Inspiration from an Industry Great - Chris Foster!!!

This week The Vinery's Barbering team were inspired by a fantastic demonstration at Calderdale College by Barber Extraordinaire Chris Foster as part of the celebrations for the BBA (British Barbering Awards) following the official Barbering certification of the college.

Myself (Gemma!), Angie and Jonathan went along to watch Chris Foster in action and were truly awed by his ability to create different looks through what seem to be both simple and complicated techniques. Chris used scissor over comb and clipper techniques which hark back to a very old-fashioned way of gents grooming rather than the modern lazy way of just using graded clippers! 

Watching Chris at work was a great experience as quite frankly he is an absolute legend in the world of Male Hairdressing and Gents Grooming. It was a real privilege to be able to watch and interact with him. Chris showcased two models, demonstrating on stage various barbering techniques and also talked us through his career journey, sharing his experiences including wowing us with the tale of how he worked on one of the largest mens fashion shows in the world with 150 models to style!!

I know from my perspective I felt inspired and motivated to explore the gents grooming side of hairdressing further and my team mates Angie and Jonathan were equally enamoured by Chris and his talent for barbering! I cannot wait to try out some of these different techniques in The Vinery's new Gents Grooming Department - I always find it really valuable to share ideas and be involved in these kinds of demonstrations as it helps me and my colleagues to develop and grow our skills and it's so important in this ever changing industry to stay on top of the game!

Love

Gem xx

Keep your locks looking luscious this Winter with our top hair tips!

We all know our skin needs a little more care and attention in winter but what about our hair? When the cold and damp weather takes hold, lengths can be in need of some extra TLC. Protect and maintain winter tresses with these great tips and products from The Vinery's very own Creative Designer and Salon Owner Gavin Blagbrough!

Hair Mask

During the winter months, hair can become dry, damaged and dull. The best way to treat this problem is with a deep conditioning mask to give your hair a much-needed moisture boost. This will provide long-lasting nourishment and protection from the harsh weather and changes in temperature. We offer in-salon conditioning treatments but we can also recommend products that you can use at home. Here are just a few examples (we have many more available in salon including bespoke treatments individually tailored to your own unique hair issues).

Sebastian Hydre Treatment provides your hair with intensive, long-lasting moisture and leaves hair feeling silky smooth with the added bonus of a healthy shine (£6.95 for 20 minute in-salon treatment or take home for £18.50)

Wella SP Hydrating or Smoothen Mask will moisturise and de-frizz unmanageable hair caused by central heating or winter showers.

By using a weekly mask alongside moisturising shampoos and conditioners your hair can stay frizz free and nourished all day long!

Hair Repair

If your hair has been damaged by the elements and is in need of a quick fix then there are a number of products which immediately mend damaged, brittle hair and also offer protection from further damage.

Sebastian Penetraitt Repair Mask is a high protein treatment which strengthens and fortifies hair against damage and instantly cares for split ends. (£6.95 for 20 min in-salon treatment or take home for £18.50)

Neal & Wolf Harmony Intensive Treatment repairs damaged hair using a unique combination of conditioners that deliver an instant transformation to stressed out hair. (£5.95 for 20 min in-salon treatment or take home for £13.50)

Anti-Frizz

The bug-bear of every woman is frizzy hair and at no point is it more of a nuisance that during the damp winter months! Hair becomes unmanageable and unsightly thanks to fluctuating temperatures and humidity caused by central heating so extra care is needed in order to tame those pesky locks!

A serum on the ends after blow drying and straightening can help ease frizz and leave hair soft and shiny but make the serum a good one as some cheap serum products can leave the hair greasy and just as unmanageable as before you used it!

We love Neal & Wolf Silk Blow Dry Balm - apply this to the hair before your blow dry and it will magically put an end to tangles and frizz, leaving hair sleek, smooth and straight! (£12.50)

Wella Mirror Polish won't break the bank and is a lovely serum that will tame your ends, leaving a high gloss shine to even the most unruly of hair. (£8.65)

Alterna Kendi Oil may be on the pricey side but its worth splurging that bit extra for a serum of this quality. It provides the 'ultimate frizz control' for all hair types and is free from parabens, sulphates, phthalates, gluten and synthetic colour! (£20.50)

For more hair tips or advice then keep an eye on our blog - or get in touch at The Vinery on 01484 536899. You can email us at: info@thevineryhairsalon.co.uk or follow us on social media. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram…we are on them all!

