Ali's Wedding

This is actually the trial up do that we did for Ali's wedding. We like to do a trial run, it makes the day of the wedding visit go much smoother. The wedding day do was a bit more polished, but almost identical, as you can see below.Wedding Day.

This is one of Ali's bridesmaids, half up and half down. Very casual.

Ali's Wedding

This is Ali's mother and sister showing off their wedding "dos".

Ali's Wedding

Ali and one of her bridesmaids enjoying a glass of Champagne while waiting to have their turn.

Morrocanoil Gift Sets

Morrocanoil Gift Sets are here. In this set...Hydrating Mask, Treatment Oil and travel size Treatment Oil. 59.00 other combinations available. Supply is limited, come in and make your purchase while they last.

Curls for Wendy

Wendy has the best of both worlds. This is a blunt bob with a slight bit of beveling in the back. We achieved this style with a flat iron technique to create curls.

The Brow Bar

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, the eyebrows enhance the windows. They give character and beauty to the eye, by their shape and color. Professionally shaped brows can enhance the eye and complete the total look of ones face. The Brow Bar at the little salon in the place to go for skillfully shaped brows for both women and men. The Brow Bar is a new feature at the little salon this season.

Photo Shoot at Ringling Photography Studio

This is how we have been spending our last few Sundays. Helping Dieter Tamson create wonderful photos for his portfolio. There are more to come!

LaTrynna is moving up

LaTrynna Brown, Jr. stylist at the little salon, has been honing her skills during the summer. This week she is taking it to the next level. LaTrynna is spending a week at the Vidal Sassoon Academy in Miami, attending an advanced cutting course. We are looking forward to her return. She will add another dimension to our team of excellent hair cutters and colorists.

New Shampoo and Conditioner

New for the season at the little salon is a sulfate free, sodium chloride free, paraben free and color safe shampoo and conditioner. The new shampoo has a wonderful light fragrance and the conditioner a refreshing peppermint fragrance. Bring the empties back and we will refill them. Good for your hair and the landfill!

Short and Sweet

This is Barabara....everyone would love to be able to wear short hair as well as she does. Barbara has the perfect hair and head shape for "pixie" short hair.

Roller Sets and Bigger Hair

We are forging ahead of the trend or possibly right along side of it. Roller sets are back, by our declaration! They give the hair tons of volume and stay longer than a minute. Barbara has lots of curly hair, with the roller set the hair brushes out smooth and full of volume. She looks great even with the rollers in her hair! Thanks Barbara!

Impeccable extensions

LaTrynna was recently certified in a new extension system. The small strands of hair are very precisely placed and attached with a keratin adhesive, which is easy to remove with no damage to the hair. This adhesive is not damaging to the hair and creates a very small bond that lies close to the head. They last from 4 to 6 months before needing to be replaced. These extensions look so real that even when the wind blows the hair, the "attached" strands can not be detected. This is by far the best system that I have seen, not to mention that LaTrynna is a master with the application.

This is Gretchen before and after. I must apologize for the lack of photography skills, the camera did not capture how wonderful her hair looked. Call for a complimentary consultation with LaTrynna. 941.955.4691.

Tocco Magico Hair Color Class

Today was an exciting day at the salon. We were the host salon for a Tocco Magico Hair Color clinic. Tocco Magico hair color is an herbal based line from Italy. The company is the oldest herbal line in existence and has been making hair color since 1938. It is far superior to any color line on the market. Since we have decided to discontinue all other lines that we have been using and concentrate on the Tocco line, it was to our great benefit to have a clinic. There are a few nuances to using this line, therefore a clinic lead by a Tocco educator helped to give us all the information we needed to get full benefit from the extraordinary color line.

Geri, one of our salon colorists, was our model for the day. Her hair color is stunning.

Victoria's Back to School Hair Cut

This is Victoria and her new "back to school" hair cut. Behind this cut is a very amazing story. The cut was done by Richard DeMaria who is a new stylist at the little salon. Richard has been working with us for 5 weeks. Victoria's mother, is Geri Bertolino who has been a colorist at the little salon for the past 8 years. Geri worked for Richard, 25 years ago at one of his salons in New Jersey. Since they haven't been working on the same day, they didn't realize that they were both working at the same salon in Sarasota until last week. It was a fun reunion. Small world.

