This Friday, April 3rd, Alter EGO is proud to bring back Ervene Boyd. Join us for her opening from 6-9pm as a part of First Friday in downtown Raleigh. "Being a creative person all my life, I find emotions to be part of the sensory experience of art. I experience joy and sorrow and myriad emotions emanating through color, pattern, and texture. I consider art "wall medicine" because I imbue my paintings with intentions of love and healing vibrations. As a healing minister and Reiki teacher for over 20 years, I find emotions radiate from art and are silently perceived and received. Paintings possess an 'energy' signature, similar to the way wind and rain are seen or felt as soft or hard, cool or warm." - Ervene Boyd
Alli & Meghann Become Minardi Educators!
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
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.
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.
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?
The Beginnings of an Oribe Love Affair
ORIBE is not just a high performance luxury line of products. The products are an embodiment of their namesake, Oribe himself. Fashion connisseur, runway innovator, hair lengend—Oribe has been making waves in the hair industry for decades. He has designed iconic runway hairstyles, styled countless Vogue covers, and hand-crafted his collection of hair products.
Marrying his artistic vision with the scientific knowledge of lead formulators, Oribe created a selection of products that utilize the finest natural ingredients while showcasing the industry’s newest advancements in hold, volume, and shine.
Summer Campbell, a Luxury Brand Partners Product Specialist, spent the morning with our stylists teaching them the ins and outs of the Oribe line. After a couple of hours with Summer, our stylists had tons of new information to share!
These are a few of their favorite things…
“The Smooth Style Serum for crazy flyaways – it also has moisture, shine, and hold.” – Dana Hunter
“Split End Seal because it heals 94% of split ends with continual use. With personal experience going from black to blonde, it’s worked for me.” – Meghann Holland
“You’re supposed to mix and match the Oribe Shampoo & Conditioners to create a completely customized prescription for the hair.” – Brittany Cline
“I’m excited about the curl products. I have curly hair and know the struggle of curly crunchy hair. We want to have soft curls and I’m confident this will do it!” – Danielle Duarte
“I was really excited to learn about the Surfcomber mousse because it can give you texture and beachy waves without being crunchy.” – Erika Kozlowski
“We learned how to make prescriptions for clients using the products to fit their needs. It’s a 4 step process: shampoo & condition, prep, style, and finish. Also, all of their products are made in America.” – Alli Carter
“Every 3 minutes one Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray is sold in America.” – Madison Hancock
“Split End Seal is my favorite because it heals 94% of ends and prevents 65% of breakage. Great for my fine-haired and bleach out clients.” – Shawna Causey
“It’s really cool that there are silk amino acids in the shine shampoo and conditioner—you’re literally putting silk in your hair.” – Aspen Teal
"The Aprés Beach spray because it gives you that super natural beachy hair... it's more than just a texture spray, it actually enhances your natural body and wave, perfecting that beachy look!" – Erin Doak
"The shampoos and conditioners are not just color-safe, but are also safe for hair that has been treated with Keratin. It's really awesome for clients who have a Keratin treatment on their hair and fall in love with Oribe. They don't have to compromise on taking care of their hair!" – Elizabeth Croft
Have any Oribe questions? These ladies would love to tell you all about it! Give us a call, ask below, or ask your stylist at your next visit! We're officially #oribeobsessed... are you?
#transformationtuesday
March has been both inspirational and transformational here at Alter EGO! Check out a few of our favorite transformations from March! #findyouralterego #transformationtuesday
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.
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.
Coming soon... Alli & Meghann's journey to become Beth Minardi educators!
Miss the event? Thanks to Modern Monet Graphic Design for covering us in their blog HERE.See more photography on our FB Event Page.
Seafarer by Jaz Harris 2.6.15
Alter EGO presents "Opposing Forces", By Libby O'Daniel.
December First Friday
HEY GUYS! FINALLY! Showing my "Materiel" series that I have been working on for quite some time. Be sure to swing by Raleigh's FIRST FRIDAY December 5th and show your support to local artists. My work will be displayed and up for purchase! Perfect gifts for the holidays. www.nathanwellman.com
Read About Us in American Salon Magazine!
