New Years Resolutions....=)

Many people set goals for the new year, its a fresh start and a new beggining. Whats your new years resoloution? Is it becoming an assistant at a renwoned high end salon? perhaps working for a corporate hair product company, or maybe beggining starting school for cosmetology? Wether its job related or personal, we all should be making new years resoloutions for postive reinforcement, and to promote the advancement into greatness as becoming a better person each and every day. Tell us what your resolution is....we would LOVE to know <3

REWIRED HAIR!!!!

As you know...many of our posts have been in regards to our newly discovered hair designers; Phil Stone and Joseph Kellner, its the smallest contribution to thank them for their gift of education and awareness in our industry. There videos, "Claudia" and "The Real Hair Truth", are influential and innovative, we are so very exited to see more of their work and the material they will cover. We have recently purchased hair product at, http://www.mcssl.com/store/rewired-hair/catalog/category/5097597...so very exited to see the marvelous styles we are so sure they will create; ALL SHOULD TRY =). Again (as im sure they are both highly aware) thank you Phil Stone and Joseph Kellner for your contribution to our industry, for not only raising our awareness for the negative yet unfortunate happenings of our industry, also for educating our cosmetologists to become better stylists, remarkable to have discovered you both.

"Claudia"

Phil Stone allows us to view celebrated and renowned hairdresser; Claudia Diesti not only in her skill level but her life story, a truly remarkable one i dare say. The educational value is more than present in this documentary along with her struggle, raising children and trying to make it through beauty school to achieve her goal of success. An educational documentary that all must view, film can be purchased at http://www.rewiredhair.com/claudiasplashpage.htm, truly a one of a kind film that everyone should watch, cosmetologists and people alike.

"The Real Hair Truth", people are speaking out.

The title is not to be deceiving....it very much is "The Real Hair Truth", reveals so many unfortunate events that take place in this industry on a day to day basis, unfortunate yet informative. Joseph Kellner and Phil Stone reveal to us the many hypocrisies and treacheries that are taking over our creative industry, that is cosmetology. If anyone loves the industry as much as myself you will purchase and watch the DVD at http://www.therealhairtruth.com/, its a film you will never forget, groundbreaking and eye-opening every ground is covered from the continuing of education, to the malpractices of cosmetology business’s. A MUST SEE!!!

Csmetology information a little FYI

Many of our proud cosmetologists have created many forms of information streams to keep us all educated and up to date in a convienent way. One web site we highly reccomend is.... http://rewiredhair.com/index.html

The websites philosophy is as follows; "ReWiredHair.com and our guest artists come together out of devotion to the art of hairstyling and a love of sharing our methods for success with others". I very dedicated company, if i dare say, Phil stone the founder has been in the buisness for 10 years; renowned RUSK platform artist and educator willing to bring us a pluthera of information.

Influencial People in Cosmetology (part 2)

Many people influence this industry so very much. Many take different styles, appearances and wardrobes to grab and captivate and audiences and draw them into a product or technique. Robert Cromeans, has by far met this description with indescribable outfits and outlandish acts to boot, most definitely. Robert Cromeans, legendary platform artist and industry icon, Currently John Paul Mitchell Systems Global Artistic Director, Renowned Hairdresser, Proud owner of 5 Salons, and co/owner of Paul Mitchell The School San Diego and Las Vegas, co/owner of amulletproduction, his interesting appearance and innovative technique(s) make Robert Cromeans not only an educational icon but and industry icon as well. Robert Cromeans has also been featured in a multitude of Paul Mitchell educational videos, a must see if I dare say.

Influencial People in Cosmetology (prt 1)

The cosmetology universe has produced a multitude of influencial persons. Many of them have started with absoloutley nothing and now have everything. Possible one of the most renowned person in the buisness, and by far one of the most achieving is; John Paul DiJoria, owner of John Paul Mitchell Systems. John's life changed dramitically from deliviering newspapers to support his family, to owning a billion dollar company. John's life changed completely upon accepting a position in 1971 he at Redken Laboratories, the leading professional hair salon product company in the U.S. at the time, on a starting salary of only $650 a month. The real turning point came when DeJoria joined forces with his friend, Paul Mitchell. Together they funded a company(John Paul Micthell Systems) on the borrowed sum of $750 to introduce their groundbreaking sculpting lotions, hair setting and styling methods. Even today's well-known image of black and white packaging is the result of those early days of not being able to afford colored ink. Now (in todays day and age), John Paul Mitchell systems produces over 90 products sold through 90,000 hair salons across the United States and in 45 countries worldwide with annual retail sales topping $600 million and a pluthera of schools (Paul Mitchell The School). John Paul DiJoria expresses to us all and hairdressers alike that a prosperous career in cosmetology is indeed possible.

