Dare To Care... Go Green!!! Green Circle Salons

Here is a peek at what went down at this year`s Green Living Show which took place this past weekend at the Direct Energy Centre in Toronto`s Exhibition Place. We were involved in the show with our guest artist Ryan Yee performing haircuts live at the Green Circle Salons booth. Ryan went down and contributed his time to an awesome cause as all of the hair that he cut down there went directly into hair boons! In our salons we work closely with GCS (Green Circle Salons) to lower our emissions as a salon and an industry as a whole. All hair cut in our establishments is given to GCS so that hair boons can be created and used for oil spill situations. We also recycle our foil with GCS and are proud to be green establishments! Check Out This Video!!!



We love Green Circle Salons!


Jon Di Mauro

Greasy?... eeewww!

Yeah it is,  it`s gross! Not for anything but as a stylist I gotta say that we don`t exactly love having you in on your forth day without a hair wash! No... Seriously!

Especially when there are some great ways for it to not be as evident that it has been that full four days! With all of the dry shampoos out there on the market place I am truly confused as to how people aren`t just all over these products. There are so many benefits to a good dry shampoo that I believe anyone who has a longer length or even mid length hair and pushes out that one extra day NEEDS to know about. 


Now let`s make one thing clear, any self respecting hairstylist would want for their clients to be pushing out that one extra day (simply because less washing = less dryness).  However you`ve got to be prepared.  And being prepared today means owning, understanding, and using a great dry shampoo.


Dry Shampoos are meant to be a quick fix to the shampoo dilemma, in that they will not replace good old fashioned water and shampoo. However, what they will do is give that clean, fresh, and workable hair you want on the "lazy" day. They are meant to be applied at the scalp area and massaged or brushed through the hair. Once you have completed that you can then move into starting to restyle the days look. As an example, if you had a flat iron curl set in your hair and you did it on Tuesday and today is Friday and it needs a restyle you would:

1) Take sections of hair elevate them and spray the dry shampoo at the root.       
2) Then you would massage the product into your scalp and run it through your ends.
3) Next, use your brush to brush out all your hair.
4) Last step, take your flat iron and restyle those curls girl!


It`s just that simple and can leave you feeling cleaner, restyled, ready to take on the rest of your day with a fresh "new" style. There a couple that we have found work really well at our salons, one of which is Dirty Secret from Tigi`s Rockaholic line.  Its light weight, smells like fresh lemon, and is not that pricey of a product.  Anyway sorry to come out harsh in the beginning but WHOA I needed to get that one off my chest.  Hope it helps you help me!  ;)

Jon Di Mauro

I Hope You Go BALD!

This is NUTS!
There really isn`t very much more to say than that. I mean, I know that this is the second video day in a row and I know that what you really want is hair tips (which I promise will be back soon, like tomorrow) but c`mon I had to post this vid! When you watch it you will definetly understand why! Let`s put it this way, it involves a group of weirdos who decide that deodorant or hairspray are good things to spray onto your hair before you apply a flame to it! As a stylist I am pleased to see people having a great time with their hair, and believe me we love the business and you will definitely need that fixed! However, as a regular everyday dude, I think these guys are idiots and should be left bald! I mean there are quite a few guys out there that have been thinning out and would love the hair these dudes have! Believe me the last thing they`d do is set it on fire! It just goes to show you that at this point even people with absolutely NO talent can end up on YouTube! Check This Out...





Jon Di Mauro

Seriously Rockin "hair" by The Cowsills

This is the latest Youtube video to put a HUGE smile on my face! Anyone who watches this video will immediately be brought a wonderfully huge grin. I mean what I find amazing about this clip is that most of us will watch this and think that there is NO way, I repeat NO way that this whole group isn`t high while recording this! First of all hair should never ever be this big! Second of all, they either hair more than life itself or got paid A LOT of money to dance around like this.


The funny part about it though is that this was a group that did the family jam well before the Partridge family did their thing! This family was seriously PUMPED on hair! It looks to me like the one thing that had them all moving and shaking... Literally. I think that big hair is back, and if not all the way yet than very soon. However, Cowsills I don`t think its coming back like this! Check Out this CrAzY tune performed by "The Cowsills" in concert in (1969)...





