Assisting Orlando Pita At Derek Lam New York Fashion Week 2015

Do-Rag Honey! Yassss!


Only Orlando Pita can bring realness to the mainstream catwalk. Today's hair style for Derek Lam was a head turner!  First we applied Phyto Phytovolume Actif spray throughout the hair and blow-dried it with a paddle brush. It was mainly dried to remove the waves (not to create perfect smoothness.) We then sprayed the crown of the head with Phyto Spray De Coiffage and tied the do-rag in place. 

Don't forget to follow Orlandopita on Instagram!

Once this was in place, we added Phyto Matte Texturizing Paste to the rest of the hair to achieve even more texture. This gave the overall hair style a very smooth, lacquered top.

Using the T3 Whirl Trio Interchangeable Styling Wand, with it's adjustable barrels, we added random, light bends to each model's hair. (Love this tool by the way!)

By the time the clothing was added, the entire look was fierce!!!

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Assisting Orlando Pita At Herve Leger- NYC Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015

Yesterday, after a morning in the salon, we rushed off to the Lincoln Center for the Herve Leger show.

We started with Orlando Pita giving us a demo on the hair style, which was a lot harder than it looked. With the goal to create textured hair, we either added product if the hair was too straight or if it was too wavy we removed it with a little heat then added product to give it texture.

Then a two inch section was scraped back into a low ponytail at the back of the head.

So far it's about textured, slept in, strong hair this season. Once again I will repeat, "No perfect curls."

(Photo Credit to Quentonjay on instagram for the pic of me with the model)

While backstage I was happy to run in to Gordon Espinet, Vice President of Mac Cosmetics. It's always exciting running into a fellow Trinidadian.

Don't forget to follow Orlando Pita instagram for the most amazing hair images!!

Antonio Gonzales

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Orlando Pita's Lift & Plump Volumizing Spray Mist

Is your “volumizing” product getting you down? Does it smell too much of alcohol or leave your hair with a sticky feeling, making it difficult to comb through?

Well I recommend Orlando Pita’s Lift & Plump Volumizing Spray Mist (Professional Salon Quality). A product that truly works, it's affordable, smells pleasant and does not leave hair a sticky mess. I use this on all my clients who need volume and texture.

I’m tired of magazines that recommend both the high-end product and then a sub-standard version that’s cheaper or more “affordable.” This product appeals to every budget and is used across the board both professionally and for at-home use. What can I say…Lift & Plump is all-inclusive!

 Here are my personal tips on how to best apply Orlando’s latest hair product.

 First, I spray the mist to a section of hair at the root, blow dry it, then apply it to the next section. However, if you have lots of hair you can spray this mist throughout instead of just applying as you go.

For a more textured look for long to medium-length hair (that’s also thick), here's my recommendation. Once I’ve finished blow drying everything, I lightly mist the product on each section. Then I twist those sections using the heat from my fingers. It roughs up the finish a bit. For added volume after drying, I sometimes turn a client’s head upside down and rough dry. But only if it's appropriate for the finish I'm aiming for.

It's important to remember when you are using any volume-enhancing product, to apply the product at the root and spend enough time drying the root area. Don't spend all your time drying the ends…drying the root area is vital to getting volume.

Orlando Pita’s Lift & Plump Volumizing Spray Mist (Professional Salon Quality) is available at Costco in the “Beauty’s Most Wanted” section, at beautysmostwanted.com and at Orlandopitahair.com

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Assisting Orlando Pita At BCBG Fashion Week NYC Spring/Summer 2015

Yesterday was the first of many days to come to assist and learn from my boss and mentor, Orlando Pita.

We started the day with a demo where Orlando showed us the hairstyle, the technique behind achieving it and a “What Not to Do” tutorial.

The look is described as “The Bohemian Woman,” with a natural feel that’s sexy and appears as if she styled it herself.

So forget the perfect, blown out, sleek pin-straight hair, waves or curls, that is not what defines this modern individual.

Orlando Pita working his magic.

Using Chi products and a Chi flatiron we followed Orlando’s instructions, starting on hair that was either dried by hand or not perfectly blow-dried, to deliver what everyone saw gracing the runway for BCBG.

With the amazingly talented Joe Martino, my other mentor at the Orlo Salon. 

 Getting the model ready!! 

Here she is!!!

Great work Orlando!! Don't forget to follow Orlandopita on Instagram!

Stay tuned for looks from five other shows from Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week – Spring/Summer 2015. 

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A Commitment To Helping Others

I would like to share with my readers a very exciting moment in my life. I was recently awarded the Suzanne Pincus award from the WIN (Women in Need) organization for my dedication to helping families in homeless shelters.

What gratitude I feel for this recognition! However, I am even more grateful to families at WIN that have changed my life forever. They continuously show love and share their wisdom. Their stories are with me and for that, I will forever be changed.

A big thanks to all my donors who have supported my workshops, helping others in times of struggle. A special thanks to Orlando Pita and Orlo Salon for their continuos love and support!!

(Above standing with 2 amazing staff from WIN, Alyssa Montoya & Cierra Jordan.

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Getting Ready For Fashion Week NYC Spring/Summer 2015!!

As we prepare to head to the Fashion Week NYC in a few weeks lets take a look back at some images over the years working with the amazing Orlando Pita!!! Stay tuned for whats hot with images as they happen behind the scenes!

