We love an 80’s slasher. In celebration of this spoooooky season and the gory glory of movies like Friday the 13th and Cheerleader Camp, we headed uptah camp and had a bloody good time.
Hair + Photography by Tasha Judson
Florals by Electric Flora
SFX Makeup by Erin Bertoni
This collection was inspired by the imagery of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. Montague vs Capulet. Neon colors and texture vs jewel tones and sleek lines. This was my largest collection to date, and I am forever grateful to the folks that made this, and every collection before it, happen for me. Here’s a sampling of the images, stay tuned for more!
Photography by Lauryn Sophia Photography
Makeup by Erin Bertoni and Claire Noonan
Hair and Styling by Tasha Judson
Styling assist by Katie Webb
Team Leo: Erin Bertoni, Jess Gray, Roux Sutherland, Chani Caruso
Team Kate Winslet: Alicia Allen, Mel Mcgovern, Isa Anderson, Liz Hook
My favorite color is holographic, and I love the challenge of making hair reflect light the way fabric does...particularly the glorious way a 90's windbreaker changes color with the sun.
Just a little hair project with my girl Bridge, who let me transform her into the a magical mer-angel-bby, using Pulp Riot lightener and color. All cut, color, styling and photography done by yours truly!
This collection is focused on geometric shapes cut into natural curly hair, and the way that texture can play with light. Color was kept natural, and nothing but Hairstory products were on set to enhance the models natural curl patterns.
Photography: Sarah Morrill
Makeup: Reeve Baker
Thanks to Bissell Brothers for letting us take over their space to shoot!
This collection was in celebration of the Spring's real arrival here in Maine. It always seems like winter is going to drag on, like, forever. Then one day, out of nowhere, everything is bright and blooming and lush and wonderful, just like these lovelies hair.
Photography by Sarah Morrill
Makeup by Teague Vivolo
Models: Saffron, Loran, and Megan
This year I took a major step and entered a collection into the color category of the North American Hairstyling Awards. For those who don't know, NAHA is like the Grammy's of hair, open to any stylist in North America to enter their work. Finalists were announced today, and while I did not make it, I am incredibly proud of the collection, and excited to be able to show it off!
So here it is! A collection of color inspired by holographic materials, done on three lovely Portland ladies, with make up by Teague Vivolo and photography by Magdalena Niziol. This was a great learning experience, and I can't wait to start working on next year's submission!
For my winter collection this year, I decided to focus on something that I do every day behind the chair, but don't often capture for my photo work: balayage. I'm sure most of you have seen the word "balayage", but what exactly is it? It is a technique for applying dimension to the hair by hand painting color in, typically in lieu of foils. While it is often associated with ombre styles, balayage is amazing for so much more! With this collection, I wanted to showcase how different applications of the same technique can create completely different effects.
Merry's balayage is the most subtle in the collection. A high and low light balayage adds low key dimension to Bardot inspired layers and depth to her natural base while still being ultra natural.
Erin is rocking a full dimensional balayage, with heavy saturation throughout her ends. This is what instantly comes to mind when I think "beachy blonde". Her base is significantly brightened, but will still grow out insanely soft and be super low maintenance for her in the future. I also absolutely love the tone; it's warm, but not in a traditional golden, sunny sense. More of a pink/pearly warmth works on so many skin tones, super glowy and almost reminiscent of an abalone shell. Totally my fav blonde right now!
Haley's dynamic copper color melt is a great example of the classic ombre balayage. Her color moves from a deep auburn to a bright copper seamlessly, and looks badass with her razored lob.
Huge, huge props to my photographer, the amazing Sarah Morrill. Also, to my models, Merry, Erin and Haley, for being total babes, and for being patient while I attempted to take on the role of hair stylist, makeup artist, and wardrobe stylist for this shoot. AND of course, to all ya'll who took a sec to catch up on what I've been loving in the salon. Smooches!
Whether you call it unicorn, granny, opal, or anything in between, unnatural hair color is in, in a BIG way. Since my first tub of manic panic, I've been a huge advocate for bright, fun hair, and finding the best products to keep your color looking amazing as long as possible. Don't get me wrong; all hair color will fade, but here's the down low on what you can expect from a vivid color service with your truly.
My beautiful BFF rocking her Vivids and showing off the fade.
