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Articles from ‘Men’s Hair’
Thursday, October 11th, 2018
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Monday, December 25th, 2017
Larsen Barber
Kyle Larsen, aka “Larsen Barber” and his lovely wife Meghan are embarking upon their next chapter in Portland OR. His last day of work at Emerson was Saturday February 24th. Emerson Salon wishes him the best of luck with his new life in Portland.
If you would like to contact him, his email is larsenbarber@gmail.com , and his website is http://www.larsenbarber.com
At Emerson Salon, we value all of our independent hair professionals’ and their guests. If you would like to have your hair done on Capitol Hill, we are always at your disposal. Select a professional within the “STYLISTS” circle on our Home page at emersonsalon.com and automatically book online or contact them directly with your questions.
We aim to continue to provide you with, “Style That Works!”
Monday, July 3rd, 2017
Fast, Fantastic Style
Who has time to spend over 30 min on their hair? Not many people! We’re always running off to work and sometimes to meet friends afterwards, which makes hours-long glam impossible! Here are some quick tips for getting a 1-2-3 step style!
For men, the types of cuts pictured that are longer on top and extremely faded down to skin are very popular! But even if you have a medium length haircut, there are 2 go-to products you can use quickly for n easy yet refined look.
-If you want texture, hold and/or a matte finish: use the beeswax based Night Rider by Kevin Murphy. Its great for creating hold on medium to thicker hair types or densities.
-If you want light hold and a soft sheen finish: use the featherweight Undressed by Kevin Murphy. Its great for finer hair types and creates a shine finish that mimics slight wetness.
If you have short to a longer pixie cut, you can play with different finishes and texture for variety.
–MoroccanOil’s Texture Paste and Kevin Murphy‘s Bedroom.Hair are both great products for adding definition, texture and medium hold. It can be very helpful for holding a swoop bang like in the picture to the right.
-For a sleeker look, try Molding Cream by MoroccanOil. The argan oil in it is conditioning and helps create some of the slicked back looks that are so popular on the runways.
If you have medium to long length hair, try creating a soft beachy texture.
-Try Kevin Murphy Hair Resort Spray (fine hair) or Hair Resort gel (medium to thick hair) to your dry hair from mid-shafts to ends. These products create hold with minimal effort.
-Blow dry into damp hair using a slow speed, medium heat dryer. Use a curling iron and wind the hair around the curling iron (2″-3″ diameter) in alternating directions, taking 2- 3 rotations. This creates movement and slight volume. Or, curl all pieces away from the face to create soft waves. Make sure not to curl the last 1-2″ of the ends for a tousled look, and do not use the clip on the curling iron.
Once the hair is curled and cooled completely (17-20 minutes ideally), use your hands to stretch the curl out a bit by grabbing big sections and smoothing your hands down the curls. This will soften them up and make them look more natural. To finish, use Session Spray by Kevin Murphy lightly, from 12″ away from your hair to hold the curl and protect it from humidity.
Once you have done this a few times, you will become quick like QUICKSILVER! Going from day into night should be simple and almost effortless…
No one’s got time for being a Diva ’bout their hair! You can also book a quick styling session with one of our independent stylists online! Our profiles are on emersonsalon.com so you can make a choice and book your appointment through our booking links provided.
Friday, May 19th, 2017
What the Trend?! Summer 2017
Now is the time of year in Seattle where the rainy days arrive less frequently, the leaves come out and people smile a little brighter!
With the likelihood of hairstyles being ruined by precipitation decreasing- its time to think about fun haircuts and hairstyles that are simple but also, on trend.
Longer Hair
Above are a set of medium to long length haircuts and hairstyles from some of the runways-gone are the heavily layered hairstyles and razored textures and gaining popularity are the “casually done” looks. The basic haircut to most of these styles is hair length no more than the middle or top of the shoulder blades with soft, blended texture on the ends to emphasize movement. Framing the face by the cheekbones is out and the longer contouring of the hair by the collarbone is in. These hairstyles mix and match 4 types of styles: 1) wet, slick look 2) controlled volume 3) soft waves and 4) messy braids. Middle and deep parts are still heavily used with a little root lift to remove flatness. Looking to recreate these style?
