Friday 16 December 2011

'Tis the season to be smokin'!

It is that time of year, and we are all preparing ourselves for the Christmas Party!  Be it  in the office, or the restaurant, or even if you have hired the village hall, there is no excuse for the novelty ties or Christmas  Pudding earrings this year, it's time to knock them dead (and not with the reindeer headband)!

This is a step by step from Ruth, to make your make-up as dazzling as the electric Christmas light Jumper your Grandmother bought you last year.


 Here we went for a healthy day look that will carry you through to evening with a little touch up before hand, and all in five easy steps....Hallelujah!


  1.

Start with a light liquid foundation applied with finger tips to the centre of the face and blend outwards. Always choose a foundation that matches your skin tone and if you want to look more tanned use bronzer not a darker foundation!






2.

Set with a loose powder and apply bronzer or blusher 
to the apples of the cheeks sweeping backwards along cheek bones.









3.


Apply a light shade of  eyeshadow to the lid all the way up to the eyebrow then use a darker shade in a v shape along the lash line and in the socket.






4.

Using a fine small brush apply brown gel eyeliner from the centre of the lash line sweeping out to the edges, keeping as close to your eyelashes as possible. Be aware- putting too much liner on will make your eyes look smaller.



5.


Eyebrows can be evened out in shape or filled in using a matching colour brow powder and a small brush, avoid pencils as they look too harsh.Lipliner should be as close to your natural lip colour as possible and applied lightly to your cupid bow first and then from the outside in.  Lastly apply a slick of sheer natural coloured lipstick or gloss and voila!













Friday 4 November 2011

Twenty Crazy Hairstyles





Now everyone knows Lady Gaga for her crazy hair and fashion.  We were having an early morning meeting when I brought this up, Ruth brought up the fact that what Lady Gaga is doing now has all been done before, it's just that she's brought it into the mainstream.

I was intrigued, Kristina joined in mentioning Avant Garde hairstyles, and how they've been around for years, and how there is even a whole league of hairdressers dedicated to the art of making groundbreaking hairstyles.

I could not believe how crazy some of this stuff was.... it made Gaga look like she'd just had choppy layers it was that quirky.  I loved it, and I felt like there was this whole side of hairdressing that not many people knew about in the everyday world.

Think of it as the Catwalk designers of the hairdressing world.  As with Fashion, the colours, styles, and trends that walk down the Catwalk all trickle down into the high street, influencing what people put on, what colour their hair is, and what style is going to be the next head turner.

So below are 20 hairstyles that I asked Ruth and Kristina to compile, with a few celebrities chucked in for good measure, I hope you enjoy!


Friday 28 October 2011

Mad about the boy

Boys Boys Boys!  Over the last couple of years we have noticed that the male of the species have become more and more concerned about their look, and style, especially when it comes to their hair.  Quite a few of us regarded back to when we were younger, and how your hair was the ultimate statement of style.  For those of you (unlike me... honestly) who are old enough to remember the 80's then you will recall the flat top hairstyles, afro hair, and enough gel to tile a small animal to a wall being involved in your styling regime.

So what has changed? If you asked me a few years ago,  I never ever thought in a month of Sundays that I would be wearing  black rimmed glasses ever again, and begging for my hair to be curly! But guess what.... I am!





But this time with a modern twist, the style is a little more exaggerated and tailored.  The Morrisey quiff is textured and has  the ability to be worn up in that cool quiff, or even (for the gents that feel like a change)  The rockabilly style pictured right

Gone are the days of grade 2 on the sides and number 4 on the top from your brother on a chair in the kitchen.  Men are starting to really experiment with their hairstyles, and it's not surprising now that 78% of British men in a leading manufacturers survey said that it was important to look good.

Not forgetting that 67% of the men asked also said that the second most important thing to them after shampoo was artificial tan...Not sure where exactly they held that survey but the first part is definitely interesting.


We have Stylists trained in delivering the best quality Gents cuts, with Scissor-Over-Comb technique.  This means the quality and the shape of your cut is tailored to last as it grows out, meaning that you stay sharper for longer.


