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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!

Posted in Hair tips, Stylist Spotlight, VAIN | 1 Comment »

Expert tips for planning perfect wedding hair

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

As you plan your wedding hairstyle, here are a few things to think about before the big day as shared by VAIN senior stylist Jenny Slay, who has delivered some of the finest bridal hairdos to ever walk down the aisle (if we do say so ourselves).

You will want to come in for a free consultation appointment first to talk over some ideas with your stylist. BRING PICTURES! They don’t have to be your ideal, but its helpful for getting a general feeling of what you are looking for.

Make sure you allow lots (and lots) of time to book your appointments in advance- not just for your wedding day itself but also for your consultation appointment and even a trial run to try out your hairdo if that’s something you and your stylist think would be a good idea. The more advance planning the better!

Is there an era or feeling that you’re trying to evoke? If your wedding has a 1920s feel and you love it, tell your stylist and we can do some tricks to really bring it out. Or, say you’re having a rockabilly zombie themed wedding (it happens). You’d want to tell your stylist that, too.

What is your dress like? It’s nice to have a whole concept of what’s going on so that the hair can compliment the look and help to make a nice silhouette overall.

Are you wearing a veil or flowers in your hair? You are usually sticking your veil into your style and covering most of it up, so what’s left out should be thought about. Flowers are amazing in wedding hair. I love to use them in a simpler style as they pretty much speak for themselves.

Where do you want to have most of the action happening on your hairstyle? Are you going for a low side bun or are you looking for a super high piled on your head ‘do? Do you want to be able to see it from the front? Do you want the front to be parted or straight back? Sleek or textured? Loose or tight?

Adding color: we’ve had brides at VAIN add temporary extension pieces to match their wedding color scheme, flowers, or an accent that’s on their dress. This adds extra time to the process but can be a great standout addition to your bridal hairstyle.

If you find a picture you loooove that is absolutely, exactly what you want, bring it but try to be adaptable. Those ‘dos are often just pinned up precariously for that photo. A lot of them wouldn’t last through a whole day of dancing and eating and hugging your peeps (don’t worry though. We can definitely take that photo and use it as a strong jumping off point!).

Being flexible and working with your stylist can help you get a really beautiful, unique, AND functional hairdo for your wedding day. We all know this is the single most important hairdo to most brides, so we want to work with you to make it the best it can be.

To book a consultation for bridal/wedding hair with Jenny Slay or any of our other talented stylists who specialize in special event hair, call VAIN downtown at 206.441.3441 or VAIN Ballard at 206.706.2707.

Tags: bridal hair, Seattle bridal hair, wedding hair
Posted in Hair tips, Stylist Spotlight, VAIN guest bloggers, VAIN wedding services | No Comments »

Good news for people who like good hair

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Don’t call it a comeback: one of VAIN’s all time fave stylists is back in town and ready to make your hair look good. Krista, who clearly also has great taste in bikes to go with her skills as a hairstylist, specializes in personalized color + cuts that compliment natural texture and individual style. Krista truly has one of the best intuitive approaches to doing hair that we’ve ever seen at VAIN, so we’re thrilled to have her back… and we all want to borrow that bike.

Call VAIN downtown to book your appointment or free consultation with Krista: 206.441.3441.

Posted in Stylist Spotlight, VAIN | No Comments »

Cover Hair!

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Check out the current issue of The Stranger- the awesome, massive, sky-high hair on the cover was done by none other than VAIN stylist + updo ninja William. We’ve gushed about William’s updo + party hair skills before, so we couldn’t be more thrilled to see his work get props in print. Way to make the cover, sir!

Want to get this cover look or something like it for your next night out? Call VAIN downtown at 206.441.3441 to schedule your appointment with William or any of our other stylists who specialize in updos. Stranger cover photo by Annie Laurie Malarkey.

Posted in Stylist Spotlight, VAIN | 1 Comment »

Perfect party hair

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

william_vain_updo_1

Not sure what to wear to your next holiday party? Try dressing your hair up. VAIN downtown stylist William specializes in party hair, whether you want a twist on the classic updo, a stylized fingerwave (pictured above), or a more fashion-forward, conceptual look (example below- we told you it’s his specialty!). Added bonus? William’s updos start at only $30. So don’t bother dropping half your paycheck on a new outfit for New Year’s Eve- perfect party hair is the new little black dress.

