So there’s no easy way to say this, I’m obsessed with the idea of being a mermaid. Yet plug my nose when jumping in a pool or falling off a surf board. Sammy actually has to look away shaking his head. It’s embarassing. I guess this means I’m a poser mermaid, as I’m more about the beached wale mentality. Nevertheless, I can dominate some beachy hair!
Surf Spray is this sexy grungy texture-y product I use on myself and my clients all sumer long, so you can imagine my excitement to learn Bumble & Bumble created a shampoo and conditioner to enhance the look! 
The product is expected to hit the shelves in less than two weeks, but I’ve been using it and LOVING it. Stay tuned for a G I V E A W A Y.
XOAJ 

So there’s no easy way to say this, I’m obsessed with the idea of being a mermaid. Yet plug my nose when jumping in a pool or falling off a surf board. Sammy actually has to look away shaking his head. It’s embarassing. I guess this means I’m a poser mermaid, as I’m more about the beached wale mentality. Nevertheless, I can dominate some beachy hair!

Surf Spray is this sexy grungy texture-y product I use on myself and my clients all sumer long, so you can imagine my excitement to learn Bumble & Bumble created a shampoo and conditioner to enhance the look! 

The product is expected to hit the shelves in less than two weeks, but I’ve been using it and LOVING it. Stay tuned for a G I V E A W A Y.

XO
AJ 

There’s something about the word change that ignites me all over. The way it begins and ends with this strength against your tongue as you say it. Cchhaannggee.

Change is a neat thing, because we all have our own relationship with it. Some people love change- encourage it! Others fear change- get nervous about it. 

Personally, I think change is healthy and empowering. (So much that I have it tattooed on my body.) For me it brings newness, which I associate with feeling fresh and rebooted! 

This time of year everyone feels a little blah. The holidays are long gone, but Spring is nowhere to be found, in the midwest our skin+hair=DRY. We’re searching all depths for some sort of pick-me-up. 

Maybe that’s why all my clients are eager to chop their locks. Whatever the reason, for the first time in my 7 years doing this, it seems like EVERYONE is looking to go short. Typically, I’m ultra conservative with length, and ask a zillion questions before proceeding… “How long have you been thinking about this?” “Did you guys just break up?” etc… but lately, everyone who wants this refreshment has brought in a printed photo or pulled up their Pinterest, eager to invite the newness. In that case, say no more… lets do it! 

If you’re looking for a fresh start, I say go for it! What’s really stopping you? Just let go, it’s liberating!

Your Stylist,
AJ 

(sorry sis! couldn’t resist using these photos!) 

TIME FOR A GIVEAWAY! 
Yikes. Lots has been going on, and I am so sorry for the delay. 
I’m currently in Florida, computerless-ish, (gotta buy an iMac now), and busy x10. BUT I’m SO excited about this giveaway! It’s been a while since I’ve done a giveaway and hair tutorial, so I’m working on both :)
I’m giving away a free haircut and deep treatment totaling a value of $115! Want it? It could be yours. Just leave a comment below with what you’d like to see more of on Your Stylist AJ. Feedback is always great, and with the new Your Stylist AJ website launching SO soon, I’d love to hear what content you really want from me. 
SO that’s it, leave a comment, and the winner will be contacted Saturday :)
XOAJ 

TIME FOR A GIVEAWAY! 

Yikes. Lots has been going on, and I am so sorry for the delay. 

I’m currently in Florida, computerless-ish, (gotta buy an iMac now), and busy x10. BUT I’m SO excited about this giveaway! It’s been a while since I’ve done a giveaway and hair tutorial, so I’m working on both :)

I’m giving away a free haircut and deep treatment totaling a value of $115! Want it? It could be yours. Just leave a comment below with what you’d like to see more of on Your Stylist AJ. Feedback is always great, and with the new Your Stylist AJ website launching SO soon, I’d love to hear what content you really want from me. 

SO that’s it, leave a comment, and the winner will be contacted Saturday :)

XO
AJ 

Sharing these photos from a few of my 2012 weddings makes my heart smile! There are few things more contagious than love, and I just can’t get enough of it. I have so much love to give, and am thankful to be constantly surrounded by it. 

My 2013 schedule has been booking up quickly, and I can’t WAIT to witness all the love this year! 

