As the temperatures warm up and the days get longer, we see renewal all around us in the grass, the trees, the flowers… and you.

As we emerge from the long dark days of winter, we often feel it’s time to renew ourselves with a new and fabulous hair style.

A new hair style can complete the feeling of renewal and give you a new start just like all the new growth around us. It can be just the thing for that fresh start to the season.

Spring Hair Style Tips for You

The hair stylists and colorists at the best salon in Smithtown and Wading River, NY are here to share three of the most popular spring hair styles straight from the runways in New York and Paris.

As all sorts of new things start to poke their heads out of the ground, the hair fashion trends this spring are simple and pretty, but not over-done.

What’s in Style for Hair this Spring?

Waves. Spring is the forerunner of summer and summer brings thoughts of waves crashing on our Long Island beaches. Bring a little summer forward with natural-looking waves in your hair. Relaxed and unfussy, loose natural waves put a little spring in our step and match the casual nature of spring. Relaxed doesn’t mean messy. You want your natural looking curls to look simple, not un-cared for. Some women are just lucky enough to be born with natural waves, but for the rest of us, it may take a little work. Come in and speak with your favorite Pavlova Salon stylist to find out what you need to do to get the beautiful natural-looking waves Jennifer Lawrence has been rocking lately.

Braids. Braids are versatile. They can be as complicated and elegant as a bridal up-do, or as simple and casual as you like. The look this spring is more casual for every day. You’re not looking for polished and glamorous, but sporty and spontaneous. Just separate your hair into three sections and weave them together, overlapping one section over the other in a systematic rotation. You can do this with your hair wet or dry, but if you choose dry, you’ll want to add some product first. If you braid your hair wet, you may get some of those natural curls we spoke about earlier when you take it out of the braid when it’s dry. Want to make it even more controlled? In addition to the band at the bottom of the braid, add another at the top to make a kind of braided ponytail.

Buns. Today’s buns are not the buns your librarian wore. Keep it casual and not too over-groomed. This spring’s bun is more of a short ponytail with a little class. To accomplish this, part your hair in the middle and gather it in the back into a low ponytail at the base of your neck (not at the top of your head). Then, split the hair into three sections, cross the two outer sections and hold them together with elastic just under the crossover. Then, roll the tail under and pin it in place. Add a little elegance with an accessory at the base of the knot.

Need a Little Help? Come See Us in Saint James or Wading River, NY

Not sure how to do this from the description? Come in and see your favorite Pavlova Salon hair stylist in Saint James or Wading River and they’ll show you how. Call us in Saint James, Smithtown, NY at 631-780-4862 or Wading River, Brookhaven, NY at 631-769-6025.

Pavlova Salon’s Facebook page has gotten very popular lately. Our 236 (and counting) friends (Likes) have become very engaged, commenting and sharing all the news, photos and status updates our hair care professionals have been posting lately.

On the page you’ll find lots of great information about what’s going on in the salons in Saint James and Wading River.

From pictures of the work of our hair stylists, professional colorists and even makeup artists, like this …

SoCap Hair Extensions By Pavlova Salon Hair Stylist Kerri

… to reviews from our happy clients like this …

… and even questions and answers like this ….

You might even find out if your favorite stylist had a sudden availability for which you were waiting like this …

So click the link from the Facebook logo above, check out all our latest postings, add your own and “Like” our page to be kept up to date on all things Pavlova Salon.

Of course, as much as we would like you to visit our Facebook Page, we would really love to see you in one of our salons in Saint James or Wading River. Give us a call today to schedule a time with your favorite hair stylist. In Saint James, call 631-780-4862 or for Wading River, call 631-769-6025.

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There are a number of important things to consider when choosing a hair salon and the experts at Pavlova Salon in Saint James and Wading River are here to help you know what to look for when choosing a new salon on Long Island for you.

It’s Your Hair, and Your Hair Salon Must Suit You

Your hair is an integral part of your personality. It frames your face and tells people a little about you. Are you wild and crazy? Subdued and refined? Sporty and fun? If your hair is so much a part of you, it’s important to find the best salon for you and your personality. Any salon you choose should have hair stylists and other beauty professionals that specialize in all the different styles so you can find one that’s perfect for you. At Pavlova, we have 24 different hair care and other professionals between our two locations and while each of them is well-versed in every conceivable hair style, like any artist, they have their own styles.

