Things&Ink

June 15, 2016June 15, 2016

not another salon: Interview with Sophia Hilton

Introducing the colourful Sophia Hilton, owner of the amazing Not Another Salon… here she tells us about salon life, her quirky style and how to achieve perfect blonde hair

Tell us a little bit about your background and how you ended up owning your own salon…
“A year and a half ago, I sat on the sofa with my husband, throwing around the idea of a salon. We discussed that ‘If I was to do it, then it couldn’t just be yet ‘ANOTHER SALON’.’ I told him that I want to move the industry in some way, if the gateway to this is opening a successful salon, then screw it, that’s what I’ll have to do. I was fired up, so next day I got up at 6am to start working on it for a few hours before my ‘real’ work began. From that day on, I got up at 6am every morning for the next year. I didn’t take days off, I got frighteningly skinny and I don’t mind saying I worked harder than I have ever worked in my life. I was just 27, with no money. I had to put my flat up as security, my mum’s only life savings at risk and got loaned up to the hills. It was terrifying.”

What is it that makes ‘Not Another Salon’ stand out from other salons?
“It’s our ‘no- judgment’ (anti-cool) concept. Everyone is included – nice people, having fun.”

What is your favourite hair treatment/colour/technique?
“If a client wants a specific colour (usually white or grey) and we feel the hair is not in good enough condition to have it done we will recommend a series of three Innoluxe treatments (one a week) until we feel the hair is rebuilt enough to colour. Treatments are so often used after the service, but we use it before!”

What advice would you give to those with dark hair who think they can’t go blonde?
“They can, but for the hair to be healthy you shouldn’t rush the process. We use Innoluxe and look after the hair every step of the way. Pureolagy shampoo and conditioner is a personal fave. if it’s healthy… I don’t care what colour it is!”

Where do you see your brand evolving in the future?
“It’s such an anything goes company that it could be anything, I think we will do a range of colours eventually and god knows what else! But I don’t really want to run the world, I just want a lovely little salon where everyone smiles and no one is too concerned with being rich or cool or beautiful or anything else that makes us feel insecure. Just a safe heaven for my clients and staff where they can be themselves.”

Where do you buy your amazing outfits and how would you describe your style?
“I like charity shop shopping when I’m in the states visiting my mum. I go to Beyond Retro for my 70s numbers and Dolls Kill for my 90s spice girl vibe. My inspiration is just everything I like without much thought for what other people think. There is truly no greater feeling than being yourself. It took me years to believe in myself in that way. I really enjoy ageing and becoming less concerned with other people. It makes you so much happier.”

Follow Sophia on Instagram for more life and style inspiration @hiltonsophia

June 14, 2016

Theatre Review: American Idiot

Check out what happened when we sent our guest music blogger Verity Vincent to watch American Idiot the musical at Northcott Theatre in Exeter…

I took a seat at Exeter’s Northcott Theatre, and the set was truly intriguing consisting of a large fuzzy TV screen hung above the stage. When the lights dimmed, footage of George W Bush and the aftermath of 9-11 looped before launching into the title track American Idiot.

The musical, created by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Michael Mayer and Racky Plews, follows the story of three dead beat friends. Doing nothing with their days but smoking weed, playing video games and cracking jokes about doing each other’s moms and wanking. Central character Johnny, played by Newton Faulkner, wants to embark on a new adventure, leaving the suburbs for a big city lifestyle. As one friend Will (played by Steve Rushton) has a knocked up girlfriend and the other; Tunny (played by Alexis Gerred) answers Uncle Sam’s call and joins the army, with disastrous consequences. Johnny departs alone and falls into a spiral of drink and drugs, creating some dark and convincing scenes.

Another familiar face in the cast is singer Amelia Lily who starred on The X Factor in 2011 and went on to release her debut album in 2013. Taking on the illusive role of Whastername, we see her emerge in the ‘city’ and after catching the eye of Johnny, they embark on a destructive and drug-induced relationship. It’s at this time we also meet St Jimmy, played by Lucas Rush. The Mohican-haired punk is a boulder of energy throughout the show, serving as a bad influence and heroin buddy to Johnny.

The musical talent displayed goes above and beyond your average twee musical. With two guitarists and a drummer positioned at the top of the set, the music you get is raw, real and emotional. Even if you’re not a die-hard Green Day fan, the music is undeniably epic. A real highlight from the first half was acoustic number ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’. Lead by Faulkner, you hear every word he sings in his most beautiful tone. The audience is completely drawn in and silent.

Moving into the second half, we get to experience Amelia Lily’s talents more and more. Her focus never falters and that huge voice is finally released when we hear her sing ’21 Guns’ and ‘Letterbomb’.

The storyline you follow is simple enough, but powerful in its messages and as we see the gang of three friends come back together after experiencing lost love, fatherhood and military stints,
the uplifting closing track ‘Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)’ sees the entire cast pick up their guitars for a company rendition. What you witness is a group of musicians, as well as talented actors and performers and it’s not something you often get from musicals.

