Shear Geniuses

 

Music, hair and makeup, an unlikely trio, are the ruling passions of musicians Nina Lares, a make up artist-singer, and Alfonso Afanador, a guitarist-hair stylist. The two compose the team that owns and runs the Factory Hair and Makeup Studio located on East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena.

Their studio offers unusual features such as a rotating art gallery and a guest DJ booth, and the more expected services such as designer cuts, creative color, styling, extensions, hair straightening, makeup, skincare treatments, and facial waxing.

Lares believes that music and hair styling-makeup are all art forms. “I like to work with the client and do something fun and new, while keeping her quite comfortable. I like to play with color.  I pick a feature, say the client’s lips, and accentuate and highlight them with a splash of color for a bit of drama. I take care though to keep the highlighted feature in balance with the client’s whole face and body.”

The Factory kicks off the week-end with special offers. On Fridays, a top rated local bar (POP Champagne) serves glasses of champagne and desserts to customers. They can have a free hair conditioning and a 20 percent discount when they get their hair cut and styled or have a blow-out, and a 40 percent discount on make-up and facials. A guest DJ provides the music. The fun starts at about 3:30 in the afternoon and lasts until 8 at night, and continues throughout the entire week-end. On Saturdays, clients are provided with breakfast snacks and little treats to keep them well fed and satisfied. Nothing is spared to create a fun and funky atmosphere and please clients with the highest quality services. No wonder one survey showed overwhelmingly positive feedback from clients, with the Factory getting four out of five stars. It has been rated Best of by several publications in Pasadena.

Lares has been in Pasadena for almost six years now. Afanador has been here for almost 15 years.  They became partners, had this dream, and ran with it.  They are here, living their dream, dancing to the music, and making people feel and look good.  You can take part in their dream by visiting the Factory. Try to make it on a Friday.

The Factory Hair & Makeup Studio is at 449 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena. Call (626) 229-9883 or see www.thefactorystudio.com.