Sexy Gone Wrong!

This is what happens when you mix drugs, alcohol, bathtubs, bikini`s, and candles all together, that @%*! don`t go together!
Honestly one of the funniest videos I have seen on Youtube, sad because weaves are not cheap and neither is self esteem. She must have felt a little embarrassed after this because it came out of no where while she was attempting to look as sexy as anyone ever has. I don`t know I mean its rude to laugh and ever more shameful because I style the stuff for a living but wow this vid caught me off guard!
Check This one out, hope you enjoy a little chuckle at someone else`s expense from time to time...

YOU Have To Chill Out!!!

What is it with you ladies out there?!!  I mean we have had over a year and a half of style that has included body,  wave,  curl,  and overall big big hair and still we iron!  I mean I would understand the fascination if we were still stuck in the late 90`s / early millennium addiction to start flat hair but we as stylists have progressed!  It seems to me that ladies of all ages (Yes,  that`s right it isn`t just the teeny boppers)  are absolutely addicted to damaging their hair.  Don`t mistake me here because we as salon operators are more than happy to sell you all the products in the world to help fix the damage but why make it easy on us?


As an example I have a guest ( Who will remain nameless!)  who has an obvious addiction ( her hair is double processed blonde and has started to chemically cut itself :( )  to the heat.  She irons daily,  and when I let her know that her hair cannot take this abuse and is breaking in various spots her answer is simply " I just can`t stop Jon... It`s not an option".  I for one find this extremely difficult to understand given all the irony I have used with her such as " That`s okay you can take your highlights home in a doggy bag today" or the clever " Hey check out this peach fuzz" .  I know that those are harsh things to say to a guest... I get it,  BUT,  The problem is that I actually truly and whole heartedly care and am scared for her.   Anyway I can rant all day on this the point is when your hairstylist (who sees an average of 9 clients/heads of hair a day)  says its time to stop... it`s time to stop!  Please share your thoughts below or don`t BUT,  if you know a junky smarten them up at least! 

Our 500th!!!

So for a little while there on our Facebook page I was trying to get us up to 500 likes,  and I am proud announce that we got there!  I know,  I know some of you will be saying " Whatever,  we have 1000 or 2000 or something like that"  But for me this was a great milestone.  I love posting content daily and having people "Like" what we put up and say,  however I have to say that it is pretty time consuming.  When we started posting content to the web and getting our story out we had slightly over 100 Likes,  and that was about 7 months ago.   I felt like 500 was very far away and it goes to show you how old i`m getting because time has flown!  Anyway,  I am very thankful and happy that you guys are enjoying our content and liking our page.  I hope to receive more and more feedback from you to be able to continue peaking your interest and sharing content with you that you enjoy!  To Jennifer Sprecht our lucky 500th  I hope you enjoyed your free cut and experience... We Loved doing it for you!!!

Colour For Lift And Volume?

Hey Everyone,  I hope your all staring to pull out those big Parkas and prepare for old man winter!  (Brrr Its cold out there!)  I for one have already started to curl up like an old man when walking outside.  Today I am gonna get back to   answering a question because I feel like it has been a while since I have done so.


"Hello,  I was wondering if you could tell me whether or not this is true;  I have heard from countless friends and even stylists that the best way to get extra volume on my fine hair is to colour it?  They say that it makes your hair thicker,  what is your opinion of that?  Thanks"


That is true,  it does definitely make your hair thicker.  The reason for that I don`t really like though!  What happens is that when your fine hair has been coloured it has had its cuticle layer damaged.  They way standard professional hair colour works is that when you were to have say a Highlighting service we go in with a "Pre-Lightener" (bleach)  and we strip your natural darker colour out of your hair shaft.  Then, when that colour is removed we find a nice new tone at that new level and apply a toner to even everything out.  The act of bleaching as one would imagine is not the most gentle on your hair`s condition,  the cuticle (the hair`s outer layer) is ruffed up by this procedure.  That is not however the only damaging part.  Even applying a solid colour can and will rough up the cuticle layer.  And although that rougher texture will help create lift and height in your fine hair,  the amount of conditioner you will need to get it feeling soft again cancels it out!  Give it a real thought before starting to colour because once you start,  stopping becomes very difficult.  Another way to get lift in your fine hair is to try root lifting agents like Powder lift by Eufora Or Dust It by Schwarzkopf.  They work wonders on fine hair and help to minimize oils and dirt build up.  

20`s , 30`s She`s Got It Nailed!!

