January 18, 2013
A RETURN TO MINIMALISM WITH GUIDO PALAU

Anita Rivas  01.18.2013   |   ANITA RIVAS    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

Spring/Summer 2013 Hair Trends

Creative Consultant Guido Palau for Redken is found behind every fashion show styling the tresses of the world’s most sought-after models, not only preparing them for their walk down the runway but creating hair trends that leave us wishing we were experts  wielding a hairbrush and blow-dryer, and thanks to Redken we can achieve runway locks at home with these mini tutorials.

For Spring/Summer 2013 Guido gives us his predictions, a return to simple and modern minimalism.

 ”This season, designers wanted to achieve different textures and really push the artistic boundaries of hair. There were a lot of references to the mid-90s, when minimalism came into fashion, and also the 60s. It was about attitude and technique-nothing was left to chance.” Guido, Redken Creative Consultant

There are 4 key looks this season, all pushing the boundaries of traditional styling, paying homage to the 60’s and mid-90’s.

The first is Modern Minimalist, a reinvented twist on straight hair styled with precision. Examples are seen at Celine, Versace and Roberto Cavali. To achieve the look Guido used Satinwear 02 Prepping blow-dry lotion, centered a precise part, blow-dried and finished with a flat iron. Optional is gathering your tresses into a low ponytail and polishing your look with Shine Flash 02 Finishing Mist for incredible shine.

Factory Girls is paying tribute to the structured styles of the 60’s.  At Marc Jacobs Guido combined Studio 54 with NYC Street Style, targeting sections with guts 10 root volume spray foam to damp hair before blow-drying straight.  After creating a deep side part he misted locks with quick tease 15 backcombing finishing spray on the roots for height.  Finally gathering hair into a low ponytail he sprayed refresh 01 aerosol hair powder/dry shampoo and pulled out a few wisps so that hair doesn’t look structured and overdone.

Deep Impact is super chic, grungy and utterly urban. Perfect examples were showcased at Calvin Klein, Diesel and Lanvin, modified for either a less-is-more or free-flowing style that represents modern femininity. Guido rough dried hair after applying full frame 07 volumizing mousse. Creating the classic side part he next applied powder grip 03 mattifying hair powder for an unrefined and polished look.

Double Vision is creating a dual-textured style seen at Victoria Beckham, Alexander Wang and Rag & Bone.  A good example is the updated ponytail, to create this modern version Guido first blow-dried hair with All Soft Argan 6 Multi-Care Oil, gathering hair into a tight-to-the head ponytail. Curling the end of the ponytail with a conical curling iron he finished the look with fashion work 12 versatile finishing spray for texture and flexible hold.  If you want to get runway inspired you can add a strip of tape to your center part as seen at Alexander Wang.

Here’s to Stylish Tresses this Spring/Summer 2013!

For a Redken Salon near you @Redken.com

January 14, 2013
90′S INSPIRED HAIR, THE HOTTEST HAIRSTYLE IN 2013

Christina Marrale
  01.14.2013   |   CHRISTINA MARRALE    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

With every drastic hair cut, that dreaded, long, drawn out process of growing it out typically follows. It’s such an awkward position for hair, as it’s simply too long for some styles and just not the right length for others. If turning to extensions or daily supplements to speed up growth isn’t your thing, there’s really no option other than to grin and bear it until you get to your desired grow out length.

Well, here’s a bit of good news for those who are amidst the process (including myself!): it’s now totally on trend! That’s right, consider the dark days of the dreaded mid-length style to be over as this ‘do is now the “mane” attraction about town with stars like Giuliana Rancic, Heidi Klum and Rose Burne, all spotted sporting this collarbone grazing cut.

So, what’s the appeal? It’s chic, manageable and minimizes style time. Yes, you heard me, this shoulder grazing mane cuts down on time in front of the mirror, a major plus for those on the go. Add some styling product prior to blow drying, like Blo Pro’s Jet Blow Mini Kit, spritz with a bit of  Oribe’s Texturizing Spray to give it that piece-y finish ( twist a few sections of your hair to achieve this look) and your done. Nicknamed the “90’s inspired, tousled hair, the key to this style is leaving it looking tousled and textured, with clean looking, flat ends. If your hair is more on the straight end, try touching up with a curling iron after following the steps above, making sure to leave the ends out of the barrel, if it’s thicker in texture or has a natural curl to it already, you may just want to clean up those ends with a flat iron.

