Tag: salons

Award-winning hair stylist Sam Villa on his new Signature Series products, New York & more

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date February 15, 2017

Sam Villa is one of New York City’s top authorities on haircare. Beyond being the founding partner and namesake of the Sam Villa brand, Sam is the Education Artistic Director for Redken 5th Avenue. His work as a stylist has led him to being a multi-time Stylist Choice Award Winner for Favorite Platform Artist and Educator, in addition to winning Favorite Overall Educator of the Year from the same organization in 2015. In turn, Sam carries the reputation of being the pro that teaches the pros how to do hair.

Last month, Sam Villa unveiled two new products, the Sam Villa Limited Edition Signature Series Light Professional Ionic Blow Dryer and the Sam Villa Limited Edition Signature Series Sleekr Professional Straightening Iron. The blow dryer, priced at $190, is lightweight and includes two rotating concentrator nozzles and a deep bowl diffuser. The straightening iron, priced at $150, includes exclusive rounded plates coated with tourmaline and three heat settings. Both can be purchased via www.samvilla.com.

Downtown spoke with Sam Villa about these new products and plenty more. Sam Villa can be followed on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.

How does the first blow dryer you ever created compare to the new Signature Series Light Professional Ionic Blow Dryer?

Sam Villa: It’s actually the same dryer. People love it so much we have kept it the same, but occasionally will offer the blow dryer in different colors.

What makes your Signature Series Light Professional Ionic Blow Dryer different from other dryers on the market?

SV: It whispers quietly and weighs less than one pound. The nozzle stays secure on the dryer but stays cool enough to move in different positions for proper air flow and positive ergonomics.

What is the process like of making a blow dryer? What is the most difficult part of it?

SV: For us, the process needed to include what stylists were asking for: light in weight, comfortable in the hand, powerful and hot enough to smooth the hair with incredible shine. Some dryers are so damaging to the hair because of too much heat.

Dryers aside, what are you currently working on?

SV: A 1” Marcel Curling Iron that converts to a curling wand — imagine two irons in one. Professional Marcel curling irons are difficult to find and we wanted to focus on marcel yet with an added feature…a wand!

What do you teach at the Redken Exchange?

SV: My passion is teaching and the Redken Exchange is where learning happens. I teach a Class called “Directors Cut with Sam Villa.” This class focuses on haircutting and longhair dressing and all about adding value behind the chair. This class is about information that they can immediately take back to the salon and immediately apply.

How did the opportunity to teach come about? Was that always something you had wanted to do?

SV: I grew up around sports, either playing or coaching, and I really believe that is where I developed my skills as a teacher. The very day my father — who was a barber — took me to my first hair show to see Vidal Sassoon, I knew then and there that I wanted to be a platform artist. A teacher. And as a teacher, I must never cease to learn.

Is there a professional accomplishment of yours that you are most proud of?

SV: I am most proud of being voted by hairdressers from around the world as four-time Behind The Chair Educator Of The Year. This tells me I am doing and saying the right things.

If you weren’t working with hair, what would you be doing instead?

SV: Coaching a sport at the secondary level, no doubt.

When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?

SV: I love spending time at home and playing a game I love: golf!

Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?

SV: Cacio E Pepe — all about the cheese bowl and pepper!

Any upcoming events or concerts you have tickets to?

SV: I want to attend the next Summer Olympics. I want tickets…now!

Finally, Sam, any last words for the kids?

SV: Learn, learn, learn as much as you can and as often as you can. Focus on “how you can” vs. “why you can’t.” If I can do this, you can! Success is like chasing a butterfly the more you chase it the more it alludes you. Yet if you focus on the task at hand, success will land softly on your shoulder!

Tags Behind The Chair, Blow Dryers, Blowdryers, Cacio E Pepe, Cacio Pepe, Curling Irons, golf, Hair, haircare, Hairdressers, Olympics, redken, Redken Exchange, salons, Sam Villa, Success, Summer Olympics, Vidal Sassoon

Business

Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection Founder Joanna Vargas Talks To Downtown

Post author By Downtown Magazine
Post date October 19, 2016

An esthetician for nearly two decades, Joanna Vargas is an internationally-recognized skin care guru and one of the top celebrity facialists in New York City. She has treated countless supermodels and celebrities, having come a long way from her first job as an esthetician at Tribeca’s Ula Day Spa. Now, beyond her private clients, Joanna has the Joanna Vargas Skin Care salons in New York and Los Angeles and a line of retail-sold products.