Cheers,

Gavin @ The Vinery x

Matty B takes up the razor for The Vinery..

Hi there,

My name is Mathew and I am a Progressive Stylist at The Vinery. I've been officially on the salon floor for a few months now and absolutely love it. Feels great to show off my skills and also learning lots along the way to progress and improve. Recently I have started my NVQ Level 2 in Barbering, I think this is an exciting new prospect to learn a whole new set of skills and widen my client range, so far i have learnt some basic barbering skills for example scissor over comb, which is a lot harder than it looks I might add, I currently do a few of mates hair in the salon and I think that the course will improve my skills. I am really excited about this course and where it can take me, soon I hope to be like the other Barber in the salon, Jonathan, who is currently learning how to do cut throat shaves. Cut throat shaving looks scary but I'm sure with a bit of training i can avoid any major incidents!

Cheers,

Mathew 

Hair Surgery Blog…Ask us a Question!

This week's query is from Alice who is wondering why her naturally fine and curly hair is snapping. 

Q: Hi there, my hair keeps snapping and I don't know why! It started off being quite dry so I began using repair shampoo & conditioner but it just keeps snapping. My hair isn't coloured so I know it can't be that and I have no known medical conditions that are causing it (my thyroid is fine according to my Doctor) - please help!

A: Hey Alice thanks for getting in touch. I can understand that this must be causing you a great deal of concern so lets see how I can help.

Hair can snap for many reasons, one of the most common resulting from hair being being over-processed with colour products, however this does not appear to be the case in your situation. Repair shampoos and conditioners can end up being more of a hindrance than a help particularly if they are packed with protein. It could be that your hair requires moisture (hydration) rather than protein.

Without getting too technical, the hair follicle is made from keratin (protein) and once the hair shaft becomes damaged it is fair to assume that you need to repair it with protein-based products. However the hair can actually become too 'protein-based' causing it to have the opposite effect - the hair becomes brittle and starts to snap. It's about striving for the right balance of protein and moisture.

I would suggest switching to a moisture based shampoo and conditioner that is free from protein - one of the best is the SP Hydrate range which is perfect for helping to restore the health of the hair without depositing keratin. Failing that then I would suggest that you consult with your GP to rule out any kind of hormone imbalances or dietary deficiencies that could be contributing to hair weakness.

Hope this helps - keep me updated on how you are getting on!

Cheers,

The Vinery x

Hair Surgery Blog - Product Build Up!

So last week was quiet on the hair surgery front…but this week Brent has kicked things off with a question about products.

Q: Hey I use a hair clay every day to keep my style in place but have found that when I wash my hair it feels really stiff and greasy afterwards, I can never seem to get it squeaky clean. Do I think that I need to change my styling clay? Cheers, Brent

A: Hi Brent thanks for your question. I wouldn't necessarily suggest changing your hair styling product, particularly if you really like the way it holds your hair, but what you may need to do is change your shampoo.

It is very common to get a build up of product on the hair, especially if you use that same styling product every day but don't actually wash your hair every day. Most Gents prefer to keep things looking as stylish as possible with minimum effort and we understand this! You need to opt for a shampoo that really cleanses that excess product out without damaging or stripping away the natural oils.

We would suggest using something like Alterna Bamboo's Deep Cleanse Clarifying Shampoo - this is a great organic product that does exactly what it says it will do and that's providing a great deep cleanse of the hair shaft.

You should find that after washing your hair with a Deep Cleanse Shampoo that your product glides on and you lose that sticky unclean build-up that you found so frustrating!

Thanks

The Vinery x

My first time…with Permanent Make Up!

The Vinery Hair Salon in Huddersfield has teamed up with Michaela Hammond at Divinity Beauty Rooms after we were inundated with professional recommendations about how skilled Michaela is at Permanent Makeup application.

As a bit of a hair and beauty aficionado (hey I work in a salon!) I was very keen to find out more about permanent makeup after hearing horror stories (through general gossip) about how painful the experience is, how the makeup (which is essentially a tattoo) can look awful / fake / overdone and its safe to say I was approaching the whole idea with a degree of trepidation. However Michaela soon set my mind at rest. She explained about her extensive background and training (Michaela also teaches permanent makeup application at Elite in Liverpool!) and about the various specialist techniques she uses to create a natural 3D effect on the brow area as well as eyeliner and lip blush/liner applications.

