Make a resolution to reinvent your hair

Commitment to one major resolution is something of a New Year’s tradition. Now that we are approaching March I feel it’s about time we discuss how everyone’s resolutions are coming along. If history repeats itself, then the majority of folks have laxed theirs. For 2012 I’d like to propose a reinvention for that one big resolution everyone makes. My reinvention consists of little resolutions. Completed little resolutions stacked up against one big resolution can do a lot for one’s self esteem.

My first little resolution of the year is to have great hair! When you have great hair you are making a most excellent first impression. When you have a most excellent first impression you, you have a lasting impression.  Instead of going over all the little resolutions you can make throughout the year, I’ll just focus on the one I know best, great hair.

Step one to having great hair is having a professional stylist. When you have someone you can trust with your tresses, and who genuinely cares about your outer being, you know you are going to be on top of your game. Your stylist can cut and color your mane to fit your lifestyle, skin tone, eye color, and preference. Once you have that special person create your signature look, you could be wearing a paper sack and still feel hot! After the initial look is achieved you must use professional products at home or you will not be able to recreate that “salon look”.

If you are getting proper product recommendations from your trusted stylist, your styling abilities will be on par with the most envied red carpet looks. I am not saying you need to use 25 products a day to feel fabulous, but at least 5 are needed to achieve a smokin’ style. Stick with the basics, like professional shampoo, conditioner, wet base (serums, mouse, gel), dry base (serums, heat protectant), and finishing products (shine spray, hairspray). Be sure to use them the way you were directed at the salon, if you don’t know, ask. Most professional stylists are more than willing to share industry secrets with our clients. We are happy when you are happy, so use us, please!

If you’re feeling a little lost this year, then head to the salon for a makeover and start 2012 beautiful. Keep up on regular cuts, try at home conditioning treatments, or switch up styles. Trust me, once your hair is fabulous, the rest will just fall in to place. And even if it doesn’t, at least you looked good trying. Salon Modello is here for you.

Post by- Sam

Winter Hair Care

It’s time again for Holiday parties, shopping, festive celebrations, and of course biting cold weather. While Seattle’s winter weather may be milder compared to other cities, the wind chill can still be harsh on your hair. The effects that winter weather can have on the hair can be frustrating, grueling, and downright infuriating for a lot of us. Dry, brittle dehydrated locks are common, as are frizzy, hard-to-tame tresses. Cold weather can bring on the lack-luster when you want it least (hello, office Holiday Parties). But never fear – we here at salon Modello can help!

We have gathered some of the best products to help keep your hair healthy, protected and tamed this season.

First step in good hair care is obvious – Shampoo and Condition. For those with dry, damaged hair, Bed Head’s Antidotes Recovery Shampoo & Conditioner is a great first step. The formula in Recovery’s system is a super-hydrating protection against heat styling and brushing/combing damage, which also helps fight against split ends. With regular use, this combo can give you 4x less breakage, and 12x smoother textures (I’m looking at YOU, flat iron junkies!). Bed Head’s Antidotes Recovery Shampoo & Conditioner are Color-safe and great for those who receive regular chemical services, or use thermal tools on a frequent basis.

If you have very weak, brittle hair, Bed Head’s Urban Antidotes Resurrection Shampoo and Conditioner has all the same benefits of the Recovery line, except that the intense, moisture-rich conditioner has 25% more moisture boosting ingredients to target the areas where your hair needs the most repair.

Another very important tip for proper winter hair care is MORE conditioning. Deep conditioning treatments come to the rescue full force this time of year. We all need a big  moisture boost in our locks to help them stay healthy through the chill.

One of salon Modello’s favorites is the Treat Me Right Peppermint Hair Mask. This mask can be used either every other day, twice weekly, or once weekly, depending on your hair’s needs. After shampooing, apply a generous amount and leave in for 5 minutes, then rinse.  The formula in Treat Me Right Peppermint Hair Mask also helps stimulate the scalp with its fresh cooling fragrance giving your scalp a refreshing tingle. It also helps stimulate hair growth and promotes a healthy scalp! For those who have issues with dry scalp during this season this means you will have less flakes with regular use. The mask also helps keep color looking fresh between appointments.  The difference between dried-out, unmanageable hair and soft, hydrated gorgeous hair (and healthy scalp) is 5 to 15 minutes weekly.

