I went around on the salon floor to ask some of our students what their opinions were on the subject.  They are knowledgeable and there was a pretty good chance that they could give me a better answer than ‘you just shouldn’t’.  I spoke with several of our students and I got the same, resounding answer.  What is it, you might ask?

Well, it depends.

There are so many factors that make your hair yours, that a generic ‘yes’ or ‘no’ isn’t going to cut it.  You could be someone that has straight hair that gets greasy like that’s its job.  You might have curly hair that is always dry and it needs all the oil and moisture that it can.  I can go on and on and the thing is, no one knows your hair better than you.

Curly hair, when greasy, will absorb the oil and there won’t be a need for you to wash it as often.  If you do tend to have greasy hair and you feel like you need to wash it, reach for the dry shampoo.  The whole point of it is to absorb the excess oil so that you can have a head of clean and refreshed hair.

Something else that might depend on how often you wash you hair is your hair color.  Is it natural or not?  People that color their hair should wash their hair less often than those that don’t in order to preserve the color.  When you got your hair colored, you were probably recommended a color safe shampoo from your stylist, which is great, but it won’t save your color if you wash your hair everyday.  Styling it regularly would be another reason not to wash your hair too often.  Washing it can strip away healthy oils and the heat from styling will damage your hair further.

Does it change for men?

I asked our barbers and I got the same answer.  It depends.  Your skin type and hair type all play a role in how often you should be washing your hair.

Final thoughts?

This article isn’t meant to be a replacement for one on one professional advice.  Go in and consult with your stylist and go speak with your esthetician or dermatologist. Make a plan with them for your hair washing routine. Their personal knowledge of your hair and skin combined with their years of expertise and training can help you to make the best decision for your hair.  If there is a reason that you need to wash your hair everyday, don’t let this stop you.  Like I said before, only you really know your hair and what is best for it.

The post Straight From the Floor: Should You Be Washing Your Hair Everyday? appeared first on 51³Ô¹Ï.

Glycerin: The Good

Looking to hydrate your hair? Define your waves or curls?  Glycerin could be exactly what the Doctor ordered. Derived from natural plant seed oil sources such as coconut, palm or soy, glycerin is pure and nontoxic. It moisturizes and is known to prevent breakage, especially on hair that isn’t chemically treated. Since it helps draw moisture from the air onto your hair and is easily soluble in water, glycerin can serve as a great deep conditioner. Especially when mixed with commercial conditioners, added to homemade hair products, other natural oils or even water.

Drawing this moisture from the air can make glycerin a when used with caution. Because it can help to reduce breakage, it can , and remain healthy. Glycerin can help to eradicate itchy scalp, especially during colder months.  Regular application can help eliminate dandruff with a soothing cooling effect on the scalp. Nothing can “repair� split ends, but mixing a few drops of essential oils with glycerin can help to strengthen hair. This leads to a decrease in split end formation.

Glycerin: The Bad

While not necessarily a “con�, one should be cautious and read labels when shopping for glycerin. While varieties derived from animal fats are definitely natural they, and petroleum blends actually run the risk of severely drying hair out causing brittle ends and breakage. If that isn’t scary enough, many products with “glycerin� as an ingredient are which is typically produced from epichlorohydrin. This synthetic glycerin often delivers similar benefits to its natural counterparts but comes with major risks. Epichlorohydrin is a toxic chemical, classified as a possible carcinogen. It’s best to keep an eye out for brands that say “USP Grade�, “non-GMO�, or “Kosher certified� on the labels.

Glycerin’s high solubility in water makes it a great candidate for leave-in hair products, but unfortunately, most rinse-out conditioners that boast it as an active ingredient may not achieve the desired effect. Speaking of leave-in conditioners, glycerin will work wonders adding moisture and defining curls as long as the weather is moderate. Because of its humectant nature, it will draw moisture from wherever it is most abundant, meaning it will draw excess moisture from the air onto hair making it even frizzier than without it.

Conversely, in really dry conditions, glycerin will actually draw moisture from your hair. This leaves your hair drier than it would have been without it. This property makes it difficult to get consistent results with inconsistent weather conditions. If your hair was recently colored, it’s not recommended to use this substance during the first wash.

Bottom line: don’t use glycerin on colored hair, read all your labels, and check the weather!

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Let’s break down the top 3 reasons why the license is a crucial aspect of the beauty and barbering industry.

Credibility

When looking for a salon or spa home, you won’t be hireable without a license. Salon owners want to see that their employees completed the required hours of education before providing services at their facility and under their reputation. While the state requires licensure currently, if these laws were changed, someone who has a license will always be a more attractive candidate.

