Nifty Shades of Gray
Who said gray is for old ladies?  This season, the silver fox is hotter than ever.  

More women are embracing their gray because it makes a statement about who they are. Today gray hair connotes confidence, security and independence.  But, there are some rules you need to follow to keep gray hair looking glamorous.  First, a great cut is key. Make sure it flatters your features and works with (not against) the texture of your hair. Second, conditioning is critical.  A deep conditioning treatment every week or two nourishes hair, fights flatness and frizzies, and maintain brightness. Third, because gray can turn yellow, the experts at Vartali recommend a violet-infused shampoo to combat brassy tones.  (by Fern Framberg, photo: Olan Montgomery)
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Meet Mika Geudelekian

Mika, a rising star in the Vartali pantheon, started working in the beauty business when he was just 19.  Now, with six years of styling experience under his belt, this native New Yorker brings his passion for beauty, his fashion-forward eye and pleasing personality to work for our clientele.

Mika believes the most important part of any cut begins with the consultation.  “I love creativity, and I enjoy coming up with ideas for a style.  But the client has to be happy, and that means collaboration is a must. “  He says,  “It’s my hair while you’re in the chair, but its all yours once you leave the salon, so the end result has to stand on its own.”

Mika’s clients are young and active, with busy lives and little time to spend in the salon.    They need looks that offer low maintenance care and multiple styling options.  Most want a cut they can wear straight or wavy, styled or natural, up or down.

Now, as the holiday party season begins, Mika  is doing more updos.  “Not uppity updos,” he adds.  “These are freer, fresher and more modern.  I’m doing French knots, chignons, romantic braids -- tucked or looped -- and low-slung ponies, with loose tendrils or side curls.  Hair ornaments and accessories are big right now. I’m using headbands, clips, pearls and even feathers to add glitz and a little fun to party looks.
Next time you visit the salon, have a chat with Mika about a new style direction. (by Fern Framberg)