The best in oils for your hair, face and body from Sebastian, Neutrogena and Burberry!

Sebastian Dark Oil - 95ml - $26.99 - infused with a special blend of oils for lightweight texture and shine that replenishes hair from the inside-out to smooth the cuticle and add body as well as protect against UV damage.

This is my favourite product from the Dark Oil line which also includes a Shampoo, Conditioner, Silkening Mist and Mask - not only does it make my hair look super shiny and frizz-free, it also smells amazing!

Available at salons across Canada - check out sebastianprofessional.com to find one near you.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil - 30ml - $35.99 - an overnight treatment that reduces the appearance of stubborn crows feet and deep wrinkles using concentrated, intensely nourishing Retinol SA oil that intensely nourishes and replenishes dry skin for radiant, younger looking skin and visible results in just 1 week.

I have combination skin and find it plenty moisturizing so I don't feel the need to use anything with it - if you are dry though, you might want to use your regular night cream on top.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

My Burberry Shower Oil - 240ml - $72 - a nourishing shower oil infused with My Burberry Eau de Parfum and almond oil to leave skin moisturized, nourished and fragrant with notes of: sweet pea, bergamot, geranium, golden quince, freesia, patchouli, rain-tipped damask and centifolia roses.

What's nice about this is not only does it leave your skin silky smooth, but leaves a subtle fragrance that lingers so there is no need to put on your usual perfume if you don't want to!

Available at department and drug stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Cold weather curly hair must-have - Sebastian Professional Twisted Mask!

I sometimes cover curly hair products but don't generally have much to say about them because my straight hair couldn't hold a curl if my life depended on it! So I am thrilled to be able to recommend a product that come winter and cold weather, my curly haired friend swears by:

Sebastian Professional Twisted Elastic Treatment For Curls Mask - 150ml - $24.95 - nourishes and strengthens the hair fiber while shielding against humidity, fighting frizz and adding moisture.

Part of the Sebastian Professional Twisted collection - with ingredients inspired by the hidden depths of underwater plants to infuse curls with Flexi-Alg Complex - a breakthrough technology that gives curls the same elasticity and ability to resist environmental forces as underwater plants with a unique blend of carrageenan extract, red seaweed, elastic polymer and glycerin that form an elastic coating around each individual hair strand to to achieve optimal elastic flexibility, bounciness, moisutre, anti-frizz and definition for up to 48 hours. Making it easy create the perfect custom curly hair regimen for your exact curly hair type - whether you have natural curls, or use hot tools to change your look with waves and curls.

Available now at participating hair salons and specialty boutiques across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Sebastian Professional Dark Oil Collection

Sebastian Professional has launched an all-new line-up of Dark Oil products that deliver reflective shine, a lightweight finish and hair that is 3x smoother thanks to an infusion of a special blend of oils including argan and jojoba - along with sandalwood and cedarwood that makes them smell great!

Available in the collection:

Dark Oil Lightweight Shampoo - 250ml - $17.48 - offers radiant shine and lightweight body.

Dark Oil Lightweight Conditioner - 250ml - $18.98 - smooths and detangles while keeping hair lightweight and full of body.

Dark Oil Fragrant Mist - 200ml - a lightweight mist that delivers a silkening effect making it perfect for quick touch-ups.

Dark Oil Lightweight Mask - 150ml - $22.95 - nourishes while keeping the hair's natural body to leave it looking shiny and feeling silky.

And the product that started it all:

Dark Oil - 95ml - $26.99 - replenishes hair from the inside-out to smooth the cuticle and add body. Created with DiffusX, a self-evaporating technology that disappears into the hair with no oily residue and smooths for up to 48 hours and protects against UV damage.

Available at salons across Canada - check out sebastianprofessional.com to find one near you.

- Lisamarie -

Effortless texture is yours from Sebastian Professional!

Say hello to creative freedom and perfectly imperfect hair with a new texture-building routine from Sebastian Professional!

Sebastian Reset Anti-Residue Clarifying Shampoo - 250ml - $16.50 - with a colour safe formula gentle enough for everyday use and rids hair of residues in just one shampoo.

