The new amika blog!

We're moving!

The new amika website has officially launched! It's equipped with features including: details about the latest amika tools + products, our online shop, styling how-to's, a press section, and of course a updated blog with a chic new design. So although we must now bid farewell to Blogger, you'll be happy, and hopefully excited to know, you can now keep up with all things amika on our new blog at: loveamika.com/blog

How-To Blowout Giveaway!

There really is so much more to blowdrying hair than simply getting it dry, especially when you're working with hair that is textured and voluminous. It's an art, and stylist, salon owner, and beauty blogger Tequila Fletcher is an artist. Don't believe the rumors, a well done blowout looks good on any hair type. Naturally curly and coiled hair can be made sleek without sacrificing body and bounce, while straight stands can be lifted an volumized. To prove it, Tequila is sharing with us her step-by-step pro tips for getting a perfect blowout for two very different hair types: natural + relaxed. Her tools of choice? amika of course, the Power Cloud Repair + Smooth Dryer, Straight Up Smoothing Balm, Oil Treatment, and Touchable Hairspray... and we're giving them away!

1) Start off with clean and conditioned hair.
2) Section hair into four sections.
3) Apply amika Straight Up Smoothing Balm to hair from root to ends. (Only apply a small amount of product. Too much product will make your hair greasy and weigh it down.)
4) Set your amika Power Cloud Repair + Smooth Dryer on a low/medium warm setting and proceed to dry the hair until 80% dry.

5) Clip all but one section of your hair.
6) Set your dryer to a higher and warmer setting and proceed to continue drying your hair using a medium round or paddle brush. Smooth the hair by sectioning small sections until done.
7) FLAT IRON TIME (do if you need to at this point). For those of you with natural hair, please make sure you are using a flat iron that heats up to 400º. For those of you with relaxed please make sure your not using heat higher than 300º. Smooth out your hair until finished.
8) Finish your hair using by using a few drops of amika Oil Treatment (if desired) and use the amika Touchable Hair spray set your perfect results.

How-To Blowout Giveaway!

Now that you've learned the steps to getting an amazing blowout, we're giving you the chance to win all of the amika tools + products you'll need to make it happen! Enter for a chance to win the ultimate blowout set that includes: the amika Power Cloud Repair + Smooth Dryer, the amika Straight Up Smoothing Balm, the amika Oil Treatment, and the amika Touchable Hairspray. We'll be choosing 5 lucky winners, 2 from Facebook, 2 from Instagram, and 1 from the entry form below. Contest runs Aug. 8-15th. (Open to US only. Prizes are non-refundable, and subject to change based on availability.) 

• For Facebook: LIKE+SHARE this post.
• For Instagram: Follow @love_ amika and @tequilaglamtresshair and repost this picture with #howtoblowout
• Follow the entry rules below. The more ways you enter, the more chances you have to win.

GOOD LUCK everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pro Tip

ProTip: Oil is great for many things, but a moisturizer it is not! Moisture is hydration, and can only be achieved with water or water-based products. Using oil as your moisturizer could eventually dry out your hair. Instead, use amika Oil Treatment as a sealant, to lock in moisture and keep excess moisture out. 

Red, white, blue + neon

Nothing's traditional when it's graced with the presence of Chloe Norgaard and her infamous neon locks. American designer For Love + Lemons featured Chloe in their recent Summer Lookbook, appropriately dubbed "American Dreamz." In celebration of the birth of a nation, we share with you a 4th of July inspired lookbook that pays homage to "God Bless America" and green hair.

"American Dreamz is a very special mini capsul collection we created exclusively for the 4th of July! 100% of it is produced in downtown Los Angeles. This is our way of showing appreciation for our country and that we are proud to be Americans!!!" - For Love + Lemons

Photogragher: Zoey Grossman 

Model: Chloe Norgaard

Makeup/Hair: Ashlee Rose

(images via): fashiongonerogue.com 

amika: 5 Ways to Fight Frizz

1. Shampoo --the right way...
Use a sulfate-free shampoo that will cleanse your hair without stripping it of it's natural oils. amika Color pHerfection Shampoo will clarify your scalp without leaving your hair stripped + brittle. Shampoo less, shampooing too often can dry out your hair. Instead, opt for a dry shampoo. amika Perk Up Dry shampoo will remove excess oil from your hair, adding texture + lift to refreshen your locks. Pre-Poo, as in before-shampoo, to protect your strands. Apply a conditioner or oil treatment to your hair prior to shampooing. Rinse out or leave-in while you shampoo, to prevent shampoo from completely stripping hair while you wash.