As a Company hell bent on giving cutting edge styles, some people are unaware that we also cater for men.  In fact we have seen our male client base grow sufficiently enough for us to bring in the new (3D) Mension Range from Schwarzkopf, in a dedicated Men's Lounge*

The new range develops the main concerns that face men on a hair styling level... prepare yourself, it's time to get honest!


1.  "I'm not bothered what I use" - A lot of men are guilty on this level, they really don't give a damn about what they put on their hair, some even wash their hair with their body wash... I know... But this is what happens!  So Schwarzkopf created this hair & body Shampoo.  No brainer. Whack it on, wash, rinse, DONE. This section also includes a deep cleansing shampoo for those that use a lot of product or suffer with oily scalp.


2."Its thinning, what's the point?"  It happens to a lot of us at some point, and damn it, if there is anything I can do to slow it down, I'm all for it!  Activating Shampoo works by using Taurin, Panthenol and Carnitin.  The ingredients in the Shampoo help promote hair growth, and teamed with activating shots put on the scalp twice a day, can really help you from turning into your Fathers long lost twin too prematurely!



3. "It's always dry and looks like this" Great excuse... Not anymore though!  In combination with the Cleansing Shampoo, Grooming Fluide is weightless, gives the hair a healthy shine, and contains caffeine to stimulate the roots and promote healthier hair.



4.  "I've got really bad dandruff"  Now we all suffer from time to time, this can be triggered by many factors including stress, diet, or even weather.  With the Anti dandruff tonic from 3D contains Zinc Pythiron which immediately removes dandruff flakes, and the Pro-Vitamin B5 Moisturises and reduces redness and/or itching.   Used alternately with the Anti Dandruff Shampoo / Sensitive Scalp Shampoo, we can finally say goodbye to dusty collars!



Who's for colour?  I can imagine you may think it's impossible to get your man to colour his hair, or you as a Gent may think the last thing you want is to be sat in a salon amongst a busy womanhood telling each other the problems with their men (My Father believes this is what Salons are all about), however a leading hair company released figures that showed between 2008 and 2010 the number of men visiting hair salons to get their hair coloured increased by 50%.

Well I think that number is about to increase with the introduction of 3D Mensions Hair Colours .



Before you think it - You aren't going to come out with a purple rinse! These colours are designed to blend with natural greys, and your own natural colour, you can add more with casual depth to help give your hair more structure, or you can go all out and give it maximum texture through more darker colour to the end... I haven't even got to the best bit yet!

How long would you expect all this expertise colour to take?  An hour? Maybe two?  Try Five minutes!!! It's applied at shampoo after or before your haircut, and then takes five minutes to develop, then you are rinsed out and styled.

For us guys who like to 'bish-bash-bosh' this is a great selling point, and means that we can come out the salon in the same, relatively short amount of time, looking and feeling a bit more confident about our style.  

If you want to repeat the process at home?  The packs can be purchased to take home... believe me this is great, if you keep a pack at home for those busy weekends on the Stag do's when you are going to struggle to make it  to the salon, you can pop it on at home (Or maybe get a lady friend to do it for you).

So what are you waiting for?

Friday 14 October 2011

True Colours

Hello Tommy’s blog buddies! Sean signing in to talk colours... I’m a trainee for Tommy’s, you may have seen me in the Ruthin or Chester salon as I float around both. I’m here to fill you in on celeb colours and what to expect for A/W 2011



Anyone who I’ve shampooed will tell you I’m the biggest Gaga fan ever! (I always manage to fit her into the conversation!) Recently she returned to the UK for a quick round of promotion sporting her new fave colour... Mint Green!


I don’t see this catching on with the British public, but I love it, she’s always surprising us with amazing hair shapes and colours.



   





Jessie, another hair icon inspiring this season’s highly requested hair cuts/colours recently went from black to purple for a while, but didn’t like the change and went back to her trademark black high-shine bob.


















