HOW TO LOVE YOUR LOCKS AT THE BEACH

On a recent trip to Barbados I could not help but notice how women (tourists) handle their hair. Ladies, I was in shock! Poor hair, treated like the badly behaved stepchild. Pulling, tugging and just plain old lack of love. Don’t worry, though. Here is everything you need to know to make sure your luscious locks survive that next trip to the beach.

O.K., there you are in paradise, and you are working it on the beach. You exit the water and in slow motion you reach for your beach bag. NOOOOOOOO, stop. Here's how it’s done.

FIRST, A BEACH BAG CHECK LIST

Large wide-tooth comb (any will do).

Hair mask in travel-size container (try Kerastase Age Recharge).

Leave-in conditioner spray in travel-size bottle (Matrix Biolage Sunsorials Protective Hair or Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Moisture Mist).

Water in travel-size spray bottle.

Fabric ponytail holders (no rubber or metal threads).

Fabric hair bands (go to Eva Scrivo Salon’s Web site -- love them!!!)

Seashells for the ends of your hair (just kidding).

HOW TO CODDLE YOUR HAIR

Begin by misting your hair with plain water, followed with the leave-in conditioner. Comb your hair, starting with the ends and slowly working your way up to the roots. After combing, add more leave-in conditioner.

At this point, if you are going to leave the beach and do a little shopping, you can slip on a sexy hair band or slick your hair and put it in a high or low ponytail. If your hair needs a little more product for control, feel free to add a little of your favorite potion. But if you want to just lie on that towel, add a little hair mask for added protection and continue baking.

Now for hard-core sun sizzlers (like me), boy do I have the product for you. It’s Soleil Gelee Aqua-Proof Optimum. It’s a wet suit for the hair, by Kerastase, and it works. It’s best applied to damp hair. You can sun, swim and know that your hair is getting state-of-the-art protection from UV rays. The product looks and feels like a hair gel and can actually be used as one.



So here it is ladies and some gentlemen, your hair care routine for the beach.

I wish you healthy beach hair!!

AFG

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 7:28 PM - 0 comments

SUMMER IN THE CITY

SUMMER IN THE CITY

Scenario: February is here, spring is right around the corner, and your thoughts are turning to your summer hair.

Over the last several years, you may have been caught in a cycle of ever-brighter hair color. But with the latest blond trends focusing on the darker side of the palette, is it time to yell “Stop” and rethink your color? So how do you decide what color works best for you?

SHADES OF BLOND

As a longtime blond, you may be the perfect candidate for a new sexy blond shade that's still vibrant with depth. As you move forward in the coming season, though, please manage your expectations. Perhaps you are used to being a little too blond. Try to keep an open mind about the new palette of colors. Sit back and imagine yourself with a healthy blond mane full of depth and contrast. First, you need to decide if you are one of two blonds. Are you the Cognac-lover, someone who goes for warm tones with descriptions like light golden blond or dark golden blond? Or are you the cool, neutral type, who gravitates to more beige tones, like wheat, ice and ash? These and many other words (think J Crew catalog, or paint chips) are helpful in communicating to your stylist what you want. It does not matter which one of these blonds you are; what does matter is that you know that either tone can be achieved, with depth, contrast and richness.






HOW DO I CREATE DEPTH?

1) To add depth to a blond client, I first choose a lowlight that has tones of the chosen highlight. For example, if I am working with a beige blond, I will use a lowlight with cooler tones, not a golden brown.

2) I decide on the technique to be used for my overall look. Lowlights do not need to be wide stripes or chunks of color. They can be applied naturally by using foils or even by painting (baliage). I like working with demi-permanent colors; they last, they are ammonia-free, and they leave the hair shinier than lowlights with permanent color.

3) Don’t forget glazes, which are a big part of achieving the final look. They are also chosen with the client’s tone in mind. They are ammonia-free, are simply applied at the shampoo bowl, and are left on for 5 to 15 minutes.






BLONDS BEWARE

1) Find a hair stylist who can really converse with you in detail about being a pretty and healthy blond.

2) Remember, heat is not the safest way to achieve lift for blond hair. It’s drying and can cause breakage. But a little heat near the end of your processing time is fine.

3) Make sure you don’t get over processed. When mixing bleach or lighteners, we measure the peroxide by volume; we use 10, 20, 30 or 40 volume. Ten and 20 volumes are what we generally use. Remember bleach will lift; all it needs is time. Ask your colorist what he or she is using. If you have fine hair, 30 or 40 volume may be too strong.

4) Always use hair masks once a week, and always use products to protect your hair from the heat of the dryer. Summer is hard enough on the hair, so do what you can year-round to protect that investment.

Any questions feel free to post, I will love to answer them.

I wish you beautiful blond hair!

AFG

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 8:52 PM - 0 comments

REVIEW OF HAIR BY ANTONIO 2008

Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 8:31 PM - 0 comments

A LOOK AT HAIR BY ANTONIO 2008

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 8:10 AM - 0 comments

ALL ABOUT BANGS

READER

Hello--I hope it is alright to email you directly with my question. I am turning 30 in a few weeks and want a new look to make me feel great on the big day. I have long dark brown hair with lots of layers to bring out the natural curl. I do not want to change the total length of my hair, but I am ready for a change. I want something a little hipper while still looking put together. My biggest debate is whether or not to cut bangs. I have a pretty face, but also have a strong nose shape which I would not like to bring too much attention to. I have a fairly small forehead and a roundish face.

If you have any tips, I would greatly appreciate it. My hairstylist does a great job, but she does not have the best sense of what cuts flatter different faces. I usually have to spell out to her what I want and this time I am not so sure.


AFG

Great question. The way you described yourself, I feel like I know you. I have many pretty Indian clients with similar features. The trick is to cut the bangs off to the side opening up the forehead so it does not totally crop off the lower part of the face (making it appear to be heavier). The bangs must fall at a certain point on the face to be flattering, so it can soften the nose but be manageable. If the bangs are too long, the look will be boring and will make the face feel heavier. If they are too short, bangs can bring attention to your nose and make it appear more prevalent on your face. The right cut will address your concerns and as well as any roundness in your face.

READER

Thanks so much for your response! I think I'm going to take the plunge. I really appreciate your generosity. It's so rare for someone to be so genuinely helpful.


AFG

I wish you great bangs!

Copyright © 2008 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 7:32 PM - 0 comments