Fro No More: Opinions On Miami’s Summer Hair

July 10, 2008 2:10 PM
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[Article Written By Sandra Hurtado]

Everyone knows that summer in Miami is a bad time for hair. The sun, humidity, and heat create a bad combination forcing those who seek their rendition of perfect hair to reach for the hair dryer and flat iron, when they should really be doing the opposite.

The general consensus of the featured salons in this article is that the current hair trends are women chopping their hair off and going shorter (think Victoria Beckham and Katie Holmes) and men can’t seem to get over the Mohawk. All also agree that summer is a time to give the heat processes a rest and instead embrace free-flowing tresses that are clean of gunky product. For those that absolutely hate their curls or waves, it’s time to throw down the big bucks and go for a keratin treatment.

Contesta Rock Hair
417 Espanola Way
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 672-5434

Contesta Rock Hair has been servicing Miamians with ultra trendy hair for nine years at its Espanola Way location. The salon separates itself from any ordinary salon by offering extras like their vintage t-shirt line and music records, as well as original artwork by local artists displayed on the walls. The artwork is swapped out every two months or so and replaced by works from a new artist. This one-of-a-kind place is not a Miami invention; Italy was its birthplace, where there are three locations and a Contesta store in Rome, five in Florence, and most recently the project was taken to Shanghai where there are now two salons.

As for Contesta’s top stylist, Mario Sylvestri, his take on summer hair is that flat ironed straight (and the crunchy gel-haired “Chonga” look) is out, but instead a natural tousled look, styled with elixirs or creams, is in. He recommends using products with very little alcohol like Biologe Defining Elixir or Matrix Curl.life Contouring Milk.

Shampology
180 NE 39th St # 216
Miami, FL 33137
(305) 576-1530

This one-year-old salon is comprised of two stylists and one assistant. Located in the trendy Design District, the concept of Shampology is customization and catering to the individual. Along with the customization philosophy, the salon also offers custom ordering of any products that a client might want that are not offered inside the salon.

Owner Danny Dillon is known for his precision in haircutting and the ability to achieve a long lasting cut—because of the technique of cutting with the hair growth and not against it. His opinion on what’s in for the summer is asymmetrical hair cuts, and for men a faded Mohawk that he likes to call a “fawk”. Dillion also recommends a natural keratin complex hair treatment, but advises against any that require the use of a mask. He insists that “it’s not about trends, it’s about what works perfect on you, and what works with your face shape.”

Headliners
3811 Grand Ave
Miami, FL 33133
(305) 448-2258

Located in Coconut Grove, this shop is a place for men to receive top-of-the-line edge-ups and fades by master (and sometimes guest) barbers. For many, no matter what racial or social background, this standout barbershop is the only place to go for a cut including high profile clients like some of the Miami Heat players.

Barber Tony Green says that men shouldn’t get shape-ups without a haircut, and that designs on the younger kids are always a bad idea. Instead, slim extended sideburns that reach just until under the ear along with a low haircut, and “frohawks” seem to be the current trend for the fellows.

Rik Rak Salon
1428 Brickell Avenue
Miami, Florida 33131
(305) 371-5577

Rik Rak not only offers hair and spa services, but also doubles as a boutique and houses Café Joley inside for those who want to eat crème brûlée while getting their hair done. The salon prides itself in having stylists from countries around the world that speak a variety of different languages.

Hairstylist and makeup artist Gustavo Berroeta suggests embracing curls because of the humidity, but recommends using just gloss or wax to tame locks instead of gel or moose. For men, he recommends going shorter but playing up the length left on top with wax when not at the office.

Hairdragon Salon
130 NE 40th St
Miami, Florida 33137
305-572-0875

Hairdragon Salon is located in the Design District and is a full service salon with an Asian theme. The focus is more on service and working with the philosophy of keeping things modern and fresh. Every Monday the salon has 30 percent discount on services, and the second Saturday of every month, while the District’s monthly gallery walk takes place, Hairdragon has different specials as well.

Drako Romaniuk is the owner and top stylist at Hairdragon. He says that natural shades and very little highlights are in this summer, but most importantly, people should be able to style whatever cut they receive themselves at home.