Beauty Maverick

Q5 with Rita Hazan

With a lengthy client list that includes the beautiful locks of Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Biel (even Oprah's a fan...), it's no wonder why Rita Hazan is quickly becoming one of America's most sought-after colorists.

Check out our Q5 session below for Rita's thoughts on (intentionally) visible roots, common color mistakes, and who can really go red. 

Q1: What do you find to be the most common mistakes women make with hair color?

Doing color to the extreme. Going from light to dark or not lightening the base enough.

Q2: Do you have any general tips/tricks for extending color between visits?

Use a shampoo for color treated hair and stay away from cleansing shampoos. Try not to shampoo too much and use a shine serum, this will make the hair appear more healthy.

Q3: Can anyone go red or do you feel that color works best with certain skin tones/hair types?

Not everyone can be a redhead. Red only works for light, pale, freckled skin with light eyes.

Q4: What are your thoughts on the current trend of showing a little more regrowth?

Hate it. Roots are never sexy, it just looks unkept and unmaintained. I love fresh bright color.

Q5: Are you currently addicted to any at-home conditioning treatments? 

Phyto Phytonectar Oil. I love it! You put it on dry hair and leave it for 30 minutes, or even overnight.

Fekkai Complete Kit Collection

I've been a devoted fan of Fekkai's Glossing Cream since it first launched, so when I had the chance to try the Complete Kits, I was beyond excited.

Of course, I don't have every hair type the Kits are created for (the Complete Kit collection includes Full Volume, Glossing, Luscious Curls, Protein Rx, and Technician Color Care product bundles), so I enlisted the help of a few girlfriends to assist in reviewing the collection.

The results were not at all what I expected, leaving me a bit confused as I've always thought quite highly of Fekkai products.

See below for our thoughts...

Protein Rx Complete Kit
Includes: Protein Rx Reparative Shampoo, Deep Nourishing Conditioner, & Anti-Breakage Treatment Mask.

"My hair is long, frizzy/wavy and tortured from curling, straightening, teasing and coloring. A dose of moisture was needed. What I got was a lump o' grease. I started off with the shampoo and conditioner. Even after the final rinse, my hair felt not so much moisturized as greasy. It took a long time to dry and when it did my hair looked flat and well, at the risk of sounding repetitive, greasy. That said, it did feel soft. But, I had to fight the temptation to wash my hair again immediately. I tried Fekkai's Protein Rx Mask three days later, and like a glutton for punishment, ended up with an Exxon Valdez situation on my head. Grease is the word! This time I washed my hair again. Bottom line - my hair may be fried, but you would need some seriously parched strands for this trio to become part of your beauty routine. Too heavy and it seemed to smother my hair rather than pamper it. Did I mention it was greasy?"
- As reviewed by my girlfriend, C., model/writer.

 Glossing Complete Kit
Includes: Glossing Shampoo, Conditioner, & Cream.

"I've been using the Glossing Shampoo, Conditioner and Cream for over a week now, and although I've been following the instructions carefully (including the three very painful seconds of cold water rinse after conditioning...) the truth is that I haven't really seen any major changes, or more precisely, any at all. I do like the softness that the Shampoo and the Conditioner have given to my hair, but I haven't seen any improvement in the shine department. Out of the three products included in the Kit, I think the Glossing Cream is by far the best. I've been handling my hair much more easily, in less time and with less frizz. It doesn't leave the hair feeling heavy at all".
- As reviewed by my girlfriend, M., fashion stylist.

Luscious Curls Complete Kit
Includes: Luscious Curls Shampoo, Conditioner, & Cream.

"Overall, I didn't like the Luscious Curls products. I have to say that during the first week my hair looked okay, but not great, and felt heavier and oilier (I had to wash my hair everyday instead of once every two days). I thought maybe the initial outcome was because I had short hair, so I kept using it for another week, but my hair didn't improve and looked 'sad' and dull. I wouldn't recommend these products".
- As reviewed by my girlfriend, L., art director/designer.

Full Volume Complete Kit
Includes: Full Volume Shampoo, Conditioner, & Mousse.

