World Cup Soccer Hair

Posted by Melissa Colabella

The 2010 World Cup is coming to an end, and in case you lost interest due to the USA's recent defeat, here is another reason to stay tuned. Soccer hair!

In soccer, there will always be crew cuts, fades, mullets, braids, faux-hawks and afro's but certain players have taken a modern twist on old-school do's, dejecting distasteful stereotypes and starting new trends in men's hair styling. However, before you run to your stylist for the latest coif, keep in mind that not everyone can pull off a textured mullet like body-fat deficient Portuguese playboy Cristiano Ronoldo.

Legendary trend-setter David Beckham had to sit out this time around but must be mentioned for his influential styles. Although fans booed him during the US vs. England game, one cannot deny that he is very very stylish.

Each country's style reflected their culture with the US remaining more conservative than the rest. Our players performed well in their cropped styles and classic cuts.

Trending this year are bleached non-blondes with Algeria leading the trend in blonded bald fades. Most notable was Hassan Yebda and Faouzi Chaouchi.

The textured faux-hawk is still popular amongst players varied by color, length and styling. Check out Fernando Torres and David Villa. And while Fernando said goodbye to his long blonde highlights, Fabio Coentrao of Portugal  and Valon Behraim of Switzerland wear them proudly.

Outside of the hipster population, long hairstyles haven't survived as a mainstream style in the US. However, soccer athletes around the world wear their hair long, either coiffed or unkempt, causing a need for accessories a la Serbia, Greece, Argentina, Uruguay, Italy and Mexico.

Honorable mention goes to Taribo West who hasn't exactly started a trend with his multi-colored braids, but earns credit for doing so.




And lastly, while Colombia hasn't qualified for  the world cup since their devastating loss of Andres Escobar in 1994, notable mention must be made to the renowned hairstyles to both Andres and Carlos Valderama.

Comment on this post and tell us your favorites!

5,500 Year Old Shoe Found in Armenia

Posted by Melissa Colabella

The Associated Press came out with an article yesterday announcing the oldest shoe ever discovered. The shoe was found in an Armenian cave and dates as far back as between 5,387 and 5,637 years ago.
"The shoe found in what is now Armenia was found in a pit, along with a broken pot and some wild goat horns.," says science writer Randolph E Schmid.

I can't help but notice that after 5,500 years, men's shoes haven't evolved that drastically. Notice the similarity to Cole Haan's FLX Air Jasper Mid's. Come on guys, its time for a shoe revolution!

For more information, check out Oldest Leather Shoe Steps Out After 5,500 Years

Meet A Truman's Client - Erik Michielsen

Posted by Melissa Colabella

Ever wonder who you will meet at Truman's? We want to thank Truman's client and today's guest blogger, Erik Michielsen for the interview.

Please tell us about yourself. Who are you and where, how and why do you do it?

My name is Erik Michielsen and I'm 36 years old.  I'm a Brooklyn-based Internet and Media entrepreneur.  I was born in Chicago and raised in Michigan.  Since I've been young, I've always been about bringing people together to play, to learn, to work, and to serve.    

My passion is in the human story and how to improve an individual's narrative by connecting him or her to resources - people, information, finances - that can make his or her story shine brighter.  

In early 2009 I began my startup journey piecing together what would become Capture Your Flag.  There are two elements.  The first, the public facing side, is an online video interview series that spotlights up and coming leaders across industries.  The show aspires to inform and inspire its early to mid career viewers to build more fulfilling careers.  The show It does this by showcasing the formative experiences shaping interviewee career decisions and development over time.  Interviews are segmented into short pieces by question and are organized by common leadership themes as well as by industry.  Interviewees return annually to discuss new topics and revisit how previously covered ones have evolved.  The show can be seen at www.captureyourflag.com.  The second element, the private side, involves creating custom Capture Your Flag experiences for corporations, namely going internal, interviewing rising talent, and creating video interview libraries tailored to talent development, leadership training, and internal communications to help companies develop tomorrow's leaders, starting today.    

