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

Hair-surance

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Last week I had a woman come in looking for a silicone oil for her hair. I asked her why she was looking for a silicone oil for her hair and she told me “that’s what my stylist said to use to fix my extensions, to make the frizz go away and to help get the knots out.”. I asked her how long she had her extensions in for and she told me 1 week. (I swear, I would have guessed a month.). “Oh, I see” I said. “Yeah, I know they look horrible. My stylist told me I am not taking care of them properly. I guess I am just stupid or something.”. It was then that I asked her if her stylist had told her how to take care of her extensions to which she said “Yes. She told me to go to the drugstore and make sure the shampoo was moisturizing and then she said…” it was then that I stopped her. I actually put my hand up and said “Stop right there. Hold on one minute.”. I took a breath and said “this is not your fault. I am sorry that you spent so much money ($400.00 by the way) and were given the wrong instruction.”. I let her know that she should wrap her head each night, or at least put her hair in a low ponytail/braid before bed. That only professional Salon sulfate free shampoo should be used with extensions. That a flat iron spray should be used when using a flat iron – not a silicone oil like her stylist told her. The poor girl just looked at me. Her eyes began to well up, then stopped. Her look turned from despair to anger, and rightfully so. “My stylist didn’t tell me any of that. In fact, she made me feel like I was an idiot and disrespecting her when I told her I thought there was a problem with my extensions!”. We spent the next 20 minutes talking product and after I rang her through, she thanked me for my honesty. “You are the first person who told me the truth about my extensions”.

The point of today’s tale? Clients and customers come to our Salon’s because they trust us. They trust us with their family secrets, the latest neighbourhood gossip, their fears and their self doubt. Most importantly, they trust us with their hair. It is our responsibility as stylists, Salon managers and Salon owners to guard that trust and help our clients and customers to protect their investment in themselves. It is our responsibility to explain;

  • the importance of the proper shampoo, especially for color clients. Explaining that professional Salon shampoo will protect the their color whereas drugstore shampoo will effect the vibrancy of their color = color fade.

 

  • how to apply shampoo – to emulsify it in your hands, then apply mid shaft and work your way up.

 

  • that sulfate free shampoo’s do not make lots of bubbles or suds. To make more of a lather, add more water. Adding more shampoo just wastes the shampoo and leaves the hair greasy and lifeless.

 

  • the difference between leave in conditioners and conditioning treatments. Yes, sadly many woman I have helped were using a conditioning treatment and leaving it in, which in turn messed up their hair, on many levels. * I ALWAYS stress the importance of rinsing out vs. leaving in. Trust me, your client may look at you like you have three heads, but they will thank you for it later.

 

  • all mousses and root boosts are thermal activated. No blow drying? No volume. Plain and simple.

 

  • the importance of thermal protection. Every client that uses a flat iron MUST have a flat iron spray at home and it MUST be used each time a flat iron is used. *the hair spray today will be cooked into the hair tomorrow without the use of a thermal spray.

 

  • All oils and serums should be applied to damp hair BEFORE blow drying or to dry hair AFTER using a flat iron or curling iron. * oils and serums are not thermal protectants. I want you to think of a hot pan on the stove – what happens when you add oil to a hot pan? Exactly.

 

  • how to take care of extensions. How to wash them. How to style them. Which products are best to use.

 

  • how to take care of their hair after a perm

 

  • how to maintain smooth tresses after a chemical straightening

 

  • how to wash their hair when they have had vibrant colors applied.

In my experience, almost every customer thanks me for being honest with them, for taking the time to explain things to them, the how’s and the why’s of hair product and hair care. Take a moment to speak with your clients about their hair and hair care routine, explain the importance of protecting their investment in themselves. They will thank you for it. As for me…no thanks needed.

 

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

Tales of Truth – the 23rd Edition

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So here we are, at the 23rd. edition of That Girl in the Red Coat’s Tales of Truth. The past weeks have been, well, lets just say, interesting. The summer has arrived and with it the rising humidex and the lowering of common sense. So gather ’round ladies and gents, boys and girls for it is time for some Tales of Truth.

 

  • a woman came into the shop, came up to the counter and said “So, you do hair huh?”. I let her know that I personally do not, and offered to introduce her to one of our stylists. “So, you work here and don’t do hair huh?”. “That’s correct.” I told her I manage the shop and asked if I could help her with anything. She looked at me for a minute and then said “Yeah…where is the mailbox around here?”.

 

  • I was told my shop isn’t family friendly because I wouldn’t let a woman’s child try on the nail polishes that we have for sale. I was told that I should keep them out of children’s reach if I don’t want them touched.

