Marta Walsh’s Hair: On my recent trip to LA I had to get my hair done before my photo-shoot for the NOH8 Campaign. BTW my photo for the NOH8 Campaign and my interview with founders Adam Bouska and Jeff Parhsley are coming up!! Now back to my blow out: I was super excited to schedule my very glamorous and photo-ready blow out with Gregory Russell at the Andy Lecompte Salon. It was around my birthday too so all was good:) I wanted to share with you the photo right after my blow out with Gregory. I mean, look at my hair! I LOVE it!!!

Marta Walsh. Hair by Gregory Russell at Andy Lecompte Salon. Products: Oribe Shampoo & Conditioner for Magnificent Volume and Oscar Blandi Volumizing Spray. The rest: Just Talent!

Gregory who specializes in hairstyling & cut told me that he has worked styling hair for numerous Hollywood red carpet events and that he remembers blow drying Rachel Bilson’s hair one day. Andy Lecompte Salon is becoming my dream hair salon. Everyone at the salon are super talented and professional. I’m counting the days to go back to LA and to do my hair at Andy Lecompte Salon with the fabulous Denis De Souza (who BTW does Rachel Bilson’s hair color!) to do my Brazilian Beach Blond and with Gregory Russell for cut, styling, and blow out. My superstars!

Jessica Biel’s Hair: Jessica Biel looked sexy boho blow out last night at the anticipated premiere of The A-Team in Hollywood California. TRESemmé Celebrity Stylist Mara Roszak, who styled the celeb for the evening, shares with us her stylist secrets on how to recreate the look.

Here’s hot to get Jessica’s boho blow out: Hair Tutorial

1: On damp hair, apply TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse all over hair, concentrating on the roots

2: Part hair in the center and blow dry with a medium-sized round brush, setting the top in big pin curls in random sections to achieve extra height

3: One hair is dry, remove the pin curls and spray TRESemmé Naturals Finishing Spray all over the hair and rough dry to add texture

4: Wrap the hair into a loose bun and pin the ends, letting it sit for 10 minutes. Take out the pins and shake hair loose to give it a slightly “lived-in” look

Frédéric Fekkai, the brand renowned for luxury hair care products is pleased to announce their “National Blow-Out Day”, exclusively at Ulta stores nationwide. To celebrate the launch of the new Fekkai Silky Straight Ironless collection, Frédéric Fekkai is inviting you to participating Ulta stores nationwide on April 14th, 2010, (from 5 to 8PM) and 15th (from 10am to 3pm) for a complimentary blow out featuring two of Fekkai’s best selling product collections.

At the Fekkai National Blow Out Day, you will have a choice of two signature Fekkai blow-out styles; Silky Straight or Full Blown Volume. The Full Blown Volume blow out utilizes products from the Fekkai Advanced collection of the same name but provides the option for extra volume and added oomph!

In addition to complimentary blow-outs, consumers will be treated to a travel-sized gift with the purchase of two Fekkai products.

Appointments can be made in advance by calling Ulta stores.

For additional information about Fekkai National Blow Out Day please visit Fekkai.com. To find the Ulta store nearest you – please visit www.ulta.com and click on the store locator.

BEAUTY TRENDS: Blow Dry Shops

Beauty Icon Allen Edwards knows a thing or two about industry trends. After all, Edwards has been a leading force in the world of hair and beauty for over three decades. He is the owner of two full service salon and spas in Brentwood and Woodland Hills, CA and is the creator of the Shear Force hair product collection.

“Blow dry only shops are opening up all over town and they are charging $35…A price we haven’t seen since the 1970’s”, states Edwards. “They are pulling clients away from every major salon where professionally trained salon stylists charge $60 and up. The full service salons are loosing a huge amount of business and, in an already tough economy, it’s a major blow”.

Allen Edwards with Deal or No Deal Lucky #13 Leyla Milani

L.A.’s first blow dry salon “Drybar” opened its doors on San Vicente Blvd., just a mile from Edward’s Brentwood Salon. Drybar charges $35 for a shampoo and blow dry and customers are encouraged to schedule appointments on-line. The original blow dry salon is in Manhattan called “BLOW ~ The New York Blow Dry Bar”. BLOW is a full service salon, specializing in blow drys and prices range from $40 to $60, depending on the length and texture of your hair and what is needed to create the look. This format feels more professional to Edwards — If the hair needs more work, the client should be charged.

Edwards feels the high-volume blow dry salons pay stylists very little in order to charge such a low price. They are hiring hairdressers who are looking for work. The Allen Edwards Salon and other top salons invest a great deal of money on training and educating their stylists to give the customer top quality service. For hairdressers who have invested in salons over the years, it’s really not about the money, it’s about the art. Additionally, blow dry shops tend to be backed by outside investors and not hands-on industry professionals. And the relationship is very impersonal, your blow dry is scheduled with whoever is working at that time. Edwards is concerned about the effect on the industry, but realizes that blow dry salons do provide a service.

