Hairstyles Magazine

by: Damien R. von Dahlem /  Hairstyles Magazine

If you frequently shoot fashion, and you have already paid for the model and the studio, with a quick lens and lighting change you can create a secondary income stream that will probably cover your initial expense of the shoot.

Hairstyle galleries are probably the single largest photo users on the Internet. When I started the very first hairstyles gallery in 1998, it was to help readers visualize the hair advice I was giving, and to aide them in finding a new hairstyle. Little did I know at the time the headache I was creating for myself, or that my idea would spawn an entire industry of hairstyle sites that now number in the hundreds of thousands.

Creating the gallery was not a problem as a college friend and I had developed a thumb nail link gallery system in the late 1980′s, before the Internet as we know it today was in full swing. The problem was finding the photos of the hairstyles I needed. The first hairstyle gallery, consisted entirely of a full disk of hairstyles that came with Corel Draw. I have no idea why Corel included the disk, but yeah for me.

The galleries were hugely popular but as you can image, fashion photos have a definite expiration date. I needed more hairstyles, and they needed to be up to date. With no other sources available at the time I had to shoot them myself. Happily I minored in fine art photography, and owned a couple of up scale salons with champion grade hairstylists.

These days, with my dwindling eye sight and patience, I no longer pick up the camera myself. I therefor have to rely on reader contributions, industry promo’s, and stock agencies for the photos I need. The frustration I face every year when screening thousands of photos, is that the photographer was not shooting for the hair industry, and thus most of the photos miss my criteria for one reason or another. As a result I far to often have to settle for less than idea photos and hairstyles.

Although I can’t speak for other hairstyle sites, by necessity their needs should be pretty much the same as mine, and here is what I need:

1. High key photos against a white backdrop. I love the low key photos for my own personal taste, but my readers want to print the hairstyle and take it in to their hair stylist. For this reason the lighting has to be perfect for the hair stylist to see how the hair was cut, and then be able to duplicate the cut.

2. Make sure you use a key light on the hair.

3. Although it well vary a little depending on the quality of the lens, I found that 85mm tends to yield the best results with little distortion. It isn’t a firm rule, but a good starting point.

4. A hairstyle photo is really a portrait shot, often with a little more shoulder and chest to hint at a fashion trend.

5. If it is a complex hairstyle, such as an asymmetrical cut, you will need more than one angle to illustrate the hairstyle. This is especially true when photographing up do’s. An up do is the most difficult hairstyle to create and you will do well to get it from all angles, including birds eye view.

6. Short hairstyles and medium length hairstyles are the most searched, and thus in demand more so than other hairstyles. Also keep an eye out for hairstyles with great coloring.

7. Don’t forget male hairstyles. Men are evermore aware of fashion trends and looking for great hairstyles too.

8. Ethnic diversity. There is no other way to say it, but there just aren’t very many good hairstyle photos out there when it comes to ethnic diversity. This more than anything else is a source of constant frustration for me. There is virtually nothing out there for Asian hair, and the vast majority of African American photos are styled in African tribal colors and prints. The black women who read my column and seek my advice, are either metropolitan, or urban in their look, and I need photos that reflect that fashion sense.

9. No matter how good the hairstyle, if the model’s skin and makeup are not absolutely flawless, I can’t use them. When it comes to makeup, more is often better.

10. A hairstyle fashion photo is just that, so don’t forget jewelry such as earnings, and a necklace if it makes sense to the style.

11. Lastly, when you upload them to your stock agency of choice, remember to tag your photo accordingly. If it isn’t tagged for hair, it is unlikely that I will ever see it. Also make sure that the photo is in high resolution. Although the usual sizes are 90 x 135 px for the thumb, and 300 x 450 px for the enlarged view, the photo may also make its way into navigation or a slider and need to be able to reproduce well there too.

The draw back is that stock agencies do not usually supply the name of the photographer, model, stylist and so on, so although I like to give credit, I don’t usually get the chance to do so. I will write more on getting your name out there in another article, so make sure you also have all of the copyright releases you will need.

I hope you found this article helpful, and look forward to your feedback.