 

  • A woman asked “Do you have toe nail files?”. I showed her our selection of emery boards and nail files. She sighed and looked perplexed. “Oh no! No toe nail files?!?”. It took me 5 minutes to convince a woman that she could use a nail file on her toenails, that nail files and emery boards can be used on finger nails and toe nails. “You promise nothing bad will happen?” she questioned. I assured her it will be fine. …I refrained from calling the authorities.

 

  • A woman asked me if the tweezers I sold were any good. I assured her that they were and that I actually own a pair. She asked me if I could get at those pesky hairs. I let her know that yes, even the shortest of eyebrow hair can be plucked with our tweezers. Then she asked “What about nipple hair?” …sweet baby Jesus, thankfully she didn’t feel the need to show me what she was talking about.

 

  • A woman was looking at our travel size display and sighing. I walked over and asked her if I could help her find something or if she had any questions. “No. I don’t know why I am looking at these. All they do is make me sad knowing I don’t travel.” ….oh my.

 

  • “Hey honey! You got any of those flat irons I could buy? Not for me. For my lady. A man like me don’t need these girly things” – Yep, said to yours truly as he adjusted himself, I shit you not.

 

  • I was asked if it was alright to use a travel size hair dryer at home…you know, because it is meant for travelling. …sigh

 

  • Last but not least…I was asked if shampoo would help hair…down there. (her words, not mine). You see, because it gets dry and itchy – HEY! If I gotta go through it, so do you. I told her it would be best to talk to her doctor about her south of the border issues as I searched for my hand sanitizer

 

Tales of Truth

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

Monday Motivator – Joico INSTATINT

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Here we are again Beauties, it’s Monday. The sun is shining yet many I have met this morning are glum. Spring has finally sprung yet many have lost the spring in their step. Over the past weeks I have had many women call me brave because I have colored some of my hair magenta (courtesy of the FAB! Color Intensity line by Joico!).  I always thank them and follow up their compliment by telling them they could add some flair to their hair as well, and I am met with the same answers every time …  “Oh, I couldn’t do that”, “What would people say?” or the ever present “What if I think I like blue and then once I’ve done it I hate it?!”. Well ladies, and gents, have no fear for Joico INSTATINT is here!

joico INSTATINT INSTATINT offers five FAB! shades;

  • Fiery Coral (red)
  • Pink
  • Orchid (purple)
  • Sapphire Blue (a denim blue)
  • Mermaid Blue ( a turquoise blue)
For all those who are a tad skeptical or a wee bit worried about adding some flair to your hair, Joico INSTATINT is your answer. Truly a no commitment color. Always dreamed of having blue hair, only to realize blue hair feels like a nightmare? No worries! Just wash it out and give the red a whirl! Yep, INSTATINT washes out in one shampoo, every time. Being me, I have compiled a quick go to list, a what’s what of INSTATINT;
  • applied color lasts up to three days
  • washes out in 1 shampoo
  • is color safe = will not alter your existing hair color after INSTATINT is removed. Yes, it is safe for the blondest of blondes
  • easy to apply! Spray onto dry hair in short bursts. I prefer not to apply heat after color is applied, so I apply color after I am done with my flat iron.
  • the less you spray, the lighter the color.
  • the more you spray, the color becomes more vibrant
  • protect your clothing while applying the spray. Drape a towel over your shoulders.
  • color only lands where you direct it
  • does not stain your scalp, your hair line or your face
  • layer over existing vibrant shades to perk them up or to get you through until your next color appointment.
  • it is $10.45 a bottle. Yep! $10.45.
I am a week away from my color appointment and I gotta tell you, I love the Pink INSTATINT to keep my magenta looking vibrant. …I also added a touch of Mermaid Blue and Sapphire Blue because….why not 😉
Joico INSTATINT

 

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

Monday Motivator – Joico Humidity Blocker

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Well, here we are again. It’s Monday. Mother Nature is having an identity crisis. In my neck of the woods we have seen snow, rain, sleet, freezing rain, snow and rain once again in the last 12 hours…and just to add a little kick to her ever present weather humour, Mother Nature has decided to keep humidity in the air and in turn, in our hair. Rain and humidity are in the forecast for the next few days, so for all of you who are trying to figure out how to tell the boss you will be late for work because you cannot get out of your car for fear of frizz and for all the Mom’s fretting over why you chose this week of all weeks to volunteer to chaperone a school field trip, fear and fret nor more! Let me introduce you to Joico Humidity Blocker.

