Fine Weather

The fine weather has made for an amazing, bright and sunshine filled salon, It feels awesome to work in with outside almost in and gorgeous views of our gorgeous city. Ahhh Summer….

So was I the only one who went to wear something short and breezy this labour weekend only to opt for long pants. I was aghast at the state my pins were in. Blindingly pale and untoned, like a couple of orphans stored in the basement and getting there first anaemic look at sunlight, all vulnerable and shocked.

Now as Steven keeps telling me and experience has shown, no matter how much you pay for the stuff, fake tan is a mistake. So in the privacy of my own garden I will slowly release the “creatures” and let just enough colour take hold that I can allow them in public.

The sunshine sure does bring about a happy, relaxed, yay kinda feeling and with that the liquid cheer. I have however decided that after my failed attempt for "sober October". I’m taking it – one week – at a time, starting yesterday to make non-alcoholic choices and allow myself to detox a little.  I have a bag fill of pills and some green powder to help me on my way. Wish me luck!

So clean liver, new sunnies, new jandals these are all things needed for summer. Christmas is fast approaching!!!

We would recommend getting your Nov/ Dec appointments in pronto if you want a time that will suit you, things are looking busy already.

Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatment

Now there has been a lot of chatter about this Keratin Treatment and we just had to check it out. Looking into it without a doubt the old chemical straightening is out and this bad boy is the way forward.

If you have curly, unruly, frizz bomb hair and spend a heck of a lot of time trying to either smooth it out or just stop it from looking so damn dry I think your gonna love this.

Unlike the chemical straightening of old this is not a perm like process but deep infused Keratin which smoothes the hair, making it shiny, straight and feel amazing.

Better still, no crazy curly regrowth and straight ends, over time (3-5mths) the Keratin slowly wears out of your hair and your natural texture starts to come back. Then it a re-application over all of your hair. The more Keratin, the more improved the hair’s quality.

This treatment can be done over highlighted/ bleached hair, it’s all good. You can even have this Keratin Straightening right after a colour. Now it does take time, around 3 hrs and you must use the recommended Shampoo and Conditioner which contain the same Keratin so your putting some back into your hair every time you wash.

Were really excited to be offering this treatment and from the results we have seen so far- it’s truly brilliant. We feel we are competitively priced for this service at $300 for short hair, $400 for medium length, $500 for long. If you would like to ask questions or have a consult about the results you can expect, chat to Tom, he is our Keratin Wizard.

The Tracy Anderson Method

Gwenyth Paltrow

As someone who blogs, you’d think I would read others. But I never find myself in front of the internet with any time.

However I have decided, post-bubba weight, be gone! And I’m into the Tracy Anderson method.

You might know Tracy Anderson as Gwyneth and Madonna’s trainer.

I have done her workout a total of once – yes, once. But I only started yesterday!!

Will do again tomorrow… Promise.

Anyway, I’m now obsessed. She is amazing.

I found myself on Google and then reading GOOP - Gwyneth’s blog site. Really good!! Enjoyed her thoughts and opinions.

Blogs are cool.

So life is really picking up pace and the new salon is going well.

Like all things in life there are hitches, but signs went up today and most of the missing furniture arrives tomorrow.

Miss Nina is settling into her 2.5 days of childcare and her carers have all fallen for her. I knew they would!

Now we need some cool stylists and we’re away.

I’m not thinking this is going to be a walk in the park, finding people whose work we love. But you gotta put it out there and see what happens.

So now we are slowly checking things off the list, we just have to put our Christchurch show together - May 31, ages away.

Colour for Winter

Well, the days are shorter and the mornings cooler, It’s a sad “see ya later” to summer. Welcome to winter and all its glories. It’s Snuggle time.

A great excuse to spend some money. Ummm new coat, need boots. However if you can’t splash around heaps of cash get yourself a new, lush scarf. It will add life to your old coat and I say go for colour!!!

It's also time to look at your hair. Shiny, luxe locks are best for winter. Colour needs to be rich.

We want to make the very most of your skin tone - it needs brightening and warming up. Add a colour treatment to your first winter service as your hair will be a little porous and the treatment will help the colour last and stop it from looking dull.

Gone to split ends! Try a new length, layers or blunt off your base line. Use Moroccan Oil, the most AMAZING product around it will keep your hair healthy, fresh and super shiny.

Fresh is what KILLER HAIR is feeling as we open our doors today at our new salon Level One, 24 St Benedict’s St, Newton.

A very exciting time!

Come visit us for a consultation, treatment and blow-wave. It’s our opening month so we are giving away three free!

Delays, Delays

Unfortunately we have to make friends with delays, as the new salon build is not running to schedule.

