The History of the Ponytail and some of our favorite variations- Just in time for your Holiday Parties!

Audrey Hepburn's ponytail showcases her flawless bone structure.

Cheers Darlings! I hope everyone is having a fabulous holiday season!

I'd like to talk a bit about the Ponytail today. It's one of the most enduring and evolving styles around. Whether it be sleek and polished, undone and tousled or completely utilitarian (say, for a gym sesh)  the ponytail has been and will continue to be a go-to staple in hairstyling.
What are the origins of the popular pony? Let's take a moment for a brief history lesson:


Sandra Dee rocks the Ponytail in her cinematic role as surfer girl Gidget. 

Although the word Ponytail didn't make an appearance in popular vernacular until being published in the Miriam Webster Dictionary in 1951, the style has been around for centuries, nay, millenniums longer.
Frescoes from 1600 B.C. illustrate Greek women wearing ponytails. Ancient artwork also proves the style was embraced by Egyptian dancers and Roman girls.
In the 6th century, it was the Mayan men who wore ponytails while women wore braids and slaves had short hair.



Mozart's look was Au courant for men of his time.

 During the second half of the 18th century, European men wore their hair tied back in ponys while our first president and other founding fathers also adopted the look from across the pond. Many wigs of the day also incorporated the style.

The Iconic Barbie Doll.

For much of the 20th century, ponytails were widely accepted as a style for young girls. The first incarnations of Barbie had ponytails and short curled-under bangs. This remains an iconic look in the doll's history.
Sandra Dee in her role as Gidget, as well as Hollywood legends like Audrey Hepburn and Bridgette Bardot made the ponytail a viable option for adult women.










Today we have so many variations of the ponytail. Below are some of our very favorites:

Jennifer Morrison's pony  seamlessly incorporates a braid.

Nicole Richie's Bardot-esque style.  Reese's polished look adds height at the crown and bend on the ends.

Drew Barrymore's classic pony adds extra vavoom with volume and by wrapping hair around the fastener.



Kim K's sleek rendition.

NOT Steven Seagal: Who could argue with a man sporting this style? At least if he looks like David Beckham!



So there it is: The history of our beloved ponytail and plenty of current ideas for inspiration. Come visit us before your next holiday party and we will be happy to provide a tutorial on how to achieve the perfect ponytail to suit your taste. Just be careful- everyone will be wanting to catch you under the mistletoe!
Merry Merry,
Team Ferricchia

FYI: Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp.

Well hello again!

Here at Ferricchia we are convinced that hair requires the same regimen and attention that skin does.  Why...because almost all hair concerns lie much deeper than the skin's surface. The answer to shinier, thicker and healthier hair lies in treating the root (hair bulb) from which the hair actually begins it's life cycle.

What we all strive for: Hair Vitality!

By the age 40 for most men and women our skin regimen changes. We need to deal with all the signs of aging...wrinkles, dullness and sun damage.  



Hair changes in similar ways.  The color looks dull, our hair loses its shine and then decides to go gray on us.  

Phytocyane serum. Use with the Cyane shampoo!



At this point more than ever we need to be aggressive in our mission to feed the source. There isn't much you can do to the hair once it emerges from the scalp (skin).  So focusing on adding nutrients to the hair bulb/scalp area daily can change the end result of the actual hair strand.

Solutions....PHYTO! For over forty years Mr. Ales has paved the way for botanical hair care long before the emergence of environmental awareness.  Formulated with pure plant extracts and 100% natural essential oils, PHYTO utilizes over 500 different active ingredients that are sustainably sourced. As a result, Phyto products are infused with plant based ingredients and have been proven to improve thinning, dull hair.

Think: Feed the source with nutrients and the end result is bound to be beautiful.


Phytophanere for thicker hair and stronger nails, accelerates growth!


When our clients switch to Phyto products they see and feel the results and become OBSESSED!

Here at Ferricchia our training with PHYTO never stops.

One of my favorite Phyto systems is the hair thinning and hair loss line.
 There are products specific to both men and women.  This range may be preventative and restorative but it also can give anyone's hair a serious boost!
There are different reasons for hair thinning or loss. It can be short term and triggered by stress or health issues, hormones even.  It can also be hereditary, which most is most commonly seen in men.
The PhytoPhanere hair and nail vitamins are great for both genders and is their #1 seller in Europe.

The Phytocyane Shampoo, excellent for temporary hair loss or thining.

The Phyto Cyane shampoo and treatment are excellent for women experiencing hair loss or thinning. The Cyane works to stimulate the hair bulb and jump start new growth. This system will also strengthen and thicken the diameter of each strand with help of vitamins and plant proteins.