Relax. Take a Little ‘Me Time’

For most women, a trip to the hair salon is a little break in their day. It’s a little “me-time”. A time to relax and be pampered for a change. You spend so much of your day doing things for other people – your boss, your kids, your husband or significant other – your hair salon should be a place where you can instantly relax. When you walk through the doors, you should want to take a deep breath and feel the tension drain from your body. So, the first thing to look for when choosing the best salon for you on Long Island is someplace that feels comfortable. It should be your little “happy place”. Does your salon make you feel that way? If not, it may be time for a change. At Pavlova, we spend a lot of time and energy ensuring that our salon is an oasis from the stress of the everyday world. Take a look at the videos on our locations pages to get an idea of the ambiance at our Saint James and Wading River locations here

Clean & Comfortable Salon

Of course, a big part of being comfortable and being able to relax is the ambiance and cleanliness of your hair salon. You want your hair salon to be relaxed, but you don’t want its workers to let the place go. A quick look around should tell you if the salon management and workers care about the place and keep it clean. Of course, there’s a fine line between clean and antiseptic (you wouldn’t want your hair cut in an operating room, would you?) and clean and warm. If your hair salon’s workers put care into their workstations and supplies, chances are, they’ll take care of you too. At both Pavlova Salons in St. James, NY and Wading River, NY our stylists take pride, not only in their own appearance, but in the appearance of the entire salon. It starts with their own station, but extends out to the entire salon, from the reception area to the rest rooms. Take a look at the videos on our locations pages to get an idea of the ambiance at our Saint James and Wading River locations here.

Hair Stylist Selection

While you have a definite personality and a style that’s all your own, every once in a while we need a change. Have you had the same hair style all your life? Probably not. Most women change their hair styles a couple of times a year (some even more). When looking for the best hair salon on Long Island you want to find one that has stylists that can change your style with your mood. While all great hair stylists tend to have a specialty, whether that’s formal or casual, layered or long, or whatever, they should be able to help you choose a new hair style and execute it with perfection. You should look for a hair salon that has a number of stylists, each of whom continues to learn new styles and techniques but who each have a unique specialty. This way, even if you love your stylist for your everyday hairstyle, if you happen to have a special occasion or need for something different, your regular salon will have a hair stylist that specializes in that approach. If, for example, your everyday style is relaxed and comfortable, but you want an Up-do for a formal event or wedding, your hair salon should have someone who specializes in that kind of hair style. As we noted earlier, with 24 different stylists and other personal care professionals on staff, each with their own personality, strengths, and specialties, we make sure that we have a well-rounded staff to handle any style or personal preference.

And unlike some other salons where the stylists greedily covet their clients, our stylists are happy to share and let you try someone new if that is what will serve you best. What goes around, comes around. We understand that it’s in everyone’s best interest – yours, ours, the salon’s — for you to leave our salon with the perfect cut and style and happy and feeling better than when you walked in. If you’re happy, we’re happy.

Comprehensive Salon Services

If part of your selection of the best hair salon on Long Island for you is your ability to take some “me-time” to relax, you should be sure that your hair salon offers ALL of the services you may need. And not just offer them, but be experts at them. You don’t want to have to go one place for your hair cut, another for your color, another for your nails, facial, waxing, etc. Check out the Services menu of any hair salon you’re considering to ensure that it can be your one-stop shop for pampering. What could be more relaxing than walking in tired and stressed out and leaving a new woman with your hair and nails done, a fresh facial, eyebrows waxed and ready to face the world with renewed vigor. That’s the sign of the best salon on Long Island, and that’s what we offer at Pavlova Salon. Check out our Services menu to see all that we offer. We want you to leave either of our salons feeling renewed, refreshed and ready to take on the world.

