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"!  

Why So Squeaky?!!!

I heard a client the other day say "Wow that shampoo really made my hair squeaky, eh?" the perception of what our hair should sound like seems to be very important to you guys.  The important thing to remember is that there are many factors to our perceptions.  When we have always used certain types of products on our hair we are accustomed to what they make our hair feel like.

As an example,  I am pretty sure that there aren`t very many of you out there that are currently using river water,  berries, lemon, and gelatine to wash your hair.  In early times these were very common cleansing concoctions mixed by women when attempting to wash their hair.  Nowadays we are way to comfortable with that silky softy feeling that we think must come with every single wash.  Problem is we aren`t willing to look into what exactly it is that is formulating that softness.  

Let`s take a look at a couple of things here... 1)  Your hair shaft is a natural fibre,  2) You have probably used some form of colour or chemical service on it in the last two years,  3) You probably hot style your hair at least one or two or more times a week,  4)  When you have it style you probably use some form of styling aid either when it was wet or when you finished the look.  All of these factors lead to one very important fact... Your fibre is being ruffed up.  When our natural hair fibres are ruffed up or compromised we can expect a dryer hair shaft,  the only reason your hair feels any "better" is because you just slathered it with silicone.  99.9% of shampoos on the market place currently use some form of slicking agent (anything that makes the hair feel silky) to "re soften" the cuticle layer.  The problem is you aren't re softening at all,  you are masking the real condition of your hair!  This all came up ironically when I used a local, certified organic, vegan, gluten free shampoo and conditioner system on that guest.  Funny... we are all starting to worry a bit more about what it is we put in our bodies (organic food, boycotts of fast food chains, etc...) but we haven't yet realized that when we slather on the silicone we aren't worrying about what we are putting ON our bodies!

In Summary,  when we lose the chemicals and start to care about what we`re putting on our bodies,  we may find that the transition can have a few squeaks in it.  If and when we stick it through,  it all gets silky yet again.

YOU Have To Chill Out!!!

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


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

Saturday Night Lights, Camera, Askin!!

So here we go again folks! Its Saturday Night!!! So we have questions coming like crazy and tonight I decided to address one that I thought would really help the client who asked it. Tonight we are going to answer a question that I think a lot of people ask themselves. We were asked what the best bang to choose is for a round face shape. Check this vid out!

Whats your NAME?... evokesalon.com

So every once in a while we get a little silly... When we do you don`t really ever know what is going to come out of it. We will generally make a video to help showcase just how silly we can get! Anyway the other day a couple of stylists from the Yonge St. location decided it would be a good idea to make a video, a video that would showcase one of our stylists. That stylist was Ryan Yee, an up and coming artist at our Yonge and Eglinton location. Needless to say, after you watch this you will see just how wrong these videos can go when you step up and don`t really have content! Hilarious! Anyway the objective was to ask him what he enjoyed most about his job, and what he loves about his clients.... Check this out.

Keep Your Strands To Yourself!

Another funny, funny ad I had to show you guys! This one will get all of you out there that over use your conditioners laughing. There is such thing as using too much conditioner on your hair after shampooing and in all fairness I think this is the best depiction I have seen of what it looks like when you do. I found this commercial hilarious for multiple reasons, One is that we are in Canada so something like this would NEVER make it on to our T.V stations. The other is that I am in the industry and therefore have been lucky enough to have to try and wash your hair out after you have used this much! It just gets to be a little too ga Reesy! ( Little Encino man there for anyone who cares) so this vid had me in stitches. Check it out and tell me what you thought!

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!

Taming your Curlies!

Hey Guys! Hope you are all doing well out there and that all you peoples who were complaining about the HOT weather are happy now! ;(
What is it with this Rain?! Anyway I feel like this was a great week in the salons so far as even though the weather has n`t been at its best we have been pretty busy, so thanks to our fans and those who make what we do everyday so rewarding! Anyway without any further adieu here is today`s question!


" Hi, I was wondering if you guys did Afro- Canadian hair at either of your two salon locations? I am in the market for a new stylist and love all the great things I have heard about you guys. Is there anyone who is a specialist with this type of texture working at either of your salons? Thanks"


Yes! At evoke our stylists are trained to cut hair for shape, which means that we all have a strong understanding of how to create a strong shape that grows in well and that is easy to self style. A lot of salons are coming out now and claiming to be specialist in cutting curl, but at evoke we are of the mind that if you have a strong grasp of geometrical cutting you can truly work on ANY hair texture. I personally will say that the tighter and curlier the curl the more fun it is to work with! Anyway, let me save you the terminology and technical talk because it`s only us stylists get catch a rush on it! Check out this AWESOME makeover that Ergys Tafilica was able to do out of our Yonge St. Location, I am sure that this will help you gain some confidence in just what it is I am talking about... Check it Out!

