HAIR BY ANTONIO

Posted by Unknown at 6:13 PM - 0 comments

SOCIAL DIETING

A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS

My darling client Penny Klattel visited the salon for her usual, which involves a great cut, good conversation and laughs galore. But today there was added excitement due to the launch of Penny’s new blog, The Social Dieter.

As soon as I got home this evening, I rushed to visit her new blog and was so pleased with the topics she’s addressing. Because of my personal stomach issues due to stress, I felt Penny provided me with a better guideline on how to watch out for those troublesome foods that may look good, but don’t deliver favorable after effects.

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s all learn how to eat out while making well-informed decisions when it comes to our health.

Antonio

Posted by Unknown at 11:54 AM - 0 comments

OPAQUE VERSUS TRANSLUCENT

HOW TRANSPARENT ARE YOU?


When it comes to professional permanent hair color, hairstylists and salons will always have their favorites. I would like to explain how we choose the different brands of color lines and how our choices affect your hair.

OPAQUE : -adjective
Impenetrable to light; not allowing light to pass through (i.e. metal, wood).

When you look at opaque color on the hair, its effect is a bit flat because of lights inability to shine through it. The coverage can seem a bit cool in color and it lacks sparkle, which you can get from translucent color. I use opaque colors on clients with hard to cover gray that would prefer not to see any evidence of their pesky white hair. They want the feeling of flawless coverage while still having natural, shiny, healthy hair.

I prefer to use opaque colors on cool brunettes, warm brunettes and curly/thick, hard to cover gray hair. A client’s skin tone also plays a part in my choosing this color. If the client has warm or red tones to their skin, I may choose an opaque color to help keep the appearance on the flatter side, instead of a warm translucent hair color on warm skin. When I use the word flat, keep in mind that opaque colors can be high in shine.

I also allow the client to guide me when making these choices by taking into consideration their opinion on hair color and skin tone.

Here are some examples of opaque professional hair color.

Redken Fusion


Miss Clairol


Framesi


Goldwell


TRANSŸLUŸCENT : -adjective
Permitting light to pass through but diffusing it so that persons, objects, etc., on the opposite side are not clearly visible (i.e. frosted glass, some plastics).

Translucent hair color has more of a sparkle as it allows light to shine through it. The coverage is not as flat as an opaque color; it gives high shine and is flawless nonetheless. I love translucent colors on my light, warm or cool blonds. I also like using it on warm brunettes who don’t seem to mind its luminosity. When low lighting on my warm blonds, I choose translucent colors to keep that luminous effect throughout the hair.

Here are some examples of translucent professional hair color.

Majirel by L’Oréal

Wella


Please look forward to Part 2 as I provide you with a greater understanding of why we do what we do.

Antonio

Posted by Unknown at 6:45 PM - 0 comments

SHEAR GENIUS

WHO WILL BE THE NEXT SHEAR GENIUS?

Honey child, if you don’t know by now, Shear Genius will be back on the air February 3^rd. Season Three promises to have a great lineup of hairstylists dishing up some fabulous do’s…and don’ts I’m sure.

And to add some raw talent to mentor the contestants, Bravo has asked my boss Orlando Pita to join them. I am so looking forward to seeing Orlando work his magic by sharing his amazing talent, humbleness and soothing tone with these contestants – it’s what makes this man so unique.

When he’s in the salon, I honestly feel that the energy is so different. We all feel inspired by his very presence and even my clients can feel the buzz. They quickly realize that we are all happy to be there.

Look forward to my weekly posts on the show and how it unfolds. Cause baby, no one does drama like a hairstylist!

Antonio Gonzales

Posted by Unknown at 4:39 AM - 1 comments

WHERE TO STAY IN TOBAGO

TO TOBAGO WE GO

Have you ever been to Tobago? Well, if not, you are missing out on a magical experience. The people are easygoing and friendly. The beaches were voted as being some of the best in the world and the Tobago Rain Forest is the oldest forest reserve in the Western Hemisphere. What does this all mean (you might ask)? Child, it all adds up to a damn good time!

As most of you know, I generally go home once a year to get my dose of TnT (Trinidad and Tobago) and while I’m there I always stay at Enchanted Waters, owned by the Patino Family. I met the Patino’s about 12 years ago before moving to the United States and we have remained friends to this very day. Not only are they some of the best friends I have, but they are amazing hosts.

