Inception.


Leo and JosephBy now, we’ve all been hit by the buzz surrounding Christopher Nolan’s feature Inception. And for me, the craze and hype were well worth the wait. In fact, I’ve seen it twice! I found myself pulling more from it my second time around. And part of my fascination with the flick is its utter brilliance. From the inception (pun intended) of it, the aesthetics astounded. Period. The backdrop; the special effects; and obviously and most importantly, the hair took my breath away. Regardless of what your theories are about the “reality” of Nolan’s masterpiece, we can all agree that the looks made the film.


inceptionlllLeo, oh Leo. And how can I forget little ole’ Joseph Gordon Levitt (from 3rd Rock acclaim). Actually, let’s give him credit where credit is due - he’s now Mr. Levitt from 500 days of Summer and Brick.  The wardrobe styling on these two cocktailed with the sleek hair-sculpting completely changed the image I had of each of these actors. It was as if their hair were characters brought in to add that extra punch and, trust me, they all delivered.


DiCaprio and Levitt brought Sexy Back. Sophistication was exuded from the slicked-back hair, suits and pressed shirts. Now it seems everyone is doing it. From the men of Gossip Girl to the powerhouses that make up Ocean’s 11 and how could we forget inceptionleoformer Falsetto Mousekeeter Justin Timberlake , this look is in and I hope it’s here to stay. In my opinion, nothing is better than a man in a classic suit accessorized by his sculpted locks. That, my friend, is ageless.


Now you can transform your look as well. Talk to your stylist about a precision haircut that fits your personal style. Make certain that your artist tailors it to your face shape. That’s the key. The trick is to maintain length on top while keeping the perimeter of your neck and sides smooth and clean. Choose a gel-like consistency for your product which is going to enable you to add the shine you will need to pull this look off.







Below are tools you can start implementing into your daily routine:


1. Gel Forte by Sebastian: strong hold with uber shine

2. Bb. Gel by Bumble & bumble: light hold that enables you reshape your style at a moment’s notice

3. Gellac by Bumble & bumble: extra-Strong hold

4. Rock Hard Gel by Oribe: again strong hold but with extra shine


And all of these are available today at Studio DNA. My suggestion is for you is to play, play, play. Come on in and ask to speak with one of our artists and find out what product suits you best.


Better yet, come in and ask for me! I’m available at our Santa Monica location on Tuesdays and Sundays and in Hollywood on Beverly Wednesday through Friday.

Sebastian: A Love Affair

Sebastian Hair - 25th Anniversary - Shaper EventI don’t even know where to begin telling you about the incredible partnership with Sebastian and Studio DNA!  So I just decided to start here…


We recently partnered with Sebastian Hair Care Products and it has been an outrageous love affair.  As a business owner, Creative Director and Educator, nothing is more important to my business and to the hair industry at large than education.  Sebastian loves education as much if not more than we do at Studio DNA. 


Sebastian Hair - 25th Anniversary - Shaper EventSebastian is fresh, fun and fearless which also happens to be their mantra – “Fearless Hair Fashion”  I love this statement.  It is bold and exciting.  Danny and I were recently invited to experience it first hand at the exclusive two day Party, celebrating 25 years of Sebastian. The first event was held at the Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood, followed by another big bash at the Paramount Studios back lot where “Fearless hair Fashion” made a very bold statement indeed.


In our very short time together, we’ve attended several of their classes at the Sebastian/Wella Academy where inspiration abounds. I have also joined the Sebastian Advocate Program which gives us a first hand look at their latest collections. We also have an opportunity to recreate the collections and bring it back to our salons to share with everyone.


In fact, we had the opportunity to put our mark on these looks at the Sebastian and Nylon Magazine celebration which we hosted at our Beverly location.  Three Hundred (300) guests poured through our doors to celebrate all things style.  Our guests had the opportunity to sit with our amazing hair stylist and consult on the products.  They were given a full hair assessment, a quick styling and a complete review of all the Sebastian products that would suit their needs.

NYLON / Sebastian / Studio DNA Event in Los Angeles


And what is a party without a few fabulous models? Danny and I thought it would be fun for me to do four Live Models while the party was happening – I did and it was a blast.  As I mentioned, I took the inspiration from the new Sebastian collection and gave it my own twist.  I used my favorite products to achieve the look.


NYLON / Sebastian / Studio DNA Event in Los AngelesThe Volupt Series (Volupt Shampoo, Volupt Conditioner and the Volupt Spray):   This will give you some serious volume!


Micro Web Fibre: Great for longer or shorter hair and gives you great definition.


