George Caroll / Hollywood Hair Stylist

George Clooney / Star Hair Style

2012-01-20T19:19:00.000-08:00

Drawing inspiration from the hair style trends of our favorite stars and celebrities has become national past time. One popular star hairstyle is Hollywood heart-throb George Clooney. His matinee idol good looks, charm and style, reminiscent of Cary Grant, is totally swoon-worthy. George's close clipped salt and pepper hair style and debonair persona, has stolen the hearts of women around the world.

HOW TO GET THE LOOK: Do you get the feeling your graying hair and fading hairline is making you look passé? Before you throw in the towel try George Clooney’s classic style cut on for size and watch heads turn when you stroll into work looking ten years younger in a grow-up way. For those looking for a no fuzz style this finger combed look styles itself. To get the look, let’s take it one step at a time; starting with a style cut and shaping.

LET’S SHAPE IT: To get the look, start with a close contoured silhouette with a taper neckline and sideburns. This versatile "two-in-one” style cut is combed forward to put a receding hairline stylishly under cover and is brush back with a part as it grows out. With a few adjustments (tweaks) as it grows makes it easy to find the ideal length and shape for your new style.

LET’S STYLE IT: To jump start your style, start with a dab of shaping gel or use nothing at all. Just towel dry and comb in place or a quick tousle with a blow dryer for a full look is all it takes. To put your "wild side" in play, when dry, add a dab of shaping gel finger combed through the top for a tousled spiky effect and you’ve got the look.

LET’S ADD WHISKERS & SIDEBURNS: Nothing can reshape a face or add a dramatic look like facial hair. This simple addition can make large ears appear smaller, a narrow chin wider, cover a ruddy complexion and defiantly adds a touch of style or artsy look. Sideburns can be full, close, long, short or narrow depending on how much facial hair you have. This simple addition can make large ears appear smaller or narrow faces appear wider. For a stylish look include short or mid length tapered sideburns and your good to go.

NOW, LET’S COLOR IT: Actors change their hair color often for the many roles they play so coloring their hair is no big deal. For a natural look select a shade closest to your hair’s natural hair color and leave a little gray around the temples for a distinguished effect. To keep the gray at bay plan on having it cut and colored every 6 weeks. This extra step will set you back a few bucks but is well worth the time and expense for a stylish youthful look and all the attention you’ll get.

George Clooney’s classic style cut will put you back in the game looking years younger in a stylish grown up way. The short contoured silhouette looks perfect from all points of view and puts a receding hairline stylishly under cover. Your new color looks so au natural it will have some wondering "does he or doesn't he"? So don’t be surprised when you stroll into work looking dapper and feeling years younger and hear all the ladies saying, "By George" your hair looks great.

To get the look visit the George Caroll Hair Styling Studio__see details @ http://www,georgecaroll.com

New Year / New Hairstyle

2012-01-12T17:31:00.001-08:00

Are you ready to step into the New Year with a new hairstyle? If you’ve been wearing the same hairstyle for five years or longer it may be time for a change. Updating a hair style can instantly make anyone look and feel years younger and for some even pounds slimmer. Changing your hair style doesn’t need to be something drastic. Often all it takes is a few well placed snips and some hair styling tricks to create a fresh new updated look that suits you perfectly and that everyone will notice.

To help you find the ideal style for your face shape and unique features our studio stylist’s first look for what your hair does best and then cuts and shapes it to look perfect from all points of view. Long or short, just comb and go or a quick blow dry and you’ll be ready for any occasion......ideal for today’s fast pace active lifestyles. We’ve been helping the entertainment industry and Toluca Lake residents for years. To help you step into the New Year with a new hairstyle we’ve made it affordable with our special introductory visit price…save 50% for a first time style cut and hair color service.

Hair Myths

2011-12-13T15:12:00.000-08:00

For years all sorts of hair myths have been making their away around the world's households. There are as many myths about hair as there are hair styles. Here are the scientific FACTS about the top 10 hair myths:

1. Cutting your hair makes it grow faster.

The hairs growth rate will very for each individual, growing from a half to one inch per month. Cutting your hair will only make it shorter but it will keep it healthy looking. However the hair's grow rate often slows with age, mostly through the crown.

2. Split Ends can be totally repaired to look like it never happened.

Damaged hair cannot be totally repaired to look like new, (only temporarily patched up) and should be cut off or it will continue to fray. Having your hair cut, shaped or trimmed on a regular bases (4-8 weeks) is the best damaged hair conditioning treatment and the secret to healthy looking well groomed hair.

3. Brushing your hair is bad for it.

Brushing hair incorrectly can damage the hair. However, brushing the hair daily with a simulated or natural boar bristle brush keeps it healthy and well groomed. Brushing your hair helps regulate its natural shedding process, stimulates oil and blood circulation, remove’s tangles, cleans the scalp and polishes the hair. It’s best to brush the hair from the scalp to ends every morning, evening and always before shampooing it.

4. Wearing tight hats cause baldness.

This one probably started in the military where young men entering the service were required to wear hats and soon showed signs of going bald, or at least hair thinning. This is due to coincidental timing as young men enter the military at the age that male pattern hair loss begins for many. Ventilated caps are best as the scalp needs oxygen for growth.

5. All your hair can turn gray or white over night.

This was born in dime store novels. Hair receives its color genetically and can only turn gray or white over time. Actually the hair doesn't turn white in as much as the hair follicle stops producing it natural pigment (color). However, extreme illness or sudden shock can cause the hair to begin to grow in white "but not" over night, or even a wild weekend.

6. Pluck one gray hair and two grow back.

If this were true I would be pulling my hair out by the fist full. However plucking hair incorrectly can damage the follicle and cause it to grow out in an odd shape or direction.

7. Baldness is inherited from the mother’s side of the family.

This is more Hair Voodoo. Male and female pattern hair loss can be inherited from either side of the family and may or may not skip many generations. Male pattern hair loss usually begins at age 17 to 20 and female patter hair loss between ages 45 and 55.

8. Dandruff is caused by dry scalp.

Dandruff and dry scalp are two entirely different things. A good shampoo and conditioner will take care of the dry scalp, which is 'flaking'. Dandruff shampoos are entirely unnecessary and inadvisable for dry scalp. Dandruff is a health issue and requires medical attention and prescribed medicated treatments. The 'flakes' are actually oily, not dry and scalps can me itchy. Very few people have actual dandruff and you would know it if you did. And Dandruff is not contagious. On the other hand, there are plenty of nasty things you can get from using someones comb or brush, so be careful. Keeping your personal grooming tools clean is a must.

9. Cutting your hair during a full moon makes it grow faster.

OK I know the moon regulates the oceans tides and many people think it effects the growth of their hair. I am not even going to dignify this one with an explanation. But if you buy into this type of earth muffin drivel, by all means, book a standing appointment on your hairdresser's full moon calendar.

10. Washing hair everyday is damaging.

At one time not so long ago this was true. However with recent advancements in cosmetic chemistry it’s not only safe to cleanse the hair, scalp and body frequently (even daily) but is also considered hygienically healthy. Shampooing frequently not only improves the hair’s appearance but also removes waxy (sebum) and sweat form the scalp, along with hair mites and styling aids that cause pore blockage and unwanted odor. Thereby allowing the scalp to breathe and promote normal healthy hair growth.

Ageless Hair

2011-12-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

With the first wave of baby boomers turning 65, maintaining an active lifestyle is high on their priority list—as is maintaining a more youthful appearance. A recent report projects the anti-aging products market to reach $291 billion worldwide by 2015. Moreover, this market may be more recession-proof than others, as this population continues to seek the fountain of youth and shows no sign of abatement. There’s no better time than now to capitalize on this trend and provide them with care –free hair styles and targeted hair care products solutions specific to their needs.

According to the results of a recent poll one-third of baby boomers report they regularly color their hair to cover up the gray. However, gray or white color is only one sign of aging hair; other signs include a change in surface texture, diminished density, dullness, increased dryness due to lack of sebum and breakage. Some of these changes are due to the environment—years of coloring, blow-drying, straightening, ironing and in correct brushing take their toll—while other effects are simply due to the physiological changes of getting older. These aging transformations occur gradually over time:

20s: Hair is at the peek of thickness and strength, with ample sebum and shine.
30s: The external damage incurred during one's 20s becomes visible, and s slight decline in sebum can cause hair to lose its natural luster.
40s: The diameter of the hair shaft begins to shrink, leading hair to become thinner and more fragile; a decline in melanin levels can begin to lead to gray hair.
50's: Most men and women are 50% gray by the age of fifty due to a steep decline in melanin; follicles continue to shrink and leave hair thinner and the hair often changes its natural characteristics _ becoming straighter, curly or wavy.
Nearly 40% of both men and women will have experienced some degree of hair loss by age sixty, mostly around the hairline and crown; hair often appears thin and lackluster.

Clearly there is a need for Anti-aging hair care products that leave hair shiny to make up for the loss in natural sebum—but without a greasy look. Because hair becomes thinner, more brittle and less glossy with age, products that create volume, strengthen and provide shine are essential. It’s a tall order but with today’s advancement in cosmetic formulations and refined ingredients it can be broken down into four key segments.

1. Anti-aging shampoo and conditioner for example must be gentle and provide excellent cleansing and conditioning benefits, moisturize the hair as it cleans, and leave the hair feeling soft, smooth and free from buildup. The hair must also be strengthened from the inside out.

2. Because healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, deep conditioners not only treat and condition hair—they start with the scalp as well. There are available ingredients with compositions very similar to the natural carbohydrate fraction found in the stratum corneum of human skin; as a result, they are highly substantive to the skin and bind moisture like a water magnet. This soothes and hydrates an irritated scalp. These can be added to hair masks also known as deep conditioners, provide intense, targeted moisture that restores hair’s natural shine and strengthen it against future breakage. By nourishing hair and scalp regularly—usually on a weekly basis—texture, body and manageability can improve greatly.

3. Replacing the outdated hair sprays with an effective soft-shine spray can pack a powerful punch—smoothing, holding and protecting hair will be the go-to styling product for ageless looking hair. However, it still must function like a great traditional hair spray, keeping styles in place without feeling sticky on hair. In fact, calling the product a “shine spray” rather than the outdated term hair spray may be to a brand’s benefit as well. Even if the two products work in a similar manner, today’s consumer wants something that sounds more youthful and trendy.

4. Sun, wind and heat can take a major toll on hair in the course of a lifetime, causing it to become brittle and prone to split ends. A great leave-in treatment like a styling cream can help restore hair to its natural shine, moisture and body while smoothing and controlling unbecoming frizz.

Salon products designed for mature hair are on the way but can only mean success when they include the right product mix and the high quality ingredients. The boomers will quickly see through products that overpromise and underdeliver; as always, product effectiveness is key to a line that will keep mature consumers coming back for more. Ageless hair care products____ a trend to watch.

OFF BEAT / Tattooed Lips

2011-12-02T14:16:00.000-08:00

With the advent of temporary tattoos, more people have access to this form of beauty expression with a less significant commitment, but many still seek traditional looks and body destinations. However, a new product introduction is giving temporary tattoos a new flair—Violent Lips Temporary Lip Tattoos. Available in designs including animal print, polka dot, fishnet stockings and more, they allow a distinctly eye-catching form of self-expression.

Unusual lip color products have long been a way to stand out, but Violent Lips is in a league by itself with unusual designs that are sure to produce a lot of double-takes from consumers. Estimates are that over one-third of Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 have at least one tattoo, which suggests that a sizeable number of consumers could be open to trying a product like this. People often choose to be tattooed to convey characteristics such as ruggedness, individuality and, possibly, a wild and dangerous side, and tattoos have been a beauty symbol in cultures across the world for thousands of years. Although subject to their own design trends and placement fads (tribal arm band or Chinese symbol on the lower back, anyone?), those who get them often insist they are form of expression and personalization they feel they can’t get through any other means of self expression.

For the fashionista’s you can now turn your pout into Polka Dot, Leopard or Fishnet prints that last through the night with Violent Lips. A fashionable line of Temporary Lip Tattoo Applique. The ultimate form of self-expression, the Violent Lips Collection offers a statement-making line of Lip patterns that range from bold animal prints and fun polka dots, to sexy fishnets. This innovative line of Temporary Lip Appliqués will keep the print and color on your lips for 4 to 8 hours. Vitamin enhanced with a smooth feel and glossy finish, the appliqués are easy to apply to lips of all sizes. Violent Lips was created by entertainment industry veteran Jeff Haddad and his daughters Isabella and Sophia. Violent Lips is a line of natural and vitamin enhanced temporary lip tattoos that stay put from the stage to the after-party. These FDA approved, vegan lip tattoos, are tested on supermodels, not animals and made in America. One pack of Violent Lips contains 3 applications. Follow the instructions on the back of each application or watch our online tutorials to help apply the product. The appliqué itself is applied and sealed using water much like a temporary tattoo. The patent pending appliqué removes easily with mineral or baby oil and a textured wipe. A trend to watch !!!

Leo Passage / Godfather Of Hairdressing

2011-11-21T16:29:00.000-08:00

Leo Passage / Godfather Of Hairdressing / 1936-2011

The life of Leo Passage is an inspirational story and the kind of stuff that dreams are made of to boot. He came to America from the Netherlands with his young wife of one week and created a network of educational programs for beauty schools that today spans the globe. Leo’s career began at 17 when he was sent to apprentice with a family friend in Holland, where he worked five days a week. On weekends, he returned to Belgium and worked Saturdays and Sundays in his father’s barbershop. His father encouraged him to venture out and try new things. This led him to the world of “competitions hairdressing” where he won more than 95 competitions. He then set his sights on American with a two-year contract at a salon owned by a French expat in Evanston, IL.

With his unique hairdressing techniques and the help of two full-time assistants, in six months he was serving fifty clients a day__ what most hairdressers might do in a week. However Leo could not walk away from the competition hairdressing world and began teaching his competition techniques around the country. By 1959 Leo captured the coveted titles of World Supreme Champion as well as Hairdresser of the Year and became the youngest member of the U.S. Hairdressing Team in Paris, France. With his reputation as original, fresh thinking innovative hair stylist Leo was asked to represent professional product companies, at beauty conventions held in hotel ballrooms to standing room only hairdressers.

Armed with a passion for teaching Leo walked away from his salon business and opened what was to become known as the Pivot Point Beauty Academy on the north side of Chicago. Leo had a dream of creating a path to success for hairdressers by teaching students to see, think, create and adapt as a designer — not just duplicate the latest fashion trends — but to be the innovator of these trends. His Pivot Point system embraced not just (the how to_ but the why it works) and remove the guess work with a systematic scientific approach that produced predictable results every time. He defined this as the Pivot Point Difference.

