Digital fashion

Techy used to mean geeky or nerdy. Now days its more like genius. Websites are the main draw to businesses. They need to look hip, cool and awesome! I'm not a programer but the responsiveness and functionality aspects are what's hot. When we get full screen pictures, videos or music, it's so much more captivating. Or when you hover over a button and it's somehow animated. It's the subtle details that subconsciously draw us in. A color, a noise or even a movement makes you want just one more click to see what happens next. Websites are very much fashionable and trendy just like clothing or a hairstyle. And like the latter, they should be a perfect reflection of the product it represents. We enjoy our favorite things and places because we connect to an experience. That's the key to anything. We don't buy shampoo or shoes or a car. We buy the story it represents in our mind. Next time you go to your favorite site, take a second and ask yourself what is it that keeps you connected time and time again? What story are you buying?

The show must go on

It's not just the outcome of a look. It's as much about the road traveled to get there. People crave excitement and enthusiasm. Doing things differently is fun and turns heads especially in the salon. It's not a big space so the vibe you put out catches on rather easily. Make the process of your work look outlandish so other clients ask questions about it. It's almost a show sometimes. We are the performers and the clients are the audience. I love it when they ask about what I'm doing. Create any opportunity so you can to talk about your work. The entire process is like a dance from start to finish. Everyone needs to enjoy the experience and feel elevated. After all, its another form of art for sure. And art should tell stories, be interesting, provoke conversations, be unique and more. 
This is a technique called "The Flame". I come up with it to simulate a red tone resembling fire. Not your average way to color but then again who wants to be average.

What's trending

BOBS! Seems like they're always around but there's been a surge of celebrities who just crush it! Below are some of those celebs. Bobs can have this misconception for many peeps who think they exude this boring, conservative or even old school element. But in actuality, its all about where the length lands and how you cut it (or into it) that takes it to the next level of extraordinary. Color also can bring new life to any haircut. Every style should look like it tells a story. It should give you a clue into the personality and expectations of that person with a little mystery left behind. Variations on the bob are endless. Razor, layered, graduated, bangs, choppy, boxy, flippy, precision, 60s retro, undercut - it goes on and on. Nowadays, the imperfections are what's great. The pieces that stick out or flip. It shows interest and character to the style. What are you willing to experiment with is the question. How far can you reach out of the comfort zone? Just go for it!

Lights-Camera-Action

Now that the new website is off and running (more like sprinting) I was going to add a video component to it. There's never a shortage of ideas only time and money right?! Videography has exploded its way into the web design world and for good reason. A picture is great but seeing something in action tells a complete story. There's no shortage of client requests like "how do I duplicate this style after I leave" or "what is that hair painting technique all about". So why not have a video tutorial thats shows you just that. So, coming soon will be a few super sweet videos to educate and instruct you on a range of topics but, with an artistic twist that will be exciting to watch. Stay tuned!

Got Razor?

Don't get me wrong, I like shears for cutting hair and I use them often. But the razor is a whole other ballgame. You have to really have a vision and know your stuff to wield an "unguarded" razor. In the beginning, I thought the razor trashed hair. I was super anti after all the bad razor cuts I had to repair. But low and behold like most things in our profession it's the user not the actual tool that goes awry. There's definitely right and wrong with technique and a razor. Now after studying and practicing it for about 7 years now, it has changed everything about my work. Like a renewed spirit. What you can do with a razor is unlike anything you can do with shears. Piecey, wispy, soft, chunky, edgy, fringy, trendy, weight removal, curl enhancer, volume exploder, shaggy, fun, interesting...I mean does it all! I would say the majority of textures can be done with a razor. Creativity is limited only to your imagination. If you feel bored, blah, ho hum, same ole thing, conventional or whatever and would like an interesting change to spice things up, come see me asap. Excitement is right around the corner!

Looking ahead for Fall/Winter color

Whether blonde, red or brunette, here's a sneak peak into what's blazing hot for the upcoming seasons. Notice subtle changes in tones throughout the hair. What makes them so beautiful is the hair painting technique. There's a harmony between the tones. A family of colors that are different yet soft. You don't see any lines like from foiling. Everything seems to "melt" into each other. In Greenville, you can only get it at Christopher Ashley Salon folks. Time to make the switch and watch your style come to life!

It is what you make it

Today is another 9/11 anniversary and I'm inspired to write about making the most of what you do. Most of us regular "Joes" have to wake up and go to work. So why not enjoy it and be thankful for actually having a job to support yourself, the kids, spouse etc. I sort of fell into this profession. It's not like I always wanted to do hair but I knew that I wasn't gonna be stuck behind a desk 9-5. Early on I did a lot of drawing and other artsy stuff. It just seemed to resinate with me. So I can look back and understand how I got here. The majority of the time we have choices which is a blessing. In our field, there are many options as to where and how you can work. So when the choice is made, doesn't it make the most sense to go in 100% each day? When we "choose" to work at a particular salon, we also "choose" to be a part of that culture meaning adapt to their way of thinking and acting. What's the point of going against the grain? It's going to disrupt things for everyone and most likely end badly for you. Complaining to others that can't do anything about it, spreading negativity, gossip or just anything non productive shows poor character in general. If you find yourself in any organization with this backwards thinking, it's probably time to make another choice. Contrary to popular belief, the grass is not greener on the other side...just different. And it's always greener where you water it. So get your mind right and be happy.
I love the fact that I'm in control of my destiny (to a certain extent) with work. I just have to put the effort in like tending a garden. I think clients can tell that I really like what I do. I find it fascinating and always challenging. Every person is a completely new project to figure out and that's cool. I look forward to seeing my clients and helping my team learn more about our craft. What a great profession.