Footzy Rolls – Comfortable and Stylish!

Are those to-die-for heels killing your feet? Whether you want a more comfortable commute after a long day in pumps or need some relief after partying in stilettos, Footzy Rolls are the answer.


Footzy Rolls are compact, rollable, foldable shoes that you can slip into your handbag and slip onto your feet when you need relief from your high heels. Not only are they convenient, they look great too. Available in metallic, faux snakeskin, basic black, sparkly black, and even with a Louboutin-esque red sole, Footzy Rolls give you immediate comfort without sacrificing style.

Although they look like delicate ballet slippers, you can wear Footzy Rolls just about anywhere you wear your regular shoes. (Mud puddles and construction sites are not recommended though!)

Each Footzy Roll package comes with a shoe bag for your heels and a drawstring pouch for your Footzy Rolls. You can wear your Footzy Rolls over and over again, but with so many great styles to choose from, why settle for just one pair?

Footzy Rolls make a great stocking stuffer—affordable and given just in time for New Year’s Eve parties.

Great Lengths carries Footzy Rolls in a variety of colours and styles. Be sure to stop in and get a pair for the fashionista on your Christmas list!

Product Spotlight: VAPUR Water Bottles

Dryness seems to be a theme on our blog this month!

In this post, we’re going to talk about VAPUR water bottles—one of the easiest ways to ensure you keep yourself well hydrated throughout the day.

We all know the benefits of drinking water. Water helps regulate our temperature, removes waste from our bodies, and protects our joints and organs. Too little water can lead to joint pain and headaches. Still, most of us don’t get enough, either because we drink other beverages that are less healthy and less hydrating (like pop) or because we are too busy to stop and grab a drink when we feel thirsty.

VAPUR water bottles make it easy to enjoy water, even when we’re on the run. They are freezable, so water stays nice and cold. They are easy to slip into a pocket or clip to a bag. And when you have finished your water, you can flatten your VAPUR bottle so it takes up less room.

Because the bottles are dishwasher safe, they can be thoroughly cleaned and re-used. They are also BPA-free and odour, taste, and stain resistant.

In addition to helping reduce the number of plastic water bottles in the waste stream, the manufacturers of VAPUR bottles are committed to raising awareness about the global water crisis. The company donates a portion of its sales to water-related environmental causes, as outlined on its website.

VAPUR water bottles make great gifts for everyone in the family. Get yours now at Great Lengths.

Preventing Static Electricity in Your Hair

In our last post we talked about preventing dryness in your hair in the winter months. This time we will talk about another hair problem in winter—static.

To understand why static affects your hair so much, you need to recall some of the basic stuff you learned in school about atoms, electrons, and protons. If you missed that particular science class, the Science Made Simple website explains it all very well. We’ll try to summarize here.

Basically, the electrons in the atoms that make up every living thing can move from one atom to another. When they do, they create a positive or negative charge in the atom. (A charged atom is called an ion—a term you have probably heard used in various hair styling products.) Electrons can be moved by being rubbed together, as in when you take off your winter hat or brush your hair. The transfer of electrons to your hair results in a positive charge. Because things with the same charge repel each other, the hairs try to get away from each other, resulting in flyaway hair.

Why is it worse in winter? According to Science Made Simple, summer air is more humid and the moisture in the air “helps electrons move off of you more quickly, so you cannot build up as big a static charge.”

Take all of this information together, and we can see how to reduce static.

Since rubbing increases the positive charge that causes flyaways, you can try to minimize actions like brushing your hair. You can also try a leave-in conditioner to help increase the moisture in your hair so when you take off your hat or scarf, there is less friction and less chance of flyaway hair.

Replenishing the moisture in your hair is also important for avoiding the dryness that makes static worse. For tips on reducing dryness, see our previous post Avoiding Dry Hair During the Winter Season.

Avoiding Dry Hair During the Winter Season

Winter doesn’t officially arrive until next month, but the recent chill has us thinking about the cold season and its impact on your hair.

Although the cold air and wind outside can deplete the natural moisture levels in your hair, the dry air inside can also stress your hair. A humidifier might help to some degree, but it is pretty hard to avoid the combined, harsh effects of chilly outside air and dry inside air.

One of the best things you can do for your hair is moisturize. Daily conditioners are a must, but an intense moisturizing mask is also a good idea. Depending on your hair type, you may need to use the mask as often as once a week. If you are uncertain which product to use, we would be happy to help you find the right one. Great Lengths has a range of high-quality products here in the salon. When you come in for your pre-holiday haircut, ask us which conditioning mask might be best for you.

