I have a secret to tell you: I used to really like Oribe. After my last weekend in Vegas for their 2010 launch, I LOVE Oribe—I love the man, the myth, and especially the new products. Along with 5 others from the 2 salons, I spent two days completely absorbed in Oribe style, culture, and innovation.
As we sat in the dark waiting for the first demonstration to begin, we didn’t really know what to expect. Oribe has a known affinity for flamboyance and style, so there was palpable anticipation. Enter room-shaking drums and bass fit for a runway show, setting a fast-paced tempo that lasted throughout the entire weekend.
He did two cutting demonstrations the first day, peppered with styling demos and finished looks: there were “how-to” elements, theatrical styling, and seamless integration of the three new products that will debut later this month. These fill the few small holes in the Oribe line-up: a dry texturizer, ultra-holding hairspray, and a soft lacquer that mimics a brushable/moldable spray wax.
The second day was a hands-on based around our interpretations of the demos that Oribe did the day befor. He gave loose directions and he mainly focused on construction. Our inspiration: beautiful vulgarity. This intersection challenged traditional concepts of beauty and re-defined what is current and modern. Seeing how all of the stylists interpreted the directions and inspiration was interesting. The only products used were the new ones and body paint; there were some very unique looks and reinventions of the original look. (Please see Aubrey and Dane’s blog for some examples)
The weekend is an experience I will draw on for the rest of my career, which is why I have a new love in my life. I really hope that my secret is safe with you.
(February 23, 2010 – 6:48 pm)
Now that we’ve rung in the new year, it is time to update your look to reflect your new style! This does not necessarily mean that you do a complete overhaul, which can be fun; subtle changes go a long way as well. Whether you want a complete makeover or just a small change, here are some suggestions:
Color: Brighten it up! With Spring and Summer just around the corner, lightening your hair will freshen up your skin and give you a youthful look. You can achieve this by a few subtle highlights or become a total bombshell, like Heidi Klum.
Cut: Get out of your rut! Cut off all the length that is weighing you down–think January Jones. If you’re not ready for that commitment, try side-swept bangs or layers around your face–these are more conservative ways to change your cut.
Styling: Get a curling iron! Stick straight hair is played out. Add soft body to your hair with a large-barrel curling iron.
You can update your look depending on how daring you are and your level of commitment. My recommendation is to start out slow, and then re-assess–you might surprise yourself with how daring you’ll be.
(December 16, 2009 – 6:21 pm)
I have been growing my hair out for they past year and a half and it has not always been pretty. There have been several awkward stages, that have made me want to take the scissors to it myself. Now that I’m almost out of the woods, here are some tips that have helped me along the way:
- Getting regular haircuts (10-12 weeks apart). I know it seems counterintuitive to cut hair that you want to grow, but it keeps it healthier and allows you to have style in your hair rather than have it looking like you’re desperately growing it out. Make sure your stylist knows what your end goal is, so that he/she can tailor your trims to grow out in the best possible shape for your eventual look.
- Investing in bobby pins. Sometimes all you need is to pin back that stray piece of hair until it gets a little longer. The pinning phase can be as short as a week, but sometimes it’s longer. Don’t be afraid to get creative.
- Skipping the blowdrier whenever possible. The last thing you want to do is thwart your progress by breaking your hair off. The less you heat style, the healthier your hair will be. This is not to say that you shouldn’t ever put heat on your hair; just don’t blowdry, curl, flatiron, AND krimp your hair on a daily basis.
- Having regular treatments. Whether it’s in the salon or at-home, giving your hair extra nutrients will ensure that you’re growing out strong, healthy hair. You’re asking a lot out of your hair, you should be giving back in return.
- Experiment. Try bangs, color, or more layering around your face. This keeps you from feeling stale.