I have been finding that a lot of the hair tutorial work I see on Youtube is extremely well done. Every time I go out there and check the web for cool hair tutorials to share with you I stumble across someone else who is doing it very very well! Today is no different, Today I came across this girls Youtube channel and thought, WOW she really has this down well. She extremely talented and showcases some phenomenal work, especially in the Vintage/ Pin up categories. I thought that the way in which the video was put together in the first place was also very cool. Anyway check out this vid and let me know what you think at dimauro.jon@gmail.com!

Lean, Mean, Green and Clean!

We at evoke are starting to take notice of how we live,  what we eat,  and what it is we put on our bodies and hair.  With this new reckoning has come improvements and changes in our salon locations also.  Our Yonge and Eglinton location has been using a No ammonia base colour line for about the last 6 months,  while Bloor St.  has plans to roll out an Organic colour line in the new year.  Along with the introduction of healthier and cleaner colour alternatives;  we at both locations are looking into healthier and chemical-less alternatives in our shampoo and styling sections.  


This week our Bloor St. Location started to carry a range of Local,  Certified Organic,  Vegan, Gluten Free shampoos and conditioners by Green Beaver.  A fabulous range of product that I have personally been using for about 3 months now with great results.  We feel as though we can still achieve wonderful results using these cleaner alternatives,  and at the same time support a movement that we truly believe in and support.  I believe this evolution started as a result of a couple of different factors,  one being the recent spike in celiac cases and a need to satisfy their demands.  The other being a general belief in the need to support local,  greener,  and healthier options.  To me this was a natural progression as I had already started to make changes in this direction a while ago.  We at evoke hope to continue to service the needs of our guests and at the same time stay trendsetting and current!

Who Needs Heat Anyway!

Okay I have to say that I am truly very impressed! I have never ever seen anyone use socks to do this! Never mind the fact that she used socks for a minute (although for me that is tuff to do!) She is soo clever! I mean I would love to say something silly like " Oh yeah we have been using this technique for years!" But That would be bull crap! This my friends is innovation at its finest because she understands that all you need to create any wavy shape in hair is something to wrap it around and a way to let it sit there and dry. I was really taken aback by this girl, please check her vid out! SOOO cool!

Saturday Night Lights, Camera, Askin!!

Here we are with another Saturday Night Lights, Camera, Askin!!! Tonight I get into the discussion of what the right type of brush is for thick wavy hair blow dries. Check Out this video and hopefully you get something from it!

BRRRR.... Time To Take It Up A Bit!

So as everyone has noticed by now it`s getting really chilly out there!  I cannot believe how fast the weather has changed.   In all fairness though we can`t complain,  we really only started to feel bone chilling cold come in this week;  and considering that we are in late November that isn`t too bad.  One thing is  for sure though;  that we are starting to use our scarves,  hats and mittens again.  When these three essential components to a Canadian winter come out they don`t leave until May,  so lets get used to wearing them.  When the weather gets a bit colder I notice a shift in my clientele also ( they will often stray from saying "lets keep it longer so I can tie it up" and start to say " lets take it up a bit so it fits under my hats").  I completely understand the shift,  who wants to put a hat on and stay warm only to find that all the work they did styling in the morning is now pasted to their foreheads!  My recommendation is simple... Take It Up A Bit.  When your in next to see your stylist of choice consult on a similar style that may be more hat and scarf friendly.  You may find that you don`t even need to change the overall style much at all,  and may be able to just bring it up a touch.  OR for some of you this may be the ideal time to try something a little different,  a time to try that slightly shorter cut that you have wanted for a while but could not quite work up the nerve.  Why not give that look a try now?  I mean what`s the worst that could happen?  At least you will have the next 6 months to grow it back out!

Men Au Natural!

So one thing I have noticed in mens style and fashion recently is that we are really trying to go back to a more natural and care free version of style.  The look started to make a comeback when Robert Pattinson came on the scene with his free flowing and wild hair in the Twilight series.  Since then, our looks have been revamped! I don`t adore Robert Pattinson or the series but you gotta see my free flowing locks!  Anyway, I think it was just a matter of time before we'd realize that maybe the helmet heads we'd been sporting from all the crap in our hair was maybe not the best look for us.   I for one am absolutely in love with the new trend and feel like most guys out there sporting it actually pull it off really well.  


Now having said that and talked about just how crappy wearing product feels in a man's hair,  there are certain products that encourage this style well and help to keep it from looking sloppy.  I personally am really into the Grooming Cream by Hero For men.  It is a mens line that branches off of Eufora and is really making head way in the industry (Pardon The Pun!).  Anyway, I recommend checking it out if you are sporting this trendy look.  Let's keep this trend going for as long as we can because I'm really enjoy the lazy days!

I Found Love... In Rihanna`s Hair!