Not a year passes that guys don’t ask me what they should do for their girlfriends and wives on Valentine’s Day.

I wrote a short article about Valentine’s Day a few years ago, and realized that what I wrote then still holds true, but here are a few things I would like to add:

1. In many ways how you handle Valentine’s day will make or break her opinion of you, and thus of the relationship in general.

2. Remember, Valentine’s Day is about her, not you. You need to take a departure from your male ways of thinking, and dive a bit into the psyche of a woman and her way of thinking. She already knows that you love her, but so what, lots of guys do, (In case you didn’t know). What she needs to know about you, is that you ‘get her’.

3. Instead of a random Valentine’s Day card that you picked up at the grocery store, take the time to go to a specialty store such as Hallmark. The quality of cards is much better, and shows that you made an effort beyond what the typical guy does, (And she will measure you by what guys have done for her in the past).  Or, go to a craft store and buy supplies to make a card.

I know that isn’t the guy way of thinking and that you may have absolutely no crafting skills, but that is precisely the point. She knows it too, and she will be so much more moved that you took the time and planning that went into making the valentine.

What you write in the card is of course even more important than the card itself. Attitude is everything here. Instead of telling her that you love her, your ink will be better spent thanking her for loving you with all of your little flaws and short comings. Be specific, show her that you notice the things she does for you, and show her your appreciation for them. If you prefer, write a letter to put in the valentine. Use nice a stationary and your best penmanship.

4. Be sure to include a gift certificate for a spa day. When you select a spa, show that you know her. If she is a nature girl from Boulder, Colorado, be sure to pick a politically correct spa. Something with the words ‘all natural’ and ‘Zen’ in the salon name and atmosphere.

If she is a Manhattan type girl, spend a few bucks and get her a spa day at the Ritz. If you can afford it, make the gift certificate so that she can invite her best friend along. If you handle the spa day right, it will pay you dividends too.

5. Flowers. You have to get this right. Roses are not the only flowers, and chances are they are not her first choice. If you do not know what her favorite flower is, it is high time that you find out.

Whenever you get the chance ask her what her favorite flower is. Hopefully not to close to Valentine’s Day or you will telegraph why you are asking. Perhaps ask her mother. In any event, better to ask than not. Whatever her choice, buy the best quality you can and buy them from a florist, not a grocery store. Some exotic flowers may need to be ordered, so make sure you give your florist plenty of notice. Make sure you get the color right too.

There is the occasional woman who does not like cut flowers, so buy her a nice potted arrangement that will last for awhile. If she just plain doesn’t like having living things in the house, learn how to fold money into paper flowers. You will need some craft store supplies to pull this off right.

If all of this sounds like a lot of trouble, it is. Showing her that you went through the trouble to get these things right is something she will remember for a very long time. Get it wrong, or buy her things on the fly, and that too is something she will remember for a very long time. If you are not willing to go to these lengths, then you are not with the right girl for you. When you are with the right girl these efforts are a pleasure, not a chore.

The above will keep you out of the dog house, but will not put you in the Valentino hall of fame. Valentine’s Day has two components, showing her you ‘get her’, and romance. The romance portion requires a killer Valentine’s Day evening out. Hopefully you know her well enough to plan the evening without her input. Let it be a big surprise, but centered around her.

That said, do make sure she has some clue what to wear. Hopefully something new, and hopefully she has enough notice to book a salon day before the big night.

6. Plan your date at the very best restaurant that you can’t afford. Good restaurants will require a reservation on any day of the week, much less Valentine’s Day. Making that reservation 30 days in advance may be cutting it close. If you live in a small town without any great choices, there is surely a bigger city within a 100 mile radius of where you live.

The good news is that most great hotels also have a great restaurant, and a Valentine’s Day package including room, spa, and dinner. Bingo, the perfect trifecta!

Again, some planning will be required. If you have children, make sure you have arranged for an overnight babysitter. Do this whether you will be staying in town or not. After a nice night out going home to mommy responsibilities just plain sucks, and isn’t going to serve you very well either. Bottom line though, you just can’t beat an overnight, out of town date without responsibilities and worries. If need be, make sure you have the next day off from work, and if planned right, you talked to her boss on the sly, and made sure she will be off too.

