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Monday, May 28, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
MY FRIEND LUIS MORAIS
Meeting Luis Morais was definitely the highlight of my year in Miami. He is very much a mentor, friend, amazing jeweler and we both admire each others work.
Take a look at more of his amazing work.
Antonio Gonzales
Take a look at more of his amazing work.Antonio Gonzales
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Friday, May 18, 2012
HAIR ON THE STREETS OF MANHATTAN.
Walking through Union Square today I could not help but notice this beauty and her hair. Intrigued by her individuality I just had to ask, what products do you use in your hair? She looked at me, smiled and said I use absolutely nothing!
This is why I moved back to NYC!!
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Tuesday, May 15, 2012
THE BEST OF AVEDA
Like most other big brand-names in hair, Aveda just has way too many products! How many hair products do we really need? Well, let me share a secret with you. Shhh...
The idea behind this is the more choices, the more products the consumer will try, and if for some reason you get bored with one product, you don't have to switch brands. There’s enough to choose from so you won’t go astray.
It’s the similar pitch when a hairstylist recommends you five products. Chances are you won't buy all five, but four or three. So if you're recommended three you may only take one, and nobody needs only one product…do they? Lol!
After working with this line for eight months, here are the products you should have. Keep in mind with Aveda, a lot or readers either love the smells or hate them.
The Phomollient: This is a styling liquid foam that adds shine and volume. I use this product on all hair types actually, especially on men with wavy hair. It contains honey, plant fibers, and rice.
Smooth infusion styling prep: This is a great product to blow dry curly hair straight. If you have super-thick hair and like to air dry, apply some if this to the hair and hand-style as desired. It's not too heavy or greasy and rinses off easily.
Scalp Remedy Dandruff Solution: Rumor in the village is that this is a miracle product and helps quickly with dryness and irritation of the scalp. They canot keep it on the shelf!
Retexturing Gel: One of my favorites for adding a little lift at the roots for blow drying and to men's hair that's longer and wavy. It's easy to apply and not as flakey as some gels. If you use a curl cream and wear your hair naturally, add a little of this to your cream for extra hold and definition.
Damage Control: Hold on, this is another of my favorites!! Love, love, love this. All hair types, all ages, all races, men and women. It's a light leave-in conditioner that works.
With men in mind-
Control Paste: It’s similar to Sumotech by Bumble and Bumble and the paste by Shu Uemura. It's ideal for men's hair without leaving it too shiny.
Pure Performance Exfoliating Shampoo: guys, you would love the way these smell, feel, and the finish they leave in your hair. This shampoo helps remove build-up of waxes and pastes.
Well, there you have it. These are my personal favorites. I'm sure if you're familiar with this line you may already have yours. For the people who have always wanted to try Aveda but were confused by the many choices, I hope this was helpful to you.
The editing of this blog was done by Camile Lamb of the Perfect Words,Ink.
The idea behind this is the more choices, the more products the consumer will try, and if for some reason you get bored with one product, you don't have to switch brands. There’s enough to choose from so you won’t go astray.
It’s the similar pitch when a hairstylist recommends you five products. Chances are you won't buy all five, but four or three. So if you're recommended three you may only take one, and nobody needs only one product…do they? Lol!
After working with this line for eight months, here are the products you should have. Keep in mind with Aveda, a lot or readers either love the smells or hate them.
The Phomollient: This is a styling liquid foam that adds shine and volume. I use this product on all hair types actually, especially on men with wavy hair. It contains honey, plant fibers, and rice.
Smooth infusion styling prep: This is a great product to blow dry curly hair straight. If you have super-thick hair and like to air dry, apply some if this to the hair and hand-style as desired. It's not too heavy or greasy and rinses off easily.
Scalp Remedy Dandruff Solution: Rumor in the village is that this is a miracle product and helps quickly with dryness and irritation of the scalp. They canot keep it on the shelf!
Retexturing Gel: One of my favorites for adding a little lift at the roots for blow drying and to men's hair that's longer and wavy. It's easy to apply and not as flakey as some gels. If you use a curl cream and wear your hair naturally, add a little of this to your cream for extra hold and definition.
Damage Control: Hold on, this is another of my favorites!! Love, love, love this. All hair types, all ages, all races, men and women. It's a light leave-in conditioner that works.
With men in mind-Control Paste: It’s similar to Sumotech by Bumble and Bumble and the paste by Shu Uemura. It's ideal for men's hair without leaving it too shiny.
Pure Performance Exfoliating Shampoo: guys, you would love the way these smell, feel, and the finish they leave in your hair. This shampoo helps remove build-up of waxes and pastes.