Beauty school owners soon took notice and began asking him to implement the “Pivot Point Hairdressing System” in their beauty schools throughout the United States. Over the past half century Pivot Point International has become a global company creating high-quality cosmetology and esthetics educational programs used in schools around the world. It’s estimated that more than a million hairdresser’s have studied the Pivot Point System of hairdressing, including a number of the industry’s most influential giants, leaders and educators. Today and into the future, Pivot Point continues to drive the paradigm shift in education by offering the educational materials and programs to help empower the next generation of designers to succeed in the beauty industry. Whether you dream of working or owning a salon or spa — or heading for Hollywood, the fashion stages and even the competitive arena, Pivot Point provides the most comprehensive hair and skin care education in the U.S. and around the World!

In an industry that champion’s individuality, Leo was a giant whose humility was well known—always sharing with others without self-interest, and possessing a timeless, creative spirit as fresh on the last day as on the first. He truly lived his life to the fullest, and inspired everyone to follow your heart and your dreams. In 2008, the L.E.O. Award for “Leadership, Education and Outstanding” contributions to the hairdressing profession was created to annually acknowledge the best and the brightest in the industry in an awards ceremony at the annual beauty show held in Chicago. His legacy will continue to live on in all Pivot Point educators and graduates in the best salons, spas and companies in the world.

Natalie Wood / Star Hair Style

2011-11-19T18:20:00.000-08:00

Drawing inspiration for the stars hair styles both past and present has become a national past time and Hollywood heart throb Natalie Wood is no exception. Natalie was one of the few child stars who made the successful transition from both teen and adult star. As a teenager she was a high school goddess, the one the boys all wanted and the girls imitated. Natalie was perfection: sophisticated, beautiful, elegant and approachable. Her classic bouncy bobbed and long face framing feminine hair styles set the hair style trend throughout the 60’s and is perfect for today’s care free lifestyles. What’s old is new again___ a trend to watch.

If you’re looking to trade in your long tired looking locks for a understate ultra sexy feminine hair style take a styling lesson from Natalie Wood and watch head turn when you show up with this simple classic look. To get the look let’s take it one step at a time, starting with style cut and styling.

LET’S SHAPE IT: Natalie’s style cut starts with a just off the shoulders layered and contoured silhouette for volume with side swept brow brushing bangs. This classic “time saving style”’ suits all age groups, face shapes and ideal for straight and wavy hair. With a few adjustments (trims as it grows) you can easily find the ideal length and shape for your hair, face shape and personal style.

Natalie’s classic understated hair style is loaded with sex appeal and is sure to get rave reviews. The shapely ultra feminine silhouette with side swept "brow brushing peek-a-boo" bangs gives it an alluring look. For the time challenged this classic shape almost styles itself. A quick tousle with a blow dryer and styling brush or a few twists around a styling iron and you’re ready for any occasion. You'll leave the salon signing, I feel Pretty__Oh so Pretty and Perky as well. And your girl friends are sure to be green with envy when they see all the men making a fuss over you and your new Natalie do’.

Oprah Winfrey / Star Hair Style

2011-11-09T14:22:00.000-08:00

Drawing inspiration from the hair style trends of our favorite stars and celebrities has become a national pass time. And none has had more influence on women’s hair styles than Oprah Winfrey. While she is best known as a TV host and producer, Oprah rarely shies away from trying something new, particularly when it comes to her beauty styling. And while she may have had some bumps along the way (really, who hasn't?), no matter how she has looked, Oprah has always stayed true to herself. Oprah may be known as the Queen of All Media but is just as famous for her ever-changing trend setting hairstyles. From curls to short bobs and bouffant styles, the talk show titan continuously keeps her fans guessing. Let’s take a peek back at her most memorable beauty looks over the years.

1986 Oprah Winfrey sports this short shag to the 43rd Annual Golden Globe Awards. It was all about volume for the soon-to-be-larger-than-life star. 1990 At a formal affair for the American All-Star Tribute she mixes it up with a French twist and layered bang. 1995 Having established her media dominance, Winfrey takes her look to a new sophisticated level. 1998 Oprah debuts her now trademark curls at the 24th Annual People’s Choice Awards. 1999 At the National Book Awards in New York City, Winfrey’s soft body and shake-ability style sets the tone for how many Black women want to wear their hair.

2002 With no-fuss cornrows, Winfrey concentrates on the kids while distributing Christmas gifts to underprivileged school children in the rural town of Harding, South Africa. 2004 As a media personality, Oprah keeps her appearance fresh with these soft, flowing curls at the Sesame Workshop’s Second Annual Benefit Gala. 2005 You know it’s a special occasion when she rocks with spiraling curls at the Broadway opening of “The Color Purple.” 2006 One of her favorite looks is seen at the TNT Black Movie Awards where she dons a soft half up, half down wavy style. 2006 Winfrey is honored at the New York Public Library’s Annual Library Lions Gala where she sports an elegant up-do that looks regal with her subtle highlights. 2009 For those who think that Oprah wears extensions for extra length, you better think again! Here she shows off her long hair in a natural soft blow dry style.

The hairdresser behind the magic__ it all started in 1985 when Andre Walker a Chicago salon owner saw Oprah’s new talk show “AM Chicago” and sent her a note, simply stating “I’m dying to get my hands on your hair”. Back then it was just Oprah, one publicist, and one producer, recalls Walker. The bold declaration earned him a tryout, and three years later, he was working with Oprah full-time. After decades of styling, Oprah says, Andre is "why I still have my hair." For her 50th birthday, Andre created a short, choppy look with a bit of a flip which is one of her favorite hair styles. Lately, he’s been doing ponytails with a little height on the top to stretch the time between blow dries.

To keep Oprah’s locks lush and beautiful on a regular basis, Walker avoids using blow dryers or irons on her hair more than three times per week and recommends pin curling or roller setting in between. His cardinal hair care rule is to keep the hair clean to avoid styling aid build-up and (condition, condition, condition), whether you think you need it or not. He recommends using a conditioner every time you shampoo, and a thick hair mask treatment once a week to help repair dry ends and add shine. He also will not do “two chemical treatments” at once. If I'm using a relaxer I don't color directly after. His secret for giving Oprah's hair styles a dazzling shine is to mix “equal parts” of his curl enhancing lotion and leave in conditioner with a few drops of his Q Oil shine serum combed through her wet hair.

Andre Walker is a seven-time Emmy winner and author of a beauty book “Andre Talks Hair” and has been Oprah Winfrey's personal hair stylist for the past 25 years. He also created the popular short sculptured “Halley Berry Style” and believes that all women, no matter their hair type or texture, need to make peace with their hair. He recently launched his own line of products sold on the Home Shopping Network designed for all hair types to help promote overall health, manageability and shine. Andre’s beauty products are available at www.andrewalkerhair.com

Vidal Sassoon Autobiography / Book Review

2011-10-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

Vidal Sassoon Autobiography
The most famous hairdresser in the world tells his fascinating life story

There’s no doubt that Vidal Sassoon revolutionized hairdressing in the way that his frequent collaborator, Mary Quant, revolutionized hemlines. It’s certain that the Swinging Sixties would have been decidedly less swinging had the celebrities of the day not been sporting his iconic geometric cuts. Sassoon’s approach to hair ushered in a modern era where women, once slaves of the salon, would be freed of the stand up dryer and able to “wash, blow and go” while breaking the rules of hair symmetry altogether.

Vidal Sassoon's extraordinary life has taken him from an impoverished childhood to global fame as the father of modern hairdressing, whose slick sharp style cuts took the fashion world by storm. His memoir begins with surprising and often moving stories of his early life—He then discusses his extraordinary career, during which he cut the hair of everyone who was anyone—including Mary Quant, Grace Coddington, Twiggy, Rita Hayworth, and Mia Farrow; launched salons all over the world; founded the hairdressing school that still bears his name; and became a global brand.

When asked what he thinks of today’s popular hairstyles. He says that although there are a lot of beautiful hair cuts today most do nothing for the face and would love to see some beautiful face framing cutting come back. He most regrets having sold his salon only hair products to Richardson-Vicks and a year later it was sold to Proctor and Gamble which took the hair products out of the salons and into the mass market.

If you skim over all the celebrity stuff Vidal’s autobiography is an inspiring rags to riches story. For me it was interesting to see how the hair industry that we take so for grant these days evolved from the 1900's. Filled with pictures his book is a compelling memoir of a genuine fashion icon that reinvented the art of hairdressing in the 20 century. Perhaps Vidal’s most important legacy is the signature techniques taught around the world today at Vidal Sassoon Academies and his memorable TV commercial slogan __ (when you look good, we look good). This book and his first (Sorry to keep you waiting madam) have found a place on my book shelf. Available at Amazon.com

Why Do Hair Styles Have Names?

2011-08-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

The Bob, the Gibson, Classic Page Boy, Shag, EMO, Pixie, Punk, Duck Tail, Crew Cut, Buz Cut or celebrity names, Jackie O, Rachel, Farah and any number of names have been used to describe a hair style. Sassoon called his hair styling GEOMETRIC hair designs and went on to give each a commercial name (Greek Goddess, Isadora, etc) but most people simply called it a Sassoon haircut.

I'm often asked what I call my hair styles. After pondering the question and understanding that it’s a communications issue I came up with the name, (BIO MORPHIC / LIFE FORM) hair styles. Bio Morphic hair styles come in every length, shape, color and texture (straight, curly, wavy and combinations). All have one thing in common they don’t have a name. Each is a one of a kind (unique hair style), designed to hold their shape as they grow (BIO / LIFE), and a shape that’s balanced from all points of view (MORPHIC / FORM) and designed for “Self Styling”.

If you feel a hair style must be christened give it a commercial name. However nothing dates a hair style like a name. Without a name a style is never dated. For me hair styling should be a Personal Experience not Commercial….Your thoughts

Diane Sawyer / Star Hair Style

2011-08-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

Diane Sawyers big break came about when she changed her natural ash brown hair color to a glamorous honey blonde and the rest his history. Diane recently opted for a classic mid length shapely bob to complement here busy life style.

If you’re searching for a glam hair color and trendy style Diane Sawyer’s face framing style and glam honey blond hair color is an excellent starting point for those looking for a simple classic hair style to complement an active. To get the look, let’s take it one step at a time; staring with a style cut and shaping.

LET’S SHAPE IT: Diane’s style starts with a just off the shoulders layered and contoured silhouette for volume and side swept brow brushing bangs. This classic “time saving style”’ is ideal for straight and wavy hair and suits most face shapes. With a few adjustments (trims as it grows) you can easily find the ideal length and shape for your hair, face shape and personal style.

LET’S STYLE IT: For style support we start with a dab of styling foam, gel mousse or spray gel. To put your style in motion and add volume, toss your hair upside down and give it a quick tousle with a blow dryer. If your locks look a bit dry or frizzy a dab of styling cream will tame it. For a dressy look, a quick twist around your styling iron gets the look. After, tuck one side over your ear and add red glossy lip stick, eye liner and shadow, diamond stud earrings and you’ve got the look.

NOW, LET’S COLOR IT: To get the look, Diane’s natural ash brown hair color is lightened with a high lift Honey blonde color for a golden sun kissed look. To keep this up the new growth is touched up every 4-6 week.

Diane’s colorful style is the stuff that dreams are made of and is loaded with sex appeal. The shapely silhouette with side swept "brow brushing" bangs gives it shapely casual look. For your time challenged life this classic shape’ almost styles itself. Just give it a quick tousle with a blow dryer and styling brush and your good to go. The sun kissed hair color puts those few gray hair’s stylishly under cover and is sure to get rave reviews. Heads will turn and girl friends will be green with envy when you show up with Diane Sawyers style and hair color.

For Diane Sawyers hair style and color visit
(http://www.georgecaroll.com/salon-info.htm)

Booked Solid by Paul J DiGrigoli

2011-08-11T08:09:00.000-07:00

Booked Solid by Paul J DiGrigoli
Ultimate Guide to Getting and Keeping Clients

Paul J DiGrigoli’s motivational book, Booked Solid contains all he's learned over the past 30 years to become a booked solid hairdresser, successful salon and beauty school owner and world renowned motivational speaker. In Booked Solid, you'll learn: the business of being a hairdresser, how to market yourself, 4 ways to increase your sales and services, who will help you succeed and how to find them, how to use your natural talents to boost your business, how to fire up your creativity, the vital link between self-care and success, the 4 reasons clients leave and the 4 reason they stay and why loving what you do takes the WORK out of life!

Paul’s success however, was neither automatic nor guaranteed. Growing up in a small town in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts and born into a family of hairdressers it was Paul’s uncle a barber who encouraged him to become a hairdresser telling him to go to a big city and learn the latest methods and come back as a super star. So Paul set off to become a hairdresser in the “big” city of Boston. However, he only got as far as Springfield, Massachusetts where he enrolled in cosmetology school at the Springfield Technical Community College and lived in a tiny little room in the YMCA where he offered haircuts in the lobby for three dollars. After graduating from Beauty College and working in a few local salons Paul attended a hair cutting course at Vidal Sassoon in Santa Monica, California and had an epiphany which is what how to become a Booked Solid hairdresser is all about.

Over the years Paul has had his share of disappointments and set backs, including losing almost half of his business when seven stylists walked out of his salon. However, as he makes clear in his Seminars and Booked Solid, that adversity made him stronger mentally, physically, emotionally and financially – by refocusing his goals and plans. Paul believes you can literally turn a negative into a positive. He knows, because it worked for him. He acknowledges that it seems he had to hit rock bottom in order to grow like crazy and get to where he is today. Paul is grateful for his success and what he has learned about personal development. He feels that part of his mission in life is to share with others what he has learned.

Booked Solid points out the 4 reasons clients leave unsatisfied and the 4 reason they stay with you for years. And highlights and explores the top 10 things you must do all the time to become a Booked Solid Hairdresser. Some are technical; some are how you act. For example always be on time; in fact be early and enthusiastic. Become an overachiever do everything at 200%. Surround yourself with great people and great coaches. Always act and dress professionally. To become Booked Solid you must also create raving fans. You must generate the “WOW” factor. If the client leaves thinking, “I just got a quick haircut or hair color” then you haven’t accomplished your mission. The goal is to make each clients visit a “hair styling experience” one they look forward too every time they see you.

Booked Solid in paperback is also available on a CD along with How to Become a Super Instructor; inspire and drive your student’s passion and energy for years to come. Master Your Salon’s Future; discover the techniques to take your salon in a new direction, create a new game plan and the steps to make your existing salon better. The Competitive Edge; learn how to evaluate your own salon, both from a competitors’ perspective and financially. Position yourself in the marketplace through powerful and effective branding. Cultivate your team and resolve staffing issues. Momentum it’s the Name of the Game, master the ability to solve problems and make decisions. Discover the steps to fulfillment and success. Learn the levels of professional progression. Build confidence, control your focus, and magnify your attitude!

