#the brigg

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Iced Pink Makeover

A day after recent cosmetology school graduate, Lindsay applied for a job at p!ay hair lounge, I called. The day before.... she came in with her hair partially hidden under a hat and very very very blonde. I had a feeling she wasn't so thrilled with it and I was right. Even though I didn't have a job opportunity to offer her, I really wanted to help her with her hair so she would have a strong look while applying to other salons.

When she arrived without her hat on, she had a mullet. She had been a hair model a while ago and left upset, looking like "Spock". She was reluctant to let anyone cut her hair since. I won her over in less than 10 minutes as I explained that the "business in back" wasn't doing anything for her.    Off it went! I promised not to shorten it overall & held true to that. (In the pics where the sides look shorter, they were faked w/ pins. ) She was flat ironing it, but naturally her texture was wicked good.

And now onto COLOR!!!

Her color was over-processed with a 2" golden band off her scalp. She liked the blonde but agreed it needed some love.

I've been really inspired by pink hues and had been tearing ideas from magazines for months. Jena, another p!ay stylist reminded me of my obsession and suggested it would be great on Lindsay. I got excited, she was right! Lindsay said she had been dark pink & purple, but never a pastel. She lit up with the mention and the color ensued! & besides, have you seen the previews for The Hunger Games?

My Kitchen Inspiration Wall:  (See the pink moments? :)

Here is how we created "Iced Pink" using Pravana VIVIDS: (When I say "we", it really was a group event in our color room. Lindsay included.)

This was applied all over to her damp hair for 10 minutes & then rinsed with cool water.

(The existing 2" gold band at her scalp  gave a very cool paler halo effect which turned out uber cool.)

Pravana VIVIDS

Jessica details hairline w/ a wipe

Allison finishes style w/ Bb. products

Bb. Styling Lotion was added to her damp hair as a heat protectant and foundation. Bb. Shine On and Styling Wax defined the style.

If you know of any salons in Ventura County, CA.  that are hiring, please tell them about Lindsay. She is sweet, smart and very passionate about becoming top of this profession.  Lindsay Brontsema   E-mail: [email protected]

Especially Thanks 2:

p!ay'rs- Jessica, Allison, Jena, Sam, Aly, Camille & Celeste for their help & excitement during this transformation.

Bryan Piperno for walking through the doors w/ his Canon @ the right moment & letting me shoot w/it.

Lindsay for being brave and trusting complete strangers (us) to create a signature look for her upcoming interviews.

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Blonde Makeover

Don't hate me because I'm in California in February with 70/80 degree temperatures.  It is PERFECT weather & I am influenced by it and desiring to brighten every head of hair that walks through the door at p!ay hair lounge.

My relationship with makeover subject, Taylor, dates back 6 years when I approached her & her mom at a greasy spoon restaurant asking if I could do her hair.  At 11 years old,  she was too young to model, but told them that I would love to shoot her in a few years and started cutting her and her mom's hair.  I have done a handful of shoots with her over the years.  Each one unique, but none as terrific as this coming of age makeover and shoot.

Taylor asked me a few weeks back what I could do to make her more "edgy" now that she is 17.   With a budding modeling career I chose to save her from  1/2 & 1/2 "bro-hoe" hair color &  felt brightening her blonde would make her more marketable and look fanfrickentastic!  She loved the idea and was in my chair before we knew it! (How to steps below video)

Enjoy our adventure in 1 minute!-

Directions for this classic waved hairstyle:

1. Dry hair completely using a product such as Bumble & bumble Styling Lotion

2. Take 1.5" x 3"x hair's length sections and spritz with Bb. Spray de Mode to protect from heat & give a flexible brushable hold.