So, after a good long chat over several cups of tea (It's safe to say that for poor Michaela it probably felt more like an interrogation than a cosy chat!) I felt 100% more comfortable about the procedure and booked in for Permanent Brows.

Following many years and lots of ££££ on regular tinting and products (brow palettes, pencils you name it I bought it) the idea of Permanent Makeup made sense. The Brows last between 18 months and 2 years following a complete treatment (the procedure takes place over two appointments - the first is the actual application and the second is 4 weeks later for the top-up) and cost £375 - averaging out the maintenance cost currently spent on managing my pesky brows I estimated I spent roughly between £20 and £25 a month over the year - a whopping £270 a year - or to put it into perspective roughly £540 every two years. So paying £375 for brows that would last me 2 years seemed like a no brainer - I'm actually saving myself £165 that could be spent in Kurt Geiger or the next Net-a-Porter sale!

So my purse was happy and my mind was at rest - now the real test was to actually go ahead. So this week I headed to The Vinery for my appointment with Michaela.

The appointment lasted for 2 hours, the first hour consisting of a very precise consultation. After going over some paperwork, Michaela measured my brows, assessed the movement in my face (to see how my brows move with my facial expressions) she then colour-matched to the depth of tone that I wanted for my brows, and drew in the shape that I was hoping to achieve. Even though she had only used pencil for this part of the appointment it was clear to see the dramatic change that proper brows would make to the definition of my face, I was thrilled! Michaela constantly checked to see how I felt about the shape, thickness, depth of tone and effect of the brow which reassured me that she was listening to my exact requirements. 

So, once the consultation was out of the way it was time for the needle. I must admit as I reclined on the couch and heard the needle whirring I had flashbacks of being in the dentists chair! Michaela had already prepped my brows with some numbing cream and she began with the outline of the brow before anaesthetising the brow area. Each step I was asked how my pain level was on a scale of one to ten as Michaela does not believe in pain - she believes it should be a relaxing experience - hard to believe but once i was undergoing the procedure I almost fell asleep! The entire process felt as though someone was tickling my forehead - the sensation is like someone pressing lightly on your skin with an electric toothbrush - you can feel it but its not painful, just strange!

In what seemed like no time at all Michaela asked me to sit upright so she could finish off with some freehand styling techniques. The entire procedure took less than 2 hours and the results - well WOW!!! I was blown away with how defined my brows looked - and how they really brought out features such as my eyes (and seemed to lessen my wrinkles!!). Michaela advised me on aftercare and I have an appointment in four weeks for a top up (which is complimentary and part of the two-part procedure).

I can honestly say that the entire experience was fantastic - Michaela is meticulous in her attention to detail, really listened to my concerns and what I hoped to achieve from having Permanent Makeup. I got the results I wanted and more - it is safe to say they completely exceeded expectations! See below for my before and after pictures..what do you think?

     

Emma at The Vinery x

Autumn Festival Hair – Keep It Stylish!

So the Festival season is winding to a close..but it’s not over just yet. If you are one of the thousands of music-lovers heading to Reading or Leeds this weekend (like our Progessive Stylist Mathew is – throw Mat a Hi-Five if you see him!) then you need to make sure you are prepared. And by prepared I mean not just packing the Hunters and Pop-up Tent in your rucksack!

Festivals are a Big deal…a HUUUUGE deal…forget the music, it’s all about the fashion – who has the Coachella Celeb look down to pat, who is sporting the latest in chic welly wear, and who has the best festival hair!

Now we cannot help you with which fringed crochet vests to take, or whether vintage levi denim is still on trend (given the fact that the sun has hit the skids in August you may want to think about thermals instead)…but we can help you with your festival hair.

For guys it is pretty simple..take along some sculpting clay (we like Alterna Form) and just rub and go – to keep the style looking sharp a quick spritz of firm-hold hairspray will also carry you through until the morning – and maybe through to the next evening too! We recommend a blast of Sebastian Shaper Fierce, this will definitely do the trick!