Hair and scalp in Cosmetology

Structure, growth and properties of the hair play a vital role in this industry. It will determine a trim, or a good three inches of ones hair. Properties of the scalp play a role as well, are you oily, or very dry? Of course, scalp properties play a vital role in choosing styling agents as well as at home care. The broad study of the hair and scalp is referred to as "trichology", as a cosmetologist it’s important to know as much as possible about the hair in order to keep it healthy. Three important categories play a vital role in this business; Hair Texture, hair porosity, and hair elasticity. Hair texture is the "thickness" of each individual strand (coarse, medium, and fine); coarse hair is the must resistant to process chemicals on (lighters, relaxers, perms) and is "coarse" to the touch. Medium hair; relatively simple to process, following normal manufactures directions will give desired result. Fine hair, the most susceptible to damage from hot tools and chemicals, lightens very easy and relaxes very quickly. Caution is advised on fine hair. Also, what kinds of haircuts are going to look good on these hair types? Would a simple bob suffice someone with baby fine hair? Or would something a little more practical; long layers, a blunt length to give more density. Someone with coarse hair who opted to get a shorter haircut but still wanted texture and dimension, lots of thinning and texturizing implements are to be used to keep a short textured style on thick coarse hair. Medium textured hair is a bit freer lance. The next important factor is hair porosity...the ability of the hair to absorb moisture. Porosity is related to the condition of the hair cuticle, if you have healthy virgin hair; hair is resistant to chemicals and requires a more alkaline solution to raise the cuticle. Overly porous hair requires the exact opposite; overly raising the cuticle will cause hair to become more damaged. To check hairs porosity, run your finger opposite of the cuticle. Hairs elasticity is also very important...it’s the hairs ability to stretch. How much can the hair stretch before it breaks? Or how much can hair stretch before returning back to its normal state. Now for the scalp properties; There is dry scalp and an oily scalp, a dry scalp can be caused in a change in climate (winter) or a desert climate. Frequent shampooing of dry scalps can cause further irritation. An oily scalp is caused by overactive sebaceous glands or improper shampooing, this can be treated by properly washing hair with a normalizing shampoo and a proper diet =).

Perms...in style or out?

Permanent waving was once the most DESIREABLE service and then it became one of the most undesirable. But, what if, we could move away from the "poodle" look? What if a soft, sexy, beachy loose style could come from a permanent wave? Perhaps hair similar to Taylor Swift. The most common mistake in creating a new style with a perm is the size of rods. Unfortunately, in order to not go back to the wrong era, we must stick with large sized rods to create this bohemian, loose, trendy look. The smaller the rod, the tighter of curl and vies versa. Permanent solution breaks down bonds in the hair, cause hair to soften and swell around the rod, and then be placed back together in shape of whichever size rod that was used thus a permanent wave. The most common mistake is performing perms on hair that just cannot handle it, constituting of curl non elastic and UN fibrous hair takes the place of the curl. ALWAYS perform a proper client consultation, hair analysis (checking hairs elasticity and porosity), and prior to beginning any permanent waving service. An improper perm can be lethal, ghastly and grizzly and is very unforgiving resulting in the hair to permanently form around the rods and be forever on the ground upon coming off your scalp.

Color Theory

The fundamental of color in cosmetology is color theory. Artists use this in painting, and so do we to create our art (hair design). First, prior to anything else, evaluate the hair you are working on; "who is my client?", "what does she/he want to become?” By simply picking up sections of hair and watching how the light reflects the color will determine what you are dealing with. Darker shades of tint (levels five and below) are much more difficult to extract, darker tones consist of more blue color molecules, therefore, much more difficult to break down to what the hair is naturally made out of (red, orange and gold pigments).Lets say for example; your client (considering you have evaluated him/her), is a level 6 and the last time hair was colored was 4 months ago and now she want to be a level 10 platinum. You must ask yourself "what are the dominant pigments im dealing with both levels?", the answer being a level six is red/orange and a level 10 is palest yellow. Now what are we to do in order to get there? Shall we use artificial color extractor? Or lightener? Answers to these questions are based on preference, and how good of condition your client’s hair is in. Once you have lightened your client’s hair to desired level (10), now what is to be used to get platinum results? A violet based color of course. Toners are a fast and quick way to achieve pale platinum blonde, typically if client desires a light shade (very light), actual color should not be used (again based on preference). Toners are rapid, and will not deposit as much as permanent color due to the porosity change in pre-lightened hair. Color theory is the basis of hair color in the cosmetology world and one of the most artistic ways to express ones individuality and creativity.