Sebastian Preset Texture Building Conditioner- 250ml - $17.50 - a clear, colour-safe conditioner that preps hair for styling as it brings grip and texture to hair
along with heat protection.

Sebastian Shaper iD Finishing Texturizing Spray - 169g - $19.90 - instantly adds texture and definition to dry hair as it offers UV and 48 hour humidity protection in a non-flaking formula.

Available now in participating salons or online at sebastianprofessional.com.

- Lisamarie -

Curly hair must have - Sebastian Whipped Crème

Sebastian Whipped Crème - 157ml - $22.95 - a luxurious, nourishing, lightweight styling whip to define bouncing curls and soft waves. The protein-rich formula strengthens and nourishes hair as it whips up sensual curvaceous shapes, while conditioning and protecting hair for a silky soft and gloss, shiny finish, without leaving hair dry or crunchy.

It's easy to use, just shake well and dispense downwards into the palm and distribute evenly into damp hair. Then air dry for sleek waves or blow-dry for tousled locks or set for glamorous, bouncy curls.

Available at salons and Trade Secrets stores across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Bring dry hair back to life with Sebastian Professional Drench

Fight damaged, dry and frizzy hair with the Sebastian Professional Drench line. With an intense, nourishing formula that rehydrates dry, frizzy and chemically treated hair leaving it shiny, nourished and brilliant.

Available in the collection:

Drench Moisturizing Shampoo - 250ml - $15.75 - nourishes and hydrates dry and chemically treated hair with an intensive a nutrient rich formula that eliminates frizz while protecting the hair leaving it clean and soft.

Drench Moisturizing Conditioner - 250ml - $15.75 - nourishes and rehydrates dry, frizzy and chemically treated hair with nutrient rich, colour-safe ingredients that invigorate and revitalize while untangling hair and leaving it looking silky.

Drench Deep-Moisturizing Treatment - 150ml - $16.95 - a twice-weekly treatment that dramatically controls frizz as it deeply nourishes dry and unruly hair with a formula that reinvigorates hair, leaving it hydrated and healthy with movement and suppleness.

Available now at professional hair salons and boutiques across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Sebastian Professional Twisted Collection adds elasticity for curls!

The Twisted Collection from Sebastian Professional taps into the hidden depths of underwater plants to infuse curls with Flexi Alg Complex - a break-through technology that gives curls the same elasticity and ability to resist environmental forces as underwater plants. With a unique blend of carrageenan extract, red seaweed, elastic polymer and glycerin form an elastic coating around each individual hair strand to result in 70% more elastic flexibility, bounciness, moisture, anti-frizz and definition for up to 48 hours.

With a full range of six products designed to protect hair's natural elasticity, both in natural and hot tool styled curls:

Twisted Elastic Cleanser Shampoo - 250ml - $17.49 - gently washes in moisture, injecting each hair strand with elasticity for easier styling.

Twisted Elastic Detangler Conditioner - 250ml - $18.95 - locks in moisture and boosts elasticity for easier styling and touchable, flexible curls all day long.

Twisted Elastic Mask - 150ml - $22.95 - nourishes and strengthens the hair fiber as it helps fight frizz, add moisture and shield against humidity.

Twisted Curl Magnifier Styling Cream - 145ml - $22.95 - polishes and defines curls without extra weight, stiffness or crunchiness while helping fight daily frizz and dryness for touchable, natural-looking definition and bounce.

Twisted Curl Lifter Styling Foam - 200ml - $19.95 - boosts hair elasticity and controls frizz with no stickiness or crunchiness for curls that bounce with renewed energy.

Twisted Curl Reviver Styling Spray - 100ml - $24.95 - an instant on-the-spot lift that makes curls bounce into place, renews manageability and controls frizz for weightless definition.

There are lots of ways to combine the products - for natural and hassle-free waves, apply Twisted Curl Magnifier Cream on wet hair and spray the Twisted Curl Reviver Spray - then let hair dry naturally to obtain beautiful waves.

Available now at participating hair salons and specialty boutiques across Canada.

