Five Basic Tools I Must Have For Fashion Week

As Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week approaches, my colleagues and I start prepping our kits for the main events. Every year we are led by Orlando Pita to showcase what's hot for this season.

As the years pass, hairstyles change and hair products come and go. Sometimes we discover new styling products and tools that work better than last year's favorites. Sometimes we find our favorite product is discontinued.

Here are five basic products that are a "Must Have" for 2013. So from my personal styling kit to yours.. here we go!

1) The Alligator Clip or Dragon Clip - To work at the speed we need to, it's important to get the excess hair out of the way and have it stay there. The alligator clip, (also called the dragon clip) is super strong. It holds hair in place firmly, allowing you to work on wet or dry hair swiftly. When the pressure is on backstage, the last thing we need is hair falling out of a clip.

Tip: When working on hair that's fine, a smaller clip with less tension maybe a better option. Also when styling hair that's already blown out and you're working in the hairline, I recommend duckbill clips. The last thing we want to create are indentations on fine hair with a clip that has too much tension. Working smart is equally as important as working fast.

2) Wooden tooth brush - Don't worry, this is not a time to worry about dental hygiene. This is for hair. ;)

When we smooth dry hair for an ironed look or a chignon, those pesky fly always can ruin a perfect finish and show up in photos. Using a tail-comb or teasing brush for this could disturb the finish even more. This toothbrush has very soft bristles so it helps polish hard to reach areas. Because of its size, it gets to the fine or short flyways without disturbing the rest of the hair.

Tip: At the end of every fashion season I wash mine with a strong detergent (liquid dish-washing detergent) compared to my daily hair brush detergent. (shampoo then barbacide)

3) Bungee hair elastics - I remember many years ago being part of a video demo, styling a ponytail with a regular ponytail holder. It was a bad idea.

Bungee hair elastics, when used correctly gets close to the head, without leaving a bump at the base of the tail. It's the only thing I now use. They not only hold well and are easy on the hair, they come in a variety of colors.

Tip: Be careful where you buy them. There are different brands for sale but the quality is not good. I get my supply from Paris, from co-workers who travel for shows there. I'm sure their are good ones in the U.S...they are just hard to find.

4) Super mate clips - I think hairstylists and clients alike have all run into this problem, clip marks in the hair when styling. If you're doing finger waves, working on the hairline (on dry hair) or pushing bangs aside to put makeup on, these clips are your best friend.

During fashion week, if we happen to do the hair before the makeup, chances are the hair will get in the makeup artists' way. So these babies are a must backstage or at home.

5) Wig Brush - When I have hair that's so thick and tangled and has to be on stage in 30 minutes, this brush comes to the rescue! It's perfect for a head full of extensions that's enough hair for three people. And if you're that client who loves to ignore your hair till the last minute, enjoying the tangled, textured hive, then you've met your match!

Tip: Don't let the name deter you. However don't let this take the place of your daily detangling brush. The wig brush is primarily meant for the situations mentioned above.

Well that's all for now folks! Stay tuned for images from New York City Mercedes Benz Fashion Week!

Posted by Unknown at 10:51 AM - 3 comments

5 TOP MISTAKES WOMEN MAKE WHEN CHOOSING A SALON.

Here are some common hair salon myths I’m thrilled to bust before your beauty-loving eyes:

1) The fancier the salon, the better it is.

Have you heard of the term “smoke and mirrors?” Well in this case, it’s more like “chandeliers and mirrors.”

There have always been beautiful salons across the world since the early 1900s. What's different today is that fancier salons are considered "better." This is not necessarily true. It is important to remember that the purpose of a hair salon is to provide you with a clean, professional environment and the best hair service possible. When you leave the salon, you should feel inspired and happy with your hair.

A talented hairstylist is just that. A great hair salon should be able to sell itself without the experience of a boutique hotel. Do you want to pay for a quality haircut and also pay for the champagne, tea and crumpets? If that's what you're looking for, then please enjoy. But don’t let those little perks distract you from getting what you truly want from your salon – great hair!!!

2) You should go to a salon because someone who works there is advertised as a celebrity hairstylist.

Please keep in mind that the one sure way for us hairstylists to get more attention is to say we have touched a celebrity. When this happens, we are instantly pushed into another dimension. This puts us in the public eye and allows us to charge more.

Having had the opportunity to work on the occasional celebrity has been a wonderful experience, and yes, it has helped my career. However, I'm not a “celebrity hairstylist,” and yes, that is a disclaimer! LOL! (I do work for one though.)

If you are looking for a celebrity hairstylist experience that will knock your shoes off, then I encourage you to pursue that. There are many to choose from, but do your research. People may advertise themselves as such, but many may not have touched a celebrity for many years. While living in Miami for the last year, I met so many “celebrity hairstylists” that I had never heard of, I couldn’t even keep count! Remember, celebrity stylists aren’t supposed to award themselves that status; if they have earned it, the public will give them the title.

3) You should seek a "celebrity experience" (or to be treated like a celebrity) when you get your hair services.

To be honest, if you are not a celebrity, then your haircut can’t be a "celebrity experience." (I crack myself up.) And what does that mean anyway? Ladies, you deserve the best because you are fabulous individuals, each with assets that only you possess. The experience you deserve entails getting great hair, respect, your money’s worth, and a hairstylist that will tell you the truth, rather than someone who will think of your wallet first.


4) A referral from a friend is a guarantee that you’ll love the salon too.

I will say that I love my dentist, my doctor, and my personal trainer, but that does not mean any one of them is right for you. My clients love me, but that does not mean I'm right for all of their friends either. I recommend taking a referral from someone who has similar hair, especially if your hair is curly, fine, or short. And even then, remember that a referral is no guarantee you’ll love the place or the stylist, though it is a step in the right direction.

Another important aspect of your salon experience, apart from your being happy with your hair, is the connection between you and the hairstylist. Let's face it: it's a relationship in the making, so the vibe between you and your potential stylist is important.

You may also find a hairstylist that you can hardly bear to be around, but who gives you kick-ass results. In case that case, it's for you to decide whether or not your hair is worth the headache.

Before seeing the recommended hairstylist, go in for a consultation. Your first impression will probably tell you what you need to know before you decide whether or not to proceed with that particular pro.

5) You found a salon had great reviews on an online search engine, so they’ll obviously give you great hair.

Okay, this one is the best of all! Rumor has it that some hairstylists ask their friends to write reviews for them online. It's hilarious! Once upon a time, strong online reviews were a great thing. Then it started working against hairstylists – particularly the ones with overblown online reviews – because clients’ equally inflated expectations were not being met.

I always say, the proof is in the pudding. You need to see it and taste it for yourself to know how good it is.

The editing of this blog was done by Camile Lamb of the Perfect Words,Ink.

Posted by Unknown at 2:05 PM - 1 comments