Washing less often can also help reduce the effects of cold, dry air. We wrote about dry shampoo in a previous post. These products can help you cut back on the number of washings and maintain the natural oils in your hair, which, in turn, can help reduce dryness.

Winter amplifies the impact of everyday styling tools on our hair. Blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons—all can cause more damage to hair that is already dried out in the winter season. If you can’t live without your hair dryer or flat iron, try to minimize the risk with a product that coats and protects your hair from heat damage. Again, we would be happy to recommend one if you are unsure which product to try.

As for that other winter hair problem—static—we’ll tackle that in our next blog post.

Cozy Knits Are Just Right for Fall

Cozy Knits Are Just Right for Fall

The October issue of  Chatelaine includes a great article about “this season’s warmest runway trend”: knits. Photos featuring extra-long scarves and belted cardigans showcase a look that is at once stylish and practical.

How can you incorporate the knitwear trend into your wardrobe? Here are a few ways the pros are doing it.

Infinity scarves are very trendy and very versatile. An infinity scarf is circular. Instead of leaving you with two loose ends to deal with after you wrap the scarf around your neck, the infinity scarf provides a tidy look. Infinity scarves are available in a range of colours and fabrics. The Chatelaine article paired a chunky knit infinity scarf with a boyfriend jacket for a casual but chic look.

Sweater dresses are another option. Pair a dress with matching tights and set the whole look off with a pair of eye-catching boots. Riding boots are on trend this fall and are available in a wide range of great fall colours.

Layering is a definite trend this fall. You can pair a chunky knit sweater with an extra-long scarf and funky beret in complementary shades. A lighter knit cowl neck also looks great with a long cardigan. 

Cardigans of all lengths are also being shown cinched closed with a wide belt.

Whatever look you decide on, be sure to choose a style of knit that suits your frame. Chunky sweaters can overwhelm petite frames. Too many layers can also add unwanted weight to any frame. If you are concerned about appearing heavy, try thinner knits to achieve the layered look without all the bulk, and use a chunky knit as an accent.




References:

 HYPERLINK "http://www.chatelaine.com/en/photos/17169--fall-s-coziest-knitwear" Chatelaine

 HYPERLINK "http://www.ellecanada.com/fashion/trends/fall-fashion-riding-boots/s/3670/" Elle Canada

 HYPERLINK "http://infinityscarf.net/" Infinity Scarf

 HYPERLINK "http://theschereport.wordpress.com/2010/06/28/top-fall-2010-trends-1-sweater-dressing/" Sche Report

Dry Shampoo: Is It Worth a Try?

Dry Shampoo: Is It Worth a Try?

Ever heard of dry shampoo? It’s been in the news a fair bit lately, what with celebrities using it for everything from quick touch-ups to creating that just-right “rock chic” look. So, what is it and should you try it?

Dry shampoo, despite being all the rage of late, is actually an old idea—a very old idea. In fact, the use of powder in hair dates back centuries to Asia, where people used sprinkled clay to freshen their hair. Powders were used to colour hair in 18th century France and dry shampoos were sold in the early 20th century in the U.S. The popularity of dry shampoo surged in the 1970s, then dropped, but seems to be on the upswing again today.

Dry shampoos come in aerosol or powdered form. Unlike traditional shampoos, which wash away the oil from hair, dry shampoo absorbs the oil. You simply apply it, wait a few seconds for it to absorb the oil, then brush it away.

Does it work? The answer depends somewhat on your hair type. For people with very oily hair, a dry shampoo may not be the answer—by the time you apply enough of it to absorb the oil, you could be left with a significant amount of powdery residue. But for most people, dry shampoo is a great solution if you are pressed for time in the morning or want to refresh your hair after a long day.

If you are concerned about the impact of daily washings on your hair—whether your hair is very fine or excessively dry—you can use a dry shampoo to skip a day or two of regular washings. Just keep in mind that dry shampoos do not clean as thoroughly as wet shampooing. You may be able to forgo a traditional washing for a couple of days, but you shouldn’t give it up entirely.


Stop by Great Lengths Hair Gallery and get your dry shampoo today!



