So many of you remark to me that you feel great when leaving your hair appointment, but you struggle to recreate your Salon-quality style when on your own.

My last post addressed the at-home haircare product routine you can follow to keep your hair looking its best. This post is Part 2 on your at-home haircare routine and features the hair tools I recommend to help you achieve Salon styling results at home.

I’m going to give you my greatest hits list below with one caveat: 

You need to consult with your stylist to tailor your choices to your specific hair type, condition, and style. In addition, any tool you choose will do the job. It just depends on how well it performs and how long it takes to get your desired results. It also really matters how your tools feel to you.

If you want a luxury look, you need luxury tools.

What we use in Salon is fine equipment that produces fine results. Here’s what my experience has led me to choose, both in Salon and as recommendations to my clients:

• Blow-Dryers ~ Weight, power, and feel are important considerations when selecting this foundational tool. The dyson units are pricey but are precise and truly born of innovation. The CONAIR units are at the other end of the spectrum and provide a nice range of products but have a less-than-impressive lifespan, especially if they are dropped. My favorite blow-dryer line is the BaBylissPRO, offering a light unit with an effective combination of power, speed, and design for maximum results. They also offer a 4-year warranty. I also like the ghd line for their lightweight and ergonomically balanced performance. The key with blow dryers is to replace them when you see the signs of hair singeing while drying.  It’s either damaged from a drop or you’ve had it too long.

• Curling Irons ~ I really like the ghd Creative Curl wand.  It heats up quickly and has a wand that tapers from base to tip. This allows you to create curls that range from soft beach waves to tighter coils. And it has a cool tip end to prevent burns to your neck or face. They also feature a half-barrel that is great for achieving the beach wave look.

• Flat Irons ~ The ghd line offers great quality at different price points. They deliver even heat across the whole plate and come pre-set to a temperature safe and optimal for styling all hair types. They are designed with universal voltage so it’s a superb choice for those of you who travel internationally. They feature long cords with 360-degree swivel for maximum styling mobility and automatic shut off after 30 minutes for those of you who forget and go!

• Brushes ~ I’ve said here before that the Rolls Royce of brushes and combs for at-home care is Mason Pearson. They excel in paddle brush designs. Keeping your brushes cleaned and sanitized is key to their longevity and to keeping accumulated bacteria from re-depositing into your hair and scalp. Go for a boar bristle. It really brings the natural oils down from the scalp through the hair shaft to build luster. Care well for them and they will last you a lifetime. In Salon, for styling specific looks, I like GHD round brushes for gentle curls,  Ergo brushes specially designed for color-treated, highlighted, or fragile hair, and Cricket Technique ionic ceramic brushes as a choice for all hair types.

As always, thank you for being a part of our HairLine community.

This will be my last post of 2021 as we all move into the busy holiday season. I’ll be back in January with our next installment. In the meantime, please continue to send in your interests and ideas for future topics here.

I wish you all happy, healthy, and safe holidays. Here’s to 2022!

Regards,

Kenny

The post Tools of the Trade appeared first on Kenneth Wildes Salons.

Do you remember when your mother taught you how to shampoo and condition your hair? 

Oh, right. She didn’t!

Believe it or not, there really is a formula for your home hair-care regimen.

So many of you have asked me about the steps you need to take to ensure that your hair is healthy and hydrated between your professional appointments. I’ve categorized these steps below to guide you through a tried-and-true approach to cleanse, condition, protect, and style your hair for optimal hair health.

In general, I find that this system works well for everyone. The products you choose depend on your hair type and condition. The change of season can also totally influence the way your hair responds. For these reasons, it is super important to check with your own personal stylist on a regular basis to tailor product choices specifically to where you are in your hair-care journey.

Professionals in this industry recommend investing in a luxury brand of hair care.

I mention my personal favorites below. The ingredients in these products bring together the best of tried-and-true home remedy ingredients enhanced with today’s latest in research and technology to get maximum repair, maintenance, and styling results. Buy the best you can afford within your price point. It’s a “get what you pay for” situation.

