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

Backstage at Tome Fall/Winter 2017 at New York Fashion Week

Backstage at Tome Fall/Winter 2017, before hair and makeup, models got prepped with skyn ICELAND, including two new products that were just launched during New York Fashion Week - the Brightening Eye Serum and Hydro Cool Firming Neck Gel. 

To cleanse the face, Glacial Cleansing Cloths for the face and the eyes were used, along with the Pure Pore Minimizer and Pure Cloud Cream. The Brightening Eye Serum was applied, followed by the Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gel. Also applied to the face were Hydro Cool Firming Face Gels for Forehead and Smile Lines, Plumping Lip Gel, and Hydro Cool Firming Neck Gel.

For hair, Aveda Global Creative Director Antoinette Beenders focused on natural hair textures to create an array of individual styles. Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil was used to instantly add moisture and bring hair back to life. The sleek ponytails and curly styles were then set with Air Control Light Hold Hair Spray featuring the Pure-fume aroma with certified organic lavender, bergamot and palmarosa. 

Aveda Artist Pro Tip: "To create a super sleek, healthy style, use Damage Remedy Split End Repair on the ends right before you blow dry - this will seal in the product and instantly repair split ends."

The makeup look was created be Diane Kendal and the MAC Pro team. 

- Kim Weling

Backstage at Erin Fetherston Fall/Winter 2017 at New York Fashion Week

Backstage at Erin Fetherston Fall/Winter 2017 at New York Fashion Week, models were prepped with two new skyn ICELAND products: the Brightening Eye Serum with Arctic Peptides and Hydro Cool Neck Gel with Niacinamide and Plant Collagen.  

Check out my interview with skyn ICELAND founder and president Sarah Kugelman as she walks me through the new launches and what products to pair with them. 

The hair look created by Davines was a boho wave with a center part, using hair extensions by Indique. Make-up and nail looks were created by Glamsquad.

skyn ICELAND's Arctic Hydrating Balm, Arctic Face Oil, and Under-Eye Illuminator

- 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