Happy Monday!
This time last week I attended one of the renowned “Happy Mondays” events lead by brilliant stylist Nick Arrojo. If you are not already familiar with his prestigious salon or popular line of products, you may remember Nick from his six season stint as the resident hair stylist on TLC’s What Not To Wear.
The event, which took place at Arrojo flagship salon Visions, featured demonstrations focused on the latest trends and techniques.
Nick was joined by another industry pioneer, Gordon Nelson, who kicked off his career as an apprentice with Vidal Sassoon in 1967. Since then has had an incredible career full of impressive titles like the artistic director of the Regis Corporation. Decades later he can still style the heck out of some hair.
Nick explained that ARROJO is not a product company that has education, it’s an education company that has a product line… which he successfully illustrated that night. His demonstration focused on his cutting method of choice – razoring. He equated scissor cutting to being a on a train on a track, but razor cutting is more like being on a plane. It can be a little looser, and have a softer effect. For more on his razor cutting technique, watch this vid:
His company offers accessible education in easy-to-digest forms, from instructional YouTube videos like that one, to hair inspiration on their amazing StyleNoted blog, to hands-on workshops that take place all over the nation.
After seeing him in action, I understand why his haircuts cost $500. Yes, I said $500. But seriously, I have a feeling it would be worth it. Of course, I can’t really vouch for it until I experience it myself… which is why a haircut with the master is totally on my list of things to do next time I’m in New York. (I think I feel a Salon Spy coming on! When I can make that happen you guys will be the first to hear the deets!)
The demonstration was also infused with insightful advice in addition to the technical hairdressing lessons. It was seriously like a therapy session, cosmetology class, and life coaching seminar all rolled into one. I gained way more than I expected when I first walked into the salon that night. I don’t care what industry you’re in, if you ever have an opportunity to see Nick Arrojo speak, you should take it.
He preached about the power of positive thinking and offered some amazing bits of advice. One of my favorite messages he shared was that you shouldn’t measure your success based on the amount of work you do (or money you make) in a day or in a week. Everyone has bad days, but you should focus on the months. If you’re still unhappy with your productivity at the end of the month, evaluate where you went wrong and fix it. There is a solution to every problem – you just have to find it. Wise words, right?
Another point he made that I absolutely loved was, “If you want to be successful, hang out with successful people. If you want to be happy, hang out with happy people.”
So, I did. 🙂
(By the way, in this pic I’m drinking the most epic martini of life called the “Olive-or-Twist” from Agliolio Fresh Pasta and Wine Bar, right next door to Visions salon. It was garnished with hand-stuffed blue cheese olives. Yum.)
And now, I think this would be an appropriate time to let you know my absolute favorite hair goodies from Mr. Arrojo’s amazing product line. Here’s the scoop on the three I can’t live without:
ARROJO Styling Whip
This Argan Oil infused styler conditions while creating volume, hold, softness, and shine. I like to cocktail it with other products like the Volume Foam (see below) for the ultimate styling product. I usually use on damp hair before blow drying, but it can also be used to shape hair by finger styling. It creates the effect of healthier, more manageable hair. And it smells amazing!
ARROJO Volume Foam
If you are looking for something to give your hair volume and bounce, you have found it! This foam is lightweight, but packs a punch. I use one pump and dispense through wet hair before blow drying. It gives serious life and lift to limp locks.
ARROJO ReFINISH Dry Shampoo
How I lived before Arrojo’s dry shampoo I’ll never know. Infused with aloe vera and ginger, ReFINISH cleans hair without water by absorbing excess oils. Using this and shampooing less will allow you to preserve your color longer. This makes my color treated red strands very happy. You can also use it to add serious texture for a messy bun, topknot, or similar updo. It makes my skinny strands look nice and thick. This stuff is also a lifesaver when you oversleep and need to look polished in a pinch. It is something that lives in my hair kit at all times!
For more on these products and the man behind them, check out arrojonyc.com!
He is amazing!