That said, here are the general categories I recommend clients to consider in terms of a robust at-home hair-care regimen: 

• Pre-Shampoo ~ This stage is key to keep your scalp and follicles healthy to support hair growth. Choose a product such as dpHUE’s Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Rinse to remove impurities without stripping hair color and natural oils. It also seals color and adds shine. Use this daily or weekly depending on the condition of your hair and absolutely after a sweaty workout. I have also seen great results from OLAPLEX Hair Perfector No. #3 that clarifies and strengthens hair and reduces breakage.

• Shampoo ~ Your hair texture, condition, and chemical treatment practices are essential components to making decisions here. As you know, I’m a big fan of the Kerastase line and carry it in Salon. We use this prescriptive suite of products designed to target specific hair conditions that begin with repair and then move on to moisture, shine, and hair-health maintenance.

• Condition ~ I like Kerastase’s Masquintense suite of products and recommend them based on the condition and composition of your hair. Mix a pump of Elixir Ultime L’Huile Original Hair Oil into your mask choice and let the mixture sit on your hair under a cap to retain heat for 20 minutes once per week. This is a powerful therapeutic treatment following color or other chemical services. The Elixir can also be used as a daily leave-in oil on wet or dry hair to reduce frizz and build shine.

• Protect ~ I know I’ve said this many times on HairLine, but it is crucial that you use a product that protects your hair from the harsh results of heat. Again, Kerastase offers a great set of Thermique products for the range of hair types. You can’t go wrong with any thermo-protectant, but you can go really wrong without one. Trust me on that.

• Treat ~ This one applies to everyone. Getting a periodic professional rejuvenation treatment like Fusio Dose really does elevate the health and well-being of your hair. This kind of product is totally customized to you and is administered by your own stylist in-salon. Nightly leave-in conditioning retail products like Kerastase’s 8H Magic Night Hair Serum can deliver intense overnight hair nourishment and leave a silky, healthy sheen.

• Style ~ While Kerastase is a prescriptive line that helps repair and maintain the health of your hair, the Oribe lineup specializes in styling products like volume builders, hair spray, oil treatments, pomades, and dry shampoos to help you achieve a certain look or style. These products help you manipulate the character of your hair for a short period of time.  Oribe’s game changers are rich in superior ingredients that produce impressive results if styling is your game.

I hope these steps help you maintain your optimal hair health and appearance.

I’m planning to follow up next month with “part two” of this post to share my view on the best tools that accompany this home hair care practice to take your hair to the next level and keep it there. Meanwhile, please reach out with questions or, as always, send your welcomed recommendations for future HairLine topics here.

Regards,

Kenny

The post Clutch Care appeared first on Kenneth Wildes Salons.

Who isn’t upset by the look of dry, frayed, singed hair? I get many questions from my clients on how to deal with hair breakage and split ends. These are very common conditions, but you can keep them to a minimum with the proper care and treatment.

Damage Defined

Breakage and split ends, while different, both contribute to that fuzzy, “fried” look of hair. Normal breakage occurs anywhere from the root to the midshaft and is caused primarily by a lack of keratin, a protective protein that makes up your hair, skin, and nails.  (Breakage can also be caused by medical conditions including over-or under-active thyroid, heavy medications, and stress and should be addressed by your physician.)

Split ends happen at the ends of older hair and are commonly caused by over-shampooing, lack of conditioning, and rough towel drying.

The good news is there are a few simple home hair care practices that can help you prevent or treat this kind of damage.

• Handle your hair gently ~ Blot your hair dry, rather than rubbing with a towel. Rubbing can cause breakage and damage hair cuticles. Even better, use a microfiber towel that is extremely soft on hair and dries it faster.

• Detangle with care ~ Use a high-quality, wide-tooth comb. Higher-priced combs have very polished teeth that glide through and separate the hair. One of my clients raves about her detangling comb with tapering rounded teeth from Mason Pearson. If you have typically “snarly” hair (curly girls, are you listening?), start detangling from the bottom up until your comb glides through from top to bottom. And just about every hair care line offers a detangling product. We use Oribe’s Run Through Detangling Primer.

