AlfaParf Smoothing Cream

When is comes to controlling frizz, getting a great haircut that removes excess bulk and allows the hair to lay closer to the head is at least as important as the right products. A gentle reminder to your stylist not to over-texturize the ends of your hair this time of year may be in order. Having more weight on the ends will help the hair to lay more smoothly with less fly-aways. To further smooth and define the hair, apply a dime-size amount (more if your hair is long and/or thick) of a leave-in moisturizer. Lastly, a good smoothing product such as the AlfaParf Illuminating Smoothing Cream will help to keep your frizz at bay for throughout the day.

One of the best topical antidotes for sunburn is fresh aloe vera.   If you do not have a plant in your kitchen to remedy minor burns, you can buy fresh, whole leaf aloe vera gel at your local health food store.  It is a natural anti-inflammatory and has humectant properties.   Products that are cooling should be avoided; ones with peppermint, menthol, or calamine lotion all contain alcohol which only further dehydrates skin tissue.
Shea butter and olive oil can be soothing emollients that are also moisturizing.  Cucumber is another good natural anti-inflammatory.  Aloe can be applied directly to the skin, or try mixing it in a bowl with sliced cucumber and ice, then creating a compress with a cotton towel.

Aloe Vera

Many clients have been asking me about tanning products lately. One that I really like is by Yon-Ka.  Lait Prolongateur De Bronzage is a face and body lotion that adds a hint of color and enhances what the sun naturally gives you this time of year.  It has three teas in it to gradually darken the skin with natural ingredients, while simultaneously moisturizing. The result is a warm, golden glow that you can feel good about all year.

Yonka Prolongateur de Bronzage

Summer is in full swing, which means it’s time to break out the sun block, self-tanners, and bronzers. Although by now most of us are diligent about applying sunscreen, we often forget about protecting our hair. Ultraviolet rays, chlorine and saltwater can compromise the integrity of the hair. If your hair is color treated, you are not only prone to fading that occurs from sun exposure, but also dehydration. To protect your investment during the summer months try using the Soleil line by Kerastase. The line has a UV protection of 15, as well as a balancing shampoo that removes chlorine and salt from the hair. The hydrating conditioner is a great way to seal and protect the hair, while the restorative masques help to repair any damage. I also love working a dime size amount of natural oil (Jojoba, almond, avocado) through dry hair. It acts as a barrier for your hair since oil and water don’t mix. Swim caps and hats are always helpful as well. So this year when you’re headed out - don’t forget both of your sunblocks!

Kerastase

Many women start asking to go lighter for this time of year, wanting the sun-kissed look- without the sun. This request to go lighter and brighter is easily met by your colorist, but it is important for both of you to remember that the extra time in the sun is going to lighten your hair naturally!  Combined with the bleach highlights, it can give you less-than-desirable results. Concentrate on keeping your hair protected and healthy, instead of how blond it can get.  You’ll be happy you did when your locks are still luscious come fall.

We all know that self-tanners are an alternative to the damaging effects of the sun, yet some are deterred by the smell, streaking, and orange color for which they have a reputation. Although this is not the case with all self-tanners, there are other cosmetic options.  Yon-Ka offers a face tint, Halo-70, which is a boosting concentrate that contains essential oils and natural pigments.  Because it’s a tinted fluid, it immediately makes your skin look radiant and helps to slightly warm and illuminate it, giving your face a sun-kissed look throughout the day.  It can also be simply washed off in the evening.

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Frizzy hair is a complaint that many women share. Most look for a magic product as a quick fix and don’t address the cause of the problem. Products that reduce frizz in the hair usually consist mainly of silicone, which simply coats the hair. Many of these products also contain alcohol which allows them to be lightweight and evaporate quickly, but unfortunately, your smooth shiny hair will only last a few hours. These products only temporarily mask the issue, here are some real solutions!

1. Pulling permanent color through the ends of the hair

Many colorists will pull permanent color from your roots to your ends to even out color that has faded. This is not only unnecessary, but can be damaging. A gentle reminder to your colorist that ammonia based haircolor should only be applied to your new growth.

2. Dehydrated hair

Choose hydrating products that are intended to moisturize the hair, not just decrease frizz. Try using a deep treatment (such as a masque) on your hair once a week- or visit your salon for professional treatment. The oleo-slim express treatment from Kerastase has made a huge difference for many of my clients with frizzy hair

3. Less Shampooing, more conditioning

Try skipping a day and in between shampoos, just condition. Rinse well with warm water, and comb through your favorite conditioner. It will gently cleanse the hair throughout the summer so the hair can keep more of its natural oil balance.

I recently had the pleasure of being a speaker for Summit Speech School’s annual fundraiser at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in New Jersey.   Summit Speech School enables children who are deaf or hard of hearing to take their place in a hearing world by providing educational and therapeutic support services through auditory and oral programs.  They invited me to speak about beauty to the members of the country club and it was a wonderful experience to be involved in their efforts. I gave insider beauty tips, spoke about hairstyle changes through the decades and how often we rely on styles of  the past for current inspiration.   I also had the opportunity to do makeovers on two parents of students at the school and they both looked so beautiful!  Here are some photos from the event:

Wella Extensions at Cynthia Rowley

By Alison Shipley

Added: February 16, 2010

Cynthia Rowley is known for her whimsical-yet-sophisticated aesthetic with a vintage-inspired slant. For Fall ‘10, the collection feels more indie and tough, not ladylike. She takes classic, feminine wardrobe elements, like the dress and the elbow glove, but redefines them for the modern, tough girl. The clothing and accessories for Fall concentrate on volume, texture and movement, which is accomplished with lots of feathers, fringed leather, and silk fringe.