Joanna spoke to Downtown about her thriving business, how everyday people can take better care of their skin, and what else is coming up for her. Her blog, products, salon info and much more can be found at www.joannavargas.com.

How did Jessica Alba find out about your brand?

Joanna Vargas: She came in for a facial. We have mutual friends and her Honor Beauty team are clients of the salon.

What do you feel is the first step someone should take towards having healthy, great-looking skin?

JV: The first step in having great skin is realizing that skin is just a window for what is going on in the body. If you can’t digest something, it comes out in the skin. If you don’t sleep or do anything that compromises your health, your skin will reflect that. I always recommend the basics to start: wash your face before bed, wear sunscreen and a great healthy diet.

You have been a New York State Licensed Esthetician for 17 years with clients all over the world. How did you decide to make your own products? Was there a particular event that inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

JV: I think the birth of my son was my defining moment. Becoming a mom made me so conscious of what I was doing and how I was doing it. I wanted to only use products that were healthy for him to be around and I wanted to be able to create a life that I would be proud to show him. Being a mom who is satisfied and engaged in a career, friends AND my kids I think is the best example I can be for them both.

Where are most of your clients? Do you find specific parts of the world more receptive to facial treatments?

JV: Well, I do have clients that come from all over the world to see me. New Yorkers are used to this town being the meeting point for so many different types of people. Obviously most of my clients live in New York, since I’m based here, but I have a ton of clients in Los Angeles as well. I think people are so much more health-conscious globally now more than ever, so we find that clients share that similarity no matter where they are from.

What makes your masks different from similar face mask products?

JV: I’m an esthetician — I have been doing facials for thousands and thousands of hours. My perspective comes from sitting in that chair. I think I know more about skin and ingredients than most people for that reason. It also makes me focused on results more than anything. My face masks are popular because you can SEE a difference in your skin. It’s that simple.

Where are the masks made?

JV: I have a manufacturer in Asia. The woman who runs it is actually a friend and that’s how we came to do business together. She and I have a mutual obsession with excellence and she takes care of my brand with that in mind.

Your namesake salon is on Fifth Avenue. Does all of your work and planning happen in Manhattan?

JV: That’s right. I think most people are kind of shocked to see me here every day. I think some clients of my girls assume I’m off somewhere, but I’m here daily doing facials in the AM and meetings in the afternoon.

What else is coming up for you and your brand? Any plans for a book?

JV: A book is in the works, yes. Ever since I started my blog 10 years ago, I knew I would one day write a book. Time is a commodity for me so it hasn’t quite happened, but now that I have incredible women running the New York City salon and Los Angeles is open, I have more time to devote to it. We also plan on expanding the skincare line very soon with some exciting products. I can’t wait to share them with everyone!

When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?

JV: My free time is spent with my kids, for the most part. We travel a lot. I also love to read. I feel like that enhances my own creativity a lot. I love to draw. Additionally, my daughter and I are learning to play piano together. My son just got certified in scuba this spring, so that is my next project.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in New York?

JV: For lunch everyday I like Juice Generation. It’s right by my office and I love the Supa Dupa Green Juice for my skin! Also, EN Japanese Brasserie restaurant downtown. It’s beautiful inside and the food is spectacular!

Finally, Joanna, any last words for the kids?

JV: Life is a winding road — try to enjoy the ride!

Tags Asia, beauty, Celebrities, diet, EN Japanese Brasserie, Estheticians, facials, Fifth Avenue, health, Honor Beauty, Jessica Alba, Joanna Vargas, Joanna Vargas Skin Care, juice generation, Los Angeles, salons, skincare, Ula Day Spa

Lifestyle Living Uncategorized

Get The Whole Experience at Lauren+Vanessa

Post author By Mike Hammer
Post date February 5, 2015

LAUREN+VANESSA Hair and Beauty brings luxury service to the Financial District. Conveniently located on Nassau Street, this beautiful loft style salon creates a relaxing atmosphere which allows clients to escape from the hustle and bustle of Lower Manhattan. They provide personalized luxury hair and makeup services that are designed to suit the beauty needs of all through the use of leading brands, such as L’Oréal Professional Haircolor, Oribe Haircare, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and more.

