Archive for the ‘Stylist Spotlight’ Category

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!).

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:

emmetEmmett 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.

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_0222cropresizeNothing 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

VAIN’s got the top Brit in town

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

britishflag

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.

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.

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.

Another site to bookmark

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

Rachel - cut by Kellianne

We stole that photo of Rachel’s cute cut – but that’s ok, we stole it from our own Kellianne. Stay up to date with her style and inspirations, as well as ours, via her own site. To schedule your own cut +/or color with Kellianne, give us a call at either location – 206.441.3441 for appointments Downtown, or 206.706.2707 for Ballard.

Fashionably yours,

VAIN

Spring = green, gorgeous, and glowing

Friday, March 20th, 2009

Happy Equinox, everyone! Little bits of green are popping up everywhere, showing it is Spring. Stylish heads are no exception!

Amanda

Amanda, pictured above, went for bright + beautiful contrasting pieces of greens, yellows, and even a touch of blue underneath a black crown. The super-natural color was created by Kelly at our Downtown location.

Amanda

Whether your seasonal update is a soft blonde or a neon green, our stylists can update your color + cut. To schedule with Kelly, please contact our Downtown location at 206.441.3441

xo,

VAIN

Stylist feature: Our own dandy, Rachel

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

Guest blogger and VAIN Ballard senior stylist Rachel shares her own style, in her own words.

vainiversary06

Dandyism: one who gives exaggerated attention to personal style.

4 years ago I wore nothing but jeans and white v-neck Hanes tshirts, ya know the ones that come in a four pack. 4 years before that I did not even wear pants for two years, I wore layers and layers of slips and fancifull dresses. I was the girl no one would talk to because I wore “unconventional” clothing. I was a little spooky but, alas, it made me happy.

These days I have a hard time dressing down I sometimes change my outfits 3 times, and this is just to go to work, lord knows I will stop at a champagne bar on the way home so one must look presentable. I now only feel comfortable with some sort of neck accoutrament.

I mean, a girl needs to feel put together.

I live for 1920′s-60′s mens fashion. The fine lines the tailoring the amazing detail. I feel like a proper british dandy, again whatever makes you happy. I do believe in the old belief you look good you feel good. This of course applies to hair as well. I first notice ones hair, there sense of style and their clothing. I love style. however you put it out there I love it.

I am but a hairstylist yet somehow I believe I deserve my own clothier, I think anyone who cares does at least a few important pieces. This is where Michael Cepress comes in – a true dandy if I ever did see one, a true believer of self expression and the loveliness of fine tailoring. I have taken him on as a custom designer for myself. He is in the midst of making me a cape with collapsible neck accoutrements. Please check out his website at michaelcepress.com

My bartender told me about a lovely blog Tavi – a twelve year old girl with mad personality and music and fashion sense to boot. She photographs most of her outfits she wears to school. She has great shots of runway shows and her favorite designers work. Very much worth looking at, every day!

Now for true dandyism. Lord Whimsy. You must see him to believe him. He is walking, talking, writing self expression historical art and a bag of rubies. He lives the life of extravagance true lovely life affirming extravagance. Champagne brunches and shined up shoes, I hope you will love him as I do.

Historically a dandy was sometimes a pauper who very much lived beyond their means, celebrating being working class by living the high life with the social elite. Living hard, artfully and extravagantly.

So, I may go broke on champagne cocktails, Blackbird shopping, my clothier Michael Cepress but, alas I will look amazing which brings on…feeling amazing.

Now. Come get a lovely haircut.
with love,
Rachel of Vain.

Protect your hair color! Tips from the best.

Friday, March 13th, 2009

Hair color by Carinn at VAIN

VAIN downtown + Ballard hairstylist Carinn does some of the most amazing, vibrant hair color around (she did the color pictured above), and now she’s sharing her expert tips for keeping your hair color looking bright and fresh for as long as possible. Here they are from the color queen herself:

  1. Wait 48 hours to wash your hair after a color service.
  2. Use color-safe shampoo and conditioner. This really helps your color last longer and retain its vibrancy. I love Pureology. With their anti-fade color technology and their garuntee to help color last longer I can really see the results with my clients. I also like the Redken’s Color Extend. It is dedicated to the semipermanent color line we use at VAIN to help keep the color vibrant.
  3. When rinsing your hair after shampooing and conditioning use cool water. This helps keep your hair cuticle closed and your color in your hair and not down the drain.
  4. Use a color depositing shampoo or conditioner once a week. This will help keep your color looking brand new. This is only recommended for hair color that is all in the same color family. Example: Your hair is red with copper highlights. Use a copper colored shampoo or conditioner. Not reccomended if you have multi colored hair in different colors i.e. red hair with copper and blonde highlights. The color in the shampoo or conditioner will color over your blonde hair.

Carinn says: “Each of the steps alone are helpful and when used all together they will markedly improve the overall longevity of your color and its vibrancy!”

To make an appointment with Carinn, call VAIN downtown at 206.441.3441 or VAIN Ballard at 206.706.2707. Oh and don’t be afraid to bring in some random deep red leaf or cool colored plum that you want your hair to look like- Carinn will make it happen.

Hair + photo by Carinn.

Win a free hair color appointment with Kellianne!

Friday, February 20th, 2009

kellianne_vain2

Our newest VAIN hairstylist and recent NYC transplant Kelliane is already a hot hair ticket at both VAIN downtown and VAIN Ballard- her haircuts are designed to grow out beautifully (always a bonus), her special occasion hair skills are awesome, and she creates textured looks, naturally urban hairstyles, and full-bodied blowouts like nobody’s business. But it’s her color skills that have made Kellianne an instant standout- you know that soft, shiny, natural hair color you wish you were born with? She can do that. On your head. No joke.

So! To celebrate the arrival of the latest talented hairstylist on the VAIN scene, we’re giving away a free hair color appointment with Kellianne (up to a $100 value, depending on the service). One person will win the grand hair color prize; three lucky runners-up will win $25 each in VAIN credit towards a future service with Kellianne- cut, color, or updo.

To enter, send an e-mail to vain(at)vain(dot)com with your full name and phone number. One e-mail per person only, please. We’ll draw winners at random on March 1st. The contest is open to both existing VAIN clients and anyone else who wants their hair to look amazing, so e-mail away and tell your friends. Good luck!

Can’t wait for the contest to get your hair done by Kellianne? Call VAIN downtown at 206.441.3441 or VAIN Ballard at 206.706.2707 to make an appointment. Photo by Sarah Joann Murphy.

Next week only – Roxie!

Friday, February 13th, 2009

Hello lovebirds,

Next week our dear Roxie returns from the South for a limited engagement at VAIN Beauty World Downtown. She’ll be with us on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. Her haircuts are still $48 dollars, and knowing her loyal following she’ll fill up quickly. If you need your fix of her style, sweetness, and quirk, call us ASAP at 206.441.3441

xo,

VAIN
Downtown
2018 1st Avenue