To schedule your appointment with William or any of our other visionary stylists who do special event/party hair, call VAIN downtown at 206.441.3441. Photos by Kaylin Rodriquez- check her out at www.kaylinrodriquez.com

Posted in Hair, Stylist Spotlight, VAIN | 1 Comment »

Getting to know you: the Cassie edition

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

cassie_vain

Stylist: Cassie

Works at: Both VAIN Downtown + VAIN Ballard

Specialties: Pretty hair with an edge. Textured medium + long lengths. Creating texture + volume. Dry cuts. Finding the perfect bangs style + length for her clients.

Motto: “Hair doesn’t have to be standard to be pretty!”

Check out Cassie’s full Q and A profile on VAIN.com to learn more about her + about her signature haircuts (hint: the style’s already built in!).

Posted in Stylist Spotlight, VAIN, VAIN Ballard | No Comments »

People Are Talking…

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

VAIN stylist Emmett has been getting rave reviews from clients about his Keratin Complex treatment. Long time VAIN client Caryn, who was in town last Summer, shared her recent experience with us:

emmet Emmett works his magic with Keratin Smoothing complex

“Emmett performed the Keratin hair straightening for me early this summer. He was UNBELIEVABLY thorough, painstaking, and patient. On top of that he also managed to work quickly, but at no point did I feel he was rushing or trying to get it over with. I can safely say that not one strand of hair on my head was neglected.

before_after
On top: Before; On bottom: The Smooth After

“The results were fabulous – I did not have to blow dry my hair for almost four months (washing it almost every day) and my hair was as straight as I’d ever dreamed of it being. It was also beautifully conditioned (a promise Emmett made that I thought I didn’t care about, but was so happy with later). The procedure is worth every penny – I will be getting this done every summer from now on!”

Wonderful, silky results are waiting for those of you seeking smoother or straighter hair with Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy – Call VAIN to book your free consultation today!

To book an appointment with Emmett or one of our other stylists for Keratin Complex treatment call us Downtown 206-441-3441 or in Ballard 206-706-2707.

Tags: Keratin Complex, relaxer, smoothing
Posted in Stylist Spotlight, VAIN clients, VAIN hair services | 1 Comment »

Stylist on the Rise: Sam

Saturday, July 25th, 2009

In the past year, Sam, one of our up and coming stylists here at VAIN, has made the journey from apprentice stylist to full blowin’ stylist before our very eyes. Since her debut, she has been getting rave reviews from all kinds of clients for all kinds of style types, from soft to punky, as well as straight and curly hair alike. We think it has a lot to do with her ability to lend a good ear and her sense of adventure. We took some time to chat with Sam to dig deeper into her methods.

img_0222cropresize Nothing like a smile from Sam to brighten up your day!

Giving good consult
Sam believes that the success of any cut relies on meeting eye-to-eye during a consultation. Those first 5 minutes or so (before any hair is washed or scissors grasped) form the path of her approach – Sam isn’t just listening to what the client wants as an end result, but really tries to understand the natural behavior of both the client’s hair and regular styling habits at home. She also isn’t afraid to suggest options that might work better for a certain hair type or level of maintenance. In her own words: “I think it’s a disservice as a professional to not listen to the clients’ wants and needs.” Sam strives to make sure that her clients can accomplish their new looks without straying far from what they normally like to do every day. She further explains that she likes to be challenged by the diverse looks that people as individuals bring to her. “I like to be inspired by everyone and everything out there, rather than feel like I’m pushing any standard look of what’s cool.’”

Curly hair? Bring it on!
Sam has her share of trying new looks on a regular basis. In any given week, you can see Sam with a head of bouncy blonde curls one day, spiked out and teased the next, and then 3-feet-long, colorful extensions passing you by in a flash the day after that. “I’m always trying out a different look. I want to learn from a personal prospective what I need to do to make a look work from day to day, so that I can pass on that advice to my clients.” Her sense of adventure has also played a huge role in her ability to grasp the concepts that allow for curly hair cutting. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Sam took to the task by listening to her curly haired client’s needs and issues, and using a combination of learned technique, experience, and her instinct to form a look that is natural (no pyramid head here!) and easy to take care of.

We truly love Sam, and can’t wait to see the new challenges she takes on in the future!

