As we descend into the latter end of December, everything revolves around our holiday parties and what we'll wear or how we'll style. With the cold weather drying our hair out and making it more difficult to maintain, we inevitably look to professionals for tips on how best to conduct our locks this party season. For fun, we spoke with one stylist each from high-end New York salons who work on either end of the city, in order to gain an uptown -vs- downtown perspective.

As a "Color Icon," Beth Minardi is a fierce advocate for women, having left corporate America to become a pioneering force in the beauty business. Currently, in residence at The Samuel Shriqui Salon on NYC's Upper East Side, she was eager to share with us her essential tricks for the perfect holiday do. We also chatted with Joanna Trumino of Arrojo’s Soho location. Trumino graduated from Arrojo Cosmetology School and has worked at Arrojo for two and a half years. Given this, she has a comprehensive understanding of the modern creative philosophy behind the salon, and gave us the low down on her favorite style hacks, products, and seasonal colors.
One of our most pressing issues this time of year is what do we do when our hair dries out from the winter cold? We asked both style experts for their advice on what do for these chilly months. “I use a deep conditioner like Arrojo Whipped Treatment a couple of times a week,“ Trumino tells us. Minardi says her ‘can’t live without product’ for this time of year is her Minardi fortifying pre-wash therapy, a crème oil that keeps hair silky and shiny between salon visits. “Especially helpful over the Holidays as more parties mean more blowouts, and that leads to dry, brittle hair unless it's properly nourished.”
Both women agree that the Holidays are the time to go big and bold. “I tell my clients Holiday is not the time to go low-key, says Minardi. “Don't step it down, step it up. Be bold! Move out of your safety zone. Re-energize your look; it’s time to make a statement that turns heads. What will capture attention at Holiday parties will be brilliant, illuminated shades. Blondes will have shimmering strands of snow white or ivory intermingled with pale walnut. Reds will be dramatic, strong copper tones, even hints of crimson. Brunettes will be glamorous, shades of cappuccino or café au lait will glow around the face.”
“I also try not to wash my hair constantly. Your hair needs those natural oils to keep your hair moisturized and healthy. Washing often creates excess dryness,” says Trumino.
Getting ready on the go is tough, especially when you have that last minute holiday party. We asked the downtown resident stylist for advice on how to get ready last minute. “Curling iron or wand is always your best bet," says Trumino. "You don't even need to blow dry your hair first. A rough dry and some curls thrown in from the iron could make for a sexy, bedhead look with a purpose. To do, rough, dry hair, using hands to toss around the hair, which will help create natural texture and volume. Next, use Arrojo Protective Thickening Lotion to shield from heat damage while giving light hold and great shine. Now curl the face frame, sides and back in opposite directions with a curling wand (curling wands are easier to use than curling irons as they are clip-less, which makes them easier to maneuver); curling in opposite directions will give you your most natural-looking, shapely curl. To finish with sexy oomph, once hair is curled, spritz in some ReFINISH dry shampoo to add an instant boost of texture and volume.”
Joanna Trumino
Beth Minardi
The color expert, Minardi, has a few suggestions on go-to looks for all the holiday parties. “Our feelings about color evolve as the Holidays approach. Clothing and makeup tones signal that something new is in the air. Since hair color has become the makeup we never take off, there is always the opportunity to keep re-inventing, so I am always about finding ways to have color stay exciting, flattering and party-ready for the festive season. There is no one look that is right for everyone.” The professional advises us. “I guide my clients in maintaining both a color level and a tone that is the best fit for them. Part of my work centers around creating that perfect shade that accents an individual’s own personal palette: Skin depth and tone, eye color and natural hair color and texture, as well as personality, all provide signals that I use to keep my color clients ‘color perfect’."
“I honestly love a classic, big-haired, voluptuous blowout. Go big, or go home!” - Joanna Trumino.
Wondering what to do with your hair for the New Year? Trumino told us her perfect look for the ball drop. “Blowout! Up-dos are beautiful, but blowouts are less work for the client to worry about falling apart throughout the night.” The uptown stylist gave us the inside scoop on how to style your hair for 2018. “Take charge of your look for the new year,” Minardi says. “Be a bolder, more dynamic version of yourself; it’s time rev up the glamour quotient, don’t stick with the same old, same old. It’s your chance, to make a fresh start, to get in the game in an exciting new way. Jump start your life with a bold new look and fresh new direction in how you present yourself.”

WRITTEN BY

Amanda Jaguden