Now apparently anyone who has had anything to do with tradesmen will tell you this is par for the course but us here at Killer are naive and cued everything to move ahead at said date.

So we will be at our old address for another week. Bummer really as I’m itching to move on and get started. Patience has never been my strong point in life.

Another delay which has been on our minds is Moroccan Oil but it’s ok, it will be in by Thursday and so more hotcakes for everyone.

I want to change my hair, problem is every time I mention it to someone they say, “Oh but I really like it”.

This doesn’t fuel my fire and so my hair has remained the same.

It’s hard to get a fringe trim around these parts if you’re me but as we’re changing everything else I just have to join in!

I’ll tell you about it next week.

Two Words – Moroccan Oil

Here at Killer Hair we have been astounded with a new product on the NZ market called Moroccan Oil.

I went along to the launch at the Hilton a few weeks ago and heard about its discovery. The company’s Canadian founder experienced a gruesome colour job in Israel. She went along to get it fixed by another hairdresser who used his handmade product on her hair and she just couldn’t get over the results.

She bought his recipe, the main ingredient being Argan Oil from Morocco and now it’s big news.

Why? Well at this launch I heard how it basically cures whatever ails your hair and scalp. So if you have frizzy, coarse hair expect a smooth shiny future or fine, limp locks? Ta-Da volume and fullness is yours! Dry, itchy scalps are healed with use of the product. Hairdressers have even stated their nails were stronger and dermatitis on their hands was cured after applying the product to their clients’ hair.

And of course celebs the world over adore Moroccan Oil.

Now every product launch comes with a buzz and so I was dubious but very curious.

I returned to the salon with my sample bottle and told Steven about it, he said: “So what type of hair do I use it on?”

I said “Everyone”.

By the end of the day we had 7 clients who wanted it as soon as our order arrived. I cannot tell you how much of a hot seller this product is. Were awaiting our next order and it won’t stay on the shelf.

You won’t believe it but it totally works. It totally works on everyone. It just seems to heal, it’s relief aid for your hair.

Now I could go on and on and yes there are impostors on the market but at only $60 for a100ml bottle and you need hardly any go and get yourself some Moroccan Oil, your hair will never be the same!

Mimi

Positive Affirmation

So far our business has been based purely on recommendations and word of mouth which we believe is the finest form of marketing. I love to hear about movies and restaurants through friends, it feels more like a safe bet because you trust and understand their standards.

BUT do you tell the person / company that you’re delighted?? Not many of us Kiwis are known for speaking up when something doesn’t meet the mark, we just vote with our feet and never return.

Steven and I work hard to do great hair. So many salons sell you a brand and promise “the experience” but from my experience it’s total bollocks. When all is said and done it’s a hair cut / colour you came for and when you go home, wear it for a few weeks and you’ll know if it was worth it.

Luckily our clients keep voting with their feet and returning to see us again and again, something we take pride in because it means they like what we do.

But seldom do we get an email that spells it out like Ruth did. Here is her email to us:

Dear Steven, Mimi and Tom,

Thank you so much for doing an awesome job on my hair...I honestly feel really good about myself since I came in for a colour and style. I've been using the hair products I purchased from you and have found that they really do work!! Thank you!! I've also been wearing my hair in different styles (thanks for the hair tips) and have been getting many compliments from people, which has really boosted my confidence!

Most of my life I’ve felt self conscious about my hair and could never really accept it for what it was and still is - big and frizzy!  As a kid I was constantly teased about my hair (kids can be so cruel sometimes) and would often feel very depressed and blame my poor parents for what they had given me - big frizzy hair! lol. Therefore I always wanted things I couldn't have e.g. beautiful straight hair and the list goes on!

Now that I am much older and hopefully wiser, I’ve come to realise (after having a chat with Steve) that I just need to work with what I have and what I do have, is just as beautiful as someone who has straight hair! Thanks Steve!! Steve, you told me to get my inspiration from African American women and their hairstyles, and this has been great advice because I’ve come across a really awesome website: curlynikki.com, which educates and inspires women to wear their hair naturally (e.g. curly, kinky....). It's great to know that I’m not alone and there are many women out there that have gone through similar hair experiences as me. I can't wait to watch Chris Rock's 'Good Hair' documentary....maybe I’ll get some insight as to why certain hair types (curly hair, frizzy hair...) are at times considered Bad'.....hmmmmm should be an interesting doco.

I'm so glad that I came across your website (Killerhair). If it wasn't for you I would probably not be feeling good about myself right now...I've never really been to a hair salon where I have felt completely relaxed and not ashamed of my hair! You guys are honestly the BEST hairdressers I have come across....you keep it real and tell the truth!!

Steven and I were blown away and also felt really good about ourselves, it reminded us to pass on our positive comments, not just to friends but to those that impressed.

