Blow dry tips

January 3, 2012

A great blow dry can last a few days and make life a whole lot easier. Just ask Shannon Mary! http://www.facebook.com/stlphoto

BLOW DRY TIPS:

Clarify your hair to remove excess oils and product build up. I like Redken’s Hair cleansing cream

After clarifying use a shampoo and conditioner formulated for your hair type and condition of your hair. On Shannon’s hair I used L’Oreal Professional Absolute Repair it has a great balance of protein and moisture to not only condition, but strengthen the hair as well.
Use a 100% cotton T-shirt to dry your hair.
Prep your hair for heat. I love Davines Melu shield!
Always use a wide tooth comb to detangle. Your hair can stretch up to 50% more when wet resulting in weak or broken hair
Use a styling product based on your desired end result. I wanted to give Shannon’s hair body, shine, and smoothness so I cocktailed Davines Oil non Oil an Mattering mousee to create a delicious smelling hair potion!
Dry hair section by section with your blow dryer nozzle facing downward. You want to visualize a bead of water being forced away from your scalp traveling down the strand out through the very ends. This ensures a smooth cuticle surface resulting in silky shiny hair.
Finish with a paddle brush and cool blast of air to set the style and close down the cuticle even more.

Becoming an editorial stylist

December 20, 2011

The road to becoming an editorial stylist is not an easy one. For the past 6 years I have been working my ass off. I’ve put in many hours in the salon and have styled for as many photo shoots, fashion shows, and events for free as I physically can. I can assure you this is not a position that people just hand out. I have been very lucky in my career to have mentored with Patrick McIvor ( a freakishly talented colorist & artistic director for Matrix) and Jayson Morgan (one of Redken’s best educators). They provided me with a great start to my never-ending story.

Working with such inspiring people taught me how to make things happen for myself. It’s hard to remember all the things you learn but the one I will never forget is ALWAYS be a yes or a no. That simple statement helped me get where I am today. I am never afraid to ask an extremely successful person anything and if they say no whatever, at least I know for sure that it’s not going to happen.

A few things that being a yes got me…

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK with AVEDA & Janell Geason

A position as an educator with PRODUCT CLUB COLOR ACCESSORIES

styling hair & makeup for shoots with the incredible SHANNON MARY… this chick is going to be famous http://www.facebook.com/stlphoto

To further my chances of styling hair for celebrities and models I am going to attend the Redken exchange this March for their Session skills and photo class.

More to come…follow my blog ; )

Modern Day James Dean

December 6, 2011

I am absolutely obsessed with James Dean’s style. There’s nothing sexier than a guy who takes the time to style his hair. In my experience most men look at me dumbfounded if I even utter the words, “How do you normally style your hair?”. I think it’s interesting because it doesn’t take much time to make a man look polished.

Thanks to Shannon Mary, an amazing local photographer, I have this awesome James Dean inspired portfolio image. Check her out on facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/stlphoto

HOW I GOT THE LOOK…

Step One: Prep hair with Bosley thickening treatment to add body and hold.

Step Two: Establish side part and comb the hair in the direction you prefer.