The images above are stolen from my homegirl Ashley's Instagram, both because they are the perfect example of the fading process between two different lines, AND because she is just flipping adorable. You're welcome.
In the salon, I have two color lines that I typically reach for when created vivid or pastel tones for my guests. The first is Pravana. In the photos of Ashley, her blue based look was created with Pravana, which is a Demi permanent direct dye pigment. The first image is the day of her service, the second is 10 weeks later. You can see the whole the fading is significant, it fades on tone, and still looks gorg almost 3 months after the initial appointment. Pravana is great for clients who don't want as much commitment to their new hue, and is also offered at a lower price point in the salon.
Ashley's fiery locks in the bottom were customize colored using Elumen. Elumen is also a direct dye pigment, but is considered to be a permanent hair color. The second photo of her red is also 10 weeks after her application. !!!. You can see that the fade is almost non existent. This makes the Elumen perfect for clients who are committed to a look (and as we found out, Ash is definitely a lady in red.) Elumen also makes your hair feel AMAZING. Seriously. I once referred to it's reparative effects as "glueing ultra damaged hair back together" (side note, pastel blondes can be toned with Elumen, so get at me bloodies!). The biggest downside to Elumen is it that it can be almost too permanent, creating quite the corrective process when clients want to make a change to a lighter color, and it is also a slightly higher charge, as it is a more premium product.
With any color service, particularly these direct dyes, your color will fade over time. How fast this happens is dependent on a lot of factors; hair texture, how often you shampoo, how dark or intense the color was to begin with, even the shade you chose (pinks fade faster while blues stay forever), but hopefully this break down
This mini collection was influenced by the idea of androgyny, and also the transition from fall to winter. Colors are muted, shapes are soft and the focus is all about the hair. I had so much on this shoot, working with a completely new team and exploring new locations, and I am totally dead over that french twist shot.
Hair by Tasha Judson
Makeup by Joshua-Edouard
Photography by
Models: Kelly Nelson and Jeff Gould
It still doesn't feel real, but 2016 is here and in full effect! Since The last start of a new year, a lot has changed for me. To highlight a few, I went to Portugal, I dj'd a party, I turned 30, and I moved to a new salon!
My new home at Kutz has brought along quite a few really fun changes, and I am so happy for all the clients that have joined me in the new space! Being in a more intimate space tucked away from the craziness of Congress St, many of you have commented on how cozy, fun and just overall convenient the new shop is (hellooooooo parking options!). Moving away from an employee based salon and becoming a booth renter has allowed me the freedom to take more time with each guest, experiment with tons of new color lines and techniques, and I'm truly having so much fun!
Now, I'm not one for New Year's resolutions typically, but I definitely have some goals in 2016. I am entering the new year with the motivation to continue experimenting and trying new things. I will be actively seeking out education in places I haven't thought to look before, starting with Philly this weekend.
Thanks again to everyone who has stuck with me, or will be working with me in the future, and happy new year!
Here's a sampling from my summer collection...inspired by my personal coven, a group of ladies so amazing I can't even put it into words, and my love of getting in the ocean that makes living through a Maine winter totally worth it. Hope you enjoy my beautiful little sea monsters!
Of course, I've gotta give a shout out to my crew, I had some amazing helpers with this one!
Photography: Justine Johnson
Models: Katie Webb, Emily Otte and Ashley Brewer
Wardrobe and Assisting: Claire Noonan and Meghan Harrington
I have officially assisted at my first hair show! YAY!! I spent this past weekend being a general (self proclaimed) bitch to artists from Goldwell, KMS California, Arrojo, and Carlton, as well as their models, 'cuz homegirl was willing to do whatever she could to be helpful, and a part of the fabulousness that was this show. I am so pumped about my work this weekend, that I wrote the last sentence in third person. I mean, that's pretty pumped. I promise you, I have never ever ever been so excited to wash hair and dishes before in my life. This weekend, I got to watch stylists who I admire (obsess over, whatever, same dif) create amazing cuts, colours, and styles. I also met my hair whisperer, wore more black than ever, and got to sit in on an Arrojo razor cutting class. No biggie, just living the dream. 