Joico Humidity Blocker

A hidden gem in the Joico styling line. Joico Humidity Blocker literally creates a humidity block around each strand of hair, creating an invisible shield over your beloved tresses. It locks out the humidity and moisture in the air which means no frizz. At all. Created for all hair types, from our girls with curls to our ladies who are a fan of the flat iron, this gem is a perfect addition to your daily hair care routine. Joico Humidity Blocker offers a long lasting light hold, so it can also be used as a hairspray, for those who prefer a lighter hold to their hairspray.

For best results, use on dry hair. Once you have created the style you want for the day, and after all styling products have been applied, spray Joico Humidity Blocker all over your hair to lock out humidity and lock in your FAB! style.

From this day forward every time you hear “April showers bring May flowers”, you can rest assured that all the showers will bring are flowers, not frizz.

 

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

Time to Shine

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After its winter slumber, spring is upon us. The birds are chirping, the days are getting longer, everything seems better and brighter.  For many of us, the harshness of the winter weather, the dry blast of heat from the furnace and the ever present flat iron have become the enemy of our beloved tresses. The sun may be shining longer and brighter, our hair, not so much…until now. Let me introduce to you, from the SarynaKey Damage Repair line, your new best friend. Meet SarynaKey Damage Repair Gloss Spray.

SarynaKey Damage Repair Gloss Spray

SarynaKey Damage Repair Gloss Spray contains the healing benefits of Shea Butter, vitamins, amino acids and proteins that safe guard your hair and keep it hydrated. Healing and repairing the split ends that go along with dry, damaged hair all the while delivering a fantastic, natural shine. Formulated for all hair types, its lightweight formula will not weigh down fine hair, yet is potent enough for thick, coarse hair. No greasy residue and no brassy effect on blondes. It also contains UV filters to protect your color from the sun and environmental changes.

Some of my FAB! SarynaKey Damage Repair Gloss Spray Spring & Summer tips!

  • Apply pool side to help protect your color from the damage of chlorine and salt water * the chlorine/salt will adhere to the shine spray more than your hair = less damage to your hair and keeps your color vibrant.
  • Take it with you to the beach! Apply to your hair to protect your color from the sun’s U.V. rays.
  • After a day out at the beach or on the boat, spray on your hair as an instant refresher.
  • Your ends are looking a little fuzzy and you can’t get into the Salon for a trim? Spray a little SarynaKey Damage Repair Gloss Spray in your hands and rub into the ends of your hair = no more fuzzy ends and you are ready for a night on the town.

Beautiful, silky, shiny hair every day, thanks to SarynaKey.

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

Monday Motivator’s – Goldwell Sleek Perfection & Diamond Gloss Spray

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I swear, I blinked on Friday night and poof! it’s Monday morning. It was cold and gloomy this morning when I whined myself out of bed. Not even my cloud filled cup of morning coffee could shake my melancholy. As I was on my way to the shop, the sun broke through the clouds as if the universe was saying “Alright Sara. Chill out and smile.”. I do not enjoy admitting my shortcomings, but at that moment I realized that I was being a big old baby. I woke up in my own bed, in my own house, with electricity and hot coffee. My loved ones are healthy. I have my own car to get to work. I have a job. Yeah, safe to say my life is pretty damn good…oh, and thanks to these gems from Goldwell, so is my hair.

 

Goldwell Sllek Perfection & Diamond Gloss Goldwell Sleek Perfection & Goldwell Diamond Gloss Spray

 

Goldwell Sleek Perfection is a thermal protectant spray serum. It’s waterless formula insures less damage during heat styling and reduces breakage up to 50%. A humidity resistant formulation that locks out humidity for up to 24 hours all the while offering color protection = less fading so your new found color keeps it’s vibrancy. It is lightweight, so a great option for our fine hair beauties, yet potent enough for our thicker, more coarse tresses. It is a fast drying non aerosol spray with no hold factor, so there is never a worry for a sticky residue, or working against any other styling product you may be using. Oh….and by the way…it smells like candy….you know, the good candy from the penny candy counter.

 

Goldwell Diamond Gloss Spray is a fast drying, aerosol shine spray. This gem offers spectacular long lasting shine, reduces frizz and offers color protection. Since Diamond Gloss offers no hold it can also be applied to your hair when it has decided to get a mind of it’s own and becomes unruly or looking a little stressed or haggard – picture being caught in a gust of wind as your umbrella blows inside out – give your hair a spray of Diamond Gloss to get it back in line. I have found it to help with static as well. …and it smells great too.

…you gotta admit, when you are having a good hair day, it helps everything else seem a little less daunting and helps bring some light to your day.