Another way to protect your hair this winter is to introduce a leave in conditioner into your regime. One we love is Bed Head Ego Boost Split End Mender & Leave-In Conditioner. It can be used daily to help smooth and mend split ends and breakage. Freezing temperatures mean your hair is at risk for breakage, especially on those days when you are running late and have to leave the house with damp hair (hey, it happens to all of us sometimes).  After shampooing, towel-dry hair and apply sparingly to ends, no rinsing necessary.

I know we all hate when we get our locks looking perfect before leaving the house, only to get to our destination with flyaways & a halo of fuzzy hair. How frustrating! Would you like to know the secret to keeping those little hairs in check? Two words: Humidity Protection. Our second step of winter hair perfection: Styling products.

A common hair problem most people have during this time of the year is frizz. FRIZZ!  Bed Head has a figurative ton of serums, sprays and gels that will help you keep fighting for good hair fight, and all specifically formulated for all different hair types.

Let’s start with a wonderful product called Control Freak Serum. It’s designed for clients with highly textured hair or hair with split ends.  The light conditioning factor is what you need to gain extra control on your style. Control Freak Serum will be your new best friend.  The non-greasy formula is typically used on damp hair.  Apply a dime-to-quarter-sized amount in your hand (depending on hair’s length and texture), emulsify and distribute evenly into your hair, then style.

Our next anti-frizz product is Small Talk. Recommended for all hair types and texture, it’s a creamy product that when applied to wet hair before styling helps keep your look locked in. Not only does it help fight flyaways and control frizz, but it also adds light body and support.

Bed Head Foxy Curls Contour Cream is ideal for you gorgeous creatures with curly hair. This product is the do-it-all for natural or chemically-altered curls. Simply use your fingers to smooth a small amount through towel-dried hair. It helps support and shape curls, control frizz, resist humidity, AND add shine. You can either dry gently with a diffuser, or let your hair air-dry. For extra curl control, twist curls individually with your fingers after applying product before drying. For curly hair, this is THE defining factor between kinda-shaped curls and REALLY SHAPED CURLS, especially for drying with a diffuser.

Lastly, in keeping your freshly-hydrated and style-prepped locks to stay in place, you need a good finishing product. To round out this post, we’d like to tell you about a few sprays and texturizing products that help bring your style together.

Masterpiece Massive Shine Spray is a medium-hold environmentally-safe aerosol spray that adds tons of shine. Its humidity-resistant formula and tropical fragrance are sure to keep your hairstyle looking and smelling beautiful. Masterpiece Massive Shine Spray is a perfect finishing touch to help keep the frizz away. Spray 8-10 inches away from finished style, or spot-spray for extra frizz control where you need it most. Good for any and all hair types!

If you need a refresher for day two hair then Spoil Me is your product! Let’s say perhaps hair spray isn’t your thing, but you still need SOMETHING to give your hair a little extra oompf. Spoil Me spray is a defrizzer, smoother and re-styler all in one. It can be used on damp or dry hair, just lightly spray all over and style. This strong-hold, anti-frizz formula protects hair from heat styling. It combats FRIZZ, tames flyaways, and works as a refresher to previous-day styles. Also lightly conditions hair, which is always helpful. If you like to curl or flat iron daily but tend to skip a day or two between washes, this is perfect for you.  A quick spray before you plug in the hot tools is all you need.

Hopefully this post has helped you see the light at the end of the cold, wintery tunnel. If you have any tips of your own, feel free to comment!

And as always, if you want to come in and see one of our awesome stylists for more winter hair care guidance, book an appointment today by calling 206.467.6697 or online at salonmodello.com

Post by : Martine

Turkey Legs and Pumpkin Pie

For probably 98% of Americans, the week leading up to Thanksgiving brings warm emotions of love and gratefulness. The other 2% experience a strange mixture of nostalgia and anxiety as our day of thankfulness and feasting approaches.  I wish I could say I am not part of that 2%, but I would be lying.

As I have gotten older, I have tried to establish my own traditions and create my own holiday memories. However, my competitive side always seems to kick in somewhere around November 1st. I plan and I plan, attempting to create the best Thanksgiving menu ever to exist. I carefully tweak ingredients and timing so my day is absolutely perfect. I want to win at Thanksgiving, even though that concept is totally against the aura of the holiday.

This year is not different, unfortunately.  The only exception is that I will have my first Thanksgiving with my Mother in quite a few years, so some of the day’s preparations have been relieved for me. She loves to bake, so I have delegated the pies to her (recipes that of course I picked out). I hope that someday I will calm down and not be such a planner; someday I will relax and be thankful for my companionship throughout the day and eat a frozen pot pie. It is unlikely since my holiday preparedness isn’t the only facet in my life that I create competition.