You may be wondering how she keeps her hair so amazingly shiny... well there are products and colours out there that provide amazing shine, such as the organic colour Essensity available in salon, and shine products such as Magic and Sparkler






Now imagine yourself, just minding your own business on the Jubilee Underground line, avoiding glares from crazy people on the tube when.... Sorry What?  Rihanna just got on the tube??

   











Yes she did!  With her own Oyster Card the 23 year old Barbadian beauty, jumped on at the North Greenwich line, to get to her own concert at the O2 Arena!

That wasn’t the only surprise though, she also premiered her new hair! She’s ditched the red and gone a warm brunette with some funky colours thrown in the mix!






Autumn / Winter 2011 Forecast
   


Autumn/Winter 2011’s hair colours will most certainly be much warmer. While we are getting into our cosy winter clothes ready to brave the cold, we will be doing the same with our hair by putting warm, rich tones in such as...


For darker tones, look towards plums, purples and aubergines to really brighten up those winter mornings, a brave choice but an amazing colour can really bring a whole new life to a fresh cut.




If you are not so brave but still feel your colour needs a new lease of life, then you could opt for the organic colour Essensity.  This colour has rich tones and if you are a brunette, then let this colour turn you from dark and dreary to rich and ravishing with deep chocolate tones, not to mention the softness and shine!


Blondes don't fear!  If you feel the life has left your blonde locks, then why not soften them with some deeper sandy blondes, this will help give your main colour a lift, and add some depth to your overall look.  To avoid the 'tiger stripes' that happen with high or low lights, ask for blocks underneath or comb-in highlights to show through, this way it gives your hair lowlights without making the colour stripey.

Friday 7 October 2011

Curly Wurly








Curly Hair... The Do's and Don'ts



Bouncy and defined curls is what we all aim for when trying to style our naturally curly locks. But other factors can rudely interrupt us getting to that desired look; such as heat, humidity and products. To help you get your desired look every time we have created the do’s and don’ts of looking after your curly hair.

The DO'S



Get your hair cut regularly

Don't let your hair get out of control book an appointment online


            Trim your hair every 3 months to keep those ends looking fresh and healthy and to rid any split ends.  After around 12-20 weeks of growth, hair branches at the ends (split ends) this causes hair to look frizzy and wispy, by keeping these ends in one piece, you are also strengthening the hair shaft and keeping it looking healthy.  For the longer hair add long layers, this will help to make your hair look less bottom heavy


Get specialised Products


available at www.tommysonlinestore.co.uk

If you are having some trouble with unruly curls, then follow some simple steps.  Use a water spray and distribute evenly over the hair, then use a product to help curls such as Osis Twin curl.  Simply place a small pea size amount, and spread over your palms and fingers, then scrunch into the hair and leave to dry naturally or diffuse and watch as your once wild springs are now a tamed curly mane.
     



 Stay in the shower for a few moments longer.



This may seem stupid, but by standing in the shower for a couple of minutes after you've hit the tap off, the humidity helps to bring the bounce back in to your hair,  then simply scrunch dry with a towel once you step out.
      

      

Use moisturising hair products 

Organic Hair Care


To keep your hair in best condition, use moisturising products.  The newly packaged Essensity range we sell in the salon, has a moisturising family which is a deeply moisturising product collection. They immerse dry, coarse hair in moisture and nutrients.  They are enriched with Organic Olive Oil, organic essence of Aloe Vera, and Panthenol.






The DON'TS






     Don't -    
Brush your hair, brushing curly hair can cause breakage and frizz.  Be gentle with your hair and scrunch dry, only using a brush when combing through a rinse out conditioner.       
  
   Don't -   
Shampoo your hair too frequently, for the finer hair stick to every other day and for the thicker hair types keep to twice a week but can rinse in between on the other days

Don't - 
 Use to much heat on your hair. Leaving moisture in your hair will help you shy away from frizz.


 Don't -
Get your hair layered to short or razor cut. Shorter layers can cause overly puffy hair and razor cuts can make your hair prone to frizziness.