Over my 40 plus year career I’ve had the good fortune to personally meet and be inspired by many amazing hairdressers that have changed my life. I can now add Paul J DiGrigoli and it could not have happened at a better time. Whether you’re a new-be or veteran hairdresser and want to learn how to become a BOOK SOLID hairdresser then I highly recommend you order this career altering book__ Available in paperback or CD at www.DiGrigoli.com

Kalology / Study Of Beauty

2011-07-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

Kalology is the study of “psychological aspects of beauty”, especially with the components as they relate to appearance. The subject of aesthetics and how it relates to beauty was introduced by Plato and enlarged upon by Aristotle. Aesthetics attempts to explain the human reaction to beauty, and whether this reaction is objective or subjective; for instance, whether beauty is a universal concept, or whether environment affects a person's taste and what is considered beautiful.

Kalology (the study of beauty) is the corner stone of both Cosmetology and Dermatology and the line between both have become blurred with the introduction of Medi-Spa’s. A Medi-Spa is a hybrid between a medical clinic and salon day spa that operates under the supervision of medical doctor. They tend to have a more clinical atmosphere than salon day spas and offer laser hair removal, microdermabrasion, photofacials, injectables like Botox, chemical peels and medical grade skin care treatments and products.

Leading the way in this new approach to skin care is Tracy Brennan a former advertising executive and model. Tracy’s interest in skin care grew largely as a result of skin conditions she attributed to hormonal imbalances and stress. Drawing on here advertising expertise she named her company Kalologie. The Kalologie 360’ Skin Care Spa and Kalologie Medi Clinic's are owned and operated by doctors and staffed with highly trained skin care practitioners to formulate a plan that’s based on each individual’s skin care objectives and deliver real results.

Whether combating the signs of aging, struggling with the effects of acne, or just searching for a healthier-looking complexion, Kalologie 360 skin care and medi spa’s offers its own pharmaceutical/medical grade skin care products and personalized treatment solutions to address the unique challenges of each individual’s skin.

With the growing interest in both surgical and non-surgical medical procedures and a youth orientated culture it’s no surprise that within a few short years, Kalologie skin care spa’s and medi-clinic’s have been rated one of the top 10 skin care clinics in America and has set a new standard for professional personal care at it best. This truly is a trend to watch as both Cosmetology and Dermatology join hands in the study of beauty and American Beauty Culture.

Bye Bye Blond, Hello Red

2011-07-14T13:16:00.000-07:00

Redheads throughout history have often been portrayed as fiery and seductive; from Queen Elizabeth I to Cleopatra (who some argue was a redhead). Sexy red hair is something Hollywood has loved from its early days. Think of Clara Bow the redheaded “It Girl”, Lucille Ball and Maureen O’Hara with their playful confident personalities and Rita Hayworth’s bombshell sexuality and you've got it. Today dazzling redheads like Lindsay Lohan, Debra Messing, Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman continue to light up the silver screen with their ravishing red hair. Hardly a day goes by that we don’t hear of some actress such as Scarlett Johansson, and Blake Lively or brunet Rihanna switching to a ginger tinge.

For years the hair fashion industry has been obsessed with blonds. Make no mistake, blond hair isn't going out of style any time soon but red hair has been a blazing hot trend in hair color in recent years. The color makes a bold statement and offers the opportunity for redefining a hair style and what better way then as a redhead. The punchy hue is as much of an attention grabber as any bold fashion accessory and one can hardly blend in the crowd when sporting it.

Red hair comes in many shades. For those that would like to become a redhead adding copper, strawberry, apricot and auburn highlights or lowlights with a foil weaving technique can achieve a natural or dramatic look. This dimensional effect is eye-catching and far from ordinary for those who like creative look. Because there are dozens of ravishing red hues it can be difficult to know which shade is right for you. To determine what shade would suit you best and which to avoid a visit with a professional hair colorist is well worth the time and expense. Before you make an appointment clip a few pictures from magazines with colors you’re interested in trying and show them to the colorist….a picture is worth a thousand words!

A redhead isn't just a hair color it's an attitude. If it were a formula I’d mix two parts red hair, one part personality, plus two parts sexual confidence. It’s said that Blonds have more fun, but Redheads are never forgotten. Bette Midler (singer-actress) may have said it best, "Gentlemen may prefer blonds, but it takes a he-man to handle a redhead."

MakeOver Magic / Nick Arrojo

2011-06-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

Makeover magician, celebrity stylist, multi-award-winning pioneer of modern hairdressing and self claimed “world's best razor-cutter” is also the author of the Great Hair Beauty Book. Imported from Manchester England and Sassoon trained, Nick Arrojo is known worldwide for his ability to give women hairstyles that bring out their individual beauty.

Not so long ago millions of What Not to Wear viewers would tune in to see him transform women’s outdated styles or unflattering hair styles into fresh contemporary looks. Most importantly Nick helped women realize their hair’s true beauty potential. In doing so he not only changes their hair styles but also changes the way they feel about themselves.

His beauty book, Great Hair was written with the general public in mind, but makes an interesting read for the professional hairdresser as well.

Great Hair reveals his styling secrets giving the reader a complete education about hair including: Identifying your hair type and how that impacts the cut, color and style. Understanding hair products, styling tools and how to use them to style your hair. How to choose the right hair color that enhances the style and dispels the myths and outdated ideas about hair. His six step guide to finding a hairdresser and how to talk about your hair and what to expect from a salon visit I found very interesting.

Chapter Three, “The Ultimate Hairstyling Guide” features dozens of before and after makeover's with examples of how a beautiful face-framing shape can enhance your unique facial features. Nick points out that to make your hair easy to style everyday it must be cut and shaped preferably with a RAZOR and match the hair’s natural texture and characteristic (straight, curly, wavy, thick or thin) for a hairstyle that works with not against itself. Knowing and using the strengths of your hair type allows you to have a modern, sexy, youthful and healthy no-fuss hair style everyday or dress it up for special occasions with ease. And best of all, no more spending cash trying the latest trendy hairdo’s that your natural hair can’t handle.

The Great Hair Book is all about getting to know your own unique hair type and the important role it plays in finding the right hairstyle which I totally agree. It was refreshing to finally hear a hairstylist talk about styling hair from a purely natural point of view point. His web site (www.nickarrojo.com) features a creative ONLINE Magazine filled with fashion images and worth taking a closer look.

Despite his checker board beauty show and television show schedule, you can still see the maestro himself at his New York studio. A makeover appointment on the selected days starts at $500. The Great Hair beauty book is available at www.amazon.com

Quick Response Beauty / Q R

2011-06-16T16:56:00.000-07:00

So you already have great, fresh content on your website—what’s next? Have you heard of QR codes yet? Here is a quick introduction. Similar to an old-fashioned bar code, a QR (which stands for "quick response") code is a black and white graphic box holding valuable information (that can be scaned and read) quickly by a smart cell phone. They come to us from Japan where they are very common and look like this.

You'll soon be seeing QR Codes in a beauty magazine advert, on a billboard, a web page or even on someone’s t-shirt. Once it is in your cell phone, it may give you details about that business (allowing users to search for nearby locations on the internet), show you a URL which you can click to see a trailer for a movie, or it may give you a coupon which you can use in a local outlet or details about the person wearing its on the t-shirt.

The reason why they are becoming widely used is that modern cell phones can scan (take a picture) of them. The cell phone needs a QR code reader and only take’s a minute for a iPhone or Android phone to install the reader. You can easily generate your own (quick response) QR code using a site like (www.kimtag.com) or the new Google QR generator and its free.

Your salon, no matter how small or large, can use QR codes in a number of ways. Here are a few examples of how others are using them. You could add one to your business card containing your contact details so its easy for someone to add you to their contacts on their cell phone. Add them to any print advertising, flyers, posters, invites, TV ads, product details, contact details, salon offer details, event details, a coupon, Twitter, Facebook, MySpace IDs or a link to your YouTube video.

Today, few may be using them, but those that do use Quick Response codes will definitely love how easy it is to find your business on the web,Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube etc. Using QR codes for your salon marketing is a very smart move. They’re topical, they’re unusual, they’re clever … and they’re definitely cool and edgy. We are only just scratching the surface of how this new technology will be used. That’s iNSTANT marketing – Quick Response Beauty___ you have to love it.

American HairColorists Summit Review

2011-06-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

Hundreds of creative Haircolorist's from across the country met in Los Angeles at the Merritt Airport Hotel over the weekend to attend the Eleventh Annual Energizing ABCH Summit. The event is a high-level haircolor seminar where individual hair stylist's learn how to use the latest hair coloring techniques and products. The Summit is sponsored by the American Board of Certified Haircolorist's, an organization of hair colorists whose mission is to raise the degree of expertise of hair colorists around the country.

My wife who is also a hair stylist and amazing hair colorist to boot and I attended the ABCH summit and were trilled with the number and variety of classes available. I saw techniques used and learned color concepts I had never seen before, and I've been coloring hair for what now seems like forever...lol. The number of hair colorists teaching the "hands-on classes" made it really easy to understand. I also enjoyed the salon marketing class and hair color forum, where a panel of color artist's were willing to share their experience and answer questions the audience posed to them. The information and their insights were well worth the time and expense.

What I was most impressed with was the level of professionalism and appearance of the hair stylists that attended the summit. Not at all like the trailer trash look you see at beauty shows these days. Also it was held at the Merritt LAX hotel which gave the entire experience a warm and friendly feeling unlike the ice cold impersonal atmosphere of convention centers beauty shows.

The American Board of Certified Haircolorists is not sponsored by hair color manufactures, so all the information was generic and could be used with your favorite brands. At the end of the day I was excited to get back to the salon and try the technique I've learned. There were so many interesting classes I would have enjoyed taking, but didn't have the time. However I've made plans to attend their next summit

For a list of the 2011 American Board of Certified Haircolorists Summits visit (www.haircolorist.com) TEL: 1 310 547 0814

Cameron Diaz / Star Hair Style

2011-06-09T17:12:00.000-07:00

Drawing inspiration from the hair style trends of our favorite stars and celebrities has become a national pass time. One such star hairstyle is cinema beauty Cameron Diaz. Like many stars her big break came about when Cameron changed her natural dark brown hair color to a glamorous golden and honey blonde hue for the part of a famine fatal in the movie “The Mask”. What more can be said about changing your hair color?

TO GET THE LOOK: Are you searching for a totally new hair color? If that's the case, take a hair styling class from Cameron Diaz. Her long sexy face framing style and glam honey blond hair color is an excellent starting point. Be forewarned, this sun kissed color and sassy style is a dude magnet. To get the look, let’s take it one step at a time; staring with a style cut and shaping.

LET’S SHAPE IT: Cameron’s style starts with a long layered contoured silhouette for volume and side swept peak-a-boo bangs for an alluring look. This sassy “time saving” do’ is idea for straight and wavy hair and suits most face shapes. With a few adjustments (trims as it grows) you can easily find the ideal length and shape for your hair, face shape and personal style.

LET’S STYLE IT: For style support start with a dab of styling foam, gel mousse or nothing at all. To get your style in motion and add volume, toss your hair upside down and give it a quick tousle with a blow dryer. If your locks look a bit dry or frizzy a dab of styling cream will tame it. For a dressy look, a quick twist around your styling iron or a fist full of hot rollers gets the look. After, tuck one side over your ear and add red glossy lip stick, eye liner and shadow, diamond stud earrings and you’ve got the look.

NOW, LET’S COLOR IT: Star’s change their hair color often for the many rolls they play and is how Cameron became a blond. To get the look, her natural dark brown hair color is lightened several shades with cream bleach giving it an overall Honey blonde tone. After, Flaxen and Champagne blonde strands are sprinkled throughout with a professional foil weaving technique giving it a natural sun kissed look. To keep this up the new growth is lightened with cream bleach or a high-lift tint every 6 week and highlighted every three months. This bit of hair color magic will cost a few extra bucks but hey; just look what it did for Cameron Diaz.

Cameron’s colorful style is the stuff that dreams are made of and loaded with sex appeal. Its shapely silhouette with center part or side swept "peak-a-boo" bangs give it the alluring look. For your time challenged life this sassy do’ almost styles itself. Just give it a quick tousle with a blow dryer and styling brush and your good to go. The dreamy two toned hair color looks so au natural it’s sure to get rave reviews. Heads will turn and girl friends will be green with envy when you show up with Cameron’s sassy do' and dreamy hair color.

No Compromise Leadership

2011-06-04T17:11:00.000-07:00

Neil Ducoff has gained international respect as the guru of team-based compensation and has coached more than 3,500 businesses, including Aveda, Gillette, Proctor & Gamble, Planet Wings, Canmeng International Taiwan, Profound Beauty Products, Kerastase Paris, Eveline Charles Canada and L’Oreal, on how to achieve the highest levels of success and profitability, while creating a positive, rewarding workplace. Besides this award-winning No-Compromise Leadership book, he’s also the author of Fast Forward, the salon and spa industry’s only business reference manual.

At first I thought who needs another book on business? Just a few pages in and I knew this book was worth the time to read. Neil has written a blueprint on exactly how not to accept good enough. No-Compromise Leadership is not a book about what you want to hear, but what you need to hear to be successful. This isn’t pie-in-the-sky, feel-good book. This is about having the business you want. No Compromise Leadership guides you step-by-step to a business that’s profitable with happy, productive employees and loyal customers.

Compromise is the path of least resistance. It’s easier to avoid a leadership responsibility than to do it. It’s easier to avoid addressing a difficult employee’s behavior issues than to resolve them. It’s easier to deliver mediocre rather than world-class customer service. Don’t blame the competition, the economy or your employees for holding your business back. The real culprit is compromise at the leadership level. No-Compromise Leadership is a wake-up call for salons both large and small, and an antidote to the mediocrity that afflicts so many.

No-Compromise Leadership is a two-phase process. First, learn what it takes to become a true no-compromise leader – and how to get there, based on where you are now with your own thinking and behavior. Second, learn to create a dynamic no-compromise salon culture, committed to driving the Four Business Outcomes – productivity, profitability, staff retention and customer loyalty. “Truly inspiring…the right questions with the right answers and, more importantly, fun to read. Neil Ducoff makes becoming a no-compromise leader easy. So much so, I have adopted the no-compromise concept into all I do. No-Compromise Leadership is a must-read for every salon owner.

American Board of Certified HairColorist's / Summit

2011-05-23T15:09:00.000-07:00

American Board of Certified HairColorists
Presents the 11^th annual
2011 ENERGIZING SUMMIT in Los Angeles

Scheduled for June 12 and 13, 2011 at the Marriott Hotel LAX, this is the nation's premier haircolor educational conference for Haircolorists. The 600+ haircolorists who are expected to attend the Summit will select from 147 separate classes conducted by 43 of America’s premier Board Certified Haircolorist and educators. Now in its 11th year, the Energizing Summit will provide attendees with the advantage of honing their skills and learning new techniques in small classes, allowing for easy interaction with the educators. Also, new and emerging hair colorists can attend classes dedicated to helping them prepare for the various segments of the American Board of Certified Haircolorists examination.

