Going Behind the Scenes at Nioxin’s Edgy New Advertising Campaign

Yesterday, I directed you to a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what it takes to create an editorial spread in American Salon magazine. Today, I’m going to give you an inside look at the photo shoot for Nioxin’s newest national advertising campaign. The company, known for its hair-thickening and -strengthening products, was trying to achieve a more fashion-forward and versatile identity with this shoot.

The Nioxin crew invited me to the studio to watch as hair stylists Donna Maggi and Richard Kough prepped the models to have their pictures taken by photographer Sarah Silver. The models were given Nioxin’s Scalp Renew treatment the day before the shoot to make sure their tresses and scalps were in optimal condition [SIDENOTE: I had the Scalp Renew treatment a few months ago and can attest to what a difference just one session makes!]. For the shoot, Maggi and Kough used a variety of Nioxin products to create styles ranging from sleek and shiny to windswept and textured. The hair, coupled with fabulous clothing from Alvin Valley and Christian Cota, created the edgier, more European look the company was going for with the new campaign. Keep your eyes open for the campaign as it hits billboards, magazines and trade shows near you … and recreate the looks with the full lineup of Nioxin products. —Lori Morris, Senior Editor

The Makings of a Cover Shoot

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes of the amazing photo shoots we run in the magazine each month? Top stylist Vivienne Mackinder caught all the action on tape as she collaborated with American Salon and Profound Beauty on a reinterpretation of the classic Bond Girls. Check it out here.

The Starter Wife

I’ve been a huge fan of Debra Messing since she started on the show Ned and Stacey back in 1995. It might be because of her similarity to the incredible Lucille Ball, who put me to sleep almost nightly growing up thanks to reruns on Nick at Nite, or just that she’s a natural comedienne with great style, but I’ll pretty much watch anything she’s in (Yes, I even sat through The Wedding Date). She’s also one of my favorite stars to look for on the red carpet. Her outfits and jewelry are always fantastic and her hair can do no wrong.

While Messing’s newest endeavor, The Starter Wife, can get a little hokey at times, I’m obviously DVRing it every Friday night. Messing’s charm comes alive on screen through her character Molly, and once again, her style is top-notch. I’m especially loving the hair. Credit belongs to celebrity hairstylist Cydney Cornell, who uses i|m brushes to style Messing’s flowing locks. Cornell especially loves the Ceramic Vent Brush and 43mm Thermal Round Brush. “Every day I had several new looks to accomplish on her, and these fantastic brushes were ultra gentle and aided in getting a ‘look’ quickly without damaging her hair,” Cornell says. The All i|m Brushes are designed with ComfortFlex technology to prevent damage on hair and tourmaline and ceramic technology for more efficient and effective styling.

Want to achieve similar results on your clients? Check out www.studioim.com. —Lori Morris, Senior Editor

We Know What Boys Like

If you’ve read our October issue, you’ve seen all the great men’s products we featured in the magazine (pages 55-60). Well, I wanted to clue you into a couple more men’s grooming lines that can really help grow your male clientèle and increase your bottom line—and add some style to your retail counter.

Babor Men

Founded in 1955 by Dr. Michael Babor, the Babor brand has become well known in the beauty industry for high-quality products that promote individual well-being. In 2008, the company launched Babor Men to focus exclusively on men’s skincare needs. The Babor Men line includes a full spectrum of skin, body and hair needs, such as Refreshing Face Wash, Line Reducing Eye Gel, Ultra Comfort Shaving Cream, Relaxing Anti Jetlag Cream, Vitalizing Hair&Body Shampoo and more.

Mensgroom

With the goal of keeping the products simple and the ingredients pure and natural, Mensgroom helps guys take care of themselves without having to overthink everything—something every guy I know would truly appreciate. The line, which includes products for the hair, face and body, draws men in with clever names (Shave the Males shaving cream and Firmly Rooted shampoo for thinning hair are my personal favorites) and witty descriptions.

—Lori Morris, Senior Editor

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Join SO.CAP. USA Hair Extensions in the third-annual Pink Hair for Hope breast cancer fundraiser. Once you become a participating salon, clients will receive a free pink hair extension graft for every $10 donation to The National Breast Cancer Foundation. These pink streaks publicly show support for the cause and act as a bond between supporters, survivors and all other women who have been touched by breast cancer in some way. The extensions are bonded to the hair very close to the scalp using 100% keratin, so there is no damage to the natural hair after the extension is removed.

To date, the Pink Hair for Hope campaign has brought together more than 375 salons and raised almost $400,000 to help the fight against breast cancer. Help SO.CAP. USA Hair Extensions continue their amazing efforts by signing up to participate here.

—Lori Morris, Senior Editor

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As I mentioned earlier, I’m going to be posting about products and companies that support BCA throughout the month. Here are a couple to get you started in making a difference:

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Susan Posnick Cosmetics COLORME mineral blush in Peony (a true pink) will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, which provides educational programs and mammograms for women who are not able to afford them. Founder and CEO Susan Posnick is herself a cancer survivor, having had skin cancer on her face, and the entire makeup line was built on the principles of health and prevention, using only the highest quality ingredients. To purchase, visit susanposnick.com.

Look good and do good with SKINEEZ SKINCAREWEAR, a new line of garments that help you lose inches and reduce the appearance of cellulite just by wearing them. The company is dedicated to women’s health issues, donating a portion of every sale to Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps, a non-profit organization that provides free health care to the uninsured. In this case, the money covers the cost of mammograms for women in need. Each SKINEEZ Skincarewear package contains information on maintaining good breast health, including self-exams and regular check-ups. SKINEEZ products are currently on sale at Macy’s. —Lori Morris, Senior Editor

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In the October issue of American Salon, we highlight some amazing ways beauty companies are pitching in to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (see pages 110-112). Throughout October, I’ll be writing about other products and companies that are donating a portion of their proceeds to the fight against breast cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, almost 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among women in the United States during 2008, and more than 40,000 women will die from the disease. Although breast cancer mainly affects women, it is estimated that 1,990 men will be diagnosed and 450 men will die of breast cancer this year. It’s a disease that hits close to home for far too many of us.

Please check out these posts over the next month and do your part to raise awareness and funds. By simply purchasing these items, you can help give hope and save lives. —Lori Morris, Senior Editor