What is Satin?
Aug 19, 2017
Written by Melissa C

What is Satin?

If you Google the question, "What is Satin?" this is what you will find: "A smooth, glossy fabric, typically of silk, produced by a weave in which the threads of the warp are caught and looped by the weft only at certain intervals." But what does that really mean?

What that really means is that "Satin" refers to how a type of fabric is woven, not necessarily what it is made of. This can create a lot of confusion. Because there are a variety of fabrics/materials that satin can be made of. A few of those are: silk, polyester, cotton, viscose, nylon and sometimes a mix of fabrics.

These fabrics have been woven so as to give them a glossy and shiny finish. The fabrics are weaved in such a way that the top side of the fabric is glossy while the bottom is dull. The glossy side of the fabric is what people usually associate with satin. The weaving technique that results in satin fabrics is a technique that has the warp dominating. The warp is the thread running the length of the fabric while the weft is the thread running from side to side. The weaving technique for satin fabrics has several weft threads being woven above one warp thread which results in what is referred to as floats. The floats are what give the fabrics the smooth glossy finish.

In our products we use a high quality Polyester Satin. It is lightweight and breathable. In our hats, this helps so that you get the protective benefits of satin, without the weight and heaviness (and hotness). In our scrunchies, it's the same principle--if they are too heavy they will actually pull your hair and cause your ponytail or bun to droop. So we make them lightweight so they will stay where you put them!

Please let me know if you have any questions about Satin or anything else!

Thanks,

Melissa

How to Care for Summer Hair
May 26, 2017
Written by Melissa C

How to Care for Summer Hair

The weather is getting warmer, so now is a good time to start planning ahead and be proactive with your haircare routine.

The hot and sometimes humid weather can really do a number on your hair and your scalp.

Here are some tips on caring for your hair in the next few months.

1) Get a good trim--It only needs to be a slight trim, but this will help get off the split ends and refresh your hair.

2) Use a wide tooth comb, not a brush. Brushes have a tendency to cause hair breakage, so use a wide toothed comb that glides through your hair easily.

3) Avoid using heat when possible. Let your hair air dry as much as possible, and use heated tools sparingly.

4) Cover your hair! Wear a protective hat to cover your hair when out for prolonged periods of time. The sun naturally sucks the moisture out of your hair, and it is also not good for your scalp. The ultraviolet rays of the sun can actually cook your hair shaft. So, cover up! (Satin Lined Cap anyone?)

5) Use a deep conditioner once or twice weekly. You don't want to overdo it, but keeping your hair conditioned is a must in the summertime! Coconut Oil is great to use as a deep conditioner.

6) Wash your hair as little as possible. Over washing will dry out your hair and scalp. Make sure to use a good quality shampoo and conditioner when you do wash.

Stay Cool!

Melissa

Recovering From a Bad Haircut
Mar 08, 2017
Written by Melissa C

Recovering From a Bad Haircut

If you are like me, you have spent YEARS tending to your hair. You have bought expensive products, and all sorts of styling tools trying to manage your locks and keep them healthy. Your hair is part of your identity, it reflects who you are. And we all want the ability to be able to present the best version of ourselves to the world. Then one day...

You get a wild hair (pun intended) and decide on the spur of the moment that you need a new style. Your regular stylist is booked (because they know how to cut hair and are in high demand) so you decide to give a new person a shot. They work at a fancy salon, and they trimmed your hair once and did a good job, so why not show them a picture of the new style you want and let them go for it? Be BOLD!

STOP, STOP, STOP. Oh, the agony of regret!

I recently had this scenario happen. My hair was almost to my mid back (curly--not stretched). As stated above, I had tended to it for YEARS. Cared for it like a baby bird. Then I decided I wanted some angled layers at the bottom. I had a picture and everything. How could this go wrong, I asked? I'll tell you how! Not every stylist has the skill of being able to cut naturally curly hair. There is a lot that goes into it. Understanding that curls shrink, for one.

