Sound Advice from Arnold Zegarelli

Arnold Zegarelli is director of education at Izzazu Salon, Spa and Serrata in Pittsburgh, where he’s been dispensing sound advice to help  hairdressers become more successful for years. 

The Art of Staying Sharp 


Staying sharp is based on good discipline, which is doing what you should do even though you don’t feel like doing it. 


1. Eat Wisely Eat smaller meals more often with the emphasis on vegetables, fruits and greens. Potatoes, rice and peas are loaded with simple carbohydrates; you can eat them, but don’t overdo it. Pasta and bread are higher in carbs so limit your intake, and if you indulge in bread, try whole wheat. 

2. Drink Wisely Drink as much water as you can comfortably consume. Soft drinks should be avoided because of the high sugar content. Sugar, alcohol and salt are trigger foods—the more you have, the more you want. They trigger the appetite and play havoc with the pancreas and insulin, which can cause diabetes and fat storage. 

3. Exercise Regularly Aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging and so on, can help with overall conditioning, while anaerobic exercise like lifting weights can improve bone density and prevent osteoporosis.

4. Be Flexible When you are rigid or unbending, you are more likely to snap. Learn to roll with the punches; it hurts a lot less. Don’t worry or fret over things of which you  have no control. It’s not what happens to you, but what happens within you that gives you control. 

5. Be Organized Eliminate the unnecessary and organize the essential. Setting up daily routines and habits lightens the load on your memory and frees it up for more important tasks. 

6. Write It Down The shortest pen or pencil is better than the longest memory. Use a checklist and a daily planner. 

7. Adapt and Adjust Nothing stays the same. Change is neither good nor bad; it just is, so roll with the punches.

8. Count Your Blessings Take pleasure in your faith, your family, your friends and your job. And learn from your mistakes.