Friday, September 28, 2012

Anna Dello Russo and H&M Fashion Accessories Collection!!

So apart from beautiful hair, hair products that work and willingly helping people in need. I do have a love for finding fierce fashion and music!

My friend told me about this video featuring Anna Dello Russo for H&M. 
Ladies and gentlemen, she brings you, a Fashion Shower!!




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Great Volumizing Hair Product

Looking for a new volumizing hair product? Well after an amazing fashion week a few weeks ago, I found a new one. It's Phytovolume Actif and it works wonders.  
Working with the 7am crew, I noticed several of the girls arrived with flat bedhead. Using Phytovolume Actif, we were able to get quick lift without the fast drying stiffness like other volumizing products. Since it is heat activated don't fret about using a dryer, this product contains wheat proteins and amino acids to help protect hair.

Product tip:
If you have damaged hair and use a volumizing product, add a little serum or styling cream to the ends to avoid tangling. In the Phyto line, I recommend Phyto 9 Daily Ultra Nourishing Botanical Cream. 

This product will help break down the strength of Phytovolume Actif, allowing you to easily work through to the ends.

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Thursday, September 27, 2012

Watch DVF At Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2013 NYC

I am very proud to have been part of the team headed by Orlando Pita that did the hair for DVF 2013 spring/summer.Its one thing to be a hairstylist in a salon, its a whole other experience to be backstage at Fashion Week..

See the full show here!



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Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Lets All Celebrate The Beauty In Helping Each Other

Growing up in Trinidad, I was raised by a single mom. She did her best to get me to school and put a hot meal on the table. Because of this experience, I can say that I know the struggles that comes with the lack of a father figure and how difficult it is for one woman to hold a family together.
I am very excited to share with you my first workshop with single mothers in shelters. I hope to do this every three weeks. My goal is to first hand, work with women (and their children) through workshops. My approach is "beauty from the inside out," teaching them that individuality is a woman's strongest asset.
I will be providing education on their personal haircare, as well as preparing them for the work place. My aim is to also bring a high quality of hair services to these women who are facing struggles and may not have the funds to have their hair done.
 

But I need your help. I would love to give each person a gift bag of goodies. If anyone has access to any type of makeup, hair products, samples of skincare, new books, or anything you think could be added to the gift bag, please message me. You can even put the gift bags together and deliver them to the shelter and I will gladly give them out during the workshop. Or I will be very happy to collect them and disperse them myself.
I hope to make these sessions memorable and your help will bring smiles and faith to these ladies.

Remember, Individuality is a women's strongest asset. Together let's share with women and help them find their inner beauty.

Thanks and have a great day!!

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CR Fashion Book- Issue 1 Rebirth

I am so happy for the launch of Carine Roitfeld's new magazine, Fashion Book! It's a collection of amazing fashion, makeup and hair done by very creative photographers.

Here are images from her first issue with hair by Orlando Pita.

That's why I work with him, genius!! If you want first hand images of Orlando's work, click here and like his Facebook page.






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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Jaden Smith Music Video- The Coolest

While I'm on the topic of kids, I wanted to share this video of young Jaden Smith. So adorable and a real inspiration to kids all over the world.

Kids sure grow up fast!!




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Monday, September 24, 2012

What You Need To Know ABout A Childs Haircut

I often hear complaints from my clients about their kids' hair being hacked and then leaving in tears.
The truth is a child's hair is just like an adult's. It can be unruly and thick, making it hard to control. The biggest difference between the two, is that a child may not be as focused on their appearance compared to an adult. But a bad haircut can still leave even a poodle feeling sad. I don't know about you, but I've had my share of "bowl cuts" (as if someone put a bowl on your head and cut around it.) :(

Here are some tips to keep in mind when trying to find the perfect hair stylist for your child.

I'm not sure what qualifications are required to cut at a kids' salon, but I have met people fresh out of beauty school that get jobs in kids' salons for practice. As a result, their skills may not be strong.

On top of that, there's the mentality that it's just a kid. Not everyone is cut out...to cut kids' hair. It takes patience, a sense of humor and a love for children. If you are a stylist and can't stand kids, you shouldn't be in a professional field working with them.

Quick thinking comes into play too. The time that is allotted for a kid's haircut, together with the child moving around (as kids do) makes it hard to achieve good results. As the child becomes impatient with all the hair pulling and combing, as hair stylists, we have to do what will give us great results in minutes. Every tool from scissors, razors, clippers and thinning shears should be at hand.
When it comes to products, I highly recommend Gaia Skin Naturals. You will love me for it! They cater to babies, as their shampoos leave out all petrochemicals and parabens which can irritate and dry skin. Gaia takes great consideration into the types of fruits, herbs, certified organic oils and extracts, they use to treat the skin and scalp, helping preserving natural softness and shine. 
I'm happy that kids today have options, be it a kids' salon or their parents' stylist. They are adorable and deserve great hair too. :)

Good luck in finding someone who's sensitive and patie
nt.


