Blog of Danny Lapointe
June 30, 2008
Hello Everyone,
It is a great pleasure for me to talk to you again! In this blog session, I want to share with you some inspirational things I've seen lately and tell you about some exciting events coming up. Plus, I want to invite you to the big Bronner Brothers summer show. And this month's blog ends with some summer coloring concepts from our Clairol Professional Lead Color Master, Anita Gutierrez.
Premiere Show in Orlando:
A great professional event! Lots of hairdressers looking for great education. Lots of questions and interactive education. All our Clairol Professional Design Team members were very excited to be part of the Premiere Show, especially with all the stylists and students involved in creative learning.
The Team presented our fabulous Collection, THE ART OF CONTRASTING HARMONY. If you missed the Premiere Show, there's one more chance for you to see this outstanding Collection -- the Bronner Brothers show in Atlanta in August, 2008. My wonderful team includes Oliver Adams, James Adams, Ingrinette Pope, Adrien Chu. Plus, our full team of Design Team Members will be there to answer all your questions. Try to join us in Atlanta at the Bronner Brothers show!
Future Vision
WOW! What an inspirational show that was! As an Artistic Director myself, it was a pleasure to sit down, relax and take time to get inspired by other stylists with other visions. As I always say, the best way to motivate yourself is to watch and share with other stylists in the industry, which is the reason I decided to invite my entire show team to Future Vision. This was a wonderful night to enjoy great performances by Jennifer Holiday and Kimberly Locke and, finally, watch an amazing hair show. If any of you guys had the chance to see Future Vision Chicago and Long Beach, I'm sure you know what I m talking about! If you've never seen it, make plans now to go!!
Time to Create the New 2009 Collection!
Oh yes, you guys probably remember that summertime is always a busy time for me, but an exciting one too as we start working on our next Collection for 2009. Creating a new Collection requires lots of time and lots of work! The first thing I’ll do is meet with our Lead Color Master Anita Gutierrez, and Master Stylist and good friend of mine, Paul Vega. Together, we will analyze what is going on in fashion, what the trends are and then we will imagine and create the haircuts and colors that work with the clothes. As you probably read in my last blog, I love to be inspired by fashion designers! I believe hair and fashion work together to create a total look, just as cuts and colors do.
So all together, Anita, Paul and I will do an "inspirational session" where we gather together magazine pages, pictures, music videos, fashion videos, everything possible to inspire our creativity. After a day, or sometimes two, we take the next step and begin working on mannequin heads. We create everything on mannequins first, to make sure our concepts are good. We analyze our work over and over until, finally, we approve our work. In the late summer, after all this preliminary work is done, we actually photograph the Collection for you guys to see at the beginning of next year, 2009. Wow, I m sure some of you did not know how long it takes to create new concepts and a new Collection, so I thought it would be great to share with you, let you in on the inside track! So now you know what my summer looks like!!!
NCA Orlando:
Just a quick note on the CEA event in Orlando, July 20-21, 2008. If any of you guys are trainers, educators or school teachers, I will love to invite you to see our Clairol Professional Lead Color Master, Anita Gutierrez, and me performing in one of the classes. We've got some great tips to share with you…great concepts on how to fuse your cut and colors together. If you’re at the NCA event in Orlando, come on by and say "hi". We'd love it!
Anita's Color Clues
Finally some great coloring concepts for summer from our Lead Color Master in California:
Hi There! Here's my thoughts on summer color: summer sizzles: blonde-on- blonde (bombshells), healthy buttery creamy blondes, lots of shine, 14 Karat golds, sexy, gentle shimmer (HEART OF GOLD LOOKS), rich chocolate brunettes, NOURISHING COLOR, COPPERS WITH A BURST OF TRUE RED. AND, OF COURSE, TRUE REDS WITH A HINT OF A DARKER BLEND OF HUES. --Anita
Remember as long as you have passion for hair you will be a successful hairdresser.
