Happy Canada Day!

Canada eh?  The best country in the world, the one I am happy to have been born and raised in is celebrating it's birthday today. We live in a land where people are cared for, respected and guaranteed at least a chance. A chance to be successful, and a chance at life.

If you don't normally, today is your chance to celebrate a culture that is excepting, nurturing and at it's core very considerate. Today, let's take a moment to be thankful for the diverse nation we live in.

Brushed Aside...

It feels like the old world is disappearing more and more with each passing day,  I miss Blockbuster! (haha)  In all seriousness though it seems to me that living in this time has had its positives in that we do not want for anything when it comes to information and convenience.  Everything we want is at our fingertips in seconds,  and new developments happen every second and not every day per say.  We have been shown so many wonderful advantages with tech advances in all areas of our lives.


What's funny though is that we seem to forget that we did things pretty darn well in the old days too!  When it comes to hairstyling in particular I feel like we have made advances,  realized in some cases that weren't advances at all and are now stating to go back the other way!  I mean think about it,  natural,  full,  beautiful,  healthy hair IS trendy!  Its never been anything but trendy.  The way in which we achieve this look,  and this type of healthy hair in general is to do very very little to your hair!  We try our best in salon to encourage our guests to take it easy every once in a while and not go overboard with their hair care.


As an example,  hair growth is something that cannot and will not be effected by anything expect good old fashioned natural care.   An example of this is a healthy diet,  Silica,  a good mix of B vitamins,  Rest,  and most importantly  do not put your brush aside!  Brushing the hair from root out to tip ( Like Marcia Brady used to!)  is a fundamental part of healthy,  enhanced growth.  Brushing your hair at the scalp and all the way through to the ends every morning and every night can make a massive difference in conditioning,  strength,  and vitality of your hair shaft.  Making getting it longer a lot easier overall.  The reason is simple,  brushing can stimulate the follicle level of the scalp with blood,  blood that is essential in the strengthening and support of the sustained and continuos growth.  


So the point is,  avoid always looking to what's "Hot" and new in regard to hair and try to realize that what's "Hot" is often what has always been...

How To Apply Clip In Hair Extensions

A great tutorial for someone who is looking to start using extensions on a daily basis, these extensions are great and easy to use. They are inexpensive and easy to use while being long lasting and an effective way to create extra length...

Seduced By Smooth!

Today we are going to cover the second last in our series of potential new year resolutions.  Tomorrow being the last one I listed in the blog entry regarding possible hair resolutions,  products of choice.   I hope you have been getting a lot out of these because all of them keep us in business and you spending your hard earned dollars!  


These are a few ideas that can help you to minimize your exposure to damage and at the same time keep your hair looking healthy, happy and shiny!  We are going to talk about flat ironing today and figure out a couple of ways to avoid excessive use of this amazing yet damaging tool.  So,  we should start by looking at how you can start to get a little more time out of each wash.  Start by using a good heat protective product.  These are commonly called smoothing balm or relaxing fluids.  They are designed to go on the hair shaft wet and not only create an easier smoothing experience but also keep away humidity.  When the humidity is kept away the style can last longer,  not just in the summer months but also in the winter.  Another way to get a bit more time between washes is to avoid applying any "finishing" products aft flat ironing.  An example of these are shine drops or oils,  these can add the humidity you are trying to fight back onto the hair shaft.  When the hair has been ironed it is at its flattest point and therefore reflects light very well.  Meaning you will not need to enhance the shine as it should already be there very intensely.  If you find that the iron has left you with a little bit of static,  believe it or not I recommend a fabric softener sheet!  It is by far the best way to control that static without applying a topical product.  It will control the static AND ensure that you avoid that keep your style looking smooth and "soft"!  

To Wash, Or Not To Wash...