- Lisamarie -

Add some matte style to your do with got2b, Johnny's Chop Shop and Sebastian!

Looking to add some texture to your hair style without adding shine? Look for something labeled "matte" like the below featured paste, clay and putty! Just keep in mind that unlike many styling products that are best used on damp hair, these types of products are most effective on dry hair - just run a dab of the product evenly through dry hair and then use your fingers to tousle and create new messy textures, or use combs and brushes for a more refined sophisticated style.

Schwartzkopf got2b Beach Matte Paste - 99g - $7.99 - makes it easy to create windswept, "just left the beach" styles by adding texture for a tousled surfer look with a matte finish.

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Johnny's Chop Shop Asian Wild Cat Hair Clay - 70g - $12.99 - a strong hold, matte finish styling clay that easily delivers a disheveled or structured look with some serious staying power for all hair types. Contains beeswax and sage leaf extract to condition and protect along with stimulating black pepper. 

Available at select London Drugs stores across Canada and online at londondrugs.com.

Sebastian Professional Matte Putty - 75g - $19.99 - a soft putty styling product made to add texture and moisture while styling for any length hair needing light to medium hold and no shine.

 Available at salons across Canada - check out www.sebastianprofessional.com to find one near you.

- Lisamarie -

Sebastian Professional Sublimate Invisible Finishing Creme

Sebastian Professional Sublimate Invisible Finishing Creme - 100ml - $23.99 - with an invisible formula that offers definition, frizz control, heat and UV protection and tames fly aways with a cashmere-smooth shine for the supreme finishing touch to all hair styles. Contains a flexible, silicon oil-free polymer that forms a smooth film around the hair fiber for more anti-frizz but is so lightweight, it allows you to apply it over and over throughout the day.

It's recommended you apply it to the mid-lengths and ends on wet or dry hair - you only need a tiny amount - and definitely avoid the roots, especially if you are fine haired!

Available at salons across Canada - check out www.sebastianprofessional.com to find one near you.

- Lisamarie -

Spray your way to LA with Sebastian Shaper!

Sebastian Professional has launched an exciting new contest targeted at both stylists and consumers, in order to further promote one of its iconic products - Shaper Hairspray!

It's easy to enter - just take a photo of yourself showing your Shaper Style. If you're a stylist take a photo showing how you help your cleints achieve their Shaper Style or take a photo of yourself and a client that you helped achieve a new Shaper look.

Either way - share the picture on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #ShaperContest or on the Sebastian contest website at www.shareyourshaper.ca.

The prize is amazing - an ultimate LA Style Experience - which includes: round-trip airfare and accommodation for 3 days 2 nights in Los Angeles for you and a guest; a style consult with a Sebastian professional (or in the case of the winning stylist you will receive a hair workshop and tutorial at the Sebastian studio in Los Angeles); $1,000 spending money; and a year's supply of Sebastian products!

The contest is open from March 1, 2017 (12 :00 PM ET) to May 16, 2017 (11 :59 PM ET) you can find more details at www.shareyourshaper.ca.

Good luck and feel free to bring me with you if you win!

- Lisamarie -

Sebastian Dark Oil Hair Oil

Sebastian Dark Oil Hair Oil - 95ml - $49.95 - a major multi-tasker that enables new levels of style creation, replenishes hair from the inside out, smoothes the cuticle and adds body.

The clever technology in the oil is DiffusX - which defies resistance to flow, for a better glide of the oil down the hair and more precise application without overloading. The formula’s unique polymers replenish the hair from the inside out providing smoothness to the cuticle and body for endless style creation. Then, DiffusX defies gravity for instant results: it vanishes within seconds, leaving nothing but long-lasting results behind. 

You also have to love the scent - an intoxicating blend of sandalwood, cedarwood and argan oils - to add delicious shine.

Available at salons across Canada - find one near you at www.sebastianprofessional.com.

- Lisamarie -

Colour Safe Shampoos and Conditioners from Sebastian, Colure True, Senscience, L'Oréal and Pantene!

