Haircut and Color Transformation at Elite Hair Studio & Spa

I was long overdue for a haircut and color appointment, and had recently gotten my hair makeover at Elite Hair Studio & Spa. It's hard to believe that I haven't gotten my haircut since last October! Originally I had a hair appointment at the end of March, but then the pandemic hit and everything shut down. 

Elite Hair Studio & Spa had taken many precautions to ensure my visit was a safe one. As soon as I walked in, they took my temperature and asked me to wash my hands. They also provided me with a new mask to wear (which I kept on the whole time with the exception of taking my before and after pic). They also have a very spacious studio, with a separate area for color services and haircuts. There are also large plexiglass panels separating each chair, and plenty of space for social distancing. I also felt at ease because it wasn't crowded there either. 

For my color treatment, my hairstylist and colorist Agnes walked me through a color consultation, and I ended up choosing warm, caramel balayage highlights. Then we went right into trimming my hair, followed by the color process. 

Next at the shampoo station, I love how there is an adjustable footrest, and a warm towel was placed at the back of my neck for a more relaxing experience. Wella ColorMotion+ Color Protection Shampoo was used on my hair, followed by the hair toner, and a deep conditioning / luxe hair massage with Wella ColorMotion+ Moisturizing Color Reflection Conditioner.

Then it was time to move over to the haircutting station to finish up my haircut with layers, followed by a blowout with curls. What a change! My hair was not only lighter in color but also in weight, as I had about six inches cut off my hair. It is a lot more manageable, and hopefully I won't have to wait another year before getting my haircut or highlights touched up! This was also the first time I got balayage highlights, which should have less maintenance as my highlights grow out, with the roots less noticeable and hair maintaining a more natural look. The total process of my cut and color appointment took 4 hours. My balayage hair is more noticeable if you look at the back of my hair, and with curls it really shows the color beautifully.  

A big thank you to Agnes for doing an amazing job on my hair, and to Martha Mehlman, creative director and owner of Elite Hair Studio & Spa and her team for collaborating with me and having me at the studio! 

 My cut, color & styling session is valued at $350, and you can find all pricing on elitehairstudio.com. If you plan on getting any color treatments, they have special on Tuesdays for 20% off hair color services. They are also running Black Friday specials on products and services through 11/30/20. You can also find more specials on their website promotions page as well as Facebook. Elite Salon & Spa also has amazing facial treatments. Check out my blog post on the Sothys Energizing Intensive Treatment Facial I experienced at their spa.

Hair transformation with warm, caramel balayage highlights

My 'before hair look, with super long hair, uncolored hair

Spacious hair color studio 

Shampoo / conditioning station

Hair cutting studio

- Kim Weling

Keratin Obsessed Multi-Benefit Treatment Spray by Keratin Complex

Keratin Complex invited me to try their Keratin Obsessed Multi-Treatment Spray, complete with a blowout at Oscar Blandi Salon in NYC.The Keratin Obsessed lightweight all-in-one spray just launched in the spring and I've been using it ever since! To get my hair super smooth and shiny, I spray from base to ends, comb through my hair and then use a flat iron, or curling iron for frizz-less waves. 

This leave-in spray really does it all! It eliminates frizz, strengthens and repairs hair, prevents breakage and leaves my hair smooth, silky and shiny. It's formulated with keratin, hydrolyzed silk amino acids and coconut oil to nourish and moisturize hair. The spray works for all hair types, is paraben-free and safe for color treated hair.

Keratin Obsessed is available in two sizes: 1.7 oz. travel-size ($14) and 5 oz ($26) at fine salons nationwide.

Blowout look compliments of Keratin Complex

Check out this IGTV video on Keratin Obsessed

View this post on Instagram

- Kim Weling 

Blo Blow Dry Bar Opening in Franklin Lakes

Last month, Blo Blow Dry Bar celebrated the grand opening of their third New Jersey location, at 807 Franklin Avenue in Franklin Lakes, NJ. Blo Blow Dry Bar had recently opened up locations in West Orange and Jersey City, with an additional location in Bernardsville coming soon.

