Orlando Pita Giving Us Some More Inspiration In Allure Magazine

Its all about the shine! 

Orlando and I will have to discuss this ponytail when next I see him, Fierce!!!

Posted by Unknown at 11:19 AM - 0 comments

The Best Tools For Your Hair

Here are some helpful, honest tips to help you find great products according to quality, price and performance.
 

Corioliss Flatiron - $$$
Talk about a miracle of a flatiron! I was taken aback by its ability to take dry, curly, frizzy hair and infuse Aragan oil to produce smooth, long lasting straight hair. As you iron hair, the oil is slowly released onto each strand.

Take a look at my video to see how it works.

Mason Perason brush - $$$
When I say this brush makes love to your hair, I mean it! Very few hair brushes offer soft, sturdy bristles that are of high quality.  Having withstood the wear and tear of many NYC Fashion Weeks, it has the ability to keep hair smooth without the aggressive pulling of low quality bristles.

This handmade brush also is great to brush hair when it’s dry, removing tangles while invigorating the scalp. They come in different sizes, colors and are worth every penny. 

Hot Tools Curling Iron - $$
There are many fancy, expensive irons on the market, making over-the-top claims, such as a trip to the moon. The prices can be high and look like they are from Mars…

No need for all that drama in an iron for home use. I recommend Hot ToolsCurling Iron. It’s not expensive which is a huge plus. Their range of irons come in every size and utilize heat-protecting materials like Nano-ceramic, Ceramic-tourmaline and pink titanium. So for a great price, you get an iron that works.

 

I’ve had mine for a long time. The only other iron I will use that’s in the same price category is the T3 iron. 

T3 Blow Dryer - $$$$

This is not your boat engine hair dryer that over-dries hair. This is theRolls-Royce of hair dryers. 
I have used it for the past four years and continue to recommend it. Apart from the incredible technology that dries hair without over-drying, it’s lightweight and allows you to get very close to the scalp. Once you use this dryer you will notice it sounds different and that it dries hair faster. You will have to get rid of the old school thinking that the louder the drier, the better it is. (I had to!)


I recommend this one for home use on fine to medium hair

And for thick coarse hair use this one..

Hair Bungee ponytail holder - $
No need to use a rubber band that's hard on the hair. This product is safe and holds the ponytail securely. Because it's not a full circle and connects with a hook, there is no need to keep looping the ponytail through the band. All you do is hold the ponytail against the head, and wrap the band around a few times and hook in place. 

Hope you enjoy your new tools and stay tuned for an installment on my favorite tools to be used for fashion week!!

Posted by Unknown at 8:28 AM - 1 comments

My Favorite Curl Product

I want to tell you about my favorite product of the week. It's a moisturizing styling balm by Phytospecific moisturizing styling balm. This lightweight cream contains quinoa oil that lightly coats my hair, leaving it bouncy, shiny and frizz-free.

I have fine to medium hair, that is curly with a light frizz so I understand the problems people face when humid weather arrives.  I tried boat loads of products and found that very few curl products on the market can deliver the way this one does.

So if you have thick or fine hair, Phytospecific is great for all hair types. Keep in mind, the finer your hair, the less you use.

I love my curls and I love a good curl product, don't you?

Posted by Unknown at 12:05 PM - 0 comments

More On Botox For Your Hair

Okay, let's get down to business here. They claim that Hair Botox can work miracles! Fast, easy, good for the scalp, and makes you look slimmer:) And my favorite sell is, "a celebrity uses it", so why not you?

I have never used it and will wait some time before I touch it. Personally, as a hairstylist I can't keep up with all the new hair products that promises to make everyone look and feel younger. I mean, really – its just a hair product! Its supposed to help your hair look better.

Here's what I do know.

1) I have heard these promises before by other product companies and it seems like this product already exists in a different form.

2) Once you say a celebrity uses a product, everyone should want it. I wouldn’t act on such rumored endorsements until I had personally see and endorsement with that celebrity.

3) As we’ve seen with many other big brand name “hair care miracles,” smaller companies begin flooding the market with their versions. We know for a fact that once this swarm of knock-offs hit the market, the quality of a product is never the same. And the knock-offs are already in salons.

