Pimp the Crimp

By Heather Rae Cheszek of Hairroin Salon

The crimper is BACK! As ladies, we’ve been hailing to the hair goddesses for all our lives to look current and beautiful but most recently, in the last few years, tool technology for hair has seen a vast improvement (especially in our looks). First, we embraced our flat irons to create smooth, shiny straight hair. Second, effortless beach waves were perfected with the use of our diffusers and curling wands. And now, in recent months, we are seeing vast amounts of texture and hairstyles being made with the crimping iron. As a child of the 80’s I’m embracing this trend all the way and I’m excited to share with you some of my crimp tips.

For about $40 you can purchase a crimper online or at your local beauty supply store. Most are spring loaded so getting the desired look is easy. All you have to do is squeeze! Crimpers now come in a wide range of sizes and most have interchangeable plates to vary the amount of texture. The plates can also differ in materials. Ceramic plates heat up quickly and give an even temperature all the way through so you don’t have to worry about uneven spots. Tourmaline plates magnify the negative ions in your hair to give your hair a smooth, shiny crimp. Titanium plates are good for those of you who tend to get snags or tangles with traditional irons. Now that you know which crimper to purchase, here’s some tips on how to use one safely.

* Pre-Treat The Hair

Make sure to use a heat protectant spray or lotion that has moderate hold on damp hair prior to blowdrying. I recommend Oribe Smooth Style Serum or Sebastian Professional Stylixer.

* Set The Right Temperature

Most crimping irons have a preset temperature of 350 – 370 degrees with the flick of an on/off switch. For fine hair, use the lower heat settings on your iron and for coarse, resistant hair dial up the temperature. For a general rule of thumb, don’t go above 400 degrees.

* Take Small Sections

Brush hair and make sure it’s free of snags and tangles. Take a small section about 2-3 inches wide and about ½” thick. Spray an additional heat protector on the section, especially one that features added shine such as Oribe’s Soft Lacquer Heat Styling Spray or Sebastian’s Shine Define.  Place hair between the plates of the crimping iron and hold down gently for 2-3 seconds. Start at the top of the section and move down to your ends crimping as you go. Repeat this method until all desired sections are crimped.

Don’t be afraid to let that 80’s wild child out when using your crimper. Just make sure to treat your hair well with extra deep conditioners weekly if you plan on using your new tool frequently. To stay inspired or to view more crimped looks, please visit my Pinterest page: http://www.pinterest.com/_heatherrae/pimp-your-crimp/.

Heather Rae Cheszek

www.heather-rae.com

Instagram @hrae_hrae

(all images found on Pinterest)

Adam Rindy's Amazing Photography

I recently reconnected with a photographer that I used to shoot with. Not only is he an amazing human, but the guy is a beast behind the camera. Here are some Polaroids from a previous shoot we did. Www.adamrindy.com 

-Irene

What's a Blowout, and why should I go to Hairroin to get one?

Blowouts are becoming an increasing popular service in salons. Blow dry bars are popping up like Starbucks. 

So, what exactly is a blowout you might be wondering? A blowout is having a professional blow-dry your hair for you, in case, maybe you're not the best at doing it yourself, or you just don't want to have arm cramps for an hour from the awkward act that is doing your own hair. 

Blowouts are becoming increasing popular because it's more convenient than doing it yourself. You can come into the relaxing environment of the salon and have the work taken care of for you, plus a lovely head massage at the shampoo bowl. 

If you are going to an event like a wedding or just going out for the night, try a blowout instead of an updo. It's less expensive and more modern. 

Hairroin offers a blowout bar every friday night from 5-9pm called Foxy Fridays. Blowouts are only $35 plus complimentary champagne is served. Bring a friend and start the night right! 

Hairroin stylists are specially trained to give beautiful blow-dries that last. We use high-quality professional products custom picked for your hair type and texture. A blowout appointment is a great time to ask about getting a deep conditioning treatment or gloss service as well, to keep your hair in its best condition. 

Be My Valentine

by Heather Rae Cheszek

Valentine’s Day comes every year February 14^th and for some of us we are vexed with certain pressures when this beloved holiday sneaks up on us. Perhaps you just spent 3 hours at Hallmark staring blankly at an entire aisle of folded paper decorated with ribbons, hearts, and poems trying to figure out which card suits your sweetheart best. Maybe you ransacked Costco’s chocolate aisle and came home to open up your five-pound bag of mixed pink and red M&Ms only to have the bag explode like Mt. St. Helen’s all over your kitchen floor. Did you hint to your sweetie to take you on a trip to Hawaii or talk up that MIU MIU bag you’ve had your eye on, only to receive a box of cheap candy hearts that say oh-so-heartwarming statements such as “YOU ROCK” or “LUV U”.  In some cases, Valentine’s Day can be a pain but finding the right style doesn’t have to be!

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and whether you’re out toasting and professing your love with your sweetheart or going out on the town with your lady friends trying to find that mysterious thing called love, I’ve rounded up some sexy hairstyle ideas from Pinterest that will add a touch of romance to any situation.

