Hair from the Glossies - My Sassoon Makeover

Thanks to Style Coalition, I was invited to the Sassoon Salon Uptown to partake in the Fall beauty event. The Sassoon Salon is brightly lit and well mirrored with stark white shiny tiles and walls contrasted by black leather chairs and counters. After being greeted with a glass  of prosecco at the door, I find my fellow bloggers at the back of the salon snacking on light bites and chatting excitedly as we caught up. We wait to get our "before" pictures taken to contrast against our soon to be polished looks.

Soon after, I have my make-up touched up by Karim Orange, a make-up artist who uses  Au Naturale, a line of organic, non-toxic, cruelty-free cosmetics. She uses a cream concealer to create a flawless complexion before giving me a light dusting of eyeshadow for a look that is natural but makes me feel pretty.

After a touch up a wonderful gentleman named Rob gave me a shampoo and treatment called "Shine". Rob was super considerate asking me of the water temperature was fine and even if I was okay with a good scrub. I have to say it feels really nice to have someone else wash your hair.  He offered me a beverage and an opportunity to recline after he applied the treatment which was in a mini spray format. The treatment which lasts anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks is supposed to work like instant gratification for the hair. It smells pleasant enough on my shampooed head and the longer it sits in, the better my result are supposed to be. A while later after the treatment is washed out, I am paired up with a Stylist named Lei who is adorable and decked out in a cute mint colored outfit and kelly green pumps. 

At the hair station, I notice that unlike traditional salons, there are full body mirrors allow you see how your hairstyle will while it's in progress. Lei asks me a few questions about how I feel about my hair, my lifestyle and what I have in mind. I tell her truthfully that while I love a good haircut, I don't spend more than 5 minutes doing my hair and on most days, even less time. I tell her that I've had hair of all lengths so I'm not afraid to lose any length. I haven't had a haircut in about a year and my hair is long and healthy but not really doing much for me. I don't know what to expect but I have an excitement boiling up inside me for change. Lei tells me she wants to give me more volume and says, "Something a little like this", while gesturing to a picture of a bob. Since, I'm feeling open, I tell her that I trust her to know my hair type and what would suit me best. So she quickly separates my hair into wet sections and cuts it piece by piece and I see a hairstyle begin to emerge.

Lei gives me tips for how to blow dry my hair as she dries it at the roots agains the natural direction of growth and she flat irons my hair before coming in with her discerning eye and gentle touch. She quickly snips away any strays and creates the perfect line. And although I didn't tell her much, I feel like Lei knew intuitively the hairstyle that I wanted deep inside.

Before too long a wave of nostalgia comes over me. When I was young, and I looked at fashion magazines I remember looking at Vidal Sassoon ads with models with perfectly sleek glossy bobs and thinking that that was the epitome of stylish hair. Along the way, as many haircuts and attempts at angled bobs I've experienced, I don't think my hair ever felt as glossy as those magazine pages. Thanks to Lei and the Sassoon team, the angled bob of my teenage dreams has become my own. I can't help but smile and feel like a million bucks. While long hair is pretty, short hair feels stylish!

Sassoon Salon Uptown, 7 West 56th Street, New York, New York 10019
Sassoon Salon Downtown, 32 West 18th Street, New York, New York 10011

*All photos courtesy of Natalie Poette

The Phyto Universe Experience

A couple weeks ago I was invited to visit Phyto Universe in the for a complimentary hair treatment. To be perfectly honest it was my first such experience and I really didn’t know what to expect. I was told the appointment would take approximately 90 minutes and I couldn’t even imagine what would involved in that time frame. Generally speaking I am quite low maintenance about my hair and spend probably under 5 minutes styling it each day. I know that I probably should spend more time on my hair because it frames the face. A great head of hair can add a bounce in your step and make you feel confident and beautiful. For a woman, hair can be your crown of glory or your most often battle foe.

Upon my arrival to the spa I instantly felt transported from the bustling streets of Manhattan to an instant oasis of calm. The 3000 square foot vertical garden instantly caught my attention and invited me to leave my daily troubles behind. I learn that Phyto distinguishes itself from other hair care lines by not just caring for hair but as a treatment for hair and scalp to rebalance the scalp and hair ecosystem and stimulate micro-circulation, regulate sebum production and rejuvenate hair. In total over 700 plants are found in Phyto’s formulas and at the Phyto Universe you are given access to all of them – the full range of product is available in one location.

