Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010
Written by The Independent Staff
STRAIGHTEN UP
Just about everyone I've ever known who got her hair chemically straightened was disappointed in the results: Kinky roots and straight ends, not to mention the damage to their hair, were not what they bargained for. However, a newer process that's been on the market for several years, the Brazilian Keratin Treatment, is neither a traditional relaxer nor a straightener, and it doesn't involve the harsh chemicals that damage your hair.
Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010
Written by The Independent Staff
**
STRAIGHTEN UP
**Just about everyone I've ever known who got her hair chemically straightened was disappointed in the results: Kinky roots and straight ends, not to mention the damage to their hair, were not what they bargained for. However, a newer process that's been on the market for several years, the Brazilian Keratin Treatment, is neither a traditional relaxer nor a straightener, and it doesn't involve the harsh chemicals that damage your hair. Unlike older processes, BKT uses a low pH level, one that matches the normal pH level of your hair, allowing each hair strand to stay strong and retain its structural integrity. The results are simply amazing. The only downside is that for three days you can't wear it in a ponytail or hair clips, nor can you wash it during that time. Back to the upside: Your hair will dry in about half its normal blow-drying time, and the treatment lasts for several months. The steps to getting healthy-looking, shiny, frizz-free hair take about two hours and will set you back at least $300. But you're worth it. For more info, call Amanda Guidry, Doré Doré Salon in River Ranch, 849-5643. - Leslie Turk
BACK IN THE HEADLINES
James Lee Burke's latest novel, The Glass Rainbow, represents the 18th installment in the author's best-selling series of detective Dave Robicheaux crime novels (two of which, Heaven's Prisoners and In the Electric Mist, have been made into major Hollywood films). The script for Glass Rainbow will strike readers as being at least partly borrowed from recent headlines, as is Burke's wont. The novel has Robicheaux back in New Iberia and embroiled in the most harrowing and dangerous case of his career, according to the book's summary: "Seven young women in neighboring Jefferson Davis Parish have been brutally murdered. While the crimes have all the telltale signs of a serial killer, the death of Bernadette Latiolais, a high school honor student, doesn't fit: she is not the kind of hapless and marginalized victim psychopaths usually prey upon. Robicheaux and his best friend, Clete Purcel, confront Herman Stanga, a notorious pimp and crack dealer whom both men despise. When Stanga turns up dead shortly after a fierce beating by Purcel, in front of numerous witnesses, the case takes a nasty turn, and Clete's career and life are hanging by threads over the abyss." The book retails for $25.99. - Nathan Stubbs
SEEING STRIPES
I'll admit it: I'm a sucker for seersucker. Maybe it's the Louisiana heat, but whenever I see a sartorially savvy gentleman sporting the summer fabric, I melt. Originally made in India and named for the Hindi word for "milk and sugar," the lightweight, all cotton textile became a favorite of Southerners looking to stay cool during the grueling pre-air conditioned summers. If you're looking to add some to your wardrobe, check out Brother's seersucker selection. The store carries a traditional blue and white striped suit made by the Louisiana-based Haspel clothier, the company that originally made seersucker a staple on the Southern-prepster scene. Brother's also offers a subtler dose of seersucker with Southern Tide polo shirts whose plackets are accented by the fabric. Call 984-7799 for information or stop by Brother's, 101 Arnould Blvd., to try out the classically cool look for yourself. - Annie Bares