First Look Fridays Interview Series: Hairstylist Wendy Vario

You know that feeling when you find your hair soul mate? That's how it was when I discovered Wendy Vario. During the year and a half I spent in Pittsburgh, I made Wendy WORK. We went red, we went blonde, we went brunette -- we ran the gamut, all while she kept my hair looking and feeling CRAZY healthy. (It's my own fault that it broke off, since I cheated on her once with a different stylist and bleached my hair against Wendy's wishes. Oops.) In any case, Wendy is super talented and the nicest person to boot! I always loved visiting her at Studio Booth, not only because I knew my hair would look incredible, but because hanging out with her was just such a treat. Read on to find out how she first started getting involved in beauty, the hairspray she can't live without and so much more. (And get a glimpse of alllll the different colors she created for me, too!)

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Hairstylist Jamie Cramer

Are you a fan of bold haircolors? Mermaid, unicorn, all around the best kind of crazy? Well, when I discovered hairstylist Jamie Cramer through Pulp Riot's Instagram, I was instantly hooked -- because she creates unbelievably gorgeous color like no other. From teal to pink, fiery red to multitudes of bright shades, Jamie's talent for color truly knows no bounds. (And I for one really like her name!) Read on to find out how she gets her inspiration, the shampoo she can't live without and so much more.

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First Look Fridays Interview Series: Hairstylist Serah Shirley

Unicorn hair. It's all the rage, right? Well, in the case of hairstylist Serah Shirley, it's not something one can just covet -- it's something you can have and totally ROCK. I discovered Serah through Pulp Riot's Instagram and all I can say about her is this. I. AM. OBSESSED. (And low key planning a trip to Utah so I can have her create a unique haircolor all my own!) I simply had to talk to Serah about how she gets her inspiration and why she does what she does. Read on to find out what led her to become a hairstylist, how she creates these incredible colors, the shampoo she recommends to keep your color vibrant and so much more. (Oh, and for some INSANELY incredible pics of her work, too.)

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Throwback Thursday: Going Through Early Life with Bangs

Showing off the signature bangs of my childhood, circa 1983. Also, I really loved that dress.

Until I turned 18, I had bangs. Really and truly ... I had them for my entire childhood and young adult life. Now, this might not seem like such a big deal -- but because my hair is the way it is (curly, wavy and straight all at the same time, all while being thick and coarse), bangs were a CHALLENGE.

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First Look Fridays: Clairol Professional Celebrity Colorist Kiyah Wright

The woman behind the fabulous hairstyles of Jennifer Hudson and Ciara? Clairol Professional Celebrity Colorist Kiyah Wright. Kiyah is one of the most fascinating women in the business, always creating unique and interesting looks for her clients -- and, of course, chock full of fantastic beauty tips and tricks! Read on to discover her favorite look of Ciara's, her trick to remove color from your hairline and so much more.

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Salon and Spa Directory: The John Barrett Braid Bar

I've always wished I was good at braiding hair. When I was younger, I tried valiantly to braid my Barbies' tresses, but I always failed -- I just couldn't get the hang of French braiding. I tried on myself, too, but always with disastrous effects. Enter the John Barrett Braid Bar, located on the 9th floor of the uber-posh Bergdorf Goodman.

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First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist and Hairstylist Brandalyn Fulton

As soon as I discovered Brandalyn Fulton, I knew I'd happened upon a beauty goldmine. Brandalyn works as a hairstylist and makeup artist for the theater, and this beauty chick -- who grew up doing theater! -- is super excited to bring you today's First Look Fridays. Read on to find out how she creates the look for a character, the serum she can't live without and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I'm from Southfield, Michigan. I went to college at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and graduated in 2008. I moved to New York in 2009.

How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to become a makeup artist and hairstylist?
I just needed a job in college and so I started working at a makeup counter my sophomore year. I didn't know I had such talent and creativity. I became so consumed with beauty and makeup that I stopped attending my college courses. All I wanted to do was makeup and constantly found myself practicing makeup. I attended the International Beauty Show and the first ever Makeup Show in 2005. I saw makeup brands that were foreign to me. I saw celebrity makeup artists. I saw people having fun and doing what they loved. This was a pivotal moment for me and a clear indicator that I could make a career out of being a makeup artist.

