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

Have you been DevaCurled?

October 14, 2014 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

Everyday I meet a woman, or a man who is frustrated with their hair. Their curly hair. They have tried every product. They have a closet full of creams, lotions, serums and sprays that had promised them manageable curls and all they delivered was a frizzy uncontrollable mess. Many of my customers resorted to chemical straightening – *a great alternative, when done in a Salon, by a stylist who is trained. Buyer beware of the “at home” straightening products – another tale for another time. The one thing all these customers have in common? Not one person, sales person or stylist had ever asked them what they were looking for from their product, how the envisioned their hair to be, what issues they were currently having with their hair, or even asking them what products they were currently using. You see, not all curl products are for all curl types. Yes, there are different curl types, from fine to thick, from wavy to corkscrew. Some corkscrew curls are fine, others are thick and coarse. Some have coarse wave mid shaft that gradually becomes a fine Botticelli style curl at the ends. Using the correct curl product for the curl type is key.

There are many Professional Salon Curl products on the market. Today’s tale is focused on DevaCurl – in a word, Miraculous.

This is a line that we brought into the shop over 3 months ago. Our owner/head stylist has curly hair, so she was our test subject. She understood the struggles and the frustrations of having curly hair. The results were outstanding. Soft, frizz free, shiny defined curls. The key to achieving these curls – using the DevaCurl Deva 3-step system. Now before you get all “I don’t have time for 3 more steps everyday!” – take a breath. Another. It takes all of 10 minutes. It is as easy as 1-2-3. It truly is. DevaCurl offers a 100% sulfate free, paraben free and silicone free shampoo – No Poo and conditioner – One Condition. *there will be no lather with the shampoo – sulfate free = no lather. No need to add more shampoo while cleansing – just add more water. The third step to the DevaCurl Deva 3-step system is the Light Defining Gel (for flexible styling/natural hold) or the Ultra Defining Gel(for ultimate curl retention/long lasting hold) – also 100% sulfate, paraben and silicone free.

Step 1 – cleanse your hair with No Poo (shampoo)

Step 2 – condition with One Condition and rinse. * a perk to this conditioner – it can be used as a leave in for extra hydration.

Step 3 – apply the Light Defining Gel or Ultra Defining Gel. * for best results apply to wet hair. Yes. Wet hair. Tilt head forward and scrunch the gel into wet curls in an upwards motion. Then apply gel between your palms, emulsify and glide your palms over the hair.

* DevaCurl offers an array of online tutorials and tips – check out http://www.mydevacurl.com

DevaCurl offers an array of styling products for all curl types and all styles, a few of the big movers have been;

Mist-er Right – a curl refresher to deodorize and refresh curls – infused with Lavender

Styling Cream – defines curls with a soft natural hold that is humidity resistant = no frizz

Flexible Hold Hair Spray – offers soft, touchable curls. Adds shine, helps curl retention and adds to all day conditioning.

Set Up & Above – a pomade style product that offers maximum hold, texture and volume. Great styling control without a sticky mess. * Great results for short styles too – curly or straight.

The DevaTowel – a microfiber towel that provides a smooth surface for curls – to set curls while keeping them defined and frizz free.

The DevaCurl DevaFuser – meet your new best friend. Offers great volume and definition. This diffuser is a universal fit = fits most blow dryers. It offers 360 degree airflow = gently dries the hair from the inside and out for soft, frizz free curls.

DevaCurl is a beautiful line for anyone who has curly hair – from loose waves to tight corkscrew curls. When applied properly, the curls are beautifully defined and frizz free – so much so, when you have seen the DevaCurl results, you can spot a DevaCurl curl in a crowd. It is a company that offers terrific support for it’s customers and clients – from styling techniques to cutting techniques. DevaCurl is a 100% sulfate, paraben and silicone free line, and is a cruelty free line – they do not test on animals. Once you have been “DevaCurled” as I like to call it – you will no longer envy your friend with straight hair, you will find yourself embracing your curls and smiling at your reflection, in the mirror, in the windows…where ever you may find it.

