VAIN Blog

Our latest installment of Hot Hair features none other than Presidents of the United States of America drummer and VAIN regular Jason Finn, who’s seen his share of hits n’ hairdos over the years. Here, we ask Jason to share his musings on his current style and stylist.

Why so serious? Your hair is hot and your new record rocks.

Client: Jason Finn
Stylist: Alexis (VAIN downtown and Ballard)
Look: “Simply Finn”

Jason on Alexis: I have only been seeing Alexis a short time, but it seems like we go ‘way back’. After 40 years of looking at my hair every single day, I still don’t understand it, and do things like accidently turn it into a big Bozo head right before important photo shoots. I usually mumble something to a new stylist along the lines of “I dunno…it just does what it wants”. Alexis, on the other hand, knew at first glance what it takes, one curly head to another. And she slays it every time. Also, apparently we went to prom together, so I guess we do go ‘way back’.

Alexis on Jason: What can I say? Jason’s style is as effortless as his talent. And that was quite a prom night.

Yep, this guy.

Big props to Jason for embracing his curls and to Alexis for making them look so good. You’ve got VAIN’s vote for King and Queen… or prez and VP.

The Presidents of the United States of America’s new album These Are the Good Times People is available online and in stores now. Visit presidentsrock.com for all the details. Jason and Alexis have never really been to a school dance together, but there’s always time.

We at VAIN believe that every young person should have the opportunity to not just live from day to day, but have support and resources available to realize their dreams.

According to the Seattle Human Services Department, an estimated 620 youth under the age of 18 and another 1,380 young adults age 18-21 are homeless in Seattle and King County. VAIN supports organizations that work in both advocacy and providing services to help support the homeless youth in our community. The University Street Ministry (USM) provides meals and outreach case management in the University District. They also help youth find housing and jobs through Service Links for Youth. In contrast to city agencies, USM’s programs are being conducted in a more flexible, youth-centered environment that is less intimidating than walking into a government office asking for help in accessing services. We regularly donate gift certificates for hair services to youth in their programs who  have a job interview, are looking for an apartment or can benefit from that fresh haircut feeling. Our community mission is to build ongoing supportive relationships with community heros, and USM provides us with the opportunity to keep on track to that goal. USM can provide the first steps in connecting these youth with programs to support their transition from just staying alive to building a life. 

There are lots of ways you can get involved with USM. Visit: http://teenfeed.org/getinvolved.htm

-Victoria Thomas Gentry

Roxana in action at VAIN Ballard

Spread the word- we’re giving away a free haircut + color with VAIN downtown + Ballard stylist Roxana to celebrate her being named a top up & coming stylist in Seattle magazine’s annual beauty issue.

For your chance to win, send an e-mail with your name + phone # to vain (at) vain (dot) com, subject line Roxana Giveaway. One e-mail per person only, please; we’ll choose a winner at random next week!

Giveaway is good for a cut + color with Roxana at VAIN Ballard only ($125 max value) and can’t be transferred for services with another stylist. Also can’t be redeemed for $ or credit.

Whew! Enough rules! E-mail, enter, + good luck!

I’m not going to lie to you: it’s been a rough week. I’m on day 5 of the worst flu/cold/mystery bug I know that kid on the plane gave me, and at this point I’ve given up completely on the outdoors and pants that don’t have an elastic waistband. But it hasn’t been a total loss- my hair’s looking pretty good.

For those of you in a similar predicament, please enjoy these sick in bed hair tips to help pass the hours and smooth the cuticle:

1. Deep condition
Shampoo, towel dry, and apply a deep conditioner for 2-20 minutes while you’re watching Judge Judy or DNA tests on Maury or whatever. You know you’ve got the time. VAIN carries a few great options, including my personal fave Osmo Essence’s Intensive Repair Mask (pictured above, $13.95), and BORN.AGAIN from the new Kevin Murphy line that everyone’s raving about ($24.95).

2. Get famous
Go from Typhoid Mary to Mary J in a few clicks of the mouse with InStyle.com’s Hollywood Hair Makeover tool. Lots of fun and might get you thinking about your next new style… if you ever get out of bed.

3. Get dirty
Hair experts all agree that daily shampooing isn’t always best for your hair, so why not give yours a rest from the suds, the styling tools and products, and let its natural oils build back up while you’re stuck at home? Not the most glamorous tip, but your hair will be healthier for it.

Hope you’re feeling healthier soon, too. Even if it means going back to regular pants.

-Rebecca P.