Changing hair salons of more than two decades is daunting. The challenge has been welcomed and the work more rewarding than ever.
Read MoreOut of The Paint Box (Copy)
Icicles formed on my hair as I boarded the Metro North, Brooklyn bound, for an intense day of hairpainting wizardry at The Paint Box with my two coworkers the first Monday of the New Year.
After six months of following Jenny Regec with her Modern Salon approved Instagram posts, I was ready for my full day hair adventure.
Warmly greeting us at the door the moment we finally arrived, two wrong subways later, Jenny was prepared to share her craft.
She dove into her first head of hair, a blonde model relaxing in the narrow four chair salon, as light swarmed around our intimate group through the front window.
Sections were neatly divided, lightener was tapped on with soft, fluid strokes and we were instructed on every brush, tap and smooth.
Jenny shared the history of this modern hair lightening technique, which started fifteen years ago in France, and her background, including a hairstylist mom and Bumble and Bumble training.
Hairpainting is a hair lightening technique placed without limitations. The lightener is placed close to the root or mid-shaft for a natural grow out with a modern, sophisticated look.
After a pause for lunch we went hands on under Jenny’s watchful eye. Anxious with one on one attention while she shared the art of mixing a clay based bleach, where to place the product and how to use our hands to help smooth consistency, we gave it a go.
Platinum highlights proved the ultimate challenge. I was ready to give in and grab a foil when Jenny came to my rescue, found my flaw and elevated my skill. Challenge met!
ABC
What lies at the end of the foggy London brick laid alley named Bond Street, lined with pubs and shops, an air of both grit and glamour, pints of beer and high end fashion, is the original Vidal Sassoon Academy. It is the place where the hair stylists you value most have received their initial foundation, explored and expanded upon it and made it their own.
ABC baby. The classic Sassoon techniques are honed and tailored to perfection by talented hair stylists who live and breath all things Sassoon, Bauhaus architecture, mod fashion and geometric design. Refine and define your work and join the world of craft hairstylists, Sassoon style.
Hair Share
On a sunny, crisp morning last fall, I walked through the doors of the Tony and Guy’s academy in Newtown, Ct., ready to share my skills with exuberant cosmetology students eagerly awaiting the hand painted method of highlights every colourist needs to master.
Ricci’s Toni and Guy Newtown Academy are enthusiastic and gracious. Magical moments are meant to be shared.
This location is particularly special to me. Last I entered as a teen in ripped jeans, leather jacket, and big hair ready for its trim. Now, many years behind the chair later, Sassoon educated, balayage master, I arrived excited to share everything I know to help inspire and succeed the next wave of hairstylists.
A good mentorship sees a mentor in their mentee. Can you follow, cause these two young talents are for sure my mentors and push me to be my best.
Hair Matters
On St Patrick’s Day 2020, Connecticut restaurants and schools announced a two week closing, with orders of corned beef and droughts of Guinness wasted and school busses nowhere in sight, all with special thanks to the coronavirus. Meanwhile, at Hair…
My client walked in that eerie day, afraid to venture out in the world but decided her hair was worth the risk. She sat with bloodshot eyes, checking her phone and clinging to the news while the air around us filled with uncertainty. Little did I know it was to be my last cut at the salon for ten weeks…
June 1st hairstylists finally went back in and got to touch people again, as a stream of Black Lives Matter protesters paraded past the salon in peace for change.
This St. Patrick’s day brings light. It is time to bring on the new, watch the trends of leggings fleeting, wispy bangs and face frame layers peeking around bright eyes brimming with hope and greetings.