We do not stop  playing because we grow old; WE GROW OLD BECAUSE WE STOP PLAYING!

Here’s a few words on how I did Emanuel Chiriqui’s hair for the cover of Gen Lux Magazine!

Emanuel Chiriqui has luxurous hair... maybe that's why they wanted her for Gen Lux magazine? he he he!

Heeere’s GIGI!

GiGi’s Blog:
Welcome to my blog! I’m so excited to share with you tips from experts I meet and information to make your day a little bit more fabulously green. I’d love to hear your feedback and comments so send them my way! GiGi@greengirlguide.com

Beauty: How to Turn Your Hair Green

I’d love really sexy and amazing hair this summer, but more importantly, I’d like to turn my hair green. In my struggles to rock my ‘do’ and be one with the universe I sought much-needed professional help.

I recently met up with celeb and editorial hair stylist, Damian Monzillo, to guide me through what’s hot and what’s not along with a few tips. Damian – think Bob Fosse meets Jimi Henrix – has worked the locks of Kate Moss, Dita Von Teese, Juliette Lewis, Rebecca Gayheart, Emmanuelle Chriqrui, among others…so he knows sexy hair!

No stranger to the creative arts, Damian was nurtured by an actress mother and a musician father, exposing him to theater and music that included the influence of the New York stage and Rock and Roll. Think Mohawk meets Magritte.

Before you get that amazing cut, you need healthy hair, right? So I asked Damian his thoughts on all natural/organic hair products used in the professional hair world and if he has any recommendations.

Damian: Firstly, I work with a company called Davines (pronounced ‘da-vee-ness’) and one of their main philosophies is sustainable beauty. Sustainable in terms of their commitment to minimize the impact they have on the environment while not compromising the quality or quantity of natural resources and sustainable in terms of their privileged and respectful use of natural ingredients enhanced with cutting-edge cosmetic technologies.

GiGi: Wow…nice plug. What else do you like about the product? I mean….do they work? I love all natural products, but I must admit, some of them don’t deliver sometimes. Can I get this stuff at the grocery store?

Damian: They work. They’re very well balanced in terms of their weight, viscosity, hold and touch. They also smell amazing. I’ve used other “natural” products which can have sometimes a harsh scent. Davines products are available in fine salons.

Aside from that, don’t forget the obvious all natural hair products that have been around for ever. I recommend castor oil as a conditioner for thick and or curly hair, even a touch of hand moisturizer and if you need something to put in your hair in a pinch, olive oil, of course. Did you know that the daily use of conditioner has only been around since the mid 60’s ala Sassoon’s wash and go hair? Before that hairdressers counted on the hair being stiff to keep all those styles in place for a whole week! That being said a great way to condition your hair naturally is… not to wash it as often. Every other day is fine.

The oil we secrete is called “sebum” this is the best way to condition your hair because it’s…very personalized. If you need to get your hair wet every day just scrub your scalp as you would with shampoo only using water and then run conditioner through the ends of your hair. This might take a week or so for your body to adjust but, for those people who have either oily hair or dry hair one reason could be washing too much. Our skin has to keep a certain amount of moisture for it to be supple and smooth. Since your scalp feeds your hair, your hair its dryness might be because your scalp has a hard time keeping up with over washing or opposite if it’s too oily it’s simply over compensating from not being able to achieve balance. There is no right or wrong way to approach this, just listen to your body.

GiGi: As a hair guru, have you seen any major benefits of using natural/organic products on your client’s hair? Any differences in texture or condition?

Damian: I see the main benefit as my conscience being clear at the end of the day. When I’ve used different synthetic products in the hair they can be harder to get out which also means that you might need to either use something stronger or more aggressive and possibly toxic.

GiGi: I’m looking for a great new ‘do.’ What trends are you seeing out there right now?

Damian: Fringe is hot right now…but ultimately you should find a shape that fits your face and hair type. It’s all about the shape. Don’t go with the trends, take ideas from them, but make them yours. For example, the hardcore, extreme blonde look and the severe, angular looks are so out. Editorially speaking, what I’m finding is that “round squares” are in. These are strong shapes with soft edges that lie close to the face. Also strong piece-y color accents on soft shapes are hot. I just did a shoot with French Elle and used fruit-based colors – yellow of the banana, green of the apple – in sectioned pieces taking inspiration from nature.

GiGi: Any last tips?

Damian: Yes. Stop coloring right up to the roots. It’s not natural and lacks dimension and depth. My philosophy is to take inspiration from wood grain, leaves, the flow of water…organic sources in both shape and care of your hair…naturally.

For more info on Damian Monzillo contact me though my website or any of my agencies around the country!
Check out the Green Girl Guide @ http://www.greengirlsguide.blogspot.com/

Here’s another interview I did with a French Fashion mag called “Fashion Daily”. I’m still trying to get the link thing on here so here’s the text!
Bonjour Damian,

Here are a few questions to help in advance. (our audience is mainly 15-25 young women)

A brief resume of the most significant moment of your career to date?
Working with Dita Von Teese, signing recently to my new agency Artist Talent Management (atmnyc.com), Creating the hair piece for my Marie Antoinette (refer to my portfolio) shoot

How did your get into this line of work?
By accident & an accident. I was working as a bouncer in a nightclub & proceeded to leave that night from the hospital with 6 stitches on the top of my forehead. The next morning my girlfriend at the time suggested I do something else. I was cutting my own & a few guy friends hair with electric clippers. Who knows maybe it was the concussion that made me think doing hair was a possible career. I can assure you it had never occurred to me before that morning! I also got into beauty school for free because of a program in San Francisco.