This woman is just ridiculous; everything she touches turns to gold! (Or platinum in this case). I absolutely love Rihanna!  Many love her for her music and swagger, for me, it's her hair.   I have blogged about her in the past and have also used one of her images as our "look of the day."  Why? The reason is simple... Rihanna embodies trendsetter. I remember seeing her at Much when she and Kanye were just starting out (around "Jesus Walks/ Umbrella" Days) and they were already way ahead of the curve. Her videos are always edgy and she always seems to have the greatest hair! This is yet another of those videos in a long line of solid hits.  They Found Love, and I Found Hair-Love!

Knot That %*#@ !!!!

Wanna know what`s trending and hot right now in the hair world?  Its pretty simple actually... Laziness!


Funny because I feel like that has been a hair trend for years in certain circles!  Anyway funny enough I`m not kidding at all because easy is the new style when it comes to hair fashion.  The best part is it`s not that new because it seems like we have been on this trend for a couple of years.  
The latest in the long line of clever, quick and easy ways to throw your hair up with style is the double knot.  The easiest possible "updo"  I think I may have ever seen or done!  All there is to it is exactly what it sounds like you literally just tie your hair in two knots!  


Start by taking your hair into a middle section at the back.  After you have the two sides of your head separated,  you then wind them up into what feels like two wind wound up ropes.  Then simple tie a knot with the two sides,  once completed you then tie it into another knot,  and place it in the position you want at the back.  Take a couple of bobby pins and pin it down for security,  once that`s done a little spray should finish it off great and you are on your way!  So chic and practical! 

HOLY SMOKES!!!!!

Normally its time to put forth a video showcasing the answer to a question iv`e  received but today,  I have to say...  I`m Exhausted!!!

I`m Exhausted because there have been few Saturday`s like this in my career,  today I had every single long,  thick haired, curly, wavy,  unbelievably massive haired client on my repetoir!   SERIOUSLY!  I blow dried more hair today than I have in my entire career combined!  I guess with the holidays on the way I was bound to get a day like this in there and well today was it!  


Everyone wants that smoothened out silky style and that means a workout for me people!  Holy moly if you think its hard on you to blow dry your own head of hair on a weekday morning imagine if 7 of you came in to see me in one day!  Well guess what... Today was THE day!  Anyway,  all i`m saying is at least I got through it with a smile :) 

Birds Of A Feather...

Okay I know I have already done a blog post on feather hair extensions,  But I cannot help doing another one!   This things are the hotness right now!  IT`S CRAZY!!!  I mean we are selling extensions like it going out of style (even though it REALLY isn`t!).  People are buying up these feathers because they are durable,  trendy and have a beautiful appeal to them.  They  create a really beautiful bohemian soft feel on long wavy hair and on shorter more cropped looks.  At the shop we sell them for $15.00 per feather and $25.00 dollars for three.  As you would imaging people tend to jump on the latter option just because it creates a nicer look to have multiple shades and textures of feathers.  It does so because it creates a more natural and eclectic look.  We love these things as I have four members of our staff sporting them and that helps to create a buzz.  Anyway I really think that if you have`nt tried them out yet you may want to give it a go before the trend changes.  They are easily cared for and can be shampooed,  blow-dried,  styled and last at least 6 weeks!  Anyway if you are interested come by either of our locations in Bloor West Village (at Runnymede)  or at Yonge and Eglinton for a chance to try them out!

The Loonie Bird!

Okay every once in a while you find a someone who defies logic with their actions. To be honest, I can`t say that I haven`t thought about doing this to one or two of clients before (only if they have TOOO Much hair!) but to see it done on someone with hair this gorgeous absolutely broke my heart. The worst part about it is that she didn't even have any remorse! This crazy chick woke up one morning and decided she wanted to be bald. I thought it was worth a watch and when I did I decided I needed to show you. Hope you found it as bizarre as I did!

YEAH BANGS!

Hey everyone!  Glad to be back behind the computer today answering your questions and sharing ideas!

Today we are gonna respond to a great question I got regarding bangs.  People seem to always have the same question when it comes to bangs,  so as you would imagine that makes my life pretty easy when it comes to giving them an answer!  Let me share that query with you today!....

"Hi Jon,  it has been a really long time since iv`e had bangs and I`m thinking about going at them again!   BUT before I do I need to know what you think is trending right now in the bangs world?!"

Okay bangs kinda do this funny thing to people,  in that they are either truly ready for bangs and are not shy to get right at it with an all out full bang.  OR they seem to take a short cut and go for more of a side swept fringe that is more subtle.  I think to look at what is trending is the right approach as long as you are on the front end of that statement and are ready to sport a full bang.  Otherwise you are probably better off sticking to the fringe because it`s the safer bet.  Now,  having said that if you are ready than full bangs are super trending right now and have been for a little while.  They don`t seem to be on the way out at all and that`s a great thing considering I love them!  I have attached a pic of the type of bang I am talking about for your enjoyment,  It all however depends on facial shape,  hair length and texture along with how much styling your`e willing to do!  Hope that was helpful and that you go for it!!!!