No matter how romantic your plans, the part she will always consider the most romantic is that you did this for her.

7. So far so good. Now there is just one more thing to work on, you.

Dude, it’s time. A printed tee and tennies or flip flops, just isn’t going to make it. And please, I beg you please, lose the baseball hat. If you don’t already own a couple of nice suites, it is time for your first one. Better yet, for this occasion step up and buy a tuxedo. Whatever your choice, there is certainly a Men’s Wearhouse somewhere near you, or some equivalent.

The benefit to a men’s clothier is that they know men don’t always know what to wear. They are there to help, and keep you within your budget. If you already own a suit that you bought off of the rack, most men’s clothiers will be happy to tailor the suit for you for a small fee.  A suit needs to be tailored, and dress shirts should to be fitted.

8. Lastly, get a good haircut, and maybe a manicure if it doesn’t offend your masculine sensibilities.

Well, I think we’re done. You have gone to a lot of trouble. She is a very lucky girl.

Happy Valentine’s Day Brother!

Stationary that I use, from thestationarystudio.com

by: Damien R. von Dahlem / Hairstyles Magazine

When I was a kid one of the great highlights of the day was around noon when the mailman was due by. We knew our mailman, and he knew each of us by sight, age, and name. Our mailman was our link to the world.

The daily mail was exciting and looked forward to. All sorts of things came from all over the world, right into our little mailbox.

There were of course the monthly bills, but in those days there weren’t very many of them, and they always came within the last two or three days of the month. There was the phone bill, and the power bill, and that was pretty much it. TV was free, all three channels of it, and so was radio.

What we were really looking for was catalogs with the newest wonders and inventions, post cards from far places, and letters from relatives keeping us posted on their lives and family. Depending on the time of year there were greeting cards, and the occasional package wrapped in brown paper and string.

Sometimes, if you were lucky, there was even a love letter. A letter from the heart.

Letters of the heart came in two forms. Either a very thin blue fold over letter, or personalized stationary, often scented. The thin blue letters came via airmail instead of ship, and were therefor important, and came from very far away.

The personalized stationary letters were works of art, and their contents was nothing short of magical. Sadly, my little stack of love letters was lost many years ago on one of my moves to and from Europe. I miss them still.

Today we dread trips to the mailbox. There is nothing in it but bills, advertising, and the proverbial Victoria Secrets catalog that you couldn’t shake if your life depended on it. Once in awhile there will be a greeting card of some kind that contains little more than a signature, or a maybe a letter printed from a computer. But no handwritten letters, or a letter from the heart.

I miss handwritten letters, and I miss looking forward to the mail. Now the elementary schools in the United States want to stop teaching cursive writing altogether. How sad, and small wonder the postal service is broke.

So what is the point of this article? I want to encourage you to write letters. There is nothing else you can do that will bring as much joy to the heart as sending and receiving handwritten letters. At least not for the price.

Pen that I use, from montblanc.com

I often hear people say they don’t have the time to write letters, or that they don’t have anything to say. My answer to that is that you have to make the time. Skip a television show and use that same time to write a letter from the heart. Don’t worry about what to write. Just write, and the words will come to you soon enough. Perhaps, we can start a movement, and bring joy to friends and family in the process.

I have included the stationary from The Stationary Store, and pen from Mont Blanc, that I actually use. These are my personal choices and I do not receive money of any kind for sharing them with you. My stationary and pen are a bit on the pricey side, so should do some exploring on your own. Stationary stores are difficult to find anymore, especially good ones, so feel free to share your finds with me on my Google+ page. I look forward to hearing from you.

Don’t forget a trip to the post office to select some beautiful and special stamps, or shop for them online. It is a big part of the personal letter experience.