Well, there you have it. These are my personal favorites. I'm sure if you're familiar with this line you may already have yours. For the people who have always wanted to try Aveda but were confused by the many choices, I hope this was helpful to you.The editing of this blog was done by Camile Lamb of the Perfect Words,Ink.
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Wednesday, May 9, 2012
THANK YOU FOR CHANGING THE WORLD OF HAIR VIDAL SASSOON
I just heard about the death of Vidal Sassoon and my prayers are with the family. Vidal Sassoon changed the way we see hair forever and I know hairstylists world wide will be mourning his loss. Vidal Sassoon we all love you.
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Thursday, May 3, 2012
FIGHTING DRY HAIR
In a world bombarded with hair care products, it’s obvious there is a big demand for healthier hair. As it stands, we are a “drying” race. :)
What happened? At what point did things change for the worse?
Having a great view of things from behind the chair and having seen hair products come and go, I would like to share with you my thoughts of the good, the bad, and the ugly in hair care and habits which can cause you to have damaged hair.
Cheap shampoos and conditioners: Rumor is that it does not matter what shampoo and conditioner you use. This is DEAD WRONG! It makes all the difference in the world and I have seen it proven over and over again.
Yes, I know a good shampoo and conditioner can be expensive, but they’re worth it. If you are on a budget, try having two fewer cocktails or one less dinner at a restaurant and save up for a bottle of Kérastase Age Recharge shampoo or Chroma Riche.
Bad hair brushes: So many women have those evil plastic brushes with the little plastic balls at the end. Generally, when you look at one it's full of hair, right? These brushes are very harsh on the hair and the bristles are so stiff that the hair just snaps.
I want you to get up right now, put on some eye shadow, a little lip gloss, and go purchase a large tooth comb to detangle your hair (when it's wet). While you're at it, buy a paddle brush to follow up with after detangling with the comb. The paddle brush is also good for blow drying. I highly recommend you get "your Colorists favorite brush".
And if you can skip the cocktails for two months (the horror) I strongly suggest you invest
in a Mason Pearson brush. This brush will make love to your hair! The bristles move with the hair and they’re gentle on the scalp.
Blow drying or flat ironing without products on the hair: Although the hair may be wet when you are blow drying, that's not enough to battle the heat of the blow dryer. Try turning the dryer on and putting it against your skin... That’s right, she's hot! Your poor hair, sniff sniff...
Always, always apply product to your hair before blow drying and especially before flat ironing!
Hair color: I don't have to go in to too much detail with this one. If it’s a chemical, it's hard on your hair.
Tanning salons: Especially if your hair is dry and color treated, I recommended applying some UV protection to your hair and covering your hair with a towel or a cap.
Pulling or twirling your ends when bored: I was in traffic the other day, and in the car across from me there was a woman pulling her hair over and over, and pulling at her damaged ends. This does not help matters, so leave your poor hair alone! ;)
Rubber bands, harsh fabric/nylon hair bands, and those big metal clips covered in rhinestones: The rhinestones alone will make your hair want to curl up and die!! Use softer fabric hair bands or scarves.
Salt water: As much as it may look and feel good on the hair,
the salt is munching away at your hair shaft. I know someone who had color treated hair and had the best in hair care products, but her hair still broke because of swimming in the ocean three times a week. All 10 inches of it!
We the hairstylists: Too much heat on your highlights, metal brushes, putting the nozzle of the dryer against the hair, too many Keratin treatments, very high volume peroxide in the bleach, and constantly overlapping hair color when doing touch-ups. Keep in mind that when you are having a touch-up, it may be necessary to only color the new growth not coloring over the previously colored hair. Especially if you're using permanent color to cover the roots (gray hair), a demi permanent color can be used on the ends. Demi permanent dyes contains less peroxide and no ammonia and are more gentle on the porous ends.
Ladies, keep in mind that you can have healthy hair, but it's impossible to have it all. So if you are obsessed with being a bleached blond, then your hair will be dry. If you are not taking suggestions from your trusted hairstylist and buying professional hair products, your hair will be dry. It's simple: if you neglect your hair, the result is a cupboard full of hair products aimed at the impossible goal of resuscitating it.
I wish you healthy, beautiful hair!
The editing of this blog was done by Camile Lamb of the Perfect Words,Ink.
What happened? At what point did things change for the worse?
Having a great view of things from behind the chair and having seen hair products come and go, I would like to share with you my thoughts of the good, the bad, and the ugly in hair care and habits which can cause you to have damaged hair.
Cheap shampoos and conditioners: Rumor is that it does not matter what shampoo and conditioner you use. This is DEAD WRONG! It makes all the difference in the world and I have seen it proven over and over again.