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

You can take the girl out of the 80’s but you can’t take the 80’s out of the girl…

July 21, 2014 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

I have a confession to make. I love big hair. The more volume the better. Being a child of the 80’s I know for a fact that is where my love for big hair began, and the love affair continues to this day. I used to think I had thick hair, so I would purchase products that were formulated to add volume for thick hair. I would skip down the sidewalk and up to my front door, sing my hello to my parents as I ran up the stairs two at a time with dreams of big hair. I would set down my new found products on the vanity, and get to work. Within about 30 minutes the tubes and jars were in the garbage and I was a crumpled mess on the floor with flat, sticky strands dialing the number to the nearest Salon making an appointment to “chop it all off!”.

Fast forward 10 years. I am now in my late 20’s. Thanks to a stylist who took more than a minute to speak to me, yours truly learned that I do not have thick hair. I have fine hair – just lots of it. This is why all the products I had purchased did not deliver the volume promised by the package and the Hollywood Starlet on the commercials. The products were too heavy for my hair type – hence the weighed down, flat drowned rat results. I am about to have my 42nd. birthday, I have had great hair for over 15 years, now you can too. As you know, my goal is educate and enlighten. Today’s tale covers some beautiful products, tried and tested and used by yours truly, that offer great volume and control.

JOICO JoiWhip

This gem is my favorite. I have been using this since the 1990’s when it was known as IceWhip. A great mousse for all hair types, for hold, volume, control…you name it. A little goes a long way – I find dispensing an amount that is about the size of an egg is more than enough. Emulsify in both hands, apply to towel dried hair, blow dry and style. * a lovely product for those with curls looking for hold without having to blow dry. ** It smells heavenly

JOICO Structure Animate

A lightweight styling cream that offers volume, hold and shine. I found the best results when I applied the product at my roots before blow drying (dispense about the size of a quarter, emulsify in both hands then apply). It can be used on dry hair, but can tend to get sticky if too much is applied – on dry hair – stick to about the size of a nickel, emulsify in your hands, then apply were needed. *smells like candy!

Schwarzkopf Session Label Series – Dust It Flex

The newest addition to the Schwarzkopf family of products, the Session Label series. This product is AMAZING. It is a powder, that when applied to dry hair, lifts and holds your hair without a powdery mess or sticky residue. It offers a workable hold, so if you add too much (which for me isn’t possible), you can rework your hair with your hands or a brush. You can apply the powder directly into your hair or shake some into your hands and work it into the hair – I found the latter worked best for me. It offers a matte finish. *terrific for longer styles.

SOMA Volumize Thermal Spray

This finishing spray from SOMA is a gem. It will not leave your hair feeling sticky or crunchy and adds volume, hold and humidity resistance (no frizz!). Although it is a finishing spray, it can be used on towel dried hair and on dry hair as you are styling. *Great for updo’s – holds curls all day.

SENSCIENCE Pro Formance Polish

Lets just say, when I used this, the angels sang. For those of you familiar with my tales, you know a few tears were shed when Joico discontinued Brilliatine, and I was known to stomp my feet when Senscience discontinued Pliable Shine. Well beauties, let me tell you, Senscience stepped up to the plate and delivered a home run with their Pro Formance Polish. This pomade offers great shine with a flexible/workable hold. I love it to add that little extra boost of volume at my roots and to add to my ends to give a smooth sealed look. A little goes a long way – scoop out an amount the size of your thumb nail and emulsify into both hands and work in to hair. For a pieced out/textured look to your bangs – apply to your finger tips and work into hair. *a great product for slick/controlled styles.

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

Taking a Tour

June 17, 2014 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

On June 2nd., yours truly took a little tour to The Cambridge Mill in Cambridge Ontario to attend the Spring Trend Tour show sponsored by Joico and Piidea Direct. Inspiration was promised and inspiration was delivered…from the choice of venue to the artistry displayed on stage.

I arrived to warm hospitality from the staff at the Cambridge Mill, hot coffee and a glorious view while waiting for the show to start.

The view from The Cambridge Mill

Once at my table the music pumping, the lights flashing, I knew I was in for a treat. The show began with a student competition and let me tell you, these students GOT IT! Great styles and structure to the cuts and creations and color. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for these young stylists and their clients.

Yep! Created by students!

After the student competition we were treated to some great cutting and color techniques using Joico and ISO color from Marc Galati and Darci Armstrong. True professionals and artists, who touched on all aspects of having a client in your chair, from foil placement, understanding your client, helping your client achieve their desired look and in my opinion the most important, making sure that you sell your client the proper products to protect their investment in themselves.

