Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Time Out With Celeb Stylist Jamal Hammadi

Celeb stylist and Hamadi Organics' founder, Jamal Hammadi answered some of our dying-to-know questions!!!



How did you break into the beauty/ makeup industry?
From a young age, I felt connected to the struggles one experiences with wild, unruly, seemingly untamable hair — I struggled to find the right products, trying countless products to tame and control.  No one knew how to cut or style my hair and they kept trying to cut it wet and when it dried, it was too short, or the shape wasn’t right.  It was so frustrating, so I had to learn myself.  I went to beauty school in Los Angeles and then in the early 90’s, Louis Licari (hair colorist to the stars) introduced me to actress, Linda Evangelista.  Linda flew me to London to do the cover of British Vogue.  Simultaneously, Lisa Marie Presley asked if I would do her hair for an interview. She didn’t mention it was the Diane Sawyer interview with her and Michael Jackson.   At the time, I believe it was most viewed interview. Shortly after that, Sharon Stone flew me to Paris to do the cover of Vanity Fair.  During this time I also met Odile Gilbert who is a world-renowned stylist.  She was my mentor!  It was absolutely lovely.  All these individuals were my complete catalysts.  After meeting them, I progressed as a stylist in the high end fashion and entertainment industries.

What are you 5 most coveted products and why?
With the products below, you can create the most natural looking texture ….. I can’t live without them!
1.)  The Hamadi Organics Shea Spray:  It’s amazingly light and is one of my favorites because of the sheen texture it creates.  It can be used to create tousled waves, add shine or to tame frizz.
2.)  The Hamadi Organics Healing Serum:  It’s also amazingly light and creates just the right amount of saturation into the hair.  It doesn’t sit on the hair like most other serums…it absorbs into the hair, nourishing it and allowing me to easily style hair.  That’s the genius part…It’s great for your hair, and it works beautifully.  You can use it so many ways such as on your ends for a treatment, or if have a problem with dry scalp, you can massage the serum into the scalp, or if you feel like pampering yourself, it’s the perfect go-to product.  The Healing Serum does it all!
3.)  The Hamadi Organics Shea Hair Cream:  I use this to create signature looks on shoot.  It creates amazing separation while styling, and it’s the perfect product for both men and women.  This is the only must have styling product I use.
4.)  Dry shampoo:  I love dry shampoo for the texture and body it gives hair.  Klorane makes a great dry shampoo.
5.)  Hair spray:  I love L'Oreal's Elnett Satin Hair Spray.  I use this to give the hair shape and hold.  In regards to hair, it’s all about shape texture and natural beauty… hair spray creates just that…

What is a your favorite look you've ever created and why?
 My favorite wearable looks are timeless, classic looks like the one below.













What celebs have you and do you work with?
 I’m so blessed to be able to work with some of the biggest stars in Hollywood, as well as the biggest names on the runways of Europe, New York, and Los Angeles and throughout the world. My clients include Jennifer Lopez, Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson, James Franco, Kirsten Dunst, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Heather Graham, Drew Barrymore, Tilda Swinton, Naomi Watts, Julianne Moore, Sharon Stone, Linda Evangelista and more — hence the HAMADI trademarked tag line, “Tested on Actresses, Never on Animals™.”

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Eco-Friendly Tips For An Eco-Friendly World!

1.)  Bike, Use Public Transit, Carpool To Work, Drive Slower, and Keep Your Tires Inflated
One-third of all traffic is from commuters.  Use alternative transportation when possible.  If you must drive, go slower with proper tire inflation...it saves both fuel and tires, as well as lowers emissions.  It also saves lives!
2.)  Recycle, Reduce, Reuse and Compost
Reusing packaging material saves more energy than recycling.  By avoiding extra packaging, you save both energy and landfill space.  Yard and kitchen waste (leaves, grass, vegetable scraps, etc.) make up 30% of trash.  Reduce this amount by composting.  Also, be sure to reuse plastic bags, or better yet...refuse plastic bags when you really don't need them.
3.)  Conserve Water
Don't let faucets run.  Never water your lawn at midday.  Take shorter showers.  Run the dishwasher only when it is full.  Let grass grow longer.  Plant native or drought-tolerant garden plants.
4.)  Quit Smoking
Second-hand smoke is a major indoor air pollutant and health hazard.  When you quit, both you and your family will live longer and healthier lives.
5.)  Don't Use Pesticides or Herbicides On Your Lawn
Along with nitrogen fertilizer runoff, these are major water pollutants!
6.)  Keep Your Cat Indoors
Domestic cats kill over one billion small birds and animals every year.  On average, one outdoor cat kills 40 small animals per year.  Outdoor cats upset natural predator and prey balances, thus eliminating ground nesting birds.
7.)  Eat Less Meat and Eat More Local and Organic Foods Instead
Harmful chemicals are not used in organic farming, thus, there is minimal soil, air and water pollution and furthermore ensures a safe world for future generations to live inIn addition, animal welfare is an important aspect of producing organic milk, organic meat, organic poultry, and organic fish.  Organic meats come from happy, healthy animals that are not confined to a caged life.
8.)  Lower Your Thermostat In The Winter and Raise It In The Summer
Wearing a sweater in the winter and a short sleeve shirt in the summer saves energy and reduces air pollution.
9.)  Properly Dispose of Old Paint, Chemicals, and Oil
Don't put batteries, antifreeze, paint, motor oil, or chemicals in the trash.  Use proper toxic disposal sites.  Many electronic and office stores such as Office Depot, Staples, Home Depot, Lowe's, Radio Shack, and Best Buy will recycle batteries for you for free.
10.) Consider Environmental Costs
When relocating or changing jobs, try to live close to work.  Compare efficiency when purchasing new cars or appliances, and choose products with lower energy inputs.
11.)  Volunteer for the Environment
Work locally and globally to save natural places, reduce urban sprawl, lower pollution and prevent the destruction of wilderness areas.
12.)  Plant A Tree With A Child
Take a walk in the woods, or plant trees which store carbon dioxide.  Teaching our children to love and care for the planet is the most important thing we can do to ensure the future of our environment and humankind.