Yes, I know a good shampoo and conditioner can be expensive, but they’re worth it. If you are on a budget, try having two fewer cocktails or one less dinner at a restaurant and save up for a bottle of Kérastase Age Recharge shampoo or Chroma Riche.
Bad hair brushes: So many women have those evil plastic brushes with the little plastic balls at the end. Generally, when you look at one it's full of hair, right? These brushes are very harsh on the hair and the bristles are so stiff that the hair just snaps.
I want you to get up right now, put on some eye shadow, a little lip gloss, and go purchase a large tooth comb to detangle your hair (when it's wet). While you're at it, buy a paddle brush to follow up with after detangling with the comb. The paddle brush is also good for blow drying. I highly recommend you get "your Colorists favorite brush".
And if you can skip the cocktails for two months (the horror) I strongly suggest you invest
in a Mason Pearson brush. This brush will make love to your hair! The bristles move with the hair and they’re gentle on the scalp.
Blow drying or flat ironing without products on the hair: Although the hair may be wet when you are blow drying, that's not enough to battle the heat of the blow dryer. Try turning the dryer on and putting it against your skin... That’s right, she's hot! Your poor hair, sniff sniff...
Always, always apply product to your hair before blow drying and especially before flat ironing!
Hair color: I don't have to go in to too much detail with this one. If it’s a chemical, it's hard on your hair.
Tanning salons: Especially if your hair is dry and color treated, I recommended applying some UV protection to your hair and covering your hair with a towel or a cap.
Pulling or twirling your ends when bored: I was in traffic the other day, and in the car across from me there was a woman pulling her hair over and over, and pulling at her damaged ends. This does not help matters, so leave your poor hair alone! ;)
Rubber bands, harsh fabric/nylon hair bands, and those big metal clips covered in rhinestones: The rhinestones alone will make your hair want to curl up and die!! Use softer fabric hair bands or scarves.
Salt water: As much as it may look and feel good on the hair,
the salt is munching away at your hair shaft. I know someone who had color treated hair and had the best in hair care products, but her hair still broke because of swimming in the ocean three times a week. All 10 inches of it!
We the hairstylists: Too much heat on your highlights, metal brushes, putting the nozzle of the dryer against the hair, too many Keratin treatments, very high volume peroxide in the bleach, and constantly overlapping hair color when doing touch-ups. Keep in mind that when you are having a touch-up, it may be necessary to only color the new growth not coloring over the previously colored hair. Especially if you're using permanent color to cover the roots (gray hair), a demi permanent color can be used on the ends. Demi permanent dyes contains less peroxide and no ammonia and are more gentle on the porous ends.
Ladies, keep in mind that you can have healthy hair, but it's impossible to have it all. So if you are obsessed with being a bleached blond, then your hair will be dry. If you are not taking suggestions from your trusted hairstylist and buying professional hair products, your hair will be dry. It's simple: if you neglect your hair, the result is a cupboard full of hair products aimed at the impossible goal of resuscitating it.
I wish you healthy, beautiful hair!
The editing of this blog was done by Camile Lamb of the Perfect Words,Ink.
- 0 comments
Friday, April 27, 2012
ANTONIO GONZALES RETURNING TO ORLO SALON NYC.
I am very happy to share with my readers that I will soon be returning to New York City! On the first of June, I will be resuming my position at the wonderful Orlo salon,
owned by our favorite hairstylist Orlando Pita.
As usual, I will keep you up to date with all the latest from our industry with articles, images, and soon videos.
Working at Orlo not only gives me the opportunity to learn firsthand what happens in the beauty industry (Orlando's work).
It also allows me to keep my focus on honesty and quality first. After being away from NYC for over a year and living in Miami, I have had the opportunity to fall in love with New York like never before. I have also had the chance to find my new love in volunteering.
In the past year, I was privileged to work with a wonderful group of young ladies at Casa Valentina and to share my views on the importance of individuality and how beauty is still just “skin deep.”
I also had the opportunity to meet the wonderful nurses at Oceanside Extended Care in South Beach, where I gave free haircuts to the very sick patients.
I can't begin to describe how it felt to see someone who can't walk or speak stare at themselves in the mirror as I cut their hair. Their resulting smiles left me feeling a huge sense of gratitude.
Together with my new friend in Miami,
I was also able to collect donations and make sandwiches for sometimes more than 200 homeless people in downtown Miami every six weeks or so. I'm looking forward to recruiting friends in NYC to do the same for the homeless there.
I share this because the gift of giving came to me at a very difficult time in my life. As they say, the only way to true happiness is gratitude and learning to appreciate how fortunate we are.
So thanks again to my readers and I'll see you in the Big Apple! ;)
owned by our favorite hairstylist Orlando Pita.
As usual, I will keep you up to date with all the latest from our industry with articles, images, and soon videos.