O2 Salon has started performing the Kerasilk Smoothing Treatment from Goldwell, and I am pretty pumped about it! Unlike other keratin treatments, Kerasilk is customizable for clients. Addressing every client's needs individually, instead of with a one-size-fits-all (it never does) mentality, opens up so many possibilities! Whether you love your curl and just want to tame the frizz, or you are looking for maximum broadening of the curl, Kerasilk has got you covered.
So what exactly is Kerasilk? It is texture service, utilizing keratin and silk proteins to decrease bulk, reduce drying time, eliminate frizz, and broaden curl patterns. Kerasilk can last in the hair for up to 5 months, and feels FAAAAAANTASTIC on your locks.
So, if you only know me through my blog, then this will come as a shock to you; I have interests outside of hair. Crazy, right?!? So, in honor of Record Store Day (better late than never, I say!) I am here to share with you 7 of the most important, influential albums to my life. You should be really excited.
1. Janet Jackson, Rhythm Nation- In the fourth grade, we moved to Maine, and it was a rough year for me. Breaking into groups of friends that had known each other since birth was not super easy soooo...I found solace in the company of snicker's ice cream bars, TNG, and spent hours choreographing dances to the sweet sweet sounds of Janet, Ms Jackson if you're nasty.
2. The Pixies, Doolittle- Get in your car on a sunny day, roll down the windows, pop in Doolittle, and try to be sad. Just try it. I dare ya. Not. Possible. This album makes me feel so warm and fuzzy and then the Pixies went on tour and played the album start to finish and it was so g-d awesome.
3. Atmosphere, Lucy Ford EP- A feel good, underground classic from Slug and Ant. I usually only listen to about every other track on the album, but the tracks that I love, I love SO MUCH.
4. Aesop Rock, Float- This cd went into my car and did not come out for about 3 months, and was responsible for getting me into the whole genre of underground rap, along side Eyedea and Abilities' First Born ...
5. Eyedea and Abilities, First Born- I discovered underground hip hop during high school, after meeting a group of new friends, who taught me countless, priceless life lessons that they will probably never even know about. First Born instantly transports me back to Evergreen cemetery, freestyle cyphers and Bull Ice 40s. Ah, youth.
6. Portishead, Dummy- As my friend Adam once said after watching footage of Beth Gibbons live, "I don't know if I want to f**k, or write a suicide letter right now." The amount of emotion in Gibbons' vocals, over killer beats makes Portishead's music perfect for any setting, and if you don't agree, keep it to yo'self, I will defend Portishead TO THE DEATH. See them live, and DIE. Gibbons is clearly so uncomfortable with the idea of being a performer, and manages to be completely mesmerizing with her voice alone... I may have a lady crush.
7. LCD Soundsystem, Sound of Silver- In my twenties, LCD Soundsystem came in and showed me that I could dance to something other than rap. WHHHAAAAA?!?! This album is such fantastic dancey fun times!
8. Madonna, Madonna- Remember that thing about having a hard time making friends when I first moved to Maine? Well, when we had to do a oral biography report on a celebrity, and I chose Madonna, it, for some reason, didn't help. But I know, that when the rest of my class looks back on that day, they remember the girl with the portable record player and True Blue on vinyl, and they seriously regret not being my best friend. They were probably just BURNING UP with jealousy (get it?!?) and were too intimidated to be nice to me.
9. Alice in Chains, Jar of Flies- You may be picking up on the fact that I am pretty much super into music that makes you feel all the happy feels. However, sometimes you gotta be sad. Like, whisky and Alice in Chains sad.
10. The Doors, Morrison Hotel- Favourite album by one of my all time favourite bands. 'Nuff said.
What's the saying? Better late than never? That is seemingly my motto this year, when it comes to updating my bridal portfolio! Things have been crazy, with steady business, advances in my career, and with my family life (four furry children, a handful of house plants and a husband can keep a chick busy, 'nah mean?). Anywho, here are some photos from my first bride of 2013, the lovely Casseopia, who was married in June on Peak's Island, here in Maine. This party was great to work with; I arrived, meeting the boys as they headed out for a road race on the bikes, and had the joy of working with a large group of ladies made up of friends and family alike. Casie had a gorgeous, unique dress, and a great head of long blonde hair to work with! Photos here were supplied by Brendan Bullock, and more photos can be seen in the most recent issue of Maine Weddings (woot!!).