Who can wear it? Any face shape really.The celebs we mention above sporting the ‘do recently all have different facial features, yet seem to pull it off flawlessly!

January 4, 2013
BLO-BLOW DRY BAR

Christina Marrale
  01.04.2013   |   CHRISTINA MARRALE    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

ABOUT

It’s no secret blow dry bars have taken the beauty world by storm within recent years, continuing to grow and expand vastly through the new year. With several salons now offering the service, BLO Blow Dry Bar is commanding the lead. Blo is North America’s Original Blow Dry Bar. Scissors are verboten. Dye, ditto. No cuts, no color: Just WASH BLOW GO.  It all started in 2007 with a vital question: “Why isn’t there a place for quick, affordable catwalk-quality blow outs?” and they have been coifing ever since. Currently, Blo has 25 locations across North America, including 2 in LA.

AMBIENCE

Accents of hot pink fill the uber chic, bustling place of business. As modern decor, a variety of tools and friendly stylists fill the space!

EXPERIENCE

Hair Cadets (aka Clients) choose from 7 styles featured in the Blo Hair Menu, from the sexy razor-straight “Executive Sweet” to the rocker-chic inspired “Sex, Hugs and Rock & Roll”. Besides the great blow-outs and array of services, I absolutely love that BLO exclusively carries and uses UNITE products which are PETA approved, use Vegan Formulas, are color safe and free of sulfates, parabens, gluten, sodium chloride, dea and mea. Celeb fans of the line include Eva Longoria, Demi Moore and Kim Kardashian.

IN CROWD

Everything from budding fashionista’s, busy Mom’s, career women and of course, the Hollywood crowd can all be found at BLO’s Southern California locations!

WALLET WATCH

Each BLO signature style costs you just $35 per blow dry. Other services include, up do’s, conditioning treatments and even blow outs for men! For a full list of services and prices, check here.

NEED TO KNOW

If the decor are menu of services wasn’t enough to set this spot apart, BLO’s coined their  own language, appropriately called “blocabulary” consisting of phrases such as “Hair Cadet”, “Blo-Out”, “Blo Bro”, “Pink Wig Girl” and more! Check out BLO’s website to get familiar and begin dropping the terms during your next visit!

BLO- Hollywood is located at: W Hollywood (Hotel & Residences) 6250 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 500. Hollywood, CA 90028. Email: blohollywood@blomedry.com Phone: 323 469 2569

January 4, 2013
PICK YOUR CURLING IRON LIKE A PRO

A GUIDE TO BREAKING DOWN BARREL SIZE AND MORE
Caitlin Murphy  01.04.2013   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

It’s a new year so it’s time to say goodbye to a few trends (wedge sneakers, yikes! and while we are on the subject, no more Gangam Style please)  and hello to new ones. (Look for bold stripes and peekaboo cutouts this Spring and Summer.) 

However, there are some looks which have transformed from mere trends into classic styles and perfect tousled waves are just that. This  hairstyle is oh-so-flattering on everyone, exudes effortless sex appeal and easily goes from day to night…so it is sure to be around for a long time.

Tousled waves are actually pretty easy to achieve, you just need to make sure you are working with the right tools. In search of a new curling iron for myself, I recently learned that picking the perfect iron can be rather overwhelming. There are so many to choose from, many different barrel sizes, options with or without clamps and each one offers different results. To make things a little easier, here is a quick guide to picking your perfect curling iron so you can nail down those sexy waves for 2013 and years to come. 

Barrel Size

  • Different the barrel size create different results so make sure you pick the right size. The bigger the barrel the larger the wave.
  •  1.5 -inch and 2-inch barrels are ideal for creating loose waves like you see on Gisele and Blake Lively. 
  • 1- inch and 3/4-inch barrels create tighter waves and curls with more definition. This iron can be ideal for defining already wavy or curly hair. 

Material

  • Ceramic and Tourmaline: This is the one the pros use since it’s the gentlest on your hair. Heat is evenly dispersed throughout the iron and tourmaline emits negative irons which close the hair shaft resulting in smoother waves with less frizz. If you curl your hair often invest in one of these.
  • Gold Titanium: Also good at conducting heat but won’t fight frizz.
  • Chrome: Least expensive, but not great for your hair and these irons are prone to hot spots.

