The Future Is Now...

So thank you all so very much for coming to this crazy little blog everyday and reading/skimming/watching or whatever it is you do when you get here.  The other day I posed a question on our Facebook page and asked what you all thought about the prospect of spending 25% more for your technical services (Hair Colouring,  Straightening etc...)  and I was given some phenomenal feedback that I very much appreciated.  The reason of course is that as a salon we are now moving into what we believe in and feel will be the future of this great industry. 


To start to offer services in your professional environment that are different and are cutting edge is always a plus as a salon owner.  Having said that I believe we are all aware that sometimes we are a little resistant to change.  From guests to staff  this will be a real test,  remaining optimistic in the face of a new colour when you are soo comfortable with you are currently using will take adjustment.  I believe as do my staff and partners that this is the way the world is heading.  I for one have started to make REAL change in my life through diet, environment, and above all cosmetics.  From choosing shampoos that are Gluten Free,  Certified Organic, Local,  and Vegan to choosing styling products that are free of plastic i`ve done it all with real success.  I now feel that we as a salon owe it not only to ourselves but also to our guests to try and show them that they can achieve the same great colours and styles while minimizing their exposure to harmful ingredients,  and being kinder to the environment at the same time.


So we ask that you give us a little time to work out the kinks and get going but we do want to letter you all know that soon ( very soon) we will having some GREAT alternatives to your current hair care regime that WILL allow you,  me,  and our staff,  the whole environment in general a chance to rest a little easier.  So stay tuned....

Get That Roxy Wave!

A very cool way to create the sexy beach look you all want! AND its shown to you by a company that knows beach looks...ROXY. Personally I love their clothes and the company image as a whole. Thought you might wanna check this cool vid cause I got a kick out of it....

Free As Her Hair...

If she ever gets sick of the music industry I think she may already have her next career lined up! I mean she not only dressed the Christmas windows at Barneys completely in hair this year, she preceded it with this!...





And WE LOVE HER for it!

This Deserves A Bow!

One Of The cutest styles I have seen performed on the internet! This girl is a fantastic artist who obviously knows her stuff! Check Out This great tutorial!....

Going GAGA at Barney`s

So every year in good old NY they go crazy at department stores dressing their windows,  this year was absolutely NO different!  The real exception though is one from Lady Gaga who apparently has some pretty outrageous dreams.  Gaga designed the Boudoir window at Barney`s this year and she took her inspiration from a dream she had,  pretty crazy dreams I guess!  She designed the entire interior of the window using hair!  Both human and synthetic.  For me this is a real treat as one would imagine and so I decided to share it with you, check this out. I thought it was truly impressive and very very well done!

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!

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!!!!!

Fashion`s Hot Week!

So its Fashion Week!!! As everyone probably already knows! Anyway I wanted to share with you all a cool vid I found on Youtube that I was very inspired by. This is the backstage prep area for Vivienne Westwood at the Paris show. It is a long vid but I was truly inspired by he hair and makeup being used on set. Very cutting edge and beautiful work was on display and I am realizing that I really like her feel. Anyway a short post with a long video that follows is often all that one can post during this week! Considering that its sometimes better to do less talking and get more inspiration!

Bringin` It Back!

Hello everyone,  and I am sorry if any of you feel like it was me who jinxed the weather by being so optimistic and happy that it was still beautiful out there!... My Bad.  I hope at least that it does n`t last any longer than necessary,  because if there is one type of weather  condition I hate its rain!  Well,  lets get right to it here and work on today`s question.


"Hi there,  I was wondering if you could give me some advice here.  I know that fashion moves in decades and considering that we are coming out of the 80`s era,  will the 90`s be next?  The reason I ask is because I would really like to have my hair cut into that Rachel from friends shape again.  I LOVED THAT CUT,  it was just soo easy and I would love to wear it again.  Am I dreaming?"

NO!  You are FAR from dreaming!  I am amazed to  have been asked this question and had to answer it because believe it or not I just did that classic shape on a girl in her late teens the other day!  I found that extremely interesting because you do not normally have a younger clientele like that asking for a look that was around when they were like 8 or 9!  It was awesome and confirmed for me that YES! We ARE moving back into the 90`s with this next wave of fashion and hair.  I was soo happy to perform the cut because I knew that she was ahead of the curve by asking for it and that we at evoke LOVE to try and beat the clock and get to these trendy looks fast.  I am so pumped by this upcoming trend that I even decided to start trying to sell it to guests in advance... Kind of like a sneak peek!  Anyway,  DO NOT Hesitate!  Get it done today!

Top CROP!

