Drugstore products do what they say they will, so why spend double, sometimes triple the money on expensive salon products? The short answer is because they’re better for your hair, but you might just be surprised to find out that these products can actually cost ±ô±ð²õ²õÌýin the long run.

Drugstore

The products we find at stores like Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart are appealing for many reasons. Beyond affordability, they are easily accessible, usually come in a variety of colors, and a multitude of delectable scents. Have you ever thought about why there is such a price gap between drugstore and salon products? While most contain the same or similar ingredients as salon products, they are diluted, and you don’t get all of the benefits.

What are the products diluted with you may ask? Usually, chemicals, fillers, and water. These ingredients do nothing for the health of your hair. Instead, they could actually be damaging your hair. Sulfates are a particular chemical that many of us have heard of. This is what causes your shampoo to really lather up and produce suds, which in turn makes us feel like we’re getting a really good clean. Unfortanelty, sulfates can strip out color and result in dry hair.

Say you’ve just gotten your hair colored, you most likely spent, at minimum, $70 on your service. Does it make sense to use a $5 bottle of shampoo on your new color? No. You’ve invested money in coloring your hair, you should invest money in keeping that color as vibrant as it was when you walked out of the salon.

We see the “salon products” on the shelf at Target or Walmart, but are they really salon approved? Unfortunately, most of the time these products are over processed and diluted. They will be cheaper than their salon approved twins, but much less effective.

“Invest in your hair, it’s the crown you never take off.”

Salon

Why buy products from the salon? Oh, let me count the ways! First and foremost, the ingredients. Salon products use highly concentrated, high-quality ingredients that nourish and hydrate your hair. When looking at the ingredients on the back of your shampoo, you’ll see that there’s not a huge difference between the salon and drugstore product. The best way to explain this is to equate shampoos to cooking oils. The salon products are the extra virgin olive oil, the unprocessed batch, the best of the best. The drugstore products are comparable to your vegetable or canola oil, the lower quality processed version. It’s still oil, it’s just lower quality.

Yes, salon products cost more, but you need to use less product. How many of you actually use the dime sized amount that is recommended by your shampoo bottle? Chances are you fill your palm with shampoo and lather up. However, with highly concentrated products you really only need that dime sized amount. In my own experience, a bottle of salon shampoo lasts months while my drugstore shampoo barely lasted one month.

Your stylist has likely researched and tested a variety of brands and products before making their recommendation. Show your support by taking his or her advice. Their main goal is to give you a look you love and teach you how to keep this look for months after your visit.

Conclusion

When it comes to the products you choose to put in your hair, it’s a lot like choosing what to put in your body. Put good in, get good out. For best results, our educators recommend choosing a line, for example, Redken anti-frizz and sticking with it. You probably won’t see results overnight, but you will see a change if you consistently use salon products. Until I started working for AOHD, I used whichever shampoo had the magic combination of cheap and good smelling. I have been using products recommended by our educators for the last six months and the difference is incredible. My hair is longer, softer, and healthier than it’s ever been (I’ve had my current shampoo/conditioner set for 3 months and it’s still not empty!)

The bottom line is, what you put on your hair is your choice, but if you want to invest in healthy, beautiful hair salon products are the best way to go.

The post Salon vs. Drugstore Products: Does it Matter? appeared first on 51³Ô¹Ï.

Ready for a little liberation from that winter hibernation?

51³Ô¹Ï has exactly the services you need to shape up for spring!

Of course, there is your basic brow shaping, a perfect addition to your self care routine for year round maintenance, but why not kick it up a notch?

Our esthetics department can in-tint-sify your look by adding a little more color to your eyebrows and eyelashes!

At just $6 for either service, these short procedures (30 minutes or less) will lessen your need for make up and help your natural beauty shine.

Not to mention, there is no product to run in the rain or sun! Swimming? Not a problem. April showers? Let’s see those May flowers.

P.S. Tints of all kinds are also an excellent add-on to whatever other service you may want. Ask your cosmetologist for a eyelash tint while adding a little color to your hair or tack on a eyebrow service to your spa facial. The pairing possibilities are endless…

We can’t wait to see you and help put a little ²õ±è°ù¾±²Ô²µÌýin your step!

The post Hair’s the Deal : March 2019 appeared first on 51³Ô¹Ï.

Dip nails are the way to go when it comes to upping your game. You deserve it and it really makes working with your hands feel better than ever.

