Tabatha Coffey / Beauty Book Review

Star of hit Bravo show, “Tabatha’s Salon Takeover,” Tabatha Coffey has written a new beauty book titled: It’s Not Really About the Hair:  The Honest Truth About Life, Love, and the Business of Beauty. 

Tabatha’s journey growing up in a dysfunctional family from the back waters of Australia to international renowned platform artist and television star reads like a dime store novel.  

It’s the kind of stuff that dreams are made of. Tabatha writes openly about her own transformation which will surprise, amuse and inspire you to be your very best and reach for the stars. It is not unlike any artist's frustration of having a dream of one day doing what you really were created to do, to be born with a talent and drive knowing there was something she was meant to do. Tabatha Coffey was just going to do it no matter what was in the way. 

Part memoir, part business manual, and part coaching guide, readers will get in touch with their own inner and outer beauty, and understand the importance of embracing their individuality. Coffey also gives a behind-the-scenes look into the process of starting her own business and opening her own salon - sharing tips with readers such as the right way to fire someone, the five things to ask yourself before opening a business, and how to rely on yourself in any situation.

Tabatha was first introduced to America as a contestant on the Bravo reality show Shear Genius, where she quickly earned a reputation as the beauty bitch for her outspokenness. Voted the show’s Fan Favorite despite being ousted in the sixth episode, she was asked by Bravo in 2008 to star in her own reality series, Tabatha’s “Salon Takeover”, combines Coffey’s hairdressing and business expertise with her edgy style as she saves salons, in danger of closing.

Tabatha lifts the curtain and exposes the "ass end of the salon business" which has embraced some in the industry and welcomed by those professionals that play by the rules.

If you are a star struck fan of the Bravo show Tabatha's Salon Takeover, a fan of the bitch from Shear Genius, or just a hairdresser with dreams - pick up the book, and learn how to attain the success you desire... You must have a some talent, work hard for many-many years paying your dues, and then you will become an over-night success, just like Tabatha !      

When I started reading Tabatha’s book I was taken aback by her use of so many four letter words, and I don’t mean HAIR. But half way through the book I was delighted to find some real gems - perils of wisdom. For example, her advice on how to fire someone, how to dream big and using the “three-second rule” before losing your cool are well worth the 20 dollar price tag. 

It’s a must read for salon owner, and all hair stylist’s that dream of one day owning their own salon and becoming the next rock star hairdresser.                         

Hair Heroes / Beauty Book Review

Interviews with the world's most influential hairdressers of the 20th century by Michael Gordon. The son of a London hairdresser, Michael began his career at the age of fifteen as a apprentice at Rene' of Mayfair and went on to found the world famous "Bumble and Bumble Salon", product company and hairdressing school in New York City.  
 

Kenneth Barttelle / Gene Shacove / Christiann
Aldo Coppola / Irma Kusely / Sydney Guilaroff
Annie Humphreys / Sam Lapin / Leonard Lewis
Luis Iiongueras / Alexandre de' Paris  /  Vidal Sassoon

In Hair Heroes Michael Gordon takes you on a journey around the world to meet his personal hair heroes. The interviews cover twelve hairdressers that personally influenced his career and set the pace and standards for hair fashions in the 20th century. The question and answer format is filled with personal pictures rarely seen before. From Alexendre de' Paris to Vidal Sassoon and other notables you may not know but all will inspire you none the less. What they have to say about their career's and the beauty industry will both surprise and inspire you. The following are Mikael's candid interviews with two of my Hair Heroes. 

In the world of hairdressing, if Vidal Sassoon were the architect of hair styling Alexandre would be considered the king. Simply known as Alexandra de’ Paris__ he has single handedly helped defined the industry for more than 60 plus years. 


Michael: Who was your hair hero when you were young? Alexendre: My teacher Antoine, he taught me the art of beauty and service to women. I worked with him from 1938 to 1952. First in Cannes on the French Riviera, then afterwards at Salon Antoine on rue Cambon, it was the biggest in Paris. It was he who in 1925, brought French hairstyling to America. He defined the modern look for hairdressing at the time.


Michael: Why did you become a hairdresser? Alexendre: I grew up in Florence in a family that was quite artistic. The wife of a great painter introduced me to hairdressing.  It was predicted when I was a child that the “wife of a king” would make me famous and it came true. It was while working at Salon Antoine that the Duchess of Windsor became my patron _ she was a great friend.


Michael: What advice would you give a young person starting today? Alexendre: Never stop learning your craft. We need extraordinary people, people who are dedicated to their art and craft. 

Vidal would have loved to be an architect. Fortunately for us, he was destined to become the master hairdresser, able to transfer his passion for angles into another medium. Indeed, Vidal Sassoon is the modern day architect of hair styling. Charming and engaging, he talks about his life, his work, and the future with the enthusiasm of a beauty school student.


Michael: Which years were the most important for you? Your styles were so revolutionary at the time. Vidal: In 1954 I opened my salon on Bond Street. I decided I wouldn’t do anyone who wanted to come in and have their hair teased. I was not going to do bouffant hair styles. It was as simple as that. From 1954 to 1958 we were still getting out of our old ways of styling. Then in 1964 we did the five point geometric haircut and everything followed. 


Michael: How much do you pay attention to fashion today? Vidal: Today, we seem to have become the pawns of the fashion designers who tell us what kind of hair styles to do__ that is outrageous. When we did shows for Mary Quant, Gernreich and Ungaro, the attitude was, “do what you feel.” Now, it’s: here’s what the designer is doing, style the hair to it. We have become secondary to a bunch of designers. 

Hair Heroes is a must read for hair stylists that love what they do and the history of the beauty industry. We all stand on one another’s shoulders. That’s how we and our Nobel professional grows and evolves. Hair Heroes offers twelve strong shoulders to stand on. It’s a page turner and has found a permanent place on my book shelf.

Raquel Welch / Star Hair Style

Drawing inspiration from the hair style trends of our favorite stars and celebrities has become a national past time. One star whose hair styles (and there are many) have been emulated by women around the world is the always stylish looking Hollywood actress Raquel Welch, best known for her trendy high fashion line of wigs. 

 In the past it was pretty easy to tell if a woman was wearing a wig however with today's hair piece technology it’s almost impossible to tell if a woman is wearing a wig. Raquel's trendy styles, hair pieces and extensions come in wide range of fashion colors and feature state of the art Memory Cap technology offering the ultimate in light weight comfort and dependable fit. This unprecedented comfort is achieved by using her ultra-sheer stretch cap material instead of traditional wide stretch lace used in other brand wigs. Both her "synthetic and human hair" wigs, hair pieces and extensions offer the unmatched luxury and unlimited styling possibilities making them perfect for today's fast paced time challenged life styles.

Many actresses and entertainers like Raquel Welch have based their stage image on the use of wigs, hair pieces and extensions; just look at Cher, Dolly Parton, teen star Miley Cyrus, Beyonce’ and the high priest of wigs pop-star Lady Gaga. It's been one of Hollywood's many hair styling beauty secrets.

Making the decision to wear a wig can be a fun and simple way to instantly change your hair style or hair color for any occasion. It’s one of Hollywood’s best kept hair styling beauty secrets. Regardless of your reasons for investing in a wig how you wear and style it can make all the difference. For this reason a visit to your hair stylist for a custom shaping and styling tips is well worth the time and investment.  Lean more at www.voguewigs.com