INSPIRED.

It's that time of year.
Springtime in New York. Also known as, International Beauty Show week!
In case you don't already know, allow me to share with you a not so little event that is sooo very necessary to your beauty culture. This event covers absolutely EVERYTHING the world needs to continue to be a prettier place day after day! It is a "For Professionals Only" event. So, you need an Industry license (or currently be enrolled in a cosmetology school) to attend. There are more than 100 educational classes,  including cutting, coloring, make-up, nails and business classes. Industry legends grace the MainStage with brilliantly, creative performances. There are miles of exhibits and in-booth education taking place throughout the day, with thousands of products and tools to enhance your creativity! The event is 3 days in total. And attendees can choose to attend all 3, or 2 or 1, depending on what their schedule allows. I can speak with confidence saying that 1 day is NEVER enough! Sadly, I personally was unable to stay and play for all 3 days, as I would like. But I did make sure to squeeze as much as I possibly could out of my Sunday! Enjoy some highlights from my day!

1st stop : Rhythm of Hair, presented by Woody & Amy Michleb: Master Colorists, International Judges & passionate educators!

Next: A visit with Mr. & Mrs. Empire Beauty School, Frank & Karie Schoeneman

I have the pleasure of spending my days  with  Empire Beauty School, creating opportunities for people to improve their lives = BEST part of my every day!

Trend Forecasts in Scissor & Razor Cutting (one of my faves)

Nick Arrojo : Masters of Beauty : Empire Beauty School

always inspiring. always real. beautiful pixi razor crops, texture, full bangs, asymmetry. truly inspiring collection.

the trend? texture and curl revolution - lead by professional stylists! Be part of the "movement"!!

ARROJO introduced the AMERICAN WAVE SYSTEM:

featuring modern ionic technology the American Wave System is an exclusive professional wave and texture enhancing service that stylists can use to create cascading beachy waves to expanded textures to on-cue curls. Texture for our fashion-forward clientele!

Certification is required to offer this exclusive service!

Nick did NOT stop ALL DAY LONG. Hard worker, for sure!

Martin Parsons shared The Beauty of Long Hair

what can i say : genius

he put together beautiful, elegant updo's in under 15 minutes each. great tips & tricks (love his bobbypin tricks)  Favorite piece of advice from Mr. Parsons  was to inspire clients and other stylists by wearing YOUR hair up! DO IT UP!

Other highlights included;

 : KERATIN COMPLEX  Look & Learn Certification Classes :

:Sassoon Academy Hot Rod Collection, Look & Learn Seminar:

:The Art of Highlighting with Adrienne Rogers of Product Club, Owner of HUSH Salon in Philadelphia and Senior Colorist at Cutler Salon in New York City:

:Get ready for your TV Close-up with Noreen Young, make-up artist:

:Bridal Make-up to Perfection = Pinnacle Cosmetics:

So much to see and do, never enough time! If you are a stylist on the East Coast this is the Main Event for you! West Coast, IBS comes to Las Vegas  in June!

Stay in the know and in the game!

There are many hairshows and educational events taking place all year long, all over the world. Trends and techniques are ever changing! Be on top of your craft, strive to be the best, and learn as much as you can, and clients will search for you! Give the people what they want !

Next up, Fashion Focus , Baltimore MD!  Hope to see my fellow stylists there!

And clients, just WAIT til you get in the chair! Inspiration overload!!!!

Have a great hair day

~ Celina

Bianca, Jessika  & Me

takin a minute to take a pic :)

work in progress

So the seasons are changing and it always causes a burst of self-reflection for me. I don't know why exactly but I feel like maybe it has something to do with an end and a beginning. At some point, someone, somewhere has asked you "where do you want to be in 5 years" and most of the time you can answer with a pretty good idea of what you hope to have accomplished over the course of those years. I truly did not see my present day in my future 5 years ago! I had plans to continue my education with Paul Mitchell and work toward educating for the brand. I can't pinpoint when it happened, but I was totally taken off course and in an entirely different direction, and it has really been one of the biggest blessings in my life! In less than 5 years I went from being a freelance writer and 10 year stylist and salon owner, to a student educator, to a salon level educator, to an educator in training instructor, to a student salon team leader as well as a blogger and editor at large for the hottest new industry magazine, teacher of the year, hair removal specialist, and mentor for new stylists. I love the level of involvement I have within our amazing Industry and thank God every day for allowing me to do what comes so naturally to me for a living. I am just beginning to get my feet wet! I cant wait to see what the next 5 years have in store for me! Thanks for being part of my evolution.

