There really is only one word to describe Loft stylist Kelsie Martin – Awesome.

Kelsie has a genuine style of her own and with that shines her natural ability to help others with theirs. She attended Red Deer based MC College for hair styling up until August last year when she joined the Loft team to complete her apprenticeship. Kelsie says at school, while she enjoyed the practical aspects of her training, the theory and academic subjects were her strength, which gives her an absolutely rock solid foundation when it comes to working with different hair types and clients. In fact, and something only a true nerd at heart would admit to, she received the academic award for her graduating class.

As part of her apprenticeship Kelsie has to complete 1,400 hours in the salon. With close to half that already under her belt and the skill and talent she shows it is hard to believe she hasn’t been at it for years.

Recognizing hair design as an art form is not just something she learned in class, or practices at work it is something she applies to her own life. Her fresh and funky style doesn’t even compare to creative expression she takes during Halloween. “Oh I go all out on Halloween,” she says. “It takes me over 12 hours getting everyone ready including myself… I’m hardcore.” This year she sported two costumes over the two-day extravaganza – a zombie doll and a cosmic warrior. You know she loves the creative expression the holiday allows when she says she would give up Christmas to have Halloween every month.

It isn’t surprising then that Kelsie says she likes to be abstract when it comes to hairstyling. “Imagination is the most magical thing in the world… it is unbelievable,” she says. Costumes, makeup and updos, which can be a challenge, excite her and as a natural talent in this field she jokingly calls it “hair Tetris”.

The 21-year-old grew up here in Canmore with two brothers. She says as a result she was a bit of a tomboy until the age of 16, which is often a
turning point for us all. Before that she had never been to a hair salon or realized hair could be as much of a creative outlet for an individual’s sense of style as it clearly is. Knowing she was interested in pursuing a career in hair styling and attending college came from her experience working at Elli’s Hair Salon before she attended college.

“It is important to get into a solon before deciding to get into school,” she says. “It is amazing to be able to create everyday and inspire people… it is very rewarding.”

Authored by Tanya Foubert

You can follow Tanya on Twitter

Give Kelsie a shot at improving or updating your ‘look’. Kelsie’s client’s currently get 30% off until the completion of her apprenticeship hours.

Ah winter.

The beautiful majestic scenes of our mountains covered in snowy white goodness are a thing to appreciate, especially the winter sports enthusiasts among us. But the cold months and shorter days are not always the best for the tresses. The monotony of winter can give even the most stylish fashionista the hairstyle blues particularly if you tire easily from wearing a toque every day. Don’t despair because that hair will soon be banished with spring on the horizon, or what we consider to be spring here in Canmore.

The ‘official’ lead up to spring and spring fashion trends, including hair, is Fashion Week in New York. While you may be saying ‘what on earth has Fashion Week got to do with my hairstyle here in the Bow Valley’, a new look can provide the sense of renewal that spring is really all about.

First up are the bohemian and tussled looks. This year the trend is leaning towards unassuming beach waves or a messy au natural look. Flowing wispy waves are fun even if you didn’t just step off a tropical beach and they just so happen to fit under that pesky toque if need be.

Not the expert at adding that ultra volume/messy waves to your hair? Well you don’t have to be. The Loft offers a wash & set or a wash & style ($25 and $40) to get your locks perfect just because or for a special occasion.

An easy-going twisted bun, low at the bottom of your head has also made a few runway appearances. And never forget the trusted ponytail. A standard for any gal with long locks the power of the pony lies in its versatility. Try keeping it low at the back of your neck for a similar beatnik style as the twisted bun.

Another great way to change it up is adding some bang to your buck. Blunt bangs are all the rage along with super sleek and shiny hair. Getting bangs is easy as part of a haircut but the best way to add sleek and shine is The Loft’s express blowout. This keratin therapy by Coppola eliminates 95 per cent of frizz and curl while adding instant shine and silkiness for six to eight weeks.

Short hairstyles on the runways of the Big Apple include the punky look with lots of attitude along with the extreme side part. We’re guessing by extreme they mean a little bit more to the left/right than you would normally go for.
Any way you cut it or style it, whether a new look for spring, or sticking with the look you love best The Loft Hair Studio can help you make it happen.

