VAIN Blog

Now on VAIN’s shelves, right next to your favorite curl-loving product:

These Jersey towels are handmade by VAIN stylist Aran. They’re perfect to use when plopping curls, and much more aesthetically pleasing than keeping an old t-shirt in your bathroom.

For those already using the plopping technique, you know it is great for long curly hair. If you haven’t tried it/heard of it, you’re probably wondering what on earth we’re talking about. Here’s a quick rundown on how-to:

- After washing + conditioning, apply your favorite product to wet hair
- Put a jersey towel down on a chair or the bathroom vanity
- Lean over the towel with your head hanging down, bent over from your waist
- Position the wet hair onto towel so the curls are all concentrated on top of the head
- Pull the towel taut against the top and sides of the head
- Grab the 2 sides and twist them into long rolls near each ear
- Pull the towel extensions to the nape of the neck + tie together to secure
- Leave on hair for 15-20 mins
- Take the towel off and gently shake down the curls, then diffuse or air-dry
- For extra control, scrunch in a bit more gel after removing the towel

Not only are the Jersey towels a lot prettier to look at, the material helps prevent the frizz that terrycloth towels can cause. Aran’s towels are currently available at both locations. Appointments with the creator herself are available at VAIN Ballard – call 206.706.2707 to schedule!

This last Sunday, I had big plans, so I made it a point to spend some extra time on my hair. I protected it with Pureology’s Colour Max + Instant Repair before blowing it out, to shield from the heat and give lightweight conditioning. I used the equally featherweight Glossing Mist before flat ironing, which always helps me prevent flyaways without weighing my fine hair down.

To my dismay, my roots lay flat against my scalp. Despite all my attention and all the best products at my disposal, it was greasy and lifeless and lost. I try to shampoo my hair as infrequently as possible, and this time I’d missed the mark. There was no time left to wash it and start from scratch, and no Fresh Hair by our darling Kevin Murphy to save me. Talcum powder can do in a pinch, but of course I had none of that either. In desperation, I looked to my train case full of makeup. Mineral powder foundation? In a move either insane or inspired, I sprinkled it in my bangs and shook it through with my fingers. Low and behold… it worked!

Keep in mind that my partial foil and my skin tone are similar enough to pull this off – I certainly wouldn’t have done it if I had jet black or bright white hair. But it’s my new favorite in-a-pinch trick, and I couldn’t wait to share.

What do you say, stylists, to my earlier statement – inspired, or insane?

xo,

Sarah Jo

As I was taking photos for this post, people were peaking over my shoulder and exclaiming – “I love that stuff!”
Alexis says it not only “smells like a vacation” but says it’s perfect for restoring ash tones and ridding the dreaded brass. She recommends it to all of her blonde and brunette clients. Rachel concurred, saying she loves that “does exactly what it’s supposed to do.” In other words, it really is a toner!

Keep your blondes (and light browns) looking cool this summer with A/G Silver toning shampoo + conditioner.
xo,
Sarah Jo (reporting via VAIN Ballard)

Before VAIN, I did some less than ideal things to my hair. The color debacle deserves it’s own post, but it wasn’t just the damage I inflicted with repeated home bleaching. I didn’t know much about product, either. I can picture dragging a comb through wet hair, freshly shampooed with whatever was on sale.

Now, if this sounds like your daily routine, and you’re happy with it, then ignore my tale of transformation. If your hair is healthy, glowing, and strong, there’s no need to make changes. But if you’re baffled by breakage, buildup, and dullness, you might be making the same mistakes I was.

I can’t remember the first time I heard that you didn’t need to wash your hair daily. The idea kind of blew my mind. Wouldn’t my hair just look worse? Didn’t I need to get the ‘dirt’ out to leave my hair shiny and free? I didn’t understand the benefit of the oils our scalp produces naturally; instead, I was stripping everything from my hair on a daily basis.

My first upgrade was to Pureology Hydrate shampoo and conditioner. I needed to try to protect the investment of my gorgeous new color, now that I’d left the world of drugstore boxes behind me. I found that my hair felt much softer and smoother after just a shampoo, and I didn’t need piles of conditioner like I previously had. I obviously paid more than I was accustomed to at $18.95, but after a while I realized that bottle lasted me an entire year. With my fine hair and intermittent shampooing, I realize average usage might be a little more than mine – but I was actually saving money buying fancy-pants products.

As Rebecca has mentioned, we’re a little Kevin-Murphy-happy ’round here. Let me add my own praises! Cheapskate that I am, I ponied up for the full “Kevin Murphy Experience” after hearing Rachel mention it at least 200 times in one week. I got Maxi Wash, Angel Wash, Angel Rinse, and Born Again. I use all four products now, but just once a week. My poor little hairs, after years of flat irons, deserved such pampering.

I’ve never loved my hair so much! With my activity level [read: sedentary] I’m able to wash my and style my hair just once a week. Who knew low maintenance could look so good?

xo,

Sarah Jo