I never really realized the difference it made to how vibrant my hair colour would stay using products especially meant for coloured hair until I actually tried them and saw the difference myself!  Being a redhead, my colour is especially prone to fading which makes it even more important to use the right product!  Here's the best of what I've tried in the last few months:

Sebastian Color Ignite Single Tone Shampoo - 250ml - $14.95 - cleanses colour treated hair and seals the cuticle layer for long lasting colour vibrancy. Specially designed for single tone colour treated hair Color Ignite Single Tone Conditioner -189g - $15.95 - the whipped foam gives effective spreadibility across all hair fibers to condition and seal the cuticle layer for long lasting colour vibrancy and shine. With pomegranate extract.

This is a new product from Sebastian that was really interesting to me because of the conditioner being a foam! It took me a few tries to get the amount I needed to use of it right as it feels so light, I was tempted to use a lot but it really isn't necessary.  I didn't believe that a light foam would do a decent job conditioning but it really does make my hair smooth and soft, and the bonus for me, because I have fine hair was it didn't weigh my hair down, which made my hair feel very bouncy! I ended up testing this one for a longer time span then I normally would just to make sure it really was good and I wasn't just being taken in by the novelty of it and I can assure you, it rocks!

Also available in a multi-tone formula and they are available at salons - go to www.sebastianprofessional.com to find one near you.

Colure True Color Care Body Volume Shampoo - 250ml - $25 - sulfate free, gentle, non-stripping cleanser which is pH balanced or colour treated hair. Enriched with organic botanicals and delivers natural fullness without hair dry-out for cleansing, body, volume, extreme lighweight hydration, detangle, UV & thermal protection, strengthen and shine all in one. Body Volume Conditioner - 250ml - $25 - luxurious daily conditioner enriched with organic botanicals strengthens hair to create fullness while infusing multi-weight proteins, lightweight moisture and superior shine. Multifunctional properties of color longevity formula, extreme lightweight moisture, body, volume, detangle, UV & thermal protection, rebuild and strengthen, shine, colour pre-treatment and restorative deep treatment all in one.

The shampoo has a great lather and my hair feels clean after using but not overly so.  I really like that this one is a combo colour/body product so it makes my hair feel like it has more bounce too! The smell is fresh and botanical but not overpoweringly so.  Available online at: http://www.colurehaircare.com/store

Senscience True Hue Shampoo for colour-treated hair - 300ml - $12.10 - gently cleanses hair while protecting haircolour from fading. preserves colour vibrancy by over 98% True Hue Conditioner for colour-treated hair - 300ml - $14.50 - gently moisturizes hair while improving manageability and elasticity. Preserves colour vibrancy by over 98%.  Both are sulfate free.

These were both winners for being so gentle.  You know how some shampoos feel like they are totally stripping your hair and then the conditioner feels like it is gunking it back up?  Total opposite feeling here - they clean and moisturize just enough and it doesn't hurt that they smell wonderfully fresh! Available exclusively at salons - check out their website to find one near you: www.senscience.com

If you are on a haircare budget, there are still great choices in the drugstore aisle!  These are my faves:

L'Oréal Hair Expertise Color Radiance Shampoo and Conditioner - 385ml - $5.99 - protects hair to leave it nourished, softer and shinier while colour is visibly prolonged.  Has a innovative UV filter that works on 2 levels: to nourish the hair and transform its surface - hair feels silky to the touch; and to protect the hair fibre from external aggressions and accentuate your colour's radiance.

From their new line and really great for making my hair feel clean and soft! Available for dry or normal hair.

Pantene Colour Preserve Volume Shampoo and Conditioner - 375ml - $5.99 - features light moisturizers that build a protective layer and prep your hair for a volume style.  this helps renew hair surface so your hair shines brilliantly and hair achieves healthy-looking fullness.

Tried and true you have to love Pantene!  And if they bottled the Pantene scent,  I would wear it as a perfume!

- Lisamarie -

Volumizing Shampoos and Conditioners from Ojon, John Frieda, BēYü and Sebastian!