3. Wrap each section around the iron horizontally on the head.

4. Pin each section tightly to cool once you slide it off the 19mm Enzo Milano Classic clipless iron.

5. Once all hair has been set and cooled, remove pins.

6. Brush all hair thoroughly with a flat paddle brush.

7. Use a comb to coax hair into wave formation.

Are you bright enough?      :) Brig

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My most impactful makeover

Mom- 1965

The most impactful makeover I've ever done was on Sunday April 10th, 2011.  Life happens.  Sometimes great and sometimes we are faced with HUGE personal challenges. My mom, Ingrid, is my hero.  She was a unbelievable role model as I grew up.  She never told me I couldn't, can't or wouldn't.  She was hard working,  extremely friendly & generous.  I can't think of one person that didn't love her. She owned her own clothing business.  On the weekends she set up a booth at local craft shows and sold "Ingrid's Designs from the Heart".  She also taught aerobics classes 3 days a week at the Park & Rec building down the street from our home to local moms trying to drop the "baby weight".   She had diehard followers.   I remember her 80's style- leotard, headband & short hair in 1985.  It wasn't until about 7 years ago that I found old pictures and thoroughly appreciated her 60's fabulousness.  Beehives as high as the sky. Incredible. I opened p!ay hair lounge in July 2006.  My 65 year old mom was soooo excited & proud.  We talked almost everyday.        Only 3 months into my new venture, September 30, 2006, marked a very dark day.  She had a brain aneurysm.  She narrowly survived.  Her life and mine,  changed dramatically.  Her right side of her body was lifeless, putting her in a wheelchair & her speech and awareness was almost non-existant. At the end of this January,  she became very ill & was hospitalized again.  She fought for her life against aspirational pneumonia for over 5 weeks in ICU before becoming somewhat stable.  A tracheotomy was added in her neck to help her breathe.  Needless to say, the last 3 months my mom has been away from her home have been extremely challenging for my family.  Thanks to the amazing support of p!ay hair lounge, my boyfriend Todd & cheeseburgers, I'm dealing.

I am fortunate to live nearby.  My mom is at a sub-acute care rehab in between the salon & my home.  I go to hang with her, before & after work and on my days off. Two weeks ago I was able to bring in my favorite acupuncturist, Lin Lin of Yin Yang Acupuncture.  After the first treatment my mom was able to her right arm & leg for the first time since her aneurysm.  So far, it has been 5 treatments & she is beginning to comprehend life a bit more, even shocking the nurses by saying a few words.  I decided that it was time to catch her hair up with the rest of her recovery.  It was overgrown, gray and mucky.  My mom always had short uber blonde hair.  In the recent years, her health challenges made other care a priority. NOW, with the recent upturns, it was the time for her makeover!

Mom- BEFORE

I arrived at the care center at 8:30a.m. on Sunday and set up in the "beauty salon".  A shampoo sink & mirror in an "office".  File folders,stapler, desk, phone, etc. You know, office.  Before I set up I realized I forgot to pack a tint brush.  Fortunately for the "activities room", I was able to secure a paint brush to aid me in applying my mom's color.   I unwound my mom's messy bun and brushed it out.  She scowled at me in the mirror and I know why.  It was gray.  GRAY GRAY GRAY! Eeeek eeek eek.  NOT ok.  Only some remaining "kinda" blonde hung on the ends.  I got out my shears and dry cut her hair.  I was challenged by the oxygen tube wrapped around her ears and by the high back of the wheelchair.   I chose some upbeat tunes using my phone and Pandora,  slid the wastebasket up to the back of the wheelchair and began to snip away.  My mom started smiling and I could feel her relief.  Optimistic that she would respond well to her new hair, I kept snipping just trusting my gut.  Once I was finished with the cut, she smiled and answered "yeah" when I asked if she liked it. Phew.

Paint brush!

Next I highlighted her with a creamy blonde color and my "paintbrush".   Now for the fun part.  Have you ever shampooed a client in a wheelchair? I think I did during beauty school, but those days are 15 years behind me.  The shampoo bowl was mounted too high.  There was a weird contraption that Velcrod around her neck and dropped UPWARD into the sink. Yes, UPWARD.   I knew there was going to be a problem.   Good thing my mom was a good sport and my ego is small.  I completely SOAKED her.  "Would you like a shower with your shampoo today?" Probably not going to be a hot new salon service.  I changed her shirt, blew out her hair and just when I went to show her the results, she was asleep.  Fast, fast asleep.  So the question that came to my mind was "Is a sleeping client a happy one?" I didn't get my answer, but tears did come to my dad's eyes when he arrived a few minutes later, because for once in the last 4 1/2 years she looked like the healthy, young Ingrid we all love.

Mom- After nap & makeover..

When not doing my mom's hair, you can find me at my salon, p!ay hair lounge in Simi Valley,CA.

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Steal My Pin-up Wave Hairstyle!

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Soaking Wet!

Nina Storey

I woke up at 4:45a.m. & got camera ready (meaning tons of make-up) for a segment on NBC's Today in LA, yesterday.

The segment was about Fall Hair Trends-"The Bombshell is Back"

Christina Hendricks- Mad Men

As the temps get cooler, hair color warms up ala Christina Hendricks of Mad Men.