References:

 HYPERLINK "http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/scalp-care/tips/dry-shampoo1.htm" Discovery Health

SEARS MARKHAM

Jason and Lindsay made a return visit to the Sears Markham Winter gala on Tuesday, November 9, 2010, where they spent an evening with all of their VIP clients doing demonstrations and giving free consultations.

Take Advantage of Healthy Fall Fruits and Vegetables

Take Advantage of Healthy Fall Fruits and Vegetables

Living in Ontario, we have an abundance of delicious and healthy fall fruits and vegetables available to us. Squash, apples, pears, beets, sweet potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and cauliflower—all are grown locally and all are available in October and November.

Looking to bump up your vitamin C intake? You might think that citrus fruits are the way to go, but pears, apples and cabbage are good sources of vitamin C too. Winter squash, carrots and sweet potatoes contain loads of Vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. Both vitamin C and beta-carotene are powerful antioxidants that help us fight disease.

Beet greens are another rich source of nutrients including lutein, which promotes eye health. 

When you hollow out your pumpkin this Halloween, be sure to save the seeds for roasting. They are rich in protein and a good source of iron.

And remember—maintaining a healthy diet is not only essential to your physical health and ability to fight illness (like the many cold and flu viruses that will soon be upon us); it is also essential to healthy hair and skin. Inadequate nutrition can cause dryness and a dull appearance in both skin and hair. As the saying goes, you are what you eat—if you are healthy on the inside, you will look healthy on the outside.

For more information on what’s in season now and the nutritional value of different foods, visit the  HYPERLINK "http://www.foodland.gov.on.ca/index.html" Foodland Ontario website. It also has some great recipes.



References:

 HYPERLINK "http://www.foodland.gov.on.ca/index.html" Foodland Ontario

 HYPERLINK "http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=49" World’s Healthiest Foods

Product Spotlight: Morroccanoil

If you are searching for a product that will strengthen and protect your hair, Moroccanoil is one of the best.

Moroccanoil is made with argan oil. This rare and valuable oil is harvested from the nuts inside the fruit of the argan tree, which grows only in southern Morocco.  Obtaining the oil is difficult work. The argan fruit contains a nut with a very hard shell and processing is done by hand. It can take twenty hours of work to produce one litre of oil.

The oil that emerges after all of that hard work is rich in many vitamins and natural elements that strengthen the hair, including: Vitamin F (Omega 6), Vitamin A to improve elasticity, Vitamin E to protect against free-radicals, and Phenols to shield against environmental stressors. Moroccanoil is also a very effective UV protector and a great option for hydrating hair during our cold and dry winter season.

The Moroccanoil product line has expanded from the original oil treatment to styling creams, hair masks, scalp treatments and hair sprays. All products in the line make your hair look its best, while fortifying it and making it easier to manage.

The challenges of obtaining argan oil increase its price but also make it a target for counterfeiting. The makers of Moroccanoil recommend that you buy the product only at professional salons, like Great Lengths Hair Gallery.

For more information on Moroccanoil products, ask a member of our team or visit  HYPERLINK "http://www.moroccanoil.com/" http://www.moroccanoil.com/. 

References:

 HYPERLINK "http://www.al-bab.com/maroc/env/argan.htm" Al-Bab

An Apple a Day...

With apple season in full swing in southern Ontario, we thought we'd look at that old adage, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away."  What exactly are the health benefits of apples?

Here's a quick list:

• Apples are high in antioxidants which can help prevent and repair cell damage from free radicals and, in the process, help prevent diseases like Parkinson's and conditions like cataracts.  (Wikipedia explains the science behind antioxidants.)
• One of the antioxidants in red apples-quercetin-can help boost your immune system.
• Apples also contain loads of pectin, a soluble fibre that helps keep your digestive system in good working order.  As with any high-fibre food, apples can lower cholesterol levels, prevent diabetes and help with weight control by making you feel full faster so you eat less.
• Apples can also help detoxify your liver.

Many of the health benefits of apples are in the skin, so if you can eat them raw with the skin, you'll be doing yourself a favour.  That's not to say that apple products lack benefits.  Studies have shown that drinking apple juice or cider may help ward off Alzheimer's and that apple cider vinegar, taken internally or used topically, can improve the tone and appearance of skin.

Whether you go to a local farm and pick your own or shop at your local grocery store, be sure to get that apple a day.  Or try some hot mulled apple cider on a cool fall day to get the nutritional benefits of apples and a soothing, flavourful treat.

