Obtaining an affordable, easy and manageable dye job may seem like a daunting task. With today’s economy, many have decided to DIY when it comes to beauty and haircare — whether it be an at-home manicure, or, what we’re here to talk about today, dying our hair without running to the salon. The secret to a great dye job that anyone can achieve involves three steps: selecting the right color, applying the color evenly and, finally, maintaining the color. Read on as we discover the best products to get the job done from some of the hair industry’s most reputable stylists.

The first step usually involves running to our stylist for assistance, but it doesn’t have to be. Walking into any hair dye aisle in the drugstore can be scary, but if you keep one major rule in mind the aisle somehow becomes less intimidating: The most important concept when deciding on a color is that at-home coloring kits have limitations.

Frédéric Fekkai, who recently launched Salon Color — a line of at-home hair dyes, advises that “you should never go more than 2 shades lighter or darker than your natural color.” When we stray too far we usually end up needing color correction at a salon. Clairol Professional colorist Nico also warns that dye reacts differently on “virgin” hair than previously color-treated hair. On color-treated hair the dye will show up with a “darker and more vibrant hue.” Keep this in mind and finding a color should only be a struggle due to indecisiveness.

Next is the actual application. Nico shared some great product tips on how to achieve the best results. He recommends using Clairol’s Beautiful Collection Semi-Permanent Hair Color. This product is gentle, “simple and intuitive.” Another tip is to apply Vaseline or moisturizer to the skin around the hairline to prevent color staining. This is crucial for any color job, but more important when you are going darker. Lastly, colorists suggest using a bowl and brush application procedure like salons do. These types of products are available at beauty supply stores and according to Fekkai give “consistent, even results.”

 Finally, after all that work, those salon worthy tresses must stay healthy and maintained. This is often the step that can make or break a look. Here is where the brilliance of keeping the dye close to your natural color comes in. Because at-home color has limitations, the roots are not as visible as a brunette going platinum. This means more time between touch-ups and less work. Both great things! If you need routine touch-ups, Clairol’s Nice ‘N Easy Root Touch-Up is a great product. Also, for a faster solution, our favorite editors at Allure recommend Colormark Temporary Liquid Hair Color Wand. According to these ladies it is “easy to paint on and amazingly natural.”

Simplicity is often the easiest way to master something and these tips should break down the complexity of the at-home hair dye dilemma. Master the basics and you will have great, affordable hair color for life!

- Yiannoula Choros

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Sock Bun

This styling trick plays up the volume of thin and fine hair types for ample up-dos.

·         Start by blow drying hair with a natural bristle brush.

·         Once hair is dry, apply a dime-sized drop of smoothing serum to the shafts and ends of hair. Nick  recommends Shu Uemura’s Silk Mesh Elastic Moldable Cream for added shine and softness.

·         Using a fine-tooth comb to smooth out bumps,  slick hair back into a high ponytail at the crown of your head and secure it with an elastic.

·         Cut off the end of a clean, unwanted sock (where your toes would be), and roll it up into a donut shape.

·         Place the sock around the base of the ponytail so it is tightly against your head.

·         Tilt your head slightly forward and spread your ponytail evenly around the sock so that half of your hair is toward the top of the sock (pointing toward your forehead) and the other half is at the bottom (pointing toward your back).

·         Use a second hair elastic to wrap and secure the hair around the outside of the sock, creating a ballerina bun at the crown of your head.

·         Twist remaining hair in one direction and use bobby pins to tuck and clip the ends underneath your bun.

·         Finish with a light application of hairspray. Nick swears by Shu Uemura’s Sheer Lacquer Finishing Spray.

Sleek, ‘Wet-Inspired’ Hair

This look relies on styling products to create a slicked-back, wet appearance.

·         Start by combing through wet hair with a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles.

·         Add a walnut-size dollop of styling balm to the top half of wet, tangle-free hair.

·         Brush your hair towards the back of your head with a fine-tooth comb and secure it tightly with an elastic.

·         Twist hair gently (Nick recommends one full turn for medium to long hair), and wrap it around the base of the ponytail to create a round bun.

·         Use bobby pins to secure the end of your ponytail and tame fly-aways.