Allen Edwards Salon + Spa in Brentwood has always been known for doing a fabulous blow dry. To take it to another level and compete with the blow dry shops, Edwards is offering his blow drys to start at $40. Your blow out will be done by an experienced stylist at Allen Edwards Salon with polish change, manicures and pedicure offered at special rates. “Our desire is to make you happy and beautiful — Why not go to the best!” explains Edwards.

P.S. Don’t Forget The Men: Allen Edwards Brentwood Salon opens for Men’s Night Only every Wednesday evening, offering complimentary wine and special prices.

www.allenedwards.com

Allen Edwards Interviews With Marta Walsh

WATCH: Marta Walsh showing off her gorgeous blow out at the Serge Normant at John Frieda salon in New York City. Hair Products: Luxurious Volume Lavish Lift Root Booster by John Frieda. Hairstylist: Yanni.

Last week I got invited to New York City for the John Frieda Sheer Blonde Entourage kick off event.

The John Frieda Sheer Blonde is series of events and perks available for blondes (like myself, real or fake LOL). The blonde VIP program began on March 18th, 2010, in New York City at the Highline Ballroom with a private performance by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and blonde icon Natasha Bedingfield which I got to greet and meet! Natasha’s third album drops this spring FYI.

So I wake to this beautiful view of the Hudson river from my room at The Standard Hotel on Washington Street New York City.

I get to learn about John Frieda’s latest product launches. The John Frieda has just expanded their Root Awakening hair care line with 3 NEW products: John Frieda Root Awakening Strength Restoring Smoothing Lotion, John Frieda Root Awakening Strength Restoring Gel, and John Frieda Root Awakening Strength Restoring Hair Spray. $6.49 each. Available at food, drug and mass retailers nationwide from March 2010.

L to R: John Frieda Root Awakening Strength Restoring Smoothing Lotion, John Frieda Root Awakening Strength Restoring Gel, John Frieda Root Awakening Strength Restoring Hair Spray

Also NEW from John Frieda: Frizz-ease Smooth Start Shampoos and Conditioners. Comes in two versions:

Smooth Start Shampoo and Conditioner Repairing For Damaged Hair

Smooth Start Shampoo and Conditioner Hydrating For Extra Dry Hair

Before going to Natasha Bedginfield’s concert I had to look good right? My hair (which I always refer to as my half beauty) had to be flawless. I took a walk down Washington Street (825 Washington Street that is) to the Serge Normant at John Frieda salon. BTW if you are staying at The Standard Hotel which is also on the same street and in a desperate need to get you hair done, just walk few block to the John Frieda salon, it’s SO close!

I walked into the Serge Normant at John Frieda Salon on Washington Street NYC.

This is no joke guys, the John Frieda hair serum (such a classic) revolutionized me back in the early 90s. I’m serious here. Until that point I’ve never used or seen any hair care styling products to deal with my very frizzy super voluminous 80′s hair! Thank you John Frieda for saving me and making my hair look silky smooth and straight. I look much cooler now so I believe!

And yes..this is Marta’s hair before a John Frieda blow out:

I met a fabulous hairstylist named Yanni who now I call an artist and set down for my blow out. After washing my hair with John Frieda shampoo and conditioner Yanni preped my hair before blow drying by simply spraying Luxurious Volume Lavish Lift Root Booster from the John Frieda Collection to my roots. Then he took a small round brush and blow curled my hair into beautiful Hollywood waves. The look was very Victoria’s Secret models hairstyle, which is my favorite! The look: Parted in the middle and waves perfectly framing my face. Very Gisele Bundchen.

And this is Marta Walsh after the John Frieda blow out:

Playing photographer at The Standard Hotel in New York City. Hair by John Frieda of course. You can tell I’m totally feeling it and loving it!

L TO R: The super fabulous Nadine Jolie of JolieNadine.com who I had an amazing time over dinner at STK, Natasha Bedingfield, Marta Walsh

And it was time to say good bye to my beautiful room with a view at The Standard Hotel and New York City. Back to Phoenix Arizona now! Sometimes my friends blonds maybe do have more fun!

Nexxus Comb Thru Natural Hold Design and Finishing Mist hairspray is my new favorite. I apply it last, after I’m done styling my hair. Nexxus Comb Thru adds even more shine to my hair and makes my blow out last. It’s not sticky and it doesn’t make my hair feel like a broom stick.

Visit www.nexxus.com for more details.

Hello lovelies! Amazing deals being offered at the OC61 Salon & Spa in New York City through December 31st.  OC61 Salon & Spa is located at 33 East 61st Street. 212-935-6261 for appointments.

 · Receive a complimentary blow out with a facial, manicure and pedicure ($240)
You can have your cake and eat it too. Indulge in a complimentary blowout after getting your face, hands and feet in shape for the holidays.

· Receive a complimentary manicure with a haircut and color (price varies by process)
When your cut and color are polished, your nails should be, too. Receive a complimentary manicure with any signature OC61 cut and color service.

