New York, New York

Some say it's the city that never sleeps, I say it's the city that never skips a beat.  It was time for our yearly quest to find what's hot and what's not at the Waldorf Astoria Grand Ballroom  (only the most famous place in all of NYC) where Intercoiffure (the leading organization of top salon owners) meets once a year to exchange thoughts on our beloved industry.  All the while in the financial district they are protesting at Wall Street for the rights of workers and downtown they are praying at the 9/11 Memorial for those who lost their lives for our freedom...New York truly does not skip a beat.  It's like old home week for me as I have traveled for this occasion since I was a little girl - building lifelong relationships with other salon owners around the world.  Some years you don't see people and you truly wonder what happened to them - are they sick?  Are they broke? or maybe they are just stuck in traffic :).  It's hard to stay successful when you're reminded everyday of all the voids in our economy but we plug forward to see if this year will prove to be the best show ever or hopefully learn something new that can help to leave our hometown competition in the dust.  So here you go, did NYC hold true to it's reputation?.......

Well kinda,  but it truly can get annoying if you want to know the truth.  Expensive, compulsive, and sometimes uncaring, this city can suck you in one moment with its ability to be new and fresh, wacky and weird, and then in a moment - piss you off because New Yorkers could care less about you.  But somehow it keeps you wanting more - you certainly would not want to be the last to know what the latest trend  may be or what's the hot new thing. 

So, then there's the Waldorf - let me tell you that that place makes you feel like you are important.  Eight or so years ago, during the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations (1995) I rode in the elevator with "The Football" - do you know what that is?  I didn't, my husband had to tell me - it's the" red batman" phone in a box. It's the President's connection to the military "One call, that's all" and we can nuke them!  Now that was impressive and it was handcuffed to the Secret Agents arm no less!

This year proved to be a 7 on a scale of 10.  Hair seems to not be changing too much - extensions are still hot, boots and fur are the latest craze, and those silly buns on the top of women's heads adorned the local beauties.  Get ready, cause a year from now you too might find yourself with this "Buddha" phase. 



Liv Tyler


Anywho,  we saw celebrity greats like Ted Gibson (from TLC's What Not to Wear) do a show - he proved why networks and celebs love him with his savior faire and pink trademark tie!  Likable as the day is long, humble cause his mama taught him how, and a great spokesperson for hairdressing.  You're not going to believe his latest campaign....he is trying to get hairdressers to band together and get an "Oscar" for hair - I mean after all they have one for makeup! and truly, have you ever seen a movie or magazine or music video with bad hair? No way!  Celebrities would not be caught dead on the red carpet without 3 prior hours with their favorite Glam Squad - trust me, I know first hand - they are VAIN AS EVER!

And then the masterful Oribe was in the house to wow us.  And wow he did - beautiful wigs of movie star vixens of the past - he took us on a journey from Marilyn to Elizabeth.  Nothing like the feeling you got in that grand ballroom that night just knowing they had both once been there! And only to top off his extravaganza - Sara Jessica Parker showed up to present him a Visionary Award (not an Oscar but I guess as close as you can get when you are among 1,000 peers).  I'm assuming he probably has her on his speed dial like most of his famed celebrity dames he has had the chance to dress their tresses!  You know what.. Hairdressers are amazing - now that I think about it!

So NYC did not disappoint - leaves you with a rekindled spirit and a leg up on those who don't take the time to re-educate themselves on the latest - It's fun to go and it's fun to leave - I'm always happy to reconnect with my Intercoiffure family and then say my goodbyes until the next show.  And even though NYC can make you tired, you are always glad you braved it's sometimes unwelcoming demeanor, even  if it's just for one night in the Waldorf Astoria Grand Ballroom knowing that only a hairdresser gets a celebrity to show up for free in this town!