You couldn’t praise Newton Faulkner enough for his portrayal. As a complex character it’s a tough role to get right and he totally nailed it. Throwing his voice out song after song, he is the perfect embodiment of what a Johnny should be.

The American Idiot tour concludes at Belfast’s Grand Opera House on July 2^nd

Book a ticket. You’ll have the time of your life!

Images from: www.americanidiotthemusical.co.uk

June 13, 2016June 14, 2016

Interview with Dr. Faisal Rehman

45-year-old Dr. Faisal Rehman is a nephrologist (kidney specialist) and Associate Professor of Medicine at the Schulich School of Medicine at Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. He also takes care of patients with kidney disease and contributes heavily to the education of hundreds of medical students, residents, and subspecialty fellows.

Here, Dr. Faisal Rehman tells us about his inspirational weight-loss journey inspired by his love for his family as well as his boxing, charity work and of course tattoos…

Photo taken by April-Lea Hutchinson

Growing up, I was a very skinny kid and I remained thin in my early 20s. When I started medical school I began eating more and exercising less. I didn’t start to pile on the pounds until I graduated from medical school and got married. I started neglecting my health, working long hours and eating fast food. Pretty soon, I became supersized! In 2002, while completing my training in Nephrology, I had ballooned up to 242 pounds.

Around the time, this picture was taken, I bought a new home for my young family that I couldn’t afford. I wanted to protect them if anything should happen to me, and I applied for life insurance. Unfortunately, my life insurance application was turned down because it was clear that I had type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This was embarrassing for me, that as a physician I had allowed my own health to deteriorate. Almost immediately after the results, I started eating properly, cut out all of the fast food and began eating sensible meals. I also started exercising, lifting weights and running and within six months I transformed myself into the picture below.

I lost 70 pounds in eight months. My blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol normalised and I was approved for life insurance. It was at this point, I started to participate in boxing classes.

Life was great until 2006 when my second daughter Nadiyah was diagnosed with Leukaemia at three years old. This was one of the most heartbreaking times in my life. I put all my focus on her recovery and treatment, my training stopped. I lost more weight because of stress and fear for my daughter’s health. Her chemotherapy treatments lasted for three years, at the end of 2008, she was in remission and doing great. This experience changed my perception of what was important in life.

In 2009, I took charge of raising money for the Kidney Clinical Research Unit at our hospital. I organised a black tie night featuring a boxing tournament between amateur athletes from the USA and Canada. I decided to fight on the night, in the hope that we would raise more money. So at the age of 38 I began training for my first fight. In sparring over the next several months I suffered a broken nose, hand injuries and concussions, but I got myself in top shape and was one of the featured fights at our charity night event called “Showdown in the Downtown”. Although I lost my first fight, it was an amazing night of fights and we raised $107,000 for charity.

In 2011, when I turned 40, I decided that instead of painting on tattoos for my charity fights, I was going to get real tattoos. I wanted the tattoos to symbolise my warrior spirit. Inspired by the fighting spirit of boxer Miguel Cotto, who had amazing tribal tattoos, I started getting inked. Rich Lambe, owner of Stay True Tattoo in St. Thomas, Ontario tattooed my tribal and the wings on my back that symbolise speed and agility.

Photo taken by April-Lea Hutchinson

While organising charity events and working, I ventured into the world of kick boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA) as I wanted to challenge myself. I absolutely love it!

Through my work with my charity Showdown in the Downtown, we have now held a number of professional combat sport events as well as music concerts with acts like Jim Cuddy from Blue Rodeo and Jann Arden. Our last four events raised over $250,000. Over the last seven years we have raised over $1.4 million for kidney disease research, solid organ transplant research, cancer research and to combat poverty and homelessness.

This year, I turn 45. I have never been in better shape and I am now proud of my body and tattoos. I had some pictures taken of myself showing off my tattoos and my fit physique, mainly for my own memories and also to remind myself that it is never too late to embrace your body and to embrace the art you have placed on your body, as it is a reflection of your spirit. I am not sure if it was my own health scare or the scare I had with my daughter’s health that motivated me to change myself, but I suspect both of these events changed my outlook on life for the better. I am grateful that I have been able to help myself, my family and others through combat sport and through my charitable work. I am blessed.

June 12, 2016

7 reasons you should date someone with tattoos

Swiping through Tinder gives you a rough breakdown of some of the stereotypical suitors out there looking for love – you’ve got the urban fishing fans, the lads who think they’ll catch the girls of their dreams by having a car as a profile picture, the lover of pictures with sedated tigers in Thailand and then, just when you’re getting RSS from swiping left, you stumble across the lad who’s had quite the love affair with tattoo needles.

People with ink are hot. That’s not up for debate. Here are all the reasons why you should date boys and girls covered in tattoos.

1. They look good naked
You may be able to see a glimpse of their tattoos peeking through their shirt but you’ve got to witness them fully naked to truly appreciate the art inked across their body. Most people will agree that tattooed bodies are far more interesting naked than blank canvases and, if you date someone with tatts, you might be lucky enough to see why this is true.

