VAIN Blog

It’s sunny and gorgeous today, the perfect temperature for us to start keeping the front door open here at VAIN Ballard. We’re unabashedly listening [and occasionally singing along] to Elton John. Carinn announced as she walked in the door that spring had sprung, but we’re actually acting as if we’re halfway thru summer.

Brightening color seems to be the theme of late, taking deep browns to sweet caramels; more than one platinum head has walked out the door and into the sunshine in the past week. Even those with existing dark color on their hair have found ways to add a touch of summer to their look. Many of our senior stylists specialize in corrective color, and our consultations to talk about options are always free.

Whether you’re out for a stroll or in for an appointment, you can still save on our boutique items for the rest of the week thanks to Lucky magazine.

The teeny tiny print there states that this applies at both locations as well, not just for our Ballard guests! We’ll be waiting, and upon request we’ll refrain from singing “Bennie and the Jets.”

xo,

VAIN Ballard

Christine Cherbonnier: this lady makes makeup look good.

You asked for it, you got it. Every Saturday in March, VAIN resident makeup artist Christine Cherbonnier will be offering free private 30-minute makeup lessons at VAIN downtown (a $40 value!). Eyeliner 101! Nude lips for beginners! Get your new face on!

Free makeup lessons are by appointment only, so call 206.441.3441 to book yours.

These lessons are designed to show you how to apply makeup and create looks for yourself at home, and do not include wedding day or special event applications.

My crimped hair rules and why are you taking my picture?

There are a few things that I’m passionate about in life: great last lines, clams oreganato, naps, semicolon usage, and crimped hair. Don’t judge. So imagine my excitement when, at this past Saturday’s Homemade Brigade event at Freshy’s in West Seattle, I saw a head of crimps across the crowded room. I dropped the screenprinted undies I was holding and headed over; I had to introduce myself to this 21st century pioneer of the Best Hairstyle Ever.

The crimps in question belonged to a Seattle girl named Jhiceli, who says she’s been crimping her hair for over three months. It was awesome: a crimped/flatironed combo look, neither one overdone enough to not still look natural. If you remember the crimped hair domination of the 80s you know that can be tough, but Jhiceli pulled it off and updated it to boot. It was Splash meets the Cha Cha, live on California Ave.

I should mention that crimped hair isn’t a new interest for me. I’ve been pushing it at VAIN for a long time now. I even brought my own crimping iron in (yep, I’ve got one) for general use a few years back. Sadly, there were no takers. But if you were at my 29th birthday party you know that I don’t mind being a lone crimper; sometimes you’ve got to go it alone for something you believe in. And that’s what I saw on Saturday in West Seattle: someone bucking hair trends past and present in favor of a style she just likes. Way to stand out, Jhiceli, and thanks for making this fan of crimping as happy as an Italian-seasoned clam.

-Rebecca P.

Check your local listings for future Homemade Brigade craft + music events in and around West Seattle.

Goodness knows VAIN is never one to have a gender bias, so it is by ’shear’ coincidence that Lucien is our first short cut on Hot Hair! Though he’s seen many of our talented staff over the years, this cut was shaped by Ballard’s Rachel.

Lucien’s cut matches his stylish personality, but in a way that suits his busy lifestyle. It looks charmingly groomed even on the most frantic day, and can forgive a schedule that might miss the free touch up trim. We adore Lucien’s VAIN loyalty and applaud his Hot Hair and sweet smile. To schedule with Rachel or any of the Ballard stylists, please give us a call at 206.706.2707. We want to see your hot hair, too.

VAIN downtown stylist Krista is known for her stellar hairstyling skills and sense of personal style, and it’s all captured beautifully in pictures of her by talented local photographer (and her husband) Peter Kearns. Whether it’s a picture of her doing her own hair or a client’s, eating cereal or just walking down the street, each image captures an intimacy and loveliness that we just had to share. Enjoy.

Check out more of Peter Kearns’ photography at peterkearns.com and on his official blog.

Greetings from Los Angeles, where the sun is shining, the heels are high, and the hair is… Evanescence? Seriously- lots and lots of long, straight, black, lovely hair walking (that’s funny- I mean DRIVING) around L.A. these days. As I type this there isn’t a blonde in sight. But then again, I am at the Roscoe’s House of Chicken n Waffles off Sunset. A lot of big, hungry dudes in here. In any case, I’m raising my plate (Carol C Special, side of Mac) to all the So. Cal brunettes mixing it up down in this sunny city. Lookin good.

-Rebecca P.