Maybe we do deserve an Oscar after all! NYC is a cause a minute - if you  to want to be heard... I say move to New York, you'll always find some one to believe in your cause there.  And if you  DO decide to wear that little bun-y thing on top of your head - act like you don't know me cause that could be a hairdresser's worst nightmare!  Sure can't make a living doing that! Until we meet again New York... Keep it real.



BE! Magazine Issue BE-12 2011

We are proud to be in the top 100, page 49, with the other elite salons in our industry! (Click the link to view--->)BE! Magazine Issue BE-12 2011

How_To_Hair with Volume_F8_HQ

Watch this video --> How_To_Hair with Volume_F8_HQ: Learn how to add a little volume to your wedding day look.

I wish I just LOVED working out

I wish I just LOVED working out like some girls. I don’t mind it, but it is definitely one of those necessary evils. So as I am sweating away on the treadmill, I look around and see how put together some of these girls look in the gym. Not only are they rocking perfectly color coordinated sweats, shorts, shoes and tanks, but a lot of girls still have their hair looking styling. I usually opt for the high bun/knot on the top of my head. I like to keep it messy, but it serves more of a purpose for keeping cool and keeping my hair out of my face. As I look around though, I see some girls are keeping it cool and looking fabulous while doing it. So what’s my point? We don’t have to look busted while we are sweating at the gym. Keep your hair fun and flirty and you can look good while trying to get into shape. Here’s a list of some of my favorite styles:

*High pony tail. Tease the roots a little bit so when you pull it back it’s not slick but messy and full.

*Incorporate colored headbands. These guys serve a purpose of keeping the hair out of your face, but also give it a little fun pop of coordinating color

*Messy bun. This is so easy to do. Using a regular ponytail holder, wrap the hair like you would for a ponytail (leaving part of it still in), wrap again and then pull. It creates a messy look that looks hot worn up high or at the nape of the neck.

Hair Inspiration

So I have referred to "Pinterest" before. You guys really need to check it out. It is a virtual inspirational pinboard (there's even an iPhone app). While looking through different looks to get me inspired I found this great how to for how to pin your hair back. You could wear this look for a night out on the town or even a formal event. You can even print this off and tape it to your mirror. Try out. Let me know how it went.

One movie. Three Looks.

Last night, I finally watched Bradley Cooper’s new movie, Limitless. As far as the movie itself, it was pretty good (then again any movie where you can stare at Bradley Cooper for a couple hours is pretty good in my book). The story follows a young guy, down on his luck, through his journey to fame and fortune (more or less…hey, I’m not a professional movie critic people). Not only does Cooper’s character transform mentally, but of course he changes his physical appearance throughout, which provided a wide range of hairstyles. Of course this got me thinking. One guy, with three totally different looks, that Hollywood chose to help further represent and define a time in this characters life and journey. So guys??? If Hollywood thinks it is important enough for a male characters hair to define them…..why don’t you? Ladies, we got to help our men out. This is not my soapbox to critique other “speedy” or “cheap” salons out there, but I DO want to encourage our boys to understand the importance of seeing a stylist who understands style. We are trained to look at your faceshapes, create styles that are popular and current, educate you about products to replicate the style, and create an overall look that caters to business and personal activities in life. It’s so much more than a haircut. As women, we can change our look with color, hair accessories, clip in extensions, makeup, clothing, etc. Guys don’t have as many options. So guys…trust your stylist….start thinking outside the box.

The most wonderful time of the year. No…not Christmas….FOOTBALL SEASON!

The leaves are starting to change. The air is crisp and much cooler. The smells of burgers and hotdogs on the grill, along with the fainter smell of whiskey and Coke. All of this can only add up to one thing….the most wonderful time of the year. No…not Christmas….FOOTBALL SEASON!