Back to basics. It's a good place to be. Especially when said basics are being offered in Santa Monica. California is also a good place to be, far away from the snow and the cold. I find myself here, for the second time this March, taking a 3 day cutting course at the KMS California Academy. This course, the IQ Cutting Method, has started off by reinforcing the basics of solid cutting. Man, I LOVE this kind of class, and shockingly, I'm good at this kind of class. Unlike pretty much every other area of my life, I can walk into the academy everyday and leave my ego, previous experiences and instincts at the door. I am here to take the opportunity to focus my energy on learning new ways to approach cutting, and polishing the skills it takes to execute a cut with precision. Today's big revelation was a new way to look at sectioning, for cleaner cutting. Baller, can't wait to use that in the salon! Couple great education with visits from friends and family, delicious food, and amazing weather, and you've got one pumped hair stylist!
I am sitting on the couch in sweatpants, curled up with a handsome ginger, 2 pups, and the newest episode of Girls ready to play. In other words, I am home! I have finished phase one of my Goldwell GTA training, and am back in Portland, my lovely frozen little chunk if the world, beyond ready to share what I have learned, and do some hair!
What does that mean for my clients? You may have heard us say at O2 that we LOVE HAIR, and that ties in perfectly with Goldwell's mission statement, "dedicated to color perfection". Clients at O2 Salon know that we are committed to education and elevation of our craft. Goldwell, with it's ever changing technology, and dedication to education for stylists, is the perfect color company for us. With this training, I became up to date with all of Goldwell's newest technologies and color lines, to be able create even more gorgeous color for my clients. For those of you questioning why the technology needs to improve in the first place, I urge you to note what type of phone you use, and are likely reading this on now. Nokia brick? Nah, I didn't think so. Technology is advancing everyday, as are the needs of our clients. With Goldwell by our sides, stylists can continue to provide clients with the ultimate in color, no matter what the desired result. Pretty rad, right?
BUT, all this information on the Goldwell portfolio that I get to bring back to my clients just feels like icing on the cake. This week, I began a journey as an educator; someone who can give the tools, knowledge and inspiration to guide other people in my field. Amazing. AND I got to spend the week with 16 stylists, and 3 educators who, coming from all different areas and experiences, offered me knowledge and inspiration. Oh, and tools. Like,12 lbs-over-the-TSA-allotted worth of tools.
So begins my March! Now I have two weeks back in the salon, back to California for the KMS IQ Cutting Technique class, and then to New Hampshire to continue my Goldwell education! WOO!
Where do I start? It smells AH-mazing here. Leaving the arctic tundra that we have come to know as home in the Northeast and landing in Santa Monica for a week of training has been beyond wonderful. I woke up on my first morning here and went for a run. On the beach. IN A TANK TOP. I stopped in the lobby of my hotel to chat with John Simpson (!!), Goldwell platform artist and color magician. And, in case you were wondering, we were both wearing t-shirts (can you tell that the novelty of 70 degree weather has not worn off yet?). As I type this, I sit tucked away in the patio area of a juice bar, underneath a pretty baller vertical succulent garden. Yet, I digress. Because the much needed get away from this cruel winter is not the reason I'm here, nor the best part. This week starts the next step in my career, as I train to become a Goldwell Technical Associate, which, in short is the first tier of educating for the color line that I live for in the salon!
After two days here, I am fried, in a good way. So much information is being processed in my head, so much so that I struggle to put into words exactly what I am experiencing. An in depth explanation and education on exactly what it is that makes Goldwell color the best? Absolutely. Skills to present myself in a confident, professional way, that will not only aid me in class settings, but in my everyday life? Totes. A 3 hour up close and personal session with John Simspon, leaving me feeling so excited to come back to Maine (snow aside) and take my clients' services to the next level? YES. I have so much to share, facts and ideas both new to me and just validated, and so many wonderful things to say about the level of education being offered. That said, I can not even begin to put them down yet. For now, it's off to day 3 of classes!
One of the best things about being in the beauty industry is having the opportunity to meet and create with so many talented and inspired folks, and today was one of those days! This was my first time meeting and working with all the fabulous ladies who made this shoot happen, and I am SO excited to see the final images! Here are some behind the scene shots of our bridal session today!
Photography: Justina Bilodeau
Makeup: Kim Begin
Bridal Headpieces: Lacielle Roselle
