CHRIS CARRABBA THE MUSICIAN

I was recently chilling with Chris Carrabba in the salon talking hair and brainstorming ideas for his haircut. You see, I have been lucky to work with Chris for the past eight years and I'm so proud of his hard work. Both Chris and I met just before his cover on Spin magazine and have worked together ever since.

Here are some of the cuts we have done in the past.






Not only is Chris a very kind talented man, he has "damn good hair". Over the years it has been fun working on Chris and creating different ideas to keep his hair masculine and fresh. He is also a great performer as well and can really carry a crowd. I did the band’s hair for there performance at Madison Square Garden and it was amazing!

Waiting to go on stage

On stage working his magic!

I also had a great time last year in LA when we were doing the Album cover.



Recently Chris and I met at Orlo Salon and as usual we had a good chat reminiscing the early years in NYC. Then we got down to some cutting for his upcoming performances after opening for Bon Jovi and the results made us both happy.

It’s always a pleasure seeing Chris and needless to say after his performance he texted to say that it was the best haircut he ever had and loved the salon.

Thanks Chris!!

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DUDE, ARE YOU LOOSING YOUR HAIR?

I'm not going to get into the scientific reasons as to why it happens, but It happens to some of us at some point in our lives. What I will share with you is how to loose your hair without looking like you're trying to hide a Chihuahua. As our hair starts thinning and we start cutting our hair shorter here are some tips that men should consider, these tips will help you feel good about nature taking its course. (It could be worse, you could loose all your teeth!!)

DONT'S
1) Do not try to wear your hair in a faux hawk, thinking that you are being trendy. The faux hawk died a terrible death a few years ago. Not only is the style a bad idea, it does not work as a modern comb over.

2) Avoid strong gels that will make the hair clump together creating more spaces and further making the hair appear to be thinner.

3) Do not comb your hair forward like a Cesar cut. This style is also not a wise option and it once again looks obvious that you are insecure about your thinning hair.

4) Do not think that the same stylist you have had for years will still handle your hair best. Try someone new for fresh ideas. It’s all about you and what’s best for your hair at this stage in your life.

DO'S
1) Start talking to your stylist and your loved one about going shorter and their thoughts. Your head shape might be perfect for a great super low cut.

2) Do get a hand mirror and take a look at what’s happening at the back of your head. Yes the front is thinning, but you can still focus on making sure that the back looks good and the stylist is not keeping your hair too long at the back to compensate.

3) Try using lighter dry pastes or leave-in conditioners that are light enough rather than heavy waxes or gels.

4) Before you shave your hair off, I highly recommend getting a second opinion on haircut options. If you are very thin on top and really want to take the plunge, have a barber shave it all off and help you up keep your new look. Leave it to the professionals all the way.

5) You may even consider not using product. I find that some hair types look thicker with no product at all in it.

Antonio

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HAIR BY ANTONIO

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MENS HAIR: TREND WATCH

It’s very obvious that what’s happening on the runways for men's fashion and hair is hitting mainstream America by storm. With companies like Top Shop and Uniqlo dishing out looks that are current with designs from the runways, men are exposed to more options and are actually embracing them with ease. The same is happening with hair. Some years ago, it started with the Faux Hawk to the Mohawk. Then as the hair started growing it has moved to a version of the Pompadour. With the hair shaved at the sides and back and not as much height on top, but the focus on the heavy shine and lacquered look. Some men pushed it even further and are growing out the front really long so it can be worn back, front or off to the side.

OUT WITH THE OLD AND IN WITH THE NEW

On runways those who still sported the short sides and back with longer tops wore their hair textured with height to move away from the sleek look and give the appearance of length.

Dior


Guy's its time to prepare for the next trend. Are you man enough? Or should I say is your hair stylist good enough?? Across the world on runways it’s obvious what the next wave is, and this is a look that only the brave at heart will endure. Long hair is the latest trend and it’s not going to be an easy one to achieve. Although men who would never dream of wearing a Mohawk did, long hair is very different. This is a style that never made it before in mainstream America, well not like the shorter styles anyway. Designers like Dior,



Rick Owens,



and Louis Vuitton


are just a few of the designers that sourced models with longer hair and had their hair stylists add their magic to make this trend masculine and desirable.

GETTING READY

If you are like me and are willing to go to any lengths to have long hair and be current for fall 2010 here are some tips to get you there.

1) If you are currently seeing a regular barber be sure that he or she is versed enough to take you through the short to long transition.