One of the many impressive things about Enchanted Waters is how a humble space has been taken and transformed into a tranquil home for us all. The rooms are self-contained overlooking beautiful landscaping with the sounds of waterfalls designed by Mrs. Patino herself. The on-site restaurant is a peaceful venue steps away from your room and boasts some of the best seafood from the blessed waters of Tobago.
After a long day at the ocean, there is a conveniently located pool on the grounds to soak in before heading to your room.


So the next time you are looking for a vacation free of huge all inclusive resorts, go to Tobago. I guarantee you will have the time of your life.

Welcome to a home away from home.

Antonio

Posted by Unknown at 7:17 PM - 1 comments

THE BEST HAIR POWDER 2009

TO THE POWDER ROOM

Feeling “not so fresh” the day after your blow dry? Oily scalp getting you down? Is being limp irritating you? We all have those days, don’t we?

Hair stylists such as myself have told you that hair powders are the answer. They help save your three-day blowout by lifting oils from the scalp. They help give body to ladies with fine hair and they can even blend your color if unwanted grays have grown in.

Well, would you like to know what the main differences between the best hair powders on the market are? I would. That’s why I’m here darlings; to put hair products to the test for you and only you.

After trying many different hair powders while performing salon services and freelance , I’ve narrowed it down to 2 with results that will benefit you.

The first is by Bumble and bumble. I’m a huge fan of this line and have used their products for years. I’ve written about them, talked on the radio about them and used them during my photo shoots. Their powders come in 5 different colors in aerosol cans. I’ve been using them for quite some time and my clients approve.

The second is new to me and is by Orlando Pita in the T3 line. It contains three colors and claims to produce comparable results. Over a period of time I have used them both and am prepared to share my thoughts with you now.

First, I took two pieces of white paper and sprayed them with a can of hair powder from each line.

Bumble and bumble

This product adhered to the paper nicely, but no matter how much I sprayed it never accumulated to be as powder-like . When I ran my finger across the paper, it barely moved from the paper.

T3

After a few minutes of spraying this product, it quickly dried and turned into a powder. When I say “powder”, I mean it was as if though I was almost touching loose powder. I could actually rub my fingers together and it would crumble.

I then tried them on clients…

Bumble and bumble

Their blondish was dark on white paper and on the client’s roots I found that it was not versatile enough for different shades of blond. The red was great, the black was black and I did like the brown.

T3

The colors are true to their names. Their light blond is exactly that; on white paper it was a pretty shade and covered it well. Because of its consistency, I was able to spray a little for a lighter blond and more for a deeper blond. The auburn is a true auburn. The coverage was flawless, especially on the re-growth of gray hair. You can actually save money on your single process by applying this on your gray roots. This will allow you to stay away from the salon longer.

The true test here is application. These have to be easy enough for the client to use, which is my main concern. Clearly T3 was the easiest because of its consistency. Ultimately, it’s a hair powder and it should feel like powder no matter what.

Here are two tips on using both Hair powders.

TIPS ON APPLYING BOTH PRODUCTS FOR OILY ROOTS

Shake the can well. Lift the root area and lightly apply hair powder. Work section by section and apply more if needed. If you feel that there is too much in one section, use your blow dryer to remove excess product.

TIPS ON APPLYING BOTH PRODUCTS FOR COVERING GRAY RE-GROWTH

Try spraying the powder on a sponge tip applicator or makeup brush and apply to the gray hair while trying to avoid the scalp. It will eventually get on the scalp on its own which is fine.

Please try both powders and see which is best for you.

Antonio

Posted by Unknown at 4:34 AM - 0 comments

SHOPPING WITH ANTONIO

MUSE BULLETIN

Recently I was in the salon and noticed some commotion at my friend Joe’s station. So being the nosey Trinidadian that I am, I sauntered over to see if anyone needed saving. To my delight, there in the center of the excitement was Zani; a tall beauty explaining the inspiration behind her latest jewelry line – Santo by Zani.

The pendants are bullets designed into stunning pieces for her well crafted chains. She truly captures my personal taste in jewelry; I found some to be masculine without being gaudy. The smaller pieces are feminine without looking like they belong to a 13 year old girl. She has received amazing press and is clearly on to something great.

Ladies and gentlemen, Santo by Zani.

Posted by Unknown at 5:18 PM - 0 comments

MY BOSS ORLANDO PITA

PITA PERFECT!

