Archive for the ‘VAIN’ Category

The Moisture Myth

Monday, August 30th, 2010

As a recent Seattle transplant, I’ve had a battle or two when trying to wrangle my own formerly luxurious curls. Upon moving to the PNW, they were limp and my heart was flattening right along with them. I realized there was little to do but begin my latest quest in my new west coast (best coast!) lifestyle and start experimenting with potential solutions for these less than happy curls.

The first step to recovery was realizing that the ringlet routine that I had for the past seven years just wasn’t working anymore. After mixing and matching and trying all the usual trial and error of product concoctions available to me in my new home @ VAIN Beauty World, the idea finally came to me like a bat out of hell! It was so obvious that you could’ve knocked me over with a feather, people. SCIENCE. Hello!

I hail from the “windy” city, the land of weather to the extreme, Chicago, and I realized that I was spending a lot time blowing hot air defending my old hair habits. I should’ve known that despite Seattle’s rainy reputation, the level of moisture in the air is actually rather lacking compared to my days residing in the Midwest. It was like every lightbulb in my brain lit up at the same time- what do curls want most? Moisture!!! I felt like I uncovered the most coveted secret in the whole planet earth and I had to share it with you. The most obvious is sometimes the last thing you think of due to preconceived notions about a certain city- lesson learned.

Curly hair + the appropriate amount of moisture = happy hairs. As an apprentice stylist and connoisseur of leave-in options available, I recommend a few depending on what your locks are craving.

Kevin Murphy's Leave-In Luxury is a one-size-fits-all! Weightless, paraben-free help for hair.

AG's Fast Food is rescue 9-1-1 for long term split end repair and a serious shine intervention.

Deva Curl's B'Leave-In is perfect for the seriously parched. A real wake up call that is chock full of vitamins.

Pick up any of these lil’ helpers @ VAIN downtown or @ VAIN Ballard.  Viva la hair health!

VAIN 4-eva,

Emily

M.O.P. C-Curl is the Creme Dreams are made of!

Monday, August 30th, 2010

M.O.P. C-Curl Creme is stylist superstar Vai’s New Favorite Product!

double up on this magic!

Who? Those with Fine to Medium curl or wave looking to enhance that business.

Why? To create soft curl or wave with hold.

Secret Tip from the Stars: Apply to super wet hair to minimize frizz and maximize awesome!

At $18.95 a pop it’s a steal- a little goes a long way with this one.  Look for it @ VAIN downtown and VAIN in Ballard.  You can look for Vai at both salons as well!

Empire State of Mind

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

As you may know, beloved VAIN stylist, Carly, is leaving Seattle for the bright lights of New York City. And while all of us at VAIN, clients and staff alike, will miss her effortlessly cool style and killer haircuts, we couldn’t be happier she’s joining the team at Seagull Hair Salon in the West Village on September 12th! And we’re extra happy because Seagull is owned by former VAIN stylist and all-around awesome guy, Shaun SureThing!

Here’s to the horizons ahead, Carly! You’re the freaking best!

xo,
VAIN

Give us a call to book an appointment with VAIN’s other rockstar stylists! Our friendly front deskers will gladly recommend just the right stylist for you! VAIN Downtown – 206-441-3441 & VAIN Ballard – 206-706-2707

Make It Aqueduct!

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Thursday! Thursday! Thursday! Join VAIN stylists/DJs Carly, Valentine, and William (as well as VAIN front desk superstar Eli Blu) for the final Make it Rain at Havana. Special guest DJs will be cranking out the dance jams and Seattle’s own Aqueduct will be rocking the house until the wee hours. And, yes, you read that right. It is, sadly, the final Make It Rain as Carly is leaving the Pacific Northwest for new adventures. Lots of luck, Carly. Thank you for the music, the style, the haircuts and for MAKING IT RAIN!

xo,
VAIN

Come out Thursday, August 26th to Havana @ 1010 East Pike Street. Doors at 9pm.

VAIN wins best salon in Seattle!

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

Happy news from VAIN: we’ve been named the best hair salon in Seattle on Seattle Weekly’s Best of Seattle 2010 Reader’s Choice list! And in double down news, VAIN client Cari Simpson was named Best Toxic Avenger for her work on cleaning up the Duwamish River. Great cause, great client, (and if we do say so ourselves) great haircut.

The fact that the best salon win came from the readers- our clients, shoppers, VAIN Blog readers and pals- makes it all the sweeter. Thank you to everyone who voted! We love what we do and you make us love it even more.

♥,
VAIN

Want to try out Seattle’s best hair salon for yourself? Call VAIN Downtown at 206.441.3441 or VAIN Ballard at 206.706.2707 to schedule your appointment or free consultation. To check out the full set of (hilarious) celebration pictures, visit the VAIN Mirror page on Flickr.

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.


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

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


We will, we will hairstyle you!

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Boring hair be warned: the VAIN style squad is taking our Guerilla Hair styling to the streets, parking lots + city parks this summer with our first-ever official VAIN Guerilla Hair Tour. That means VAIN hairstylists giving free, 5-minute, teased up, ratted out, pinned-in-color, awesome hairstyles on the go.

Here’s where + when you can get in on the action this month:

  • This Saturday, June 12th at VAIN Ballard for artwalk (6-9pm) AND at Re-Bar for Hard Times (9pm-1am ish)
  • Friday, June 25th at Bend-It! queer-friendly arts festival at Cal Anderson Park (4-9pm)
  • Saturday, June 26th at Hey Tranny… It’s Tranny in the Havanna parking lot on Capitol Hill (8-11pm ish)

All you need to do is show up to get your guerilla hair on. All we ask is that you come with an open mind… and no fear of hairspray.

Transforming the human landscape one head of hair at a time,

VAIN