2. Put the towel down...
When possible, air drying is always the healthiest option for your hair. But you can blot with a microfiber towel or T-shirt to reduce friction that can raise the hair cuticle causing frizz.

3. Harness the power of the negative ion...

If you are going to use a blow dryer, make sure it's equipped with a negative ion feature. Negative ions will reduce frizz by closing the hair cuticle. The amika Repair + Smooth Dryer has negative + positive ions. Positive ions dramatically reduce drying time, while negative ions leave hair silky and shiny! Diffuse, to evenly distribute heat in a way that is less damaging to hair and that will reduce drying time. Curly girls, listen up please! Diffusers are the way to go when blowdrying curls; use it to cup your curls so they maintain their shape during the drying process.

4. Moisturize + Seal...

Deep conditioning regularly will restore hair's moisture. Use a deep conditioner like the amika Nourishing Mask at least once a week to strengthen + repair hair. Lock in the moisture from water + conditioning by sealing your strands with an oil/silicone based product. Focusing on your ends, apply a thin coat of a product like the amika Oil Treatment. This will keep hair from drying out, while also protecting it from humidity in the air that can cause frizz. 

5. Hands off, please...

Especially once your hair is dry, the more you fuss with it the more frizz you create!

images (in descending order) via: blog.myfdb.com, (amika), instagram.com/felixfischerhair, fuckyeahfantasyhair.tumblr.com

amika: Premiere Orlando

amika was at the Premiere Orlando show this weekend! Did you stop by our booth to check out the amazing couture hairstyles created by our Pro Education Manager, stylist Naeemah LaFond?! If you missed it, here are some behind-the-scenes photos from the event...

amika Destination: NYFW Finalists

We have selected our top finalists for the amika Destination: NYFW competition—and now it’s up to you to join us in selecting a winner! These five finalists have worked to create runway-ready hair looks inspired by their favorite designers for the chance to join the international amika team this September for an all-expense paid trip to New York City. Your votes will decide which stylist will win the trip of a lifetime—a five-day event packed with education, a pro photo shoot, and Fashion Week events.

To Vote: Head to the amika Facebook page, and view the finalist photo submissions in the Destination: NYFW Finalists photo album. Make sure to Like the photo of your favorite entry, as the stylists with the most "Likes" for their runway-ready look will be chosen a the winner.

But before you cast your votes, find out what inspired each look, how they were created, and what amika tools + products each stylist used...

Steps:

1. Begin by blow-drying hair while using the Power Cloud Dryer and  Straight Up Smoothing Balm. 
2. Next, after using the Heat Defense Serumr, part the hair and hold it up with the Straightening Tension Comb and create curls with the 25mm Barrel Curler.
3. After the entire hair is curled, secure with Touchable Hairspray, and straighten hair along the hair line with the Titanium Glide Obliphica Styler.
4. Section hair and begin to braid on the side.
5. Finish this look by adding a flower for summer, and once again spray Touchable Hairspray to secure. 

Steps:

1. Prep the hair with Straight Up Smoothing Balm.
2. Blow dry the hair using the amika Power Cloud, and infuse hair with the Oil Treatment
3. Curl hair using the 32mm Tourmaline Curler. 
4. Using the Touchable Hair Spray to set, brush and mold hair into a high bun. 
5. Apply additional Straight Up Smoothing Balm to the hair, before using a hair extension to finish the base of the bun. 

Steps:

1. Begin by prepping the hair with Blow Up Spray and Oil Treatment. 
2. Spray hair with Perk Up Dry Shampoo and texturize using the Titanium Glide Obliphica Styler. 
3. Use bobby pins to create zig-zagged figure-8s into the hair. 
4. Backcomb to add body and shape, and use Touchable Hairspray to hold the look in place. 
5. Finally, create a fishtail side-braid, and once completed, pull pieces from the final look to make the style look undone. 

