Is there such a thing as the "Perfect Haircut"?

    Is there such a thing as the "Perfect Haircut"?  Good question !!  After growing out mullets and being attacked by thinning shears, I have learned from receiving bad haircuts and now have a good idea of what works for me.  I bet you have had similar experiences.  It is important to communicate with your stylist and trust your instincts to avoid this.  I believe a client should be educated by their Hairstylist so they can make the best hair decisions possible.  So here are some things to ponder about before you take on the shears for that new summer cut.

  When I get a new client in my chair, I always examine her style, face shape, hair texture, eyes, and hair lines.  Before I begin her haircut, I like to ask her several questions: Is she comfortable using a round brush, does she blow dry, does she have a natural curl pattern, and does she need it long enough to pull back into a ponytail?  This dialog provides me the feedback to execute the best cut that will compliment her profile, as well as her lifestyle at work and play.

Mid-Length Aline-Bob

Short A-Line bob

  The hair cut should also compliment your body shape, your height, silhouette, face shape, and personal style.  The right haircut can make you appear thinner and taller.  For example a short petite client would not want her hair length to be past her waist.  It would make her appear unbalanced and shorter than she is.  A larger framed client would benefit from having her hair length to her clavicle or longer to slim her face shape and body. 

Blunt Fringes Bob Haircut

   A round face shape client would benefit from  a long layered hair cut with the layers from the jawline and lower or a a-line style bob haircut that is shorter in the back and longer in the front. Both options would give a slimming effect on the client's bone structure.  I might also add blunt fringes to add more angles to the cuts.

 

 

Diamond Layers

  A slender oval or long face shape client would look amazing with diamond-shaped layers with the widest points at either side of the check bones, so the face will appear more full and youthful.  Fringes would be a nice option as well to shorten the distance from the forehead to the chin.

Heart Shaped Face

  To balance a heart shape face client, I would make sure the layers are cut fuller at the bottom and make the cut shoulder length so that it brings width to the jaw line to balance the broad cheek bones.  Any volume should be below the ears, because fullness on top of the head only emphasise the pointed chin.  Side-swept fringes also complements the face and brings eyes into play.

Option 2

Long Layers Styled inward

   For a client that dislikes her neck and jowls, I would recommend two ways to detract attention.   One way would be to cut longer layers that can be styled inward and towards the face.  It would  beautifully camouflage the neck area.  The second option would be a much shorter hair length that would be above the jaw line.  I would add lots of layers in the top of the crown area, and would recommend longer side swept bangs that would bring attention to the clients lovely eyes.

Square face with soft layers

Square face clients look best with tousled texture,  soft graduated layers, or razored ends to soften the strong lines on the jaw bone. Square faced clients should avoid any a-line bobs or sharp cuts.

Lengthen Neck and Soften Jawline

   When a client has a short neck, I would open the area up by layering the hair between the jawline and the clavicle bone to remove some of the excess length and weight.  Length at the clavicle or just below would be maintained.  

Pixie Cut for Round Face

  Another choice of style would be a pixie cut.  This would be a beautiful option for a small face shape that would bring her petite features into balance and preventing the hair from overwhelming her silhouette.  This cut could also be a sweet look for a round face shape that would bring dimension the the cheekbones.

 

  Every client is unique and fabulous in her own way, which can make seeking the "Perfect Haircut" a task that can be very overwhelming.  Fortunately, the stylists here at freddie b salon & spa are here to make it easier! ... transforming your ideas and words into a tailored and personalized cut just for YOU !!

by shonti conner, stylist/makeup artist

freddie b salon and spa

ventura, ca

805.628.3535

  

Why Can Some People Wear Certain Haircolors And Others Can't?

Sometimes we are attracted to change to a hair color that we see in a magazine or photo. But before you decide to make that change, it is important to communicate to your hair stylist about what you are looking for.  Be open to the fact that in order to best enhance your natural beauty, the color you desire may need adjustments that reflect your natural complexion.  Going against your own natural tones, the color request may be achieved, but may not compliment your complexion and cause you to feel drab, washed out, or even older. 

Why can some people wear certain hair colors and others can't?   This is the question... 

For the best outcome when making a haircolor and style change, many aspects should be considered like the current season, clothing selections, skin tone and makeup used.

Here are a few questions to consider:

- Do you look best in cool or warm tones, dark or light?