Recommended Tools: A large wave hot iron, a flat iron, a fine toothed comb, a wide toothed comb, and bobby pins.
Recommended Products: Kevin Murphy Young.Again with immortelle oil for shine and moisture. Kevin Murphy Doo.Over to help emphasize messy braids in finer hair with backcombing. MoroccanOil Strong Hold Hairspray for style hold.
Medium Length
Bobs and “lobs” are also very chic and are quicker and easier to style during the hotter months. Again, heavily layered shapes are out and blended, shattered texture on the ends of the general shapes is showing up on students, hipsters and mature professionals alike. Some chose to leave the front long and some opt for a rounded, Brigitte Bardot style fringe that creates blended wisps by the face.
Recommended Tools: A tapered, clipless curling iron and a wide toothed comb.
Recommended Products: Kevin Murphy Body Builder and/or MoroccanOil Beach Wave Mousse.
Textured Hair
For natural, textured hair allowing your wave and curl to be emphasized with height a high ponytail can be made into a fun, casual updo in seconds. Gone are the days of stick straight hair with a flatiron! Show off your true self by emphasizing how your hair WANTS to be.
Recommended Tools: Wide toothed comb, bobby pins, boar bristle brush and a large, fabric covered and strong elastic.
Recommended Products: MoroccanOil Original Treatment, Kevin Murphy Killer Curls, and Kevin Murphy Session Spray.
Short Hair- Feminine
This year, many female identifying individuals are daring to go short! Both versions emphasize fullness and movement and emphasize bone structure and elongate and enhance the perception of the neck and décolleté. It’s not just flat short Mia Farrow pixie cuts anymore!
Recommended Tools: Blow dryer and diffuser.
Recommended Products: Kevin Murphy Hair Resort and MoroccanOil Root Boost.
Short Hair – Masculine
For male identifying peeps, the spring/summer looks are trending towards more classic shapes and styling. Deep side parts and combed in looks are defining everyday and formal looks for the gentlemen.
Recommended Tools: Fine toothed comb.
Recommended Products: Kevin Murphy Super.Goo (strong hold) or Free.Hold (mild, grooming creme.)
For a more modern look, quiffs are being paired with tapered layers on the side or an extreme bald fade with clippers.
Recommended Tools: Fine Toothed Comb.
Recommended Products: Kevin Murphy Night.Rider (matte wax texturizer- strong hold) or Reuzel Red pomade (high sheen, heavy hold).
Looking to freshen up and revamp your look for the new season?
Book a haircut appointment with one of our fun, exciting professionals by selecting one from their profile and booking with them online 24-48 hrs in advance!
Go to Emersonsalon.com and Select the “Stylists” circle.
HURRY before all the good spots are taken because right now EVERYONE is looking to get their hair done!
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2015
Masterful Men’s Hair
Men’s hair needs to be versatile, as well as grow out attractively. Lately we have been seeing trends in short, medium and longer hairstyles for men. Here we detail the ways to ask for these haircut styles, and how long they generally can hold up for. Communicating your desires effectively with your stylist is key to receiving not just a satisfactory haircut…but an excellent one!
MODERN IVY LEAGUE
This is a very stylized haircut for men- but when it is worn with confidence, it can get many a look on the street. The sides and nape are clippered down to 1/8″, and blended into a disconnected top. The barber or stylist needs to make sure the hair from the crown to the occipital bone is kept long, and to take time blending into the disconnection. Also, in order to emphasize the part line, it may be necessary to buzz the line to the skin. The top is left longer, and might need to be layered into the shorter blended hair around the temple or parietal area. Clipper over comb and shear work is essential to achieving a custom blend for the haircut and hairline. We love the product Night Rider by Kevin Murphy to style the pompadour look. This is a firm hold product, which will help to lay down the part. This look can last between 3-6 weeks.
THE MOVIE STAR
This is a great short to medium length look. It utilizes clippers at the edges and ears, as well as shear over comb and layering work to taper the shorter parts into the top. Some stylists may add texture on top with shears, a razor or texturizing shears; depending on your hair type. If your hair is prone to frizz, request manual texturizing/carving/incising, which is with shears, to minimize unruly hair. A great product to use for this is Undressed by Kevin Murphy. It has light hold and a mild sheen to it, and will help emphasize the texture. This look can last between 4-7 weeks.
