With the holiday shopping season drawing to its end, most of us still have a few of our loved ones who are most difficult to buy for left.  You know, these are the ones that have all of the gadgets known to man-kind; or, worse yet, those who don’t care for gadgets at all:  the collectors who just don’t need another item added to their collection and cluttering up their world and those that you just don’t understand their tastes.

What do you get these hard-to-buy-for people in your life?  This year join Blu Pasadena Salon in enriching your loved ones’ lives with the gifts of style, relaxation and luxury!  Blu Pasadena Salon has a host of last-minute gifts sure to please anyone on your list.

Gift Certificates from Blu Pasadena Salon

A gift certificate from Blu Pasadena Salon is the perfect answer to your last-minute shopping needs. Whether you’re giving your loved one the lavish salon or spa treatment that they’ve been craving or the freedom to explore a new luxury, our gift certificates are a perfect way to ensure that they’ll enjoy their gift! Take a look at our special offers for instant holiday happiness!

Gift Sets from Blu Pasadena Salon

Our sumptuous spa sets include our natural, plant-based blends sure to leave skin soft and supple.  Our body sets are a fusion of relaxing and refreshing scents such as rosemary and mint with superior texture. There is a set for everyone whether you’re looking to soothe dry skin or exfoliate and renew.

If you’re loved one understands the value of exceptional quality hair products in creating a fabulous look, Blu Pasadena Salon offers an assortment of hair care gift sets tailored for their type of hair.  Whether their hair is color treated, curly or fine, we offer a gift sure to leave their hair luminous and manageable.

Don’t forget the men in your life!  Blu Pasadena Salon carries an assortment of skin, hair, grooming and spa sets designed for the unique needs of a man.  Our crisp, masculine scented sets are an indulgence your loved one is sure to enjoy.

To top it off, our gift sets come opulently wrapped in Nepalese hand-made and dyed gift paper. Please, stop by our salon at 626.294.9067 today. We’ll help you check off the last of your Christmas list!

The 1950’s Clean-Shaven Look – Blu Pasadena Salon

No one can deny the amazing success of the Madmen series and the influence it’s had on fashion trends. At Blu Pasadena Salon we’ve experienced a marked increase in men seeking the well-tailored, clean-cut image reminiscent of the 50’s. After all, who can resist the essence of this era that gave birth to the suburb, dark, tailored suits, the “bob”, and pleated, knee length skirts?

This well-groomed trend has shown itself to be attractive to those longing for the simplicity and order of this bygone era.  What’s more, those choosing this image which signified conformity in its day, now express an image of revolt against the modern values of society.

The Unshaven Revolution – Blu Pasadena Salon

In stark contrast, the New York Times has recently acquainted its readers with the contradictory trend they’ve coined as the “whisker rebellion.” (see “Whisker Rebellion”) The New York time described pursuers of this latest movement seek freedom from unnecessary restriction; protesting against the rules of society in favor of the more wily values of the mountain man. However, as simplistic as this fashion trend may seem, you may want to consult the professionals at Blu Pasadena Salon to “pull-it-off” properly. After all, incorrectly executed, seekers of this look may appear more reminiscent of the typical couch potato than the Marlboro man!

(Continued from: “Blu Hair Salon Pasadena Area Tips on How to Choose the Right Hair Color – Part 1“)

In Part 1 of this article series, we discussed some important questions that your Blu Salon Pasadena area hair stylist will ask when you consult with her about changing the color of your hair. At the end of that article, we made reference to two color categories that hair stylists use to determine which hair color(s) are going to look the best on you. These color categories have to do with the natural color of your skin tone, eyes, and hair, and are represented by the terms “cool” and “warm.” In this article, we’ll describe the “cool” and “warm” individual, discuss the best hair colors that look the best on you, and point out which colors you should avoid.

Blu Salon Pasadena’s Description of the “Cool” Individual

Skin tone

Cool skin tones range in color from pale, with pink or minimal undertones; to medium, with pink, golden, or minimal cheek color; to very dark brown. So-called true olive is also considered a “cool” skin tone.

Eye color

Cool individuals have eye colors in the following color range: black-brown; dark brown; dark blue, gray-blue; and hazel, with blue or white-gray flecks.

Hair color

Natural hair colors of the cool individual include blue-black, dark brown, medium ash blond, and golden blond.

The best “cool” hair colors

If your Blu Salon Pasadena area hair stylist has determined that you have the skin tone, eye and hair color of a “cool” individual, she will recommend the following hair colors for you: blue-red hair shades, blue-black, ash browns, and blonds in shades ranging from mink to platinum. The hair colors your Blu Salon Pasadena area hair stylist will steer you away from include such “warm” hair colors as gold, yellow, red, and bronze.

Blu Salon Pasadena Area’s Description of the “Warm” Individual

Skin tone

“Warm” individuals are identifiable by the following skin tones: pale, with gold or peach undertones; brown, with pink or gold undertones; freckled; and red or ruddy.