Jon Di Mauro

Saturday Night Lights, Camera, Askin!!!

So here I am interacting! Send me your hair questions cause i`ve got your answers! Check Out This Video for more details!

Make Sure You're Weddy!

So, we have moved into the spring and with that comes Bridal season. This season for salons is crazy busy!  This means that if you have a specific hairstylist who does your hair, chances are his or her time could already be spoken for! I know that many brides in the making have already made the call, but for those who haven't yet, soon (or now) might be a good idea!


As a stylist I am amazed at just how nonchalant some clients can be regarding hairstyling for their wedding. If you are getting married this coming spring or summer, then you should already have your appointment booked to see your stylist of choice. Also, if it is important to you to have your whole bridal entourage together that day, then they are gonna need to have their appointments booked too. Just as fast as venues are booked, your hairstylist may be as well. Let`s not forget that at this time of year there are a lot of people tying the knot. Check out some more bridal hairstyles here.


Your appointment on the big day should bring together everything that you've envisioned.  All of the details: the ideas, the concepts for your style, the pinning, the curling, the height, and anything else that your look entails, MUST be decided on well before! For every bride, we recommend you have a trial at least one month prior to your big day. The trial should be included in your final price and should be booked as a longer appointment (like at least an hour and a half). During this appointment you will show pics, clarify your wants, listen to recommendations, and of course perform the entire style. Every single step included, and every single pin placement should be reviewed. This way you won`t end up sharing the same expression Kate Hudson showed in Bride Wars...

Do your research ladies! More and more salons are realizing that this is a HUGE day for you, and they`re starting to put together really great wedding packages that you and your girls will love! As an example, what`s wrong with a bridal mimosa at 9am? Absolutely Nothing! Anyway, what I`m saying is, look into what it is they offer and that you get the most value for your money. More importantly, make sure that you see eye to eye and jive with your hairstylist. The way to find that out (unless you`ve already got one) is to make sure you book a consultation right off the bat. If the hairdresser is open and listens well, chances are they will have patience and be able to give you exactly what you need.


These are a couple of important things to make sure you have in place for the months leading up to your big day. I am sorry if I stressed you out but... someone had to kick your butt into gear! Get on it girl and make sure your big day is EXACTLY what you`ve dreamed of; you deserve it. I could talk about this all day! Moral of the story...  Make sure your Weddy!


Jon Di Mauro

More than just "the fresh maker"

I had to put this out there because it had me in stitches! I love Mentos anyway but after this I may become a much larger consumer of their product! They have always made some pretty darn funny commercials but this one took the cake/mint for me. Maybe this is why they`ve stopped training young hairstylists to use a straight razor! I can honestly say that I have been fortunate enough to have never needed to think this quickly and cover up a mistake, BUT if I needed to, this would be an absolutely amazing way to do it! It`s obvious that good humour is universal! Check this Out!





Jon Di Mauro

Hot Right Now?... Undercutting!

Remember Docs? What about the Plaid shirts we used to tie around our waists? Or  do you remember Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, hole, and so on and so forth! I remember  a lot about the nineties, and all of it I loved!  However, the one thing I remember most, is the thing I was so attached to... My undercut. Oh yeah, I used to LOVE my undercut! I rocked it for like two years! Thank goodness it`s made its comeback because it`s such a cool look.  So edgy and trendy, I love it on both men and women and in all its variations. Check out this amazing version below done by Ashley Nurisso at our Bloor  location the other day.

Over the last three months I would say that I have about 6 guests that I have personally introduced some form of under cutting to.  Men and women alike, this look attracts and inspires both.  I remember having my sides and back buzzed to a 1 or 2 maximum! that`s pretty short folks! I would then leave the top much longer and slick it back with a Dippity Do medium hold gel.  On winter days I remember my hair freezing on the way to 9 o`clock homeroom!

