Beauty, Hair Care, health and wellness, lifestyle

Monday Motivator

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Here we are. Monday has arrived. The holiday season is in full swing. Office parties, school pageants, winter formals, parades, lighting the candles for Hanukkah…and with all of the above, selfies are also in full swing. Before you duck out of group snaps or fret over which filter will hide your “bad hair day”, give this article a try. I have compiled some of my most popular Monday Motivators for you all. From split ends to frizz, from damage to limp hair, you will find a solution to your hair woes my friends. Of this I am certain.

https://thatgirlintheredcoat.com/2018/10/22/a-cloud-nine-of-a-monday-motivator/

 

 

https://thatgirlintheredcoat.com/2018/07/30/monday-motivator-3/

 

 

https://thatgirlintheredcoat.com/2018/07/16/your-brightening-monday-motivator/

 

 

https://thatgirlintheredcoat.com/2018/06/25/design-me-another-monday-motivator/

 

https://thatgirlintheredcoat.com/2016/05/09/monday-motivators-joico-flip-turn-hair-shake/

 

Monday Motivator – The invisibobble – That Girl in the Red Coat

https://thatgirlintheredcoat.com/2015/10/26/monday-motivator-the-invisibobble/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beauty, Business, Hair Care, That girl in the red coat, Uncategorized, Women

…knowing is half the battle

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So, it happened again. I had a Rep. come in, actually, just show up out of the blue. No appointment. No phone call. No email nor a text. Oh yes, and it was on a Friday afternoon. Nothing makes me feel like I am a valuable customer than a total disregard for my time. As they waltzed through the door exclaiming that they had new products to show me that I MUST HAVE!, I let them know that I didn’t have much time to chat, because I didn’t know they were coming. …sadly,  the hint was not taken. “Oh, it’ll just take a minute!” ….hmmm, only a minute to tell me about a new product line…must not be much of a line if it only takes a minute to tell me about it. Long story short, after a quick overview, I was told it was fabulous and one of a kind. I thanked my Rep. for their time and let them know that we weren’t looking to bring in a new line until at least March, and that when we do bring in a new line, I need it to be different, to offer a product that no other line offers. It was then that my Rep. put their foot in their mouth. “This line is different! I would hate to see you miss out on this and be left behind. No other line offers a BB Cream for the hair!”. “Actually” I said, “there are lines that offer a BB Cream…” and before I could name them I was told with a laugh “I don’t think so. I think you are mistaken.”.  …sigh. It was at this moment I gave my Rep. a crash course on P.K. (product knowledge), that AG Hair was one of the first to bring a BB Cream for the hair, over 2 years ago – it’s actually named BB Cream. Soon after Schwarzkopf followed suit with their BonaCure Moisture Kick Beauty Balm. Needless to say, my Rep. had nothing to add.

 

I cannot tell you how many times this has happened to me. A Sales Rep. coming into my shop, guns blazing about a new product, with no appointment or call made, interrupting my time and my answers for that matter. The worst part? Their lack of product knowledge, not just about their “new product”, but of the other products out there that may be the same or comparable. So today, my tale contains a little list for the Sales Reps.. Don’t get me wrong, there are some FABULOUS Sales Reps. out there and I am blessed to have some of them. Appointments are made and kept, texts and emails are answered, orders are taken care of, proper product knowledge is given and many friendships have blossomed. If the above description doesn’t ring true to you, this list is for you. You’re welcome.

  • make an appointment and keep it. If possible, make the appointment for the same day and time each week or biweekly. Trust me, your Salon’s will appreciate it and it will make your job easier.
  • if you cannot keep your appointment, let us know. Text us. Send us a message via Facebook. Tweet us. SnapChat us if need be. In this day and age, there is no excuse for a no show.
  • when you have a new product to show us, let us know ahead of time. There are many times I do not have extra help in the shop, so if a customer comes in, they take precedence. If you want my full attention, let me plan my schedule so I can do just that.
  • when presenting your new products, it helps to have them with you. I understand that many companies do not offer samples like they used to, but a tester helps. So I can smell the product and actually try it, feel it and play around with it, even if it’s for a minute. I cannot sell what I do not see, or know for that matter.
  • THIS IS A BIGGIE!!! when telling me about the new products, give me a reason to retail them. The majority of the time all products are seen as Salon tools or back bar items. Yes, we are in a Salon. We are also in a retail environment, which can be the bread and butter of a Salon. Sell me the value of the product, so I can in turn sell it to my customers and the Salon’s clientele. ….pssst…the more I retail, the more I order and in turn, the more you make. Just sayin’.
  • never assume you know everything about products. When you are told that another line has a similar product, the proper answer is “Oh. I hadn’t realized. Can you tell me about it?”. TIP! – laughing and telling me I don’t know what I am talking about or telling me I must be mistaken insults me a little and makes you sound like one of the mean girls from high school and makes you look like an ass. Plain and simple.

