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Archive for the ‘Los Angeles’ Category

Hollywood Hairdresser Robert Hallowell’s Life And Times

Sunday, September 27th, 2009
Image of Robert Hallowell - May 2009 in Los Angeles, California - Photo by Karen Marie Shelton & Edan Kencayd - HairBoutique.com - All Rights Reserved.

Image of Robert Hallowell – May 2009 in Los Angeles, California – Photo by Karen Marie Shelton & Edan Kencayd – HairBoutique.com – All Rights Reserved.

Hollywood Hairdresser Robert Hallowell’s Life And Times

If you’ve been reading any of my Blogs (Hollywood & Mane, HairBoutique Blog) or my regular columns in 101 Celebrity Hairstyles, Short Cuts Magazine or HairBoutique.com over the past 10 years, you may already have read many of my pieces about Robert Hallowell.

I find Robert, Robair or Rawbert, to his friends, so incredibly fascinating I couldn’t stop covering his life.  His fun filled life was  like peeking in on a reality show.

Note:  Robert Hallowell passed away on November 25, 2015.

Yes, I’ve written volumes about many many other famous hairdressers, but I kept circling back to Robert (Raw for short) on a regular basis.

Of course I understand Hollywood hairstylist concerns.  One misquoted comment could destroy an up and coming hair, make-up or fashion styling career in an instant.   They could be drummed out of Hollywood forever.

The Kitchen Beautician

Robert named his hair company The Kitchen Beautician.  Why? Because he often ended up working in the kitchens of his celebrity clients’ homes.  Sometimes  Robert would use ingredients right out of their cabinets.

I had the pleasure of hanging out in Robert’s famous kitchen on more than one occasion.  I spent may delightful hours with Robert while his beloved pets – Ava the dog and her two cat siblings, Precious and Sweetpea, wandered through the house towards the outdoors.  The house was built high into the hills of LA
and featured a breathtaking patio/deck overlooking the city .

Robert was an extremely busy man working an average of 18 hours per day doing celeb hair.  He always made time for me.  It was another reason I loved writing about him and his clients.

A Classic Double Gemini

Grove showing off a photo of his cat Handsome - May 2009 in Los Angeles, California - Photo by Karen Marie Shelton & Edan Kencayd - HairBoutique.com - All Rights Reserved.

Image of Robert Hallowell at Johnny Rocket’s Restaurant at The Grove showing off a photo of his cat Handsome – May 2009 in Los Angeles, California – Photo by Karen Marie Shelton & Edan Kencayd – HairBoutique.com – All Rights Reserved.

I learned to settle quietly into a kitchen or patio chair while the double Gemini buzzed back and forth in a frenzy doing a million things at once.  If I tried to follow his footsteps I would collapse in mere minutes.

I sat back, flipped on my recorder and bombarded him with questions about hair care, hairstyling techniques, hair trends, hair history…well, just about anything which had hair attached to it.

Even though I asked Robert crazy questions, he always rose to the challenge and gave me wonderful answers.  I asked him which of his celebrities had the best hair to work with, which had the worst and why.

He was always kind and thoughtful with his responses.

Making Funny Faces

Sometimes he will roll his eyes at me, make a variety of faces, say “pish posh” and then laugh with his wicked chuckle before answering my questions.  Yes, he always asks me…is this off the record or not…and then we go from there.

IImage of Robert Hallowell's Cat Handsome hanging out on robert's hillside patio - May 2009 in Los Angeles, California - Photo by Karen Marie Shelton & Edan Kencayd - HairBoutique.com - All Rights

IImage of Robert Hallowell’s Cat Handsome hanging out on robert’s hillside patio – May 2009 in Los Angeles, California – Photo by Karen Marie Shelton & Edan Kencayd – HairBoutique.com – All Rights Reserved.

He knows all the juice about hair in the business, whether its New York, LA, Europe, Canada or Mexico.

