Life in the Fast Lane

No...We're not talking about getting Pole Position in the Salon to get your haircut first!

We know how life can be.  You have to pick up the kids from school at 3:15, you've booked a hair appointment for 2:00 and you are just not sure if you are going to make it in time, what with all the incredible treatments, head massage at Shampoo, and browsing of products you like to do when you are in the Salon.  It should feel like a pampering, indulgent experience.  Not the last sprint of the London Marathon towards the finish line!

Welcome to the Fast Lane.  Here at Tommy's we understand that sometimes taking your time simply isn't practical, and as one of our previous posts said, we never 'squeeze' anybody in.  So what's the solution?  

We Fast Lane your appointment!  Simply arrive ten minutes before your appointment time.  We will take your bill, book your next appointment and send you over for consultation with your Stylist.  So that when your appointment time comes along you have already had that incredible head massage, had a quick peek at the retail that you want to take home to keep your hair in it's best condition, and you can fly out the door confident in the fact that you have had exactly the same level of service but with a 10-15 minute head start!

Want to save even more time?  If your time is limited and you can only visit us on a certain day at a certain time, then we will schedule you in for that day and time at your chosen interval!  Stress free hairdressing!

To take advantage, simply phone your nearest Salon ( visit www.tommyshaircompany.com to find your nearest one!) and ask them to fast lane your appointment!

Got suggestions of how we can continue to improve our service for you? Please visit the website and get in contact to let us know!

Team Tommy's...

NO ONE CAN WHISTLE A SYMPHONY....

....it takes a whole orchestra to play it.  - H.E. Luccock

Unlike other Salons, we practice a team philosophy.  This means the skills of our entire team (From our Salon assistants to our Stylists) are available to you.  We wouldn't dream of committing you to one Stylist or technician.  

We don’t want to keep you on a waiting list.  Being there when you need us, and fitting into your busy schedule is our number one priority.  Not every Stylist is a master of all skills, our ‘Perfect Match’ System aligns you with the Team member with the best suited experience level, skill set, and strength to suit your hair and your lifestyle.  Each Team Member has a strength that when combined, offer you an array of style enhancing options that can not be rivalled.  

So you are scared when you book an appointment and you get a different Stylist, it’s going to be a disaster?  We can assure you this isn't the case, and neither are we going to force you to stay with the same Stylist either.  We know that a massive part of our success is the relationship that has been built up with our Guests.  We know that you have a ‘favourite’ Team member that you prefer.  However if they have fallen ill, are on vacation, or working on an outside event such as London Fashion Week, we want you to know that you have the option to see another Team Member.

Me and my Shadow

Each Team Member has a ‘Shadow Stylist’.  This is usually the person that would colour your hair, or the one that you usually visit for the blow dry’s for that special occasion.  These Team Members work closely with your Stylist, and they often know your hair.  These Stylists are called Shadow Stylists, and they are trusted to look after you when your usual Stylists are not around (That’s right, our stylists have favourites too!), and they wouldn't hand that responsibility over to just anyone who is available.  So not only do we not mind if you want to visit a different stylist in the Salon...We want you to!  There’s no commissions at Tommy’s, and we do not ‘rent chairs’.  Your time is important, and we want to make sure you can be seen by us, without that Guilty pang!

To ensure consistent service quality and technical skill, each team member completes our in-salon skill certification program. This means you can always have confidence and peace of mind, knowing that you are in the talented hands of a Tommy’s Team member. You'll always have a fresh perspective....and you'll always receive the utmost in True Quality service and attention. Guaranteed.

So there you have it, the next time that you need that appointment that you forgot to make, before the Wedding you've been invited to tomorrow, ask our Guest Experience Manager who the Shadow Stylist is.  You will get the same incredible Tommy’s Service, and Style minus the panic!

Get your Sunnie's Out!

Some fantastic Eye wear that we think is going to be big, now the Summer 

seems to FINALLY be on it's way!

images may be subject to copyright

Heeeerreeee's JONNY!

No you are not watching 'The Shining' (Great film though!) you are about to be introduced to the very talented Mr Jonny Williams from our Llandudno Salon in Craig Y Don.

Johnny qualified a year ago, and joined us in May this year.  He has had some extensive training, and since I have been re-homed from my home town Ruthin to Llandudno, I have had the pleasure of seeing his skills and mindset change into one of a highly skilled young stylist.

Every year our stylists kit up, and go head to head with each other in a photo shoot to the death.  The Stylists have a model each, and can literally go wild.  They cut and prep their models, style them, do their make up, and then head into the photo shoot to record their creative visions.  It's like a Creative version of  The Krypton Factor' for Hairdressers.

This event needs a lot of planning, and assistance.  The Photo shoot is hard work, and the stylists need all the help they can get... But not just any help.  They want the cream of the crop aiding their creative flare, and we get this by hosting a competition.  The younger stylists, Academy Apprentices and Academy Assistants all get the chance to compete to help the stylists.  They create a mood board of an idea that they would like to do.... Then create their vision on a dolls head, and photograph the result.  Tommy then reviews the entries by the Younger Team Members, looking at use of time, whether their mood board reflects their styling, and whether they were able to work to deadlines.  This Year from Llandudno, Johnny won the place to work with the stylists and join the winner from the other salons, in aiding the stylists on their day.  Here's Johnny's take on winning the place to work on the Photo Shoot!


Hey I'm Jonny, and I'm an Academy Stylist here at Tommy's Hair Company in Llandudno!  At the moment I'm enjoying the advanced training that Tommy is giving me at the Training Academy in Chester, and it's nice to see me becoming so popular so quickly as a result!


For the Competition I had to create a hair up and a mood board on ANY subject I wanted, which was great to let my imagination run free!

The subject I chose was 'Winter Elizabethan' because I love the dramatic shapes of their hair and make up.  I began researching Victorian, but soon engrossed myself in the Elizabethan period and their amazing clothes which popped up in Vogue, and Catwalks (featured left).  I was hooked.

Researching the hair, it showed up some fantastically dramatic shapes.  I chose the basic Queen Elisabeth style, and gave it a modern twist.  The make up was quite inspiring, with almost translucent eyebrows and tiny red lips.  As I got deeper into my research I could see that the modern twists that Vogue shown were so cool, that I couldn't let this style pass me by.










With Shades of Victoriana/Elzabethan in last years winter collections, I felt the clothes were also open to having that modern 'Twist' put on them as baroque styling was seen this winter from Vogue Russia (pictured left).  The Costumes were designed by Atelier Versace, Valentino Haute Couture, and Agent Provocateur.

I hoped you liked my first blog, and if you are in Llandudno, make sure you pop in and say Hi!

Jonny x

'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!

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

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

Thank Blog it's Friday! Blow Dry Blues?

Saran hair is a beautiful thing a photo by *Saffy* on Flickr.

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!