No More Kinky Business!!!

Exiting your morning shower signals the start of another day, another opportunity to let your radiant, beautiful hair shine on. Unfortunately you’ve already grabbed the towel and have started rubbing it furiously over your scalp. Now you’ve gone and done it, you’ve got the frizz.
 

Frizzy hair is very common among people; however there are various preventative measures you can take to keep the frizz at a minimum. First and foremost, start ending your showers by readjusting the temperature from hot to cold in the last couple of minutes. The cold water will seal the hair cuticles, diminishing your chances of split ends and frizzy pieces. Towel drying your hair is another common mistake. Allow it to air dry almost fully before blow drying. You can also keep it wrapped in a towel while eating your breakfast and applying your makeup and voila! A quick blow dry and style and you’re out the door.
  

Those of you out there with envious curly hair, unfortunately are the most prone to  frizzies.  When dampened, curly hair tends to retain more moisture causing the hair shaft to expand, allowing you to become vulnerable to a bad case of the frizz. Using shampoos that are geared towards frizzy hair is an excellent idea but make sure to do your research or ask your stylist which one would work best for you. All products containing Aloe Vera are also an excellent treatment for hair and scalp. Aloe contains cellular regenerators and allows for hair growth by stabilizing the hair follicles.
  

Digesting vitamins and the proper nutrition is vital. Vitamins such as B8, B5 and Omega three fatty acids will be a tremendous help in smoothing out your frizzy hair.  Foods containing these vitamins include; milk, walnuts, whole grain cereals and citrus fruits such as tangerines and lemons. The healthier your body and digestive system are, the healthier your hair will appear.
  

It goes without saying that the length of your hair and your regimen of maintaining it directly affects the amount of frizz you will have. Proper upkeep and trims are key for healthy hair.
  

So, next time you come across someone with an obvious case of the frizz; inform, educate and aid them on living a frizz free lifestyle. Who knows, it could be you or a loved one that the frizz creeps up on next.

Family Day Break! For Your Hair Too!

So we are about to head into a much needed and very deserved holiday weekend,  one that the government decided a few years ago would be a nice addition to out list of already great holidays!  Well,  while our minds and bodies need to rest I am sure that for some if not most of our readers hair needs it too.  All the styling and primping and prodding can and should come to a rest this weekend.  I mean your sitting on the couch and chillin with the fam,  do you really need to have that hair all smoothened and flat ironed out?  I will venture to guess not!


So,  having said that lets take a sec to look at some of the ways to be treating your hair this weekend.  For most of us a little moisture slash protein combo never hurts,  so why not try using a Moroccan or Macadamia Oil treatment for seven minutes in the shower this weekend.  The combination of protein and moisture is seldom found with such great balance as in these two great lines.  The key ingredient in both products is the Argan Oil.  An oil extracted from the Argan seeds of Morocco,  it has a fantastic balance of being high in omegas creating dense and rich protein,  while leaving the hair feeling softer and more moist than ever before.  The objective here is not to sell product but to let you know that when you are having a hard time finding the ideal moments to treat your hair you MUST take full advantage of stat holidays!  You need rest.... ALL of you!

Connecting With Mommies....

So we love mommies!  No,  really we love to style their hair talk baby and share ideas and tips with them!  There exist not a better time to be there for one of your clients.  I mean they are retaining 90% of the hair they would normally have lost while they were pregnant and they haven`t got any time at all to work with it!  They need our support and help as much as we have the knowledge and ability to help them and it makes for a great success story.  

While a woman is pregnant she often just requires a little bit of styling advice,  a way to get that hair off her face and neck while maintaing a stylish and graceful look.  And it doesn`t end there,  because they cannot seem to understand why soo much more hair is now staying on their head!  (The body naturally retains the hair it should be loosing as a means of warm and protection and also maintaing a good vitamin balance... its quite incredible).

Its gets better after baby is born though,  because now mum is trying to figure out why handfuls of this stuff just keep falling out "Am I Gonna Lose It All?!!".  We have the luxury of being located in two areas of the city where mommies and strollers are as common as traffic lights,  and we relish the chance to work with them in these awkward times.  Anyway here is a link to a group called Mommy Connections that we work very closely with here in the Bloor West area.  We have been working with Karen and her organization for about two and a half years now and have really enjoyed the "connection". Having been around prior to the birth of their children its always amazing when they give you that first call letting you know that they need help up the stairs for their next appointment because these strollers are heavy! Its always our pleasure in every case.

http://bit.ly/wy5sHe

Awkward...

This is the best way to waste your professional hair products and lose a lot of the friends you currently have! In all seriousness though this may be a great tip video for all the mums out there having a hard time getting the gunk out of their daughters favourite friend!