This is my first Thanksgiving being employed at salon Modello and I am extremely grateful for my fellow employees. For the first time in my career I am surrounded by veterans. The majority of my comrades have been in the hair industry for as long as I have been alive and have so much to teach me. They are truly and inspiration, especially in these trying financial times. When I see dedication to fully booked schedules and positive attitudes it makes me smile. To them I try to inspire by bringing philanthropy to the salon via toy drives for the local USO and makeovers to local women’s organizations. I try to showcase my ability to provide outstanding customer service to their clients while I work the front desk, and seek their approval when I do a transforming color on my own clients.

For Thanksgiving 2011 I am proud to be a part of a winning team, and I am thankful. I may have my own OCD way of showing it, but at the end of the day I suppose I will survive if my meal isn’t as amazing as last year’s. We only live once, and in my life I strive for excellence in all aspects. I try to make my next year’s resolutions during this holiday while I am reflecting on what I am grateful for. Behind the nostalgia and anxiety I have warmth in my heart for the beauty industry and its ever changing rules. I love being an artist and am thankful for the time I spend around the creative people at salon Modello.

What are you thankful for? Is it possible to be filled with emotions of love and emotions of anxiety?  I think so.  Happy Thanksgiving from salon Modello!

Post by: Sam

Fun With Editorial

While I am attending cosmetology school, I work part time at salon Modello, my position being a stylist assistant and guest services host. As fulfilling as that may sound, I somehow still find the time to participate in photo shoots and fashion shows through my school. Since I can’t do hair at work (legally) yet, it’s a fun way for my fellow co-workers to get a glimpse of what I can do. I get asked frequently about my school shenanigans, and I figured I would share some of my experiences here.

Leila and Martine get to business.

Natasha working her makeup magic

At my most recent editorial gig I participated in a Fall/Winter fashion shoot, collaborating with Sarah Jesser, a senior photographer at Seattle Central Community College. Working alongside my fellow students Leila Hayward (hair) and Natasha Singh (makeup), we had 2 models booked for the day. Most shoots can be very unpredictable when it comes to the amount of models and work that will be done. An element of editorial work is that the situation can change in the blink of an eye, and you have to be prepared to adjust your game plan accordingly. Originally we booked 4-5 models but, throughout the day that number turned into 3, then 4 again, and then just 2 at the end of it all!

Our first model had gorgeous, long chocolate brown locks. Her hair was destined to be set into a very retro 1940′s fingerwave style. Now, for so many of us in beauty school, “fingerwave” is almost a bad word. A true old-school fingerwave is not easy to pull off (and things can become rather messy and time-consuming with gel).  We cheated the old-school system by using curling irons to set her hair first, and then combing & shaping her into place to look more like a wave.  The technique both eliminated the need to wet her hair down, and set the style under a dryer, which can take quite a bit of time. On most shoots, time isn’t always a luxury, so curling irons and double-prong clips came to the rescue on this particular day.  We then used shine spray & smoothed away any flyaways to finish her hair. We sent her off to get her look finished, and Natasha’s lovely make-up application was a simple glam look. After hair and make-up, model #1 was ready for her time in front of the camera.

Model #1 looks pleased!

Workin' it!

Our second model arrived ready to get into her look for the day’s shoot – A ”modern, sexy bed-head” look with some very intense and vibrant make-up. Our mission was to create a “messy” texture in the hair department, but messy simply can’t just be messy, right? This is a photo shoot after all. Messy must still be camera-ready & requires work. Leila and I once again relied on our curling irons to complete the look.  We started with a set of curls that were slightly different from the first model. To avoid too much wave or curl to form in her hair, we took larger vertical subsections throughout her head. Using our irons we only rolled half of each hair section one direction, leaving the ends free, which we then slightly curled in the opposite direction.

We are clearly having way too much fun..

This technique gave her hair a funky wave that was still polished enough to look editorial, and not like she literally just rolled out of bed. We finished her look with some slight back-combing at her ends and applied texturizing creme throughout to define the shape and overall look.

Strategically-placed jewels gives the look a whole new dimension.

Natasha gets to work on look #2.

Natasha’s makeup application for Model #2 was going to be a bit more demanding; she needed to incorporate a strong, colorful smoky eye with a stick-on bejeweled accessory complimenting the look. We LOVE the finished look!

Our lovely model, all bejeweled & ready to shoot!

