A Cut Above: Antonio Diaz Shares His Scissor Secrets!

Last Monday Shevys hosted a daylong wig-cutting seminar featuring the talents of their most sought-after stylist, Antonio Diaz. The informative event packed in stylists and guests including locals as well as visitors from as far away as Chicago, Canada and even Israel! Not even the blistering cold and snow could keep these ladies away — and its no wonder why.

These high-profile salon seminars always draw a crowd, but this event was unique for what it offered in technique as well as for a new platform Shevy and Antonio call, “taking things to the next level,” openly encouraging the diverse roomful of stylists to really think about revisiting shorter, shoulder-length cuts that can replace the traditional bob that so many stylists default to when a client asks for a shorter, modern look. The new short do they are recommending is not a drastic look, but one that is gradually achieved by cutting in a circular arc all around the wig cap at equal increments to create a breezy, layered shag that can be air dried and finger waved or blown straight. The look works best on highlighted pieces and offers styling flexibility and natural movement in any climate.

Diaz is a natural teacher and also a proponent of a less-is-more approach. He doesn’t believe in reinventing the wheel, and that’s why his cuts are always a step ahead and a head-turning success. His simple approach to styling is not easy to learn in one afternoon — but the results are always nothing short of flawless. Diaz worked on live models and on a tripod, and carefully illustrated his techniques on a large board propped onstage whenever there was a need for more detailed explanation. His direct approach to answering questions, coupled with lighthearted humor and knowing when to linger over the more difficult aspects of his cuts put everyone in the room at ease. Part of what makes his classes so inspiring is how he assures the stylists that whatever their skill level, they can always improve and streamline their approach. With some basic cutting techniques in hand, communicating with your client becomes easier and the raw material can become a true work of art. Shevy reinforced his cutting techniques based on the wig constructions, really showing the room how to approach a new cut from the inside out. If you’re going to start with the best product available, the results are guaranteed to be the best every time, so know the product and know your client, and you can’t go wrong.

Some popular and familiar discussion topics were how to get bangs to fall smoothly without separating, how to gradually work into a piece so as not to cut out volume too early in the process, rendering the wig in need of repairs, or unwearable. There was also buzz about the most recommended products as well as those that might damage a piece, and whether there might be more specialized seminars for smaller groups that could focus on specific cuts, color and styling tips. Shevy has a whole season and roster of new ideas planned and will be expanding her seminar format in the early spring. Check back for more details, or contact the salon.

An Afternoon Shared From the Head and Heart

Last Sunday’s WIGS 101 workshop co-hosted by Thea Chassin, founder of Bald Girls Do Lunch,® and our very own Shevy Emanuel, was a hit! Although Shevy hosts high-profile seminars at her salon all the time, this unique event was a new and different opportunity for everyone involved. As the only nonprofit created specifically for women with alopecia areata, Thea takes her event planning and outreach seriously. Her goal, above all else, is to support and educate women who are suffering from alopecia. The broad range of personal responses and experiences that crop up are as unique and varied as each of these women: Some are going through a phase of hair loss, while others are experiencing regrowth or might lose their lashes from only one eye. The irregular effects of the condition are often a cause of extreme stress, so it was important that we could provide a relaxing place where everyone could come together in a safe, judgment-free zone.

Some women were outspoken and confident while others were more reserved. Several had dramatic, colorful personal style and really played up their femininity while others were more casual, or confessed to being stuck in a style-rut and were seeking ways to freshen and modernize their look.
When the workshop began, and the women were gathered around the central styling station, Shevy expertly turned wigs inside out to explain the differences between caps, lace fronts, machine vs. handmade pieces as well as the care of a fine natural hair wig. The intimacy and excitement that sprung up at that round table was positively inspiring. And after a series of Q & A moments and shared stories, the guests were invited to look through the gallery of wigs and get inspired. At this point, Antonio Diaz joined the group to offer his expert advice on styling and color and generally keep things lighthearted and playful as he selected pieces that many women confessed they would never have chosen for themselves, but it was just the right wig. It was an absolute joy for us to watch!

There were two mother-and-daughter duos at the event. In the first, the mom was just beginning to lose her hair and wanted a sleek and sophisticated style that she could wear over her remaining hair so that she didn’t have to rely on the upkeep of the extensions she’d been wearing. The second duo was a loving mom who brought her adorable pre-teen daughter to the event. This quiet girl was completely bald, and as Shevy confidently and caringly measured her and let her try on pieces, she sat up a little bit straighter in her chair with every change. (Shevy’s daughter Ricky who is about the same age as this guest watched her own mom with anticipation and curiosity and a lot of respect as Shevy found the perfect wig for this little girl). It was one of many touching moments shared throughout the afternoon.

