THE MOUSTACHE FROM AN ERA GONE BY

In a world where men are often limited at fashion trends and hair styles, those we are able to sport should be worn and executed well. It’s obvious that the moustache is back and hotter than ever. Pay attention guys. This is not just any moustache! What we see on the runways are sleek, tapered, gentlemanly moustaches, reminiscent of a romantic era gone by.


I was so inspired by the new look that I decided I would create one of my own. Being a hairstylist one would think it would be easy, right? Sorry to disappoint you but I had a little trouble on my own trying to identify the right shape and size for me. After doing a little research I found the most inspiration came from the men of the pre-war era. As I slowly became comfortable with my new facial hair I was further inspired by other trends of that era and decided that I needed a new hair cut that would compliment my new facial hair. The next day, while sitting in the chair at the salon and discussing my new look with my hair stylist and friend Kaz Suzuki, I realized how lucky I was to be able to explain exactly what I wanted. This prompted me to reach out to you men and give you a break down on how to ask your stylist for this cut and some styling tips.



Here are the steps you should follow on getting the right hair cut to compliment your new moustache. The idea is to be able to work with your natural hair type utilizing hair product making it your best friend. When getting this cut, ask your hairstylist to avoid using hair clippers when cutting the sides. Clippers will make the edges too structured. Although it is a sleek approach you still need to have movement in the connection to the sides and the top. I recommend using scissors for the sides first, cutting the top second and leaving the front for last. The idea is to have a slight disconnect from the top of the hair to the front and that's why I will cut the front last without perfectly blending the two areas together.



THINGS TO ASK YOUR STYLIST

1) Ask them to cut with where you part your hair in mind. If you have a side part, cut your hair with a side part.
2) Save thinning shears for last, you don't want to make the hair too wispy. You will need the bulk for styling purposes.
3) Watch out for cow licks at the crown of the head. Because the top and front is long there will need to be a connection to the back. If you cut the back of the crown too short cowlicks may keep popping up spoiling the look at that back
4) Tell your stylist to keep in mind that you would like to wear your hair dry. Although it is a sleek look, the option to wear it dry by slightly changing the product you use will be amazing.

PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS

I would recommend using a gel and a cream combined. The gel alone will be too hard. Also, when the gel dries, if you (or someone else) decide to run your fingers through your hair for a softer look, the dried gel may get flaky and too full. The cream alone is too soft and will not be strong enough to hold your hair. One product really supports the other. For the men who like pomades or pastes, the Shu Uemura Shape paste is the best.

STYLING TIPS

Depending on the thickness of your hair, you can use your fingers alone to style it. I like using a comb first to get the product through evenly. Then I run my fingers through to give my hair a softer look. Remember the more natural oils in your hair, the better this style will look and hold.

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 8:38 PM - 0 comments

MY NEW ARTICLE ON ABOUT.COM ON HAIRPIECES

HOW TO CREATE AN UPDO FROM HAIRPIECES



http://beauty.about.com/od/blackhairstyles/a/black-hair-updo.htm



Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 4:49 AM - 0 comments

HAIR BY ANTONIO

Makeup by Frank Kammerer - getfrank@verizon.net
Photography- www.rileyandrileyphoto.com

Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 10:44 AM - 0 comments

MY COMBO OF THE WEEK

Download the original attachment

My hair care combo of the week

It seems like some people still feel that it may be against the product laws to combine two totally different products. There are times when I am on a shoot and I might have forgotten one of my favorite products. I never worry as I simply run to the nearest Drug store or Ricky's and either look for my product of choice or get creative. I find myself even mixing all natural products with products that are, well, just not natural (to think!) Trust me when I say your hair will not explode! First, some rules on mixing products.


1) It is totally fine to mix your favorite drugstore find with a salon professional product. No one will know :)

2) When cocktailing products, instead of mixing two products at the same time in your hands, layer the products on your hair.

3) It will be a case of trial and error for different products and hair types. So alternate the product you apply first when layering till you feel it works for your hair and the style you are trying to create.

