EDITORIAL

5/15/2009 4:02:38 PM

Ok Guys let me give it to you straight... - Richard Calcasola

not long ago I read a billboard that said, “Women love to run their fingers through your hair, but not when it’s on your back.” That sums it up as far as men’s grooming and just good hygiene. This is the time of year when we are at the beach wearing shorts, shirts off, and barefoot, so it makes sense that we should pay attention to all of the above.

Lets start with your feet... your feet work hard and need some pampering too. They carry your (frequently) overweight body all day long; so a little TLC may be very appropriate and necessary. I can’t believe how may guys have never experienced a pedicure. Men, take it from me, you don’t know what you’re missing; first of all, your dried calluses and scratchy toenails will be a thing of the past. Because I deal with women all day long I know it’s a sore subject for them. A pedicure takes anywhere from a half hour to an hour, you will not believe how relaxing the service can be. You’ll want to dance all night, and that’s another thing…try dancing.

Next, lets talk about unwanted hair. During the summer we perspire from work, exercise, and just plain hot weather. Unwanted hair, flat out, just doesn’t smell good or feel good. Hair removal is no big deal. Without going through long and arduous lazar hair removal sessions; ask your wife, girlfriend, or favorite female where she goes for waxing. You can have your back waxed (yes, ouch!) your arms, under arms, chest (ouch! ouch!). You no longer have to look like you’re wearing a crew-neck sweater at the beach. You will be amazed how much cooler you’ll look and feel. All those ripped up bodies that you see on TV and in magazines, have very little hair. It’s cleaner, looks better and is much more appealing. Don’t forget your ears and nose. As for your private areas, you can figure that out for yourself. Simple grooming is all it takes.

Moving on… let’s talk about your hands, especially the men that are doing manual labor; their hands are cut up, callused, and rough. Fingernails should always be trimmed and cleaned no matter what kind of work you do; mechanics, landscapers, carpenters, construction workers, etc. you get the point! Women and children, do not like to be touched by hands that feel like concrete. A simple manicure on a regular basis provided by a professional is yet another thing women have known the benefits of long before us. Don’t forget to remove the hair on your fingers.

Not long ago, I had a first time appointment with a new dentist, and just as he was about to put his hands near my mouth, it felt like King Kong was doing the examination. I tactfully was able to tell him to consider the removal of any unnecessary hair on his hands and fingers, and get regular manicures. Most professionals, especially doctors already know that. By the way, he happens to be an excellent dentist.

Moving right along, lets try to talk about the hair on your head. A great haircut is critical to your image and the way people perceive you. The very basics of clean, shiny hair are a no brainer. Choosing the best style takes some professional input. Whether you go to a barber or a hairstylist it’s important to work with what you have. Some guys are blessed with a fabulous head of hair; curly, wavy, or straight… of course they have the most options. If you are anything like myself, there are very few choices; under no circumstances is a comb- over ever appropriate or flattering! The answer to the recession is not the comb over. Close cropped hair or even a shaven head is a better option than the comb-over or spray paint.

Men today have great options. It can go from the gentlemanly look of George Clooney; neatly groomed, cut around the ears- with a side part and some temple grey exposed. As far as his buddy, our new Long Island neighbor, Brad, who can wear just about any style he wants; long, and below his shoulders, to crew-cut length, and always looks good. Choose what’s right for you and your lifestyle.

By the way… wrestlers, cage fighters, boxers, and other tough guys have learned the sex appeal of good hairless grooming.


PS. Ladies, now is the perfect time as we head towards Father’s Day to introduce the men in your life to better grooming habits. A simple gift certificate to your favorite salon, spa, or grooming professional is the perfect introduction to get him into all the things you complain about when you’re out with the girls.

3/4/2009 12:52:30 PM

AAHHH, SPAAHHH… - Richard Calcasola

Sun… Fun… Spring… Flowers… and You! Doesn’t that sound good? Can you imagine how that feels? A breath of fresh air. Finally, a departure from the gloom and doom of the winter economy, and life style changes.