Anyway Under cuts are back HUGE, and you may have noticed as many stars and musicians are starting to adopt the look (Rihanna).  I think it`s a look that might be around for a little while considering that we are just now seeing people begin to be daring enough to take it back old school!  Speaking of school, that to me is an indication of just how long I think this trend will last. I think this will for sure be this spring and summer`s hottest trend, leading us right up till back to school.

This is a play back from a time in my life when music, friends, chillin, underage drinking, and learning to play an instrument (or saying you were learning) were the coolest things out there. I think our music is also being influenced by it and so too is our fashion. The ripped jeans with the big holes on the knee and ruffled un-hemmed bottoms are again on the rise! and so are all of the other trends. Men are going to have a blast with trend because, its cool and can still be manipulated into looking somewhat conservative for the office. I am loving what I have been seeing on Queen, and am happy the Doc martin store is rockin busy! I really hope more and more of us adopt this trend with open arms as its cool in a variety of textures, lengths, colours and styles.

Have fun with your hair and rock this look because it won`t be around that long and then you will have to wait another 20 years to get it back! So pulled out that old plaid and those doc`s. Clean the dust off those cassettes and bring it back, because we really loved the 90`s for all they were! A rockin good time with great music, relaxed clothing, and some damn good hair gel!


Jon Di Mauro

Tying The Net !!!

So maybe i`m a tad bit premature but... I don`t care! I NEED the warm weather! Like it`s not a want anymore, but a true and undeniable need! So I figure that if I want the warm weather I need to will it on. Logical I think... hope it works. I figure nothing signifies the change of season better than the commencement of wedding season. With the spring comes the brides generally speaking, and hopefully that sentiment is proven right considering we have our first wedding of the year this weekend.  Anyway, the idea behind this post was not to banter on about my NEED for summer, but to discuss a wedding trend I love.

We have been asked repeatedly about these beautiful head pieces that have gorgeous flowy nets attached to them. From a male perspective I must say I love them! I think it is such a sexy and yet classical look. It is the type of look that works whether you have long or short hair. I have seen many women look into these pieces and then get shy and back away! I cannot understand this, I see how it would take a bit of confidence to try and pull the look off but any thing beats covering your whole head with a vale! Whether they have the little built in hats or are constructed by feathers they are beautiful. One peice of advice from your stylist here, make sure they are constructed with a spot for your hairdresser to cross pin them on. They can be a little flimsy at times if not applied correctly.

So many women sport this look so well!  I feel like it is still a very versatile, trendy and more modern alternate to the old school traditional stuff.  I will tell you this much,  I hope my fiance is ready this because I am secretly pushing her in this direction. I guess that wasn`t much of a secret! Babe, if your listening... I really like these!



Jon Di Mauro

DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME !!!

Okay although I must admit I have seen some pretty cool cuts done by people on themselves (yeah, yeah strange I know!) 99.9% of the time it ends like this. I think its amazing that there are so many talented and creative individuals who feel it`s okay to attack their hair with scissors! and I cant lie it can work depending on what you`re doing. However, you have to be someone who is okay with maybe lookin a little grungy! If you work in the corporate world I cannot stress to you enough that this is not for you. Now, having said that some people are a little more daring and care just that much less. It takes guts and confidence to grab a pair of kitchen scissors and start going to work on your head! Even this young lady (Gash) seems daring enough and then... Well take a look for yourself. I`ll tell you this, it got a great reaction out of us!





Jon Di Mauro

evoke salon Hits Up the 2011 ABA !!!

ABA 2011 was on fire! We love to get out there and see what is happening in hair, staying current depends on it. evoke prides itself on trying to stay ahead of the trends and see what is next, soo we HAD to attend the year`s biggest show in our city! Here we take you on a little journey of the ABA showing you some of the bigger stages and overall show feel. We love going on the Monday because you always find a lot of students who are pumped and into it, who we are inspired by. This year there were some great stages and exhibitions, with lots of the bigger brands well represented. Matrix had a cool theme in that they had two exhibits, with one main stage and a side trailer.


We got to mingle with some old friends and collegues in a laid bak setting and take in some of the work on display for a change! We were also very impressed with the Procter and Gamble stage. It was impressive that all thier brands were represented, and they had a real prescence after taking a whole corner of the convention centre.