For girls, we know you like to keep things fresh even when the showers are limited! A festival hair-must is dry shampoo and you need to make sure it is a good one – we love Alterna Cleanse-Extend which will keep your hair and scalp feeling clean for days. Now we have the base covered it’s time to think about style. Traditional braids are so last year – 2014 Festival hair is all about style. Grab that headband and put it over your hair, run some light hold product through the lengths and ends that are exposed (Try a pea sized amount of Alterna Freestyle gel) – then pull the hair underneath the headband up and tuck it in over the headband in ‘an up and over’ move – spritz on some light hairspray such as Neal & Wolf Fix and leave overnight – you should wake up in the morning with perfect festival waves!

(TreasuresandTravelsBlog.com – thanks for the pic!)

 If waves are not your thing..or your hair is unruly/untameable you need to think about styling in a different way – forget the topknot and try a loose chignon to stand out from the crowd – easy to pull off with just a few well-placed hair grips and some hairspray – we love the looks sported by Taylor Swift and Sarah Hyland – simple and chic!

                                  

If you cannot bear to dump the braids then seek inspiration from Katy Perry with a thick dishevelled side plait..

And if all else fails..grab the nearest hat – they are always a festival winner!

Stay safe and enjoy!

Love,

The Vinery x

This Week's Hair Surgery is about how to style your Lob!

This week's question is from Nicole about styling her mid-length hair.

Q: Hi there, I have a long bob and am finding it hard to style - I want my hair to look good during the day and at night but at the moment it just seems to hang there and looks pretty boring. Can you give me some advice on how to make it look good?! Thanks, Nicole :D

A: Hello Nicole, thanks for getting in touch! You would be amazed at how versatile Lobs (Long Bobs) can be in terms of dressing and styling the hair.

One of my favourite looks is the tousled lob as seen on style icons such as Olivia Palermo and Keira Knightley, who seem to carry the look off effortlessly, and the good news is that you can too!

Keira Knightley (www.instyle.co.uk)

Olivia Palermo (www.stylebistro.com)

Creating this breezy summer look is easy - first of all you need to apply a texturising product to hold the style from inception, we particularly like Sebastian Texture Maker as this can be sprayed into wet hair to maintain hold and style and also applied to the hair once it is dried to achieve that  'beach-ready' look.

You only need a few well-placed spritzes of Texture Maker on wet hair, finger comb the product through and then blast the hair off for a minute or two on a medium heat hairdryer to take out some of the moisture.

Then apply a 20p sized amount of Neal & Wolf Silk to damp hair - this will help to keep the hair smooth and frizz free as you continue to dry. (Don't forget your heat protection product too - try Sebastian Trilliant!) An important part of the drying process is not only the use of appropriate products and a medium-heat but also the correct brush - we recommend using a Paddle Brush (See the Big Brush Company for their fantastic range of professional brushes).

Using the Paddle Brush, dry the hair from root to tip, directing the heat downwards for that smooth look, then wrap the ends of the hair lightly around a medium tong or curling wand, creating slight movement on the bottom edge, you should see a wave or bend on the ends of the hair. Once this is done, depending on the finish you are hoping to achieve you can either spray some Sebastian Texture Maker (two or three pumps should do it) into your hands and then lightly scrunch the product through the waves, manipulating the hair into the style you want or, for a more  sophisticated finish use SP Luxe Oil (one or two pumps into the hands) and smooth this product through the lengths and ends for a glossy, defined wave.

Hope this helps!

The Vinery x

See our latest Hair Surgery Blog on styling your hair this week..Ask Us A Question!

This week’s Hair Surgery Blog question is from Sam who has been getting frustrated about not achieving that ‘in-salon’ look when at home.

Q: I can never get my hair to look right when I do it myself at home but when I’m at the hairdressers it looks perfect – what am I doing wrong? Thanks, Sam.

A: Hi Sam, I can understand your frustration but its quite an easy problem to solve. Obviously I don’t know what your hair looks like in terms of style etc however I can advise that you do need to start from the very basics which means using a good quality, professional shampoo and conditioner. We use several brands at The Vinery including Sebastian, Alterna and Neal&Wolf which are tailored for all hair types and budgets.

You then need an appropriate styling product which you can apply whilst the hair is damp to hold the style whilst you are drying your hair which obviously is dependent on your hair type (curly/frizzy/straight/dry/flyaway/fine). Choose a product that will compliment your style and provide hold – ask your Stylist for advice if you are unsure.

