Braids, magical and beautiful

Darlings!

Braids are bigger than ever this season (I know we said this last season, but plaits are here to stay and have only gained momentum!). We see them on the red carpet, at the gym, Incorporated into bridal hairstyles. We see fishtails, french, inverted. Braids truly are everywhere and the possibilities of how to wear them is endless.

A braided style done right here on the floor at Ferricchia.

Once reserved for little girls on the playground,  braids have become a sophisticated option for grown women. With all these choices, how does one pick the right braid for themselves? The truth is, you can probably rock whatever braid-style most appeals to you. These styles are universally flattering and add a quirky yet polished finish to any look.

Here are some of our favorites:

 

The fishtail. Side swept and absolutely appropriate paired with formal attire.

 



Rachel McAdams rocks a double braid accentuated by a fuscia flower.



Sienna Miller's take on a Heidi braid. Gorgeous!



Wow! Diane Kreuger looks amazing with an embellished fishtail!



 

Emily Blunt's up-do incorporates the side braid.

Nicole Richie is effortlessly flawless yet again.

 

Jennifer Aniston's carefree style is as much at home on the red carpet as on the beach.


 

There is so much great braid inspiration out there right now: look to the red carpet, runways and magazines and you'll see braids everywhere! Come see us, we'd love to try some looks on you and help you decide which braid style is the best for you!

 

See you soon braided babes!

 

Team Ferricchia

 

Cocktails... These kind are okay to indulge in before happy hour!

With the holidays behind us, the time has come to get back into the normal swing of things. Have you been neglectful of your hair during this hectic time of year? If you're like me, your ends have paid the price. Frayed, split, dry and under nourished. My hair is a hot mess, help!
Now that things have calmed down, let's take a moment to regroup and lavish some attention on our long neglected hair!
There are several avenues you can take to restore health and vitality to your tresses. At Ferricchia, we are loyal converts to the Phyto line of haircare products. The great thing about Phyto is that while it makes hefty claims about what it can do for you hair, the claims are true. IT WORKS!
 As a treatment line, Phyto offers products geared toward very specific hair needs. Our stylists can offer you an in-salon treatment as well as a tailor-made take home regime.

Here are some of our favorite "cocktails" to remedy of the most common hair issues:

Dry split ends:  A mask is a great fix to deposit moisture back into hair. The PhytoJoba mask is ultra nourishing. You can use it both as an everyday conditioner as well as a leave in mask (5-10 minutes minimum). In addition to this mask, an oil treatment such as the Phyto Nectar oil applied to ends and left on a minimum of thirty minutes (I sleep with mine in) is super restorative.  Oh, and don't forget to keep up with your regular trims- no more than six weeks between cuts to keep ends healthy!

Irritated flaking scalp: Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. The polliene scalp treatment is a blend of essential oils that work to stimulate circulation and regrowth while soothing an itchy flaking scalp. It smells divine too! A shampoo like Phytolactum has the intelligent ingredient Progenium, which rids the scalp of bad bacteria while promoting good bacteria. Think of it as an acidophiles for your scalp!

Seasonal hair loss/ thinning hair: We have two great systems in the Phyto line devoted to hair loss. The Phyto Phanere supplement paired with the Phyto Cyane shampoo and treatment are perfect for those afflicted with seasonal or temporary hair loss. For hereditary or more persistent hair thinning or loss we recommend the Phyto Lium.

Friziness: Frizzed out hair is quite common in the Winter. Thankfully, it's also pretty easy to get rid of. The Phyto lisse system works to smooth hair. The shampoo and masque are wonderful, and the finishing serum packs the final punch to fight frizz. Anytime you feel the frizzies coming on, a few pumps of this serum raked through your hair will set you right!

Hat head: The word here is VOLUME! We live in Maine, which sometimes in the winter might as well be the frozen tundra.  Going without a hat is simply not an option for most of us. Unfortunately, hats tend to leave us with flattened out hair. A few spritzes at the roots of Phyto Volume Actif spray
and a blast of heat will lift your locks with little effort. This spray is reactivated by heat so no need to reapply mid-day.

Static Hair: Static hair is the naughty cousin of frizz. A little hairspray should do the trick. You can also use the Phytodefrisant/ Lisse serum cocktail  while blow drying to ensure hair is less apt to get static-y in the first place.

There you have it darlings. Some cocktails that are actually good for you. Your hair is thirsty this time of year, so bottoms up!

Cheers!
Team Ferricchia

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