• Keep hair moisturized ~ Dry hair is weak hair, more prone to breakage and splits. I recommend using a hair mask at least once per week for the two weeks following color or other treatments. Then, once every two weeks will suffice until your next service. I get great results from the Kerastase line of hair masks. Coat your hair lightly with the product your stylist recommends and let it sit for 20 minutes under a shower cap. The cap contains the heat from your scalp to accelerate absorption.  Overnight conditioners also work wonders. Kerastase’s 8H Magic Night Hair Serum really hydrates hair shafts. I call it beauty sleep for your hair.

• Turn down the heat ~ If your hair is showing signs of breakage and splits, air dry and condition until your hair has a chance to recuperate. When using heat tools, it’s super-important to purchase the highest quality tools within your budget. They do way less damage than less-expensive models, so you “get what you pay for.” Also, keep the tools moving. Never hold the flat- or curling-iron in one place for long or they will burn your hair. And, as I have mentioned in past posts, absolutely use a thermo-protectant product recommended by your stylist for your type of hair before every heat application. We like the Thermique products by Kerastase.

• Use a quality hairbrush ~ Lesser-quality drugstore brushes can rip at hair. Invest in a high-quality brush and take good care of it. The Rolls-Royce of all brushes is again made by Mason Pearson. They use boar bristles and fine synthetics that glide through the hair, distributing the natural oils secreted by the scalp, exfoliating weakened or dead hair, and building sheen. It’s definitely an investment but one that will last a lifetime.

• Use a silk or satin pillowcase ~ Cotton or linen pillowcases have more “tooth” than a silky fabric and can snag and break hair shafts, especially if you move around a lot while sleeping. Satin fabrics allow the hair to glide across the surface of your pillow without friction.

• Spread out your services ~ Schedule any chemical-based hair processes in separate appointments, at least a few weeks apart, to minimize the amount of stress on your hair. And be sure to approach any “high lift” treatments knowing that you will need to make color changes gradually throughout a series of appointments. Follow every process with a nutritive conditioner or your recommended hair mask.

Once you develop split ends, the fastest remedy is to trim them off.

Regular trims every 4 – 6 weeks will ensure that your hair health is at its best and keep your style sharp and manicured.

I once again thank you for being part of our HairLine community. The feedback I get from my clients is most gratifying and full of great suggestions for future topics. Please keep your ideas coming here.

Regards,

Kenny

The post Damage Control appeared first on Kenneth Wildes Salons.

It’s always exciting when fall appears on the horizon of summer, bringing a wave of anticipation for fresh new beginnings.

This year is especially exciting as we emerge from our Covid cocoons to see what’s making the runways and being featured as hairstyles to complete The Whole Package.  Here’s what we can expect for Autumn 2021 trends in fashion and hair.

Fashion

• The Return of Glitz and Glam ~ For those who are sick of sweats, we’re seeing a return to the opulence of the roaring twenties and eclectic 80s. Sequins, bows, lace, and layers of silk and chiffon adorn columnar cuts. Flapper dresses are making a huge comeback, peeking out from beneath long coats. And yes, we can officially hail the return of the LBD.

• The Evolution of Elevated Basics ~ For those for whom comfort is here to stay, we’re seeing minimalist basics that are office ready. We’ve learned from our quarantine uniforms, reinventing them in simple styles and quality fabric made for comfort but still polished and business smart. Cozy knits in tops, bottoms, dresses, and sets are everywhere, in uncomplicated styles fabricated from superior materials. The midi skirt is this year’s length of choice.

• The Gentlemen are Back ~ Tailored, menswear-inspired pieces abound, again with an emphasis on fine fabrics and fit. Timeless suits and button-downs are loose or belted. Gatsby pleats and relaxed silhouettes also reflect our recent celebration of comfort clothing. And the vest is making a huge comeback, in fine wools, knits, and statement colors.

Hair

To accompany these directions in fashion, hair responds accordingly:

• On The Side ~ deep side parts and asymmetrical boy bobs, sleek and slicked back, are complementing the menswear trends.

• Soften the Hard Lines ~ Mullets and Curtain Fringe are only picking up fashion steam, with gentle waves and texture to introduce movement to minimalist styles. Wide bands of highlights, one shade lighter than the base color, are still going strong from last season, bringing depth and dimension to color and cut.