Marc Galati

Darci Armstrong

After a scrumptious lunch that included the best ever beet salad I ever had, wraps, sandwiches and tasty treats for dessert we were in for a real treat. Monika Lombardi took the stage with her creations for the gents of all ages. It was a wonderful addition to the show as, for those of you who follow my Salon Tales, our gents do not get enough attention and they are a huge market that needs more attention. Great barbering techniques were displayed and taught by Monika, as were styling techniques. Monika gave a step by step walk through of each technique she was utilizing. Another true professional and artist. I cannot wait to see what the next trend show will bring!

Monika Lombardi

All the creations

For those of you looking to change it up at your Salon, or are thinking of dabbling in more vibrant colors and creations, I recommend Piidea Direct and Joico. To be clear, I am not receiving any type of stipend. The reason for the recommendation? I am a manager of a Salon and retail shop which means I am also a customer. I am a customer that needs product, color and support and I receive all three from Piidea and Joico. Free education, support 24/7, samples for our back bar and our clients, even complimentary retail bags for our clients and customers…and awesome Sales Reps., like mine.

Melodie Hergott – Sales Rep Extraordinaire! …and yours truly.

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

If you are a stylist…you are a sales person

May 20, 2014 That Girl in the Red Coat 3 Comments

Ladies and Gents, we are in the business of Beauty. Yes…the business, and as in every business, sales and selling are what keeps the business alive,competitive and profitable. “Oh…I’m not a sales person.”. “I am a hairstylist…not a sales person.”. Two of the most common phrases I hear from hair stylists and Salon owners. Today’s tale is to put this myth to rest. Yeah, I said myth. … convincing a woman to give you 3 hours out of her hectic schedule and pay you $175.00 for hair color – if that isn’t selling than I don’t know what is.

I manage an independently owned retail shop/salon, and I can tell you, in all honesty, that our retail sales make up for over 70% of the salon’s revenue. Yep…you read that correctly, 70%. Many of my customers are the clients of other Salons. Salons that don’t retail any product, or sell the products that they have on their shelves. I am on the front lines, so to speak, and am here to tell you that your clients and customers want their hair to look the same between appointments and are willing to spend that little extra if it means that their hair will look good and feel good. Your clients and customers need to be taught about their products, how much to use and how often. There is a need that is not being met…well, I am meeting it. You can too. You can. Think about it, you have your client in your chair for at least 45 minutes. That is 45 minutes that you can discuss the shampoo, the conditioner, the conditioning treatment, the styling products, the hair dryer and the flat iron you are using on them that day. You can have them smell the products, feel how the dryer’s handle fits their hand, and show them how to adjust the temperature on the flat iron. 45 minutes. There are moments that I have 6 retail customers at once and I have 5 minutes to explain products and how to use them. If I can sell $75.00 worth of product in 5 minutes, imagine what you can potentially sell in 45 minutes.

All professional hair care lines offer product knowledge classes. All professional hair care lines have their own websites that offer a break down of each product, their features and benefits to each hair type. Every bottle offers a description of what the product is used for, and how to use it. It is time to educate yourself and your Salon staff. It really is that simple. At least 3 -5 times a week I am on my lap top or my phone, with my customer right beside me, looking up a product, or showing them a tutorial on You tube. The information is out there. It’s time to find it and use it. Being me, I have compiled a little list for you, a retail aid if you will.

– First and foremost – stop fearing the sale. When you are telling your client about the product you are using in their hair, you are having a conversation. …if you are able to tell them about your nightmare of a date last week, you can tell them about the hairspray you are using.

– remind your client that their new hair color is an investment in themselves, and that is it a worthy investment, that using Salon professional shampoo and conditioner, like the one you use on them each visit, will prolong the vibrancy of their color and nourish their hair to keep it looking like they just left the Salon.

– while using your flat iron, explain to your client the difference between the quality of professional hair care tools and department store brands. In my experience, once my customer understands the difference, the question of what to buy and where to buy it is answered. The value of Salon professional products has been explained. Not sure where to begin? Check out my Salon Tale;

To go where no flat iron has gone before

– when your client tells you they love their hair, tell them that if they use the products you used that day that they can love their hair everyday. Offer them 5 more minutes of your time to show them how to use the product.

– offer a complimentary consultation on how to use products. Many times, in my experience, my customers have the proper products at home, they are usually using too much or too little, or the application of the product can be improved. Many of my new customers purchase their products from me because I offered this service to them.