Always Something New for Carrie

It is always fun to have Carrie in my chair. About every 3rd cut, she is interested in something new and fresh. Last visit she went from a short bob, to short layers. This time she wanted something more structured and even shorter. So.....we went very short with a very short, clean bang and small focal point at the edge. This cut is very versatile, she can push the entire front up and back to get it off of her face, and to create a more dramatic look. The cut is textured on top which will move in interesting ways when she uses a firm styling product. I wonder what we will do on Carrie's next visit?? Check back in about 6 weeks. If you look back through older posts there are pictures on some of Carrie's past styles.

A Shorter Summer Cut for Marge

Marge decided with all of the hot humid weather that we have been having, a short, wash and go cut was what she needed. After Kristin put in lowlights and highlights to enhance Marge's natural color, we gave her a new Summer Cut. She looks pretty pleased with the low maintenance cut and not to mention, it really looks great on her.

Ashley from Cinci

Ashley was in town from Cincinnati and called after reading our reviews online. She was scheduled with Richard. Ashley brought a friend along for moral support, as she was a bit nervous about having a new style. The finished product was perfect for her hair and the shaped of her face. This is stunning on her, but with a face like Ashley's a crew cut would look great!

Vera's Short and Textured

Vera's hair was already short, but too heavy on the top. She needed a reshaping with more texture on top. I suggested that some areas in the back grow a bit for fullness. The longer side of the fringe can grow some, for a more dramatic look. Vera had been wearing her hair long until just recently when she "bit the bullet" and went short. Short hair suites her very well. She is an artistic woman who was looking for something with more of an edge. With the texture on top and the asymmetrical fringe she will be able to create fun changes.

A New Direction for Mary

Mary had been wearing the same style for quite some time. It was an attractive style, but she felt it was time for a change. She did some research on the internet and found the little salon then drove from Venice for her new look. Mary brought a few pictures that she had cut from various magazines, which I always find very help full. Pictures give me a visual of what the client means when she says words like "short" or "layered". These terms can be interpreted differently by every individual. I got a feel for what she was looking for and then determined what would work for her hair and her face. I also kept in mind what would be easy to maintain. She will be able to blow her hair dry or let it dry naturally. I did suggest that she use a flat iron to straighten the bangs and sides. This is a very youthful look for Mary.

A new shorter cut for Sharon

This is Sharon, owner of IOptics in Burns Court. IOptics has the best selection of eyewear in the area. And, not only do they have a fabulous selection, both Sharon and Holly know how to help you to choose just the right pair of eyeglass frames to fit your face and lifestyle! See them online at www.IOpticseyewear.com.

Summer afternoon at the little salon

Marina waits for her appointment while another client relaxes in the shampoo area.

Carrie's Longer Hair

I saw this picture of Carrie on Facebook and asked her to send it so I could post it on our blog. She looks fabulous with her hair longer, thanks to Brian.

Shades for Gabi

Gabi's hair has gotten very long, but the condition is still excellent. She has a RedKen Shades EQ put on every 6 to 8 weeks, to keep it shiny and to enhance the color. She also uses Morrocanoil after every shampoo, which helps to protect her hair from the sun and elements. Gabi's hair has alot of fine layering in it to give it fullness and movement.

Summer Mondays at the little salon

Summer Specials

Single Process Hair Color

Keratin Express

Every Monday

Single Process Color with Blow Dry 45.00

Keratin Express 50.00

Combine Color and Keratin 90.00

Add a cut for 30.00 more

the little salon

430 north tamiami trail

sarasota, fl 34236

955.4691

www.thelittlesalon.com

A New Member to our Staff, Richard DeMaria

Richard is the newest member to our staff. He is an excellent hair cutter and has a rich history in the "salon" industry.

RICHARD DE MARIA

Hairdresser and former NJ salon owner with over 25 years of extensive experience in the profession of hair design and fashion: Expertise includes precision haircutting, hairstyling, platform artist, state, national and international champion, and former World Supreme Winner.

