ASK ANTONIO

Welcome to Hair by Antonio, a forum for you (the client of any hair stylist) to come to and feel free to ask any question, share my knowledge and a place to feel welcome to experience the world of hair from a stylist's point of view.

No topic is left behind, no problem is too big or small for us to talk about. Who am I? I am one of the thousands of hair stylists that love anything and everything to do with hair. If you say "hair", my eyes light-up! Simply put, it's my passion.

I am certainly not trying to pass myself off as a "hair messiah". I am human, and like every stylist, I can have the occasional client that is dissatisfied for whatever reason. One thing that I promise myself and my clients is to be humble, honest and open to change. With this, I ask myself, "How can I be a better stylist?"

I know I'm on a path to something great and enjoy being challenged to use my every ability to produce my best work.

So, here I am offering an honest approach to all you men and women to share your knowledge, ask any question and have the occasional laugh with me because at the end of it all, if I can't enjoy doing what I love... It's just not worth doing at all!

UPCOMING TOPICS

- YOUR HAIR AFTER CANCER TREATMENTS
- LET'S TALK PONYTAIL: IS IT A CURSE OR A CURE?
- MEN'S HAIR & THE CHANGES: DISCUSSING THE "G" WORD (GREY HAIR)

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WHAT INSPIRES ME...(CONTINUED)

I am lucky to be living in NYC the Mecca of trends for both hair and fashion. Needless to say, my eyes and ears are always open to new twists and flavors. I am also lucky to have a great relationship with clients in every industry; as we serve as an inspiration to one another. One of my on-going sources for men's hair inspiration is Chris Carrabba of the Dashboard Confessionals. Everytime he sits in my chair it's a great collaboration of ideas for cuts. As he tours the world, he brings to my chair fresh ideas. We play with them; adding the final personal touch to make it his own style.

My recent fashion influence has come from the blend of bright colors from American Apparel v-neck t-shirts (and/or hoodies) with my very classic Hugo Boss or Zegna suits for work. For example, taking a black suit, adding a purple hoodie with nothing underneath and fierce sneakers by Ed Hardy or designer Pumas. For me, it's really about keeping it interesting enough to want to get dressed; while actually having fun.

I've also recently started shopping at vintage stores for jewelry as well. This is a great way to give new life to the classic suit.

One of my favorite things is to wear a tuxedo pant with a great pair of patent leather shoes, chunky jewelry and a v-neck t-shirt by American Apparel. So, from the waist down I am dressed to kill and from the waist up I'm comfortable and sexy (at least I think so...). Another of my favorite magazines for inspiration is "V Man". There is always something fresh for hair and fashion.

Posted by Unknown at 6:10 PM - 0 comments

HAIR MISHAPS HAPPEN TO MEN TOO!

Photo albums are a great way to track your hairstyles. If you find that your current "do" is almost a freeze frame of your high school graduation picture, it might just be time to let it go (or in some cases...let it grow).

You finally are ready to get away from the hairstyle that you have been sporting for the past 15 years! During a conversation with your stylist, you express the desire to wear your hair in a longer style. Despite your hair texture, your stylist smiles and simply confirms that this is a good idea!

At the end of it you realize that something is wrong, but are embarassed to say something because your stylist has been cutting your hair for the past decade or more, and you've always been pleased. Leaving the salon you feel even more unsure about your hair. As you arrive home to your loved one validates your insecurity by pointing out every hole, lump and valley in your new...what's the word, let's call it a HAIR MISHAP!!! Suddenly 1993 really didn't look so bad after all...

It's difficult to know if your stylist can transform your short structured cut into a longer masculine, modern cut. So, before making the big change, consult with you stylist. More importantly, look around at their other male clients (if you only see crew cuts.. run for the hills!). Seriously, this may be a sign to look elsewhere for someone that can work with long hair.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Posted by Unknown at 5:42 PM - 0 comments

AFG's Guide to NYC: PULL-IN

I'm always trying to find the newest ideas on the market when it comes to fashion. When ever I travel to Europe I do a lot of research then as well. While walking through SoHo in New York looking for fierce shoes, I stumbled upon a great find and am excited to share it with you.

Let's be real guys like to have fun with their under garments as well! So guys and girls, check out another of my favorite finds!

PULL-IN the revival of the underwear.

The underwear : a new market or additional fashion accessory? That’s what we can wonder, by observing the increase of these products in stores. As leaders in this market, the brand PULL-IN has imposed its originality and superior quality for the past seven years.

The PULL-IN headquarters, located in Hossegor (the French South West Coast surf haven) is not completely by chance. Indeed, after a surf contest during the summer of 2000, Emmanuel LOHEAC (PULL-IN creator) entered in partnership with 3 friends to put into effect a project he had in his mind for long time. With less than $1,000, they created the company that today is at the forefront of the fashion underwear industry. PULL-IN proposed underclothing for women and men, under an "high-tech and tendency" influence accomplishing what no other surf, fashion or street-wear brand had previously attempted.