·         Run a fine-tooth comb through the top of your hair up to the bun to smooth over any bumps.

·         Finish with a generous amount of an extra-hold hairspray. Nick loves Shu Uemura’s Sheer Lacquer Finishing Spray.

Bouncy, Volumized Hair

A modern take on “pageant hair”; full, voluminous hair is an easy way to add sex appeal to your style.

·         Start with a classic blowout using a round, natural bristle brush and a palm full of volumizing mousse. Nick recommends Shu Uemura’s Fiber Lift Protective Volumizer.

·         Once hair is dry, add volume to the top of the head by teasing the hair using hairspray and a round brush.

·         After desired volume is achieved, curl hair away from the face from end to root with a large barrel curling iron. Nick uses a two-inch barrel to achieve big, bouncy curls.

·         Using a dime-sized drop of smoothing serum, rub your hands together and gently run your fingers through the curls to separate them. Shu Uemura’s Silk Mesh Elastic Moldable Cream is Nick’s favorite.

·         Finish the look with light hair spray and you’re red carpet ready!

Smooth and Sleek Hair with a Center Part

While voluminous hair is hot this season, so is sleek and straight. Center parts are making a comeback!

·         Start by parting wet hair directly in the center of your head using the edge of a fine-toothed comb.

·         Dry hair with the nozzle attachment of your blow dryer, and a natural bristle brush, pulling hair and the dryer downward to smooth out hair.

·         Apply a pea-sized drop of smoothing serum from the shafts to the ends of your hair. Nick recommends Shu Uemura’s Silk Mesh Elastic Moldable Cream.

·         Run a straightening iron through your ends to straighten out any waves and voilà, you have a classic look for day or night!

Check out our photo review of Spring/Summer 2012 hairstyles for short, medium and long hair.

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We covered the Brazilian Blowout dispute back in 2010, when word got out that a stylist in Oregon claimed that they experienced difficulty breathing, eye irritation and nose bleeds when applying the Brazilian Blowout products which consist of 8-10% formaldehyde (a carcinogen), according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

With all of this going on, it’s comforting to know that those of us with frizzy hair have a safe alternative. One such treatment is the new Redken Shape Control.

• Thermally reconditions – hair feels softer, smoother, and shinier
• Stylists can customize curl pattern [with curling iron] by placing and shaping curls based on client’s needs/hair type
• Frizz control
  

 
Cold Smoothing

• Relaxes curls
• Reduces volume
• Smoothes out frizz
  

Safe Straightening

• Straightens hair [with straightening iron]
• Provides volume and frizz control, even at high humidity levels
• Thermally reconditions – hair feels softer, smoother, and shinier 
  

SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT: This treatment is indeed formaldehyde-free. It contains Ammonium Thioglycolate, Ethanolamine Thioglycolate and Ammonium Hydroxide. These ingredients work together to permanently break the hair bonds in order to help smooth and straighten the hair. This will certainly perform well but may cause more damage to hair than other types of salon hair smoothing formulas on the market.

To locate a Redken salon please log on to redken.com.  Please note, Redken products can only be guaranteed authentic when purchased from a salon.

So tell us, have you had this new treatment? If so, leave a comment below to let us know how it worked for you.

- cosmetic chemist, Ron Robinson

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Sometimes change can be a good thing. Yes, at first seeing the award winning Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa in its new Fifth Avenue location took me by surprise, but once I stepped out of the elevator and onto the fifth floor…. I felt like I was in heaven. My mind was flooded with my Condé Nast days of going to their salon at their previous location for a full day of beauty. It was the most prestigious thing I could do back then, and certainly can use it now twenty years later. It still personifies luxury at its best.

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa & Salon Flagship is now located at 663 Fifth Avenue, between 52nd and 53rd Streets, and occupies two floors atop the Ferragamo building. It is contemporary, yet elegant and meticulously designed to transport guests to a higher state of relaxation and rejuvenation.

Just the aroma alone made me feel more relaxed…as well as the soft background music as I walked up the luxurious stairway to the outdoor sundeck. This new location will be offering an extensive menu of day spa and salon services including Red Door signature skincare, massage and full body treatments; couples and VIP packages, gentlemen services, hair color and styling, makeup artistry, nail services, bridal packages and much more.