As an educator, he was a teacher/owner of the Hair Fashion Institute, North Plainfield, NJ and Styles Director of NJ State Hairdressers Association. He also served in various educational and leadership roles in professional organizations such as The Coiffure Guild of NJ and Hair America. During this time, he was actively involved in educating students in national and international haircutting and styling competitions. He was the Fashion /Styles Director and partner in a mall salon chain, Beaux Gens, with stores in NJ and Pennsylvania .

As an accomplished member of his profession, he has been featured in articles in American Salon and Modern Hairstyling.

Advanced training with Vidal Sassoon in NY and competition training with the accomplished team of Designs Ltd of Cherry Hill, NJ enhanced his training and expertise as a recognized professional in the field.

Right now Richard is in the salon on Mondays. Give us a call to schedule your appointment. 955.4691

Our New Location at 430 North Tamiami Trail

Here a few photos of our new space. It is actually the same size as our previous location on Central, but a much user friendly layout. It feels soooooo good. Come and see for yourself!

LyTrynna's Mom or Sister?

This is actually LaTrynna's mother, (LaTrynna is our receptionist and Jr. hairstylist)but she looks like she could be her sister. Yvonne came to visit her daughter from PA and while she was here I cut her hair and Kristin gave her a beautiful mahogany with golden highlights. Yvonne is also a stylist in PA.

Moving Day

We are moving to 430 North Tamiami Trail on Sunday, June 6th. We will be open for business in our new location on Tuesday, June 8th. See you there!!

June is the Month for Brides

June is a busy month for weddings in Florida, the weather if mostly predictable and still comfortable for an evening, outdoor wedding. Updos work best, as they stay in place after the ceremony and reception, with all of the hugging, photographing and late night dancing. An updo can be as simple as a knot at the nape of the neck or elaborate creation with curls, braids and twists.

More Curls

We seem to have a lot of curly girls at the little salon, could be that Florida's hot, humid weather encourages those of us with curls to embrace it rather than try and fight it. The key to a head full of "happy hair" is a combination of the right cut, by a stylist with curly experience and the proper products, that help us to enjoy the curly hair that we were blessed with. It sure beats spending hours with various brushes, straightening/de-frizzing products and blazing hot flat irons, only to have a subtropical evening send us repeatedly to the ladies room to re access the damage.

This is Tomi, her curls are very strong in the back of her head and a bit straighter in the front. I cut the front shorter and took some of the bulk out to encourage the curl to form better in the less curly areas. She is on a quest to let her hair grow a bit longer so she can wear it up in the coming "dog days" of summer. Curly hair that is pulled up is especially soft and lovely!

Curly hair with lots of shine

Meena has been letting her hair grow, the longer it gets the more the curls form. She is one of the fortunate women that can blow dry her hair into a silky straight style or use a diffuser and have beautiful curls. The mahogany color that Kristin has created has been enhanced with a plum highlight, which gives her hair an incredible shine.

We are moving

The little salon is moving to a new location. Our new home will be 2 blocks west of our Central Ave. location at 430 North Tamiami Trail (see the map above). We will still be "little" with all of the talented stylists and colorists that make the little salon the best in the area. Our new location will have light galore, natural light streaming in from the outside along with energy efficient LED lighting to aid our colorist/stylists in giving you the truest color possible. A generous parking lot right in front of the salon, with easy access from Tamiami Trail and/or 5th Street. We will be sending a newsletter to all of our clients when we make our move. The planned date is the 24th and 25th of May or 6th and 7th of June. We are all very excited to finally be in our new home and are equally excited to share it with all of you!

Ammonia Free Hair Color

In the Thursday Styles section of the NYT's on March 11 there was an article about "ammonia free" hair color. This new innovation is rightly called Innovation No Ammonia hair color. INOA, is being introduced to 200 handpicked salons by L'Oreal Professional for it's initial roll out. The advantage to using INOA above conventional hair color with ammonia is the cliente leaves the salon with a vibrant hair color that has covered the gray and left the hair in a smooth and healthy condition. No damage with ammonia free hair color and the salon experience is without the caustic smell and sometimes scalp irritation. The L'Oreal product is not the first to hit the professional market, they have the name and the marketing budget to get the word out. Not to mention that salons have been reluctant to try the "ammonia free" product for fear of the color not lasting. Here at the little salon we have been offering one of these pioneer products for the past 6 years. Organic Systems hair color is ammonia free and leaves the hair in a soft damage free state when the client leaves the salon. The line offers 65 beautiful colors. To read about Organic Systems visit www.organiccolorsystems.com. To read the article look through the NYT's March 11th archives for the "Taking On Hair Color's Bad Guy".