YES!!  This summer just won`t quit! Thank goodness!  I mean we are getting away with wearing shorts out there still!  CRAZY!  Anyway,  hopefully you are all enjoying this amazing weather and taking it in for all that its worth.  I have a great question to answer today for a guest who has been quite patient in waiting for my reply!  Let`s get to it!...

"I have short, relatively thick, grey hair. My stylist left my current salon. Because the owner feels “short cuts are easy”, I have been assigned on the last two occasions to new hairstylists. Neither gave me the look I like/asked for: quite short and funky/spiky. I think short cuts are tough to do. My hair likes to grow forward and I have 4 cowlicks to contend with. This last cut gave me what I call a “Caesar-like” look. Can you recommend me to the best stylist Evoke (Eglinton & Yonge) has for short hair? I’d like to take Sara up on her enthusiastic recommendation and thought I would take advantage of your Q&A blog to find the right stylist for me".


I can for sure!  I would recommend that you check out Ergys Tafilica as your go to guy!  He is AWESOME when it comes to creating short, textured looks that have an edge to them.  Ergys is our senior most stylist at the Yonge and Eglinton location and has worked for the company for 8 years now.  He is stylist to Rick Campanelli of ET Canada has  earned a reputation for being and industry leader with his eclectic collection of Trendsetting edgy cuts that set the bar for cutting edge fashion.  A real people person with a penchant for change and progression,  I think you would not only have a great time being in Ergys` chair but also really love the finished product!  Hope that helped and please let me know how it goes Lorraine! Thanks again for your question and sorry for my tardy response!

Your Natural Progression...

WOW Its Cold out there!  I can`t believe that the weather switched literally over night!  I am amazed and quite upset that this could be the case considering that we are still in September!  Anyway,  it is what it is,  unfortunate as that may be for all of the celebs here for TIFF ( although I must say I don`t feel too bad considering next month while I freeze they will be in FIGI or something!)  So, without any further adieu lets get to today`s question shall we?


" Jon,  How do I know when the right time to change my look is?  I am pretty bored of what I am currently wearing but just don`t know what else to do."

Well in that case I generally recommend giving something else a shot,  I mean I always say that it is hair and that we should try to have some fun with it.  The ideal situation would be that you take a look through some of the styles you see on others and get a feel for what it is you are thinking.  OR if you feel confident in your stylists abilities,  let them offer you some suggestions.  When looking to change I believe you should first assess what type of change you are looking for,  meaning do you want to push the envelope and really make a vast change or will the addition of bangs be enough for you to feel re-inspired?  The level of change that person is looking for MUST be assessed first,  because if you came to me and said I want a change I would try to get a read for what you were thinking first.  I mean is cutting it all off and dying it black what your`e  thinking or would you be happy to add a couple of different tones to what you already have and cut a shorter fringe?  That you need to answer first.  Then gather inspiration,  ask friends what they think,  or even go online and get a better idea of what is out there that you love.  When you have gathered your research,  your stylist will have to be on point to get you what you are looking for.  Hope that helped and please feel free to get back to me with any more questions at Dimauro.jon@gmail.com!

Timing Is Everything...

WOW we have a hot day here today!  Amazing that we are into September and even though the days are obviously getting shorter we at least still have some really hot weather out there!  It feels today like its 30 degrees out there!  Hopefully this is a sign of things to come over the next month and a half,  we get that stretched out summer we all love.  Today I have a pretty good question to answer for you all so here we go!

"I`m trying to grow my hair out a little longer and am a wondering when the right time to come in for a cut again is.  I was at the salon about three weeks ago and was told I should be there in six weeks,  so I guess I would like some confirmation from you.  Is it normal to get your hair cut every six weeks if you want it to grow?  I have a long bob currently and would love to grow it out long,  Thanks for your response."

The simple answer is NO!  Just like you cannot tailor a suit that fits every man perfectly,  you cannot tailor a women`s hair cut schedule.  I generally recommend to my clients that they book they`re cuts every 8-12 weeks for that very reason.  Although your stylist is correct in telling you that your ends need maintaining if you want your hair to grow,  the timeline (for me) seems a little off.  When I have a guest who is trying to let it grow out I generally recommend that they stay as far away as possible from me for as long as they can.  Although your ends should be neat in order to see your new length growing in,  hair DOES NOT GROW FROM YOUR ENDS!  It grows from your roots!  My best advice would be that you should eat clean and get all your vitamins and then stay away and wait until you just can`t deal with the ends anymore.  When that time arrives you need to see your stylist fro a MILD trim to tidy the ends and continue to allow that new length to come in.  Lighten up you're styling a little and don`t fuss much with your hair,  this has its place in helping new growth also.  Hope this helped out,  and that you end up with luscious "Pantene" like flowy locks!