After a long, exhausting, and rewarding day working on the shoot we were all ready to head home. I can’t wait for my next opportunity to artistically perform under stress! Working together as a team designing beautiful looks to inspire, gives me great hope for my future professionally. Thank you readers for listening to my “a day in the life”,  please drop by salon Modello and say hi sometime!

UPDATE: Our lovely photographer Sarah has sent over some final edits of our models!

Take a look:

Post by: Martine

Transitioning your color for Fall

Most of our lives we have transitioned our wardrobes and hair-colors to reflect the changing leaves the Fall season brings. This year I’d like to propose a newer method of transition. Instead of all over single process colors, why don’t we continue the ombré trend that has been the sought after this last year.

With the careful technique of Balayage, your colorist can melt shades of Autumn into your Summer inspired locks. Hand painting strand by strand, this application of color gives your hair its own personality. No one else will have your exact shade, or shades. Ombre hair-color will keep your hair fresh and trendy. You can get away with longer time between touch-ups because the only color close to your root area is matched to your natural shade, or is your natural hair.

Buttery blondes, Chestnut browns, and Coffee inspired black, are all shades that are hot this 2011 Fall season. Your colorist can make a special blend of these colors to suit your skin tone. I wouldn’t be afraid to toss in a few panels of super bright Rusty Copper red just for fun. The contrast of these beautiful tones blended throughout your mane are sure to turn a few heads.

October is here, so break out those sweaters and book yourself an appointment at salon Modello for Balayaged beautiful Fall focused Ombre hair. Check us out @ salonmodello.com

Post by: Sam

Products: TIGI’s Candy Fixations

TIGI’s new line of products has hit the salon world, and so far with great reviews & results.  The super-sweet packaging & clever names (Totally Baked, Sugar Dust) makes me automatically think of Willy Wonka. But ultra-sweet themes aren’t all this line has to offer. With products that emphasize on texture, volume, flexible hold & smoothing, this is truly a multi-tasking product line for the new age of styling.

The line currently features 5 products. How about some info?

Sugar Dust Invisible Micro Texture Hair Powder is a nifty little product that eliminates that dreaded greasy roots look, adds volume & gives hair texture. Sprinkle some onto the root area, work in with fingertips, and watch your hair instantly become awesome(r). Sugar Dust provides medium hold & a matte finish, being an excellent way to refresh your 2nd day style between shampoos. You can also layer Sugar Dust for even more volume & texture. Sprinkle a bit on your crown area & backcomb for super-volume! It also smells like fruity deliciousness, and is great for all hair types.

Mega Whip Marshmallow Hair Texturizer can be used on wet or dry hair. This fluffy whip provides light texture with flexible hold for all hair types. It is great for defining and texturizing layers. To use, emulsify a small amount between hands and run fingers through damp hair, shaping the ends with the tips of your fingers to get that piece-y look. If that’s not enough texture for you, add more after blowdrying. Mega Whip is also an ideal product for those with thick and coarse textured hair.

And yes, it does smell like marshmallows, and now I kind of want s’mores.

Sugar Shock Hair Bodifying Sugar Spray is awesome for giving wavy styles a body-boost. Perfect for that extra-tousled look. Adds 2x the volume to any style. Spray into damp or dry hair from about a 6-8 inches and distribute evenly mid-length to ends. Shape your hair with your hands to get the look you want. For super texture, distribute into sections of dry hair, which will also give extra hold. For extra wavy texture, spray in damp hair & comb through, twist or scrunch in sections, let air-dry or lightly diffuse. This spray also helps control frizz & flyaways, as well. I actually just sprayed this stuff into my own wavy, thick hair. I can personally tell you that this is like magic.

Totally Baked Voluminizing & Prepping Hair Meringue is a super-versatile prep product that is applied to damp hair. Take 2-3 pumps & emulsify in your hands until product becomes creamy, then run fingers through mid-shaft to ends before blowdrying. When you blowdry you get long-lasting volume, hold & texture. If you’d like an extra-crazy disheveled texture in your hair: rough-dry product into hair using hands instead of a brush. Totally Baked can be cocktailed with smoothing serum (see below) for extra shine & hold to any style. It is great for all hair types, non-greasy, and provides humidity control & shape retention.

Smells like delicious lemon meringue pie! Yum!

Glaze Haze Semi-Sweet Smoothing Serum contains sugar cane & bamboo extracts for softness, nourishment & shine. It also contains cashmere keratin to restore protein while conditioning & moisturizing for healthier locks. This lightweight serum also provides humidity control, reduces frizz & flyaways, and helps speed up the blow drying process. Hair feels up to 50% smoother. Use 1-2 pumps and emulsify between hands, apply to mid-length and ends, and any areas that get particularly frizzy before blow drying. Glaze Haze smells like creme brulee! Can I just say that all these products smell amazing? I am about to start eating this stuff!