We are open this Sunday, February 7th

The little salon will be open this Sunday, February 7th. Call for an appointment with Renee or Melvyn.

955.4691

Sundays!!

Starting next month will be open one Sunday every 4 weeks. Melyvn Ainger will be taking clients on the following dates.

Melvyn's 2010 schedule

February 7 & 8
March 7 & 8
April 4 & 5
May 2 & 3
May 30 & 31
June 27 & 28
July 25 & 26
August 22 & 23
September 19 & 20
October 17 & 18
November 14 & 15
December 12 & 13

Most of you know Melvyn Ainger, but if you don't we would like to introduce you. Melvyn has been an educator and creative director with Vidal Sassoon UK and Miami for much of his hair cutting career. He currently resides in New York and travels to salons throughout the country teaching cutting techniques and new trends. We are fortunate to have Melvyn as part of our team. He comes to the little salon once a month and we now have his schedule for 2010. Sunday and Mondays will be the days Melvyn will be taking clients this year. If you are looking for something new and different from what you are currently wearing, give us a call and schedule a cut with Melvyn, it's a treat.

Miranda's new cut and color

This must be the season of change. Seems we have had quite a few clients that are ready for either and new cut or color or both. Miranda went for both. Kristin gave her this strikingly brilliant red and I gave her the "Classic Bob".

Make up artist Meaghan Maureen

This is Meaghan Maureen. Meaghan is not only make up artist, she also specializes in brow contouring and tinting. She uses the tweezer method, as the arch is much more defined. Waxing can cause irritation to the eye area, and it also is not as precise as using the tweezer method.

A new cut for Vickie

Vickie's new look.

Vickie's former look.

This is Vickie's third "new look" in the past 2 years. It's fun for both Vickie and myself to change her style every now and then. Her "bob" had grown substantially which gave us lots more hair to work with. We kept the length and added layers. The layers gave Vickie's hair more volume and movement. With such a pretty face, she can most any style.

Stephanie and Locks of Love

The length of Stephanie's hair was to the middle of her back. She purposely grew her hair so she could donate it to Locks of Love. They require a minimum of 10 inches. We had 11. This is Stephanie's second cut which is slightly shorter this time. To learn more about Locks of Love, go to locksoflove.org.

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.

Sunday Morning

It's Sunday morning and the temperature outside is 34 degrees. That's pretty cold for Floridians. Inside the little salon it's warm and cozy. A wonderful baroque choral is playing while the clients sip lattes and cappuccinos, another of our specialties at the little salon. Kristin chats with Dr. Day while Melvyn puts the finishing touches on Maria's hair cut. The little salon is open on Sunday every four weeks. Melvyn Ainger, Vidal prodigy, flies in from the north to cut and sometimes color, if Kristin is not available. If you have a busy week day schedule and find that Sunday would work well for your hair care needs, call us at 955.4691 and make an appointment with Melvyn. The Sunday atmosphere is serene and the cut and color that you get will most likely be the best you have ever had.

Shades of the little salon

The color that leaves the little salon is the best in the area. Kristin who does most of our color has a rich history with Toni and Guy as a colorist and color educator. Brian has become an excellent colorist in his own right. She can create a natural shade of honey blonde, warm rich brunette or if your have a more adventurous side, an electric blue or vibrant red. I have been suggesting Kristin to many of my clients for their color, it frees me for more cutting time and we work well together. We consult with new clients together on color placement for the type of cut that I will be doing.

This is a stunning shade of red, created by Kristin. I would have loved for you to see the entire head, but I promised the young woman that would not.

This is a perfect example of how you can "drastically" change you hair color, and very effectively! I think Muriel looks fabulous both as a blond and brunette. This is one of Brian's creations from color to cut. The brunette photo does not show how beautifully rich the brunette is. We claim to be expert cutters and colorists, but not photographers.

Blue is not for everyone and it is not easy to achieve. Kristin has done a superb job of creating a tone on tone blue here for our very creative Ringling Student. The cut was done by Brian. Kristin and Brian often collaborate on creations like this one.