Lunatic Fringe, I Know You're Out There
Hairdo's Salon Straight Clip-In Bangs from Jessica Simpson and Ken Paves look gorgeous on Jessica, but can others pull them off?
Alison Alhamed
Editor in Chief, MODERN SALON
As Editor in Chief, Alison Alhamed shapes the content and voice for MODERN SALON's social media platforms, digital channels and monthly print magazine. Alison collaborates closely with salon professionals, social influencers, brands and industry personalities to connect them with our community of readers and followers. As a beauty editor, public speaker and licensed cosmetologist, Alison was named one of Folio magazine's 13 Under 30 emerging leaders in publishing. She regularly judges industry competitions; presents on how to build a following on social media; collaborates with brands on photoshoots, marketing and advertising campaigns; and is passionate about the professional salon industry.
Is Hair Color Warm or Cool This Season?
When trend releases were first issued for fall/winter 2009, I was a little surprised. I’d gotten used to hearing about how to “warm up” the hair with orange-red tones, sun-kissed accents or honey highlights. But apparently, “cool” is cool again.
Flat by Popular Demand
Do I have an addiction to flatirons? You betcha. Am I proud of it? Totally! Check out this super-cool flatiron that has a sleek design, protects against hair breakage with Healing Stone Technology, and can straighten, curl, flip and style even the most unruly heads of hair.
Watch Me Crank That, Soldier Boy
Battledress, a new salon clothier, just launched the most bad-ass camo-infused salon aprons. Decked out in dog tags, band patches (like David Bowie, ACDC, and other amazingly delicious bands), chains and studs, these things rock!
Juan Florentino Salon, Beverly Hills, CA
If you ask salon owner Juan Florentino to describe his 3,900-square foot salon in Beverly Hills, he would say “modern, Hollywood, glam.” And that description couldn’t be more accurate. The Juan Florentino salon, in the heart of star-studded Beverly Hills, goes to great lengths for full client comfort: even offering clients disconnected VIP rooms for total privacy needs and a backdoor entrance for full seclusion. Sprinkled throughout the space are paintings of faces from pop culture: Elvis, Marilyn, Bob Dylan and Elizabeth Taylor.
An Editor's Love Affair
Dear BioSilk, Thank you for making my hair feel/look/smell beautiful. I think I’m falling for you. With love, Alison Shipley xoxox
My First Hair Sculpture on Jackie Onassis
It was exactly one-week ago that I started beauty school at Pivot Point, and exactly one-week ago that I met Jackie O. She is a beautiful woman with long lashes and big, beautiful eyes. And now, world, I introduce her to you. Meet Jackie O.
How We Choose a Signature Scent
Our sense of smell is truly incredible. Aroma can trigger such powerful and emotional responses that can be pleasant or unpleasant depending on our own individual experience. For me, the first time I smelled CND’s Lavendar and Jojoba hand and body lotion, I had a startling recognition of the scent.
Rapunzel! Let Down Your Hair!
Us girls at Modern Salon's offices get to have so much fun! Pink Pewter sent us a box full of hair accessories that are beautifully unique and totally playful.
Best-Selling Color-Preservers
These best-selling color-preservers are flying off retail shelves across the country.
Get Schooled!
As I'm now in my second week of beauty school at Pivot Point International, AND LOVING IT!, it's already Test Time : ( Think you still have the knowledge from your second week of class? Gauge your design-decision know-how!
Organic Decadence: Bokaos Aveda
Stylist Hasblady Guzman was known for specializing in “green” hair care and for environmental activistism—so when she opened the doors to her flagship salon, Bokaos Aveda, at The Americana at Brand, it’s no surprise that she kept in tune with that same sentiment.
Bold and Colorful: Anton’s Salon and Spa
With bold primary colors, dramatic lighting, top-of-the-line equipment and uniformity, Anton’s Salon and Spa, in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, is eye-catching and well designed.
Commitment to Organic: Spa Adriana
John and Adriana Vater, owners of the eco-friendly Spa Adriana in Huntington, New York, gave their salon a complete “green” renovation six years ago—everything from plant-based stucco and finishes to stainless steel countertops and furniture made of recycled materials. The spa even does its own laundry to ensure only natural detergents are used.
Former Masonic Temple: BangZ Salon
Just one look at the building that houses BangZ Salon and Wellness Spa (www.bangz.net) in Montclair, New Jersey, and you wouldn’t be surprised to learn it served as a Masonic Temple for more than a century. With its original arches still intact, refurbished stained-glass windows and eight of the original church pews (now covered in faux-ostrich leather), owners Richard Cronk and Dominick Sansevero had the goal of maintaining the original architecture as much as possible.
Salon with a View: J Salon, Honolulu
Located in picturesque Honolulu, J Salon (jsalon.com) was designed by owner Joe Randazzo and manager Gary Casupang. The salon has 150 feet of window space, and is located at the corner of a busy street a block from the most-frequented movie theater on the island.
How We Choose a Signature Scent
Our sense of smell is truly incredible. Aroma can trigger such powerful and emotional responses that can be pleasant or unpleasant depending on our own individual experience. For me, the first time I smelled CND’s Wildflower and Chamomile hand and body lotion, I had a startling recognition of the scent.