Growing up in the South, football is a way of life. It is almost a sort of pseudo-religion here. It’s not just for the boys either; the ladies are just as enthusiastic about the game. There is such a ritual of it. Shopping for months to pick out the perfect outfits in your team colors. Traditional tailgating recipes that are prepared the night before to add that perfect effortless Martha Stewart touch to every Saturday. Waking up at the crack of dawn to ESPN gameday while getting ready to head as close to the stadium as possible (or for those of less fortunate to not live in the college towns anymore…hoping to get a great seat near the big screen at the local Taco Mac). Football Saturdays are long days, and you have to find a way to look great doing it, and make it look effortless at the same time. You want to look cute and put together, but never looking too overdone or you may look like an imposter fan trying too hard to fit in. So I have tried to compile a couple of tips to help you out on gameday, at least with hair and makeup.

1. DON’T DRINK TOO MUCH! Drinking dries out your skin and not only makes you look tired any of the following tips will be null and void if you get plastered, especially before your team even starts playing. It’s just not cute. So don’t do it. If you chose to do so, well you can stop reading now. When you do drink, make sure to keep hydrated throughout the day by switching it up with water or even an electrolyte infused drink.

2. Curl your hair and set it with spray. Make it bigger and let it fall. Try using spray and setting it with pins or hot rollers while you get ready. It keeps it out of your face while you are getting those pigs in a blanket prepped anyways.

3. I love trying to pin up my bangs or front pieces with a bobby pin, or a cute headband (preferably in team colors). It keeps your hands of your hair, which makes it greasy. It also helps if it is hot outside from getting out of control, as you start to “glisten” (girls here don’t sweat)

4. Here’s a makeup trick I learned years ago that seems to help my foundation or powder stay a little longer. After applying moisturizer (or even a makeup primer) to your face, put your hair dryer on the cool setting for a few seconds and run it over your face. I’m not exactly sure the scientific reason, but it seems to help set a good foundation for your face makeup.

5. After applying your team’s logo with a face tattoo, lightly dust your entire face with a mineral veil. It sets your makeup and helps keep the tattoo from getting too flakey. I prefer to use Bare Minerals hydrating mineral veil.

6. Be a good sport. Show your team spirit, but remember beauty comes from the inside out. Acting out or unlady like won’t make you look beautiful : )

Secrets and Trends

From the beginning, it was expressed that this blog is supposed to give you all of the industry (and especially Jamison Shaw's stylists) secrets...from behind the blowdryer. Recently, we asked our stylists what their predictions on upcoming trends would be. We got a lot of really great responses, but wanted to share with y'all some of our favorites. Leave us some feedback. Tell us what you think we're going to see for the Fall. Always ask questions and remember to keep checking in with us for all the latest up to date information on what's hot!

*For wardrobe: It's back to the basics this Fall and Winter. The trend is staple items mixed with chunky jewelry and 70s inspired fashion. Plunging necklines, loose fitting tops and flowing sleeves are paired with flare and wide leg pants. Play on texture is huge this season. Break out your fur and leather, pleats and ruffles.

*For hair: A continued trend of low maintenance hair color, such as ombre, and diffused hilites will be expected this Fall. Vibrant red tones will be seen to mimic the colors that cooler weather brings. Later as Winter approaches, double process (blonde on blonde hair colors) will be even more popular. As far as Fall 2011 cuts are concerned, we can expect to see more short cuts and even more dramatic ones such as Emma Watson's pixie cut. Fringe continues to make a comeback and will be seen worn with the classic chin length bob. Low maintenance is key, especially as the busy holiday season quickly approaches.

Style:
-volume
-long messy waves
-low pony tails
-loose braids

Updos:
-woven styles
-sleek and shiny styles
-low knotted buns
-modern updos to give a "uptown girl" look

Hair Color:
-rich brunettes
-rich reds
-bright blondes
-gold and honey hues

Haircuts:
-waved bob
-bangs
-curly hair
-extreme side parts

Ombre Nails

Saw this on one of my new favorite websites (pintrest). 

Ombre nails. Can't decide how I feel yet. What are your thoughts? Might be seeing more of it soon.

Feather Extensions!

