ASK ANTONIO

What Inspires Me?

The fact that my two hands can have such an impact on someone's day or their life makes it worth waking up in the morning.

My introduction into hair started with meeting Anthony Medina when I was 18 years old. Anthony is not only one of the greatest hairstylist that I have met, but an incredible makeup artist and designer.

You may ask, can one person have all this talent? Well, ladies and gentlemen, yes he can!

I would sit and watch him make women feel like they were "reborn" with one hairstyle. He would tap into beauty that they never knew they had.

I observed client after client leave "transformed". I knew right then and there that I was born to be a hairstylist. I was just waiting to be discovered.

The first time I left the island at age 18 (was also my first time on a plane too) was to visit the International Beauty Show at the Jacob Javitz center. Well, can I tell you, my jaw dropped!!!

I could not believe my eyes. Anthony showed me the in and outs of the fashion & hair industries. This was all done with the help of his close childhood friend and WORLD REKNOWNED stylist, Freddie Lieba. If you are anyone important in the worlds of photography, fashion and/or Hollywood, more than likely Freddie has blessed you with his Trinidadian born talent. Then I was wisked off to the Bronx to meet Trinidad born Clem Lu Yat, master hairstylist that created so many of his own techniques on hair extensions.

So, basically 19 years ago, I was given the gift of knowing that I could make it in NYC. I could not have done it without the three men planting the seeds which allowed me to have the never ending passion to "do hair". Thanks my fellow "Trinis".

To see previous postings and topics, please click "Older Post" at the bottom of the page.

STAY TUNED FOR NEXT MONTH'S TOPIC
- MORE WEDDING HAIR
- CONVERSATION WITH THE FLAT IRON
- HAIR RELAXING: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HAIR RELAXING
- 5 OF NEW PROFESSIONAL PRODUCT RELEASES THAT YOU CAN'T LIVE WITH OUT
- AND MORE DRUG STORE FINDS


Thanks,

Antonio

Posted by Unknown at 10:10 AM - 0 comments

NEW STYLES

Here are a few simple updo's featuring pieces from VINTEDGED. It is amazing what a few pieces of jewelry can do for the hair (and, yes I did say jewelry). I used a necklace and two earrings to create these looks.

Posted by Unknown at 9:37 AM - 0 comments

BRIDAL HAIR: THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Should I have my veil for the trial ?

Most brides don't have there veil at that time, but if you do it would be great to have it for the trial. This enables you to make any changes to the style that you choose or any simple last minute changes to the veil (believe me, I have dissected some veils in my time).

Which is better, in salon or on-location wedding services?

I do both all the time. It's really up to the bride. In-salon is convenient because the stylist has all the tools and proper environment (a huge mirror, lighting, etc.). So, if anything goes wrong (i.e. run out of bobby pins) it's nice to have all your resources at your finger tip. It's also cheaper when using a stylist in the salon. If I have to leave behind all that work on a Saturday, obviously I need to be compensated. Don't worry, the bride is assured that she is in great hands. I bring every tool and know hotel rooms inside out (you know what I mean).

On the down side, most weddings are on Saturday and the salon is busy. You should know that you will not have the privacy that you would in your own hotel room, but It cost less. You can always ask your stylist to book you some extra time. On a Saturday, 15 minutes is a big deal.

How do I know that my stylist will show up (on-location wedding)

I have done weddings where I was given a contract to sign to be sure that I will show up on time. (hairstylists will hate me for writing this). :)

Should you have to pay for your trial

Yes!!! The only thing different about the trial compared to the wedding day is, " You ain't getting married." It's actually more work most times for the trial. I like doing exactly what I will be doing on the wedding day (not with one hand on the hip and the other doing a half-ass twist and saying :"It's something like this.").

Remember YOU want to look your best on this day. Spend less on the flowers and more on your hair and makeup.

To be continued

Posted by Unknown at 9:24 AM - 0 comments

"BRIDE'S GUIDE TO EMOTIONAL SURVIVAL"

SHE'S GOT EVERYTHING SHE NEEDS FOR HER WEDDING,BUT WILL SHE MAKE IT DOWN THE AISLE?

"Bride's Guide to Emotional Survival" Helps Couples Cope with the Stress of
an Engagement Period.

There are countless tasks on a bride's to-do list: find the perfect hairstylist, choose a cake, buy the dress, book the reception site and the list goes on. Author & Psychologist, Rita Bigel-Casher, LCSW, PhD reasons that there's one more crucial thing the bride must take care of throughout the process: her emotional health. Dr. Rita's book, "Bride's Guide to Emotional Survival" (available through AuthorHouse, in book stores and online), tackles the myriad of difficult issues many brides face while planning a wedding and preparing for marriage.

Tension is often the overriding sentiment for all involved during what is supposed to be one of the happiest occasions in a woman's life. Dr. Rita's is the first and only book to tackle this issue with effective survival techniques and tactics such as "five quick ways to save the psyche of any bride-to-be" and "creating a united vision." There may be turmoil and unexpected dissent, but with Dr. Rita's sound advice, all family members, including the groom, parents of the bride and in-laws will benefit from these useful tools for handling each emotional crisis with relative ease.

Rita. Bigel-Casher acknowledges that, "The engagement period isn't always one of constant celebration and endless fun. It's actually a rather stressful time for most brides that embodies the last days of a family's and a person's life as they know it."