So yesterday we addressed the topic of a couple of things that some of you out there may want to audition changing in the new year.  A resolution is only good if you follow through and these are some things that made need some changing regarding your hair regimen.  The first one to address is over shampooing,  something that most of you out there seem to be doing a lot of.  Men have the luxury of shampooing every day and having it not affect their scalps much ( Their hair is much shorter).  Women on the other hand have a bit more to contend with when shampooing ( Their hair is longer and more at risk) in regard to their scalps becoming over oily and their ends drying out.  


Most of you are unaware however that the more you shampoo the more you expose your scalps to becoming greasier.  When we over stimulate the sebaceous glands in our scalp (Through over cleansing and stimulation)  they begin to produce more natural oils.  So yes it is true that if you can get into the habit of shampooing less,  your scalp will begin to adjust accordingly and produce less oil.  Soo... what`s a good resolution here?  Easy,  invest in a good dry shampoo (Talc powder with moisturizers built that help to cleanse the scalp,  get rid of smells and create volume)  and try to push out that one extra day between washes.  As you progressively space out your shampoos more and more your scalp continues to adjust making it easier and easier to go a little longer.  Your hair and scalp will be healthier and more moist after making the change!

Resolution Ideas!

Hey Folks!  hope you all enjoyed the much needed rest over the holiday period... I can tell you that we at the salon surely did!  I am sure you were all spoiled with great family time and moments that hopefully will last a very long time.


But its time to start focusing on what it is your`e a going to change for the new year!  I for one would recommend maybe looking into your haircare regime.  How many times a week do you  flat iron your hair?  How many times a week do you shampoo? How many times a week are you blowdrying?  What type of products are you using and are they quality?


The answers to these questions only you have.  What are they?  Only you can answer.  The issue is if you are doing any of those things on a more than regular basis then you probably have to start treating your hair with a bit more love and respect.  It can`t look the way you want if you don`t give back ( Like any other relationship!).  Anyway,  we will move to explain why these things are troubling to your hair and what to do about it over the next couple of days.  We just wanted to plant a seed... 

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.  

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!

Looking For The After Party?

Hey Folks!  Hope you loved little Mariah`s Tutorial video yesterday!  I thought it was hilarious, and super cute.  Considering that she is only like 4 years old she did an absolutely amazing job of those pigtails!  Anyway  as we move into the end of yet another long week today`s  question has been needing addressing for the last couple of days.  So lets get to it because Margherita has been waiting soo patiently....

"Hi there,

 

I'm trying to find out where I can purchase Bed Head by Tigi (After Party smoothing cream).  We received a container as part of a loot bag for a birthday party our daughter attended and we absolutely love it for her hair.  Do you carry this product?

 

Thanks for your help!"


Okay so Margherita,  I can say that no I do not carry this particular product however I may need to start if you are feeling like it is the perfect product for your little ones hair!  Funny enough I do carry quite a bit of the Tigi Bed Head line just not the one product you are asking about!  Anyway lets get to some options here because I would love nothing more than to make sure you get what you need.  I can go ahead and special order that product from my manufacturer and have it in by early next week if you are in the area,  I can also ship it to you if you are not.  However I should be honest in saying that quite a few drug stores in the Toronto area have started carrying the Tigi brand and may carry that exact product.  Alternatively I may just look into carrying it from now on any way,  so having said that thanks for the tip!  Anyway let me know when and if you would like that ordered,  it would truly be our pleasure.

Tame That Swirl Girl!

So the questions have been flooding in over the last little while and i want to say thank you to our readers for their commitment to having great hair and asking us for advice on just how to get there!  Its has been very flattering indeed to see all of the questions.  For a while there in the beginning I wondered if people really cared to ask questions.  It felt like maybe they wanted to read the answers but maybe not produce the question,  I can`t answer if you don`t ask!  Well,  so much for that problem... Its Been GREAT!  Having said that,  lets get to today`s... 