 

 

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

Monday Motivator – Goldwell Sleek Perfection

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I know, I know. It’s Monday. I too did not want to face the morning. In my part of the world, the temperature was below zero and I knew the hardwood floor would be cold. Alas, there are mouths to feed and bills to pay, and hair to do. Thanks to a new found favorite from Goldwell, my Monday morning became a little less manic, and yours truly is having a good hair day. Yep…a good hair day, on a Monday. Let me introduce you to Goldwell Sleek Perfection

20150723_100721 …a Thermal Spray Serum to be used with your flat iron.

For those of you familiar with my Salon Tales, you know that yours truly has fine hair, is a blonde (bottled, but blonde none the less) and is a die hard fan of aerosol flat iron sprays…until now. Goldwell Sleek Perfection is a non-aerosol spray that dries in an instant – you would swear it was an aerosol. Fast drying = no sticky residue or wet spots that sizzle when your flat iron makes contact. Goldwell Sleek Perfection reduces hair breakage up to 50%, leaves your hair feeling soft, silky and frizz free for up to 24 hours. ….and it smells wonderful.

The secret to this FAB! product are styling polymers enriched with Bamboo proteins that form an elastic film which is enhanced by their exclusive elastomer. *the polymer film also contains an integrated protection complex that consists of UV-A & UV-B filters, Pathenol and the agents that trap free radicals = long lasting color protection and hair that has a smooth, glossy surface with a natural feel and flexible hold.

For best results, apply to dry hair before using your flat iron. *That Girl in the Red Coat tip – flat iron your hair, section by section. Use a clip to keep excess hair out of the way, spray the section of hair you are going to flat iron and continue. I find this technique ensures an even coverage of spray and protection and I achieve a smoother look.

 

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

Monday Motivator – Onesta Smooth + Shine

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It’s Monday…again. Many of us have a hard time to get up and go on Monday mornings. It seems that our get up and go just got up and went. I began the Monday Motivator series to help your Monday mornings a little brighter, to give you something to look forward to. Even though it may be Monday and your child decided to play hide and seek with your car keys and doesn’t know where they are “‘cuz they’re good hiders” and you spilled the entire bag of freshly ground coffee beans all over the kitchen floor…at least you will have a good hair day.

This Monday’s Motivator is from Onesta. Meet Onesta’s Smooth + Shine, a thermal straightening creme.

20150615_113304-1

This gem of a product offers a silky, frizz free finish. It is light enough not to weigh down the finest of strands yet potent enough to smooth the most unruly tresses. It is humidity resistant (locks your cuticle shut – perfect for humid weather. Closed cuticle = no frizz). With it’s blend of certified organic ingredients such as Milk Thistle, Green Tea and Rhatany Root, Onesta Smooth + Shine adds luster and helps to protect hair color and vitality. For those who are looking for a more natural professional hair care line, Onesta is for you! Their products meet EU Compliance and are paraben free, sulfate free, gluten free, cruelty free, vegan, free of dyes, DEA/TEA, Phthalates, Sodium Chloride and Propylene Glycol.

Remember, this is a thermal styling creme, so it must be used with a blow dryer for the best smoothing results. To use; distribute through towel dried hair. Blow dry while guiding your hair straight with your brush. Follow with a flat iron if so desired.

How much to use;

For fine hair – dispense the size of a pea and emulsify in your hands, then apply to hair

For medium hair – dispense the size of a dime and emulsify in your hands, then apply to hair

For thick hair – dispense a nickel size amount and emulsify in your hands, then apply to hair.

* A great feature of this creme – you can scrunch, diffuse or air dry  Smooth + Shine for a more natural look on wavy hair. Smooth + Shine can be applied to dry hair to help tame frizz.

Beauty, health and wellness, That girl in the red coat, Uncategorized, writing

Tales of Truth – 18th edition

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Gather ’round ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, it is once again time for that girl in the red coat’s Tales of Truth. A full moon is not set to arrive for a few weeks so I cannot blame the following antics on our lunar companion. The warm weather is upon us and the humidex is on the rise, so that may be a factor, or maybe people have simply gone bat shit crazy.

 

– I was helping a woman select her shampoo when another woman came into the shop. I said hello and let her know I would be with her shortly. She told me “I’m just looking”. After I finished with my customer, I walked over to her and asked if she was finding what she was looking for to which I was told “I said I was just looking!”, so I went back to unpacking my orders. As she passed the counter I heard a sigh and turned to ask her if there was something she needed to which she told me “well, yes, there is, but no one is helping me so I am leaving.”.

– a woman called to ask me why I didn’t answer the phone at 8:00 a.m. when she called. I let her know the shop opens at 9:30 a.m. to which she said “you still haven’t answered my question”.

– a woman complained that the flat iron spray I suggested was “Shit and was ruining her hair, not protecting it”. *Educational tip – flat iron spray is to be applied to dry hair – not applied to the flat iron itself.