Clamp versus Clamp-Free

  • Clamp: If you want to make sure you can do your hair quickly and you don’t want to have to master a new curling iron, then stick with the ones that have a clamp. They do a great job of creating waves and are the easiest to use. The drawback is you can control the size and shape of the wave, and sometimes you end up with kicks at the end of your hair.  
  • No Clamp: These irons don’t have a clamp, you simply wrap your hair around the wand and hold it for a few second. (Don’t worry, they come with a heat protection glove so you don’t burn you hands). The clam-free iron creates the most ideal beachy waves and even bouncy curls since it gives you lots of control over how tight you want the waves to be.  I think this iron creates the longest lasting results, and the clamp-free wand allows you to point the barrel upside down and get close to the roots, just like the pros!

January 4, 2013
SUISSA SALON

ENJOY SOFT-AS-SILK HAIR COURTESY OF EXPERIENCED STYLISTS
Tanya Sharma  01.04.2013   |   TANYA SHARMA    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

Suissa SalonABOUT

Founded by the Suissa family in 1970, the eponymous salon laid its roots in Georgetown. With years of training and experience under their belts, the Suissas enjoyed immense success in DC. In 1988, they opened the Tysosn Corner location, which is owned and operated by Flora Suissa. 

AMBIENCE

The frenetic pace of the chic Suissa Salon is evident as soon as you step foot inside. Confined to a crowded corridor on the first floor of Tysons Corner Center, Suissa is lined with products, styling stations and endless buzz and chatter. The effect may seem a bit daunting to those who prefer the solitude of a spa environment, but it’s smart to be open to a change of pace.

EXPERIENCE

Being open to the change of pace was what I encouraged myself to do as I stepped inside. Certainly the bustling nature of the salon suggests its popularity amongst clientele, and I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t have to wait even a minute before being whisked to the shampoo stations for my deep conditioning treatment. After my hair was gently shampooed and scalp thoroughly massaged (and I do mean thoroughly, with deep kneading and gentle circulations that felt heavenly), it was on to the main event. My stylist applied Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask to my hair, leaving it under heat for 10 minutes to allow it to penetrate. Then my hair was dried and meticulously styled by Gabriella, who transformed my hair into foxy, runway-worthy perfection.

IN CROWD

This accessible salon draws passersby seeking a quick cut, but what speaks to its prowess are the longtime devotees who regularly seek out their favorite experienced stylists for color, cuts and treatments.

WALLET WATCH

A deep conditioning treatment begins at $10, while a wash and blow dry starts at $40. 

NEED TO KNOW

Suissa Salon
7933 Tysons Corner Center
McLean, VA 22102
703.893.5800

December 28, 2012
SHINE SPRAYS THAT WORK

ADD A LUMINOUS FINISH TO YOUR LOCKS
Tanya Sharma  12.28.2012   |   TANYA SHARMA    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

WHERE TO FIND

As New Year’s Eve approaches, women all over town are on the watch for sensible style tricks that will transform their night-out hairstyles from merely wow to all-out wondrous.

TREND ALERT

Sure, you can stroll into any corner drugstore and find a shine spray for your hair – they’re a dime a dozen. What sets these selections apart from the rest, then? They’ve been tried, tested and sealed with approval by yours truly. As any woman might, I’m always searching for the shine spray that adds a luminous finish to my hair without weighing it down. These ensure that your hair not only glistens beneath the moonlight (or the flashing club lights, of course), but that it stays smooth.

Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil Dry Mist is a surprisingly lightweight concoction. The key ingredients are organic bamboo, which helps strengthen strands weakened by environmental- and heat-related damage, and organic kendi oil, which leaves hair soft and brilliantly glossy all night long.

Treating your hair to the kind of sparkle truly worthy of the holiday season, Alterna Caviar Glitterati Sparkling Champagne Spray leaves your hair in a completely different state. Not only does the bottle just look gorgeous, but the product within is amazing. Spritz it on and watch as it coats your strands in a wash of natural-looking shimmer, all while holding your style in place.