4) When cocktailing for curly hair its okay to use up to five products. This is especially true for frizzy curly hair.

5) Some mousses and creams don't mix well so be aware!

6) If you mix products in your hands and the resulting solution is clumpy, chances are it is going to be the same way in your hair.

Here are two products that by themselves are amazing but when you combine them the results are fabulicious.

The first product in the orange packaging is called Style For You by Alfaparf. This product was created along with a hair academy in London called Mahogany which was started in Australia and now travels the world teaching their style of cutting and coloring. I actually attended a week of classes at their school in London (while the tube was on strike) and it was amazing. Enough about me! Style For You by itself it is an amazing smoothing lotion. Do I love the packaging? Let’s not go there. I do like the product.

The second product in the line up is Lotion Densitive GL. This leave in spray treatment has seriously changed the way hair feels. Now let’s be honest. This product is not wonderful just because it is by Kerastase. It truly is fabulous. We all know that Kerastase has some products I will not touch with a 10 foot pole (did someone say Chroma Reflect?) Any hoo, by itself this spray strengthens fine hair and at the same time it is a great styling tool.

Let’s combine these two products by layering them applying the Kerastase spray first then the smoothing lotion second.
Shazam!!!

Here we now have a product that will make the thickest hair silky and shiny or curly hair with a little frizz just defined and soft. And it smells like a million dollars. I have fine curly hair and the combo actually works really well. It leaves my hair defined with out being crunchy or oily.

Photography- www.rileyandrileyphoto.com

Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 8:56 PM - 0 comments

GREAT SHOPPING IN MY HOOD

Since I started my blog I have been talking about one of my favorite New York boutiques, Raffaele e Paola. I love to shop in general but I truly love walking into a store where I feel the merchandise has been well displayed and serious thought has been put into the quality and style by the buyer. This store has quickly become one of my favorite Chelsea boutiques. I always feel very comfortable recommending Raffaele e Paola to my clients because, I not only love the owner Abby, I also feel strongly about her style and the level of service she provides. Not only is she a beauty, she has great taste. When I first went to her website I really liked that Abby gave great thought to what New Yorkers would like to own instead of me having to shop at some of the big stores where everything is mass purchased. Stop by and see for yourself. Ask for Abby and tell her that Antonio sent you. Enjoy!!

270 W. 19TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY, 10011 - 212 633 0828
http://www.raffaeleepaola.com/

Posted by Unknown at 8:47 PM - 0 comments

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A $40, $60 AND A $160 HAIR CUT IN MANHATTAN

ANTONIO AND HIS AMAZING ASSISTANT RIESTA

Talent comes from within. Some of us have to work very hard for it and some times it comes naturally. When hairstylists begin their career we all start with different educational backgrounds and work for different levels of salons. While the ultimate goal for some of us is to do our best, for others it is simply to do hair. I don't think there is a wrong way. It is simply whatever makes you happy and satisfies your clients. In New York, here are three price points that are common for hair cuts for men and women. Which one are you?


The $40 Hair Cut

This price point can easily be a great or bad experience compared to the other more expensive hair cuts. Of course, this depends on the hairstylist and the client’s expectations. You can easily find someone who has raw talent at this price point to understand what you want, to a point. It is doubtful that you will find a full service salon with a variety of products and glamorous surroundings. It is a real struggle for many stylists in this price point. I know first hand what it is like for these stylists as this was my price point at one time in my early career, So I'm not blowing hot air, get it! The stylist at this price point feels a certain level of confidence based on how long they have been cutting hair, however, continuing education is the real challenge for this stylist. Most salons that offer the $40 hair cut don't have the financial resources to send every stylist to continuing education. They may send the stylist that has been with them the longest and as a result maybe the busiest person as the salon sees education as an investment. If you are not the stylist sent by the salon, how much are you willing to spend on your own education when classes can run from $500 a day to $5,000 for three days? Although you may be getting your hair cut at a reasonable price point, your stylist is probably not going to be well versed in the latest cutting methods, tools and hair styles. At the end of the day it really depends on the client’s expectations and the level of service they are accustomed to receiving. Some people are easier to please than others and some may want more of a salon experience.