Roxy Star

by: Roxy Star / Hairstyles Magazine

Hairstyle design is an art form when taken seriously by its creator. A tremendous amount of thought,
creativity and expertise are required to execute a look that is respected and admired. No matter how
impressive your hair artistry is, however, it will not receive compliments and recognition unless it is
framing an equally beautiful face. Artistically applied makeup is an integral part of successful hair design,
and vice versa.

There are at least three scenarios in which one may need some guidance as to how to best compliment
a hair design by including appropriate makeup application.

1. You are a hair designer and you wish to showcase your work in photos, runway shows and trade
conventions but you cannot afford the assistance of a makeup artist. Or your artistic visions are
so specific to your imagination and ideals that you want full creative control over the final look.

2. You are a makeup artist who is up and coming and you seek knowledge about your art, or you
are an established makeup artist looking for inspiration. By partnering with a hair stylist or
designer whose work will nicely compliment your skills, both of you will have a better portfolio.

3. You are not a professional cosmetologist, but you take pride in looking your best. You are
someone who will take the time to learn how to do makeup that will showcase your personality
and compliment your stellar new hairstyle.

No matter which of these categories apply to you, your ability to achieve the goal is directly
proportionate to the difficulty level of the style. Fantasy styles are notorious for boggling the mind and
fumbling the hands so they are the focus of this article. At Hairstyles Magazine we believe in content
that is as useful as possible because we know your time is limited. Learning fantasy makeup is hard
enough – finding videos about how to do it should be easy.

1. WSITN: 80’s Makeup, by: WSITN (What Style Is To Nickel)

We love the intensity and drama of this look. In many ways we wish WSITN would not have assigned this
look an affiliation with 80’s. Is it an excellent example of the high-impact, glam stage makeup donned
by musicians in the 80’s? Yes! Absolutely. But it’s so much more. For instance, it reminds us of the
current technique of using high tech digital imaging on apparel. We also like the professional approach
of WSITN. The video is slick and his tone is respectable.

2. Halloween Makeup: Moulin Rouge Inspired Makeup, by: Nikkie Tutorials

Beautiful is the word that emerges from our lips every time we see this look. The colors are rich and
romantic, the blended depth is superb, and the overall effect is mystery and glamour. Again, we
don’t like the name of the video, but Nikkie’s humorous delivery of the tutorial is really endearing
and entertaining. Just keep in mind that the utility of this makeup style goes far beyond Halloween.
Ignore the name so it doesn’t limit your imagination as to how and when you might attempt to
replicate this makeup. If we were to do so, it might be in conjunction with this spring’s baroque
detailing and floor length skirts.

3. Old Hollywood / Pinup: Beauty through the Ages, by: MissChievous

While some may not consider pinup style makeup to be part of the fantasy category, we suggest that
it is. Our primary reasons are the expanse of time that has passed since this style emerged, as well the
numerous fantasies that were had about the glamour girls of yester year. The style represented in this
video is a purist approach that is well suited to those who want the most authentic version. Which is
why we love it – you have to understand the original art before altering. Once you’ve got it down, make
it 2012 by changing up the color palette and exaggerating the lines, then pairing it with a peplum skirt.

4. Haute Couture Inspired Makeup Browns & Gold, by: Letz Makeup

This video differs from the others because there is no verbal explanation. For this reason, we
recommend that you first understand the fundamentals of makeup application. Without that knowledge
this video will likely frustrate you. If you are savvy, however, Letz Makeup’s vampy, dark style would
do wonders for a very artsy or theatrical vision. Furthermore, the sped up time sequencing in the video
does an excellent job of demonstrating how effective and important it is to blend, blend, blend when
applying makeup. In terms of current use, we love the idea of pairing this with abstract art concepts in
fashion.

Still not sure if you can translate these looks into your life? Take a look at the makeup I did for one of my photo shoots. Can you guess which video prompted my imagination? It’s always possible to work with the overall concept of a makeup artist’s design without having to go to the same extremes. It all depends on the goal. Intensify soft looks when more drama is desired or tone down theatrical looks to create glamour. The best approach is to allow other artists to inspire you, rather than trying to perfectly replicate what they’ve done. Find something you love and make it your own!