References:

http://www.besthealthmag.ca/eat-well/nutrition/15-health-benefits-of-eating-apples

http://www.applecidervinegarweightloss.com/benefits2.html

http://www.okanaganvacationguide.com/facts-about-apples.html

Following Fall’s Makeup Trends – Part 2

Continuing from our last post, here are some tips on wearing fall’s trendy lipsticks.


Lips

Although deep plum and claret tones are being seen on lips this season, red is really the story for lipstick this fall.

As with purple eyeshadow, the key to wearing red lipstick is choosing the right shade. A recent article in Canadian Living noted that to determine your best red, you need to know your skin tone. Check the inside of your wrist: orange undertones mean a warm tone; peach, yellow or olive undertones mean neutral; and blue and pink undertones mean cool.

From there, you can match the lipstick with the tone. Warm reds with a yellow undertone tend to suit warm skin tones, while cooler reds with a blue undertone tend to suit cooler skin tones. Try a few shades on your wrist to see which is most flattering.

The next choice is between gloss and matte finishes. The occasion may dictate which is more appropriate—shiny, red lips are not generally a good choice for the office, but may be perfect for a night out on the town.

If you are wearing a bold red shade on your lips, keep the rest of your face neutral. Your lips will stand out and make a statement all on their own—no need to overwhelm with lots of colour on your eyes and cheeks.

And try this little trick to prevent red lipstick from bleeding: apply concealer around your lips with a brush, then apply your lipstick.

Following Fall’s Makeup Trends – Part 1

In our last post, we mentioned that purple and red are hot colours on the cosmetics counter this fall. While beautiful and of the moment, purple and red are bold colours and, for some people, a little intimidating. Here are a few tips for using purple. Our next post will talk about selecting the right shade of red for your lips.

Eyes
Purple eyeshadow comes in many shades, from soft mauve to dark plum to bright amethyst and fuschia. The first thing you need to do is choose the right one for you.

True purples are best for people with green, brown or hazel eyes. For those with blue eyes and fair complexions, it is usually best to stay at the lighter end of the purple spectrum or even veer into rose tones.

If you are new to purple, you may want to begin with a basic lavender or mauve shade until you get used to the colour. Lavender and mauve are soft colours that tend to flatter most skin tones. Apply a neutral base and then apply the lavender or mauve from your lash line to your crease.

If you want to try a bold purple, use it sparingly at first, around the lash line or a little in the crease to darken it. If you are going for a dramatic look for evening, you can apply a little more, focusing on the crease or lid, if you really want to make your eyes pop. Just make sure you apply a bit at a time until you achieve the look you were aiming for.

Another good tip for wearing purple comes from stylelist.com: to avoid overkill, combine purples with other neutrals—like gold, taupe and brown. And keep lips and cheeks in soft tones to avoid appearing overdone.

Markham Fair 2010

We enjoyed another great year at the Markham Fair, as did the 66,000 visitors who attended!  Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth to say hello. 

New York, New York

Professional development and training is always a big part of life around here.  This year, Jason and Patrick went to New York for a 4-day training session with Damien Carney, Artistic Director for JOICO.  Patrick took a 3-day Kevin Murphy course at Blue Mountain in September, and in October, Patrick, Karyne and Jason took a Men’s Cutting Course with American Crew.

First Day of Fall – Let’s Talk Colour

Fall officially arrives today at 11:09 PM. If you have not yet shifted your wardrobe to the new fall palette, now is the time. To help make the switch, we've rounded up some of the hottest colour trends of the season.

On the fashion front, camel is everywhere. Designers showed this colour in pants, vests, sweaters, dresses, accessories and, of course, in classic blazers and overcoats. Traditional pairings of camel and white or dark brown are common, but in a twist, camel is also being matched with dark grey and denim.

Metallics are another trend for fall 2010. Look for shimmery fabrics in skirts, jackets, shoes and handbags.

One of the dominant colours this fall is purple. Jewel tones are common in fall, but deep purple hues seem to have gotten the most attention from fashion writers this year. Purple is also one of the big trends in makeup. Plum, mauve, lavender and bright purple shades can all be found in eye shadow, lipstick and even nail polish.

And let's not forget red, the powerful hue that was seen all over runways in both the fashions and the makeup. Red lipstick made an especially strong statement. As the Pantone Colour Report (see link below) for Fall 2010 noted, "Lipstick Red, a deeper, more dramatic sensual red, makes its imprint on fall, particularly in cosmetics."