Not only has Robert worked with a dizzying array of Hollywood’s royalty for over 20 years, he has worked with other hairdressers, make-up artists, fashion stylists, magazine editors, agents, photographers and of course pesky media like me.

Unlike some other Hollywood hair gurus, Robert is never starstruck.  Maybe because he was born and raised in LaLa Land or maybe because he is so unaffected and genuine, he is never full of himself or impressed that he literally hangs out with some of the biggest names in the film and movie industry.

Always A Humble Hairstylist

One of the criticisms which is sometimes made about celebrity hairdressers, make-up artists and related pros is that they develop big heads and don’t recognize their place in the big picture.  Afterall, they have a job to do and if they lose sight of that focus, drama ensures. They really aren’t the celebrities, they are there to service their celebrity clients.

Robert always knows his place and understands his role.  He is also always 100% focused on getting the job done and taking care of his clients.  Case in point is the 3+ hours he spent with a long time male superstar client whose hair he’s been cutting and styling for years during my last long visit with him.

Image of Robert Hallowell's Cat Handsome hanging out on Robert's hillside patio - May 2009 in Los Angeles, California - Photo by Karen Marie Shelton & Edan Kencayd - HairBoutique.com - All Rights Reserved.

Image of Robert Hallowell’s Cat Handsome hanging out on Robert’s hillside patio – May 2009 in Los Angeles, California – Photo by Karen Marie Shelton & Edan Kencayd – HairBoutique.com – All Rights Reserved.

Robert religiously drives over 1 hour to this celeb’s digs adjacent to Malibu and settles in for “a long haircut”.

He warned met even though the celeb in question has relatively short hair it might take 3-4 hours to finish the cut and style because Robert wanted to make sure his client was 1000% happy with the results.

Indeed, it took him over 3 hours, but his client was ultimately ecstatic with the finished style.  In Robert’s mind that’s all he cared about.

A Hairstylist Who Doesn’t Kiss And Tell

I was so impressed with his compassion and care for his client.  Robert understands only too well the pressures actors and actresses go through in the cutthroat industry and tries his best to help them in any way possible, even if it means spending three hours for a snip that might normally take 15 minutes.  I adore that about Robert.

It also makes me feel completely safe with him at all times because I know if he doesn’t kiss and tell about some of the biggest names in Hollywood he won’t ever kiss and tell about me.

Not Always Rainbows And Lollipops

Like any longtime friendship or professional collaboration it hasn’t always been rainbows and lollipops between Robert and I.  We’ve had moments, which lasted for months, where we were not getting along.  At one point we didn’t talk for almost one year because of a communication misunderstanding.

We eventually worked it all and Robert was one of the first to call me when he heard my beloved husband had died suddenly of a heart attack in early 2005.

During my first visit to Robert’s house he showed me the urn which held the ashes of his own deceased wife who died of cancer many years ago.  He also showed me a photo of his current true love, a handsome European actor he hopes to spend time with someday when one of the two men can find a way to move to the appropriate location.  It was all bittersweet, but very touching at the same time.

Meanwhile, after sharing a piece of his heart, Robert’s double Gemini personality will instantly kick in and he’s off running down the hallway towards his famous kitchen making sure the cats aren’t swiping cheese off the table, the lemons soaking in the sink are ready to be removed or to search for that box of wigs he dragged down from his studio.  It’s just all in a day’s time during the life and times of a fabulous Hollywood hairdresser, hard working, kind and loving human being.

Although he’s a brilliant hairdresser and beauty expert he’s also just a fun guy.   It’s a special treat to hang out in the kitchen with Robert while he whips up his latest hair mask.  Do you see why I never tire of writing about his life?

More About Robert Hallowell

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Robert started his professional career as a model in LA.  Ultimately he made his way to modeling in New York.

He eventually decided to change careers, attending cosmetology school at the prestigious Vidal Sassoon Academy in LA.