Hair color specialist, Lauren E. Hack, is known for her artistic ability and insightful knowledge. She has done work with countless top models and film stars, in addition to her work being featured on Vogue.com, and in Harper’s Bazaar, InStyle Magazine, and Sports Illustrated Magazine.

As a renowned hair and makeup artist, Vanessa Ungaro brings over 10 years of experience to their partnership. She has used her talent on a number of A-list clients, and designed hair and makeup for the screen, runway and Red Carpet. Her specialty is Bridal Beauty and Precision Dry Haircuts.

They travel globally, and are bringing their talents to the West Coast with services in Los Angeles. Their team of hand-picked beauty experts bringing blow-dry styling, precision dry haircuts, men’s haircuts, single process hair color, highlights and makeup applications to clients homes.

Coming highly regarded by many, DOWNTOWN wanted to experience LAUREN+VANESSA’s beauty services. My experience was everything and more. I ventured down Fulton Street from our office in the dreary gray winter weather, expecting a quick hair cut, blow out, and interview with Lauren and Vanessa. Little did I know, I would walk into a beautiful salon and be welcomed immediately. My forecasted quick visit here turned into an entire afternoon. They made me feel comfortable about taking risks and considered my desire for a style that is easy to maintain.

Lauren’s knowledge and ability to explain processes and what works for my face shape and skin tone, ended in me agreeing to lighten my hair. The color process was relaxing and deeply explained. She was using the balayage technique which she described as “a French word meaning sweep or to paint.” Her goal was to create a natural, sun kissed look, which was the exact outcome with the help of L’oreal Professionel Platinium Plus for the Balayage Highlights! This was my first time undergoing hair treatment without any anxiety – needless to say Lauren is extremely talented!

I then had my hair cut and styled by Vanessa. Similar to Lauren, she explained what she was doing and the products she would use. She accommodated my hair type, while keeping my length and opinion in mind. Knowing that I have thin hair, Vanessa resorted to a Precision Dry Hair Cut, allowing for, in my opinion, the perfect cut. She gave me a dramatic face frame that which outlined my face and accentuate my cheekbones. Vanessa used Grandiose hair plumping mousse, Maximista thickening spray, and Thick dry finishing spray. The final product was everything I expected and more!

I felt extremely comfortable, pampered, and relaxed during my wonderful experience at LAUREN + VANESSA. I often get anxious or nervous when it comes to hair processes and haircuts, but, for the first time ever, I had complete trust in these talented women. They had the ability to give me insight and a step-by-step explanation of every little thing they did, which was very comforting. I left the beautiful salon feeling light up and rejuvenated. After my beauty service experiences I was able to chat with Lauren and Vanessa:

DOWNTOWN: How did the two of you start working together?

LAUREN+VANESSA: We worked together at a salon for 5 years. It was there we realized
we shared a mutual passion for our craft. In 2013 we were given an opportunity to share in a collaborative work environment with multiple artists.

DOWNTOWN: What do you love about your Downtown location?

LAUREN+VANESSA: We love that we are a hidden gem and by appointment only. Our clients are invited into a very charming, private and intimate atmosphere. Almost like you’re in a friends living room with spa-like quietness but with all the beauty amenities. The salon is over 2,000 square feet of spacious, chic décor, a charming patio area for outdoor processing or relaxing, and a private entrance for celebrity and high-profile clientele.

DOWNTOWN: What makes your salon unique to the Downtown area?

LAUREN+VANESSA: We are the first female duo to establish a hair and beauty business together in the Financial District. By starting a partnership we merged our backgrounds, talent and ideals to create our brand, LAUREN+VANESSA Hair and Beauty. We are dedicated to delivering the very best service possible by creating a personalized, timeless look that is easy to maintain. When you look beautiful you feel confident and nothing makes us happier than making our clients feel good.

DOWNTOWN: Where do you see yourself in five years?

LAUREN+VANESSA: Our goal is to expand our company into a lifestyle brand. To become a household name – a lower manhattan staple.

So, if you are looking for a pick me-up, head to LAUREN + VANESSA on 80 Nassau Street. You’ll be pampered to perfection and leave feeling beautiful inside and out!

-by Deirdre McAndrew

*Photos: Courtesy of LAUREN+VANESSA

Tags balayage, hair and beauty, lauren + vanessa hair and beauty, luxury salon, nassau street, nyc salons, salons, salons downtown, salons in financial district