- What face shape do you have?

- What features do you want to accentuate and which ones would you like to detract?

The following before and after photos are in the same lighting and no added makeup.

As you may notice, just the haircolor alone makes a huge difference in the appearance of complexion, age, and complimentary facial features.  Haircolor can either improve or worsen your complexion.  If you feel like you are washed out or need a lot of makeup to add brightness then this can be due to a conflict of color.

Many people may look blotchy, more red, or drab than what they are use to and this can be a sign of an unflattering color.  For example, when you wear certain colors and receive a lot of compliments, and others just wash us out.  Color is such an important factor in haircolor, makeup, and clothing.  Figuring out what colors look best on you can be done by knowing your color characteristics of undertones, depth, and brightness or clarity.  Our hair is a frame to our face and we must find what enhances it the best.

           Salon Client Before                                                                      

                                        Salon Client After     

This client wanted to go darker with her hair. Instead of just doing an all-over solid color, a beautiful natural look was created by using at least 2 shades of brown. Sometimes using just one all-over color can look harsh.  As we mature, using a little warmth in the hair color can create a youthful look.         

"Understanding your dominant characteristic will give you the ability to select colors, especially makeup and hair colors, that will always create balance and harmony and look complimentary on you.", says Doris Pooser in her book, "Always in Style".

Deep - "The deep characteristic is the

easiest to see. A deep person has dark

hair and eyes. Skin tone ranges

from light to deep olive. There is a

strength to her coloring.

Dark colors create balance and harmony."

 Light - "The light person has light

 to medium blonde hair, ash to golden

 in hue, light to medium skin tone;

 and blue green, or blue green eyes. 

 Light to medium colors are complementary and create harmony and balance."

                                      

Bright - "The bright person has a bright, clear look resulting from the contrast between her dark hair, very light skin tone, and clear blue or green eyes. There is a delicate quality about this woman's coloring that is complimented by clear colors and lots of contrast."

Muted - "Muted coloring has a soft, but not delicate, quality that is projected with either light ash blonde hair and dark brown eyes or medium brown eyes and hair. Skin tones range from a very pale, no-color look to soft pink or golden. The complex or no-colors are very complementary on this woman, creating little contrast and more subtle neutral tone."

Warm - "The truly golden person has red or golden hair; warm green, hazel, or aqua eyes, and obviously golden, peach, or bronze skin tone. Freckles are often an added feature. Golden, yellow-based colors blend with the richness of her coloring."

Cool - "There are very few, if any, all-cool people. The younger we are the more golden tones we have in our hair and eyes. It is only when we start to age that we lose pigment in our hair, begin to gray and lose color in our eyes and skin tone. It is often best to add some warm tones to create a younger look. However, there are women with ash or gray

hair, rose skin tone, and cool blue or gray eyes who appear to be more

cool than warm. Cooler colors are complementary."

                                                                                                                              Salon Client After

                      Salon Client Before    

This is a great example of how much haircolor can change someones look and age. The cool tones of gray were enhancing cooler tones in her complexion taking away from youthful warm tones. Adding some beige tones was just enough of cool and warm to compliment her complexion but also keeping it natural.                                                                   

Eyebrow Color Tip:  When changing your hair color don't forget about your eyebrow. A safe rule to balance your eyebrow color and hair. For darker hair keep eyebrows 1-2 shades lighter than your hair. For blondes, make sure your eyebrow color is 1-2 shades darker than your hair. 

Keeping to 2 shades darker or lighter for your haircolor is the most natural and flattering in most cases, because you are staying close to all your natural tones - a general rule of thumb in makeup choices.

These color factors are great tools to use when choosing makeup, clothing and hair color that we see in magazines or photos.  Considering this information, and discussing it with your hairstylist will create a great foundation for a more beautiful, natural, and complimentary haircoloring service!   

 

freddie b salon and spa

ventura, ca

805.628.3535

Find out what your coloring is by answering questions at this website below:

http://www.my-virtual-makeover.com/hair-color.html

Bad Hair Day? No Way!

