FASHION ADVICE FOR MEN

Fashion Faux Pas

I recently posted some men’s fashion tips on my Facebook page. To my surprise, the response I received from the ladies was overwhelming so I thought I’d share these with everyone. Even in New York City, the fashion capital of the world, there are men (not only straight) that need to lay some fashion ideas to rest.

And by “rest” I mean to sleep. Stop, please!

It’s important to know that we are all guilty to some degree of putting together an ensemble that was supposed to make us feel better, but instead upset our loved ones. So without further adieu…

1. Boot Cut Jeans

About seven years ago, every queen in Chelsea was sporting these jeans in all colors and sizes. Some were even adventurous enough to add a little sparkle to them. Nowadays, years later, I’ll see some fine ladies strut their stuff along the avenue with their men next to them in a long-sleeved shirt with a pattern of some sort and…Boot Cut Jeans!

Guys, my advice to you – put them to rest. Not only are they dated, but even when worn appropriately (which should be not at all) are not flattering to most men. Although there is a time and place to wear them, it seems that there are few men who know how to pull this off without looking like J. R. Ewing (from the television show Dallas) on crack.

2. Dorothy Hamill Haircut

I know, I know…some men still think they can carry this look. And in their defense, they can…only if they’re about to do a double axel and a triple lutz on ice!

3. Cell phones on your waist

Convenience is one thing, but this is pushing it. Who are these men waiting to hear from? God?

4. Hawaiian Shirts at the Office in Winter

I’ve seen them…lurking on our streets…trying to spread their hibiscus pollen and take over the world. Beware!

5. Men’s HOT Pants

Better known as “batty riders” in Trinidad and Tobago. No camel’s feet, please!

6. Marine Flat Tops

Boys, hear me out for a minute. Not only are you not a Marine, but you likely work in a Flower Shop as an orchid specialist. You are not kidding anyone by impersonating Jean-Claude Van Damme. Come to think of it, who is he kidding?

7. Bad Gym Attire

Balloon pants, T-back tank tops and high top sneakers…all at the same time! Not cute at any age.

I wish you a day without someone’s fashion mishap(s). J

Posted by Unknown at 6:32 AM - 3 comments

MENS HAIR BY ANTONO

THE COLOR TREATMENT
This models hair was fine but boy did he have tons of it. Since he doesn’t frequently condition his hair I went back to my long time friend Cellophane's by Sebastian. I used the clear
glaze to just add shine.

THE CUT
He wanted the ability to look well groomed but with a little punk edge. Because of the amount of hair he had I started cutting dry, doing a lot of point cutting to
work towards the shape we wanted. I kept his sides very strong using the scissors over comb technique. I then cut the top of his hair with scissors creating softness without it collapsing. We then shampooed his hair and cut with a razor. You may ask if this is too much texturizing for fine hair? Not with this dude, the more the merrier!

THE PRODUCTS
I used a light leave in conditioner by Paul Mitchell

then I applied the Gellac by Bumble and bumble
The Gellac allowed his hair to last for the entire shoot and added even more shine.

TIP
When working with the Gellac you need to apply and
style fast. This product dries very quickly!

AFG

Posted by Unknown at 5:21 AM - 0 comments

DOES YOUR BLOND HAIR COLOR BELONG TO SOMEONE ELSE?

As we already know, there are many different types of blonds. We can look in any magazine and find photographs of every shade and the best person to achieve them. You can also find verbiage on techniques to best describe how thick or thin you want the application of your highlights to be (i.e. spaghetti, fettuccine). This is very helpful because it equips you with more accurate language when requesting a different size of highlights during foiling or Baliaging (hair painting).

When women are deciding on hair color, they generally have three concerns. I call these the basic 1-2-3.

1. The size of the pieces of hair that will be colored when foiling or painting highlights,

2. The overall tone – Beige, Light Golden, Wheat, etc.,

3. How light or dark a blond they want to be.

Now that we have those questions out of the way, what next?

I feel that there is one important factor missing from this list – the mood of the blond. This is actually the most important thing I can think of when creating the perfect blond. When I say “mood” what I mean is how does your blond hair correspond to your personality, career, vibe, etc.? Are you a powerful businesswoman in your late 30's who wants their hair to be serious, yet modern? Or are you that same woman in your 50's who wants to be a very sophisticated blond? Do you get my drift? Of course the cut makes a big difference too, but let’s focus darlings – this is all about color!

