Capitol Hill's Premier Haircuts & Color

Emerson Salon is the best hair salon on Capitol Hill, Seattle. Our experienced hair stylists and colorists have been fusing the latest trends with top hair techniques for years. Whether you’re looking to transform your look in Seattle with a new haircut and color or just maintain your already hip style, we are here and ready to help.

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909 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122
T: 206-323-7437
@: emersonsalon@gmail.com

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Articles from ‘Ask A Stylist’

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Quick Fixes for Common Hair Issues

Life happens and we don’t always have time to fuss with our hair as much as we’d like. To most of us, looking good and feeling good is important and all of us have some kind of issue with our hair. Whether it is limp, dull, frizzy, or just a little lack luster from time to time, I have some simple solutions for the girl/guy on the go.

-1

Problem – You’ve woken up late and your hair is looking a little flat, but you don’t have time to start styling it from scratch. Solution – Membrane Gas by Fudge. This will give texture and volume to the limpest of hair. Use it as a hairspray for hold or for texture by manipulating the hair with your fingers while applying. The awesome thing about this product is that it actually has “memory,” meaning you can brush it out and rework the hair to your desired shape simply by applying a little more. Big hair, great texture and flexible hold. What more could you ask for?

-3

Problem – You’ve recently had a chemical service on your hair and it is just looking a little dry and dull. Washing it too much doesn’t do much but dry it out more, over-conditioning leaves it oily and leaving it alone drives you crazy. Solution – Moroccan Oil Glimmer Shine Spray. Apply to dry, dull hair to bring out the shine and shimmer. It is infused with argan oil and UV filters to protect from further damage do to the elements. This light weight shine is easy to use and long lasting.

-4

Problem – Curly hair that is frizzy due to weather or just natural texture. Solution – Alterna’s Shaping Balm. When applying this to dry hair it acts as an anti-humectant. It will smooth out any frizz and leave pliable, shiny curls. Plus, Alterna products are all paraben and gluten free.

Whatever your specific hair issues, there is almost certainly a solution out there. For more helpful tips, come on in and see one of our stylists here at Emerson!

Post by Amanda

TagsAmanda Kochansky, Ask A Stylist, Hair Tips, Styling Products, Styling Tips

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

Keep Your Hair Looking Fly While You Fly

Fresh Hair While Traveling

Fresh Hair While Traveling

Spring is the time of year when business travel and leisure travel are both at their height. Conventions, conferences, vacations, weddings, family visits all bring a certain amount of preparation when packing to ensure you have all the items you need without overloading your suitcase. Most airlines are starting to charge for oversized or very heavy bags so keeping things minimized is key. At Emerson Salon, we regularly give jetsetters recommendations on items that won’t bulge the duffel bag or budget during travel.

The good news is small bags and looking great are necessarially mutually exclusive, here are some great tips on how to get the most out of your hair with minimal tools:

  • Kevin Murphy Jetpacks: These adorable travel packs of Kevin Murphy products allow you to get your favorite shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and hair products on the go. This is definitely an essential part of any traveler’s emergency kit!
  • Emergency Blowdryer: While most hotels these days keep a blow dryer on site, not all do and even those that have a “blow dryer” don’t always work so we recommend bringing your own dryer for maximum effect. You can get a very manageable foldable travel sized dryer at most drugstores. Look for wattage of between 1000-1500 and many have retractable cords making packing even easier. You can also find travel sized 3″ flat irons for those quick hair touchups between events.
  • Moroccan Oil: Trying to manage thick or fine wavy/curly hair across different climates and conditions can be a major pain, try the 25ml trial size of Moroccan Oil. This handy product helps to impart shine, control frizz, and contains conditioning properties to protect the hair during heat styling. It does quite a lot for such a small package and uses the natural properties of argan oil to keep your hair healthy and going strong.
  • Fresh Hair: Rushing between events? Trying to maximize your time on the beach before heading in to town? If you aren’t able to get back to the hotel to touch up your hair, try Fresh Hair as a way to refresh and revitalize on the go. With a few quick sprays, this handy product will dissolve excess oils and smells after a long day in hot temperatures or long meetings. An absolute must for any beach bag or conference tote!
  • Styling Tools: A few tools are absolutely vital for your styling needs, these are our recommendations on what to pack: make sure to bring a large comb (with fine and wide set teeth), a medium sized round brush (thermal or boar bristle), a few clips, hair elastics or barettes, and one or two fancy pieces of hair jewelry for more formal outings.
  • Hair Spray: Traveling with hairspray can be difficult, so if you decide to bring hair spray, we recommend keeping it to a minimum. Look for something versatile like Working Spray by Alterna which can meet many of your styling needs with one product. TIP: When packing your hair spray, use some tape to secure the cap onto the hairspray can. This prevents it from going off in your luggage when jostled about in the plane or at baggage claim.
  • For guys on the go: Use a medium hold texturizer like Alterna’s Sheer Pomade. It can provide a variety of looks from sleek and sculpted to messy and fun all in one product.

