East Coast Salon Services

As a salon owner, Philadelphia Fashion week lead stylist, CBS3 Beauty & Fashion Contributor, Kaaralieri, and core member of the East Coast Salon Services education team… everything Kevin Gatto does speaks to his passion and skill as a stylist. His love of education and helping others is a way of life and a fundamental value in how he runs his salon. But with all that passion at hand there are so many causes out there worthy of the time, effort, and good will salons have to offer, how is one to choose? For Kevin, the cause he has dedicated his efforts toward almost chose him and his belief in it continuously becomes stronger over time.

Kevin’s salon Verde is located in Collingswood, New Jersey, and, just as its name suggests, every detail about this business is green. In the early days, when the salon was just a seed of thought and the planning had yet to be hashed out, Kevin’s core team really pushed for the concept of a green, eco-responsible salon. Agreed upon with gusto, that concept was carried all the way through the salon including the construction, the products used and offered, the daily operations, and the yearly charity event they sponsor. Continue reading →

April 22, 2012 marks the 42nd celebration of Earth Day. Originally founded in 1970 by Gaylord Nelson, a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, this international holiday is considered to be the foundation of the modern environmental movement.

Up until the 60’s, air and water pollution were seen as signs of progress. Smog filled skies and oil laced river banks were benchmarks of industrialism and something to feel proud of. Earth Day and the social movement around it were monumental in changing these ideals. Regardless of political affiliation, career path, or geographic location Earth Day reminds us that we all live on this planet and need to preserve it as our home and the home for our descendants.

With all of the eco-friendly and “green” options available today is it much easier to be mindful of our own footprint. There are countless ways where every individual person or business can make a small change. Although it may not seem like much, each drop in the bucket eventually helps to fill the pool. Just as the degradation of the environment has occurred gradually over time until it could no longer be pushed to the way side, the reverse effects are slow and seemingly insignificant. However, the more conscious we are of how our behavior affects the earth, the easier it will be to preserve the land, air, and water for future generations. We can’t undo but we can move forward, help, and make a difference. Nature doesn’t need to be saved so much as it needs to be respected and revitalized.

There is a very fragile balance of what is too much versus not enough in the world of environmental activism, but it is vital to remember and apply knowledge and strategies as a small part of everyday life. The Earth Day Network is a great source for more information on how and why to get involved. Their claim is compelling, “The fight for a clean environment continues in a climate of increasing urgency, as the ravages of climate change become more manifest every day. We invite you to be a part of Earth Day and help write many more victories and successes into our history. Discover energy you didn’t even know you had. Feel it rumble through the grassroots under your feet and the technology at your fingertips. Channel it into building a clean, healthy, diverse world for generations to come.”

Energy efficient light bulbs, fundraisers, chemical reducing air filters, and recycling are a few easy things you and your salon can do to help! Mark your calendars for April 22 and just imagine what we can do as a community if everybody celebrates Earth Day this year!

Were you Born for Beauty? Kaaral was. Check out this inspiring video and get a little insight as to the who, what, and why of Kaaral. If you’re not already convinced, this video proves that the passion at Kaaral is real – hair is what they do and hair is what they love because they were born for beauty.

Pictured above is Kristan Serafino appearing with the Kaaral models at the Creazione.

Guest Post by Michael Botte, Sales Development Manager for East Coast Salon Services

Kaaral hosted a “Born For Beauty” Creazione, March 11-13 in Orlando, Florida – “a place where dreams come true.” This was certainly a fitting place to bring stylist from around the world to unite and share their creativity and passion for our beautiful industry.
Sunday evening we all had the opportunity to meet the Kaaral family. The “meet and greet” was incredible, we were introduced to people from Italy, Poland, Australia, Russia, and of course, United States! It was an interesting experience to meet such genuine and friendly people, all with such different backgrounds.

Two events took place Monday, simultaneously, with a morning and afternoon session, to keep the groups small and interactive. I attended the “flirt with Chocolate” session in the morning. Celebrity stylist, Kristen Serafino, and Kaaralieri, Marina Fuks demonstrated two haircuts on stage. They expertly described the techniques they were utilizing; Continue reading →

Every New Year is welcomed with a great sense of excitement and anticipation, but, too often, the inspiration and renewed vigor that comes New Years Day has fallen to the wayside by Valentine’s Day.

The idea of the New Year’s resolution is often the source of many jokes and general chastisement; and yet, there is something about the notion that keeps us pledging every year to be our better selves all the next-year-long. Sadly, this refreshing positive energy is too easily washed away by disappointment when time and life get in the way of the lofty goals we set for ourselves. You find yourself paying monthly for that unused gym membership or staring at the pile of photos and scrapbooking supplies which never take it upon themselves to come together in a lovely display. So this year, instead of making a grand declaration of specific things you’re going to do and be, start small – try something new! Anything new! Continue reading →

The holidays are high energy and multifaceted. On one hand there is youthful pleasure over the first snow, beautiful decorations, and a general air of happiness and generosity.  And on the other hand there is the stress over endless to do lists and the inevitable spike in blood pressure while trying to find a parking spot at the over crowded shopping malls. Continue reading →

Chicken, Steak, Soy, Black beans, Supplement Shakes – major staples for every diet… and as every nutritionist knows its all about the protein!

Protein is made of amino acids. Amino acids are produced naturally in the body and additional quantities come from our foods. A poor diet without the proper balance of protein leaves hair and nails weak – hair itself is made up of 90% protein! Eating more protein will make your hair and nails grow shinier and stronger but the harsh elements of daily life will damage even the healthiest hair. Heat styling, chemical treatments, and rough handling all damage the hair. Many of us are not lucky (or well balanced enough) to start off with the healthiest, most-protein-enriched hair to start with – before acts of life take their toll on the distraught hair shaft.

Continue reading →