You need only a touch (trust me) of Bumble and Bumble Let It Shine On (and On…) Spray, which contains moisturizing butylene glycol and protective linoleic acid, ceramid 3 and cholesterol. In addition to simply treating your hair right, this intensive spray adds a reflective glow that is sure to be the envy of the room. For best results, spray a touch into your hands, rub them together and work it through your hair.

Carol’s Daughter Tui Moisturizing Hair Sheen is ideal if your hair is on the thicker side, like mine. Formulated with strengthening wheat germ oil, shea butter and jojoba oil, it’s an intensely moisturizing treatment that happens to double as a shine spray. It boasts a lovely, slightly sweet scent. It’s not overpowering, but a little goes a long way with both the scent and the product itself.

December 26, 2012
TWO WAYS TO WEAR WAVES THIS SEASON

CELEBRITY MANES ARE ALL ABOUT THE WAVES IN NYC
Grace Gold  12.26.2012   |   GRACE GOLD    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

WHERE TO FIND

Photo courtesy of JustJared.com

From red carpets to winter getaways, celebrities are turning up in classically glamorous waves. 

TREND ALERT

Photo courtesy of JustJared.com

Clairol Professional Celebrity Colorist (and stylist) Kiyah Wright colors and coifs celebrities such as Jennifer Hudson, Ciara, Kerry Washington and Gabrielle Union. This season, effortless chic reigns supreme. “It’s all about body and waves!” says Wright. Waves are showing up both loose and flowing and more textured and shapely, and should be chosen based on which look your natural hair texture will take towards more easily.

GET THE LOOK

Look Number One – Glamorous Waves (Sarah Jessica Parker, Eva Longoria, above)

“This is a great look for holiday parties because it’s classic yet dripping with sex appeal,” says Wright.

Wash hair with Clairol Professional Repair Shampoo and Conditioner ($9, beauty supply stores).

Apply a golf ball-sized amount of Clairol Professional Volume Mousse ($9, beauty supply stores)to the lengths of towel-dried hair and use a round brush to blow-dry the hair.

Once the hair is dried, use a fine-tooth comb to create a deep side part.  

Starting at the nape of the neck and moving towards the top of the head, curl the hair in small sections using a 1-inch curling iron. Once the entire head is curled, spritz with a medium hold hairspray like Sebastian Professional Shaper ($16.95, sebastianprofessional.com).

Take a paddle brush and brush through the curls for a more retro feel. Apply Clairol Professional Shaping Gel ($9, beauty supply stores) to tame flyaways and define the side part.

As an optional flair, clip the hair back on one side of the head with a bobby pin.

Look Number Two: Full, Wavy Hair (Beyonce, above)

“Wavy hair is incredibly versatile. It can be low-maintenance and care-free, tousled and sexy, or elegant and chic. However you choose to wear it, added clip-in hair pieces are great for obtaining extra volume and lift,” says Wright.

Apply the clip-in extension by starting at the nape of the neck and sectioning the hair straight across.  Tease the hair at the root where the clip-in will be fastened and spritz it lightly with hairspray. Then clip-in the extension.  Apply as many pieces as desired while moving up towards the top of the head.

Then, take different sized sections of hair ranging in thickness from 1-2 inches and curl the hair beginning at the nape of the neck and ending at the top. Alternate the direction of the curl from one section to the next.

Spritz the hair with a medium hold hairspray.

  • For a care-free lookturn the head upside down and run your fingers through your roots for added movement.
  • For a tousled look, brush the hair out using a paddle brush and then  turn your head upside down and run your fingers through your roots.
  • For refined wavesapply Clairol Professional Shaping Gel ($9, beauty supply stores)to the lengths of the hair for extra definition and hold.

December 11, 2012
HAIRSTYLES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

COMPLETE YOUR OUTFIT WITH THE PERFECT ‘DO
Samantha Wilson  12.11.2012   |   SAMANTHA WILSON    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

With the holiday’s right around the corner, you’re probably focused on finding a glamorous dress, getting the perfectly matched shoe, and deciding whether to do a classic or gel manicure so your nails last through present wrapping and into the New Year. Your hairstyle is what will make or break the outfit, so you want to make sure your hair is styled pretty and festive. Here are a few looks that will go with any outfit, from a sleeveless number to a glittery skirt and flowy blouse.