The $60 Hair Cut

Depending on your budget, you may think $60 is expensive. Yes, there are talented hair stylists at this price point (I used to be one of them). Everyone has to start somewhere, right! :) One of the biggest challenges with the $60 hair cut is the amount of time spent on your hair. Most salons at this price point are booking half hour to 45 minute appointments at the most. The salon can not afford to give up a chair for much longer so the stylists are trained to work fast. Even the work of a very talented stylist suffers by such time constraints. The hair cut is rushed and the stylist does not have ample time for cross checking and dry cutting, which is when the real transformation happens.

The other challenge with hair cuts at the $60 price point is that salons can't afford to pay for very much education and training for their stylists. Consequently, the stylists are forced to pay for their own training, if they think they need it, which many stylists do not. Even those stylists eager to learn are probably not able to afford the expense of adequate training. This lack of education typically means your stylist is probably not keeping up with hair trends and the latest styling techniques.

Oh and by the way, don't expect a little cup of green tea in some fine china with a great fashion magazine and an environment that's says, ooh, I feel special.

The $160 Hair Cut

While we all know expensive is not always better, no salon in Manhattan would be bold enough to charge this amount and give bad haircuts. They would not be able to survive. Any decent salon in this price point knows that to keep up with the latest in this competitive City, their stylists must be well trained in the latest techniques and styling trends. Most stylists in salons at this price point are encouraged to travel all over the world for education with companies like Vidal Sasson or Mahogany (just to name a few). In addition, most stylists in this price point will take the time to sit with you before each cut and discuss the look you are trying to achieve and will have the skill set to make recommendations on the various looks that will be best suited to your facial structure. They will also discuss with you how they envision the process unfolding to arrive at the end result. You can expect your hair to be washed before with a relaxing head massage and after your cut, as a bonus, professional hair care and styling products are used and sold in these salons. The teas are to die for and the bathrooms are not reminiscent of McDonalds in Times Square. If your salon does not offer you these amenities, my advice to you, darling, is to find a salon that will treat you like the celebrity you are.

Antonio Gonzales


Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 5:54 AM - 0 comments

QUESTION FROM MY READER

READER-
Dear Antonio,

Hello. I read your blog Comesse. You seem to be very knowledgeable. I
was hoping you could help me by answering my questions.


READER-
I would like to use Sebastian cellophane's shade red on a
level 7 or 8 redhead. She has a few gray hairs. My question is will
the color look like red highlights or could it turn the gray hairs
pink?

ME-
Yes, it would look like pink highlights. The reds never look as
good as when you use the brunettes in Cellophane's.


READER-
Also, would I be better off to use a red orange or different shade to
get the grays to appear more like highlights?

ME-
Actually I would recommend using the Brunette shades. It will look
more convincing. The reds and golds will make the hair look as if it is a bad henna color
job.

READER-
What color could I use that will look good on the gray and not make
the hair too orange or yellow?

ME-
I would probably use the color Deep mixed with the golden or the Deep
mixed with the golden blond. This way you have the depth to give some
blending but you will still have the sparkle you want.

You can even experiment with the Brunettes by adding a little red red,
let me know how it turns out.

READER-
Thank you for your time,

ME-
You are so welcome.

Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 2:05 PM - 0 comments

HAIR COLOR QUESTION FROM SPAIN

Hi Antonio,

Looking for information on the Internet, I came across your blog which I find very interesting and helpful. I decided to write you asking for some recommendations on hair color. I hope this will not take too much of your time and want to thank you in advance for reading this message.

READER

I have a lot of grey hair and I wear a color mix of light blond and mid blond. My original hair color is dark brown. I would like to change to a natural hair color like Elumen from Goldwell but I heard it doesn’t cover grey hair.

ME

After my research I found the same to be true. My guess is if you use this product the coverage will not be adequate and you will end up with more of an uneven stained effect in the root area. When it comes to covering grey hair and wanting to avoid permanent color in the area of the roots there are products on the market that can help but it all depends on the amount of grey hair and how coarse your hair is.