• Flashing Red ~ In color, red is everywhere, in shades that range from deep auburns to tones of blush and bright pink.

• Fuss Free ~ Many people adopted a low maintenance style and routine during Covid, and now that they’re back to the Salon, they want to retain that simplicity with precision cuts in towel-and-go styles.

These are just a handful of styles and trends that are out there for fall 2021.

As always, talk to your fashion advisers and salon professionals to help find you the look of the season that’s just right for you!

It has been super encouraging to hear from so many of you that you look forward to each HairLine blog post and more content in the future. As always, please keep sending your feedback and suggestions for upcoming topics here. I want to cover the subjects that are of most interest to our HairLine family of readers. Thanks to each of you for being such a valued voice in our conversation.

Regards,

Kenny

The post Fall 2021 Trends appeared first on Kenneth Wildes Salons.

There’s just something about that sun-kissed look of summer hair that says, “Sirens of the Sea.”

But getting the perfect beach waves takes practice and totally depends on your hair type and texture. So how do you work with your hair for the perfect summer style?

Product.

The right products keep your hair safe from the stresses of sun, salt, and chlorine. They will also help you to easily perfect your look in the hotter, more humid months when hair is harder to tame.

I have spoken here before on the importance of professional-grade products containing highly concentrated, quality ingredients.

My clients know that I’m a huge fan of Kerastase. I have a ton of experience with this line and admire their constant research and development of new and innovative solutions that address a broad variety of hair types and their specific issues.

Kerastase also creates suites of products that work together and enhance one another, like prescriptions for your specific hair type, to improve overall health and appearance. Here are my go-to suggestions on what to use for your texture to get the most of your summer look and protect or repair your hair from the stressors of the season.

• Fine and Straight ~ This hair type needs a lighter product to avoid weighing it down. I really like L’Huile Original Hair Oil, packed with super-moisturizing Marula, Camellia, and Argan oils that absorb fully into the hair fiber without weight. This product is part of Kerastase’s Elixir Ultime suite, specifically designed to create soft, shiny, nourished hair.

• Medium Texture ~ For blondes, I have great success with the Blond Absolu line that combines Hyaluronic Acid and Edelweiss flower to fortify hair and neutralize brassiness. Serum Cicanuit Hair Serum from this lineup is my go-to product here. It’s a lightweight serum that delivers overnight hydration to sensitized and bleached hair. For brunettes and redheads, I like 8H Magic Night Hair Serum, another overnight, super-nourishing hair serum. This award-winning product is part of the Nutritive suite, Kerastase’s best-selling hair regimen that restores nutrition and leaves hair deliciously soft and silky. I also highly recommend the Ban Satin 1 and 2 products from this line.

• Curly or Coily ~ Kerastase’s Curl Manifesto line is formulated with Manuka Honey and Ceramide to provide hydration, definition, and strength. The standout here is Gelee Curl Contour Gel-Cream to amplify your curl’s natural shape, softness, and definition. It also leaves curls and coils soft and bouncy. And for those days when you want to skip a wash, there’s Refresh Absolu. I call this the “walk of shame” product, a fine mist spray that reactivates yesterday’s product and shine.

For all hair types, I highly recommend Initialiste Scalp and Hair Serum to strengthen and regrow hair fibers and build overall scalp health. It’s liquid magic. Another technique I share with my clients is wetting and applying a nutritive mask to hair before heading for the beach or pool. Cover with a hat or a microfiber towel and let the sun’s heat activate the conditioner all day long.

I hope these recommendations help you to channel your Inner Mermaid. As always, use your own experience and advice from your stylist to find the products just right for you.

Thank you for sharing in our HairLine conversation. I’ll post another installment in August, then return to the twice-monthly schedule in September. Please keep sending your great ideas for future topics of interest here.

Regards,

Kenny

The post Mermaid Tresses appeared first on Kenneth Wildes Salons.

So many clients have come to me in the past year with questions and concerns about losing unusual amounts of hair. In our conversations, I recognized a recurring theme ~ how prolonged stress is a leading cause of hair thinning and loss. 