– ask your clients/customers if they are happy with their hair. Their answer will give you all the information you need. You will find out that their hair goes limp by noon, or their frizz is getting out of control. Let them know that you have products that can help them, and offer to show them how to use them.

– explain the value of Salon professional hair care products. I personally go around to check on prices at the drug store and department store. Many of the products are $1 – $3 less than Salon professional products. I explain this to my customers and remind my customers that Salon professional products are higher quality and more concentrated = less product used and more money saved. …and their hair will look and feel terrific.

It’s time to make retail a priority in your Salon, plain and simple. Retail in the Salon is a win/win. Your clients hair care needs are being taken care of, their personal investment in themselves is being nurtured and protected and your Salon has added revenue. Take the time to talk with your clients, educate your clients and not only will you have made a sale, you will have created a customer.

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

Auf Wiedersehen to bad hair

May 12, 2014 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

There are some new kids in town, and being me, I have to introduce you. Schwarzkopf Professional BC (Bonacure) has revamped their hair care line with new technology, great new packaging and have added some real gems to their line – those kids I will introduce to you in a minute. Being me, here is a little more information, for those of you that aren’t familiar with Schwarzkopf Professional BC.

First things first, the newest addition to this great hair care line is their patented Cell Perfector Technology – this technology fills the gaps in the hair surface and helps to rebuild the structure of the hair. *Brings back damaged hair surfaces as close as possible to a natural healthy state. Here is a little info. on a few of the Schwarzkopf Professional BC hair care products;

Repair Rescue – this line is for damaged hair, chemically or mechanically damaged. Using the Repair Rescue line can help your lovely locks have 95% less breakage. The line offers a shampoo, conditioner and styling treatments. * The Leave in Spray is phenomenal! Strong enough for the most damaged hair and lightweight enough for the finest of damaged locks.

Color Freeze – great for color treated hair, offers 100% more shine and up to 90% color retention. The line offers a shampoo, conditioner, a purple shampoo for Silver/Blondes, leave in treatments and styling products. * The newest addition is becoming one of my favorites – Color Freeze Gloss Serum. A clear, lightweight shine serum. It provided instant shine and no greasy feel and doesn’t weigh down my fine strands. (fine as in size of strands….although it does look pretty good if I do say so myself).

Moisture Kick – created for normal to dry hair & curly hair. Offers 100% nourishment and up to 85% improved combability = less tangles. The line offers a shampoo, conditioner and treatments. *The newest addition to Moisture kick line is their Beauty Balm – their answer to BB Cream. Yes, you read that right, BB cream for your hair. This gem balances the moisture content & ensures an even and supple hair surface. It adds a weightless protective shield to your lovely locks. Yours truly has been using it for the past few days and I can’t stop touching my hair. …my mailman thinks I am flirting with him.

These are the gems I was telling you about and that are making my mailman think I am flirting with him;

Time Restore – perfect for mature/fragile hair. This line instantly rejuvenates hair strength. The line offers a shampoo, conditioner, treatment and styling spray. *The newest addition is the Rejuvenating Spray – a lightweight detangler & volumiser in one that adds shine.

Smooth Perfect – created for those with unmanageable hair. Offers up to 4 days of anti humidity and anti frizz protection, 100% shine and lasting control. The line offers a shampoo (that helps fight static), conditioner and treatment. *The newest addition is the Smoothing Cream – offers thermal protection and is humidity resistant.

Schwarzkopf Professional offers a shampoo for volume – Volume Boost, a shampoo for oily scalp – Deep cleansing Shampoo, and a shampoo for sensitive scalp – Sensitive Soothe Shampoo. The BC line also offers a Oil Miracle line that is suitable for all hair types, formulated with Argan and Marula Oiland a Keratin line – Fibre Force, for extremely damaged, breaking hair that is formulated with Micronized Keratins.

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

Honestly Onesta

April 22, 2014 That Girl in the Red Coat 1 Comment

In honour of Earth Day, today’s tale is to introduce you to a Professional hair care line that wants your hair and our planet to be beautiful.

Onesta is a Professional hair care line that is;

– Color safe

– Paraben free, Sulfate free and Gluten free.

– It is free of dyes, DEA, Phthalates, Sodium Chloride, Propylene Glycol.

– Onesta is cruelty free (they love bunnies), PETA approved, Vegan and EU compliant. *EU Compliant = meets the strict regulations on ingredients used in personal care products. Over 1300 ingredients have been banned as additives to personal care products in Europe.