Robert landed his first hair design job for a music video in 1984 while he was still finishing up his classes.  He’s been working in the entertainment industry ever since.

A very dedicated hair stylist, Robert toiled on a lot of lesser known television shows before he met actress Geena Davis on the set of Angie in 1994. He quickly became her stylist of choice, creating most of her off-screen looks and coiffing her for The Geena Davis Show and Commander in Chief.

He was the preferred hairstylist of Brendan Fraser, traveling with him on various film premiere tours.

Additionally, he’s worked with Lucy Liu, Sarah Jessica Parker, George Clooney and many other movie and television stars.   He’s currently the Head Hairdresser for CSI where he designs all of the hair looks for the cast but primarily coifs the tresses of Marg Helgenberger and CSI guest stars.

He worked with Courteney Cox for two seasons on Dirt.  Some of his other celebrity heads over the years included Mary Louise Parker, Elizabeth Perkins, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Camyrn Manheim, Holland Taylor, Jon Cryer, Charlie Sheen, Donald Sutherland, Hugh Laurie and Bridget Fonda.  The list is endless.

Robert has been an on-set hairdresser for an endless number of TV shows as well as a wide range of movies.  He has met countless celebrities, even if he hasn’t personally worked with them including the Osbournes, Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah.

Posted in Celebrity Bites, Celebrity Hairstyles, Celebrity News, CSI - Crime Scene Investigation, Downtown Los Angeles, Ellen Degeneres, Hair, HairBoutique Road Trip, Hairstyles, Hairstyling Tips, Hollywood & Mane, Los Angeles, Movies & Films, Music Scene, Perez Hilton, Reality TV | 6 Comments »

Tarina Tarantino Announces CITY GIRL Collection!

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Inspired by favorite pieces around the world, TARINA TARANTINO announces the release of her fabulous new collection, CITY GIRL.

For each city, Tarina has created an iconic girl who represents the essence of the city and the chic women who live there.

The first up is LOS ANGELES, Tarina’s favorite city in the world – and the place she calls home.

You’re invited to preview this amazing new collection -Saturday, May 16th from 12-5 pm at the Melrose Boutique (7957 Melrose Avenue, L.A., CA 90046) with a special appearance by Tarina from 2-4 pm.  Sweet pink treats and sparkling refreshments will be served!

For more information please contact the Tarina Tarantino store at 323.651.5155!

Please tell them Karen and all the Tarina fans at HairBoutique.com sent you.

More Information

Please follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/HairBoutique.  We follow all who follow us and appreciate the opportunity to network with a wide range of new Tweeple with tweets covering all types of new philosophies.  Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Posted in Celebrity Bites, Celebrity News, HairBoutique Road Trip, Hollywood & Mane, Jewelry & Accessories, Los Angeles | 1 Comment »

Hair Maestro Ken Paves Rallies For Kids With Cancer

Thursday, May 7th, 2009

On Saturday, May 3rd, 2009 at approximately 9:30 am I received a phone call from my long time friend, Hair Maestro Ken Paves, who asked me if I could come see him off in his gorgeous black Ferrari in the Rally For Kids With Cancer Race.

(Image of L-R – Karen Marie Shelton – HairBoutique.com CEO and Ken Paves – Hair Maestro – CEO of Ken Paves – at the Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles on May 3, 2009 – Rally For Kids With Cancer – Hosted by Honorary Rally Chair – Eva Longoria Parker – Photo by Edan Kencayd – HairBoutique.com – All Rights Reserved).

The actual race was scheduled to start at noon from the back parking lot of the famous Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles.  Ken, his wonderful mother Helen and Ken’s navigator. Driver Dan, were all hanging out at the pre-Rally brunch upstairs on the second floor of the hotel.

Driving as fast as I could, I made it to the Roosevelt Hotel in time to see the various celebrities who had graciously committed their time to drive in the Rally to raise money for Kids With Cancer.