Handling the upheavals, recognizing that tensions are high, and utilizing Brides Guide to Emotional Survival's many tips for staying sane and civil will help brides and grooms keep their eyes on what is most important; their future together rather than the chaos of the pre-wedding planning. As Dr. Lila Nachtigal, New York University Medical School Professor observes, "Forget Prozac and avoid Valium. This book is true preventive medicine."

Dr. Rita Bigel-Casher is a practitioner of mind/body healing for Trauma and Relationships, with a private practice in New York City, where she specializes in couple wellness, individual growth and family therapy.

She has appeared frequently in the national media, including: Oprah, CNN, The New York Times, and many Bridal magazines. She inspires audiences on topics of love, relationships, success and personal transformation.

Please visit Dr. Rita's website: www.RitaCanHelp@aol.com or blog:
www.Ritacanhelp.blogspot.com or phone (212) 532-0032.

Posted by Unknown at 9:08 AM - 0 comments

YOUR HAIR AFTER CANCER TREATMENTS

I am happy to have this conversation on this topic. So, many of us have been affected by this disease. It has no prejudice.
I am not the only hairstylist that has had to walk a client through the change of his/her hair after treatment. As a hairstylist, I understand how important it is to know how to provide advice for my client to cope with this life changing experience. I often hear that after everything is discussed about treatment with the patient, one of the important questions that is asked is, "What about my hair?" On top of everything else the client and his/her family must experience, there is also the loss of one's hair to deal with. I can't imagine how difficult this must be, but one thing I do know is we are here to help.

So many times I have seen individuals hair change completely after treatment. I mean the hair was straight before and then it's now curly. Not just wavy, I mean curly! Most times it's expected, but still it's always a shock to the client and the hair stylist the way it looks, feels and the texture can vary; for everyone it is different. As you can imagine, it takes skill and a true understanding of hair to make someone who has had a certain hair texture all their life to now embrace this new head of hair.

The next step is for the client is to think fast and find a stylist that they feel comfortable with for so many reasons. No one deserves to be treated like they are different. The hairstylist must be sensitive enough to listen and embrace the emotions behind the client, who wants guidance to cope with their new locks. The stylist must also be able to assess the client's response to his/her new hair, decide on what changes can be made that would not only convince the client that their hair is going to look great, but that she may even love it after all (even sooner than they think)!

This is where creativity comes in. How can I make someone who has someone else's hair love it, feel sexy and still feel that they are the same person? How about color (because that changes as well) ? So, do you get it ? This is life changing and you the stylist must be able to deliver more than ever because strong emotions are involved , rightfully so. This is possible and happens all the time, with the right product recommendation and a creative eye you can give an amazing new look!

I recommend allowing the hair to grow about 2 inches and see a stylist when you feel comfortable. Please understand that your existing stylist can do a great job. He or she knows you, your style and has had a rapport with you for sometime. It is important to know short, curly or straight hair is sexy all you need is the right set of hands behind you. Start conditioning treatments right away; getting the texture hydrated is very important. It makes the hair stronger, shinier and its ability to with stand coloring is improved ( if coloring is needed ). A great shampoo and hair mask is Age recahrge by Kerastase, try it!! It's amazing!!!

To be continued with some great short cuts.

Posted by Unknown at 8:40 AM - 1 comments

HAIR MISHAPS: HOW TO DIVORCE YOUR STYLIST

I know you are probably thinking, " Is he afraid to have this conversation ? " Honey, this is what HAIR BY ANTONIO is all about, having conversations with you, for you, to help you...

No one in any job has ever maintained every client they have ever touched, it's just not realistic.

THE STYLIST

We as the provider do have the power to deliver our best, which is all we can do. It is also important to try our best and read the client. If a client is unhappy there is always a little something in their facial expression to tell you " I am not feeling it."
What is very important to me is to keep a mental note at the time of doing the client. I ask myself, "Am I doing the best I can do? Does his or her facial expression really show complete satisfaction? Are we on the same page? How can I take my ego out of this and be open to how the client sees his or herself?


THE CLIENT

You have a relationship with your stylist, but at the end of the day "It's about knowing what's right for you. " By the time it gets to this point, something must be bothering you. It might have been a 1 year relationship or a 15 year relationship, the more time the harder it is. Give your stylist another chance. At this appointment, be honest and vent your frustrations. This conversation will be your deciding factor on your next move. Let's face it, a great hairstylist is hard to come by, but at the same time, so is a dedicated client.

If you feel that the relationship with your stylist is hopeless, don't be afraid to flee the sinking ship and step onto someone else's yacht! It is entirely up to you if you decided to inform your stylist of your decision. Some clients are comfortable being completely honest and upfront with their stylist. Although, it is a difficult conversation to have, you might just be the client to pull the blinders from in front of your stylists eyes; ultimately helping to make he/she a better stylist. Others may opt to pull a Houdini disappearing act; never to be seen or heard from again...

These are a few reasons that some of my new clients have DIVORCED their previous stylist.

-Wanting change
-Miscommunication
-Stylist moving
-Being too familiar
-Feeling neglected

These are all valid reasons, but they could be worked out. What is the key to any relationship COMMUNICATION

Have I been DIVORCED ? Child, I am still paying alimony :)

Next topic : How to make up....

Posted by Unknown at 8:00 AM - 0 comments

AFG's Guide to NYC: DANA GALIN

Seeing that I've got so many raving reviews from my readers, I've deciced to post more of Dana Galin's Jewelry. Please visit her website for more information!

Posted by Unknown at 7:45 AM - 0 comments