Meredith Morris | Studio DNA Salon

Bang it Out for Spring 2010

(April 3, 2010 – 6:26 pm)

Hollywood_hair_portrait “She Bangs, She bangs”!!!

Apparently Ricky Martin isn’t the only one coming out of the closet this spring, so are all sorts of hot fun fringe, face flattering looks, and hair trends.

During these warmer months I notice that most of my clients are looking to freshen up their look. Often times I explain that cutting a bang is the easiest and quickest way to reinvent one’s look. It can be drastic or subtle and not as much commitment as one might think.

camron Bangs or fringe (industry term) are so current, youthful, sexy and fresh. Even if you cut your fringe short and decide to grow it out, you get to rock so many awesome and fun in-between looks! One thing I offer my clients is complimentary bang trims in between haircuts. This also helps maintain the salon ready look at all times.

Straight across, asymmetrical, side swept, choppy, pointy, wispy, baby, or blended fringe are all things that are totally hot and so 2010!!!

katyperryhairstyle_curlyhairstylewithbabybangs

So if you were to be sitting in my chair my recommendation for this spring would be BANG IT OUT!!!!

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A Body of Work

(March 7, 2010 – 8:38 am)

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Rain Rain Go Away or Give Us Relief from a Rainy Hair Day?!

(February 9, 2010 – 6:16 pm)

101367300 So let’s face it, those of us that live in the City of Angels don’t exactly know what to do when it is raining outside. We have a hard time driving, going to work, and we especially have a hard time when it comes to styling our hair. Here in L.A. we are so spoiled by the lack of humidty, which as a gal from South Mississippi, I know that humidity makes everyday a questionable hair day. I have noticed that living in Los Angeles these past six years, is that “almost” everyday in this climate and weather conditions is practically a guarantee for an outstanding hair day.

Not to sound ungrateful for this much needed rain, but in an unprepared city we need to find solutions on how to deal with the rain when it comes to our hair – and fast.

First we can start with product usage. Thank goodness that major hair care companies have found ways to combat weather conditions with products. They help improve our hair when the hair is suddenly moist. One of my favorite “can’t-live-without” rainy day products is the Oribe Hair Care – Impermeable Anti-Humidity Hair Spray. This ultra-luxe range keeps hair looking beautiful and healthy for 6a00e5504d1b2f88330120a523cc55970b-500wi simply gorgeous hair. This anti-humidity finishing spray shields hair from frizz on the sultriest of days (and nights), protecting sleek blowouts and perfect curls alike.

061008_hair11_sp08_400x400 Another thing to consider on these rainy humid days is hair frizz! Bumble and bumble gives us their “Defrizz” product. It does what it says (and more): protects against frizz, acts as a barrier to humidity and leaves hair soft, silky and flyaway-free. Bumble and bumble also has their signature Surf Spray. This spray provides that beachy texture that you get on the beach. Sexy, salty, sun-dried, windswept styles – whenever, wherever. Perfect for weather, giving the hair an awesome texture. With these sorts of products anyone can tackle even the gloomiest of days.

Now that we’ve talked about product, let’s talk about some basic DIY styles. I would like to start with the messy low bun, it’s simple, it’s easy and the key is that it is MESSY. You don’t have to be a rockstar hair pro to achieve this look, you can simply apply product, rough dry your hair for natural texture and put our hair in a low pony tail either in the back or on the side. Twist the hair and pin it. This look is also so current, we have seen tons of celebrities strut their stuff on the red carpet wearing this modern, chic, and simple style. mk-braid

Braids are also making a huge comeback! Even if you don’t know how to french braid, the standard american braids are all over the top runways and in the pages of the current Vogue magazines. Messy hair with a braid looks good and keeps your look current and fresh. Remember y’all, it’s the imperfections that make the hair perfect!

emma-roberts-hair-messy-ponytail-bun Also, texture is in right now! Even just applying a little anti humidity product, the surf spray, or a little defrizz, or cocktailing all 3, you can finger through your hair and let it air dry, and still manage to have a fierce hair day. You can accompany this style with barrettes, headbands, or a cute hat (also huge trends).

Basically y’all, the ultimate goal is to embrace the rain, embrace the humidity and make it work for you! Rain definitely puts a damper on things like hiking, and outside dining, but it doesn’t have to interfere with your confidence and appearance.

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Talent Shines Bright on Grammy Night!

(February 4, 2010 – 2:17 am)

new8 The rad thing about the red carpet during the Grammy Awards Ceremony is that traditional red carpet rules need not apply. The music industry is not afraid to push the envelope and explore more avante garde looks while strutting their oh so talented stuff! It seems that these artists aren’t afraid of the critics or afraid of pushing the envelope. How refreshing?!?

I think that is what makes the Grammy’s so much fun to watch. Not only do our favorite music talents amaze us with their onstage performances but they both dazzle us and confuse us with their extreme looks. Definitely giving us water cooler talk the next day.