“Every inch of our new space will honor our classic heritage, while inspiring new, groundbreaking and exclusive beauty and spa treatments” said Todd Walter, CEO of Red Door Spa Holdings.

It might take us New Yorkers a while to get used to this new location, but no time to get used to the luxury of what this new 21,000 square foot facility has to offer.

Please visit them at www.reddoorspas.com or join their conversation on Facebook at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas and Twitter @RedDoorSpas

Elizabeth Arden Fact: The legendary Red Door Spa has welcomed guests since day spa pioneer Elizabeth Arden opened her first location in 1910 on Fifth Avenue. Today, Red Door Spa Holdings currently owns 50 full service salons and day spas across the United States.

- Nicole Gordon Levine

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Photo via Richard Perry/New York Times

The Brazilian Blowout controversy rages on as California lawmakers demand that the manufacturers of the Brazilian Blowout and Acai Professional Smoothing Solution, GIB LCC, put warning labels on their packaging.

We covered the Brazilian Blowout dispute back in 2010, when word got out that a stylist in Oregon claimed that they experienced difficulty breathing, eye irritation and nose bleeds when applying the Brazilian Blowout products which consist of 8-10% formaldehyde (a carcinogen), according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Since then, companies — not including GIB LCC — have launched alternative hair-smoothing methods claiming that they are formaldehyde-free, like the Simply Smooth Keratin treatment we mentioned in a past article. Again, not all hair smoothing treatments are the same as the ones manufactured by GIB.

In a recent Women’s Wear Daily article, they stated that this past Monday the California Safe Cosmetics Act — which, according to Attorney General Kamala Harris, “…protect[s] consumers and workers and give[s] them fair notice about the health risks associated with the products they use” — enforced its first governmental action by demanding that GIB LCC adhere to the following stipulations:

- Put warnings on its packaging

- Distribute a cancer warning to recent product purchasers, including it with all future product shipments

- Alter the content of its web site and pay $600,000 in fees, penalties and costs associated with the lawsuit

- Retest products for smog-causing, volatile organic compounds at Department of Justice-approved laboratories, and work with the DOJ to ensure they comply with air quality regulations

Mike Brady, chief executive officer of GIB LCC, plans on following the attorney’s ruling, but will not alter any of the ingredients in the products, stating, “Brazilian Blowout will continue to sell its products normally throughout the state of California. The labeling and market and advertising changes agreed to in the settlement have already been in place for months.”

So, there you have it. The warning labels are being put into effect and hopefully the GIB company will follow suit.

Are you still going to get your Brazilian Blowout? Afraid of the chemicals? Don’t worry, check out our article about different alternatives with similar results here and here!

- Theresa Romano

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ARTISTRY® is among the world’s top five largest selling premium skincare brands. Available March 2012, Artistry is launching an “Escape to Paradise” collection inspired by the sun-drenched glamour of the Italian Riviera.

They have spared no expense in their packaging and the Cheek and Eye Quad I received, as well as the Lip Gloss Duo Compact, were simply elegant and beautifully designed; not to mention the weight of the Lip Gloss Duo…I need to put that on a scale! There’s some weight to it for certain.

The Cheek and Eye Quad are available in Golden Glow (sampled above) and Fresh Radiance. Each set contains 4 shadows and 4 cheek colors for $73.50 per palette. The Lip Gloss Duo Compact is available in Tropical Coral (sampled) and Pacific Orchid. Each are available for $58.50. These are meant to give you a sun-kissed glow with their complimenting warm hues.

The Eye Pencils in this collection are available in Island Violet (sampled) and Lagoon for $23.50 each. I like that they are dual-ended and have a smudger tip, and are suitable for contact lens wearers.

Artistry is also launching Intensive Skincare, (available for $138.00) which is touted as using the latest advancement in skincare science. There is an Anti-Wrinkle Firming Serum that was developed with leading dermatological research scientists from the University of Michigan. It is proven to boost collagen activity by 300% overnight and awaken the skin to become firmer.