READER

I would be ready to change to a mid blond or light brown but without reddish tones on the roots. Do you think Elumen enable me to achieve this result?

ME

I feel your pain when it comes to avoiding red tones in your base/root color when covering grey hair. No the Elumen will not work. On my clients with dark roots with some grays I approach it in several ways. One way is to use Goldwell 10A with a squirt of Pmix and 10 volume for 10 minutes. I then rinse the product out, dry the hair and highlight with lightener. If needed, I also place low lights in with an ammonia free color and end with a glaze (Colorance by Golldwell) of my choice.

READER

Perhaps with Elumen the grey hairs would look like some highlights?

ME

Nope.

READER

Also I heard that I should try combining Topchic on the roots and Elumen on the length. Would this work? The stylists here do not use these brands so I cannot ask them for for their opinion. Could you please give me some tips on the color mix?

ME

Can you find out which color they use for permanent color and demi-permanent color? I would recommend getting this info from about two salons and then I can help you formulate the exact colors you want.

Thank you

Kind regards from Spain (Barcelona)

I look forward to getting the questions answered so I can help some more.

AFG

Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 4:07 PM - 0 comments

MENS HEALTH Q&A WITH MARC HAMET

While working I meet all types of people in the most interesting professions. Recently I was introduce to Marc Hamet and we started a conversation about my health and me standing all day long. My question was on men having Varicose veins and how they can be treated. Seeing that this is marc's speciality I decided to ask some questions:


In general, your muscles working push the blood from your legs to your heart. The veins have a series of valves built in to make sure the blood only flows in one direction. If the valves do not work correctly (become incompetent), the blood will flow with gravity in the wrong direction down the legs (venous insufficiency). This puts an abnormal pressure on the veins, causing them to dilate and become convoluted. Blood can leak out of the veins, causing discoloration of the skin. Not only is this unsightly, but the pooling of blood in the feet and ankles can cause bleeding, skin ulcers and infection (wet gangrene). Venous insufficiency is a real medical condition, thus most insurance companies will pay for treatments.

ME -
What is the difference between varicose veins, and spider telangectasias?

MARC-
Spider Telangectasias are the fine "spider veins" that you see just under the skin surface. They are usually within the skin itself and are red to purple in color. When you press on them, they will blanch, but quickly refill. They are very common, even though they may be a sign of a more significant problem, they don't always represent a real disease process. Varicose veins are larger and are typically a sign of an underlying problem such as venous insufficiency or poor vein valve function. They are under the skin and cannot be easily blanched. When a person has varicose veins, they typically have some spider veins too.

ME-
What is the youngest age a man can start getting them?

MARC-
These vein problems are more common in women than men and are more common in older individuals. You can develop spider veins at almost any age. Varicose veins would be unusual in people less than 20, but may be present due to some underlying medical conditions. In general, they are associated with weight gain, high blood pressure, trauma, pregnancy, and straining or spending long hours on your feet. Genetics play a major factor in development. In healthy young men, they are most commonly seen in wrestlers and weight lifters (due to strain) and soccer players (due to leg trauma). Occupations which require heavy lifting or long periods of standing/sitting have an increased incidence (ex, movers, hair stylists, truck drivers, airline attendants).

ME-
Is it common for men get veins removed from their legs?

MARC-
In the past the only options were supportive stockings and surgery. We can now offer the laser or RF treatment with is much more comfortable than surgery with a faster recovery. If either a man or a woman has a significant problem, they should have treatment as needed.

ME-
Can your diet affect this problem?

MARC-
Diet can affect the problem in that obesity and high blood pressure are contributing factors. No specific foods can cause or reduce the problem of unsightly veins.

ME-
Is the recovery time different for men and women?

MARC- Recovery from treatment is the same for men or women. If you have an endovenous treatment (laser or RF), the recovery period is approximately 2 hours of bed rest after the procedure, wearing a compression stocking for 1 week after the procedure, and ½ hour/day of walking. If the treatment is successful, you should expect swelling and bruising of the inner thigh, followed by a pulling sensation between the groin and the inner knee.