Eye color

Natural eye colors of the warm individual include golden brown; green; green-blue; turquoise; and hazel, with gold or brown flecks.

Hair color

Deep brown, with gold or red highlights; red; strawberry blond; gray-yellow; and golden blond are all hair colors that are found naturally in the “warm” individual.

The best “warm” hair colors

If you are a “warm” individual, then you’ll look best with hair in shades of dark, warm browns; chestnut or golden browns; or auburn. Your Blu Hair Salon Pasadena area hair stylist will recommend that you avoid cool hair colors that have a blue, violet, beige or ash base.

Blu Hair Salon Pasadena area Can Help If You Still Can’t Decide

Your Blu Hair Salon Pasadena area hair stylist may need more input to determine your color type, for example, if you have skin problems such as rosacea or you have a strong tan. In cases like these, the colors in your wardrobe can help her determine whether you are a cool or warm individual. If you look good in greens, blues, and violets, then you are probably a cool type. Warm types look best in yellow, orange, and red.

An in-depth consultation with your Blu Hair Salon Pasadena area hair stylist is the best way to determine whether you are a “cool” or “warm” individual and, from there, the hair colors that will bring out your best features. Call us today at 626.294.9067 to schedule an appointment.

(Read Blu Hair Salon Pasadena Area Tips on How to Choose the Right Hair Color – Part 1)

Blu Hair Salon Pasadena area Suggests You Ask Yourself the Following Questions BEFORE Choosing a Hair Color

The purpose of the initial consultation with your Blu Hair Salon Pasadena area hair stylist is to gather information that will help her determine which hair color is going to be the best choice for you. Some information she already knows just by looking at you. There is still some information she needs that only you can provide; therefore, answering the following questions as honestly as you are able will help her recommend the best hair color for you.

Why do you want to change your hair color?

It may be that you simply want to cover the gray hair that is starting to show in your hair. On the other hand, you may only want to experiment with a color change by adding a few highlights to your natural hair color.  Or you may be looking for a total makeover and want to completely change the natural color of your hair. Being clear about why you want to change your hair color and to what extent will help your Blu Hair Salon Pasadena area hair stylist create the perfect look for you.

How much maintenance are you willing to commit to?

A basic rule of thumb that your Blu Hair Salon Pasadena area hair stylist will tell you is that the farther away from your natural hair color you go, the more time you’ll need to devote to maintaining it. In addition, an all-over color change will require more time to maintain than will the addition of highlights to your hair. Highlights can last as long as two to three months and won’t result in a drastic change in looks as they fade. An all-over color change, on the other hand, will probably need to be touched up every six to eight weeks. If you are unable or unwilling to devote this amount of time to maintaining an “all-over” color change, don’t be surprised if your Blu Hair Salon Pasadena area stylist recommends highlights instead.

What kind of hair cut do you have or want?

If you want a new hair cut in addition to a new hair color, your Blu Hair Salon Pasadena area hair stylist will cut it BEFORE coloring it for the simple fact that your new hair color should compliment, and not detract from, the length of your hair. While shorter hair styles look great when the hair is light in color, and longer cuts look really fabulous when hair color is darker, this isn’t a hard and fast rule. Your Blu Hair Salon Pasadena area hair stylist will be able to recommend the right color for your hair cut.

What is the natural color of your skin, eyes, and hair?

Your answers to the first three questions represent personal information about your decision to change your hair color that your Blu Hair Salon Pasadena area hair stylist doesn’t want to make assumptions about. This final question, however, can best be answered by your Blu Hair Salon Pasadena area hair stylist because it is based on her training, experience and expertise as a hair colorist. In Parts 2 of this article series, we’ll discuss two categories that most people fall into that will determine the hair colors that are the right ones for you.

Contrary to popular belief, the Pompadour is not difficult to achieve.  A quality haircut from your stylist at Blu Salon Pasadena area, plus the use of some quality products can help you achieve this style.  The basic form of this cut incorporates a shape that is longer on the top front than in the back.

Styling is much easier than many would believe. After shampooing and conditioning with quality products (check with your stylist at Blu Salon Pasadena area for suggestions), skip the blow-dryer and towel dry your hair.  Apply a liberal amount of stiff styling gel beginning at the root and smoothing it to the ends. Use a comb to spread the gel and pull the hair up at the root and then back. Let your hair dry naturally.

Looking at the top trends in men’s styles, it’s clear that the traditional pompadour is one of today’s hottest looks.  However, some are opting for an update to this greaser hairstyle.  One of the most stylish ways to update this look is to shave the sides.  This simple change from the traditional style adds an edge that brings the cut into the 21^st century.

