the marilyn new yorker

Hands down, the best brush I've ever used is the Marilyn New Yorker brush. First created as a knock-off of the infamous Mason Pearson, this beauty wonder is hardly a generic version of the originator. Mishi calls this one-of-a-kind brush the “desert island brush” ...if you were stranded on a deserted island and allowed only one tool, this brush would be it!  The Marilyn New Yorker also comes in a mini size... named the Marilyn Downtown brush, which is perfect for the kiddos or for all you jet-setters! The New Yorker is a sleek, slightly curved design that assists in achieving the perfect blow dry, giving hair that perfect, round-brushed effect. It's even versatile enough to smooth your hair stick-straight.  Created with a combination of natural boar-bristle hair and synthetic bristles, this fabulous brush gently detangles and massages the scalp creating silky, smooth, shiny hair.  The New Yorker is a timeless favorite; it will last for years. This brush is such a bargain, too- you can pick one up at Morphic Beauty for $42. (And the mini for just $36!)

ombre q and a

This week at Morphic Beauty, Mishi answers the most commonly asked questions about Ombre hair coloring:

Q: Will Ombre look good on me?

A: Seriously?! Of course it will.

 Q: Is Ombre out of style yet?

A: No, the Ombre trend is really just starting.  There are many variations of Ombre - from a natural to a dramatic look.  It’s like bangs: they come in all kinds of variations, and are here to stay, just like Ombre.

Q: Is Ombre damaging to my hair?

A: Well let’s just start with this, ALL hair color is damaging at some level, so just keep in mind that if anyone tells you any thing different they are lying.  There is no color on the market that does not damage the hair at some level.  However, I use Loreal Professional color, which is a top of the line product with the highest quality of ingredients. It is made to deliver your color with as little damage as possible, and actually helps to protect and condition your hair.

Also the degree of damage depends on how light you want to go.  Whenever I have clients that want to go really light with their hair color, I will do it in two different sessions as a way to minimize the stress on the hair.  Thankfully (for an extra $30) I have awesome conditioners and oils to add to the color that will help to protect your hair.  And to be fully sure that your hair stays healthy and gorgeous in between services, Rene Furterer offers great color safe and conditioning products.

More importantly, having someone color your hair that doesn’t know how to do Ombre can damage your hair.  You want to be sure that the person you go to is a pro.

Q: What’s the maintenance?

A: There really isn’t a whole lot of maintenance, because you can grow out this look without a line of demarcation.  So in a way it’s low maintenance in terms of color, but you need to keep your hair healthy, so I recommend you come in 6 weeks after your initial service for a trim to clean up any rough edges, and then come in for trims every 6-12 weeks after that.

Q: How light can I get my hair with Ombre?

A:  For the safety of your hair, it takes two color services at different times to go from dark brown to light blonde.  Typically the hair will become visibly damaged if it is processed in one shot.  Trust me these celebrities you see with it have done it more than once.  On a regular basis, I have to fix damaged hair on clients that has been processed too quickly from other colorists in town.  Typically hair will go from darkest brown to a medium brown or a dark blonde (from a level 3 to a level 7 shade) depending on the texture of the hair (fine, coarse, etc.). Then from a natural dark blonde you can easily achieve a light blonde color (a level 7 to a level 10).  Of course, ultimately this all depends on the look you are trying to achieve.

Any questions you have about Ombre that I didn’t address?

balayage and ombre

There are so many things to love about balayage and ombre: you get customized Hollywood hair that is low maintenance.  The color is applied after your haircut, as a way of customizing your color exactly to your length, which is preferred in making the most of your color job and your investment.  The application can take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours depending on the length of hair, and ranges in price from $220 to $300.

Right now, this is the most sought out style of coloring among celebrities all over the globe.  Celebrated model Lily Aldridge began the trend by sporting the ombre look with her golden caramelized locks.  Ombre styling is great to get that natural look like Giselle Bundchen and Cameron Diaz, or you can go more edgy with looks like Drew Barrymore and Rachel Bilson.

This gorgeous color style is super low-maintenance, you can go much longer between color touch ups in comparison to traditional hair coloring.  Only requiring occasional trimming to keep your locks looking fresh, ombre is a hip and chic look without having to try too hard.

the fioravanti rinse

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MkRGz1U19I Mishi debuted her new YouTube tutorial on her favorite product: Rene Furtererʼs Fioravanti, a clarifying and shine vinegar rinse.  I’m sure you’re thinking – “vinegar, really?!”  Really. And it smells amazing.

Furterer has revived the “ancestral traditions of vinegar rinses” by creating a product that provides amazing results with the aroma of citrus, lemon, orange and mandarin.  With the aid of an arrangement of plant extracts, this magical product adds life and shine to dull hair by sealing the cuticle shut, while acting as a natural detangler.  The rinse removes build up in hair caused from products and hard-water, giving your mane a boost with renewed body.  For all these reasons, Fioravanti is one of Mishiʼs, and now my, favorite products.  Anyone can use this rinse.  Itʼs perfect as a treatment a couple times a week or even every day.   If you only plan on using the product a couple times a week, you can use it after shampooing.  However, Mishiʼs favorite use of Fioravanti is to use it 4-5 times a week instead of your regular shampoo and conditioner -  which with continual use can dull and strip your color.  Itʼs also a great product to use after working out and when you need a hair refresher.

Here are the steps Mishi recommends when using the Fioravanti:

1.Start with your hair as wet as possible with a parting down the middle.

2.Then gently pour a cap full of the rinse along your part.  You will want to tilt your head slightly back to avoid the rinse from pouring on your face.

3.Gently work the product in with your fingers the same way you use shampoo, then rinse out with water and voila youʼre done!  You donʼt need any conditioner unless your hair is extra dry.

4.Afterward, style using a spray-in conditioner, like Rene Furtererʼs Fioravanti leave-in.

Follow with all your favorite styling products, style as usual and you are ready to start the day!!  Enjoy!!

welcome emi!

Hi Emi Nova here! I thought I would take a minute to introduce myself. I’m Mishi’s sister, and your new guide to the world of Morphic Beauty. I’ll be here sharing all the things we are doing in the salon and more! I’m hoping to inspire you with posts on our product favorites, style tips, iconic fashion heros, the latest trends in fashion, and everything in between. I am here to share with you all our tips and tricks!

First, let me tell you a little bit about myself. I love fashion and everything that comes with it. In fact I am a bit obsessed... from the hottest shoes and handbags, to hair products that give you sexy hair, and the hot tools required to get the look. Oh and did I mention makeup? This is my forte - the love of my life - something which I have devoted almost a decade of my life playing with, creating and beautifying all the lovely clients that sit in my chair My profession as a makeup artist began years ago when I attended Toni and Guy Hair Academy. From there I pursued my career with such salons and companies as Aveda, Stila Cosmetics, Bobby Brown, Shu Uemura and Guerlain. Their philosophies and mission have shaped me as an artist in creating beauty at its best in class, style and perfection. I have grown with a phenomenal collection of makeup pioneers and am now grateful to share with you my expertise and love in the world of beauty.