XO
AJ 

Serendipity lead me to live in a handful of cities before finding my home and career in Chicago. My job constantly evolves and only gets better with age, like a grandfather with so many stories under his belt, and never less proud to tell them. Hairdressing has lead me into the homes and wedding days of so many beautiful women, and I’ve become one of the guys chatting baseball from behind the chair with my guys. It has lead me to blogging, shares common denominators with my work in the fashion industry, and allows me to be a professional daymaker. 
But what I’ve learned, is that I’m a minority here in this bliss of loving what I do. Now, please don’t mistake this for bragging, I’m not trying to rub it in. I’m genuinely sad if you don’t share the obsession for your own job, what you’re choosing to spend your life doing. My question: Then why are you doing it? And my opinion: It’s never too late. Trust me, there are many days a week I don’t feel my sparkliest, but only I can change that!
Life is short. I know it’s a generic statement, but it’s the simplest truth. Life is flying by! If you don’t love something, change it. If you’re not happy, know that you have to power to be. 
My mission is to be happy. Isn’t everyone’s? Don’t we all strive to be happy? I don’t know if it’s the change in seasons, or the fact that we’re all growing up and facing the challenges of the real world, but I’ve noticed, even in myself, that everyone is a little blue as of late. So I took this weekend to spend some serious time and thought on happiness. What happiness means to me, how to be happier, and how to help others be happier. 
After a long Sunday of reading, and singing, and vision boarding- I’ve got it. I KNOW the FASTEST most efficient way to becoming happier. Now don’t laugh… 
MAKE SOMEONE ELSE HAPPY. 
I mean it. 
If you are unhappy, stuck in a funk, or just kinda blah- make it your mission to start making other people happy. SPREAD HAPPINESS. I promise, seriously, that you will be instantly happy. Find your way to spread smiles, and whether it be dropping quarters in a cup on a cold day, paying a compliment, SMILING, being a good listener, sending a “just because” card with glitter… your optimistic options are endless. Before you know it, you’ve tricked yourself into feeling what you want others to as well. 
So BAM. Do what you love, and spread joy. It’s the holidays, so this is the perfect time to snap out of it and get into it! 
XOAJ 

Serendipity lead me to live in a handful of cities before finding my home and career in Chicago. My job constantly evolves and only gets better with age, like a grandfather with so many stories under his belt, and never less proud to tell them. Hairdressing has lead me into the homes and wedding days of so many beautiful women, and I’ve become one of the guys chatting baseball from behind the chair with my guys. It has lead me to blogging, shares common denominators with my work in the fashion industry, and allows me to be a professional daymaker. 

But what I’ve learned, is that I’m a minority here in this bliss of loving what I do. Now, please don’t mistake this for bragging, I’m not trying to rub it in. I’m genuinely sad if you don’t share the obsession for your own job, what you’re choosing to spend your life doing. My question: Then why are you doing it? And my opinion: It’s never too late. Trust me, there are many days a week I don’t feel my sparkliest, but only I can change that!

Life is short. I know it’s a generic statement, but it’s the simplest truth. Life is flying by! If you don’t love something, change it. If you’re not happy, know that you have to power to be. 

My mission is to be happy. Isn’t everyone’s? Don’t we all strive to be happy? I don’t know if it’s the change in seasons, or the fact that we’re all growing up and facing the challenges of the real world, but I’ve noticed, even in myself, that everyone is a little blue as of late. So I took this weekend to spend some serious time and thought on happiness. What happiness means to me, how to be happier, and how to help others be happier. 

After a long Sunday of reading, and singing, and vision boarding- I’ve got it. I KNOW the FASTEST most efficient way to becoming happier. Now don’t laugh… 

MAKE SOMEONE ELSE HAPPY. 

I mean it. 

If you are unhappy, stuck in a funk, or just kinda blah- make it your mission to start making other people happy. SPREAD HAPPINESS. I promise, seriously, that you will be instantly happy. Find your way to spread smiles, and whether it be dropping quarters in a cup on a cold day, paying a compliment, SMILING, being a good listener, sending a “just because” card with glitter… your optimistic options are endless. Before you know it, you’ve tricked yourself into feeling what you want others to as well. 

So BAM. Do what you love, and spread joy. It’s the holidays, so this is the perfect time to snap out of it and get into it! 