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Orlando Pita Hair Mask

I have tried and tested many hair masks over the past 15 years. Some I loved and some were, well, good enough. Today I share with you the Orlando Pita Hair Mask, a hair mask that works! 

Do you have dry, frizzy hair that's color treated? How about thick hair? By that I mean hair so thick, it takes a few minutes before water hits your scalp. And let's not forget double processed hair. If you fit any of these descriptions, then I have a hair mask that will work wonders.

This hair mask delivers fast nourishment, tames frizzing and makes it easier to blow dry hair. What else do we need in life? ;)

Hair tip #1

If you use a lot of silicones, Moroccan oils or any other oils in your hair, I recommend getting a clarifying shampoo. Why?

Most women who use oils and silicones have buildup on their hair and scalp. It can be caused by excessive product use, a shampoo that's too moisturizing (not enough cleaning action), or not rinsing out shampoos and conditioners enough.

In other words everyone should have two shampoos, one recommended by your stylist and a clarifying one. I recommend the Phyto Phytoneutre Clarifying Shampoo. It's not over-priced and yet contains loads of natural ingredients. If you want your new hair mask to work, then give it a chance by starting with a clean head of hair.

Hair tip #2

For thick hair, use a clarifying shampoo every 3 – 4 days. For color-treated hair, mix with a little bit of regular shampoo to dilute. This is to avoid color fading.

If you have hair that's dry, fine and brittle, only use a clarifying shampoo every 6-8 weeks. Mix your clarifying shampoo with your regular shampoo to weaken the clarifying shampoo a bit. This little tip will make all the difference before applying a great hair mask.

How to apply Orlando Pita’s Hair Mask

Shampoo and rinse your hair, squeezing out as much water as possible. For thick hair apply generously throughout. It's a big jar and a little goes a long way so lather that hair baby! (The thickness of the hair will determine how much product you should use.

With a super wide-tooth comb, start combing from the ends, to the scalp. Rinse very well, by well I mean don't leave any residue in your hair thinking it will help. Your hair will have already absorbed all the nutrients it needs.

FYI - I don’t have any advertising on my blog, so their are no kick backs…just my honest opinions on products that I tried over time and that actually work!

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The Difference Between Giving-back And Giving

A friend recently asked a question about a quote I said. "Remember it's about giving not giving-back."

I thought it deserved an answer.

After researching the definitions of both words, I found that there was not much difference. However the literal meaning of words, can sometimes have a very different meaning when expressed verbally.

To me the words "giving back" in a sentence goes like this: "I really should do volunteer work and give back for what I have received in life."

Personally I feel this means "Since I've received something, I should take the action to return it." I'm not sure when the term "giving back" originated, but it's not very helpful. Saying it can sound like an action, when the action really is the word giving. Don't get me wrong, overall it's a noble gesture, but maybe a different approach can be taken? For example..

"I really should GIVE to my fellow man in need of help," or "Although I have a roof over my head and my life is miserable, maybe I really should focus less on my troubles and GIVE to those who have less."

What's the "back" part about? And when we say it do we actually do it?  Or do we wait to receive something else to remind us once more that we should be "giving back?"

I believe if we start saying, I want to GIVE, we will be faced with a huge question. The first is, do I honestly want to give? The second, do I fully understand the meaning of giving? I know I don't...

And what it is that stops us from giving? From my own experience the biggest problem was myself.

In my heart I wanted to do what was best but I was afraid of where to begin. Which charity should I donate to? Who should I help? I pondered that question for years without actually lifting a finger.

 And if I started and couldn't handle it emotionally, I will feel like a failure!

Another favorite was, "I actually have nothing to give."

Eventually the pattern was obvious. Fear was standing in my way (and some judgement).

So how did get over my fears? Desperation is the answer.

Have you ever felt like your life has no meaning no matter how much so-call fun you have or no matter how much stuff you accumulate?

Have you ever felt suicidal, tired of being depressed and wanting a way out, not even strong or brave enough to do it? (Whatever "it" is...)

I definitely have! For most of my life I was crippled with depression, often thinking "I can't take this anymore." No one really knew but the few people I shared my secret with.

After being desperate enough, I walked into a hospice to volunteer, a recommendation by my late friend Dale from Miami. His words actually were, "Dude, even in the midst of your depression all you can do is think about yourself. Try thinking about someone else!"

I was pissed. How the hell could he be so insensitive??

He was right.

I realized I was blinded by self-pity and blaming others for my troubles.  From the minute I walked into the hospice, I forgot about myself. I had no idea what lay ahead but I knew it was better than my present state of mind.

The appreciation I received for being there, by the staff and patients, I had never felt before.

While I thought it was a one-way street, (me helping them) it actually worked both ways. They were healing my depression.

Three years later my depression has vanished! The combination of giving and thinking less of myself lead to a spiritual awakening. 

Over the years I realized it would take more than therapy to beat my depression. (10 years later I still see and love my therapist.) Anti- depressants was another help. I'm not advocating them. However I will advocate volunteer work. Being in recovery from addiction, was another key for me. It opened the door to being available to show up for volunteer work.

What can I say...if you're desperate enough you'll do what is suggested, it may change your life. It changed mine.

Today I'm a happy man. I love helping others, I love my family, I love my job and I look forward to living.

If you have any comments on this please feel free to reach out.

Posted by Unknown at 6:54 PM - 1 comments