Sunday, September 30, 2012

Backstage with designer Way Zen’s Spring/Summer 2013 Jsong Collection on Sept. 5, at the designer’s New York Showroom  the hair styles that were created to compliment the soft and romantic looks, were easy updo with a low side-swept bang and a teased lift at the crown. The sides were gently pulled up, twisted and pinned with the remainder of the hair left long, loose and textured.
The look is easy to recreate in just a few steps.

STEP 1: Begin by choosing which side the bangs look best and clip aside.

STEP 2: Take a triangle on the top of the crown to create the back bump and backcomb to create the height; spray with a humidity shield hairspray for hold. Soften the backcomb with a flat grooming brush, twist and push into place. Use a tail comb to lift and balance and secure with bobby pins.

STEP 3: Take the front sides, backcomb if necessary and comb sides up, taking one side and draping over the middle section first and twist into form. Pull up the other side and repeat process. Pin into place.

STEP 4: Gather the remainder of the hair and put into a ponytail with a hair band. From back, grab a small section of hair and wrap around the hair band to hide it.

STEP 5: Using a comb, backcomb to create a textured effect to the bottom of the hair and fan it out. Spray to hold. Take the front bang and comb out and pull down across the forehead.  Drape and tuck away the ends. Pin if necessary. Spray hair with Redken 23 hair spray or Stuck Up Hair Spray.

Don't worry if you are all thumbs or just don't have the time...call us and we can give you this look.

NEW TREND: The Tilted Fringe

Fashion and beauty are off  kilter now, anything too perfect or polished looks too done, says Claudia, owner and educator of Claude Thomas. Inspired by uneven skirts, geometric shapes and asymmetrical fashion silhouettes in current seasons, free-hand tilted fringe is the ideal accessory to compliment the perfect imperfection of today.

“Fringe is heavier now, with unexpected accents like chewed edges and tilted lines that are point cut free-hand to create rawness with movement.  I like using Vern shears”  because the double blades gives me more precision and control, allowing me to cut angled in to get all the underneath hair out,” says Claudia. When creating chewed edges,  it’s important to only point cut the ends, don’t go in too deep, stay shallow for the chewed edge effect. 

“Carved tilted fringe is a visual exercise, so we take steps back on a regular basis to access the situation. This fringe style has to be unique to the individual, customized to awaken the shape of their cut and compliment their features. The end result should be abstract and soft at the same time,” says Claudia.

FINISHING TIP: Apply Redken Sheer Straight 06 and directional blow dry. Then, use Redken Spray Starch 15 heat memory styler, and with an open flatiron roll the edges of the fringe to create a beveled edge to round out the shape. "Viola Perfection"

Rockford | Naperville | Barrington Plastic Surgeon Dr. James McAdoo

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Raccoon eyes aren’t pretty. They age you and make you look tired, stressed, or even sickly. Dark under-eye circles are primarily caused by leaky capillaries that create tiny pools of blood beneath the surface of the skin. Age-related thinning of the face, hormonal fluctuations, and vitamin deficiencies tend to make these bluish-black discolorations worse.
Some home remedies can help some what minimize the appearance of dark under-eye circles. For example, placing fresh-from-the-fridge cucumber slices on each eye while lying down will help lighten the skin and also cool and soothe your eyes. You can also use caffeinated tea bags on your eyes to reduce puffiness, which can make dark circles more prominent.
Another way to get rid of stubborn raccoon eyes is to conceal them with makeup.  Kristin our makeup artist, recommends cream concealer for reducing dark circles. Follow the videos steps for application to ensure that your under-eye circles are concealed.
 
However Krisin can ensure those dark circle be decreases or corrected for a long duration with various treatment we have at Claude Thomas Spa.
Pulse Light Therapy, or Enzyme Eye Therapy are excellant treatments for dark circles.
These services can be followed up with a Collagen Facial or a Gold facial to ensure
a longer lasting result. 
The ponytail is back…and it’s better than ever. It’s becoming a go-to style for the fashion elite—John Barrett recently opened Barrett’s Ponytail Bar in his chic New York salon, for instance—and if we learned one thing at Spring/Summer 2013 Fashion Week, it’s that the trendy-again style will be sticking around for a while. On the runways, hairdressers got creative and updated the basic pony in myriad ways—high, low, textured, neat, shiny, matte—so there was literally a pony for every fashion personality. At Marc Jacobs, Redken Creative Consultant Guido created an Edie-Sedgwick 1960s-inspired pony with a teased, tousled finish.
This is a 1960s-inspired pony with a teased, tousled finish.
 “This is a styled-then-slept-in look,” Claudia says. “The height around the face is enough to highlight the features, but is not over-the-top.”  Creat the show-stopping volume and texture with Fashion Week go-to product—Redken quick tease 1960s-inspired pony with a teased, tousled finish. “This is a styled-then-slept-in look,” he says. “The height around the face is enough to highlight the features, but is not over-the-top.”