BRAIDED!

braided textures are a must have accessory. and with the soon to be released movie The Hunger Games, Katniss' loose side braid is being featured on every morning show and fashion magazine.

a french braid started at the ear on one side, wrapping low to hang over the shoulder on the opposite side is an exact replica of the silver screen creation.

an over the shoulder, to the side fishtail braid is another great option, and easy to do!

both give a similar look. however, the french braid option is a better choice if you have layers cut into your hair. the intertwining helps to keep the strands locked together.

how to's are abundant on the channells of you-tube. tune in and give it a go! if you find it a little difficult to master on your own, make a reservation with your stylist. ask him or her to give you some instruction on how to recreate the looks at home! ask for product recommendations, too! a little "goo" helps to make a braided style last!

rock it out with jeans and a tshirt or glitz it up for the prom! braided styles are an absolute necessity this season. wear one today!!!

as always, have a great hair day! ~ Celina

Go Big or Go Home!
　
Back again and in full force oversized accessories are everywhere you look!

Handbags, jewelry, belts and hair accessories are getting a super-sized makeover!

A new twist on an existing trend!

Hair clips in oversized proportion!

Not just for grade school fashionistas!

Jumbo barrettes and hair ties are a sure statement. Setting you back about $15 a piece, these accessories take you right into trend and out of the pages of a magazine.

　
Take a cue from Runway fashion. A magnificent puff of textured fabric attached to a band creates an eye-catching centerpiece accenting a demure ensemble. A create-your-own head piece is easily achieved! * Start with a headband or two (get a pack of multiples from your local dollar store). * Visit the fabric or craft store & choose a thick ribbon to wrap your headband in for a stylish finish (use a glue gun to secure). * Choose a fabric and creatively gather together to make a shape (use scissors to detail the shape) * Secure with ribbon or fabric scrap and use glue gun to attach to the headband!
If crafting isn’t in your nature, visit etsy.com and browse the selection of handmade goods. Make contact with a crafter and chances are you can have them create a custom piece to match your favorite outfit!
　
　
　
Accessorizing with oversized hair pieces that can be worn both casual and formal allows for options and what girl doesn’t love options! Wear a statement hairpiece with an elegant evening gown or dressed up jeans.

If working this trend of over-sizing into your style is new to you, start off small and work up to bigger and better accessories. Channel your inner-GAGA and give creative license to the possibilities that are before you! There are many options and various price points. Interesting pieces are easily found in the hair accessory section of drugstores, handmade online forums, such as etsy.com, in department stores, and in designer collections across the globe!

Go big or go home! But always be fabulous!
Have a great hair day! ~ Celina
　
　

A SPRING in Your Step!

Spring is right around the corner! The sun is shining just a bit longer every day and its shine is inspiring a natural change! The trees are beginning to form buds. Strong flower stems are peeking through the ground. Nature is ready to add some color and life to its wardrobe. That’s your cue to brighten up yours as well! I know you’re ready to se la vie to the winter weather, unravel the scarves, box up the boots, and break out the bright colors that scream spring! Let the Goldwell Color Zoom 2012 Collection inspire your style upgrade! Take a look at what’s in store for the season!
If you’re a natural red-head or a strawberry blonde, consider kickin up the heat with a deeper copper tone mixed in with golden hues. An AMAZING color contrast for those green eyes!
　
　

Just because the dark side is where you reside, going lighter is NOT your only option! Try a splash of turquoise or teal. A few simple slices of color take your look from drab to fab!
　

Your pastel blonde can be spiced up with just a little warmth. Placed in just the right area it can add the look of volume to otherwise limp locks.
　

A golden violet combination intermingled with a dark blonde to medium brown base color compliments slate blue eyes and adds the perfect “pop” of color .

Take your rich brown to the next level with panels of warm coppers and splashes of cool reds and see an instant twinkle in your eye as the colors play off the flecks in your iris.
　

A warm violet low-light worked through a blonde adds just the right amount of dimension. Take it to another level by working in 2 or more shades in the same color family to intensify the contrast.