Hair Care Product Selection

Ever notice how you can never quite get your hair as perfect as when your stylist does it? Well, of course, they’re experts at your hair and they can easily see the back of your head, which you can’t, but they also have a secret weapon you might not have (aside from talent and training): they have access to professional quality hair care products. When you get that wash and condition before your cut have you ever asked what they’re using on your hair? How about hair spray, mousse or leave-in conditioner? You should. Professional hair care products can make a big difference in the texture, shine, manageability and style-ability of your hair. If you want to get the same results, you have to start with the same products. Be sure to ask what your hair stylist is using and whether the hair salon offers those products for sale. Walking out with the same ingredients your stylist used is half the recipe to perfect hair. At Pavlova Salon, we offer a comprehensive selection of professional quality hair care products to ensure your hair looks its best every day, not just when you leave our salons in Wading River, NY and Saint James, NY. Check out the professional hair care products we use and have available for you here.

Make the Right Choice for You

Finding the best hair salon on Long Island isn’t about picking the closest salon or the one with the shiniest sign or coupon in the paper. It’s about finding the best hair salon for you; one that matches your personal style, taste, needs and desires. We hope that the tips in this article will help you if you can’t make it to either of our two convenient locations in Saint James (631-780-4862) and Wading River, NY (631-769-6025). Check us out and Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PavlovaSalon

Even if you don’t want to change your style, letting someone else do your “do” can be the perfect start to a great night out (or in). Let the hair stylists, colorists and manicurists at the best salon in Smithtown and Wading River, NY pamper you for a little while before you meet your special someone. It’ll get you in a relaxed romantic mood certain to make your night extra special.

Knowing that you made the effort and took the time to mark the occasion let’s your special someone know that this is an important date to you and they are sure to reciprocate.

If you’re going out

If you’re going out, make the hairstyle match the location (if the location is not a surprise). If you’re going out for an expensive meal at an exclusive restaurant, you’re going to dress for the occasion, so make sure your hair matches your look. Super elegant? Go for an updo. Just a nice restaurant? Let your hair down, but give it some style. Your favorite casual dinner place? Go a little more casual, but still make it more special than you might on an ordinary date night.

If you’re staying in

Valentine’s Day falls on a Thursday this year, so with everyone’s hectic schedules, we may not have time for a big night out if you have to get up for work the next day. If you’re staying in, whether you’re cooking, your partner’s cooking or you’re ordering in, you can still make it special. Have the stylists and colorists at Pavlova Salon do your regular hair style for you. You know how it always comes out better when someone else does it. Plus, it gives you an excuse for a little down time and pampering, and who can’t use more of that. Or, give your everyday hair style a little twist. Maybe a little highlighting? A new professional color? A different style with the same cut? Who knows what you can do with your existing cut? Your Pavlova Salon stylists, that’s who.

Now’s the time

So, whether you’re going out or staying in, now’s the time to book your appointment with your favorite Pavlova Salon hair stylist in Saint James or Wading River. Give us a call today to schedule a time with your favorite hair stylist. In Saint James, call 631-780-4862 or for Wading River, call 631-769-6025.

Looking to make a new start in the new year? Here’s one resolution you can keep: start with a new hair style!

There’s no better way to make yourself feel like a new you and give yourself a fresh start than with a fresh new hair style. Break with the past and give yourself a chance to keep all those other resolutions by making one that’s easy to keep.

The hair care experts at Pavlova Salon in Saint James and Wading River, NY are happy to share the following tips for getting a great new hair style to help you get a great start to the new year.

#1. Remember to choose a style that reflects your personal taste, fits your everyday lifestyle, and one that will make you look and feel your very best. Today’s hottest trends are sure to get you noticed no matter what age you are.

Check out, “It’s a New Year; Time for a New You!” for more tips on getting a great 2013 hair style!

Pavlova Salon in Saint James is pleased to introduce hair stylist Caterina in our new Stylist Profile feature.

Stylist Caterina says she “was born with a passion for fashion and hair styling”. Knowing where she wanted to go, she invested in her career by volunteering for celebrity hair stylist Yves Durif (Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski of MSNBC’s Morning Joe, fashion’s muse Daphne Guinness and foremost yogini Elena Brower) to learn and perfect her skills and technique.