There are lots of volume building products on the market - being a fine haired girl, I'm sure I've tried most of them!  What I've learned is that my best bet for hair that looks thick and luxurious is to start off with a good volumizing shampoo and conditioner, if they're crap then nothing else I add to my hair will do any good!  And what the worst offenders do is leave a film of product behind, which I guess is supposed to make your hair look fuller but it just makes mine look dirty, so my most important criteria is a product that rinses clean! Here are four that I can recommend:

Ojon Volume Advance Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner - 250ml - $42.00/set - a lightweight daily shampoo that gently cleanses and hydrates fine, limp hair, increases the volume of fine hair without weighing it down and adds texture and shine while the conditioner adds lightweight body and shine to fine, limp hair and helps detangle and condition without weighing hair down.   They contain Ojon Oil which is rich in essential lipids that repair damaged hair, seal the cuticles and prevent future damage; and Peruvian Amaranth which has a high protein content that helps seal the cuticle to increase body and thickness as well as provide fine hair with essential nutrients needed to gain strength, fullness, shine and flexibility.


I knew I would love these when I saw the tagline "Like a mega-phone for fine hair"!  The only thing that concerned me was if they would have the typical Ojon smell, which isn't my favourite.  I can tolerate it in small doses but I don't think I would want it in a shampoo.  Not to worry, there is a faint hint of it, but it mostly smells herbal to me - a little bit of lavender combined with other herby things, I really can't but a finger on it exactly but I find the scent very pleasant.


This line is launching over at The Shopping Channel tomorrow so there is a special launch price of $36 for the set - so it's a great time to give it a try! Check it out at www.theshoppingchannel.com

John Frieda Full Repair Full Body Shampoo and Conditioner - 250ml - $10.49/each - has a bodifying formula with Inca Inchi Oil which is rich in omega-3 repairs the look and feel of overworked hair for full, flowing styles.  Weightlessly smoothes and detangles strands, reducing the risk of breaking and snagging when combing or brushing.  Safe for colour-treated and chemically-treated hair.  This is John Frieda's newest line and already a favourite of mine!  There is a whole collection that you can check out here.

BēYü Über Volume Cleansing Creme - Strawberry Candy - 250ml - $23  - with organic chamomile and black walnut - gently washes your hair while boosting it with volume, body and shine.  Safe for colour treated hair. Über Volume Conditioning Creme - Strawberry Candy - 250ml - $23 - with organic wild cherry bark and hibiscus protein - detangles your hair leaving it incredibly bouncy and light. They had me at the scent - "Strawberry Candy" - it truly smells delish! It's good incentive to keep the conditioner on longer too! Available online at: http://www.beyuculture.com/Shop.html

Sebastian Volupt Volume Boosting Shampoo - 250ml - $23 - contains cushioning-particles to provide a volume boost and soft touch. With natural bamboo extract. Colour safe.
Volupt Volume Boosting Conditioner - 250ml - $25 - with micro-lite technology.  Shields-in volume with lightweight softness.  With natural bamboo extract.  Colour safe.

This is a great shampoo and conditioner, don't get me wrong, but what is extra genius is putting them in different coloured bottles!  I don't know about you but light is not my friend first thing so I tend to take my morning showers in the dark and I don't know how many times I have washed my hair with conditioner and vice-versa - never have that problem with these!

- Lisamarie -

Sebastian shows us a look that will have you never complaining about volume again!

Sebastian Professional’s What’s Next Awards, a competition based on envisioned trends masterfully executed, caught a glimpse of ‘what’s next’ in Irina Bilka’s hair flair.  Bilka, of Clearwater, Florida’s Salon Lofts, realized the power of shape in a voluminous, billowy style appropriately hailed, “No Fear.” If you're looking for a style to wear to the clubs this weekend - this is going to get you some attention!

Step-by-Step Styling:

1.     - Take the top 7-10 layers of hair and hold them vertically while coating with Sebastian Professional Re-Shaper hairspray.

2.     - Allow the hairspray to dry and flat iron each layer to create stick-straight style.

3.     - Sculpt each layer into a cylindrical shape and lay them atop one another until the desired volume and shape are achieved.

4.     - Work a fishtail braid into the lower section of the hair.

5.     - Add a finishing touch and maximum control with Sebastian Professional Shaper Fierce hairspray.