– Onesta is a true Green Brand. Their bottles are made from PCR (post consumer resin). Recycled content is used in all merchandising, product displays, boxes and packaging. Onesta maintains a low carbon footprint as it is 100% offset by wind power and are proud to be a part of the Sustainable Manufacturing Movement. Onesta is also Rainforest Alliance certified.

Onesta offers a Hydrating shampoo and conditioner, a Volumizing shampoo and conditioner, leave in conditioners, treatments and an array of styling products for all hair types that offer natural sunscreens and color protection. The following are Onesta products that have been a hit at our shop and in our Salon;

Nourishing Moisture Masque – provides extra conditioning without weighing down hair – strong enough for coarse hair yet light enough for fine hair. It repairs damage to the cortex, seals the cuticle and helps to stabilize porosity levels. *and adds shine

Quench Leave In – a lightweight spray that detangles, smooths and controls frizz. It offers protection against sun damage

Smooth & Shine – a styling cream that is strong enough for coarse hair and lightweight for fine hair. It is humidity resistant, controls your frizz all the while adding luster to your lovely locks.

Create Firm Finish – a hairspray that offers long lasting hold that is never stiff or sticky. It provides volume and flexibility, is humidity resistant and offer thermal protection.

One more thing that is awesome – on the back of each Onesta product, you will find instruction on how to use the product and how much of the product to use, depending on your hair type. Yep! They thought of everything. Each time you use the products you will know how much to use and will be able to achieve the look or style you like. Onesta is a Professional hair care line that cares about their customers and the environment. No wonder Onesta means Honesty.

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

MiraCurls do happen

April 21, 2014 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

Today’s tale is about the MIRACURL, one of the latest additions to the BaByliss Pro Hair Care family. The MIRACURL is the Original Professional Curl Machine. With this gem, you can have a full head of curls in minutes instead of hours…and the curls will last all day. Since the launch of the MIRACURL in 2013, many other curl machines have appeared on the shelves. As always, my tales are aimed to educate and enlighten, so being me, I thought I would clear the air about the differences between the MIRACURL and the other curl machines on the market.

– The MIRACURL offers 3 temperature control settings of 375, 410, and 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Many of the other brands offer 1 or 2 temperature control settings between 400 – 430 degrees Fahrenheit.

– The MIRACURL offers 4 timer settings (0,4,8 or 12 seconds) for different curl tension and effect. Many of the other brands offer 3 timer settings (8,10 or 12 seconds).

– The MIRACURL has a larger Nano Titanium curl chamber. Many other brands offer a smaller Ceramic chamber.

– The MIRACURL offers a choice of curl rotation, right, left or alternate – which offers many different styling possibilities. Many other brands offer only one direction of curl rotation.

– The MIRACURL has a motion sensor = a tangle free feature – if too much hair or not enough hair is put into the curl chamber, the curl chamber will not activate (the MIRACURL will actually beep at you to alert you), so there is no worry of a tangled mess. Some other models do offer a tangle free feature, some do not – so be sure to read the information and ask your stylist or salesperson about this feature.

– The MIRACURL offers Smart Tech Safeguard – Auto Shut Off and an Energy Saver – Sleep Mode. Some other brands do offer these features, some do not. Be sure to read all the information provided and ask your stylist or salesperson about these features.

The biggest difference between the MIRACURL by BaByliss and the other brands is this – the MiraCurl is a Salon Professional styling tool so it can last up to 10000 hours of use. From my questions and research of the other brands, their longevity is about 700 – 900 hours of use.

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

When new Mom’s are losing more than sleep…

March 31, 2014 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

Today’s tale is for all the new Mom’s out there. When we are pregnant, everyone tells you about their pregnancy. We hear all the stories of aches and pains, nausea and vomiting – yours truly vomited approximately 10 -15 times a day, the running joke is I threw up the day after conception. We hear about the puffy feet, the sore back, the restless sleep. Every once and a while we hear of a woman who had a pregnancy without any discomfort, excessive weight gain or nausea…I believe her to be an urban legend. Women will tell each other every detail of labor and delivery, we will share our tricks to a feeding schedule, finding the right car seat, how to get your bundle of joy to sleep through the night, hell, we even chat about cracked nipples, yet no one ever talks about the ever present changes to our body, our sex life and our hair, specifically hair loss. I may not be able to help you out with the changes to your body and your sex life (after 20 years of marriage I can assure you of one thing – as for your body – your partner is happy to have a naked person beside him/her and doesn’t really care if you have a new roll here or there and as for your sex life – any hang up is usually in your mind. Yes, you are now a mother – you are still a woman who deserves the earth to move once and a while. Yeah, I said it.). What I can help you with is your hair, or lack there of.