THE WAVE
This is a great short into long look. Don’t worry- your hair doesn’t need to be wavy or curly to achieve it. We’re showing you that this style looks good on textured hair as well! Clippers are used to sharpen the very edges only, and shears are used to remove bulk and length from the sides. The top is longer yet cut to emphasize movement and texture. We like to use Easy Rider by Kevin Murphy, to moisturize the hair as well as control frizzies and to take too-much fullness. This look can last 5-8 weeks.
Need a new ‘do? Our independently run hair designers all work with men’s and shorter hair!
BOOK ONLINE WITH YOUR PREFERRED STYLIST 24hrs- 48 hrs in advance, at
Thursday, September 24th, 2015
Salon Confessional #2
It seems our salon fans love hearing about the inside scoop from stylists within our salon-
so we are doing another SALON CONFESSIONAL!
Why doesn’t my fashion color last past a month?
Many ladies are coming in wanting the trendy purple, teal, pale pinks, lilac or grey “granny hair.” What this entails is bleaching the hair to the lightest possible blond in order for a pastel shade to show up. This may mean that it cannot be achieved in one session depending on what history is already on your hair. Generally, pastel and vivid extreme colors are semi-permanent. Semi-permanents are direct dyes (meaning they sit on top of the hair) and last between 10-16 shampoos -but may be even less if it is a pastel shade. Pastels have no guaranteed longevity and are completely temporary. It is not the stylist’s “fault” if it doesn’t last as long as you would prefer. The nature of the service can be extremely damaging even on the healthiest of hair and can compromise the hairs’ ability to hold color in addition to the nature of the semi-permanent shade used to create the selected hue. Using appropriate sulfate free, professional level, color safe products assists in keeping the color but does not guarantee how long it will last.
Why is my hair so dry and damaged after I get highlights?
- Bleach is an entirely different chemical process than coloring your hair. Bleach aggressively breaks up the hair’s pigment with chemical explosions and results in breaking apart the hair’s structure. Then, we can go in with a semi, demi or permanent color to create the tonality we wish to make that will assist also in holding the hair’s structure together. Hair can become frizzy and porous with the potential of breakage when bleached. Previously colored hair must be bleached in order for it to become lighter so if you have dark color on your hair, the only choice for a stylist is to use bleach.
Why are men’s haircut prices less than women’s longer hair prices?
- One of our stylists, Michael Simons has great insight on this with his over 20 years of experience. “I tell clients that the amount of $ and time I put into training to execute women’s and longer haircuts is extensively more than for men’s shorter haircuts.” With men’s haircuts you are looking at a span of 4-6 weeks between cuts. With women a bad haircut could take years to grow out so the work entailed must be top notch.
- D’Arcy, co-owner of Emerson Salon also adds,”I take into account the amount of time and product (shampoo, conditioner + styling product) used in the service. The more hair left on the head the higher the price of the haircut. Also, the price is also based on the training I received for the service. For example, I spent a few years learning advanced color knowledge and haircutting techniques. For men’s cutting I spent 4-6 months learning how to use clippers appropriately. “
What’s the biggest piece of advice for a client in your chair?
- Michael Simons says that clients need to feel the liberty to speak up in the chair. “I take it as a compliment when people are able to tell me something they do not like about their cut or color in the chair. You trust me as a professional to take the feedback and try to rectify the problem.”
- No stylist wants you to be unhappy with your hair. Creating a style you are satisfied with needs to come from a space that feels safe for you to communicate. Also, getting defensive about our work does not create long lasting clientele and most hair professionals are able to take the critique with poise and grace. So tell us how you really feel (respectfully of course!) We can handle it!
Have we dispelled some myths for you?
We hope so! We are here to make sure our clients understand what is entailed for their hair services at Emerson Salon. We always recommend researching a new style or hair color before embarking on a new look! Ask your stylist lots of questions in the consultation about pricing, recommended care and maintenance and get the best possible service for you and your budget.