I had to research further into their testing practices: Dermatologists spent ten years working to better understand retinol and mitigate side effects at the University of Michigan. Dozens of compounds were tested and more than 1,400 tests were done to ensure ideal results. I will only be able to share with you overtime if what they claim rings true, as results usually take up to four weeks. So far, I can say that the serum has a light fragrance to it and is incredibly soothing and hydrating to the skin.

The Artist Behind Artistry: Artistry colors are created by Itsuki, who is an artistic leader in the beauty industry and has created looks for Kate Bosworth and Diane Kruger, and crafted runway looks for Zac Posen among others. Now Itsuki brings her talent to collaborate with the ARTISRTY ® brand.

**Please note these products are only available through an Amway Independent Business or online at www.Amway.com/Artistry.

Check out our introduction to Artistry skincare with our (Review, Before/After Photos) An Introduction to Artistry Skincare: Time Defiance System

- Nicole Gordon Levine

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“Rose Gold is instant prettiness.” – Bobbi Brown

You may want to know what inspired this collection: Bobbi’s own rose gold wedding band. How romantic.

This collection offers plums, pinks, roses and corals, colors which are considered by many to be universally flattering. Bobbi also added two new Shimmer Brick Compacts, and an assortment of new lip glosses in the Rose Gold shades.

The new, Limited Edition Shimmer Brick Compacts are available in two shades. I sampled the Wild Rose one which has five different pressed shades of ultra-luxe pure pearl pigments into one pan that are then double-baked so you can get a wide range of color within one sweep. The other compact is called Rose Gold as both are handmade in Italy.

To create a shimmering glow, swirl your brush across all five shades and then lightly dust the cheeks and forehead. Tip from Bobbi herself: When it comes to shimmer, moderation is key. Apply shimmer to just one or two features at a time. These two Limited Edition Shimmer Brick Compacts are $39.00 and will be available at all Bobbi Brown counters and www.bobbibrown.com in February 2012.

New Rich Color Gloss shades are $23.00 and are available in 11 shades with new ones including Pink Sorbet, Angel Pink, Pink Gold and Pink Cocoa (sampled). These offer the full coverage of a lipstick, the soft shine of a gloss and the luxurious feel of a lip balm. You can see the light within these glosses and they are harmonious with the collection’s palette colors.

The New Rich Lip Color SPF 12 shades just launched six new colors such as Lilac, Wild Rose, Miami Coral (sampled), Pink Peony, Nude Rose and Beige Gold. These are lightweight and very emollient. They last for hours and are comfortable to apply. These are $23.00 each and will all be available come February 2012.

If you are following our Spring 2012 cosmetic collection round-up, many palettes have hues of pinks and both Giorgio Armani‘s “Luce The Armani Light” Spring 2012 makeup collection and Bobbi Brown’s have hints of gold. But this collection showcases one of my favorite metal colors…Rose Gold. It’s soft yet luminescent at the same time. I see these shades to be flattering on any skin tone.

- Nicole Gordon Levine

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Award show season continues on with tresses styled to perfection with Wella Professionals care, styling and color! ((remember the hairstyles from the Golden Globes?)  The “it” girls at tonight’s Screen Actors Guild Awards®, including Michelle Williams, Emma Stone, Shailene Woodley, and Zoe Saldana, put their hair in the hands ofWella Professionals stylists, who used a variety of Wella Professionals products to get unique looks fit for the big night.

Want to know how you can look like an A-lister, too? Read on for tips, straight from the stylists themselves, on how you can recreate each look!

Michelle Williams

Styled by Chris McMillan for Wella Professionals

1. Wash the hair using Wella Professionals Enrich Shampoo and Conditioner, which is super moisturizing without sacrificing volume, no matter your hair style or length
2. Finger-dry hair with Wella Professionals Extra Volume Mousse on fingertips, guiding the hair into a deep side part
3. Apply Chris’ favorite product, Wella Professionals Shimmer Delight shine serum, liberally to fingertips and brush through for maximum shine

Shailene Woodley

Styled by Campbell McAuley for Wella Professionals

1.       Apply 3-5 pumps of Wella Professionals Velvet Amplifier on damp hair to prime it for styling – this product seals the cuticle of the hair and provides a smooth foundation for other products.