Spring fashion, beauty events, and trendsetters have been talking about the gray mood; gray fabrics, gray interior designs that were safe and conservative. They were not talking about gray hair! Hair color in all kinds of beautiful hues can pick up your mood and wardrobe and provide a fabulous, feel good energy. Hair colorists are dyeing to lift your spirits and make you feel new and vibrant. Your hair color choices should be dictated by your lifestyle, complexion, and eye color, which in turn help make the right color choices in your wardrobe. Sometimes the simplicity of a few highlights strategically placed can do just what you need without going all the way.
“Breaking-the-base” is a wonderful technique that extends the time between services of hair color and is just enough to lighten your overall look.

There’s no such thing as great hair color without a stunning hairstyle. You can’t have one without the other. No matter whether you wear it short, medium, long, straight, wavy, or curly, cut n color go together.
There are wonderful choices in all of the above categories. Sexy long hair that has details in the new bangs, wavy Hollywood hair that’s chin length to shoulder, straight hair, short and sexy, think Victoria Beckham, daring and trendy…it’s all good

Obviously hair that’s exposed to sunny warm weather requires a little maintenance. Too much sun can play havoc with your skin and hair. It’s very important and critical to protect both. All of us have had at least one teenage catastrophe of too much sun resulting in bright red peeling skin similar to the Goldmember character in the Austin Powers movie who’s skin just peeled away. I have endured those expereriences with both my daughters. So, begin at the skin. Visit your favorite spa for an analysis and a prescription for the best skin care protection.

DRAG YOUR GUY WITH YOU!

The same caution applies to your hair. Every salon professional will shampoo, condition or treat your hair accordingly or make the appropriate suggestions to avoid dry, frizzy split ends. Salon professionals have a responsibility to help put a healthy regime in place for you to follow at home. Prevention is much less expensive than correction, in both money and time, let alone the angst that comes with damaged or stressed out hair.

For some, all of the above might be considered an indulgent luxury, for most it’s good hygiene and appearance. If you have a job, it’s generally required to look your best. If you don’t have a job it’s important to look your best so you can hopefully find one. And whether you have a job or not, and its not a real concern, then you just have to feel good and look good.

To that end, have fun, look your best and remember, change will keep you current. Ask your professionals for suggestions then mutually agree to the change and embrace it. Reserve some time for yourself by starting the season with a bang, no pun intended!
PUT SPIRIT IN YOUR HAIR!

12/29/2008 2:49:14 PM

NEW YEAR / NEW BRIDE - Richard Calcasola

When you stop to think about it there are lots of common denominators when thinking New Year and getting married. We enjoy romantic thoughts and wishes for both.

Starting with an ambitious New Year and a fabulous honeymoon, she’s dreaming love, he’s thinking how much? Prudent balance for 2009. Romantic, fun and sexy ideas don’t have to kill your budget. A little creative naughtiness can be the perfect solution. Some brides have taken very personal photos on the big day, not to be included in the family albums, just for his eyes only. Wow, that can set up the mood for the entire honeymoon. An idea like that can take his mind off what was just spent on the wedding and realize a honeymoon should be a once-in-a-lifetime event. Good Luck!

It’s no secret that ’09 will come with some concerns. Where to cut spending, setting budgets and what will not be sacrificed. It’s no longer indulgent to maintain your looks or to spa. It’s necessary grooming and wellness. Maintaining your professional appearance (if you still have a job) or maintaining so you can find one, must be a priority. As important, is your need to feel good as well as look good.

This maybe the year to think out of box and try a new look. Go online and see some of the fab celeb makeovers, not to imitate but to get some ideas. Of course, your favorite stylist should be able to make some well-suited suggestions you can’t imagine how energizing and exciting it can be.