April 7th, 2008
Hello everyone,
I feel like it's been an eternity since I talked to you!, Maybe because I've been flying all over the country to places like Florida, Long Beach, New York , Chicago, Cincinnati and finally back home to Montréal, Canada. I have so much news to share!!
So in this particular blog I will tell you about the beginning of the busy show season, the great meeting I had in New York with a really fun friend of mind, Julius Poole, and finally a quick tip on how to get a "head start" on clients' hair before the warm season will be back. As you know, time goes by so quick these days ... don't you think so?
Let's start with the ISSE show in Long Beach. What a great show it was! Lots of people and crowds of attendees at the Clairol Professional booth. As usual, I was there with all my team of Design Team members presenting our new collection called: THE ART OF CONTRASTING HARMONY. The collection concept is harmonious contrast in the cut and the colors, but always in a beautiful and wearable way. As you know, Clairol Professional is well-known for creating looks that catch your attention with flair, but with a great dose of simplicity, so you can easily reproduce them back in your salon. Ill tell you more in my next blog post.
Another great show we worked on was America's Beauty Show in Chicago. Oh yes, Hairworld. What an amazing show with lots of creative hairstylists. I was so impressed by all the talent, and by the number of different countries that were present for the competition. I don't know if you ever get a chance to attend competition styling events, but it is so impressive to see all the work and time that talented stylists spend to create what I would call the most innovative / creative hair you can ever imagine. The colors, the cuts, everything so perfect and amazingly placed to achieve the best ever combinations. If you get a chance sometime, go to a competition. Or enter one yourself!
Next, let me tell you about my friend Julius Poole. Such an interesting man, always a lot of energy. This man is so involved in the fashion, and as a casting director/producer he gets to meet all the top designers and models. So when I meet with him at his birthday party not that long ago, I took a moment to sit down with him and ask him what are the latest trends from New York Fashion Week. Here's what he had to say and some links to the designers, so you can see the work yourself:
"Well, Danny, since I cast many shows ... I find the trends now are inspired by the 70's, 80's and beyond. Click on these designers' websites and then read my firsthand observations:
www.patrikrzepski.com
Designer Patrik Rzepski's clothes were very chic black and the signature hair was a severe, slicked-back, tight bun.
www.elle.com
In Miss Sixty think 1960-70 Bohemian... hair was waved with some extensions added.
www.style.com
In VPL- think futuristic bright colors .. hairstyles were slick with braids..
In Tory Burch, it was New York women on the street.. anything goes.. especially super chic. Hair was straight and natural, parted down the middle and pulled back in a simple and effortless ponytail.
In Three As Four... couture was the main focus.. and God was in the details hair was minimal chic.
Wow, a lot of information. Im so pleased my friend Julius invited us to visit different fashion websites. I love to do this because, as you know, fashion and clothing design is directly connected to the world of hair.
Finally, let's discuss the new season coming up. A lot of our clients like to wear their hair darker in the winter and lighter over the summer, so I believe it is really important that you guys start recommending some fine highlights to these clients. Maybe start at the fringe for the first month, next month add some to the sides, etc. When we start a pre- lightening process early in the season, you won't have to do it all at once. This way, you will preserve a better condition of your clients' hair and won't have to worry about losing shine.
Remember, as long as you have passion for hair, you will be a successful hairdresser.
December 20th, 2007
Hello everyone, it is such a pleasure to share my thoughts with you again. I feel very fortunate.
Hope you had the chance to read my last blog and visit the fashion web site I told you about -- www.style.com. Fashion is such a huge influence on our beauty industry! When we study it, and think about clothing trends, ideas for hairstyles and haircolors can't help but flow!! In this blog, I will share my own interpretation of three trends, and also talk about the importance of investing "educational" time in your career. The beauty industry is such a beautiful business!! Some stylists take their skills for granted and don't take the time to keep up-to-date. Dont let this be YOU.