By following these simple list of do’s and don’ts you will be on your way to create the curly look of some of our most idolised celebrities such as Beyonce, Julia Roberts and Leona Lewis. 




Calum xx

Wednesday 28 September 2011

London Fashion Week!

Hello guys, this is Camilla!  I thought for this Fridays blog we would try something a little bit different, you could call it a 'Special Edition' for you!  As myself and Amie from our recently crowned Salon of the Year in Chester, have been down to the one and only LONDON FASHION WEEK!! Yeah baby!!


Now we were instantly hitting the new and emerging designers as we wanted to see what was going to come strutting down that Catwalk with the freshest ideas, and we saw 5 showcasing their up and coming collections for S/S 12 (S/S means Spring/Summer just in case... like me, you couldn't figure it out!  Thanks Amie!)


But we weren't only looking at the clothes... Ohohohoh No!  Make up and hair was also on our Fashion Week agenda and we were eager to see what the designers had in mind for the Catwalk shows, so that we can report it all back to yourselves for A/W 2011 and S/S 2012, and you can be ahead of the trend!


Our First designer was Eleanor Amoroso


The consistent theme through this collection was the gorgeous wedges that the models where wearing. 

Doesn't matter what colour, texture or size, furry or material, they are going to be massive in A/W 11.  Go peep toe if you want to add a little bit of fun to your footwear.

Next we had the amazing   Jayne Pierson




                                  
Get Leathered... In the clothing sense of the word!  Whether it be hot pants, jackets, or ( I think this is going to be amazingly in season) 
ankle swinger pants.


These are really strong looks from Jayne Pierson.  She is the winner of London Graduate Fashion Week, Ecological Design Award.  

She is also the Vogue Italia New Talent.... so Keep your eye on this one!  (Can you tell she was my favorite?!)


image courtesy of coterie
 Crimping!  Get your crimping irons back out guys, because it is well and truly back, crimped and put up high...simple but SO effective as you can see... 



Hair Colours are starting to get FUN FUN FUN!

Seeing lots of pastel blues and pinks, and even some peachy tones which have recently been seen sported by the likes of Fearn Cotton and Lauren Conrad 




We didn't see too much colour on the Catwalk, however there was an abundance of these pastel shades in the audience, which I think is always a big sign that the trend is changing, as sometimes the Fashionistas influence the season as much as what trickles down from the Catwalk!

I hope you enjoyed our London Fashion Week blog! With Love xxx

Friday 16 September 2011

X Marks the spot

Sally our Academy Stylist, is a young lady who certainly has her finger on the pulse, as I was in London last week with Tommy and Esther at The Most Wanted Awards, I received a little phone call from Sally as I was on the train.  "Gavyn I can't believe it's been 4 weeks since the X Factor started.... and we haven't blogged about it yet?!"  As I hung my head in shame into my Virgin Rail Chicken Sandwich I realised she was right... So I put her on the case straight away, here she is!

4 weeks and no posts about X Factor?  I think it's about time we changed that!  Where should we start?  Well obviously there was massive controversy over Cheryl leaving, and also regarding her replacement... Tulisa from  N-Dubz.  Gavyn and some of the other crew are a bit too old to remember N-Dubz first coming on the scene but I remember her, and she certainly has changed since those first days with her blonde hair, and if I'm honest, she looked like any other late teens girl wanting to be different.  I probably would of passed her in the street and thought 'trying too hard'. 

But then she went brunette... and WOW the difference a hair colour can make!  She went really dark, and with striking lipstick this really brought her style completely up a level, and gave her a level of sophistication that she had previously been missing.




Then came the new look of rich browns, and the flash at the front of blonde mixed through a subtle rich red.... I think it really adds something different without going for the block flashes which can sometimes look like a disaster if not done correctly.

I have young ladies coming into the Academy with longer hair, looking for something different, but wanting to keep the length.  I feel like colour statements such as Tulisa's on the right, are a really great way to give longer hair a new lease of life, without having to completely change your style.  The colours work well, and it's an easy way to make a statement without going over the top!



