Friday, June 9, 2017

Beach Summer Waves Blowout With Wilson's on Washington & Alterna Hair Care

Sometimes I can be a walking contradiction. While I used to never be picky about who cut my hair or where I got my haircut or even the products they use I am pretty picky when styling it. I've never loved my natural hair considering if I let it dry on its own it looks like Hermione Granger circa Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. I much prefer my hair straight but have been trying to give my hair a break when it comes to the heat. Over the years, I've found products that help to combat that and have even recently learned how to blow dry my hair to the extent that I don't feel the need to style it daily. My appointment this week at Wilson's on Washington in Greenville, SC was sos helpful when it came to learning styling techniques and discovering even better products for my hair type.  

I had an appointment for a blowout and styling with the sweetest stylist, Liv, who was so helpful when it came to recommending products to me, explaining techniques to give me the desired look I'm going for, and styling my hair with fun beach inspired waves that I'm dying to recreate on my own. For the most part I like to keep my hair pretty short which worries me when it comes to curls making the waves we chose the perfect alternate but we will get to that in a minute. 

Wilson's on Washington is many of my friend's favorite salon and with good reason! The environment is welcoming and the staff is incredibly friendly from the moment you walk in. After meeting Liv we talked about my hair type and the type of product that would best keep it healthy even when I do choose to use heat. The products that we used were by Alterna and I am hooked. I don't think my hair has ever smelt so good or been so soft after washing it on my own. We used Alterna's Caviar RX Instant Repair line when shampooing and conditioning and there is just something about someone else washing your hair that feels so good. Before Liv began to blow my hair out she put some of Alterna's Caviar Style Luxe Shape Cream which is made for thermal styling. If I could hire someone to do one thing for the rest of my life it would be for them to dry and style my hair so even though the opportunity to make that a reality is rare I soaked up every moment of getting that done for me. Liv was able to dry my hair in a way that gave it volume and also kept it straight.

Next, it was on to the waves. When we were discussing how to go about styling it I knew I wanted to do something that I didn't really know how to do to my own hair so that I could learn something new in the process and feel like I got the most out of my styling. Beach waves are something I've never attempted as I had no idea just how easily they could be done with a straightener. Liv explained the process to me as she went and said that all you really need to do is turn the straightener 180 degrees while pulling it to create those beach inspired waves we were after. She made sure to curl the pieces framing either side of my face away from the front so as to make it look a bit more natural. She worked her way around the rest of my head curling any pieces that may have been a bit loose a little tighter with her hand. One tip I learned to make the waves look more natural is to leave the ends of the hair out. Since the ends of my hair are what I feel like get damaged the fastest I am all for giving them a break. Although, on days when I do want to include them or think that they need a bit more attention Liv recommended the Alterna Caviar Repair Split End Mend serum that is specifically made to deep condition split ends and strengthen your hair. Once she made her way around I flipped my hair over, shook it, and flipped it back up which gave it some added volume and loosened the waves to look as natural as she said. 














dress // wedges // watch (c/o) // bracelets ( 1 & 2 ) // rose gold bracelet



Here is a better look at each of the products that were used to give me the look above. I am a super visual person so being able to see the items helps me when it comes time to give them a try! I'm sure some of y'all feel the same way as well. 


My full experience at Wilson's on Washington was amazing and I am looking forward to going back next time my hair needs a trim, styling, or even just to repurchase these products (since I know that is inevitable with how much I love them during week one). While I've never attempted coloring my hair Liv specializes in balyage and from the pictures on her instagram I'm tempted to give it a try. I'd love to hear if y'all have tried out any of Alterna's other products that you think I should give a try! 

To book an appointment at Wilson's on Washington you can go here and to see all of what they are up to be sure to check out their instagram page here

This post is sponsored by Alterna Hair Care on behalf of Wilson's on Washington. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Prep in Your Step possible.

11 comments :

  1. I've never gone for a blowout too. The whole process sounds really helpful for your hair! Ah, wish I was willing to splurge more haha!

    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

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  2. The beachy waves trend is the perfect effortless look in my opinion and looks great on you! Too bad my naturally curly hair will not cooperate to achieve the look.

    https://maureengetsreal.wordpress.com/

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  3. You look gorgeous! I love the cut and waves. My hair is naturally curly so the summer is hard with humidity here in the South. Jess at Just Jess

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  4. I love beachy waves for summertime and always on the hunt for summertime haircare products. Thanks, Dorthy.
    Katelyn from
    www.theyellowspectacles.com

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  5. I keep my hair pretty short too and am so hesitant to curl them myself even though I loved it when I've gotten it styled that way!

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  6. I love it! Those are some awesome tools that I need to check out!
    If you need a Monday pick me up check out my newest blog post with my zoo babies!
    http://yeahshesakeeper.blogspot.com

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  7. There is just something so luxurious about getting your hair washed and styled, I love it! You look awesome by the way!

    xoxo, SS


    www.SouthernAndStyle.com

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  8. Your blowout looks so cute, Dorothy! I'm going to Clemson this fall so I'll have to check out this salon on day trips to Greenville!


    xoxo,
    Katie
    chicincarolina.blogspot.com

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