Are You scared of the Dark?

Alright,  so this is how I know that we are getting closer to the fall,  When I start hearing the initial grumblings about whether or not its time to go dark!  Around this time ladies everywhere start to think about what colour they want to be over the fall season and into Christmas ( a great time for a hairstylist!)  So I was not surprised at all by the question I received from Sarah in Toronto,  lets take a look at it and I hope to answer some of your questions along the way!....


"Hey, I was just curious whether or not it was too early to get into a darker tone now?  Or should I wait a little longer until it gets a bit colder out?"

The answer to that question is simple... Do NOT RUSH SUMMER!  No in all seriousness it depends on your personal feeling.  I mean there was n`t really a reason to get away from the dark tones to begin with,  in that colour is very much a personal thing.  I feel like ladies should go slightly lighter in the spring but not sway to far because come this time of year most will want to go back to a warmer and deeper tone.  The amount of work required in going darker from that lighter shade,  and the amount it costs is lessened  if you haven't gone too much lighter.  However, at this time I have to say that yes (even though I am not ready for it)  the summer is winding down,  and if you are not planning to see your stylist again prior to October or even November than now is the time to deepen it up.  Gather some pics,  and prepare yourself for your visit as there are many deeper tones to choose from.  Also,  make sure that if your stylist is taking you a little darker they "fill" the hair shaft first to allow for better staying power in your colour.  Thanks again for your question Sarah and I hope to have answered it effectively!

Best Bangs For Your Buck!

Hello out there! Hope you are all doing well and getting out to the EX on the weekends! I know, I know no one really likes the EX because that spells end of summer... :( But it can still be a really great time you know! Anyway today we have a question that comes to use from a wonderful client of mine named Evie! I was happy to get her question on the blog today instead of in salon! Thanks for your ongoing contribution Evie (always engaging us through social) You Rock!

Anyway, here is what Evie wants to know...

Hi Jon! Hope all is well with you. I've decided to take you/your blog up on asking a question (finally, right?!). 

So I'm wondering (on behalf of my sister) what type of bangs you suggest for girls with ROUND faces? She's a little hesitant because she doesn't want the roundness of her face to be too accentuated but is also looking for a change.

I would always try to remember as a rule for women with round face shapes that the overall length of your face is slightly shorter than most.  I`m sorry! I know that sounds terrible but it`s not it`s just the truth :(  The fact is that the reason your face looks round is not because it IS,  but because it is not as long as others so it naturally looks fuller and rounder.  This does not have to be a bad thing in that you just need to create styles that suites a shorter face shape.  So,  having said that the last you want to do is shorten it further by placing a bang directly on your eyebrows and making your face shape shorter,  now your focus is directed between your eyes and your chin,  Make sense?  What I am trying to get across is that ideally if you would like a bang as a change and you have a shorter, rounder face shape than make sure that you choose a bang that still part of your forehead.  An example would be the traditional side swept bang or as a cooler more trendy option the pixie bang is perfect,  it opens up your entire face shape while giving you some interest on your forehead!  Such a cute look and for the record ladies,  cute to a straight man MEANS Sexy!

Please Continue to send your queries guys to dimauro.jon@gmail.com!

Dip It, Dip It Good!... da da da da... da da!

What is next?  What is hot?  What is Trending?...  Well,  this is what we are asked on a daily basis in salon.  Its what we as stylists try to stay on top of and what we feel it is our responsibility to know.  So when we are asked a question that relates to what is current we get excited enthusiastic and just overall pumped to share that with you!  Today is gonna be no different... today I was asked the question that every trendy stylist wants to be asked!

"What is Hot right now Jon?  I am looking to do something edgy and funky with my colour so if you could recommend anything what would it be?"

YEEEEESSSSSS!!!!!!  I got asked!! Awesome!  Okay so when it comes to trends there are so many different things we could talk about!  The mere thought of it excites the crap outta me!  But,  what she really wants to know about is colour.  I mean in my world and in the world of most hair stylists the two go hand in hand but alright then I guess I can just focus on the one :(  Anyway,  trends are ever changing,  trends are created and re-created every single minute!  But when it comes to what I think is hot right now no doubt its Tie dye hair colour!  Ever since Miss Conrad (Lauren that is) decided it would be a good idea to redo this hot 80's look women everywhere are going batty for tie dye.  It is a hot look that can be achieved relatively easily and can change and be progressed with ease.  Anyway in salon we are achieving this look by literally dipping the hair in dye,  its hilarious and a lot of fun.  Having said that you could probably achieve this at home with food colouring just as easily.  Its soo cool and takes very little to achieve and maintain.  Anyway as a piece of advice I recommend that you look into it and if its not too funky go for it! you won't regret it!  I mean look how beautiful the image above is!