It is vitally important to use a heat protection product on your hair before you begin to dry it so I would recommend something like Neal&Wolf Guard to spritz over the lengths and ends first.

So, we have the foundations laid – starting with a good shampoo and conditioner, building up to an appropriate styling product and heat protection. Before you then start to dry your hair it is advisable to invest in a good hair brush. Again depending on the style and your hair type you need to opt for an appropriate brush and some section clips! We love the Big Brush Company range which caters for every hair type/need.

I would also advise that you speak to your Stylist and perhaps book in for a blow-dry lesson – most good salons will be happy to show you how to dry and style your hair so that you can achieve the look at home and will provide product and brush advice.

If you need any further help or advice..or want to book in for a blow-dry lesson then please do not hesitate to get in touch!

Thanks

The Vinery x

Summer Chic – its all about the sleek…

As those summer evenings start to dwindle its time to think about casting aside the boho waves for something more sophisticated.

As seen at Prada and Holly Fulton for Autumn/Winter Fashion Week 2014 there’s a resurgent twist on the classic 80’s wet look with smooth sleek lines that accentuate sharp cuts – you can achieve this look using a wet gel product such as Sebastian Gel Forte (don’t go overboard!), finished with Alterna Kendi Oil to keep the inevitable stray flyaways at bay but this look is not for the faint hearted..only the fashion brave.

(http://www.guardian.com)

(http://www.popsugar.co.uk)

The beachy boho festival hair is now taking a back seat and rightly so. As Autumn approaches its time to treat your hair with a little more respect with some intensive conditioning to restore the hair from its battering under the glare of the sun and the curling wand. Keep things poker straight with for a stylish alternative using a smoothing balm such as Neal&Wolf Silk followed by SP Luxe Oil to finish the look as seen at Versace and Dior this season..

(http://www.fashionisers.com)

And for those who crave a more cosmopolitan look why not try a super elegant Pony as styled by Wella at the DKNY AW 2014 Show. Think ‘refined up-do’ rather than ‘Essex facelift’ by pulling the (pre-straightened ***always use Heat Protection we love Sebastian Trilliant :D *** ) hair back firmly rather than tightly keeping the base of the Pony tail just below the crown of the head using Alterna Luminous Shine Balm to smooth the hair down from root to tip to keep it glossy and just a subtle hint of Sebastian Zero Gravity to keep those flyways in place and the pony super straight.

        (http://www.becomegorgeous.com)

So don’t be afraid to go super sleek this Autumn Winter – lets keep things sophisticated and chic for 2014!

Any hair advice needed? Check out our regular Hair Surgery Blog for hints and tips!

Love,

The Vinery xx

Hair Surgery! Ask us a question!

This week's Hair Surgery blog is about colour.

We have a great question from Olivia who is concerned about her hair taking on a yellowy tinge after she has had it 'bleached'.

Q: Hey, Every time I get my hair bleached its great for about a week but then it starts going really yellowy and looks awful! What can I do?

A: Hi there Olivia, thanks for getting in touch. My name is Ben, Stylist at The Vinery and I will be answering your query today.

It is possible that the Stylist is not lifting your natural colour light enough for the toner that has been chosen. The other possibility is that your hair is porous and the toner isn't holding well. Intensive Conditioning Treatments such as Sebastian Penetraitt or Sebastian Hydre used regularly (weekly) on your hair as part of your cleansing routine will help to restore your hair's condition which will help the toner to last longer but it is important to understand that toners do fade with time. I would recommend using a silver shampoo and/or conditioner (with a violet base) once the toner has faded to counteract any yellow tones to tide you over until your next Colour appointment.

Hope this helps! 

Ben x 

Hair Surgery! Ask us a question!

This is our first Q & A “Hair Surgery” blog where people can ask our Creative Designer Gavin Blagbrough for advice on their hair emergencies!

Our first question for the Hair Surgery is from Daisy who is struggling with frizz control 😖

Q:

Hi there, I am having so many problems with styling my hair due to the humidity during the summer, its really frizzy………help!