I always remember the lawyer who was wearing the dreaded comb over coming into the salon and getting coaxed into a new style that is much better suited for a lawyer. The comb over is deceptive, not very good for attorneys. A new style will set him free from self-conscience anxiety. Instead, he walked in the courtroom feeling so positive, so good, he knew he couldn’t lose and he didn’t.

Back to this year’s bride, it’s ironic how so many future wives want to be “different” on the big day, but still look the same. It’s impossible to look like you do everyday when wearing a wedding gown. Your hair and make up must be camera ready; this is your day to look radiant in your own way. After all, this is possibly the most important day of your life.

So, is this a metaphor for the beginning of the New Year? Possibly. Think different in ’09, it’s fine. Now you have a partner that shares in your plans. Please yourself so that you can please each other. It can be as simple as a change of polish and lipstick or removing a goatee, his of course!

Congratulations. Pop the cork and best wishes for the New Year.

Let me hear from you with new ideas for ’09.

12/8/2008 3:20:03 PM

It's a New Year, Time for a New You? - Long Island Pulse Magazine

Top it Off
A new look includes a new hairstyle. Richard Calcasola, owner of Maximus Spa and Salon says that what’s hot now is your personal style, and not necessarily a trend. Although shorter hairstyles with interesting cuts seem to be the rage (no doubt influenced by Victoria Beckham), the style to have is what looks best on you, whether it’s long or short, curly or straight. “There is a clear departure away from the Bob. Fringe bangs are very popular, swept left to right or right to left, and below the eyebrows.” Color is still very much in, and it doesn’t have to be just one color. The popular technique is color zoning, where color is applied to a section of hair in a block of color. “There shouldn’t be any stripes,” Calcasola said. He also recommends a Brazilian Keratin Treatment (BKT) that is terrific for altering coarse texture and creating silky smoothness. “It’s probably the most exciting treatment to come along in the last 10 to 15 years. Call 516.222.8880 or visit maximusspasalon.com.

12/5/2008 3:04:50 PM

“The Best Gift of All” - Richard Calcasola

The idea of fashion as a means of escaping just isn’t working, too expensive! What will? Well, not that I’m bias but…a little distressing, relaxing, chillin’, quiet, pampering, rejuvenating, beautification and results-oriented treatments maybe just the right thing. With all the gloom and doom in the air I suggest a visit to a place that will serve as a safe haven with optimistic oxygen. No need to feel guilty it’s as much about healthy energy being rebooted as it is pampering. Who doesn’t need a little TLC?


This season the affordable, luxurious spa gift is one of the most anticipated. Beautifully wrapped, accompanied with a personal note from you can be the best gift of all. Whether a loved one or friend the recipient can choose from many customized services. Choices from signature spa services like the “Water Journey” at Maximus. It includes a body scrub, relaxing soak in a hydrotherapy tub followed by an invigorating cascade waterfall and ending with a full body massage. Certainly a best bet.


Give her choices from manicures, pedicures, facials, body treatments, hair and make up just to mention a few. Check out the day spas near you for their menu of services and packages. Oh! Did I forget about him? Most spas will have services and treatments that cater to men. Guys are very into treatments that women have experienced for years. The guys are beginning to catch up and I don’t only mean metrosexuals, (men that appreciate a deep tissue massage, a foot service etc are the neo-sexual). Most important this holiday season is to find a way to make yourself and others feel good. An experience at the spa will be appreciated and never forget. Now I’ll leave your imagination to run wild. How does a duet massage sound? Forgotten.


Spoil each other. Happy Holidays. Put spirit in your hair.