Caterina continues to grow her skills and experience working with high profile clientele and specializes in glamorous, “red carpet looks” appropriate for the rich and famous on which she cut her teeth. Having Caterina at Pavlova Salon ensures our patrons achieve the same high end look the wealthy spend big bucks on at a much more affordable rate.

Caterina believes her elegant personal and professional style is grounded in her classical Italian culture. Her soft, elegant hair styles have a soft, sophisticated look that turn heads on the runway and the cocktail party.

As might be expected with such training and specialization in formal looks, Caterina is well known for her bridal hair styles and makeup application. She has received numerous awards for her elegant and sophisticated up-do’s.

Never satisfied with her skills and always wanting to bring more to the table for her clients, Caterina continues to learn everything she can about her trade and vocation through courses, seminars and experience. Most recently, Caterina was certified in So-Cap Hair Extensions and Keratin hair treatment.

Not just adept with scissors, blow driers and curling irons, Caterina is also an exceptional hair colorist. She delights in accenting her client’s natural beauty by adding high and low lights to their natural hair color.

You might think all this work and ongoing training would leave little time for other pursuits, but Caterina just doesn’t sit still. In her time away from the salon, she puts nearly as much energy into her secondary passion, singing, and spends her little “down time” with her family, friends and puppies, Baby, Hunny and Cocco.

Hair Styles for

Women on the Go

The stylists and other hair care professionals at Pavlova Salons in St. James and Wading River, NY regularly hear our clients complain that their busy lifestyles often leave little time for complex hair styling every day. From waking up, exercising and getting off to work, to bringing the kids to school, soccer, dance class, etc., you find you just don’t have 20 minutes to style your hair every day. What to do?

Many women resort to cutting their hair short to keep it simple and manageable. While this is certainly an option, and works for many women, you love the way your hair looks long and want to keep your luxurious tresses. When you have the time to give it the attention it deserves, your hair looks great long and flowing.

Well, fret no more! There are many ways to keep your hair long and look beautiful without spending hours a day on it. Read on for four easy hair style tips from the hair stylists at Pavlova Salon. These styles will have you looking completely pulled together in just minutes.

1. Sexy Tousled Hair 1, 2, 3

Do you love that “tousled hair” that implies you just got out of bed, shook your hair and it looks hot and sexy, yet pulled together. Every wonder how your favorite celebrities and models pull that off while you look like you just walked through a hurricane when you get out of bed in the morning?

They didn’t really just get out of bed with that hair. They (or their stylist) took a little time to get it to look that way. But it’s not hard. In just a few simple steps, you can have the same look.

Step 1: Rub some mousse in your hair, divide it into sections and roll each in a large sponge roller and go ahead and get dressed, eat breakfast, make the kids lunch, whatever your morning routine calls for.

Step 2: Remove the rollers and with a wide tooth comb, lightly tease each section.

Step 3: Spray some hairspray to set the style for the day.

That’s it. You’re done.

2.      Dress up with a Headband, 1, 2, Done!

Headbands aren’t just for the gym. They work in the office, around town, even for a party for a casual chic look. The key is the right headband. Pick one that matches the style you’re going for: plain, flowered, patterned, jeweled. Whatever works for your look.

Step 1: Run shine serum though your hair and curl the ends and bangs with a curling iron.

Step 2: Pull your hair back and secure it with the headband.

 3.      Barrettes aren’t just for kids anymore

You can have a sophisticated look with the use of a simple, elegant barrette.

Step 1 (that’s it): Take the hair on each side of your head and loosely pull it and twisted it, making sure the front part of your hair stays loose for a softer, less extreme style. Secure both sides with an the barrette that matches your personal style and look where the twisted pieces of hair meet in the back. For a more finished look, spritz with a shine-spray.

 4.      Buns aren’t just for Librarians

Tight buns used to be the sole province of librarians and old maids, but not anymore. You can rock a loose bun for a fast and sexy look in no time at all.

To avoid the librarian look (no offense librarians), keep the bun loose.

Step 1. Just pull your hair back into a ponytail and leave a few wisps around your face.

Step 2. Divide your ponytail into sections and curl each section with a curling iron.

Step 3. Lightly tease curls with a wide tooth comb and spray with hairspray.