There were other empowering and interactive moments, including a Brow Station where women could have their brows painted and set with a brand new kit developed by Thea herself. The application is natural and wont flake, melt, or wipe off which is an added bonus for women who want to maintain an active lifestyle and don’t have the time to fuss over reapplications or worrying about fading.

The day was truly designed to open up our salon to the needs and desires of Thea’s guests — and in the end, it really opened us up to the concerns and conflicts that many of you are confronted with on a day-to-day basis. We’re eager to hear from those of you who came out to the event, please let us know how we can continue the dialogue or serve you better in the future.

Bald Girls Do Lunch Goes to the Head of the Class at Shevy Salon Workshop!

This Sunday, November 14, from 1 to 5 pm we’re opening up our salon to sponsor a special benefit for Bald Girls Do Lunch®, the only nonprofit created specifically for women with alopecia areata. The event, called WIGS 101, will be a one-of-a-kind workshop and an opportunity for guests to meet and mingle with each other while we teach them how to choose the perfect wig, answer their questions and take the mystery out of wearing a wig.

Shevy will be on hand to demonstrate the newest technology and materials from the inside out and celebrity hair stylist and wig-cut expert Antonio Diaz will join her to offer on-the-spot mini consults. Women will discover how to measure for the perfect fit and find easy shortcuts for updating their color or cut in time for the holidays. Beauty stations will be set up throughout the shop where guests can browse the extensive Shevy collection and a makeup artist will be available to teach women how to create stunning brows with the new Bald Girls Do Lunch® Brow Kit, designed and created by its founder, Thea Chassin.

The afternoon event will also feature complimentary van shuttle service to and from the salon, a buffet brunch, beauty gift bags and the opportunity to win complimentary wellness services from local practitioners of ayurvedic and nutritional counseling, energy healing, reflexology, yoga, astrology and more.

There’s still time left to join us!
To RSVP, contact info@baldgirlsdolunch.org or 800.578.5332
View the invitation: http://www.baldgirlsdolunch.org

The Response Has Been Off The Hook!

A ringing phone is a familiar sound here at Shevys salon. Drop in for an appointment, to pick up a piece or to browse our wig gallery on any given day and you’ll quickly be pulled into the excitement.

Since our mention in the November edition of O The Oprah Magazine, we’ve been answering calls from as far away as Seattle, California, South Carolina and everywhere in between. The response has been incredible! We’re getting real time feedback from real women all across the country and it’s been a joy to speak with each one of you. Everyone has a powerful personal story and a desire to put her best self out there and live effortlessly and confidently.

We heard from those of you who were ecstatic over the discovery and wondered where we’d been all of your lives. There were serious calls, too, and plenty of thoughtful ideas about the kinds of products that wig customers are looking for but can’t seem to locate in many markets. But most of all, we were encouraged by how discerning and honest all of you were. This makes our job so much easier and it establishes a valuable level of trust.

Our spectrum of customization and the quality of natural European hair that is the Shevys signature blew many of you away. We’re here to work with every one of our clients to custom match a color or style or even suggest a complete makeover — just like Oprah did when she donned that sleek cropped look on the cover of her magazine a couple of months ago. At the salon, we’re reminded every day that the best wigs and hairpieces give a woman a beauty and confidence all her own no matter what she’s enduring. When a woman feels complete and comfortable, everybody can share in her peace of mind.

Oprah.com

“Oprah’s On” to ShevyPro — and We’re Delighted!

Have you seen the November edition of O The Oprah Magazine yet? We have — and we couldn’t be more excited. ShevyPro wigs received a glowing endorsement and high praise from Oprah’s talented personal hairstylist and tastemaker extraordinaire, Andre Walker. There it is on page 32 — and you heard it from Andre first!

The Shevy blurb is in response to the September issue entitled The Makeover Issue! Transform Your Look, Luck. September often signals a time of transformation and it was also the debut of a stimulating new format for O. I was drawn to Oprah’s radiant cover look and instantly picked up a copy for my train ride home. Once I began to flip through it, I found a lot more than refreshing fall fashion and beauty. There were insightful articles on topics ranging from health and relationships to spirit, food and entertainment. On page after page, there was an underlying theme of change from the inside out.

But what is change? It’s a word that Shevy Emanuel, the dynamic founder of ShevyPro wigs and an accomplished and creative hairstylist in her own right can relate to. As the owner of Shevys Salon in Brooklyn, (with a location in Israel in the works), every day she encounters women from all walks of life who wear wigs for a variety of reasons. Many have found their way to Shevys as a result of hair loss or thinning due to medical conditions.