Add a jeweled headpiece with Ruby accents like this one from beauxoxo on Etsy.com after blowdrying your hair with a volumizer such as Oribe Curl ShapingMouse and reapplying a dab more by scrunching it into the bottoms of your hair. 

Accent a messy nape knot with a silky red ribbon. On dry hair, mist a sea salt texturizer such as Sebastian’s Texture Maker into the hair. Gather dry hair at the nape of your neck and create a loose braid. Fasten the ends of the braid with a clear elastic. Tie the ribbon around the very top of the braid. Roll the braid into a bun low against your head and secure the ends with bobby pins.

Sweeten up a messy top knot with a big pink bow with a touch of gold. Start with dry hair and spray a volume powder into hair such as SACHAJUAN’s Volume Powder or Sebastian’s DryClean Only. Gather hair loosely at top of head and secure with a clear elastic. Lightly back brush your ponytail and wrap hair around itself creating a messy but structured knot and secure to the top of your head with a few bobby pins that match the color of your hair. Place bow right under the knot at the back of your head. 

Get a little retro with this adorable wired heart headband by beauxoxo on Etsy.com. To style add a few drops of a smoothing shine serum into dry hair such as Oribe Gold Lust or Davines Oi. Divide your hair into 2 sections parting down the middle from your forehead down to your nape. Create low braids or if you’re really advanced you can create 2 French braids cascading down the back of your head. Tie the headband around your head slightly covering your ears and tightening the tips to secure.

Go pink this Valentine’s! Stop into Hairroin salon and we can do our very best to color your locks any shade of pink or red. For those who are looking for something a little less permanent try temporary chalks such as Bumble & bumble’s Spraychalk, Lulu’s hair chalk, or Sephora’s hair chalk.

For more great Valentine’s day hair ideas take a look at my Pinterest page www.pinterest.com/_heatherrae or take a quick peek at my Instagram @hrae_hrae. XOXO

Hairroin's Healthy Hair Week - Day 4

We're in the second month of the New Year and hopefully your hair has been thriving in the harsh winter conditions. Now's the perfect time to focus on maintaining your hairstyle and freshness between salon visits. Today's our last tip. Happy Friday!

Missed the last 3 days? 
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3

4.) STYLE SNACKS

Eat healthy and give your hair the right amount of TLC from the inside out. Hair is made up of proteins and eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in lean protein, whole grains, fruits and veggies will ensure beautiful looking hair in this new year.

Vitamin C helps to strengthen hair, Iron helps to send much needed oxygen to blood vessels, Zinc grows and repairs tissue and Omega-3 fatty acids will help grow healthy, shiny hair. Daily biotin supplements can also help to grow your hair and nails, and is usually inexpensive.

Give yourself a few months with your new healthy diet and you will start seeing results at your roots.

Overall, 2014 is looking to be a promising new year and your hair has so much potential to look healthy and stay healthy. Just follow these simple tips and watch what a new routine can do for your hair. Don’t forget to stay savvy in the shower with fresh shampoos and conditioners, gently dry your hair and use the right products to prime it for your style, trim it regularly, and eat healthy. Glamorous hair is coming your way!

Hairroin's Healthy Hair Week - Day 3

We're in the second month of the New Year and hopefully your hair has been thriving in the harsh winter conditions. Now's the perfect time to focus on maintaining your hairstyle and freshness between salon visits. I have 4 great tips for you and I will be sharing a new one with you each day until Friday. Are you ready for Day 3??

Catch up on what you've missed:
Day 1
Day 2

3.) SEE YOUR STYLIST

Perhaps you’re not ready for a full blown haircut but I’m guessing everyone gets to a point of annoyance with their hair before the usual 8-10 week salon visit. Are your bangs blinding you? Is the hair on your neck starting to meet your hair on your back? Are your grey hairs showing up unannounced around your temples? If yes, then it’s definitely time to seek help from your stylist. Believe it or not, seeing your stylist every 4 weeks makes the biggest difference to your hair, and how you feel about yourself. Why suffer those few extra weeks? Just make an appointment for a fringe trim or neck clean up, usually costing between $10-25 and you’ll feel renewed!

For regular maintenance on your hair, we broke it down on how often to see your stylist based on our client averages.

Fringe (a.k.a “Bang”) Trims: 3-5 weeks

Neck/Ear Clean Ups: 2-4 weeks

Short Haircuts: 4-5 weeks

Medium Haircuts: 4-7 weeks

Long Haircuts: 6-10 weeks

Grey Coverage: 3-6 weeks

Root Touchups: 3-6 weeks

Highlights: 5-8 weeks

Ombre touchups: Tone every 4-6 weeks

Feeling good and healthy in 2014 starts with how you feel about yourself and your hair dictates a lot about your style and personality. Make sure to keep it up to your new 2014 standards by visiting the salon on a regular basis. Your stylist is prepared to answer any questions you have about your personal maintenance.