The American Board of Certified HairColorists

The certification of hair colorists has long been a vision of Andre Nizetich, master hair colorist and president of the American Board of Certified Haircolorist. The goal of the ABCH from it outset has been to establish a standard by which to judge competence and to acknowledge the level of excellence achieved in haircolor, thus creating creditability in the eyes of the consumer. New technology and techniques require we continue to upgrade our skills. Becoming a Board Certified Haircolorist sets qualified individuals apart from the masses and establishes a higher level of professionalism and credibility for the consumer. As a Board Certified Haircolorists, you can be recognized as being among the most knowledgeable haircolorists in America. And as in all professions, the consumer will seek out those certified for their expert knowledge and service excellence.

Summit Pricing and Discounts

The 20% discount starts on the opening day of registration, February 1st, and continues to the end of February. The price of the Energizing Summit is $300. If you are an ABCH member, you may attend the Summit for $250. This pricing makes the Energizing Summit very affordable. Even the Marriott Hotel at the LAX Airport is joining in on our 11th anniversary celebration by reducing the room rates to $112 per night.

The American Board of Certified Haircolorists in available to answer your questions regarding the advancement of your skills as a haircolorist. For list of the classes and educators visit the web site at (www.haircolorist.com). American Board of Certified Haircolorists PO Box 9090 San Pedro, CA 90734 / Phone: (310) 547-0814 / Email: andre@haircolorist.com I plan on attending the summit and hope you can as well.

Cosmetic Innovations / Nano Technology

2011-05-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

Cosmetic Innovation was all the rage in the 20th century and continue's to be a driving force in the 21st. Today's technology is turning beauty salons into spa's and our everyday salon products (shampoo's, conditioners, styling aids) into "Spa-Like-Treatments " and Nano-Technology is leading the way.

In Principle Nano-technology Can:

Maximize color retention
Dramatically improves hair condition
Provides thermal and color protection
Dramatically rebuilds and repairs damaged hair
Repair, restore moisturize and strengthen
Speeds up drying time up to 75% faster

Watch for ..."Nano On The Label".

Nanotechnology - Nanotechnology has been used in cosmetics since the early 1990s but it was only during the last decade that marketers caught on and started using it to improve personal care products. The technology is promising but questions about safety have led to a backlash that could short circuit widespread use.

Today Nanotechnology is currently used mostly in sunscreen however I think shampoo, hair color and conditioning treatments will all benefit from this budding technology in the near future.Nano Beauty a trend to watch

Reese Witherspoon / Star Hair Style

2011-05-07T18:33:00.000-07:00

Drawing inspiration from the hair style trends of our favorite stars and celebrities has become a national pass time. One such star whose hair style is emulated by young women around the globe is Hollywood sweet heart Reese Witherspoon. This Southern Bell knows how to “walk the style line” in a stylish grown up way. Her million dollar smile, adorable dimples and “legally blonde” hair color is irresistible to men attracted to the feminine Southern Bell type and quiet the catch for those dudes that go for all things blond.

TO GET THE LOOK: Are you up for a colorful ultra feminine color and style? If that’s the case, take a hair styling lesson from Reese Witherspoon. Her blonde sometimes straight and wavy locks with side-swept bangs frame her heart shaped face perfectly. This Southern Bell hairdo’ is a “show stopper”. So be prepared to stop men dead in their tracks when you strut by with your “legally blonde” hair style. To get the look, let’s take it one step at a time; starting with a style cut and shaping.

LET'S SHAPE IT: To get the look, start with a shoulder length or longer silhouette with full or side swept brow bangs and face framing layer’s starting just below the chin. This versatile style gives you both a dressy or casual look and complements most face shapes, especially those with angular features like Reese’s. With a few adjustments (trims & tweaks) as it grows you can find the ideal length for your face shape, features and style.

LET'S STYLE IT: For style support, start with a puff of your favorite styling mousse or spray gel or nothing at all. Comb either through damp hair, tip your head forward and give it a quick tousle with your blow dry for shape and volume. After, if your locks look a bit dry or frizzy, a dab of styling cream will tame it. For a dressy look, a quick turn around a large barrel styling iron or a handful of jumbo rollers and a light brushing or finger comb and your good to go. To turn up the glam, add earrings, glossy lip stick, eye liner and shadow, a square tip French manicure and you’ve got Reese Witherspoon’s star style.

NOW, LETS COLOR IT: Actress’s change their hair color often for the many roles they play and Reese’s is no exception. Her colorful locks are given a warm pale golden blonde hue with a high lift tint to define the shape. For a bit more pizzazz, Flaxen blonde highlights and contrasting Nutmeg low lights are sprinkled around the face with a foil weaving technique. After a clear glaze seals-in the color and turns up the shine. To keep the blonde hue fresh and vibrant a "color enhancing blonde shampoo" is used weekly. This colorful work of art will cost a few extra Paso’s but it’s a small price to pay for all the attention you’ll get. And after all, aren’t you worth it?

Reese Witherspoon’s colorful style is a work of art and a thing of beauty to behold. This versatile ultra-feminine do’ is perfect for your “time challenged” life style. All it takes is a quick tousle with your blow dry, a few turns around your styling iron for a causal look or a handful of jumbo rollers and you’re ready for any occasion. The warm golden blonde hue and face framing highlights let’s everyone know this stunning blonde is not one of those “home color job”. So be prepared for your girl friends to scream OMG your so glam and that special someone’s heart to skip a beat when you show up with this “legally blonde Southern Bell” style. For Reese Witherspoon's star style visit a salon stylist and make your hair shine like the stars.

Donald Trump / Star Hair Style

2011-04-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Drawing inspiration from the hair style trends of our favorite stars and celebrities has become a national past time. One such celebrity hair style is that of International property developer and television star Donald Trump. His trade mark comb-over hair style and techno-color hair” is a tonsorial work of art.

TO GET THE LOOK: Are you watching your hairline fade and feel that there’s nothing you can do about it, short of a hair transplant? Before you give up, take a styling lesson from Donald Trump’s and put your base ball cap away. To get the look, let’s take it one step at a time; starting with a style cut and shaping.

LET’S SHAPE IT: To cover this much landscape will require a building permit and full set of architectural hair styling plans. To get the look, start with a long layered silhouette and low slung side part combed over the crown to put the blank spot stylishly under cover. The sides and front are long and tapered with a few “love locks” to cover the hairline. With a few adjustments (tweaks) as it grows you can easily find the ideal length and shape for your style.

LET’S STYLE IT: To get all 500 hairs flying in formation start with a dab of shaping gel or gel mousse to thicken and add style support. Just run either through damp hair and give it a quick blast with a blow dryer for a full look. After part and swoop the hair across the top, flipped the front back and push it forward to cover the receding hairline. To hold this tonsorial master piece in place finish with extra hold special FX hairspray and you’re good to go.

NOW, LET’S COLOR IT: If your hair color is fading away and graying around the temples like Donald Trump’s a light golden brown tint will wash the gray away and give the thin hair a thicker look. After, a clear glaze seals-in the color and turns up the shine. To prevent the color from fading prematurely a light brown color enhancing shampoo is used weekly. To keep it up the new growth is re-tinted once a month. This will cost a few extra bucks but is well worth time and expense for a youthful look.

Now that you have your fading hairline covered with a few “love locks” you can put your base ball cap away. The low side part combed over the crown puts the blank spot stylishly under cover. The full look with neckline over the collar gives you a sporty look. Trading in your graying hair for a light natural brown hue defines the shape and washed the gray away for a youthful look. Heads will turn and your pals will wonder “What’s Up Dude” when they see the babe's making a fuss over you and your Donald Trump comb-over do’.

George Caroll / Hollywood Hair Stylist: Tax Deductible Haircuts

2011-04-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

George Caroll / Hollywood Hair Stylist: Tax Deductible Haircuts: "HOW ABOUT A TAX DEDUCTIBLE HAIRCUT? Jump-start the economy & improve America's Face Value With the high cost of salon visit's today the..."

Tax Deductible Haircuts

2011-04-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

HOW ABOUT A TAX DEDUCTIBLE HAIRCUT?

Jump-start the economy & improve America's Face Value

With the high cost of salon visit's today the vast majority of American's can’t afford to visit a salon on a regular basis. I have a solution, how about a tax deductible hair cut? It would jump-start the economy, stimulate the beauty industry and improve America's face value.

A simple $100 per year (deduction) for grooming would go a long way to cover the cost for this healthy service the professional beauty industries (salons) provide. As the saying goes, when you look good, you feel good, it’s the essence of what we professional's provide. It’s much more than a hairdo' or simply an accessory to fashion.

Think of what this would do to stimulate the beauty industry and help every American afford to look their best. Research has shown that only a small percentage of the population can afford to visit a salon. As a result the vast majority of people have never experienced what a salon visit can do to build confidence and improve their appearance both physically and emotionally.

Many of you reading this thought provoking article may get a "few giggles" out of it, but people in the public eye and entertainment industry have been deducting personal care services for years, legally. And many corporations and businesses require their employee's to look well groomed at their own expense and hair is a big part of that.

We've been getting clipped for years, isn’t it time for a trim?
How about a tax deductible haircut?

Emma Roberts / STAR HAIR STYLES

2011-04-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

Drawing inspiration from the hair style trends of our favorite stars and celebrities has become a national pass time. One such star hair style that has everyone taking notice is Hollywood starlet Emma Roberts. Emma has recently joined the ranks of Hollywood blondes following the footsteps of her aunt Julia Roberts. Emma’s movie star persona and new sun kissed Honey blonde hair color has guys stopping dead in the tracks.

TO GET THE LOOK: Do you feel like the wall flower at the party? Do the guys seldom give you a second glance? If that’s the case take a style and hair color lesson from Emma Roberts and find out why blonds get all the attention. Careful what you wish for this ultra-feminine look is a “dude magnet”. To get the look, let’s take it one step at a time; starting with a custom style cut and shaping.

LET’S SHAPE IT: To get the look start with a long face framing silhouette, layered for volume with side swept peek-a-boo bangs. This ultra feminine hair style is best suited for rectangle, diamond, heart and oval face shapes with high cheek bones. With a few adjustments (trims and tweaks) as it grows you can easily find the ideal length and shape for your look.

LET’S STYLE IT: To put the style in motion, start with a dab of your favorite styling mousse, spray gel or nothing at all. Comb either through damp hair to dry in place au natural or toss your hair over and give it a quick blow dry for volume. For a dressy look a few turns with a styling iron around the face is all it takes. Just start with small sections and slide the strands through your curling iron so that the end is at the bottom of the curling wand. This will give your hair a tighter curl on the ends and soft face framing wave. Pull it up or tie back off the shoulder with a clip or accent ribbon and your good to go girl.

NOW, LET’S COLOR IT: Emma’s fabulous hair color is no ordinary drug store hair color job. To give it a multi-tonal sun kissed color Emma’s natural dark brown hair color is first lightened with a high lift tint for Honey blonde hue. For the natural sun kissed look thin strips of blond are added with a foil weaving technique. This bit of hair color magic will require a visit with a salon hair colorist but is well worth the extra time and expense for all the attention your get.

EMMA ROBERTS face framing hair style with side swept peek-a-boo bangs gives you a sophisticated chic look. A quick blow dry and a once over with a curling iron and like magic your ready for any occasion. The Honey blonde color and highlights look so au-natural it will have everyone wondering “does she or doesn’t she”. You’re sure to get rave reviews and your girl friends green with envy when they see those dudes making a fuss over you and your new hair color and style.

Elizabeth Taylor / Style Icon

2011-03-23T19:49:00.000-07:00

Not many women can burn through five dozen film roles, two Oscar wins, three more nominations, seven husbands, six marriages, and four kids while still finding the time to look stunning - but actress Elizabeth Taylor made it work, albeit with a few bumps along the way.

At the age of twelve Liz dazzled the world in her debut film “National Velvet” and mesmerized all with her astounding beauty and the most famous eyes of the twentieth century. Then there was her fashion sense --particularly through the 1950’s 1960’s, and 1970’s-- that for better or worse was more than memorable. In the 50s she was voted the Most Beautiful Woman in the World and she holds the record for the most appearances on the cover of Life magazine: eleven in all. It was then that she set the template for her Hollywood-on-steroids look. Her wardrobe was filled with lavish fur coats and jewels so over the top that they looked like paste. Her fur collection gave her a larger than life appearance that Lady Gaga should be envious of.

In 1963, her makeup for the filming epic Cleopatra cemented the look of Taylor’s flashing sapphire eyes, rimmed in kohl and framed by strong, immaculately arched natural brows. She carried it over into her off-set styling and popularized the look. And when Taylor grew out her signature short midge haircut of the 1950s into a 1960s bouffant, so did women everywhere. In the ‘70s, she made turbans, big sunglasses and pantsuits look chic. In the ‘80s, she rocked big hair and big shoulder pads. Elizabeth Taylor was the definition of glamor and style.

Her Jewelry collection was legendary; the Grand Duchess of Russia’s Emeralds, 69-carat Burton-Taylor diamond, a 33-carat Krupp diamond ring, the La Peregrina Pearls, Taj Mahal heart-shaped yellow diamond necklace and assortment of sapphires, emeralds, rubies and diamonds, each a lover’s gift larger than the last. As businesswomen, her signature fragrance white diamonds launched in 1991 is said to be one of the most celebrity fragrances of all time.

Elizabeth Taylor was a ultimate movie star, a fashion icon, and a tireless activist and fund raiser for AIDS research. The term style icon has become so devalued in recent years to have become almost meaningless, but Liz Taylor was one of the very few women who can lay claim to having a truly iconic look, unapologetic-ally glamorous, a Hollywood star to the core. She was the image and voice for American Beauty Culture throughout her life.

Apollo Styling Brush / MADE IN AMERICA

2011-03-17T19:54:00.000-07:00

Anthony Battaglia President of United Salon Associates (USA) and inventor of the “Royal Blue” Mark II styling combs has recently introduced his latest innovation “The Apollo Styling Brush” in three sizes with plans to manufacture a full line of Professional Hair Styling Tools, combs, styling brushes, flat irons and hair dryers all made and assembled in the USA by Americans.

Anthony Battaglia began his beauty industry career over 40 years ago at 21 years old as a hairdresser. After two years as a stylist he designed and patented a unique styling tool called the Mark II. This innovative invention had a comb with teasing ridges at one end and fine stainless steel prongs at the other end. Today, the Mark II is still the single largest selling styling implement in the beauty industry.

