VAIN Blog

The VAIN bikini wax: a gift for yourself so good it needs its own name.

We’re celebrating VAIN’s new waxing specialist Belinda and her magical VAIN waxing services with a contest for all you creative (and hairy) types out there. Come up with a new VAIN name for “bikini wax” and you could win one of these fabulous VAIN waxing prizes!

To enter, send your idea for what we should call the VAIN bikini wax to vain(at)vain(dot)com, subject line “VAIN bikini wax contest”, with your full name + phone number. One entry per person and nothing dirty, please- this needs to be something we can actually use. Just ask yourself: if grandma called VAIN to get her downtown action tidied up, is this something she could say out loud?

Winners will be selected by VAIN vote and announced at the end of the month. Winning waxing services are good for any body part that Belinda can wax… and that’s just about anything. So get ready to win + wax. Good luck!

Belinda Leybold offers waxing services at VAIN dowtown- 2018 1st Ave. Call 206.441.3441 to book an appointment if you can’t wait to win.

Pretty lady: the ever-evolving Bijou, who already looks way different than this. Photo by My Vu.

Today marks VAIN downtown stylist Bijou’s last day at the salon- she’s leaving Seattle for world travels before landing in a new US city- and we’re already missing her skills and style (ok and her smile. Well it’s true!). Bijou not only consistently evolved her own look, from punk rock bride to Miss Nikki Sixx, from modern pinup to black-haired bladerunner, but also consistently delivered some pretty incredible hair transformations to her clients with her awesome hair skills. We showed you an example in a Hot Hair post earlier this year, but if we tried to show you every cool cut, pretty bob, big blowout and perfect trim she’s given we’d be blogging all day long. And we’ve got hair to do! So: Bijou, you have been a true example of expressing inner style and not being afraid to switch it up, and VAIN thanks you for it. All the best from us to you!

If you’re a client of Bijou’s, fear not! Our front desk staff can set you up with another stylist who’s right for your hair, your style, and your budget. They just might not be wearing a Motley Crue shirt. Call VAIN downtown at 206.441.3441 to make it happen.

On Monday our stylists were treated to a rare treat - 6 hours of hands on training with Pureology educator Phillip Wilson.

Why was this event so important? Wilson is respected internationally as a premier stylist and educator. He prides himself on innovation and creating cuts that inspire the next generation. Recently, he was voted one of the most influential hairdressers of the past 100 years by Modern Salon Magazine.

“With more than 25 years of exploring all facets of beauty Phillip Wilson has become an industry icon. Launching his career in the trendy west end of London and training with grand masters from all over Europe, Wilson was able to interact with fashion elite, and royalty.”

Needless to say, everyone was spellbound during the workshop. Phillip was charismatic, charming, and above all else, talented. Currently he only offers 6 of these events a year worldwide. It was an honor to have him join us at VAIN, and incredibly informative as well.

The stylists in attendance will be holding a follow up session next week to review the wealth of knowledge they acquired. The techniques he presented were groundbreaking, and a glow of inspiration follows in the wake of his visit.

All of us hope to see Phillip again somehow, even if we have to follow him around the globe to do so! Thank you to everyone who attended and put in a long, challenging day of learning.

Greetings from Portland, where I’m on post-birthday holiday (I’m old, I’m over it), enjoying my new brownie hair color (thanks, Erika), and plotting some tax-free shopping. I’ve done pretty well so far: amazing palazzo pantsuit, check. More books from Powell’s that I won’t have time to read, check. MID-PRICE DIGITAL CAMERA TO TAKE PICTURES OF HOT HAIR HERE AND AROUND THE WORLD WITH, CHECK (ok maybe not around the world but up and down I-5 for sure. Roadtrip!). So look out, all you DIY divas, hot-haired 9-to-5-ers and weekend crimpers: I’m coming to take your picture for VAIN Blog infamy. Get ready.

-Rebecca P.

Each month at VAIN Ballard we’ll be unveiling new works of art by featured jewelers. This month we begin with pieces created by Sarah Loertscher.