Shevy understands the power of the word transformation when she talks about the excitement of knowing she’s making a woman feel whole again. “Many women with the autoimmune disease alopecia areata feel not only a loss of femininity, but a loss of self, when they lose their hair,” says Shevy. “Women may cycle through stages of hair loss and need to be comfortable in their wigs all the time, whether in business or more intimate settings.” The fact that she can play a part in making them feel complete again brings her great pleasure. In fact, her generous spirit and concern for the special needs of her clients has found her partnering with another dynamic woman, Thea Chassin, the founder of the nonprofit Bald Girls Do Lunch® — the only organization created specifically for women with alopecia areata.

On November 14, Shevys Salon will host a very special workshop with Thea for Bald Girls and their friends. Shevy will lead WIGS 101, an all-afternoon event that provides a sneak peek into the world of specialization and education in a friendly, fun, and unintimidating environment. Attendees will take away new insights such as: what to look for, what to ask, and other essentials like fitting a wig on a bare scalp, finding the best cut and color for their particular features and more.

Thea says, “Shevy understands that all women deserve to live effortlessly without worrying about their hair. Our women need the kind of quality they can rely on day to day. I’m thrilled to be able to bring these two worlds together. I can’t tell you how many times women across the country tell me they felt intimidated into a purchase that is just not right for them. Educational programs like Shevy’s WIGS 101 are greatly needed and deeply appreciated.”

Transformation is often about taking risks and venturing into the unknown. It’s about bringing out the best within each one of us. Sometimes the most radical and profound changes don’t really require a major alteration, just a bit of gentle coaxing and encouragement and a fabulous Andre-approved wig from Shevys!

oprah.com
baldgirlsdolunch.org

Sweet Freedom!

Recently we’ve been thinking about the choices and subtle changes that each of us encounter every day — but might not reflect upon. At Shevys, our clients might seem to make pretty straightforward or even superficial choices at first glance — but we’re always being reminded of how every seemingly simple choice often has a back story or lasting impact not just for the client, but for her friends and family and everyone she comes in contact with.

Sure, sometimes the choice is purely cosmetic — a client chooses a new hairpiece or a new style or goes for a different color. That’s one version of the “feel good” factor, but we serve many different clients, each with individual needs and requirements. Some of our most loyal customers don’t change their look very frequently and it is our dedication to maintaining their comfort and identity in a forever changing outside world that gives them the reassurance they need and the trust to return to us.

The Fourth of July weekend is often a time to think about what freedom, independence, or liberty means to us on a personal level. Maybe the most basic right each of us has is the freedom to do something that makes us feel good and look good in a broader sense. We’re all impacted by these moments.

We heard from a friend of ours whose daughter, a young woman and mother in her early thirties, has cancer. A recent and difficult round of treatment had left her completely exhausted and depressed: She wasn’t able to care for herself, much less play with her children and enjoy the happiness they bring to her and her family. Her father called to let us know that when she was feeling well enough to put her Shevys wig on she rallied with an energy that he wasn’t sure he would ever see again! He couldn’t find the words to thank us enough, but said he had to tell us about this change because nothing else seemed to be reaching her. When she made the decision to do something for herself, she ended up doing something for her entire family.

These stories come to us day after day and always make us feel good about the time and energy we invest in our products and services. So this weekend we’d like to thank everyone who helps us make a difference and let you know that we have some new developments on the horizon that will continue to bring excitement and change your way.

The Heat Is On!

Summer hit New York in a big way this weekend as temperatures spiked in the high 80s and the heat and humidity settled in. But wearing a wig in hot weather doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Loose mesh caps and breathable bases mean you don’t have to lose your cool during the summer months. And you’ll never have to sacrifice your style either. Whether you wear a long look or prefer something shorter, now is a good time to experiment with your styling options.

There are so many easy choices and a subtle change can go a long way toward keeping your cool while maintaining your current style. If you’ve been considering wispy, face-framing bangs for awhile or have thought about adjusting your highlights ever so slightly, there’s no better time than the present to make a change that will reflect the season’s vibrant energy. It might give you a boost, too, if you’ve found yourself wilting in the scorching weather!

There’s something about the longer days and sunlight that inspires us to lighten up a little. We change our clothing and makeup palettes and wear brighter and lighter weight fabrics in the summertime, so why not try a similar approach to your hairpiece?

Shevy’s expert staff and stylists are here to assist you every step of the way with refreshing ready-to-wear options for summer getaways. So if you’re about to head off for an extended vacation, stop in and let us get you prepped and ready for the time away. It’s one less thing you’ll have to sweat — and we think that’s the best plan for passing the lazy, hazy summer days.