Working at Orlo not only gives me the opportunity to learn firsthand what happens in the beauty industry (Orlando's work).
It also allows me to keep my focus on honesty and quality first. After being away from NYC for over a year and living in Miami, I have had the opportunity to fall in love with New York like never before. I have also had the chance to find my new love in volunteering.In the past year, I was privileged to work with a wonderful group of young ladies at Casa Valentina and to share my views on the importance of individuality and how beauty is still just “skin deep.”
I also had the opportunity to meet the wonderful nurses at Oceanside Extended Care in South Beach, where I gave free haircuts to the very sick patients.
I can't begin to describe how it felt to see someone who can't walk or speak stare at themselves in the mirror as I cut their hair. Their resulting smiles left me feeling a huge sense of gratitude.
Together with my new friend in Miami,
I was also able to collect donations and make sandwiches for sometimes more than 200 homeless people in downtown Miami every six weeks or so. I'm looking forward to recruiting friends in NYC to do the same for the homeless there.I share this because the gift of giving came to me at a very difficult time in my life. As they say, the only way to true happiness is gratitude and learning to appreciate how fortunate we are.
So thanks again to my readers and I'll see you in the Big Apple! ;)
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Thursday, April 26, 2012
THE RE-LAUNCH OF INOA BY LOREAL
Hairstylists and clients, this is what happens when we all collaborate and share valuable information on new hair products that do not live up to expectations. I'm talking about Loreál Inoa hair color, and to think I only just mentioned this product in My last article.
As we all know, they launched a few years ago with "celebrity hairstylists," making claims that it was the best thing since stilettos!! Sadly, we the consumers felt differently.
Now I'm excited to say that they have taken Inoa back to the drawing board. She's been revamped and the re-launch is around the corner.
So what's new about new Inoa?
Children, as you know, I'm not about the scientific details; I'm about the delivery, the outcome and the va-voom! But what I do know is that the redesigned Inoa system is simpler for me and my comrades to use. The colors are better and the fading has been reduced. All in all, we can deliver to our clients a product that's safer on the scalp, hair, and nose, and that works better than the previous version.
So if you're inclined to try a color that’s better for your hair, come see us and try this new “Inoa-vation” for yourself!
So what does this mean for the other colors that we use?
Well, to change your hair color brand is always a decision between you and your hairstylist. We will first determine if your hair needs can be met with Inoa. There’s no need to get rid of all the other hair colors. Variety is the spice of life baby!
Yours truly,
Antonio Gonzales
The editing of this blog was done by Camile Lamb of the Perfect Words,Ink.
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Saturday, April 21, 2012
IS YOUR HAIR BEING BOTOXED??
In the past, we have seen product companies go to any length to attract consumers by using 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.
We have seen many examples of this in the past. Knowing that 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? Here it is:
HAIR BOTOX!
You heard me right, children! After hearing about this and doing some basic research here's what I know. Loreál 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 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.
Okay, let's get down to business here. 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 – are we that desperate!? Lol!
Here's what I do know.
1) I have heard these promises before by other product companies.
2) Having seen other products hit the market with enormous press and branding and then disappear shortly thereafter, I have to be a bit skeptical. Look at "Inoa” hair color, for example. There was all sorts of buzz about this “amazing” ammonia free hair color when it was launched, but where is it now? Where will hair botox be in a few years? And where will your hair be?
3) Once you say a celebrity uses a product, everyone wants it. I wouldn’t act on such rumored endorsements until I had a personal conversation with that celebrity,
if I were you.
4) As we’ve seen with many other big brand name “hair care miracles,” smaller companies are already 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.
5) Now that everyone is doing it and it's so easily accessible, some stylists start to stray from the manufacturer’s directions, 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 before the next craze takes over. So let's wait for the reviews.
I recently had the opportunity to see models who had had their hair "botoxed," and the results varied. Please keep in mind that it was NOT LOREÁL BOTOX. One had frizzy, curly, damaged hair, and she liked the results but will stick to Keratin in the future. Keratin allows her to achieve straighter results, which she prefers.
The other also had damaged hair, and was not happy with the end result. Her hair was in worse condition afterward. As a hairstylist, I know many things can affect the results of a product, so until I have it in my own hands, it's hard to say whether I like it or not.
Women with healthy hair (and you do exist!), keep up the good work. We all know there’s only one way for you to end up with unhealthy hair, and that's mistreating it by blow drying too much and tacking on too many chemical services.
Well my lovelies, how's that for honesty?
Let me know your thoughts.
Antonio
The editing of this blog was done by Camile Lamb of the Perfect Words,Ink.
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Labels: Hair Botox, Loreal botox, shampoo, Thinning hair
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