After a quick change into a robe, I am invited to sit down for a scalp analysis. I’ve had one done before during The Royal Treatment event at Style Coalition Lounge, so I was prepared for the worst. Your scalp is magnified by 200xs to reveal the real condition of your scalp and hair from root to tip.

My analysis revealed product build up at the root, an oily scalp with dry patches and very dry ends. I am led to a semi-private cabin and given a seat while a tray full of almost medicinal products is set up. The appearance if not for the soft towel would be almost clinical as I receive an education in caring for my hair.

The first step of caring for your hair? Exfoliation. Using a large paddle brush my scalp is carefully brushed for a couple minutes. My technician Ronald recommends focusing on the scalp and not the ends and doing this every time before washing your hair. His reasoning is that it readies your body for a shower, exfoliates and re-distributes the natural oils. Plus since hair is dry, it’s the best time to brush it.

Since hair and scalp can have different issues, each is addressed and treated separately. Vials of Huile d’ales a pre-shampoo intense hydrating oil treatment are used first and I notice that the fragrance is extraordinary. Essential oils of sage, lemon, rosemary, juniper berry, caster oil, oat amino acids and wheat proteins are combined to create a potent scalp stimulating mixture that also offers aromatherapy as a bonus effect. A second treatment of Phytosquame is applied to my scalp and I am given a gentle scalp massage before being gently steamed for the oils to penetrate. It has many of the same ingredients except it’s in a different base.

Since this is a true spa experience one interesting thing to note is that you never ever have to leave your seat once you are inside the semi-private cabin. The Steamer comes to you as does the sink! As I am left alone to enjoy the benefits of the steam, I can feel the oils penetrating my scalp and the scent of eucalyptus filling my senses.

The next step is to wash my hair with 2 different shampoos, Phytonectar and Phytheol Intense. Each shampoo is left on for a minute to allow the botanicals to go to work. Apparently the botanicals are activated by water and the lather of the shampoo contains these active botanicals. It’s important even when you wash your hair at home to warm your product in your hand for a couple seconds instead of applying directly to your head and to allow the product to sit for a minute. My technician gently explains each process as it happens so that I am fully aware of what is happening to my hair.

Now that my scalp has been treated, my hair is treated separately with Phytokarite hair mask for a few minutes and my ends moisturized with Phythosesame which contains sesame oil and has a slight chocolate scent thanks to the cocoa butter.

My hair is then carefully blown out with minimal product to showcase the natural beauty of my hair. My hair is soft beyond belief to a point where I have to ask myself is this really my hair? It feels light and bouncy, almost like a young child’s head of hair.

Since I am curious, I asked to see the difference with my scalp and hair after the treatment. The product build up is gone, the skin around the follicle is open and my hair still smells amazing. Since I am told that the botanicals are going to continue to work a couple days after the treatment, I don’t touch it and find that I actually have some of the best hair days of my life. Now I understand why both men and women boost their confidence by taking the time to treat their hair. Even 2 weeks later I can tell that the treatment has changed the texture of my hair and it feels smoother and softer than it previously was. It’s kind of like a facial for your hair and scalp minus the painful extractions! Thanks Phyto and to my wonderful technician Ronald for such a wonderful afternoon and for reviving the beauty of my hair.

Phyto Universe - 715 Lexington Avenue at 58th St - 212.308.0270

Beauty Products of the Moment– The Hits

A few months ago I went through some of my fave beauty products of the moment.  Since that point I’ve added quite a few more products to my arsenal. Some I’ve loved and wondered how I survived without it while others I’ve found myself wondering what the big deal ever was.  Here are my fave new products that I’ve tried in recent history.

Lierac Initiatic Fluid, $48* – This lightweight lotion glides easily over my skin and absorbs quickly to leave a matte finish that is perfect applying make-up over or going bare faced.  It’s a moisturizer designed to combat the first signs of aging and incorporates anti-oxidant rich goji fruit extract and a hi-tech peptide that protects mitochondrial DNA and stimulates cellular metabolism.  While all that sounds good and fancy I love the texture and delicate scent.  There is something about it that sort of tingles my skin in a very gentle refreshing way and I feel like something good must be happening.  I’ve always been a believer that prevention is the key to staying youthful, so I love that it’s a lotion designed to do exactly that.  Since it’s not at all greasy, I’ve been loving it for those hot summer days.  The only thing that would make it absolute perfection would be the addition of a sunscreen.

Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray, $2.74* – I’ve been using dry shampoo for quite a few years as it’s a great time saver for those days when you don’t have time to wash your hair, after hitting the gym for a refresher or on summer days when you feel less fresh than a daisy.  I’ve always depended on pricier brands like Ojon or Klorane which I’ve picked up from Sephora but I was super excited when Suave launched their super affordable version.  Not only does it leave no icky residue but it smells fantastically fruity fresh, unlike other dry shampoos that I’ve tried it the past that smell only decent as best.  As with all dry shampoos to prevent the nozzle from clogging, shake thoroughly (30 seconds is best) and short blasts all over your head are all that’s needed.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, $17 – I’ve heard of this stuff for years but I finally had a chance to try it for myself in the last few months.  After years of struggling with trying to keep a clear complexion after a unfortunate incidence of adult acne, my skin is finally calming down to pretty manageable levels.  However that doesn’t stop me from getting the occasional volcanic eruption or two.  I will be honest this stuff stinks in a Buckley’s Mixture kind of intense way that can clear your sinuses and it’s not very attractive so not for use while in the company of others.  You will feel a deep down burn that you know that it’s sort of killing germs and drying out the zit while you sleep.  And while it didn’t make it vanish overnight, the deep down pain that hurts my entire face disappeared. After my 3rd night of using it, the pimple was pretty much vanquished into a tiny almost memory.

Lierac Sensorielle, $34* – This multi purpose oil for face, body and hair is my latest obsession.  I love the smell of jasmine, camellia and gardenia that calms my spirit.  When I first received this product I was obsessed and couldn’t stop applying it all-over myself.  It also happened to be an incredibly stressful week for multiple reasons – so the scent actually helped me to feel relaxed while using it.  The bottle is also so simple and pretty that I don’t mind having it prominently displayed on my vanity.  The oil incorporates 4 botanical oils including  Argan Oil, Hazelnut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil and Grapeseed Oil that nourish, hydrate and are full of antioxidants that regenerate and re-texturize skin.  More importantly it really does moisturize and moisturize well.  Lately I’ve preferred using oils to moisturize my body and when applying it on slightly damp skin after a shower - a little really goes a long way and I promise you won’t feel greasy afterwards.  If you are afraid of trying oils, this one is great because you can also put some in your bath to created a luxe milky bathing experience.  You can also use this oil as a massage oil and a little in your hair helps tame frizz and smooth ends.

CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm , $5.99 – You might remember me mentioning it last week but it's like a hybrid between lipstick and lip balm - it feels soft and not sticky but gives a fun hit of sheer color. It also has SPF 15 which is perfect for protecting your lips from sun damage.  I have pretty pale lips and am not always up to the challenge of keeping perfect bold lips all day and I don’t always feel in the mood for a gloss, especially when it’s windy out.  This seems to be the perfect no fuss solution and I’ve gotten so many compliments while wearing it.

Phyto Phytomist Instant Hydrating Conditioner, $26* – After having my scalp analyzed and learning that I had a rather greasy scalp I was told that I could cut out conditioner from my hair care routine.  However, I think the idea of not using conditioner at all freaks me out.  Fortunately Phyto makes a super lightweight conditioner that you can spray on your hair and it’s been great for keeping me de-tangled.  It smells subtly like greenery and flowers but it’s not overwhelming and I love that it’s super quick and only takes me under 30 seconds to spritz myself.

*Full disclosure: Asterisk indicates that I received a complimentary sample

The Royal Treatment by Phyto & Lierac

A couple Friday's ago on the day of the Royal Wedding, I was invited to hang out with the lovely ladies of Style Coalition over delicious cocktails and feel a little bit like Royalty while receiving a massage, scalp analysis and hair styling session.  With the Royal Wedding playing in the background and beautiful white gardenia flowers everywhere.  I learned so much about Phyto hair care and Lierac skin care and being a former beauty junkie and somewhat of a geek about products I was sitting with my ears perked up!

