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

Great Length Hair is coming to The Vinery!

The Vinery Hair Salon is delighted to announce that from July 2014 we will be offering Great Lengths Hair Extensions!

Great Lengths are world-leaders in Hair Extensions and can not only be added for length but for volume and thickness too as well as colour enhancement.

Great Lengths offer 50 different shades as well as free-flowing bespoke colour including a fantastic range of pastels. All the hair is 100% human hair and is ethically sourced from India. As Great Lengths explain, all hair is “voluntarily sacrificed and donated to temples by complete shaving of the head during Hindu rituals through a process known as tonsuring. Great Lengths are fully committed to ensuring that all hair is ethically and willingly sourced and that a fair price is paid. Payment for the hair is then used to support the local community by developing temples and medical services and supporting charitable causes.”

To find out further information or to make your Great Lengths appointment at The Vinery then please contact the salon on 01484 536899!

The Importance of Colour Patch Testing

Here at The Vinery Hair Salon we are vigilant about patch testing clients before they undergo any kind of colour procedure. Our policy is to test new clients to the salon regardless of whether they have had colour elsewhere before and also to re-test existing clients if they have not visited the salon for several months in between colour appointments.

It is rare for allergic reactions to occur with hair colour however, just like many products that are used frequently including food, makeup and lotions, materials etc. or simply down to a change in health, reactions can develop over time.

We are sometimes asked why this is necessary by our clientele but as well as having their best interests at heart we also need to ensure that, as a responsible Salon, we stick to the recommended industry guidelines.

We require patch tests to be done at least 24-48 hours before the colour appointment and we also patch test for Eyebrow/Lash Tint as well as for HD Brows. This may seem over-cautious to some however the following story should help to reinforce why we put so much importance on patch testing!

We bumped into a friend recently who told us a horrifying tale. Several years ago she had visited a local salon for a colour appointment and had not been allergy (patch) tested first. Following the colour application she suffered what can only be described as a horrific reaction. Charlotte has kindly given us permission to share her story and also the pictures that reiterate just how shocking and violent these reactions can be.

You can read about Charlotte's experience in full via the following link:

http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/hair-dye-left-paddock-girl-5007157

We now stock Wella Innosense at The Vinery and this fantastic colour product has a reduced risk of allergen due to the ME+ molecule that has been in development for over 20 years -  if you would like to try Innosense as an option then please do ask about it when booking your appointment on 01484 536899. (An additional supplement of £5 is surchargable for Wella Innosense and Illumina)

So the moral of the tale is…Always have a patch test first!

Exploding the Nail Myths!!

Think you know everything you need to know about your nails? Think Again! We are about to separate fact from fiction when it comes to your hands…

1. White Spots on Your Nail Bed is an Indication of Calcium Deficiency…..FICTION!! This is actually due to pressure or trauma to the nail plate – which is completely normal and completely harmless!

2. My Nails Need to Breathe……FICTION! Nails do not have lungs, therefore they do not need to breathe! They aren’t a living tissue although obviously they do grow. Nail Polish can actually help to strengthen and protect your nail!

3. Won’t Nail Enhancements Ruin My Nails?…….FICTION! The products and techniques used by fully trained Nail Technicians will not damage your nail plate. You are more likely to do more damage by nibbling on your nails or by picking existing Enhancements off which then thins the nails by stripping away layers – it is always advisable to have them removed properly by a professional or keep your Enhancements regularly maintained by your trusted Nail Technician.

4. Gelatin / Seaweed Supplements will make my Nails healthier……FICTION! Nails are made of Keratin which is a protein and no amount of supplements be it Gelatin, Seaweed or Hemp will strengthen them up. The best thing you can do for your nails is regularly use Cuticle Oil.

5. UV Lamps Used for Nail Enhancement/Gel Polish can cause Cancer…….FICTION! The risks are extremely low as the exposure time is extremely short and at a very low level. Did you know that your Nail actually contains its very own natural version of SPF equivalent to Factor 40 which helps to protect your hands and nails from the low-level UV rays.

6. Acrylic Enhancements are not as good as Gel….…FICTION! Apart from the application techniques there is very little difference. Gels are a little bit more flexible in terms of wearability but it depends on client preference. The removal process is one of the only differences as Acrylic will dissolve over time in Acetone Polish Remover whereas Gel does need to be buffed away by your Nail Technician. 

7. I Have Browny Green Patches under my Nail Enhancements, My Nails are going Mouldy!!…….FICTION!! Your nails are not going mouldy…the appearance of discolouration is caused by bacteria developing in air pockets from moisture trapped between your nail and your Nail Enhancement.

8. I Can Cut My Cuticles with Scissors Right?……..FICTION! Take note, cutting our own Cuticles can cause untold damage! If you must do them yourself then use a pair of Cuticle Nippers on loose cuticles only – However it is best to leave this task to the professionals!

TOP TIPS: To maintain healthy nails and hands we advise you to treat your hands with oils and lotions regularly to prevent the skin and nail bed from drying out. Wear rubber gloves when washing up or cleaning to protect the hands from harsh chemicals and from the water which could dehydrate your skin and nails! Use Cuticle Oil regularly as it contains a carrier oil that will direct the nutrients to the areas where they are needed.

Here at The Vinery we offer Manicures, Shellac and Acrylic Enhancements as well as a simple File & Polish by our experienced Beauty Therapist Rachel Brooker.

For further advice just get in touch with The Vinery Hair Salon on 01484 536899 or by emailing us at: info@thevineryhairsalon.co.uk

Street Chic for the Clubstar Team!

The Vinery Senior Stylist Gemma Noon found herself collaborating with award winning stylist Kai Wan for the latest British Hairdressing Fellowship Clubstar Team collection in London this season.

The photoshoot with Kai Wan led with the brief of Street Glamour “Capturing the essence of chic but edgy street style” with each individual team member developing and creating their own interpretation to fit. Gemma carefully chose her model based on her unique look and established undercut which had already been worked on in-salon.

Gemma’s model accompanied her to London to the GHD Studios where the photoshoot was held and Gemma styled the hair, creating three different looks culminating in the final look which made it into the official collection as seen below:

“It was great to work once again with everyone on the Clubstar Fellowship Team. As this was our first collection it was particularly exciting and inspirational, and both an honour and privilege to work with Kai Wan, someone who I look up to and aspire to emulate one day!” 

Gemma Noon x

Neo-Soul at The Vinery...

This week  The Vinery welcomed back one of our favourite client's Sarah to the salon, who enjoyed a visit with Senior Stylist Gemma Noon for a colour refresh followed by Cut & Blowdry.

Whilst in the salon, Sarah mentioned that she is in a neo-soul band that performs all across the region and we found the band's background story really interesting, especially as we have a fair few jazz and funk fans on our staff team!

Obviously the hair industry is extremely creative and draws its influences from fashion, couture, make-up and music, with each season bringing something new to the fore. With the ever increasing popularity of soul, blues and jazz, which itself is steeped in history we thought we would have a listen to Sarah's music and share her story.

The Dana Ali Band (Sarah is the backing singer) is the brainchild of American singer-songwriter Dana Ali and her bass-playing partner Dave Hewitt (of British band Babe Ruth). They describe themselves as a neo-soul group taking influences from iconic greats such as Aretha Franklin and Roberta Flack to develop their distinctive fusion of jazz, funk, soul and latin music.

The Dana Ali Band have some local gigs planned (of which is at one of The Vinery's favourite Leeds bars..Smokestack!) so do make sure you head along to hear them perform!

To find out more about The Dana Ali Band check out their website at: www.danaaliband.moonfruit.com