I’ve never posted photographs of celebrities on my blog before. The reason being that I simply wanted to keep the focus on my clients/readers instead while addressing their needs. I did not want my message to be overly concerned with what celebrities are doing, but rather with what my readers can do and how I can help them do it.

Not that there is anything wrong with celebrities, it’s just I wanted to “keep it real”.

Well my darlings, she’s keeping it real alright! I am excited to have these first images of celebrities in my blog. Yes ladies and gentleman, I bring you Penelope Cruz,

Jennifer Garner

and Rachel McAdams.

These three beauties are on the covers of three different magazines and I am pleased to say that their hair was done by my boss, Orlando Pita. And boy did he do an amazing job!

So get ready for more images of celebrities, but only when beautified by Orlando of course:)

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Antonio Gonzales

Posted by Unknown at 4:59 AM - 0 comments

HAIR IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

As you may all know, I am a Trinbagonian (from Trinidad and Tobago) or as we like to say back home, “Trini to the bone”. This was where my career started; where I picked up my first pair of scissors and performed my first shampoo, if that’s what you would call drenching someone (even their unmentionables). Pressing along…

Trinidad and Tobago…where I got my break and was fortunate enough to start my training with Anthony Medina. He is still one of the best hairstylists I know with the uncanny ability to see a woman like no other; making them beautiful from head to toe. Anthony is now in his sixties, but continues to do fabulous hair.

Recently, he did hair at my long-time friend Meiling’s fashion show in Trinidad. I am elated to see that my good friend and mentor are still making others look terrific! Many thanks to Anthony and Meiling for sharing your work with us.



Anthony and Meiling in action.

Posted by Unknown at 9:27 AM - 0 comments

GRAY’S (NN)ATOMY

Grays, frays, trays…I know, I know…there are more important things in life than stubborn grays. But for those of us that do want to rid ourselves of those “natural highlights”, here are seven ways to get the coverage your want.

1. Ask your hairstylist to use Gray Magic in your color formula. This is a product that we used in beauty school many moons ago and it’s still on the market. It helps foster better coverage. A few drops could change everything!


2) Some hair color companies make a color line specifically for hard to cover grays. It’s generally the number followed by a double N (NN). The double N signifies the ability to penetrate stubborn grays. This really works!



3) Clean hair is always a good thing.If you were going to paint a wall and wanted it to last, what is the first thing you would do? Clean the wall of any old paint and debris so that you can allow for a proper application, right? Well the same is true for hair color.



4) If your desired color is one with more Golden tones or Red tones, always be sure that half of your formula is from the N series. In order to get coverage, half of your formula being is critical. Then add any desired tones you may want. If you’re 100% gray, I tend to add a little more N than usual.



5) Leaving the color on long enough really helps. Permanent color can sit on the hair for up to 45 minutes (or even longer). If you are not getting coverage in 30 minutes, try 45.

6) Ask your hairstylist what shampoos they are using at the bowl after coloring your hair. Post Color shampoos are designed to safely remove unwanted residue from your color after it is fully processed. Many product companies use Post Color Shampoo like ALFAPARF and L’Oreal. Do not use regular color safe shampoos. The aforementioned are better used 2 days after getting your color done.


7) Mix different levels of color. If your desired color is a level 7 (medium blond) and it’s just not covering the gray hair enough, add a squirt of level 6 to the formula. Actually, you can always squirt an inch of one color level darker to all of your formulas in order to ensure better coverage.

If you have any of your own suggestions, please feel free to share.

Here’s to hoping you’re covered!

Posted by Unknown at 6:40 PM - 0 comments

MY MENS HAIR ON ABOUT.COM

HAIR COLOR

IT’S NOT JUST FOR THE LADIES ANYMORE

After many requests from readers for the color formula seen on About.com, I decided to provide some additional detail.

Seriously now, men are embracing their hair color no matter what their sexual orientation. Most men I color are heterosexual and proud of the fact that they have found a way to safely express themselves. Some do it for fashion and others do it for work. Whatever their reasoning, the male gender no longer has to explain itself.

My client, a model, loves the ladies and loves his hair. Being a professional model, changing his image to suit the job is not new to him. He insists, however, that his color be subtle yet still make a statement.

FORMULA

I shampooed and towel dried his hair. Then I mixed one ounce of L’Oreal Professional Diacolor ICE MILKSHAKE with two parts developer. I applied from roots to ends for seven minutes.