 

Here’s the deal. If you are a Sales Rep., you gotta know your competition. You gotta. Educate yourself on the other product lines out there, not only to increase your sales but to save yourself the embarrassment of having egg on your face.

 

Timing

That Girl in the Red Coat

 

Beauty, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat, Women

Product 101 – Conditioning Treatments…to heat or not to heat.

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Today’s tale is the next chapter in my Product 101 series. My focus today is on Conditioning Treatments. Everywhere you look…facebook, twitter, pinterest and the ever impressive infomercials, everyone has the “best conditioning treatment EVER!”. This may be true. What I also know to be true is that all Salon Professional Hair Care lines offer a conditioning treatment and depending on your hair type and hair diagnosis, it very well could be the “best EVER!”. Not all conditioning treatments are created equal, just as every head of hair is not created equal. Some of us have dried, stressed strands due to chemical damage…demanding to go from brunette to blonde in one sitting. Others due to mechanical damage…forgoing a flat iron spray to protect our tresses with our daily rendezvous with our flat iron. Some of us are facing dry, lack of lustre hair due to good ol’ DNA. Whatever the reason, we all deal with dry, stressed hair, and this is when a conditioning treatment can become your new best friend.

Being me, I have compiled a little list. A “things to remember” list, if you will. Feel free to share.

– Conditioning Treatments are created to repair your hair, by saturating the cuticle & cortex with moisture, which in turn adds moisture back into your hair, adds elasticity and strength, and restores shine and lustre.

– rinsing with cool water locks in the moisture

– not all conditioning treatments are created for all hair types. Read the label.

– too much protein/keratin in the hair is just as bad as not enough. Always follow the directions of the conditioning treatment. If it is to be used only once a week, only use it once a week. *too much protein/keratin = fuzzy head (not a professional term, but it works).

– after 20 minutes, most conditioning treatments have done all they can do. You can wrap your head in a towel overnight if you so desire. I myself prefer a comfortable slumber.

– not all conditioning treatments require heat. Using heat with a conditioning treatment that does not require heat can result in greasy strands and/or lifeless tresses.

– all Salon Professional conditioning treatments are Color Safe

…and being me, here are some conditioning treatments that have been tried and tested by yours truly and our Salon/Shop clientele.

 No heat is required for these gems.

Joico Kpak Revitaluxe – the newest addition to the Kpak treatment family. This gem restores the level of the hair’s porosity, adds moisture and detangles. It doubles your hair’s resistance to future breakage by up to 94%. Kpak Revitaluxe is created for all hair types – strong enough to penetrate the thickest of strands, yet light enough not to weigh down baby fine strands. For best results, apply to freshly washed hair and leave on for 3-5 minutes, then rinse.  *this gem is one of the reasons this Girl in the Red Coat can be a blonde.

Joico Kpak Intense Hydrator – the name says it all. This treatment offers immediate hydration to the driest of strands and is created for all hair types. For best results, apply to freshly washed hair and leave in for a full 5 minutes, then rinse.

Goldwell Rich Repair 60sec treatment – yep! you read that correctly. 60 seconds. That’s all you need. This treatment will regenerate your hair up to 100% in 60 seconds. It restores the damaged hair structure from the inside out while providing softness and shine. Created for all hair types. *for finer strands, less is more.

 

 If you like to heat it up – these are for you.

AG  reconstruct – reconstructs extremely dry, damaged hair while rejuvenating the scalp. AG reconstruct is paraben free, gluten free and contains no salt. They are a cruelty free Canadian company. Apply to freshly washed hair, leave in for 2-5 minutes, then rinse. *to create a more intense treatment, apply heat for 20 minutes.

