Noted hairstylist addresses the top seven hair care issues



Best ways to get a color and cut just right for you

salon, hair stylist, hair issues, color

Meet a talented hairstylist, Gina Guercio Beckmann. I asked her questions that I was curious about. 

Thirty-nine years ago, Gina Guercio Beckmann started as a hairdresser. She was 17. (Oh my, did we give away her age!) She is married with three kids. 

I have to admit upfront, that Gina has been my hair stylist for many years. She encouraged me to try red in my hair and I was delighted, although my husband was dumbfounded when he first saw me. Literally didn’t say a word.

Later I tried purple streaks, (see photo on left) and then pink highlights. When I came in for my appointment, she always sat me down and asked me what I wanted and what worked best for me. I loved that because, in some respect, I became the creator and Gina was the sculptor. A great relationship. 

Gina owned JAG Hair Salon in Dutchess County for 25 years and is currently a stylist at Vanity Hair Studio.

I asked her seven questions about best ways to take care of our hair.

How should I come prepared to get the best color and cut?

Pictures are good. They speak louder than words. Sometimes it’s hard to express what you are really looking for so that’s where the pictures come in. When I look at what you bring in, I will tell you if it is feasible. I will also suggest what direction would work best based on your hair texture and color. And I also discuss creating an individual look for you.

Can my hair really look like the photo I cut out?

No hairstyle is really wash and wear. Remember the haircut in that photo you bring in is set for the photo. It is perfectly placed to get that great look. I will try to be realistic in explaining what is possible. I will never promise what I think I can't deliver.

How should I handle summer hair?  

This weather is great for wavy and curly hair. That hair texture loves humidity. You can use product to prevent frizz. For those with straight or finer hair, you will find that products can be your best friend.

Going into a chlorinated pool? Don’t go into a pool that has been recently shocked. It will turn hair that has been colored into a multitude of different colors, including green. Usually wait 24 hours before going in. Remember to wash your hair afterwards to remove the chlorine.

Also, important to note: the sun bakes the chlorine into your hair and acts as a barrier when trying to color it again. There are no clarifiers to help remove chlorine once it is baked in by the sun. That is why it is important to wash out the chlorine as soon as you can using a clarifying shampoo.  If you haven't washed out the chlorine try deep conditioning treatments to help remedy the problem.

Is there a hair trend happening now?

There are several trends we are seeing: the very natural look and waves are back. We also are seeing pixie cuts and bob cuts as well.

Biggest issues clients are coming in with after 3 months of no hair care.

1. Dealing with their roots. It’s no problem when someone comes in regularly to get their roots done.  But because they have not been for so long, this may not be considered a retouch because of the amount of growth.  What they need is a color correction, which takes more time and can be more costly.

Another issue is coming in to change their grey with a color and highlight, what we call a dimensional color. This may take up to two sessions depending on where one starts and where you want to be. So, consultation is extremely important.

2. Do-it-yourself color. Women come in having tried to do it themselves. It may now require a color correction to get the color to where they want it to be.

3. Condition of the hair. If you haven’t been using a better line of haircare products, your hair may be dry or lack luster. It may require extensive conditioning. 

How do I choose products to use for my hair?

It is important to use better line of hair products to prevent the color from fading and give the hair that beautiful healthy look.  Over-the-counter hair products have fillers and less conditioners. This is true no matter what they say when they promote the products. I suggest using those products that are used in hair salons. At Vanity Hair Studio the primary line we carry is the Schwarzkopf product line.

Thanks to Gina for sharing her hairstyling advice. If you have other questions you would like the answers to send them to me, Terrie Goldstein, at publisher@excitingread.com.

Visit Gina's Instagram page for great hairstyles and color. 

Vanity Hair Studio

404 Manchester Rd.
Poughkeepsie, NY
845.485.2000
Open Tuesday through Saturday

Visit Vanity's Facebook and Instagram pages

Visit Gina's Instagram page for great hairstyles and color.




Other articles by HVP News Reporters