Technically known as Telogen Effluvium, stress-related hair loss is brought on by major life changes. These can include childbirth, surgery, medications and treatments, significant weight loss and, you guessed it, pandemic-related emotional and psychological stress. 

“Long-term chronic stress can affect hormone levels in the body, especially cortisol and other stress hormones,” says Dr. Patrick C. Angelos, facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and author of The Science and Art of Hair Restoration: A Patient’s Guide. He adds, “Hair loss is affected by those fluctuations in hormone levels.” When stress hormones are released into the scalp, they force hair follicles into a resting phase. These hair strands then fall out over the course of three to six months. 

The good news is that “stress shedding” is typically temporary.

My colleague, Mary Wendel, MD, and Medical Director at MediTresse in Wellesley, Massachusetts, offers her insights. “Most people will recover in 3-6 months and regrow all that was lost.  However,  if the shedding doesn’t improve in a few months, we do recommend having a thorough evaluation … Over 95% of people with Telogen Effluvium recover with proper treatment.”

Here are some of the options you can explore to stimulate new regrowth:

• Rogaine ~ Minoxidil is the active ingredient in Rogaine that revives and enhances hair follicle functioning to help regrow thicker hair. It also contains botanical extracts and emollients to help maintain a healthy and conditioned scalp. Alpha hydroxy acid exfoliates the scalp and gets it ready for new growth. There are specific formulas for men and women.  We have seen some side effects from Rogaine that include unwanted hair growth on other parts of the body, scalp irritation, rashes, dark circles around the eye area, and more. You also have to commit to regular, uninterrupted use of the product to maintain the new growth.

• Low-Level Laser Therapy ~ Practices like MediTresse offer LLLT as a safe and effective way to restore visible hair loss from Telogen Effluvium and some forms of Alopecia. This FDA-approved treatment utilizes LaserCaps that emit cold-beam lasers to encourage cellular activity in hair follicles and reduce inflammation to help restore your full head of hair. You can purchase caps at various strengths and use them in the comfort of your own home. 

• Nutrafol ~ This natural vitamin supplement encourages new growth from within. Company research is highly published, and its products have undergone rigorous testing.  Nutrafol addresses thinning hair by targeting the underlying factors that affect overall health and undermine hair wellness. These include stress, hormones, environment, metabolism, and nutrition. Ingredients include biotin and a blend of micronutrients including medical-grade ashwagandha and saw palmetto that are clinically proven to increase hair density. The supplements also come in specific formulas for women, post-menopausal women, and men. The company also offers complimentary consultations with naturopathic staff doctors who tailor a supplement regimen to your own unique needs.

One of my clients demonstrated remarkable results within three months of use of Nutrafol supplements. We were so excited by the effectiveness of Nutrafol that we now carry it at K/WSalons! 

Thank you for your continued enthusiasm for our HairLine blog. We’re going to drop down to one topic per month for the summer, then ramp back up to two posts per month again in the early Fall. Please keep your suggestions for future topics coming here. I want to be certain to cover content that is important to you!

Regards,

Kenny

The post Stress Shedding appeared first on Kenneth Wildes Salons.

The world is a changed place.

In the last 15 months, Covid-19 has completely reshaped our social habits and routines. And now that vaccines have arrived, infection rates have plummeted, and restrictions are lifting, we’re faced with a new challenge ~ how to reenter the world in a way that feels safe and comfortable for all.

In my job, I talk to people all day long. These conversations have made it clear to me that there is a real range of readiness to resume the life we used to know before Covid. Some people are ready to jump right back in. Others still have lingering cautions and concerns, no doubt a result of the profound psychological and mental ground shift that the Pandemic brought about.

Regardless of where my clients fall on the spectrum of readiness, it is my goal to be able to meet all clients where they stand on reentry.

I also checked in with some colleagues of mine ~ Bobbi Jo Tonsberg, Owner of Salon at Stonecroft, and Ken Davis, owner of Davis Hairdressing salons ~ to get the pulse on some from the larger hair community to see if our experiences at K/WSalons ring true in other salon businesses. I thank them both for their contributions here.

