PGH readers – you may have noticed it’s been more than a month since we have posted a new blog. This is all about to change, I promise.

We’ve been busy testing new products, trying out funky accessories, researching trends and finding new tricks to manage curly, unruly hair.

Thanks for sticking with us! Much more to come soon.

- Amanda

This just in…

Next Wednesday, July 28th from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., GBS Ft. Lauderdale shoppers can enjoy complimentary hair, skin and make-up consultations from the most recognized and respected brands in the health and beauty industry. Budget-istas  will be treated to a plethora of product samples and 20 percent VIP discount on every product in store.

Looking for some new hair products to try out? Marque beauty ambassadors from Phyto, Pureology, Joico, Lanza, L’Oreal, Matrix and Ojon will be on hand to give expert consultations and complimentary treatments.

GBS, The Beauty Store Fort Lauderdale
31 N. Federal Hwy., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
Store 954-763-9899 – Salon 954-763-6955

And NYC girls…we’ve got something for you too! Ricky’s NYC Revolver Salon is teaming up with Sally Hershberger Hair Care this Thursday, July 22nd to offer free professional blowouts from 12pm-4pm. Sounds like a great lunch break activity! The salon is located at 590 Broadway between Houston Street and Prince Street.

I was just browsing UrbanOutfitters.com and came across this interesting hair accessory – the Goddess Chain Wrap.

Personally, this is something I would only buy to complement a Halloween costume…thoughts? Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe this mixed metal chain head wrap is going to take over for the ever popular feather headband…

This pretty unique marketing idea just came across my inbox and I wanted to share.

Clairol Nice ‘n Easy with Angela Kinsey of NBC’s “The Office” have teamed up with Dress for Success to launch a campaign spotlighting the boost of confidence women receive when they feel good about what they see in the mirror.

This giant 7ft mirror you see in the picture above was placed in Grand Central Terminal last week. When women (and men) on-the-go looked into the mirror they were met by the virtual Angela Kinsey who shared some confidence boosters and haircolor  tips.

The reactions were captured and compiled into a short video and each time this video is shared, Nice ‘n Easy pledges to donate $1 to Dress for Success Worldwide (up to $50,000).

Pretty cool, right?

Not taking proper care of you hair this summer can result in dry, drab, split, brittle or frizzy hair and ragged ends. That’s why we’ve brought in celeb stylist, Riccardo Maggiore from the Riccardo Maggiore Salon, to give PGH readers some tips on how to properly take care of your this summer.

How can you avoid scalp/part burns?
Try to avoid parts in your hair all together! Use a fashionable headband or scarf to slick hair back. But if you must part your hair, use a sun specific product with a UV protectant.

What’s the best way to deal with summer dryness?
Summer sun and heat can cause major dryness to hair. The key is to moisturize! Put tons of moisture in your hair. Use moisturizing shampoos, deep conditioners, leave-in conditioners – anything that will maximize moisture.

If you plan to hit the beach or pool, apply oil or a product with SPF to the hair. This will create a “seal” that will protect and prevent salt water, chlorine or sun to penetrate and cause damage.

What’s a great tip for dealing with summer frizzies?
Find a product that will help combat frizziness and smooth and seal the hair cuticle.

The best way to control curls during the summer?
The best way to control natural curls is to use products that moisturize. Use a moisturizer, like leave-in conditioner, to produce long, flowing curls, and heavy product, like gel, to produce tighter curls.

Want to learn Fergie’s secret to keeping her locks healthy and fabulous while on tour this summer? Jason Medina, Fergie’s traveling hairstylist, gave PGH the inside scoop.

Fergie’s hair color product of choice is L’Oreal Professionnel Richesse Demi-Permanent Professional Haircolor. While most stars opt to go lighter for the summer, Fergie—ever the trendsetter—opted to go for a rich brunette for her tour this summer.

Medina says Richesse—which contains Ionene G + Incell with Apricot Kernel Oil to reinforce the structure of the hair, Oleo elements to recharge the hairfiber, and Topcoat Polymer to add shine—is key to keeping Fergie’s luscious chocolate locks looking shiny and fresh day after day.

Get more info on this product by clicking here.

I used TIGI’s Curls Rock Amplifier for the first time this weekend and I’m in love! Yes ladies, this product is amazing.

I’ve been on the hunt for a new everyday curly hair product ever since Pantene Pro-V Mousse for Curly Hair started giving me flakes. So I decided to go out on a limb and give Curls Rock Amplifier a chance. I was, and still am, totally impressed.

This product is enhances your natural texture, which is great for girls like me who don’t have very defined curls – but crave them. I used about 4-5 pumps of product on soaking wet hair. After diffusing, my hair didn’t feel sticky or crunchy. I was ready to head out for night with soft, defined, touchable curls. Because it’s so humid out, I did use a little bit of hairspray on the ends, but that’s it.