I have always been pretty good at doing my own hair. I wanted to incorporate makeup in my collegiate program so I started working backstage on theatrical productions in the Wig and Makeup Department at the University of Michigan to finish my degree. From there I began to hone my hairstyling skills and became extremely good in wig styling and maintenance.

As a former theater performer, I absolutely love that you've worked everywhere from Juilliard to Carnegie Hall. What do you love about working on shows -- and how do you prepare for them and create various characters' looks?
When creating a look for a character, a number of people are involved in the process: the director, the costume designer, the wig and/or makeup designer, and the actor. Usually there might also be a wig and/or makeup artist or supervisor involved in the mix. This is the person responsible for actually applying the wig and makeup design or could be teaching the actor how to achieve it on their own. The character is developed by the director and the actor in rehearsal. The costume designer and wig/makeup designer create a look that is based on how the character is perceived in their role. Many things can influence this portrayal (i.e. how the characters talks and interacts with other characters, where they are from, their age, socio economic status, time and place). During several production meetings prior to the work hitting the stage ideas and sketches are discussed. Pictorial research is used as a reference and then a decision is usually made based on what is physically feasible to achieve and what makes the actor the most comfortable.

I love working in theater because I am a small part of something so big! Every night we create an atmosphere for people to enjoy, sing along, reflect, be happy, or sometimes sad. I just love being a part of the creative process.

What are your top 5 favorite products and why?
This can change depending on the year...
1) Armour Beauty Lip Gloss: I just love their products. It’s perfect for shoots because it is a high pigmented lip gloss so it lasts longer than usual. The colors are amazing! My favorites are Grace and Ann Margaret.

2) Mario Badescu Herbal Hydrating Serum: This is a great serum to use in my kit because it is just enough hydration for someone that is oily. I also use this in addition to a moisturizer for those that are drier. I think everyone should use a serum!

3) FACE atelier Ultra Matte: Works so well when I am on set. I have found that I do not have to powder my clients as much when misting this spray after makeup. Perfect for people with extremely oily skin or for people who find themselves constantly touching up their makeup.

4) Bumble and bumble Thickening Hairspray: A wonderful all-purpose hairspray! I love to set each piece of hair before curling. It is workable and not extremely drying.

5) Fusion of Color Cosmetics Lip Sass Lip Gloss in Woodbine: It is my new favorite lipgloss. It is the most hydrating gloss I’ve tried in a long time and is a beautiful shade!

What are your top 3 skincare tips?
1) Always moisturize your skin!

2) Always wash your face before bed.

3) Be sure to exfoliate and remove dead skin off your face at least once a week!

How about your top 3 hair tips?
1) Keep your ends trimmed.

2) Condition your hair.

3) I know it's trendy for the fabulous blowout and great flatiron job, but be mindful of how much heat you put on your hair. Too much heat is not a good thing!

Being a makeup artist and hairstylist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
I love makeup and beauty and it is hard for me to separate work, but in my spare time I like to have spa nights at home, read and relax. I enjoy discovering new places and restaurants in New York City. I am still very connected to my hometown and friends so I enjoy catching up with them via phone or Skype.

First Look Fridays: Celebrity Hairstylist Janine Jarman

When the last season of Shear Genius was on, my mom and I would watch every episode and then immediately call each other to discuss what had just happened. And the stylist who really grabbed our attention? Janine Jarman. The pint-sized firecracker created so many interesting looks on the show and had such a fun and interesting personality to boot -- it was impossible not to love everything she did! Read on to find out her favorite challenge from the show, the pomade that's great for short hairstyles, and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I grew up in Long Beach and Huntington Beach in California, and went to beauty school at Golden West Community College.

How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to become a hairstylist?
When I was 15, I started doing hair in high school for school dances. I teamed up with my best friend Noel, who would do the makeup, and we made our own company called "Noel and Neen." That’s when I knew that hair was my calling! After high school, I completed beauty school and apprenticed under Sexy Hair Concepts’ founder Michael O’Rourke for several years before opening Hairroin Salon in 2005.

I loved watching you on Shear Genius. What was it like being a part of that show, and were there any challenges that stuck out as your favorites?
I think the finale was my favorite challenge. I love runway hair, and I was so pumped that we got to bring back the other contestants to help us.

