Freelance make-up artist @HQ Nina Thompson

After seeing Nina our freelance makeup artist in the press last week, we thought we'd share with you some of the stunnning photographs from the collection...

After training at Jemma Kidd's school of make up in Notting Hill Nina worked of various  shows with her, and then continued working freelance assisting shows and editortal work. After leading the busy life in London Nina moved to the tranquility of Whitstable and appreciating the beautful standard of wedding venues noticed there was a calling for freelance makeup artists. 

She still has some celeb clients (can't say who) and continues to travel all over taking her makeup global, from Scotland to Spain and across the Atlantic.

Nina continues to attend pro classes to learn new techniques, she loves how creative she can be and how she can express that through her work whilst also working alongside the bride, model or friend. 

''My heros are Alex Box and Andrew gallimore, I just love the art and expression in make up, understanding the person, the look and how everyday I work with a new canvas'' 

Feel beauitful, be exposed, be in the nude.

 

A simple season of nail polish trends...

There's an abundance of nudes, base boats and au naturel at heading into the new season in 2015, 

Give your nails the health they deserve, with a simple manicure and delicate colour in one of our favorite OPI polishes.

Check out our Pinterest Pin Board for the lead up to London Fashion week.

This week the Beauty Rooms Love....

Nina's got it all at HQ, so if you love this then pop in and get your fingers festive this week!

The Tuck and Cover!

 

Style-wise there's a lot to deal with as winter sets in, the temperatures have dropped and the air pressures are changing, doing all sorts of things to our hair and skin. We're layering up and sometimes this can become troublesome for that well thought out hair style.

 

We think we have just the perfect solution for this and it may be something you're already familiar with....

 

The Tuck and Cover

Already congregating on the catwalks of 2014 the tuck and cover is becoming a big feature this season, with designs like Marc Jacobs and No.21 mastering the look.

 

We found not only this stunning collar but also blogger life-in-travel sporting the hair tuck



(source here)

To get it yourself all you have to do is slip your mid-lengths and ends into collars, scarves and necklines, it will give your locks immediate volume without the commitment of chopping it off or spending time working your hair.

Sophia's Style

Another gorgeous hair up from Sophia, how these curls stay in place we'll never know...keep your friends guessing and pop into the salon for a consultation!

Hair FX Hair Chalk Tongs.

 Kerry our Top session stylist says

'They are easy to use, just dampen the section of hair and swipe down like a tong to release the colour. All colours are washable and will give you an instant on trend look, whether that will be a party or festival or just cruising round town.  Out of all the Hair Chalks Hair FX gives the greatest shades and if you want some more funky fun colour use more than one colour!' 

Hair chalks are only £5 in salon with a limited stock so get in quick! 

LFW- Sadie Clayton Collection

Nick's been behind the scenes as part of the hair team for London Fashion Week, here are some pics of the stunning styles.

Braided Bun

This stunning braided bun was created for a bridesmaid by Sofie but is so versatile it could work as a great look for festival goers or just those with a little time to go foraging for flowers! Its a look inspired by your own creativity so don't be afraid to experiment a little before you've got what feels great.  

We picked up the floral elements at our neighbors Tankerton Flowers. Hayley provided us with the most beautiful purple tones to match the brides theme. We also used a hair band and some grips.

There was some prep involved before the style began, you could try making some pre-curls in the hair to help fix them in a more sculpted shape when you start placing them in a bun shape.

When creating the look at home it's good to start with a simple ponytail, Sofie placed this at the bottom center of the head however you can really play around with the height. She then plaited and pinned the rest of the doo, incorporating the flowers as she went. She fixed the whole style with Bedhead Masterpiece Shine Spray

Sofie also braided the front of the hair, going alone on this can be tricky if find french plaits tricky, we'll be doing a tutorial next week but in the meantime just try a simple plait across your hair line and clip behind the ear.

 

If you've got any questions or you're serious about trying to recreated this look on yourself or a friend contact Sofie via our email headquarterstankerton@yahoo.com she's in the Powder Room at HQ for bookings or simply to answer questions on this beautiful look. 

Summer Sun

It's been a really inspirational couple of months in the salon, summer has brought some great looks to the chairs and it's been great to have our new range of TIGI products to support it all. Over the next few weeks we're going to be sharing some of those looks with you and giving you a sneak peak into how you can get these salon looks at home.

Nina's in Neon

 This summer,  neon polish shades will be big business for young clients  for festivals and parties,  whether that be traditional polish or gel polish you'll be seeing neon shades for months to come.

Nina x

The Comb

In the last of our hair tool series we're bringing you the comb. Coming in a variety of widths and lengths the comb is a classic, not only is it crucial in the salon but can be a great tool for your pocket or bag, to whip out and fix that fly away hair.

Along with width and number of teeth combs are created with various material, some are metal and some are plastic. It's important to find the right comb fit for your hair type as well as insuring it's sturdiness.

A medium tooth comb is great for everyday use for hair that is not too thick. If you have super thick hair, try the wider tooth combs for every day use.

Top Tip: Never use a fine tooth comb to detangle dry hair, for detangling check out our post from earlier in the series here 

Pixie or not to Pixie

That is the question...