Hot Products:

·         Sebastian Professional Re-Shaper: Brushable Humidity Resistant Strong Hold Hairspray - $16.95

·  Sebastian Professional Shaper Fierce: Ultra-Firm Finishing Hairspray - $16.95

So what do you think, would you wear such an extreme style?  I think I would tone down the top bit but I love the look of a full top with the fishtail braid!

- Lisamarie -

Sebastian Professional and Look Good Feel Better team up to do the same for you!

Did you know that an estimated 1 out of 3 women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime?  To support and encourage these women on their cancer journey, Sebastian Professional has partnered with Look Good Feel Better, a free program that helps improve the self-image, appearance and quality of life of people undergoing cancer treatment.  

Sebastian Professional will be donating $1.00 from each of their specially priced trio packages towards the Look Good Feel Better program.  The packages will be available in salons nationwide from May through July in the following sets for a suggested retail price of $29.90:

• Sebastian Professional Volupt Shampoo and Conditioner + FREE Mini Shaper Zero Gravity Hairspray  
• Sebastian Professional Penetraitt Shampoo and Conditioner + FREE Mini Re-Shaper Hairspray  
• Sebastian Professional Drench Shampoo and Conditioner + FREE Mini Re-Shaper Hairspray  
• Sebastian Professional Light Shampoo and Conditioner +    FREE Mini Re-Shaper Hairspray

For more information about Look Good Feel Better, please visit www.lookgoodfeelbetter.ca and to find the closest place to buy, check here.

- Lisamarie - 

Sebastian's Daniel DiTomasso lets us pick his brain about hair!

For those of you keeping track of my promises, during one of my NY Fashion Week hair posts - here - I did promise you an interview with Sebastian's (and Toronto's) very own Daniel DiTomasso and because I don't like to see you cry when I lie to you, here it is.  Daniel was gracious enough to exchange some e-mails and answer my burning hair questions -  I love interviews with Canadians - they always spell "favourite" and "colour" correctly! ;-)

1) Can you give our readers a little bit of your background?

I've been in the industry for almost 20 yrs.  In that time I have had the pleasure of working and training under some great people.  I have competed in numerous hair competitions locally and internationally, which lead me to education and platform work. I've been working for Sebastian for over 10 yrs now and have earned the spot of Lead Sebastian Core Team member for Canada.  I own two Mane Society Salon and Spa locations and on the horizon of much more growth to come.

2) What are your favourite and least favourite things about working with hair?

Some of my most favourite things about working with hair are being able to cut, shape and mold hair to where it becomes an extension of my creative ability and to go beyond the expectations of "the norm".  Least favourite thing...I can't cut while I'm sleeping:)

3) What celebrity hair styles or cuts do you get asked for the most often?

Jennifer Aniston still takes the lead for length and colour, but Rhianna is the leader of bold and confident.

4) What are your thoughts on this grey hair trend - tell me you think it's going to go away soon?!

Here to stay.  The look, when done properly at a professional salon level, looks beautiful on women, and especially handsome on gentlemen.  The key priority is to give the grey support through shine enhancement and maintenance of proper lengths.  It can look very polished and smart, it just has to be done right.

5) What piece of advice could everyone with hair take from you that would benefit them - is there something that everyone should be doing and isn't?

Brush your hair! This is so important on so many levels - stimulation, strength, body and shine; people need to understand this and commit to this first step in hair health and maintenance, then pick the proper shampoo for the texture of hair that they have, and yes, it makes a huge difference.

6) I have fine hair and have been told that I should wash it everyday/shouldn't wash it everyday - which one is it?

Overwashing the hair can leave the hair flat and lifeless which is counter productive to the brushing benefits.  For example, brushing fine hair helps to build strength; it promotes more blood flow from the scalp so it restores breakage, gives the hair natural body and shine.

7) What's the next best thing in hair that you see coming up over the horizon? 

Volume. Everything we do and see in fashion magazines and runway is amplified with movement and texture. It's the fastest trend to hit the streets because of it's versatility, flare and ability to intrigue. In my opinion, with this look, the motto is "if you can, you should".  Sebastian Professional’s new Volupt line, a shampoo, conditioner and spray gel, is great for achieving voluminous, soft hair. 