The individuals we’ve chosen to showcase were selected based on the artistry of their work, the clarity
of their instruction (including listing of products used) and the entertainment value of the video. They
were also selected based on the possibility of combining the styles with current fashion trends. Although
the videos refer to the look with a specific name (such as 80’s makeup), we found that they can be
translated in numerous modern contexts. Look for our upcoming post about marrying current fashion
trends with each of these fantasy makeup styles and the hairstyle you’ve already created.

Who

Are you an expert in your field? Do you want to share your knowledge, while gaining exposure for yourself and your business? Do you have special knowledge that readers can use?

What

This is an unpaid opportunity for you to showcase your knowledge to over one million readers of Hairstyles Magazine.

You will get full credit for your work, including an on site bio, with a link to your static website, blog, or social network page.

We will give you additional exposure by blasting your article out over our social networks, and we will allow you to do the same.

Being selected for inclusion is highly competitive, and not something we take lightly.

Rules

• No duplicate content. All content must be original, written specifically for Hairstyles Magazine, and previously unpublished.
• All articles must be of the highest quality and meet our standards for publication.
• All articles will be reviewed prior to publication, and may be sent back for a re-write, or omitted altogether.
• No outbound links in an article unless absolutely necessary and relevant. Remember, you already have a link in your bio.
• Absolutely no affiliate links allowed for any reason.
• Images fall in strict guidelines, and you must have editorial permission from the copyright holders to use the images.

How

If you would like to be considered, please contact us at: Write For Hairstyles Magazine. Please include a little information about yourself, why you are interested, and links to articles you have written.

Thank You for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you.

Hairstyles Magazine

Photo: Courtesy of American Beauty Show

by: Damien R. von Dahlem / Hairstyles Magazine

If you are a hair stylist or other professional in the beauty industry, then this is THE trade show to see.

The American Beauty Show, also known as The Midwest Beauty Show, is the biggest and the best that we have to offer in the United States.

There will be over 400 exhibitors, and the trade show will be attended by approximately 60,000 industry professionals.

The trade show is owned and operated by Cosmetologists Chicago, and has been operating the show for over 80 years.

The trade show runs March 3rd to March 5th, 2012. Admission tickets range from $30.00 to $375.00, depending on choices and duration.

You will find all of the information you want at the above link. Remember, purchasing tickets in advance will save you money over gate tickets. Download a Registration Form.

* Attendance is restricted to beauty industry professionals, and is not open to the public.

I have been to this trade show many times, and I have never been disappointed. I have not though been there since the show moved from the Rosemont Covention Center to it’s new location at McCormick Place, downtown Chicago.

It is my understanding that the Rosemont Center could simply no longer facilitate the growing show. Thus, my usual recommendation to stay at the adjacent Hyatt, is no longer a real option.

That said, the show is held in one of the greatest cities in the world, and just a stones throw from Conrad Hilton’s spectacular Palmer House. To stay anywhere else for this show is to me an insane notion.

Press: If you are a member of the industry press, your contact is: Kate@ViNelson.com. If you are a member of the consumer press, your contact is: dori@doriwilsonpr.com.

When we were still known as Hair News Magazine, I had to collaborate with Vi Nelson PR several years in a row. They simply could not have been more accommodating or professional. Always a positive experience.

Enjoy the show. Perhaps I’ll see you there.

Photo: Courtesy of International Salon & Spa Expo

by: Damien R. von Dahlem / Hairstyles Magazine

In the hair industry the trade show schedule usually begins in January, in Long Beach, California.

I have attended this trade show myself several times, when it was still known as the IBS, or International Beauty Show.

I see that the show is now called the International Salon and Spa Expo. I am not sure why it has changed or what brought the change on, but I see that it is endorsed by the PBA (Professional Beauty Association), and the NCA (National Cosmetology Association).

Although this show has never been my favorite, I do like to attend because it is one of the bigger shows, and has the benefit of the city of Long Beach in January, when it is a bit on the nippy side in Denver where I live.

The show kicks off on Saturday, January 28th, and runs through January 30th, 2012. I usually like to arrive a day early for a chance to mingle at the hotel with the exhibitors, and do some ‘model call’ screening for new faces that I might be interested in featuring in Hairstyles Magazine.