Hanz De Fuko`s In The House!

So we are pretty pumped about the new range of hair care products we are carrying at our Bloor St location called Hanz De Fuko! I gotta admit I was sold by the name (HeHe). Anyway check out this cool vid where Rasmus shows you a couple of cool styling tips using the Scheme cream. We are loving this Certified Organic and Paraben free mens styling range!...

Epic Cat Battle... Oskar vs. The Hair Dryer!

Although this little kitten is absolutely adorable and somehow this made me laugh out loud, I gotta ask.... Is The Pet abuse?

Bringing Back The Warmth...

I think we are all trying to warm up or something!   The amount of young ladies coming in to the shop over last couple of weeks asking for warmer reddish/ coppery tones is CRAZY!  I have to say though that we are truly loving it.  These tones are always so much fun to create because you get the opportunity to test out your colour line.  These are the tones that tell you what kind of colour your product of choice can really produce.  It takes a lot of pigment depth and shine to create a really impressive red tone.  Yesterday I posted one that was done on the weekend by our up and coming talented Alanna Janes at our Bloor Street location.  The vibrancy was amazing and she had some phenomenal dimension and shine to the colour (the stuff that makes a colour great).  


I think the trend started to really kick into full effect in the late summer month of August when we started to notice a lot more requests for warm and rich copper tones.  Everyone seemed to be looking for that auburn look (maybe it was Rihanna rich red that started it out).  Anyway since then it has taken off in our shops as more and more guests are coming in looking to go back to these shades.  This makes us really happy in our colours departments as we are always up for a challenge and are pumped by our results!

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....

Enough Of The Silicone!... Try Silica!

So we are continuously trying to find out ways to better the condition of our hair are we not?  I mean I don`t think I know one person who doesn`t want fuller,  thicker,  shinier, or more lustrous hair.  One of the previously listed is for sure on your wish list.  Men for example are trying desperately not to lose it,  or if that isn't the issue then they could definitely use more shine.  Women always want more of it to aide them in creating more volume,  and if thats not the case then I am sure they too want more softness,  less frizz and a lot more natural shine.  We all know that what we put in IS what we get out and we are sure that we have all heard the little tricks ( "Add more protein to your diet" or "Make sure you take enough Vitamin B").  What we may not have heard is that Silica could be your hair`s secret weapon!

Our Hair at 90 micrograms per gram is almost as rich in Silica as our bones at 100 micrograms per gram,  and is a major component of hair and most of all of healthy hair!  Using a good Silica supplement can make a massive difference in the vitality of your hair.  Make Silica a part of your daily routine to help revitalize limp and lifeless hair,  as it can help to prevent baldness,  stimulate the growth of healthier hair, and provide a beautiful lustre,  strength and shine.

Just Like A "Pledge"

So today is the last day that I am going to bother you guys about your new year hair resolutions.  I mean it, this is really the last one ( I have a tendency to be long winded... Hehe).  Today we are going to discuss your product cabinet,  I know its a touchy one!  Most of you out there are quick to spend that little extra on yourself when it comes to nice things (Pandora charms, Leather Boots, Fancy jeans etc...)  There is absolutely NO problem with that if you can afford to do it.  I am all for the work hard and play/spend hard mentality especially when its earned.  What confuses the heck out of me is why some of you have not adopted that same mentality when it comes to your hair care regimen.  I mean I continue to hear from some of you that your shampoo of choice is a Drug store brand (Any one of them,  They are all equal!)  Or that you cannot switch to professional product because it doesn't leave your hair feeling silky enough.  I must admit that this really confuses me considering the type of ingredients used in these brands.  Most of you would probably be absolutely stunned to know that most of the "Big Name" brands you find in a drug store are literally only one or two ingredients away from being the same thing you clean your floor with!


What we need to remember is that these companies that are producing shampoo and conditioners along with other styling aids for hair are also producing toilet bowl cleaners and dog food!  Ever heard the old adage " Do One Thing Really Well"  This does not in any way apply to these companies.  How can a major manufacturer that produces everything from toothpaste to household cleaners and tupperware really know how to truly tailor a product for hair and scalp?  I know,  its in the research,  and I can see that BUT there are HAIR companies out there doing the same research... Just specified to what it is they do... HAIR.  I was always under the impression that you not only get what you pay for but that anyone who is a specialist in one area charges more and IS more capable and qualified.  The truth is that the conditioner "feels silkier"  because it is,  its FULL of silicone and therefore is coating your hair shaft and not actually creating any longer term moisture repair or damage control.  To me its never more clear,  in hair as in life what you put in is what you get out.  John Lennon said it best when he said "The love you make is the love you take".   So enjoy those boots and those fancy new charms but remember... Your hair needs some love and affection too!