The APOLLO brushes are designed with 100% reinforced Boar bristle with 2 rows of extended non scratch Ion infused “poly pins”. This innovative feature makes it easier to style by using the “poly pins” to penetrate the hair and lift the hair over the Boar bristles adding far more control then traditional round brushes and speeds the drying process while the Boar bristles gives the hair a smooth shiny Healthy Looking finish. The comfort grip handle allows the brush to turn freely in the hand and is just one more unique custom feature build into the APOLLO line of round styling brushes. What’s more the Apollo Brushes are manufactured exclusively in USA by Americans using the highest quality components and are guaranteed against breakage in normal use.

APOLLO Professional Styling Brushes available in three sizes
(2 inch Small Round) (Medium Round 2 ½ inch) (Large Round 3 inch)
Retails for $19.95 each.

Salon Professional Discount 20 % off plus free S&H $14.40 each.
Buy all three for $36.00 to get pro discount you must write your license # on the order.
Visit www.usa-associates.com

Be Nice Or Else!

2011-03-09T15:40:00.000-08:00

Be Nice Or Else and what’s in it for you by Winn Claybaugh brought a smile to my face and has made everyday a delight in both my personal and professional life. His insightful book is interspersed with humor, sage advice, interactive exercises and plenty of wisdom. Winn has created a genuinely practical guide and is an absolute must for anyone who wants to succeed in business and life.

Being Nice does not mean you’re weak or a pushover; on the contrary, Being Nice is Being Strong. When you add being nice to what you're good at, your relationships will flourish and your career will skyrocket. Winn shows you how to start being nice to yourself and how to implement a BE NICE culture at home and at work. You'll learn what to do when you blow it (and you will) and how to handle mean and toxic people.

Best of all how good it feels to spread your niceness to everyone you meet. Winn is always looking for people to join his cause of being nice, so please be passionate and join one of the nicest people in the beauty industry.

Winn's brilliant approach to this topic is priceless...and should be a must read for all hairdressers...available through Amazon

Encyclopedia of Hair / Beauty Book Review

2011-03-03T14:09:00.000-08:00

The Encyclopedia of Hair by Victoria Sherrow looks at the history of hair styling though the ages, revealing certain common threads as well as many differences among cultures around the world. Ideas are explored about what constitutes attractive, stylish or appropriate hair have varied from place to place and from one historical era to the next. From the Stone Age to the Information Age__ this well researched book cover’s every aspect of beauty culture with a quick index guide to related topics from A to Z, making it easy to find what you’re most interested in learning.

The Evolution of Hairstyles and Trends through the 21^st century was one of the most enlightening looks at how hair style trends have evolved over time. Victoria points out that in modern times, as in the past hair came to symbolize a certain freedom, and choosing one’s style embodied feelings of individualism and personal identity and a deeper appreciation of diversity in hairstyles and beauty ideals. In an Information Age world with mass communications, people’s attitudes about hair and hairstyling are influenced by advertising and the visual and performing arts. Hairstyling decisions often are influenced by the hair care industry and celebrities. Billions of people today now have access to the same images and commercial messages. As long as humans care about their appearance, they will continue to use their hair as one visible way to express themselves and communicate a verity of social messages.

Since the early 20^th century, mass media have played an expanding role in shaping attitudes about beauty and appearance. It also saw numerous innovations in hair care products, which has become a booming industry, along with the rapid growth of beauty and hair salons for both men and women. The book explores the history of leading beauty company’s and celebrity hair stylists that have influence beauty culture through the ages.

Advances in the science and technology gave hairdressers more sophisticated tools, styling techniques and hair colorants. By the 1950’s hair color products had become more natural looking and easier to use, and the stigma against using hair color was diminishing. To introduce its Miss Clairol home hair color kit, Clairol launched a highly successful print and television ad campaign with memorable slogans (does she or doesn’t she __ only your hairdresser knows for sure). To challenge Clairol, L’Oreal a French company launch an ad campaign with celebrity endorsements and a higher price point designed to give its brand a prestige appeal with a memorable tag line (because I’m worth it). With-in ten years the number of women in America coloring their hair went from 7% to over 50 percent and by the turn of the century three out of five women now color their hair.

It was interesting to learn that the first celebrity hairdresser was Polish born (Antek Cierplikowski / 1885-1975) known as “Monsieur Antoine of Paris”. Like Vidal Sassoon, Antoine is credited for starting the fashion for short hair. During the 1920’s, he created the shingle, which was cropped even shorter than most bobs and softly waved. Antoine himself was known as an eccentric (self promoter) who dyed his hair and that of his French Poodle matching shades of lilac. By the 1930’s Antoine was the world’s best known hairdresser. The Antoine Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue department store which he opened in 1925 became America’s most fashionable salon and spawned new generations of famous hairdressers. One of Antoine’s protégés was Alexander of Paris who became another international hairdressing star. His amazing career is covered along with dozens of today’s famous hair stylist’s and hair care innovations in Victoria Sherrow’s page turning review of the history of beauty culture.

Throughout history hairdressers have designed and manufactured tools expressly for hairstyling. The hot styling iron, a device designed to curl, wave and crimp hair dates back thousands of years. At the turn of the 20^th century a French hairdresser and one time horse groomed Marcel Grateau (1852-1936) designed and sold a curling iron heated over a gas burner and styling technique used to create deep, smooth natural looking waves in the hair aptly named the “Marcel Wave”. Because the waving effect added a soft / feminine touch to the popular short bobbed and boyish hairstyles of the 1920-30’s his timing could not have been better. Marcel traveled the world teaching his technique and went on to manufacture an electric version a fore runner of today’s temperature controlled styling iron making heat styling safer and easier to use at home.

The Encyclopedia of Hair is written for those who wish to learn more about the social history and customs of different cultures, as well as the changing attitudes toward hair styling through the ages. The encyclopedia of hair covers every aspect of beauty culture and should be included in all beauty school courses. The more you understand the past the clearer vision you will have of the future.

The Encyclopedia of Hair is well worth the price. Available through Amazon for $79.00

Oscars of Hair / Hairdresser Awards

2011-02-27T11:02:00.000-08:00

The Hairdressers Unlocking Hope Award is given this year to Winn Claybaugh, dean and co-founder of Paul Mitchell Schools, motivational speaker, and author of Be Nice Or Else, and those individuals in the professional beauty industry who serve as exemplary models of philanthropy, giving back to their communities and to the world with generosity and spirit. This award was created in 2007, when behindthechair.com founder Mary Rector Gable joined forces with the legendary Vidal Sassoon and launched an industry-wide campaign to build homes in the wake of the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina.

The ensuing campaign, Hairdressers Unlocking Hope, rallied the entire industry and resulted in 22 new homes for displaced New Orleans residents after raising more than $2 million. Winn will be the fourth recipient of the honor, joining celebrity stylist Ken Paves, stylist and international hair care manufacturer John Frieda, and Paul Mitchell School graduate Michelle Kelly. Madison Avenue calls this "under cover marketing" because the awards are tied to a "public worthy social cause" which in itself is good and away to market and promote a sponsors business interest every year.

With so many "awards" presented today I for one feel it's made many less import. The English have their Hairdresser of the Year award based on a "hair do' contest" and we now have the Hair Stylist Choice "a popularity contest". However, there's one award that I feel is worthy and merits recognition. The Hairdresser's Hall Of Fame Award is presented to hairdresser's that have made a significant contribution over many years to the good of our Nobel Profession and Beauty Culture....The Oscar of Hair.

JUSTIN BIEBER / STAR HAIR STYLE

2011-02-21T14:29:00.000-08:00

Drawing inspiration from the hair style trends of our favorite stars and celebrities has become a national past time. One such star whose hair style has been emulated by teenaged boys around the globe is Canadian heartthrob Justin Bieber. Justin recently turned in his boyish Beatle-like hair style "the Bieber Bob” for a tousled rock style look and a totally new image. His playful spiky hair and new rock star persona is sure to be irresistible to girls attracted to the wild side and quite the catch for those that go for the sensitive, creative types.

TO GET THE LOOK: If you’re looking for a cool new hair style, take a styling lesson from Justin Bieber. Justin knows just what it takes to standout from the crowd and stop girls dead in their tracks. If you’re up for a rock star hair like Justin, let’s take it one step at a time; starting with a style cut and shaping.

LET’S SHAPE IT: To get the look, start with a spiky contoured (layered) silhouette with tapered hair stylishly over the ears and collar with a few “love locks” across the forehead (eyebrow length). With a few adjustments (tweaks) as it grows out you can easily find the ideal length and shape for your look.

LET’S STYLE IT: To jump start the look add a dab of shaping gel or mouse through damp hair and finger comb in place to dry au natural, or give it a quick once over with a blow dryer for a full tousled look. To turn on the rock star look, when dry, finger comb a dab of extra hold shaping gel or styling spray wax through the top and your good to go.

NOW LET’S ADD ACCESSORIES: What’s a rock star hair style without accessories? To get the look include black or white T shirt, tight black jeans with black leather motor cycle jacket ala Bill Idol and you’ve got the look.

THIS ROCK STAR STYLE is a babe magnet and comes with bell and whistles to stop girls dead in their tracks. The tousled spiky contoured silhouette with a few love locks across the forehead adds a playful look and lets everyone know you’re a stylish dude. Just wash and go or turn on the rock star look with a quick blow dryer and finger comb a dab of styling gel or wax after for a spiky effect is all it takes. How easy is that? Heads will turn when you show up with a totally new hair style and rock solid accessories. So be prepared to take email addresses, cell phone numbers and unexpected text messages with when you show up with Justin Bieber new rock star look.

SHORTCUTS / Beauty Book Review

2011-02-16T12:52:00.000-08:00

At first glance the name (SHORTCUTS) might be miss-leading, this is not a “HOW-TO” short hair styling book.

If you’ve dreamed of working in the “fashion or entertainment industry” Diana Schmidtke’s book SHORTCUTS takes you step by step through the process to one of the most exciting careers in the world of beauty. As a freelance hair or makeup artist you have the opportunity to work on fashion runway shows, commercials, music videos, advertising campaigns, movie press tours, concert tours, television shows, fashion magazines cover shoots and motion picture films and travel the world.

Diana shares the industry secrets that have helped made her one of the busiest hair & makeup artist in the entertainment industry. Her biography reads like a fairy tale and a dream come true. How a young hairdresser from the suburbs of Chicago moved to Hollywood and became one of the leading entertainment industry’s freelance hair & makeup artists. Her big break through came when she was hired as an assistant to leading motion picture hair stylist.

Diana Schmibtke explains how to connect with both fashion and entertainment industries and the importance of being in the right cities. For example to work in the motion picture industry you must live in Los Angele's. And for high fashion magazine work a move to New York is a must.

If you’ve dreamed of becoming a big time fashion or motion picture makeup / hair stylist or both you’ll learn what it takes to get started and succeed in these exciting beauty fields. It takes a lot of persistence and patience to succeed and the competition is fierce. These two industries are all about connections and SHORTCUTS includes a national directory for hair and makeup agency, agents, magazines editors, television, special effects makeup schools and motion pictures union contacts making Shortcuts well worth the $45 price tag.

Buying Shortcuts is the first step to a new amazing career in the fashion and entertainment industry....available on Amazon.com

Tabatha Coffey / Beauty Book Review

2011-01-27T16:47:00.000-08:00

Star of hit Bravo show, “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover,” Tabatha Coffey has written a new beauty book titled: It’s Not Really About the Hair: The Honest Truth About Life, Love, and the Business of Beauty.

Tabatha’s journey growing up in a dysfunctional family from the back waters of Australia to international renowned platform artist and television star reads like a dime store novel.

It’s the kind of stuff that dreams are made of. Tabatha writes openly about her own transformation which will surprise, amuse and inspire you to be your very best and reach for the stars. It is not unlike any artist's frustration of having a dream of one day doing what you really were created to do, to be born with a talent and drive knowing there was something she was meant to do. Tabatha Coffey was just going to do it no matter what was in the way.

Part memoir, part business manual, and part coaching guide, readers will get in touch with their own inner and outer beauty, and understand the importance of embracing their individuality. Coffey also gives a behind-the-scenes look into the process of starting her own business and opening her own salon - sharing tips with readers such as the right way to fire someone, the five things to ask yourself before opening a business, and how to rely on yourself in any situation.

Tabatha was first introduced to America as a contestant on the Bravo reality show Shear Genius, where she quickly earned a reputation as the beauty bitch for her outspokenness. Voted the show’s Fan Favorite despite being ousted in the sixth episode, she was asked by Bravo in 2008 to star in her own reality series, Tabatha’s “Salon Takeover”, combines Coffey’s hairdressing and business expertise with her edgy style as she saves salons, in danger of closing.

Tabatha lifts the curtain and exposes the "ass end of the salon business" which has embraced some in the industry and welcomed by those professionals that play by the rules.

If you are a star struck fan of the Bravo show Tabatha's Salon Takeover, a fan of the bitch from Shear Genius, or just a hairdresser with dreams - pick up the book, and learn how to attain the success you desire... You must have a some talent, work hard for many-many years paying your dues, and then you will become an over-night success, just like Tabatha !

When I started reading Tabatha’s book I was taken aback by her use of so many four letter words, and I don’t mean HAIR. But half way through the book I was delighted to find some real gems - perils of wisdom. For example, her advice on how to fire someone, how to dream big and using the “three-second rule” before losing your cool are well worth the 20 dollar price tag.

It’s a must read for every salon owner, and all hair stylist’s that dream of one day owning their own salon and becoming the next rock star hairdresser.

Hair Heroes / Beauty Book Review

2011-01-25T11:33:00.000-08:00

Interviews with the world's most influential hairdressers of the 20th century by Michael Gordon. The son of a London hairdresser, Michael began his career at the age of fifteen as a apprentice at Rene' of Mayfair and went on to found the world famous "Bumble and Bumble Salon", product company and hairdressing school in New York City.

Kenneth Barttelle / Gene Shacove / Christiann
Aldo Coppola / Irma Kusely / Sydney Guilaroff
Annie Humphreys / Sam Lapin / Leonard Lewis
Luis Iiongueras / Alexandre de' Paris / Vidal Sassoon

In Hair Heroes Michael Gordon takes you on a journey around the world to meet his personal hair heroes. The interviews cover twelve hairdressers that personally influenced his career and set the pace and standards for hair fashions in the 20th century. The question and answer format is filled with personal pictures rarely seen before. From Alexendre de' Paris to Vidal Sassoon and other notables you may not know but all will inspire you none the less. What they have to say about their career's and the beauty industry will both surprise and inspire you. The following are Mikael's candid interviews with two of my Hair Heroes.

In the world of hairdressing, if Vidal Sassoon were the architect of hair styling Alexandre would be considered the king. Simply known as Alexandra de’ Paris__ he has single handedly helped defined the industry for more than 60 plus years.

Michael: Who was your hair hero when you were young? Alexendre: My teacher Antoine, he taught me the art of beauty and service to women. I worked with him from 1938 to 1952. First in Cannes on the French Riviera, then afterwards at Salon Antoine on rue Cambon, it was the biggest in Paris. It was he who in 1925, brought French hairstyling to America. He defined the modern look for hairdressing at the time.