The side ponytail

If you’re wearing a one-shoulder dress, the perfect hairstyle is a side ponytail, with the ponytail on the side without the shoulder. For a style that’s more glamorous than grade school, try the style shown on Kirsten Dunst. To get the look, start with wavy strands: if you are naturally wavy, you’re good to go, if you need to create waves, use a clipless curling iron. Lightly tease the back portion of your hair so you get some lift at the crown. Pull hair into a low side ponytail, and keep about a half inch portion of hair out. Wrap the hair around the holder and pin into place. Let the front strands of hair fall out around your hairline for a feminine touch.

Loose Waves

There really is nothing more glamorous than loose, soft waves. To get the look, blow dry hair so it is smooth. Wrap pieces of alternating thickness around a clipless curling iron, occasionally alternating directions so the waves look more natural. Finish with a shine spray or moisturizing oil. With the celebrations, you want hair to be soft and touchable, so this is not the time to pull out your salt spray for beachy waves. For an extra dose of glamour, use a sparkly barrette to pull hair back on one side.

The Rolled Bun

Start by pulling your hair into a low ponytail. Again, this style works best on hair that is slightly wavy as it will hold better than stick straight strands. Make a hole right above the holder, and pull the pony through the hole so it looks like a Y. Wrap the hair around your finger, rolling the hair upwards, and pin into place with large bobby pins. Leave a few face framing pieces hanging around your face.

December 3, 2012
HOLIDAY HAIR 101: 3 LOOKS TO TRY

Christina Marrale
  12.03.2012   |   CHRISTINA MARRALE    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

No look is complete without a great new ‘do to compliment, especially around the holiday season. If you’re stuck on what kinds of styles to rock, stick with these 3 basic, but ultra chic ‘do’s that work for all the occasions on your list: a dressed up holiday ball, ice skating at the park, singing Christmas carols…well, you get the idea!

Headbands: Channel your inner school girl and rock a headband. Now, I’m not talking about the ones you used to wear in grade-school, bejeweled and be-dazzled new bands are on trend and are more of an adult way to rock this hair classic. With hair worn up or down, it’s the perfect accessory to add just the right amount of glitz to your outfit. So, where can you find these pieces? Try Bando hair bands! They have a variety of styles, along with a bunch of other great options, including glittering clips and broaches to add to your mane.

Sockbun: I have a true obsession with this easy and classic updo. It takes minutes to create, works on a variety of different hair lengths and makes any gal look ultra chic. This style has lasted through the seasons, and has proven it’s versatility through the year, as it works for a variety of different functions and events. Though it’s easy to create on your own, for a little extra assistance, grab a Conair bun maker, it will keep the shape all night long.

Glittering extensions: To quote Rhianna, Shine bright like a diamond, with a few stands of glitter extensions clips, placed mainly in the crown of your hair. It’s cost effective, can be taken out whenever you please and gives just the right amount of attention to your mane. Call up your local salon to inquire about pricing and hair available if you prefer to have the extensions fused into your hair, or for a lighter commitment, head to a beauty supply store like Sally’s and pick up clip in options.

November 21, 2012
ADD SOME SPARKLE TO YOUR STYLE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Caitlin Murphy
  11.21.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

The holidays are here, with plenty of parties to attend and reasons to get dressed up! You have the perfect outfit, to-die-for shoes and an amazing shade of red lipstick…all you need is the perfect hairstyle.

 This time of year we can get away with a little extra glitz and glamour so why not indulge with some beautiful, sparkly hair accessories . Hair bands and jeweled barrettes  are one of the easiest ways to to top off that perfect holiday look and work on all hair lengths and textures. Even if you’re not the most adept with styling your hair, you’ll love these accessories since they are simple and add a lot of wow factor. 

HAIRBANDS

I love this jeweled headband from Nordstrom in this festive, deep emerald color, the gold one from Anthropologie is perfect for adding some boho glamour, while the double crystal from Shopbop is perfect for the classic ladies.

 

HEAD WRAPS

Head wraps give you a lot of versatility since they can make a bold statement like the black satin or the jeweled head wrap. Both would look beautiful with soft waves and a little bit of natural texture.

 

BOBBY PINS

Jeweled bobby pins look gorgeous pinning back stands of short and long hair. You could add them into a messy bun or pin back bangs. Any way you style them these booby pins will add sparkle to your style, making you feel ideal for special occasions.