Steps: 

1. Create a center part at the top of the crown, while separating hair from ear to ear into neatly clipped and secure sections. Apply Heat Defense Serum to each section. 
2. Beginning at the nape of neck, using the 3P Triple Barrel Curler, take 1" sections and soft-set the hair—working up to the crown and repeat on the sides.
3. When curls are set, remove the clips, shake out the curls, and gently run fingers through hair.
4. Create a diagonal ear-to-ear part, and clip sections upwards.
5. Securely clip the back of the style up, to ensure it will not interfere while styling the front section.
6. Begin with the right side, and back comb the hair from the inside, and smooth with comb out brush and begin to roll inward to create first victory roll. 
7. Repeat on other side. 
8. Take down the hair in the back and slightly back comb hair to create volume. 
9. Set the look with Touchable Hairspray. 

Steps:

1. After prepping the hair with Perk Up Dry Shampoo and Oil Treatment, use the 25/28mm Curler to create curls.
2. Take two diagonal partings from recession to just in front of the ear, and style a fishtail braid. Smooth the braid with Leave In Cream. 
3. Tease hair at the crown and spray with Touchable Hairspray.
4. Begin to pin hair at the sides, and then take sections from bottom, and gently (and randomly) pin hair until it is all up—creating a draping effect.
5. Finish the look with Touchable Hairspray.

Summer Lovin' Mixtape

Summer is here!!!
Finally, we're through with the cold, bring on the heat. And no we don't just mean the temperature ;)
What is it about the summertime that leaves us all lusting for romance, wether it be a summer fling or lasting affair, we all could use a little summer lovin'. So with the official kick-off to summer, Memorial Day Weekend (or MDW as the cool kids like to call it) having come and gone, we thought we'd spark your summertime flame with some songs about love!
Brought to you by none other than our very own B.D. love bug, Dana. TOLD YOU she'd be back with another playlist, sooner than we expected and we love her all the more for it!

Enjoy :)

amika on SALE NOW on HSN!

Tune in to HSN today @11pm EST, to get exclusive limited time offers on amika Pro Tools! We've got a 45 minute slot where you can purchase amika Powercloud Dryers + Ceramic Stylers + our GoGo Travel Set, at an all time low prices. Exclusive prices won't last long so get it before it's all sold out! 

Here is the line up for the night:
3min: Pink Swarovski Ceramic Styler ($99) - Limited Edition Print!
5min:  Power Cloud Repair + Smooth Dryer ($99) - Limited Stock, so get it while you can!
10min: Power Cloud Force Drying System ($99) - Reduced S&H!
23min: GoGo Travel Kit ($80) - Plus 3FLEX + Free S&H = THO Saved!

Plus, get hair care tips from amika spokesman, and professional stylist, Martino Cartier. He will be demonstrating how to use amika tools and answering all of your amika questions with his pro haircare tips. 

For updates on the sale, follow @love_amika + @martinocartier on Twitter!

Casting Now: amika Pro Educators

LEAD EDUCATORS AND REGIONAL EDUCATORS NEEDED

amika, offering incomparable professional-quality products, has been embraced as a new leader in the professional salon, fashion and hair styling industry. From its revolutionary styling tools, to its miraculous Obliphica Line of Haircare, amika is in constant development of new ways to perfect the art of hair styling. amika products are used and sold exclusively through professional hair salons—and we are looking for educators to help spread the love!
As a licensed stylist with working knowledge of amika products, the role of an amika Educator is to teach, inspire and develop stylists and salons. An amika Educator reports directly to the National Pro Education Manager. All Educators will work closely with Brand Managers to educate stylists, salons and distributors on the amika brand and product knowledge.

We are looking for Freelance Educators in the following regions:
Orange County, CA
San Francisco, CA
Los Angeles, CA
San Diego, CA
Jacksonville, FL
Gainesville, FL
Pensacola, FL
Orlando, FL
Miami, FL
Tampa, FL
Naples, FL

Job Functions

• Work closely with the Education Department and Brand Managers to execute successful events consistent with amika image and goals
• Execute in-salon classes and product knowledge training
• Actively participate in model calls, in-salon events, fashion shows, trade shows, road shows, media events and photo shoots as needed
• Act as a resource for distributors, salons and stylists
• Submit weekly reports to the National Pro Education Manager
• Test new products and provides detailed feedback
• Attend meetings as requested