When picking the stylist you want to color your hair or the manicurist to give your nails that next fresh mani, you want someone who knows what they are doing. You want to be sure they will produce the results you’re looking for. If given the choice between someone who has 1500 hours of education under their belt or someone who has spent a few months shadowing and learning from another stylist, which would you choose? Chances are, you want the person with close to a year of hands-on training from a licensed instructor.

While having the soft skills you need to succeed are important, there’s so much more to learn. A cosmetologist needs to know how to work with different hair types and conditions. If someone walks into a salon and asks for a perm, the stylist needs to be able to evaluate the hair and ensure it is healthy enough to withstand the harsh chemicals involved with perming. Hair that is too damaged could fall out.

An esthetician has similar concerns when providing facial services. Say a client has an allergy or intolerance to a certain ingredient. Their esthetician needs to know alternative products to use and what products to avoid.

Sanitation/Disease Control

You know you want a barber or cosmetologist who has the skills and knowledge to give you a killer look. What we don’t think about is, needing someone who is trained in proper sanitation practices and infectious disease prevention. While many people , the reality is, this is one of the most important aspects of this type of education. Proper sanitation procedures prevent the spread of lice and staph infections. While cuts are uncommon, everyone makes mistakes, barbers included. If your barber were to accidentally nick your ear you would most likely shed at least a little blood. Your barber needs to know how to properly cleanse not only you but his tools as well.  Knowing what products to use and how to use them, keeps your barber, you, and everyone around you safe and healthy.

Advancement Opportunities

Furthermore, without a license, many incredible opportunities will not be available. For example,  you’ll never be able to own your own business, educate future professionals, or represent a brand. If you decided to relocate, this would be nearly impossible without a license. Laws do vary by state, but transferring a license is fairly easy. You may only need to take some extra hours of education, depending on the state’s law. Lastly, staying up to date with new trends keeps you relevant as times change. Without continuing education courses, you won’t be able to keep up with an ever-evolving client base.

The bottom line is if you want to find success in the beauty and barbering industry, you MUST seek proper schooling and put in the time and hard work. You’ll feel an unmatched sense of accomplishment on graduation day.

Ready to start training? Request a tourÌý³Ù´Ç»å²¹²â!

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Hairdressers came in fifth in a survey of the most (and least) trustworthy professions, in . The only professions that topped them were doctors, teachers, judges, and scientists – pretty good company to keep, don’t you think? Around 69% of people trust their hairdresser to tell them the truth. However, there is more to the client-hairdresser relationship than meets the eye. In essence, a good hairdresser is one who makes you feel so ‘at home’ that a visit feels more like a treat than a necessity. If you are a people person and you think hairdressing might be up your street, ask yourself if you have these top qualities.

Being a Good Listener

The style you recommend to your client should very much depend on what they are trying to achieve. There is an intricate bond between our appearance and self-confidence. A good hairdresser will know how to ‘read between the lines’ and work out what type of look will suit their client, as well as make them happy. A client may express that they are tired of the same old style, for instance. Still, their way of dressing and their make-up may show a penchant for more traditional looks. Therefore, you might want to suggest a gentle yet visible change (such as going slightly lighter in color or adding a bit more angle or movement to their cut), delicately finding the balance between simplicity and creativity.

Empathy and Adaptation

As a passion-filled hairdresser, you will undoubtedly build up a good regular client base but you can also have many new clients that challenge you in positive ways. For instance, some clients may have anxiety; others may have very detailed requirements (perhaps as a result of OCD or stress).  and wish to remain silent during their treatment or cut. You will, therefore, need to , making a beautiful color or cut your main priority in some cases.

Tact and Kindness

A key component of making the right recommendations is knowing which styles suit different face shapes, and which colors will suit your client’s skin tone and personality. Sometimes, your client may become enamored by a photo in a magazine, asking you to replicate the look exactly. What happens if you think the style won’t suit them at all? Finding a median between what the client asks for and what you think will suit them, will require gentle persuasion first. Instead of saying, “That short bob won’t look good on you,â€� for instance, you might say, “Why don’t we add a bit of angulation, making the front of your bob a little longer to highlight the silhouette of your face?â€�. There are many ways to say the same thing, but as a trusted hairdresser, you need to deliver your message in a kind way.

Knowing how to listen, putting yourself in your client’s shoes, and making honest but kind recommendations are three of the most important skills a hairdresser should have. However, as you start working in the profession and you come across a wide array of clients, you will surely develop your very own list of dos and don’ts. In addition to being friendly and attentive, try to keep a sense of curiosity about you. As important as your personality, is continually acquiring skills, so always  so that you are always on top of new trends and techniques.

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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.

“Take care of your skin now, your future self will thank you.”

Ah, skincare… The challenge, the myth, the legend… The penultimate concern of my teenage life.