When I arrived Ken took me to meet the Honorary Chairperson of the event – Eva Longoria Parker.  Not only is Eva beyond gorgeous in person, she is charming and so gracious.  She greeted me warmly and shook my hand.  Dressed in pristine white short shorts and an adorable cap, Eva was making her way from table to table to thank all the various Celebrity teams and various guests. (more…)

Posted in Beverly Hills, Celebrity Bites, Celebrity News, Hair, HairBoutique Road Trip, Ken Paves Celeb Hairdresser, Los Angeles | 4 Comments »

Pauley Perrette From NCIS Leaves Me Completely Speechless

Thursday, April 30th, 2009

A few years ago I had the great good fortune to meet celebrity hairdresser Janine Jarman who was in the process of opening the Hairroin Salon.

At the time I did an interview with Janine and I was so incredibly impressed with the vivacious hairdresser who was bursting with energy and amazing creativity.

(Image of Pauley Perrette and Clint Catalyst at Hairroin Dark Sparkle Black Carpet Event, April 29, 2009 to support Los Angeles Youth Network – Photo Karen Marie Shelton – HairBoutique.com – All Rights Reserved).

Note: Stop by and read more about Clint at: http://www.clintcatalyst.com)

Janine had already broken out of her hairdresser role to be a celebrity hairstylest, doing tons of photo shoots with a variety of celebs and coiffing The Pussycat Dolls, Robin Antin and a whole list of other well-known stars.

After Janine and I finished our interview together she was so sweet and said she wanted to keep in touch.  Well we’ve all heard that before haven’t we?  However, Janine was true to her word and sent me follow-up emails.  She made me promise to come see her the “next time you’re in LA.” (more…)

Posted in Beverly Hills, Celebrity Bites, Celebrity News, HairBoutique Road Trip, Los Angeles | 12 Comments »

Celeb Hairdresser Ken Paves Only Gets Better With Time

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

My friendship with celebrity hairdresser Ken Paves is about to enter its eight year of life.

Although Ken and I always stay in touch, sometimes it’s hard to catch up with him because he is so busy that even his staff has a hard time tracking him.  Now that’s not a bad thing, especially for all the lucky celebrities and regular hair clients that get to sit in his chair.

(Image of Celebrity Hairdresser Ken Paves at Ken Paves Salon in Beverly Hills demonstrating application of HairUWear HairDo clip in extensions on Model Katie for Paves Salon hairdressers on Monday, April 27, 2009 – Photo by Karen Marie Shelton – All Rights Reserved – HairBoutique.com).

Somehow the Gods of Fortune smiled on me recently.  Ken was going to be in one location for more than a few hours, a rare event, and invited me to come and hang out with him at his Beverly Hills location.

Of course hanging out with Ken Paves means doing hair.  Lots and lots of of non-stop hair.   It is an amazing journey that I would crawl over broken glass to experience.

The last time I was able to witness Ken actually doing live hair on a model or celebrity was at a HairUWear photo shoot a few years ago with Jessica Simpson.  (more…)

Posted in Beverly Hills, Hair, Hair Styling Tools, HairBoutique Road Trip, Ken Paves Celeb Hairdresser, Los Angeles | 2 Comments »

Whole Foods On 3rd Street In Los Angeles

Tuesday, April 28th, 2009

Since I was in my late teens I have been a big believer in the power of vitamins and nutrients.

(Image of Whole Foods from WholeFoods.com – All Rights Reserved).

I have flirted off and on with being a full blown vegetarian and a vegan with limited success.

Why?  While I respect and admire both types of dietary plans, I have always find that both require time to shop and cook, things I rarely do.  Yes, I can cook, but I would rather write.

Yes of course I can shop, but again I would rather write or work on HairBoutique.com so it becomes a major chore instead of a joy.  As a result I don’t always eat the best but I am devoted to my nutritional supplements.