From behind the chair we get to hear a lot of stories.  We listen to what's happening at your place of work, where you are traveling to next, and how things are in your relationships.  We are very fortunate to get tips on where to eat, shop and play.  We pass along those tips to others.  But we also take great pride in being able to give you tips to help you style your own hair.  One of the most common things we hear as hair stylists is:  "I wish my hair would look like this when I do it!".  The truth is....IT CAN!  OK, maybe not exactly, because then you wouldn't need us.  Many of my clients started out feeling overwhelmed by the task of styling their own hair every morning.  It doesn't have to feel that way!  After explaining some basic tips they go home to have new found success.  And they are so happy to report back their accomplishments at their next appointment.  I have faith that can be you too!

There are several key things to remember as you begin any hair style:

1.) ALWAYS section your hair.   In other words, use clips to hold the hair you are not working with out of your way.  It might seem like this will make the process longer, but it will actually make it less frustrating.  Personally, I like to use butterfly clips.  They are easiest to find at beauty supply stores, inexpensive and durable.  First off, take the crown as a 3" wide section.  Clip it.  Then take 1" wide horseshoe shaped partings below that, clipping them all out of the way until you reach the bottom inch, which is the section you can begin with.  Part each subsection down the middle and pull hair forward so you can see what you're doing as you curl, flat iron, or blow dry.  When you cram too much hair in a hot tool, the heat doesn't reach all the hair and you end up having to go over and over it (damaging!), and still not achieving the desired effect.  Sectioning makes a HUGE difference in the final result (and your mood) upon completion!

2.) Use the right tools, at the right heat setting.  Investing in quality tools make a difference.  Why not spend the cost of one hair appointment on a tool that will keep you hair looking healthy and great for years?  Your blow dryer should use ceramic heaters that negatively charge ions, which dry your hair the healthy way.  Flat irons and curling irons should boast ceramic or tourmaline plates, which seal the cuticle and leave hair smooth and shiny.  Inexpensive tools are often made with metals that don't heat evenly, resulting in burned hair.  Heat settings are also important.  For fine or damaged hair, it is best to stick with 360 degrees Fahrenheit.  For normal to wavy hair, 360-380 degrees and, for coarse or curly hair, 380-410 degrees is optimal.

3.) Use the right products for your hair type and desired style.  First of all, no one leaves the salon with the perfect style and zero products in their hair!  We are here to prescribe the right products, whatever your challenge may be.  Your morning would run much smoother with the help of key styling aids.  For example, several of my clients who never used their curling irons are hooked on Pureology's Illuminating Curl 24 hours Shaping Lotion.  It goes in damp hair and holds curl even in stubborn straight hair.  We have many tricks up our sleeve...but it is our job to share these fantastic secrets with you!

4.) Short on time?  That is no excuse for sporting a fuzzy ponytail!  In 5-10 minutes you can give slept on or air dried hair new life!  Make five large sections, roll the ends of each section on a round brush, blast them with the heat of of your dryer, let them sit on the brush so that they cup under.  I enjoy using the Olivia Garden NanoThermic Ceramic-Ion brush.  The metal plate on the brush works like a curling iron to give bend to the hair.  It may not be perfect, but you will look far more polished than if you do nothing at all.  Also, do not underestimate the power of a smoothing product.  When applied properly, it can make your locks look polished and tame fly aways in one quick step.  I recommend Pureology's Radiance Amplifier Anti-Frizz Shine Spray or Cuticle Polisher Shine Serum. 

5.) Don't give up! The last and most important step is to never give up on YOU!  Practice surely makes perfect.  Start each day fresh, with renewed confidence in your growing skills.

Mastering the styling of your own hair, in as many ways as you can, takes time and effort.  That time and effort is definitely well spent and worth investing in!  Having beautifully "just out of the salon" styled hair will give you that extra little boost of confidence each and every day.

Keep in mind though, your fabulous hair stylist is just an appointment away...!  Whether it is for the latest styling tips and pointers, or for those times when you feel that styling is just a bit "out of your reach" ... We are always here for YOU !

by christine coultas, stylist

freddie b salon and spa

ventura, ca

805.628.3535

New Year..New Image..Healthy, Happy Hair!

Make 2012 the year to treat your hair with care.

The outdoor elements of fall and winter

can be very damaging and harsh on your hair. January is the perfect time to reflect 

and make improvements for the future.

This year make the health of your hair a priority by giving it the renewal and extra TLC it deserves. 

Discover Natural Indulgence and start 2012

fresh with Pureology!