And remember, the last thing you want to do is stress about your hair when you are out of town. So be organized and plan ahead and your tresses will be as happy as you are when you are on the go! Bon Voyage!

post by D’Arcy

TagsAsk A Stylist, D'Arcy Harrison, Hair Tips, Styling Tips

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

Looking Good While Getting In Shape

-1

So it’s mid February already and hopefully not all of you have given up on your New Year’s resolutions yet. For many, I’m sure getting in shape was at the top of your list and finding time to get to the gym can be difficult. The best thing to do is maximize your time while you are there. To do this, start by making yourself feel good about how you look when going to the gym. This may sound ridiculous, but I am a firm believer that you will work harder when you aren’t worried about looking frumpy or just plain unattractive. I’m not saying it’s a fashion show, but the right gym clothes, hair and makeup will make all the difference.

For starters, wear clothes that fit and compliment your shape. An oversized t-shirt can actually make you look heavier rather than camouflaging your belly. Try a more fitted shirt that gives definition to your waist. Also feel free to play with colors. Try and find something in a color that compliments your skin tone. As far as pants go, I would keep the colors simple – black, grey and darker colors generally work best on the bottom. But don’t forget to wear a pair that is in your size. Baggy pants are just as unflattering as an oversized tee. Don’t forget a sports bra either. These are so important and can make all the difference in the world. A comfy, well fitted sports bra will help keep your focus on your workout and not how many people are watching your “bounce.”

-2

As far as makeup is concerned, I like to use the acronym KIS – Keep It Simple. A light foundation is best. Preferably water based to help prevent clogged pores. Oil and sweat are not a pretty combo. I really like to use a tinted foundation, it won’t run and looks natural. You can also wear a little blush. I try not to do too much only because I’m fair and tend to blush all on my own when I work out. Add a little waterproof mascara and you’re ready to go. Ladies, please no smoky eyes at the gym. This is just a little silly.

Whether you have long or short hair, pull it back. If you need a few pins or a head band, go for it. Keep that hair away from your face, especially if you use a lot of product. Sweaty, matted hair is a distraction and not cute to say the least.

Good Luck!!!

Post by Amanda

TagsAmanda Kochansky, Ask A Stylist, Hair Tips

Wednesday, December 30th, 2009

Corrective Color Explained

CorrectiveColor

Going from light to dark or dark to light?  Not sure what is considered a corrective color?  Why are corrective colors so pricey?  I’ve got the answers!

I will start with the obvious.  Dark to light.  This is almost always considered a corrective color.  The reason being is that is often at least a 2 or 3 step process.  This usually means that it requires a lot of time, product and knowledge.  Lifting hair color is a delicate process or at least should be if you want to keep the hair on your head.  Your stylist may recommend a color remover first and then a highlight to maintain the integrity of your hair.  It also almost impossible to quote a price over the phone.  You will want to make an appointment for a consultation beforehand.  Your stylist won’t be able to know what needs to be done until they have thoroughly examined the hair and you have agreed on a plan of action that will work for both of you.  Don’t try this at home!

Going from light to dark isn’t as tricky but should still be done professionally.  I have seen some green hair in my day from clients who have attempted this on their own.  Grocery store color is a big no-no.  This is usually because your hair has certain undertones to it that when mixed with “medium brown” color will turn green or kind of a swampy (for lack of a better word) brown.  If you are a blonde considering going several levels (shades) darker, your stylist will need to use a filler.  This is where it turns in to a corrective color.  A filler IS necessary and will prevent the hair from turning green and keep it from fading so quickly.  If you are just going a shade darker and don’t require a filler, then it wouldn’t necessarily be a corrective color.  That’s not to say you should do it yourself.  You wouldn’t want to turn it into a corrective color.  Again, Don’t try this at home!

