Archive for July, 2010

A Curl’s Best Friend

Friday, July 30th, 2010

To Deva Curl or not to Deva Curl… that is a typical question pondered around VAIN beauty world and one not answered easily. Ask our very own pride and joy, a fresh face in the world of VAIN curly hair specialists, and she’ll tell you all about it. You should definitely take some time to get to know this gal if your loopy locks are a bit lackluster these days, because it’s pretty much like a unicorn had a baby with a rainbow and presented the world of curls with some kind of magical hair fairy. And that magical hair fairy is none other than fabulous VAIN stylist Sam Mayer.

Way to be hot and talented!

Sam was gracious enough to grant this VAIN Blogger an exclusive interview and paparazzi (aka me) captured some coveted intel on creating curly beauty.

VAIN: Sam, you fell in love with curls pretty hard and you’re so good at making them behave. How did the love affair start since you’re a straight-haired gal yourself?

SM: I like texture. I like shaping. I like helping people control their hair and make it as easy as possible- it can make a huge difference in someone’s life and self esteem.

VAIN: Ok. What about twisting and scrunching- when and why is each method appropriate?

Before: twisting to create the finished look!

SM: Twisting helps you get more consistency to a curl pattern as well as helping straighter areas in your hair get a little help up. If you have thick, unruly hair it can sometimes help add definition to your curls. You also get a lot more lift and definition out of the top part of your hair.

As for scrunching, I think it’s most important when you use product to really get it all saturated evenly. Hair is like a sponge, so it’s almost like putting a drop of soap on a sponge; if you squeeze it the soap gets everywhere.

VAIN: What’s a good tip for someone possessing some wicked natural wave that’s looking for it to hold more curl?

SM: Product and moisture. [Ed. note- Deva Curl's Set it Free is AMAZING for that!] Choosing the correct product combination to get the look you want to achieve is essential. You have to try and find the right amount of hold and moisture to cut down on frizz and achieve consistency in curl pattern. Moisturizing shampoos and conditioners are also essential to promote softness and seal the cuticle layer of the hair, making curls springy and shiny.

VAIN: What’s your number one rule for keeping frizz to a minimum?

SM: Moisturize and proper washing patterns. You have to see what’s right for your lifestyle, but altering your hair care patterns to wash less and wash properly every time is crucial. Give your hair what it needs. If it feels dry, use a treatment on your ends. If it feels like there is product buildup and it’s waxy, use a clarifying shampoo and a good moisture treatment.

VAIN: What’s your advice to new curly-haired clients getting started?

SM: Every great head of curls begins with a little chitchat with your stylist during your first appointment or consultation [Ed. note- style consultations are FREE at VAIN!] It’s key for making sure you’re on the same page. I want to know what you want your hair to look like, how much maintenance you’re willing to put in, what products you use, etc. It helps me give you curls that work best for your hair and lifestyle.

VAIN: What’s the best reason to embrace curl instead of fighting it?

SM: It’s way, way easier for a lot of people, and curls are epic!!

After: VAIN curly-haired clients rule.

So there you have it, folks! And from one curly headed person to another, I think Sam is pretty right on. She’s a true gem in the land of texture so if you haven’t seen her yet, get in line. Dibs!

VAIN 4-Eva,
Emily
The newest VAIN blogger + hotshot apprentice

Sam is exclusively at our Downtown salon at 2018 1st Avenue. To book an appointment with her or any of our other fabulous curly girls, or to find out more about the curly hair products that VAIN carries, call 206.441.3441!

New look, same VAIN

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

The building at 2018 1st Avenue, VAIN Downtown’s home since 2001,  got some color of it’s own this past week! Gone are the days of the bright red storefront! This historic building, a rooming house from 1909-1960s and once the home of the infamous Vogue, is now a sleek black with modern lime green accents.

Lookin’ good, VAIN! We can’t wait to find out what the next 100 years has in store for you!

Ready to update your look? Give us a call at 206-441-3441.


Artist studios for rent at VAIN

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Have you always thought it would be cool to have your own private art studio right downtown? Now you can: VAIN currently has three artist studios available above our downtown Seattle hair salon.

Rents start at $180/month depending on size (they average about 100 square feet), with no extra charge for utilities. Each studio has closet space, a window for natural light, multiple electrical outlets, and access to a bathroom with a utility sink. Studios have 24-hour access and are work only. 6-month lease with first month and deposit due at signing. Visual artists interested in being part of the VAIN creative community (with occasional group shows!) and quiet types encouraged.

We have some great artists working in our studios already and can’t wait to meet our new neighbors! E-mail lisam (at) vain (dot) com to find out more and schedule an appointment to check the available spaces out. No calls please.

