8 | BOROMAG.COM | APRIL 2014 Story + Photos Lizabeth Nieves CHARACTERS The quest for the perfect hair stylist in New York City can be even harder than finding the right apartment. We will settle for the imperfect home but beware the wrath of a haircut too short or highlights that bare comparisons to Pony Boy Curtis on the lam. With hopes of feeling like warmer weather was on its way, I decided to go blonder—or what is technically called “Bronde”—a shade of hair that’s a combination of brunette and blonde. My preference was to keep it local, and after much research on the interwebs, I booked an appointment with Athena at Studio 31 (32-07 31st Avenue, Astoria). Born and raised in Astoria, owner Athena Papadopoulos is very passionate about bringing more blonde’s into the world. “Passionate about blondes! Yes. It started at Christies in Bayside. She had a special technique of micro-slicing foils, which added three dimensional highlights. That sparked my interest in just focusing on blondes. It boosted my confidence that I could handle any blonde, any tone, without damaging the hair. It was a science.” When asked what influences the shade of blonde a client winds up with, Athena replied, “I consider everything with a person when making them blonde. Their style, their fashion, down to what they are wearing, what they do for a living, and their ability to maintain a level of blonde.” Easing into a lighter shade of pale takes patience and vision, Papadopoulos explains. “For someone wanting to go blonde, I would tell them to step into it. Not to dive into it. As the season gets warmer, you can start with a few highlights and eventually wind up with a full head. A few times I have had to talk people out of what they want, but it’s easier for me when you know. When they have that picture in their hand and they say make me like that, it’s so much easier.” One thing that clients can be sure of is that “Going blonde is an addiction,” she says. “it’s definitely a lifestyle with its maintenance, and it’s a way of life. I think there is something to say about the phrase that blondes have more fun. I can’t remember the last time I wasn’t a blonde. I tried going brunette for four hours and felt very down.” The entire staff has a minimum of fifteen years’ experience each, and they are up on all the new trends. Classes are taken every two to three months to ensure that. What to expect in the world of hair for 2014? Papadopoulos muses, “Ombre is still the hottest trend; we can’t get rid of it. A lot of people are going blonde. Everything is coming back a little retro. Platinum blonde from the 80’s is big. Styles are getting more angular. Color isn’t natural anymore. It’s ok for it to look fake.” Studio 31 is open four days a week from Wednesday thru Saturday, with hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and, will stay open later until 9:30 or 10 p.m. by appointment. Please keep in mind that it is cash only. Studio 31 32-07 31st Ave Astoria, NY 11106 (718) 545-2342
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