What is the best part of your job?
Transformation

What skill you need to become a hairdresser?
Patience, a varied & vast amount of research& a desire to be yourself. Technically, you should know finger waves & marcel waves, know every tool, every texture, every kind of hair. To me you should be able to cut, colour, style anyone’s hair. Find different things not traditionally used in hair to help you. I typically use wire, elastic string, a toothbrush, my oven at home, loofah. Question everything, find your own way.

Can you make anyone look good?
I honestly think I could if the intended person thinks they can as well!!

Whose hair would you most like to cut?
To me it’s not wanting to remake anyone, it’s meeting amazing people & being inspired by them & our connection to do beautiful work!

Why have you been successful? What differentiate you from other stylists?
Hairdressing has never been a job to me. The more I did the more I’ve wanted to do. A wonderful vicious cycle to be in! I think I’m different because I look outside what I consider to be the common way most hairdressers operate. I think I need to be this way to compete in the editorial world & to be the best I can be. It also makes sense to me to I look at anything as shape & texture. I also love challenging myself.

Did you have a haircut that made you famous?
My system is called the “Synthesis of Synchronicity” I sent you my hallmark last night, scissor and comb tattoo yin & yang.
(you have my explanation of this that you read to me this morning)

How do you remain consistently creative?
Curiosity in what’s next. Going to museums, galleries, a park, etc. I feel it’s part of who I am. I think in the end of the day, I get paid to watch movies, see music & entertain myself which is amazing! I feel very lucky to be doing what I do & my work excites me. It’s perfectly fun! It’s fun to have fun too! Music is a very very big part of my inspiration. I have a few soundtracks which tap into a certain part of my mind which I feel like I can tap into my creativity through.

What do you think will be the emerging fashion trends in New York for 2009?
I don’t believe in trends. I believe in the “great minds think alike” idea. I believe we are all inner connected & it’s our magnetism & or energy that brings us together.

For our readers who aspire to follow in your footstep what advices would you give?
References, references, references!!! Study as many different cultures styles for example, I was just in Croatia where they have a lot of different kinds of braiding, transferring influences from the past I find completely interesting, you’ll notice in my portfolio I did my version of Marie Antoinette. Find what interests you & how it can be translated to hair. For me lately it’s wood grain. The movement, colour & texture of it I find so beautiful! Challenge yourself & never ever give up! Learn from your “mistakes”. Make what ever you feel your weakest in your best. After beauty school I was told that styling hair was my weakest part of my work!! Also always remember, WE HAVE TO LET PEOPLE KNOW THAT AS HAIRDRESSERS WE ARE THE LAST OF THE RAW, PURE ARTISTS. YOU CAN MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO COMPUTER ART, YOU CAN REMATERIALIZE A SCULPTURE AND YOU CAN RESTRETCH A CANVAS TO START OVER. HAIRDRESSING IS FAR MORE DEEP THINKING AND METHODICAL, A HAIRDRESSER CAN ALSO DO MORE FOR A PERSON IN 45 MINUTES THAN ANY PSYCHTHERAPIST CAN.

What can you tell us about your plans in the future?
I want to do the cover & stories for French & Italian Vogue, working & traveling in Japan & Europe. Working with John Galliano & other creative people like him. I also love to see how life unfolds.

Where are you based NY or California? Do you have a salon?
I’m based in NY. I only work 2 days every two months in a salon in called Dekko. I started in San Francisco so, it has a special place in my heart. I also find it very grounding because I’ve known most of these people before they were married, had kids, etc.

Hair care advice:
Don’t wash your hair but 3 times a week even if you go to the gym & use some product in your hair. The scalp & hair has to keep a certain amount of suppleness & moisture/protein balance through the natural oil we have. Shampoo has only been around for about 100 years so, to rinse & condition (usually the ends for fine hair & all over for more thick or coarse hair)

Can you give us some tips to have a fashion hairstyle all day long?
When you style hair with any tool you need to make sure that the hair is cooled with either the cold shot (on most hairdryers these days) or using bob pins & or clips to let the sections individually cool off in whatever position you see fit. Whether you want more consistent volume or a stronger curl or both. Taking smaller sections is usually better for more control & ability to change shape or direction of your style.

Just got voted one of the best hairdressers in California by the New Hair Stylist Association. Are you proud of this award? Recognition is it’s own reward, just like this interview.

Sometimes people working with their curly hair seems to be difficult. Even some hairdressers have a tough time. Here’s some info & some products that might help!
Enjoy!

http://www.naturallycurly.com/curlreading/curl-products/new-italian-hair-product-line-rocks-hollywood

Well, I’m trying to catch up on 6 years of editorial work plus all the new stuff happening!

Here’s an interview that I did for the Fashion Spot. It’s a great online mag for us Fashion hounds!  Let me know if any of the info is interesting or helpful to ya! Click “Thanks!” to go to the interview!

Thanks!