Summer's on its way and with the changing of the seasons we're all thinking of some new looks for our locks. The pixie cut is always a popular one in summer, it's seemly simple and alongside some great products it really can be effortless...BUT... there are some things to consider because there are factors that can make what seems to be an effortless look into the most time consuming one. We've compiled a four point list for you to consider before you take the cut, pop into salon for a consultation with these in mind...

1. Are you really ready to cut those locks? If you've spent years growing your locks we'd hate for you to regret it, make sure you're 100% ready for the chop!

2. Lifestyle & Time - Do you have time to style and maintain your look? This is crucial and something you must discuss with your hairdresser and they'll tailor your cut to your lifestyle

3. Texture of Hair - This can really determine whether a pixie cut can work for you, your hairdresser can give you all the info on your hair type and its suitability. 

4. Face Shape- Similar to your hair's texture there are some face shapes that won't cut the short look as well as others. 

HQ @ TIGI Copyright Colour

Last week Sophia, Georgia and Simon were invited to the TIGI Copyright Colour Tour event at the Vinopolis, London. The event full of style and colour gave the team heaps inspiration that they're bringing back to HQ.

The invitation came after the move from L'Oreal to TIGI products which are now retailing in the salon. The team witnessed innovative colouring and up do demonstrations.

'It was such an inspirational afternoon, with an intimate atmosphere we had a lovely 3 course lunch and got to chat with some of the most infamous names in hairdressing. It was great to talk to the TIGI technical team and find out how to get the best out of our products. I'm already looking forward to get back into the salon'  

- Simon, Sophia & Georgia 

What is TIGI?

We love the TIGI philosophy and agree that hairdressing is about progression, we want to keep the Tankerton alive and be sure we are giving the heads of the town a dynamic flare of the creativity that thrives in the salon. 

TIGI products are about celebrating the journey and not simply just the destination, we feel these products will give your hair a salon feeling everyday. 

TIGI are hairdressers who have developed products that understand a hairdressers needs and that is to understand you, the client. 

So celebrate with us our new edition to the HQ family.

 The TIGI range. 

The Powder Room

Sofie's got a busy summer ahead of her, weddings galore!

She's been up to Mac HQ for bridal master classes this week...we're looking forward her return!

Some top tips on creating luscious locks!

1. Apply Techni. Art Liss Control throughout towel-dried hair, you'll only need a small amount but make sure you cover from root to tip. Comb through to make sure the product is evenly distributed and depending on your desired look either blow dry or leave to dry naturally.

2. If you wish you get super locks, like those above begin by Blow-drying the hair in the direction you want it to lie. Lift hair up at the roots as you blow-dry to add more volume.

3. Begin curling the hair by taking small sections, using either straighteners or curling tongs. A great tip used by many of our stylists is rollling each curl up and pin and leave to cool, this should help your curls last longer.

4. Once you’ve curled all of your hair and left it to cool for 15 minutes. Gently rake your hands through the curls and try using Techni. Art Anti Frizz for a long lasting strong hold.

Tip Tuesday, from Loreal

Living in a town by the sea it's important we know our sailing knots. 

It might not as effective an the Anchor Hitch, but with just a few easy steps you can style something that looks effortless.

 

 L'Oreal have provided us with this one so you can click this link for the 4 easy steps to a great pre-summer look.

Product of the Week

Last week we mentioned Sofie's love for Benefit Watts Up. 

It's perfect for these dewy mornings and adds soft definition to cheekbones and eye area.

It has a lightweight cream to powder finish and was even awarded Best Highlighter by

Woman and Home Best in Beauty, 2012. 

Sofie at The Powder Room can give you some great tips on how to use the product and also how to make the most of your make up bag.

Call us on 01227 637678

London Fashion Week

We've been pretty hooked on Loreal's Fashion Blog this week. Covering all the backstage gossip, tips and inspo straight off the runway of London Fashion Week

 We love the balance of glamour and accessibility in this look by Mary Katrantzou.
 

Products used;

• L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.ART PLI  (a salon favorite)
• Inch-wide curling tongs
• L’Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil 

To read the full directions visit the Loreal Fashion Blog  or just pop into the salon and we'll recreate these effortless mermaid waves for you!

Product of the Week Review

Sofie has spent the week reviewing Chanel lipstick, Rouge Allure Velvet

 

Shade: 40 'La Sensuelle'

 Cost: £25.00

Review: This is the ultimate lipstick, you just can't go wrong. To start with this lipstick comes in Chanel's signature case, stunning and classic it instantly makes you feel like a film star. The lipstick shade is one I have used on all skin tones and it just seems to suit everyone. A dark berryness this is moisturizing and Matt. You can use straight from the bullet for an intense look or dabbed on for a lip stained look.
 The only thing I would say is that your lips have to be well conditioned before using this as otherwise it can show up any cracks or dryness. But nothing a light buffing with a toothbrush and some lip balm wouldn't handle. So for a beleated Valentines date or actually any hot occasion the lipstick to reach for is 'La Sensualle' the name says it all!