MY HAIR COLOR, MY CLIENT- VICTORIA HAY

I want to share an amazing shoot that a group of very talented individuals put together. I am very impressed with the Hairstylist and the makeup artist.

Great job guys!





http://www.titaniafilm.com/

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GYM HAIR FUNDAMENTALS

HAIR-OBICS



Girls, as you already know, living in a large metropolis can be very stressful. Your days are spent doing all the things that need to be done to preserve one’s sanity. On top of that, you try to squeeze in a trip to the gym to maintain your health and promote your well-being. And then there is the hair issue. Could life get any harder?

Here are some tips that will allow you to make wise use of your time while protecting your hair at the gym.

1. Invest in some plastic, travel size containers from your local Beauty Supply. Use these containers to store all of your professional hair products – shampoo, conditioner and hair mask. Shampoos at the gym can be harsh, especially for my color treated ladies.

2. If you workout every day and have to wash and blow-dry your hair every day, try rinsing instead of shampooing each time. If your hair is color treated, this is frankly too much shampooing for you. You can condition after rinsing being sure to avoid the roots and applying to the ends only.

3. Try not to be aggressive with your hair when quickly twisting it into a ponytail. Use gentle fabrics or hair bands to help keep your hair under control. American Apparel has a variety of hair bands and they are all made in America!

4. If you have long hair with bangs and the hair in your eyes is driving you crazy, there’s a solution. Simply braid your hair and tuck it away safely, then wet your bangs combing them back and use a bobby pin

or a headband to keep those babies down.

5. If you know beforehand that you’re going to workout, why not shampoo your hair at home, towel dry and then apply a hair mask? Braid or put your hair in a bun and head to the gym. After working out, you can sit in the steam room while giving your hair a deep treatment.

The steam will help the mask work better than just doing it for two minutes in the shower. If you are going to do some serious cardio, I would suggest applying the mask after your workout. Otherwise, you may end up looking like someone slapped you across the face with a tamale.

6. DO NOT go into the steam room for three days after getting your hair colored.

7. DO NOT leave hair masks in your hair after the gym under the false assumption that the longer you leave it in, the better. If it does not say “LEAVE IN”, do not do so for too long. This can cause build up on the scalp. And where does hair grow from? I rest my case.

8. DO NOT gossip at the gym (just kidding).

9. DO NOT use cheap plastic brushes as your “gym brush”. They will ruin your hair!

I hope these bits of advice are helpful. If you have any tips of your own, please feel free to share them.

I wish you a great workout and healthy hair!

Antonio

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THE COVER OF PREF MAGAZINE

MY RECENT SHOOT


Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

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PLUMP - BY ORLANDO PITA

Over the years I’ve used many volumizing products and have written about them all. As my career evolves, so does my knowledge of hair care products in general. Consequently, I’ve become less patient with products that promise the world, but fail to deliver.

Recently, I’ve been exposed to several products. Today, I would like to focus on one of these created by Orlando Pita in the T3-line. I’m excited to share with you a product that I simply cannot get enough of – PLUMP.

My first day working with Orlando’s team at Orlo, I turned to Joe (an extremely talented stylist) for a product recommendation. Without thinking twice he said, “use PLUMP”. The entire staff chimed in and quickly supported his opinion. It was represented to me as the “go to” product for blow drying most hair types.

The first client I had at my new salon is a close friend of mine and big supporter (actually, that’s how I describe all of my clients). Her hair was thick and 100% gray. With a wave of my magic wand, she was transformed into having a light brown base with golden highlights and well blended, rich lowlights.

Keep in mind that this was my first day at Orlo and I was nervous, especially since only one product was recommended for me to use. Needless to say child, I was sweating. So I sprayed through her hair and started working it. All I can say is that her hair began reacting as though I’d used the usual three products.

I was finally done – hugs and kisses were exchanged. What I liked most about it was the finish, the hold and the shine. It’s a practical spray, meaning that it does not dry quickly like a volumizing mousse would. It gives you enough time to get through an entire head of hair without panicking. It also….

HAIR TYPES

It can be used on all hair types. On thick, coarse hair it’s amazing and for extra support add a little of the Boost styling set (another miracle creation by Orlando Pita).

On fine hair is when it’s at its best and it does not leave fine, highlighted hair feeling coarse.

The packaging of this product is sleek and clean. The information on the bottle is easy to read and boasts heat protection. I give this product my stamp of approval and so do my clients that have been using it.

I wish you beautiful, bouncy hair! When in doubt, PLUMP it.