BARRETTES

If jeweled bobby pins aren’t qutie enough sparkle for you, then definitely give these barretts a try. Place on next to a low pony or messy bun. Or for a truly spectacular holiday style, add some old Hollywood glamour and  brush out large Rita Hayward curls and pin back one side of your hair with these barrettes. You’ll be the toast of every party! (crystal barrettecrystal bouquet clipfeather clips)

November 19, 2012
SALON BLEU AT TYSONS GALLERIA

GET MOVIE-STAR GLAMOROUS AT ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S TOP SALONS
Tanya Sharma  11.19.2012   |   TANYA SHARMA    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

Salon Bleu at Tysons GalleriaABOUT

Nestled on the quiet third floor of Tysons Galleria is one of the area’s most cutting-edge beauty hotspots. The award-winning Salon Bleu (it’s been recognized by ELLE and Northern Virginia magazines, among others) offers an upscale experience within its unassuming confines. A highly experienced staff holds court over legions of clients, all boasting perfectly coiffed manes that serve, perhaps, as a testament to their expertise.

AMBIENCE

Wood panels grace the walls of Salon Bleu, a surprisingly low-key hair haunt. In fact, it’s downright unpretentious by and large, with a vibe that screams industrially chic more than pretty or even elegant. Still, there are aesthetic touches imparted throughout that lend Salon Bleu its warranted cachet: long, lean mirrors that give clients a bird’s eye view, silver bead fringe curtains for a hint of retro chic and an overall carelessly cool (“I look this good without even trying”) feel.

EXPERIENCE

Image: Facebook

My poor mane is exposed to so much, from daily heat styling to routine color to the natural stresses of the environment. It stays in good condition thanks to regular hydrating treatments, but I’m always aware that skimping even a bit could make a big difference in my hair’s shape. So it was with excitement that I headed to Salon Bleu for a deep conditioning treatment. Melissa escorted me to the back for a Kerastase shampoo that, while generally no-frills, was still relaxing enough to send me into a state of tranquility.

Then it was on to the nourishing Kerastase Aqua Oleum conditioning treatment. Infused with ingredients like jojoba seed oil, avocado oil and glycerin, this lightweight oil-in-water blend drenches the hair with intense moisture immediately on contact. Melissa applied it section by section so that no area was left to chance, wrapped my hair in a warm towel (ahhh, bliss) and finished with a gentle rinse.

Finally I met with Huda, one of the area’s top colorists, who proceeded to treat my hair to a blow dry that can only be described as utterly lavish. In almost no time at all, my hair began to look like something out of a magazine – glossy, smooth, a little bit bouncy, totally manageable. I left feeling like I’d undergone a serious beauty session a la the Hollywood elite.

IN CROWD

It’s easy to see why so many flock to Salon Bleu, from newcomers to those who have remained loyal since the salon’s inception in 2003.

WALLET WATCH

Deep conditioning treatments start at a reasonable $25. Shampoo and blow dry services start at $55. For other details, visit the Salon Bleu menu.

NEED TO KNOW

Salon Bleu
1839 U International Drive
McLean, VA 22102
703.448.1300

November 14, 2012
GET THE SECRET TO LEA MICHELE’S RED CARPET HAIR STYLE

Caitlin Murphy
  11.14.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

The Beachwaver is Celeb Stylist’s Curling Iron Creation

THE HOT PRODUCT

Sexy, tousled waves are ubiquitous when it comes to the red carpet styles of Lea Michele, Blake Lively, Sofia Vergara and Emma Stone. While it wearing an armful of Loraine Schwartz diamond bangles might not be possible, it is possible to easily recreate these bombshell celebs’ hairstyles at home with a curling iron from Lea’s own stylist.

Celebrity hair stylist Sarah Potempa created The Beachwaver, a rotating curling iron, so that anyone can get celeb worthy hair. Potempa has styled for magazines like Vogue, Vanity Fair, Real Simple and Seventeen along with clients like Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Emmy Rossum and Lea Michele. Her curling iron invention bring her celebrity styling know-how to you!

THE EXPERIENCE

The Beachwaver is one of the coolest beauty  inventions I have seen in a long time. I love doing beachy waves, and I’ve  tried every device to get the perfect look from clampless irons, to holding a regular curling iron upside down, but the Beachwaver is my favorite. It’s so good in fact , that Potempa says her celeb clients are thinking of doing their own red carpet hair in the future!