Michael: Why did you become a hairdresser? Alexendre: I grew up in Florence in a family that was quite artistic. The wife of a great painter introduced me to hairdressing. It was predicted when I was a child that the “wife of a king” would make me famous and it came true. It was while working at Salon Antoine that the Duchess of Windsor became my patron _ she was a great friend.

Michael: What advice would you give a young person starting today? Alexendre: Never stop learning your craft. We need extraordinary people, people who are dedicated to their art and craft.

Vidal would have loved to be an architect. Fortunately for us, he was destined to become the master hairdresser, able to transfer his passion for angles into another medium. Indeed, Vidal Sassoon is the modern day architect of hair styling. Charming and engaging, he talks about his life, his work, and the future with the enthusiasm of a beauty school student.

Michael: Which years were the most important for you? Your styles were so revolutionary at the time. Vidal: In 1954 I opened my salon on Bond Street. I decided I wouldn’t do anyone who wanted to come in and have their hair teased. I was not going to do bouffant hair styles. It was as simple as that. From 1954 to 1958 we were still getting out of our old ways of styling. Then in 1964 we did the five point geometric haircut and everything followed.

Michael: How much do you pay attention to fashion today? Vidal: Today, we seem to have become the pawns of the fashion designers who tell us what kind of hair styles to do__ that is outrageous. When we did shows for Mary Quant, Gernreich and Ungaro, the attitude was, “do what you feel.” Now, it’s: here’s what the designer is doing, style the hair to it. We have become secondary to a bunch of designers.

Hair Heroes is a must read for hair stylists that love what they do and the history of the beauty industry. We all stand on one another’s shoulders. That’s how we and our Nobel professional grows and evolves. Hair Heroes offers twelve strong shoulders to stand on. It’s a page turner and has found a permanent place on my book shelf.

Requal Welch / Star Hair Style

2011-01-05T20:24:00.000-08:00

Drawing inspiration from the hair style trends of our favorite stars and celebrities has become a national past time. One star whose hair styles (and there are many) have been emulated by women around the world is the always stylish looking Hollywood actress Raquel Welch, best known for her trendy high fashion line of wigs.

In the past it was pretty easy to tell if a woman was wearing a wig however with today's hair piece technology it’s almost impossible to tell if a woman is wearing a wig. Raquel's trendy styles, hair pieces and extensions come in wide range of fashion colors and feature state of the art Memory Cap technology offering the ultimate in light weight comfort and dependable fit. This unprecedented comfort is achieved by using her ultra-sheer stretch cap material instead of traditional wide stretch lace used in other brand wigs. Both her "synthetic and human hair" wigs, hair pieces and extensions offer the unmatched luxury and unlimited styling possibilities making them perfect for today's fast paced time challenged life styles.

Many actresses and entertainers like Raquel Welch have based their stage image on the use of wigs, hair pieces and extensions; just look at Cher, Dolly Parton, teen star Miley Cyrus, Beyonce’ and the high priest of wigs pop-star Lady Gaga. It's been one of Hollywood's many hair styling beauty secrets.

Making the decision to wear a wig can be a fun and simple way to instantly change your hair style or hair color for any occasion. It’s one of Hollywood’s best kept hair styling beauty secrets. Regardless of your reasons for investing in a wig how you wear and style it can make all the difference. For this reason a visit to your hair stylist for a custom shaping and styling tips is well worth the time and investment. Lean more at www.voguewigs.com

Rod Stewart / Star Hair Style

2010-12-22T10:05:00.000-08:00

Drawing inspiration from the hair style trends of our favorite stars and celebrities has become a national past time. One such star whose hair style has been emulated by men around the globe is world class rock star Rod Stewart. His tousled spiky bleached blond style set the trend for man's hair styles throughout the 80’s and is just as popular today. Rod’s spiky hair style and rock star persona is irresistible to girls attracted to the wild side and quite the catch for those that go for the sensitive, creative types.

TO GET THE LOOK: If you’re looking for a sexy rocker hair style, take a styling lesson from Rod Stewart. With years of practice Rod knows just what it takes to standout from the crowd. His rock solid style is loaded with “sex appeal” and guarantied to stop the ladies dead in their tracks. If you’re up for a rock star hair style, let’s take it one step at a time; starting with a style cut and shaping.

LET’S SHAPE IT: To get the look, start with a spiky contoured silhouette with tapered hair stylishly over the ears and collar with a few “love locks” across the forehead to fill in the blank spots. With a few adjustments (tweaks) as it grows you can easily find the ideal length and shape for your style.

LET’S STYLE IT: To jump start the style a dab of shaping gel or mousse adds style support and thickens thin hair. Just run either through damp hair and comb in place to dry au natural, or give it a quick once over with a blow dryer for a full tousled look. To add the spiky look and turn on the sexy appeal, when dry, finger comb a dab of foaming pomade or gel-mousse through the top and you’ve got the look.

NOW LET’S COLOR IT: Entertainer’s and actors change their hair color often for the many roles they play so dying it is no big deal. If you have light or medium brown hair and gray around the edge like Rod’s a golden blond “high-lift tint” will put the gray stylishly under cover. After, a few strands are bleached and highlighted with a foil weaving technique for a contrasting au natural sun kissed effect. The blond color will also make large facial features appear smaller and give thin and thinning hair an overall thicker look. To keep it up the new growth is re-colored with every six-eight weeks. This bit of hair color magic requires a trip to a “salon hair colorist” and will set you back a few extra bucks but is well worth the time and expense for a sexy-stylish look and all the attention you’ll get.

This road tested rock n roll style is loaded with sex appeal and comes with bell and whistles to stop women dead in their tracks. The tousled spiky contoured silhouette with a few love locks across the forehead covers the hair line and fills in the blank spots. The au natural sun kissed hair color puts the gray hair under cover and lets everyone know you’re a stylish dude. So be prepared to take email addresses and cell phone numbers when you show up with Rod Stewart’s rock-sexy style.

Star Hair Style / Taylor Swift

2010-12-11T16:46:00.000-08:00

Drawing inspiration from the hair style trends of our favorite stars and celebrities has become a national pass time. One such star is the talented country pop singer and recent "entertainer of the year" Taylor Swift. With her fresh natural beauty, ultra feminine hair style and glam hair color, it’s no surprise her hair style is emulated by young women around the globe.

TO GET THE LOOK: If you’re looking for the “ultra feminine” hair style take a styling lesson from Taylor Swift and watch heads turn when you show up looking drop dead gorgeous. For those that love the look and feel of long hair and want to give it a ultra feminine look, let’s take it one step at a time; starting with a custom style cut and shaping.

LET’S SHAPE IT: To get the look, start with a long face framing silhouette, layered for volume with long side swept peek-a-boo bangs. This ultra feminine and truly classic hairstyle is best suited for rectangle, heart and oval face shape… especially those with angular features. With a few adjustments (trims) as it grows you can easily find the ideal length and shape for your look.

LET’S STYLE IT: To put the style in motion, start with a dab of your favorite styling mousse or spray gel curl set. Comb either through damp hair to dry in place au natural or toss your hair over and give it a quick blow dry for volume. A few turns with a ½ inch styling iron is all it takes. Curling your hair in spiral curls is easy once you get the hang of it. Start with small sections at a time and slide the strands through your curling iron so that the end is at the bottom of the curling wand. Then wind the strand upward to ear level and hold it with moderate tension, slowly turn and release the curl. Finger comb a dab of hair polish through the curls and you’ve got the look. For a feminine dressy look tie it back over the shoulder and your good to go.

LET’S ADD MAKEUP AND ACCESSORIES: What’s a feminine star hair style without makeup and accessories? Taylor Swift knows just how good makeup can make you look and feel. Her alluring smoky eyes, winged black eyeliner, rosy cheeks and pale pink lipstick push the feminine bar to the max. Taylor knows how to dress of any occasion and is quite the trend setter. For a casual feminine look Taylor loves wearing hats and “sundresses” and has recently designed a line of stylish Taylor Swift sundresses available at Wal-Mart.

NOW, LET’S COLOR IT: Taylor’s hair color is no ordinary drug store hair color job. For a natural multi-tonal look Taylor’s natural brown hair is first lightened with high lift bleach and colored after with three shades of blond. Light golden brown in nape area, dark blond in crown area and medium/light blond around the hairline with a foil weaving technique. To get this au natural “Blond on Blond” sun kissed look will require a visit with a creative salon hair colorist and will cost a few extra dollars but is well worth the extra time and expense.

Taylor Swifts ultra-feminine style with face framing curly love locks and side swept peek-a-boo bangs says Ole'. A quick blow dry and a once over with a curling wand and like magic you're ready for any occasion. The au natural “blond on blond” hair color is a work of art and lets everyone know this is no home color job. You’re sure to get rave review and your girl friends will be green with envy when they see the guy’s making a fuss over you with Taylor Swift ultra-feminine hair style.

Salon Gift Certificate Promotions

2010-12-07T14:21:00.000-08:00

Using Salon Gift Certificates is the perfect way to promote your business and what better time then the Holiday Season. To attract new clients we give salon gift certificates to all our loyal clients all year long as away of personally thanking them for their regular monthly or semi-monthly visits.

The client can use the gift certificate themselves for their next visit or give it to anyone (friend or family member) for an introductory salon (hair cut and styling) with you. The Salon Gift Certificate is a two sided card with information about the salon on the back and includes a value and expiration date (six months).

Bounce Back Promotion.

We're always looking for creative / professional ways to attract new clients. Using Salon Gift Certificate makes loyal clients look good and makes it easy for them to refer a new client to you. You might say...Salon Gift Certificates are the gift that keeps on giving.

Brazilian Blowout Health Issue

2010-11-22T11:29:00.001-08:00

I ran across this picture and article in the New York Times Nov 4th titled (A SAFETY KINK IN HAIR RELAXING?)

The following are accounts taken from the article. Just like the permanent wave process that were once the height of fashion, the lucrative process of converting “frizzy kinky and wavy hair” into smooth straight locks produce a unpleasant odor that some say is a health hazard especially to the stylist who applies it repeatedly. Questions about the safety of popular Keratin Brazilian thermal hair relaxing treatment have been raised for years, most notably in a widely read 2007 article in Allure magazine.

But last month, the beauty world was rattled when the occupational health agency in Oregon(Formaldehyde) a common ingredient found in many Keratin "heat activated" hair straightening treatments. The agency said they conducted lab tests after receiving numerous complaints from stylist citing nose bleeds, breathing problems and eye irritation from the fumes while applying the products. The report came soon after a warning from the Canadian health board about the potential dangers from a popular process called the Brazilian Keratin Blowout treatment. Some manufactures of Keratin straightening process acknowledge that their products contain (Formalin), a substance made up in part of Formaldehyde, but say the amount is insignificant and poses no health dangers. found significant levels of

Many salon owners and stylists believe the health agencies may be overreacting. The warning has prompted various responses from salon owners. Some concerned with the health issue have installed costly ventilation systems to clean the air fumes or dedicated special rooms for the treatments and wear masks to filter the fumes. They say it’s worth the expense as the Keratin relaxing treatments are one of the most popular and profitable procedure salons have seen in recent years. The jury is still out and it should be interesting to see how law suits are handled in the coming years and what this may do to salon insurance costs.

World's Most Popular Hair Styles

2010-11-11T13:48:00.000-08:00

The statuesque Greek Goddess with her Sophisticated Chinon, the Eloquent French Twist and Casual Pony Tail reminds us of the staying power of these classic hairstyles. The popularity and longevity are due in large part to there styling versatility. As a result the vast majority of women world wide (75%) prefer wearing their hair long enough to pull up or back into a Chinon, French Twist or Pony Tail hairstyle.

The Pony Tail is the go to hair style for many time challenged stars like Sarah Jessica Parker, Scarlett Johansson, Kate Beckinsale, and Angelina Jolie. When the Pony Tail Style calls for an extra length many stars use a (hair piece) called a "Fall" with a wrap around strand attached to their cap.

If you’re looking for an easy “any time” hairstyle that’s always fashionable and never out of style, pull your hair back into a Pony Tail (high or low) and your good to go. You might say the Pony Tail is the "Work Horse" of hair styles.

Michel Kazan / Creator of the Bouffont Hair Style

2010-11-07T11:57:00.000-08:00

Michel Kazan was a hair designer to stars and society figures and the creator of a seemingly endless array of famous hairdos with a career that spanned seven decades. His magazine credits which seem to validate his claim to being the first on the scene with the Poodle Cut, French Twist, Cap Cut, and Bouffant hair styles.

Kazan was an impeccably dressed Frenchman with continental charm and an artist’s eye. Michel had the reputation for setting hairdo trends a year ahead. The hair fashion futurist observed that "nothing can make a woman look more old-fashioned” and out of step with the times than an out-of-date hairdo." Kazan believed changing your hair style, especially as one ages (its shape, color or length) is the beauty secret for everlasting beauty.

As the oracle of beauty and fashion his seasonal trips to Paris for inspiration and the pronouncements that would follow remained cause for fevered speculation for many years. Among Kazan's most famous creations were the French Twist, the Bouffant and Page Boy haircuts. Others included the Fluff Cut, the Cockatoo, the Frizzes, the Bubble and the Cleopatra, which rode the success of Elizabeth Taylor movie. And the whimsical Urchin, in which hair was "cropped and feathered” like a little Pixie Cap.

Kazan was also a deft entrepreneur and trend setter. In addition to offering a line of wigs, perfume and hair care products and cosmetics, he sought to capture the American woman's appetite for beauty in short order with Pocket Full of Curls, a pinned-on precursor of today's “hair extensions”. A tireless innovator, Kazan kept pace with the changing face of fashion and culture throughout the tumultuous sixties and seventies, at times adapting and at others, blazing new trails counter to a perceived trend of the time. For example, his use of long straight and wavy hair piece's called "falls" at a fashion show created a sensation that swept the world, despite the increasing popularity of the less complicated styles being pioneered by Vidal Sassoon.

At its height, Kazan's flagship salon, a luxuriously decorated five story townhouse in midtown Manhattan, was host to a parade of notables. His salon also served as a training ground for a generation of talented stylists who would go on to prestigious careers themselves. Michel Kazan will always be remembered as a voice for “American Beauty Culture” and inspiration for all to follow.

No Poo Shampoo / Sulfate Free?

