Gasoline Alley The Salon

Edu-MA-cation

As we ALL know, the girls at Gasoline Alley are already talented and knowledgeable and take pride and perfection with each and every person who sits in their individual chairs.

I, for one, am absolutely ELATED when my hair is done.  It is always PERFECTION and I feel like I wanna DO something.  Like go dancing, or walk the catwalk.  Do SOMETHING where I can show off my glowing hair.  And the compliments I receive are incredible.  At least a few times a week someone notices my hair and loves it.  And, of course, I put the Gasoline Alley bug in their ear.

In order for the stylists to grow and become even BETTER than they are (which is difficult to imagine, I know), education is a huge part of the salon.

Just recently, a L'Oreal color expert took over the salon to explain the upcoming changes to the L'Oreal color line.  Edward Marsh explained that L'Oreal will be changing this upcoming fall and combining their hair coloring lines.  He also was able to educate the stylists with individual questions regarding hair color to achieve ultimate results.  

When I was at this particular class, I saw that these stylists were like sponges.  They soaked up every bit of information and were not shy to ask any sort of questions that they had to ask.  Nothing was gone unanswered!! Thank you Edward!!

 

Another education class was taught by stylist Abby Teti who attended a class centered around men's haircuts.  She brought back tons of technique and education regarding not only haircuts, but specific ways to use tools such as clippers, buzzers and, of course, scissors.  Men's haircuts are NO JOKE.  Men have all kinds of hairlines, textures and cowlicks; as well as so many different ways that they like to wear their hair....I swear, some guys are WAY worse than women with regards to their hair.  Just the other day I was in the salon and saw a men's haircut.  Now. The haircut seemed to be flawless to me.  Looked terrific to me, but this guy took another mirror and went up to the main mirror and INSPECTED his entire head.  And then pointed out some minute hairs he didn't like!  I guess he likes his hair like Pauly D worships his hair on Jersey Shore. Sheesh.  Even I'm not that bad and I'm a perfectionist.  Anyhow, Abby was full of information and was able to share all kinds of techniques on our Gasoline Alley Male Models.

Don't they look great??? Submissive to the women.  I love it!  Who says men can not be tamed? Bring them to the sink, that's what I say.

 

Men were mastered that day.  Now to convince my husband to stop buzzing his hair in the backyard..... 

OUI for OUIDAD!!!!!

We ALL know people who love their hair and people who HATE their hair.  But for us lucky ones who have discovered Gasoline Alley The Salon, we can always be the ones who LOOOOOOVE our hair....Yes. I am even talking about curly hair.  Curly hair is probably the most challenging hair to manage by far and I have heard everything from women sleeping in curlers to women ironing their hair.  Not with a flat iron...But with an actual IRON.  Ouch!

Months ago we introduced the Ouidad haircut into Gasoline Alley The Salon in detail, along with all of the Ouidad products and individual stylists....Today we bring MORE!!!!

Today?   We bring straight to you what a Ouidad haircut looks like, how it's done and a little bit about the entire Ouidad process.  And we find out out about what it's like behind the scenes becoming a certified Ouidad stylist and salon. 

Ch-Ch-Check it OUT!

 

Ouidad Haircut Part 1

 

Ouidad Haircut Part 2

 

Interview With Rachel (Recent Ouidad Graduate)

 

Ouidad Styling Part 1

 

Ouidad Styling Phase Part 2

 

Ouidad FINAL Phase and Finished Product

 

As we can see..Ouidad is MAGIC!!!!!! Curly hair is made absolutely stunning and MANAGEABLE.  And best of all?  It can be maintained at home with Ouidad products and it is NOT impossible to get the "salon look" at home.  

Need I say more??? 

Curly hair...You are warned.  Be ready to be TRANSFORMED.

Cutie Cuts

What a cutie!  And leaves even CUTER from Gasoline Alley The Salon, if that's possible.