Let's hear it for the boys!

For men, we recommend the Phyto Lium system.
The Lium system is ideal for hereditary hair loss. Phyto Lium delays thinning, prolongs hair's life cycle and encourages new growth.  It's unique patented botanical complex protects the hair bulb and improves cellular exchanges for denser, thicker and stronger hair.

So if hair loss or thinning is a concern, if you're looking to take preventative measures OR  if you simply desire a more lustrous mane, we have several options that work beautifully.

At Ferricchia, we are more than happy to help you with whatever hair and scalp issues you might be facing. We will recommend a personalized home care routine and can perform restorative treatments in- salon.
We hope to see you soon, and have a lovely Thanksgiving!

Cheers,
Team Ferricchia

A cut that works for everyone? Introducing the LOB!

Hello darlings!

This season's hottest cut is one that flatters virtually every hair type and face shape. It can look youthful and carefree or polished. It's the Lob, or long bob.

Jennifer Aniston- The head of hair that launched thousands of  cuts back in the '90's with the "Rachel" now trying the long bob, which promises to be equally as popular.

This shoulder grazing style is universally appealing and works when styled both super-sleek or with beachy waves.  It looks equally amazing with a middle or side part, with a side-swept fringe or no bangs at all.

Rachel McAdams incorporates side swept bangs.

If you happen to have a round face the length of the cut won't showcase roundness as it falls beneath the jawline, in fact the lob works to accentuate cheekbones. If you have a longer face, that may appear on the thinner side with some cuts, a choppy lob looks great - shorter layers create balance and width. It really does work on everyone!





Oh,  Nicole! A sophisticated glossy lob.

Fashion forward celebrities like Nicole Richie and Kate Moss have been sporting this 'do as of late, it's a great way to experience a versatile style like the bob while still keeping some length. As a lady with long hair, I'm attached to my length, but this style is super appealing and has me considering a change-up.



Leigh Lezark keeps length while still lobbing.

 If you're looking for a change this might be the cut for you. Perhaps you don't want to take the plunge into full on bob-dom (which, I might add  is also adorable). The Lob can be a great step in that direction though.
If you ask your stylist for one thing, ask them to cut your hair shorter and straight across in the back, and longer in the front. You'll avoid the #1  pitfall of long bobs, which is their tendency to look too soccer mom-ish. You want the front to skim your shoulders.

Lobbyist: Olivia Palermo's center part.

 What makes some celebs' lobs so rockin' is the uneven finish at the bottom. But if you have fine hair, piecey can turn stringy. The thicker your hair, the choppier your stylist should make the ends.
Schedule an appointment, our expert stylists are looking forward to helping you determine which type of lob will be most flattering and fun for you.
At Ferricchia it's all about making a style work for you, the client- this a a great cut for everyone- so we hope to see you very soon!

Stay lovely,
Team Ferricchia

A Perfect Package for the Holidays!

The holiday season is upon us and with it comes countless parties and functions. Let us at

Ferricchia help you find your inner glow with our

Holiday Sparkle Package.

This express spa day is designed to offer relaxation, pampering and polishing in a timely

manner.  In about three hours we will leave you completely relaxed and gorgeous!

  The Holiday Sparkle package is perfect to purchase as a gift (for someone very lucky, indeed!), in preparation for a big event or simply as a well-deserved reward for yourself this time of year.

Below is a description of this package that will leave you glowing on both the inside and out:



Let all your stress subside while we pamper you.

    You’ll start with a fifteen minute therapeutic chair massage to get you fully relaxed and alleviate any of those stress or weather related aches and pains in an inviting environment.

Next you’ll experience our luxurious classic manicure and pedicure. Enjoy a warm foot soak and further relaxation with foot and hand massage with arnica infused lotions complemented by a gorgeous nail lacquer will leave your hands and feet in perfect condition.

. We have countless shades of polish to choose from: get festive with a red or deep burgandy or go a little edgy with navy blue or a high shine gold.

Essie gold nail lacquer.

Now that your hands and feet are ready for their close-up, let's get the rest of you camera ready as well.

A Phyto RX beginning with a soothing rosemary infused scalp massage is next, followed by the perfect Phyto blowout, guaranteed to last 72 hours! 

Finishing with a professional make-up application, you’re certain to be the belle of any ball!

We are offering this fabulous package for $150, an excellent value with savings of over $25.
 We hope to see you soon and treat you to a truly luxurious experience this holiday season!

Cheers,

Team Ferricchia

Call the Salon at 207.253.8050 to schedule your Holiday Sparkle Package.

A perfect salon blowout: Yes YOU can!