2010-10-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

What are sulfates and are they really harmful to the health of your hair? Almost every shampoo you find in drug stores or beauty salons has some form of surfactant in its formula. The most common type is “sodium lauryl sulfate” which has gained a bad reputation in the beauty world in resent years and the number of new shampoos claiming to be sulfate-free is slowly increasing. There are the "no-poo" sulfate-free shampoo advocates claiming sulfates strip the hair of color and natural oils far too much; on the other side there are those who maintain that “sulfate-free” shampoos do a poor job of cleansing the hair because they don't foam up much or rinse out of the hair well enough, especially in hard water. Sulfonated Shampoos have been use for decades because they work really well in hard water and are extremely effective at generating a lot of foamy bubbles which help disperse the cleanser evenly through the hair too dissolve and rinse away dirt, wax, oil, and styling aids especially the kind found on your hair.

Sulfates and there are many types are cleansing ingredients called surfactants derived from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, soy bean oil and petrochemicals. In fact, there are many ingredients used for multiple purposes in a shampoo formula; water, surfactants, foam boosters, thickeners, conditioning agents, preservatives, modifiers and special additives to give the shampoo its color and odor…. all added at different strengths and levels to balance mildness and conditioning with effective cleaning performance.

To offset the harsh effect of some surfactants often some type of conditioning ingredients is also added. Typical conditioning agents include proteins, polymers, silicones, and quaternary agents. Each of these compounds with the help of a surfactant improves the feel and softness, while reducing static charge. Shampoos that feature conditioning as a benefit are called 2-in-1 shampoos because they clean and condition hair in the same step. Clarifying and purifying shampoos for example use a stronger type of “surface active sulfate” to dissolve and remove styling aid build up but are to strong for daily use. Finally you can use topical dermatological hair and body cleansers or baby shampoo which contains milder Amphoteric surfactants like TEA Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Trideceth Sulfate or Lauroamphoglycinate. Those provide safe mild cleansing and conditioning benefits for sensitive skin, body cleansers, color treated hair or daily use.

If sulfate shampoos just aren’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other types of surfactants used in so called (Sulfate-Free) shampoos. Non-sulfate anionic cleansers include Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauryl. These tend to be less stripping so you may find they don’t bubble up as much, rinse out and clean as well. A lot of people won’t want to hear this, but surfactants especially the milder Amphoterics are among the safest cleansers you can buy although some people with sensitive skin do complain of dry itchy scalp after using sulfate shampoos especially in dry climates. But most people have no problem, especially if they are followed by a hair conditioner and used infrequently.

Polaroid Hair Styling Experience

2010-10-14T09:22:00.000-07:00

As a hair stylist you know a hair styling can be transforming and magical. The right hair style can make a large nose look smaller and a round face appear slimmer. And like magic make some people look older or even years younger and pounds slimmer. Often all it takes is few "quick snips and some styling tricks" to unlock its style potential and natural beauty. Everyone is unique and so is their hair. And everyone can wear their hair long, mid length or short, full or close and one of those lengths and shapes will suit them best. I first look for what makes each "person and their hair unique" and design a style to enhance its natural beauty. Because hair grows quickly and has a life-like quality I've found it takes me "three visits in a row" (for adjustments) to fully develop a style. One that holds its shape as it grows, is balanced from all points of view and for the most part...styles itself.

Because a new hair style or hair color happens quickly (snip, snip, snip), for most people (including me) it’s hard to remember what their hair looked like just minutes ago. To truly appreciate the improvements a new color or style has made in their over all appearance, I take before and after snap shots from all points of view (front, profile and back) with the new Polaroid Digital Camera. It prints out wallet size pictures on the spot and you select only the pictures you want to print. To capture the best examples, I take lots of pictures before, during and after and print the best before and after pictures.

If a picture is a thousand words than a Polaroid snap shot speaks volumes and the pictures are theirs to keep. This extra step has helped me show people the improvements a style or color has made and makes their visit a fun and memorable hair styling experience. And because the Polaroid is also a digital camera you can take as many snap shots as you like (print the best) and store the images on our salon computer for future references.

You can also use the digital camera on your phone and flip through the picture when you finished. After you can send the pictures via email and make every new clients salon visits a memorable….. Hair Styling Experience!

2010-10-06T14:16:00.000-07:00

Little has affected cosmetic formulation in the last decade than the Green Movement. Proponents of this philosophy have prompted personal care manufacturers to completely reformulate many products to remove animal derived ingredients, add organic extracts and expunge formulas of any chemical that might sound controversial. Formulas also have to be sustainable and come from fair trade sources. The Sustainable Cosmetics Summit goes through all the things a cosmetic chemist will need to know to formulate “green” in the future.

Bio-degradability is an area of preservation where sustainable may be a better alternative than “natural.” Synthetic preservatives that are safe, effective and bio-degradable are usually easier to use in a wide variety of formulations than are their more natural counterparts. Au-natural "green" ingredients have a short shelf life and need a stable preservative system.

“It’s great to have exotic au-natural green ingredients, but not if they are simply used as a "special promotional additive" with little or no improvement and destroying rain forests in the process." Are you going green...it may be something to consider the next time you reach for something green.

Shaved Head Style

2010-09-23T17:29:00.000-07:00

The male grooming market is white hot these days. It seems that every time you turn around there's a new shampoo, shave cream, or styling product for men being introduced. One growing segment of the hair care market is aimed squarely at the man who lacks hair. Whether bald by choice or from male pattern baldness, there is a slew of new grooming products for men with a bald or shaved head to help keep their chrome dome looking clean, slick and shiny.

Having a smooth bald head has become very popular in resent years, especially when basketball super star Michael Jordan showed off his bald head. Just take a look at some male celebrities who are sporting the bald head style such as John Travolta, Vin Diesel, Bruce Willis, and even some women celebrities wanted to try the look (Britney Spears, Angelina Jolie and Demi Moore).

A shaved head is a good option for guys with thinning hair or those that wants to make a bold fashion statement. For some men having a shaved head can accent masculine features like a strong jaw or chin. But before you rush into the bathroom to shave your head keep in mind the bald head style is not for every man. The best candidates for the bald head style are men with a well balanced round shaped head, not pointy or flat across the back. Like a hair style a shaved head must fit the shape of your head, face shape and facial features. As well as the size of your ears, length of the neck and body size in order to look balanced from all points of view.

Of course, the first step in maintaining a great looking melon is to use proper shaving technique and the right products for a healthy looking scalp. Before attempting to shave your head for the first time, I strongly recommend consulting your hair stylist to help determine if this look will complement your face and head shape and show you how to shave your head. It’s not all that much different then shaving your face. While some women find a shaved head a thing of beauty other may see it as a turn off. No matter, hair grows and you won’t believe just how fast it does until you find yourself shaving it everyday. Now that’s something to consider if your up for this new look.

Star Hair Style / Robert Downey Jr.

2010-09-20T13:37:00.000-07:00

Drawing inspiration from the hair style trends of our favorite stars and celebrities has become national past time. One such star whose hair style is always on the must have list is Hollywood’s bad boy Robert Downey Jr. His tousled finger combed hair style and movie star persona is irresistible to ladies who are attracted to the wild side and quite the catch for those girls who are drawn to the sensitive, creative types.

TO GET THE LOOK: Are you looking for a hair style to go with your bad boy image? Try Robert’s hair style on for size and walk on the wild side. Be forewarned, this bad boy hair-do’ is a “babe magnet". To get the look, let’s take it one step at a time; starting with a style cut and shaping.

LET’S SHAPE IT: start with a contoured silhouette with full tapered sides and neckline stylishly over the collar. The crown is cut short to stand up for a full look or combed forward with a few "love locks" casually covering the hairline. This shapely finger combed head turning-do’ almost styles itself. With a few adjustments (trims) as it grows you can easily find the ideal length and shape for your personal style.

LET’S STYLE IT: To jump start your style; apply a dab of shaping gel or mousse or nothing at all. Just run either through damp hair and comb in place to dry au natural, or give it a quick once over with a blow dryer for a full tousled look. For the “bad boy” look, when dry, add a dab of hair polish and you’ve got the look.

LET’S ADD WHISKERS: Nothing can reshape a face or add a dramatic look like facial hair. This simple addition can make a weak narrow chin stronger, a double chin disappear, cover a wide upper lip or a ruddy complexion, add a few years to a baby face and defiantly adds a rugged, stylish or artsy look. Let your whiskers grow for a few weeks and visit a stylist to have it shaped for your face shape and features.

NOW, LET’S COLOR IT: Movie actors change their hair color often for the many roles they play so dying their hair is no big deal. If you have brown hair with gray around the edge a rich brown tint or a shade closest to your natural hair color will define the shape and wash way the gray away. After, a clear glaze seals-in the color and turn on the shine. For Robert’s blond hair color, a golden blond high lift tint adds a sun bleached look. To keep it up plan on having the new growth colored with every other style cut. This will cost a few extra bucks but is well worth the price for cool look and all the attention you'll get.

AT A GLANCE this shapely head turning finger combed look let’s the ladies know you’re the type of dude that walks on the wild side. The contoured silhouette and tapered neckline stylishly over the collar and a few casual "love locks" across the forehead turns the style meter up a notch. The sun kissed hair color and whiskers gives it a edgy touch that's irresistible to the ladies attracted to your "wild side". So be prepared for to take names and cell phone numbers when you show up with Robert Downey's “bad boy” style.

Heat Energized Beauty Treatments

2010-09-08T15:45:00.000-07:00

New Heat Energized
Shampoo Conditioning Treatment
Self Heating...Works In Seconds

Self-heating technology has been showing up in many of our everyday beauty products turning them into “spa-like-treatments”. What sorts of magic ingredients go into self-heating beauty products?

The “secret” self-heating ingredient is zeolite, a micro-mineral that gives off heat when applied to “wet hair”. For hair treatments the heat is minimized to raise the temperature only by about 3 degrees for shampoo and slightly higher for conditioning treatments, certainly not hot enough to produce a burn. But the heat is definitely apparent to users. While most people enjoy the heating sensation, some may be sensitive to the heat.

The addition of heat “active by water” has been shown to improve the cleansing process and make active conditioning ingredients more effective. Heat also stimulates circulation to relax tense nerve ending and sooth to the scalp.

Feel the Warmth … See the Shine

The Heat Energized Shampoo and Conditioning treatment by Studio Style is an example of this new technology at its best. Self-heating and infused with micro-poly-silicone to cleanse, seal and repair surface damage giving all hair a soft silky feel, brilliant color, luster and manageability in seconds. Hair stays cleaner and styles last longer with this all new heat energized "hair spa treatment". Ideal for today’s fast paced healthy life styles.

Self-heating technology in beauty products is still relatively new technology. It is interesting how basic chemistry can be used to create an “all-in-one” spa-like treatment. Self-heating hair and skin care treatments not only improve the effectiveness of active ingredients but are also therapeutic. This technology will be further explored and developed by cosmetics companies in the coming years..

Nano Beauty

2010-08-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

NanoTechnology is the study of very small things, dealing with materials 100 nano-meters or smaller in at least one dimension. One nano-meter (nm) is one billionth of a meter. By comparison, a human hair is approximately 80,000 nm wide, far beyond the nano range. However, if nano-materials were just small versions of big things, they wouldn’t be particularly interesting. The exciting applications come because materials sometimes act in a fundamentally different way when their size shrinks to a minimum.

The scientific concept of nano-technology was born in 1959 in a famous presentation by Richard Feynman, were he described putting the Encyclopedia Britannica on the head of a pin, or making computers the size of a building fit in your pocket. By engineering at the atomic level, we will discover new ways to improve our lives in ways never dreamed possible.” He could not have been more prescient.

The term “nano-technology” was first used by K. Eric Drexler in his seminal 1986 book Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of NanoTechnology. Since its publication, there has been unceasing development of medical and cosmetic applications, and wide-ranging academic research. Cosmetic applications have concentrated on sunscreens, hair treatment and anti-aging products.

Nano-sized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for sunscreens (think of a life guard with a white nose) were the first, and still most important, applications of nano-technology in personal care. By reducing the “particle size” below one fourth the wavelength of light, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide become invisible while completely maintaining their sun protective properties. If anything, the smaller particle size enhances protection by fitting into small irregularities in the skin.

NanoEmulsions are used to enhance the delivery of actives ingredients and have even been claimed to have anti-microbial properties. In the beauty industry, P&G, L’Oreal and Henkle lead the pack in nano-related patents. Products are on the market from every major brand, most often to aid in the delivery of active ingredients, but while the many majors seem relatively subdued in publicizing the nano aspects of their products, NanoWorks by Pureology, a leading US salon hair care line puts the technology front and center.

It is well-known that surface chemistry of materials such as these can affect toxicity. Fortunately, the surface chemistry can be engineered to enhance safety. So far, the FDA has found no evidence of NanoParticles in beauty products being a health problem, but on the flip side, there is little conclusive proof that they are safe. Of course, brand owners are still responsible for marketing safe products, regardless of specific regulations. Nanotechnology is a broad field with many potential applications in beauty. With so much emphasis on skin and hair products and a general public attracted to new “technology” there is no doubt in coming years many will be attracted by “Nano” on the label.

What protein technology was to the 20th century... nano tecnology is to the 21st century !

Diversion Story

2010-08-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

I recently visited our local CVS drug store around the corner from my casa and to my disappointment but not surprise they had a 8 feet long glass case display under lock and key with every professional salon only brand and at discount prices to boot. To buy them you must locate a store manager to unlock the display.

While waiting for my wife I observed a store cosmetic manager open the display case for a attractive middle aged women. She reached for a $34 Hair Treatment and told the store manager that it was less expensive then at the salon and that the salon did not always have it in stock. There where also many well known celebrity hair stylist's products on display. It looks like every hair stylist that has touched a "movie star or celebrity" or appeared on TV today has their own brand and selling them any where they can....good for them. But when it comes to high profile professional brands that claim to only sell their products to salons that’s another thing all together. Some call this practice Diversion; another word would be "Deception".

So I decided to take a closer look at this deceptive practice and what could be done to correct it. A few days later I was told that if you called the Paul Mitchell Company for example and told them the store location they will send someone out to buy all their products to remove them from the store. After they will trace them back to the distributor or sadly in some cases the salon that sold them to the drug store.

This however was not easy and I've had to jump through some loops to located the JPMS diversion police department ;-) Using the Inter-galactic Goggle search I located their universal-web site and the PM Diversion Hot Line number. I left a message and. to my surprise I received a message from the Vicki, the PM Diversion Chief of Police. She took the information and arranged for a PM representative to purchase the inventory "ASAP". I will follow up and keep you posted as this cosmic drama unfolds.

This is how "we professionals" along with truly professional only companies like Paul Mitchell can help protect our business interests When you see your professional only salon products in drug stores call the company and demand they stand behind their word......be pro-active.

Curly Hair / Star Styles

2010-08-02T16:05:00.000-07:00

Naturally curly hair is truly a thing of beauty ...one of Mother Natures beautiful creations, and as such, it shouldn't be fought but embraced. Sure, there will be days when it feels like the bane of your existence, and straightening it on those days is always an option - but ultimately, learning to love your wild mane is the way to go.