At the beginning of the virus, we as Salon Owners were charged with finding ways to reopen with business practices that would keep our clients and employees healthy and safe. We retrofit our businesses with a host of much-discussed changes and safeguards to how we serve our customers to ensure that. And we learned a lot.

These learnings will inform the way we move forward, day by day, as restrictions lift. It was so heartening to hear my colleagues’ words reflect our experiences and plans here at K/WSalons:

• Respect the gamut of anxiety ~ We want you to please feel free to express your comfort level. We stand ready to tweak your experience within the Salon for those who completely embrace their re-found freedoms and those who are still evolving in their ability to feel comfortable in public places. Bobbi Jo Tonsberg echoes this sentiment:

“Many have gotten vaccinated, and many have had Covid, therefore still have active antibodies and protection from the virus. There are others who just don’t believe in the vaccine. I support the notion that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. I have invested in many precautions to ensure everyone’s safety at my salon.”

• Continue relevant safety practices ~ At K/WSalons, our staff will keep up our increased sanitation practices and will continue to wear masks throughout the space. We also ask all clients to wear a mask upon entry and at all times during your movement within the Salon. Those clients comfortable removing their masks while seated in your stylist’s chair are permitted to do so. Ken Davis agrees:

“We have decided that there are too many gray areas and too many choices, so we have decided to keep everyone safe and comfortable in the salon by continuing to all wear masks.”

• Be patient with the process ~ I view this as incremental change ~ baby steps that thoughtfully consider and respond to the latest developments and take those in stride as we continue to refine our responses. Again, Bobbi Jo Tonsberg:

“I am grateful that we are turning the corner toward a renewed sense of normal and am excited about our personal freedoms. I am hopeful that we are headed in the right direction. With that being said, Salon at Stonecroft will be following all state guidelines on operating protocols and will be taking one day at a time.”

It will take time. But we will get there together. At moments like this, I am grateful to continue our journey with you, our Salon Family.

Regards,

Kenny

The post New Beginnings appeared first on Kenneth Wildes Salons.

So many of my clients come to me with questions about the texture of their hair.

For some, they were born with thick and curly hair when they’d love it to be stick straight ~ or vice versa. For others, lifestyle, hormones, age, environment, treatments, and other factors have caused changes in their hair texture over time that they would like to reverse or correct. So, what can you do to get and keep the hair texture you love?

We all are born with a specific texture which can range from thick, coarse, and curly to fine, wispy, straight, and soft, and everything in between. But aging and external factors can influence how robust your texture remains. Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research, department of dermatology at New York City’s Mount Sinai Hospital, cites genetics and aging, medical conditions, hormonal changes, stress, chemical damage, and heat, among others, as the chief reasons for changes in the look or feel of your hair over time.

So much of your surrounding circumstances can affect the texture of your hair.

Have you changed your diet? Are you experiencing hormonal changes that might benefit from hair-specific supplements like Nutrafol to add nutrients and strengthen hair follicles? Are you stressed or undergoing health issues and related therapies?

Some of the more serious medical root causes of change in texture should be addressed by your physician. For most routine reasons or if it’s just your choice of style, consult with your stylist at your salon to assess exactly what can be done to achieve your texture goals.

We are equipped with a sophisticated set of tools, techniques, treatments, and maintenance recommendations to produce a variety of amazing results.

• Tools ~ Specifically designed texture shears and razors are just some of the tools of our trade when it comes to texturizing hair. These instruments help us create a precise, accurate cut, eliminate bulk where we need to, and add texture in an edgier or softer way to achieve just the right amount of volume you desire.

• Techniques ~ Proper use of each of these tools and knowing how and where to cut along the hair shaft is practically an art form and requires extensive training and experience to get it right. We also look carefully at the “flats, rolls, and rounds” of the head structure to make selective choices on what areas need to be de-bulked or volumized. The natural growth direction of each section of hair also influences the build of the overall texture. These considerations, when coupled with the right tools and techniques, help us to create targeted fullness and movement or tame an unruly mass.