I think after this year it would be unfair to start this blog without discussing Lady Gaga. During 2009, we entered an entire new realm of performance art thanks to Gaga. Lady Gaga does not ever disapoint. Love her or hate her she is always bringing originality and creativity wherever she goes. Walking the red carpet she strutted her stuff wearing two tone hair; bombshell blonde to crayola yellow. It was extreme, it was different, and it worked! I don’t know how many clients will be requesting this look in the salon, but as a seasoned stylist, I appreciated her daring look. I loved the junxtaposition of beautifully styled hair with wacky color.

Pink donned the red carpet wearing her, as of late, signature punk platinum do. What I loved is that she encorporated some accessories and wore a diamond clasp in her hair. It softened her look and made her red carpet fierce. And Pink’s body OMG!!!! (not enough room to write how killer!)

lady-gaga-grammy-hair-pink

Now in my opinon Beyonce is always nailing it on the red carpet, but what was most impressive this Grammy night, was her hair during her performance. Now it is no secret that Beyonce wears hair peices and extensions, but the remarkable part about Beyonce is that the blind eye can never tell. I loved all of the head flips and turns and the way her hair moved on stage. So much fun!

Now in the vein of discussing extensions and weaves I cannot ignore the miss that was Jennifer Hudson’s bangs. Girl – those did not blend and did not look cute! Out of all of the looks, this was the most disapointing to me. Jennifer has managed to lose the baby weight and is looking amazing. I hated that I was to

Jennifer Hudson

o distracted to check out her new physique because I was purely focused on her mismatched and obviously fake fringe.

That being said, these women all push the envelope for what is practical, but they sure are having a great time doing it! – In all seriousness that is what you need to succeed and look awesome on the red carpet….have fun! Whether these looks are things that people like or not, the talent and confidence these women exude is undeniable!

fergie

On to the more practical looks. I loved the soft textured waves sported by the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, and Katy Perry. In my opinion I love to pick apart and admire the wild and avante garde hair styles, but my heart tends to love that which just simply “looks pretty.” Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus, and Fergie looked soft, beautiful and still fresh and ready for an exhilarating evening!

The Grammy’s attracts a different type of artist than other award ceremonys. During the film awards season we judge the actors based on what they are wearing and how they are styled. We don’t look at them and judge them as performance artists, because what they are doing in their films are playing roles other than themselves. We judge them as people, and often times it isn’t in the spirit of fun, it is serious criticism. It is refreshing in the midst of the Globes, SAG’s, and Oscar’s to see the Grammy’s. These people go out under their own identity and it is fun to see them express themselves on the red carpet and they sure don’t disapoint, do they?!

Whether these looks are things that people like or not, their talent and confidence is undeniable! – And at the end of the day confidence, focus, and talent are what you need to succeed. Those are the things that make people shine!

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Buyer Beware?!

(January 27, 2010 – 10:29 pm)

My clients are always telling me how excited they are when they find their favorite Bumble and Bumble, Kerastase, Schwarzkopf, Wella, etc products at their neighborhood grocery or drug store. They are so excited for the newfound convenience. I am here to tell you that consumers who purchase professional salon products anywhere other then a professional salon, are not getting the great “deals” they might think! Products found at these major retailers, grocery, or drug stores are often times conterfeit, stolen, or outdated. Companies such as Paul Mitchell, Sebastian, Wella, Bumble and Bumble assure us that they NEVER sell their products to thes Kerastase Salon Exclusive Label

e establishments.

I am so frustrated as an industry professional to see my friends and clients being taken advantage of by these businesses, and often times the products aren’t even discounted. Consumers are getting ripped off by purchasing products that do not have a salon guarantee and they remain unaware of the harm that purchasing these products is doing to the beauty industry. Buying these products supports a crime which is called Diversion. Our salon and most participating salons sign agreements that we will not sell our products wholesale, nor will we sell our products to anyone other than our direct clients.

Salon Exclusive Label on MoroccanOil Package

Therefore, no online sales, no partner sales and no trade show sales.

Most people then ask if it is illegal for these retail stores to sell these products. If you look on your favorite bottles most of them have some sort of label that states the products are only guaranteed when purchased in a profesional salon. So although at this moment it isn’t illegal for products to be sold in these establishments, there is a place on each package that states that the company does not stand behind any business other than a salon selling their product.

The issue of diversion is a fast and growing problem for the beauty industry. Salons are losing tons of business because stores like Target and Rite Aid are able to offer more convenience with products that “mysteriously” end up on their shelves. People need to be aware that in this case convenience definitely compromises quality.

I am a firm believer that if you are going to spend money on getting your hair professionally cut or colored, then you should pay the additional cost for professional product to keep your look maintained in between seeing your stylist. I never push products on clients, but I am always telling my clients “Don’t you put the expensive gas in an expensive car? Isn’t that what keeps the car running to it’s optimum potential? Isn’t that the same with your hair?.”

So next time you see your favorite plus size bottle of shampoo at the drug store and you think you have hit the jackpot, think again. Purchase the right products, the ones that you need, the ones that only your personal stylist knows how to recommend. And take advantage of the opportunity to review the instructions for use with your stylist. That is part of the service they should provide.

Professional products are only to be sold in professional salons.

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