So handsome, Alex! Ready to ROCK preschool.  Thanks, Abby!

 

ZERO

So as we head into the holiday season, many of us are so busy with shopping, cooking, shopping, parties, shopping and, of course, shopping.

It is so easy to neglect our hair during this season because we are so pressed for time, not to mention, our energy levels become lower because of, you guessed it SHOPPING (and parties!).  

Many of us starlits have hair that is absolutely fabulous (because who wouldn't if you were given the works at Gasoline Alley The Salon), but some of us have to wash (of course..If you don't wash then please do for the benefit of us ALL! haha!), blowdry, style and I'm willing to bet a good majority of us run a flat iron thru our hair.  Just for a flawless finish, to tame those places that we couldn't see with the blowdryer, or just to get a more sleek, less (or no) frizz, definied look.  

So....for those of us who either use a flat iron to smooth and tame those frizz areas, let me introduce::

BRAZILIAN ZERO

Is this the same as the "Brazilian Blowout"?  No..It isn't..Why?  Because the FDA found that the original "Brazilian Blowout"  containied formaldehyde that was released during the smoothing process.  NOT GOOD.  TOXIC! I'm pretty darn sure that you don't go to to Gasoline Alley The Salon to be poisoned with the fumes of formaldehyde in the air.  And I am absolutely sure that we don't want our rock style stylist dropping like flies because of the toxic exposure.

The BRAZILIAN ZERO is plant-derived and deposits and seals amino acids onto your hair to lock in smooth, frizz-free hair for up to 12 weeks (anyone else feel like sreaming with excitement? Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!)  The process takes just 90 minutes, and you can even wash your hair right after the treatment, if you need to..No down time!  Just use a sulfite free shampoo and conditioner and off you go!  ZERO even offers Acai aftercare paroducts for maintenance.  

BRAZILIAN ZERO deep conditions and infuses radiant shine (hello! Who DOESN'T crave that?!?) And it actually improves the overall health and condition of the hair.  ZERO has proved best for those who have thin hair, and less challenging waves and curls, and is ALSO has been acclaimed as being one of the very few smoothing treatments that promotes volume in the root of the hair (TOOT THE HORN!!!!).

Book your appointment today for smoother, more manageable hair with NO FRIZZ!!!!

Say no the FRIZZ, yes to shine and yes to looking stunning this Christmas.

'Tis The Season

So, now that it is officially autumn (although right now I sit here writing this and it is 100 degrees in my house, I am sweating like a man and I am cursing the day I took all my air conditioning units out of the windows when it was barely 60 degrees outside), I think about CHANGE.

Yes, spring is a time of rebirth, but I see fall as a time of change.  A lot of us women went thru the summer as best as we could with our hair.  Dealing with heat, humidity and tornados does not translate into fabulous hair.  I, for one, let my hair grow and grow so I could get out of the shower, take a hair tie and throw my hair up in a bun.  I really don't even think my hair dryer saw the light of day this summer.

So now that it is fall, I am ready to let my hair down (pun intended), and get back into my style mode.  I walked into Gasoline Alley The Salon, sat down and let Abby get to work on my transformation.

My goal?  Simple.  My goal was to force myself into "doing my hair" every day, so I could feel like I'm not a drag queen waiting for my wig.  I need hair manageable and stunning at the same time.

I am so happy to report that Abby did a fantastic job..As do ALL the ladies at Gasoline Alley The Salon.  They never fail to disappoint me.  Sexy hair around every corner and top of the line products offer our hair the best of the best.

As the Real Housewives Of New York City would say "Tres Chic! C'est la vie! C'est bon!" (stylish! It's the life! It's wonderful!)

So let this be our new motto thanks to the lovely women of Bravo television.

INOA

Gasoline Alley The Salon introduces:  INOA.

 

The L'Oreal (Paris) haircolor with up to 100% gray coverage without ammonia or odor.

 

How?  Oil delivery system color. 

