IGK Hair was formed by four major stylists: Chase Kusero, Franck Izquierdo, Leo Izquierdo and Aaron Grenia. The brand is know to “work wherever you are,” with a major presence in New York, Los Angeles and Miami, beyond pop-up salons in culture capitals throughout the world. IGK calls itself “hairstyling for the modern generation,” and its stylists have notably styled for celebrities (e.g. Jared Leto, Robbie Williams, Paris Hilton) and major fashion houses (e.g. Givenchy, Lanvin, Oscar De La Renta).
Inspired by Korean skincare splash masks, the latest product from the acclaimed company is the IGK Prenup Instant Spray Hair Mask. It works in the shower in under a minute, giving hair a soft, smooth and shiny look from roots to end. The Hair Mask contains a multi-tasking mix of moisturizers and even comes with a 360 applicator. It also manages to be free of sulfates, phthalates and parabens, altogether vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free.
For more info on IGK and its products, visit www.igkhair.com.
There is no shortage of fun or healthy hair care products out there. So when it comes to taking care of your hair in the New Year, it can feel overwhelming when trying to choose the right product for you.
Here are four up-and-coming hair care brands, as recently sampled by Downtown:
Launched in 2016, IGK’s team is comprised of four lead stylists: Chase Kusero, Franck Izquierdo, Leo Izquiero, and Aaron Grenia. Chase is the man behind Jared Leto’s ombre-man bun. Franck has created looks for Lanvin, Givenchy, and Marni. Leo has styled for Oscar de la Renta and Chloé beyond the aforementioned Lanvin. The New York City-based Aaron has well over 15,000 followers on Instagram with plenty of celebrity clients to speak of.
Oribe Hair Care was founded by hairstylist and beauty industry veterans Daniel Kaner and Tev Finger. Its Dry Texturizing Spray — which includes ginger root extract, mango extract, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, and Oribe’s siganture complex — was part of a partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation in September. Beyond hair care, Oribe is also known for its fragrances, as its Cote d’Azur is considered to be its signature scent.
OUAI, as founded by celebrity stylist Jen Atkin, is known for its sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. The brand recently expanded to offer hair consultation services. Online visitors can get a personal haircare prescription by answering a seven question multiple choice quiz at www.theouai.com.
R+Co is a collective of hairstylists, namely Howard McLaren, Thom Priano and the singularly-named Garren. R+Co products are not only free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil and petrolatum, but they are also vegetarian, cruelty-free, gluten-free and color-safe. The brand recently unveiled a batch of travel sets for under $50; its Treasure Set includes 8.5 fl. oz. of its Gemstone Color Shampoo, 8.5 fl. oz. of its Gemstone Color Conditioner, and 1.6 fl oz. of its Death Valley Dry Shampoo.
There is no shortage of fun or healthy hair care products out there. So when it comes to taking care of your hair this season, it can feel overwhelming when trying to choose the right product for you. In turn, Downtown has not only sampled a myriad of new products — to help lead you to what may work best for you — but has also spoken to reps from those brands:
Rita Hazan is a world-renowned hair colorist and owner of the Rita Hazan Salon in New York City.
Aaron Grenia is the co-founder of IGK Hair, which is known for its “hairstyling for the modern generation.”
Vaughn Acord — who works out of his salon Mizu — is at the helm of V76, which makes American-sourced products that are free of petroleum, sulfates, parabens, gluten and non-vegan elements.
Brad and Sarah Pearsall are the co-founders for BRÖÖ, an all-natural haircare collection infused with craft beer, which isn’t just served for Oktoberfest.
IGK
What is coming up for your brand?
Rita Hazan: The Root Concealer Temple + Brow Touch-Up Stick — it’s an extension of my original Root Concealer and it’s made for the temples and eyebrows. If you have gray in your brows, a brow pencil won’t cover it, it will only colors your skin. My Touch-Up Stick will actually cover the gray and fill in the brow at the same time – one product that does it all.
Aaron Grenia: Right now we are in full launch mode so a lot of upcoming travel to support this. We are also finalizing five new formulas to launch next year with new technology, and we’re really excited for them.
Vaughn Acord: The 4-in-1 Cleansing Foam, Blue Cedar EDT, Daily Balance Exfoliating Facial Cleanser and Daily Balance Facial Moisturizer are all new from the brand.
Brad & Sarah Pearsall: We’ve got some amazing new products coming soon that are “brewed for dudes!”
Do you have a favorite new product from your brand?
Rita Hazan: Triple Threat Split End Remedy — it keeps my hair strong. I can color as much as I want, blow-dry and flat iron almost every day and my hair stays shiny, long, and healthy.
Aaron Grenia: I love so many of them, right now my top three are Call Time Styling Primer, Rich Kid Coconut Oil Gel and Sunday Funday Texture Foam. They all have amazing sheen and textures.
Vaughn Acord: I have waited so long for these to launch and they are all favorites of mine. I do think the 4-in-1 Cleansing Foam is very cool!
Brad & Sarah Pearsall: We both love our Invigorating Shampoo and Conditioner. Since we’re married, I guess it makes sense we like the same thing!
BRÖÖ / Photo: Julie McMillan of Silver Birch Studio Photography
What is your favorite restaurant in New York City?
Aaron Grenia: Carbone, for sure. The food and service there is five-star.
Vaughn Acord: TBar — I’m a creature of habit. I’ve never had a bad meal there and they have the most incredible host. Sant Ambroeus is another one I love.
Brad & Sarah Pearsall: We love the restaurant, La Birreria, because they had us at beer! It’s a beautiful rooftop restaurant on top of Eataly. We also like any hand-pulled noodle place in Chinatown and any Korean restaurant with K-pop karaoke. Are you seeing a theme?
What is the next concert or live event you plan on attending?
Aaron Grenia: It’s between Drake/Future or Die Antwoord coming up this month.
Vaughn Acord: Attending a show, as I often work on many — Los Lobos.
Brad & Sarah Pearsall: Just saw Brian Wilson perform Pet Sounds in its entirety last month. Would love to experience that again. We are always in the city in December, for our wedding anniversary, so we love anything on the bill at Birdland!
