hair Care Products – HB Media – All Rights Reserved

What stays and what goes in any brick and mortar or in online stores is ultimately in the hands of the customers, who literally ‘vote’ for or against a product every time they buy it or pass it by.

Most retailers try to maintain a balance between offering the best quality products and those which offer the very best value for their shoppers.

Ultimately retailers understand that some shoppers will be disappointed with the decision to discontinue various hair care brands for whatever reason.

Retailers also understand that if the customers don’t like discontinuation of their favorite products they will shop elsewhere where the products they seek are offered.

Assortment Of Hair Product Samples – HairBoutique.com – All Rights Reserved

If a hair care product is discontinued by the manufacturer, retailers have no option to provide the product short of manufacturing their own version of an alternative.

Retailer’s Reduced Assortment Issues

Reduced assortments will always be the fact of life for any retailer including in all hair product categories.  If you have specific hair care products you love, be sure to let your retailer of choice know your likes and ask them to keep the product in their inventory.

If retailers are informed by customers that a hair care product is key to their loyalty, when possible, they will try to keep it available.

Improved customer experience and greater profitability are always important to all retailers.

Summary – Why Hair Products Disappear

There are many reasons why hair products disappear included discontinuation by the manufacturer or stocking decisions made by retailers.

If you have a favorite hair product you love, be sure to let your retailer know your desires to make it available, if it hasn’t been discontinued.

Mila Kunis’ Hair In Jupiter Ascending

(L-R) Eddie Redmayne as Balem Abrasax,
Mila Kunis as Jupiter Jones in Jupiter Ascending – Warner Bros. Pictures – All Rights Reserved

I don’t think Mila Kunis’ hair in Jupiter Ascending could have been more beautiful.

Luckily I was able to witness Mila’s stunning transformation as Jupiter Jones morphing from cleaning woman to alien royalty at the theater on Valentine’s Day.

Although some fans of the film might describe it as hard core science fiction, it’s really a love story packaged in an out-of-this world setting.

Therefore, it was a fitting film for Valentine’s Day.

From Cleaning Toilets To Encounters With Genetically Engineered Hunters

Mila Kunis as Jupiter Jones in the film Jupiter Ascending – Warner Bros – All Rights Reserved

Even before Caine Wise, a genetically engineered ex-military fighter and hunter (Channing Tatum), finds her cleaning toilets, as Jupiter Jones (Mila), is coiffed in a sleek, glossy ponytail swept  tightly off her striking face.

Although she’s dressed casually in flannel button-downs and jeans appropriate for her toilet cleaning job, her tresses radiate with a megawatt shimmer.

From Earth To Abrasax

After being whisked off planet Earth by Wise to a far away planet inhabited by the Abrasax alien dynasty, her simple hair and wardrobe is transformed.

Due to a series of power struggles with the Abrasax children, she winds up agreeing to marry Balem (Eddie Redmayne).

Nude Trumpet Wedding Gown

For her Abrasax nuptials Mila donned an eye popping, form fitting, nude tulle trumpet wedding gown with a fishtail train.

Mila Kunis as Jupiter Jones in Jupiter Ascending – Warner Bros. Pictures – All Rights Reserved

The fitted column showcased her slender body.  The gown featured a crystal-embellished bodice aflame with three-dimensional red floral appliqués.   Due to the film’s special visual effects, the gown’s floral details give the impression they’re blossoming while she’s wearing the gown.

Delicate tendrils and filigree designs covered with gown with silver mirror perspex and red ceramic flowers.

To create a dramatic entrance, the resplendent bride descended from the top of a majestic ballroom.  She floated down past hordes of wedding guests dressed to the nines in crisp white outfits.  At the bottom she was met by her scarlet attired groom-to-be.

Soft Low Side-Swept Chignon

Her glossy chocolate brown tresses were brushed off her breathtaking face into a soft low side-swept chignon adorned with an incredibly ornate crystal encrusted headdress  matching the gown’s floral appliqués.