I'm one of those girls that craves lots of volume, but also has to watch out as anything too aggressive leaves my hair in mess of tangles and knots. Unfortunately, the latter happened every time I used the Full Volume Shampoo and Conditioner. Their scent was also a bit off, smelling more like dish detergent than luxurious hair care product. All that aside, I did really enjoy the Full Volume Mousse and would definitely purchase that again on it's own. It was easy to work with and gave my hair a noticeable lift at the roots.
- My review.

Retailer: BathandBodyWorks.com
Cost: $29.00 each

A Cut Above

I'm always up for trying new things, so when a girlfriend (with great hair) recently told me about the wonderfully hidden SoHo salon she frequents, I couldn't resist making an appointment for the very next day.

NY Mag best describes Aurbeautica's beautiful loft-like space, but their talented team of stylists (sans ego or attitude) is what truly distinguishes this salon from the rest. From the moment I arrived, I felt an intoxicating level of tranquility that put me to ease and allowed me to actually enjoy my time at the salon.

As it was only my first visit, I decided to go for a clear glossing treatment (amazing!) and a much-overdue haircut by Aurbeautica owner Jessica Nash, both of which turned out brilliantly. And, as an added bonus, they also use/retail the Davines product collection I was raving about earlier this week. It must be a sign.

Cost: $65 for a glossing treatment (which lasts up to six weeks) and $65- $120 for a cut.

Aurbeautica
594 Broadway
(b/w Prince and Houston St.)
Ste. 903
(212) 334 1004

All You Need Is Love

Love doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about the splendid hair care collection by Davines that goes by that same name.

I have long, wavy hair that's also fine, so finding a descent shampoo and conditioner has always been a major pain as my hair constantly craves volume, conditioning, as well as frizz/curl control.

If you have a similar hair type, allow me to introduce my latest obsession (which may soon be yours too)- Davines Love Lovely Curl Enhancing Shampoo and Treatment Conditioner for Wavy & Curly Hair. This duo revived my formerly limp locks by providing a killer combination of volume, shine, and manageability. And, as if that wasn't enough, Love also makes my hair smell absolutely amazing.
A must buy.

Retailer: Drugstore.com
Cost: $16.99 ea.

Q5 with Erin Anderson

Based in New York, Erin Anderson is best known for styling some of Hollywood's most enviable tresses. Her extensive client list includes the likes of Mischa Barton and Rachel Weisz, both of which rely on Erin's experience and expertise to highlight their best features and keep their style current. 

I recently had the opportunity to quiz Erin on summer haircare, how to achieve the perfect fringe, and what styling products she turns to as a professional.

Q1: Our hair can be brutally abused by the elements in the summertime, what do you recommend to protect/repair the hair?

Protection is key to address first, hopefully to avoid the need to repair! Protection methods I recommend are: wearing a hat, always wetting the hair down with fresh water before going in swimming pools and rinsing right after, and/or using a sun protection sprays such as Phyto Plage Protective Beach Spray w/olive oil for dryer hair types or Phyto Plage Protective Sun Veil w/ sunflower extract for oilier hair types.  If your hair does become damaged by sun, chlorine, and/or salt water exposure, a weekly masque or treatment is necessary.

Q2: Can you recommend any simple at-home styling tips/tricks to achieve the tousled, wavy ('Gisele') look?

To achieve that wavy tousled 'Gisele' look, you can use beach sprays such as Bumble and bumble Surf Spray or John Frieda Ocean Waves.  Depending on the texture of your hair, I recommend different methods for using the product. For thicker/drier types, I recommend using a leave in conditioner underneath and for oilier finer types, its fine on its own.  You can also let hair dry naturally encouraging movement. Once your hair is dry, try using an inch, or larger, curling iron, wrapping sections around the wand freestyle.  NO WINDING! This way you get a wave and not a curl.  Finish off by using a pomade, such as V05 Reworkable Putty, to separate and give a 'lived in' appearance.

Q3: Do you feel anyone can go blonde or should the look be reserved for certain skin tones/hair types?

Anyone can go blond!  The key is finding the right SHADE of blonde to suit your skin tone and hair type.

Q4: Some of us have learned, the hard way, that bangs can be a bit overwhelming to the wrong facial structure. How do create such flattering bangs for clients, like Mischa Barton, who have a round or square facial shape? Is it in the cut or in the styling techniques?