UANS CREMA Intensive Reconstructor – a self sealing conditioning treatment that adds moisture and restores elasticity. It can be used once a week, or as often as needed. Apply to freshly washed hair, leave in for 2-5 minutes, then rinse. *to create a more intense treatment, apply heat for 5 – 10 minutes.

DevaCurl Heaven in Hair Treatment – an intense moisture treatment for all curl types that is silicone free, paraben free and sulfate free that can be used once to twice a week. With this gem, more is best. Apply to freshly washed hair, apply a liberal amount and leave in for 15-20 minutes, then rinse. * for best results, once the treatment is applied, place hair under a plastic cap and apply heat.

In the age of Ombre, Sombre, Balayage, Brazilian BlowOuts and daily use of thermal styling tools, conditioning treatments are a must have. Not only will your hair look and feel fabulous, you are protecting your investment in yourself and you are ensuring that your hair stays in optimal shape and condition for further color, chemical and thermal adventures.

 

 

 

Beauty, Business, communication, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat, Uncategorized, Women

What does this do?

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A woman comes into the shop, picks up a can or a tube, looks at it puzzled, then asks “What does this do?” – a phrase I hear everyday. There are many styling products out there that look similar but are quite different. The packaging and the color of the pomade you just picked up may look like the paste your stylist just used but it is quite different. The can of hairspray may be the same shape and color of the thermal setting spray your bff uses, again, it is quite different. Being me, I have compiled a list, a “what it does” list if you will, with some examples, so you have somewhere to begin. * Almost all Professional Salon hair care lines will offer each of these products.

Mousse – A great product for all over volume and hold. Some mousse will foam up like whipped cream when dispensed (metal can), – Joico JoiWhip. Others, Liquid mousse for instance, will have a more watery consistency and pool in your hand (plastic bottle) – RUSK Plumping Mousse, a great option for baby fine hair. *Best results on towel dried hair, followed with blow drying

Root Boost – To be applied directly at the root to add volume – gives lift at the root alone. Root Boosts are in spray format, some foam – BIG SEXY Root Pump, some liquid, NIOXIN Root Boost. Both work well, it comes down to personal preference of a foam or a spray. *Best results on towel dried hair, followed with blow drying.

Gels – A very versatile product. Great result on damp or dry hair – depending on the style/look you are after. Gels can be used on towel dried hair for volume and control while blow drying, or on dry hair for a more slicked back look or for control for a more funky style. Gels can be an awesome tool for roller sets as well. Usually available in medium – JoiGel Medium and firm hold – AG Hard Gel, and some to offer a shine factor. *If you have darker hair, look for the product to say non flaking, like KMS HAIRSTAY Styling Gel & QUANTUM FixGel.

Shaping/Styling Sprays – A hairspray that comes in aerosol and pump format that comes in 3 hold factors, (Aerosol) soft – AG Aerodynamic, medium – Sebastian Shaper, and firm hold- Goldwell Magic Finish. (Pump – Joico JoiFix Medium). A workable spray = able to brush and restyle your ‘do as needed without giving yourself a beehive or a breakdown. * A firmer hold can get too sticky if too much is applied, so if you like to brush your hair throughout the day, stick to a soft to medium hold.

Finishing Sprays – A hairspray that is exactly that – a hairspray to be used to finish off your style. A firm hold – Joico JoiMist, or an Ultra Firm Hold – BIG SEXY Spray and Play Intense. These sprays are not as workable and can tend to get sticky when too much is reapplied. Available in aerosol format (see above) or pump – Joico JoiFix Firm or Matrix Finishing Spritz. ** Joico’s newest addition – Joico POWERHOLD is a very versatile hairspray – it is a finishing spray with a hard hold factor that can be brushed through and the hair restyled without a sticky residue or matted mess, and offers 72 hour humidity resistance. ***Some offer a shine factor such as KMS HAIRSTAY Maximum Hold.

Wax – A great styling agent for sculpting certain styles. Waxes can offer great texture and definition. Some waxes offer a matte finish – American Crew Matte Wax, some offer shine – AG WAXX- the label will always state the hold factor and shine factor. Most waxes will appear hard in the container (not liquidity – is liquidity a word? …sounds good to me).

