Thanksgiving Schedule

As the holidays begin to approach, Mari the Studio would like to provide you with our Thanksgiving week schedule.  Feel free to call or email us to make your appointment so that you can look your best for the seasonal festivities!

Monday November 19 - OPEN 11am – 7pm

Tuesday November 20 - 10am – 6pm

Wednesday November 21  9am – 5pm

Thursday November 22 – CLOSED

Friday November 23 – CLOSED

Saturday November 24 - 8:30am –  4:30pm

Cheers!

Mari the Studio

Before and After: Joanne


Joanne was looking for a style that would make her fine hair look thicker and fuller. Enter Kelly, who created this beautiful haircut and blowdry!

Before & After

Before & After


      


 Cheers!

Mari the Studio

       

Before and After: Sarah

Sarah came to Mari the Studio with grown out highlights and fine hair below her shoulders. She decided she was ready for a bold change and brought in two photos of models with strawberry blonde and red hair. After a detailed consultation, Mari suggested a beautiful rich auburn to compliment Sarah’s blue-green eyes and fair skin tone, and a new style to eliminate her damaged ends, and give her hair bounce and movement.

The striking end result was a shiny, multi-toned, deep, auburn.  For the style, Mari cut Sarah’s hair into a flattering shape, adding long layers, to give the appearance of thicker, stronger hair in a modern bob.

Cheers!

Mari the Studio

Mari the Studio: Waxing Services Offered!

Did you know that we at Mari the Studio provide not only superior hair care, but also a clean, relaxed environment for discrete and fast waxing services?

The Studio provides a private room with a comfortable and sanitary spa bed and an easy to use, effective hard wax.  The wax is applied thicker than strip wax, left to dry for a few seconds and promptly peeled away. It is gentle on the skin, and also perfect for sensitive areas and removing dark, coarse hair. The hard wax will not adhere to the skin as much as strip wax, which makes it less irritating to the skin and superior to other waxes on the market.  The European-made formula is rosin-free and hypoallergenic, with a gel-like texture making it perfect for all types of hair. The result is minimal pain upon removal, and smooth, flawless skin. Hair growth will become finer and lesser over time.

We offer facial and body waxing services for both women and men. Please visit our website for a full list of services and prices.

Cheers!

Mari the Studio

Ted Gibson: We STILL Need an Oscar for Hair!

A few months back, we at Mari the Studio supported famed stylist Ted Gibson on his project to get a category in the Academy Awards for an Oscar for Achievement in Hair (See our blog written to support this!).  As we pointed out, the Oscar’s currently have a category for Achievement in Makeup.  The guidelines for being a winner in this category are stated as “any change in the appearance of a performer’s face, hair or body created by the application of cosmetics, three-dimensional materials, prosthetic materials or appliances, or wigs or hairpieces, applied directly to the performer’s face or body”.  While hair is mentioned in this category, it is not recognized enough amongst previous Oscar winners, as the award is usually given to an artist whose work focused on makeup. 

This past weekend, at the Millennium Experience (the un-conference) we met Ted Gibson, and told him we were backing his project to get stylists their much deserved category!  He thanked us and told us he appreciated our support. He then said that it’s been a year since he began his crusade and is still working at it.  We let him know that we would continue to promote this cause.  So help us help Mr. Gibson on this and sign the petition at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/we-need-an-oscar-for-hair/. With our backing, we just may see the first hair designer with an Academy Award!

Cheers!

Mari the Studio

Millennium Experience: The Un-Conference

Stephane & Mari with John Paul Mitchell Global Artistic Director and industry legend, Robert Cromeans

Continued education is so important in any industry.  One has to keep up with changing times and technology or you will fall behind. The beauty industry is no different. 

Years ago, salon coordinators made appointments on paper calendars and had to keep a paper trail for every bit of information on each salon guest. Imagine those file cabinets! When salon software was introduced to the industry, it made it easier on everyone. Millennium is a premium salon software company, being used by thousands of businesses in 36 countries. We at Mari the Studio use Millennium, which allows us to keep updated information on our guests and to analyze information to better serve them.  To keep their clients updated and informed, Millennium holds an annual conference called the Millennium Experience, and this year, we decided to go.

When you hear the word “conference” you may cringe a little.  I know I imagine a stuffy, window-less room, filled with people furiously taking notes while watching boring PowerPoint presentations and drinking endless cups of stale coffee lightened with powder “cream”.   Not my idea of a good time.  I want you to now take that image and chuck it out the window! Start with the fabulous city of Miami, add celebrations, contests, hundreds of creative minds from stylists and salon owners alike and include industry leaders like celebrity stylist Ted Gibson, Robert Cromeans, and the infamous Tabatha Coffey. What do you get? A whole different meaning of the word.

The scent of positive energy coats the walls and the strong desire to learn is felt in the passing of each individual in the hallways to your next "breakout" class. In the coming days, we plan to take a deeper dive on several of the events' highlights, including what we learned to better serve you, awareness about a charity to benefit children's kidney failure, and a bit of pleasure outside of business. So dismiss your stereotype of a conference and keep your eyes peeled for photos, videos and new blogs because we can’t wait to share our Millennium Experience with you!