Happily Ever After…

What could be more exciting than planning a summer wedding? It’s the season we associate with blushing brides and outdoor ceremonies held in rustic barns and on sandy beaches. These days, planning a wedding is all about the setting and the details — the “Big Day” is a big business — and the months spent preparing for it can transform even the sweetest bride-to-be into a raging Bridezilla! With so many particulars to get just right, from the dress to the flowers to the menu and seating arrangements — what’s a girl to do?

At Shevy’s, we understand the modern bride and our full-service salon can accommodate any size bridal party with the best wedding styling. Whether you want something classic or glamorous, romantic or modern, sleek or playful — a Shevy’s wig, fall or hairpiece can enhance and transform an everyday look into an exquisite, fairytale style or one of timeless elegance for your walk down the aisle. If you and your bridal party already wear wigs, we have many precuts available for rental or we can cut, dye and modify your current hairpiece so you can easily restyle it again afterward for continued day-to-day wear.

We keep up with the latest bridal and special occasion trends so that you can shine on your wedding day. Remember, this is just the beginning of your adventure — and at Shevy’s we like to consider ourselves among the larger community of love and support that you will be a part of in your married life. Congratulations and we hope to see you soon!

Here are some links that have been inspiring us lately:

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-beauty-tips/wedding-hairstyles-updos.aspx?MsdVisit=1

http://wedding.theknot.com/real-weddings/jewish-weddings.aspx

http://jewish.weddings.com/

http://www.brides.com/?nav=rm_googppc_nat_Modern_Brides

http://www.oprah.com/food/Colin-Cowies-Fantasy-Weddings

http://www.brides.com/modernbride/

Spring is here!

This time of year always inspires us to embrace change. After the long, cold winter months spent indoors or hidden underneath heavy coats, it’s easy to appreciate lighter days, warmer air and sunshine—we can even welcome the predictable, rainy March weather because it clears the way for the promise of newness and fresh starts.

At Shevy’s, our transformation begins behind the scenes. You might not see the changes right away, but we’ve been working on some exciting updates to add new, interactive capabilities to our website that will make your shopping experience even more dynamic in the coming months.

Another exciting thing about spring is that just as the new season arrives, so do the many celebratory occasions that Shevy’s can help you look your absolute best for. There are weddings and holiday parties that require an expert touch, and we can transform your everyday style into something more dramatic, suggest a new color or cut, or help you select a custom look for a special event.

At Shevy’s, the choice is always yours—and there’s no better time than now to come in for a spring consultation. See what’s new and tell us what we can do to make your shift into spring the best it can possibly be.

A Day In The Life

Although there’s no such thing as a “typical” day at Shevy’s Salon, we would like to reach out and let you know about some recent happenings—especially after the more serious topics we’ve been posting about. We’ll continue to revisit these topics in even greater detail in the coming weeks and months, but as we’re just getting warmed up here in the blogosphere, we thought it might be the right time to take a lighter approach. We received an encouraging comment from an amazing woman, Thea Chassin. She’s the founder of Bald Girls Do Lunch, a non-profit organization for women with alopecia. The name alone conjures a powerful image…imagine, a group of hairless women celebrating together.

Often, these women are complete strangers who are coming together for the very first time to share a meal, some stories, a few laughs, and the common bond of having lost their hair. But there’s also the sense of gaining a newer, richer sense of who they are as women. Many are mothers, sisters, grandmothers—some are granddaughters, or just kids—but each and every one who sits together at a table finds some common ground.

Seeking and finding unity and understanding is important to us at Shevy’s, too, and that’s why what Thea is doing is so reassuring. It’s about communication—getting in touch and staying connected—to who we are as individuals, and also as a community, be it family, friends, or workplace.

That said, there’s never a dull moment at the salon, and as you might imagine, the goings on here are like those that transpire anyplace a large group of women gathers. Every day brings a new opportunity for us to appreciate each other and our clients. In a fast-paced service industry like Shevy’s wig salon, there’s such a buzz all day long that we often forget how much we take pride in making everyone feel welcome and comfortable whether they’re traveling from a few blocks away, or, as in the case of one of this week’s clients—hopping a plane from Vienna for her appointment.

It’s not typical for somebody to travel halfway across the world on a referral, but that’s exactly what happened this week at Shevy’s. A new client was referred by her doctor in Europe who had learned about us from another client of his. All it took was that doctor’s connection and care and the client, an accomplished cardiac surgeon, did what she considered to be one of the most impetuous things she’s ever done in her life.

In the end, she found the experience reassuring. She entered our salon a bit uncertain of what to expect, but after consulting with our top stylists and specialists, she chose a custom design that she’s thrilled with. Sitting in our private client room allowed her the space to relax into the experience, and it turned out to be a truly beautiful one. She felt comfortable and cared for. And it was just as heartwarming for all of us who had the opportunity to meet and work with her.

Find an event near you: http://www.baldgirlsdolunch.org