• Treatments ~ Hair color processes change the texture of hair. They thicken the finish of each strand and literally blow the cuticle open to add fullness and body every time. And you’ve no doubt heard of the array of relaxing treatments to achieve the right degree of smoothing or straightening of hair. The results of Brazilian blowouts and keratin treatments can last from 5 weeks to 6 months, depending on what you choose. “Hair Botox” formulas like L’Oreal Professional’s Fiberceutic Restorative Hair Sealing Treatment fill hair strands with flexible, soft fibers that create the appearance of fuller, smoother hair.

• Maintenance recommendations ~ Home care is crucial to preserve your desired texture. Your stylist can prescribe the right set of products carefully chosen to enhance your hair type and beauty goals. We recommend using a detangling product and a wide-toothed comb after shampoos to prevent breakage. And be sure to use a thermo-protectant product whenever using heat tools such as blow dryers, flat irons, or hot irons. Getting a cut at least every 6 weeks will also do wonders to maintain healthy, well-shaped hair, no matter what your style.

As always, your stylist is key to helping you to create and maximize the impact of the right hair care regimen for you.

Thank you, once again, for your interest in HairLine. Your ideas for future topics help to keep our content fresh and on point. Please keep your suggestions coming here. And feel free to share this blog with friends who may also be interested in becoming a part of our conversation.

Regards,

Kenny

The post Through Thick or Thin appeared first on Kenneth Wildes Salons.

So many of us are ready for change.

I have had many discussions with clients about short, sculpted cuts and long, layered “undone” looks to bring needed excitement to your return to more normal times. Some have asked how an updated take on color can turn up the volume on a new or long-favorite cut. Here are some thoughts on how color tones can bring a new vitality and presence to your spring and summer cut.

First, I want to explore what “highlights” can mean, since there is an array of techniques used to apply color tones to achieve different effects.

Our own Colorist/Stylist, Steven Nguyen, describes some of the main ones and their unique characteristics:

• Babylights ~ These delicate highlights are created using a very fine color technique and foils to mimic that blonde hue achieved if your hair is naturally lightened in the sun.

• Balayage ~ This highlighting technique doesn’t use foils. Instead, your hair colorist will hand-paint color directly onto your hair, creating a more natural, blended, sun-kissed look.

• Ombre ~ This process involves the blending of one color hue into another, usually moving tints and shades to graduate from light to dark. 

• Sombre ~ A “soft ombre,” sombre creates a subtler, more natural-looking version of ombre highlights.

• Chunky ~ Swaths of color applied to large sections of the hair provide stark and defined contrast with your overall hair shade. 

• “Money Pieces” ~ These face-framing highlights feature hues 2 – 3 shades lighter than your natural color to bring rich contrast and dimension.

• Peek-a-boo ~ These highlights in natural to vibrant shades are applied to hair layers concealed beneath the surface color and offer a “surprise” moment when revealed.

This is a great time to consider these approaches to brighten your color as the weather gets warmer and seasonal tans deepen skin tones.

As always, you should consult with your salon colorist to determine which processes would work best for you and your fashion goals.

Meanwhile, I reached out to Colorists here and at some other great Salons to learn some of their favorite ways to help you get your sun-kissed looks.

Buddy
Co-Owner, Charles David Salon and Spa,
Hanover and Plymouth, Massachusetts.

“Let’s talk about balayage, a French word that means to sweep or paint color. Balayage has been a staple in Europe for the last 40 years and was brought to this country about 25 years ago through “L’Oreal Professionelle” Nancy Braun. Balayage is a great way to get soft mega shots of blondes, reds and lighter browns as subtle or as bold as you want. It’s fabulous for any color of hair from your brightest reds to your deepest brunettes with powerful shots of caramel to the palest blondes. And it grows out very naturally with minimal upkeep.”

(Buddy has decades of color experience and a true gift for talking with clients to interpret and deliver the perfect kind of highlight.)

Sarah
Colorist/Stylist, MG Salon,
Medway, Massachusetts.

“Now that the warm weather is here, it’s a great time to brighten up your color! Personally, I love the “lived-in hair” look, which can be really bold or completely subtle. Traditionally, this is the Balayage look. The reason I choose this technique is because it grows out so naturally.”

(Sarah has a super unique technique to her balayage. Instead of a traditional color brush, she uses a 3-inch painter’s brush to apply color in dynamic swaths.)

