Talk to The Scissors hair and beauty blog

My Latest Amazing Hair Class!

1/15/2020

Just back from an AMAZING hair cutting class in NYC, of course! All about free form cutting, to suit the shape and lifestyle of the model. I had the coolest model that day. Christine is a young, vibrant, and talented seamstress and burlesque performer in NYC. She has the most amazing canary yellow hair and was looking for a little updating. We ended up agreeing on and executing a flapper inspired bob with micro bangs. It was just the thing needed to refresh her look. This class was great in exposing me to a new way of thinking about hair styling; no brushes, blow dryers or flatirons! Just natural texture and fall of the hair. It's so freeing to leave the tools behind and let hair do its thing! Part of the fun of hairdressing is showing clients different ways to style and wear their hair, to keep it interesting. So much fun!

CLASS ALERT!

8/8/2019

We are excited to announce our next hair cutting class! November 3, 2019 we will be attending "LONG & LAYERED" at our favorite education center - ION STUDIO, in NYC!
Yes, we know we are PIXIE lovers, but we DO have our share of long haired clients, too! Time to show them a little educational love, so off we will go! We can't wait to come back and share with you what we have learned. Stay tuned!
(photo credit ION STUDIO)

Our Way Of Doing Color

2/28/2019

I was speaking with a client yesterday who told me "When my friends hear that I spend 3 hours at your salon for a cut and color they can't believe it! What takes so long?" It's not the first time I have heard that. Good question, right? Well, let me explain:
To begin with, you should be aware of our customer service ethic. At hair design and color studio, we are old school. We believe in total customer satisfaction. We believe in doing things the right way, not the easy way. We believe that you get what you pay for. We believe in investing in top quality products, the best hair color, and education. We stand behind our work because at the end of the day, your crown is our signature and...we like to sleep at night knowing that we have put forth our best effort for you, the client. (Think L.L. Bean and Nordstrom)
Now when you are getting your hair colored at hair design and color studio, you will notice a difference. We use the best, most conditioning hair color and apply it meticulously - using a brush. While applying your hair color, our sections are so fine that you can see through them! It is a pain staking process which takes time. We don't just breeze through your hair with a bottle and throw on some color! Every hair gets saturated to ensure coverage and where applicable, coverage of grey. This and proper color formulation are the keys to our success.
So when you hear that a hair cut and color take 3 hours at hair design and color studio, and you are used to being in and out of your previous salon in 1.5 hours for the same services, don't be surprised and don't be scared! Remember, we take our time to ensure that everything is done properly, the way WE would want our hair done. Short cuts are not allowed, beautiful, well done hair is!
We also do not double book our clients. When you are here, it's all about you and your hair. You are not left waiting or being rushed in and out. Your color service is carefully watched, while you relax with a cup of Harney & Sons tea and a snack. Good hair takes time. Sure, we may charge a little more, and, when you see the results of long lasting grey coverage and a hair cut that grows out gracefully and looks great, even after 7 weeks, you know that it is well worth it....YOU are worth it!

Assisting the Legend - Beth Minardi

2/12/2019

Last week I had the privilege and honor of spending a day assisting one of the world's greatest hair colorists - Beth Minardi, at her Madison Ave. location in NYC. Beth is one of the foremost experts and educators in hair color. One of her degrees is in chemistry and she has been a colorist since 1978.
It was a busy and exciting day and I learned much, working along side this color legend. Even though my salon is located in humble Manchester, CT, I felt at home in this posh and bustling salon. It was a day full of hands on assisting, observation, and conversation. It truly was an experience I will treasure always and never forget. Here's to you, Beth Minardi - for being the lady and color genius that you truly are!

All About the Bangs!

1/18/2019

There are SO many ways to cut bangs and as you know, sometimes bangs can be the most challenging thing to deal with! In my many years as a hairdresser, I have run into countless bang tragedies! LOL Sometimes they are too short, sometimes they are waaaay too thick (taking too much length away from the sides of the hair), sometimes they are not angled correctly and therefore, don't perform as they should. The list goes on and on and on....
There is a proper time and procedure for every type of bang; the key is having experience to know what and when to do for the look desired. And now for the secret....listen closely...BANGS CAN MAKE OR BREAK a look! Yes, that is correct. You can have a beautiful haircut, but if the bangs are not right, the haircut is not right and everything is thrown off.
So much has to do with a creative eye (my job!) And then there is client preference (your job!)
Face shape, hair growth patterns, maintenance level, and the overall design of the haircut are all factors in determining what technique should be used in creating the perfect bang - every time.
Currently, layered bangs are hot, although I have been doing them for years. Layering the bangs gives a softness and airy feeling to them and breaks up heaviness in an otherwise blunt look. Great option for a straight across bang. Curtain bangs are in, too - long bangs, parted in the middle and draped to each side - great with longer layered hair. Then of course, there are Side bangs in every length and thickness you can imagine. Angled to sweep to one side, if they are done correctly, they will sweep with ease across the forehead and give a beautiful, soft look. Side bangs are great with so many looks; bobs, pixies, long layers.... They are great for offsetting a wide face and square jawline.
Bangs can hide flaws, accent assets, make statements and be your best friend, truly. IF you know what to ask for. I always say - be prepared, do your homework, bring photos, PINTREST, have an in depth consultation and if everything feels comfortable - Go for it! Cut those BANGS!! And don't forget to have your stylist show you how to style them! :)

Bob Hair Cutting Class Coming Up!