Since she had to wash her cat and couldn't be my model, I upgraded to ridiculously talented singer/songwriter Nina Storey + Celeste Johnson. Fiery coppers, golden blonde & rich brunettes are surfacing.  Strong bangs are peeking through again too.  Hair "Do's" - waves, curls & voluminous sexiness is where it's at!

Accessories are another HUGE hit this year yet again, but on another level than the pieces you already own.  I chose to showcase Bedford Falls Headwear "Fascinators" in the segment because as an avid "Make it Myself-er" I wouldn't even attempt these creative punctuations.  They are so cleverly constructed & the PERFECT gift idea.    I wish I could link to the 5 minute segment with News Anchor Andy Adler(She's so cool), but they are not posted to the web.  So in true Brig fashion I chose to make my own iMovie so you can vicariously live through my iPhone camera a follow the sequence of events that rolled out just after leaving NBC Studios at approximately 8a.m.  Enjoy in HD!-♣ (Subscribe to my YouTube Channel)

Please post a comment & let me know if you want to see more....

[brigseyeview]

My Blowdryer, My Hero

I decided to re-post one of my FAVORITE posts ever! Many of my clients have invested and never looked back! Here is the info!

My Blow Dryer, My Hero

I have been a professional hairstylist for 13 years, but I have been relying on a blow dryer for 21 years. That means I have been perpetually frustrated with blow dryers for over half of my life. That is a long time! Here have been my issues:

Not enough power

Too heavy

I drop it once and it breaks

Can't reach company for warranty

Diffuser attachment falls off

Nozzle opening too wide

Cord too short

Cord coils up

On/off switch in bad place

Loses power after two months

No cool shot setting

Non-ionic

Sound familiar? I am relieved to say that finally, after over 7000 days, I have found my hero. It is a Sedu TGR 4000. It is compact, light weight, blows 80 MPH, has an ionic setting that can be turned on and off, has a cool shot setting, the diffuser would stay attached during a tornado, perfect nozzle, 8 foot uncoiling cord and a 1 year warranty. To make it even better, the company has a service agreement for after the warranty expires where you can send it to have it fixed, just like a car. A blow dryer mechanic? Genius! It has a AC(alternating current) motor which simply means as you jam your hair in between your brush and the nozzle, the air alternates direction. I do not recommend that you jam your hair between the brush and dryer ever, but I know you probably do. Most dryers have a DC(direct current) that causes the air to back into the dryer when blocked by an object such as a brush, weakening the dryer’s power over time until it burns out. Every single stylist and assistant at p!ay hair lounge, REFUSES to use any other dryer.

A couple more dryer facts: air oscillates (spins) as it comes out of a dryer. The nozzle attachment that you probably through under your sink when you buy a new dryer actually has great use to you. Attach it and it will stop the air from spinning, straightening its direction. This will help you create a smoother, shinier, less frizzy blowout. The diffuser attachment, huge dish like object, is for "diffusing" or softening the air flow to simulate air drying your hair. This is great for wavy or curly hair types to preserve texture while eliminating the frizz that occurs with high air flow.

The low heat setting + high air flow setting is sufficient enough for most hair types. If you can’t hold your hand 5 inches in front of your dryer for more than 10 seconds without it burning, your heat setting it far too hot for your hair and will scorch it. Air flow drys hair, not heat.

I prefer to mist damp hair with my favorite, Bumble & bumble styling lotion , before drying it to protect from heat and give hair a flexible, non-sticky hold.

You will also notice a weird emblem on the last switch on the handle. This is an ionic generator. You have the ability to turn the ionic charge on or off. To create more body, turn off. To dry hair faster, smoother and flatter, turn on.

I originally paid over $250 through a different distributor and still found this dryer worth the money. This dryer is currently available for $150 on Folica.com. The diffuser is a add on for $20. Folica.com is always offering special discounts such as free shipping or gifts with purchase. Right now through Feb 3rd they are giving an additional 15% off! Do yourself a favor, cut your hair drying time by at least 10 minutes and throw out your problem dryer and treat yourself and your hair to a Sedu TGR 4000.

Need hair advice? E-mail me your issue at [email protected]

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Makeover!

I absolutely LOVE what I do.  I opened p!ay hair lounge almost four years ago so I would have an amazing place full of culture to transform my clients hair into modern, manageable and sexy styles within the city limits of the simple, kind community of Simi Valley.  I walk outside p!ay's doors and see the Rocky Peak Mountains.  How lucky am I?  VERY! I LIVE for a makeover.  The surge of confidence that can come with a new look is the most amazing thing for me to witness.