Have YOU tried any Candy Fixation products yet? Share your thoughts with us! If the answer is no, then book an appointment with us at Salon Modello & experience them for yourself with your service!

 

Post by: Martine

Trend Horse – Plait Style

This gallery contains 11 photos.

I initially started today’s blog with the intention of being a “back to school hairstyle guide;” something along the lines of “Funky Fresh Braids.” With already using half of the workday on photos to attach to my blog, I realized that I just did a Summer Hair tutorial two weeks ago and no one would believe… Read more.

Products: Moroccan Oil

Have you heard of Morrocan oil? If you haven’t, and aren’t using this awesome healthy hair-promoting product line yet, you are totally missing out. For those who have medium or coarse texture, or dry/processed hair from chemical services, you should absolutely be using this stuff. For ladies with fine hair there is a lighter version you can use to achieve the same goodness as the original. The Morrocan oil product line is a Godsend, and since you use so little you won’t go through an entire bottle in a month. The complete line includes shampoos, conditioners, intensive repair masks and beyond.

My personal favorite is the oil itself, it can be used as an intensive leave-in treatment by using a very small amount of oil. Application starts by dispensing one to two drops into your hands and emulsifying  to activate, and then evenly distributing throughout damp hair. The oil also helps protect the hair from heat damage during styling. I also like to use the oil to smooth fly-aways, and to add shine and separation to the ends of the hair as a finishing product. Again, one or two drops is all you need, emulsify in your hands and smooth over the ends and along the part or hairline to tame those pesky little hairs that always want to stand up straight.

Salon Modello carries the entire Moroccan Oil product line. Ask your stylist about it or purchase some of your own! You will NOT be sorry.

 

Post by: Martine

Seattle Summer Hair

Summer has finally arrived here in Seattle. For the last two weeks we have been graced with nearly 80 degree weather, and I don’t know about you, but that is plenty hot enough to me. The humidity rises as the temps do, and with all of these traumatic atmospheric conditions, your hair can quickly becomes an inconvenience.

To stay fashionably cute without impulsively chopping all your locks off, or throwing it all up in a sloppy pony, you should set aside at least five minutes for styling everyday.

There are a few go-to styles I choose when its super warm out and I haven’t the time for blow-dry styling. The first is the textured pony: I start by backcombing  my hair in sections, beginning around my crown area all the way to my forehead. When I’m done with that, I start smoothing the sides back and begin to form a pony. My top area remains big (but is also pulled into the pony) as I tie my band tight. At this point, I usually form my bump by either tightening my band and pushing my front area bigger, or pulling a bit of the front area up and pinning it above the pony with a clip or bobby pin.
My second choice is a sleek low pony; this look can be achieved with or without bangs. If you have bangs, your first step is to get them all together and pin them in the front so that they can be left out of the pony. If you do not have bangs or want your bangs to be in the pony, then this is the time to start the backcombing. You wan to backcomb your hair in sections starting below your occipital bone towards your crown area. After you’re finished with that, start smoothing your sides and top all the way down to the low pony area by your hairline. Tie up your band, and tighten it a bit for some volume. At this point, you may spray your bangs back into the pony or un-clip them and place those loose locks in the desired region.

My third favorite go-to hairstyle for hot and dirty hair is the twist back.  Part your hair in the middle, on the side, or zig-zagged in order to have two sections to work with. Pin one side out of the way, and begin twisting the other side by rolling the hair back and under towards the rear of your head. Once you have reached the back, you should pin the section tightly so you may begin the other side of the head. When you have completed twisting both sides, you can band the two sections together in the back of your head, either creating a tiny bun or letting the hair hang down like a mini pony.

Of course, if none of these styles speak to you, do not hesitate to get creative with messy top-buns and head-bands. Both are classic and clean and require very little effort. Just remember, when doing a low maintenance style, it doesn’t hurt to fancy it up a bit with a trendy hair clip or a little hair wrap around the hair tie. At the end of the day, all that really matters is that you stay cool, and looking fabulous!

Post by: Sam

Embracing natural texture- with a twist

This gallery contains 4 photos.

Whether or not to embrace your hair’s natural texture is a debate that is as old as mankind. For centuries women and men have been changing the texture of their hair with chemicals and tools in an attempt to alter their born with locks. Some of these methods have been extremely damaging to the health… Read more.