During these few years of existence, PULL-IN has known how to experiment with innovation without compromising the quality of their underclothing. This has all been done while working with more technical materials (like the microfiber Lycra by Dupont de Nemours) to get a design, comfort and a maximum sturdiness. The creativity of the printed papers form remains the identity of the brand and its concept; nevertheless the roll out of the range towards basic products is like a need to develop more traditional markets like that of the trendy concept stores.

Posted by Unknown at 4:53 PM - 0 comments

AFG's Guide to NYC: TAIM

For people visiting the Big Apple and the locals as well... This is one find that you don't want to miss out on!
Those of you who know me, know that I love food from places all over the world.

Most places adverstise really good Middle-Eastern food, but no one comes close to Taim Falafel, who caters to a huge Middle-Eastern clientele as well.

Talk about fresh and tasty... check it out.

Taim
Falafel & Smoothie Bar
212-691-1287
222 Waverly Place (@ 7th Ave)
www.taimnyc.com

Posted by Unknown at 4:35 PM - 0 comments

BRIDAL HAIR PART II: TRAILS

So, you now have the date of your big day set. Plans are on the way and you are seriously thinking about hair, hair, hair!!!

Most of the time your present stylist would be more than happy to accomodate your wedding needs by providing ideas for the perfect hairstyle or updo. It could also be possible that your stylist does not do updos or truly isn't the best skilled person to do so. If this is the case, please DO NOT PANIC. Believe it or not, this actually happens more than you think! Simply, ask your stylist if he or she can recommend another stylist (possibly one within the same salon) to book a trial. Yes, you read correctly...I did say trial. Trial meaning that you would have your hair done just as you would for the day of your wedding.

Please don't allow someone to twist and pull your hair back into a make-shift style with a single bobby pin and say,"It's going to look something like this." That is a huge no,no! You need to see EXACTLY what it is going to look like; wedding veil, flowers, accessories and all.

Come prepared with ideas for your hairstyle during your trial. My advice on finding the perfect look is to tear as many photos as you can out of magazines (of all types, not just bridal publications) of styles that you do and DO NOT like. This will give your stylist a better understanding of what you are hoping to have achieved and many options to discuss with you.

Is is realistic to say that you will get what you want out of the first trial? No, but sometimes you can tell right away if you and your stylist are on the same page. You maybe asking for a more organic, natural look, but instead you get origami!

If you feel that your current stylist isn't the best fit for your wedding needs, don't feel bad to let them know that you are going to use someone else. From the get go, inform your stylist that you have several referrals, and that you will be having more than one trial. This way no one will be disappointed.

Posted by Unknown at 3:44 PM - 0 comments

NEWS FOR MEN FOR 2008

By Elaine Armstrong, Visual Strategist

Now that the dust has settled from the holidays and those New Year’s resolutions are just a pale memory (hitting the gym by 6 am, anyone?), it is time to talk about spring. OK, so maybe it’s not quite there on the calendar or the thermometer yet, but there are ways to start to bring some freshness and newness into your looks for the upcoming season…

1. Show your stripes: A great way to get a jump on the season is to incorporate some bright striped shirts into your wardrobe. These can be easily mixed in to winter suits that you are already wearing. Colors that pop and a solid tie can brighten up the dark grey doldrums of a tailored suit. Etro, Ted Baker and Ralph Lauren all have great stripe options that can be worn right now before the frost is off the ground!

2. Let’s talk casual: As the weather turns warmer, there will be more corporate outings that call for the dreaded “business casual”. It’s time to rethink the pleated front khaki, solid polo shirt boring uniform! For pants, try a flat front in a microfiber blend or lightweight wool/linen in a texture, perhaps a windowpane check, houndstooth or small vertical stripe. The key here is texture. Try mixing up the shirt option with a linen shirt topped off by a fine gauge sweater vest in a beautiful sherbet color. To top it all off, designers such as Zegna and John Varvatos both have their takes on a loose fitting parka style jacket, with a drawstring waist in either microfiber or cotton. If a more structured jacket is required, you can’t go wrong with a classic khaki poplin or navy blazer from Ralph Lauren.

3. Upgrade what you carry; ditch that black TUMI-style bag!
Time to move up to a more elegant, traditional briefcase. I know what you’re saying. I can’t fit my laptop into those bags! Not true! Designers this season have so many options in leather, canvas with leather and exotic skins that it really would be a shame not to capitalize on a new look. Cole Haan, Paul Smith, Zegna even Banana Republic have taken briefcase options to new levels.

Hurry Spring!

Peace to All,

Elaine

Email me for more information: info@elainearmstrongco.com

Posted by Unknown at 2:54 PM - 0 comments

ASK ANTONIO

Hello Everyone!