Styling Glue – Exactly that. A styling glue for the hard to hold style, think Mohawk circa 1982. Joico Ice Spiker is the best I have come across-holds up in a hurricane.

Clay – A medium hold styling product. Offers a matte finish – Sebastian Craft Clay. A product that looks and feels like, well, clay.  Quite workable and best for shorter styles. * Hair Paste is very similar to Hair Clay, has a firmer hold factor and matte finish – KMS HAIRPLAY Molding Paste.

Pomade – A pliable/workable styling product. Usually a watery consistency – d:fi d:tails Pomade. Great for separation and slicked back looks. Most pomades have a high shine factor, so a little goes a long way. Use too much and you could end up looking like Danny Zuko.

* Pomades/Clays/Waxes – all mimic each other – it really comes down to the hold factor/shine factor you are looking for and how you feel about products in your hands. Pomade/Wax tend to be a little more sticky, Clay tends to be more dry.

Thermal Sprays – A spray that offers thermal protection while using a blow dryer or flat iron. Available is aerosol – bain de terre Magnolia Spray, and pump bottles – Redken #11 IronShape, GOLDWELL Sleek Perfection & Quantum Heat Shield. Some thermal sprays offer a shine factor and offer little to no hold factor.

Thermal Setting Sprays – A spray that is to be used to help set a style, such as curls or an updo – Matrix Biolage Thermal Setting Spray. Most thermal setting sprays will offer a medium to firm hold factor. An awesome tool to use with hot rollers or a curling iron to keep the curls all day. * Not recommended to be used with a flat iron.

Shine Spray – a great addition to any vanity. Shine sprays will add shine to your ‘do. Shine spray do not have a hold factor, their job is to add shine. Some shine sprays will offer thermal protection – SOMA Prism & bain de terre Glossing Spray.

Cuticle Sealer – A serum to be applied to towel dried hair (for best results) to tame frizz and flyaways and lock out humidity. Offers a low shine factor and thermal protection – SOMA Solace.

 

 

Beauty, Business, communication, Hair Care, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat, Uncategorized, Women, writing

Let’s clarify the situation

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Everyday at the shop I am asked if I carry a “clarifying shampoo”. The answer is always yes. Almost every professional Salon line has a clarifying shampoo available in a retail size. Before I hand it over to my customer’s, I always ask them why they are looking for a clarifying shampoo. The reason I ask is this – many people have been given the incorrect information about clarifying shampoo’s, and you know me, I gotta educate, I gotta enlighten.

Clarifying shampoo’s are exactly that. They clarify the hair – they remove product build up, mineral deposit/build up (from well water for example), and chlorine buildup. Professional clarifying shampoo’s will not lift color, will not make you more blonde or remove your perm. It isn’t recommended to use a clarifying shampoo if you have just had your hair colored – it could affect the vibrancy of the color – try to wait at least a week or two. Some people have been told a clarifying shampoo will help with dandruff, not always the case. Some people may get a build up of product on their scalp, so yes, a clarifying shampoo would work and stop the flakes. If you suffer from psoriasis or chronic dandruff all a clarifying shampoo is going to do is dry you out more and cause more flakes. – check out my blog “Save your shoulder checks for changing lanes” archived April 2012 for awesome products custom made for those issues. Also, some people have been told clarifying shampoo’s will help with an oily scalp. Again, not always the case. Drying out the scalp may cause the scalp to produce more oil. Suffering from oily scalp? – RUSK Purity, Senscience Specialty Shampoo and JOICO Daily Care treatment shampoo are gems!

You may have heard that clarifying shampoo’s dry out the hair. Yes, in some circumstances they can, usually when they are over used, or not a professional salon brand. Being me, I have compiled a little go to list to clarify the situation…couldn’t help myself.

JOICO Kpak Chelating Shampoo – contains a triple action formula that removes mineral deposits, chlorine and styling product buildup while moisturizing the hair.

KMS HAIR STAY Clarifying Shampoo – leaves your hair feeling clean and healthy, not dry or feeling stripped. Gentle enough for daily use *Great for swimmers!

AG Renew – Mild yet massively effective. Cruelty free – they love bunnies

REDKEN Hair Cleanse – formulated with fruit acids to add shine while removing buildup.