Naturally curly hair is truly a thing of beauty, and as such, it shouldn't be fought but embraced. Sure, there will be days when it feels like the bane of your existence, and straightening it on those days is always an option - but ultimately, learning to love your wild mane is the way to go. While you may covet the simplicity of straight hair, your straight-haired friends are probably envying the volume your hair possesses naturally. Here are a few stars and celebrities who have chosen to flaunt their beautiful curly hair.

When it comes to hair texture and its natural beauty with few exceptions, Mother Nature knows best. All it takes is a custom “shape-to-fit style cut and a little TLC” to unlock its natural beauty and style potential for a style that suits you perfectly from all points of view, holds it shape as it grows and styles itself.

The Beauty Profession / Career Choice

2010-07-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

If you’re considering becoming a hair stylist you could not have chosen a more rewarding career. Here’s what you’ll experience during the course of your beauty school education; Excitement, Confidence, Pride, Crisis and Opportunity.

It’s always exciting to start a new career and with the good fortune to have enrolled in a Paul Mitchell Beauty School the excitement is amplified. The beauty profession is not a piece of cake or something to be taken lightly for there's much more to beauty school then a "hair-do". You'll take written tests, lots of them and get hands on training form highly skilled instructors. As you become familiar with the tools and procedures your confidence will grow and over time begin to feel comfortable helping people look there best. You'll experience a sense of pride knowing you finished something you started and have leaned what it takes to be a practicing professional hair stylist only a short time ago.

Now that you have your diploma and state cosmetology license to boot finding a salon to practice in for some can seem over whelming. Especially when starting a career at a time in which some are calling the GREAT RECESSION. But a quick look back in time and you'll see that the beauty industry (salons & cosmetics) got its start in the early part of the 20th century during what was called the GREAT DEPRESSION. It was one of the few industries that weathered the economic storm and actually grew into what is today a multi-billion dollar business. The reason is simple; when times get tough people visit a salon for it offers an “personal uplifting” experience. The old saying is so true; when you look good you also feel good about yourself.

In times of economic crisis people need more then ever what beauty professionals offer; personal enhancement, the look good, feel-good experience. Great blessing lie head for the one who knows the secret of finding the "opportunity" within each crisis. You could not have entered the beauty profession at a better time. With thousands of salon across the country the opportunities for placement are many for future professionals with a Paul Mitchell diploma and a passion for all things "beauty".

I personally recommend the Paul Mitchell Beauty Schools because I know first hand what they have to offer future professional hair stylist's. However, when considering a career in Cosmetology there are many outstanding beauty school's throughout America to chose from.

Angelina Jolie / Star Hair Style

2010-07-17T09:46:00.000-07:00

Drawing inspiration from the hairstyles of our favorite stars and celebrities has become a national pass time. One such star whose hair style is emulated by women around the world is Hollywood heart throb Angelina Jolie. Her trade mark sexy plump lips and enchanting Brunette hair style with Carmel highlights has set a new standard for Hollywood style and beauty.

TO GET THE LOOK: Have you’ve been looking for a romantic feminine hair style? If that’s the case, Angelina’s enchanting face framing style and luscious multi tonal hair color may be just what you’re looking for to put some romance in your life. Be forewarned this ultra feminine look is loaded with sex appeal so be prepared for heads to turn when you show up looking drop dead gorgeous. To get the look, let’s take it one step at a time; starting with a style cut and shaping.

LET’S SHAPE IT: To get the look, start with a long face framing silhouette and add chin length "love locks" for a seductive look. With a few adjustments (trims) as it grows you can easily find the ideal length and shape for your style.

LET’S STYLE IT: To style, start with a dab of your favorite shaping gel or mousse for style support or nothing at all. To put the style in motion and add volume, toss your hair upside down and give it a quick tousle with a blow dryer. After, if your locks are a bit on the dry or frizzy side, a dab of styling cream will tame it. For a dressy look, a quick turn around a styling iron or a handful of steam rollers gets the look. Pull up the back for an evening look and you’ve got Angelina Jolie’s romantic star style!

LET'S ADD MAKEUP AND ACCESSORIES: What's a star hair style without makeup and accessories? With hour spent in a makeup chair Angelina knows a thing or two about makeup tricks. For her trade mark plump sexy lips apply a foundation makeup on and around your lips as a primer and draw outside the lip area with the sharp lip pencil to create a larger lip surface. Fill the entire area within the pencil lines and add a little "extra pop" using a lip gloss tinted with a fresh light color. Weather casual or red carpet Angelina infuses every look with her personal touch. For a smart casual look, start with a nylon-spandex top with banded waist, paired with sleek straight leg cargo pants and canvas tennis shoes. Grab your Gucci hand bag, lip on Bottega Veneta sun-glasses and you’re good to go.

NOW, LET’S COLOR IT: Actresses often change their hair for the many roles they play and Angelina is no exception. To get the look, start with a rich warm Brunette tint to define the shape and wash the gray away. After, contrasting Carmel strands are sprinkled throughout with a foil weaving technique. Adding a few lighter shades through a natural hair color can give it a stylish look and also make those few gray’s less noticeable. To keep this bit of hair color magic up the re-growth is tinted every 4-6 weeks and low lights added every few months. This may cost a few bucks but is so au natural looking only your hair colorist will know for sure.

This Ultra Feminine hair style comes with all the "bells and whistles" and loaded with sex appeal. The long flowing silhouette and face framing "love locks" give it an alluring look in a grown up way. The rich Brunette hue with Carmel low-lights let's everyone know this is not a home color job. The lush's lips and flawless makeup is a show stopper. So be prepared for that special someone to show up with a fist full of flowers and tickets to Angelina Jolie's new movie. The power of a star hair style…let the romance begin.

Essence Of A MakeOver

2010-07-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

There comes a point in life when many people consider a hair styling makeover for any number of reasons. Everyone has something about themselves that they'd like to change; its human nature. We’re all unique in many ways and blessed with inner beauty. Therefore hairstylist’s make it a goal to bring out those qualities by identifying each persons strong points as well as the imperfections. Using the time tested rule, accent the positive and eliminate the negative a hair styling makeover can enhance the physical and personality treats that sets each person apart from one another. I always take a realistic approach to create a wearable hair style that captures the spirit and personality of the individual. Its fun to do the latest trendy hair style and color, but we must consider how it may look on the person and how she will feel wearing it. Not everyone is a “fashionista”…right?

Take Shannon for example, a young lady who wanted a makeover. During her style consultation Shannon was very honest about herself. I learned that she was a 31-years-old housewife with two children and has had the same hair style for 15 years which she colored herself. As Shannon talked, I was able to study her expressions, body type, hair color, soft natural waves, hair condition and facial features. Her beautiful eyes were shadowed with hard-to-ignore dark circles. As we chatted, it was easy to see her natural warmth and beauty. After explaining the beauty makeover concept we had in mind she said, "I trust you and know you will make me look beautiful___ please do your magic.

When Shannon's makeover was finished she replied; I never felt I looked pretty until now. The next day she called to thank us and said that she cried when her family told her how beautiful she looked. While changing how a person looks, we also change how a person feels about themselves. The thrill I get every time a person reacts with excitement, confidence and hope makes me love what we hair stylist’s do for people. It’s the essence of a makeover… much more then a new hair-do.

Mother Nature's Hairstyles

2010-07-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

Much is known about the art of hairdressing. For centuries hair has been used to denote social status, authority, make a fashion statement and an art form. Because hair has been considered nothing more then a “fashion accessory” it has been cut, colored, curled, crimped, braided, straightened, twisted and arranged in every shape imaginable. In a relentless quest to make a fashion statement have hairdresser's over looked what I call Mother Nature’s Hairstyles?

Take a close look and you’ll see that many of the classic hairstyles throughout the ages are the result of what “each hair type does naturally" when cut and shaped to unlock its style potential. The shoulder length flips, bouncy page boy, close straight and full bobs, long flowing face framing styles and beautiful bouffant looks are all perfect examples of Mother Nature's Hairstyles.

I’ve found that with “few exceptions” everyone is all born with a type of hair that suits them perfectly as “Mother Nature” intended. Hair didn’t happen by accident, its part of each person’s unique DNA makeup designed to complement the head and body size, face shape and unique facial features. Just as each of us is born with a "finger print" we’re also born with what I call a "hair print". It’s a unique growth pattern and hair type that forms the "foundation" for each person's natural hairstyle. Everyone can wear their hair long, mid length or short and "one of those shapes and lengths" will suit them best for any number of reasons, “styling dexterity, occupation, face shape, facial features and body size” are just a few.

This doesn't mean that you can't or shouldn’t change a person's natural hair from "curly to straight" or color from “blond to red”, even Mother Nature can use a helping hand. But before you reach for a off the rack one size fits all style ask yourself what the hair can do on its own. Look closely at the direction is grows, incorporate what it does naturally (straight, wavy, curly or combination) and design the style around it. All it takes are a few well placed snips to unlock its natural style potential for look that holds its shape as it grows, is balanced from all points of view and styles itself. With a few adjustments (trims) as it grows you can easily find the idea length and shape for a “one of a kind personal style". Take your hair styling approach to the “Next Level” and use Mother Nature's Hairstyle.

Hats Are Back In Fashion

2010-06-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

People have covered their heads since time immemorial. Over the centuries head coverings became symbols of social status, authority and an art form. In fashion terms, the hat is the most noticeable fashion accessory anyone can wear.

At the turn of the 20th century both men and women were rarely seen out and about without a hat perched upon their head. By 1960 American men and women decided "en masse" to drop an item of apparel that for centuries had been considered a vital part of a wardrobe. Most likely, the demise of hats can be traced to changing hair styles and the ongoing trend towards more casual life styles. Yet hats are due for a full on resurgence with today’s star and celebrities paving the way. Over the past five years sales of hats and caps for both men and women has increased by more than 80 per cent. The sustained increase "led by baseball and sports caps” would suggest it's more than a “passing phase."

Hats are both functional and stylish. They can cover a bad hair day, keep your head warm, hide a receding hairline and shade your eyes from the sun. A cool hat can quickly become a signature piece and give you extra swagger like many rock stars and celebrities. The sporty flat and puffy news boy cap can be a stylish way to add interest to a casual outfit. When worn at a rather "jaunty angle" a sporty cap can give tired jeans and t-shirts a stylish touch.

The Fedora while once the go-to-lid for men in the 1930’s. Today both men and women seen sporting fedoras are considered trendsetters. For more formal occasions, the fedora is the answer though when paired with a blazer and jeans and tilted slightly forward a Fedora can add a sense of panache and sophistication.

In adopting the hat as your signature piece, you must also accept the responsibility of "hat etiquette." Often ignored, hat etiquette will show that your uniqueness extends not only to you choice of head wear, but to your manners as well. So always remove your hat upon entering a restaurant or someone’s home. Touch the brim of your hat lightly when greeting a friend and raise it by the crown when meeting a female in public. Never put your hat on the bed as its bad luck, similar to opening an umbrella in the house. And unless you’re a catcher, baseball caps should be worn in the direction that your life is heading.

For star hairstyles & beauty secrets visit: http://www.georgecaroll.com/

Johnny Depp / Star Hair Style

2010-05-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

Drawing inspiration from the hair style trends of our favorite stars and celebrities has become national past time. One such star whose hair style is a must have look is Hollywood heartthrob Johnny Depp. Never one to follow the crowd Johnny has always created his own unique look. You might say Johnny Depp is a modern day "style pirate".

TO GET THE LOOK: Do you sometimes feel like you’re the “invisible dude” at a party? Do you wish there was away to get those hot ties to check you out? If that’s the case, take a hair styling lesson from Johnny Depp’s and turn this picture around. But be forward this head turning do’ is loaded with sex appeal and a major “babe magnet” style. If you’re up for a cool new look, let’s take it one step at a time, starting with style cut and shaping.

LET’S SHAPE IT: For Johnny Depp’s style cut, start with a long layered silhouette with off centered part, tapered sideburns and neckline stylishly over the collar. Add long face framing love locks through the top for a seductive look. This artsy look is best suited for straight or slightly wavy hair and slender face shapes like Johnny’s. With a few adjustments (trims) as it grows you can easily find the ideal length and shape for your style.

LET’S STYLE IT: To jump start your style, just run a dab of shaping gel or mousse through damp hair or nothing at all. Comb in place to dry au natural or give it a quick tousle with a blow dryer for a full straight look. To turn up the sexy appeal, when dry, add a dab of foaming pomade or hair polish and comb sides over your ear or slicked back and you’ve got the look.

NOW, LET’S COLOR IT: Movie actors change their hair color often for the many roles they play so dying their hair is no big deal. If your hair color is light or dark brown and beginning to lose its luster or gray around the edge, trade it in for Johnny Depp’s deep dark brown “almost raven black” hue. Adding a deep rich color will define the shape, thicken thin hair and turn up the shine. This "extra step" may cost a few bucks but what the hell, it’s a small price to pay for a stylish look and all the attention you'll get.

Johnny Depp’s head turning hair style with tapered neckline stylishly over the collar and sexy face framing “love locks” is loaded with sex appeal. A slim mustache, shapely goatee and rich blue black hair color gives you an artsy look and just what you need to stop those babe’s dead in their tracks. So be prepared to take names, cell phone numbers and e mail addresses when you show up to the party with Johnny Depp “style pirate” look.

For more star hairstyle profiles visit (www.georgecaroll.com) and make your hair shine like the stars

Polaroid Hair Styling Experience

2010-05-13T12:47:00.000-07:00

If a picture is a thousand words than a Polaroid picture speaks volumes. To help make a new client’s first salon visit a “hair styling experience” for years I use a Polaroid Camera to take before and after pictures of their new hairstyle.

Because a new hairstyle is often a major change and happens quickly (snip, snip, snip) it’s hard for some to remember what their hair looked like minutes ago. Using a Polaroid camera has helped me point out just how much of an improvement the new style has made in their over all appearance. As a part of their introductory visit the pictures are theirs to keep along with a home studio styling kit. This extra step truly makes the visit memorable, fun and has helped bring new clients into the salon.

I'm now using the new Polaroid's Pogo "digital camera" that lets you view and print a wallet size color picture from the camera on the spot. The Pogo comes with all the "bells and whistles" you'd expect of a 21st century camera. It’s made using a Polaroid camera more fun then ever before and is affordable to use with each print costing only 30 cents and the color and picture quality is awesome. What’s more, because it’s a digital camera you can store the images into your salon computer for future references.

For years I've also used Polaroid camera's to create artistic images of every day life that I call Pola-Art. When you have time take a peek at my Polaroid Art Collection online in the Polaroid Studio.Com Gallery. And while you’re there order the new Polaroid Pogo digital camera and make your new clients first salon visit a… Polaroid Hair Styling Experience!

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Presents the 11^th annual
2011 ENERGIZING SUMMIT in Los Angeles