Hats off to L`Oreal and Redken also who had some great set-ups and talented artists to match. A trend that we embraced in our shops over the last little bit is under-cutting. Remeber the 90`s guys and gals? it back huge and with great colour placements and hard base lines to match! We love this edgy look! Anyway, Great show, we were happy to get the chance to share some ideas and inspiratrion. Check this Out!









Jon Di Mauro

Who Needs a Piano Bar? Hair in The Lobby at the Hilton Hotel!

So if you haven`t yet noticed we don`t exactly care where we do hair! evoke Salon prides itself on truly believing that everyone should be okay with having their hair done anywhere and at anytime! It could be that we just love what we do that much or that we just like to get down and dirty wherever and whenever we can! Seriously we love startling people with where we might pop up to do hair next. As you will be able to see in this video the Hilton lobby in Austin Texas was no different. In this clip we decided to go live to air on the hit online show POP17 from the lobby at the Hilton. We figured that this might draw some attention sooo... WHY NOT! This was a lot of fun as the host Sarah Austin and Leora Isreal were up for it and in a big way. Hey, they needed their hair done for an amazing paparazzi style entrance in to a V.I.P Nikon party we all later attended. We Love This video... Check it Out!



Jon Di Mauro

An Icon in style... Liz.

I know that people have been pumping out blog entries regarding Liz Taylor like crazy over the last couple of days,  we have lost a real icon.  Liz Taylor in her heyday was a real beauty.  She set new trends in hair and fashion that lots of other celebs only dreamed of.  Liz was around to watch and be part of one of the most inspirational times in fashion and hair.  She was one of the first celebs who was really able to embrace her sexuality and show that on film.  Many stars during that era were pushing the envelope in style and fashion, such as Audrey Hepburn, Twiggy and of course Liz herself. She sported this phenomenal short style early on and it caught like wildfire,  sparking a generation of women to take the plunge and try out short locks on their own.

It didnt stop there either because as time went on she realized that this new form  of exposure worked for her. She really was a sex symbol and could live that out not just in her amazing beauty.  She personified the lead actress and star,  and influenced so many young women in her time.  As she got older (two or three husbands in ; ) ) She started to take on the role of elegance that we have come to see from her.  Liz was always an elegant women but she went from being pretty much a sex symbol,  to be sultry and sophisticated.

 

She rocked out some awesome styles over the years and looked amazing during the 70`s and 80`s.  I was particularly attracted to her look during the seventies.  I mean just look at this photo of her all waved out and smokin!  She really did have some of the most beautiful features we have seen on a woman! Beautiful eyes,  gorgeous cheekbones and of course that amazing hair.  

One last shot to showcase just how great she looked sporting an absolute signature 80`s look.  I think she pulled of a look that a lot of women tried to during that time and failed miserably!  C`mon girls you know what i`m talking about,  tell me you looked good when you hair was styled like this! Well, good but not Liz good. Maybe I have a bias...

Anyway, Liz will live on in our hearts for years to come and be remembered for much more than her hair.  I for one will always remember her in Cleopatra and be in love!  Liz Taylor... an icon the world and hair industry alike will never ever forget.

Jon Di Mauro

the HAIR DARE !!!

I am going to start and finish this post saying that I am proud of and inspired by the WONDERFUL team we have with us at evoke Salon.  I can honestly say that I am astonished, overwhelmed and feel truly fortunate to be surrounded by great people everyday.  When J and I opened our doors in July of 2002 I can`t say we thought we were going to luck out with the team we have.  A team that is as compelled and driven to make change as we are, and not just when it comes to hair either!  As you have seen in our recent blog entries Jason and I were in Texas recently  for this year`s SXSW.  However, BECAUSE we have an amazing team, evoke keeps on moving with or without us!  As was evident on Monday the 14th of March 2011.