At Freddie B Salon & Spa, we highly recommend the Pureology line to all of our clients.  In fact, it is the primary hair care line we use in the salon. "If you love your haircolour, choose no other."  Being color addicts ourselves, we understand the importance for clients to be able to maintain the "salon vibrancy" of their hair color at home.

Pureology's answer is in their Dual Benefit system; which is hair care tailored for each specific color- treated hair type...Dry thirsty hair, Damaged, Distressed, Thin hair lacking volume, Over processed blondes, Unruly and frizzy hair. Whatever your hair dilemma, Pureology has the solution.

As a hair stylist I swear by the miracle of Pureology and use nothing else on my own hair or my clients hair. Not only am I able to constantly change my hair color according to the newest and latest trends, but I am also able to maintain the desired color due to the Anti-Fade Complex that Pureology integrates into everyone of their products.  The Anti-Fade Complex is made of essential anti-oxidants to defend against colour fading free radicals and contain UVA/UVB sunscreens that help maintain the salon vibrancy of your color.  All the shampoos are Zero Sulfate, formulated to naturally cleanse the hair by use of coconut, corn and sugar, also making their products 100% vegan.

"My hair dresser recommended Pureology to me about a year ago and I have been addicted ever since!  I use the Colour Max UV Spray protector and the Split End corrector, the Anti-Split Blow Dry lotion and the Silk Bodifier styling mousse. I mix them all together and call it my daily hair cocktail!  My hair feels amazing and looks so healthy and shiny. I love the way it makes my hair manageable again and look and feel much healthier. I love this line and will never use anything different." - Amanda Clark - freddie b salon & spa client

Pureology is giving their line a face lift by introducing their new and improved  zero waste packaging.  The new Zero Waste packaging is designed so that the consumer does not miss a drop of this highly coveted and luxurious potion. The shampoo packaging now uses 39% less water in the manufacturing process and are all 100% recyclable. Pureology is dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability, so not only can you have amazingly healthy hair with vibrant long lasting color but you can help the environment as well.  The new look of the line is very modern, sleek, sophisticated, and takes up minimal shelf space.

The new packaging is launching this February so make sure to stop by and treat your hair to the most luxurious experience it will ever have.  If you have not been introduced or experienced Pureology, do it now!  You will be as addicted to it as we are!!!!!

This year our stylists will be showcasing their top styling Pureology "Picks of the Month", beginning in January! This month is focused on the Colour Max UV Spray Protector, Essential Repair Split End Leave-in conditioner and Anti-Breakage Twist. Stay tuned to see what is in store next month!

freddie b salon and spa

ventura, ca

805.628.3535

Styles 2011 - How-to-do Hairdos

The top knot, the low chignon and the romantic braid, are all the styles that have made it strong through each season of 2011 and will continue to do so into 2012…

The top knot is by far a feminine and fashionable alternative to the ponytail.  To create this stellar knot, start by prepping the hair with Pureology’s Texture Twist, continue by teasing the hair with soft tension.  Pull the hair back into a high ponytail, secure with a band and spray Pureology’s Strengthening Control Hairspray.  Tease the ponytail a little bit more to add volume and texture.  Then wrap a big section around the band, making sure to flare the hair (don’t smooth it though, the point of the top knot is to have an undone shabby chic look.).  As you shape the bun, add bobby pins to secure the hair and finish by spraying Pureology’s Glossing Mist.

The low chignon has made a huge come back this year in a tousled, flirtatious and sensual way.  To imitate this look, start by smoothing the hair loosely back into a low ponytail and secure it with a band. Spray Pureology’s Strengthening Control Hairspray to hold hair in place.  Tease the ponytail and begin to wrap a big section around the band, making sure the hair is flared.  As you shape the chignon, secure it with bobby pins allowing some hair to loosely hang out.  Top it off by spraying Pureology’s Strengthening Control Hairspray and Pureology’s Glossing Mist.

This summer’s staple, the soft, loose and romantic braid, will be going strong right into the fall and winter. To create this girly look start by adding a tiny amount of Pureology’s Dry Shine to the mid shaft and ends of hair. Loosely brush back the sides and top of the hair to the nape and begin to braid by separating the hair into 3 sections, overlapping each strand with the other until you reach the ends of the hair.  Secure the ends with a band and gently pull out a few face framing pieces, maybe a few just behind the ear.  For a dressier look, use our favorite Curl Wand by Sultra on a few of those loosely pulled out pieces.  Finish it off by spraying Pureology’s Strengthening Control Hairspray and Pureology’s Glossing Mist.

