Extra's #1 Must-Have for Looking Great this Summer

On Sunday, Extra featured this amika Tourmaline Curler as the #1 must-have for looking great this summer. Beauty expert Jamie Krell showed Extra how to get Blake Lively's beachy waves with the amika clip free curler. Click here to watch the clip.

Paris Uses a Hot Pink Styler, Is it amika?

I was watching the new show The World According to Paris the other night and noticed Paris Hilton uses a hot pink styling tool. As she got ready for a party to celebrate her 30th birthday in NYC, her stylist used a tool that looks a lot like our amika 100% Ceramic Styler in Hot Pink. What do you think?

Hitting The Beach or Pool This Weekend? Read These Tips First

If you are lucky, you will be frolicking in cool waters this weekend. There are tricks to keeping your hair at its beautiful, healthy best after a swim. Below find a collection of expert tips on how to protect your tresses while taking a dip.

From RealBeauty.com:

Hair soaks up chlorinated water like a sponge. The chlorine build up has a greenish cast which is visible on blondes and brunettes alike. To prevent his try "Saturating your hair with conditioner before hopping in the pool is your best defense against chlorine discoloration, but lazy girls who skip that step would fare well to rinse with a clarifying shampoo après swim to remove any hue-altering impurities."

From CBSnews.com:

"Make sure you carry a bottle of water with you so you can wet your hair throughout the day before jumping in for a swim — a big, water-filled spray bottle is a good option to throw in your beach tote."

From MarieClaire.com:

If you don't have a glamorous beach hat to protect your scalp, "prevent a sunburned scalp by combing a small palm full of white sunscreen (yellow formulas can tint pale hair) through your strands, starting at the roots."

From Afrospuffsandponytails.com

"Chlorine and salt water both dry, discolor, and damage hair. Chlorine binds to the hair, filling in gaps in the hair shaft. Mineral deposits in salt water make hair brassy and brittle. Both severely dehydrate hair. Imagine how these elements affect delicate, kinky/curly hair which tends to be much drier than straight hair... Follow up with a little club soda; it makes for a good post-pool rinse. I recommend wearing a swim cap as often as possible."

From the Birchbox Blog:

"After frolicking in the surf and sitting out in the sun, my hair can be left stripped and coarse. Also, given that the beach tends to be a pretty humid place, it’s important to tame frizz. I love the Amika Obliphica Hair Treatment because it restores shine and health and deals with frizz and fly-aways without being too heavy."

From RealBeauty.com

""When hair is very dry, the cuticle is open and strands feel rough—like a piece of Velcro," explains Michael Duenas, founder of Hair Room Service (a deluxe service that provides hairstyling house-calls to celebs). Use a deep conditioner with ingredients like Omega 7 and Vitamin C to hydrate hair."

Salon Stalker: Wonderland Beauty Parlor

Hairstylist Michael Angelo's work has been captured by photographers such as Steven Meisel, Mario Testino, Bruce Weber, and Inez and Vinoodh, and has appeared on the covers and in the pages of nearly every major fashion magazine, including Vogue, Elle, Allure, V and Numero. He has worked with celebrities, musicians, actors and supermodels, such as Susan Sarandon, Carmen Kass, Angella Lindvall, Dita von Teese, Brooklyn Decker and Beyoncé. Recently he transformed a meat packing district space into a glossy beauty playground. We asked him some questions about his salon, Wonderland Beauty Parlor.

amika: Love the concept for the salon fusing creativity and beauty in a playful way. What is the atmosphere like in the salon on a day to day basis? What can guests expect to see?

Michael Angelo: One of the most wonderful things about Wonderland is how much the atmosphere changes day to day and season to season. Wonderland's hair salon was built to serve everyone, not just models and celebs. Depending on the time and day you'll meet neighborhood moms, CEO's, producers, supermodels, artists & designers & musicians, and most exciting for me, beauty industry insiders, who seem to have a knack for feeding me all of the industry secrets : )

amika: The day we stopped by you were preparing for an art opening. Who do you show in your space?