A:

Hi Daisy, first of all you need to prep your hair with a smoothing shampoo and conditioner, either a moisture-based product such as the SP Luxe Oil Keratin Protect Shampoo for thicker unruly hair or a shine-based one for finer such as Sebastian Trilliant Shampoo. Then use smoothing or straightening balm on towel dried hair through the lengths and ends, you can also apply an oil product during this process, I prefer to use SP Luxe Oil (as it combines Jojoba, Argan and Almond oil to reconstruct the hair fibre) then blow-dry your hair on a medium heat and speed, drying the hair down the hair shaft, smoothing and flattening the cuticle ideally using a heat retaining large round brush or large paddle brush – going over any troublesome areas with a straightening iron such as the Cloud9 Touch whilst slowly/gently curving the ends. Finish by gently blasting the hair with a cool drier and then finish with a light spritz of hairspray such as Reshaper Sebastian and a final brush through to release the hair’s natural movement.

Gavin x

Product Review..By our Clients for our Clients!

This month, Charles Coombs has kindly reviewed and rated the “Alterna Bamboo Men Thickening Gel Lotion” and here is what he had to say about it:

“Gentlemen, is this the answer to your premature balding or a help with covering up that grey?….NO!!!

This product does neither nor does it claim to. In fact this product helps you make the best of what you have. Apply a small amount to towel-dried hair then use your hairdryer to dry and style, step back and admire the results.

I was impressed that there were noticeable results on the first use, my hair felt thicker, was easier to style and held all day. Following continued use my hair felt much thicker (as if by magic I had more), I was using less product to hold it as the product has a holding power too. The only drawback (negative) is that it does need the heat from the hairdryer to activate the thickening properties, so if you like to roll out of bed in to the shower, quick towel off and run out the door then this product isn’t for you. You will have to adapt your morning routine to allow 5 minutes under the dryer.

I must say this is one of the best products I have used and now forms part of my daily routine. The other plus is that it is an ideal holiday product as it has SPF 15 protection. 

I would rate this product overall 4.5 out of 5!

Thanks, Charles”

So a huge thank you to Charles for his feedback on the Alterna Bamboo Men Thickening Gel Lotion – as a Salon it is important for us to hear how clients feel about the products they are using, good or bad, and we are very grateful to Charles for such an insightful and honest review!

Holiday Hair…

The holiday / festival season has begun in earnest and we have some crucial hints and tips for those wanting to stay ahead of the hair fashion game as well as looking after your hair in the sun.

On Trend:

As always, braids are top of the heap with last year’s milkmaid look taking on a whole new freshness for 2014. Accessorising your braids are a must with discreet feathers, beads, ribbons and flowers – think boho rather than bridal!

Tousled waves, created with a large heated barrel curler, can give you that instant ‘just from the beach’ look without having to cover yourself in salt and sand! Use the Cloud9 Waving Wand to achieve this look combined with Alterna Beach Bamboo Summer Ocean Waves texturising spray.

Top Knots are so last year! Instead go for grown-up bunches with a twist, add in extra bands to give them definition or twist in some beads for a playful edge..

Keep it Safe:

Heat Protection is a must – whether in the sun or not. We cannot stress enough the importance of using a good protection product for your hair to protect it from weather elements as well as hairdryers, irons and wands; heres our pick of some of the best…

Sebastian Trilliant - This product is shaken to activate the complex that protects the hair from heat damage. Sebastian Trilliant Thermal Protection Spray retails at £19.60.

Neal & Wolf Guard - Silk Proteins help to lock in moisture, protecting hair from 220 degree heat. Guard Heat Protection Spray is  available for £11.95.

Alterna Anti-Breakage Thermal Protectant Spray - Protects from up to 220 degree heat and reduces damage by 87% by  locking in essential proteins and nutrients whilst also forming a protective barrier to prevent future damage. Alterna Anti-Breakage Thermal Protectant Spray retails at £23.00.

Wella Thermal Image - Shields the hair from heat damage caused by styling irons and dryers. Wella Thermal Image Protection Spray is available at £11.00.

Cloud 9 Magical Quick Dry Potion - Halves the drying time of hair – another shake to activate product that conditions   and protects the hair as well as helping to eliminate any troublesome frizz! This product retails at £17.95.

However, the most important way to keep your hair healthy, especially during the holidays is to make sure that you have regular cuts!

Have a Happy Summer!

The Vinery x