SOMA Clarifying Shampoo – Awesome at removing the green chlorine stains on blondes. Vegan, Biodegradable, Alcohol free, Paraben free and Formaldehyde free.

So there you have it. Clarifying shampoo’s may be used once a week or once a month, depending on how many styling products you use, your hair type and how often you wash your hair. It is an awesome idea to clarify your hair before a color service – think of it as a blank canvas for an artist to work upon. Situation – clarified.

Beauty, Business, communication, Hair Care, health and wellness, Uncategorized, Women

What are you so scared of?

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Today’s tale is for all the stylists out there. Not a stylist? You may continue reading, you may even end up telling your stylist about this blog. It could help her be a better stylist and help you and her other clients like their hair for more than two days after the appointment.

You see, most Salon’s do not put any energy or focus into their retail. Retail meaning selling the products that they use during their services, be it a pomade or a flat iron. Everyday, and I mean everyday I have women coming into our shop saying the exact same thing… “I just had my hair done a few days ago and it looked great but now look at it!!! I don’t know what she (meaning the stylist) used and I can’t do my hair.”. So, this is wear my rendition of 20 questions begins. “What shape was the bottle she used?”. “What color was the bottle?”. “Did it foam up or did it look creamy?”. You get the point.

Something I cannot wrap my head around is this. A stylist has no problem telling their client that their service will cost $185.00 but they cannot muster up the courage to ask the client if she would like to purchase the mousse that was just put into her hair for $10.95. Seriously?!? It’s a win win. The client will be able to achieve the look you have just given them and the time in between each visit, your client will be happy with her hair and in turn with you, her stylist.

I have compiled a little list for all you stylists out there of what a client sitting in your chair should never hear. I mean NEVER.

– when your client asks “What’s that your using?” DO NOT answer “Oh, just some free stuff from my rep.”. Tell her what it is, tell her how to use it, offer to her that she can buy some on her way out.

– after finishing your color service and your client asks “What shampoo should I use?” DO NOT say “Oh, just pick something up at the drugstore”. – Are you crazy? Anything but professional shampoo could fade her color and make her hair look dull and lifeless – and guess what? When that happens she isn’t going to blame the shampoo – she’s gonna blame you.

– when your client asks about flat irons DO NOT answer her with “Oh…these are for professionals only” – come on…it’s not brain surgery…if you can iron a shirt, you can use a flat iron. Besides, it sounds a little rude and kind of belittles your client.

– if your client is currently using a professional hair care line that you do not carry, do not tell her “Oh, that line is crap!”. Now you have not only made yourself look stupid, you have insulted your client. Instead, compliment her choice and offer something similar that you carry. If you are not familiar with the line she uses, keep your mouth shut and after she leaves hop on Google and educate yourself.

If you decide to sell retail (which you should), sell the client the proper product, not the one with the highest commission or profit margin. Greedy will get you nowhere FAST. Think about it, would you like to be sold something that isn’t what you need just so the salesman gets a spiff? (Spiffs are when product has a higher commission put on it because the product needs to be sold).

All the manufacturer’s from A-G to Sebastian offer free product knowledge training for all salon employee’s. They offer awesome promo’s for your stylists and your customers. I have had many of the companies give me free product for a gift basket that my shop either puts in a monthly draw or offers as a donation for local charities.

In recent years the shampoos, conditioners and styling products at the drug stores and department stores have increased their prices and quite honestly, when they are not on sale, they are only $1.00 – $3.00 less than professional salon products. I believe our clients and customers deserve to have a good hair day everyday.

What about you?

Beauty, Business, Hair Care, health and wellness, Uncategorized

AG…it’s Canadian eh?

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Looking for professional hair products? Looking for hair care products that contain no salt, no parabens, no paba, no gluten, and are cruelty free? Look no further – AG Hair is your answer. That’s right, their products are free of all salt, parabens, paba, gluten and they love bunnies. They also love empowering women – AG’s Women Leading Change Foundation – builds schools in Africa so women and girls can get an education. AG Hair is a Canadian company and they have been making all their products themselves in Vancouver, Canada since 1989. Many of their products are alcohol free, humidity resistant and offer thermal protection.