(L-R) Channing Tatem as Caine Wise,
Mila Kunis as Jupiter Jones in Jupiter Ascending – Warner Bros. Pictures – All Rights Reserved

Mila’s bridal hairstyle flowed in perfect harmony with the incredibly ornate rose-adorned headdress featuring hundreds of identical Swarovsk crystal and floral accents as her wedding gown.

Identical British twin designers, Tida and Lisa Finch (Finchittida Finch),  were commissioned to make the the silver elements (not the flowers) for the brilliant bridal headdress and gown embellishments.

Wedding Make-up

With such an elegant wedding gown, it was key that Mila’s hair and make-up harmonized, rather than detracted, from the total vision.  Hair and makeup artists Jeremy Woodhead and Tracey Levy brilliantly met the challenge to create magnificent make-up.

Woodhead accentuated Mila’s beauty with rusty red hued eye shadow.

Her bold two-tone magenta lips were rumored to have been created with Giorgio Armani Lip Maestro Lipstick.

The top lip was said to be more matte shade ‘400’ with the bottom lip containing ‘504’.  A ruby crystal adorned her bottom lip.  It was truly inspired.

Summary – Mila Kunis’ Hair In Jupiter Ascending

Whether you love sci fi or fantasy films, to see Mila Kunis’ hair in Jupiter Ascending on her wedding day is worth the price of a ticket.    Her out-of-this world wedding gown and matching headdress are truly exotic and breathtaking.

The Wachowski siblings’ sci-fi movie can be optionally viewed in 3-D which provides a non-stop eye-candy feast.

How To Flour Your Hair

Bob’s Red Mill – Light Spelt Flour – Amazon.com

As the no-poo (no shampoo) movement initially based on water only washing continues to grow in popularity, fans of the alternative hair cleansing trend are always looking for new options.

This blog provides details on my own experience on how to flour your hair with a base combination of white spelt and barley ingredients.

Hair flouring is based on an ancient recipe designed to neutralize frizz and smooth the hair shaft. 

Popular in Europe, it’s starting to catch on in North America and Canada.

Advantages – How To Flour Your Hair

I decided to test this treatment on my own hair because there are many advantages to using a white spelt and barley flour mixture.

Naturally Curly Shoulder Length Hair – HB.com – All Rights Reserved

Besides minimizing exposure to traditional shampoo chemicals, flour washing minimizes the oil-stripping action of baking soda wet washing.

The flour mixture can be used as an anti-frizz conditioning pre-shampoo treatment or as an alternative no-poo wet wash formula.  I tested them both ways.

A combination of white spelt and barley flour mixed together without the liquid ingredients can also be used an alternative to dry washing formulas.

Ingredients

The following recipe, which I have used on my own hair is enough for shoulder length hair.  The original hair flour recipe I tested can be found in The Herbal Home Spa: Naturally Refreshing Wraps by Greta Breedlove.

Bob’s Red Mill – Light Spelt Flour – Amazon.com

If your hair is longer like mine, double the ingredients if you have exceptionally long, thick or highly textured hair. 

Although any type of flour can be used, I have personally found a mixture of white spelt with barley offers the advantage of both flours.

Note:  If you’re gluten intolerant be sure you can handle the combo of these ingredients on your scalp and hair.

Arrowhead Mills – Organic Barley Flour – Amazon.com – All Rights Reserved

1/2 cup (125 ml) white spelt flour*
1/2 cup (125 ml) barley flour
1/2 cup distilled water
1/2 cup (125 ml) rose or lavender or similar floral water (see recipe below from The Herbal Home Spa ) such as Heritage Store Rose Petals Rosewater or similar.
1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar

Make sure you have plastic wrap, a plastic bag or hair treatment cap which can fit snugly over your hair.

Floral Water Ingredients

Large heat proof pot (12 to 16 quarts) which can be placed on a stove burner.
1 clean brick or flat rock approximately the size of a brick.

Medium sized bunch of fresh aromatic herbs or flowers (approximately  1/2 gallon or 2 pounds).