You know how it is when you’re trying to describe the hair color, cut, or style you want and it’s just not coming out right? And then you’re flipping through Modern Hair! or something with your stylist saying, “not like that one but kind of more like that one, but maybe a little different?” I do, even though I work for a salon. It happens. And it was happening last night as I was sitting at VAIN downtown in senior hairstylist Jenny Slay’s chair. I’d forgotten the photos I’d planned to bring in so there I was, describing various shades of nut and talking about sun kisses and not making any sense at all. Or so I thought. Jenny asked me a few key questions (“Which lingerie catelogue was the picture in?” and “How do you feel about warmer tones?” being most notable) and then said, “so you want to look kind of like you were at the beach like six months ago?” Got it. It was a better Valentine than a box of chocolates.

I’ve had similar “a-ha!” moments with VAIN stylists throughout the almost ten years of getting my hair done here, but it’s still great when it happens. And it was happening all around me at the salon last night. So the next time you’re in for your appointment, put down that copy of Cool Cuts Today! for a second and get talking. Your stylist is listening. x’s and o’s to Jenny Slay for reminding me of it last night.

-Rebecca P.

Actually, nothing to report on ‘ugly’ or ‘bad’ - Ballard is quite good and lovely. But as for the good, we’ve got heaps of it. Good friends, good hair, good deeds. VAIN Ballard made a raffle donation to Dancing on the Valentine. The co-hosts, Three Imaginary Girls, are VAIN clients and loved ones - and friendship aside, the Leukemia and Lymphoma society is a cause we’re happy to be able to support. Some lucky attendee can come share in all the goodness - just be sure to buy a raffle ticket while you’re there!

xo,

Sarah

Photo by Sarah Joann Murphy

If you’ve walked or driven past VAIN downtown lately, you’ve probably seen the ad that’s currently on our outside graffiti wall. As part of our continued community support of local arts + artists, VAIN will donate 100% of the ad placement revenue to local musician Eric Howk, who suffered a paralyzing spinal injury last year. Eric’s injury has inspired an impressive show of community action since it happened, but ongoing contributions are still needed for his medical bills and related costs.

For more information on Eric, his music, and how you can contribute to his recovery fund, visit www.myspace.com/cranesforhowk.

Do not adjust your monitor settings: this is the actual awesome color of this woman’s hair. And don’t get us started on the bangs and the curls. Red perfection!

Client: Natalee
Stylist: Betsy (VAIN downtown)

Natalee has been a longtime client of Betsy’s and calls this her signature look. We call it gorgeous and salute her for having such vivid style and, you guessed it, Hot Hair.

Photo: Art Opening & Fashion Shoot at VAIN, 2006, by Angela Dawn

VAIN downtown’s north-facing exterior wall (affectionately known as “The VAIN Graffiti Wall”) is featured in a new book, Graffiti Planet: The Best Graffiti from Around the World by Alan Ket.

VAIN owner + styledriver Victoria Thomas Gentry, who has a long relationship with graffiti starting with her years growing up in New York, had this to say about the VAIN wall’s illustrious past:

“I believe it was hit up starting in the late 80’s. The people who are on it now hit it back then. It was known as The Wall of Fame and writers from all over who came through Seattle got on it.”

“At the height of the live music era at The Vogue (now the VAIN downtown building), there were also bands’ names on it. Most memorably Mother Love Bone on the south wall before they built the condo tower now on the corner.”

“The DVS crew is who has been up there for the past few years. Sneke, Hews, Soul and Myth. The DVS crew has been working in Seattle since ‘92.”

“I appreciate graf on many levels. When I walk down a bombed out alley I see people, not vandalism, and view graffiti as vital form of communication and personal expression. A city neighborhood devoid of graffiti feels dead to me. Esthetically the old-school flavor that DVS brings to their work makes Seattle feel more like home. DVS has a great history with that wall in particular. They are a huge inspiration to many Seattle writers and have consistently put out strong pieces that have big presence, so of course I am honored to host their work!”

Graffiti Planet: The Best Graffiti from Around the World is available at Bailey/Coy Books on Capitol Hill: 414 Broadway Avenue E, Seattle | 206.323.8842.

The VAIN Graffiti Wall is available to check out 24/7 at VAIN downtown: 2018 1st Ave, where great art and great hair happen for your viewing + style pleasure.

VAIN Ballard has been named a Best New Boutique Salon in Seattle Magazine’s 2008 Beauty Issue! Our rising star stylist Roxana got a full-page feature as a Best Up & Coming Affordable Hair Stylist (pretty picture, Roxana!), and VAIN’s Wig Shoppe collection of party wigs got a sweet shout-out too.

Get all the details in Seattle Magazine, on stands now, or come check VAIN Ballard and Roxana’s super-super skills out for yourself if you haven’t yet.

VAIN Ballard: 5401 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle | 206.706.2707