2.       Blow out hair with a round brush for smoothness and volume, then pull back dry hair into a pony at the nape of the neck, securing with an elastic

3.       Apply Wella Professionals Ocean Spritz beach texture spray for added texture in the pony, tousling with fingers while spraying for an overall beachy look

4.       Spritz hair all over with Wella Professionals Shimmer Delight shine spray for a red-carpet worthy shine!

 Emma Stone and Zoe Saldana never disappoint us with their red carpet beauty looks, do they? These two lovely ladies stepped out in style at tonight’s Screen Actors Guild Awards®with flirty up do’s, styled usingWella Professionals! We spoke with their hair stylist, Mara Roszak, for her tips on how you can create these star-worthy styles at home!

Emma Stone

Styled by Mara Roszak for Wella Professionals

“Emma’s dress was my inspiration. I wanted to create a smooth, polished up-do with a bit of a modern 50′s feel.” – Says Mara Roszak of the hairstyle she created for Emma Stone at tonight’s Screen Actors Guild Awards®.

Step-by-Step Styling

1.       Part the hair to the side then apply Wella Professionals Velvet Amplifier to wet hair and blow dry smooth

2.       Add a pump of Wella Professionals Mirror Polish to hands and apply lightly to hair, starting at the ends, to smooth out any fly aways

3.       Tease the crown of the hair to add a little height and pull into a mid-height ponytail

4.       Twist the ponytail and then wrap into a bun and secure with bobby pins

5.       Spray all over with Wella Professionals Stay Firm hairspray

Zoe Saldana

Styled by Mara Roszak for Wella Professionals

“Zoe’s dress was so inspiring. I wanted to create a “not too perfect” up-do by adding texture and movement to the hair, while keeping it modern and fresh.” – Says Mara Roszak of the hairstyle she created for Zoe Saldana at tonight’s Screen Actors Guild Awards®.

Step-by-Step Styling

1.       Apply Wella Professionals Extra Volume Mousse to wet hair and rough dry

2.       Then, using a 3/4″ barrel curling iron, add waves to the hair by rotating the direction of the curl

3.       Once the whole head was waved, spray Wella Professionals Ocean Spritz on the hair to break up the wave and add texture

4.       Loosely pull the hair back into a low pony  and secured it with an elastic

5.       Then split the pony into two sections and braid them both, then wrap the braids into a bun and secure with bobby pins

6.       Once the hair is up, apply a dab of  Wella Professionals Bold Move styling paste to fingertips and define a few pieces around the face

7.       Spray all over with Wella Professionals Stay Firm finishing spray

We want to thank the team at Wella USA for providing us with these tips!

And check out our photo report on Spring/Summer 2012 hairstyle trends for short, medium and long hairstyles HERE!

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Make Up For Ever had me at their gypsy-inspired, customized Spring 2012: La Bohème Collection on packaging alone. I was attracted to both the patchwork design and color choices that mimic the hues inside this limited edition eye palette. One of the season’s most naturally beautiful and wearable trends are soft colors…hence Creator & Artistic Director of MUFE, Dany Sanz, created La Bohème to evoke the feeling of a romantic rebel who wants luminous, fresh-looking makeup.

The La Bohème collection includes MAKE UP FOR EVER’s first baked eye shadow palette ($39.00). This collection will be available at Sephora.com and at MUFE Boutiques beginning in February 2012. The colors can be applied DRY for a more natural effect or WET for added intensity. Colors are Lagoon Green, Natural Green, Beige, Parma Purple, Brown and Coral.

Applied Dry:

Applied Wet:

The collection also includes two limited edition shades of Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick in Folk and Bohème ($19.00 each) that are ultra creamy lipsticks that provide a pop of color with a natural sheen. There’s also a new shade to the best selling Aqua Eyes Collection in Dark Brown ($18.00) that was inspired by natural elements. Once again, heed my words, these are LIMITED EDITION  products for Spring 2012. So go out and buy it when you see it, it won’t be here for long.

- Nicole Gordon Levine

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