C U SOON!

Hello out there!  I hope you guys have started off your weekends with a bang so far and are enjoying your chill time.  I am writing to let you all know that I will be away from my computer for the next couple of days.  I will be attending the wedding of dear friends and so as much as I love you all I love them too!  I will not be around again until Wednesday of next week,  so here is to hoping you all miss me as much as I`ll miss you!

The Silver Fox!

Hey Guys!  Hope all is well in the world with you!  I am glad to get the opportunity to write to you today and answer another great question that I received recently.   I find that often I am sent questions by other young women or young men.  Not often however,  have I been sent questions by people who are a little older and therefore have slightly different queries.   Today we have one from a reader who is in her seventies and sporty a beautiful head of white hair!  Cool,  lets get to it!

Hi there,  I am a regular reader and often think about writing to you.  I finally had a question I thought you might be able to answer so I thought I would try it out!  My name is Carla and I have a short hair cut that is quite a bit more "Naturally Highlighted" than in my pat years.  I was wondering if you could help me by referring me a product that would help get the yellow out of my white hair?  I just find that it often has a tinge of colour I do not like and I haven`t been able to be rid of it,  Thank you in advance.


Sweet eh!?  There is definitely a way to be rid of the yellow!  We in the salon deal with many guests that have started to go white or silver,  and are having trouble because their hair becomes so porous that it collects smoke, or pollution or any other element and begins to change in colour.  The best thing to do is to try and neutralize the yellow or gold by killing it with an ash based toning product.  Because we do not want to colour our hair everyday we cannot used an actual colour.  So the best way to approach this is with colour based shampoos and conditioners.  We in our salon use one by Davines,  its effective and gentle and works extremely well.  These are meant to be used once or twice a week at most and left on for anywhere between 3 to 5 minutes.  I have attached a picture of the one we use in our salon,  its called Alchemic Silver Conditioner.  The conditioners are better because they carry the most pigment.

Cool hair Vid man!

Something fun and light for cold November day! I am currently taking drawing classes and so I am a real fan all things drawing right now! Anyway as I scoured Youtube in search of educational videos on drawing I came across this video that tied both of these worlds together! I thought it was cool and wanted to share it with you all, I hope you enjoy it because I was amazed at how simple he made it look and how nicely it was finished. Anyway check it out!

A BOB is all you need!

So I freaked out when we found out about being nominated for a weblog award in two categories!  I don`t know if you could all tell yesterday that that was the case!  I was truly humbled to even have been considered.  Today though I gotta get back to business,  I`ve got to get back to story telling and question answering because THAT is what you all truly want to hear about!  Lets get back on track here shall we?

Today I wanna chat about bobs,  the most highly addictive and practical haircut of the last 50 years! (If you date it back to the 60`s anyway.)  This cut has become a staple in most salons the world over,  with many different variations and textures a bob is still a bob.  I have a couple of guests that WILL NOT... CANNOT... Ever change. The bob can be funked up to create a trendier, edgier look with colours,  and can be worn a bit more classical and almost parisian influenced with no colour and clean lines.  


I will say this I understand  where you guys are coming from!  And can recommend only this...  ADD BANGS!  Or change the colour every once in a while or I don`t know... Just don`t get stuck in that same  look for the rest of your life!  LOL!  Anyway,  just figured I`d share that thought today,  hope you got a laugh.

2011 Canadian Weblog Awards NOMINEES!!!!!

http://www.ninjamatics.com/2011-categories-and-nominees/

OMG!!! I am absolutely over the moon honoured and thrilled to have had our blog place as a finalist in the upcoming 2011 Canadian Weblog Awards!!! I am uber flattered becuase we were nominated in the first place but even more excited because we were nominated in 2 Categories! CRAZY! We have been nominated for the "Best New Weblog" and "Fashion, Style and Design categories"!!! I have to say that this is a lot more than I was expecting and that I am truly honoured and whole heartedly flattered by this. Thanks go to all of you out there who read the blog and interact with us! I thank you for continuing to send your questions in and for keeping me on my toes having to answer them! The nominees shortlist will be announced on December 1st 2011, and the winners on January 1, 2012. We are just happy to have made it this far, and are really thrilled! Thanks again guys and I guess stay tuned to find out what happens on the 1st of December! WOOOOHHOOOOO!!!!!