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Friday, September 21, 2012

Orlando Pita Giving Us Some More Inspiration In Allure Magazine

Its all about the shine! 


Orlando and I will have to discuss this ponytail when next I see him, Fierce!!!






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5 Mistakes Clients Make When Looking For The Best Salon

 I often get questions from readers asking how they should go about looking for a new salon. Being a hairstylist in a salon 5 days a week I thought it would be helpful for me to keep these tips in mind as well.

So here are some tips on your search for your next fabulous hairstylist.

1) The fancier the salon, the better it is.

You've heard of “smoke and mirrors?” Well in this case, it’s more like “smoke and chandeliers.” It is important to remember that the purpose of a hair salon is to provide you with a clean, professional environment and the best hair service possible. When you leave the salon, you should feel inspired and happy with your hair.
 A great hair salon should be able to sell itself with or without the experience of a boutique hotel. It depends on the client, do you want to pay for a quality haircut and also pay for the champagne, tea and crumpets? If that's what you're looking for, then please enjoy. But don’t let those little perks distract you from getting what you truly want from your salon – great hair!!!



2) You should go to a salon because someone who works there is advertised as a celebrity hairstylist.



Please keep in mind that the one sure way for us hairstylists to get more attention is to say we have touched a celebrity. When this happens, we are instantly pushed into another dimension. This puts us in the public eye and allows us to charge more.

 Having had the opportunity to work on the occasional celebrity has been a wonderful experience, and yes, it has helped my career. However, I'm not a “celebrity hairstylist,” and yes, that is a disclaimer! LOL! (I do work for one though.)



If you are looking for a celebrity hairstylist experience that will knock your shoes off, then I encourage you to pursue that. There are many to choose from, but do your research. People may advertise themselves as such, but many may not have touched a celebrity for many years. While living in Miami for the last year, I met so many “celebrity hairstylists” that I had never heard of, I couldn’t even keep count! Remember, celebrity stylists aren’t supposed to award themselves that status; if they have earned it, the public will give them the title.


3) You should seek a "celebrity experience" ( be treated like a celebrity) when you get your hair done.

To be honest, if you are not a celebrity, then your haircut can’t be a "celebrity experience." (I crack myself up.) And what does that mean anyway? Ladies, you deserve the best because you are fabulous individuals, each with assets that only you possess. The experience you deserve entails getting great hair, respect, your money’s worth, and a hairstylist that will tell you the truth, rather than someone who will think of your wallet first.


4) A referral from a friend is a guarantee that you’ll love the salon too.

I will say that I love my dentist, my doctor, and my personal trainer, but that does not mean any one of them is right for you. My clients love me, but that does not mean I'm right for all of their friends either. I recommend taking a referral from someone who has similar hair, especially if your hair is curly, fine, or short. And even then, remember that a referral is no guarantee you’ll love the place or the stylist, though it is a step in the right direction.

Another important aspect of your salon experience, apart from your being happy with your hair, is the connection between you and the hairstylist. Let's face it: it's a relationship in the making, so the vibe between you and your potential stylist is important.

You may also find a hairstylist that you can hardly bear to be around, but who gives you kick-ass results. In that case, it's for you to decide whether or not your hair is worth the headache. Before seeing the recommended hairstylist, go in for a consultation. Your first impression will probably tell you what you need to know before you decide whether or not to proceed with that particular pro.

5) You found a salon had great reviews on an online search engine, so they’ll obviously give you great hair.

Okay, this one is the best of all! Rumor has it that some hairstylists ask their friends to write reviews for them online. It's hilarious! Once upon a time, strong online reviews were a great thing. Then it started working against hair stylists – particularly the ones with overblown online reviews – because clients’ equally inflated expectations were not being met. I always say, the proof is in the pudding. You need to see it and taste it for yourself to know how good it is.

So with these tips in mind, stay strong during your search for a great stylist and love your hair baby!!

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Thursday, September 20, 2012

More On The Right Hair Length For The Girl That Loves A Trend

My boss/mentor Orlando Pita recently did story in Vogue that portrayed a great fashion and hair story. The images are fun and colorful. The hair length is exactly what I blogged about before, with an edgy texture and vibe.

The good thing about a great hairstyle is it can be worn on everyone. Tall, short, thin, plus size and any race. Its up to your hairstylist to bring it to the chair.









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What Is The Difference Between A Trim And A Haircut





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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

The Next Big Hair Trend is Here, And It's Not About Super Short Hair!

Another trend to look out for is a haircut. This is a haircut that looks good on people of all ages. It's a more chic undercut that still carries a strong edginess to it. The front length is at the collarbone and slightly shorter in the back but without the noticeable A-line look. This cut works well with some texture, such as light waves or natural curls. (No curling irons please.)

Looking at Fashion Week Spring/Fall runway hair styles, it's obvious
that this is what you should be heading towards.