More often than not when clients leave the salon, I hear "It's too bad I don't have somewhere to go, my hair looks amazing. I can never get it to look like this at home!"
While our stealthy and skilled stylists are consummate pros, you CAN replicate what we do to your hair at Ferricchia in the comfort of your own home.
 Skill will come with practice but it is essential that you start with the correct tools for your hair and for the result you desire. You aren't going to use the same products for sleek stick straight hair as you would for voluminous Victoria's Secret angel hair.  

An angel gets her wings at Victoria's Secret

A properly done blowout will last a few days so it's worth the time and effort.
Here's how:

What You Need

• Styling product for your hair type
• Wide-tooth comb
• Clips
• Blowdryer
• Wide-barrelled brush, preferably boar bristles or ceramic barrel.

1- Start with a shampoo and conditioner that work for your hair type. For example, the PhytoLisse System is excellent for smoothing frizzies and fly aways.
2- After washing, get excess moisture out of hair with a towel and then apply product. Our favorite cocktail is the Defrisant: a smoothing balm and Lisse serum, smooths and boosts lustre. If you have dry hair a leave in conditioner is a great option, Phyto mist or 7 are both great plant derived products.
3-If hair is still quite wet, use a dryer to remove excess moisture before you start the blow dry or let hair air dry for a few minutes.

4-Start with your fingers:  the secret to the perfect blowout is to start with your fingers. Pull your fingers through hair starting at the roots. Pull hair out a few inches and hold it while you use the dryer to shoot air at the crown on down. 
5-Separate hair into sections: Divide combed hair into sections and secure with clips. Drying by section is important and lets you be sure that hair is completely dry before moving on to the next section. Leave out a section to start with.

6- Now that your roots are dry, it's time to move on to a round-barreled brush. Pull the brush through hair as you blow dry, pointing the nozzle downward onto hair (this supposedly helps with frizz). Stretch the hair toward that point as you dry. This way, when done, the tips won't flip under or up -- they'll just sort of fan out over your shoulders."
 Finish with a blast of the "cool" button on your dryer which will really lock in the style. As you pull the brush through hair, follow the brush with the dryer.

7-Continue through all sections until hair is dry.

A volumizing spray like Phytovolume Actif applied at the roots will boost your hair's body tenfold. Another option if going for big sexy hair is to implement large Velcro rollers.

8- Finish off with a serum: Weigh down random frizzy bits with a shine serum or balm. Skip this step if you have limp, oily hair.

a ceramic round brush available at Ferricchia!

Well, there you have it...

Yet if you find yourself still left with questions, attend one of our upcoming Blowout 101 classes! Call 207.253.8050 for more information and reserve your spot.

Until next time!

Team Ferricchia



Happy Fall! The latest and greatest in hair and make-up trends for this season.

Well lovelies, here we are with another season upon us. Can you believe how fast Summer flew by? Barely a blink of the eye and here we are welcoming the crisp air and cool nights of Autumn.

More than any other season, Fall speaks to me of change. Perhaps it's the stunning color palette of the foliage, or the yearning to go back to a time when I had the reasonable excuse to buy a new wardrobe for "back to school" or maybe it's the hefty September issues of the fashion magazines that showcase delectable cashmeres, tweeds and trenches along with the newest in hair and make-up trends.
For whatever reason, this time of year rolls around and I'm ready for a big-time style overhaul!

Let's ponder (over hot mulled cider, perhaps?) the season's freshest trends:

A runway model sports two of the season's hottest hair trends: Heavy blunt bangs and sleek locks.

Bangs (or fringe) are a great way to update your look. For the less committal among us longer side swept bangs that blend into face framing layers is a great option. For those looking to really take the plunge a heavy blunt bang is Au courant for Fall.
Trade in your beachy waves for super sleek locks. The richer hues of the season work well to refract light, but if you still feel your mane is a bit lackluster from a summer of solar and sea water abuse, opt for a shine boosting glaze. One can easily be added on to your next haircut appointment as they only take about ten minutes!
Deepening your color for fall is a great way to "edit" your look. Warm chestnuts, auburn or copper hues are stunning this time of year.

Kate Beckinsale's rich color.

Autumn is a great time to try going red. Look at the stunning Bryce Dallas Howard.

A very strong brow a'la Brooke Shields or Edie Sedgwick were all the rage at fashion week. In fact, many of the models at Marc Jacobs appeared to be cloned from our beloved Edie's own DNA:

Models with heavy brows, high drama eye liner and nude lip, Marc Jacobs.