Permanent Makeup....tatooing for cosmetologists? indeed.

Permanent makeup is a rare and intricate form of tattooing, no doubt. Permanent makeup acts as a stain on the dermis, eventually the dermis does deter ate and because the "tattoo" to fade BUT this process takes up to several months/years to be able to consider it anything other than permanent. It can act to enhance, neutralize or add to facial features and structure. It saves the tedious morning eyeliner application or filling in and drawing on eyebrows every day. Of course neutral colors are recommended whilst choosing a tone or color on the skin...a vibrant color as permanent liner or shadow is not recommended, colorful tones are difficult to use in wardrobe, hairstyles est. to make the face appear natural and not look as if you actually have a tatoo (although you do anyways). At first, permanent makeup results may look harsh. This is because the color remaining in the outermost epidermal layers of the skin at the start, Color gradually begins to soften within a few days during the healing process as the upper layers of epidermis slough and is replaced by new epidermal cells; essentially making the makeup look like a part of your skin and structure. Imperfect makeup applications result in a costly fix and ghastly results, perhaps the shape was too big or too dark. The main focus prior to receiving permanent makeup is; what are you willing to permanently tattoo on your face and is the person conducting the procedure skilled in the trade? All good things to consider, it’s just a permanent as a tat of your boyfriend's name on your chest, pardon, *ex boyfriend.

Hair styling

Hair product lines have devised intricute ways to stle hair, intricute yet affective. A few things to keep in mind when styling a client or anyone for that matter is the desired look. Do they want a sleek style to tame down there natural frizz and curl. Or perhaps they want volume to limp lifeless hair? whichever the case may be certain steps must be taken to obtain stlyes.

Updo hairstyle: Is your clients hair dirty and unruley? perhaps a little on the odor side...ick. However it will hold to the best of your advantage, first apply dry shampoo to scalp, rid hair of unnecassry oils and odors. Then begin with heat tools with neccesary holding spray prior to using said tool. Styles tend to hold more, and work with you better if hair is not clean. Not disturbingly dirty, just enough though.

Thermal, straightnenig or curling: Apply neccesary amount of holding spray, to protect hair from sun damage and give hair the ability to hold its style. Everyones hair is different, some people's hair will hold a thermal straightened hair style for 5 days and still look healthy vibrant and shiny...others 24 hours. Same with thermal curling, some peoples hair will hold exponentially better when dirty, others produce to much oils and the curls will come out in just a few hours. A good remedy is a strong holding hair spray and humidity blockers.

Shorter funky hair styles: waxes, pomades and silicones are going to be the main products to be used. For a spikey, fun, and playfull hair style, apply waxes mainly at the root are dont run it up all the way to the ends, it will way down the hair and will not be able to hold its style. or for a simple sophistacted look pomades and silicones can be used to add defination texture and shine, also wokabable soft styles.

Hair Coloring Techniques

There are a multitude of ways to create multi dimensional hair color, for a dramatic change or something simple yet noticible. Different hair color lines have coined many a names for creating multi dimensional looks; First: Highlighting/Lowlighting (weaving or slicing), teqnique(s) a basic skill that every cosmetologist has at least heard of and farely simple to identify when a client has or desires this service, typically used to define contast between two colors and of course create some dimension. Second; Block Coloring/Color Melting, both terms are used to describe the usage of two tones/color in one foil. This could either be lightener, hi-lift, hair color. Contingent on client needs and wants, a pluthera of foils can be used in this service or just a few to draw atention to or from a praticular area, and adds SO much conrast. Highlighting is very easy to follow and there is a praticular pattern in which it goes as opposed to "block coloring/color melting"; doesent leave a pattern it looks natural yet charismatic. A simple easy way to create multi dimensional color, leaves the door open to surprises options are limitless. Very good method in which a true colorist can be creative and outgoing =).

Skin treatments....are you acne prone?

If there is one thing every one can agree on it is; we all loathe and despise acne. Simple fact of life. We all desire perfect, flawless, non oily and redness free skin. Unfrtunatley many of us are more suseptible to oily skin and because of that reason alone we can become more suseptible to acne. Acne/blemishes make as all self concious, red blemishes on the skin tend to stand out, we feel more eyes move over ourselfs when we have acne and blemishes. Fortunatley.....the daring, exiting, innovative world of cosmetology has invented methods to solve many of these issues (of course not all issues can be resolved by a cosmetologist only a physician or a dermatologist). Certain facial treatments such as; "extractions" are a method of applying preassure to blemish to allow any excess oils and sebum from the pores. Also certain makeup lines can help in preventing blemishes (oil free), and at home care products can as well. Normal facial treatments help and solve normal oily skin, however abnormal acne and oilyness should be treated by a dermatologist or physician. Not only does a normal facial rid skin of most impurities, but simple massages can act to strenghten facial muscles; this prevents sagging and preservers youth. A service called Microdermabrasian is typically used to treat ageing skin. however this service produces crystals that bump any buildup on the skin, each section of the skin is then vacumed up. Unfortunatley imperfect skin exists, but as science and technology advances so will our ability to rid everyone of imperfect skin and replace with flawless healthy skin =).