XO
AJ 

Your Stylist AJ is ONE today! :)
A serious jam to kick off your week! ZZ is my girl.
Jayson Home is ridiculously amazing. If you haven’t checked it out, do so… you’ll start and finish your Christmas list today. ALSO, their customer service is UHmazing, and that’s super important to me. 
These maternity photos are different in the best of ways. Maternity photos of strangers can be uncomfortable to view because pregnancy is just so personal, but these are just awesome. 
Every lady needs stationary. Join me!
If you love your hair you’ll buy this brush. If you love your hair but don’t want to spend $100+ on a brush, you’ll buy this one. 
Pretty face jewelry.
The sweater I wanted. The sweater I ordered. Proud. 
Geeky sexy. You’re welcome. 
XOAJ 

Your Stylist AJ is ONE today! :)

A serious jam to kick off your week! ZZ is my girl.

Jayson Home is ridiculously amazing. If you haven’t checked it out, do so… you’ll start and finish your Christmas list today. ALSO, their customer service is UHmazing, and that’s super important to me. 

These maternity photos are different in the best of ways. Maternity photos of strangers can be uncomfortable to view because pregnancy is just so personal, but these are just awesome. 

Every lady needs stationary. Join me!

If you love your hair you’ll buy this brush. If you love your hair but don’t want to spend $100+ on a brush, you’ll buy this one

Pretty face jewelry.

The sweater I wanted. The sweater I ordered. Proud. 

Geeky sexy. You’re welcome. 

XO
AJ 

Nobody’s perfect, but somebody is perfect for you, and you are perfect for them. That’s what is so incredible for me as an on-site bridal specialist. I witness love, at it’s peak. It’s raw. It’s anxious. It’s humble. It’s vulnerable. It’s innocent. It’s that moment of goosebumps that lasts longer than just a moment. 

When you witness two people that you’re personally close to on their wedding day, it feels straight up Disney. 

Erin and Mike, are perfect for each other. Doing Erin’s hair, and rockin out the looks of so many girls with my bridal team was TOO amazing. Hope this short video by Delack Media Group makes you feel just as warm and fuzzy. :)

XO
AJ 

Happy Weekend! 

My week began with an amazing brunch and shopping girls day! Throughout the week I attempted long boarding, taught color class, was booked solid, took an editorial styling class, rocked princess hair, and got my color done. I even got to hang with some amazing clients turned friends. October’s off to a great start! (..maybe it’s because Dexter and Homeland are back…)

The best part is, my week’s got nothin on this weekend. Tomorrow morning I can’t wait to wake to head to the Trump and glamorize my sweet friend Erin and her girls. Tomorrow’s wedding will be one for the record books, and you knowwww I’ll be posting pictures! 

What are your weekend plans? Hope you had a great week too!

XO
AJ

P.S. Since we’re on the wedding subject, check these out!

Blondes have more fun breakage. But really, it seems women of all colors and textures are suffering from breakage, dryness, and loss. Lets chat about it. 
We’ve talked about contributing factors in regards to hair growth, the heat settings on your tools, and even conditioning treatments, but there’s still more to cover. Behind the chair I’ve been hearing many of the same concerns from clients in the salon, as well as readers in my inbox. 
The first concern is hair loss. Many of you feel like you’re losing more hair now, than you used to. The most common reason for this is the infrequency we now shampoo. See, most of us used to shampoo every day, then many started the every other day routine, followed by some of us washing only two or three times a week. People shed. The average person loses OVER 100 STRANDS OF HAIR A DAY, and we typically notice the bulk of it when brushing, shampooing, etc. So if we are doing this once every third day, it will SEEM like we’re losing more, because it’s like three days of loss. Make sense? So breath easy, and know that unless you feel like your ponytail is significantly tinier, you’re likely fine.
It’s July, (almost August EEK!), therefore we’ve all adapted mermaid lifestyles consisting of UV rays, salt, and even chlorine. Many of us have taken our color lighter, stripping it of nourishing oils. Dryness has a cure. If you suffer from straw-like locks, you can start making some small changes at home, and if still seeking results try an in-salon treatment. At home adjustments worth making:
After shampooing, wring out as much water as you can from your hair before evenly applying conditioner, let conditioner hang out for a few while you shave, wash your face, exfoliate, etc. 
Rinse conditioner with cool water. This closes the cuticle, locking in the benefits of premium conditioners, and also making it easier to comb out hair, AND allowing it to dry with less frizz
Comb wet hair versus brush, and always start at the bottom working your way up toward the scalp
Air dry as much as possible! Try showering at night, applying a hydrating serum, and sleeping on it wet, followed by hitting it with a curling iron the next morning on low heat
Rotate your ponytails. Wear a high pony one day, low pony one day, side braid another, etc. Securing a pony in the same spot every day is a sure way to cause breakage
Use the right products for you. Using expensive salon products doesn’t do you any good if they’re not products targeting your needs. Think about your beauty products as prescriptions, you wouldn’t want to take arthritis medication for allergies. Using the RIGHT products is key and with the help and direction from your stylist can create a huge difference in the health of your hair. 
OKAY, enough info- time for the fun part…
Your Stylist AJ is overdo for a GIVEAWAY. TWO READERS, (yes TWO), will win Rene Furterer products. One blonde, one color treated. To win, simply “like” the Your Stylist AJ facebook page. Two winners will be chosen at random this Wednesday, August 1st. 
XOAJ 
“Active Light” Shampoo & Mask- for blondes report over 80% of users felt nourished and repaired hair, more luminous, radiant hair and revived highlights.“Protect Color” UV & Color Protection Spray gently detangles while creating a bond between the natural keratin and coloring agent for lasting color intensity