Nail Art is HUGE for fall. There are lots of gorgeous oxbloods and deep wine shades as well as some cutting edge innovation in nail design and effects.  We love swapping out a classic french manicure for something a bit more unconventional... The silver chrome tip below is a great example or how about red with black tips? or beige with bright orange? Tres chic!


A variety of nail looks for Fall. We're loving the red lips too!

At Kate Spade's runway show nail art took a retro turn with Polka Dots. Unexpected but totally awesome!  Our fabulous nail technician has been experimenting with these cutting edge looks, she loves the challenge of conquering a new technique- and you'll how she makes your nails look.

So, there you have it my dears. Fall is here and we at Ferricchia are so excited about all the new trends we can try with you. This posting is simply the tip of the iceberg. Stay tuned for future musings on more Autumn trends we love. There are so many!

-Team Ferricchia

PHYTOTHERAPIE and what it means for you.

Hello there faithful ferricchians!

We hope your last days of Summer have been lovely. It certainly has been a fantastic Summer here in Maine but I can feel the air getting crisper and the nights a little longer. With the onset of Fall comes another great opportunity for you right here in the salon, a PhytoTherapie event.

Christyn Nawrot, a Phyto educator who has an encyclopedic knowledge of the line will jet up from NYC this Thursday and spend the day at the salon giving complimentary scalp analysis and treatments to clients. This service is valued at $65+ is uber-beneficial in maintaining a healthy scalp and glorious mane of hair.

Your treatment will be tailor-made to your specific needs. You'll leave feeling both pampered and informed.

A little back story and philosophy behind the Phyto way :

Phyto is the line we at ferricchia use and love.  This treatment line was created by the Mr. Patrick Alès, in Haute Provence, France, in 1965.  What makes it a treatment line as opposed to a cosmetic line are the nutrients, and lack of silicons, sulfates, and parabens.  With that gives us the ability to actually grow healthier hair!  All products are made completely from plants, botanicals, and essential oils that are cultivated in the visionary founder's botanical garden, found on one of the few patches of earth that has NEVER had pesticides in it.  How rare to find a truly, honestly, beautifully organic product.  In the words of Mr. Alès, "Beautiful hair starts with a healthy scalp."

huile d'alès pre-shampoo intense hydrating oil treatment.

The original Phyto product, created in 1956 to instantly moisturize and restore radiance to dry, dull hair.  

We hope you'll join us this Thursday- come by for a Shipyard pumpkin head and Phyto treatment!
Cheers,
Team Ferricchia
207.253.8050

We love this product so much we're throwing a party!

Well hello you charming charmers!

What a busy week we're in the midst of here at Ferricchia. The salon is buzzing with anticipation for this Friday's product launch party. We are hosting Tyson Kennedy, creator of Fat boy perfect putty paste and his entire team for a very special party! Of course we're excited about the burgers, Shipyard beer, live music and other goodies that will be enjoyed by all, but even more exciting is this fabulous product Mr. Kennedy has bestowed upon the universe that we are now carrying at Ferricchia!



We <3 this stuff!



Details Magazine named fat boy the best new styling product of 2012 and our very own Brooke couldn't agree more. She's OBSESSED!

Brooke says: I've been recommending this product to all of my clients who have thick hair that tends to look too soft after being blown dry. However, the putty is amazing for fine hair and a must on bangs. Though the product is called fat BOY I use it on my male and female clients alike."

What you can expect and achieve:

-The messy tousled look

-Beachy Bohemian

- Sleek Bangs

- Perfectly styled men's hair (short and long)

-Texture that takes care of poufy hair

- Eliminates fly aways

- A beautiful finished look

Tyson Kennedy, founder of fat boy, at work.

The paste also smells divine!

So we hope you will stop by the salon this Friday between 4-7pm to meet the Fat boy team, try the product and have a beer and burger on us!

Streets of Laredo

Streets of Laredo, a fantastic folk-indie band from New Zealand will also be in-house and also playing an after party at Slainte wine bar at 8:30- so the fun is sure to continue!

Reflexology and Massage at Ferricchia? Be still my heart (and back, neck and feet!)

Hello Lovelies!

Here we are with the weekend upon us. I don't know about you but by this time of the week my back and neck are in need of some serious TLC. Many of us toil in our nine-to fives in front of a computer and the sitting, repetitive motions and slouching (I'm soooo guilty of this one!) can really wreak havoc on one's body.

   This is why I was thrilled when we brought licensed massage therapist Heather on board at Ferricchia.

 In addition to offering chair massage which makes for great lunch break indulgence or add-on to any other appointment, Heather also offers reflexology. It's exciting to think that when you, our beloved clients walk through Ferricchia's door, we have yet another set of services to offer you that will heighten your experience and time you spend with us!


a reflexology chart.