" Jon,  I recently started reading the blog and want to say that I think the concept of using the blog to have my hair questions answered is great.  I have a hair dilemma,  I have a bob haircut that refuses to tuck under!  It is driving me nuts because it ends up looking more like a flippy cut than a classic bob.  Do you have any tips on how I can get it to sit under a bit better?  Thanks again"


Okay,  the bob is the worlds most difficult cut to create,  I think I should start by saying that.  Anyone can look at the bob and think "What`s so hard?,  Its only one length!"  Yeah but try cutting all the hair to one even length without any dips or bevels in the line... NOT SO EASY.  What else makes the bob a difficult cut is that if you do not layer it correctly ( meaning leave the layers long enough on the inside of the cut)  then it will definitely flip up all over the place.  Now,  lets presume that your bob was cut correctly from the beginning,  you may just need to take a look at how you dry it.  IF your layers are long enough that they are situated predominately in the bottom of the shape then you may just be styling it wrong.  Because we have a circular swirl in our growth patterns,  we have to be careful in the way we dry our hair.  As an example,  the top of a baby`s head had a circular swirl that is plain to see.  Most people don`t realize that that swirl never goes away,  when we are older the hair is just longer so the swirl is less evident.  Because it is circular,  the hair on one side of your head will grow forward and the other side back,  so when we dry it we must even that out.  The way we do that is by drying both sides of the front back and off our hairline in the direction of the back of our heads.  Basically,  pull the front backward and fight the side that grows forward.  You will be shocked!  It will tuck right under.  I hope that helped and if your layers are too short let me know.... I would love to take a look! :) Fire me off an email if you need a question answered at dimauro.jon@gmail.com!

Cool BEANS gets a do!

BEAN! Who on earth does n`t LOVE BEAN! I mean I think this guy is an absolute Classic! He has that uncanny ability to mess up even the most simple of things. That is his skill in comedy anyway is n`t it? His ability to just make an absolute mockery out of getting ready for work, or even taking his car to the mechanic! I think what made him timeless is that he showcases everyday average moments in life that he managed to absolutely destroy by being a complete and utter numbskull! Anyway as one would imagine his skills are not adverse to a barber, in this episode he shows us how a mistake in identity can make for a really, really bad hair experience! Check out this vid and have yourself a real laugh!

Saturday Night Lights, Camera, Askin!!

Hey everyone! I hope your all geared up for the weekend and that its already gotten off to a positive start! Tonight on Saturday Night Lights, Camera Askin!! I review a great question I got this week. "What is the difference between Mask and Conditioner?" To be honest that is one that is slightly more difficult to answer in that technically they are the same thing... (Kind of) anyway hope I got to the point as I explain it the best I could! ...Enjoy.

Saturday Night Lights, Camera, Askin!!!

Here we are again guys with another episode of Saturday Night Lights, Camera, Askin!!! And this one had to be especially good considering the fact that this weekend is a longer one! My ugly mug has to be up there just a little longer on the blog this week! Anyway hope you enjoy it as I touch on the difference between flat ironing and blow drying your hair straight. Believe it or not one is worse for your hair than the other... Check Out This Vid!

Saturday Night Lights, Camera, Askin!!

We are BACK! With another episode of Saturday Night Lights, Camera, Askin!! This is our first episode in a couple of weeks so I try to go hard on this one and give you curly hair clients something to talk about! In this video we try to get across the best ways to create a smooth natural curl with a diffuser while not being left with the frizzies! Check it out!

Hairlarious!!!!!

Okay, every once in a while I get a tip about a video I have to check out on Youtube. When I hear about them they are usually pretty hilarious and end up on our blog. Today guys is NO different! I heard about this one from a client of mine who told me she almost wet herself when she saw it, so naturally I felt the need to look into it and see what all the fuss was about! When I took my first look at this vid I was in hysterics! I thought to myself that if I ever had a funny vid to post this was it! I mean I have clients like this! Anyway please take a minute to check it out because you won`t regret it!

Hey Hey VK !