My passion for human story extends to my efforts outside my startup.  My focus is on enabling a younger "next generation" of leaders, specifically children.  I'm very involved on two fronts related to this.  The first, Kilifi Kids (www.kilifikids.org) has provided computer labs, scholarships and de-worming medication to over 30,000 children in Kilifi, Kenya.  I'm on the board of directors and am headed to Kenya this summer to kick off a mobile health project that aims to bring health care to the people and, specifically, fight off malnutrition in Kenyan children.  The end goal is to keep them healthier and in school to open their future to possibility.  I'm also involved locally with Peer Health Exchange(www.peerhealthexchange.org) which trains college volunteers to go into public high schools across the country and teach a 12-week health education course in schools that no longer offer health education. 

When I'm not building my business or engaged in philanthropic efforts, I love to run - somehow managed to complete the 2009 marathon - and am a huge foodie.  I regularly enter food cookoffs and host dinner parties.  Why?  You guessed it...the unifying element of shared experience and discovery around food, wine, and the encompassing conversation.  Please follow me at  www.twitter.com/erikmichielsen, www.twitter.com/kilifikids and www.twitter.com/captureyourflag on Twitter!  

What drew you to Truman's?

My early hair salon experiences were interesting ones.  For one, I wore a flat top in high school.  Two, I somehow had the bright idea to have laser lines, specifically a Van Halenlogo, cut into my hair.  While my laser line days are gone, the memories, oh the memories, remain.  In college, I worked at a tailor - a true haberdashery - in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  It was a true salon for conversation and offered a throwback to days where timelessness mattered, not trend.  That element is present in Trumans, where I can go and be comfortable.  Comfortable in my dress and comfortable in my choice of cut.  Medium to long length with a balance between Internet business and Brooklyn.  

As for what drew me to Truman's, it was the concept and dear friends.  New York City is a busy place, and this is good.  There are times however, where we need to find respite amidst ongoing, seemingly never ending demands.  For me, that means three things: running in parks, going to movies, and, yes, hitting Trumans.  I know that going into Truman's guarantees me a warm, casual, stress free experience where I'll be greeted by Joel, Joe or another welcome face and will catapult into the back for a Six Points beer or coffee, a hot towel, a good conversation, and a great haircut.  

On the friends front, I was able to watch my friends Joe and Hans transition into entrepreneurs first hand.  It has been special watching John, Joe, and Hans learn and develop a growing business over time.  The best part has been witnessing the team and culture shape year over year into something that remains so special.  People come in with passion, enthusiasm and commitment and, over time, they build fulfilling careers.  I'm looking forward to what comes next with Truman's, not only for its aspiring staff and clients but also for those who have yet to discover the 56th St. oasis.  

What is your favorite part of the Truman's experience?

As for favorite parts of the Truman's experience, I think it comes down to interacting with staff, exchanging smiles and stories.  No matter my mood, which is admittedly normally a smiling mood, I always leave the Truman's team feeling great and ready to make a greater lasting contribution in what I do each and every day.  

Capture Your Flag

Truman's at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic

Posted by Melissa Colabella

On May 17th, Truman's attended the Manhattan Cocktail Classic at the New York Public Library. The Manhattan Cocktail Classic, "New York City’s first ever multi-day event celebrating the history, contemporary culture, and artful craft of the cocktail. Part festival, part fête, part conference, part cocktail party, the Manhattan Cocktail Classic brings together the unparalleled talents and opportunities of the bars, bartenders, and restaurants of our great city for five days of activities, both educational and celebratory in nature, championing the common ideals of authenticity, equality, sustainability, service, and pleasure."

Covering all four floors of the library, over 130 sponsors offered up their best drinks with the attendees. Amongst the incredible concoctions to be appreciated, my favorites included Aperol's lavender infused limoncello mixer, garnished with fresh flowers and Ultimat's refreshing vodka, cucumber juice, simple syrup and fresh pepper drink. Ultimat Vodka had also created a real photo shoot. Fedoras, 1950s style cigarette holders and faux blue and purple mink stoles were available accessories as patrons posed on set with cigarette girls.

In addition to the live music, Harlequins, Oompa Loompa’s, and a brief appearance from Mario Batali, Truman's Gentleman's Groomer's set up shop on the top floor offering guests complimentary shaves, facials, manicures, massages and shoe shines.