ANTONIO

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

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SHOPPING WITH ANTONIO

RAFFAELE e PAOLA

After moving to New York well over seven years ago, I now find myself relying on a little shopping to ease my stress. Afterall, what harm could a minor purchase or two cause, right? For that you’ll have to speak to my Financial Planner. [smile]

Because I live and work amongst some amazing stores, I decided to give my readers – whether living or visiting the Big Apple – a sampling of my taste in fashion, spa services and anything else my humble heart desires.

Today’s Purchases

Have you heard of RAFFAELE e PAOLA? Darlings, it’s been a secret of mine for quite some time now (at least I like to think so). I wandered in and engaged in my usual session with Abigail (the owner and daughter of Raffaele and Paola, for whom the store is named).

Immediately, in the corner of my eye I saw some gloves that I just had to have. Now, gloves have always been a difficult thing for me to purchase as they’re generally too masculine and, I must insist, give me gloves with flair.

Meanwhile, as I was “ooh-ing and ahh-ing” about, I saw my dream umbrella. Yes, I do splurge on accessories! It was fit for a man, yet sleek and well designed. Makes you almost hope for a rainy forecast.


Here’s what Abigail had to say:

RAFFAELE e PAOLA was founded in 2006 with the idea in mind to bring beauty from Europe. To be surrounded by sensuality, imagination, rock ‘n’ roll, elegance and flights of fancy. To bring history and respect for craftsmanship passed down through generations.

For you to find something that may bring out the lady/gentleman in you, or the animal.

Form and function are indeed, always criteria. But maybe when it is not raining, you hang the umbrella on the wall, just because it is that amazing. “I’m always asked who Raffaele e Paola are. They are my parents.”

I do her mom’s hair and she’s a darling!

Antonio

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HAIR BY ANTONIO

HAIR BY ANTONIO

DASHBOARD CONFESSIONALS
Alter The Ending
Dashboard Confessional
Release Date:11/10/2009

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The “It” Factor

On Sunday evening, I treated a girlfriend and her children to see Michael Jackson’s “This Is It”. My expectations consisted of experiencing a journey through his career from boyhood through adulthood. You may be asking yourself “didn’t Antonio read the reviews or watch the news to know that this was about Michael’s last performance?”

Well, for the record, I don’t read reviews.

I’ve always been of the opinion that when it comes to art, other’s opinions are to be respected, but mine is the only one that matters…to me. I will be the judge of what I consider being good or bad art. I guess this view is a product of my environment – having been raised on a small island bustling with talent without access to the right costumes, stage setting, lighting, etc.



As a result, I developed the ability to identify raw talent without all the fluff while being protective of my own opinion. Anywho, we arrived at the theater on 42nd Street and got comfortable with all the fat free goodies AMC had to offer. [burp] What seemed like a never-ending barrage of advertisements and movie previews gave us time to catch up and share in our excitement to see “This Is It”.

All of a sudden, there he was. It was as if nothing had changed and he was still with us. His voice was as strong as ever, triggering emotions of great joy and inspiration. He performed and performed – his musicians and dancers all uniting to hopefully produce an event that would once again change the way we experienced music and dance through the eyes of the King of Pop.

If I were to use two words to describe seeing MJ perform, they would have to be the “ultimate escapism”.

As a child growing up in Trinidad, I was surrounded by African and Indian dance and music. So escaping in Michael’s performance was not difficult. What I considered most enjoyable was the audience participation as if we were watching a live performance. We clapped, we cheered, we oohd and ahhd ; there were even moments when you’d hear “you go Michael”.

I must confess, at one point I screamed “hells to the no”. It was just so damn good…all of it!

I do know that there was a lot of editing and I probably saw the best footage captured. Regardless, what I experienced was the same thrill I experienced 12 years ago when I saw him perform in Munich. The man is easily one of my biggest sources of inspiration. His music and moves actually make me want to do my best with L-O-V-E.

At one point he turned to his dancers and said “give the audience what they want; they want to escape. It’s about escapism.” I can relate to that on a very deep level. Who does not want to escape sometimes? After trying many different ways to escape, MJ’s music is still the easiest. And now back to my biggest L-O-V-E – doing hair.

I wish you all a safe way to escape!

Antonio

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WHEN I LOOK AT SOMEONE I THINK OF THE MOOD I WANT TO CREATE

HAIR BY ANTONIO

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FASHION ADVICE FOR MEN

Fashion Faux Pas

I recently posted some men’s fashion tips on my Facebook page. To my surprise, the response I received from the ladies was overwhelming so I thought I’d share these with everyone. Even in New York City, the fashion capital of the world, there are men (not only straight) that need to lay some fashion ideas to rest.

And by “rest” I mean to sleep. Stop, please!