Saturday, September 22, 2012


Joan Jett sure knows how to play the role of the hard-as-nails rocker. Her smoldering gaze, sharp-edged mullet haircut and black-on-black stage costumes may be a career-long homage to bass player Suzi Quatro, however, Jett has managed to transform it into her signature style.
When the Pennsylvania native formed the all-girl group The Runaways in 1975 with drummer Sandy West, eventually adding Cherie Currie into the mix, the band's status shot up the charts with hits "Cherry Bomb" and "Queens of Noise." However, it was her cover of "I Love Rock 'N Roll" that made Jett a certified sex symbol -- both on and off the stage. 
As Jett celebrates her 54th birthday on Saturday (September 22th), we're taking a look back at the "Bad Reputation" rocker's style over the years. Vote on all her looks in the slideshow below. 
Meanwhile, get a sneak peek of the costumes from the "Women Who Rock" exhibition currently running at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. 
 Joan then 1976

 Joan now 2012

Sometimes we wake up on the wrong side of the bed and we just want to throw on some tight jeans, a t-shirt and a ton of eyeliner. Meaning: sometimes we just want to look like Joan Jett. The lady is a true rockstar, and she has the killer style to prove it. What a reputation.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Brownie Troop:


Move over, Blondies. Brunettes are taking center stage this season, declares Claudia, thanks to exciting new formulas and techniques. Three celebs who are currently in the spotlight—The Duchess of Cambridge, Katy Perry and Anne Hathaway—are sporting scintillating brunette shades that are sure to evoke desire in your brown-haired girls. Claude Thomas can offer up the formulas, care and styling products that will help you get the looks for each member of this high-profile “brownie troop!”


Kate, Duchess of Cambridge The lovely princess positively glows, no doubt due to the fact that her prince and her people clearly adore her. But that glow could also be attributed to her beautiful, glimmering hue, says Claudia. “Her dark hair is lit through with tiny glimmers of golden light,” she comments. “To re-create the Duchess’ shade, we lift the highlights to a soft gold. And in this instance, avoid lifting the base—it’s not necessary and you will avoid the risk of revealing unwanted warmth.” To maintain lush, shiny condition like Kate’s,  we recommend shampooing and conditioning with Oribe Ultra Rich Shampoo and Oribe  Ultra Rich Conditioner.  And everyone knows that the princess loves her blow-outs! Claude Thomas  Oribe Creme for Style is the perfect prep product for producing smooth, silky locks fit for a royal! To enhance shine and luster you can use Oribe Gold Pomade.





Katy Perry
After dabbling in a range of hues from grape to cotton candy to Smurf blue, the pop star has embraced a grown-up shade of deep brunette. It’s rich, inky and dramatic. “My formula of choice is our secret formulation says Claudia. Coddle over-worked hair with Pureology NanoWorks Shampoo and NanoWorks Conditioner and Pureology.  Prepare hair for a glamorous finish with Redken Layer Lift 07 on the roots and Redken Outshine01 on mids and ends. And for hair that’s gone through a lot of color like Perry’s, 


NanoWorks ShineLuxe

  is perfect to fortify hair with the moisture  

and nourishment it needs.                                                              



    



Anne Hathaway
Although she cropped her famous chestnut locks to portray the dying Fantine in the upcoming film version of Les Miz, Hathaway manages to embody healthy chic with her sexy, new, gamine look. “There is a subtle warmth to this shade, like root beer, that is beautiful with her complexion,” enthuses Claudia. “ And we can create  the gingery tone here at Claude Thomas, I
For weightless care that won’t leave strands flat, try Redken Body Full Shampoo and Conditioner. A styler like Sebastian Shine Crafter offers a wealth of finishing options for a layered crop like this—from sleek to tousled and pieced-out or Oribe Foundation Mist for a brushable, glossy and color-enhancing finish!

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Good communication with your stylist is essential for getting the color you want. A few minutes of pre-salon prep can help you explain your goals, and ensure that your stylist understands your desired result.


Things to know before you go:

  1. Try to walk into the salon with your everyday "look," so your stylist can get a feel for what you're comfortable with.
  2. If you have the time, do a little research into color science. Knowing the difference between terms like demi-permanent and permanent color can help you and your stylist communicate more efficiently. Study up with Redken's glossary.
  3. Your stylist is there to work with you to achieve beautiful color. The more you can explain what you want, the better the collaboration will be.
  4. If you are going in for "corrective color"—to correct color results you are unhappy with from a prior coloring experience—be prepared for a longer visit, as your stylist may need to remove old color and then recolor your hair.