Enjoy these last days of summer, it’s getting chillier, BOO HOO

ARGHHHHHHH!!!

Well first let me say sorry for being absent last week, it has been all go here.

Killer has been searching for a new HQ for many, many months and I can finally say that the search is over.

Pen has been put to paper and we have a new residence, move in mid April.

So I sit here sipping a celebratory glass of cold Savvy and feeling both fluttering butterflies and a dead weight in my stomach.

Like anything worth doing it freaks the hell out of ya. There are no guarantees. You just roll the dice and hope that clients will fill your chairs and it will all be a fabulous success.

The new space is on the v. cool St Benedict’s Street, Newton and although it will be a wee journey to get it up to perfect specs, it’s a journey we must take. Work and home in the same building can be a joy at times but it’s all got too much and so HOORAY – Killer Hair takes a leap on to the next lily pad.

So wherever you are and whatever you are doing keep in mind that that which scares you is that which you must do.

It keeps you from going stale and fresh is best.

See you in our new salon soon.

xx

Hot and Humid

Is it hot or what???

This weather can take it out of you and by the end of the day leave you feeling tired. It does nothing for your hair and make-up. Your do goes limp and your cosmetics just slide off your face, leaving you looking as exhausted as you feel.

I have straight hair and find that if I leave it even slightly damp it looks greasy by 2pm. If your hair is fine make sure it’s bone dry and add just a little light product like Davines Momo Daily cream to the ends. I use a lot less product in this weather as I want it light and airy.

If you have thick curly hair, then leave it a bit damp and add a nice shine product that’s still light like Davines Glorifying Shimmering Serum. It gives light moisture to combat frizz but no weight, cause you know you’re going to look like the wild women of Borneo by the time night comes.

Dry shampoo is a must for freshening up limp roots so you can go join your mates and look as crisp as a cold glass of Sav. Keep it in your handbag so you can sort yourself out straight after work. You can buy it from most Chemists. I love Batisse dry shampoo and it’s around $16 so very affordable.

Failing all of that pull your hair back into a ponytail either just below the crown or at the base of your hairline, tease length to make big and wrap into a bun securing with a few pins. This look is messy – Hooray!! And you get to feel the breeze on the back of your neck.

Summer Hair

As I’m writing this rain is coming down and making a hell of a noise on the skylight, a very welcome sound.

It has been hot hey! A true summer. But we can all sleep well tonight in the cooler air – YES!

Things are going along brilliantly and everyone is flooding back in with tales of their fun holidays.

Something you see every year at this time is damage and colour fading to hair with the UV and environmental distress. Sand, sun and surf is great and I love the way it makes hair look but it does tax the health of your hair.

So what to do? The answer is actually really easy, prevent.

When you’re sitting in the sun, wear a hat. Rinse salt and chlorine out of hair as soon as you can and step up your conditioner to pack in more protein and richness. For fine hair use a leave-in spritz to re-mineralise. Follow those steps and you should get through unscathed.

The Damage is done??

You can’t lose with an in-salon treatment personally prescribed for what ails your hair.

Budget’s tight??

Use Davine’s Glorifying Anti-age Elixir. Like the name suggests, it’s something special. Just apply a few drops to your sad sun damaged mids to ends, wait 5 mins, wash as usual and be wowed at the results. There are about 5 treatments in a vial which retails for around $20.

So enjoy this fantastic summer but don’t neglect your locks!

xxx

Oh my giddy Aunt!

Baby Nina

Can it truly be 2010 already?

We must be getting old ‘cause that just flew by and now it’s a whole new decade, WOW!!

Well the whole concept has sent us onto overdrive and we can see that it’s time for expansion and to take this whole Killer thing to a new level, BUT if the last decade taught us anything it’s to not get too big too soon. So wherever we move to you can be sure it will still have the quirky personal edge that we enjoy here at Fleet St.

While we watch the news and see the big chill that has encapsulated Europe we stick our heads outside and think “Awesome Summer”!! If the scientists are to be believed, let’s love it while we can! Steven and I have been influenced by this in the salon. Summer holiday hair doesn’t have to end when you get back to work. Just apply your finishing product when your hair is still damp to bring up natural texture and a light crunch. Add jandals and it’s an easy-as weekend look!

We hope you all had a brilliant Christmas and New Year - sorry you’ve not heard from us in a while. Hairdressers are mad busy at that time of year and add one Nina baby and we were a bit like the walking dead. But Nina is sleeping through the night now and even though we see the odd sunrise we have a much better handle on this whole parenting thing!

So expect to hear from us on a weekly basis at least.

Congratulations to Joanne, we look forward to seeing you in the salon next week as our competition winner.

Be sure to enter this month.