5) Now that everyone is doing it and it's so easily accessible, some stylists start to stray from the manufacturer’s directions, putting their assistants to do it. leaving the client at risk.

6) In a culture consumed by quick results, it will probably now take the place of keratin (for some salons) and will run its course until the next craze takes over. So let's wait for the reviews and continue using what we know works.

I recently had the opportunity to see models who had had their hair "botoxed," and the results were not good. Please keep in mind, it was NOT L’OREÁL BOTOX. 

The models said they would stay with keratin if that had to use a hair smoothing product.

Hey, just saying!

Clients you deserve whats best for you and it is our duty to give you whats best for your hair. Not whats best for our pockets. So be patient and maybe staying with what you now is best, its still up to you.

Antonio Gonzales

Posted by Unknown at 9:46 AM - 0 comments

Can A Shampoo Make You Look Skinnier?

In the past, we have seen companies go to any length to attract consumers with enticing words or ingredients to help generate new interest in their hair products. I always enjoy the creative ways they use packaging and the media to help promote their new and exciting offerings.

As our culture has become more age-conscious, they started using words like “age recharge,” “age defying,” and “time reset,” just to name a few. Then, with all the media on celebrities losing weight, products bombarded the market with promises to make even your hair slimmer, skinnier, or leaner. And it does not end there. If there is a vegetable or fruit that's thought of as healthy to eat, it’s quickly added to shampoos, conditioners and hair colors. Before you know it, all the other companies join in and we have hair products with acai, fruit acids, avocado, and whatever nut or oil is all the rage at the time. I'm surprised we don't have a kale or cilantro shampoo on the market already. :)

Well, apparently it's time to take it one step further. Companies are now using plastic surgery culture as a way to promote hair products. Are you ready for this? HAIR BOTOX!

You heard me right! After doing some basic research here's what I know. L’Oreál first launched it as an in-salon treatment designed to save your hair and scalp. Terms like "feed your hair," "scalp TLC" and "scale back the stress" are being used to describe the product. Companies would have you believe that it's been used for some time now on celebrities and that they love it. I don't know for sure because I have not seen it endorsed by any actual celebrity.

Personally, as a hairstylist I can't keep up with all the new hair products that promises to make everyone look and feel younger. Especially when you hear things like "This haircut and color can make you look skinnier". I mean, really – are we that desperate!? Lol!

Ladies you are beautiful as you are, remember a woman's strongest asset is your individuality.

Posted by Unknown at 4:45 AM - 0 comments

The Perfect Travel Size Blow Dryer

If you're a woman who travels a lot, here's a hair dryer that will meet all your needs in one little box: the Feather Weight Journey by T3. It's a lightweight, travel-size dryer with the same power as a regular T3 dryer and is as durable. As stated by T3,  "... the folding handle and world-voltage make for the perfect companion"

Honey this is certainly for the jet-setting woman (even if its just to the Hamptons)  This dryer can fit in your Birkin, no adapter needed.


Flight 191 departing to London babe!

Posted by Unknown at 9:34 AM - 0 comments

The Corioliss K2 Professional Vapour Infusion Iron

When I first heard Orlando talking about a new flat iron, the Corioliss K2 Professional Vapour Infusion Iron, I was intrigued. It's been awhile since we've seen an iron enter the market with a true, unique difference. I quickly called the powers that be and asked how soon we could get one delivered to the salon.

As soon as the arrived, everyone was eager to see it in action. Orlando Pita gave us a live demo, testing it out on a young woman boasting a head of thick, curly and long black hair.  In no time the results of this flat iron were obvious. Shiny, sleek, straight hair from an easy-to-use flat iron.  The best thing about this iron is, it adds argan oil to the hair as you work. You have to see it for yourself.

Check out this video of Orlando demonstrating the virtues of the Corioliss K2 Professional Vapour. 

Posted by Unknown at 9:48 PM - 1 comments

The Difference Between A Gloss And A Glaze

I’ve heard from clients that they often get confused between a gloss and a glaze. One visit is for a gloss, the next, a glaze. Or sometimes the two are applied at the same time... So what’s the deal between the two? I did extensive research, read articles from fellow NYC stylists like Rita Marie and debated with my co-workers at Orlo Salon to inspire this article. Read on and learn the difference.