Afterward, I shampooed his hair with post color and towel dried again. I then applied ¾ Clear and ¼ Golden Blond from roots to ends, covered it with a plastic cap and placed him under the dryer for 20 minutes. I allowed it to cool for five minutes, then rinsed well and conditioned.

COLORSHINES by Sebastian has been a favorite of mine for many years and I recommend it to everyone. I was a student of Sebastian’s for color, cutting and makeup and I simply love their products.

Thanks guys!

ANTONIO GONZALES

Posted by Unknown at 6:56 AM - 0 comments

TO THE BEAUTY SCHOOL STUDENT

CUTTING CLASS IS FINALLY A GOOD THING

First, I must thank all of the beauty school students who have written me e-mails asking questions and requesting career advice. I too was once a beauty school student with concerns regarding my future upon graduation. Inspired by the e-mails I’ve received, I decided to share a couple key things with you in this article. I hope that my words encourage you to always be yourself. On being an individual as you move forward.

There are two things I would recommend to anyone who is thinking of joining this amazing industry.

BE OPEN TO LEARNING

As with most salons, when someone new starts there is always the “settling in” period. There are new personalities, new surroundings and new techniques. I have been blessed to work with some fine stylists in the past and now with the Orlo Team trained by Orlando Pita. It has been a real learning experience.

My clients keep saying, “you know so much, do you still need to learn?” I smile at them and answer by saying “hell yes! In a city like NYC with such amazing talent there is a world of knowledge waiting to be discovered.”

As I advance in my career with smooth transitions, I liken myself to a sponge – absorbing all of the new techniques that I’m taught. If I had to say what it is that makes me excel in my field, it would be the ability to recognize what I don’t know and that which I need to be better at.

This ability has never failed to put me in a position of open-mindedness whereby I embrace new techniques that will inevitably change the direction of my career. No matter how much you think you know, there is always room to learn.

THE DESIRE TO SHARE

I have spent thousands of dollars on education al over the world and it is my duty to pass this knowledge on to those who want it. Now that I find myself in this wonderful position to learn from my new surroundings, it is also exciting to share what I have learned from masters like Anthony Medina, Sebastian, Vidal Sassoon, Mahogany, Bumble & Bumble and previous salons.
After all of this education, I now know that as a hairstylist it is extremely important to keep sharing what we know. This is what keeps our industry alive and I should give freely what was and continues to be given to me. The day I stop sharing is the day I leave this planet.

I wish you the best of luck. Keep those letters coming.

Posted by Unknown at 3:13 PM - 0 comments

BODY ON A BUDGET

BODY ON A BUDGET

I recall my early days in the business while on the sweet Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. I was an apprentice at Repeat Performance Hair Salon; an innocent child eager to get my hands wet, literally. My first mentor in the industry, Anthony Medina, would teach me how to hold a comb without looking like I had two left hands.

Our clients consisted of all ethnicities – including a mixture of Chinese and black, Syrian and black or even Indian and black, which always resulted in a healthy, thick head of hair. I learned how to shampoo those domes and set them babies right. There was so much to learn and so many products to choose from.

I distinctly remember one product that we used on different hair types (especially ethnic hair) to create amazing sets. Back in the day, we would reach for Lottabody. This product is genius! Honey, if you have thick hair and want a great set, then this is the product for you.

Years later, I came across this product and it brought back so many memories.

Child, I would comb that hair, then wrap it with huge magnetic rollers and tuck those ladies safely under the dryer. They would sizzle (according to the late M. J.) and I would remove them. After letting them cool for 10 minutes, I would brush to my heart’s delight. And there you had it – SHAZAMM! Shine and volume.

This product may be old school, but a little old school never hurt anyone. You can set it, flip it, blow it, whip it (you get my drift!)Believe me when I say that this was and remains one of my favorite products. I actually look forward to playing with it again. Yet another unsung hero from the early days that’s still around and going strong.

I wish you big hair baby!

Posted by Unknown at 7:00 AM - 0 comments

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/

Posted by Unknown at 10:21 AM - 0 comments

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

Posted by Unknown at 2:28 PM - 0 comments

THE COVER OF PREF MAGAZINE

MY RECENT SHOOT


Copyright © 2009 Antonio Gonzales, All Rights Reserved

Posted by Unknown at 5:36 AM - 0 comments

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

Posted by Unknown at 5:12 AM - 0 comments