New Mom’s, know this, you are not alone. Over 75% of new Mom’s notice hair loss after the baby is born, they notice more shedding (technical term) – more strands in the sink,shower or hair brush. A major factor in hair loss after childbirth is this – when a woman is pregnant, as we and every one around us knows, there is a rise in hormones, which means hair strands are in a more active state of growth = less shedding = more hair. 6 weeks after delivery, our hormones start to regulate back to normal, the growth rate of our hair falls and shedding rises sharply. *Hair cells reproduce at a faster rate than any other in our body, so hair cells are sensitive to change in our health and environment. As your scalp tries to catch up to this major change, you may experience thinning hair, anywhere from 3 months to 1 year. Now, before you hyperventilate after reading 1 year, keep calm. Do not freak out. Take a breath. Again. 1 year is not the norm, and even if it was, I have a solution for you and that solution is NIOXIN.

NIOXIN is a hair care system formulated to stop hair loss in it’s tracks and promote a healthy scalp, which in turn promotes hair growth. NIOXIN consists of 3 key products. Cleanser (shampoo), Scalp Therapy (conditioner), and Scalp Treatment (a leave in product). Using all 3 products are key for the best results. Being me, I have complied a little list for you;

– System #1 & #2 – formulated for fine to medium hair that has not been chemically treated

– System #3 & #4 – formulated for fine to medium hair that has been chemically treated (color/perm/straighten)

– System #5 – formulated for medium to coarse hair – chemically treated or not.

– System #6 – formulated for medium to coarse hair – chemically treated or not.

NIOXIN offers a lovely line of styling products as well. Some of the big movers at the shop are as follows;

– Bodifying Foam – creates a fuller look, more volume without a sticky residue. Can offer curl definition as well.

– Thickening Spray – adds volume and can add great texture for a pieced out look.

– Definition Creme – a lightweight smoothing creme that gives definition and leaves the hair soft and shiny * Controls Frizz!

– NioSpray Extra Hold – A firm finishing spray that helps add the look of fullness. Sets your style firmly yet still easy to brush out and begin again.

Now, I know that being a new Mom, hell, being a Mom, we tend to put ourselves last. Diet, nutrition and stress are key contributing factors in hair loss. Fad diets, rapid weight loss or a diet filled with more fast food than food can result in lack of amino acids, biotin, iron, zinc and healthy proteins – all key factors in a healthy hair growth cycle. I know you make sure your child gets a healthy meal – you need to do the same for you Mom. As for stress, I know it comes with the territory. To put it simply, when you are stressed the body takes over and says “protect the heart and the brain” and everything else falls to the wayside. Stress can cause your body to constrict the blood supply to the capillaries – it restricts oxygen and nutrient uptake & vitamins to the hair follicle. As I stated above, I am a Mom and I know too well that stress can come with the territory. Next time you start to feel your blood boil, step back and think. If you have a say in what is happening, like junior deciding to become an artist and his canvas is the living room wall and his paint of choice is the poop from his diaper – get a little worked up. If you have no control over the situation at hand, like another Mom telling you how you should be raising your child or that you need to get your roots done – take a breath and remember – this is not a situation worthy of losing one strand of hair.

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

Getting some Structure

January 20, 2014 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

At least once a day I have a customer/client looking for a product that is either paraben free, vegan, sulfate free, cruelty free, or all of the above. If you are looking for all of the above, let me introduce you to a new line brought to you by the Beauties at Joico. Joico Structure. A beautiful line that is not only sulfate free, paraben free, cruelty free and vegan, it is also free of any silicones, animal derived ingredients, artificial colors and dyes and is Gluten free.

The Cleanse (shampoo), the Condition (conditioner) and the Renovate (conditioning treatment) are created for all hair types. This trio strengthens the hair which in turn makes it more resistant to breakage, repairs existing damage, can protect the hair color vibrancy by 85% and leave the hair soft and shiny.

