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

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!

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

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 stylist Carinn is the brain behind all this Staff Pick business and is a huge fan of Redken Full Frame 07 Mousse.

Sportin' Sexy!

Why? If you want body, hold and shine- this is the stuff. It’s extremely versatile. It’s not the mousse of the 80’s, people.

Who? It’s great for both curly and straight haired folks. Amazing!

Styling tip from the Stars: Adding heat to the product (i.e. blow-drying or diffusing) intensifies the product’s styling ability and adds softness. If it does get a tad crunchy on you get scrunch-y on it! Loosening your locks by making a fist and squeezing sections of your hair will instantly soften it.

Pick up some Full Frame Mousse for yourself at our downtown or Ballard salon for a smooth $16.95. To make an appointment to see the vixen with all the moves, Carinn, call 206.441.3441

In addition to showcasing Black Rabbit jewelry during Saturday’s ArtWalk, VAIN Ballard will be hosting a free live performance by Hoquiam, whose music is inspired by the childhood the Jurado Brothers (Damien and Drake) spent in Grays Harbor. The region to many is known for its cold, damp, grey, low hanging clouds as well as for its isolation. Their music blends folk music, while bringing an early 60’s garage feel to the songs. You can definitely get a sense of their hometown Hoquiam in their lyrics. As written on their website “Gothic folk, personal narratives, and simple strong percussive elements define the music of Hoquiam. Sparse, desolate, and a place you will find yourself passing through from time to time – both the town and the band.”

Make sure to come by VAIN Ballard (5401 Ballard Ave NW!) this Saturday from 6-9pm for art, food, drinks, and a live performance by Hoquiam at 8pm.

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.

Accompanying Nancy’s jewelry unveiling at the ArtWalk will be a live performance by Hoquiam. Hoquiam is a band that is made up of two brothers, Drake and Damien Jurado. With their self-titled release, they have created an album based around their childhood in Grays Harbor. To find out more about what inspires this duos’ music as well as this month’s featured jeweler, stay tuned for next week’s blog posts.

Please join us Saturday, August 14th from 6-9pm for art, drinks, food, and live music at 8pm by Hoquiam– 5401 Ballard Ave NW.

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!

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.

]]> http://www.vain.com/blog/2010/07/22/new-look-same-vain/feed/ 1 http://www.vain.com/blog/2010/07/22/artist-studios-for-rent-at-vain/ http://www.vain.com/blog/2010/07/22/artist-studios-for-rent-at-vain/#comments Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:14:24 +0000 Rebecca P. http://www.vain.com/blog/?p=2146

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.

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.