To read more about the event, visit: Article by Socially Superlative featuring Truman's at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic

 

(Photos courtesy of Socially Superlative and photographer Eric Strauss)

Truman's Participates in the Hair For Oil Spills Program!

Posted by Melissa Colabella

Check out this video:
Watch the Matter of Trust Video on You Tube

It was reported today that oil from the Gulf Coast leak has hit the Louisiana coastline and is headed towards south Florida.

For three weeks Truman's has been collecting hair clippings and will be sending them to the Matter of Trust Organization. Once at Matter of Trust, volunteers compile loose hair and stuff it into nylon stockings which are then tied together to make "booms" that surround and contain as well as soak up oil spills. The organization has also teamed up with Ottimat to create hair and fur mats that clean up the spill with their National Fiber Recycling System.

"You shampoo your hair because hair collects oil. Hair is very efficient at gathering oil, skin oils off your face, oil pollution out of the air, water, and even petroleum oil spills. Hair is adsorbant, (as in clings to, unlike absorbant, which is to soak up). There are over 370,000 hair salons in the US and each collects about 1 pound of hair a day. Right now, most of that goes into the waste stream but it should all be made into hairmats." - Phil McCrory, inventor and stylist.

We want to thank all of the volunteers of the Matter of Trust program for orchestrating this program and we thank our clients for allowing us to assist in the cleanup through recycled hair!

Matter Of Trust.Org 

New York Mag Reports on Manorexia

Posted by Melissa Colabella

(Found in the May 10th issue of New York Mag)

"One of the side effects of metrosexuality seems to be the affliction of men with the same unrealistic body images that women have been dealing with for years. Next month, the British mannequin maker Rootstein debuts their latest male form—the “Homme Nouveau,” feminized and not so hearty, with a 35-inch chest and a 27-inch waist. Perfect for the trendiest, string-beaniest clothing, sure. But there’s evidence that the new paradigm has given rise to male anorexia.

Dimensions of Rootstein’s Male Mannequins:
THE CLASSIC: 1967, 42” chest, 33” waist
THE MUSCLEMAN: 1983, 41” chest, 31” waist
THE SWIMMER: 1994, 38” chest, 28” waist
THE ANDROGYNE (a.k.a. “Homme Nouveau”): 2010, 35” chest, 27” waist"

For the Full Article

Interview with Estella Eckard - Trumans' Massage Therapist and Skin Care Specialist

By Melissa Colabella


A number of clients have asked about what goes on in the spa area of Truman's. Whether the bewilderment is because the concept of a male spa is new and unfamiliar or because the spa industry in general is mysterious, hopefully the below conversation with one of Trumans' own resident Massage Therapists and Skin Care Specialists, Estella Eckardt will provide some clarification.

MC: Let's talk about waxing. How do you suggest a man take care of his uni-brow?
EE: I suggest waxing in that area. Wax pulls hair from the roots and keeps it looking clean the longest.

MC: How do you feel about eye-brow shaping on men?
EE: Shaping is necessary to maintain proportion. By respecting the natural shape, for example, not making the arch too high, too thin, or too pointy, we can keep it looking masculine.

MC: What do you suggest for men who refuse to wax?
EE: Tweezing the area works as well. Tweezing every other hair can make the area look cleaner without making it look too manicured. However, it's not going to take care of the tiny vellus hairs.

MC: Can you tell us more about Reflexology?
EE: Reflexology manipulates the feet and hands in order to improve circulation, ease pain and increase relaxation in the body. It's based on the theory that all body parts, organs and glands are associated with specific areas called reflex zones in the feet, hands, ears and the surface of the skin.

MC: Why would someone get a reflexology treatment?
EE: The feet are very complex. There are 107 ligaments, over 7,000 nerve endings, 19 muscles, 26 bones and 33 joints in the feet. One fourth of all of our bones are located in our feet. Reflexology is very therapeutic and calming. It also promotes overall balance.

MC: Is Reflexology a treatment in itself or is is part of a massage?
EE: Either. However I suggest trying an hour of just treating the feet.