Instead of choosing a heat setting from a dial, you can set a specific temperature on the Beachwaver. Then you pick which side on you hair you want to start on and hit the “L” or “R” button. The clamp on this iron is short and holds just the ends of you hair. Start with the clamp facing you and secure your ends, press the “GO” button and the iron rotates to create the waves. Quick tip, wake sure the iron is always rotoating away from your face. To do the other side, simply press the corresponding “L” or “R” button and repeat. The iron will curl away from your face in the other direction. Genius!

Wait for the hair to cool, then simply run you hands through for gorgeous celeb worthy waves.

GET YOUR FIX

To get beautiful waves at home on your own, you can purchase The Beachwaver at sarahpotempa.com for $199. 

If you have a special occasion coming up, say a holiday party and you want to have your waves professionally styled, book an appointment at one of Seattle’s blow dry bars, Mane and Swink. Ask for the $35 “Wave To Your Fans” from Mane or the $35  “G&T” (girly and tousled) fromSwink Style Bar. Styles look gorgeous and last for days, plus a visit to the blow dry bar is always a great time!

November 1, 2012

ROAR SALON
AN AWARD WINNING DOWNTOWN SALON
Joanna Wilkinson  11.01.2012   |   JOANNA WILKINSON    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

ABOUT:  In an area of town most known for its bars and restaurants, lives a salon that might make you rethink your past hair salon experiences.  Roar Salon is the creation of hair stylist Rory McNeil who got introduced into the hair industry at a young age by his aunt who owned her own salon.  Hair seemed like the perfect fit for Rory who says “I’ve always been an artist and liked to paint but I also love working with people.  The hair thing kinda fell in my lap.”  After living and studying in Chicago, the native Austinite came back to Austin to open up Roar Salon, which will be celebrating its 5 year anniversary in February.

AMBIENCE:  Kerastaste hair products and Austin Fashion Week golden boot awards line the exposed brick walls of Roar.  By the hair washing stations, you’ll also notice several framed covers from local magazines, such as Austin Monthly and Tribeza, decorating the walls.  Roar often contributes its styling to local editorials and has also styled several Austin Fashion Week shows including this year’s kick off runway show.  The look of Roar shows off its rewards and experience but is also a mix of modern and vintage decor.  The salon overall has a warm and inviting feel but still looks clean and fresh.  Several lion statues (the mascot and symbol of Roar) make an appearance throughout the salon by guarding the entrance and other doorways.

EXPERIENCE:  When I walked into Roar I still wasn’t completely sure what I wanted my hair color to be.  I had a general idea and I asked Rory for some suggestions.  He flipped to a page out of a magazine that had pictures of none other than Emma Stonea perfect hair muse.  With a similar complexion to my own, the natural blonde turned redhead turned blonde again can get away with various hair shades.  Wanting to try a color that I had never had before, we decided on a dark auburn.  Rory worked his magic and mixed up a color for me that turned out looking very natural and goes great with my eyes!  
 
For my haircut I knew exactly what I wanted, long shaggy bangs and some long layers.  I showed Erica Rae an inspiration photo and she was very good at trying to emulate the look I was going for.  I’ve never had a stylist be so precise with my haircut!  She talked through every detail with me making sure I was okay with the amount she would be cutting, where the layers would be cut, and made sure I was okay with a textured razor cut.  Because Erica was so careful with my cut, I actually question some of my past haircut experiences where the stylist barely talked through my cut at all.  If you are extremely nervous about getting a drastic haircut or color change, I definitely recommend going to Roar because you will be in careful hands.

IN CROWD:  When leaving Roar I recognized one of my past college professors walk in who taught one of the coolest classes I ever took in school, costume history.  That alone makes me believe the crowd going to Roar is a stylish one!

WALLET WATCH:  Womens haircuts start at $70 and partial highlights start at $95.  Click here for a full list of services and prices.