You have quite an impressive celebrity clientele! What have been some of your favorite looks on the red carpet?
I love when celebs try something out of the norm and are a bit adventurous. It was fun when Danica Patrick had me do a faux bob on her. Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls always let me do great exaggerated hair styles on her. I also love it when celebs rock vintage-inspired hair looks.

What are your top 5 favorite hair products?
1) Sebastian Shaper Hairspray: It is the best lightweight, workable hairspray.

2) Sebastian Volupt Spray: The best wet styling volumizer. It amps up volume from the start without any product feel in the hair.


3) Nioxin Diamax: The best thickening leave-in treatment and styler in one.

4) Sebastian Trilliant: Great for heat protection and a huge dose of shine.

5) Sebastian Matte Putty: The perfect pomade for moldable hold in short styles.

What are your top 3 hair tips?
1) Healthy hair is sexy hair! Make sure to trim it every 6 weeks and use deep treatments.

2) Brush your hair every night from root to ends to distribute scalp oil to the ends.

3) Sleep or work out in a damp braid. When dry, release for undone mermaid waves.

Being a hairstylist must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
I love cooking, crafting and gardening. I just finished making homemade limoncello with my husband for holiday presents. I love getting and giving homemade goods. It’s more thoughtful.

First Look Fridays: Celebrity Colorist Marie Robinson

Do you know who made both Jennifer Connelly and Emma Stone blonde? Well, I'll give you a hint -- it was celebrity colorist Marie Robinson. Plus, she has her own salon in NYC! (Check out marierobinsonsalon.com for more info.) Read on to find out how she first got into the hairstyling industry, her favorite product for color touchups and so much more!

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First Look Fridays: Hairstylist Patrick Melville

I'm going to be honest. Anyone who's groomed Harry Connick, Jr. immediately jumps to the top of my list of favorite people. So it only stands to reason that hairstylist Patrick Melville holds a coveted spot! But in addition to styling Harry Connick, Patrick's work has graced the pages of some of the world's most famous fashion magazines. Read on to find out which hairbrush he can't live without, what he has to say about working with a bad haircut and so much more.

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First Look Fridays: Hairstylist Martin Samuel

Pirates of the Caribbean. Burlesque. Evita. Just a few of the movies that featured the work of hairstylist Martin Samuel. Read on to find out how he first got into movies, the hairbrush he can't live without and so much more.

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First Look Fridays: Hairstylist Peter Gray

If you've followed this blog at all over the past few years, you'll know that I think the world of hairstylist Peter Gray. Season after season, his creations at shows like Betsey Johnson and Badgley Mischka have inspired and amazed me to no end. So I am thrilled to bring you my interview with him this week! Read on to find out how he first became interested in hairstyling, the brush he simply can't live without, and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
Grew up in Zimbabwe, went to boarding school in South Africa, ended up cutting school friends' hair to get around strict school regulations re hair length etc. Caught the attention of a top salon owner whose kids went to the same school, he offered me a Saturday job which became a life.

How did you first become interested in hair, and what led you to become a hairstylist?
It was the 80's and hair was a vital accessory. School rules and the local barber didn't lend themselves to this and I ended up cutting friends' and school staff members' hair, even the headmaster. I just enjoyed how hair looked and made people feel. I was really into music and the hair that went with it at that time.

Being a Saturday boy opened my eyes to the potential creatively, educationally and for travel, that university was not going to offer. After 2 1/2 years and qualifying in South Africa I headed for London and adventure!

When did you make the move from salon work to editorial, and what propelled you to make the change?
From the very beginning I knew salon life wasn't for me. I worked a few years at Cazaly and Co in London where there was a heavy editorial bias and shows were commonplace before moving to Sassoon and getting into education, where shows and pictures featured heavily. At Sassoon I became their first Editorial Director, doing shoots and ads for the salons/schools and the product company internationally. After 13 years it was time to move on.

Greg Cazaly, David Adams and Ray Allington were my first mentors followed by years helping Eugene Souleiman.

At Sassoon, Avram Finkelstein and Vidal himself mentored and showed me that the shows and the editorial side was where my future lay.

You've worked with some of the world's biggest designers over the years at Fashion Week. What do you love about the experience, and are there any looks that have stood out as your favorites?
The challenge, the inspiration and finally the adrenaline! I try [to] approach each designer as a unique situation, and to put in and get the most out of each and every show! Martin Margiela for Hermes and his own shows are my all-time favorite collaboration!