2) If you are seriously unhappy with the way your stylist is cutting your hair as it gets longer it might be time for a change. Get a recommendation from someone on the street whose hair you admire. (Dude! Who cuts your hair?)

3) A change of products will be the next step. My favorite products for men’s long hair are Plump by Orlando Pita and the Voile Protecteur by Kerastase. If your hair is heavier use the Plump with the Creme uv Defence Active by kerastase.

4) Shampoo your hair less as it grows. If your hair has more natural oils, it will be easier to manage.

5) Hairstylists think, masculine, masculine, masculine. Guys, it’s up to you personally to support the masculine style. (smile)

I look forward to seeing you on the streets with great hair. If all else fails, the next extreme is shaving your hair off.

Louis Vuitton


Hermes

Rick Owens

That too is on the runways. (been there done that!!)

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WHO WON SHEAR GENIUS??

Congratulations to Brig for winning shear genius. Seriously, it was not a personality contest. The show is called Shear Genius and she was just that. She never played it safe and always brought something new to the table, honestly as a hair stylist I know its very hard to achieve.

Congrats babe!!

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THE BEST IN MENS SHAVING CREAMS

THE SHAVING CREM DE LA CREM

Working in salons for the past 15 years, I’ve used many skincare lines and been exposed to many more. During those years, I have kept my eyes peeled for the latest and most affordable in men’s skincare. Guys, if you’re like me, you understand the importance of finding the best skincare at any cost.

Because I’ve never found a shaving product that actually made me look forward to shaving, I’ve decided to assume the role of human Guinea pig and do my own diligent research on the finest in shaving products. As with hair care, I can go both ways. Without further adieu, here are my recommendations – both organic and not so.

THE BEST SHAVING PRODUCTS FOR MEN

4VOO – distinct man

$$$$

Men, the name says it all. This line is specifically made “4VOO” (“for vous” – for you in French). This well packaged and luxuriously rich shaving cream offers a great shave with maximum hydration. Its ingredients (incl. Babassu, Birch Bark Extract) aid in softening the beard; allowing you to get closer to the skin with a faster shave.

I liked the masculine smell and I also recommend using the repairing aftershave balm, which is another plus with this line – its supporting products also offer great comfort and pleasure. This is what they had to say for themselves:

“4VOO ultimate shaving cream is the premier men’s shaving solution using only exclusive ingredients for ultimate results. Most shaving creams are laden with stearic acid, a thick, waxy substance that hinders the fluent shaving process. We believe waxing should be left for cars!”

Love it!

Alford & Hoff

$$$$

Talk about luxury skincare at a great price. This line impressed me in many ways with their shaving cream. I was used to layering two products for the best results and closest shave. With Alford & Hoff all I need is one product. The application was as usual, but once it was on the skin, you could most certainly feel the difference.

Being creamy, it left my skin feeling extremely hydrated (which is not the case with regular shaving creams or gels). I then gave it to my best friend who is of African heritage and thereby has a coarser hair texture. He shaves daily and struggles with a dry beard line. He was amazed by the performance of this product.

I decided to read some more about the product and its ingredients. The key ingredient it contains is Oat extract, which helps reduce redness and irritation caused by frequent shaving. To compliment this product, I would recommend the Serum which completes the feeling of healthy, hydrated skin.

Thanks Alford & Hoff!

GAIA – skin naturals australia

$$$$

For men who are into natural/organic skincare, here is a treat for you. It’s a shaving gel that I personally enjoyed. I was impressed with the fact that it contains certified organic ingredients – Evening Primrose Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Avocado Oil, Chamomile, and Aloe Vera. These ingredients made shaving a treat instead of a threat!

I actually used this product while I was vacationing in Tobago and it was excellent on my sun burnt skin. It left it feeling soothed. They provide a convenient Travel Kit with a face/body wash, face cream, face scrub and a shave gel. I loved them all! A little something good from down under.

Thanks guys!

DaCuore Natural Products

$$$$

DaCuore is yet another line that takes a natural approach while offering incredible results. I was in awe at how well the razor would glide across my skin. It’s fantastic on coarse hair and perfect for men who shave their heads with a blade. It leaves the face and scalp very soft.

Some of the key ingredients used are Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Honey and Tea Tree Oil. I also have to mention their Special Skin Salve – now this is a miracle product. Thanks Connecticut (where they are based) for your marvelous products “from the heart” (da cuore in Italian).

Look forward to the best in men’s shampoos. I’ve made some incredible finds.

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