ME-
How long is the recovery time?

MARC-
The bruising is worst the first week after the procedure. It goes away during the second week. The pulling sensation can stay for weeks to years. The vein remains in the leg as a scar. That is what causes the pulling sensation, however, it is not typically painful.

ME- Is it not recommended for certain people or age groups?

MARC-The endovenous treatment is not recommended for individuals with significant disease of the arteries or with an active infection. Also, the person should be well evaluated to verify the presence of an underlying treatable condition and to exclude other conditions which may cause similar presentation (ex. some heart conditions).

ME-
Is there anything that can be done in terms of creams or injections, etc to reduce the appearance of veins?

There are no known creams to help. Makeup may cover up veins, but the veins are still there. Sclerotherapy involves injecting clotting agents directly into the veins. If there is no significant underlying condition, this can be very effective in treating the veins. External laser treatment can also be used to treat spider veins effectively – if there is no underlying condition. If an underlying condition exists – it must be treated before you will get lasting results.

ME-
Is there a makeup that can be used to cover them up?

MARC-
You can try any cover up or foundation, as needed.

ME-
Can anything be done to prevent unsightly veins before they appear.

MARC- The only things you can do to try to prevent this from happening is to keep your weight and blood pressure in a normal range. Regular, non-straining exercise (walking/swimming) may help. Avoidance of long periods of standing or sitting may help.

ME-
Do laser treatments work? I have heard that these have been used to remove unsightly veins from the face around the nose.

MARC-
External laser treatment can help for spider veins and hemangiomas. On the face, Laser treatments and peels may help with other conditions which cause prominent tiny veins such as rosacea. Internal laser treatments are necessary to destroy underlying abnormal veins in the legs in patients with venous insufficiency.

So guys their you have it. I wish you great.... legs?

AFG

GUEST WRITER MARC HAMET
MHamet@stamhealth.org

Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 8:19 AM - 0 comments

PRODUCTS THEY SHOULD IMPROVE

In the world of cosmetics, there seem to be a never ending supply of new products. It seems like just when you are confident you have mastered the perfect hair care regime, all of a sudden there is a whole new product line for a hair ailment you never realized you had. I often write about the products I like or the ones I don’t like. Well how about the products that I like but still wish they would improve. We all have products that we like but always wonder what if they would apply that extra ingredient that would make the world a better place for us all?

Here are some of those products that I have used and liked but would always have a “what if” moment.

The first is the Sumo Wax by bumble and bumble.

Yes it is a good wax, gives good hold and yes this company offered us a new way of approaching waxes and using them….

BUT

Why the hell is it so thick that I have to take a hair dryer to melt it so I can use it? I really don't want to work this hard to use any product. Is their anyway to make this a little softer? PLEASE!!



Now lets move on to Fructis by Garnier:

For a drugstore product not bad at all. I like the smoothing milk/polish and their wax….

BUT

Who was the queen that they hired to do the smell test on this product? And why does every product smell like burnt apples? Can we just change the scent? And why are all the manufactures of drugstore products designing all of this bright packaging? Like hello!



Okay I'm getting warmed up..

John Frieda Frizz Ease

WE all need a little silicone to help with frizzing.

BUT

Well hello grease ball!!! Have you ever blow dried your hair and see the room full of smoke/steam? Well baby, get ready for the built in fog machine.



Big Sexy Hair

For some reason those three words just don't go together. If it was big sexy man or big sexy mama I would be interested. And that can, child, it’s so old school. I saw a drag queen on Hudson Street soar one at a man like a rocket launcher! You Go Girl!!!



Rosemary Mint shampoo and conditioner by Aveda

Please don't get me started on this one. When I have a new client and I feel that their hair is dry, I will often ask what shampoo and conditioner they use. If they use Aveda, chances are they are using these two products. They smell great but the shampoo is either SO strong or the conditioner is too weak that they tend to dry out most hair types. I personally only like these products for men with an oily scalp or women with virgin healthy hair and an oily scalp.