Heritage Rosewater – Amazon.com – All Rights Reserved

Heat proof glass bowl which fits down inside the large pot leaving approximately a 1″ clearance around all of the sides and top.
Water
Stainless-steel bowl large enough to sit on top of the large pot
1 large chunk of ice

Yield:  Varies from 2 to 5 ounces

1.  Place the large pot on the stove on a burner.  This recipe will not work in a microwave or oven since the goal is to create a distilled floral water.
2.  Place the brick in the center of the pot.

Ice Cut Into Cubes – HB.com – Al Rights Reserved

3.  Arrange the herbs and/or glowers around the brick.
4.  Add water up to the top of the brick to completely cover the brick.
5.  Place the glass bowl on top of the brick to collect the distilled floral water.
6.  Set the stainless steel bowl on top of the pot and add a large chunk of ice to the bowl.  It’s best to use one large chunk of ice by filling a plastic jug with water and freezing.  Smaller chunks of ice melt quickly and require constant attention.
7. Turn on the burner on low.  Allow the herbs or flowers to simmer on the lowest heat for approximately 3 hours.  Always make sure you have ice in the stainless steel bowl on top of the pot.  The floral water will collect in the stainless steel bowl.
8.  Bottle in a clean capped glass container.

Step by Step Instructions

1.  Shift the flours together in a large bowl.

Long Straight Detanged Hair – Image From Depasqualte The Spa

2.  Pour the distilled water, flora water, and vinegar over the flours.  Mix to a runny liquid. Add more water as needed to create a workable liquid.

How To Flour Your Hair

1.  Spoon the hair flour mixture onto your dry strands.
2.  Using clean fingers, a clean spatula or similar, smooth the paste all over the hair shaft.  Apply about 1 inch below the scalp.

Hair Color Change In Hair Makeover

Note:  This is a hair treatment, not a scalp treatment.  While not harmful for the scalp, the treatment is best for the hair.

3.  Pull coated hair up on top of  the head.  Cover with wrap, a plastic bag or a treatment cap.
4.  Secure the plastic with a hair clip or similar.
5.  Leave the flour mixture on hair for up to 30 minutes.
6.  Remove plastic bag and rinse the mixture completely off hair using cool/cold water.

Note:  Do not use hot water.  It will make the flour stick to your hair and make a mess.

After rinsing the flour completely off hair, you can either apply an additional wet wash cleansing formula, apply a rinse-out conditioner or just finish.  Experiment to get the best results for your hair based on your hair type, texture, length and condition.

Summary – How To Flour Your Hair

Blow Drying During Hair Makeover Session

Hair flouring is based on an ancient recipe designed to neutralize frizz and smooth the hair shaft.   Popular in Europe, how to flour your hair recipes are starting to catch on in North America and Canada.

Hair flouring offers versatility.  You can use it as a pre-conditioning treatment or as an alternative wet washing formula.

Avoid this hair treatment if you have Celiac Disease or discuss it with your physician before you do.

More About Spelt Flour

Dried Lavender Flowers – Amazon.com – All Rights Reserved

*Note: Similar in appearance to wheat, but with a harder outer shell, spelt non-wheat flour (Triticum aestivum var. spelta) is one of the most popular and widely available non-wheat flour options. Pasta, bread, crackers, and baked goods made with spelt flour. Spelt is a cereal grain in the wheat family that has been cultivated for thousands of years,  originally in Iran, then Europe.  Only in the past century has spelt been cultivated in North America.

Spelt flour can usually be found in the organic section of your local grocery store or  in bulk or natural food stores.  Make sure there is no sign of moisture in the package or container. If you are buying in a bulk food store, make sure there is a high turnover at the store to ensure the product is fresh.

Spelt flour should be refrigerated, or stored in an airtight container on a cool, dark shelf.

Top Sexy Valentine’s Hair Tips

Long Blonde Hair With Waves – Hair by Barbara Lhotan – All Rights Reserved

Get your hair in the mood for love with some of the top top sexy valentine’s hair tips and styles listed below:

#1. Walk On The Sexy Wild Side

Hair which is loose, relaxed, soft and slightly unkempt sends a sexy touch-me message.

To achieve sensual touchable hair, opt for lots of volume and shine.