MC: Who should get this treatment?
EE: Runners, doctors, nurses, or anyone who is on their feet all day. Conversely, if you sit all day, fluids can get trapped in the feet and toxic crystals form in the feet and legs. We can break them up through massage. Due to the position of being at the bottom of the body, the feet accumulate the greatest amount of toxins.

MC: So.... really, everyone.
EE: Yes. Everyone gets uric and lactic acid buildup. Over time this contributes to pain, mental and physical fatigue.

MC: What other kinds of bodywork do you offer?
EE: Shiatsu, deep tissue, myofascial release and cupping, just to name a few but there are several modalities.

Social Experimentation

By Melissa Colabella


Today I was reading Colin Wright’s blog  on ExileLifestyle.com, titled, “I’m A Man of Many Experiments.” It got me thinking about all of the social experiments I’ve tried in my own life- all efforts conducted and completed without the awareness that I was performing an experiment at the time. 


Like Colin, I have also gone a year without television, just to see if it were possible. It’s actually a very easy habit to break when you live in NY. I also tried going on a raw food diet just to see if I could detect physical and emotional changes in my body. This wasn’t as easy.  An experiment that I’ve tried which Colin doesn’t mention comes from Dale Carnegie’s book, “How To Win Friends and Influence People.” Try to go a week without talking about yourself in conversation with others. Now try going another week without complaining (about anything), and yet another without making an excuse. This includes blaming the train for your lateness even if it wasn’t on time! I found that it was easier to dine on raw carrots for months than complete either of these tasks. 


You might be wondering why I’m discussing social experiments on a salon blog. I’ve been thinking lately about how hair consultations with clients are similar to social experiments.  Think about how significant your hairstyle is to your image. One of the questions I ask clients is whether or not they have a “professional” job, and what the corporate culture is like.  Or, if they work for themselves, what the image of their brand is.


It’s no secret that people assume personality traits based on image. For example, I’ve seen younger men completely transform themselves for an interview thinking that the image change will be more acceptable to their future employers. As a female, I’ve noticed a difference in the way I was treated by people when I wear my hair short as opposed to long.  


The truth is that this could go many ways. Does a funky hairstyle really mean that a person is an off-beat non-conformist, or are they trying extra hard to offset their normalcy through flamboyancy? Does a cookie-cutter hairstyle mean that the person wearing it has no unique or creative ideas of their own, or is his or her methodology so unique that they feel they must keep their style tame in an effort to not appear to overly eccentric? It could be neither. 


I would like to suggest a social experiment for our readers. The next time you think about your hairstyle, think about what it is that you like about it. Does it help you fit in where you would normally feel out of place? Does it make you stand out? Does it make you feel younger, older, or more successful?  Are you a minimalist and shave it off because you can’t be bothered? What is one personality trait of yours that you would like your hairstyle to speak to?  If you have made a drastic change, have other people’s first impressions or opinions of you changed? 


Let us know. Comments are welcomed!

Reasons Not To Rush Your Cut

By Melissa Colabella

This post is for the man who wants a quality haircut and who is willing to give only 15 minutes of his time. I understand  the importance of being punctual for a business lunch, the consequence of missing a train, and the emphasis in this city to make a buck. However, a hair-cut is a handcrafted piece of art given to you by your hairstylist. 

Ok - ok! I get it. Sometimes you don’t want a piece of art, you just want a haircut. The thing is, the technique we use to cut your hair can affect the outcome of your cut - and quite possibly, not in a good way. If you have only 15 minutes of your time to give, you can make a significant difference in the appearance of your hair by getting a clean-up, that is, fixing your sideburns and neckline. Schedule a clean-up the next time you’re in a rush  and you can ensure that your leave on time and looking neater. 

Stylists always want you looking your best, since after all, you are their brand. When someone notices their client’s hair, they’re either buying it or they aren’t. Your hair may need to be textured, detailed or cut when dry in addition to when wet, all of which take time. 

After all, you wouldn’t watch a watch or a custom suit made in 15 minutes would you? You wouldn’t expect results after being in the gym for 15 minutes, right?  What about a car assembled in 15 hours?  Maybe you would. But politics aside, the car assembled in 40 hours usually looks better. It’s the same thing.