If you want to add some elegance and sophistication, add some rhinestone pins to each side of the ponytail.

For more information on how to keep your long hair beautiful with a minimum of fuss and time, speak with your Pavlova Salon hair stylist. Call us today in Saint James at 631-780-4862 or Wading River at 631-769-6025.

Many women consider growing out their hair for fall. It makes sense, especially if you went with a short easy style for summer. Many of us do this because we’re more active in summer and needed a style to go from beach or pool to cocktail party or barbeque in a flash. Sometimes it’s just to keep our hair out of your face and easy to care for during all your summer activities like swimming, biking, tennis, etc.. Now that the weather is getting cooler though, you may be thinking you want to cover your ears and get some hair on your neck to protect it from winter’s upcoming icy winds. You’re also thinking that the holidays are around the corner (Thanksgiving is less than two months away!) and you want some length to create a more sophisticated look for these fall and winter events.

When you let that summer style go long, however, it can look messy and un-styled. That’s not really the look you’re going for, is it? When you’re growing out your hair, you need to have it cut and styled for where it is now and where it’s going. The professional and experienced hair stylists at Pavlova Salon in Saint James and Wading River know just how to trim your hair to keep its length, but to keep it styled so you don’t look like you’re “in between” styles. Just because you’re growing out your hair doesn’t mean you have to look like the shaggy dog just out of the bath.

And then there are products you can add to your hair to get an immediate length while you wait for nature to catch up with your ideas. As your Pavlova Salon stylist about our natural hair extensions. We have them in many styles and colors to create a whole new you and try out that new style before it grows in.  You can add length, fullness, texture and even color, to any cut. Today’s hair extensions, like the SoCap extensions used at Pavlova Salons in Saint James and Wading River, NY, use real human hair so it looks, acts and feels natural on you. And today’s bonding techniques are much more hi-tech to prevent damage to your natural hair when you want to remove them

Call us today for an appointment to discuss your fall/winter hair style with a Saint James hair stylist at 631-780-4862 or with a Wading River hair stylist at 631-769-6025.

• Celebrating a milestone achievement: graduating (from high school, college, graduate school), a promotion at work, having a baby, …. The list goes on and on.
• Celebrating a life-changing event: a break up, a divorced, a death in the family, getting engaged, getting married …. and so on.
• Celebrating a milestone birthday: 16, 18, 21, 25, 30, 40, 50, ….
• Celebrating a personal milestone: anniversary, child’s graduation
• A special event or party
• At the change of seasons (long hair in winter; short hair in summer)
• Change of color (graying)
• Maturity: that waist-length hair looks a little long in the tooth on some 60-something women (but not you!).
• Activity level: your long hair gets in the way when you’re exercising, swimming, boating, in your new convertible ….
• Keeping up with fashion. Your new wardrobe simply calls for a new hairstyle too.
• And, the ever-popular, “I’m bored with it”.

Read on to learn how to pick a new hairstyle.

How to Pick a New Hair Style

Whatever your reason, and we’re sure it’s a good one, you still have to decide what your new hair style will be. Some women go to their hair stylist on a whim and just ask for something “new and different”. We don’t recommend this approach. While it sometimes works out and the stylists at Pavlova Salons in St. James and Wading River attempt to ask questions about your personality, your style and what you like and don’t like to find the perfect style for you, it’s best if you do a little research first.

Magazines are the best place to find inspiration. Check out your favorite celebrity “look” and see if you think their hairstyle will look good on you. Remember when everyone had to have “the Rachel” from Jennifer Aniston’s haircut in “Friends”? Who else has a style you like that would look good on you, give you confidence and match your mood and personal style?

Of course, there’s simply no better place to find more hairstyles in one place than to look at hairstyle magazines. You’ll be most successful if you try to find one you like that matches your face shape, your skin type and color. The hair that looks great on someone with a round or oval face may not look so good on your angular face. The same goes for a hairstyle that looks good on a dark complexion if you have a very light complexion. And finally, consider your hair color. That blonde with the great “do” make not look as perfect on your auburn hair. Of course, you can always change your hair color.