Nathaly
Color/Stylist, K/WSalons,
Newton, Massachusetts.

“When doing color, I always assess the client. What’s your lifestyle like? Are you more low maintenance or someone that keeps up with maintenance? I then assess the color and tones of your skin and eyes and from there the blueprint is created. If you are more low maintenance, I would recommend balayage for a subtle or bold impact. Babylights, a foil highlighting technique, can also be done in a natural way but with a little more maintenance, which works well for those who don’t mind the upkeep.”

(Nathaly is one of the most focused colorists I have seen. She literally doesn’t speak when applying color as she concentrates on the perfect placement.)

I would like to thank my fellow professionals for adding their insights to our discussion on today’s color tones. And, as always, I am most grateful for your continued enthusiasm for HairLine. Please keep sending me your ideas and suggestions for future topics.

Regards,

Kenny

The post Get the Highlights appeared first on Kenneth Wildes Salons.

Bangs in America, or a fringe in the U.K., are strands of hair that fall over the front hairline to cover the forehead to various lengths.

They have been around and popular since the time of Cleopatra. Whatever you call them, they’re HOT right now! In HairLine’s January blog on What’s Trending in Hair ~ 2021, we talked about this year’s hair fashion favorites, some of which involved the latest “It” styles in bangs. I want to take that conversation further here and talk about who can wear a fringe and what goes into finding the right choice for you.

The answer to “who can wear a fringe?” might come as a surprise.

My conversations with clients about bangs often begin with them saying something like “What can I do differently? I’m ready for a change!” This then invariably begs the questions, “Do you think I can wear a bang? Am I too old? Would it work for my features?” The truth is that almost everyone can rock some version of a fringe.

The only time bangs really don’t work is when there is an idiosyncratic pattern to your natural growth direction at the hairline. If hair grows off to the right, to the left, or towards the back of the head, the hair most likely will go its own way and won’t lay correctly with a fringe cut. For everyone else, it can definitely be done beautifully within the right set of considerations.

Like most styles, a lot of factors go into finding the perfect cut ~ shape of the face, nose, jawline, and, with bangs especially, The Eyes.

I have to be honest. I have worked my entire career at “cutting to the eyes.” Eyes are the windows to the soul. A fringe is the valance that brings vitality to the eyes and lights up the face with a youthful glow.

So, what’s new this year?

As we discussed in January’s blog, the 70s are back in a big way in bangs that run the gamut from relaxed, wispy, and wild to blunt and severe looks for women of all ages.  We’re seeing soft, layered, tousled fringes, “big and curly” fronds, and sleek, angular statements, all with a retro “cool girl” vibe.

 Here are some of my favorites among those front and center on this Spring’s runways:

• Curtain ~ Definitely the number one pick this season, curtain bangs bring immediate attention to the eyes.

• Shaggy  ~ With shags all the rage, these bangs are everywhere. Retro versions arc the eyes and dissolve into softer tails.

• “Piecey” ~ These long and wavy wisps are great for breaking up large foreheads, styling thinner hair, and adding variety to thicker tresses.

• Big and Curly ~ Playful, long ringlets carry the framing volume around your face and add balance to a rounded, curly ‘do.

• “Micro” ~ These super-short bangs bring a modern edgy severity that pairs well with some of our trendy, minimalist wardrobe pieces in neutrals and angular silhouettes.

• Textured ~ These feathered, messy, wavy bangs give a short cut loads of personality and add dimension to thinner hair. Think Cool Girl Short Cut.

• Side Swept ~ A retro return creates a timeless elegance that puts the high beams on eyes and cheekbones.

• Blunt Classics ~ This dramatic style mainstay loves a structured bob reminiscent of the 20s or a sharp collarbone or jawbone cut.

I believe there is a fringe here for nearly everyone.

Provide a photo of bangs you like to your salon’s stylist to start the consultation on finding the best fringe for you. Don’t forget to ask about any styling products you’ll need to maintain or work with your new look.

My ongoing thanks for your interest in HairLine. You always amaze me with your insightful comments and requests for interesting future content. Please keep your ideas coming here and continue your meaningful contributions to our HairLine conversation.

Regards,

Kenny

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