2. They have good stories
“Oh this silly one? My mate was a bit drunk and had his tattoo needles around so we played noughts and crosses on my leg with it!” Yes, not all tattoos are carefully planned and amongst all the artistic creations and colourful sleeves, you’ll stumble across and a comical one and your date will have a hilarious story attached to it for you to enjoy.

3. They’re artistic
Whether they’ve expressed themselves through images, song lyrics or their own designs, having tattoos indicates having a creative and artistic nature which bodes well for potential romantic gestures and birthday gifts. Win!

4. They’re committed
If someone has signed up to having a vintage pin-up girl plastered across their arm for the rest of their life, they’re not exactly riddled with commitment issues and may not go running after one date through to fear of ‘things moving too fast’.

5. They can handle pain
So hopefully you won’t have to hear hours of whining if they ever accidentally stand on a plug.

6. They’re likely to have an interesting job
Even though it’s 2016, many companies have strict rules on tattoos for their employees, so if you’re dating someone who’s inked, it’s quite likely that they will work in a cool industry. Which means your ‘How was your day at work?’ won’t be answered with a painfully boring tale of how Jill in Accounts has ordered the wrong printer paper again or something equally tedious.

7. They’re less judgemental
Having probably spent years of people having preconceived ideas about them purely based on the fact they’re inked, most people with tattoos will be very wary to be judgemental of others based on their appearance.

June 9, 2016June 15, 2016

The girls take a trip to Not Another Salon

Editor-in-chief Alice Snape and Managing Editor Keely Reichardt got treated to a revolution in haircare known as INNOluxe by the fabulously extravagant gang at Not Another Salon in east London.

Based on Brick Lane in London, the aptly named Not Another Salon is owned by Sophia Hilton, whose background is in hair education, teaching in over seven countries and winning prestigious awards such as the L’Oréal C olour Trophy in 2013. (look out for an interview with Sophia on the blog very soon)

The salon is like no other… stepping through the door is like entering into a psychedelic fantasy where people’s hair-colour dreams come true! The attention to detail is next to none… from the multi-coloured plastic wine glasses and water bottles, to the pick ‘n’ mix sweetie style bowls at the reception desk for you to pick up an assortment of kitsch and kawaii hair accessories.

Alice and Keely were there to experience a new deep-conditioning product, Innoluxe. (You may have heard of Olaplex, which gained vast media attention after Kim Kardashian went from dark to platinum blonde over night.) Innoluxe actually rebonds the hair follicles and saves the structure of our hair when bleaching and colouring by using advanced protein technology. (Read more here)

Keely gives us her experience of using Innoluxe and a little step by step of the treament…
“I have always dyed my hair a very dark brown – almost black – for most of my adult life (my natural hair colour is dark brown) but I always hankered towards being blonde. After a bleaching disaster a few years ago, I have avoided bleach at all costs… until the invention of these re-bonding hair products!

Keely having a head massage with her treatment

“The Innoluxe ‘in salon’ treatment is done in two stages, the first stage is an oil and water combination that is applied all over the hair and then left for about 10 minutes. The second stage is the actual Innoluxe, which restructures and re-bonds the follicles of the hair and this is then left on for about 20 minutes. For those who have severely damaged hair, the staff at Not Another Salon recommend the ‘in salon’ treatment every two weeks for up to six weeks.

Keely relaxing in the chill out room while the Innoluxe works its magic

“I naturally have very dry hair so having it bleached is probably not the best thing for it, but after my Innouxe treatment my hair feels as if it has never even had a sniff of bleach! The texture and overall appearance is soft, shiny and bouncy (definitely helped by the fabulous blow dry) and it feels as if the Innoluxe has literally brought my hair back to life again.”

Keely’s hair before Innoluxe

Keely’s hair after Innoluxe and a blow dry

Alice enjoyed the treatment too:
“It really is all in the name. Getting a treatment at Not Another Salon is like a girly sleepover on acid (the decor is like Pop Art come to life, a little like the staff too). It felt like Keely and I were in salon owner Sophia’s bedroom, and as we got our treatments, we all chatted away about hair (obvs), relationships and weddings – I recently got engaged so I loved hearing about Sophia’s south London wedding for inspiration!

“It was stylist Hattie who worked the Innoluxe magic on my recently highlighted hair. I am naturally dark blonde (don’t dare call me mousey brown) and have just come out of a two-year break from the all-over bleach that used to be my go-to look. The bleach break was to allow my hair to grow – I have always dreamed of long, flowing, healthy-looking hair, and bleach never seemed conducive to that. However all that may be about to change…

It’s all in the detail… pink water bottles and wine glasses at Not Another Salon. And editor Alice’s bouncy blow dry

“Innoluxe is a dream invention for those who want colour, particularly bleach, without the damage. My hair felt baby soft after the treatment. So good, in fact, that I may be back to that bleach some day soon. And if I do, I know where I’ll be heading!”

Alice in the colourful waiting room while the Innoluxe treatment takes effect

Before

After, Innoluxe rocks!

Not Another Salon, 188 Brick Ln, London E1 6SA #antifactory