To book an appointment with Sam at VAIN downtown call 206.441.3441 or visit us at 2018 1st Ave, Seattle

Posted in Stylist Spotlight, VAIN | 9 Comments »

VAIN’s got the top Brit in town

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

The current “Best of the City 2009” issue of Seattle Metropolitan Magazine has named VAIN’s very own hairstylist Sharon as Seattle’s Best British Stylist. VAIN blogger Rebecca P. sat down with the lady herself over a spot of tea [RP: KIDDING! We totally split a bag of crisps] to talk about it.

Congratulations on your win. What did you do to claim victory over the competition?
I’m not sure how stiff the competition actually was, but I try to do my best every time I do hair, so maybe it’s my attitude and work ethic that helped me clinch it. I think that goes a long way.

What would you say is distinctly British about your approach to doing hair?
I’d have to say my accent.

Best royal family hair of all time?
Definitely Prince Charles. Best and worst! I would love to do his hair.

Yorkshire pudding: what’s up with that?
It’s the best…. you wanna come over? I’ll make it special for ya.

Have you heard of the American hair sensation known as “crimping,” or are you more into “crumpeting”?
Crumpeting for sure tastes better and never goes out of fashion!

Seriously though, congratulations. You deserve the recognition! Any final thoughts you’d like to share with VAIN clients + Blog readers?
Thank-you, it really was a nice surprise. I do love working with hair and I especially love the relationships that you build with people, it’s a team effort. Trust is an important part of the relationship and I work really hard to gain that. Once it’s there it can be a really fun journey.

Find out what all the fuss is about: call VAIN downtown at 206.441.3441 to book your appointment with Sharon, or learn more about her on vain.com.

Posted in Stylist Spotlight, VAIN, VAIN Press | 3 Comments »

Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy – Now at VAIN!

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

An exciting new treatment from VAIN stylist Emmett. In his own words he describes what Keratin Smoothing is, and why we love it.

About a year ago I attended advanced training workshops and obtained certification in a break-through technique called: Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy. Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy is a new revolutionary patent pending treatment that literally infuses keratin deep into the hair to create smoother, shinier, healthier and more manageable hair for up to five months.

Of course I was a little skeptical when I first heard of it. There are other services on the market which claim the same results, like the “Brazilian Straightener.” I checked them out at the ABS show this spring. I was very disappointed, can’t say I loved the results. The hair looked very heavy and smelled of formaldehyde. First, I don’t want formaldehyde on my clients or myself. What are the long term health risks of that? It also gives off an unpleasant aroma, a smell you’d only be comfortable with if you were raised in a funeral home. Last summer a colleague was telling me of a new hair relaxer system, and of course I thought she was speaking of Brazilian Straightener. Once she convinced me it wasn’t, I signed up for a workshop and flew out the next week. I was amazed by Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy; it is chemical-free, has a pleasant floral aroma, brings movement, swing, shine, and the health of the hair is extraordinary.

Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy can be used on all hair types, over any type of straightener; lye, no-lye, Japanese, permed, color treated, bleached or highlighted. It will actually make hair look & feel healthier. It can also complement your relaxer service by adding strength, increasing shine, and simplifying styling. This is the product I’ve been waiting for my whole career.

Keratin Complex will:
* Loose to Medium Curls: it will straighten the hair for 3 to 5 months
* Tighter Spiral and Frizzy Hair: it will drop curl, loosen curl pattern reduce frizz and make individual curl more uniform.
* Relaxed Hair: makes hair stronger, shinier, and bouncy. Will also allow you to work out without sweating your style out.
* Excellent for Children: it’s temporary, chemical free and will make hair more manageable.

Emmett is available at both the Ballard and Downtown locations. If Keratin Complex sounds like it’s just what you’ve been waiting for, please contact our front desk to schedule a free consultation.

Posted in Stylist Spotlight, hair products | 1 Comment »

Lights, Camera, Hairspray!

Friday, April 17th, 2009

Check out this video starring VAIN downtown + VAIN Ballard superstar hairstylist Sarah B. In it she talks to VAIN owner + styledriver Victoria Gentry about the wigs she’s created for VAIN’s appearance at the Seattle Men’s Chorus/Seattle Women’s Chorus Hairspray-themed annual fundraiser this Saturday. Cool wigs, cool style, cool lady.

The Seattle Men’s Chorus/Seattle Women’s Chorus fundraiser happens this Saturday, April 18 at the Washington State Convention Center. Doors at 5:00pm, VAIN “Wig Shoppe” there till 8.

Posted in Stylist Spotlight, VAIN Videos, VAIN Wig Shoppe | 3 Comments »

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