It’s a fast application when you’re considering the final product and we offer a wide variety of color, sparkle, and shine.

But what really elevates the dip powder above other manicures is that it’s good for your nails. Dip builds on your natural nails, so say goodbye to tough acrylic glue and ridges. It also stimulates your natural growth, so when you get a compliment on your claws you can exclaim with delight, “Thanks, I grew them myself!”

Our future professionals are constantly improving their skills when it comes to added details and style, so you can show a little more personality with every wave.

It’s February. Time to come through dippin’.

Shout out to Chloe Slater whose nails and dip work are pictured above!

At our Springfield, Missouri location we offer a manicuring program. Apply online today!

The post Hair’s the Deal : February 2019 appeared first on 51³Ô¹Ï.

This week as the Midwest temperatures hit lower degrees than ever, it’s simply natural to want to bundle up.

So Midwest Misters, maybe it’s time to get that facial hair on a new level.

Need a trim? Schedule an appointment with one of our brilliant barbers!
Need something to tame the lower mane? Try our American Crew Beard Balm!

Clocking in at only $19, this beard conditioner will smooth your style.

It features a flexible application for easy styling and it smells like a toasty, good time.

Perhaps you’re thinking, “I want in on American Crew, but I prefer to keep my face clean shaven!”

Don’t despair, the Official Supplier to Men can cater to a full range of hair needs.

That’s right fellas, we’re talkin’ about the top of your head now. It’s a look you are not going to want to hang your hat on.

The American Crew Firm Hold Styling Gel will keep that style looking cool even when you’re warming up by the fire.

It’s got that patented firm hold and a non-flaking gel without any alcohol in it’s ingredients all for only $15.

It smells like the woods that you should probably stay out of while we’re below freezing.

Your hair will look thicker, but the low pH in the product will prevent your hair and scalp from drying out.

Come in before the freeze arrives and get your American Crew products today!

Interested in becoming a barber? We’ve got a program for you!

The post Hair Care for the New Year appeared first on 51³Ô¹Ï.

Facials should always be part of your regular skincare routine, but as your skin ages and changes, they type of facial you need changes as well.

I found myself looking for the perfect combination of anti-aging and pore tightening properties in the form of a facial.

If you, like me, are looking for these benefits then search no more!

Flaxx-c is the product you need

A restores that firmness to even the saggiest of skin by compressing and tightening the tissues in your face. Not only does this tightening feel weirdly amazing, but the tightening action also reprograms and remodels your skin’s support system. This causes your skin’s nerve receptors to remember to stay lifted and tight.

Who knew a facial could be so smart?!

What’s in it?

Formulated with flaxseed,  and rich in omega-3 fatty acids this formula helps strengthen skin. Anti-oxidants, vitamin C, and red rooibos tea extract work together to brighten and protect from damage. Nonfat dry milk and bromelain provide gentle exfoliation to make your skin smooth and supple.

Procedure

As if the benefits weren’t enough to convince you that you need this facial, the procedure is an hour filled with relaxation and pampering. Your esthetician starts off with an initial cleanse followed by a skin analysis. Everyone’s skin is different, so our estheticians learn to work with a variety of skin types. After this evaluation, your esthetician chooses the toner, cleanser, and exfoliant that will compliment your unique skincare needs. Next, you’ll enjoy a relaxing face massage before the flaxx-c is applied.

After a few minutes, you’ll start to feel a satisfying tightening feeling. You can really experience that product soaking into your face and working its magic!

Final Thoughts

So, if you’re looking for the perfect anti-aging facial book an appointment with one of our skilled estheticians for a truly relaxing and transformative experience!

P.S. Love everything skincare? Check out this review of our Bioelements skincare line!

The post The Anti-Aging Facial You Need To Try appeared first on 51³Ô¹Ï.

Feeling inspired to start this year out feeling new?

Well, here at 51³Ô¹Ï we can help you hit a refresh button.

Microdermabrasion uses fine crystals to gently remove the top layer of skin from your face to leave you feeling replenished and smooth.

There are many benefits to find including increased circulation, reduced pore size, and it enhances product effectiveness.

Better yet, it is safe, does not hurt, and is effective for every skin type and most concerns such as acne, dry skin, and redness.

We currently offer the traditional microdermabrasion machine treatment and a more traditional manual application.

So, give our beautiful ladies at the front desk a call and get fresh with us!