When I was fourteen years old I went on a whirlwind weekend to Arkansas with my parents. My mother decided facials would be a nice treat and took me along. At the end, the esthetician touched my cheek and said, “Your skin is gorgeous.” My shoulders rose up like I was a flower in the sun.

I had that same, clear skin for exactly one more year. Then I turned sixteen. We’ve all been there. Unless you’re fifteen. I thought about linking a photo but apparently I do still have some pride.

The Reality

I fell into a familiar trap. Feeling like I was doing enough for my skin because I spent thirty minutes in the aisles of the health food store staring at the products until I settled for one that seemed like the best without any real information, just the uncomfortable passing of uninformed time.

I’m sure it doesn’t come as a surprise that that was not an effective manner of reducing breakouts and minimizing dryness, even thought that’s what the cool toned bottle backs promised me. So I was trying to get in touch with routines, but I could not really make the connections to actually ¾±²Ô±¹±ð²õ³ÙÌýin my skin. Luckily for me, when I was only twenty one years old I started working here at the 51³Ô¹Ï where I met excellent estheticians and started asking a lot of questions. I was getting regular facials and I learned a few valuable things in the spa.

Tips and Tricks

1. Your skin won’t magically become flawless after your first facial, or your second one either.
2. You should be asking questions about what is going on your face throughout your time with the esthetician. That way, if you have a strong reaction for better or for worse, you’ll have a good idea of what’s causing it.

So now I’m in the spa.. taking care of myself.. I have it all figured out. Right?

Wrong.

3. How you care for your skin at home, that elusive routine, is the biggest component to healthy skin.

Now, I was concerned by this news, but then I had a conversation with one of our esthetics educators. I quickly realized that my fears were misplaced. Amanda set me up with an amazing skincare routine using the company that we utilize here at 51³Ô¹Ï: Bioelements. Amanda evaluated my skin and found it to be a case of fairly textbook combination. A mix of too dry and overly oily. After establishing that, she gave me the following regiment.

The Routine

Morning

Wash with Decongestant Cleanser

Apply Moisture x10

Moisturize with Absolute Moisture

Last, apply Ray Defense for sun protection

Night

Wash with Decongestant Cleanser

2x a week use Pumice Peel

Apply Skin Editor

Finally, moisturize with Crucial Moisturizer

Well I genuinely wish I could tell you I saw no change at all, that this somewhat detailed routine barely effected my skin.

And I wish I could say that I’m not hopelessly devoted to skincare now.

But, those would just be lies.

My skin was absolutely transformed. The only product I didn’t fall in love with was the Ray Defense. I phased out my use of that product as it tended to make my face oiler than it needed to be. Not only did I love the feel of my skin, it cleared up and evened out like never before.

So, you don’t believe me? Check out this first, mid and last day photo comparison.

The Result

The last day! No face make-up.

Day one after my first night routine

Mid-way through the month!

Needless to say, my concern switched from what kind of routine I should use, to how I can keep from ever running out of these products again?! When I found that perfect blend of at home care and regular spa facials, my skin evened out and has me feeling like a supermodel.

That’s right, 16 year old Ameran. You finally figured it out.

Passionate about skincare? Already know these things? Apply for our esthetics program here!

Esthetic

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Our students did an amazing job at our Fashion Show! They designed costumes, make up, nails, body art, and theatrics using Disney movies for inspiration. Each team spent weeks designing and perfecting their team’s looks. It was great to see it all come together for a great night of fun, food, and fashion!

Team One used the theme of “Villains & Heroes” for their inspiration. Characters included in their presentation included: Ariel, Ursula, and Flounder (Little Mermaid). Simba and Mufasa (The Lion King), Davey Jones and Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Carribean), Winifred, Sarah, and Mary (Hocus Pocus).

Team Two used the theme of “Alice & Wonderland” for their inspiration. Characters in their presentation included: Queen of Hearts, White Rabbit, The Mad Hatter, Caterpillar, Cheshire Cat, Cards, A Young & Older Alice, and The White Queen.

Team Three used the theme of “Two is Better than One” for their inspiration. Characters in their presentation included: Princess Leia and Chewbacca (Star Wars), Princess Jasmine and the Genie (Aladdin), Cruella de Vil and Pongo (101 Dalmations), Peter Pan and Tinker Bell (Peter Pan), Pocahontas and Flit (Pocahontas), Snow White and Grumpy (Snow White), Rocket Raccoon and Groot (Guardians of the Galaxy).

The Fashion Show concluded by announcing team category winners. Team 2, “Alice and Wonderland,” was declared this year’s overall winner! We want to give a big thanks to all of our students and educators who worked so hard to bring this together and to our judges who dedicated their time and expertise! It was a wonderful evening!

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