Just Say NO!

Hey Guys!,  Today I have a pretty awesome question to get to.  A question that I think must of us do not realize is extremely important!  One that most ladies and gentlemen out their don`t even know is important!  And it is in regard to the texture of our hair.  Most people battle with frizz and fly away daily,  what they know for sure is that they hate (those little hairs that stick out everywhere!)  However,  what they are unaware of is how they got there in the first place!


"Hi,  okay I am going to get right to this because I am soo frustrated right now!  I just went to the Hairdresser the other day and she destroyed my hair!  I have been trying for at least three months not to over style and keep it healthy,  Then I let her use those stupid scissors on my hair and "VOILA"!!!  Frizz central!   What happened?  Why does it feel like this now?"

The "Stupid Scissors" that she is referring to are called Thinning Shears... (A.K.A Death Touch!)  Okay so maybe that is a bit dramatic but hey! ...  Anyway I hate those things just as much as she does!  


I know that a lot of hairstylists just cannot work without those things but I have to be honest and say that they are a copout.  A way in which to speed up your hair cut process (your Stylists can earn more money doing more cutting!) and make your hair feel lighter.  That Sounds good no?  Well, that is going to  depend on how much time you have for styling in the morning!  Lets put it this way,  I am a 11 year hair professional and when those scissors have been used I have to blow dry your hair out about four times per piece to get it even close to smooth.  Then,  after having achieved a slightly smoother finish I wait about 30 seconds to watch as your hair shaft goes frizzy again!  


The reason is simple,  you have just been gifted a split Hair shaft!  And yes I said Hair shaft and not Hair ends because thinning shears are generally used throughout the hair shaft.  When a shear is used on your hair the blade of the scissors is being run from the root area of your hair all the way down to the ends.  This blade running along your hair shaft splits the cuticle layer (little pieces) from the main hair shaft.  Meaning,  it does not matter how much we blow dry and primp you now have two separate pieces that CANNOT,  EVER be smoothened back together.  


As you will notice in the picture above teeth intersect with the standard blade,  where they do the hair gets cut,  where they don`t your hair stays... Do you really want to create that much damage AND only have hair of your hair shafts potential?  The answer is simple, NO.... so just say NO!  Hopefully that helped and I am sorry that you had that happened all I can say is be patient hang in there let me know if I can be any further assistance at dimauro.jon@gmail.com!

Texture Monkey!

What`s Up Guys!   It is SOOOOO Hot Outside !!!!!  My Goodness!  This is some of the hottest weather we have had in a long time,  or at least that is what it feels like!  Anyway today`s question relates to something we probably ALL wish we had right now and that is short hair!  Check it out...


"Hi Jon,  I have been reading your blog for a while and finally decided it was time for me to get some advice!  I have very short hair that I apply product to and try to create some texture and lift.  I was curious if you knew of a good product to help build texture and hold that isn`t too sticky?  Thanks for your help,  and keep it up!"

NICE!  That is great!  I just got a little reader love!  That makes you feel like people really are enjoying the content and thank you soo much for that.  Okay so YES,  I can make a couple of recommendations  that I think might be what you are looking for.  I have a product that I swear by called Matt Moulding Gesso by Davines.  This product is great in that it does n`t create to sticky of a hold  and yet creates a phenomenal amount of grit and texture.  It is the type of product that is meant to be a matte finish (which I love by the way) so it is therefore white as a base colour.  When using this product you want to be sure to really emulsify and break it up in your hands before you apply it to the hair.  For your short hair you would want no more than a nickel size worth,  after taking it into your palms you would rub it in until it gets hot and starts to turn opaque.  When you have gotten to that point I recommend applying it in a circular pattern until you have it all out of your hands.  When finished take a look at the mess you have just created... AWESOME!  All that is left now is to piece it out and place all the little wild pieces where you want them.  Anyway I think this is a perfect fit for what you are looking for,  and so don`t let the price tag slow you down (about $28 per container)  It spreads well and is concentrated so a little goes a long way and should last a while.

Splitting up with Splits!

Ahhh yes,  a topic that I haven`t been asked about in a really long time...

Yeah Right! You guys are constantly fixated on your splits! This is a topic I discuss with 2 out of 5 of my guests (for the sake of averages anyway). Split ends are something so many clients want help with it doesn't surprise me that today we have a question about them. 