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Strong and creative styling skills with a focus on blowouts, updos, and cutting
• Fashion/editorial hairstyling awareness and interest
• Awareness of beauty and fashion trends
• Professional personal image
• Understanding of and dedication to the amika brand
• Energetic, well-mannered and humble
• Motivating and supportive as an educator
• Professional, punctual, proactive, organized and respectful
• Experience as an educator preferred, but not required
• Strong presentation and communication skills
• Desire to grow the brand, product line and education
• Willingness and ability to travel with flexible schedule
• Holds a valid driver's license

If you feel that you would be a great addition to the amika Pro Education Team, email your resume, cover letter, images of your work to pro-education@loveamika.com. 

Also, to be considered, please submit a link to a video demo. The video should be a maximum of 15 minutes, demonstrating a style look of your choice (updo, down style, etc. no cut or color). We are not only looking for the best styling talent across the country but also for candidates with personality, professional appearance, and those who are comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. Please don't forget to introduce yourself and tell us why YOU want to be an amika Educator!

-When submitting your work please use your region as the subject title (ex: California Educator)

PRO TIP

ProTip: For hot humid days, rub the amika Oil Treatment into damp hair and then pull hair back in a bun. You will be cool, look chic and be nourishing your hair all at the same time!

Image via: Angela Lindvall for Marie Claire

"Night After Hair" Styled by Mireille Bertrand

amika Educator, stylists Mireille Bertrand, was working her hair magic recently. As you can see, when rocked properly, soft bouncy curls can be edgy and bold! Loving this look? Mireille's giving us the details on how to get it using amika tools + products:

To begin, prepare your hair with the Obliphica Oil Treatment. A few drops into the palm of your hand lightly distribute throughout the hair will eliminate frizz and will be improving shine. Using the 3P Triple Barrel Curler – and working only the mid-length and ends of the hair – create a rounded, diffused texture. Vary your placement of the barrel always taking a 2 inch section so the end result doesn’t appear too even.  The interchangeable barrel curler allows you to choose a large and medium size barrel for more creativity.  Allow the hair to cool and work you hands through in order to create a modern texture that will last.

Photographer: Jolie Kinga

Model from Next Agency

Stylist Spotlight: Vincent Lann

Salon Name & Location: Freelance and Alibi salon 67 Greene St, Suite #2, New York, NY 10012

Website: www.vincent-lann.com

How and why did you get into the industry?I’ve always known that I wanted a career that was hands on and creative, and hair really seems like a no brainer since the industry is ever evolving and the creativity is endless.
What is your favorite part about being a stylist?
I love being able to bring out the inner beauty that is within all of us and of course pushing the creative boundaries of hair.
Who are your beauty idols?
I have many idols, from iconic beauties like Bridget Bardo & Farah Fawcett to current idols like Madonna & Lady Gaga.
Where do you get your hair & beauty inspiration from?
From runways, fashion magazines and even people-watching.
What is your Drug Store beauty secret?
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser!
What beauty product or service do you splurge on?
A nice relaxing deep tissue massage.

How do you feel about the DIY revolution & how has it affected your business?
I think it’s great because women are taking more interest and care in their daily hair routine and they are willing to try out new styles whether it is in a salon or at home! 
What hair myth do you want to put to rest?
That you shouldn’t wash your hair everyday because it’s bad for your hair. Everyone is different and unique in their own ways and if you are like me you will wash your hair at least once if not twice in day because of an oily scalp! Just remember to brush your hair with a natural boar bristle brush before washing your hair because your natural oil is one of the best things for your hair.

Do you prefer your clients to bring in pictures of how they want their hair cut/dyed/styled?