My choice of hotel for this venue is the Hyatt Regency Long Beach. If you book early enough you can usually obtain a favorable block rate for the duration of the event. Do book early though, the Hyatt sells out quickly and early. The hotel is adjacent to the venue, close to the water on one side, and downtown Long Beach on the other.

It is also a short stroll to what is in my opinion one of the finest seafood restaurants in the United States, Parker’s Lighthouse. I never miss an opportunity to eat there, and their Oysters Rockefeller cannot be beat.

Entry tickets for the show range from $30.00 to $100.00, depending on how many days you want to attend, and can be purchased directly from the International Salon and Spa Expo website. The website also features the event schedule and other information that you are going to want. Depending on classes you might want to take, there is likely to be an additional charge.

* Attendance is restricted to beauty industry professionals, and is not open to the public.

New this year is the Nail and Hairstyles competition. Always a great way to learn and to pad your resume.

Work hard, play hard. Don’t forget to book into the ‘Night Out Party’ on Sunday night at the Cohiba Nightclub.

You simply cannot be serious about your profession or your career unless you attend at least one industry trade show or convention per year.

From a professional point of view, trade shows are where the latest tools of your trade are exhibited and usually available for purchase at a discount. Especially if you wait until an hour before the show closes on the last day of the show. So do your shopping early and keep a list of items you want to make a move on at the last minute.

Trade shows frequently offer continuing education and certification programs during the duration of the trade show. Frequently several classes that you are interested in are offered at the same show that you might otherwise have to travel to several cities to attend. Thus saving you money and time. It is a valuable opportunity to further your skills and knowledge to benefit yourself, and your clients.

More importantly, new tools and new knowledge will affect your work production and thus your business’s bottom line. You might even come away with a new idea to expand your existing services or products and create new revenue streams for your company or your individual trade.

From a career point of view, at some level it does not matter how good you are at your craft if you are not well known. You simply cannot charge as much for your craft and your income tops out. If on the other hand you are well know withing your field, with paid appearances and endorsements, the sky is the limit.

Trade shows are a great place to make career connections and be seen. As the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind. Done right, when you return to your business there is additional public relations value to be had from letting your clients know where you have been and what you have been doing. It demonstrates your seriousness and commitment to your craft.

Lastly, a trade show is a great excuse to get out of town and see new places. Not to mention that most of the attendees will be staying at the same hotels and offer any number of opportunities to party with your peers, either in the hotel lounge, or as a group out on the town.  This is a great environment to let your hair down and blow off steam with kindred spirits.

With new tools, new knowledge, and new friends, your business will prosper. You will be regarded as the best in your industry, rewarding both your wallet and your spirits.

Photo: Damien R. von Dahlem, and Roxy Star

by: Damien R. von Dahlem / Hairstyles Magazine

It’s 2012, and I promised new and exciting changes at Hairstyles Magazine. This is the first of those changes.

Now that the initial re-design of Hairstyles Magazine is complete, it’s time that the magazine have its own blog. In the next weeks I will be reaching out to industry professionals to join our blog and author some great content. I will be looking at writers in the hair, cosmetics, fashion, modeling, and photography industries, as well as a few good humor and celebrity gossip columnists.

I am also open to new and aspiring writers with impeccable writing skills, and there will be an open call to follow soon. Be sure to follow the blog for the announcement, once the particulars are in place. These are going to be fun and exciting times at Hairstyles Magazine, and you can be a part of them.

If that isn’t exciting enough, we have a HUGE participation promotion in the works that we will letting out of the bag in the near future. Contractual obligations prohibit us from giving details at present, but I promise you will not be disappointed.

While this is all going on, we will continue to add hairstyles and other content to Hairstyles Magazine, and we will be re-designing our sister publication. That will bring on a whole new level of fun and surprise.

I hope you had a great Holiday Season and New Year’s transition. I know I did. Now it’s time for me to get back to work.

Regards:

Damien R. von Dahlem

Editor / Hairstyles Magazine