" Hey is there any way to help prevent split ends? I know I can get regular haircuts but what about in between."

That`s Awesome! Obviously your stylist is going to be the one who says that more frequent cuts will control your splits!  Anyway the truth is yeah, cutting your hair more often reduces splits (you never give them a real chance to form!)  However that`s not the only way to help. You can also try slathering some conditioner on your ends before jumping in the shower, this will keep them safe from the shampoo stripping natural oils away from them.  Another way to help is to look into using a split end mending serum.  These products are great because they allow you to moisturize while your on the go, and are generally made up of leave in conditioners that are meant to be applied on dry hair.  Hope that helped and I look forward to hearing from you. Send me your questions at dimauro.jon@gmail.com

NEW!!!

So I decided that today I would take the opportunity to let you guys know that I changed the set up of our video sections above.  We now have organized groupings of all our videos and have updated them to include everything we have posted on Youtube.  We have included a section dedicated to our Satuday Night Lights, Camera, Askin! section,  along with a section dedicated to Testimonials and celebrity video.  I feel like the best way to get you guys involved in the sights and sounds that make evoke unique is to create great video footage for you to experience!  So we as a team have created quite a few videos to keep you abreast of what it is that a truly inspired hair team does on a regular basis.  The video sections above are broken up in four categories ( Yes we have THAT many vids!)  The first section is Video and is self explanatory.  In the Video section we will house all the videos that do not fit into another section (i.e. videos that we take at cool hair shows or when we perform an AWESOME makeover!)  Then we have a section for Tutorial videos,  self explanatory yet again!  All things educational can be found here, and believe me you will ALL love the knowledge shared.  We then have our Testimonial/Celebrity video section,  An area that mixes great testimonials from clients and celebrity clients alike.  Lastly we have our Saturday Night Lights, Camera, Askin section,  and for all of our regular readers out there this area is where you can recap Saturday`s video tip!  
Hopefully you all see the value in this new set up and enjoy the content that can be found there.  Thanks for reading guys,  and we love interacting with you!

GET A GRIP !

Hi Guys!  Hope everyone is enjoying this BEAUTIFUL summer weather we are having! I know I am!  Hope you are all doing well,  and spending good time with family and friends along with your hair of course!  Anyhoo, today we`ve got a question that came in from Jeremy in Toronto,  yes that`s right one for the boys today!


"Hey thanks for your daily hair advice,  my wife really loves reading your stuff.  Today though,  its me who has the question that needs an answer!  I am curious about product and have been looking for a good gripping mud for some time.  I used to use this stuff back home and I can`t get it here it was called Grip Glue.  Anyway, what i`m looking for is a dry matte hold,  preferably mud style texture any suggestions?"

YES!!! I do have suggestions considering that is exactly the style of product I love to use myself!  Anyway my long term love affair has always been with American Crew Fiber.  I absolutely love the stuff!  The smell, texture, and control are in my opinion unmatched.  It has a yellowish tinge and is a very matte dry finish.  Great control and texturizing capability come with tis product that is available for a relatively low price between $15- $25 dollars.  Its one of the oldest mud`s and you know what they say... "They don`t make products like they used to".

Saturday Night Lights, Camera, Askin !!!

So here we have it guys week 9 of Saturday Night Lights, Camera, Askin!!! I am amazed that 9 weeks have already passed! Anyway tonight I cover a question regarding blow drying. Muriel asked if I had any techniques or tricks I could share that would make her life easier in the morning... Check It Out!

Holy Tangles!!!

So today we have a question from Molly in Uxbridge, Ont...

Molly wanted to know "Is there any advice you can offer me in regards to tangles!?  I cannot seem to catch a break here!  Every single day I find myself in front of the mirror for at least 25 minutes brushing them out! Hopefully you can help me out here" 


Okay I can definitely help you out here, its very simple.... You should be using a comb!  Sorry to come across forward but I have been doing this for a while now,  and am astonished by just how many guests are unaware of the damage they create brushing wet hair!

The first rule of combing your hair out damage free is to NEVER brush.  The second is to use a good leave in conditioner.  Personally I love the sprays, they are light, effective, and easy to use.  Always make sure that you start to comb your hair out in the bottom area.  Clean out all of the tangles in the bottom and give the rest an area to escape from.  You will find that taking small sections and working from the bottom up is the best way to get in and out FAST!


Hope that helped,  and feel free to continue sending me your queries at dimauro.jon@gmail.com!
Thanks!

Hair Colour... Kool Aid Style!