If you have any thoughts of your own that you would like to share please comment.

I wish you great products!

Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 10:18 AM - 0 comments

DO YOU 11N ?

Hello Antonio,


I have just stumbled upon your blog and I am literally fascinated. I live in CT and I have been to many of the salons, Tricomi, Fekkai, Licari, etc when I lived in the city. I am intrigued by a person who, I think, must be so confident about his talents and abilities, that he can post his "secrets online," and is willing to help others. Truly, you must be one in a million. Now, I live in CT and I have had 4 babies in six years. I am too busy with my kids to get to the city anymore and the time to go to the salon, etc. is just an impossibility right now with my hectic schedule. Ten years ago, before I had kids, I used to live in Philadelphia on the main line and I went to a salon which used Goldwell color. The girl there used to use Goldwell 11N on my hair. I loved the color it would be and the soft blond buttery highlights that I had naturally when I was little were back. I have not had such a good experience with highlights since, no matter how fancy the salon I have tried and how much I have paid. I know that my well water is partially to blame for this as well (and I have become a slave to Redken Pre Art treatments).

My mom is one of those people that is just "good at hair," period. Had she not become the fabulous teacher that she is, I think she could have been a tremendous colorist or hair stylists. At any rate, I have now not had my hair highlighted in months, I just cannot get there anymore. She has finally given in and said that if I can get the right product, she will do it for me. I have been on Goldwell's website and I have looked up the fact sheet on the Top Chic color for 11N. My base has only gotten darker after each child and with age, and so I think I need to mix the 11N with the Topchic lotion 12% (40 vol).

ME

Yes you do need to mix it with 40 volume, but as you mentioned your hair has gotten darker which means the 11N will be too warm on your roots. Mixing it with some 11A or 11P will help control the warmth.

LADY

They also talk about the possibility of using a blonding creme mixed in as well. I do not know if my old Philadelphia stylist used this. Can you tell me if this is something you would recommend? I like my highlights to look cool. I do not like any warm toned or brassiness at all.

ME

Well then you may want to stick with the 11P or 11A for sure. Of course it depends on if there is any gray in your roots as well. If there are any gray hairs, then you already have cool in their, its really about formulating.

LADY

"Using Blonding Creme - Blonding Creme increases the degree of lift by a half to one level.
Blonding Creme Ash has an added controlling effect. Both Blonding Creme varieties can be used with the 11-Series and the Topchic (2 –10) shades (up to a maximum of 50 %)."

LADY

Do I need to use a color controller in the V family or in the P family to make certain that it will not be brassy or does the 11 and 12 series have this built in?

ME

As far as I know the ability to control tone is built in but if you want extra lift you can add little of the desired tone of blonding creme to insure lift.

LADY

How can I prevent my ends from getting too solid?

ME

The only way to create dimension and allow the color to grow out naturally without an intense line of demarcation is to low light your hair. Adding highlights to your hair now will blend in the roots a bit but the ends will become too solid. The best low light is 7G Topic sheet with 10 volume and a little water so it then becomes a 5 volume.

LADY

Can you tell me if II should put the 11N on my whole strand of hair, root to end of strand or should I just do the root?

ME

It depends on the color of the ends, your ends may be the totally wrong blond and putting it from roots to ends and adding low lights may be the answer. Then to fuse it all together a glaze or toner (Colorance Demi-Permanent acid shades) would be amazing.



LADY

In the Goldwell Tips section of the 11 series: Tips: • Use to mid lengths and ends after high lifting

What does this mean? And if this is to correct that "solid" look that I have, which demi permanent acid shade would I use?

ME

This is what you will use after doing highlights and/or low lights to fuse it all together as I mentioned before. Remember when you foil the hair what happens to the hair that you can't foil? It may not be a color that you like so adding the Colorance color balance will correct the over all tone.

LADY

*The Goldwell fact sheet also talks about the possibility of using a blonding creme mixed in as well. I do not know if my old Philadelphia stylist used this. Can you tell me if this is something you would recommend? I like my highlights to look more cool, think butter. I do not like any warm toned or brassiness at all.