Blo Blow Dry Bar offers affordable blowouts including signature hair styles from classic to runway, priced at $45, with additional services (extensions, head massage) and treatments (UNITE deep conditioning, Color WOW Cocktail or Color WOW Dreamcoat). 

The 7 signature blow out styles include the high society bun, pillow talk messy beach waves, red carpet with smooth tresses with lots of body and gentle arcs toward the neckline, go fish fishtail braid, holly would with plenty of curl and bounce, executive sweet straight, and hunt club perfect pony.

I decided to go with holly would curls, which looked just as fabulous with second and third day hair, thanks to Lucia! The Unite haircare products that Lucia used on my hair were amazing, particularly the 7SECONDS Leave-in Detangler, BLOW&SET Lotion, TEXTURIZA Spray, and SECOND Day Finishing Cream. The Color Wow Pop & Lock High Gloss Shellac also completed my look by adding some shine to my hair. 

After your blowout, you'll want to check out the fun selfie station in their bathroom!

Blo Blow Dry Bar also offers an up do for $75, and bridal styling at $170 and blo on the go at your doorstep for $100. They also offer makeup services, including full face ($60), eyes ($35), lashes ($15) or makeup-on-the-go ($100).

- Kim Weling

VU Hair Salon at The Peninsula New York

I recently had my first visit to VU Hair salon, at the Peninsula Hotel in New York, for a quick styling session. I had been on a plane all day, so my hair went from incredibly flat to beautifully styled in a matter of minutes thanks to Danny! As tired as I was from my flight, I felt a million times better with the voluminous curls in my hair. I was amazed at how full and shiny my hair looked, and that was just from a dry styling session! 

I also met with the VU Hair team, including salon owner Vu Nguyen, and Amy Mrkulic, who just joined the VU Hair team. I would love to visit VU Hair again for a color / cut and drastically change my hair color for spring! The salon also offers makeup and nail services, with Zorina Czora as Makeup Artist/Bridal Specialist. 

VU Hair also has the most amazing penthouse view of the city to enjoy while you get your hair styled!

- Kim Weling

Not Your Mother's Hair Look for Helen Castillo New York Spring / Summer 2018 at Kia STYLE360 NYFW

Not Your Mother's created the hair looks for Helen Castillo New York Spring / Summer 2018 presented by Chapstick, at Kia STYLE360. The hair look centered on a finger wave design on the forehead, and no hair part. The rest of the hair is curled and combed out once the hair has cooled, for a more glam effect in the back of the hair for a Grace Kelly inspired look.

- Kim Weling

BetsyElisa NYFW Beauty Bar

I kicked off New York Fashion Week festivities at the BetsyElisa Beauty Bar on Wednesday, September 6th on the Lower East Side. The event space at 165 Allen Street was the perfect spot for the beauty bar, with makeup and hair stations ready for attending guests. This is my third year at the BetsyElisa Beauty bar during NYFW, and I'm always excited to see Betsy Reyes and Elisa Tallerico and have them and their makeup team do my hair and makeup! 

For my hair and makeup look, I wanted to go with natural waves, a smoky eye and lashes for my evening look. I loved how my hair and makeup turned out! It was just perfect since I didn't want anything too dramatic since I was dressed more on the casual side to go out, in a shirt dress and ankle boots. 

The BetsyElisa Beauty Bar always has professional photography, which I aways appreciate! Thank you to all the BetsyElisa sponsors - Kocostar, Qualitas Candles, FashionTats, Hempz Beauty, Number 4 Hair Care, Still Standing, Spornette, Novex, TIGI Cosmetics and Schmidt's Naturals.

Photos by Amy Sapp for BetsyElisa 

- Kim Weling

Earth Month Goodies From Aveda

In celebration of Earth Month 2017, Aveda sent me some water-saving essentials to try out, including Shampure™ Dry Shampoo ($30) & Refill ($26), Shampure™ Thermal Dry Conditioner ($31) and the Light the Way™ Candle ($12).

I love the Shampure™ Dry Shampoo since it's a non-aerosol powder mist. I don't have to worry about any flaking that sometimes happens with aerosol dry shampoos. The powder mist absorbs excess oils and impurities while instantly refreshing your hair. I absolutely love the calming aroma, with 25 pure flower and plant essences.