HAIR GLAZE
What comes to mind when I hear the word glaze is a shiny delicate surface, like that of a glazed cake. So, after my research, I was happy to learn that we agreed (other hairstylists) that a glaze is a temporary color that can add great shine to a virgin head of hair or color-treated hair. Some glazes have pigment added to boost any matching hair color. Whether it’s clear or colored, glazes add a safe, translucent coating to the hair shaft that washes off in 12-14 shampoos. Glazes contain no ammonia or peroxide, which means it does not have the ability to lift your natural color or open the cuticle to deposit color. It gently lays on the surface of the hair. Glazes will not cover gray hair. However, on someone with "a few gray hairs" it can add over all shine and a hint of a colored tone.

One of my favorite glazes is Colorshines by Sebastian (cellophanes). I have been using this product for over 20 years and I still love the results. This temporary gel-like substance comes in clear and a variety of colors that can compliment any brunette or blond. Keep in mind there are other glazes on the market but this is my favorite. I'm yet to be disappointed by this product.

GLOSS
When I think of a gloss, I think of car paint or nail polish, something stronger and longer lasting.

We also agreed (my fellow hairstylists) that a hair gloss is the stronger of the two. It contains peroxide and does have the ability to budge the cuticle depositing longer lasting color. If used with heat on virgin hair, some glosses will lift hair, changing the tone by a shade. (I have seen it with my own eyes.) When used on color-treated blond or brunette hair, it will add shine and enhance the existing tones, which can be a life saver a month after having your hair colored. Glosses can be clear or come in many different colors (more colors than glazes) and can last up to 3-4 weeks. They can be applied to dry or towel-dried hair and as mentioned, can be used with heat or no heat (like Wella Color Touch.)

One of my favorite glosses is Dia Color by L’Oreal. This can make a blond sparkle a month and a half after getting the color done, which means you can prolong your next visit to the salon for your full color application.

Keep in mind that glosses are a girl’s best friend (especially for blending gray hair) but it should be used when necessary and on hair that really needs it.

I wish you shine, shine, shine!!

Posted by Unknown at 7:18 AM - 0 comments

A Guide To Hair Oils.

Trinidad is home to multiple ethnicities and races, resulting in an incredible variety of hair textures. 

 My niece (in the middle) and her friends in Trinidad and Tobago.

Despite the differences, there was one unifying hair ritual across the island. Everyone rubbed oil into hair to keep it healthy and shiny. From coconut oil to Vaseline to Crisco (well…maybe not Crisco), everyone dutifully oiled his or her hair. However, as the years passed, we realized that oil actually stifles the scalp, i.e. - it can’t breathe which results in hair loss.

The Evolution of Oil-Based Products

With the introduction of hair masks, it became common knowledge across the industry that moisture came from water-based products, not oil ones. Hair masks took the market by storm for years leaving oily treatments in the dust.

Silicone, an oil substitute, was introduced to help women fight the good fight against frizz. But once low-grade silicone products flooded the market, interest in them began to wane as over use left hair super limp. 

 When Moroccan oil products entered the market, ladies went crazy!! In Trinidad and Tobago, to this day, you can’t keep them on the shelves...

  Moroccan oil is wonderful for hair. But like anything else, if it’s overused it will have the reverse effect. (A lightweight oil is now available which helps…)

Don’t Do This…

The challenge with oil is…it’s not made to be used everyday, not even every other day. When it’s overused, the hair absorbs too much, which leaves it limp. Some people apply oil every time they style their hair with a flatiron. That's too much. Think of when you pour oil on a piece of fabric. It’s hard to remove right? Hair is similar; it holds on to oil.

The Correct Way to Apply

Always start with the smallest bit of product. Less is more. Work from the ends up, avoiding the scalp.

Last time I was in Tobago, I had my niece put Moroccan oil on her hair prior to swimming in the ocean. When she came out of the salty water, her hair was gorgeous!!