ME

Oh yes I would absolutely recommend this.




LADY

They also say, “It is not recommended to pull high lift color through pre-lightened hair.”


Does this mean that they only want me to put the 11N on my roots and leave out the hair that is the mid length portion that has old blond color in it?

ME

Exactly, the roots are darker and needs the full time to be processed. The ends are already processed so the product on the ends may have to change to a colorance demi-permanant color, but once again it depends on how light the ends are and you need to decide if not coloring the ends in the highlights is the right choice.

LADY

The tips also say “When high lifting, always treat the darkest parts of the hair first.” Does this mean do the roots first?

ME

Yes it does, but once again it depends on the existing color that is on your ends now.

LADY

Another tip is “When using the high lift series, apply to the hairline for the last 15–20 minutes of processing time.”

What does this mean? I thought the roots took the longest?

ME

This is if you are doing a single process color(roots to ends all over) The hairline is fragile and the heat in the scalp allows for faster lifting on virgin hair.

LADY
The last tip is, “Processing time is 45 minutes (without heat) or 30 minutes (with heat – open air system only).”

Do I set the timer for 45 minutes for my whole head or do I rinse out the first part that I highlighted first?

ME

Yes 45 minutes is recommended. Since this product is not bleach, I generally I rinse it all together. My tip is don't mix all at once. Mix as you go.

LADY

I am so sorry if this is a pain to answer all of these questions. If so, I totally understand.

Thank you so much.

ME

Darling, it is not a pain at all. This is what I am here for. I enjoy helping people and I am honored to be of service. Let me know how you your hair turns out.

I wish you great Hair!



Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 11:04 AM - 5 comments

I LOVE LONG HAIR!

Over the past year, I have posted many short hair cuts on my blog and have written many articles on how and why you should go short. While on a recent trip to Miami I was exposed to some beautiful Latina's with gorgeous long locks and I had to face the reality that although I understand short hair I actually love long hair. As a child I would hear my mother say to my sisters, "Don't cut your hair, it is your beauty!" Many years later I will say that there is some truth to what mama said, but could long hair work against you?

YOU KNOW YOUR HAIR IS TOO LONG WHEN:

1) Your hair is always in a ponytail. A ponytail is a style not a sentence.

2) It is annoying your loved ones who have seen you look better and now they think you look too old for your age.

3) You lost your Chihuahua in your hair last week.

4) Your hair is lifeless and feeling sexy is not an option.

5) Your child (if you have one) calls you Rapunzel.

WHY DO SOME HAIRDRESSERS ALWAYS CUT TOO MUCH LENGTH OFF?

Ladies and gentlemen I have seen it all and YES some hair stylists are hair hungry making your hair style all about their ego. It is important as a hair stylist to keep in mind that it’s not important to see hair on the floor in order for a client to feel like they have gotten their money’s worth. A great cut can be done by making subtle changes. It is not always necessary to try to blow the client away with your stylist trying to feed their ego and prove their self worth.

HOW TO AVOID GETTING YOUR LONG HAIR CUT TOO SHORT?

1) Keep insisting to your stylist that you want long hair over and over again (especially if you are a new client and unfamiliar with their work).

2) Don't talk to your stylist when he or she is cutting. Who cares about his or her man troubles and contrary to public opinion your stylist is not a therapist. :)

3) Ask to see what an inch looks like, an inch looks different to us all.

4) When cutting fine long hair I find it helpful to cut my layers first then cut the actual length. From my own mistake, I have realized that I may have given the client the length they requested but as soon as I cut long layers the hair appears to feel lighter on the ends which in return then feels shorter.

As a child I heard my mother saying often to my sisters, “Don't cut your hair, it is your beauty!” Well mama, you were right when talking to teen age girls, but long layers when done correctly can make the biggest difference. And as some woman mature, it is important to make changes to suit her new features and texture change resulting from her natural highlights (gray hair).

I wish you long hair!

Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 5:46 PM - 0 comments

QUESTION FROM MY READER

What's the difference between Sebastian Color Shine Cellophane, and their Laminate Cellophane Hair Color?

I found out that it is the same product (maybe minor adjustments) different packaging and a name change. Color Shine by Sebastian is the old packaging and Laminate Cellophane is the new look. It seems like forever since Sebastian had changed the packaging. I remember when I first used cellophane's back in the early eighties and the Sebastian packaging was never altered for a long time. The problem with the new packaging is it is so small. After I apply the new version of this product to four clients with long hair, it is done. As a result, I have to charge more for the treatments so please do not blame me that prices are going up in the middle of a recession. This is the link to the article I wrote on cellophane's.

http://hairbyantonio.blogspot.com/2008/09/all-about-healthy-hair.html

Enjoy!

Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 4:07 PM - 0 comments

GUEST WRITER: SLK

Ever since I started quest writing for Antonio’s blog, I have been keeping my eyes open for new health and beauty products to try and report back to you. One could argue I hardly needed another excuse to try new beauty products. Recently, I was attending New York Magazine’s New York Shop event and found two new lines of products I though many readers would like to explore. The first product line is called Basq which is especially formulated for women during and post pregnancy. Now I know what you are thinking, why am I trying a product line for pregnant women? Aside from research for Antonio’s blog, I was very impressed by several of the products offered. The first product which I am now hooked on is their Energizing Body lotion, which is great for relieving sore muscles after workouts. I have been using this body lotion mostly at the gym but it is great for everyday use as well. One application and you can feel your skin tingle with a warming sensation that soothes tired and aching muscles.


I am also a fan of their Citrus Sugar Body Polish. The granules in this body scrub are not as harsh as other body scrubs so I can use it more often.


I found the Basq Rebalancing Face Cleanser gentler than most facial scrubs I have used so I can also use this product more often. I thought the facial scrub and body scrub would be ideal for most women whose skin is more delicate than mine and might not like the harsh granules in many scrubs.


I also purchased the Basq Soothing Spa Socks for my boyfriend. When buying new products, you should always get one for your spouse so they can not complain about the lack of room in your medicine cabinet. Basq also makes Soothing Spa Gloves. The socks and gloves are worn for twenty minutes and provide nourishing moisturizers and antioxidants, leaving your feet and hands hydrated and feeling much softer. To find out more about Basq’s complete line of products or to place an order, visit www.basqnyc.com.



I also tried the Turmeric Antioxidant Facial Mask by Juara. This unique mask is wonderful as it detoxifies, brightens and strengthens the skin. I loved the way it helped to clean out my pores and at the same time diminish fine lines and wrinkles. Once or twice a week after cleaning your face, apply a thin layer of the facial mask and leave it on for fifteen to twenty minutes. Remove the mask in the shower with a wash cloth. The effects are brighter, healthier skin with smaller pores and reduced wrinkles. Juara’s product line combines the ancient tradition of Indonesian beauty rituals with modern science to restore and enhance your skin. Their products are 100 percent vegetarian and free of artificial colorants. To learn more about Juara complete line of products or to place an order, visit www.juaraskincare.com

While there were several other products by Juara I was interest in trying, my boyfriend arrived at the booth and reminded me that we have NO more room in our bathroom for any additional beauty products. I guess the Soothing Spa Socks only go so far.

Enjoy!!

Posted by Unknown at 3:21 PM - 0 comments

WITH THE MAN IN MIND

Makeup by Frank Kammerer - getfrank@verizon.net
Photography- www.rileyandrileyphoto.com

Posted by Unknown at 4:24 PM - 0 comments

HAIR BY ANTONIO

Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved


Makeup by Frank Kammerer - getfrank@verizon.net
Photography- www.rileyandrileyphoto.com

Posted by Unknown at 3:37 PM - 0 comments

HAIR BY ANTONIO

Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved


Makeup by Frank Kammerer - getfrank@verizon.net
Photography- www.rileyandrileyphoto.com

Posted by Unknown at 3:35 PM - 0 comments