Feather extensions! What a fun new trend. It’s a great way to spice up your look and try something different. Not many salons are doing them in Atlanta, but even Selena Gomez knew where to go to get feather extensions for herself and her friends. They are absolutely adorable and take only about 5 minutes or less to put in (it actually takes longer to pick out the perfect combination of colors than the application time itself). They are great for everybody! It’s an easy way to even show your support for your favorite NCAA or NFL footballs teams. I personally opted for a simple red and black feather to show support for our local Dirty Birds. Even if you work in a professional atmosphere but want to rock one on the weekend, you can apply the feather underneath creating a peek-a-boo effect and pin it underneath while at work, so your boss will never know that his diligent worker has a bit of a hidden rocker side.

Clexy: pulling off a look that is classy and sexy.

Cheerlirious: being delirious from cheering. Bermudaful: Looking beautiful from Bermuda. Clexy: pulling off a look that is classy and sexy. These words have become commonly used among the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders, their coaches, anybody else working close with the team, and you would have heard them being used around the pool at the Codner’s house on Wednesday, September 7^th. The event? A private “all white” party to commence the unveiling of the 2011-2012 AFC swimsuit calendar, that was shot earlier this year in Bermuda. What a party it was. After valet parking your car, courtsey of Prive parking, it was a short walk through a tent and around the driveway, where you were met with the hostess with the mostest, Candy Shaw Codner, and a couple of her door girls checking the VIP list to make sure we kept the party private and exclusive. After being welcomed and exchanging a few hugs and introductions, you made your way down the red carpet to be photographed in front of the step and repeat. If you needed to check your hair first, there was a HUGE free standing mirror, bookended by two palm trees (made you feel like you were back in Bermuda). Once turning the next corner, you were greeted by a utopian scene. White leather couches were brought in and placed poolside for appetizers, cocktails and mingling. The side yard was turned into a private viewing room, by setting up rows of white chairs and a full screen (later we would view a preview of the final episode of “Making the Calendar,” a Comcast On Demand reality TV series). Ambience and mood was set to the musical stylings of local artist, James Patrick Morgan. Once all of the guests had arrived, the anticipation was finally over. Candy, Coach Chato Waters, and former Atlanta Falcons cheerleader, Tiffany Fallon, were ready to announce each month and finally unveil the cover. As each ladies name was called, they were presented with a oversized print of their month, a long stem rose, and a sash to make it official which “Miss” month she would be. You could tell each cheerleader was overwhelmed with emotion, excitement, and to see the final results of all the hard work. Not only did the night serve as an evening to unveil the upcoming calendar, it was a great reunion to get together all of the amazing people who each contributed, big or small, to make it happen.

Fake it. I know I do.

It’s almost over. Summer that is. Sunday Fundays poolside are diminishing quickly. There’s only so much more natural sun that we can soak up. What’s a girl to do? I refuse to lie in a tanning bed. The risks are too high and scare me. Although I think a fair skin is beautiful and love that look, I just feel better tan. Even if you don’t maintain some sort of a tan throughout the Fall, you may still want to get your glow on for a special occasion. There are two products I am LOVING RIGHT NOW!

Scott Barnes Body Bling is an easy lotion that gives you instant color. Scott is an amazing makeup artist that really perfected this product. You see it go on so you can’t mess it up. It has a slight shimmer that really gives your legs and arms that extra muscle definition and makes you feel like you just came in off the beach. It comes in two different shades, perfect for giving your skin a quick easy sunkissed glow. Then you can shower it off. It’s like having makeup for your body! (You can pick this product up off the shelves at Jamison Shaw)

The other is Tan Towels (which are usually carried at your local ULTA or SEPHORA). They are amazing. You can purchase them in full body or half body. They are essentially baby wipes with tanning lotion on them. You just wipe them on and wash your hands. So far I have yet to streak them up at all. They give you a SUPER natural glow and are not orange at all (like many other at home tanning products). The best part about this product is there is NO SMELL. I used one the other day and didn’t even wash it off (like I normally do) and didn’t even detect the faintest smell at all.