Our stylists here at Emerson are hair color experts. So take my advice, squeeze a little extra out of your wallet the first time and avoid having to walk around with green hair. Our stylist knows what they are doing and know how to make your color shine!

Post by Amanda

TagsAmanda Kochansky, Ask A Stylist, Hair Care, Hair Color

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

Holiday Party Glam

Tis the season to be glamorous for all your holiday parties. The looks this year are heavily inspired by the 1940’s. Strong lash lines, dramatic eyes, red lips and a little shimmer should do the trick – don’t be afraid to add some fake lashes to give you that splash of extra drama!
Here are my tips on how to get that perfect look for your holiday parties:
  • Starting with the eyes: apply Paint in Stilife by Mac Cosmetics to prime the eyelid (this prevents creasing and holds the eyeshadow in place). Next, cover the lid with Naked Lunch eyeshadow, also by Mac – in the crease apply a touch of bronze, violet or grey toned eyeshadow for a VERY light contrast. (You don’t want to go to dark if you plan on wearing red lips).
  • If you are going for the fake lashes, the next step would be the liquid liner. My favorite is Fluidline in Blacktrack by Mac. Apply this with a small liner blush right against the lash line. This helps camouflage any space that you may leave between your lashes and the fake lashes. Here comes the tricky part – applying the lashes. Choose lashes that will best suit the occasion. Shu Uemera has an amazing selection of lashes, but I sometimes pick up a pair from the nearest drugstore and they work just as well. You want to start by trimming them to the length of your lash line. Gently pull them from the plastic and cut from the outside of the lash. Apply a thin coat of clear drying lash glue and put them as close as possible to your natural lashes. I use tweezers to help me manipulate the lashes properly. After they dry, apply mascara to your lashes to blend them in with the false ones.
  • For your cheeks, apply a bright color to the apples of your cheeks and gently sweep back. Be sure not to overbronze in the winter. Chances are you haven’t seen as much sun lately and you don’t want to over do it. I find a more peach hue to work the best. Dust a light shimmer near your temples and you are almost there!
  • Now for the lips. Choose a shade that best compliments your skin tone. Anyone at a makeup counter should be able to help. Prime the lips first with a bit of concealer, line them using a brush and the shade of your choice then fill them in. Be sure to bring the lipstick with you for quick retouches throughout the night.
Have fun!

Post by Amanda

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Emerson Salon 909 E Pike St Seattle (Haircuts & Color)
www.EmersonSalon.com / Facebook – Twitter

TagsAmanda Kochansky, Ask A Stylist, Style, Styling Tips

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

Preparing Your Hair For Seattle’s "Monsoon" Weather

The weather forecast is predicting more rain this week in Seattle and this may spell trouble for your coif.

Frizz, “poofiness,” and lack of manageability may be caused by humidity in the air. To conquer this, use Moroccan Oil!

At Emerson Salon we now carry a smaller 0.85 fl. oz size that is great for when you travel, in your purse or just as a first time trial.

The argan oil used in Moroccan Oil really helps to nourish and control the hair when you are suffering through weather related hair “trauma.” Derived from the argan nut, this conditioning oil when used on medium-thick hair (curly, wavy or straight) can aid in curl manageability, straightening, heat defense, color hold, shine, and conditioning.

Some other product Emerson Salon suggests for frizz include:

  • Kevin Murphy’s Motion Lotion Curl Enhancer (for finer hair)
  • Kevin Murphy’s Easy Rider Anti Frizz Creme (for shorter, thicker hair)
  • Moroccon Oil’s Intense Curl Cream

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Emerson Salon 909 E Pike St Seattle (Haircuts & Color)
www.EmersonSalon.com / Facebook – Twitter

TagsAsk A Stylist, Curly Hair, D'Arcy Harrison, Hair Tips, MoroccanOil

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

Emerson Salon’s Guide to Bumbershoot – Day 1

As you may have guessed, we love being a part of this great city, and one of the amazing benefits of Seattle is the annual music festival called Bumbershoot, where for 3 glorious days, the Seattle Center is graced with an unending string of musical acts and live performances. Unfortunately with a dizzying array of talent ranging from the biggest named stars to no-name indie talents, it can be bewildering to navigate. However, Emerson Salon is here to help. With our emphasis on finding great musical talent, wherever it may hide, we have teased out this year’s must see performances.