 

 

Why choose INOA? 

INOA has supreme respect for the hair as hair is smoother for a softer feel after coloring and hair fiber is well preserved color after color because of it's oil delivery system.  INOA also has infinite aircolor power, as there is an exact and predictable color palette; from neutralizing cool shades to vibrant and vibrant warm shades.  No turning hair ORANGE (cause I have NEVER done THAT before..heh heh).  There is unlimited creativity with 74 shades.  INOA can also lighten up to 3 levels and exceptionally  even color from scalp to ends..Color is even! Not darker at the root and lighter at the ends! How many of us has THAT happened to in our lifetime (Not at Gasoline Alley The Salon!)? INOA also can cover up to 100% of grays..Can I get a WAHHHHH-HOOOO?  And, of course, there is the shine factor.  Hair that shines like glass.  The kind of hair that you want to reach out and touch...Someone MAY try to touch your hair while in line for groceries...Just sayin'.

INOA is also ammonia free and has anti aging properties ( SIGN me UP ). The secret of INOA is that it uses an oil delivery system instead of water..."Oil delivery system maximizes the effectiveness of the permantent haircoloe process, while provideing 2x more lipid protection to the hair compared to other leading professional permanent haircolor brand in the world." (www.inoa-us.com)

 

Choose your color, choose infinite color power and beauty (choose no ammonia and no odor)...CHOOSE INOA.  

As always, choose Gasoline Alley The Salon for this cutting edge, innovative technology.

Beauty for Disaster Relief

Recently,  Gasoline Alley The Salon had a charity event for those that have been devastated by the recent tornados that touched down in the Springfield area.  Gasoline Alley The Salon teamed up with the Elias Brookings School to directly connect with the school and help the specific families attached with the school.

At this event were a TON of fun things to see, do and best of all, BUY! 

We, of course, had delicious food:

Yep. It WAS as good as it looks.  And there was WINE of course to accompany the cheese.  Is there any way to enjoy cheese otherwise?

Stella and Dot presented beautiful jewelry.

I have to admit.  I have never seen Stella and Dot jewelry or have ever been to a Stella and Dot party, so this was all new to me.  But here I stand CONVERTED! I fell in love with the pieces!  Especially the bracelets.  SO UNIQUE!

Silver? Gold? YOU PICK!!!

 

And "All About Me" Boutique located in the center of Hampden was at the salon displaying some of there clothing and accessories:

What to choose....HOW to choose????

Scarves galore..Sure to enhance every summer wardrobe. Tres CHIC!

Ok..So I had a SERIOUS case of lust for this clutch.  How can you not?!?!

And, of course we had haircuts to benefit the Tornado Relief Fund..And I am proud to say that all of the haircut slots were booked solid.  

Rachel doing her part and loving it!

Michelle working her magic..

And Abby hard at work for a good cause...

Next door at the Skin Salon

For donations, there were mini manicures and massages!

Ummmm..pencil me in for about 4 slots in a row..ok? Hey. I have two kids.

 

We also had Dr. Glen Brook on site to answer any questions anyone may have regarding plastic surgery, enhancement and skin care.  Oh boy.  Did I have LOTS of questions for Dr. Brooks.  Let's just say that there are things going on that need to be taken care of because 1.having kids and 2.gravity. Dr. Brooks brought a slide show on his computer that blew me away. The slideshow was all kinds of "before and afters" of his patients.  WOW.  Time to start saving up! Maybe I can have my nip and tuck in ten years if I start saving now!  He also created a skin care line that is very impressive.  But the one thing he did say is that it doesn't matter what skin care line you use..But every woman needs to wear sunscreen everyday.  He explained that it's not the burning and tanning of the skin that gives you problems in the end, but the every day things like walking in and out of the grocery store, and shoveling your driveway in the winter.  He explained all these things lead to fine lines and wrinkles. So SUNBLOCK people! SUNBLOCK!  Or you are risking your face looking like a leather shoe. 