It’s important to know that we are all guilty to some degree of putting together an ensemble that was supposed to make us feel better, but instead upset our loved ones. So without further adieu…

1. Boot Cut Jeans

About seven years ago, every queen in Chelsea was sporting these jeans in all colors and sizes. Some were even adventurous enough to add a little sparkle to them. Nowadays, years later, I’ll see some fine ladies strut their stuff along the avenue with their men next to them in a long-sleeved shirt with a pattern of some sort and…Boot Cut Jeans!

Guys, my advice to you – put them to rest. Not only are they dated, but even when worn appropriately (which should be not at all) are not flattering to most men. Although there is a time and place to wear them, it seems that there are few men who know how to pull this off without looking like J. R. Ewing (from the television show Dallas) on crack.

2. Dorothy Hamill Haircut

I know, I know…some men still think they can carry this look. And in their defense, they can…only if they’re about to do a double axel and a triple lutz on ice!

3. Cell phones on your waist

Convenience is one thing, but this is pushing it. Who are these men waiting to hear from? God?

4. Hawaiian Shirts at the Office in Winter

I’ve seen them…lurking on our streets…trying to spread their hibiscus pollen and take over the world. Beware!

5. Men’s HOT Pants

Better known as “batty riders” in Trinidad and Tobago. No camel’s feet, please!

6. Marine Flat Tops

Boys, hear me out for a minute. Not only are you not a Marine, but you likely work in a Flower Shop as an orchid specialist. You are not kidding anyone by impersonating Jean-Claude Van Damme. Come to think of it, who is he kidding?

7. Bad Gym Attire

Balloon pants, T-back tank tops and high top sneakers…all at the same time! Not cute at any age.

I wish you a day without someone’s fashion mishap(s). J

Posted by Unknown at 6:32 AM - 3 comments

MENS HAIR BY ANTONO

THE COLOR TREATMENT
This models hair was fine but boy did he have tons of it. Since he doesn’t frequently condition his hair I went back to my long time friend Cellophane's by Sebastian. I used the clear
glaze to just add shine.

THE CUT
He wanted the ability to look well groomed but with a little punk edge. Because of the amount of hair he had I started cutting dry, doing a lot of point cutting to
work towards the shape we wanted. I kept his sides very strong using the scissors over comb technique. I then cut the top of his hair with scissors creating softness without it collapsing. We then shampooed his hair and cut with a razor. You may ask if this is too much texturizing for fine hair? Not with this dude, the more the merrier!

THE PRODUCTS
I used a light leave in conditioner by Paul Mitchell

then I applied the Gellac by Bumble and bumble
The Gellac allowed his hair to last for the entire shoot and added even more shine.

TIP
When working with the Gellac you need to apply and
style fast. This product dries very quickly!

AFG

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DOES YOUR BLOND HAIR COLOR BELONG TO SOMEONE ELSE?

As we already know, there are many different types of blonds. We can look in any magazine and find photographs of every shade and the best person to achieve them. You can also find verbiage on techniques to best describe how thick or thin you want the application of your highlights to be (i.e. spaghetti, fettuccine). This is very helpful because it equips you with more accurate language when requesting a different size of highlights during foiling or Baliaging (hair painting).

When women are deciding on hair color, they generally have three concerns. I call these the basic 1-2-3.

1. The size of the pieces of hair that will be colored when foiling or painting highlights,

2. The overall tone – Beige, Light Golden, Wheat, etc.,

3. How light or dark a blond they want to be.

Now that we have those questions out of the way, what next?

I feel that there is one important factor missing from this list – the mood of the blond. This is actually the most important thing I can think of when creating the perfect blond. When I say “mood” what I mean is how does your blond hair correspond to your personality, career, vibe, etc.? Are you a powerful businesswoman in your late 30's who wants their hair to be serious, yet modern? Or are you that same woman in your 50's who wants to be a very sophisticated blond? Do you get my drift? Of course the cut makes a big difference too, but let’s focus darlings – this is all about color!

So now to move forward we really need to take a look at ourselves and decide which one of the following best describes us.

1. The Sophisticated Blond

Think Uptown blond. She loves the idea of very little root line no matter how dark her natural color is. This blond is not the noticeably bright California Blond – although she’s still a full blond, there are some subtle low lights to blend her tones. Glosses are a big part of this dames hair color. The Sophisticated Blond may also sport a more classic haircut to pull her mood together. This is not for the NY club-goer.

2. The Flawless California Blond

Darrrrrrling! You see her when she walks in the room and she wears that color like she was born with it. The root line does not exist because she was patient and sat there while she was foiled to thy kingdom come! This blond loves the golden tones (most of the time) and long hair. You won’t notice many low lights on this doll and a beautiful, light golden blond gloss is a must.

