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Wedding Hair Wednesday!

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Wedding season has its slow beginnings in April, but by May it is undeniably the season of updos and curls as people choose this not yet too hot (in NC) month to get married.  Whether you are the bride-to-be or simply a wedding attendee, getting the perfect updo or hair style for that special day is absolutely essential!  Our updo specialists love to design a look just for you to suit your hair and style. This gorgeous curly updo was created by Updo Designer, Danielle.  We love this slightly messy red carpet worthy look!

Updo by Danielle Duarte.
Updo by Danielle Duarte.

Braided updos are perfect for Summer weddings!  Alli designed this braided 'do for a medium length bob.

Braided Updo by Alli Carter.
Braided Updo by Alli Carter.

Our stylists love to work with your style!  Updo Designer, Mandy, created a fun, spunky updo to compliment her client's multi-colored hair.

Funky Updo by Mandy Asberry.
Funky Updo by Mandy Asberry.

Alli & Meghann Become Minardi Educators!

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At the beginning of March, amidst snowflakes and freezing temperatures, two of our senior stylists travelled to Indianapolis, IN for an educational conference to become Joico/Beth Minardi Educators. Beth Minardi Signature is one of the two color lines we use here at Alter EGO; its namesake, Beth Minardi herself, is an incredible artist and industry icon. The Minardi line pairs so well with A.E. because of a shared belief in putting the health of hair first. Alli and Meghann have been busy putting their new knowledge to work since their return, but I was able to find out a little more from them about what their new certification actually means. Alli Carter and Meghann Holland are officially Joico/Beth Minardi Signature New Hire Educators. Alli explained that this means, “first being an advisor, teaching basic color classes, including how the color works, Beth’s methodology to hair color, and helping [new hires] understand formulas.” Initially, they will train new stylists in our salon, along with being a reference for the entirety of the A.E. team. They will then work larger events such as hair shows and bigger classes with special guest artists. More than just teaching the color, Meghann explained that being an educator means, “representing the Joico/Beth Minardi methodology of “do no harm” and showing what an amazing product she has created.” Favorite moments in their training came in the form of learning experiences. Alli loved “learning in depth about the chemistry of hair color,” along with being “challeged by presenting in front of a room of people.” Alli said, “I already love all aspects of education, so I’m excited to learn how to teach others.” Meghann’s favorite takeaway exemplified the Beth Minardi “do no harm” concept. After performing a “strand test” (testing a color or lightener on a small section of hair) using different levels of developer (an agent that activates color and opens the cuticle), they were able to see the difference between the lowest and highest levels. Typically, one would expect to see a drastic difference, but the Minardi color line employs a chemistry that essentially gives a little more power to the color itself rather than relying on developer. By using a lower volume developer to achieve the same results as a higher one, the risk of damage to the hair is reduced.

For Alli and Meghann, the next step is furthering their education, sharing what they’ve learned with their fellow stylists, and working on the ever-challenging ability to speak to a crowd. Both plan to conquer that challenge in order to meet their ultimate goals of becoming platform artists and working on the hair show floor. Alli summed up their continuing involvement with Joico/Minardi explaining that it will be, “a lot of hard work, dedication, and long hours, but mostly it will be such a fantastic learning experience.” Meghann and Alli are ready and waiting to beautifully color your hair in true Beth Minardi fashion—with health, quality, knowledge, and of course, a bit of sparkle and shine.

#mancrushmonday

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Today we're showing some love for some of our favorite men's haircuts.

This textured razor cut was designed and styled by Meghann Holland for her client Ryan.  We're loving the fun, messy look right now.

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Alisha Hoover created this all-over scissor cut for her client, Ken.  This classic style is always fab for the guy who wants a little bit of length, but likes to keep his look clean.

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Alli Carter created a perfect fade for Evan, leaving a little bit of length on top.  This style is "the look" of the moment right now, and Alli has perfected the art.

What's your favorite men's hair trend of 2015?

#transformationtuesday

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March has been both inspirational and transformational here at Alter EGO!  Check out a few of our favorite transformations from March! #findyouralterego #transformationtuesday 11043038_10153217936198783_921657210895446286_n

At Alter EGO we love walk-ins and this awesome client walked in the door ready for something new and edgy!  After talking pixies with Alli Carter, Dana decided to go for the chop and donated 12" of hair to Locks of Love!  She ended up with a super cute asymmetrical pixie designed and cut by Alli.  Dana loved her new 'do, saying, "It's exactly what I pictured in my head, but wasn't sure how to explain it."  Alli's just awesome like that.

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The lovely Claire came to Alter EGO with faded out (*whispers* box-dyed) black hair, and after spending some quality time with Elizabeth, magically transformed into a gorgeous dark redhead!  Claire's transformation is a perfect example of the several step process a big change can be.  Changing your hair color is not always as simple as covering up one color with another--in order to correct Claire's color and achieve dimensional results, Elizabeth utilized a multi-step process of lightening her current color, giving her a darker base color at the root, then lowlighting and overall color application, finished with a glaze.  Ultimately, Claire walked away with a chocolatey wine color that suited her perfectly!

One last look at the final result of Claire's color correction by Elizabeth Croft.

IMG959522aComing soon... Alli & Meghann's journey to become Beth Minardi educators!