Here is a list of the AG products that are well loved in my shop and are in high demand…

fast food – A cream based leave on conditioner. Heavy duty yet light enough for the finest of hair. Smells SOOOOO good.

spray varnish – A shine spray that is oil & alcohol free (seriously…it is). Adds glorious shine without weighing down your style.

foam – A foam to liquid mousse that is terrific for the finest of hair to medium textured hair. Gives maximum volume with minimum weight, increase shine, fights frizz and adds thermal protection.

bigwigg – A root boost. Alcohol free and no flaking.

recoil – One of my fav’s…I know you have read about it before…A lovely curl activating cream that is crunch free and humidity resistant. It smells like the beach.

details – A defining cream that helps get your curls under control. Alcohol free and moisturizing plus adds shine.

spray gel – AG’s answer to  a thermal setting spray. Doesn’t flake and doesn’t leave a sticky residue on your curling iron.

styling jel – This baby can do anything with your hair – slick it back,blow it out, set or sculpt it. Alcohol free, adds shine and doesn’t flake.

hard jel –  An extra firm hold gel. Awesome gel for slicked back looks. Humidity resistant, alcohol free and doesn’t flake.

ultradynamics – An extra-firm hold hairspray. Fast drying, flake free and humidity resistant…headin’ to New Orleans? This baby is your new best friend.

AG offers an awesome array of shampoo’s and conditioner’s for all hair types. All your bases are covered – from volume to moisture to smooth, AG has got you covered. Your hair will look great, feel wonderful and smell awesome. You will be saving bunnies and empowering women…what’s not to love?

 

Beauty, Business, communication, Hair Care, health and wellness, Uncategorized

Save the alcohol for your martini

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Ahhh, the sounds of summer. Children playing in the streets  squealing with delight as they hear the ice cream truck, the roll of the waves at the seaside, the chime of a bicycle passing you  on the sidewalk, the whimper of a woman fighting the battle with frizz and losing. Yep, we have all been there. We have all been her…you know who…the woman who turns into a five year old little girl yanking the brush through her hair and stomping her foot exclaiming “I hate my hair!!” sending every man within a 10 mile radius to make a run for the hills. (who could blame them, honestly.).

Today’s tale is about alcohol free products. Alcohol free products are less drying and some have found that using alcohol free products helps eliminate frizz and said products have been known to save a marriage or two. (of course a glass of alcohol has been known to do the same but that is another tale for another day). The best way to eliminate frizz is finding the magical combination of alcohol free AND humidity resistant…don’t be so doubtful…such products to exist…read on. Since all these products are Salon professional, they are all color safe.

I have compiled a list of some of the favorite products sold at my shop that are alcohol free;

JOICO JoiWhip Mousse – adds great volume and hold (a little goes a long way…too much and can tend to be sticky…dispense so foam is about the size of a small egg)

GOLDWELL Glamour Whip Mousse – adds volume and hold

RUSK Jelle Gloss – Works great as a setting lotion or for that slicked back look

AG – Liquid Varnish – A serum to add shine, can be used on wet or dry hair (a little goes a long way…use too much and you will look like Danny Zuko from Grease)

AG – Spray Varish – A shine spray, to be added to hair after you have the look you want, just with a little more shine. (lightly mist it over your hair)

MOROCCANOIL oil treatment – use on wet hair to reduce drying time and to control fly-aways

MOROCCANOIL Glimmer Spray – A shine spray, apply to add shine to your lovely locks.

SOMA Hot Body – A volumizing gel, great hold and no flaking.

Now, the list of alcohol free and humidity resistant products…told you they existed;

SOMA Curly Cue – an awesome gel formulated for curls, keeps them soft and bouncy, and free of frizz

SOMA Prism Shine Spray – a lightweight shine spray that never leaves a build up or greasy look.

SOMA Rage out – a styling cream that can be used  for straight or curly styles.

SOMA Solace – A cuticle sealer. Meant to lock that cuticle shut so no matter what the weather, the humidity cannot open up that cuticle and create frizz.

I hope this helps silence the tantrums and whimpers from behind the bathroom door, if not… I can give you a great apple-tini recipe, you will still hear the whimpers, they will just become more bearable.