Meet Jeanine...

Jeanine BEFORE

I met Jeanine Hattas at a party about a month ago.  Pretty girl with boring hair.  She told me she was in tears leaving her last hair stylist experience and needed someone new.  She lives in downtown Los Angeles, but I assured her the 30 minutes drive to p!ay in beautiful Simi Valley would be worth it.

Last Friday morning I met Jeanine bright and early, 8a.m., for our first appointment together.  I asked her what her goal was with her hair and she told me "to grow it long".  I am all for that scenario if the hair is healthy, thick enough to support longer lengths and most importantly would flatter the woman.

In Jeanine's case I felt that short hair would suit her best.  First I talked with her about her idea to grow and explained that her existing length looked a bit "mullety". I felt that if she were to grow it longer, I needed to cut the back up about 2 inches to give the overall look a better shape.

After listening she asked me "If you had carte blanche with my hair, what would you do?".

I right away suggested Michelle Williams recent crop ode to Mia Farrow .  It is a short choppy pixie cut.  She asked to see pictures.  I shared some pictures with her of the cut that I had in mind, and then a few longer "short" cuts.

She chose to be bold, daring and go outside of her intended idea to grow and we decided on an above the chin length, super choppy, easy to maintain cut.

No brush needed!

Her color was bland and monotone. I layered a brighter warm blonde with a golden brown to add contrast to the new cut.  I really admired Jeanine for trusting me not only on our first visit, but at 8a.m. in the morning!

Jeanine AFTER

To finish her new look, NO brush was used.  Just a blow dryer and some great products:

1. Start by using Bumble & bumble Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner then towel dry.

2. Lightly mist Surf Spray all over.

3. Blow dry from the back of head to face.

4. Add a fingertip amount of Styling Wax to palms and work through ends of hair to add separation.

5. Throw on something fabulous and show off your new style!

Jeanine left with a huge smile, but I checked in with her 24 hours later to get her verdict after she got familiar with it.   "Awesome! I am just loving this new cut and color. What a change. And it's SO easy -- cut my morning routine in half!" reported Jeanine.   SUCCESS!

Jeanine is an extremely talented artist and muralist.  Check out her website: getfresh.biz

To see more of my work, watch Bravo TV's Shear Genius 3 on Weds @ 10p.m.  as I compete against 11 other stylists from all over the world!

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Teen Makeover

I remember being 15 years old like it was yesterday. My mom refused to take me to a salon to have my naturally red hair colored professionally, so I hit aisle 7 at Rite Aid and had at it myself.  Box color, Sun-in and every other horrible lightening agent I could get my hands on until my hair literally quit.  It was wonderful to see my client Sherrie arrange for her  15 year old daughter Mara to have an appointment with me.

BEFORE

AFTER

When Mara walked into p!ay, I knew her hair was in need an update.  I was looking at the typical blonde on top with dark on the bottom.  I've seen it a hundred times before and I am sure a million girls have the same look.  Not only was the look dated, the blonde part was unfortunately fried due to another stylists lack of concern for the health of Mara's hair.   I could tell that Mara was not boring by looking at her.  She initially wanted more blonde and the underneath darkened to black. Yawn.   I suggested other options.   As far as the length of her hair, she wanted to keep it past her shoulders.  I think she would look incredible with it shorter,  but a short cut from the past is fueling her hesitation.   She said she wanted it solid brown.   We had a lengthy consultation discussing the facts that when I covered the blonde, there would be no turning it light again.  This truly was the last chance for this blonde to be converted.  She also had 3 inches of regrowth.     Amanda,  a p!ay stylist who is also working with my clients and I, stepped in to offer a 3rd opinion.  She explained to Mara that if she went from her edgy blonde/dark combo to an all over brown, she was going to hate it by the next week and be bored.  Amanda suggested RED! Mara thought it was a good idea and I couldn't agree more.

Transformation in progress..

The best part of this transformation was what Mara said at the end: "I love it!" Success!  A tip I shared with her was to put her flat iron away.  Mara had been relying on a flat iron to smooth the frizz on the melted fried blonde part.  Unfortunately adding heat to melted hair only causes breakage and more damage.  Cold air combined with a boar bristle brush is the magic combination. I blew dry that section using the cool shot button on my TGR 4000i blow dryer.  The finished result was shiny, healthy hair.

See more of my work this Wednesday 10/9c on Bravo's hit show Shear Genius!

Next week I visit the opposite end of the color spectrum as I deduct years from a gray haired woman!  Stay tuned.......