So now to move forward we really need to take a look at ourselves and decide which one of the following best describes us.

1. The Sophisticated Blond

Think Uptown blond. She loves the idea of very little root line no matter how dark her natural color is. This blond is not the noticeably bright California Blond – although she’s still a full blond, there are some subtle low lights to blend her tones. Glosses are a big part of this dames hair color. The Sophisticated Blond may also sport a more classic haircut to pull her mood together. This is not for the NY club-goer.

2. The Flawless California Blond

Darrrrrrling! You see her when she walks in the room and she wears that color like she was born with it. The root line does not exist because she was patient and sat there while she was foiled to thy kingdom come! This blond loves the golden tones (most of the time) and long hair. You won’t notice many low lights on this doll and a beautiful, light golden blond gloss is a must.

3. The Organic Blond

She is so not the first two blonds. This lady wants to see depth in the root and wants to see contrast in a very natural way. Even though she may be a candidate for Baliage, the application must not be chunky or too fine. We need to be very careful not to glaze the roots too much because the root line is part of the appeal. This is not your Grandmother’s blond!

4. The "damn, who colored your hair" Blond

This girl does not care if you know it’s not her natural color. What’s more important to her is that the color and the cut make a statement and command heads to turn (in a good way). This is your creative blond who may have pale blond pieces in front with intense depth for contrast. She is happy to experiment with what’s on the runways without fear of judgment from friends.

Please don't confuse this with the Beauty School Blond. That's a whole other story.

So the next time you get your hair colored, talk a bit about the mood you want to create that compliments you rather than the basic 1-2-3. I guarantee you will notice a big difference in your hair color and the way you relate to it.

I wish you beautiful blond baby!!!

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 7:29 AM - 2 comments

HAIR ADVICE FOR MEN

Relax, Men.

When we think of hair relaxers, we usually think of a process for the entire head. But, guys, relaxers could be your strategic weapon in those smaller battles, too, like the stubborn side burn, the misbehaving cowlick or coarse necklines. This is a process I do with so many of my male clients to perfect a hair cut that's being disturbed by areas that are unruly. For example, my hair is overall wavy, with a tighter curl on the sides. To have the texture even throughout my hair, I have a gentle relaxer applied to the sides for a few minutes. It really works!! Even men with strong cowlicks in the front hairline can use relaxers to soften that spot, so they don't have to be constantly fighting to get the hair to sit right. And for men with coarse hair at the neck line, relaxers are also a blessing. Remember, there are different strengths of hair relaxers and the way they are applied and how long they are left on will depend on how straight you want your hair. It does not matter what ethnicity you are. If you have an unruly curl, you are a perfect candidate.

One of my favorite relaxers is Affirm and its a relaxer we love to use at Orlo salon.

It's gentle and easy to work with. What's also great is the relaxing process takes four steps, and each step helps to leave the hair in good condition, feeling like your natural hair only better.

And guys, life is like normal after your relaxer; you don't have to make any major changes in your hair routines. And this process can be subtle. In other words, no one will know you had your hair relaxed. So relax; just because you use a relaxer doesn't mean your hair has to be pin straight.

I wish you good looking hair with an added bonus.

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 9:21 PM - 1 comments

HAIR BY ANTONIO- SARAH FOSTER THE MUSICIAN

Great music Sarah!!

Posted by Unknown at 6:32 AM - 2 comments

MY CLIENTS BUSINESS

HAIR ley-Davidson…hardly!

ANTONIO…

I wanted to inform you of my client’s bike rental and storage business. Chris Miles is not only a great friend of mine, but also an incredible mentor. I visited Jupiter’s NYC Motorcycle Rentals website and simply had to share this information with you – because I knew you bikers would appreciate it.

“This isn't just a motorcycle business to me; it’s my attempt to help bring about the change in ourselves we all seek – that feeling of one with the world. Traveling helps me do that – motorcycling brings me closer to the heart of nature both within myself and I find with others.”

Jupiter’s NYC Motorcycle Rental

119 8^th Street

Suite 100

Brooklyn, New York 11215

718 788 2585

Google Map

Posted by Unknown at 5:51 PM - 0 comments

FOR THE WOMAN IN HER 50's

Recently, a new client and I were discussing her hair and the options available to her for a new style. She was unsure about what she wanted, but did not hesitate to tell me what her friends thought. One comment in particular that I found noteworthy was that as a mature woman her hair should be shorter. Instantly, I knew I had to write about this. I’ve heard it so many times and frankly, I think it is incorrect.