We saw a lot of interesting ideas come out of Milan, Paris, London, and New York last fall. Many fashion designers showed fabulous innovative work by merging classic, modern impressionism with a mix of global looks inspired by strolling the streets and shops of the world. This gave me some unique design ideas I want to share with you!
Global Exchange
Inspiration comes from all corners of the earth, but most notably from cities where it's all about the global mix. On the streets, people of all countries mingle, adapt the fashions of other nations, and create totally unique looks. The same should be true of hair design and color.
As a hairstylist let yourself be creative, explore new techniques from color washing to random brush strokes of different colors. Feel and act like an artist explore! Look to every nation and nationality to find creative ideas and new ways to design hair and color.
The Look Is In The Details
Virtuoso sewing skills were on display all over fall runways, from the intricate hem of a party dress to the ruffles cascading down the front of an evening gown. Many designers work the fabric like it was origami papers!
Seeing this reminded me that it's the details that make the whole design look unique. To translate this versatility into hairstylingstyling skills can quickly change the details of a look from voluminous to curly to straight to combinations of straight and wavy. The creativity is in the details!!
Step Out and Be Counted!
Lots of bright colors and bold prints are showing up in fashion, making too much black and neutral seem dated and, well, boring.
So this could be a fashion "sign" to us to step out of our comfort zone and propose to clients a different array of colors, a new, intriguing color placement accentuated with a signature haircut.
I hope these ideas (that come from fashion) will inspire you to be creative and feel "right on" with your work this season. I especially wish this could help you in the future. Fashion is a real inspiration. Every stylist/colorist should spend time twice a year to analyze and incorporate new fashion trends into hair design. Have fun exploring the world of fashion and creating new ideas. Dont be afraid to Step Out and Be Counted!
Career Growth
Now let's discuss careers. Let me tell you about this great experience I had with my staff!
It happened that I was in Quebec, Canada, at the time my staff was organizing a trip to an educational event, so I decided to join them. What a fun, creative and productive experience. It was such a pleasure to come back from the event and hear everyone discussing and sharing between each other all the styling and coloring techniques they had seen and learned!
Everyone in the business--salon owners, management team leaders, stylists/colorists, entrepreneurial booth renters--should really consider committing to an educational event twice a year! It's a great experience to connect with other passionate creative people and share with them during an educational event.
If you are a salon owner or manager, consider inviting your stylists to join a "salon group event". Plan the event well in advance and pick an event that you feel will benefit the majority of your team! Then propose the idea and organize transportation. If each person is expected to pay their share of the class cost, it is a good idea to ask everyone to pay a little every week, so that when the time comes, most of the cost will already be paid.
We hairdressers work in a beautiful world. All of us need to invest in our careers by continually bringing new ideas, experiences and practical skills into our work.
Remember, as long as you have passion for hair, you will be a successful hairdresser.
August 28th, 2007
Well hello everyone, I really hope that you guys enjoyed your summer. On my side, I was quite busy, but there's nothing better than a ride on my motorcycle to make me relax and feel free. Yes, I do love my Harley Davidson! Riding makes me fully enjoy life.
Talking about enjoying life, a few weeks ago I was sitting in San Diego with a really good friend of mine, Mister Juan, who gave me a book with some great thoughts on life. I sincerely recommend this book. It's called, "Dare to Dream... Then Do It: What Successful People Know and Do", by John C. Maxwell and published by Thomas Nelson, Inc. The ideas helped me change the way I approach my dreams and goals.
Mister Juan and I sat there in the pleasant sun and discussed how important it is to DREAM. All creative people should spend regular dreaming time. Magical ideas drift up while you are dreaming. Do any of you go to bed at night, wake up a little while later and write down ideas you just dreamed about?
I love to see the world as a world of possibilities rather than a world of probabilities. When we dream and let ourselves think "outside the box" of our ordinary lives, new possibilities float out into the open. These possibilities can become realities! The book I mentioned is full of interesting thoughts like that.