10/8/2008 5:18:32 PM

Take A Deep Breath, Re-Energize & Get Ready... - Richard Calcasola

So hopefully by now, the kids have been groomed, all set, and are off to school. Now maybe you can finally take a deep breath, re-energize and begin to get ready for the up and coming holidays. (Just a little more stress added to your everyday challenges). How do we get ready…?
First, you need to take care of yourself. You need to be calm, clear, collected, feet planted, with a strategy.
Step #1:
Make some appointments for yourself. Whether it’s for an hour or a day, spa services work wonders for rejuvenation (a couple of cans of Red Bull just won’t do it!). The quiet surroundings of a spa will help, if you can manage to separate yourself from your cell phone (some will have to have them surgically removed). You will be amazed at how well the world continues while you are disconnected. (Remember: cell phones are taboo in spas). Check with your favorite spa for special offers on services and packages to help with the stress of budget. Early in the week appointments can often save some dollars. Frequently, spas like to bundle services to fill in appointments as a way to provide special pricing. Check with your favorite spa to see if they are participating in Spa Week
(October 13-19th.), generally the best opportunity to save money for that much needed Deep Treatment Facial (to get your skin back in shape from the hot summer sun), a relaxing Massage, or indulgent Spa Manicures and Pedicures at incredibly reduced prices!

With all that being said, a healthy life style includes healthy spending patterns. For example, you may not want to spend $1500 on this years “hot bag” that is much lighter in weight than usual since there’s less money to carry. You may not be spending that same $1500 for a great party dress but decide to get more creative. A great pair of jeans and a fabulous white shirt will get you through almost anything, providing you have decided to go beyond the seasonal changes with a great new look.

For roughly $200 and some courage, a great new haircut with new color can carry you through the entire year. The best investment ever when you consider you will be wearing it every single day. New hair color, new hairstyle, and a new lipstick will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Speaking of your health, how much stress is alleviated with less bad hair days? The exhilaration of a sexy youthful look will change your posture, your attitude, and your presence. How healthy is that?

To be a bit more specific as to the trends that we are seeing on the runways, it’s all about looking confident and comfortable. “Second day sexy hair” that is touchable and believable is always more flattering than contrived fixed hair that doesn’t move, sometimes held down by industrial hair spray.
With political history in the making, keep an eye out for the piled up hairdo that provides height and a sense of “I-do-it-myself-hair”. Long hair devotees will love the trendy-ness of high hair (vintage Bridget Bardot), and textured ponytails. The over the eyebrow fringe is beginning to really catch on with salons offering free bang trims in between their regular cutting appointments.

In summation, just like in politics, transition takes time to comprehend (it’s certainly a process). Take small steps if necessary to catch up to trends. As Louis Martino of Maximus says, “Make amends with split ends.”

8/20/2008 6:24:55 PM

Distinction Magazine August Cover - Distinction Magazine

We had fun photographing this month's cover and contents page. Special thanks to Richard Calcasola, owner of Maximus Spa Salons in Westbury and Merrick (www.maximusspasalon.com), and his talented crew, hairstylist Janene Palma and makeup artist Jennine Pierse Erdogan. Our model, Viktoria, from Hampton Models, was beautiful; they made her even more so.

8/14/2008 3:31:15 PM

LIE Masquerade Ball -

The Long Island Elite charity masquerade ball themed the “Gods and Goddesses”, was a tremendous success. Maximus donated their time to the guests makeup and hair. The LIE'smission is to help raise awareness and funds for local not-for-profit organizations and other agencies in need.

7/11/2008 12:55:13 PM

“From Ordinary to Extraordinary, Emerging Beauty” - Richard Calcasola

Those falling leaves that come with autumn, serve as enormous inspiration for fashion
and beauty. Magnificent colors that pile on each other rendering a singular color story. Close your eyes right now and take a mental snapshot of the colors you’re seeing. Actually, you are imagining a million hues that conflict and are individually incompatible but in some crazy way work together. Nature never apologizes for the “mix.”

In the last 10 years or so, with the exception of the neo-bob, hair color is the buzz. From high contrasting to subtle blends, colors are strategically placed with mathematical precision. Whether your hair is long, short, wavy or straight the color must be a reflection of your hipness. Is there such a word?
After the glorious feel of the sun, ocean breezes, refreshing swims, comes the time to repair, refresh, reenergize, renew, revitalize, and return to beautiful, healthy hair. So, begin with an intense personalized, professional treatment that starts the process. Process? Yes, next is an “adjustment” of length, in other words, in a less friendly vernacular, a good haircut. Changing seasons always make for a great opportunity to encourage a “style adjustment,” similar to a good haircut but not the same old.