Whatever you decide, bring all your pictures to your hair stylist or hair colorist at Pavlova Salon in Smithtown or Wading River. The professional stylists will be able to evaluate your choices and use their experience, training and judgment to advise you on the best style for you. Contact us today at 631-780-4862 in Saint James or 631-769-6025 in Wading River to set an appointment for your new hair style.

Well, short of covering all your hair every time you go out of the house or wearing a bathing cap when you go swimming, it’s hard to keep your hair perfect throughout the summer. The hair care experts at Pavlova Salon in Smithtown, NY and Wading River, NY offer these tips to keep your hair in tip-top shape.
 

First, Do No Harm
Wash properly. You’ve been washing your hair all your life and you don’t give it a second thought, right? Well, there’s the right way and the wrong way to shampoo your hair. First of all, make sure your hair is thoroughly wet before you start to add the shampoo. And don’t overuse it. Use only enough to get through all your hair. This shouldn’t amount to more than the size of a quarter in your palm. Rub the shampoo onto both hands before applying and don’t overdo the application. You should only have to lather for about 30 seconds. More than that is overkill. After you wash, rinse your hair with cool water. If you’re washing your hair in the shower, do this right before you get out. This will help to seal in the moisture in your hair (it’s also invigorating for the rest of you).

Go Backwards and Massage. When you get out of the shower, brush your hair from back to front. This will help distribute the natural oils in your hair thoroughly throughout all your hair, whether long or short. You’ll know you’ve brushed well if your scalp starts to tingle. Then massage your scalp with your fingers to get the blood flowing and completely nourish your hair follicles.

Use a Towel before an Appliance. Be sure to thoroughly towel dry your hair before you break out the blow dryer. A wet head will take longer to dry and will keep the heat on too long. Heat from a blow dryer, curling iron, flat iron, etc. can damage hair so the shorter time you have to use your dryer the better. It will also save you time (which no one has enough of anyway).

Stay Static-Free. All that heat can create static that will create those nasty fly-aways and frizz. If you dampen your hairbrush while you’re blow drying, you can reduce the static. Just be sure to keep water away from the blow dryer. Water and electricity don’t mix and can be dangerous.

Brush Gently. Roughly brushing wet hair to get out the tangles is a sure way to cause breakage. Instead, get out as many of the knots with your fingers as you can and then gently comb it out.

Second, Repair Damaged Hair
So, how do we repair the damage we’ve already done? Here are some Hair Repair Tips from the Pavlova Salon hair care experts in Smithtown and Wading River.

Put down that bottle. Before reaching for the styling aids to combat dry or damaged hair symptoms like frizzy or lifelessness, you want to start at the beginning and treat the hair, not the symptoms. Styling aids have their place, but they treat the symptoms, not the disease. Get healthy hair first and you’ll need fewer gels, hair spray, mouse, etc.

Condition for Healthy Hair. Treat your hair to a good conditioning. This will help repair some of the damage the sun, heat, chemicals and salt have already done. Replenish your hair with a good salon-quality moisturizing shampoo and follow with the same quality conditioner. Make sure you thoroughly rinse out all the conditioner. Left in moisturizing conditioner will leave residue on your hair which will just attract dirt and react with other environmental elements to undo the good you accomplished by using it in the first place. Proper shampooing and conditioning will help get your hair ready for the next step.

Leave It In. Leave in conditioners, unlike rinse-out conditioners, are designed to coat and protect your hair after washing and moisturizing. Rather than attracting pollutants, they help seal in the moisture you added with proper washing and conditioning. These products, which are usually sprayed on before styling, protect your hair from the nasty environmental conditions that can damage it.

Call in Professional Help. Just like there are things we can do ourselves to keep ourselves healthy (like proper diet and exercise – which are also good for our hair), when you’re sick or hurt you need to call in a doctor. If, after following this regimen, your hair is still frizzy or lifeless and won’t hold a style, it’s time to call in professional help. The hair stylists at Pavlova Salon in Saint James, NY and Wading River, NY are all trained and experienced hair care professionals who will treat your hair and bring it back to healthy life. Call us in St. James at 631-780-4862 or in Wading River at 631-769-6025 and we’ll be happy to help.