Salon Prep Check List

Bring your inspiration: Photographs and examples of haircolor you love will help you and your stylist explore your color options—and ensure that you both mean the same thing when you say, "honey blonde," or "scarlet red."

Know your history:
Be prepared to tell your stylist about any prior color services, whether it was highlights last year or a color gloss last month.

Trust Your Stylist:
Listen to your stylist's expert opinion. During your color consultation, he or she will consider your desired result, then evaluate your hair's condition and look at your skin tone and coloring in order to create your custom color formulation.

Ask questions
: If you hear a color term you don't understand, don't hesitate to ask your stylist for an explanation. Remember to inquire about maintenance—how often you'll need to return to the salon for touchups, and how to best maintain your color at home between visits with Redken haircare products.
2012 Haircolor Red hot style by Chromatics

how to choose the right haircolor


 

You are probably familiar with the saying, "girls just want to have fun." If you're like most of us, you know that before the fun begins, numerous outfits will be put to the "mirror test," runway-ready makeup applied, and then of course there is the hair... A must-have to any great night out is great hair! Whether you are a blonde, brunette or redhead, your hair is really your best accessory. It's uniquely yours to help you make a statement - subtle, bold or whatever you choose.

You choose your clothes to match your personality,
 so why do not the same with your hair?
Let the color and style you choose talk about you—
without having to say a word!

Choose a color that enhances your haircut.
Get the best total look by having a consultation with your
 colorist and stylist at the same time.
Pick a color that best complements your skin tone
 to help you look and feel healthier and happier.
 Now with Chromatics Prismatic Permanent Haircolor
service it leaves your hair 2X more fortified than without.

Create texture with the right haircolor.
 Smart color placement can help hair look thicker
and more voluminous—ideal for fine hair.
Follow seasonal haircolor trends to look trendy and fashionable.
 A Redken stylist can offer you the latest color
combinations inspired by runway looks.

Use haircolor to help you look younger—not only by
covering gray, but also through modern color techniques
 that your Redken stylist offers. Redken’s Cover Fusion services
are the way to go when you need to cover gray.
The versatile formula can be used for creative color effects, too.

For a subtle change, try Redken Shades EQ.
 Even if you don’t want to change your color,
ask your stylist for a Shades EQ Clear glaze
 for incredibly shiny results.
It allows you to keep your color yet
 get more shine and excellent conditioning.

Make sure you get a haircolor regimen that is
 convenient for you. Talk to your stylist about how
often you are comfortable with coming back to the salon
 and he/she can choose the best option for your needs.

Hair color can bring on a big or small change,
 so choose the option that is right for you.
 From demi-permanent to permanent, the range of options helps
 you get exactly what you want.

Holiday Office Party: Polished Ponytail

Office Holiday Party1. On damp hair, layer Extreme Anti-Snap and satinwear 02 ultimate blow-dry lotion to midlengths and ends. Apply guts 10 volume spray foam to the root area.

2. Blow-dry hair back and away from the face with a paddle brush. For volume in the front, direct hair up and back with a round brush.

3. Place hair into a ponytail, secure with and elastic. Brush any fly-aways back with a comb, finish with fashion work 12 versatile working spray.

Hot Date: Sultry Waves

On a date1. To create soft, sexy waves, cleanse hair with All Soft Shampoo and condition with All Soft Heavy Cream to add suppleness.

2. Distribute a few drops of All Soft Argan-6 Oil to damp mid-lengths and ends before blow drying.

3. Mist spray starch 15 throughout the lengths of hair. To make waves, take horizontal sections of hair that are the same width of a large barrel curling iron. Place the iron horizontally on top of the section and wrap hair around the barrel. Leave the ends out for a modern look and hair style.

Family Get-Together: Sleek Side Braid

Family Get-Together1. For this casual look, start by cleansing and conditioning with Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner.

2. While hair is damp, work a small amount of outshine 01 anti-frizz polishing milk through lengths.
3. Create a side part and direct hair to one side. Braid hair and secure with an elastic.

New Years Eve Shindig: HAUTE UP-DO

New Year's Eve Complete your New Years Eve look with radiant color and an effortlessly glamorous up hairstyle.
1. Prep hair with Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner.

2. On dry hair, shake powder grip 03 on to the roots. Pull hair into a high ponytail and secure with an elastic. Lightly back brush the pony tail, leaving the surface area smooth.
3. Roll hair to the base of ponytail and secure with a bobby pin. Finish with a light mist of shine flash 02, then layer forceful 23 for control that lasts all night long.
Even though Miley tweeted last week that she could still pull her slightly shortened hair into her signature bun, this week, she tweeted as the bun was chopped clean off by McMillan to create her most daring style yet. The new cut, closely shaven on the sides and long and sweeping on the top, has been compared to everyone from edgy pop star Robyn to "Harry Potter' character Draco Malfoy. The latter is a bit extreme, but her new style does ring familiar. Could she have been inspired by some A-list celebrities who have taken the big leap and opted for pixie cuts in recent years? Let's review a few of the more notable ones.