Authored by Tanya Foubert

You can follow Tanya on Twitter

There is something very special about Loft stylist Sheena Thomas. While of course we absolutely adore her, if you haven’t yet had the chance to sit in
her chair and have her do your hair you should definitely consider it. After 18 years of styling Sheena remains passionate about her craft and she knows the difference a good hairdo can make in a person’s life. And it truly is a person’s life and story that she connects with.

“I love hearing a person’s story while doing their hair,” she says. “You have to get to know them and that is why I think I have been successful.”

With The Loft for nearly ten months, Sheena has been a Canmore resident for three years along with her husband. After getting married in Banff five years ago she fell in love with the area and everything it has to offer. Originally from Lethbridge, soon after making the community her home she also moved her mom and dad here. With two siblings in Calgary she is enjoying
reconnecting with her whole family as a result of being here.

Making connections with people, she says, is an important part of her life and work. Hairstyling is a profession where Sheena has noticed she is constantly meeting new people and every situation, person and head of hair is different.
She says while she can definitely work within a client’s expectations and boundaries there is nothing more freeing for her creative side than a client sitting in her chair and giving her carte blanche.

“I truly love it when someone says ‘just do whatever’ because the creative part of me can take over.”

A person’s hairstyle is part of their identity; it is part of who they are. By connecting with the person in her chair at the salon she says she is able to get down to how they truly want to represent themselves.

But it is wedding hair and up dos that are her passion on the job.
Some might not like the pressure of dealing with what many consider the most important day in their life but for Sheena it is an opportunity to shine.
She uses her artistic vision to help make someone’s special occasion that much morespecial with her grace and skill.

Like we said, you should really have seat in her chair… you’ll see what we mean.

Authored by Tanya Foubert

Follow Tanya on Twitter

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2010 holiday season hours

Regular hours until December 23rd

closed – Christmas Eve

closed – Christmas Day

closed – Boxing Day

closed – Monday, December 27th

*9 am to 5 pm – Tuesday, December 28th

*9 am to 5 pm – Wednesday, December 29th

*9 am to 5 pm – Thursday, December 30th

*9 am to 5 pm – New Years Eve

closed – New Years Day

closed – Sunday, January 2nd

Regular hours resume on Monday, January 3rd, 2011!

*boxing week special! 40% off all products and services. Book today or drop by to stock up on product for 2011! 403-609-9904

TweetLeave the fussing in our hands & let us create your festive look. Book your “sparkle” appointment now and receive a festive hair style/updo & make-up for $69 (reg. $110)* or create your own sparkling look with these hot tools… flat irons, curling irons & blow dryers are 30%off. Visit our Facebook Page to view pics of some of the “sparkle” we have created this holiday season.

Both offers expire on Dec.24.2010

Call today to book 403.609.9904

A few months ago a new treatment was taking the salon world by storm. The treatment would smooth out frizz and curls for up to 3 months and salon goers were ecstatic about this new alternative to chemically straightening the hair.

At The Loft, we were watching and waiting to see which of the many competing products would lead the way in quality before adding it as a service to our clients. Little did we know there was a controversy brewing over the dangerously high levels of formaldehyde and other “hydes” in the products and the health risks associated with them. Reports started appearing on morning news shows and investigative reporting shows like “Dateline” about the risks and and dangers of using the products. Our attention then shifted from finding the best quality product to finding the best quality product that would be safe for us and our clients.

With lots of research and consultations with our suppliers, we have decided to introduce Keratin Complex by Coppola. We have tested the treatment on a few of our clients with great results and we are now awaiting a final training session before we will offer it to the public.

The company has issued a statement following this controversy to assure their clients that they have formulated a safe product that follows health & safety standards.  Keratin Complex Statement

Keratin Complex offers two options for you; an Express Blowout which last up to 8 weeks and is reasonably priced at $150 or the full smoothing treatment which can last up to 5 months. visit the Keratin Complex website for more info.

We will be adding a page dedicated to this service on our website soon that will provide lots of information and resources about this great treatment along with pics of the results our clients are getting from this treatment! Feel free to contact us if you require more info about this topic at 403.609.9904

Sorry for the inconvenience. We’re building out our website right now. We expect to be including a lot of useful information about hair care in the near future. We’ll also be publishing pictures of hairstyles and our stylists’ portfolio shots…
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