Does that mean that once you pass the age of 50 you should cut your hair short?

Does that mean that only younger women can have long hair?

It’s almost as though women hit 50 and a siren sounds alerting us to scalp them all. BAD IDEA!

Remember, the decision to have long or short hair should be inspired by the shape of your face and hair coloration (for the very grey ladies). Your style and occupation can also serve as factors when making such a decision. As we mature, we cannot help avoiding the changes in our skin. If the hair is too long and heavy, it can create heaviness in a woman’s features. Naturally, this depends on the woman.

So the lesson is – no matter the length, the idea is to create lift, lift and more lift!

This is how we tear the short hair myth apart. A great haircut – no matter the length – can make all the difference in the world. It will give a woman the softness and sexiness she still feels and deserves in her best years. Long hair can be softened with angles and layers in all the right places to enhance one’s natural beauty. And short hair can enhance texture and works best with the face and head shape.

THINGS TO BE AWARE OF…

1. The change in texture because of graying hair.

Because of this, attention must be paid to the technique used in achieving the right look.

2. Thinning of the hair line.

Most men and women experience this. The right approach with layering, product use and styling can help both long and short hair.

3. The change in a woman’s facial features.

As a woman matures, the focus on her features almost dictates her cut creating lift, softness or strength where necessary.

4. Tools that should be used.

For women who have never had a razor used on their hair, this may be the time. The coarseness of grey hair can be blended well if a razor is used correctly.

Ladies, I’m with you on embracing beauty all around. My clients know that I’m not shy to say whether or not a cut is age-appropriate, be it too young or way too mature.

I wish you all the best in your Golden Years!

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 4:32 PM - 0 comments

HAIR BY ANTONIO

When I look at someone I think of the mood I want to create..

HAIR - ANTONIO GONZALES

PHOTOGRAPHY- JUSTIN-JULIUS SANTOS
http://www.jjsantos.com/

MAKEUP- TIMOTHY HARVEY
timothy.harvey1@gmail.com

STYLIST- CHRISTOPHER GONZALES
gochristo@gmail.com

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 9:42 AM - 0 comments

CELLOPHANE – ITS NOT JUST FOR GIFT BASKETS ANYMORE

READER…

Hi Antonio! You have a great blog. I found your site when I did a Google for “red hair care tips”. I saw that you mentioned Sebastian Cellophanes and would like some information on how I could purchase this product myself. I am a natural redhead that is unfortunately fading to a dull auburn with age.

I always end up disappointed with the results of professional color and the resulting roots. I would love to just try and revive my natural, formerly lovely color with these sheer color shine treatments. I feel Cellophanes will be the way to go for me.

I think if I was able to get my hands on some Cellophanes product, I might be able to bring it in to a local hairdresser and have her apply it. I hate living in Panama City Beach (Redneck Riviera) as we have very few truly talented stylists like you.

I was wondering your opinion on what I should choose as far as tone. I am trying to avoid coloring my hair for as long as possible to get some more health back into my hair.

ANTONIO…

Thanks so much for writing. You sound like a great candidate for Sebastian Cellophanes. The only challenge is that it’s normally only sold to professionals (as far as I know). Also, it’s heat activated so you’ll need a hooded hair dryer in order to apply a constant flow of heat to your hair for 20 minutes.

Do you have one?

When choosing a color be aware that all reds have different tones. Some are copper/orange reds and others are violet or blue/reds. I’ve added two photographs to illustrate the difference between two of my redheaded clients.

The long hair is a copper/red


And the bob cut is more of a blue/red



(at least when I did them they were; I hope the computer image is accurate). Okay, here is a formula from Cellophanes that may help. Keep in mind that I cannot actually see your color so I’m working from the images you sent.

The great thing about this color is that if it’s a little off, it fades with no residue and you are back where you started from. However, I know this will brighten things up for sure!!! You’ll need to get three different colors from Sebastian Cellophanes – red/red, gold/red and clear.

Tell the stylist to shampoo, towel dry well and apply the color as close to your scalp as possible. Child…it stains so they need to wear gloves and not get it on your skin. After applying the color, wrap it with a plastic wrap and sit underneath a hot dryer for 20 minutes. Then, take off the plastic and allow to cool for five minutes. Rinse well!