The post Hair’s the Deal : January 2019 appeared first on 51³Ô¹Ï.

the weather outside may be ´Ú°ù¾±²µ³ó³Ù´Ú³Ü±ô,Ìýbut your hair can still be delightful!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and that means parties, presents and chestnuts, too.

Whether you are worried about bringing along the unwanted guest of frizzy hair to your holiday hang outs,

or cringing as you pass the Christmas tree knowing you still need to pick up a present for a special someone,

or maybe you just think your stockings could use a little additional stuffing –

the 51³Ô¹Ï is YOUR place to be!

Our Redken products this season are RedHot.

We have shampoo & conditioner packs with bonus products for everything from frizz control to color extend…

And if you love small gifts as much as we do, we also have mini sizes of assorted Redken products available.

Deals last as long as the products do, so hurry in and lock down your high hold on the holiday season!

The post Hair’s the Deal : December 2018 appeared first on 51³Ô¹Ï.

For this month’s Hair’s the Deal, we want to be your holiday shopping accountability buddy. We know it is easy to slip into the yearly, I have plenty of time mindset.
Don’t fall into this trap!

Let this be the year that you set aside the stress-inducing, last-minute frenzy.  Instead, grab a latte and casually peruse the aisle with the warm glow that you are sure to get when you picture yourself relaxing on the couch (while your friends who don’t have accountability buddies rummage through picked over products.)

We know change is hard, so here is our list of the top-10 reasons to shop early.

1. Less stress.
   Okay, so we started with the obvious. But really, stress is bad for your health and sucks the joy out of gift-giving.
2. Save money.
   Stores are eager to get you through the doors early and that means Big Savings.
3. Don’t worry about shipping.
   As one who has been on the receiving end of a gift delivered three days late, I can attest to the frustration of delayed shipping. Shop early and relax knowing you will *probably* get your items on time. Or, enjoy the instant gratification of leaving with bags in hand.
4. Gift idea dibs.
   Know that moment when someone thinks of an idea and you wished you thought of it first? This year, take your giving to a 10 and chime in with, “I actually picked that up last week!” Gift idea dibs secured.
5. Be thoughtful.
   This one stands on its own, but just in case you need a reminder…
   Be thoughtful because the special people in your life deserve to know that you took the time and energy to think about their needs or wants.
6. Best selection.
   Buying early means you get to pick the perfect item instead of choosing between a couple okay items (or buying whatever is left and then convincing the receiver that they should like it. (Yeah, I got you socks because I remember that time you said your feet were really cold. I really thought that was a bonding moment for us…)
7. Spread out the cost.
   Most of you reading this blog are paid bi-weekly. That means you have three (maybe 4) paychecks before the largest gift-giving day of the year. Shopping early means you can spread the giving and reduce the financial stress that comes with spending a lot all at once.
8. More holiday spirit.
   Nostalgic music, energizing atmospheres, and beautiful packages decorating the house. Shopping early helps puts you in touch with that special feeling the holidays bring.
9. Take time on the details.
   Shopping early means you can take time to think of the little touches that give a gift flair. Present someone with a beautifully wrapped (or bagged if you are like me and have zero wrapping skills) gift they know they can’t open for a few weeks and you are giving them a second gift: Anticipation!
10. Enjoy the experience.
    You give yourself a gift when you make the most out of the little moments. Be kind to yourself (and others) and ignore the impulse to cheapen the experience by panic ordering socks the day before.

So now that you are motivated to make the most of this holiday season, get out there and find that thoughtful gift and spread some love!

And if you need a little help finding the right gift, no worries! Let our educated staff and students help you get a holiday headstart. Beneficial gifts are always in style!

(P.S. Gift cards make great stocking stuffers and white-elephant gifts! Check out our salon and spa service page for more information!)
Click here if you are in Springfield, MO.
Click here if you are in Austin, TX.

The post 10 Reasons You Should Shop Early appeared first on 51³Ô¹Ï.

Think all shampoos and conditioners are created equal?

That is, in fact, fictitious.

Feel like you can’t keep that same fresh from the salon volume after your next wash?

We can keep your hair looking vicious.

With 20% off all our best shampoos and conditioners,

you’ll be blowing yourself kisses.

Mention this promotion to receive your 20% off now through the month of October!

The post Hair’s the Deal : October 2018 appeared first on 51³Ô¹Ï.