Michael Angelo: The art on our walls varies seasonally, so you may see a show from Syracuse Uni's Printmaking Department on one visit and a series of vintage ice cream ads the next. It's constantly evolving which keeps me feeling inspired!

amika: What are some of the specialties that set this salon apart from others (besides the uber-talented staff of course)? Are there any signature services you offer?

Michael Angelo: What sets us apart is our understanding of personal style. It's not about just skillful cutting, coloring or making up. It's also about understanding our guests taste & lifestyle and directing their energy into finding a look that makes good sense for them. Whether that's the color of the moment or the most classical cut, we really strive to work with folks to develop their own allure.

amika: What are you customers asking for? Is there a request that is hot right now? Red hair? A fringe?

Michael Angelo: Reds are so hot right now. And short, boyish cuts that can be glammed up for evening. It's like being in the early 90's all over again! It's fun for me because that's really where my career began, and I know the references like the back of my hand. I'm waiting for a return of the supers! Linda, Christy, Claudia... Who will be the new "chosen ones"?

amika: What are some things that inspire you creatively right now?

Michael Angelo: 1960's Italian Cinema, old school Steven Meisel & Peter Lindbergh, lip stains, roller sets, Madonna's SEX book, and I've been obsessed by this blog http://vintagegal.tumblr.com/.

amika: Going to check out that Tumblr blog and revisit my Antonioni DVDs :-). Thanks for talking to us.

Stalker Faves: Top Stylists, Art Influence, They carry amika!


Wonderland Beauty Parlor
418 W. 13th
NY, NY 10014
212-524-2800

Summer-Proof Hair for the City Girl

We recently spotted this post from Daily Candy with a genius summer hair do. This do looks beautiful but also keeps the hair off you neck which is key during the summer months.

Hair stylist Gabriel H.S.E. from Wonderland Beauty Parlor gave Daily Candy the step by step below and used the amika Tourmaline Curler.

Obliphica Oil Treatment Review on Sickthanaverage.com

Sickthanaverage.com did a piece on our Obliphica Oil Treatment. They share a lot of great info on Sea Buckthorn Berry aka Obliphica you'll want to read this.

Get Amika Essentials Delivered Same Day to Your Door in NYC

We have reached the peak of summer and with temps reaching 100 setting foot outside can usher in a bad hair day. Now you don't have to leave home to get your beauty fix. Lucky Manhattanites can order from Sephora and get same day home delivery via Sephora's cute branded Mini. Order amika Obliphica Oil Treatment and our 100% Ceramic Styler to tame summer frizz before you hit the streets. For full details click here.

A Great Tip for Saving Your Summer Strands via Real Beauty

Here is the tip:

"Saturating your hair with conditioner before hopping in the pool is your best defense against chlorine discoloration, but lazy girls who skip that step would fare well to rinse with a clarifying shampoo après swim to remove any hue-altering impurities."


Read the full piece Lazy Girl Long Weekend Beauty Tricks on RealBeauty.com

Our Favorite Fall 2011 Couture Hair Looks

Elie Saab



Valentino



John Paul Gaultier



Chanel


Photo Credit: Style.com

Beautiful summer hairstyle inspiration courtesy of top models

We spotted these beautiful hair looks on the Altamira blog.


Vlada wears her hair loose with texture.


Uliana's shades and scarf look totally glamorous and protect her from the sun.


Young Karlie gives us a 40's vibe with a center part and noir curls.


Hanne Gabby pulls hair back and leaves a few pieces to frame her face. A nice casual summer look.


Photo Credit: http://altamiranyc.blogspot.com/

Women Who Rock Vol. 1: Jenna Hannon Action Sports Goddess

Recently, we came across the website for Jenna Hannon and were blown away! She counts kitesurfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, surfing, biking, wakeboarding, skiing AND modeling among her talents. We had to learn more about this self-confessed "adrenaline junkie."

amika: How did you get started in extreme sports?

Jenna: Growing up in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, making use of the snow was only natural. I started skiing at 5. Although, in saying this, I played a ton of team sports from basketball, volleyball and even badminton at a very competitive level, limiting my extreme factor up until college. 