Reversing the weight, I don’t mean from 150 lbs to 115 lbs, although not a bad idea, I mean shifting the volume, also known as weight, to the nape of your head. The bob rage put the focus to the forward length below the chin toward the face. Now there may be a reversal of that trend placing your eye at the back and away from your face. Moving the direction away from the face works well for oval to round face shapes revealing your gorgeous skin and beautiful eyes. Starting a trend is always more fun than following one.

With all that being said, take cues from the 80’s but be sure it’s adjusted to look today. Be very careful not to look like you’re locked into a 25-year-old trend. In other words, if you wore it then it may not be a good idea to repeat.

All in all there are some simple guidelines:
• Hair must be shiny and silky
• Hair must be touchable
• Hair must be sexy
• Hair must fit into your lifestyle
• Hair must be exquisitely cut to perfection for easy day to day care
• Hair must have rich, amazing color
• Hair must be an extension of who you are or want to be

Obviously I can go on and on after all, I’m a hair person.
Some final thoughts… be careful not to let a dated hairstyle define you, remember your sense of style doesn’t stop at the shoulders. Make your salon appointment now and I don’t necessarily mean for that back-to-school kid of yours. That could be another column altogether.
With hair relaxing on the tip of everyone’s tongue… yes, I would let both my daughters try it. It can be a life altering experience for teenage girls. They dream to have hair they can run their fingers through and doesn’t take an hour every morning to blow dry and flat iron.
By the way, that goes for you too.
That’s it… I’m exhausted.


PS (Be sure to have fun, change is good. It can keep relationships interesting)

7/1/2008 3:42:55 PM

Summer Looks for Summer Locks - Richard Calcasola

I’m happy to report that this summer promises to be one of the most fun, healthy, sexy hair seasons ever! Why is this summer any different? Great new haircuts, great new treatments, fabulous new technology that minimizes all the crazy, unmanageable, insane textures that come with the ocean breeze.

It all started last fall/winter with the neo-bob trend. You have so many options with all those new variations of the cut, along with treatments that can relax and tranquilize the unmanageable character in your hair’s DNA. Women can feel confident that there’s hope in having manageable good looks without all the work. In spite of all the trepidation that comes with a new hairstyle, women have begun to take little risks in “releasing some hair.” Releasing? Just a gentle way of saying cut your hair. This momentum has lead the way to newer looks above the chin but below the ear. It has fueled the next step in hair trends that are sexy, touchable and easy. Almost, and I repeat, almost, wash and wear.

The look begins with an expert haircut. Try to find a stylist that understands your uniqueness and life style. Whether your hair is easy to manage or difficult becomes a no brainer when you add fantastic hair color and the latest semi -permanent relaxers. Relaxers will get you through the entire summer without the summertime blues. By now, it’s understood that there is no such thing as a great haircut without great color on glossy quality hair. Keep in mind the relaxers provide options; you can still wear it with texture or curl whenever you want.

If you kept your New Year’s resolution you should be looking your best, feeling your best and ready for the best summer in spite of everything we are reading in the papers, politics, the economy, housing market etc. Those things are pretty much out of our control. The things you can control are how you look and feel. Your favorite professional is in a position to help you with all these exciting ideas.

As for the professionals, we are very inspired by the opportunities. The long, laborious, straight blowouts that have been so popular in the last few years are beginning to give way to more individuality and less copycat hair. We are very excited to exercise our expertise in all the things we study regarding technique, chemistry and personalized style.

Along with a good consultation, that includes pictures to communicate with, not to duplicate, a little trust and some creative license…you can look great, in and out of the water. Have some fun; the commitment is not very long term but your commitment to change, fun and a renewed sex appeal should be forever. After all, it’s a hairstyle not a tattoo! Have a blast don’t forget all the protection this summer and I don’t only mean sun. Uhhh, hair too!