Book with an Emerson Salon independent stylist through their profile today!
go to www.emersonsalon.com and select a stylist to book online!
Wednesday, April 15th, 2015
Frolick With Fun Hair at Festivals
The music festival season is upon us! When the sun comes out, the desire to dance outside and listen to top acts strut their stuff means you have to have fun hair! (Duh!)
Here we review some of the looks we saw popping up at SXSW and Coachella recently as you prepare for Sasquatch and other fests…
The trendiest women’s hair colors are pastels this spring. Light Teal, slate gray and pale lilac (see right above) are all the rage and young women are calling off the hook at the salon for them! It is good for you to know, however,that in order to achieve these looks that there will be bleaching involved. Hair must be lifted to a pale white/yellow blond in order for any pastel to show up. Otherwise the remaining pigment in the hair will override the color you are trying to achieve (imagine trying to put pale blue on yellow/gold hair- yellow and blue makes green! no bueno!)
Bleaching the hair to this level of lightness can be extremely damaging to the hair and can be costly for you as a client. So, if you want to avoid hair breakage – you can always opt for a nice wig (see Kylie Jenner above) or try a colored hair powder or spray and set it with some flexible hairspray like MoroccanOil Medium Hold or Alterna Caviar’s Working Spray, so it will not rub off on clothes or friends you hug. These methods simply wash out in the shower with shampoo and water but be careful- if your hair is porous or damaged it could stain the hair a tad.
You can do some beach waves with Hair Resort by Kevin.Murphy and take a small, reverse french braid down the center part (left above) or try a loosened up french braid (right above.) Need some tips? Try watching this YouTube tutorial here.
Guys like to have fun with their festival hair too!
You could try what has been playfully coined,”The Lumbersexual Look,” (see left above) which is a very tight fade/clipper cut with a buzzed in part along the disconnection, longer hair on top (for parting and pompadour-ing) and a full beard that dramatically transitions in the sideburn area. Try using Night Rider or Super Goo by Kevin Murphy to help hold the coiffed style on top. Or you can try a clean and tight taper cut with a dreaded/messy top (see right above, Vic Mesa at Coachella.)
Bring your inner boho-chic out with these festival trends and make sure to hit up Emerson Salon for all your hair needs- our independent hairstylists are excited to work with you! Book with one directly today….
Wednesday, March 18th, 2015
Sexy Men’s Hair
Do you get uncomfortable trying to tell your stylist what type of short men’s haircut you prefer?
Here are some tips on how to talk about getting a new look:
1) Learn some basic terminology: Taper, Block, Fade, Layers
(We also found a great terminology guide here that has some pics: http://www.ftmguide.org/haircuts.html)
– TAPER: Looking at the picture above, see how the hair moves down the head from longer to shorter to nothing? That is what we call tapering. This can be done with clippers but can also be detailed and perfected with shear over comb or other techniqgues. It leaves an undefinable difference between hair and the neckline.
-BLOCK: When a barber or stylist asks you if you like the back “blocked off” it means there is still some hair bulk that can be cut so there is a definable line at the hairline.
-FADE: This refers to the technique of blending the different lengths as it is tapered. Otherwise, you can see obvious differences between the lengths. For example, if the hair was not faded like in the picture above you could see heavy weight lines from the bulk that has been left.
-LAYERS: This refers to the act of using scissors to remove weight from the hair. This technique can help blend longer hair down into shorter, more faded lengths. This technique is helpful in softening the bulk on the top and crown of the head.
2) Learn what type of hair you have:
-Fine, Medium, Thick (refers to each individual hair’s thickness)
– Straight, Wavy, Curly, Kinky (refers to texture)
– Thin, Medium or Thick Density (refers to density of hair)
Once you know what type of hair you have it is much easier to try and find pictures of haircuts that would work best with your hair type. Google mens cut+ your hair type and look in the images portion of the search results. Or, use Pinterest! Stylists love looking at pictures of what you are looking for in your new haircut! Also, it helps you to understand how your hair will work for your new haircut.
3) Make sure to tell your stylist what has and has not worked for your hair in the past.