Deciding to cut bangs is a great way to change up a 'stale' style.  The key is consulting with your stylist to figure out what style of bangs will be most flattering to your face and what will work into your existing haircut.  For round and square face shapes, I recommend keeping the bangs on the longer side side swept with soft ends.  That way you create soft angles to bring out facial features like eyes and cheekbones. I also recommend a long  'V' shape, that way you can style to either side and achieve different looks.

Q5: What are the top three styling products you're addicted to at the moment?

  The top 3 styling products I'm addicted to at the moment are:

1. Spray Wax by SachaJuan
2. Vo5 Heat Defense
3. Bumble and bumble Does It All Styling Spray
   

Philip B. Deep-Conditioning Creme Rinse

Last week, I went through my basic check list for a (much needed) haircut: Split ends, check. Rough and worn out cuticles, check. Well over two months since my last appointment, check. But, instead of booking my overdue appointment, I decided to try a deep conditioning treatment in hopes of continuing to grow out my my layered Spring look for a more refined Fall cut.

Well ladies, I've been using Philip B.'s Deep-Conditioning Creme Rinse for about a week now and it's made my hair super soft and manageable- without weighing it down. I'm in love.

Retailer: Barneys.com
Cost: $26.00

Warren-Tricomi 3C System

A good deal of straight men buy a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner (if they don't just use soap!) so they don't have to be bothered with more than one product. What do we do? Pack our little showers with ten different products to cleanse, condition, gloss, and treat our hair on a daily/weekly basis.

With that said, you're probably thinking- Why would I pay $75 to replace my current shampoo and conditioner AND add an additional step to my hair care routine? Well, if you want the fabulous hair you see celebrities sporting, it's time to clear your shower and make room for the 3C (Cleanse, Close, Condition) System by celeb stylists Edward Tricomi and Joel Warren. This power set (I use the Fine Hair formulation) took my hair from depressed to lively and full-bodied within a week, so an extra step in the shower suddenly became a small price to pay for the revival of my once limp locks.

Available in Fine Hair, All Hair/Normal, and  Extremely Dry, Damaged Hair.

Retailer: WarrenTricomi.com
Cost: $75 for Set of Three

Tame Your Tresses- Instantly.

I swore I wouldn't buy another hair product after my guy finally found my (very large) beauty stash in the closet last week. He cautiously asked me, "How many different treatments and styling products does a girl really need?", so I decided to throw out the majority of my sprays and things in hopes of simplifying my life. Well, I lasted all of five days and Ted Gibson's Hair Sheets were the at the root of my undoing.


These convenient little sheets have been created for all hair types (though I'd avoid going too close to the roots for those who have fine hair) and can fit into the smallest of handbags. They work wonderfully to calm and refresh your hair whether it's been attacked by the elements or simply requires a touch-up in the late afternoon/evening before heading out, so they're definitely worth keeping in your daily survival kit next to the H2O.

Retailer: Saks.com
Cost: $25.oo for 10 sheets

Sneak Peak: VO5 Extreme Style Revamped

Last night, I attended a re-launch party for the Extreme Style collection to see VO5's new take on the existing lineup (Left: pic of new packaging, the line's former incarnation was a more conservative blue). The presentation was interesting enough and the company's reps were actually approachable and friendly which was quite refreshing.

I hadn't tried the products in this collection before the restaging, but I quickly learned that  the bright new packaging is just a bonus as the products themselves are actually quite nice. My favorite product from the new lineup is the Weightless Volumizing Mousse, but you'll have to wait 'till August to try it- that's when the products actually hit shelves! Sorry ladies...

Get Glossed for Under $10

If you're anything like me, your hair could use a little love after the  chemical treatments, blow-outs, and sun damage it so graciously receives. My quick cheap alternative to a salon treatment goes by the name of John Frieda Luminous Color Glaze and comes in six shades so you're bound to find one that works with your natural/not-so-natural hair color.

I decided to mix things up last night and used the lighter brunette shade (I usually use the darker one) after a deep conditioning treatment (Bumble & bumble Deeep Treatment) and I have to say my hair looked amazing- even my guy noticed!

If you're already a fan of  the line, look out for a new clear Glaze from the masters at John Frieda in the Fall (I've tried a sample and it's amazing!!).

Retailer: Walgreens.com
Cost: $9.99