· Receive a complimentary conditioning or glossing treatment with any haircut ($200)
Tis’ the season for dry, damaged hair so receive a free conditioning or glossing treatment with your next cut to give hair a healthy boost during the cold weather

As you probably already know I’m based in Scottsdale Arizona a place I love so much. This is why I was excited to take part in this year’s Scottsdale Fashion Week (SFW) and get to know my fashionable neighbours. Last night I was invited to attend a fabulous designers party at the equally fabulous Intercontinental Montelucia Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley Arizona. Wow, what an evening. The weather couldn’t be any more perfect and the Montelucia resort where the party took place was breathtaking. I was trying to take photos, but couldn’t capture how beautiful it was around there last night. Just imagine, beautiful clear dark sky, lots of palm trees, fire features around amazing pools, chocolate desserts, and beautifully dressed people.

 Marta Walsh founder of Talking Makeup (left) Kevan Hall fashion designer (right)

The highlight of my evening at the SFW was finally getting to chat with LA Fashion Designer Kevan Hall who his sleek eveningwear was worn by a distinguished coterie of celebrated artists- including Celine Dion, Sharon Stone, Angela Bassett, Charlize Theron, and Salma Hayek. I’ve been at his show over a year ago during LA Fashion Week and was so glad to bump into him. After I introduced myself to Kevan I asked why Scottsdale Fashion Week? He said that Scottsdale is known to be a city who is into fashion and he has clients from Scottsdale who fly to LA especially to shop in his studio. He also agreed with me how gorgeous Scottsdale is. Kevan also talked to me about the colors he likes to use in his designs, and he mentioned that he likes to use unexpected colors and unique shade of colors. I had to ask him if he approves my outfit. I went for a rock chic look because I can’t afford to buy Kevan Hall, yet, I told him. He said yes, and I felt like the cat who got the cream. LOL.

Marta Walsh founder of Talking Makeup (left) Kevan Hall fashion designer (right)

Well, I then I followed the smell of cigars while at the party and ended up at the Davidoff stand. I’m not at all a smoker, and not into cigarettes smell much, but I do love the smell of cigars. Strange, I know, but I love the woody smell. I took one Davidoff cigar for my hubby. After the party we went for a luxurious and I mean delicious dinner at BLT Steak at the The Marriott-Camelback Inn Paradise Valley AZ. Best steak ever and spinach (I LOVE spinach).

I also noticed that one of the sponsors of Scottsdale Fashion Week was renowned plastic surgeon in Scottsdale Arizona, Dr. Lawrence Shaw of  The Shaw Center.

Sal at Sachi salon in Scottsdale AZ did my hair color and blow out

My outfit last night: leather pants: Guess. Shirt: Forever 21. Shoes: Nine West. I dress simple:)

To learn more about fashion designer Kevan Hall visit his website here!

Celebrity Hair Stylist Paul Labrecque was kind enough to give us his best kept secrets for getting and maintaining straight hair! Paul tell us all about the tools, styling products, techniques, and even special treatments we need to say good bye to frizzy hair and hello to smooth, silky, and sexy straight hair.

Paul Labrecque 

Straight Hair:

TOOLS

Round 100% boar bristle brushes – They help to spread the body’s own natural oils thus leaving far less frizz. Paul Labrecque Haircare has a range of 4 brushes.

Paul Labrecque Large 3” Round (18 row) – 100% Boar Bristle

GHD Iron is my favorite. It is thin so I can get to the roots while having a computer chip that reads the density of hair so it can adjust itself to just the right amount of heat.

For a heat protector, the Paul Labrecque Straight Style is a natural balm that puts a protective layer between your hair and the dryer or flat iron, GHD also does a product called protective oil.

Paul Labrecque Straight Style

The Paul Labrecque Straight Shampoo and Straight Condition give the added protein straight hair loves.

Keratin Permanent Blow Out is a service given at Paul Labrecque Salon for clients that have excessive frizz. Keratin is left in the hair for 4 days after ironing into the hair thus adding a layer that leaves hair frizz free and easy to dry. This is a treatment, not a relaxer, for it washes out of the hair leaving no root line

A sealant such as the Paul Labrecque Straight Finish holds your style all day once styled into place.

Paul Labrecque Straight Finish

STEPS

1. Prepare hair with Straight Shampoo and Conditioner
2. Towel dry
3. Add Straight Style or heat protection oil mid lengths to ends
4. Use a blow dryer that has air force but is not burning hot like Tempo
5. Take your round brush and pull away slowly turning brush under as you reach the hair ends, the smaller the diameter of brush will determine how much the ends will curl under
6. Use section clips starting in one inch sections at the nape moving to the crown of the head. The more frizz the hair has the wetter the hair should be when drying frizzy hair that has been left too long after the shampoo will be impossible to pull straight
7. Once the hair is dry it is time to iron the GHD heats up almost instantly, again starting at the nape spray on Straight Finish by Paul Labrecque and place the iron near the root and pull straight out slowly in one fluid motion, if you desire a bend on the ends turn the iron under as you reach hair ends
8. Do this for every section until all hair has been pressed.

**For girls whose hair is so frizzy that blow drying straight seems like an impossible feat, book your Keratin permanent blow out today, and the ease for the next 3 months will be simple.

Visit www.paullabrecque.com to learn more about Paul Labrecque Haircare and the Paul Labrecque Salon.