We are proud to be featured in Better Business section of American Salon magazine! Read about us here.
Shhh....Coming Soon!
Parts and Pieces. October First Friday.
First Friday: The Colors of Our World
PAM WATTS, a still life watercolorist whose paintings invite you in and entertain your senses with strong pure pigments and warm colors. Pam began her career in Cincinnati at age 50. She now resides in Alamance County painting, teaching and accepting commission work for homes and businesses.
PAT SCHEIBLE often paints humble structures from the vanishing landscape in sizzling colors. Her rendition of local buildings, often barns - victims of disuse, development , and kudzu come to life again in a new light and style that will make you smile
Save on Cut & Color too.
YELP HEATS UP ALTER EGO! MAY 17
Yelp teams up with Alter EGO to HEAT UP Raleigh at the Blow Dry Bar Launch Party May 17th! Join us from 9-11pm for this special event!
ATTENDANCE LIMITED. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!
Live Art provided by Alter EGO & Canvas provided by greytheartist! Live music by The Red Vibes. Proceeds to benefit:
Complimentary Food and Drink provided by:
April 2014: Faces by Nathan Wellman
Nathan Wellman continues to awe us with his new collection of inspiring designs depicting humanity as fluid, colorful, and fleeting. Join us as Alter EGO celebrates expressions of ourselves. Born in Wake Forest, North Carolina, Nathan Wellman began refining his artistic interests from an early age. As a talented and disciplined illustrator he very quickly turned to new mediums, experimenting with painting and graphic design. Nathan received his Bachelors Degree in Interactive Media Arts from The Living Arts College. He is a six time Addy Awards winner, taking home Silver and Bronze in 2011, two Bronze awards in 2012 and Gold and Silver in 2013. Nathan is also the most recent winner of The Robert F. Lauterborn Scholarship for Advertising.
Style More.
Alter EGO will be posting the year's hottest new styles with "how-to" guides to do it at home. Don't forget to pick up new Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Styling Aids.
- The Elegant Bump
- The Classic Blow Dry
- More to come!
The Classic Blow Dry
STEP 1: PRIME
- Shake well, then mist Pillow Proof Blow Dry express primer onto damp hair.
STEP 2: STYLE
- Blow-dry hair with no elevation at the root area. To create movement, use a medium or large round brush on lengths until completely dry.
- Use the cool shot on your blow dryer to help lock-in waves.
- Twist with a half turn; release each section to create natural-looking wave and movement.
- Move hair into desired shape, then finish with quick dry 18 instant finishing spray.
STEP 3: EXTEND
- Mist Pillow Proof Blow Dry two day extender throughout hair and brush through to refresh style and enhance texture.
The Elegant Bump
STEP 1: PRIME
- Shake well, then mist Pillow Proof Blow Dry express primer on damp hair.
STEP 2: STYLE
- Apply guts 10 volume spray foam. Blow-dry hair with maximum elevation in the direction you want the hair to lay. Root volume is key here!
- Separate hair into 4 sections: top, back, and sides (left and right)
- Start at the crown, generously mist on quick tease 15. Hold the can 3-4 inches at the root area. Hold the hair up as it dries and continue through each section.
- Shake powder grip 03 mattifying hair powder onto the root area (use sparingly), then into hands and apply through lengths. Shake through hair as you mist /add powder to create separation and volume throughout the lengths.
- Pull hair into a low side-pony. Make sure to keep all of the texture you have created, then secure.
- Wrap a section of hair from the pony around the tie to cover it and finish with quick tease 15 backcombing finishing spray.
STEP 3: EXTEND
- Mist Pillow Proof Blow Dry two day extender through the top and crown area, then throughout the ponytail, using fingers to refresh volume and texture.
At the heart of things...
By popular demand, Grey Griffin has graced us with an entire Sacred Hearts exhibit for March. Grey's most recent work is inspired by her two little "cherubs" and "the turmoil of emotions" in her relationship with her ex-husband. This raw emotion is conveyed strikingly in her Sacred Hearts series. Read more about Grey at greytheartist.wordpress.com