If you want to stay on trend but are a little intiminated by bold shades of purple
and red you're seeing on the cosmetics counter, watch this space for tips on how to subtly incorporate the latest colours into your makeup routine.

Happy Fall!
www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/Pantone.aspx?pg=20710&ca=4

MAGAZINE COVER SHOOT

Great Lengths Hair Gallery was asked to be the sponsor of the 2010 Girls Can Do Anything Magazine Cover Shoot. Lisa, Jason and Lindsay contributed their hair styling skills to the magazine’s photo shoot on Saturday, September 11, 2010.

WE WANT YOU

We currently have openings for a licensed stylist to join our team! Forward your resume to frontdesk@greatlengths.ca

JOICO PHOTOSHOOT

Karyne on the set assisting at a photo shoot for Canadian Hairdresser of the Year Chad Taylor and Robert Joseph ... way to go Karyne we are so proud of you!

ARGOS MANIA

As the official salon of the Toronto Argonauts cheerleaders, we love to get out and support the team. Lisa, Jason and Lindsay were at the Argos game on August 20 and had a great time greeting fans.

Welcome

An entirely new salon experience awaits you at Great Lengths Hair Gallery. With an emphasis on personal attention and modern styles, we promise you a memorable visit with unforgettable results.

Our Focus is on You

Highly personalized service from top-level hairstylists ensures that you will leave here with a look you love.

Your appointment will begin with a consultation and facial shape analysis to help your stylist learn a little more about you and your hair care needs. We may even invite you to tell us a little about your daily routine so we can help you decide on a style that best suits your personal and professional lifestyle.

After speaking with your stylist, you will be treated to a luxurious shampoo and scalp massage with conditioning treatment, featuring a selection of high-quality products. Your cut will be followed by a blow dry and style, complete with tips on how to manage your new look at home.

Our Stylists

Our innovative and trend-setting team of professionals has been carefully chosen to provide the best hair care for you and your family.

Every member of our team enjoys attending courses to further their education and training in hair care and styling. By staying current with techniques and trends, we can offer you the latest looks, fresh from the runway. With our unsurpassed technical knowledge, we are able to provide a wide range of services from design and styling to age defying color and Great Lengths hair extensions.

Our Salon

With Great Lengths Hair Gallery we have created a relaxing environment where everyone feels welcome. We understand today’s hectic lifestyles. We seek to provide you a soothing respite while respecting your need to stay on schedule.

We are proud to serve the cities of Markham and Unionville and the surrounding area of York Region. As members of this wonderful community, we are happy to give our time and support to many worthy causes.

We’d Love to Hear From You

We invite you to experience Great Lengths Hair Gallery for yourself. To book an appointment, contact us by phone or email.

Thank you for choosing Great Lengths Hair Gallery, where beauty becomes you.

2nd Annual Day For Sick Kids A Success

Great Lengths Hair Gallery held it's second annual cut-a-thon for Sick Kids on June 13th. The event was a huge success and the salon helped raise over $2500. The staff were cutting hair all day with all proceeds going to Sick Kids. The salons resident make-up artist, Francine Colangelo was on hand doing make-overs and mini make-up lessons. Everyone who attended was given a gift bag valued over $45 and entered to win a $100 gift card from GLHG! Click the link below for more pics.
http://www.snapmarkham.com/index.php?option=com_sngevents&id%5B0%5D=181585&lang=en

Ed Hardy Fashion Show

Great Lengths Hair Gallery was asked to do the hair for an Ed Hardy Fashion Show on April 9th. The event was a lot of fun and so successful that the team was asked to do another event on May 21st. Watch the video from that night!

Argo Cheerleaders And Great Lengths Make A Great Team

Great Lengths Hair Gallery has been asked to be the official salon for the Toronto Argonauts Cheerleaders 2010. The Great Lengths gang had their first Argo's photo shoot on May 17th! check out the link below for for pics and video from the day.
http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2010/05/17/13983121.html

Great Lengths At Sears Spring Gala

Lindsay and Jason were on hand to represent Great Lengths Hair Gallery for the Sears Spring Gala at Markville Mall. The night was filled with entertainment including a Rod Stewart Impersonator, some finger foods as well as lots of specials. Click the link below for more pics.
http://www.snapmarkham.com/index.php?option=com_sngevents&id[]=166057