The perfect way to dress up any of these looks would be to add a headband or a hair barrette.  Feather barrettes like these are available for purchase and custom made by Kelly Scripps, stylist here at Freddie B Salon & Spa.


Each of these styles offer ultimate texture and class... perfect for any look... day/evening, red carpet glitzy and, of course, the holiday party!  For more hair and style inspiration be sure to follow our blog often!

freddie b salon and spa
ventura, ca
805.628.3535

Color Trends for Fall / Winter 2011

As we move into the Fall/ Winter of 2011, the most common question in a salon is…      What should I do with my color? 

All of the stylists here at Freddie B Salon & Spa take into account so many different things when finding what would be the best color change for our clients as we enter a new season. 

We have all seen on the runways, the red carpet, and film/media print that the “undone” hair style is a huge hit!  That goes for color too!  Unforced and natural with soft diffusion of color is the “go to” look this season.

To get your minds in the groove for that change, here are the top tips of the trendiest color changes for this season…





1)   Sun kissed locks:  Balayage has been a huge hit this year and will continue to
be throughout this season
and the seasons to come.
It’s an individualized and
custom coloring technique
that has minimal maintenance
and shows color beautifully
for lengthy periods.


 

2)  Tousled color:  Ombre is going to remain as one of the top trends this year in hair, and we should expect this faded multi-chromatic hue to stay! It’s an ideal coloring technique for people with at least chin length hair, the longer the hair the more multi-harmonious hue you can get. It too, is a customized technique applied to fit the hair’s natural texture and flow of the haircut.
 

 
3)  Peek-a-boo:  Surprise panels have regained momentum and are coming back this season bigger than ever!  With this technique you can add a splash of color to any hair.  For blondes, add a surprise panel of cinnamon or, for a fun twist, a cool lilac.  For redheads, add a splash of soft rose or electric marmalade.  For brunettes, add a band of espresso or a shock of blue violet!

4)  Heat it up:  It’s a gold rush from honey and amber to chestnut and maple!  Warm tones are always popular in the fall and winter seasons.  It’s important to warm up our colors in these seasons because our skin complexions change and warmer for winter is always a safe bet.  Warm tones can be used as a

single process, face framing highlights/lowlights or even as surprise panels.

5)  Happy Healthy Hair:  Ammonia free simply can’t be beat!  With so many advances in color over the years we now have the opportunity to choose better products for our hair!  At Freddie B Salon & Spa, we are proud to offer an extensive array of ammonia free products from demi-permanents to (you betcha) permanent colors that cover 100% gray hair!!!  To maintain those healthy happy locks at home we offer vegan and natural products and our favs are Pureology & Moroccan Oil!

The color trends this fall & winter are as fabulous as ever!  Be sure to follow our BLOG frequently, because in the coming weeks we'll be posting How-to do's for you at home :)

freddie b salon and spa
ventura, ca
805.628.3535

Pureology Expressions & Expertise Class 2011

We just finished a motivating and inspiring class with
Kyla Huckabay, Pureology National Educator.  Ever wanted a great weightless haircut like Jennifer Aniston's?  Or a unique take on a traditional look like The Beehive?  We now hold these secrets...

Kyla demonstrated techniques to giving fine hair tons of movement without visible layers and without sacrificing length.  Using a twist and slide technique on the ends, your ultimate 'Jennifer' cut is completed with the illusion of a weightless "invisible" perimeter.   This haircut is truly personalized to your head shape, hair texture, and hair density (a lot of hair or not so much).

Going to a special event but don't want a "promie" updo? Turn heads and stay on trend with a daring beehive that is tousled and organic.  This look can be done up or done down to fit any occasion, whether it be a wedding or a dinner date.

Another great topic of our class was a briefing on new products that were just launched. Among the many was       "Perfect4Platinum".  A whole system on its own dedicated to those who love to lighten their hair!  Although the name says 'platinum', it's not only limited to bright blonds, but actually intended for those who lighten their hair 4 levels lighter than their natural. (which is most of California)

When you're ready to update your look, properly care for your hair, or try a 'throw-back' style, the team at 'freddie b salon' are here to help you. :)

freddie b salon and spa
ventura, ca
805.628.3535