So Phyto is something of a hair care treatment instead of just being a hair product line.  They analyze you scalp at 1000xs the magnification using a special scope to examine the condition of your scalp, follicles and key problems.  My scalp was rather frightening! I couldn't even bear to take a photo as up close my scalp looks like another planet with oil and product build up and dry scalp (not my scalp pictured) Yikes!  I did learn however I have pretty thick hair because 3 hairs are coming out of each follicle! Hurray! 

The line very similar to a new skin care regime takes about 6 weeks to show results.  My analysis was completed with a "prescription" to products that would remedy my situation and tips specific to my hair condition.  For example, I don't actually have to use conditioner and a few spritzes of leave in are sufficient on the ends.

I headed over to the massage station and was introduced to Lierac's Sensorielle.  An amazing combination of the scents camellia rose, jasmine and gardenia infused in a combination of oils from sweet almond, argan, hazelnut and grape seed. The oil is incredibly versatile and smells amazing.

You can use it to soften your face, body, use if for massage, put it on your hair and even put a little in your bath to create a milky Cleopatra style protective bath.  While oil and water don't normally mix, this one does.  Not only is it full of antioxidants but it’s also supposed to also have healing properties that make it ideal for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Since I have some skin conditions, I really hope to try it out one day to see if it will make a difference.

My massage melted all my stress from the week away and I soon found myself to be a puddle in the massage chair until I overheard conversations that I wanted to be a part of (the Matt Bernson Sample Sale I had just come from) my massage therapist asked me if something was wrong, so I forced myself to relax and not listen to all the interesting things going on around the room.

I had a chance to chat with a rep from Lierac and I confirmed my thoughts that prevention is the best battle strategy against aging.  I started using eye cream at the tender age of 18 and have never looked back.  I also learned that when it comes to using products that are considered treatments they should always be applied before moisturizer and make-up.  I also learned that all sunscreen is not created equal.  Sunscreen that is chemical should be considered a treatment and be put on before make-up while sunscreen that mineral sunscreens should be applied after make-up.

While sipping a jasmine infused cocktail I also chatted with Yves Durif, celebrity hair stylist extraordinaire. He gave me a very special comb to be used while washing hair to detangle and distribute product without breaking hair.  He gave me some ideas for my hair, telling me that while it suits my face, angling my hair to be shorter in the back would flatter my body.  He even had a staffer take photos to demonstrate the difference it would make to my body.  It was also interesting to realize that hair not only frames the face but it can uplift the entire body.  I hope that I’ll have a chance to realize Yves vision for my hair before too long.

While there may be one less Prince for the rest of us, I couldn’t help leaving Style Coalition Lounge feeling as pampered as a Princess!

All photography courtesy of Ana Schechter.

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New Hair, New Nails, New Look at The Alma Salon NYC

When I was invited to check out the Alma Salon in Flatiron for a complimentary haircut and mani/pedi. I couldn’t wait to try the salon that has become the fave amongst celebs such as Rosario Dawson, Keri Russell, Steven Tyler, Rachel Roy, Jennifer Missoni, Ashton Kutcher and more. When I initially researched the salon and the owner, I wondered about who the woman behind the salon, Alma G, came to America with a dream and a passion for hair and became renowned talent in the industry.

I arrived at the salon a for my appointment and was quickly checked in by a very friendly and polite gentleman. Without missing a beat I was introduced to Alma the owner, creative director and namesake of the Salon. She looks young, vibrant and gorgeous. I notice the modern, clean atmosphere that incorporates unique artwork for warmth while soft, upbeat music like that by Caribou is playing in the background. Without missing a beat I am led to the hair washing station towards the back of the salon where I am introduced to a young girl who washed my hair with incredible grace, gentleness and efficiency. It was almost like poetry in motion as there were no wasted movements. When she was done I am led back to Alma.

We consult on what kind of hairstyle I am looking for. Today I am feeling pretty open – after over 4 years of having variations of long hair, I think it’s time for a change. Honestly, I kept my hair long for as long as I did because I’ve been chronically single for most of my NYC life and it represented my effort to be more attractive to men. Since I don’t have that need anymore, I cut off my hair to free myself and to symbolize change in my life. Alma tells me that she thinks I have great bone structure and she wants to give me something very blunt and points out the length that she wants to go. I give her the go ahead and with very swift decisive cuts she takes my hair in a whole new direction.