 In addition to being relaxing, both of these services offer therapeutic and natural approach to treating whatever ails you.
I'm going to hand the blog over to Heather now, I'm excited for her to tell you about what she does and why she does it!
     Heather:   Hello everyone! As most of you know any type of massage feels amazing but what most of you don't know is how beneficial it actually is. Massage helps reduce stress, manage anxiety and depression, for expecting mothers it can help assist with shorter and easier labor. If you're feeling stiff and have some joint pain, massage can help increase your flexibility in your joints and also helps those suffering with arthritis. But of course a big reason why people should get massages is it just gives them that feeling of overall well-being and adds comfort and a caring touch to benefit all lifestyles.

Heather performing Chair Massage.

   Reflexology is a massage technique that is mostly done on the feet but also can be done on hands. Say you have a migraine, there is actually a point on the bottom of the foot that when pressure is applied can actually help relieve the migraine. How awesome is that?! 

Reflexology is great for the body, but did you know it can benefit the recipient psychologically? Helping with depression, it releases toxins from the body. The body under an extreme amount of stress will hold onto toxins and won't let them go. When the body is balanced, the toxins get released and once released the physical issues will improve. It's a known fact that toxins enter the body through the feet, the foot is considered the basis point for the healing. Ever recall a time when you realized if your feet are warm then the rest of your body is warm? This is an indicator that the massage in the feet in reflexology can lead to healing in other parts of the body.

    Bottom line: Everyone can benefit from massage and reflexology. As a massage therapist it's nice to hear that I can make someone feel good and help with easing aches and pain. That said, I'm also passionate about educating people on how beneficial these services can be to their everyday lifestyle.
I'm so excited to meet you all and get you in my chair!

To schedule a service call the salon @ 207.253.8050

HAIR CRUSH: celeb hair we heart!

Greetings, gorgeous guys and gals.



How many times have you looked at pics of celebrities in magazines or online to find inspiration and ideas?  Whether its the placement of a highlight or the way a layer falls, using public figures is an easy way to describe and decipher a desired style.  Here are some of the most sought after styles, and a few of our own faves!

BLONDES:

Jennifer Aniston's honey highlights.

Emma Stone clean n'clear blonde.

Michelle Williams baby blonde pixie,

Marissa's crush!

We hear requests for Jennifer Aniston's dimensional honey blonde all the time, always.  She's the standard for highlights everywhere, and with good reason.  This is an easily wearable warm blonde that works with many different types of skin tones, and can be easily catered to each individual.  Emma's all-over super light blonde is one of the prettiest in Hollywood, and works perfectly on her pale palette.  Michelle Williams' champagne contains just enough warm beige to keep her crop looking soft, not severe.  

REDS:

Florence Welch-on-fire.

Christina Hendricks' classy copper.

Krissy's crush!

Julianne Moore, eternally exquisite.

Fiery tones pop fiercely on fair skin.  Songstress Florence Welch takes her red deep and bold, a perfect match for rockstar texture and a heavy fringe.  Everyone's favorite femme-fatal, Christina Hendricks, stays near a more natural red.  But in true Joan Holloway form, Hendricks' red is bigger, bolder, and much more glamorous.  Julianne Moore is probably the most requested red around, with a deep auburn tone that can work with a wider range of skin tones.  Oh yeah, and the part where she apparently stays beautiful forever...we all want that too.  THANKS, MS. MOORE.

BRUNETTES:

Anne Hathaway's dimensional brunette.

Kim Kardashian's lusciously long layers.

Tori's  & Heather's Crush!

Jessica Biel's beachy ombre.

Brooke's Crush!

 Anne Hathaway is lovely.  Her medium brunette hair is highlighted with a gorgeous caramel, the warmth from which makes this a highly wearable color for many skin tones!  Kardashian's look is one of the most requested style's out there today.  Everyone wants amazing layers down to their waist, but what makes the style is the super-rich chestnut and mahogany undertones.  She is the ultimate in sexy brunette!  Jessica Biel recently renovated her look with an all-over deep chocolate, but this is the fan favorite ombre of the season.  Biel's base is kept warm and not too dark, and her blonde is perfectly piecey, incorporating brights on the very ends.  The overall golden tones works on most skin tones, as well.

There's one more crush we haven't mentioned:  Sherri's!

It's Shakira, Shakira!

Sherri's Crush.

With who does your hair envy lie, lovelies?

Let us know, and come see us soon!

xoxo,

Team Ferricchia

ferricchia hair

(207) 253-8050

47 india street

portland, maine