 

Elizabeth Samay was also at the event with her "Fantabulous Beauty".  Elizabeth offers a unique line of cosmetics that offer custom liquid foundation, custom mineral powder, custom color palette, custom skincare analysis and custom 'Beauty from the Inside Out' analysis. 

I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical at first because I am a Sephora shopper to my core.  But I decided to give Elizabeth a try.

Elizabeth first talked to me about my skin, what problems I have had, what problems I currently have and what do I expect and want from a foundation/makeup.  She also explained to me her process, which is quite the scientific procedure!

And all of Elizabeth's products won't even break your bank (which totally wasn't what I expected for custom makeup!) 

Elizabeth worked her magic and VIOLA! 

Yes! I was wearing makeup, but did I look like I was? NO!!! 

It was a weird feeling to look in the mirror and know that I was wearing makeup because there was no color change on my face, but my flaws were covered up and my skin tone was even.  It was great! It was like magic potion!

So I declare this evetn a COMPLETE SUCCESS.  Gasoline Alley The Salon was hopping with so many people that the parking lot was jam packed and overflow parking was made.  There was a busy hum over the salon as people shopped, bought, talked and got their manicures, massages and haircuts. It was exciting to see everyone doing their part for the Tornado Relief which is a very real thing right now.  

Cheers to Gasoline Alley The Salon!

Hip Hip Horray! 

Here's to paying it forward....

Our Girls...

Here are our Rock Star Stylists from Gasoline Alley The Salon at the "Dress for Success" Runway Show.

Ashley!  We love you!  Cutest haircut ever!

 

And here they are....Rachel, Ashley, Michelle, Lauren and Allyson.  (we miss you Abby!)

Dress for Success Part 2

Simply beautiful.  Long and curly.  And it looks like her hair would stay all day like this.  Again. Jealous! My hair would MAYBE stay this pretty for an hour.

Stunning.

Fabulous curls that stand the test of the work day.

 

Office chic. Can't go wrong!

This woman is ready to get down to business..She MAY have a resume in her pocket..Or briefcase. 

OMG. All I can say. OMG.

Are we sure that this girl wasn't planted?? Is she a professional MODEL?

So beautiful and soft looking.  Perfect for her skin tone and face.

Again. STUNNING.

I love the back...Shows off the color and highlights under the lighting.

 

And there are the ladies.  Off and ready for a re-entry into the work force.  And they sure look like a force to be reckoned with.  These girls now have the look that they need to feel proud and confident. Go get them girls.

And the thanks to the team at the BEST salon: GASOLINE ALLEY THE SALON

 

Dress For Success Part 1

Gasoline Alley The Salon was in tip top buzzing shape as they participated in the "Dress for Success" event held in Springfield on May 3rd, 2010.  The event was held for ladies who are getting ready to enter into the workplace , but need help looking "professional" and "interview ready".  

The ladies first hit Gasoline Alley The Salon for the works when it came to their makeovers.  Hair was being cut, colored and highlighted at lightening speed and women were being transformed into fabulous professionals ready to hit the business scene.

 

Take a peek at the before pics:

Red Hot Ready

 

Sun kissed Strategy

Strawberry Madness

Long and Sexy

The styling begins......Long and languid

The styling begins for the sun kissed beauty...

 

And here are the astonishing after pics (although they are not so astonishing because Gasoline Alley The Salon is the BOMB!)

Gorgeous color and cut....

Sassy and daring....My favorite.

 

 

And here are the women ready for runway action for the "Dress for Success" runway show.  

SHOW STOPPERS!!! 

If I were an employer? I would hire them in a quick second. Just sayin'.

She looks WAY more professional than I could EVER pull off (as I sit here in my yoga pants).

Another angle of the gorgeous updo.

Loose curls and long hair...A perfect combination.

 

SO STRIKING! I am JEALOUS.

Show-stopping RED.