I wouldn’t say it’s necessary, but having a visual reference that can help pinpoint what your client likes about the picture is great, especially for first-time client. That way you get a better sense of who your client is and what they are trying to accomplished.
Who does YOUR hair?
I bounce around a lot because I haven’t found my dream stylist, but I doubt I will because I’m a stylist myself so I tend to be a little critical.
What hair trends are popular right now?Sleek hair with textured ends. It’s the new beach waves.
What hair trend are you tired of?
Badly done creative color ombre. If you are going to be creative, make sure that the ombre will suit your skin tone and style, because the last thing you want is for your creative ombre to be well... too creative.
What do you think is the next big trend in hair?
Braids! They are so versatile and with summer around the corner you’ll be sure to see them everywhere.
How has advanced consumer knowledge affected your business?
I’ve always educated my clients about their hair and what they need, and I think it’s great that consumers are able to find out more information about what they are putting in and doing to their own hair, because the more you know, the better.
What is your favorite amika product or tool and why?
My favorite amika tool would have to be the Five Barrel Curler, because with 5 interchangeable pieces you could create a variety of different sizes, curls or waves, and from there the sky's the limit!

ProTip: If your hair tends to fall flat after styling, this will be a great 5 second fix that will give your hair a quick boost of volume. All you have to do is to spray some Amika touchable hairspray onto the palms of your hands and with your fingers spread, reach into your hair from underneath and massage the hairspray onto the scalp, giving the root a nice boost of va va voom.

amika Straight Up Smoothing Balm

Let us be perfectly straight with you, sometimes when you're going for that ultra sleek straight look, a  blowdryer or styler alone will not suffice. For those days when the dew point is bringing out your hair's inner frizz, we're bringing you the secret to straight hair, the Straight Up Smoothing Balm. 

Just apply heat and this heat activated balm goes to work, creating long lasting straight styles easily on even the most unmanageable hair, and offering unbeatable defense against thermal damage and humidity. The amika Obliphica Straight Up Smoothing Balm, is formulated with the ultra-nourishing Sea Buckthorn Berry and the rare Omega 7, to tame even the most rebellious hair. The lightweight formula is free of sulfates, parabens, and artificial colors.

For a straight look like this, apply the balm to damp hair and blow-dry straight. We suggest using a hair concentrating dryer nozzle and vented (not round) brush. Follow up with a styler to achieve a super sleek look on thicker or curly hair. Give your styling tools the extra boost they need to create luminous, silky, straight styles with ease! The Smoothing Balm and the rest of the Obliphica are available now at shop.loveamika.com.

Pro Tip

ProTip: Adding layers to your hair can instantly slim your face, the added texture creates movement and emphasizes your bone structure.

Get this looks this look using these products from amika:
Blow Up Spray before you blow dry for extra volume.
Perk Up Dry Shampoo for added texture. 
Touchable Hairspray for hold. 

Coachella Mixtape

It's official, festival season has arrived! Festival fun kicks off today with weekend one of Coachella, and the amika team is headed to Indio, California. Even if you can't make it out to the festival, we still want you there in spirit so we're sending you some good vibes and good tunes with a special Coachella dedicated amika Mixtape. Listen to hits from the musicians that will be hitting the stage this weekend and don't forget to follow us on our Cali adventure @love_amika on Instagram and Twitter.

HOW TO: BETTY DRAPER 'DO

What’s not to love about Mad Men? The figure-flattering wardrobe, the abundance of cat eyes + red lips, picturesque views of old New York and—of course—the hair! Betty Draper has always been our fav, so we broke down her perfectly-sculpted curls in this surprisingly easy tutorial.

Get ready for the Season 6 premiere this Sunday in just a few steps!

Step 1: Create a deep side part and section off front of hair from ear to ear.

Step 2: Using your amika 25mm amika clip-less curling wand, curl hair on both sides of the part in a forward direction- keep the wand vertical and wrap hair flat around the wand-do not twist as you wrap- twisting will create more of a wave effect.

Step 3: Section off the hair in the back and curl in 1inch sections while holding the wand horizontally.

Step 4: Smooth a few drops of amika Obliphica Oil Treatment onto the hair to add shine. Brush through the hair forward from root to tip.

Step 5: When curls are completely brushed, begin to sculpt the hair—creating a smooth wave in the front and rolling waves on the sides.

Step 6: Finish off the final look with a few spritzes of  amika Obliphica Touchable Hairspray for hold and shine. 

Pro Tip

ProTip: Kinks, curls, and waves thrive best with hair care regimens are hydration focused. Water improves the hair’s elasticity, while reducing breakage and enhancing curl definition! 

Suggested products for our curly-haired followers include:
Hydrating Conditioner for daily use
Nourishing Hair Mask for weekly maintenance 
Curl Defining Cream for styling