 

 

Beauty, Business, communication, Hair Care, health and wellness, Uncategorized

Confessions of a bottle blonde

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I have to come clean about something. I know you have no idea what I look like …I’m fabulous by the way ;-), I have to be honest and tell you I am not a natural blonde. Well, I was born blonde but then became a brunette. Anyway, since I pride myself on honesty and integrity I thought it was time to come clean about my golden locks. I went blonde because I am over 65% grey. Yep, 65 whoppin’ percent. Been that way for over 6 years now. Going blonde was great because when the grey’s pop through they look blonde.

I have to admit, when I was a brunette I made fun of blondes, mostly because my sister is a blonde and when we were growing up she was all blonde and blue eyes and a great ballet dancer and slim. I was the tomboy who beat up the bullies and could throw a perfect spiral. (Football term). Anyway, getting back to the tale at hand, I used to hate the phrase “blondes have more fun” – but I have to admit, that  statement is true. The first week I was blonde, a man ran up to the door of the coffee shop to hold it open for me. Whenever I make a mistake, people just smile at me – when I was a brunette they always seemed disappointed at my mistake. I have a boisterous laugh and when I was a brunette people looked annoyed, now they seem to laugh along with me. My bottled blonde has become my secret weapon – well not so secret now since I just told you about it. (See…..you are laughing – if I was a brunette, I don’t think you would laugh as much). You see, people see a blonde and think “dumb”. It’s true, you know it. I love the fact people presume I am dumb, it makes it all the more fun for me when the realize I am intelligent, articulate, professional and capable of taking on anything thrown at me and they feel like an ass.

For all you blondes out there, natural or bottled, here are a few terrific professional salon products made just for us;

SOMA – Blonde/Silver Shampoo – the ONLY purple shampoo that eliminates the brassy tones all the while retaining the moisture and strength of our lovely locks by adding protein to their product & protects from sun damage

KMS – Color Vitality for Blondes – A shampoo and conditioner that eliminates the brassy tones.

REDKEN – Blond Glam – a complete line made just for blondes – Shampoo, conditioner, shine treatments and color depositing gel-cream treatment for at home use between salon visits for that extra boost to your blonde

AG – Sterling Silver – A purple toning shampoo and conditioner to eliminate the brassy tones.

Moroccanoil Light – Same as the original Moroccanoil treatment, created for finer hair but many have found that they get less of the brassy buildup on blonde hair when they use the Light as opposed to the original.

Blondes may not always seem the brightest, we may not get all the jokes…beware…just because we are blonde doesn’t mean we are dumb…be careful how you treat us or the joke may be on you.

 

Beauty, Hair Care, health and wellness, Uncategorized

Save your shoulder checks for changing lanes…

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Dandruff. The enemy of the little black dress and the tuxedo jacket. The bully to our self esteem. No longer will you have to check your shoulders each time a greek god or goddess approaches you, no longer will you be referred to as a human snow globe or asked if it is snowing outside. Sad but true – these nasty phrases are uttered by children masking themselves as adults.

There are many reasons for dandruff. Sometimes it is hormonal changes, sometimes seasonal changes. It can be a cruel genetic joke that runs in your family. There is hope, I promise you. The products of which I speak are professional Salon quality products and they only cost about $2 more than the department/drug store brands. The active ingredient in the following products is Zinc Pyrithione, which helps reduce itching and flaking. It has antibacterial properties which can help reduce dandruff and scalp conditions that cause dandruff.

KMS Head Remedy – Dandruff Shampoo – gentle cleansing and color safe.

AG Control Dandruff  Shampoo – Gentle cleansing, Canadian made & cruelty free, color safe.

JOICO – Daily Care Treatment Shampoo – * this baby is created for any scalp problem – not truly a dandruff shampoo, many clients have had luck if their dandruff was due to hormone/seasonal changes. Color Safe.

If you suffer from severe dandruff, psoriasis or seborrhea try the following (you can hug me later)

SMART SOLUTIONS Problem Hair & Scalp Shampoo – ***AWESOME RESULTS*** This little gem is paraben free, sulfate free, sodium chloride free and color safe. It also helps reduce frizz. This product relieves dryness, controls the oil on the scalp and hair and eliminates flaking.

Steer clear of the cheaper brands – they mask the problem. Sure, no flakes as you use it but once you stop flakes come back. The products I have listed for you are formulated to treat the dandruff/scalp condition and in many circumstances, the dandruff becomes a thing of the past.