I first want to wish all of my friends and clients a Happy New Year! Thank you for your love and support for the past year, and also for being so inspirational in many aspects of my business. I must admit, it was fun to experience the growth of my business with my clientele. I want to especially acknowledge all of my loyal clients that have stayed with me over the past seven years in New York!

I wanted to say a special thanks to one of my biggest sources of inspiration this year (and past years), Eva Scrivo. For those of you who don't know that story of how Eva and I met, well...

After complaining to a very close friend, Peter (and some of my other clients) about the inconsistency of the service in the salon world, Peter said to me, "Well, I can only help you so much. You need advice from someone you admire about what your next step should be."

I had read an article about Eva and decided that she was on to something great. I had hoped that she would hear my cries and give me a sense of direction for my career. So, I marched into her salon, asked to speak with a manager, and this beautiful woman said, "My name is Eva, I am the owner. How can I help you?"

Well, it was love at first sight! Eva not only listened, but cared and gave me her best advice...then hired me!

Working with Eva has given me a platform to do what I love most, as well as provide an endless source of skill, business building tools, a great employer and most importantly a friend.

I want to thank you, Eva Scrivo and to wish you and Arik Efros all the best on our fabulous new salon on Bond Street and on the moving of our Hudson Street location to the heart of the Meat Packing District (a few blocks away).

Thanks guys!

I am excited to offer a place for my clients and future clients to view my weekly happenings in the salon as well as updated information, photos and some of my favorite links.

You are more than welcome to join in on my discussions. If you have any beauty challenges, please feel free to post your questions or comments, and I will be more than happy to answer them.


STAY TUNED FOR FEBRUARY'S TOPICS

Posted by Unknown at 8:51 AM - 5 comments

New Cuts

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Hair Mishaps & How To Fix It: Part III

How can you be really sure that you and your stylist are on the same page about the right color of your new desired blonde to brunette transformation? I feel that the key to this is educating the client. Some may feel that this is too much information to give to their clients. I think not! I talk in depth with my clients about techniques and products using language that is basic enough for them to understand. If I feel that the client's knowledge is about average on hair color, I open the door to get them a bit more involved in the process. Actually, clients who have been color treating their hair for some time can bring valuable info to the process.

Some educators/ stylists feel that you should not get the client too involved. Oh, yes I do agree to some extent, but there must be some interaction here.

The days of "diva" hair stylist that were almost unreachable and of clients only speaking when they were spoken to are gone!

I want my clients to be educated enough to ask smart questions and to appreciate the value of my service and commitment to beautiful hair.

Posted by Unknown at 8:36 AM - 0 comments

MEN'S HAIR: What's Age Appropriate? (Continued)

Men in their 20-40s also tend to hold onto some hair trends of the past...most of which are not worth mentioning. It is important to have the right hair cut that can carry you through this competitive world in the work place. You would be surprised to hear the things that your male co-workers say about your hair behind your back; referring to you not by your name, but by your hair cut.

So think... really think, have you recently heard a loved one say, "Honey, I love your hair, but maybe you can try my stylist for a change?" This translates to,"Child, please!! I can't take anymore of this Grace Jones meets Chuck Norris gone wrong!"

As we know men's hair cuts can range from $8 to $400. It's up to you to find a stylist that is talented enough to deliver a quality cut that grows well and is versatile; be it conservative by day and a bit more relaxed at night.

Tips

DO's
-Listen to your stylist's recommendations...products DO HELP and can go a long way
-Think about how you want to best describe your style. Is your hair a part of it?

DON'Ts
- DO NOT hold on to words or descriptors like "feathered","spikey" or "frosted". These are style killers and secretly make your stylist want to scream every time you say them!
-DO NOT sport the Marine Cut for the rest of your life. You must be style appropriate too!

Posted by Unknown at 8:27 AM - 0 comments

Bridal Hair

Since this is such a huge topic, I would prefer to make this an on-going topic of discussion.

The beginning...

The frenzy starts from the moment you accept the proposal. You tell everyone who will listen from family to friends and co-workers about the news. You've spent years of your life dreaming of what your perfect day would be like and how you would look on your big day. Now it is finally time to make it happen.

Yes, the venue, caterer, dress, invitations and flowers are all REALLY important, but let's fast forward 15 years when you are sharing videos and photos of your wedding with friends (or children). What is the first thing that they will see?

Sure, the overall feel fo the event is there, beautiful space, great decorations, and things so well planned that everyone is just glowing with happiness (providing that you have an event planner like James Abel Events...of course). Then there is what truly matters, your hair and make-up. These photos should last a lifetime, and you should be able to show them feeling confident enough to say, "You know, I really looked great on my wedding day!" TO BE CONTINUED...

Posted by Unknown at 8:06 AM - 0 comments