1. Wet wash hair with volume inducing shampoo.
2. Apply a rinse out volumizing conditioner avoiding the roots.
3. Detangle, rinse and finish with a cuticle swelling cool/cold water rinse.
4. Towel blow and apply a volumizing mousse.
5. Blow dry with a long finger diffuser, working on individual 2″ sections to enhance natural texture, fullness and body.
6. When hair is 100% dry, apply 1-2 drops of a light shine spray to fingertips.
7. Massage together and lightly brush over the top of hair.  Bend over at the waist and gently shake to tousle.

#2. Sizzle With A Smoldering Pinned Up Bun

Sexy Loose Bun With Loose Hairline Tendrils – HB Media – All Rights Reserved

Visually tease your Valentine’s sweetheart with your sexy neck and the possibility of loosening your soft bun with their fingers.

1.  Dry wash hair with a fragrantly scented dry shampoo.
2.  Finger pick hair to remove excess powder or shampoo.
3.  Brush with a clean 100% boar bristle brush.
4.  Use fingers or a brush to direct hair into a high ponytail resting at the crown.
5.  Secure pony with a disposable hair friendly elastic.
6.  Brush pony to remove tangles.
7.  Wrap tail clockwise into a soft bun and circle until all hair is used up.
8.  Pin the bun into place with a series of bobby pins making sure the rippled side of the pin is against the scalp.
9.  Once the evening turns to romance, encourage your sweet to pull out the bobby pins, clip the pony elastic and free your bun.

For extra sizzle shake and tousle your hair and you’re ready for a sexy rumble.  Glasses are optional.

#3. Peek-A-Boo Ponytail

Ponytail With Long Layers – HB Media – All Rights Reserved

Whether you opt for a low sassy side pony or a flirty crown based tail which plays peek-a-boo with your neck, ponytails are very sexy.

1. Wet wash hair with volume inducing shampoo for a full head of sassy hair.
2. Apply a rinse out voumizing conditioner avoiding the roots.
3. Detangle, rinse and finish with a cuticle swelling cool/cold water rinse.
4. Towel blow and apply a volumizing mousse.
5. Blow dry with a long finger diffuser, working on individual 2″ sections to enhance natural texture, fullness and body.
6. When hair is 100% dry, apply 1-2 drops of a light shine spray to fingertips.
7. Massage together and lightly brush over the top of hair.  Bend over at the waist and gently shake to tousle.
8.  Use fingers and/or a 100% boar bristle brush to direct hair into a high crown based pony which isn’t too tightly pulled.
9.  Secure with a hair-friendly elastic which is easy to cut off with a scissors or a bungee style pony band.
10.  Once pony is secured, use fingers or a brush to lightly tousle the tail and gently loosen any tight sections.
11.  Since the goal is a soft flirty tail which is begging to be released, avoid hairsprays or similar which will make hair stiff or overdone.

If you prefer, you can pull hair into a side pony with the tail flowing down around your shoulders for a super sexy look.

#4. Create Your Own Custom Sexy Hair Scent

Hair Oils

If you know your sweetie’s favorite scents, you can invite them to nuzzle your neck and breathe you in to really set the mood.

Although misting your tresses with your normal fragrance might seem like an easy option, most have a high alcohol base which can dehydrate your strands.  Even worse, traditional perfumes applied to your hair can cause frizz or even stickiness.

Instead, whip up your own secret sexy scent.

Select from the top sexy aromas which include the warm, rich scent of vanilla, sensual neroli, aphrodisiac rose, spicy ginger and romantic Jasmine.  Mix and match in a base carrier oil since many of the sexy essential oils can’t be applied directly to the skin.

Once you’ve created your own signature aroma, dab a few drops onto your earlobes, on your neck, at the base of your throat and around your hairline.  Remember, a little bit goes a long way.

Top Sexy Valentine’s Hair Tips

Although everyone is different, the majority of people of both sexes are most turned on by soft, easy, sexy hairstyle which look and feel soft, sensual and touchable.

Avoid hairstyles which are stiff, overly styled or formal.