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

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 

Pro Tip

ProTip: Your hair grows from your scalp, so if you’re not sure of your hair type, often times your skin type can be the best indicator. 

• For oily hair: amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo will absorb excess oils leaving your hair feeling cleaner + lighter. 
• For dry hair:  Moisture is key, use the amika Nourishing Hair Mask at least once a week to help repair your hair + moisturize. 

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.

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

amika Touchable Hairspray

We're revamping the way you think about hairspray with amika's new Touchable Hairspray!

We all know the dreaded crunch—that feeling you get when you try to run your fingers through the impenetrable layer of hairspray you just spritzed on your perfectly-styled hairdo. Your hair doesn't have to be rock solid. Sometimes you just need enough hold to keep everything in place, but still want it to be touchably soft. If at any point you feel that you could use your hair as a cutting tool or blunt object, you might want to consider—for your safety and the safety of those in hair whipping proximity—amika's Touchable Hairspray.

You can still get those hairspray-essential styles; perfectly quaffed retro pin curls, sleek bobs and finger-waves, but now we have a hairspray for you that is formulated to provide hold that is not only strong, but flexible. The ultra-dry mist formula is residue-free and won't dampen your style. It acts as the ultimate barrier, keeping unwanted humidity out, while Omega 7 works to keep hair hydrated. Touchable Hairspray is infused with Obliphica Oil, a hair taming ingredient that will rid you of frizz and leave your hair feeling soft and smooth for hours!

Like all of the hair care from the amika Obliphica line, the new Touchable Hairspray is designed to work in perfect harmony with our pro tools and is available for purchase now at shop.loveamika.com.

Fall 2013 Beauty Trends

Just like that, another season in fashion has come and gone. But don't fret, if you weren't sitting front row at the shows, we made sure to keep track of all of the hottest trends in hair and beauty for you. Beauty trends are by far our favorite part of any season because, while many of the gorgeous garments you see on the runways are one of a kind (with a price tag to match), anyone can recreate these inspired hair and beauty looks. Here are a few of our favorite trends, and check out our full collections of looks from this seasons shows on our "Fall 2013 Beauty" Pinterest board! 

Stylist Spotlight: Kaitlin Candella

Salon Name & Location: Freelance (NY, DC, VA) and currently working with Avenue 42 Style Studio, Richmond, VA

Website: www.ave42.com

Avenue 42 Salon (interior)

How and why did you get into the industry? My best friend was going to an Aveda Institute and I decided to leave college and go with her!
What is your favorite part about being a stylist? Creating new things, recycling trends, perfecting the classics.
Who are your beauty idols? Any super model who looks beautiful without makeup!
Where do you get your hair & beauty inspiration from? The streets! People watching. Art. Magazines.
What is your Drug Store beauty secret? Bio Oil, love it!
What beauty product or service do you splurge on? Obsessed with eye lash extensions for a while, pedicures always.
How do you feel about the DIY revolution & how has it affected your business? It is great to see people trying to get creative, frustrating to hear that people who are not professionally trained think it is that easy to do it on their own!
What hair myth do you want to put to rest? If you pull a grey hair more will pop up in it's place. Grey hair will show up when it wants to!
Do you prefer your clients to bring in pictures of how they want their hair cut/dyed/styled? Pictures are always AMAZING. Visual references are best, because what you say and what your client say might mean two totally different things in each of your own minds. Pictures are ALSO a great way to show what your client is NOT looking for.

Who does YOUR hair? Myself!
What hair trends are popular right now? Ombre, ombre, ombre...and beachy waves are still hangin' in there.
What hair trend are you tired of? Badly done Ombre!
What do you think is the next big trend in hair? Fashion colors are making their way back...
How has advanced consumer knowledge affected your business? It is always a plus to meet a new client who has knowledge of the product lines you use or services you are about to do for them. Clients who already know how to use the tools or products are easier to educate on the advantages of using the whole range verses picking and choosing different products from different brands!
What is your favorite amika product or tool and why? The 3p is my original favorite tool! So genius! The Mask is my favorite product.

#ProTips: Use the mask for wild curly hair! Before getting out of the shower run a quarter size amount through soaking wet hair and blot dry with a towel. Reform curls with your hands and curl cream. Air dry!

Free Mini Styler + Pouch at Flatironexperts.com

Right now you'll receive a free Mini Styler + Pouch with your amika purchase at Flatironexperts.com!

Shop now! http://bit.ly/QHJUbP

Win Amika's Luxe Hair Care Kit!

We're certainly feeling the holiday spirit here at amika, but all that holiday shopping can really take a toll on you, and we want to remind not to forget to take some time to treat yourself and your hair during these cold winter months. Which is why we teamed up with FashionEct.com for an amazing amika Luxe Hair Care Kit Giveaway! Starting noon November 27th, until noon December 10th you can enter to win a set of luxury hair care products. Two lucky winners will each receive a collection of hi-tech and ultra-chic amika hair care products and tools, which will include the Obliphica Oil Treatment, Obliphica Nourishing Hair Mask, Triple Barrel Pro Curler Set, and the Power Cloud Repair + Smooth Dryer.

Fill out the submission form at the link below (and don't forget to confirm by email).

http://www.fashionetc.com/beauty/article/8139-giveaway-win-amika-luxe-hair-care#.ULYlUtPjk28

Good Luck! 

amika Hot Pink Mini Ceramic Styler in People Magazine

amika Hot Pink Mini Ceramic Styler is featured this week in People Magazine's “Gift Guide 2012: Gifts for $40 and Under!”

According to Real Housewife of Atlanta and "The New Normal" actress, Nene Leakes, the amika Pink Mini Ceramic Styler is truly "a gift for the girl on the go!" As a breakout reality tv star, Nene can certainly vouch for how convient the mini styler is for someone living the life of a true jetsetter. Not to mention it seems we now know the secret to how Nene keeps her infamous do looking so good. The mini styler is perfect for styling short hair, it really makes it easy to get close to the root and style those shorter strands. Find the amika Hot Pink Mini Ceramic Styler at Sephora.com

BellaStyle14 Loves The amika Curling Wand

We're in the business of making gorgeous hair, and by the looks of beauty vlogger BellaStyle14's lovely curls, business is bangin ;) In all seriousness though we truly do appreciate your feedback and we love to read and watch all of your engaging reviews of our amika products. We want to know how you use amika tools and products to keep your hair looking so fabulous. Show us how you love your hair!

New York Fashion Week SS13 with Amika

We certainly did have quite the time during Spring/Summer 2013 Fashion Week here in NYC. Amika was  out and about spreading "hair love" and of course indulging in our obsession with all things fashion. We partied and primped the night away at Sephora on Fashion Night Out, and collaborated with stylists and designers at the VPL and Zero+Maria Cornejo runway shows. The fashion bloggers at the Birchbox Blogger Lounge swooned over samples of our Nourishing Hair Mask and got styled by the best-of-the-best from the amika styling team. Honestly, words cannot even begin to do it all justice, so we're giving you a little visual taste of amika at NYFW. Enjoy!

Rita Ora is all Red at the 2012 EMAs

The 2012 MTV European Music Awards took place last night in Frankfurt, Germany. Like any award show it was quite the start studded event, but one celeb that really stole the spotlight had to be the lovely Rita Ora. Admittedly we might be slightly obsessed with her style at the moment, you'll find her on our Tumblr and Pinterest. We're plenty used to seeing Rita in her signature red lip bleach blonde curl combo, but last night she took red to a whole other level! Rita rocked not one, not two, but THREE extremely daring red lace ensembles. Are you loving her look, or did it just leave you seeing red ;)