Sooo you can dye your own hair with Kool Aid! Crazy! I know but you gotta see what these kids created at home by themselves! It had me impressed to see the innovation. I mean kids are always asking their parents to colour their hair but these little ones took it to the next level! You gotta see this video because if you have kids or are a kid yourself you are gonna relish the chance to get some colour without the damage. I was all over this video and think its brilliant! Check it out!





Jon Di Mauro


So as per Saturday Nights Lights, Camera, Askin!!!
Here is another answer!


Tonya in Leslieville Asked " What is your favourite hairspray and why?"


Well the answer to that question is simple... Davines Hair care`s Invisible spray! It is the lightest, least smelly, light weight, moldable hairspray I have ever used! And its got a great price point at about $18- $23 bucks a bottle. I love it for updos or as a finishing light kiss! I recommend it highly.


Hope that helped and feel free to email me at dimauro.jon@gmail.com for any answers you may need!

The Danger of Hair

Who needs bugs bunny anyway?! This little feature is all about hair and pretty funny I must say. I thought it was cool and probably done by like a college student or something. There are three short cartoons that all have their own little funny moments. There is some serious danger in hair and these cartoons show you some of it!





Jon Di Mauro






So as per Saturday Night Lights, Camera, Askin!!!
Here Is Another Answer!


Corie in Edmonton Asked "Does Anyone use gel anymore?"


Yes! for sure we do! and more now than over the past ten to fifteen years as a matter of fact. The reason is more and more styles are coming back that require a gel to achieve the look. As an example that awesome 80's look where women were slicking their hair back and coming it with gel. Also, needless to say Mad men has been very influential when it comes to gel! Hope that helped and yes please embrace the gel again! Light hold of course!


Hope to get more of your questions sent my way at dimauro.jon@gmail.com

If Only Your Hair Was THIS Perfect!

So I had to put one out there for my anime loving, comic book reading, computer savvy techies! (We Love You) Anyway I thought this was a cool way of merging our worlds. We LOVE hair and you LOVE video games! I saw this vid and thought WOW this guy has some serious talent. Now I have to be honest when I say he does have many other versions of this vid but he has a tendency to maybe drag them out a bit (I can relate... He Loves what he does) This video however has a cool blend of awesome music and some serious drawing! I for one have always wished I could draw like this and admire his skill. I mean he dissects this drawing amazingly and gets an awesome result. I can`t do this! and wish I could, Can anyone relate?





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!

Bobby Pins.... A Love Story

We’ve asked a co-worker if they had an extra. We’ve scrounged through our bathroom drawers and make-up bags for them. We’ve all wished, for one reason or another, that we had a bobby pin.

Back in the 1920’s the ‘bobby pin’ was created to aid in the new bobbed hair cut which was gaining popularity. Women began using the two pronged metal clips to pin their perfectly curled, shorter hair back on the sides, spurring the style that most of us refer to today as ‘Old Hollywood Glam’. Since the roaring twenties, the bobby pin has found a place in homes and salons around the world for a multitude of reasons.

Bobby pins can be a woman’s best friend while being used in bridal up-do’s, french rolls, kiss curls or securing hot rollers in place. Not to mention they have become quite fashionable and trendy. Yesterday’s bobby pins were standard brown or black. Today’s showcase special plastic coatings to prevent split ends or tangled hair and are available in all colours with varying lengths. Thicker hair might require the lengthier bobby pin to ensure the strongest hold possible while the shorter ones can be used for thinner, curlier hair.

  Also common among today’s women, colourful and extravagant flowers or headpieces attached to the end. To the outsider, the exotic flower sitting atop your head makes you look like you just stepped off the plane straight from Brazil, not out of your local hair accessory store. With the wide selection of colours it’s easy to find one that blends with your hair naturally, avoiding contrasting the colour of your hair with the bobby pin, creating a flawless and envious look of perfection. Though bobby pins are most commonly associated with women’s hair, most Jewish men are also known for using them while securing their traditional head coverings like a Yarmulke. Any stylist will tell you. The bobby pin continues to be an imperative tool in today’s hair care society. Bridal up-do expert, Priya Rampersaud who works for Evoke Salon uses them daily while creating beautiful and memorable hairstyles that will exist forever in photographs. “They are a versatile tool. There are numerous uses for the bobby pin and they are essential for an up do for any occasion” Easy to find, affordable and easy to use. Next time you’re out pick up a pack and let your imagination run wild. Experiment with your bobby pins and you might discover a hidden talent or a new hair style.

Jon  Di Mauro