Loertscher is a graduate of the BFA program at Ball State University, with a focus on metalsmithing. Before moving to Seattle, she also completed a two year fellowship at Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina. Now she brings these years of study and experience distilled into the new works of her Structure series.

We spoke with Sarah today as she installed her pieces, and inquired as to the inspiration behind them. She told us that they’re based on her interest/obsession with rocks and crystalline structure, and how a few straight lines can rapidly turn into a chaotic mass. When constructing a piece of jewelry, she either repeats a basic line into a tangled structure or distills a form down into it’s own structural supports.

The result of this chaotic, tangled idea is gorgeously constructed wearable art. Her jewelry will be available for sale throughout the month of August. We invite you to come view the pieces premiering tomorrow evening, or anytime in the coming weeks.

Solidly shining,

VAIN Ballard

If you take a look in the VAIN downtown gallery space you’ll notice the recent addition of some fabulous jewelry from local Seattle artist Julia Garrels of Metalwing. Julia is a former tenant of VAIN’s art studios above our downtown salon. Two years ago she founded Ballard Metal Arts where she has since been creating her colorful, bold, and often humorous enamel jewelry pieces (much to the enjoyment of our friends in Ballard). Here is a peak at some favorites of the bunch:

Aubrie shines. Photos by Lindamy Vu.

Bacon-n-Eggs Skull & Crossbones Necklace,
Heart Earrings, and Unicorn Necklace.

We also look forward to upcoming Metalwing work, which Julia informs us has been progressing into larger wall pieces. Very exciting!

You say good-bye, I say hey Sarah Murphy- nice picture: Mudhoney in action.

VAIN’s very own Sarah Joann Murphy, photographer royale and She Who Makes Things Happen For Stylists & Clients Alike at both VAIN locations, has a series of her awesome live music photos on display at Ballard’s Tigertail bar starting this week.

Her pictures are part of You Say Good-Bye, I Say Hello, a group show of live performance shots also featuring the work of talented photographers Jenny Jimenez and Laura Musselman, curated by music writer & KEXP DJ Hannah “Rocket Queen” Levin.

The show opens with a reception open to the public at Tigertail this Thursday, August 7th from 7—10 pm with members of local band The Cops on DJ duty. VAIN will be there in full force (just look for the hot hair- that’s us) and we hope you will be, too. See you by the rock shots!

Tigertail is located at 704 NW 65th in Ballard. Photography on display through September 30.

Hot hair in the summertime. Photo by Sarah Joann Murphy.

Happy August from VAIN! Summer took its sweet time getting here, but now that it’s officially, no really, wait-you-mean-I-don’t-need-a-sweater-anymore? arrived, VAIN has a few tips to keep your hair stylish for the season.

VAIN dowtown + Ballard stylist Jake says:
After an afternoon at the beach filled with sun, sand, and saltwater I absolutely love the feel of my hair. Kevin Murphy’s Gritty Business and Hair Resort are my number one and number two hair product choices when combined (in moderation) to help create a true day at the beach feel (without the sand in my shorts).

VAIN resident makeup artist Christine Cherbonnier offers this for summer do’s:
I like to air dry my hair during the summer since it’s too hot to blow dry (I would usually avoid this at all cost since I have a not-so-flattering eighties perm when I let it dry naturally). Once it’s totally dry I scrunch TIGI Mousse Wax throughout, reforming my curl to look like a slept-in, effortless summer wave.

VAIN front desk manager Mel has this tip for summer swimmers:
A lot of VAIN customers have been asking how to protect their hair color from chlorine. I tell people to get their hair wet with non-chlorinated water before jumping in the pool so their hair won’t absorb so much chlorine. They can also put a little conditioner in their hair before getting in the pool.

Color expert stylist Scarlet concurs and adds:
Using products with natural sunscreens in them, like all Pureology products, will help keep your hair color looking vibrant when you’re spending more time in the sun.