This is the time of year that I create my new style collection for the next season. I start the creative process by going to my hideaway cottage for a couple of days. There, I allow myself to dream and let my creativity emerge with mannequin head, scissor, clipper. Cut, cut, cut, let's have fun. It is a time to explore every option. Remember, do not be afraid to leave your comfort zone and allow yourself to DREAM.
Now let's put dreams aside and discuss realities. How can you become a successful colorist, true to your ideals, and at the same time increase your haircolor income? The first questions you might want to ask yourself are: "Am I open to making some changes?" "Am I too often concerned about running late, rather than concentrating on my client's needs?"
It's easy to forget that the easiest way to grow your coloring expertise and income is to give every client 100% of your attention at every visit.
Let me mention a few key points to think about, maybe write down and consider once in a while, to make sure you are on the right direction with your career.
- First, you might want to set clear daily goals, so it is easier to calculate your personal growth, and stay focused.
- To help you communicate meaningfully with your client (your guest) establish a special consultation zone with books and pictures. (Not at the busy front desk!!)
- Proudly display your diploma and other educational certificates. Establish yourself as the expert you are.
- Create a salon menu that emphasizes color services. This will stimulate the purchase of unplanned services. The menu is an excellent place to offer a variety of upgrade packages.
- Use words that make clients feel special and individual: Glamorous highlights, elegant color, powerful color placement, for example.
- Finally, one of the most important business-builders is rebooking. Be sure no client leaves the salon without scheduling the next appointment. This assures your book is always full.
Why not discuss these ideas with your co-workers, so all of you can help and support each other?
Ok, well before I go, let's think about Fall fashion trends. Fashion and hair are really interconnected, so if you get a chance, visit one of my favorite websites, www.style.com, and see all the new runway shows from Paris, New York, and Milan for Fall, 2008. Analyze the trend and you will definitively find a relationship between clothes and hair. In my next blog, I will give you my own interpretations, plus an insider scoop on what you will find in the next Clairol Professional Collection. Shape cuts, short hair, controlled volume and concave bob will all be presented.
From east to west coast; enjoy the beginning of a new season. And always remember, as long as you have passion for hair you will be a successful hairdresser!
June 22nd, 2007
Hi everyone,
Summer! What a beautiful season, one of my favorites. Coming from Canada. I always look forward to the summer, the beginning of the warm season, beautiful sunny days, kids playing in the park, and vacations on the beach. For many of my clients, summer often means protection against sun-damaged hair, the need for quick-and-easy styles, and special care for haircolor.
Here are a few tips I give all my clients at their first appointment of the summer. You might print up little cards, add your own tips, and leave them as "take ones" at your styling station.
- Protect your haircolor from sun damage by using a leave-in conditioner.
- Protect hair from dryness by styling without blow drying. Opt for a casual, "messy-looking" style.
- Always rinse your hair with fresh cold water when you get out of the pool.
- Wear a sun hat. It's the easiest way to keep haircolor from fading.
- Maintain haircolor. Once a week, use a deep-conditioner that contains a color ingredient to boost fading color.
- Style hair for summer by slicking it back with gel and tying into a ponytail, or choose an easy-to-wear bob.
As true artists, we often feel the need to be creative, especially when a new season is coming. That s why I want to share with you some of the key Clairol Professional Premium Crème colors that I will propose to my clients this summer. The shades in the Gold Neutral Pillar, and the Ultra-Riche Neutral Pillar will let you create rich, warmer colors for your clients who want to get out of their dark winter days.
To create the perfect summer blonde for your blonde clientele, use Premium Crème 8GN, Light Gold-Neutral Blonde, plus 12GN, High-Lift Gold-Neutral Blonde, from the Gold Neutral Pillar for an amazing warm and rich golden tone. Your clients will look like a million golden dollars with 100% gray coverage, and fabulous reflective shine!
