The hot, sticky months are upon us and that means it's time to switch up your clients product routine. Just like our skin, hair requires different products throughout the year. Sunscreens, color preservers, beach sprays and moisturizers are all must haves for the summer months.

Not only is it a great idea to switch up your  clients products, you can also share some summer styling techniques. I love to show my clients easy buns and braids that they can take from the beach to an evening BBQ.

Check out this list of the best summer hair products and keep your clients cool and protected throughout the summer months.

Good Hair is a fantastic documentary made by Chris Rock in 2009 after his young daughter came home from school one day and asked, "Why don't I have good hair?".

With all of the talk in the news lately about the safety of chemical hair treatments, this documentary sheds light on the 9 billion dollar black hair industry that covets many of these services.

It is a touching and hilarious  take on the effort that millions of women in America and across the world put in to their beauty regimen. Commentary from celebrities along with interviews from salon owners, stylists, manufacturers and a visit to the Hair Battle Royale make this a must see for anyone working in the beauty industry.

A small batch of websites have popped up recently which aim to benefit independent and freelance stylists. The newest edition, styleseat.com, seamlessly combines the power of salon software and social networking to help you build your personal business.

Your profile includes and online portfolio that can be viewed by potential clients and gives your existing clients access to book directly with you online.

Websites like styleseat.com are also a great opportunity to network with other beauty professionals, offering up the opportunity for referrals, job opportunities and bartering.

Check out styleseat.com to set up your free profile.

Working in the beauty industry requires us not only to have the tools to make our clients look great, but also feel great. When a client feels confident, they shine.

Unfortunately the industry we work in can sometimes tear down the self-esteems that we work so hard to build up every day. One major culprit? Retouching! Don't get me wrong, if I was going to be plastered on the cover of a magazine I wouldn't mind a few nips and tucks here and there but some of the retouching has gotten very out of hand. The lines become blurred between fantasy and reality, creating a dangerous psychological cocktail in the minds of most women.  So please, please, please share this post and remember the classic quote from Cindy Crawford,

- "I wish I looked like Cindy Crawford"

See all the before and afters here.