Cheers!

Mari the Studio

Hooray for Mattel: Bald is bold and beautiful!

Recently, here at Mari the Studio, we had one of our usual clients come for an appointment to get her hair done.  She had just turned 13 and instead of her usual haircut, she had decided to put bright colors in her hair, asking for pink and purple.  We accepted this fun challenge, but soon realized the reason for her sudden request - she had been diagnosed with a rare illness and was going to be losing all her hair in three weeks time. No doubt this was devastating to a teenager, but she left the salon with not only a lovely lavender ombre, but also with incredible bravery and strength.

Our client is a bit too old to play with Barbie’s but we think she will appreciate the message that Mattel is sending out with their new release of a hairless doll. Yes, Barbie is getting a friend that will be bald and beautiful and come with different wigs, scarves and accessories for "a traditional fashion play experience" says Mattel spokesman Alan Hilowitz.  This Barbie doll will not be released to traditional retail stores as decided by Mattel, but rather donated to children’s hospitals and other foundations for children with hair loss diseases such as alopecia.

The idea for a hairless Barbie began with a social media campaign on Facebook called “Beautiful and Bald Barbie! Let's see if we can get it made” started by Jane Bingham and her friend Rebecca Sypin.  Both Bingham herself and Sypin’s daughter had been affected by hair loss due to cancer, and wanted young girls going through the same to be able to look up to someone. The campaign took off to Bingham and Sypin’s surprise, gaining media coverage and over 158,00 “Likes”.  Sypin believes this was because their message was positive, explaining their goal wasn’t to demand or boycott anything, but to raise awareness.

Message received ladies. Bald is bold and beautiful! And hooray for Mattel for realizing it as well! We can’t wait to see the final product.

Cheers!
Mari the Studio

Oribe Hair Care is at Mari the Studio

We are pleased to announce the launch of the luxury line of Oribe Hair Care at Mari the Studio.  Created by famed stylist Oribe (pronounced or-bay), you can enjoy hair products blended with exclusive natural actives and made with top-level treatment technology.  Made by one of the most sought after hairstylists for fashion, editorial and advertising work over the last 30 years, Oribe has now made his mark with his glamorous hair care line.

 

This line is paraben and sodium chloride free and made of only the finest ingredients including silk, mother of pearl, keratin and natural plant extracts. Indulge in ultra-gentle shampoos and ultra-moisturizing condiitoners for paraben free, UV protection, and lightweight, workable styling products made for the hair needs of the glamorous.

Oribe's collaborators include countless photographers, like Irving Penn, who Oribe still refers to as Mr. Penn; and Helmut Newton, who shot Cindy Crawford for American Vogue with hair that Oribe teased to infinity; and others like Richard Avedon, Patrick Demarchelier and Annie Leibovitz.

Oribe has worked make-up artists like François Nars, and Kevyn Aucoin; and fashion designers like Gianni Versace, a mentor who inspired Oribe's tattoos, and Karl Lagerfeld, who took the rock and roll hairstylist under his wing. And then there were the models, the celebrities and the icons he transformed and worked with, from Christy Turlington who Oribe appears with in an iconic Vogue spread, to the always radiant Heidi Klum and Naomi Campbell. All told, Oribe has contributed to just about every major magazine and worked on just about every major fashion show. In the last year alone his work has been seen on the covers of Vogue 10 out of 12 times.

 

Oribe's magnificent career continues to grow- in large part because, like us at Mari the Studio, he loves what he does.

 

Come in to see the full line, and try Oribe hair care to get healthy, beautiful and simply gorgeous hair!

 

Cheers!

Mari the Studio





Hungering for a new ‘do?

With The Hunger Games coming to theaters tonight at midnight, everyone is talking about new superstar Jennifer Lawrence. We’ve loved this Hollywood newcomer since we first saw her in Winter’s Bone, or even more memorable, in that stunning red dress at the Oscars last year.  Recently, we can’t take our eyes off of her hair!

Our prediction is that little girls everywhere will soon be sporting low single braids just like Katniss, but personally, we’re fans of Lawrence’s offscreen ‘do. The starlet recently altered her Hunger Games hair from a rich auburn to a flattering strawberry blonde and added some wispy bangs.  We think layered bangs are the perfect addition to her long locks, and if you’re looking for a subtle change, this is a great way to do it.  Soft fringe is very versatile and looks great on many natural textures from straight hair to naturally wavy.  No matter which way you style them, whether side swept, or slightly parted in the middle (like Lawrence’s Hunger Games premiere look above), these bangs will definitely make your eyes pop and draw attention to your hair!

Tell us, have you ever had bangs like Jennifer Lawrence?  Would you ever wear them?

Cheers!

Mari the Studio

Is there SALT in my Shampoo?

 

Over the past few years, we’ve been hearing a lot about sulfates in the hair world, specifically, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, or SLS. After-care for keratin treatments requires sulfate-free shampoo, and many hair care brands have even been advertising their products as “sulfate and sodium free”.  You may be asking yourself, “What’s the deal with sulfates? Is it bad for my hair?” and “Why is there salt is my shampoo?” 