I went for it! And I was devastated when I got home. I only get my hair trimmed about once every 3-6 months, and usually take an inch off. So I told her to take off an inch and angle my layers at the bottom (like in the picture). I have no idea where the disconnect was. Now my hair is shoulder length and shorter in the back than around my face. I can't even accept a compliment now. I tell them I am recovering from a bad haircut. I can barely put it in a ponytail, forget about the bun I used to rock!

So here are a few tips:

1) When you find a good stylist, stick with them

2) Avoid flights of fancy and unknown "stylists"

3) If you move to a new area, or maybe your stylist has retired, reach out on social media, friends, etc and make sure the new person you go to knows what they're doing

4) Be very clear about what you want and what will and won't work for you

5) Remember bangs seem like a good idea...at the time (so do highlights)

6) Lastly, remember that time heals all wounds. Your hair will grow out. It might take months or years, but it will grow. So be patient. And you can always cover it up with a satin lined cap:)

Introducing Adjustable Drawstring Satin Lined Caps!
Oct 30, 2016
Written by Melissa C

Introducing Adjustable Drawstring Satin Lined Caps!

I am pleased to announce that in the last couple of months we have added some new functionality to our product. I personally created a new design that has a stretchy and adjustable drawstring band. How is this different from all the other satin lined caps on the market? From any other brand, you will see they all have elastic bands. I also have caps with elastic bands and they're great...as long as they fit. If you have a small head, a big head, have no idea what size your head is, need one for a child, or maybe you just don't like something putting pressure around your head--then the drawstring cap is the way to go!

These will actually adjust out to 25 inches and tighten down to 1/2 inch. What I like the most about these is that if you have a lot of hair, (like me) its easier to get all your hair inside because they are looser around the band.

My design is patent pending, so you won't see another one on the market like mine.

In addition, I have a ton of fun colors and patterns that you also won't find anywhere else. If you have a colorful and fun personality to express, you will be able to find something that fits your style!

As always, if you have any questions, shoot me a message on my contact page! I'd love to hear from you!

Mix it up and keep it fresh!--Melissa

Our manufacturer Purnaa
Oct 23, 2016
Written by Melissa C

Our manufacturer Purnaa

Purnaa is an ethical contract garment manufacturer in Kathmandu, Nepal with a social mission to empower those most marginalized by society to fresh starts and fulfilled lives.

They produce premium garments and accessories, primarily women's and children's wear, in a beautiful, “not-a-sweatshop”, manufacturing unit. They are passionate about quality manufacturing, environmental sustainability, and making Purnaa a great place to work.

Purnaa is a full service company. They expertly draft and grade patterns; source fabric; cut, sew and trim; label and package products and ship them to your doorstep.

Purnaa is a social enterprise, which means that they gauge their success by the lives they impact. It also means that all of their profits are reinvested to further the social mission of creating training and job opportunities for survivors of abuse, exploitation and those discriminated against because of caste, religion or disease.

At Purnaa, employees receive fair wages; literacy classes, job-skills and life-skills training; health care; and employer matched savings, all in a positive work environment. All Purnaa employees are eligible for school scholarships for their children. In this way, Purnaa empowers the next generation to become less vulnerable to exploitation and to break free from the cycle of poverty.

Purnaa creates job opportunities for those escaping exploitative situations in Nepal, but also seeks to prevent future exploitation by employing those whose marginalized status in society hinders them from finding work elsewhere. Simply put, “marginalized people” are those who are put or kept in a powerless or unimportant position within society.

In Nepal, those who are marginalized are often the most vulnerable to exploitation. This includes those that are discriminated against because they are from certain castes, or suffering certain illnesses, or from a looked down upon religious group. Often it is women who are treated as second-rate human beings, particularly when widowed. Purnaa offers training and jobs that provide dignity and a hopeful future for those existing on the fringes of Nepali society.

Purnaa Vision Purnaa envisions a Nepal with sufficient employment to reduce poverty and make possible the eradication of modern day slavery.

Purnaa Values

Purnaa's core values are Love, Beauty, Excellence, Justice and Integrity. These values drive their commitment to:

• The ethical and fair treatment of people
• Stopping human trafficking, slavery and labor exploitation • Environmental sustainability
• High-quality products and services.

For more information on Purnaa’s vision and values, and everything they do, please see Purnaa’s website. www.purnaa.com

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