Japanese Culture in New York - Chopsticks NY

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From Black & White to Color!
His experiences within the Japanese culture made him aware of bolder and edgier colors

“I am a triathlete and spend many hours training for the three disciplines:
swimming, biking and running.”

For 25 years, Louis Licari has been perfecting the art of coloring hair, and today, he is one of the world’s foremost experts. At his salons at Takashimaya New York on 5th Avenue, and in Beverly Hills, California, he has worked with hair of virtually every color and texture, while building a loyal clientele including many Hollywood celebrities, who rely on him to provide the finest in hair color and hair care.

Have you ever been to Japan? If so, what did you think about it?
Yes, I’ve been to Japan many times. I am fascinated that so many people wear the most current trends in hair coloring and styling.

Have you ever worked with any Japanese people?
Yes, I have given many color seminars for Takara Belmont Co*. in Tokyo. I have also prepared many people for television commercials that aired exclusively in Japan.

What do you think of Japan or Japanese hair stylists in terms of the beauty industry?
I appreciate the respect given to a Japanese hairdresser. The Japanese have achieved a level of professionalism that I greatly admire.

What are your most luxurious treatment at your salon, “Japanese Relaxer”?
Japanese Relaxer is an ideal relaxer for hair that is extremely curly. Make hair completely straight. Takes out all curl and maintenance is about twice a year. It is a gentle relaxer with the least amount of change to natural texture of hair. $700 and up.

What are your tips for hair coloring?
On his blog called “Hair and There” http://louislicari.ivillage.com/beauty/ he reveals the following tips – Tricks of the trade – for hair coloring.

Licari’s Ionic Color Preservation System™ was developed specifically for his clients, to help prevent color from fading and to maintain lustrous, healthy hair. This is the FIRST and ONLY hair product line specifically formulated with Ionic Color Sealant™, a unique blend of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Louis Licari’s Choice
Favorite Japanese Restaurant: Nobu
Where he feels “Japan”: Takashimaya New York
– where he also has his salon

The biggest advantage of a salon visit is the colorist, the colorist eye and expertise, and the tricks of the trade. Since they still haven’t figured out how to fit a colorist in an “at home” coloring box, I can’t give you the color eye or expertise, but I can tell you the tricks of the trade. The tricks of the trade (TOT) make the difference between looking like a “home job” and “wow, you look great!”

1. Highlight your hair twice with each touch up. This is what we do at the salon. The first round of highlights is for general placement. The second round of highlights customizes the color to you. Place the highlights only where you need them on the second go around. This is usually when you add a few extra strands around your face. You don’t need to buy two highlighting kits. Mix three quarters of the formula for the first round and the first quarter for the second round.

2. Buy two different hair colors. They should be similar in shade with one color a bit lighter. Use the lighter color on the first quarter inch around your hairline and the darker color on the rest of your hair. This will mimic natural-looking hair color and give extra brightness around your face. People with a grey hairline do not have to use two different colors. The color will automatically take lighter on the grey hair.

3. Always pick a shade lighter than your natural hair color. This will not lighten your hair. Semi permanent colors have no lighting power. The lighter shade will keep your hair color bright, enhance your natural nuances of color, and turn your first grey hairs into highlights.

Do you use any technique or style that is inspired by Japanese culture?
My frequent trips to Japan have made me aware of the many color options available for people with dark hair. I have become a bolder hair colorist because of this. I think my work is now a bit edgier.

When is the best time to start coloring your hair?
He also says in his blog, “I am always talking about how hair color can make you look prettier, brighter, and younger. I have called hair color the makeup that doesn’t wash off and the quick fix that works. I absolutely believe in hair color from the bottom of my heart. Today, however, I want to talk about that moment when hair color changes from an option to an absolute essential. That defining moment usually happens when looking in a mirror and combing your hair or putting on lipstick. You might be thinking how lucky you are to have such great hair or how much you like your new haircut. Then in a certain shimmer of light you see it — a strand of grey hair. At first you think it must be the way the light is reflecting on your hair, but on closer inspection you realize the horrible truth: You have your first grey hair. This is usually followed by an obscenity and then a quick grab for the tweezers. I think the rationale is “if I pull it out it never existed.” On closer inspection there are usually a few more strands of grey than you first noticed. This is the unforgettable moment when your lifetime battle against grey hair begins. This is the time to surrender to the world of hair color – May 1, 2007”

*Takara Belmont –
http://www.takara-net.com/english/index.html

Louis Licari Salon
693 Fifth Ave., NYC at Takashimaya New York
http://www.louislicari.com/