It wasn't until freshman year of college when I joined the USC Ski & Snowboard team that the extreme sports snowball effect happened. I was snowboarding a bunch and competing in boardercross. Being in that crew I just kept getting introduced to one action sport after another. It was actually two boys from the ski team that introduced me to kiteboarding. 

Most people get to college and get their thrills off partying. I got mine from adrenaline rushes. Same difference really— and the equivalent amount of bruises!



amika: Where has your sport taken you? Have you gotten to visit some exotic destinations?

Jenna: My sports have already taken me beyond my original goal of 'go outside and have fun.' I just got back from Maui a few weeks ago. This year I went to Oregon, Utah (snow kiting), and North Carolina for kiteboarding. Montana, Aspen, Copper Mountain, Mammoth, and Utah for snowboarding. I spend everyday in Malibu, California— which is paradise when you come from the prairies. 

This Fall will be hitting Australia, Dominican Republic and possibly Necker Island. Once you develop the kiting bug, travel is the only logical next step.

amika: Do you have an exercise regimen to keep you strong for these sports?

Jenna: I work out like a fanatic! I love fitness and I always have. I do the stairs in Santa Monica twice a week, I do yoga twice a week, I jog, stand up paddle, surf. And this is not including skateboarding, snowboarding, biking, and kiting. I wake up at six every morning. I tend to be a bit hyper!

amika: Wow I am tired just thinking about it :-p. How often do you practice?

Jenna: That is a funny question because I never think of it as practice. I am on a board everyday, whether it is a skateboard, snowboard, kiteboard, surfboard, stand up paddle board, or wakeboard. (Actually, I lied. Sometimes I ski or telemark. So let me re-phrase that to on a plank everyday).



amika: You’re exposed to lots of wind, surf and sun? Do you have any beauty rituals that you swear by?

Jenna: You can't imagine the beauty difficulties these activities create. I haven't had all ten toe nails since I can remember. I think bruises and scars are a great conversation starter, but I have cancelled modeling gigs due to black eyes from snowboarding!

The key for my hair and skin is moisture. I go through tons and tons of coconut oil, deep conditioners and hair masques. You really can not get enough moisture when you are in the salt water this much. 

As far as sun, I am a bit over cautious. I am leaning on the side of protect now over Botox later! I wear clear zinc on my face always. Although, I am known to have a pretty severe wetsuit tan all season long with tan hands and feet and a white body!



amika: I am putting some Obliphica Oil Treatment and Nourishing Mask in the mail to you today! :-) The last and most important question, what advice do you have for girls and women that wish to pursue a sport or passion that is male dominated? 

Jenna: No shame. In action sports you are going to fall down and you are going to look like a fool sometimes. Laugh it off, get back out there and play! It is all about having fun. Skill level is never an issue as everyone started at some point. I started skateboarding a year ago and when I first showed up at the skatepark I couldn't even stand on a board. Now I can grind! My best advice for starting, wear pink and smile big. The combination makes lessons free!

amika: That is advice a bit of I am going to take! What is a better time than this summer to get out there and try.

Learn more about Jenna on her website. And connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

Meet Judd Minter

Hair Stylist Judd Minter has been styling hair for celebrity clients for over 20 years. With a passion for beauty and a great-grandmother who was Marilyn Monroe’s dressmaker, you could say it was unavoidable. "My goal is to make women feel feminine, sexy, and secure- and that’s what I love.”

He has honed his skills over the years working on projects for television such as "Americas Next Top Model", for magazines like Cosmopolitan, and backstage runway work for designers such as Calvin Klein. His celeb clients include Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Courtney Cox, and Jenny McCarthy.

He transformed Kelly Osbourne into Marilyn Monroe for photographer Matthew Rolston. She had some pretty powerfully flattering opinions about his work, saying on twitter: “ @juddminter is my hair dresser he is just amazing and can do anything with hair he is a genius!”





Learn Judd's secrets next week on our premier on Home Shopping Network. He will join us during the premier and show you how to use the amika tools and hair care to get celeb worthy hair at home! The amika premier airs July 6th at 1am, 8am, 2pm and 8pm EST on Home Shopping Network.

See more of his work on Judd's Facebook Fanpage. Judd is represented by Aim Artists Agency.