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.

Schedule your appointment today!

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

Articles from ‘Women's Hair’

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

Beyonce’s Big Hair

beyonce-300

In an effort to help people with their substance abuse issues, Beyonce unveiled the Pheonix House in Brooklyn, New York. This center helps rehabilitate patients away from drugs and alcohol while simultaneously training them in cosmetology. Doing hair and making people happy can be a great way to feed the soul in addition to being a great career!

beyonce_hd_3e__oPt

Beyonce also just finished a photoshoot with some exciting editorial hair for her clothing line, House of Dereon.

Want some height like Beyonce’s? Try these tips for this “larger” hairstyle:

  • Spray your dry, brushed out hair lightly with Working Spray by Alterna.
  • Tell your stylist to back comb the entire crown section of hair to create a solid base with lots of height. Then, softly back-brush the sections around the backcombing and pin into a bun shape at the crown. Spray again lightly.
  • The hair around the bun can be lightly back-brushed and then curled with a styling iron. Follow by brushing out the hair into soft waves with a cushion brush and spray lightly again.
  • Slowly layer a harder hold spray as you shape the height with the warmth of your fingers/hands. Mold and sculpt the waves on and around the height at the crown carefully. (Try Membrane Gas by Fudge or Session Spray by Kevin Murphy for extreme hold.)
  • Spray with Hemp Shine by Alterna.

With this stellar hair and height you can rock it like the stars!

post by D’Arcy

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Wedding Hair Trends for Spring

It’s that time of year again. Love is in the air and wedding bells are ringing. Don’t be the bride that looks back on her photos 5 years from now and says “What was I thinking when I got my hair done?!” I say this because it happened to my cousin not too long ago. Of course you want to stay trendy, but don’t go overboard. Ladies – less is more! Luckily, the trends this year are classic, sophisticated and if done properly, they are timeless.

-1

The birdcage veil – I love this look. It is simple, classic, understated and what is in right now. I wore one at my wedding a few months ago. They come in all different lengths. Some with rhinestones, feathers, flowers or nothing at all. These veils are more playful and stylish. I prefer these to traditional veils as they don’t hide the face as much, if at all. They are also easy to make. A great way to add your own touch to your special day. Just attach the netting to a comb with a little fishing line and add as much or as little sparkle as you want.

-3

If any of you saw the Sex and The City movie a few years ago, you definitely know what is next on my list – The feathered hair piece. Carrie Bradshaw’s teal, bird head piece was a dramatic version that went well with her couture gown. There are definitely more simplified versions of this look that may better suit your style. I personally love the drama and the color that you can add with these feathers. Just remember to wear something that you are comfortable in and won’t mind seeing in pictures years from now.

-2

If you’ve got a lot going on with your dress or simply prefer a more sleek look, try a side bun. If you wear side bangs, pull your hair to the opposite side in which you comb them. Loose, low buns are always in style and even more so now. Celebrities are wearing their hair like this on red carpets everywhere.

Post by Amanda

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

Lindsey Vonn Goes to the Olympics

57438865

Lindsey Vonn is an alpine skier on the U.S. Ski Team heading into the Olympics 2010. As the most decorated female US alpine skiier of all time, there is a lot of speculation about her chances in the upcoming games. This NY Times article speculates that Lindsey could be on track to bring in five gold medals this year, to which she replied “Five gold medals? Well, it’s possible. But I haven’t won even one Olympic medal yet. I’d like to win the first one and let’s see from there.”

Her love of skiing began very early on in life, she was on skies at the young age of 3! With 31 World Cup wins in four disciplines (Super G, downhill, slalom and super combined) as well as two World Championship gold medals, she has become the most successful female American skier in World Cup history. Did I mention that she’s only 25 years old?

ea89db9f-6891-479b-a558-73e1bc5efc6f.widec

In addition to being the best American female skier ever, Lindsey is also very easy on the eyes. Whether she’s on or off the slopes, Lindsey always manages to look her best, playing up her natural beauty. Achieving those tousled, beachy waves is easy! After washing hair and towel-drying, apply Kevin Murphy Motion Lotion to enhance natural waves. Follow by either air-drying the hair or diffusing it. To create soft waves for naturally straight hair, apply Alterna Caviar Anti Aging Color Hold Mousse to damp hair. Follow by using a medium (2 inch) round brush while blow-drying the hair. To complete the look, use Alterna Caviar Anti Aging Color Hold Working Hair Spray.

Post by Andrea

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Penelope Cruz’s Broken Embraces

-1

Pedro Almodovar’s newest film “Broken Embraces” is a must see. The film that has already sparked Oscar buzz stars Penelope Cruz. Almodovar and Cruz have worked together on several other films already, including “Live Flesh,” “All About My Mother,” and “Volver.” The film takes place in the 1990s and then later in 2008. It is a film noir, but with a twist. It is filmed in bright color, making it very beautiful to watch. It has been described as a “four way tail of dangerous love.”

