Judy LaRue wants YOU to vote for VAIN!

September 22nd, 2011

Behold little Judy LaRue: daughter of VAIN manager Mel (pictured), mini style superstar (check out that pose + those sideswept bangs! Fierce!), and #1 fan of VAIN.

When we told Judy that VAIN has been nominated for Best Hair Salon, Best Hair Color, and Best Waxing in King 5′s Best of Western WA competition, she said “yogurt! yogurt! yogurt!” We’ll take that to mean she hopes all our clients, friends, and Blog readers will vote for VAIN. We won Best Hair Color last year and would be honored to win again. Plus there are lots of deserving small businesses nominated across all categories.

Thanks for your votes… Judy LaRue thanks you too!

♥,
VAIN

Click here to vote for VAIN for Best Hair Salon, Best Hair Color, and Best Waxing. Voting ends Oct. 9th.

Posted in Hair, Hair color, VAIN, VAIN staff, VAIN waxing services | 1 Comment »

VAIN Hair + Style Interview 002: Eli Blü

September 13th, 2011

Greetings and welcome to the second post of our VAIN Hair + Style Interview series! Each month we’re interviewing a style-strong VAIN hairstylist, staff member, client or other FOV (Friend of VAIN) to get their take on hair and personal style.

Our first interview featured front desk superstar Courtney, who touched on everything from taking hair risks to manga style to coveting the perfect leather jacket. For this next interview, we didn’t have to go far (what can we say? Our front desk staff is HOT) and will be reaching into the modern bionic heart of VAIN itself. That’s right, ladies, gentlemen, Blog readers and other monsters, we present VAIN legend, DJ Eli Blü.

Describe your personal style in six words or less.
An Evolving Experimental Individual Magical Superstar

The current iteration of your title is “Modern Bionic Techoid.” What does that mean?
The life-title denotes an uncanny, acute and ingrained affinity with, and understanding of technology and embraces the future in further developments and evolutions.

How has your style changed + evolved since you started working at VAIN?
My hair has undergone many more radical changes and treatments since my old DIY days! I’ve  even grown it out all natural and chemical free, just to see the result, but I absolutely always go back to BLU!

CLICK HERE to keep reading! There’s more>>>

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Posted in Hair, Style, VAIN, VAIN hair + style interviews, VAIN staff | 2 Comments »

Stay gold.

September 1st, 2011

William_VAIN_09

When we first told you about William Scott Blair it was three years ago and he was bigging up some hair for a benefit fashion show.

We said:

“Behold William: VAIN assistant, future hair superstar. In addition to assisting VAIN hairstylists with clients and helping our downtown salon run smoothly (no easy task), he’s on the verge of becoming a licensed stylist himself and unleashing his hair skills and passion for personal style on the world.”

And how. In that time William has become a dynamic and strong hairstylist, built up a loyal clientele, taken special event hair to new levels, done hair for two Stranger covers as well as countless fashion shows & shoots, and has brought a signature style and true sweetness to our salon.

But all good things must come to an end, and so has our time with William [Editor's note: nooooooooo!]. He’s moving to NYC where he’ll be joining VAIN legends Shaun SureThing and Carly Nicklaus at Seagull Hair Salon in the West Village.

VAIN founder + styledriver Victoria Ptak said, “I knew from day one that Willam would be successful in his career. He brings a wonderful creative vision to his work and while at VAIN has built a solid skill set to back it up. With the strong determination that has fueled his rocket ride to success in his career so far there is nothing but bright lights and cover shots in his future.”

We can’t wait to see it all. We love you, William!

xo’s x a million,
VAIN

If you’re a client of William’s, fear not: our front desk has a shortlist of VAIN hairstylists William has recommended for his clients based on hair types and budget. They’re big couture-thrift-score-wingtips to fill, but we’ll do our best.

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

BIG VAIN NEWS: VAIN is coming to West Seattle!!!!

August 31st, 2011

You read it right: VAIN is opening a salon + boutique in West Seattle this winter. The salon, to be known as “VAIN West Seattle” (and affectionately as “VAIN Westside”), will open sometime this winter and feature a mix of current VAIN hairstylists and new talent, as well as a large boutique area.

VAIN founder and styledriver Victoria Ptak, who herself lives in West Seattle, said, “I love West Seattle’s strong community spirit and commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive neighborhood. I couldn’t be more excited about VAIN joining such a great collective of local businesses and having the opportunity to contribute a bit of spice to a part of the city that already has a lot of flavor.”

She also added, “West Seattle is off the hook.”