While she’s busy at work, we chat and it turns out that Alma actually discovered her love of hair at a young age by hanging around her aunt’s salon. Her passion was planted and at the age of 12 she experimented with cutting her unsuspecting sleeping father’s hair. Unfortunately, he wasn’t thrilled at her passion for hair and had other intentions in mind for his daughter (law school). With much bravery, Alma left her home country of Albania at the tender age of 17 and came to New York City to make her dreams come true.

Her parents stepped back and told her to try to do it on her own if she thought she could, and she did with great success. Imagine the shock on her father’s face when he opened the newspaper in Albania one morning to discover his daughter was now front page news! Alma shares that she now couldn’t have prouder parents and how her father often shares stories of what she is doing with his friends. In spite of the initial disagreement of career path, Alma is incredibly close to her family and she says,”When people ask me if I am rich, I tell them that I am because without family and without friends you don’t have anything, and I am very rich in my family and friends.” She also cites her mother as her hero and source of inspiration and speaks with great admiration of her creativity and “superwoman” like abilities to work with her hands.

She also tells me about how her popular salon treatment to promote hair growth called ALMATIZED. She originally developed it using her grandmother’s traditional recipe as a start when her friend’s baby was born with very fragile hair. The treatment helped restore the child to have normal hair and Alma decided to further develop it for use in her salon by clients. ALMATIZED is a handpicked selection of organic oils, including olive oil, tea tree oil and avocado oil, accented with rosemary and rose petals, each chosen for its natural conditioning power to restore shine, while smoothing out the follicles and promoting growth. Since I am fortunate to have a full head of healthy hair, I don’t have a need to try this treatment but I’m curious if it would help my mother who has struggled with thinning hair for much of her adult life.

Alma’s dream was not to open her own salon but after working in the industry for a years and finding that her talent was not recognized and feeling like she wasn’t being treated with respect, she decided to open a salon so she could be in charge of her work environment. She chose each member of her staff with care and anyone who came with an attitude was very quickly filtered out.

I am used to hair stylists telling me that I have great healthy hair, but sometimes I’ve been told that it’s almost harder to cut because it’s almost too healthy and it becomes slippery. Alma tells me that she just finds that to be a excuse for lack of skill to ever blame a client’s hair for inability to cut. From entrance to wash to the end of my haircut was under 40 minutes.

Everyone is part of a team and everyone helps each other out. I witness this firsthand while I was getting my toes done. I’m not sure if staffers noticed, but I quietly observed as they quietly cleaned any speck of dirt off the floor, cleaned the sink after every customer’s hair is washed, kept busy making sure that the salon was spotless whenever they had a moment to spare.

My mani/pedicurist is super friendly and she tells me how much she loves the environment and how much she loves her job and her co-workers. She has been at the salon for 3 years and she tells me how much she has learned and how every client is an important person. At Alma since it is a place of beauty every staffer is given the opportunity to get their hair cut and their nails done and she tells me she dresses up to come to work everyday because she see’s it as going to a party. I can tell that she takes true pride in her handiwork and I am given the most thorough and careful pedicure of my life. She uses instruments that almost look like medical tools, including one that was a gift from a client who specifically brought it back from Israel for her use. I watch as she transforms my winter worn feet to sparkling fresh feet. She constantly is aware of my comfort and checks in for discomfort and possible pain often. After my previously battled feet are sparkly, my hands are much quicker to whip into shape.

While they don’t have massaging chairs in place, I am given an actual neck and shoulder massage while my nails are drying that was ultra relaxing. While most salons have told me I’m finished before my nails have 100% cured, I feel like when I leave Alma, my nails were fine to reach into my purse with my manicure staying intact. It’s rare to find an escape from life where staffers genuinely take pride in their handiwork and it makes a huge difference in your experience. The service at Alma was flawless and Alma, the woman is amazing and inspirational.From head to toe I feel like a whole new woman ready to start Spring with a bounce. The blunt look makes me feel edgier and stronger than before.

The Alma Salon NYC - 38 East 21st St (b/n Park Ave & Broadway) 212-353-0600