3. The Organic Blond

She is so not the first two blonds. This lady wants to see depth in the root and wants to see contrast in a very natural way. Even though she may be a candidate for Baliage, the application must not be chunky or too fine. We need to be very careful not to glaze the roots too much because the root line is part of the appeal. This is not your Grandmother’s blond!

4. The "damn, who colored your hair" Blond

This girl does not care if you know it’s not her natural color. What’s more important to her is that the color and the cut make a statement and command heads to turn (in a good way). This is your creative blond who may have pale blond pieces in front with intense depth for contrast. She is happy to experiment with what’s on the runways without fear of judgment from friends.

Please don't confuse this with the Beauty School Blond. That's a whole other story.

So the next time you get your hair colored, talk a bit about the mood you want to create that compliments you rather than the basic 1-2-3. I guarantee you will notice a big difference in your hair color and the way you relate to it.

I wish you beautiful blond baby!!!

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 7:29 AM - 2 comments

HAIR ADVICE FOR MEN

Relax, Men.

When we think of hair relaxers, we usually think of a process for the entire head. But, guys, relaxers could be your strategic weapon in those smaller battles, too, like the stubborn side burn, the misbehaving cowlick or coarse necklines. This is a process I do with so many of my male clients to perfect a hair cut that's being disturbed by areas that are unruly. For example, my hair is overall wavy, with a tighter curl on the sides. To have the texture even throughout my hair, I have a gentle relaxer applied to the sides for a few minutes. It really works!! Even men with strong cowlicks in the front hairline can use relaxers to soften that spot, so they don't have to be constantly fighting to get the hair to sit right. And for men with coarse hair at the neck line, relaxers are also a blessing. Remember, there are different strengths of hair relaxers and the way they are applied and how long they are left on will depend on how straight you want your hair. It does not matter what ethnicity you are. If you have an unruly curl, you are a perfect candidate.

One of my favorite relaxers is Affirm and its a relaxer we love to use at Orlo salon.

It's gentle and easy to work with. What's also great is the relaxing process takes four steps, and each step helps to leave the hair in good condition, feeling like your natural hair only better.

And guys, life is like normal after your relaxer; you don't have to make any major changes in your hair routines. And this process can be subtle. In other words, no one will know you had your hair relaxed. So relax; just because you use a relaxer doesn't mean your hair has to be pin straight.

I wish you good looking hair with an added bonus.

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

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HAIR BY ANTONIO- SARAH FOSTER THE MUSICIAN

Great music Sarah!!

Posted by Unknown at 6:32 AM - 2 comments

MY CLIENTS BUSINESS

HAIR ley-Davidson…hardly!

ANTONIO…

I wanted to inform you of my client’s bike rental and storage business. Chris Miles is not only a great friend of mine, but also an incredible mentor. I visited Jupiter’s NYC Motorcycle Rentals website and simply had to share this information with you – because I knew you bikers would appreciate it.

“This isn't just a motorcycle business to me; it’s my attempt to help bring about the change in ourselves we all seek – that feeling of one with the world. Traveling helps me do that – motorcycling brings me closer to the heart of nature both within myself and I find with others.”

Jupiter’s NYC Motorcycle Rental

119 8^th Street

Suite 100

Brooklyn, New York 11215

718 788 2585

Google Map

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FOR THE WOMAN IN HER 50's

Recently, a new client and I were discussing her hair and the options available to her for a new style. She was unsure about what she wanted, but did not hesitate to tell me what her friends thought. One comment in particular that I found noteworthy was that as a mature woman her hair should be shorter. Instantly, I knew I had to write about this. I’ve heard it so many times and frankly, I think it is incorrect.

Does that mean that once you pass the age of 50 you should cut your hair short?

Does that mean that only younger women can have long hair?

It’s almost as though women hit 50 and a siren sounds alerting us to scalp them all. BAD IDEA!

Remember, the decision to have long or short hair should be inspired by the shape of your face and hair coloration (for the very grey ladies). Your style and occupation can also serve as factors when making such a decision. As we mature, we cannot help avoiding the changes in our skin. If the hair is too long and heavy, it can create heaviness in a woman’s features. Naturally, this depends on the woman.

So the lesson is – no matter the length, the idea is to create lift, lift and more lift!

This is how we tear the short hair myth apart. A great haircut – no matter the length – can make all the difference in the world. It will give a woman the softness and sexiness she still feels and deserves in her best years. Long hair can be softened with angles and layers in all the right places to enhance one’s natural beauty. And short hair can enhance texture and works best with the face and head shape.