Seen here, is Penelope Cruz in a platinum, modern day Marilyn Monroe wig. Her look is chic, classic and easy to do. All it takes is a big barrel curling iron, a few bobby pins, a ton of backcombing and some good hairspray. Starting at the crown and through the sides, take small sections, and using the fine teeth of a comb begin to back comb at the root. This will create volume and a base for your pins to hold on to. (If your hair is not too long, you may not need pins at all.) From there, you will then take one-two inch sections, starting at the bottom and then curling. You may want some help when working on the back. Work your way up the head, spraying each section as you go. When you get to the front, curl away from your face and loosely curl your bangs. Keep spraying! You’re going to want to let is set briefly before going through it with a boar bristle brush. Gently brush out the curls and pin loosely in the back, keeping it off your neck. If you have a decent amount of back combing, this should be pretty easy to do. Using your fingers, break up the curl in the front and spray.

Check out Penelope’s style and the film, in theatres now.

Post by Amanda

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Carey Mulligan’s Retro Hair in An Education

The 2010 Oscar nominations were recently announced and one of the 10 films nominated this year for Best Picture is the much buzzed about film, An Education, starring Peter Sarsgard, Alfred Molina, and Carey Mulligan. Carey is also nominated in the best actress category for her role as 16 yr old Jenny.

This movie is set in the 1960’s and shows Jenny as she gets wrapped up in a new relationship with an older man as she travels to Paris. This film utilizes not only the arc of the script but in addition, changes in Carey’s hair. This visually shows the transformation of a girl into a woman as she is being swept up by her sophisticated 30 something lover (Sarsgard.)

ed3

In the beginning of the movie, Jenny has simple 60’s teenager hair. Here is probably how it was achieved:

  • This hairstyle utilizes a medium length longer haircut with minimal texture/layers. The perimeter line is put in first (at the top of the shoulder blades), and then the layers in back are created by slightly elevating them at a 45 degree. Over direction of the front layers towards the previous layer in back creates a subtle texture when styled. Added to the style is a mod style blunt bang/fringe that is shaped around the brow line and upper cheek bones.
  • If your hair is not naturally this color you can consult with your Emerson Salon stylist to find the best shade/tone of dark reddish brown that looks best on you as well as one that fits in with your maintenance needs. People with a cool skin tone look best with orange based browns whereas warmer skin tones look best with neutral to more red violet browns.
  • To style: No hair setting required!!. Carey’s hair has minimal natural texture and can be mostly air dried with a leave in conditioner (try Leave in Luxury by Kevin Murphy). If you have natural wave or frizz: Rough dry 50% then add Morroccan Oil Styling Oil (about a nickels worth) to the mid shaft to ends. Then blow dry section by section from the nape up with a paddle or denman brush. Make sure to flat wrap the bangs around the head shape to avoid frizz and excessive bend. Flat iron all the ends and then spray lightly with Working Spray by Alterna Caviar. Scrunch the ends lightly for additional bounce.

ed2

As Jenny “grows up” her hair styles mirror her experiences:

  • This hair style it is possible to use a shampoo set to create soft curl and bounce. This means using velcro rollers that are big enough to wrap the hair at least 1 1/2 times on mostly damp hair. A great setting lotion is Anti Gravity by Kevin Murphy which aids in fullness, hold and weightlessness. Make sure to comb the bangs down towards the eyebrows and clip lightly before drying.
  • Dry for 25 minutes with medium heat and cool for 5 minutes. Unwrap the hair and lightly finger separate the curls. Spray lightly with Working Spray.
  • To create this updo style you will need: Bobby pins and a hair elastic. Create a pony tail just below the crown area in back. Make sure to include the nape hair/flyaways in the ponytail with Sticky Business by Kevin Murphy and Working Spray by Alterna. Leave out the sides and bang areas.
  • Back brush on top (in front of the ponytail) to create soft height. Slowly work the side pieces and top into soft, loose bun curls with double back pinning. Use the heat of your hands/fingers to sculpt and shape the size and roundness of each section being pinned. Tip: Make sure not to create too much tension on the sides as Carey’s style is somewhat loose and soft going into the updo.
  • Make sure to look at all angles of the style in the mirror to troubleshoot/detail the symmetry and size of the updo with your face/headshape. Final step: Spray with Session Spray by Kevin Murphy for firm hold and Alterna Rapid Repair for soft picture worthy shine.

ed5

We love using current movies and celebrity styles to excercise our styling expertise. Want us to do it for you? Come on in and we’ll give you a consultation and service that will suit you in every way!

post by D’Arcy

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

Best Hair at the Golden Globes

Hot hair at the 2010 Golden Globe Awards.

Despite the unusual rain in Los Angeles this past Sunday, the stars managed to look incredible on the red carpet. These three, in particular, were my faves.

sandra-bullock-golden-globes

Sandra Bullock, in her gorgeous Bottega Veneta gown, wore her hair swept to the side with loose curls. The strong side part in any updo is a great way to show off any earrings and add a fun element to a sophisticated look.

