The holiday party season is upon us and well need ideas on how to get glammed up, especially  the coif.  I got a chance to speak to top hair stylists in the entertainment industry.  This post is part 1 of that series.

Mandrill Hardge is a celebrity stylist based in Atlanta, GA. Mr Hardge has a passion in hair styling and has been in the industry for over 15 years.  His formal education comes from Caldwell Technical College and advanced training at Dudley Beauty College.

I asked him about the turning point in his career that lead him into the entertainment industry.  He replied, “the turning point came when I simply realized that I have the skillset, professionalism, knowledge and training to serve an individual that is in the media spotlight, yet I do not treat any of my clients different based on social status. They are all goddesses in my life.”

Exciting Aspect of Job

My favorite aspect is service. I enjoy styling, I enjoy the transformation of hair, yet I enjoy simply serving my clientele diligently and with an open heart and mind. My most exciting aspect is when i blow even my own creative mind to transform a client from lovely to extraordinary!

Favorite Hair Products

Elucence Shampoo and Conditioner line, Salon Choice and Nairobi Relaxer lines, Clariol Color line, Chi Silk Infusion for shine and frizz control.

Favorite Hair Tools

Tyche blowdry system (Cannot do without!!) , Chi Ceramic Iron and Gold ‘n Hot Ceramic Barrel Irons

Common Hair Mistakes

The most common mistake made is the lack of consultation before the color process. A proper consultation will lay the foundation of knowledge for both the Colorist as well as the client.

The worse thing that can be done is to go beyond the regular time of service. Meaning, do not go beyond the regular time for relaxer service or even a regular treatment. Doing so may cause breakage.

Favorite Trend for the Season

The best Trend right now is the deep frontal swoop. Just the way it comes from the furthest area of the crown forward is sexy yet mysterious.

Future Goals

My goal is to be the premiere hairstylist to a celebrity clientele as well as those that simply want to have extraordinary hair. I am a faith based hairstylist, yet I strive to live by the words of the great Martin Luther King Jr., “If a man desires to be great, he must first learn to serve.”

Advice for Aspiring Artists

My advice to aspiring stylist is to simply remain true to ones self. Know your craft and forever educate yourself to new techniques and products.

Mandrill Hardge was a pleasure to interview and I am looking forward to seeing more of his work in all his upcoming projects.

Happy Holidays,

Mix Maven

Rihanna is not apart of my playlists, but I do love the evolution of her hair dos.

When she arrived on the scene, she had classic updos (i.e. chignon), spiral curls, very girl next door. Now, she has morphed into a chic baby Vicky Beckham and I love her 80s-inspired hairdos. I also like the fact that she is looking less Beyonce and more like her own person. (Great job, Team Rihanna!!) Here are some of my favorite looks:

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I also love her make-up in most of these shots. I hope she has longevity, so we can all admire her style transformation (on mute though!!)

Mix Maven

Hey Pumps and Glossy Ones,

As all of you know, I luvs the make-up. I will say that I can get enough it! (Yes, you read that correctly.) Every now again, I do not want to buy any makeup. But when I got the e-mail from Beauty.com, I had to check it out. Beauty.com is offering 20% off all products ON NOVEMBER 7, 2007 ONLY!!! (You have until 11:59 PST.) Plus, you will receive special samples from the Sample Center. The only restriction is that items purchased from Drugstore.com (partner site) will not receive the 20% discount. And the great thing is that NO CODE NECESSARY!!

You can find top beauty brands like Urban Decay (my new fave), theBalm, Lorac and CARGO. You can also purchase skincare products, beauty tools and other related beauty needs.

Beauty.com is great because each shipped orders earns you a 5% rebate to be used at the beginning of each quarter. The more spend, the more you receive.

UPDATE - click on —-> Beauty.com to activate the 20% discount.

Have fun shopping,

Mix Maven

Hey P&G friends,

(Often times, I think of my blog post titles before I write them because the titles help me to create the content. I was in the car on the way to the airport returning home from the wedding.)
Last week, I alluded to my cousin’s wedding. We had loads of fun. The wedding and reception were elegant and fabulous. Congrats to R&S!!

