VAIN Blog

Feeling a little grown out but aren’t ready to get a whole new haircut yet? VAIN offers free touch-up trims on all of our haircuts to extend the life of your ‘do without taking off major length.

Touch-up trims are 10-minute appointments on dry hair with the stylist who gave you your original cut, good for within four weeks of your original appointment. They’re great for trimming the edges, cleaning up the fringe (bangs in eyes, anyone?), and generally feeling a little salon-spiffed up. Make sure to book yours when you check out after your next VAIN haircut; we want your VAIN haircut to be the best haircut you can get– until you get your next one.

I finally got to take my long awaited return trip home to San Francisco last week. The weather was absolutely gorgeous- bright and sunny with not a single cloud in sight. I happened to fly in on St. Patrick’s day. One could only imagine how jam packed the streets were with the most interesting characters. One person in particular who caught my eye was the dapper gentleman you see below.

Meet Michael Sandoval:

Michel and I were both waiting at the bus stop in front of Hobson’s Choice Pub on Haight Street. His super stylish (not to mention holiday appropriate) outfit caught my attention, as did his expertly groomed mustache. I stared at him for several minutes before getting the nerves to ask if I could snap his photo. He enthusiastically agreed, while telling me all about how he made both the kilt and leather bag himself. I boarded my #71 bus towards downtown, hoping that I would run into him again.

Then my wish came true. Two days later I was on the E-line heading to Embarcadero station when Michael boarded. This time he wasn’t wearing a hat, instead showing off his impeccably groomed hair with another snazzy outfit. As we both stepped off the train and walked separate ways he jokingly yelled out “I hope these pictures aren’t being taken because I’m a style DON’T.”

Nope Michael, you’re a definite style DO!

♥

-My

(VAIN dowtown front desk + resident shutterbug)

If you haven’t asked me yet you will soon. So here’s the answer: my new awesome haircut (think Renee Zellweger, but my face is much more relaxed) is by VAIN Ballard + downtown senior stylist Jenny Slay. I should get a “Hair by Slay” t-shirt made I’m getting so many where do you get your hair done? questions about it. Well it’s true.

-Rebecca P.

More VAIN stylist + staff picks for the best movie hair of all time.

VAIN downtown stylist Kelly’s favorite: Marie Antoinette.

VAIN downtown stylists Jake and Sharon (VAIN downtown) both said Shannon Sossamon in Rules of Attraction.

Last but not least for this post, VAIN dreads + braids expert TT’s pick: Diana Ross in Mahogany. This picture isn’t actually from the movie, but same era and what a 70s stunner:

Foxes on film! More best movie hair VAIN favorites to come.

Spacial reasoning dictates that VAIN Ballard will always be a bit more petite than VAIN Downtown - but two new chairs means more room than ever before! Jake has added a day here on Tuesdays. Ballard will also feature two new members of our VAIN family, Aran and Megan. Our stylist bio page will soon be updated with full profiles for these ladies and recount the many skills and ideas they bring to VAIN. Aran, a transplant from North Carolina, has been a stylist for over 7 years. She also creates her own line of jewelry and stationary that we can’t wait to see more of. As for Megan, who has already made herself at home here in Seattle since moving from Detroit 6 months ago, she has extensive experience including assisting top-level Redken colorists.

A growing team of stylists means more available appointments, so feel free to request these ladies at either Ballard or Downtown. And despite the fact that things are bigger, better, and faster, the front desk staff will always have time to answer questions, schedule consultations, and make the right recommendation for you.

xo,

Sarah Jo + VAIN Ballard

Meet Tammy G. Tammy is a first-time VAIN client who came in to the salon wanting a creative new look, met with two VAIN hairstylists, and left looking incredible.

Client: Tammy G.
VAIN downtown stylists: Carissa (partial foil) and Aiko (haircut)

We love style transformations at VAIN, and Tammy’s new look is a clear, cool standout. Bonus for the team effort between Aiko on the cut and Carissa on color. Hot, hot hair!

The cherry blossoms around town have been reminding me of when VAIN owner + styledriver Victoria Thomas Gentry dyed her hair to match a dahlia some years ago (it was amazing… and actually matched the flower). Anyone game for going cherry blossom pink for Spring? Could be done easily with a few extensions as highlights, but think of the all-over hair color possibilities… a Pretty in Pink for the new season. Just saying.

-Rebecca P.

Kevin Murphy hair products: even the containers are cool.

It’s love! VAIN hairstylists have fallen hard for the new Kevin Murphy line of Australian hair products. We’ve got a lot of great hair products at VAIN, but it’s been a while since a line has impressed like this one.

Kevin Murphy was one half of the popular Kusco-Murphy haircare line so he knows his stuff. His products are sulphate-free, paraben-free, biodegradable, and contain essential oils and moisturizers from sustainable sources. Who doesn’t like a little mango, shea butter, or orange blossom infused into their hair product? Plus every product is color-safe (YES!) and smells fancy and amazing (seriously. I’ve got my nose up a bottle of Angel.Wash shampoo right now).

Whether your hair is thick, fine, curly, needs definition or just a little volume, there’s a Kevin Murphy shampoo, conditioner, or styling product for you. The next time you come in to VAIN to get your hair done, ask your hairstylist to try one out. You’ll be glad you did. As for me, I’ll be busy smelling the Hair.Resort hair cream and Luxury.Rinse conditioner and getting ready to meet Kevin Murphy in the shower.

-Rebecca P.

We’ve taken an informal poll at VAIN, asking for staff + stylist picks for best movie hair of all time. Our first round of favorites as follows:

Uma Thurman as Poison Ivy- Scarlet (VAIN downtown stylist)

Anne Bancroft’s streaks in The Graduate- Jenny Slay (VAIN senior stylist, downtown + Ballard)

Tied with:

Mi Vida Loca big hair

And finally, a little Aqua Net to round out the first round:

Dolly Parton perfection in 9 to 5- Christine Cherbonnier, VAIN resident makeup artist

Got a favorite movie hairdo? Post your comments. More VAIN favorites later this week.

Roxana in cut + color action.

Congratulations to Gina M. for winning a free cut + color ($125 value!) with VAIN stylist Roxana at VAIN Ballard! Roxana’s profile in Seattle Magazine’s 2008 beauty issue as a top up & coming stylist has given her skills a well-deserved spotlight, and we’re excited to share them with our winner.

Thanks to everyone who entered. Stay tuned for more VAIN Blog giveaways!

Dear Seattle:

I miss you! It’s kind of a hairspray convention here. Lovely locale but my jawbone-bob-peeking-out-of-a-black-beanie look doesn’t really work in the big hair 704. That’s the area code for Charlotte, btw, but don’t call- my hat and I will be back at VAIN by the time you read this.

Love,

Rebecca P.

Meow: