Pasadena Magazine is the bi-monthly magazine of Pasadena and its surrounding areas – the diverse, historically rich and culturally vibrant region that includes Glendale, the Eastside of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley all the way to Claremont.
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/648495
HAIR "I don't want to look older than I have to." Though she's now retired, C.J. Whitcomb began her working life as a teacher then served as a school principal, earned her law degree, became an attorney and eventually took on the role of the executive director of the Levitt Pavilion Pasadena. Married and raising a daughter, she rarely had time to focus on her hair in her twenties, saying she"just let it be." While she's experimented with straightening her hair and various cuts over the years, for the past decade, she's followed the guidance of Alfonso "Al" Afandor at The Factory Hair and Make Up in Pasadena. "I hit the jackpot when I came here," she says. She only found Al and his salon because she purchased a silent auction item featuring a cut at The Factory. From the first visit, she knew he was the right stylist for her. She appreciated his attention to detail and his low key demeanor that always puts people in their comfort zone. C.J. gave up her long treks to the valley to see her previous stylist and settled in to a long term relationship with Al. "A great hairdresser is better than a therapist," she enthuses. As you get older, "your hair changes" C.J. explains. These days she keeps a weekly appointment with Al for a blow out and knows that he'll handle whatever trims or color touch ups are needed. They no longer flat iron her hair as it's too damaging and they use different products. They work together to keep her cut current in a way that reflects her active lifestyle. For C.J., keeping her hair well cared for comes down to feeling good. "When you take care of yourself, it really shows." Al has clients of all ages and uses his expertise to meet a vast range of needs. Every hair cut includes a consultation so he can get a good understanding of what a client wants, discuss his recommendations for hair care and styling, and reach an agreement on the desired results before he ever picks up a pair of shears. "He really likes to get to know his clients," C.J. says. Younger patrons are often more experimental and adventurous as they work to define themselves. In the thirties and forties, many clients find a look they like and stick with as they get older, relying on Al for reminders when it's time to update a look, change a product or add color. His expansive hair care wisdom helps his clientele maintain relevance and look their age while staying current. THE MODERN MAN "The gym and fitness are always in my day." The pursuit of health and beauty isn't just a girl thing. Many modern men like Matt Ober, a partner at the law firm of Richardson, Harman, Ober, put conscious effort toward looking and feeling good. Matt believes that you get the best results when you know yourself and what works for you. His approach to a healthy lifestyle is based on what brings him joy, what makes sense to him, and respect for his own evolving needs and interests. Matt works a lot but also says he works out a lot. A self-proclaimed early riser and gym devotee, there are days when he bikes to work and he likes a good hike on the weekend. But, most weekdays find him spending some quality time at Equinox Fitness at the Paseo, conveniently located just steps away from his office. "There's no question that having the gym in your backyard makes it easier to work out every day," he says. The proximity allows him great flexibility to get to the gym before work, during the day or after hours. Matt believes you have to enjoy what you're doing in order to stick with it and he says one of the most valuable elements of exercise is the way a good workout can take you away from your nine to five stressors. For years he managed his own training program but began working with a personal trainer when he joined Equinox Fitness about five years ago. The professional expertise has made a huge difference in his workouts and how he feels about his time in the gym. The hour he spends with a personal trainer is an hour he's letting go of his usual preference for control and putting his fitness in someone else's hands: the hands of an expert who has cutting edge knowledge about body mechanics, strength and flexibility. That deep knowledge helps with Matt's status as a former back surgery patient. He's learned to train in a way that supports his back and his overall health. As much as he enjoys his workouts, Matt knows staying fit relies on more than just consistent gym time; it requires an eye on nutrition. In keeping with his busy career and go, go, go personality, Matt isn't one to sit and dine. He often eats on the run between other responsibilities. He may munch on an apple, grab a prepared salad or ready-made chicken dish as he winds his way through his day. He sticks to basic whole foods and has some hard and fast rules he won't break: no pastries, do- nuts or cakes. No sauces or creams. Occasional treats like tortilla chips in moderation and only as a replacement for other foods (not in addition to a meal). But he makes room for the things he loves like a great glass of wine. When other tempting treats cross his path, he works hard to be conscious of what he's eating. Yes, it has to do with fitness; but more than that, his choices have to do with what he's learned about how he feels after indulging. He's found a way to eat that keeps him feel- ing good with plenty of energy and rare post-meal regret. When it comes to skin care, Matt is, like most men, a minimalist. He doesn't have special routines or regimes beyond a regular shave. But he's tried some treatments like facials and found that they just weren't his thing. In the realm of skin care, Matt candidly calls out that it's easier for men than for women. He does, however, make massage a regular part of his life, looking forward to twice monthly sessions to keep his muscles relaxed and supple. Choices about hair care are also easier for men than for women. According to Matt, men of a certain age have two primary options: hair or no hair. Going with the bald look is a choice many follically-challenged men make, often out of necessity. Matt's father was prematurely bald and Matt's grateful for his full head of hair. He's been seeing the same stylist, Michael Shaun Corby, since he was 18. He's had fun with various styles: going straight, curly, long and short over the years (It doesn't hurt that Michael has developed an international following and is considered a "stylist's stylist" with celebrity clients around the globe.). Today, Matt's cut is what works for him with tips on trend from his stylist. As for hair color, "I've earned my gray hair," he says with a blend of humor and pride. He's also earned his way to a lifestyle that supports both looking and feeling good. He encourages others to "find what works for you and have fun with it." Matt believes you have to enjoy what you're doing in order to stick with it and he says one of the most valuable elements of exercise is the way a good workout can take you away from your nine to five stressors. 64 FEBRUARY 2016 feature3_Feb16.indd 64 1/20/16 2:40 PM