Blondes have more fun breakage. But really, it seems women of all colors and textures are suffering from breakage, dryness, and loss. Lets chat about it. 

We’ve talked about contributing factors in regards to hair growth, the heat settings on your tools, and even conditioning treatments, but there’s still more to cover. Behind the chair I’ve been hearing many of the same concerns from clients in the salon, as well as readers in my inbox. 

The first concern is hair loss. Many of you feel like you’re losing more hair now, than you used to. The most common reason for this is the infrequency we now shampoo. See, most of us used to shampoo every day, then many started the every other day routine, followed by some of us washing only two or three times a week. People shed. The average person loses OVER 100 STRANDS OF HAIR A DAY, and we typically notice the bulk of it when brushing, shampooing, etc. So if we are doing this once every third day, it will SEEM like we’re losing more, because it’s like three days of loss. Make sense? So breath easy, and know that unless you feel like your ponytail is significantly tinier, you’re likely fine.

It’s July, (almost August EEK!), therefore we’ve all adapted mermaid lifestyles consisting of UV rays, salt, and even chlorine. Many of us have taken our color lighter, stripping it of nourishing oils. Dryness has a cure. If you suffer from straw-like locks, you can start making some small changes at home, and if still seeking results try an in-salon treatment. At home adjustments worth making:

  • After shampooing, wring out as much water as you can from your hair before evenly applying conditioner, let conditioner hang out for a few while you shave, wash your face, exfoliate, etc. 
  • Rinse conditioner with cool water. This closes the cuticle, locking in the benefits of premium conditioners, and also making it easier to comb out hair, AND allowing it to dry with less frizz
  • Comb wet hair versus brush, and always start at the bottom working your way up toward the scalp
  • Air dry as much as possible! Try showering at night, applying a hydrating serum, and sleeping on it wet, followed by hitting it with a curling iron the next morning on low heat
  • Rotate your ponytails. Wear a high pony one day, low pony one day, side braid another, etc. Securing a pony in the same spot every day is a sure way to cause breakage

Use the right products for you. Using expensive salon products doesn’t do you any good if they’re not products targeting your needs. Think about your beauty products as prescriptions, you wouldn’t want to take arthritis medication for allergies. Using the RIGHT products is key and with the help and direction from your stylist can create a huge difference in the health of your hair. 

OKAY, enough info- time for the fun part…

Your Stylist AJ is overdo for a GIVEAWAY. TWO READERS, (yes TWO), will win Rene Furterer products. One blonde, one color treated. To win, simply “like” the Your Stylist AJ facebook page. Two winners will be chosen at random this Wednesday, August 1st. 

XO
AJ 

“Active Light” Shampoo & Mask- for blondes report over 80% of users felt nourished and repaired hair, more luminous, radiant hair and revived highlights.
“Protect Color” UV & Color Protection Spray gently detangles while creating a bond between the natural keratin and coloring agent for lasting color intensity

Happy Monday :) 

After a weekend FULL of hair, love and weddings, I’m excited to be back in Chicago, back into the yoga studio, and back to the blog! 

Today, Emila Jane Photography released her super cool promo video. It’s the kind of thing I caught myself smiling at while watching, and couldn’t watch only once, or even twice. 

DO YOU LOVE THE HAIR?! I’m pretty proud of it. Call me maybe? 

Hope your week is full of summer lovin’ and fresh starts!

XO
AJ