---

Passionate about hair?  You betcha our Daniel is - he makes me realize what a disservice I am doing to myself by going to a hairdresser that is obviously so lackluster about her job that she ignores everything I say and butchers my hair on a regular basis.  He has inspired me to start looking for a stylist who loves their work as much as he does!

Hair questions and queries?  Let us know - I'm sure we could talk Daniel into a follow up interview!

- Lisamarie -

Style yourself some Rachel McAdams' Red Carpet hair!

Maybe you will never have an Oscar or even present one like Rachel did Sunday night but you can have her hair!
For Hollywood’s biggest night of the year, Sebastian Stylist Design Team Member Thomas Dunkin styled actress Rachel McAdams’ tresses to complement her pastel watercolor-print strapless couture gown. The voluminous texture of Rachel’s bun evoked a spring-time look that is effortlessly chic and breathtakingly beautiful.

Thomas shares styling tips for recreating Rachel’s red carpet look at home:

1) Start by applying Sebastian Professional Liquid Gloss to slightly damp hair.
2) Blow dry hair straight with a large round bristle brush to give hair a smooth, polished base and voluminous texture from which to start styling.
3) Brush hair back and put in a ponytail just above the occipital bone. Secure with bobby pins.
4) Backcomb the ponytail and start to smooth the hair under using Sebastian Professional Re-Shaper hairspray, securing with bobby pins. Do this until all of the hair is tucked under and secured.
5) Apply Sebastian Professional Craft Clay to the top and sides of the head for a textured effect rather than a perfectly-groomed finish.
6) Finish the look with Sebastian Professional Re-Shaper hairspray and gently massage the whole look to give it a disheveled, modern feel.

Check out the Sebastian website here for info on the products mentioned.

- Lisamarie -

Things get hairy at New York Fashion week for Sebastian Professional with Betsy Johnson, Band of Outsiders, William Rast and Zero + Maria Cornejo

I was excited to hear that the Sebastian team acquired some Toronto flair in the form of our very own Daniel DiTomasso, who made his fashion week debut when he joined the 17 member Sebastian Professional stylist team for Fall/Winter 2010 Fashion Week in New York City.  Daniel joined the team from Mane Society Salon and Spa in Toronto to execute four uniquely created looks for Band of Outsiders (above pictures), Betsy Johnson, Zero +  Maria Cornejo and William Rast.  The creative, flawlessly-executed styles crafted by this year’s hair team left an impression on the designers, show attendees and media long after the show was over.

Under the leadership of Sebastian Professional Stylist Design Team Member Thomas Dunkin, Daniel worked non-stop backstage to create show-stopping ‘dos for some of today’s hottest designers.  For the Band of Outsiders presentation on February 13th, low-slung, ‘70s-style ponytails were created to complement the preppy-casual, vintage-inspired essence of the clothes.  On February 14th, the stylist team brought to life Betsey Johnson’s Bridgette Bardot-inspired sexy cowgirl look with unkempt, playful pigtails to complete the western-themed collection.  At the Zero Maria Cornejo show on February 15th, Daniel and the team gave the models’ a gently tousled style that was effortlessly chic and the perfect complement to Maria’s highly crafted tailoring.  The hair look brought to life the essence of the clothes - sexy withoug trying too hard.  To close out their Fashion Week experience, the stylists crafted a pretty-yet edgy windswept hair look to match William Rast's biker girl style.

I think the Betsey Johnson and Rast looks are so cool that I begged for the behind the scenes secrets and Sebastian was kind enough to cough them up.  I hope you enjoy and keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming interview with the man himself, Daniel DiTomosso!

Prices above are US$ - Canadian prices as follows:
Volupt Spray - $19.95
Shaper Zero Gravity - $20.95
Re-Shaper - $18.95

And at William Rast:

Canadian Pricing:
Volupt Spray - $19.95
Re-Shaper - $18.95
Matte Putty - $17.95

- Lisamarie -