UPDATE: One of the studios available is what some call “The Penthouse,” a large space with a bay window facing 1st Ave on the top floor of the VAIN building. De-luxe! This space is rarely available, so get it while it’s hot.

Artist studios are on the top two floors above VAIN downtown, at 2018 1st Ave, Seattle.

Hot Hair: VAIN Mirror Edition

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

Client: May
Stylists: Scarlet (color) + Krista (cut)
The Look: Gorgeous in Green

The perfect marriage of long, romantic layers and vibrant, out-of-this world color!

Give VAIN a call to set up you color + cut! Downtown- 206.441.3441 and Ballard- 206.706.2707. Click here to check out the VAIN Mirror and more awesome styles by your favorite VAIN superstars.

Make it Immaculate

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

Thursday night at Havana: VAIN stylists and DJs Carly, Valentine and William are hosting a matchless, memorable and mind-blowing Make it Rain featuring local legends covering your favorite Madonna hits. Who else is ready to get into the groove?

xo,
VAIN

Hot Hair: Double Take

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Client: Erica
Stylist: Carinn

Camera One

Camera Two

You know VAIN loves some hot hair and this one is a scorcher. From the bright highlights and color to the edgy, asymmetrical shag, we can’t get enough of this look!

Get your Hot Hair on! Call VAIN Downtown at 206-441-3441 or VAIN Ballard at 206-706-2707

Thank you for being a friend

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

VAIN Best of Seattle

Look at this smiling face. Why so happy? Maybe because a. The lady pictured is VAIN blogger + front desk superstar Julie K, who is awesome, or b. Because Julie K. knows that our clients might vote for VAIN in Seattle Weekly’s 2010 Best of Seattle Poll.

The poll has tons of categories, from best cupcake to best local dive bar, but you only need to fill in five of them for your votes to count. The ones VAIN would love to get your vote for? Best Salon and Best Colorist (and Best Affordable Art if you’re feeling generous + have bought something in our gallery lately!).

Click here to submit your votes + be entered to win a $50 gift card courtesy of Seattle Weekly. Thank you for being a (VAIN) friend!

♥,
VAIN

ps. On a related note, this is Julie K’s last month with VAIN as she heads off to new adventures. Yay for her, boo for VAIN. Thank YOU, Julie K, for being a friend + taking such good care of our clients + stylists! We ♥ you!

pps. Phantom “thumbs up” arm in photo by fellow VAIN front desk favorite My. Nice touch.

Hot Hair: Blue skies, blue hair!

Sunday, July 11th, 2010

Client: Adrianne
Stylist: Megyn

Megyn on the inspiration: “This gorgeous weather!”

Bright! Colorful! Fun! All adjectives that describe this awesome cut and color as well as summer days here in Seattle.

To book an appointment for your next color, blue or otherwise, call VAIN Downtown at 206-441-3441 or Ballard at 206-706-2707

VAIN Ballard: Featured Jeweler

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

For art walk this Saturday, VAIN Ballard will be featuring steampunk inspired jewelry by London Particulars and the beautiful voice of indie folk musician Shelby Earl.

Please join us this Saturday from 6-9pm for art, drinks, food, and live music at 8pm by Shelby Earl– 5401 Ballard Ave NW.

VAIN has $15 haircuts!

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Did you know both of our locations offer awesomely affordable $15 haircuts with our up-and-coming stylists? *Gasp* It’s true! Here’s the low down:

Mondays- Rebekah (Downtown)
Wednesdays- Vai (Downtown)
Thursdays- Kate (Ballard)
Fridays- Rebekah (Downtown)

These soon-to-be VAIN legends are already building a loyal clientele, call us today to get in on the action!

VAIN Downtown – 206-441-3441
VAIN Ballard – 206-706-2707


Obsessed: Night Rider

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

And, no, I don’t mean the Hasselhoff variety. I’m talking about Kevin Murphy’s newest styling product- an oil-free, matte texture paste with a strong hold that’s great for short and choppy styles. Here’s what VAIN Downtown stylist William has to say about it:

“The first thing you must remember about Night Rider is that the product starts setting within 60-90 seconds so you have to work it into your hair quickly. You have up to five minutes before the product completely sets all together.  Once its set, its not going to loose its hold, but its pliable so you can bump it, move it around, and kinda reshape it as the day (or night) goes on. Its PERFECT for pompadours and really sleek shorter looks“.

From radical, rockabilly hair to chic, sleek ‘dos, its looking like Night Rider has got us covered… whether we’re fighting crime in a Pontiac Trans Am or not.

Night Rider is available at both VAIN locations, come on in and try it out! Downtown – 2018 1st Ave. Ballard – 5401 Ballard Ave NW