Whatever you do..stay out of those tanning beds. There are too many other incredible options out there on the market. And if you’re scared of faking it….embrace your fairer complexion. Instead opt for a peach check and really glossy lip. Combined with a simple eyelid and a heavy liner, you get a great fresh faced look that’s a classic beauty.

Fall Recommendations

Fall winds really affect the hair, but I think Fall is the best season for hair!  I especially love the versatility of all of the fun hats for fall.  The hairstyles trendinf for fall are messy, more updos, vibrant reds and brilliant browns.  A tip of trying a trend at home is to experiment with hairpieces, and hair clips with feathers. 
I recommend the following products for fall:
A creamy curl texturizer for curly, mess, loose locks that hold or a piecy effect.
A shine serum for the fright fall sun and blow in the wind.
Texture paste - fall is the season of texture!

I recommend the following services for Fall:
Definitely conditioning treatments from summer's harsh heat and summer's fun in the sun.

I Won’t Make That Mistake Twice

I knew better before I did this. I KNEW BETTER! It was the week before my vacation. I did all of the normal errands every girl has to do better a big trip. Nails: check. Spray tan: check. Cute travel sizes from of all my favorite products from JSH and Sephora: check. Packed too many outfits, flip-flops, accessories and bathing suits: double check. Brows and (embarrassingly enough) upper lip hair removal (yes, if you’re a guy reading this, this is one of the necessary evils that we have to do as women. Get over it. God gave us hair there. Thank us for removing it): not check. I figured I would be fine. I thought letting my brows grow in over vacation, I’ll come back looking like a young Brooke Shields. FAIL MOMENT! It took one look in the passenger side mirror to catch a glimpse of that peach fuzz shining in all its glory, magnified by the sun. Great. Well, it’s too late to do anything at this point right? Desperate times call for desperate measures. After a quick Google search I found a little place that specializes in waxing (you will soon learn “specializes” should be used loosely).  I met my “waxing specialist” and she walked me back to a room no larger than a coat closet with one waxing table and a tiny side table for her tools. She left the room for a moment, which gave me a chance to take in the entire scene. I should have thought twice when I realized she had a giant crock pot switched to “warm.” In my head I thought “Oh my gosh, this is not her wax. Surely she is whipping up a bowl of chili for all of her coworkers, her hard working husband, or perhaps for her children after a long day of studying at school.” I was wrong. It was her wax. I prayed to the cosmetology gods above that she didn’t double dip (which can cause contamination …in laymen’s terms is just plain nasty) and can thankfully report she didn’t. At this point, I’m starting to wonder if I shouldn’t have just let the local nail technician take a spin at this. So much for being “specialized.” Note to self next time check CitySearch or Yelp more thoroughly. Anyways, I survived and took care of both “situations” for about $20.00. I actually thought she did a good job. UNTIL THE NEXT DAY! I now am rocking a lovely set of red bumps and nice white lines where the wax seared my skin above my brows and my lip. As I stand behind the chair and look in the mirror each day this week, I am not entirely sure that it isn’t getting worse. So frustrating.

Okay so here’s the moral of the story. Wasilla (our in house esthician @JSH) is INCREDIBLE! I normally get her to thread my brows and lip. It’s a different experience if you haven’t tried it before, but I leave her chair looking more beautiful than I did when I sat down. I would never leave her room and watch my brows develop some freakish case of the chicken pox or draw more attention to hair removal in an area that is already a sensitive subject in the first place. She educates you with years of experience and not to mention is the most genuine person you will ever meet. I cheated on her and I learned my lesson…the hard way. Hope you can get a little laugh from my horror story and seriously ladies, don’t make the same mistake. You can even send your men too if they need a little TLC on their brows. I have seen plenty of men sneak in and out, look just as masculine before and I’m sure she makes them feel totally comfortable about the matter. Trust me on this one, if you’re looking for someone to take care of your hair removal needs come see her. You can thank me later!