Shaper Hairsprays (ALL THREE OF THEM!):   They all do different things starting with Shaper Zero Gravity which is a light workable hold.  Reshaper, my favorite, is a workable finishing spray with humidity control.  And for a long lasting finishing spray Shaper Fierce


Truly the entire line is amazing and  the price point is unbelivable for what you get.


As you can tell, we could not be more thrilled about our partnership with Sebastian.  We are looking forward to growing with a company that is fearless and making a mark on the fashion world……………….stay tuned for more exciting news!



 

Studio DNA Hosts Nylon Magazine and Sebastian Hair from Danny Leclair on Vimeo.


It was an evening of styling, cocktails, whooppie cakes and tanning.


Sebastian Professional Hair Products in association with Nylon Magazine introduced it’s amazing line of styling products to a hip new audience through the expertise of Studio DNA’s amazing stylists.


The evening featured the vision of Aubrey Loots, owner and Artisitic Director of Studio DNA. Before the crowd, Aubrey transformed four models from head to toe.


The bronzing foundation was provided by St. Tropez Self Tanning. The gorgeous make up was at the hands of Cristina Romeo, founder of Polaris Cosmetics. The clothing designs by Naida Begeta of Kao Pao Shu. The reveal was an absolute WOW!


Cocktails were provided by Solerno Liqueur. Catering was South African inspired and served up by the amazing team to Enjoy Catering. Our dear friend, Molly Taylor, pulled up her Sweets Truck (www.thesweetstruck.com) introducing whoopie cakes to our ravenous guests.


There were prizes, gift bags, musical stylings by DJ Epic Twelve and eye candy everywhere you turned.


It was an evening we will not soon forget!

What’s Old is New Again; The Madmen Effect

madmen inspired blogokmagazine-madmen-joanSeason 4 of Madmen has returned to television this past week and so has our adoration of such a delightful and stylish time period. This television show has been the inspiration for many trends these past couple of years.


It is interesting to see men returning to a classic part in the hair and an overall more groomed approach to hair styling. I love the classic style, but feel it has been important to modify this cut with my own clients. I am still leaving a lot of texture in the hair, while creating a more versatile look. I think my guy clients are happy with the option to put in a little Bumble and Bumble Sumotech and wear it messy or style their hair combed and parted with Bumble and Bumble Gel or Gellac.


meredith blog madmen1I don’t think it is any secret that redheads are now total bombshells. Christina Hendricks, with her sexy curves and red locks, has given redheads a total new edge. Due to their rarity, redheads have become quite sexy and mysterious. Redheads have a new edge and it is exciting to see people playing with their hair color. Red seems intimidating to many women, but I feel it is all about finding that complimentary shade and tone that is perfect for each individual client. Red is a strong hair color and one that I am hoping to steer more of my clients in the direction of choosing.


meredith madmen blog 2Coiffed upstyles and structured styling are also making a fierce comeback. These looks are classic, sexy, and still youthful. Glamour has made a return to Hollywood and I think people are somewhat happy to see the messy unkempt hair trends left behind. The innocent look captures that which is beautiful. The shapes are feminine, yet strong. One thing I think that we will be seeing more of in the salon over the next couple of years are hot rollers, I believe it will be less surf spray product and more hair spray. Right now I am loving the Oribe Superfine Spray and think it is has a perfect hold for this sort of style.


The 40’s 50’s and 60’s were a time of Marilyn Monroe, Jackie O, Grace Kelly, Elvis Presley, Doris Day, Rock Hudson and Twiggy, among many other iconic figures in both hair and fashion.  Hairstyles and trends are always going and coming back around. The most important aspect of keeping these looks fresh is giving them that modified 21st century feel.


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Hair Art

inspiration

 

I came across these photos while google searching “polaroids”.

 

The photos caught my attention for a couple of reasons; first off I love black and white photography, I love the simplicity off all the photos, and the hair is amazing. I respect the way the hairstyles are so smooth and flawless. These photos really show off well executed styles that shows how hair can be manipulated into anything your mind can imagine.

some simple hair rules

  1. color does not and can not lighten hair that already has color on it.
  2. you can not make someone platinum without bleach! (lightener)
  3. washing too frequently is drying on the hair and scalp.
  4. small frequent trims can and will promote growth.
  5. bangs look good on everybody. (its just about finding the right shape)
  6. anything you do with heat you must also let cool in the same shape/position or it will not stay.
  7. touching your hair throughout the day does make your hair fall flat. (the oils in your hand eventually build up on the hair and weigh it down)


that’s all for now, i’m sure i will think of more later…

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