8/8/2018

This year is really flying, and although I don't want to make it go any faster, I am SO looking forward to the month of October, when I will be back at ION Studio in NYC, taking a hair cutting class; all about Bob Hair Styles! As you recall, back in May, I attended a hair cutting class all about Shag Hair Cuts. Well, that was a game changer for me! Messy, lived in Shags, created using a razor - the techniques I learned were so fresh and current. I am sure that this class will be no different. Bob hairstyles are timeless and can be done so many different ways. Being that ION Salon is in the heart of SOHO, NYC - the fashion mecca - and the educators are top notch, world class - I am so excited to see what I will learn at this class! Stay tuned!

Observations from NYC

5/3/2018

So I was in NYC yesterday for my haircut, and as always, it was an exciting trip! I love taking in the latest trends going on in the heartbeat of the city; it can be so inspiring. Here's what I observed yesterday:

BANGS!!! Yes! Heavy fringes were everywhere - (think classic Louise Brooks, Cleopatra, etc.) Really borrowing from Pin Up Girl style - there was lots of long hair with awesome, heavy, blunt bangs! I've always loved that look, although it's not for everyone.
Work out pants with full leg panels of mesh. Yep, so many people had them on. You know, the black spandex-y gym pants and on the sides there are full panels of see through black mesh. I wouldn't do that one, save it for the gym! Not only that, it was 93 degrees and too hot in my book, to be walking around in body hugging black spandex gym pants!
Big, baggy, flowery peasant dresses! Think flower sacks with flower patterns. Nope, not flattering on me. Maybe if you're young, tiny, and have a great hair cut. When I went in Zara girls were flocking to these dresses.
White, baggy peasant blouses, almost looking Puritan-like. I have to admit, I tried one on in Uniqlo...and quickly took it off! Not for me! Been there, did that in the '70s, when I was oh so much younger and care free....no need to re-visit!

The coolest thing/person I saw was a young guy at a construction site, with a flaming (and I mean flaming!) ORANGE mullet! I had to say something, so I said "WHOA.....That is SOME HAIR!!!" Of course he said, "thanks a lot!" seemingly glad for the recognition of his work of art. It takes some guts to wear a flaming orange mullet on a construction site,. Wish I had gotten a photo!

The One Thing You Need For Hair Success

4/26/2018

As I think about it, in all my years being a hair stylist, I can narrow having a successful "hair outcome" down to primarily one thing; having an image (or images) of what you - the client - are looking to achieve! I know it sounds simple, but it really IS that simple! I can't tell you how many times I've done a consultation with a client and I think we are on the same page: "Oh, you want a BOB, then?" "Yes! That's what I want!" Then I show her a photo of a Bob and she almost has a heart attack! "That's waaaaay too short! I could never do that!" LOL Good thing I double checked! Communication is key, but a picture really is worth a thousand words. You know - is it there or their? Is it great or grate? They both sound the same but mean totally different things. So please, please, please....keep this in mind: the next time you go to a salon for the first time, or when you go to your next appointment with a new look in mind, BRING A HAIR PHOTO! This will give your hair stylist a crystal clear idea of what you are looking for and save much time and headache. And with so many websites dedicated to hair styles, there is no shortage of photos and ideas. Keep in mind, however, some looks may not be achievable that day and may take time. It is your stylist's responsibility to explain what can and cannot be done!

Is Ombre' Hair Out?

3/7/2017

Is Ombre' hair out? I've been thinking for some time that the Ombre' trend is indeed an over and done with deal and my latest trip to NYC last weekend seems to confirm my suspicions. Everywhere I looked, I observed natural, subtly contrasted hair. Hair definitely had more of "the way nature intended" kind of look. Really, I can't say that I'm not pleased. For the past year or so I had been noticing more subdued hair color in fashion and celebrity magazines and the introduction of babylights (hilights done to mimic a youthful hair color) has been monumental in achieving this look. Well, yes....I DID see maybe 2 Ombres in New York, but they seemed rather out of place. What does this mean for hair? Subtle! Natural! Dimensional! Balayage is still alive and well and so much fun to do! But with a lighter hand and more strategically placed. Think hair with fine pieces one to two shades lighter, finely woven throughout. Ahhh...perfection! The added bonus of beautifully blended natural hair color is that the grow out is so much more friendly and the maintenance is so much lower. A win-win situation, no?
So good bye Ombre! Hello, natural, subtle, beautiful you!

Why I Charge More For A Haircut

10/21/2016

Do you want an ok haircut or an excellent haircut?
Do you care about your hair and how it looks from day to day?
Do you want ease of styling and a haircut that looks great as it grows out?
Do you want a customized, fit to your features, detailed just for you kind of haircut?
If you've answered yes to any of these questions, read on!

Here, at hair design & color studio - we do things differently.
First off, we never double book clients. That means that when you are in our salon, the focus is on you and only you! A typical haircut appointment is booked for one hour, sometimes more, if you have lots of hair! There are no fast, spray and cut appointments. No client leaves with a wet head of hair. Each and every time you come in for your haircut appointment, we do a consult, to see how your hairstyle is working for you and what changes you might want to make. There is not any "same thing again?" going on! With each haircut appointment, you receive a consult, shampoo, conditioning, cut, blow dry, (flat iron, if necessary to the finished look), and dry cutting/detailing to complete your look. As you can see, there is a lot of thought, effort, skill, education, and passion that goes into each and every haircut that we do!
We do not a la carte haircut prices - as in - just a wash and cut - one price, while a blow dry is optional and extra, as well as flat ironing is extra. Actually salons which do that are usually charging MORE than we do, you just don't realize how the services add up!
If you are a salon value price shopper, then we are not the hair salon for you. If, however, you are a hair savvy, fashion conscious client, looking for quality, artistry, and excellence - you will see the value in what we do and we will be a great match!

The old addage: "You get what you pay for" is so very true, and hair is no exception
to that rule.

So...ROCK ON with your hair!