Disney Princesses and their perfect hair

As a little girl growing up, I was obsessed with Disney. Even as an adult if I am having a bad day, I don’t think there is anything curling up in bed with a Classic Disney film can’t fix. I would dream of wearing beautiful ball gowns, going on enchanted adventures and searching for my prince charming. The Disney Princesses had everything going for them. They were beautiful and ALWAYS had perfect hair! I love the picture seen below because it is so true. Disney Princesses gave me false hopes and expectations not only of finding a true Prince Charming (the jury is still out on if “prince charming” is an endangered species or really doesn’t exist at all) but of looking perfect and having beautiful hair….or did they.  After a little research, maybe those girls were inspiring today’s fashionable hair trends more than they even know.

Hair Lessons from Sex and The City

Samantha: I happen to love the way I look.
Miranda: You should. You paid enough for it.

-          Sex and the City

Sitting down at my recently purchased shabby chic writing desk, and opening a laptop that has been collecting dust (it’s been neglected with the beautiful convience of an iphone), I realize I haven’t written much since college, unless you count the daily status updates of Facebook, but that should hardly been considered decent writing, I have my Carrie Bradshaw moment. Just a girl offering advice about something she has just a little insight about. All through college I was OBSESSED with Sex and the City. Even own the box set of DVDs. The witty humor and situations we all could relate to was only half the draw of the show for me. It was the fashion. These four fabulous girls, living in New York with the best clothes, makeup, hair and of course, shoes only money could buy. Carrie was always changing her hair. That’s what really defined her style. Curly, straight, big, short, pinned or sleek. We can all take a lesson from that. A good haircut, is just that a good haircut, but it’s what you do when you’re home that gives it style. Anybody can do a quick Google search of these ladies to get inspired. I know you’re thinking I can’t, but its really easy. You have to be comfortable to play with your hair. Take risks. Plan your outfit around a great hair style. Start off slow with a sleek ponytail and work up to the bun. You just need a few essentials to get you started:

1. hair rubberbands. The ones without metal work the best (Do they even still make those with metal??)

2. Bobbypins. You can never have enough. Try and find some closest to your hair color for easy disgusing and blending

3. ratail comb. Great for sectioning and the small teeth work great for teasing.

4. smoothing brush/updo brush. Helps smooth out the lumps and bumps. Teasing 101 for those with less experience

5. curling iron/flat iron

6. HAIRSPRAY! Sets every style perfect.

7. Most important! INSPIRATION. Get inspired. Look online or at magazines. Try things yourself. And always ask your stylist for advice .

So, make a change. Try something new. Here’s a couple pictures to get you started.

Blogs from Behind the Blowdryer Begins

I am not a psychic. I cannot tell the future. But one thing is for certain, anytime I meet someone new and they find out what I do for a living I know they will always ask, “What can you do with my hair or my style?” It happens everytime and has become predictable. At first, the question used to annoy me. I wanted to respond to them and say, “Look, I’m here to just relax and have a drink like anybody else. I don’t want to talk about work. I just worked a 45 hour week on my feet. Call me during business hours.” Not the best outlook to have right? But then it dawned on me, these people (everybody I meet) are just looking for answers. Just a little bit of insight on what is popular and how they can look just a little bit better by making a few changes. When you look better you feel better. When you feel better, there are no limitations in life. Wow. That’s a pretty powerful gift I have.

Yes, my “job” is basically to cut, color and style….that’s just the basics. It is so much more. I have all the secrets to alter someone’s appearance completely (well, with the exception of plastic surgery) just by teaching them how to replicate the latest celeb hair styles, change out their wardrobe each season or pick out that perfect nude eyeshadow to make every womans eye pop. Like I said, pretty powerful stuff.

So that’s the inspiration for Beind the Blowdryer. Just to share a little nuggets of knowledge. An informal way to answer the questions I am always asked. What’s hot…what’s not…what’s new…what’s old...what I like and what I don’t. It’s all here. For you.