Yes it is, and we are SO, SO thrilled to become a part of the action. Stay tuned here and to VAIN on Twitter (@vainbeautyworld) for updates, job openings, and a sneak peek into the style transformation the space we’re moving into will undergo. What– you thought big change was just for hair?

Westward + xo’s,

VAIN
Downtown, Ballard, West Seattle

VAIN West Seattle will be located at 4513 California Ave SW, in the heart of the Alaska Junction. Can’t wait till winter? Visit us at VAIN downtown (2018 1st Ave) and VAIN Ballard (5401 Ballard Ave NW).

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Posted in VAIN, VAIN West Seattle | 6 Comments »

Hot Hair: Summer Style

August 31st, 2011

Straight from the VAIN Mirror photo booth we’ve got a summery Hot Hair style for those of you looking to take your bobs to the next level.

Nice bangs, nice smile.

Stylist: Cassie

Client: Sara

Cassie says: Sara had been growing out an inverted bob and wanted more of a “longer cut” to help with the transition. She wanted something fun that she could wear straight or wavy. We added layers and gave her new bangs.

True story: Sara had a two-hour drive to get to VAIN.

Side view.

Way to show some style dedication, Sara! Looking good.

Looking for a new look or a transition from your current cut? Give VAIN a call at 206.441.3441 downtown to book an appointment with Cassie or one of our other stylists.

Posted in Hot Hair!, VAIN, VAIN Mirror | No Comments »

Makeup at VAIN: Before and After

August 24th, 2011

Check out this fashion show makeup before + after by VAIN makeup artist Shannon:

Before: Shannon works her magic

After: love it!

Want to get your makeup done by Shannon for your next special event? Call VAIN downtown at 206.441.3441 to schedule an appointment or free consultation.

Photos courtesy of Fab Turn.

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Posted in Makeup, VAIN | No Comments »

Oh, Onesta!

August 17th, 2011

If you know me, you know that when I fall for a line of hair care products, I fall hard. And I’ve fallen hard for one, dear VAIN Blog readers.

Its name is Onesta.

Let me count the ways I love Onesta: the products are natural, color safe and free of harmful parabens and sulfates. They contain organic botanical extracts like sea kelp, green tea, sunflower and white willow bark, and they leave my hair feeling super clean and soft. Plus they smell amazing (seriously: we’re talking pure and vaguely peachy with subtle undertones of fresh citrus and what I can only describe as all-natural Tide. I am addicted to this entrancing organic aroma!). I use the Strengthening Shampoo ($12.95 at VAIN) and Daily Conditioner (ditto) topped off with a bit of the Volumizing Foam for body and shine, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. So good!

But don’t just take my word for it. Come experience Onesta for yourself! VAIN is hosting an Onesta event this Saturday, August 20 from 1-3pm at our downtown salon. We’ll have Onesta freebies, a chance to win products, and an Onesta expert onhand to answer questions about the line and recommend specific products based on your hair type.

Now, I know it might seem strange to some of you that I’m willing to share my new relationship with the world, but a love this natural and pure deserves to be shared. Treat Onesta well, Seattle. This one’s a keeper.

-Rebecca P.
VAIN blogger & Onesta lover

Hope to see you all this Saturday 8/20 for our Onesta event at VAIN downtown! Stop by anytime between 1 and 3pm. 2018 1st Ave at Virginia, Seattle.

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Posted in Events at VAIN, hair products, Obsessions, VAIN | No Comments »

Hot Hair: Dramatic Dreads

August 16th, 2011

Client: Lisa

Stylist: TT

The Look: Extreme Dread Makeover

Before...

After!

Dread Master TT did a cut, color, and maintenance to make this magic happen! Who says dreaddies can’t switch it up and have fun too? The cut transformed Lisa by taking off length and shaping her hair into a slight inverted bob. She also took a leap by going from blonde to a gorgeous copper red.

Call VAIN today to set up an appointment with TT! Downtown- 206.441.3441 OR Ballard- 206.706.2707. Click here to check out the VAIN Mirror and more awesome styles by your favorite VAIN superstars!

Posted in Hot Hair!, VAIN Mirror | No Comments »

VAIN Ballard: Featured Jewelers

August 9th, 2011

The Ballard Art Walk is this upcoming Saturday (August 13) and we will be featuring two wonderful jewelers. Christina Kairuz of Dj Mixxtress Design is a DJ and makeup artist that started making jewelry this past year. Her works is inspired by hip hop and different cultures. She loves to work with various plastics to design jewelry that are fashionable statement pieces.