Let’s start off with a safe formula – ¾ oz. Clear, ¼ oz. gold/red and a squirt of red/red.

Again, this is a safe formula as the clear will help dilute the reds. If it’s not red enough when it dries, let me know. In any case, your hair will be very shiny. And remember that the more you shampoo, the faster it will fade.

Let me know how it works.

READER…

Hi Antonio. You helped me out last month with my Cellophanes question. I just wanted to share my awesome results with you. I decided that I could handle doing the treatment on my own. I purchased a thermal spa cap (works GREAT and very convenient), a mixing bowl and some brushes and went for it.

I used ¾ oz. gold/red, ¼ oz. red/red and clear mix. The color turned out beautiful! What I loved was that it actually gave a great amount of coverage over the older color I was unhappy with. You can barely see a line of demarcation from the old color and my untreated healthy roots.

I have a couple white hairs that grow in and the color even blended those away.

The thing that I am most impressed with though is the silkiness, health and shine of my hair. I was able to get my hair to look like that with just a warm blow dry and a regular rounded rubber tip brush. I didn’t even have to use a round brush or flat iron. In Florida, that is an accomplishment.

ANTONIO

Thank you and I am so happy I could help. I wish you beautiful shiny hair!

AFG
Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 8:24 AM - 0 comments

MY CLIENT THE ARTIST

I’ll be attending my client’s opening this Friday and thought I’d share her art and the experience with you.

Tricia Wright was born and raised in England, later moving from London to New York in 1999. She oversees a full-time studio on the Hudson River and regularly showcases her work in solo and group exhibitions throughout New York and on the West Coast.


Tricia’s work explores aspects of the home and domestic environment. She approaches her subject from both a feminist position and also from a broader, gender-neutral base that explores our complex relationship to this enclosed world.

You can find her work in public, corporate and private collections in the UK and US. These include, but are not limited to The Hove Museum and Art Gallery (UK), White and Case LLP, Alliance Bernstein and the American Embassy.





Tricia Wright
Kenjiro Kitade
"DOUBLE-DUPLEX"
October 9 - November 7, 2009
Opening Reception, Friday - October 9, 6-9 pm

HPGRP Gallery New York
32-36 Little West 12th St., 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10014
212 727 7030
www.hpgrpgallery.com

Posted by Unknown at 1:15 PM - 2 comments

HISTORY OF THE COMB OVER

I love this article so much that I have to post it again!!




THE HISTORY OF THE COMB-OVER


Most of you may not know the real history of the comb-over -- yes, there is such a thing. We spend so much time avoiding the comb-over lovers that we neglect the fact that all styles (even bad ones) were born and. After much research, I am here to educate you:


The word comb-over comes from the French word cuovere, meaning to cover with a veil. This hair style can actually be traced back to 1774 and Alexander XVI of France, who was known for his keen sense of style, which brought him oodles of attention from all (even French poodles) and he was known for his creative ways with a wig. My research also revealed that he was most of all a trend-setter -- you better believe it, honey, Madonna was not the first to set a trend.

One day, Alexander (I feel as if he is a personal friend) decided to create a new trend, and for this he will be remembered forever. Picture this: FRANCE, Versailles, 1773. It was a warm, sweaty summer morning, and after doing his usual morning chores, which included fluffing his favorite wigs, Alexander had a vision. He saw a world free of those heavy, suffocating wigs, which most of the time had the smell of old, wet unmentionables. Knowing that it would be the most difficult of his trends to start, he brought the idea first to his closest friend, Aspirer Chapeau, who created and maintained all of his wigs. Aspirer at first was taken back by the absurd request of the king, because not only was it an embarrassment to be seen without one’s great hair, but it was a mark of the upper crust to have tresses from – and as big as -- the heavens. A.C. ( feel as if I know him so well) listened to his king rant about how freeing it would be to have one’s own hair liberated. There was only one problem. The king was badly balding and also refused to have a single hair cut. But A.C. had a plan. He confided in his friend, the famous architect Etienne-Louis Boullee, who constructed some of the masterpieces of Paris. After endless drawings and live models, the two conspirators came up with a design, and – pouf -- the COMB-OVER was born.

A.C. started flipping and fluffing Alexander’s few strands of hair with such speed and talent (limp wrists come in handy) and presented a masterpiece of Le Cuovere. Alexander was thrilled to bits and decided to wear his new do to the grand ball that evening. Well, as the story goes,as soon as he stepped in to the club, he was quickly stoned to death and that was that.