THINGS TO BE AWARE OF…

1. The change in texture because of graying hair.

Because of this, attention must be paid to the technique used in achieving the right look.

2. Thinning of the hair line.

Most men and women experience this. The right approach with layering, product use and styling can help both long and short hair.

3. The change in a woman’s facial features.

As a woman matures, the focus on her features almost dictates her cut creating lift, softness or strength where necessary.

4. Tools that should be used.

For women who have never had a razor used on their hair, this may be the time. The coarseness of grey hair can be blended well if a razor is used correctly.

Ladies, I’m with you on embracing beauty all around. My clients know that I’m not shy to say whether or not a cut is age-appropriate, be it too young or way too mature.

I wish you all the best in your Golden Years!

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

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HAIR BY ANTONIO

When I look at someone I think of the mood I want to create..

HAIR - ANTONIO GONZALES

PHOTOGRAPHY- JUSTIN-JULIUS SANTOS
http://www.jjsantos.com/

MAKEUP- TIMOTHY HARVEY
timothy.harvey1@gmail.com

STYLIST- CHRISTOPHER GONZALES
gochristo@gmail.com

Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 9:42 AM - 0 comments

CELLOPHANE – ITS NOT JUST FOR GIFT BASKETS ANYMORE

READER…

Hi Antonio! You have a great blog. I found your site when I did a Google for “red hair care tips”. I saw that you mentioned Sebastian Cellophanes and would like some information on how I could purchase this product myself. I am a natural redhead that is unfortunately fading to a dull auburn with age.

I always end up disappointed with the results of professional color and the resulting roots. I would love to just try and revive my natural, formerly lovely color with these sheer color shine treatments. I feel Cellophanes will be the way to go for me.

I think if I was able to get my hands on some Cellophanes product, I might be able to bring it in to a local hairdresser and have her apply it. I hate living in Panama City Beach (Redneck Riviera) as we have very few truly talented stylists like you.

I was wondering your opinion on what I should choose as far as tone. I am trying to avoid coloring my hair for as long as possible to get some more health back into my hair.

ANTONIO…

Thanks so much for writing. You sound like a great candidate for Sebastian Cellophanes. The only challenge is that it’s normally only sold to professionals (as far as I know). Also, it’s heat activated so you’ll need a hooded hair dryer in order to apply a constant flow of heat to your hair for 20 minutes.

Do you have one?

When choosing a color be aware that all reds have different tones. Some are copper/orange reds and others are violet or blue/reds. I’ve added two photographs to illustrate the difference between two of my redheaded clients.

The long hair is a copper/red


And the bob cut is more of a blue/red



(at least when I did them they were; I hope the computer image is accurate). Okay, here is a formula from Cellophanes that may help. Keep in mind that I cannot actually see your color so I’m working from the images you sent.

The great thing about this color is that if it’s a little off, it fades with no residue and you are back where you started from. However, I know this will brighten things up for sure!!! You’ll need to get three different colors from Sebastian Cellophanes – red/red, gold/red and clear.

Tell the stylist to shampoo, towel dry well and apply the color as close to your scalp as possible. Child…it stains so they need to wear gloves and not get it on your skin. After applying the color, wrap it with a plastic wrap and sit underneath a hot dryer for 20 minutes. Then, take off the plastic and allow to cool for five minutes. Rinse well!

Let’s start off with a safe formula – ¾ oz. Clear, ¼ oz. gold/red and a squirt of red/red.

Again, this is a safe formula as the clear will help dilute the reds. If it’s not red enough when it dries, let me know. In any case, your hair will be very shiny. And remember that the more you shampoo, the faster it will fade.

Let me know how it works.

READER…

Hi Antonio. You helped me out last month with my Cellophanes question. I just wanted to share my awesome results with you. I decided that I could handle doing the treatment on my own. I purchased a thermal spa cap (works GREAT and very convenient), a mixing bowl and some brushes and went for it.

I used ¾ oz. gold/red, ¼ oz. red/red and clear mix. The color turned out beautiful! What I loved was that it actually gave a great amount of coverage over the older color I was unhappy with. You can barely see a line of demarcation from the old color and my untreated healthy roots.

I have a couple white hairs that grow in and the color even blended those away.

The thing that I am most impressed with though is the silkiness, health and shine of my hair. I was able to get my hair to look like that with just a warm blow dry and a regular rounded rubber tip brush. I didn’t even have to use a round brush or flat iron. In Florida, that is an accomplishment.

ANTONIO

Thank you and I am so happy I could help. I wish you beautiful shiny hair!

AFG
Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

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