The last few times I was in LA on business I would always scope out the local Whole Foods or equivalent and figure out how to get there in the most efficient manner.  Upon arriving in LA and checking into our bed bug free hotel I told Edan we had to go to Whole Foods.  The one I remembered the best which was closest to us was the Whole Foods on 3rd Street.  Sure enough, it was still there. (more…)

Posted in Beverly Hills, HairBoutique Road Trip, Los Angeles | 2 Comments »

Bed Bugs Are A Serious Problem

Monday, April 27th, 2009

While I wish that I could plan a Bed Bug from Wikipedia road trip without an eye on costs, of course we had to evaluate daily expenses like hotels, rental cars, airfare and food.

Although I originally was teasing Edan that she would be limited to protein bars and water for our trip, the reality is that we had to have a food budget as well.

When it came to hotels our HairBoutique.com finance person gave us a suggested nightly limit for Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.

(Image of Bed Bug from Wikipedia

It seemed a little low to me but I made every effort to find a nice hotel within the budgetary constraints.

Actually I had other HB.com folks surfing the web looking for appropriate lodging in the price range and close to where we would be doing most of our interviews (West Hollywood, Hollywood, Burbank and surrounding areas). (more…)

Posted in Beverly Hills, HairBoutique Road Trip, Los Angeles | 6 Comments »

Breaking Out Of Rental Car Hell With Hertz

Monday, April 27th, 2009

If you read my blog on a regular basis you know that in the past I have experienced horrendous rental car events with Budget and Fox Rental Cars (Las Vegas).

My first trip into rental car hell was with Budget in Miami in the late Fall of 2008.  Besides waiting hours, yes I mean hours, in line for my pre-reserved car, I was not given the model I had requested and the Budget lot was in a very obscure location.  I had to literally spend 2 hours trying to find where to drop the car off and was worried about missing my flight from Miami back to DFW.

I still have nightmares about driving my Budget SUV through the dark un-light backstreets adjacent to the Budget lot that you could see but somehow not get to.  Yes, I did have a map.  Thank you for asking.  Unfortunately Budget gave me a 4 year old map with streets that no longer existed.  It was truly a Twilight Zone experience. (more…)

Posted in Beverly Hills, HairBoutique Road Trip, Los Angeles | 5 Comments »

Flying First Class With Tina Fey

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Well, I am exaggerating a tiny bit about Tina Fey, but read on and you will see why I titled the blog as I did.

The official kickoff starting point for the current Hairboutique.com road trip to Los Angeles started with a flight from DFW to Burbank on American Airlines.  To be exact, the flight number was 817 which is a good Feng Shui combination.  The reason 817 was a good combo is because the purpose of our road trip was to do interviews, write reviews and hook up with long time Hairboutique.com partners.  All three of these numbers support those efforts.  Which is part of the reason we selected that particular flight. (more…)

Posted in Beverly Hills, HairBoutique Road Trip, Los Angeles | 1 Comment »

Karen And Edan’s HairBoutique Road Trip

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Since the end of 2008 my HairBoutique Marketing Guru, also known as Edan, and I discussed taking HairBoutique on the road.

We wanted to visit many of our HairBoutique.com friends all over the country ala Oprah style.  Unfortunately, the day to day demands of running HairBoutique.com made it challenging to figure out when we could hit the road.

(Image of Edan – aka HairBoutique.com Marketing Guru – On First HairBoutique.com Road Trip – Photo courtesy of HairBoutique.com – All Rights Reserved).

Luckily, a special project I am working on with a Los Angeles based hair and beauty expert required me to fly to LA for one week to get some face time with the expert.  Since I was already scheduled to be in LaLa Land, it was a perfect opportunity for Edan to be here and meet with all our HairBoutique friends and business associates.

We literally took off from DFW headed for Burbank completely loaded down with video cameras, Flips, voice recorders, digital cameras and notebooks.  We are truly a traveling digital show. (more…)

Posted in Behind The Scenes, Beverly Hills, HairBoutique Road Trip, Los Angeles | 2 Comments »

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