Structure offers an array of styling products for all hair types and demands, from smoothing to volume to frizz control. The following products are products that have been and are being used by yours truly.

Structure Beach Texture Spray

This little beauty smells wonderful and adds great texture to your hair. It offers a medium hold, a light matte finish (no shine), can be used on damp or dry hair and you can use it with your dryer or air dry if you prefer. A great styling product if you are trying to achieve a loose wavy, just left the beach look. I have used it as a root lift when I wanted just a little volume.

Structure Define Lightweight Shine Wax

For anyone who loved Joico Brilliantine or Senscience Pliable Shine – you are going to LOVE this. Define offers a light, flexible hold with tons of shine – without weighing down your hair. Great for separation and texture. Offers great control for dry, frizzy, unruly or coarse hair yet light enough for fine hair….and it smells divine! Can be used on damp or dry hair. I found the best result came while being used on dry hair.

Structure Animate Bodifying Styling Creme

This styling creme adds moisture and shine and strengthens the hair. It offers a soft hold factor that is great for all hair types and all hair lengths. *Excellent for fine hair. An awesome product for creating an array of styles, from smooth styles to volume. Animate can help reduce frizz on curls without weighing down the hair. It offers thermal protection while blow drying, and offers humidity resistance all the while leaving no residue or flakes on the hair. To be used on towel dried hair before blow drying. *This product smells good enough to eat…but don’t eat it…save it for your hair.

For more info. on these and all the Structure products, take a peek at their website http://www.structurehair.co.uk

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

It’s time to be a little more social

November 18, 2013 That Girl in the Red Coat Leave a comment

Everywhere you look, you see someone with a cellphone. The majority of us, after our morning greeting and good morning smooch to our loved ones (…and I hope your loved ones come first), grab our coffee and our cell phone, find a comfy spot and sit down to see what’s going on in the world. Facebook – check. Twitter – check. Instagram – check. Pinterest – check….you get the idea. Social media is our morning paper and our evening news. It is. It is also a key ingredient to any successful Salon. It is. Today’s tale is for my beloved Salon owners and Stylists. It’s time to become a little more social.

I know of what I speak. I see the results of using social media everyday. It works, plain and simple. Everyday I see the results of making sure our shop’s Facebook page is updated. (Twitter is an awesome tool as well, but more people tend to use Facebook, in my experience). I hear you now “what results could she possibly see?”. Well, how about an increase in our retail sales and revenue, and more client retention because of the tips about products shared on our Facebook page. Every day, at least 100 people see our posts. Some days my posts on the shop’s Facebook page have reached over 500 people. Yep…500 potential customers and clients. On any given day, I will receive a message from a customer or client about a product I have posted to our Facebook page. Many times the message ends with “hold one for me – I will be there after work!”. I have sold many products from hairspray to flat irons to holiday packs this way. Using social media has helped me acquire new customers and in turn new “likes” to our Facebook page. (psssst…more likes = more views and shares of your page and your posts = more clients and customers).

*It’s a great tool to introduce a new stylist to your customers and clients. Also, to alert your clients when a stylist has returned from a maternity leave.

*Changing your hours to Holiday Hours? Post ’em on your page

*Having a monthly draw? Post the picture on your page

*Follow the pages of the products you sell & share their tips and tricks – a HUGE retail aid!

*Bringing in a new line? Post it on your page

Something I hear far too often from Salon owners, Managers and Stylists is “I don’t have the time to do that.”. Okay, if you don’t have time to do it, get someone in your Salon to do it for you. I’m sure you have someone in your Salon that has their cell phone in arms reach. The owner at our shop is also our head stylist, and is booked 2 months ahead, all the time. She really doesn’t have the time, so that is why I was given administration rights to our Facebook page and I take care of the Facebook page, because I do have the time. Honestly, it takes 10 – 30 minutes of your day. I add it into my daily duties, so it isn’t missed. Orders made – check. Inventory counted – check. Schedule done – check. Facebook page updated – check. It really is that easy.

Social media can be a great marketing tool for your Salon, if used properly. I stress the word properly. We have all seen the sassy limericks – save those for your personal pages, this is a business and needs to be seen as such. Watch the language and the content. Put it this way – if you wouldn’t want your clients and customers hearing those words coming out of your mouth…then don’t put it on your Facebook page.

Social media works and can be a huge addition to your Salon’s client retention and retail revenue. It’s time to make it work for you.