Actress Olivia Wilde arrives at the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 17, 2010 in Beverly Hills, California.

Olivia Wilde, from the hit show House, also wore her hair in loose curls. However hers is worn sleek in the front with thick, cascading curls down the back. A slightly more formal look than Sandra’s. Her stylist may have added some hair extensions to thicken up the look. To duplicate this look, grab some hair from your local beauty supply and have your stylist incorporate it into your natural hair to add fullness. For a one time event, artificial hair will do just fine and is much more affordable.

rby-hair-golden-globes-courteney-cox-de

Finally, Cougar Town star, Courtney Cox wore her hair completely up with just a few strands left down to frame her face in front. Not an unusual or different look, but done well nonetheless. She always manages to look classic, tasteful and glamorous. Her dark hair also makes her baby blues just pop. Her updo is simple, with a little volume in the crown which pulls the whole style together.

There you have it. My top three at the Golden Globes. Stay tuned for my Grammy picks!

Post by Amanda

Saturday, January 16th, 2010

Vidal Sassoon Classes

IMG_8208

Recently, three of our stylists attended the a cutting class held by the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Seattle’s downtown, part of our dedication to ongoing education and ensuring that we always are on top of the latest trends. Vidal Sassoon has long been considered the pinnacle of precision cutting so needless to say we were super excited to learn some new techniques.

Over the two full days of class we viewed demonstrations by Lisa (our great instructor) as well as getting hands on practice with real models. The pictures included here are of one of my (D’Arcy’s) models. After consulting with her, I determined that we would maintain her shorter haircut through layers, graduation and then line. This means that I first worked on layering, using vertical diagonal layers to diffuse the heaviness created by growth at her nape. I then over-directed her hair from behind the ears and crown back towards the weightline created at the back of the head shape. Next I used diagonal forward layering and sectioning on the sides to create softness. Then I used concave layering with vertical diagonal overdirection on top. Lastly, I carved with lines into the hair over and in front of the ears and on the bangs. A little texture was added to the top because of extra density and voila! A revitalized style cut!

IMG_8209IMG_8211

What do you think?

post by D’Arcy

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

Nichole Richie’s New Brunette Locks

nicole-richie-house-of-harlow.1

Nicole Richie’s all grown up, with a family, her own jewelry line, the launch of her new fashion line and some new brunette locks. She has come a long way since her reality show “The Simple Life” with Paris Hilton. The new mom of two has come into her own over the last couple of years and what a difference it has made. She has found her own niche in the fashion world and is slowly but surely making an impact on style today.

house-of-harlow-1960-nicole-richie

Even as a busy mom of daughter Harlow and son Sparrow, Nicole finds time to keep her look fresh and fashion forward. Giving me, a mom to be, and many others hope that we can still look hot post baby. Her new hair color is my favorite on her by far. It definitely compliments her skin tone and her bangs suit her face shape perfectly. Not only do the bangs look great on her, but they give the appearance of a style. You can easily leave your hair in it’s natural texture and just blow dry your bangs to give you a more finished look. A great trick for a girl on the go!

Post by Amanda

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

Emma Watson’s New Burberry Ad Campaign

emma-watson-burberry-beautiful

Emma Watson is all grown up and looking stylish in Burberry’s Spring 2010 campaign. The British actress, best known for her role as Hermione Granger in Harry Potter, is the poster girl for Burberry yet again. The young fashionista is turning heads with her signature blonde hair and fierce fashion sense. Costarring in the campaign is her younger brother, proving good looks run in the Watson family.

Emma is rocking some beautiful, golden brown locks, with some lighter pieces blended in a very natural looking texture. Her smokey eyes, give the actress a very sophisticated yet young appearance to go with the classic look of the Burberry collection.

emma-watson-burberry-campaign

To achieve Emma’s look, ask your stylist about balyage. This is a technique in which the hair is highlighted or colored without using foils. The end result, is a very natural looking color with variation that blends evenly and naturally. Your stylist can then give you some face framing layers. Finally, to finish blow dry towards your face, using some volumizing spray and finish with a texturing glaze on the ends to give it a bit of separation.

Post by Amanda

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

Kate Gosselin Gets Extensions

Growing out your hair when you are transitioning from short to long locks can be tedious and torturous. If you can’t stand those funky flip-outs in between, extensions can be a great option to quickly add length and depth to your look.

kategosselin kateg4

Reality star Kate Gosselin recently got rid of what Perez Hilton playfully called,”That reverse side mullet,” with her short hair cropped and texturized in the back with a heavy side swoop in front.  Kudos to Ted Gibson (the stylist who did the extensions) for executing this challenging hairdo on shorter hair. He is known for being Angelina Jolie’s pricey on-call hair designer.

Emerson Salon currently offers HairLoc hair extensions which are a great option to quickly add length without having to use chemicals or glue.  If you are interested, you stop by the salon for a free consultation and help you decide the best game plan for your goals and maintenance needs.

post by D’Arcy