The Shampure™ Thermal Dry Conditioner is a thermal dry spray that's 97% naturally derived, made with a blend of certified organic jojoba and sunflower oils. It's perfect for conditioning, detangling and softening hair in between washes, and protects against heat styling.

The limited-edition soy wax Light the Way™ Candle features Aveda's own pure-fume aroma of certified organic vanilla, cinnamon and ylang ylang and other pure flower and plant essences. 100% of the purchase price goes to Global Greengrants Fund during its Earth Month campaign. 

Since 1999, Aveda has raised over $50 million to protect and help people gain access to clean water. This year Aveda's goal is to raise $6.5 million. Aveda donated $1 for every post showing how you make a difference with your Earth Month selfie and tagging #AvedaCleanWater. 

Thank you Aveda for these amazing products and for helping to protect clean water!

- Kim Weling

Backstage at Zang Toi Fall/Winter 2017 at New York Fashion Week

Backstage at Zang Toi Fall/Winter 2017, Lead Stylist for Macadamia Professional, Eiji Yamane created the hair look for the show - a French Twist Chignon. 

Here are step-by-step tips on how to create the French Twist Chignon:

1. Evenly distribute Macadamia Professional Blow Dry Lotion, section hair and blow dry. 
2. Create a central part and pull back into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck - pulling tightly to ensure the top of the head is smooth and sleek.
3. Separate ponytail into three sections and braid all the way through the length of the ponytail. Secure ends with an elastic. 
4. Fold new braid in half. After you tucked the braid up, pin it into place with the bobby pins. 
5. Using a hair extension matching the color of hair, take one section and clip it under the braid and curling up, create a large loop wrapping around to the right side of the braid. Secure with bobby pins.
6. Repeat step 5 at the top section and middle section to create a loose, "crescent" chignon, ensuring the inside braid is completely covered.
7. Spray with Macadamia Professional Style Lock Strong Hold Hairspray to lock in place.
8. Using a comb, gently smooth out all hair that is pulled back onr last time and apply Macadamia Professional Whipped Detailing Cream to tame any flyaways.
9. To complete the look, liberally spray Macadamia Professional Weightless Moisture Dry Oil Micro Mist for added shine and luster. 

To get flawless skin, models were prepped with skincare products by Pevonia. BeautybyRudy created the "Brilliant Royal Blue" eyeliner and rich berry lips with makeup by Ubati New York. Zang Toi also partnered with digital makeup app, Perfect365, where users could see the makeup looks as the models hit the runway. 

Sundays, with their new 10-Free, Nontoxic nail polish collection, created the nail look for the show. The nail look was a matte black with a brilliant lacquered blue square designed by Zang himself.

- Kim Weling

Backstage at Zang Toi Spring / Summer 2017 at NYFW

 

Backstage at Zang Toi Spring/Summer 2017 at NYFW, Eiji Yamane, Lead Stylist for Macadamia Professional, created the Perfectly Parisian hair look for the show.

Check out the Step-by-Step tips on how to get the Perfectly Parisian look:

1. Evenly distribute Macadamia Professional Blow Dry Lotion, section hair and blow dry.

2. Part hair over the left eye moving diagonally to the right side of the head, stopping at the crown.

3. Pull back into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck - pulling tightly to ensure the top of the head is smooth and sleek. Using a curling iron, curl the entire ponytail at once to give slight softness and movement.

4. Separate ponytail into two sections. Take the left section and curling up; create a large loop, showcasing the curls in the newly defined loose bun. Secure with bobby pins and spray with Macadamia Professional Style Lock Strong Hold Hairspray to lock in place. 

5. Repeat step 4 with the right section of the ponytail, to create a loose, chic double chignon.

6. Using a comb, gently smooth out all the hair that is pulled back one last time and spray Macadamia Professional Style Lock Strong Hold Hairspray to tame any flyaways and to provide lasting hold. 

7. To complete the look, liberally spray Macadamia Professional Weightless Moisture Dry Oil Micro Mist for added shine. 

 

- Kim Weling