So the next time you see a comb-over, just appreciate the history and limp wrists that went in to creating a trend that has and will survive the test of time.

This is clearly all made up just for fun, what the heck!

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 3:51 AM - 1 comments

SHOOT IN BROOKLYN

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 5:51 AM - 1 comments

FALL COLOR TIPS FOR THE NEW YORK BLOND

Now is a time when we consider changing our hair color as the season changes. This is usually the time we tend to go a little darker. Be it low lights, darker shades of blond or back to natural, we all feel the need to add some richness to our summer blond. As we already know with fall and winter our skin tones begin to fade and being too blond can leave you looking a little washed out. If you are blond and wish to be a bit richer, why not be creative with your color?

rather than simply settling for low lights here are some tips to get you on the right track. I like looking at the hair from the back first, then the sides and the front last. I am able to get a complete view of my canvas this way. The head is round, so when we look in the mirror we only see a small piece of the pie. Keep this in mind as you are brainstorming about your color transition.

This a great time to apply some different shades of depth to your hair than normal. Consider having richer tones in the back then gradually place some deeper blond pieces through the front that are of a Cognac or medium golden blond tone. Another option would be to create depth by working with what you have at the back after a couple of months of not having your color done. This can be done by keeping the entire lower back of the hair at a soft light brown. This method allows the contrast of the depth in color to bring the focus to the top of the head. Then when you are comfortable you can gradually include more dark pieces through the back and front hair line (Not too dark that it looks fake or like you are training in beauty school and finally discovered hair color! Believe me, I remember my days).

I haven't forgotten about my brunettes! If you are a brunette it's a great idea to foil or paint a darker color rather than color the entire head. This gives dimension and still leaves you with that summer sparkle. Also try to experiment with shades of brown, and please DO NOT be afraid of warmth!! I have converted many women that were afraid of warmth. It does not have to be that WARM = Red!

Enjoy my darlings!!

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 8:22 AM - 0 comments

MY CLIENTS BUSINESS

My client recently invited me to Brooklyn to an event at her store. I loved the clothes so much that I want to share it with my readers. I am looking forward to enjoy some of their great clothing I will be sporting this winter.

Welcome to Epaulet..



http://www.epauletshop.com

Posted by Unknown at 7:16 PM - 0 comments

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GANDHI!!

First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.
Mohandas Gandhi

Posted by Unknown at 6:56 AM - 0 comments

HAIR COLOR FOR MEN

This is a topic that I get a lot of questions about so I could never write enough about it.

The reasons men enjoy their grays:

1) For the younger guys, it gives them the confidence in a work place where they may be considered young.

2) Some feel it gives that distinguish look for the ladies ;)

3) 50% of the men I work with, honestly, don't even care.

4) 10% care but pretend not to because of that bad memory of uncle Harry as a child with orange hair.


The reasons men don't enjoy the grays:

1) They may actually need to look younger in a competitive work place.

2) Some men are not blessed with great skin and age faster than others, a little color helps.

3) The texture can drastically change a gray blend with demi-permanent color. It can help calm the coarseness.

4) There are men that experience premature gray hair and the fight is too exhausting.





Mistakes made in Men's hair coloring:

1) Some men don't even know that they have a safe option to color

2) Colors are too red.

When working on men's hair the idea is to stay away from the warm tones and go with more neutral or Ashy tones. Its more masculine.

3) The hair color is way too dark.

Guys, if you are in your sixties chances are you have at least one strand of gray hair—like, hello!

4) Using permanent hair color.

This is the #1 mistake. Permanent hair color is way too harsh and covers too well. It is called gray blending not gray disappearing!

5) Leaving out the sideburns.

Okay please don't walk around with white sideburns and the rest of your hair is jet black, unless you are on the set of the Sopranos.

6) Bad highlights.

(this is a whole other article!)


Tips on getting great hair color

1) Do your research on a good colorist, then when you find one have a consultation. Take a photo from a Men's magazine.

2) Wearing your hair a little longer is worth it, this hides the roots a little and you don't keep having the color cut off every 4 weeks.

3) Finding a hairstylist that can offer more that 3 techniques to blending grays.

4) Leave drugstore hair color for the ladies, they seem to have better luck.

5) Maybe it is just meant to be… embrace it!

AFG

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 5:43 AM - 0 comments