NEED TO KNOW:

ROAR Salon

201 E. 5th St., Suite 107

Austin, TX 78701

phone: (512) 474-ROAR (7627)

October 22, 2012
SECRETS TO A LONGER LASTING BLOWOUT

Christina Marrale
  10.22.2012   |   CHRISTINA MARRALE    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

So you’ve spent all of that money on a fabulous new do with an equally voluminous blow out to match…but how can you keep that fresh “out of the salon” look lasting all throughout the week? Simple! Try these essential tips to get a longer lasting blowout and more for your money:

Invest in a satin sleep cover: Sure, shower caps can last a long way when it comes to keeping your hair dry, but in regards to keeping it’s volume…go for a satin material. Found in your local drugstore, the inexpensive covers leave your hair looking big, curls in tact and no flatness in site! Simply place hair (make sure it’s all down, no clips or hair bands still on) into the cap and hit the sheets, when you wake, remove the cap and brush the ends of hair, creating shape again.

Dry shampoo it: For those dirty days in-between washes, dry shampoo works wonders. Even more so when your trying to keep your blowout lasting longer than a few days. Simply apply to roots, flip hair and turn on the blow drier, applying heat to roots for 1 minute. No blow-drier around? Spritz to roots, wait 1 minute to let product set and begin blending it into your roots by patting and smoothing the product into the scalp. Be sure there’s no white residue left from the spray, if so, comb through roots.

Velcro Curlers: It’s normal for the volume to run a little flat after a day or two after the initial blowout. For some extra ooph, extra fast, try wrapping the crown of your hair into a few velcro curlers (found in your local drugstore), spritz a bit of volume or hairspray at the roots and blast with heat for 1-2 minutes. Take out the curlers, brush the ends of hair and you’ve got all that volume without the hassle of washing your hair all over again!

October 11, 2012
SASSOON SALON LAUNCHES FALL STYLE AND COLOR COLLECTION

Caitlin Murphy
  10.11.2012   |   CAITLIN MURPHY    |   LEAVE A COMMENT
    

New Looks Showcase The Season’s Hottest Trends

When that fall chill hits the air, it’s not only time to update your wardrobe…it’s also time to update your hair. Your breezy summer schedule is gone, so it’s the perfect time to sport deeper shades and more fashion forward styles. Enter Vidal’s Sassoon’s new collection of hair colors and cuts…HAIR!.

Sassoon Salon is best known for their precision cuts- especially the impeccable bobs and shorter styles- but this fall and winter is a bit of a departure, with longer layers and even curly styles. Sassoon Creative Director Mark Hayes has drawn inspiration from the “hippie-chic” 60′s, creating a modern version of bohemian beauty.

 “We have created a confident free-spirited feeling for hair that taps into an era where anything and everything seemed possible,” says Mark Hayes, International Creative Director.

Boho braids, super sleek ponytails, and low chignons are big this fall, and look best with a base of long layers. Sassoon has perfected creating invisible layers and this fall they are showcasing disconnected paneling giving hair sexy texture and movement when styled up or down. “The overall movement is free-flowing and rhythmic, a super soft feminine look with maximum shine,” explains North American Creative Director, Traci Sakosits.

Bold blunt bangs are also a big fall trend and no one does blunt with more perfection than Vidal Sassoon. Make sure the rest of your hair has movement to keep the style from looking too severe. After all, this fall’s blunt bangs look modern when paired with long layers.  Jessica Biel is the perfect celebrity inspiration for this style.

 As far as color, we all need an update when the seasons change. Color needs a little bit of an oomph, and this fall is all about deep chocolate browns and rich crimsons along with multifaceted blondes. Natural looking blonde is a tough thing to do well, and Sassoon paints slices of color and tones to create this season’s rich “born-with-it” blonde.  “Blonde is an aspirational color, but it has to be believable,” says North American Color Director, Richie Rivera. “We have used multi-tones that look natural and create the illusion of thicker hair. ” This fall it’s important to tone down lighter blonde to a richer honey shade for a more sophisticated look. Brunettes and redheads should add multi-tonal shades to create rich, multi diminutional color with loads of shine and sex appeal.

There’s still discussion is style circles as to whether ombre hair is in or out. Women love wearing it and fashionistas like  Kate Beckinsale and Poppy Delevigne are still making it look beautiful. Here is the thing, if you’re going to do ombre you have to do it right. Sassoon is known for the time and expertise they put into creating coloring and cutting techniques, and they have also recently devised the perfect approach to ombre, so you know you;re hair is in the best hands!

Sassoon Salon’s new collection is called HAIR and you can find the salon closet to you at sassoon.com

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