Deja-Vu Hair and Nail Salon (1170 Route 315, Plains Twp.)
by Rachel PughDeja-Vu Hair and Nail Salon co-owner Ranae Smigiel has always had a love of beauty and fashion. At the young age of 4, Smigiel already knew her future career was in hair. With her first word as a baby being “pretty,” one could expect that she was destined to someday own and operate a successful salon.
But maintaining a hair salon is only one element of what Smigiel does. Always on a quest to learn more about new trends, she makes sure she and her staff are always educated on cutting trends. After hearing about a two-day workshop in New York with Nick Arrojo, the former celebrity stylist on TLC’s hit show, “What Not to Wear,” Smigiel knew she had to visit his studio in SoHo and learn what the future entails for cuts, color and hair accessories.
WEEKENDER: How did you discover Nick’s workshop?
SMIGIEL: I saw Nick performing his famous razor haircuts about seven years ago at a hair show in Long Beach, Calif., and then I saw him again the following year at a hair show in Orlando, Fla. A few months later I saw him on “What Not to Wear” doing a makeover on TV. Over the last few years, I would look forward to watching his demonstrations at the hair shows I would attend, and I signed up to be on his educational e-mail list.
This class was called “Up Close with Nick.” I would be able to exchange, practice and discuss business-building ideas. It also included advanced scissor and razor-cutting demos that feature techniques developed and practiced in his New York City studio. We would be practicing on live models, and the class included day one ending with a team dinner, so we could gather around, review what we’ve done, share more thoughts and ideas, have fun, relax and prepare for day two.
WEEKENDER: Why are these workshops important for stylists?
SMIGIEL: The hair industry is always changing and without continuing education, it would be impossible to keep up with new trends. To be a great stylist you need precision, strong technique, creativity and inspiration. I know the stylists at Deja-Vu really look forward to attending seminars and classes as we can all stand behind our chairs with the confidence to deliver excellent results.
WEEKENDER: What makes this learning experience unique?
SMIGIEL: Nick not only taught technical skills, he provided live models for us to work on. He was very open with us on the business aspect of his success and things that he learned along the way. He was very sincere in sharing anything and everything he could with us, and I was never intimidated about asking questions. Everything that I learned in the two days with Nick will be valuable in my career as a hairdresser. Usually I bring home one or two things from a class that I find worth utilizing. Everything I learned from him is worth utilizing.
WEEKENDER : How will this workshop benefit you as a stylist as well as Deja-Vu?
SMIGIEL: I was able to learn quite a few really cool trendy haircuts, so when someone sits in my chair and asks, “What’s new? I want to do something different today. What’s the hottest style right now?” It’s really cool to be able to answer those questions and deliver quality results. We are going to be holding continuing educational classes at the salon starting in April, and we are currently putting together an educational program that I hope will be as successful as Nick’s. On the agenda so far, we will be holding hair cutting, hair coloring and formal hair style classes.
WEEKENDER: What new trends and techniques can we expect to see in the hair industry and your salon?
SMIGIEL: The trends that we can expect to see in the hair industry are highlights melting into ombre color. This is where the hair is a darker color on top melting into a lighter color on the bottom. Many celebrities are sporting the ombre color, and we have been doing a lot of it at Deja-Vu. Longer hair is making a big come back with texture, wave and a slight curl.
Nick Arrojo is coming out with the “American perm” in a few weeks that we will be incorporating into our menu. This is a very soft wave that will give a beautiful new look to just about any style. We also do Great Lengths Hair Extensions at the salon, and they have come out with some gorgeous colors to create strong impact or subtle balance to any hair design. You can choose from a colorfast spectrum of rich jewel tones, pure pigment primary and soft pastel colors. They have also come out with Swarovski crystal strands to inspire a unique statement for a wedding, special occasion or red-carpet event. There are a lot of really fun creative looks going on right now, and I’m so proud to say we are doing it all. We always welcome guests to come in for complimentary consultations.
w
| Tweet | Follow @wkdr |
|
|