Enter Prive’s Concept Vert Shampoo and Conditioner.  This eco-friendly line is sulfate and paraben free. They contain ingredients derived from natural botanicals and are enriched with acai and babassu oil.  Even with long hair, only a small pump of this shampoo is needed.  A nickel sized amount will foam up with water and be enough to give a good sudsy lather. But wait a second, the second ingredient in Concept Vert Shampoo is listed as Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate. Isn't that the salt that I don't want? We turned to Prive for an answer and they broke down the difference between these two ingredients:

“Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate vs. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate"

Two of the most commonly confused ingredients in shampoos:

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (which IS a Sulfate) is a cheap ingredient placed in our shampoos to create those fun bubbles that we all thought was keeping our hair clean. In truth, it's salt and it's not good for our hair. In fact, it’s the same harsh ingredient found in detergents and many household cleaning agents. It can cause skin and eye irritation, dry your hair and scalp, and cause tangles .

Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (which is NOT a Sulfate and found in Prive’s Concept Vert) is derived from coconut and palm oils and is a safe, skin-friendly surfactant (foaming agent) for both skin and hair. This mild plant derived surfactant creates a rich, luxurious lather that effectively removes surface oil, dirt and bacteria, without stripping or drying sensitive skin. 

As you see, it all comes down to a science and Prive has taken the time to break down every aspect of their sulfate-free shampoo. So the next time someone asks what the all the fuss is about sulfates, let them know, and then tell them why Prive’s Concept Vert Shampoo and Conditioner could be the right choice for them!

Cheers!
Mari the Studio

This Year’s Oscar for Achievement in Hair Goes to…

Award season is upon us, and along with all the beautiful gowns, jewelry and makeup, we’ll be keeping a close eye on the celebrities’ hair!

While you’re watching those award shows, you might notice that some have a category for achievement in makeup (the Academy Awards added it in the early ‘80s), but not for hair. Celebrity stylist Ted Gibson thinks this an injustice to talented and hard working stylists everywhere and is taking his crusade online, starting with his Facebook campaign, “We Need an Oscar for Hair”. 

We couldn’t agree more with Mr. Gibson, and his campaign got us thinking about the iconic hairstyles of the big screen: Sydney’s Guilaroff’s artistry of Marlene Dietrich’s intricate braided updo in 1944’s Kismet was legendary; Rita Hayworth’s stunning red coif made Gilda unforgettable; 1984’s elaborate hair for Amadeus, which took home the Oscar for Best Picture and Achievement in Makeup, showed Mozart’s transformation from a youthful cheery man with gorgeous hair to a sad, disheveled drunk as his hair fell apart. Even John Waters' Hairspray had wild and crazy do’s that exaggerated the iconic big hair styles of the 1960’s. We could go on and on…

The unconventional hairstyles of motion pictures are nothing less than breathtaking and serve as an inspiration to stylists everywhere. The right hair can take a movie’s cast from just characters to a believable story in which the audience becomes fully immersed. We continue to see today the styles of the past merged with the future as we watch countless films nominated for each category of awards. So, as you watch this year’s award shows, keep an eye on the hair and let us know which ones deserve an award!

Cheers!

Mari the Studio

Mari's Schedule January 23rd - 31st

As a reminder, Mari the Studio would like to let you know that Adrienne will be covering for Mari during the days of January 23rd through January 31st.  She will be available for colors, cuts, blowdries and keratin services. Her days are quickly filling in, so if you would to schedule a time with her, please contact us at your earliest convenience.

Also, if you would like to make an appointment with Mari, before or after this period of time in January, Stephanie, our guest services manager, will be more than happy to arrange this for you. Kindly contact us at studio or email, and we will book your appointment as soon as possible.

Cheers!

Mari the Studio

Winter Hair: Lackluster to Luscious

There is no snow on the ground in Fairfield, but anyone in the northeast can tell that winter is definitely here! During this brutal season, along with the dropping temperatures and bundling up with layers of clothing, we feel the damaging effects winter has on our hair.  With a combination of blustery winds (tangles anyone?), bitter cold (minimal moisture in the air) and drying indoor heat (need we say more?) this season can ravage your mane. You may notice a brittle texture as you comb your fingers down through your hair, excessive split ends, or that you are fighting static and flyways every time you blowdry and style your hair.

If you find your strands are becoming broken, dry or damaged due to the effects of this season, a little extra care can bring your hair from lackluster to luscious. We at Mari the Studio suggest incorporating a deep conditioning masque to your weekly hair care routine; specifically Prive Products’ Intensive Masque. This treatment instantaneously brings life back to your locks, replenishing your hair with jojoba and sesame oils, locking in moisture and fortifying your parched strands without weighing them down.

After shampooing, rub a quarter-sized amount in your palms and emulsify to release the jojoba oils, making the treatment a very light sea green.  Avoiding the roots, apply the product from shaft to ends and leave on for approximately 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse. Follow the treatment with a light conditioner and style as normal.  Repeat this process once a month, or more if your hair is severely distressed, and keep your winter hair looking and feeling fabulous!

Cheers!

Mari the Studio