KJ, my chum, needed to get some shadows for the wedding. She loves orange, so I recommended Firespot (MoonBathe). We decided to hit up a M.A.C store/counter. I noticed that there was a Macy’s very close to our hotel, so we went there. Man, we were disappointed, when we were learned that there was no MAC counter in the store. We decided to go to an upscale mall in the area. (It is a nice mall and if you are ever in that area, you must go there.) So we found the MAC store. Most of the MoonBathe was sold out. We hightailed ourselves to the Macy’s, once again there was no MAC counter. Finally, a store with a MAC counter, Nordstrom, YAY for Nordie!! Well, this counter was also sold out of Firespot. I had to think quickly. (I am glad that I am MAC devotee) I was able to recommend a combination of Fab and Flashy (C-Shock) with Amber Lights to achieve a similar look. I also recommended a blush that she loves. I am glad that I was able to use my powers for good!

Ok here is why I was truly vexed. You, lovely readers, voted on the hairdo I was to wear to the wedding. Rihanna was selected. I was cool with the pick.

Went to get my hair done on the Wednesday and the ‘do had to be modified. No problems. Thursday on the plane, I am trying to position myself, so I will not interrupt the chignon. Everything is going fine! By Friday, my chignon was popping out of the pins and band. Shucks, the hair did not hold up for the wedding. I had to wear the hair down for the wedding. (All I needed was a wind machine )

I asked Mr. Maven to take a picture of the ‘do Wednesday, but the picture never happened. Therefore, I have no record of the chic-looking bun. I will publish some approved photos in a future entry.

Have a wonderful Fourth of July (Independence Day) celebration. The day is also Mama Maven’s birthday, so Mr. Maven and I will be hosting her BBQ/Birthday Celebration, which means I will be cooking all night. Have fun and be safe!

Living Freely,

Mix Maven

Hey Pumps and Gloss friends,

First of all, I want to thank you for voting for my hairdo for my cousin’s upcoming wedding. If you are eligible, please register to vote for local, state, and national elections.

Ok, the moment some have been anticipating, the winning hairstyle is (Drum Roll please)….. Rihanna!!!

I am looking forward to rockin’ this ‘do. It is simple, yet tres elegant. Thanks again to all the P&G readers.

If you can recall my post, Shopping Serendipity, I discussed my friend, LH, and her “God really answers prayers” dress. Well, I have pictures of the dress.

My tip to all ladies with nice backs, FLAUNT it!! LH is killing them softly in this very sophisticated dress. I luvs the dress!! LH’s shoes are a huge hit in my book. Her strappy, metallic sandal is sharp and sassy. Pedicure, pedicure, pedicure. LH keeps the look fresh and easy with a French pedicure.

Like the Nanny said, “If it ain’t 50% off, it ain’t on sale.” I love a sale with an additional percentage off, as well as a coupon code. In this era of high gas prices and high cost of living, we like to know how you stretch your fashion dollar. Please share your discount fashion finds with us at pumpsandgloss@yahoo.com. The stories will appear in a future post of Pumps and Gloss.

Keep it Frugal,

Mix Maven

Hey P&G Readers,

We hope you all had a restful holiday, and reflected on the sacrifice of our Armed Forces.

Now onto today’s post.

First of all, I am not having a hair crisis. Secondly, I am not an indecisive person. Here is the story: One of my cousins will be getting married next month. I want to try a fresh, new look for the wedding.

In the past, I have worn a similar updo to the ubiquitous Beyonce, but putting a shower cap (more like 2 shower caps and a scarf around the edges) is problematic.

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I love this Kelly Rowland look, but the hairstyle would be too distracting as no one has ever seen me with long, voluminous hair. Everyone would be fawning over me, and that would not be cool, after all, the day/weekend belongs to the bride. {My hairstyles tend to be on the conservative side.} (Sidebar: Kelly Rowland has a flawless look. I am looking forward to the release of her new album.)

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I like 3 hairstyles. Two seem no maintenance for the weekend (notwithstanding shower cap issues). The other hairstyle looks like slight maintenance. This is where your assistance is needed. I cannot decide which style I want to wear for the weekend. I will be traveling to another state, so the style must be able to hold up in those conditions. So it is time to vote!! In the comment section, please select 1 hairdo:

1. Eva 1
2. Eva 2
   
3. Rihanna

The hairdo with the highest vote will be the one I will wear to the wedding.

In a future post, I will reveal the hairdo to everyone. I am looking forward to reading the comments. Thank you in advance.

My Coif is in Your Hands,

Mix Maven