Color is the easiest and most natural choice for a style upgrade, especially if you want a change that can be changed again! Talk to your stylist about the best options for your budget! Being fashionable doesn’t have to break the bank! Simple, subtle changes to your hair color can make your wardrobe staples look brand new! Be inspired by the 2012 Color Zoom Collection and spring into a new hairstyle!

Happy Hair Days! ~ Celina

Educator of the Year... I think so!

Ridiculously excited! Awarded the title of Educator of the Year at our Local Level, today :)
I am now in consideration for Regional & National Educator of the Year! eeeep!!!
Love what you DO! I DO!!! Thanks Empire!

Get in Shape!

It's a New Year! Get Into Shape! You're face shape!
Carefully created hair styles & make-up applications do an amazing job emphasizing attractive features, while minimizing the features that are less than flattering.
A look at some legendary beauties reveals Hairstyle techniques and tricks that can be used today to crank up your own Glam Factor and make the most out of your beautiful shape!
　

Jean Harlow
Natural Face Shape: Square
The frame of the face is softened up and rounded out with gentle waves, a deep side part, and the illusion of fullness between the temples and jaw line. The volume of a crest in the center of the fringe area draws the eye upward and elongates the shape of the face, creating a less than square shape and a more overall oval look. The controlled movement of the waves and the softer, comb-able ridge created, gives a touchable, elegant style that can be worn with both casual and formal attire for a very versatile, glamorous look, any time, anyplace. Cut of choice is layered with the length falling between the shoulders and chin. Create a smooth finger wave design from crown to above the ear. Pin curl, barrel curl or roller curl below the top of the ears to nape to create volume and texture.
　
　

Joyce Bryant
Natural Face Shape: Diamond
Building volume in the crown area and the sides of the temple creates an illusion of a more oval appearance on a natural diamond face shape. The sweep of the fringe up and away from the forehead draws the eyes upward and elongates the space between the brows and low hairline while a soft, forward collapse of a high bang encourages this illusion and provides a delicate brush of femininity and style. The movement for the waves remains controlled and subtle as to not distract the eye from the direction in which it is being led. Choose a cut that is snug and fitted from the nape to above the ear to allow for the volume to sit balanced in the crown area. This classic finished style creates a polished everyday look with glam options including accessories & makeup application techniques to enhance the unique facial features and bone structure.
　
　

Lana Turner
Natural Face Shape : Oval
Long considered the most attractive of all face shapes, the oval requires little illusionary effort. A clean sweep up, away and off of the face allows the natural beauty of the oval to remain pure and unaltered. Gently placed barrel curls and waves serve a decorative purpose, much like the strategically placed accent piece of ornamentation. Various elaborations of styles and partings are able to be worn by an oval face shape with grace and glamour however, simple styles that allow the facial features to shine often maximize a style with minimum effort. Try a French Twist or Low Chignon. A polished bun or gentle pin-up are other fabulous style options. The idea is to not distract from the natural beauty of the shape.
　
　
　

Marilyn Monroe
Natural Face Shape : Heart
The creation of volume at the jaw line balances the lower third of the facial structure by providing fullness. A slightly off center part, falling to the right or left softens the width of the hairline at the fringe area. Soft, sexy curls provide movement and direction that allows the eye to follow toward the most narrow area of the face shape providing a visual balance. Utilize a medium barrel curler or iron to recreate the look on a layered, shoulder length cut. Provide a medium amount of volume, and finish with a light to medium hold spray that allows for a moveable, touchable style.

The ability to identify, enhance and minimize an individuals features take a lot of practice. A great way to find your own face shape is to look directly at yourself in a mirror and trace only your face shape with a lip or eye liner. Step away from the mirror and look at the shape left behind. Keep in mind that the most common “ideal” face shape is oval. An oval shape is balanced regardless of how its divided. Recreate that balance on any face shape by strategically placing volume in the areas opposite of the widest areas. Look through magazines to see how hair is styled on models with your face shape! Try out their looks! Visit a Professional Stylist and ask for their opinion! Find out what they suggest, most often consultations are free. Have them create a new style for you and ask them how you can do it at home! Lastly, Practice, Practice, Practice! And take LOTS of pictures!
Cg.