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!

Feeling Generous?

This Holiday season I would like to give you ladies and gents out there something to think about, as gifts come in many forms....

Save Yourself the Grief!

So every once in a while there is a brilliant invention,  from the little pizza tables inside your delivered pizza ( You know the one that keeps the box from squishing it)  to the amazing Apple iPad.  There are also some great ones in the hair world like feather hair extensions and the TiGi curl stick which we have covered.  Today I am bringing you another one that we are absolutely thrilled with in the salon,  the particular one that I have chosen to post above is called the Tangle Teezer which was the original.  This brush is phenomenal!  There are different lengths of bristles which makes it easier to get to the tangles on the outer and inner layer of your hair at the same time ( BRILLIANT).  They were also intelligent enough to make the bristles flexible enough,  to ensure that the brush ALWAYS gets through your hair. 

We are selling these things like hot cakes in the shop and the sale is an easy one considering it saves time and damage!  A great tool that I recommend you all take a look at this holiday... It will make you very very happy you did!

There`s A lot of Buzz Out There!!!

Its that time of year... The time when we are all going absolutely batty trying to get everything together.  Whether your out shopping for gifts (that are absolutely necessary to purchase or else!)  Or have to get the tree up,  decorate the hallway,  get lights on the front of the house or... or... or!  Its Crazy!  Its absolutely amazing to me that we go through all this!  That however is a total side note.  The other thing that most of you are probably out there doing is getting ready to attend Christmas parties (that was my segway right there... hope you liked it!)  If that is the case then you will hopefully pick up the phone and give your local salon a call (416-482-4247 Yonge St. Location or 416-766-4247 Bloor St. Location)  and avoid yourself some stress this season.


I could sit here all day and give you guys some tips on how to self style for the holidays but I will tell you that in the end it will not look like we can make it look as stylists!  That is the cold hard truth,  I mean I could tell you that I am sure whatever you do will look great (and for some of you it will)  BUT I would be lying for most of you.  WE DO HAIR.... That is what we specialize in,  it`s our trademark,  and really you wouldn't try to install your own pot lights would you?  So why would you gather that your hair is any different when you heading out to your big office Christmas bash?!  Most salons are right now offering some form of discount that will entice you to allow them the simple pleasure of saving you stress,  time,  and well embarrassment!  I`m Just Saying... Let us focus on your do so that you can focus on just doing you!

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.  

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!

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!

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!!!!

The Simple Truth on Colour

Hey guys!  Hope you all had a great weekend with friends, family or whomever you spent it with.  I think its official that it~s getting pretty freaking cold out there!  I even saw a guy out there with his full blown parka on!  Anyway,  I hope you all enjoyed Saturday Night Lights, Camera, Askin this pat weekend as I truly enjoyed getting back to it.  Speaking of getting back to it lets get to today`s question...


" Hi there,  I am in need of some advice here.  I have recently started to react to the colour that is being used at the salon I frequent,  and never did before.  I guess I have two questions because the first is why all of a sudden I would have started to react?  The second being in light of all of the news that has been coming out recently and the negative effects that hair colour can have on us,  is there a product line that is professional and still chemical free?  Thanks for your time and I hope to hear from you soon."

Well,  lets start with the first question which is why the change all of a sudden.  I would have to say that the salon may have recently A) Changed their in house colour brand or B)  Introduced a new range of products to the salon that your colourist has recently started working with.  Generally,  if you have been a guest of their for a while and are simply asking for the same look,  they may have decided to go ahead with the new stuff as long as they could still achieve your same old shade.  If they have changed the colour line then you may want to find out about it because you will continue to have reactions after every use.  A simple phone call to your colourist should answer those queries,  have you started taking any new meds?  Because that may have an effect on your chemistry and have you react to the chemicals in the colour line.  To answer your second question I must say NO,  "Chemical Free" is a very strong term to use because in professional hair colour lines you must have some form of chemical that will open the hair`s cuticle layer and allow for the dye to develop onto the cortex layer.  Without some form of chemical to get the hair shaft open in the first place then the dye cannot penetrate the interior of the hair shaft and develop itself.  Natural lines like Henna and some other vegetable dyes work well enough by staining the outer layer of the hair shaft,  they do not penetrate.  This is a good enough system I just find that most people end up going a little more red than they had hoped.  There are some lines that are lighter chemical based like Davines or Organic Colour Systems,  But chemical free.... No,  they still need to work.  Hope that answered your question and thank you for sending it to me at dimauro.jon@gmail.com feel free to send any more you may have!