Then we have my new style icon.... 
Kelly Rowland

The Destiny's Child singer just oooooozes style, fashion, and brilliance every time I see her!  The singer has had some style changes over the last 18 months, but her new stylist Mekel Bailey is doing an amazing job!

            My favourite outfit on the left, the gorgeous lace dress, with Copper belt and her bright red Giuseppe Zanotti wedges.... AMAZING!

      She has been seen in figure hugging body con dresses, mini dresses, and skirts that nip in to show off her tiny waist. And why wouldn't  you with a body like hers!!  

      She has apparently been working hard at keeping her body in trim, on the X Factor this weekend, Tulisa made a joke how at 1am the judges where having drinks down the bar, when Kelly Rowland walks in with a skipping rope and starts working out before heading off to the gym! AT 1AM!! You go girl!



      When I discovered Kelly Rowland was going to be on the judging panel, I must admit I was a little dubious, and I wasn't too sure what she was going to bring to the table, but she has an air of maturity and sophistication topped with killer style that makes her absolutely the right choice to be an X Factor Judge!


      So all in all I think the new X Factor Judges are doing a fantastic job, and I'm really enjoying the show so far.  I can't wait to see what the competition is going to turn into in the coming weeks.... but in the meantime, I will be enjoying the fashion show and hair ideas that are hitting my TV every Saturday night.  

       Hope you enjoyed my first blog!  xxxx




Thursday 8 September 2011

Thank Blog it's Friday! Blow Dry Blues?


Ok so we have all had it.

You get to that point before your next hair appointment, and you just wake up, and do everything as normal when POW! Your hair feels, looks, and acts as though it has been replaced with the hair of Satan.

It's fly away, it's lumpy, it won't curl in the right place, or lie flat where it's supposed to. So what do you do? Back in the day, I used to start with a little water, put it on, lay it flat or curl it out and wait for it to dry... Into exactly the same position it was in before.

Secondly comes the product attack. We start with gels, seeing if we can somehow push it down, just to watch it... slowly... rise back up. As if in slow motion pushing up a hairy middle finger at you in the mirror.

Thirdly comes the all out surrender of washing your hair, and trying to make it work again, and again, and again.... And we arrive back at the start.

Well ladies, i'm a gent, and I can't begin to imagine the horror of having a bad hair day when my hair is over 6 inches long, so for you girls with meters of it... I salute you. However I came up with a solution and it worked for me and my short curly locks, so for you guys it's a sure fire thing. It's a three pronged attack, and it is amazingly simple.

Step 1. Switch on your Computer

Step 2. Sit in their chair

Step 3. Watch Camilla show you how to do it!

Here she is with hints and tips on how to blowdry your own hair....Thank Blog It's Friday!

Friday 19 August 2011

Fringe-Tastic Friday!


If I had a penny for every phone call I got starting with ''Gavyn she thought she would trim her own fringe because it was easier'' I think I could pay myself for a year.

Well here at Tommy's fringe trims are complimentary for our Guests.... We made the video blog to show you how you can change your look in-between appointments without having to spend a penny!

Fudge (Virginia) phoned us, she has a fringe trim to keep her going in between cuts, and she very kindly agreed to be a part of our blog so we can show you how we can change your look in five minutes or less. Ideal for when you feel like a little change, but it's a couple weeks until your next appointment! 

 Thank Blog it's Friday!


Friday 12 August 2011

The Devil Wears Prada.... But what's everyone else wearing?


Thank Blog it's Friday... With a twist!

This Friday we decided to give our very talented Camera man Milo a few days off  to sun himself, so the video blog will be back next week.  So I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce  the new page that we have decided to make for the  blog... another bow in our string so to speak!

For those of you who haven't been to the Salon let me introduce you to Kristina....
 
As you can see from this picture she is the kind of lady who could turn up to work 
saying she had the worst case of man flu alive, and still have the demeanor 
of a Princess and styling that makes Gok Wan look like he's been left in the stalls.   
 