8/17/2007 3:48:37 PM

Think Blonde. -
Intercoiffure America/Canada new collection forecasts a deceptively simple elegance for Fall 2007.

NEW YORK: It’s the brightest color of the spectrum… yellow. It’s confident but emotional, creative yet cautious. Blonde pushes us to the outer limits, yet has the power to ground us. Blondes are irrational, extroverted, and optimistic. They bring adventure and creativity to your look.

The new collection from Intercoiffure America/Canada, “Think Blonde,” combines elegant yet street-friendly cuts with rich color and make-up, exemplifying Intercoiffure’s vision of today’s beauty and fashion trends.

Presiding over the design team is Richard Calcasola, second vice president of Intercoiffure America/Canada and North American Creative Director of parent organization Intercoiffure Mondial. “Today’s look, which we have expressed in this collection, is all about refinement. Long gone are styles that shout ‘look at me’,” says Calcasola. “It takes a moment to recognize the complexity behind the apparent simplicity of this collection.”

“We chose blonde because it so often is used to express luxe in the beauty industry. So much consumer attention today focuses on luxury services—luxury products, luxury travel, luxury lifestyle,” continues Calcasola. “Blonde is expensive, both in dollars and time. Women who choose blonde know that their hair will require scheduled salon maintenance, personalized cleansers, conditioners and treatments.”

“Looking expensive doesn’t simply mean the client must spend a lot of money,” Calcasola concludes. “ What it really means is choosing a salon that can achieve the nonverbal look of luxury without the distraction of avant-garde cuts or color.”

The new focus on refinement requires a greater sophistication from the professional, who must be better informed, very familiar with healthy, quality haircare products, and know the difference between style and fashion. The professional must also know how to personalize all phases of their work to meet the client’s needs.

Color for the “Think Blonde” collection is the work of quintessential colorist Gina Khan, creative director of Intercoiffure’s new Haircolor Council. “My vision for this collection expresses complex glamour,” says Khan. “The blondes are very soft shades, with subtle infusions of color such as gold, strawberry and platinum. The dimension is not defined lines, but rather very diffused color for a very soft, sexy yet wearable blonde.”

“What sets the make-up apart in this collection is the mixture of textures and the use of cool and warm colors,” says Lori Neapolitan, who co-chairs Intercoiffure’s Make-Up Council with Mary Miller. “Our color designs are reminiscent of make-up from past eras, from the classic 20s style to the wild colors of the 80s, but kept current by the choice of color balance and by creating a flawless, almost naked skin.”

“Think Blonde” is the annual beauty and fashion trend collection from Intercoiffure America ? Canada. Intercoiffure is a forum for the beauty industry’s elite—more than 250 salon owners representing more than 2,200 salons, and employing more than 27,500 professionals. The average annual sales volume for an Intercoiffure member ranges from $1.5 million to $85 million. In addition to their economic clout, Intercoiffure members set the creative and quality standards for the industry.

For more information, including technical notes, please contact Richard Calcasola at (516) 333-3511 or rcalcasola@aol.com.

“Think Blonde” Credits:
• North American Creative Director, Richard Calcasola for Maximus Spa/Salons
• Photography, Luis Alvarez for Aquage
• Hair Color, Gina Khan for Gina Khan Salons
• Hair Styling, William Sasek for Maximus Spa/Salons
• Make-up Design, Lori Neapolitan and Mary Miller
• Assistants, Sucely Giron, Glendy Aguilar-Rubio

8/17/2007 3:31:42 PM

Hairdressers Unlocking Hope -

Richard Calcasola founder of the award winning Maximus Spa/Salons has joined forces with world renowned Vidal Sassoon to form Hairdressers Unlocking Hope.....
Visit: http://www.behindthechairexchange.com/unlockinghope