Make sure you come by to see her work alongside our VAIN hairstylists Carinn Boe‘s jewelry. Both of these ladies’ create work that is quite edgy and bold. We will also be celebrating VAIN Ballard’s 4th birthday with some delicious cupcakes.

I hope you will be able to join us this upcoming Saturday (August 13) from 6-9pm to celebrate our 4th birthday as well as enjoy some cupcakes, art, drinks, and food. – 5401 Ballard Ave NW

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Posted in Art + Events, VAIN Art, VAIN Ballard | No Comments »

Accessories Sale at VAIN!

August 1st, 2011

Hot sale alert for people who like cool stuff at a discount! We’re having a big sale at VAIN downtown- 30% off selected accessories + scarves (we’re not talking winter scarves, either- we’re talking light, summery, wear-me-with-a-tank-top-and-take-me-to-brunch scarves). We’ve got tons of jewelry too in the brightest colors. Check it out while quantities last!

Wear it all to brunch! The sale is happening now through mid-August(ish) at VAIN downtown- 2019 1st Ave, Seattle.

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Posted in VAIN, VAIN shopping | No Comments »

VAIN Hair + Style Interview 001: Courtney

July 21st, 2011

Hello VAIN Blog readers, and welcome to the debut post of our VAIN Hair + Style Interview series! Each month we’ll sit down with a stylish VAIN hairstylist, staff member, client or other FOV (Friend Of VAIN) and get their take on hair and personal style.

First up is VAIN front desk superstar Courtney, who, in between booking VAIN appointments and generally being a salon operations ninja, likes to switch up her hair cut and color. A lot. Any visit to the photos from our VAIN Mirror digital photobooth will show you what we mean.

Here’s Courtney, DIY mistress, Cut and Color Chameleon, and Woman of Many Do’s, in her own words:

Describe your personal style in 6 words or less.
The result of following my whims.

What are your style influences?
There are so many, really! I can be influenced by anything: nature, art, architecture, books/comics/manga, anime and video games, music, street fashion from around the world…I could really go on and on, but you get the idea.

What style staples can’t you live without?
Honestly? Comfy undies that don’t ride up, a correctly-fitted bra and black socks… but I know I should say something more like: my Italian leather boots, a superior quality basic tee, comfy well-fitting, form-flattering jeans, the perfect leather jacket (AllSaints what?! Soon to be mine, oh YES!!) and my latest hair cut/color.

How does your hair influence your style or vice-versa?
Compared to my adventures in DIY hair-land my clothing style is pretty tame these days. I used to really fancy it up but these days I am a jeans and tee-shirt kind of girl. In terms of clothing I do tend towards a lot of black and neutrals, whereas my hair colors tend to be anything but.

What have been your favorite hairstyles and why?
I really have loved them all. I have especially loved my myriad extreme asymmetric bobs and short cuts and more recently my foray into periwinkle territory.

Click to keep reading! There’s more>>>

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Posted in DIY, Hair, Hair color, Style, VAIN hair + style interviews, VAIN staff | 1 Comment »

Community Focus: Bald Solidarity

July 18th, 2011

People’s hair often serves as a marker of identity. It can be a statement about oneself which either whispers, speaks, or shouts to others. VAIN strives to help people with this concept every day; but on Saturday, July 23rd at 3:00 p.m. at Westlake Center Park you will be able to see VAIN stylists TT and Yuki help a few brave souls make a completely different statement with their hair.

Bald Solidarity–a local non-profit organization devoted to raising awareness about gender inequality issues around the world–will be holding their annual “shave” event. Five brave souls are shaving their heads (sans clipper guards) in order to raise money for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Millions of women and girls around the world have little or no control over their lives; by shaving their heads these participants are sacrificing something we sometimes take for granted, the choice to make a statement with your hair.

If you’re interested in learning more about Bald Solidarity, just click and check out their website. There’s still time to sign up, but if you’re unable to shave your head you can always sponsor a participant, provide moral support at the event, or get an official Bald Solidarity bald cap and get some sponsors of your own to donate money. Just picture the schadenfreude response from your coworkers, at $1 a minute, you might be wearing the cap all week!

Check out Bald Solidarity’s website and/or attend the event on 7/23/11! Thinking about making a less  *ahem* bald statement or donating your hair? Call VAIN downtown @ (206) 441-3441 or VAIN Ballard @ (206) 706-2707.

Bald Solidarity promo video from Nathan Bean.

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Posted in Community, Hair, VAIN | 1 Comment »

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