And if you're the more daring woman - take it shorter. You will love yourself for it! Recently supermodel Karen Elson came into the salon for a cut with my mentor/co-worker Joey Martino. After a brief conversation, Joey decided to cut her hair shorter.

Beautiful!!
But it's not just a short bob... it's a cut that stops at the chin or jawline. Think the roaring 20's.

The catch is the edge where it has was more of a f**ked up feel. It's the only way I can describe it. 


As a hairstylist it's sometimes hard to describe a look. I can't name a technique, or name a tool, (it's not the thinning shears or razor with the guard). 

It's really a feeling, experience and sense of style.


When you think of it, it's perfect as we hit fall and winter with
coats, scarves and hats becoming part of our daily routine.


Here is Orlando Pita describing a version of this look for Carolina Herrera 2013 Spring/Summer at fashion week.
So if you are all about the trends... here it is hot off the press...or runway!

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Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Why Help The Homeless?

I was inspired to write this article because of a fast growing situation that needs our attention...the dramatic increase in the number of homeless people over the past several years.

I know understanding why people are homeless is a complicated situation. We all have our opinions. I once felt indifferent until I was forced to change my point of view based on an experience I had when I was 19 years old.


Back in Trinidad I had a friend named Phillip. He was in his early 20's and was so funny. He had a heart of gold! Sadly his father hated him because he was gay. Beaten by his father and his neighbors for his sexual orientation, Phillip would come to work bruised and bleeding. One day he came to me and said, "I am HIV positive and I have to live on the streets." He ended up losing his job, as he could not keep it together emotionally.


I would often see Phillip as he slowly got sicker and sicker. Then one day I could not find him. I searched the hospitals but it was obvious, he died on the streets. 

This happens all over the world and is still happening today.

These are a few questions I know we ask ourselves. Why are people homeless? Can they help themselves? Are they lazy? I'm no expert of the subject, but am eager to share my personal experiences and viewpoints on this.

First I want you to not think about the upsetting visual that some see when they encounter a homeless person. Forget the offensive smell and forget the fear of not knowing how to help.

 

I want you to think about the following...

Does this person have a name? Do they have children, brothers or sisters? Is someone looking for them? How did they grow up? Were they raped or abused as a child? Maybe they have a mental disorder...are on meds or can't get meds? Lastly I want you to think if they suffer from an addiction to drugs, alcohol or pills?


After asking yourself these questions, think back to a time where you experienced something very difficult emotionally. A loss, a battle with addiction or depression. How lucky were you to have a loved one nearby to support you. Or how lucky were you to be loved as a child. Did these factors help you?


Based on my experiences of the homeless people I knew, all of the above applied to why they were (and still are in some cases) on the streets. I have met people whom I have seen on the streets in NYC for the past four years that have had their hearts broken and could not recover.  Some have lost all hope in life. 


I encourage you to find it in your heart not to judge them but to ask yourself should people be hungry? I have to say that there is a shocking ban on feeding the homeless in NYC and most states. But if you were hungry, wouldn't you want someone to offer you hope through a meal?


Well Mother Theresa said it best, "If you can't feed 100 people just feed one..."


This is the first of a two part installment so I hope you share this and stay tuned for more.

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Sunday, September 16, 2012

New Hair Trend 2013

Finally after years of blogging about a trend (actually a fad) that was way past it's due date, it's a relief to see it finally go away. I am talking about waves, not just any wave but waves that Kim Kardashian wore to death! This style started over 15 years ago but was made hugely popular in the past three years.
Thank god there were many versions of that "wave" that had more of a messy slept in look. However the KK version ruled the streets.

Moving on to bigger and better trends... ladies get ready for hair that's modern, that has a different kind of wave and is equally as sexy. This wave technique is not done with a curling iron, brush or rollers, so forget about all the bounce from the previous look. It is done with a flatiron...yes that's right.

 

Its actually not a "new trend", Orlando Pita has been doing it for many years and recently shared it with a room full of hairstylists at fashion week. It was challenging for most...

Please keep in mind its a wave with the flatiron, not a curl with the flatiron... Big difference!!
 
 It's not easy to do either as it takes serious skill.  ! The other advantage is that it can also be worn with a side part, center part or 
 all back. So you're not a slave to the middle part. 

So if you're tired of the KK curls but still want movement, this look is for you.

Ladies, lets celebrate the latest new trends, sexy hair and a fab fall!!

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Friday, September 14, 2012

J. Mandel Spring/Summer Fashion Week 2013 NYC

The hair for J. Mandel looked very simple yet it was not. Lucky for me I had a lesson with my other "in salon" mentor, Joey Martino on this technique of creating waves. The difficult part of this was we could not use a curling iron, rollers or a round brush.


These waves were gorgeous and will eventually take the streets by storm. The problem is it will be extremely difficult to do it yourself.

That's where we come in! :)


J. Mandel's clothing was as usual youthful and sexy.




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