 Avoiding Build-Up

Use an oil-based product only after shampooing. When applying oil, it’s important that hair is clean. Make sure your shampoo is strong enough to remove any excess build-up. If you’re using a Moroccan oil moisture base shampoo, beware it can make the problem worse by adding more oil.

I recommend using Sunday shampoo by Bumble and Bumble about once every two weeks. This will leave the hair and scalp clean allowing you to start with a fresh canvass.

  If your hair is fine, you should be very careful. Moroccan oil is intense and may not be for you. If you have thick hair, you’ll still need to be careful. Remember the idea is for your hair to be soft and shiny with life. Not an oil slick!

Safe for Color-Treated Hair?

If you dye your hair, don’t use oil as it can remove color. I worked with a hairstylist in L.A. who only used natural oils to remove hair color…seriously!

Antonio Gonzales

Posted by Unknown at 7:40 AM - 0 comments

Do You Want Healthy, Shiny Hair?

The dependency on permanent hair color is like our national dependence on oil. It’s got to change! ;)

I'm determined to be one of those hair stylists who posts as many articles as I can on cellophane hair products. It's an unsung hero, as it doesn’t get the attention it deserves.  Cellophane is a semi-permanent hair glaze that adds shine and color tones to hair. It contains no ammonia or peroxide and is applied on clean, towel-dried hair. It adheres to the hair with the addition of heat. FYI…without heat, it will not hold.

Here are some FAQs on cellophanes…

What is a cellophane (i.e. color shines)?

This is a vegetable-based color dye, created by the famed salon, Sebastian over 17 years ago.

What is the purpose getting it done?

It gives great shine while adding a semi-permanent color that lasts up to 8-12 shampoos.

Does it contain ammonia or peroxide?

No it does not. It's a vegetable-based color that holds to the hair with the application of 20 minutes of heat.

Can it lift your natural hair color to make it lighter?

Because there's no ammonia or peroxide, it cannot lift your natural hair color.

Does it cover gray?

No. Because lacks ammonia or peroxide, it cannot cover gray. However, if you only have a few grays hairs and your hair texture is not too thick or coarse, some of the darker colors may stain them.

Is it good on highlighted hair?

It's great for highlighted hair! If you are a beige-blond and you're looking for a little pop of golden tone and shine, this is perfect for you. Also if you're a beige-blond and need to get rid of unwanted golden tones, the Pearl color with Clear is a great combination.

Does it protect or hurt hair?

It provides protection from sun, salt, chlorine, and product build-up.

Is it good for brunettes?

Amazing for brunettes!! The colors are rich and the sun picks up on the tones beautifully!

Can it be done on top of permanent color?

Yes. There are many shades of cellophanes that can be applied on top of your permanent hair color to help prevent fading. Finding the right tone to compliment your hair color is important. If you're a cool brunette and hate warmth, don’t choose a warm cellophane color.

Any additional questions or comments, please feel free to write me!

Antonio Gonzales

Posted by Unknown at 5:19 AM - 2 comments

HELP FOR DRY HAIR.

Dry hair has become an annoying part of everyday life for most of us. Maybe it's because of one too many hair color treatments, Keratin treatments or (in my case) too much salt and sun.

 So how can we add hydration back into our hair?

Today I decided to test a treatment on my own hair using a new product from Kerastase called Chronologiste. With its sexy black packaging, this treatment comes as a set. The Caviar beads conveniently come in a pump which is then mixed with a rich, soothing conditioning cream.

 This quality treatment is designed to hydrate hair, bringing it back to life.

Like any hair product, it's not for everyone. I have a lot of hair but its fine. It's also curly and lacks moisture, but luckily it's not too frizzy. So although my hair is fine, I like it to feel glossy and hydrated, in other words I am not afraid of conditioner. I love this product because it leaves my hair feeling great, looking fabulous and the shine is intense.

Keep in mind I only do this treatment every 2 weeks (or a little less). In between I generally condition my hair with Lait Nutrisculpt by Kerastase. For you gents and ladies with thick, frizzy dry hair, this is the product for you. It will help your hair regain its luster and shine.

And with the dog days of summer ahead of us....who doesn't want to have healthy, frizz-free hair these days?

Love your hair baby!

Posted by Unknown at 7:29 PM - 0 comments