Whether opting for the original, or modernizing the look, the pompadour is a style for those who want to make an impression.  It has the ability to resurrect the first “rebel without a cause” or reflect a bold, modern edge.  If you’re interested in exploring this style, or another new look, the professionals at Blu Salon Pasadena area are here to guide you through the process and help you do it right.  Let us help you transform your look and make a bold impression.

Throughout the month of October Blu Salon Pasadena will be offering Aveda’s Special Edition Hand Relief Hand Lotion. For every 5 fluid ounce/150 ml tube of this specially designed pink lotion container purchased at Blu Salon Pasadena Aveda will donate four dollars to breast cancer research.

Each year it is estimated that over 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer; of these nearly 40,000 women die from breast cancer each year. Aveda and Blu Salon Pasadena have committed to supporting the cause of eliminating breast cancer through contributions to this worthy cause. Through the efforts of Aveda, Blu Salon Pasadena and our caring clients, we have contributed over $1.5 million dollars to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation since 2004.

In our commitment to support cancer research AND animal rights, Aveda and Blu Salon Pasadena are proud that our donations to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation support cruelty free research into the causes and cures of breast cancer.

Evelyn Lauder founded The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®  as an independent, non-profit funding groundbreaking medical research. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation contributes more than 88 percent of each dollar donated  to research and awareness programs.

Aveda’s Hand Relief is an incredibly moist hand lotion offering therapy that eases dry, chapped hands. It reduces signs of aging and relieves dry skin using  plant emollients, humectants, exfoliating fruit acids and anti-oxidants, including vitamins A and E. Visit Blu Salon Pasadena today to try this amazing lotion and support a cause that touches each and every one of us.

The AVEDA “My Style” iPhone app will include:

• Instant product recommendations
• Answers to beauty questions.
• Hairstyle gallery – Submit photos and search styles – Save your looks!
• Share looks with live chat for hairstylists and guests.
• Hair advisor – Hairstyle and regimen advice on the go.
• Videos – Product demonstrations, How-to styling and AVEDA behind the scenes.

Whether you’re looking for a new hairstyle, looking for tips on how to get the most out of your current style, or wondering which products are best suited for your hair, this app will put the answers at your fingertips.  And, even more exciting, you’ll be able to share it with your Blu Salon Pasadena area stylist with the touch of a button!  It’s never been easier to share information and ideas with your Blu Salon Pasadena area stylist so that you can get the most out of your style and beauty routine.

Blu Salon Pasadena area is thrilled at the opportunity to move our guest experience into the 21^st century and be one of the first to utilize mobile technology as a resource and salon tool.  Be on the lookout for more information on this fantastic app next month!

You’ve taken the first step – gone to your Pasadena salon.  But how do you finish the look to get the sharp, trendy business look you’re after.  The people at GQ Magazine have provided an excellent video to guide you in learning to “wear your suit, rather than being one.”  Check out this informational video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

The combination of these tips and a sharp look from your Pasadena salon, Blu Salon and Stör, will help you to create the image you’re looking for to get ahead in the business world and beyond. For continual tips and trends to keep you at your best, be sure to follow our blog at Blu Salon and Stör.

In Part 1 and Part 2 of this article series, we focused on how to identify your face shape and some techniques that Blu Salon Pasadena Area hair stylists use to create the illusion of the perfect, oval face shape if you aren’t blessed with that face shape and instead have a round, square, or oblong face.

In this article, we’ll take a look at what Blu Salon Pasadena Area hair stylists can do for those of you who have heart, triangle, and diamond face shapes.

Heart Shape

Because heart-shaped faces have a broad forehead and narrow chin, your Blu Salon Pasadena Area hair stylist can create the illusion of an oval shape by narrowing the forehead and adding volume around the jaw and chin. Shoulder- or longer length hair styles that are textured, layered, or flare out work well.  If you like bangs, keep them swept to the side. Be sure your hair is shoulder length or longer if you want hair on the top of the head.

Triangle Shape

The triangle face shape is narrow at the forehead and broad at the chin; therefore, your Blu Salon Pasadena Area hair stylist will create an oval shape by adding width at the forehead and around the temples. A layered look is the best way to go, especially when the hair flares around the forehead and temples and tapers toward the jaw line. As a result, shorter hair cuts are beste suited for this face shape.

Diamond Shape

Creating the illusion of an oval with a diamond face shape is going to involve widening the narrow forehead, narrowing the wide cheeks, and adding width to the narrow jaw line. Your Blu Salon Pasadena area hair stylist can easily achieve this by adding straight bangs across the forehead to broaden it, keeping the hair chin length to create a “bob” style or shoulder length, with the hair flaring out at the sides to broaden the jaw line.

As you can see, it really doesn’t matter what kind of face shape you have. Blu Salon Pasadena Area hair stylists know exactly what to do to create the perfect style and haircut for your uniquely beautiful face. Give us a call today at 626.294.9067 to schedule an appointment.