 
So I thought to myself why isn't this lady giving us her opinion 
on what to put on our backs?
 
Here it is... The Fashion Page 
 
 
 
 
 August is here and still no sign of summer, the sales are on and all the shops 
look like a JUMBLE SALE !!
Quite depressing really ...So I decided to cheer myself up and get excited about 
the new season trends autumn/winter 2011. 

The homework begins !!!!

My top 5 fave fashion pieces .. 
 
 
 
 Pick a Decade ANY decade !!

Whether it be 40's ,50's,60's,70's and even the 80's there all acceptable this 
season ...It could be 40's with a nipped in at the waist pencil dress or 50's 
Audrey Hepburn style dress with a hint of tweed .60's swing with a shift or 70's 
patterned floaty number,or look to the future girls and wear leather and lace 
combined huge trend .
DKNY

Dorothy Perkins


Prada
Find it in - Miu Miu and New Look 40's ,Isabel Lucas in 70's or the Lace vibe worn at Julien Macdonald (seen above) ,Salvatore Ferragamo.


COLOUR,COLOUR,COLOUR!!

Whether its Purple ,Orange ,Cobalt or green wear it block and bright. 

Forget the neutrals...brighten up ladies!


Seen on - Ginnifer Goodwin in Green Topshop ,Gwyneth Paltrow in a yellow Rachel  Roy and Angelina Jolie in an Orange Jenny Packham number. 
 
 







 Ditch the maxi... 

Bring on the Pencil Skirt...this chic curve enhancing skirt 
doesn't have to be boring, looks sexy worn high waisted,or teamed with pussy bow 
blouses or bring on a bright top killing two fashion trends in one go..Wahoo!!



Vera Wang
Dolce & Gabbana 


Seen on - Christina Ricci -Dolce&Gabbana,Leighton Meester wearing Vera Wang and 
seen in the high street stores Zara , Oasis ,Warehouse.





Bring out the STAR in you ...

Massive trend this season is going to be clothes 
with starry creations ,whether its dresses, jeans,jumpers 
or even if its just a pair of starry earrings 
if they've got stars they're rocking it!.
 
 
 
image courtesy of ikanacca.com
Seen on - CATWALK Dolce & Gabbana HIGH STREET - Oasis,Next 
and worn on Solange  Knowels and Pixie Geldof




  See you in COURT... 

I thought you can't have all these great outfits 
without a fab shoe, and the court shoe does it for me. An elegant shoe that can 
be worn with just about anything ,comes in different colours,heel sizes and 
textures, a gorgeous all round shoe .
office Pewter leather Court Shoe
Seen on - Alexa Chung ,Jennifer Aniston and more.. shops Aldo ,Nine west and 
Pied A Terre .

Saving the best till last of course the
 HAIR !!!!!!           What to do?  well very simple 
Plus it looks stunning with all outfits ,The PONY TAIL , can be worn high and 
textured like Kate Beckinsale below , the low pony tail textured or smooth or the 
sharp parting sleek and sexy like Eva Longoria,all rocking the A/W catwalk trend 


Kate Beckinsale c/o glamour.com
Eva Longoria c/o goodhousekeeping.com

The pony-tail hair kit ...  


Hair bungees to help grip that pony tail in... 


Aqua slide for a wet look 
 
essensity fixing spray for a scrunched textured look 



and finish with a Hairspray essential. Freeze, to make sure that it all 
stays in place

courtesy of  leeloveshottrends.com and getty images
For the short hair lovers ,lovely little pixie crops worn on Emma Watson and 
Ginnifer Goodwin or a cute short textured bob very vintage , Alexa Chung wears it well and Kirsten Dunst .

Pixie kit ...definition and texture Flex wax  
and for a sleeker shiny look Aqua slide (see link above)




Vintage Bob - scrunched in texture twin curl will give you that beach look or a 
smooth wave use curl me soft .


    

.

I hope we have given you some inspiration for the up coming season, and I will keep you updated on any interesting fashion news.  More soon...