The Look:
The hair look is a tangible interpretation of nouveau fun, marrying the funky hair accessory with wearable street style. A natural, textured ponytail is accented with the striking contrast of artificial colored hair extensions blended seamlessly within the ponytail for a modern twist.

The Hair Color Story:
Wella Professionals lead colorist Eva Scrivo directed a team of Wella stylists to custom color extensions that replicate the rich, artificial jewel tones of the collection, such as emerald, amethyst, lapis, bright turquoise, and navy. Wella Professionals Koleston Perfect Special Mix shades were used to completely saturate the natural hair extensions with rich, vibrant shades stemming from the primary color palette. The sophisticated nuances of the Special Mix collection allow for creativity without limits - turning any color fantasy into a reality on the runway or in real life. The multi-dimensional tones and layers reveal sensuous colors in a range of shades, while embedded with an element of surprise. Hair color is a woman’s best accessory and the concept for Cynthia Rowley’s show reflects this with a literal interpretation.

Credits:
Hair Color: Eva Scrivo for Wella Professionals
Hair products provided by Wella System Professional
Lead Stylist: Alain Pichon for Antonio Prieto Salon

Step-by-Step Styling:
* Section hair off and working from back of the head to the front, prepare hair with System Professional Ultimation hair spray for added texture and shine.

* Create texture within each section by using a combination of a curling iron and crimping iron for non-uniform waviness.

* Place Wella colored hair pieces that have been crimped within sections of the natural hair so that the extensions blend in seamlessly.

* Pull the hair back into a soft ponytail at the nape of the neck with the ends flowing naturally, while allowing the streaks of color to show through for added dimension.

From: ModernSalon.com

I always find Fashion Week to be a thrilling experience and this year was no exception. It is an exciting time, full of artistic inspiration which opens my mind and expands my thinking about what I can do for my clients. Being surrounded by such incredible talent is always uplifting and invigorating. This season, I worked with Cynthia Rowley; her colors were very playful and bright and we collaborated to choose a hair color palette that reflected the collection.

Hair extensions have become the hottest new fashion accessory and I have used them for the last four seasons. They are masterfully colored to complement and enhance the designer’s collection. They can be used to add texture, length and volume. I have had so many client requests for them that we started making them available to clients and listeners. Customized clip-in extensions are available on my website and we also offer a more permanent extensions (approx. 3 months) at the salon.

Here is a small sample of what has so far been written about the show:

Teen Vouge: The Look at Cynthia Rowley

Skincare Tip: JUST FOR THE GUYS

Men’s skin is typically thicker and oilier than women’s skin and therefore, it needs different types of products. Men’s skin is also generally exfoliated more than women’s skin because of shaving that can make it more sensitive. Proper care can eliminate razor bumps and keep skin healthy, hydrated and glowing (but still masculine, of course).

How to use it: Call or come into the salon for product recommendations specific to your skin type.

Yon Ka’s For Men line is available on our website.

A foundation spray for hair is one of the most underestimated beauty products out there. It is an essential first step to a great blow out because it evens out the porosity of the hair shaft allowing product to absorb evenly. Without it, product absorbs more heavily into dry areas of the shaft which hampers proper styling. It is also great for women who prefer more natural looks since it adds no weight to the hair and can be used without any additional styling products.

Get a great blowout at home.

How to use it: Spray liberally onto towel dried hair prior to applying styling products and leave-in treatments. Style as usual. It can also be used to refresh hair between shampoos.

Try Shu Umeura’s Depsea Waters in Repair, Moisture or Smoothing

OR

Bumble and bumble’s Prep or Tonic

These products are available at Eva Scrivo Salon — we are happy to give product recommendations over the phone: 212-677-7315.

New Year’s Eve is just days away and like many others, I’m sure you are just now starting to explore your fashion options. Celebrating the New Year is a great excuse to transform your everyday style into a more glamorous, sophisticated look.

Your holiday hair and makeup is just as much an essential part of your outfit as the clothing itself. A less structured but yet glamorous up-do such as a low, loose chignon worn off center or to the side, is a more modern take of the old classic. Pair this hairstyle with a clean, neutral eye and a bold lip shade to compliment your little black dress.

For a more trendy and edgy look try adding hair extensions in an unconventional shade to your blowout or incorporated into your up-do. Jewel tone shades such as sapphire blue, amethyst or emerald, which can be custom colored and cut at our salon, will add just the right amount of sass.

To smooth and polish curly or wavy hair, spray in a light silicone or linseed based product such as Alfaparf Cristalli Finishing Spray on dry hair. Next, section hair and use a 1 ½- 2 inch curling iron to create a more defined wave. This fun and flirty look can be paired with a sequined top, dark denim and heels. To compliment this look, line entire eye with a soft black or chocolate brown eye pencil then layer a metallic shadow on top lid and underneath the eye to create a soft, smoky eye. Add bronzer to contour and enhance your features. A pale, shimmery gloss or lipstick in a shade of your choice will finish this look.

Pink Eva Scrivo Hair Extensions

To add some holiday flair to your chosen hair style, hair jewelry will do the trick. From a rhinestone clip to feathered head band, these options are a great choice to glam up your style. My particular favorites are the ostrich feather headband by Vinnetta Scrivo or the bronze and black rhinestone drop Barrett by Gwynne Mims, both sold at the Eva Scrivo Salon.

Ostrich Feather Headband by Vinnetta Scrivo

Check out Eva’s interview with Marta Walsh from TalkingMakeup.com