First, here are the key details. Bumbershoot will take place this weekend, September 5th to 7th. Tickets are available on bumbershoot.org and run from $50 for a day pass to $120 for the entire 3-day festival. While this is a pretty penny, the show is jam-packed with amazing talent so it is not entirely outrageous. If you can bamboozle your way into a free ticket, all the better!

Day 1 – Saturday, September 5th

12:45 PM – Everest
Broad Street Stage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz2P8r8_EgA

2:00 PM – Hotels
EMP – SkyChurch
http://www.myspace.com/hotels

2:30 PM – Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head
Broad Street Stage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvaaRlCKc5c

3:15 PM – We Are Golden
Northwest Court Stage
http://www.wearegoldenmusic.com/

4:15 PM – Low Vs Diamond
Broad Street Stage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyqFx8DAKcY

5:00 PM – Eat something

6:00 PM – Matt & Kim
Broad Street Stage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgBeu3FVi60

6:45 PM – Eric Hutchinson
Starbucks Stage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_y8zBwHAf4

7:45 PM – Uh Huh Her
Broad Street Stage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSJI0o7T4sk

8:30 PM – Elvis Perkins in Dearland
Northwest Court Stage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp7ekqTj9eo

9:30 PM – Kay Kay & His Weather Underground
EMP – SkyChurch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cx646CJhFd8

Phew! Now go home and rest we’ve got a big day ahead of us tomorrow. Guide to Sunday and Monday coming soon.

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Emerson Salon 909 E Pike St Seattle (Haircuts & Color)
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TagsAsk A Stylist, Concerts, Events, Music, Salon Playlist, Seattle

Monday, August 31st, 2009

How to Achieve A Short Blonde Texture Cut

My client Heather has great hair to work with. It is fine, thick, and loves texture! She tells me that she gets compliments on her haircut all the time.
How to get this short, sassy, yet trendy look?
  • First, I cut Heather’s hair in a short style, with a razor.
  • She also likes highlights, so I foil her hair.
  • She gets her hair trimmed every 5 weeks, and we maintain her highlights every 2 1/2 months. This keeps her color fresh and isn’t damaging to her hair.

“Great, but how does she care for her hair at home?”
Great question!
  • She shampoos her hair every other day.
  • She uses Kevin Murphy’s Sticky Business, a very fibrous, firm matte holding product that we carry at the salon, to give her hair volume, texture, hold, and to define her style!
-posted by Lancer

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Emerson Salon 909 E Pike St Seattle (Haircuts & Color)
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TagsAsk A Stylist, Hair Care, Lancer Forney, Styling Tips

Saturday, August 29th, 2009

How to Get the Perfect Facial Hair

Should I grow a beard or a mustache? The answer lies in your genetics, plus the length of time since you started growing facial hair.


How to start growing yours?

  • Individuals vary in pace, quantity, and density in their facial hair growth.
  • Patience is key. While some men grow thick facial hair in a matter of weeks or months, others may never be able to grow a full beard or mustache.
  • Put the OCD aside for now. You will have to get scruffy. Besides, manicured scruff can look good!

What design is best for me?

  • Some facial hair grows in thick in certain areas of the face, whereas other areas on the same face are very sparse or even bare!
  • Patchy or bald areas in an otherwise full beard, or sideburns that never grow in fully are common, so, work with what you’ve got- it’s all about the style!

-posted by Lancer

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Emerson Salon 909 E Pike St Seattle (Haircuts & Color)
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TagsAsk A Stylist, Facial Hair, Lancer Forney

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

Elle Magazine: A Short Hair Odyessey

A recent Elle Magazine piece featured the hair adventures of one reporter as she shed her long locks for a much shorter pixie-style haircut. While she claims that her snappy short cut cost her her boyfriend, she found the new short style to be highly admired by her women friends and even drawing a “Chic hair!” complement from one gay male acquaintance. In the author’s opinion, this perceived trade-off was more than worthwhile.

This kind of circumstantial evidence hardly proves the adage that men prefer women with long hair, but the saying has been long cited making us wonder if it is true? Of course, many celebrities, such as Rihanna above, sport a short pixie look to great acclaim. So, what do you think? Does going short for a woman come with romantic consequences? Or does this wives-tale belong on Snopes.com?

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Emerson Salon 909 E Pike St Seattle (Haircuts & Color)
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TagsAsk A Stylist, Celebrity Hairstyles, Hair Pictures, Pixe Cuts, Short Hair, Women's Hair

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