For your neutral clients, choose shades in the Premium Crème Ultra-Riche Neutral (NN) Pillar. You want your neutral haircolors to be warm and rich. Thinking dimension? Use more than one color from the same Premium Crème Tonal Pillar to create your custom rich neutrals.
For example: divide the head shape into three different horizontal sections: 1. all around the perimeter (from temple to temple); 2. the middle of the head (from recession to recession, including the fringe); and 3. the top of the section.
- Use on bottom section: Premium Crème 5NN, Lightest rich Neutral Brown, with 10-volume Premium Crème Developer.
- Use on middle section: Premium Crème 6NN, Dark Rich Neutral Blonde, with 20-volume Premium Crème Developer.
- Use on top section: Premium Crème 8NN, Light Rich Neutral Blonde, with 30-volume Premium Crème Developer.
The result is an amazing ultra-riche neutral color with the shimmering effect of multi-dimensional tones. To repeat an expression from my really good friend and Color Lead Master for Clairol Professional, Anita Gutierrez, "Just look at that reflective shine!"
It is such a pleasure for me to share my ideas with you again. In my next blog, Ill give you some great tips on how to increase your haircolor profits.
Finally, I wish you an amazing summer. From east to west coast; enjoy the beginning of a new season. And always remember, as long as you have passion for hair you will be a successful hairdresser!
April 23rd, 2007
Welcome Note
Hi everyone! It's me, Danny Lapointe.
I have such good news for you. From now on, I'll be here to share what I see in fashion, haircoloring, cuts & styles, techniques. all the behind-the-scenes trends happening in our fabulous industry of beauty. This is a blog just between us, so look for me every 2 weeks or so.
Well, since I just got back from the Midwest Beauty Show in Chicago, let me tell you about it.
It is always interesting to attend big exhibitions like that. There is so much creativity and amazing energy flying in the "hair". Everywhere you look, other artists inspire you.
At Clairol Professional, our stage presence was so amazing, we were very proud. "The best we have seen in years", was the comment I got from a lot of my friends and industry leaders, since we were launching our brand new haircolor line, Clairol Professional Premium Crème.
You can read all the details in other places on this website, but let me tell you Premium Crème is a great haircolor product. It's the only formula with deep-conditioning soy complex which gives you the luminous results you want... and silken conditioning you can actually feel right at the sink! There are 46 rich shades, put into 9 tonal pillars to make formulation easy and reliable and creative. Get yourself a sample while they last.
Well, back to Chicago and the Midwest show. We taught all about Premium Crème on our stage with 9 beautiful models representing each tonal pillar. The level of creativity was really high and you could see amazing luminousity and shiny hair that was actually reflecting lights. The colors got lots of applause and cheers. I was very proud of everyone involved to make our show a hit.
All through the show floor, guest artists were creating designs and shapes that were really strong. You could see many different interpretations of the "bob shape", one of the most important trends to remember for spring. Also a lot of fringes, soft, pure, asymmetry, on the side. all different but fun statements for this spring. Also some beautiful and romantic curls.
Since I'm a salon owner and stylist who works in a salon, I know how important it is to know the trends, because every time you attend a professional show or event, my clients expect a lot from me. They all want to know what's coming for the next season, so you can take my words and present these trends to your clients and you will be right on for the season coming.
Before I go, I'd like to tell you that while I'm writing to you, I'm actually on the plane, flying to California to shoot the cover of the "American Salon" magazine May issue. So I really want to invite you to have a look at this edition, so you'll get inspired by our representation of the spring trends and see in pictures the amazing reflective shine you get with Clairol Professional Premium Crème.
Make sure you do not miss the next blog session. I.ll be talking more about the inspiration behind the last color & cut collection and all the beautiful images that we created. Also we will be talking about the importance of creating your own signature look on every client you work on.
Bye for now,