Finally, a word from VAIN owner, styledriver, and perenially hot-coiffed Victoria Thomas Gentry:
Summer is a great time for iron-shaped hair. On fine hair like mine, there’s usually no point in curling my hair when we have rainy or misty weather. But during the summer an iron set can last for days. Even if you just curl the mid shaft of ramdom sections you can have volume like the curly kids!

So there you have it- summer hair tips straight from VAIN to you. To get more info on any of the products mentioned or to schedule a summer spruce-up, call VAIN downtown at 206.441.3441 or VAIN Ballard at 206.706.2707.

The always-in-demand Liza Jo will be bringing her talents to Ballard! Starting August 8th, she’ll be at the Ballard salon on Fridays. We’re super excited for the presence of her amazing curly-haired skills and her always cheerful demeanor.

Give us a call if you’d like to schedule with Liza on a Friday. VAIN Ballard can be reached at 206.706.2707.

xo,

Sarah Jo + VAIN Ballard

As I was taking photos for this post, people were peaking over my shoulder and exclaiming - “I love that stuff!”
Alexis says it not only “smells like a vacation” but says it’s perfect for restoring ash tones and ridding the dreaded brass. She recommends it to all of her blonde and brunette clients. Rachel concurred, saying she loves that “does exactly what it’s supposed to do.” In other words, it really is a toner!

Keep your blondes (and light browns) looking cool this summer with A/G Silver toning shampoo + conditioner.
xo,
Sarah Jo (reporting via VAIN Ballard)

Let’s take a minute to sit down with Scarlet, our fabulous stylist at VAIN downtown, to learn a little bit about the process of glazing hair.

What is glazing, you ask? We asked, too, and Scarlet has answers. Technically, glazing is the application of a demi-permanent (i.e. long lasting semi-permanent color, which should last 6-8 weeks with a proper product and care regimen), sheer color with a hint of tone. It’s gentle and, because the glaze is translucent, the results are very natural. Variation in your hair color shows through the glaze (even with dark coloring), and the new growth looks much more subtle since there is no solid line where your color application ends. The benefits don’t stop there. Glazing is rich in silk protein and helps improves texture and manageability by smoothing the cuticles of the hair strands.

When is it used? Scarlet loves to use glazing in all kinds of applications because it is so versatile and foolproof. She gradually blends in gray hair, and with all the sunny weather we’ve been having she’s been treating faded highlights by refreshing their color. She also glazes to correct the yellow that can occur after bleaching by subtly bringing in more natural tone or warmth. Or if clients want more kick in their color, glazing can pump it up! “Glazing is a good way to introduce color to clients who would normally be apprehensive to color or are commitment phobic,” Says Scarlet.

For those who want shine and manageability without the addition of color, there is even clear glaze. Fine hair, which tends to become greasy under the weight of most smoothing products, is an excellent candidate for this process. And the benefits are lasting.

Thanks for chatting with us, Scarlet! Glazing sounds awesome and the cost is the same as a normal coloring job with a quicker process time. So if you’ve been waiting for the right excuse to try some color with more natural and gentle results, glazing is perfect for you!

Scarlet and other color specialists offer glazing at VAIN. Call VAIN downtown at 206.441.3441 or VAIN Ballard at 206.706.2707 to book your appointment.

Hot rollers were a mystery to me. I’d try time and time again, but every time I’d end up flat on top with overly springy ends. The effect was unbalanced and a little like the dreaded triangle. All that’s changed now, thanks to a tip from Roxana - start in the middle.

It turns out my fatal error was starting from all the way at the ends and rolling up. By placing the hot roller halfway down the section of hair, the volumizing effect would be more evenly distributed. I curl from the middle to the ends, then roll the rest of the way up to the roots. Voila! My fairly fine hair suddenly has volume - and volume where I want it, at that!Thank you, Roxana. My curls are eternally grateful.

xo,
Sarah Jo  

PS - Roxana is currently on a hair sabbatical.  However, the front desk would be happy to include your name on a waiting list when she does begin scheduling appointments.  Contact either VAIN Downtown or Ballard for more info!