Do you have any odd cowlicks or growth patterns? Does you hair stick out as it grows back in? Does your hair hate razor cuts or thinning shears? No sense in repeating ickyness from old haircuts!
4) Ask the stylist to recommend the right product for the haircut you are asking for.
No sense in wearing that awesome new do without the right product to help show it off! TIP: Have the stylist give you a brief tutorial on how to put it into your hair. Do you need a comb? Can you use your fingers? Do you have to do any heat styling? TIP: The top 2 products for men at Emerson Salon are the lightweight Easy Rider and the matte ,firm hold Night Rider by Kevin Murphy.
Men’s short haircuts grows quickly so changing your style every few months is possible for many men! Try out one of our EXCITING stylists at Emerson Salon for your next haircut …….
Thursday, February 5th, 2015
Pinterest Your New Look!
We love it when clients bring in pictures but sometimes pulling up pictures on Google Images can be annoying! Hairstylists are visual animals who love to use images as inspiration for your new look.
So we suggest utilizing Pinterest boards and/or create your own account! Some of our stylists have their own hair Pinterest boards and we even have one for the salon! (see screenshot below or go to https://www.pinterest.com/emerson_salon/)
Take a look-they are organized by category. Like “Men’s Hair” or “Hair Color Ideas.” For example, if you are curious about trying out a new haircolor -you can pin many versions of ones that you like in order to have an in depth conversation with your stylist about what you prefer to see on your hair.
Feel free to peruse our stylists’ boards for inspiration! Who knows- maybe you will pick something that stylist has been dying to let someone try on them!
- D’Arcy has www.pinterest.com/DARCYHAIRDESIGN which has great formal styling and balayage pins….
- Lancer has https://www.pinterest.com/hglancer/ which includes “Awesome Men’s Hair,” and “Asymmetrical Cuts…”
Have fun and remember- the more you pin and share with your trust hair professional the more likely you will be “wowed” by what they create for you! Designing hair is fun so enjoy the process…… We want to enjoy it WITH you!
Contact an independent Emerson stylist through their profile to make an appointment directly today!
Tuesday, January 6th, 2015
Hair Trend Heads Up! for 2015
2014 saw the rise of some interesting trends that will perhaps continue into winter of 2015. For super short hair, the tightly faded ivy league with a super clean part was popular with the edgy and conservative set (left above.) For medium/short hair, the textured and longer pixie cut was great for versatility, style and function (see right above). But the biggest trend of 2014 was the “lob” or long bob haircut for medium length hair (see center above.) The “lob” is great for those with thicker hair that want to be able to put their hair back but don’t want the work of longer tresses.
In 2015, we will see some interesting cut and style trends if the runways are any indication. Check out some of these!
MEDIUM to LONG HAIR
STAPLES: The tried and true staples will be in full effect in 2015. Long hair parted in the middle. Sleek hair parted in the middle or on the side in a low ponytail.
TRENDS: Stella McCartney was playing with crimping small sections and putting the hair into a low ponytail. Balmain, Zac Posen, and Versace have been doing inspired throw back looks to the 80’s with a slicked back and wet look. Alberta Feretti and Emilio Pucci went for a more simple “Woodstock Wave” that invoked a relaxed, hippie vibe and Nanette Lepore favored big, fat, messy top knots which differ from the sleek ones of 2014.
SHORTER HAIR:
STAPLES: Clean edges. Enhanced texture/wave.
TRENDS: It looks like the clean, tight fade will fade away soon and be replaced by a more relaxed feel with shorter hair. The top can be left longer with minimal texture so many different types of styles can be achieved with a medium hold pomade. Pompadour, slicked back, parted or side hawk this look will work for many different personalities and lifestyles. Is your hair bulky? Maybe try Jamie Dornan’s look (right above) that has length towards the face/forehead but is layered and tapered down for a slight “tousled” look. Mr. Dornan will be playing the infamous Christian Grey character in the film, “Fifty Shades of Grey,” opening in February (trailer below.)
Can you wait to see his sexy style in action on screen? We can’t!
If you feel like tryin’ on one of these trends- let us know! Or, start your own this year and be the style maker everyone ELSE follows! Emerson Salon’s independent stylists aim to create something just for you- contact one of them now!