So from time to time even the most dedicated of bloggers has to take a trip no?  I mean I really am gonna have a hard time not blogging over the next 10 days or so but... I need a VK too!  So having said that Today will be our last blog entry until Tuesday,  August 23,  2011 with the same bat time (1:30pm - 2:00pm) on this same bat channel! 

I am really excited about where I am off too,  I think they will probably have some pretty cool salons I can check out in Banff and or in Jasper Alberta!  Yipppeeeeee!  We will still be posting a daily hair tip on Facebook and a look of the day for you guys to enjoy but blogging is gonna take a side seat while I lap it up in the Rockies!  Anyway, here is hoping that you guys miss us the way I will miss writing all of you!


See you again soon...
Jon :)

Saturday Night Lights, Camera, Askin!!!

Its Saturday NIIIIIGGGGHHHHHTTTTT! I always wanted to use that theme! Hope you all had a great week and that you have enjoyed your first day of the Long Weekend! Anyway does anyone have a cowlick that needs some taming? Well in the next vid I show you just how to do that... Check it out! And have a wicked weekend!

Do The Do... YOURSELF!

Hi everyone, I am excited to get yet another week of blogging to you! I am excited because it is starting to feel to me like we are building some great momentum here. I want to let you all know that the timing behind my blog posts for today and tomorrow may be a little inconsistent as I am currently in Massachusetts! What a beautiful state that is even nicer over the Independence Day festivities of July 4. Anyway, I have been checking out some cool salons down here and getting an overall feel for hairstyling in this gorgeous part of the U.S.  However, you all know what is next sooo... Lets get to today`s question!


" I was wondering if you had any videos that showcased how to do a simple and effective updo on yourself? Thanks for considering my question."


Okay, we do and we have an amazing featured artist to show you what she can do. Our featured artist is Lindsay Plaskett, Lindsay has worked at evoke Salon for quite some time now and has ALWAYS had the gift of styling hair extremely well. She has this uncanny ability to be able to put her hair up by herself and have it look like a stylist spent hours on her hair! However, just because Lindsay is talented doesn`t mean it will be easy as pie to you! The thing is though that she was able to simplify this updo to the point where she can easily instruct you as you try to re create it. Anyway enough out of me, check out this vid that turns hair art into the easiest thing you will ever do with your hair! Thanks Lindsay for sharing your talent and I hop you all take a lot out of this video!

Saturday Night Lights, Camera, Askin!!!

Today we have some style ideas for all of the brides out there getting ready for their BIG DAY! We are gonna talk about what the "feel" has been in bridal over the past little bit, and how to get the Look yourself! Anyway, enjoy the vid and I hope that you are all having a GREAT Canada Day weekend!

Big It UP!!!

Hey Guys,  Hope you are all gearing up for a fun and fabulous weekend with friends and family!  Anyway today we`ve got another question to get to that I think you will all enjoy,  so... Here we go!


" Hi Jon!  I am just curious if you knew of any products that would be able to help me get some more volume and fullness in my fine hair?"

For sure I can!  We at evoke carry multiple lines of professional product in both of our locations.  I for one can say that having worked with all of them there are a couple of products that I feel will benefit you in different ways.  The first one is in the Rockaholic line of products by Tigi,  and is called Your Highness.  Now this is not one particular product but a range of four or five.  I do think that you would benefit from the whole line because they all provide great results for different reasons.  The one I love most though would be the Thickening gel.  I find that on fine hair it really works to create lift all over and not weigh the hair down.  This is all over volume that will last all day!

The other one is a product that you can apply all over in spray form and that is awesome for the days you do nothing with your hair and just want that thick gritty sea side feel.  The product I am referring to is called Davines Sea Salt Spray.  we love this product for all the right reasons, it works, is relatively affordable for its size, and is easy (really easy) to use in that you spray it in and let your hair dry!  Hope These ideas helped and let me know if you have any more questions at dimauro.jon@gmail.com