I’m excited now to try other products in the Curls Rock collection. I definitely recommend Amplifier for girls with think, frizz-prone hair, who need definition and taming. Stay tuned for more reviews!

We had the opportunity to ask Amanda Jenkins, Director of Education at ARROJO Studio, anything we wanted about hair. Amanda is quite the hair maven, just ask Kings of Leon, Good Charlotte or Audioslave. She’s got the rock star market on lock. Her collections are featured in countless magazines including BUST, Nylon, American Salon, Modern Salon and Re-Quest QJ, to name a few. Amanda’s campaign work reaches globally with Tommy Girl and Nylon billboards that decorate the Tokyo skyline. Chosen as a “Must-See Stylist” in Allure Magazine’s Salon and Spa Guide, Amanda is one of NYC’s sought after hairstylists.

PGH: How did you get into hair?
I got into hair after living on the beach in Florida. I had a little clientele of ladies I would style for events, so I figured might as well try this out.

PGH: Give us a day in the life overview of your role as Director of Education at ARROJO Studio?
We have eight classes a week in the salon. I oversee 25 apprentices making sure they attend class and have the correct models, while coordinating with the teachers to ensure they instruct consistently. I also have my management duties, which means that I make certain the salon is running properly and the clients are happy all while taking care of my own clients. I begin work around 9:00 or 10:00 AM and leave around 8:30 PM, but I love what I do.

PGH: Most favorite rock star to style and why?
My most favorite rock star to style would be Chissie Hynde. She’s very rock n roll- timeless long dark hair with strong fringe.

PGH: What new projects are you currently working on?
Photo shoots are a big passion of mine. I like creating every aspect of it -coming up with the story, putting the team together, picking the models and directing as well as doing the hair. I’m really into shooting on location out of New York City where I live and work. I just got back from Florida where we did a 60′s/70′s “Boogie Nights/Versace style” shoot. I’m looking into a few new locations now for an upcoming shoot.

PGH: How do you keep up with trends?
I keep my eyes open on the streets and research trend forecasters. I also take inspiration from movies, music & fashion.

PGH: Seems like long braids are really hot right now for summer, what’s next?
Big hair is what I’m pushing for summer. The inspiration is studio 54 glamour with an edge.

PGH: What’s the one hair product you can’t live without?
I cannot live without volume foam. It’s my go-to product for pretty much everything.

PGH: What are your best tips to get and maintain healthy hair?
Regular trims- not just every six months! If you color your hair, make sure you are going to a salon. Box colors aren’t the best, and applying color to your own head is not an easy task. Overlapping color is very damaging and a professional is best at protecting your hair while coloring it. Also, combing hair with a wide tooth comb when the hair is wet instead of a brush will keep the hair from snapping and always use good shampoo and conditioners!!!

PGH: Most daring, rebellious thing you ever did to your own hair?
I shaved my head in 2001.

PGH: Any style secrets for curly hair?
Curly hair shouldn’t be brushed at all. I recommend not even combing it after you get out of the shower. Rack it with your fingers in the shower, put product in, and let it dry without touching it. When you mess with it while it’s wet, it gets frizzy.

Women’s Health just announced their 2010 Beauty Awards Winners – a list of 55 of the best hair, face, body, and makeup products – in the June issue of the magazine. We’re here to tell you which HAIR products made the cut…

Readers’ pick:
Best Shampoo
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Shampoo ($3, at drugstores)

Experts’ pick:
Best Frizz-Fighting Product
Kérastase Oléo-Relax Slim Volume Control Intense Smoothing Cream ($38, kerastase-usa.com)

Editors’ picks:
Best Leave-In Conditioner
Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair ($24, aveda.com)

Best Product for Curly Hair
Catwalk by Tigi Curlesque Strong Mousse ($15, tigihaircare.com for salons)

Click here for a complete list of all the winners.

I’ve been meaning to post about this for a while now, but have been kinda busy.  Either way, wanted to share this bit of cool news.  Actress Sofia Vergara of ABC’s “Modern Family” (one of my new favorite shows) treated New Yorkers to a surprise “hairography” flash mob dance performance, a choreographed dance showcasing beautiful hair. The performance brought to life the results of the new “Suave Stylists Surprised Survey” where Suave invited 1,000 salon stylists to test a “mystery” product and share their feedback — am I the only person that’s curious as to how that works.

Here’s a few nuggets of interesting findings from the survey:

Forty-one percent of respondents said the most drastic style change they’ve done for a client is dying the hair a bright color, followed by a mowhawk (26 percent), shaved head (8 percent) and mullet (6 percent).

Not surprisingly, a break-up is the most frequent occasion of making a drastic hair change as reported by 34 percent of the stylists.

Want to find out more information about Suave and their survey? Visit Suave.com or follow them on Twitter at @SuaveBeauty for the latest hair tips, trends and advice.