– A woman came into the shop asking if I could help her find the Goldwell shampoo she uses because she left her glasses at home. As I came from behind the counter to help her she let me know “please don’t mind the smell, I just had some moles burned off.”. …trust me…I wish I was making this shit up.

– A woman asked me if she could buy  the travel size hair dryer even if she doesn’t travel.

– “Do you sell toe nail polish?” – I am asked this more than you want to know

– I had another gentleman ask me if it was possible to wax his own balls – actually, he called them his “little buddies”. …Gilligan’s Island will never be the same for yours truly.

– A product I usually carry was out of stock. My customer wanted to know where else she could buy it. I didn’t know, but offered to give her the phone number of the shops I thought may carry her product. I was told “my customer service was for shit” because I wouldn’t call all the other shop’s in town for her to see if they had what she wanted.

– A couple came in asking about our hair trimmers. I showed them our selection of clippers and trimmers and let them know that the Wahl Peanut is our best seller. It is great for cutting, trimming and outlining. The woman turned to her gent and said “Look! A peanut to use on your peanut!”. …I need a raise.

 

Dad's laugh

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

The Color Key

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I have a confession to make. Those familiar with my Salon Tales are already aware of my secret, so it is only fair the newcomers be in on it as well. I am  a bottled blonde…yes, I was born with platinum tresses. Alas, they slowly turned to brown and as I entered my thirties, I began to have my own 50+ shades of grey – hence the bottled blonde – this way when my grey roots appear I can say “it’s just the platinum”. Why the glimpse into my hair history? Well, I have found a lovely product line that I need to tell you about. It’s a lovely line for anyone who colors their hair. I have introduced you to SaynaKey Volume Lift with my tale;

A brand new key

Today, let me introduce you to SarynaKey’s Color Lasting line. First and foremost – the smell is divine! It smells like an island getaway. The Color Lasting line offers UV filters to protect the vibrancy of your color. It leaves your hair feeling soft and manageable with a lovely shine.

 

 

IMG_20150501_201135

Color Lasting Treatment Shampoo – A lightweight shampoo that packs a punch! Containing a unique combination of Shea butter, cotton and silk proteins that provide a protective layer that also helps to repair split ends. The added benefit of vitamin B6, protein and amino acids helps to strengthen and protect the pigments of hair from root to tip. For best results – lather and leave on for 2 minutes, or wash your hair two times in a row. I tried both and was pleased with both results. * great for color/chemically treated hair in normal to dry condition

Color Lasting Treatment Conditioner – The first thing you will notice about the conditioner is that it is not as thick or creamy as you expect conditioner to be. Do not let that sway you – for a lightweight formula, just as the shampoo – it really packs a punch! This gem of a conditioner glides through the hair with ease, detangles and rinses out easily. Color Lasting Treatment Conditioner is filled with Shea nut butter which prevents your color from fading and provides a lovely shimmer. For best results – after shampooing with Color Lasting Treatment Shampoo, apply a generous amount throughout your hair, leave on for 1 minute then rinse. * I have fine hair that most conditioners can leave feeling greasy and weighed down. I applied a very generous amount of conditioner and my hair felt soft and smooth, not greasy and my hair was not weighed down.

Color Lasting Treatment Mask – I have tried many treatments in my 5 years of being a bottled blonde and I have to say, SarynaKey’s Color Lasting Treatment Mask has become one of my new favorites. After using this conditioning treatment my hair was soft, shiny and my ends looked smooth. This conditioning treatment contains an advanced Shea nut butter with natural ingredients such as keratin and amino acids that surround, penetrate and enrich the hair. It also contains UV ray screens that protect the pigments to lock in your color. For best results – after shampooing and conditioning with Color Lasting Treatment Shampoo and Conditioner, apply a generous amount and massage into the hair, beginning at the tips and working your way to your roots. Leave in for 5 minutes and rinse with cool water.

Color Lasting Pure African Shea Oil – a lightweight oil containing Shea Butter – a natural source of keratin which repairs damaged hair. Color Lasting Pure African Shea Oil can be applied to damp or dry hair and absorbs quickly without leaving the hair looking or feeling greasy. When applied to damp hair, it helps to detangle and add shine while blow drying. When applied to dry hair, after styling, it adds that extra sheen and seals up any split ends and controls pesky flyaways. * it is best to apply any oil after you have completed styling with your flat iron. 

Whether your hair is fine or coarse, thin or thick, SarynaKey’s Color Lasting line nourishes and repairs all the while protecting your color. You now have the Key to long lasting color. You’re welcome.