The HAIR DARE is a wonderful cause that we were very happy and fortunate to be involved in.  It all started when a great client of ours named Grace Poon (@grayspoontweets) came in to see Erin Bick at our Bloor St. location. Grace mentioned to Erin that she was going to be putting together a fund raiser and that she was curious whether or not we would like to be involved (we would ALWAYS like to be involved! In pretty much anything and everything!) So, we then took a little trip over to thehairdare.com and looked at the why? section on the top bar, it reads...

"Children across the world suffer from conditions like cancer treatments, alopecia and burns in which they lose some or all of their hair. There are a few organizations out there who help to alleviate some of the pain of losing hair by providing hair prosthetic to children made from real hair in hopes that they can help restore their self-esteem and face their situation with greater confidence".

We read one paragraph and realized that not only were we willing to support this cause,  we were willing to sponsor it,  donate to it, and be actively involved in spreading its word!  I really believe that the hair dare will make a great impact on the lives of children in need in Toronto. This is a specialized cause that works with local organizations to really have an immediate and lasting impact... and its like crazy fun to do! We cannot wait to do it all again next year, and the year after and etc...

What really made us proud though was the effect it seemed to have on our team,  who seemed to really feel like they were a part of something bigger and really worth while.  I look at the amazing images provided by Justin Ing also known as @sensei88 and can really see how happy everyone was to be involved and make a great change. Well,  here check out the link for your self! ... 

http://bit.ly/eoJJgS

Anyway, we were inspired by our staff and the commitment that they showed.  We were captivated by this amazing dare that these wonderful women followed through with! This took a lot dedication showed by so many people to make this happen!  Grace,  you are an amazing girl with a wonderful cause.  Justin we thank you so much for bringing it to life on film! Chenessa a.k.a @_chenessa we thank you for your generous gifts and involvement.

Thank you to our fantastic team for taking care of home base while we were away, and for performing some awesome changes on some inspired women! Please check out theHAIRDARE.com to live the dare next year!

Jon Di Mauro

SXSWi... Incredible.

We had an absolutely incredible experience at this years SXSWi;  we went down there to do the hair of one specific person and came home having made great connections with some fantastic people.  Quite frankly, it feels like the book "the secret" played itself out for us in Texas.

Originally we had contacted Gary Vaynerchuk and were heading down to "South By" (as I have learned to call it) specifically to cut his hair live on stage after his keynote.  Unfortunately, rules and regulations governing this event didn't allow for this to happen as planned, which we were informed of the night before we were scheduled to leave!  Well,  it all worked out in the end as the crew at Vaynermedia were quick to make other arrangements.  We were told that although this could not happen on stage,  Gary would  be happy to have us back at his condo where we could cut his hair and talk shop for a while.  This was a trade off we were happy to make,  as any face time with a guy as inspiring and cutting edge as Gary is Great time!

What made this whole story feel like something so special was that it did not stop there!  Just before Valentine`s Day of this year, we were invited to an incredible event called #LoveAHeart.  So, citing the fact that we are inspired by being social busy bodies, we gladly attended.  This event was amazing for many reasons, primarily because we were able to donate a substantial amount of money to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.  We did this by bidding on and winning dates with some cool cats (our party is on the way folks... stay tuned) that were auctioned off for charity.  The other reason hammers home the point of "the secret" in that we met a Great new friend in Leora Israel.  If we thought we were social busy bodies, she is incredible and turned out to be in contact with some of the sweetest and most influential people in the social media world!  Through Leora (who we kept looking Great the whole trip!) we were able to get off a plane and go straight to work... which did not end!  We were able to meet and style hair for the Facebook team,  who were great hosts.

Randi Zuckerberg is the sister of Mark Zuckerberg and is an absolute sweetheart!  It honestly felt like I was doing her hair in the salon,  because she reminded me of so many of my great clients.  We also were  happy to style the hair of Erin and Charles,  two key members of the Facebook team (We love our T-shirts!)   


                           


We had an incredible time and were very happy to have encountered some amazing people who we learned a lot from.  A special thanks goes out to Leora for having been so influential in us building so many great relationships.  Keep your eyes peeled,  because this is the beginning for us!  We are so pumped and excited by the ideas and opportunities running through our heads,  and look forward to sharing.

Jon DiMauro