The collection’s inspiration is “Resortwear Hair,” the holiday-resort fashion season—a time for even hair fashion to ‘have fun’ on cruises, at parties, and while sun-seeking this season. However, not all resortwear for hair and clothes heads south to Mexico, Miami Beach or the Caribbean, according to salon owner Claudia, the looks they created for ‘Unison’ are ‘more than just about summer, resort or sun’.

“Many holiday-resort looks are also worn by our clients’ right in their own hometown by day—or also just about anywhere in the evenings. The collection is soft, sexy and very diverse in its overall presentation. It has a gossamer feel to the clothes and hair … its own kind of glamour.”

The ‘Unison’ Collection portrays pastel hues accenting each hair style.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

For this session, there is two edgy finishes using Gloss  color shades as our palette. The concept was inspired by an “urban hipster,” says Claudia,  This color is tweaked to a fresh modern color using pastel pantones.

“The inspiration comes from the younger generation,” “These are the risk-taking women who like to celebrate their personality and individuality through unique styles. These are the young women who like to stand out from the crowd.”



After tracking countless trends this year from the runways to the red carpet to the big screen, one thing is clear: braids and texture are still hot!
For this session, we create several braided finishes. “It’s a mix of everything—and a little messy, blending perfect and imperfect,”  Claudia Says

Many modern styles require braids for texture, support and fashion,  yet many of these shapes integrate braids into the finish. “The angles are as important as asymmetry,” .  “That’s what makes it modern.”







Men are wearing their hair fuller this season, and texturizing products and cutting techniques are a good bet for impressing your male clients. Show them how to cocktail hair products to customize their look from a light touch to a mighty mountain of texture.










Born This Way? Gaga Goes Back to Brunette


“Mother Monster” tweeted as she transformed her signature platinum blonde hair into, what she calls, a new “Louis Vuitton brown,” a nearly copper shade of light brown. Photos from the big change shepherded by her stylist of several years, Frederic Aspiras, were also posted to her social networking site (littlemonsters.com), and the fan love has pouring in ever since.



Saturday, September 8, 2012

Modern finger waves are irresistible, especially when they’re as pretty and polished as this.  Heads turned when January Jones sported this look at the Vanity Fair Oscars after- party. “More and more of my clients are asking for classic hair styles with a modern twist,” says Claudia “And with prom and wedding season approaching, it’s a great alternative to an updo.” Claudia notes that this hairstyle works on nearly all hair types. When we are consulting you on how to style your hair for a special occasion, it’s always important  to know the silhouette of your dress and neckline. “You don’t want the hair and dress competing for attention.”
As summer turns to fall, you will need a new fall-back hairstyle! How about the versatile side braid? The mussed-up side braid Emmy Rossum wore recently and  adapted the look for the runways at WWD Magic, proving that this A-list style can be worn virtually anywhere and with anything. Let us add this to your styling repertoire
Haute ’80s
To celebrate its recent 50th anniversary, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) put on an incredible runway show that paid homage to the past five decades in fashion. Oribe had the honor of creating hair looks to represent each era, and he and his team worked backstage to give each model a distinctive look. The ’80s-inspired style they created was the perfect mix of runway and reality. Here’s how to do it: Begin by spraying Oribe Maximista before blow drying hair, then setting hair in large rollers. Clip up the top section of hair and part the back of the hair in the center. Finally, create two very tight and clean French twists and pin in place, leaving a seam in the middle. Use Oribe Impermeable to set. Let the remaining hair from the twists stay loose and tightly curl it in a forward direction. Once the curls have set, brush them out at the roots and tease for lift. Spray with Oribe Dry to create texture and hold then pin the curls on the top of the head and slightly to the left. Let some loose curls fall naturally over the forehead. Set the style with Impermeable. Now, meet Oribe’s new campaign star Sandy Poirer!
In most salons, haircolor lives in the closet. Most salons perform your consultation, excuse themselves and dash to the dispensary, where they then mix up their clients color formula—in private.

Claude Thomas, being a forward-thinking salon, private has gone public in the form of open, inviting Color Bar. Our Color Bar is a more relaxed atmosphere, creates better client relationships and incremental color experience. “I believe coloring is a form of art and shouldn’t be hidden away in a closet,” Claudia says “I want our clients to experience this art form and get involved. By exposing color with a Color Bar, my stylists can interact with our clients, answer questions and allow them to experience the entire process of coloring.