Helik Hair Hero

I have mentioned Helik-the-hair-genius on these pages before. He currently works at Mario Diab on Crosby St. The only reason I dare mention him is he promised that no matter how popular he gets, he will always have an appointment for me.

I asked him this weekend to give me an "Asian Rocker Chick" hair do. And after attempting to heed my wishes, we both agreed that it was not to be. So he really went to work and created this artistic but not too over-the-top up-do the likes of which I have never seen. It was a first for me - getting an actual "do" like girls do, and it was a big hit at the wedding I attended that night. Had it not been for the bride, my hair might have ended up getting married.

He also colored my hair (single process + highlights). And while the whole experience was not what I would call "inexpensive," it was worth every penny. And likely less cashish than if I had gone uptown (read: Madison Ave.)

My New Hair Secret

OK, so I told you I'd provide full transparency on the whereabouts of my hair wizard, Helik Torres (formerly of Dop Dop Salon), once I had a chance to visit him. Well, I visited him this weekend at his new weekend home: Mario Diab. Set in something of a mini-co-operative business space in Soho at 62 Crosby St., the salon is tucked in the basement (if my short term memory serves me). Completely outfit in black and white, this calm environment allowed me to get my hair done efficiently and effectively in front of a huge floor-to-ceiling mirror while drinking green tea. I was in, I was out (possibly for less money than Dop Dop??) and on my way. With my hair bouncing happily atop my head.

My Hair Guru: MOVED

My hair man, Helik, who I have mentioned on these e-pages before, who has transformed me into the Guerilla Diva you see before you, has left Dop Dop Salon in Soho and moved to...

...I'm not telling you until I go first! But I will confirm that he is still doing hair for the public. Stay tuned.

M.A.C. FAFI Cosmetics

So I got one of the best Valentine's Day surprises of my life - a whole stash of the relatively new line from M.A.C. cosmetics known as FAFI FOR M.A.C. Brushes, blushes, eyeliners, shadows, lip sticks, gloss and a black "gel" eyeliner that my hair stylist Helik (at Dop Dop Salon in Soho) had just told me to buy! Oh what is better than good makeup karma?

So the collection is so fun and the colors so vibrant and new - but not cheesy or overwhelming - that I decided I needed to stash it all in a special container. A Dom Perignon box. That way I can celebrate in style each time I put any of it on.

But who the hell is Fafi? Well I may not be keeping up with the kids but apparently she is a French artist who inspired the good people of M.A.C. to create and market a whole new makeup line, mostly for chicks younger than me. But since I am forever 31, I shall rock it my way.

The SVP of product development suggests that the ultimate Fafinette face is "toned-down skin with heavier emphasis on the eyes and a girly mouth. Colorful, but light."

Figures Fafi is French. I really need to get to Paris.

Puma at Lady Foot Locker

OK, so I may literally had to have a fire lit under me to get me to buy a new gym/boxing bag (have I mentioned that I have been boxing for 9 years?).

Yesterday, before I got my hair colored by the fabulous Helik at Dop Dop Salon in Soho, I stopped in the nearby Lady Foot Locker (a store that I don't believe I have ever stepped foot in before) to utilize one of the gift cards that the old school crew gave me to cheer me up and help me buy emergency replacement items.

I picked up the stately black-and-gold Puma bag (poorly) depicted in the camera phone photo you see here. I also bought a purple MasterLock today at Paragon Sports so my whole current gym vibe is leaning towards "royal." And I am feeling like a queen in my new digs, so it all makes perfect sense.

Chi Hair Straightener

The mighty Chi.

My hairdresser (Helik at Dop Dop Salon in Soho) spent months, nay YEARS trying to convince me to buy the Chi hair straightener. But I didn't. Because my hair isn't curly. OK, it's really because I am cheap.

But as I was growing my hair out I realized I could no longer afford NOT to have one of these things. It literally saved my hair-do at its most awkward point, and therefore saved my life by association. I actually bought it at Dop Dop for about $80-$90, which was oddly cheaper than buying it at a drug store or related venue.

My Hair Secret: Helik at Dop Dop Salon (in Soho)

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Your hair is not a place to cut corners! (no pun intended) You may have to spend more money than you want to, or than your husband/significant other wants you to. Tough. Do it. It will make you look better, feel better and give you something to look forward to every 6 weeks or so...8 weeks at the longest. This is where you can spend the money that you've saved after utilizing effective Guerilla Shopping technique!

OK, now that I've scolded you, I will offer an olive branch and let you in on my hair secret. His name is Helik (pictured above) and you can catch him at Dop Dop Salon in Soho on Fridays and Saturdays. I'm only telling you this because he promised that if I wrote about him, he would always make sure that I get an appointment no matter how popular he becomes. And I shall hold him to this!

Not only is he a great hairstylist and colorist who also does hair for photoshoots all over the world, but he's a cool, friendly guy who removes the tedium that can sometimes come along with getting one's hair colored. I often spend more than three hours with him! Additionally, Dop Dop Salon provides a laid back atmosphere with some decent people-watching opportunity as well as free candy and soda (they always get me with that!). So don't fear the trendier-than-thou neighborhood - this place is something of an oasis for the down-to-earthlings among us.

Most imporantly, remember: Friends Don't Let Friends Go to Supercuts!