The Quick Dry Love Glove!!!

Have too much hair?  Are you having a hard time figuring out how to get all that hair dry fast enough?  Well,  you are in luck!  I was asked a question that directly relates to the situation and we are using a solution in salon that rocks!  One that makes it faster,  easier,  and a lot more fun to get it dry fast!  Check it out...

"Hi Jon,  I am enjoying your "Look Of The Day" and all the hair advice,  thanks for putting it out there.  I finally have a question to ask of my own,  I was wondering if you new any other ways that I could dry my hair quicker and with a little more ease.  I am a new mom and finding the time to dry my hair correctly is hard to do.  Thanks for your help and keep up the fun!"

Okay so before I get started I gotta say that I absolutely love this product!  I mean we have been using this product in our salons for the past couple years and we have never had any problems.  We use it on most guests and have seen them last quite along time for the amount of usage they get!  The product is called the "Hand Dry Hair Glove" an amazingly innovative tool that allows you to dry your hair faster and smoother before picking up your brush and blowdryer.  I love it and recommend it to most guests,  even if you have fine hair.  The only difference is that for a fine haired client it will be even more effective!  Anyway, awesome product great results at a fair price ($24.95 Canadian per pair) Check them out they work great!

Rainy Day Hair Wear!

Hey guys hope you are all doing well and figuring out a way to stay dry during this torrential down pour that we are experiencing! Its crazy how much rain! But, what I will say is that its about time that we have a little cause it was starting to feel like Phoenix with all that dry and desert like weather. Anyway I figure the best thing I can do for you today is to show you a video that will make styling your hair in this weather a lot easier. The main objective with weather like this is to create a hairstyle that will last AND look good! And what I always tell my guests is that when the weather is this wet and soggy your best option is to tuck it away as cleanly and beautifully as possible, leaving you some real style in the process. In this vid Lindsay Plaskett (Our self style expert!) shows you an awesome way to do just that, check it out!

Current Crops

Hey Folks,  Hope you enjoyed yesterday`s clip!  That vid had me in stitches and I was hoping it would do the same for you!  Today however we get right down to business and start doing what we do best again...  ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS!

"Hi,  Thanks for taking the time to answer this in advance.  I decided recently that I needed a change and that it was going to come through my hair style.  Wrong decision!  I got butchered at my local hair salon as they cut my hair into a bob when I wanted it shoulder length!  Anyway,  the only plus I can see here is that I have always wanted to try a pixie cut,  what better time then now?!  So,  my question is how do I pick a current and trendy pixie?  I am a little weary because I find that they can often look very dated if not done right.  Any suggestions?"

For Sure!  I have to start by saying that I am sorry about your last experience and hope whatever you do next works out a whole lot better!  Anyway,  IF you decide to go the rest of the way and try out a pixie than all the power to you (there are some great cuts for you between a bob and a pixie!)  I am also very very impressed to hear you say that pixie can look dated!  You would be shocked at just how many people are unfortunately unaware of this!  Anyway,  when looking for a great short cut I have two to three celebs who`s hair I just love to channel because they are ALWAYS current.  One of these is Pink,  who always seems to get great short cuts and push the envelope just enough to appear uber trendy and edgy.  The next is Sienna Miller who wore about three short cuts in a row there that were absolutely AWESOME!  The best however I always save for last and the best in this case is definetly the one and only Rihanna!  I mean she can wear short crops like no one I have ever seen.  I am gonna gather some shots for you at the bottom and recommend that you look through carefully and choose one that best suits your face shape.  If you have a round face avoid cuts that are exposing of your cheeks and jaw line,  if you have a long face shape try to expose them as much as possible! I hope these help and good look the next time round OR... I am located at 2213 Bloor St. West in Toronto! 

The Extra Rinse...

So I know that for the most part I just keep on answering your questions here. And I have to say that the feedback has been encouraging, people like asking questions and enjoy them being answered. BUT... from time to time I wanna throw these "different" blog entries at you guys because if I found them entertaining then maybe you guys will too!


Considering that we have had an absolutely scorching summer in Toronto (for which I personally am VERY happy) we at evoke have starting giving clients a little extra rinse just to cool them off. I mean when its this hot out what is better than some refreshing cold water to cool you down? For me NOTHING! Anyway, all kidding aside someone really has taken hair washing to the next level... Check This Out!