Look-wise I've had the privilege to work with so many talented people, the most rewarding look is always the one that marries with the collection best!

What are your top 5 hair essentials?
1) Good quality combs -- Japanese

2) Mason Pearson Brush

3) a powerful hairdryer (Parlux)

4) Dressmaking elastic

5) Thickening product

What are your top 3 hair tips?
1) Spend the money on quality shampoo and conditioner.

2) Don't try to achieve catwalk looks without the appropriate base products in your hair.

3) Don't follow trends, always follow what you feel.

What is the most rewarding part of what you do?
Every single job has its own rewards -- working with a fantastic team, whether photo or hair, and sharing ideas with them is the most rewarding part!

Being a hairstylist must be fun -- but what do you do in your spare time?
Direct music videos and short films.

First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist Lauren Gott

What do Anna Kendrick, Heidi Klum and Rooney Mara have in common? They've all been made up by makeup artist Lauren Gott. The former model gets up close and personal here -- discover her tip to beautiful dewy skin, how she first got into the makeup business and so much more after the jump.

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First Look Fridays: Motions Celebrity Hairstylist Ursula Stephen

Brooklyn-born Ursula Stephen is the mastermind behind some of the hottest hairstyles in Hollywood. Does the name Rihanna ring a bell? How about Jordin Sparks or Kerry Washington? Read on to discover Ursula's favorite product by Motions (the haircare brand she works with), her top hair tip and so much more.

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First Look Fridays: Hairstylist Andeen Rose-Clark

Eva Longoria, Celine Dion and Mandy Moore are just a few of the celebrities who count Andeen Rose-Clark among the talented hairstylists who've created their gorgeous looks. Andeen has been around the beauty scene in Las Vegas for years, working everywhere from WYNN to Ceasars Palace. And now she's starting a new position as the Salon Manger and Stylist at Violet Hour, opening in Vegas on December 15. Read on to discover how she got started in the industry, why she loves boar bristle brushes and so much more.

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First Look Fridays: Hairstylist and Makeup Artist Mitzi Spallas

Billy Idol. Norah Jones. Sheryl Crow. Hairstylist and makeup artist Mitzi Spallas has worked with all of them and more! Find out how she first became interested in beauty, the skincare product she can't live without and so much more after the jump.

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First Look Fridays: Herbal Essences Celebrity Hairstylist Charles Baker Strahan

When I get the opportunity to speak with a top hairstylist, I take it. And when Charles Baker Strahan -- the Celebrity Stylist for Herbal Essences and personal stylist to Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester -- said he was interested in participating in First Look Fridays, I was super excited. Read on to discover his all-time favorite Herbal Essences products, his number one tip for getting great hair and so much more.

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An Insider's Look: Hair Colorist Kim Vo

If you don't know who Kim Vo is, you're missing out. He's the mastermind behind some of the biggest names in Hollywood, from Britney Spears to Kate Hudson. Not to mention his stint as a judge on Bravo's Shear Genius! Recently, Kim and I have become acquainted on Twitter -- and I'm so happy to bring you An Insider's Look on how he first became a colorist, his top trends for spring and so much more.

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Direct from the Runway: Nicole Miller Fall 2010 Fashion Week

When you have the powerhouse duo of hairstylist Kevin Ryan and makeup artist James Kaliardos for M.A.C, you go backstage to get the details. Such was the case at Nicole Miller's Fall 2010 show. "We're doing a very beautiful face today," James told me. "I just haven't done makeup like that for so long!" Get all the details after the jump.

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First Look Fridays: Hairstylist Daniel Koye

Do I ever have a treat for you today! The fabulous, amazing, unbelievably talented hairstylist Daniel Koye sat down with me for First Look Fridays. Daniel is currently working on the smash Broadway show Hair. (Which I've seen and am here to tell you is INCREDIBLE. See it immediately if not sooner. But I digress.) He's also worked on Gypsy starring Patti Lupone, Spring Awakening, Chicago and Jersey Boys, just to name a few. Not to mention he is super sweet and funny! Find out how he gets the actors in and out of their wigs, the product he can't live without and so much more after the jump.

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