Hairroin's Healthy Hair Week - Day 2

 We're in the second month of the New Year and hopefully your hair has been thriving in the harsh winter conditions. Now's the perfect time to focus on maintaining your hairstyle and freshness between salon visits. I have 4 great tips for you and I will be sharing a new one with you each day until Friday. Here's Day 2!

Catch up on day one HERE

2.) SHIELD YOUR HAIR FROM DAMAGE

After you get out of the shower, give your self a nice pat-down, squeezing the excess water from your hair instead of violently rubbing your hair. Intense rubbing from terry-cloth towels can weaken the follicle and even make the hair snap or create a fuzzy cuticle shaft which will make your hair dull and brittle. Use a Wet brush, or similar detangling brush brand, to gently remove the knots and snags from your hair.

Before blowdrying, add a heat protectant to your hair to shield it from the forced heat. My personal favorites are Oribe Supershine light and Sebastian’s Trilliant which is designed to lightly condition, add ultra-light body and give you a smooth shiny finish. 

If you love to dry your hair naturally, add a light oil or milk to your hair to keep fuzzies at bay. My faves are Oribe Gold Lust or Davines Oi. Just apply a pump or two into your hands and add to your locks while they’re still damp.

Hairroin's Healthy Hair Week - Day 1

We're in the second month of the New Year and hopefully your hair has been thriving in the harsh winter conditions. Now's the perfect time to focus on maintaining your hairstyle and freshness between salon visits. I have 4 great tips for you and I will be sharing a new one with you each day until Friday. Let's get started!

1.) SPECTACULAR SHOWER HABITS

First, head to your shower and do yourself a favor. Look at all the products you have accumulated and toss any bottles that are older than 24 months (12 months if you have organic, vegan, or paraben-free products). Believe it or not, shampoos and conditioners DO have an expiration date and work best within their prime life span. Make sure to throw away the liquid or cream insides and properly recycle your plastic bottles.

Next, analyze your current hair and assess whether or not you are using the best shampoo and conditioner for your needs. Perhaps you have recently colored your hair, received a smoothing treatment, or have been noticing your hair or scalp is dry. A lot of times we don’t recognize that our foundation shower products help manage your hair in a very specific way. If you are coloring your hair, be sure to use color-safe shampoos and conditioners and avoid any heavy clarifying shampoos. These products are formulated to help prevent fading. If your scalp is dry and itchy, switch to a soothing botanical blend such as DavinesPurifying shampoo to avoid flakes. 

If you have fine hair, avoid using any heavy creams that can add weight to your hair. You’ll have more fullness and body with Sebastian’s Volupt shower collection.

Start realizing healthy hair and scalp start from the shower, and begin the new year with a new outlook on your shower products.

Hair thinning? Best hair products for follicle minded friends and family

Several hair products that I would recommend to people whose hair is thinning out would be...

Energizing Shampoo by Davines.  

It is made for scalp and fragile, thinning hair. 

I would pair that up with the Energizing Lotion also by Davines in order to revitalize and strengthen the scalp and fragile hair, prone to falling out. 

I would also recommend the Well-Being Conditioner. It would go hand in hand with the Energizing Shampoo. It is a hydrating conditioner for all types of hair.

Congratulations to Zachary - New Senior Stylist at Hairroin Salon

Zachary has just recently been promoted from Junior to Senior Stylist, let's get to know him a little better...



Q: What was the turning point from junior to senior stylist?

A: Not sure there was an exact turning point. As a stylist at Hairroin we are constantly challenged and encouraged to grow as an artist. My time as a junior was spent fine-tuning and perfecting my skill of hairdressing. We are always working towards a higher goal and achieving the next level. So when I reached the senior level I was ecstatic that the hard work, persistence, and consistency had paid off. 

Q: How many years have you been in the hair industry?


A: I've been a licensed hairdresser for 8 years, with many years of "at home hair" for family and friends before that.



Q: How did you get to where you are today?


A: I've always been fascinated by hair. my uncle is also a hairdresser, and I was obsessed with his cosmetology books when I was a kid. There's always been a need to know more and be better when it comes to hair. So when moving to LA from the midwest, I knew I wanted to work at Hairroin, and everything has just naturally progressed from there.



Q: Greatest hair achievement?


A: So many cool things have happened since I've been a part of the Hairroin team, but I guess the greatest achievements are simple. I love giving a client a haircut or color that they love, and that looks great on them.



Q: What else do you love?


A: I've always been a theater geek. I truly love  the energy and talent that goes into a live production.

American Horror Story

Yes. I am a horror enthusiast. GOOD and BAD. I love the imagination and fantasy of it all, I'm that guy that screams and yells at the screen "LOOK BEHIND YOU!!!"  I have a collection of movies that would make Rob Zombie air punch..

Last year I became obsessed with American Horror Story along with everyone I know. 

I may or may not have gone to the the Murder house from season one just to see if I could scare myself sick or not.

Not only am I obsessed with the story lines, characters, the key art all over the city, all the beautifully grotesque imagery wait, PAUSE--- the HAIR. The hair on this show is spot on. 

Natalie Driscoll is Key Hair for 12 episodes and is responsible for many of the period wigs. WERK GIRL WERK.