Keratin treatments, there everywhere!

From the new "Brazillian Blowout", to "Kerafusion" to paul mitchell's awahphui kertain hair care treatment system, there is no denying that keratin based hair care products/treatments are on the rise. Since this has been the new and innovative servive in almost every salon outlandish prices are applied when recieving a "keratin" service. But considering the results....SO WORTH IT. The effects are by far marvelous, these keratin treatments are usually applied to dry hair then flat ironed into hair at certain high tempertures (based on manufactures directions). When the product is applied, the flat iron is used to open the cuticle and allow the keratin treatment to temporarily fill in missing spots in the cuticle. These spots or holes, create frizz and make hair incredible porous and more suseptible to damage. Thus by filling in said holes, makes stonger and healthier hair. There is no denying that these keratin treatments are on the rise, they have the ability to smooth and relax the hair (such as a permanent relaxer), without the harsh and lethal damage a hair relaxer can cause. It has been said from near everyone who has recieved a keratin treatment that hair only gets healthier, and damage is minimal to non existant =).

A wonderfull shampoo..."the foreplay to a great salon experience"

Robert Chromeans once said...."a great shampoo is the foreplay to a great salon experience". These are the most profound words in regards to salon experience, and the absoloute truth. People and clients alike are marveled by a great and thorough shampoo, its the gateway to a pleased and happy client. Shampoo is a client care product to remove excess oils/dirt particles ect without excessivley removing sebum. Typically in todays day and age shampoos have more moisturizing agents; conditioners make hair more easy to detangle and promote healthy stronger hair. Special shampoos's have been created based on specific needs and wants (dandruff, color care, child care, dryness ect). Its always a must to anylize perhaps client needs and wants, a thorough scalp analyisis will help decide a great shampoo and promote retail sale as well, if and when the client is satisfied =).

Careers...=)

The world of cosmetology is career focused and driven. Options are available, depending on what your personality is. Are you fun, charismatic, outgoing? are you easily intemidated? Certain traits like these are going to make a massive impact on what career you are going to focus on in the world of cosmetology! The term cosmetology is very broad, it includes; hairstylist, hairdresser, shampooer, skin care specialist and nail technician. Depending on your gut instinct, a career within these categories will stand out to you. And then comes specializing....colorist, hair shaper, relaxer expert, makeup artist, platform artist, educator for products. Again your personality is going to come into play when you choose one of these paths, lets say if you wanted to be a platform artist: do you enjoy traveling? do you get nervous in front of large audiences? are you confident? If your answer is no to any of these questions, unfortunatley, this career is not for you! Preferance is going to come into play with the other career choices, do you enjoy holding a pair of shears and cutting someones hair? is it boring for you? Do you like the color weel and playing with colors and shades? These simple questions are going to play a role in if you are someone who wants to specialize in a specific area of cosmetology. Some salons demmand you choose one or the other, pick wisley many will not allow you to change. Cosmetology is a fun and prosperous career that demmands you have a fun and outgoing personality and the passion for what you do. A very broad term that encompasses many different and fun careers =).

Extensions, the new craze!

Hair extensions.... They are the new desireable service, we all want hair like kim kardashian and those of us who dont need to stongly reconsider! Do we want to achieve a beautfull, funky edgy look? Sometimes it ends up as catastrophey. Many people desire length with extensions, to conceal baldness or add thickness to limp lifeless hair. These are some of the many reason why people get hair extensions. Certain factors play a role in getting hair extensions, such as; How shart is your shortest layer? is your hair similar to britney spears's prior to her wigs/extensions? is your hair fine (the biggest factor)? If ones hair is too short, the hair extensions will not blend to the best of there ability it will appear that there is one short layer on the very top of your head; very very difficult to blend regardless. Another factor is if your hair is fine and fragile, if this factor is applicible to you consult an extension expert for a more thorough consultation. In many cases the extensions(s) is too much strees on the hair, this causes breakage and the hair to come out with said extension. Many factors play a role in hair extensions, all must be taken into consideration prior to recieving them if you want to look and feel your best. It can be assumed that you do =).

Haircuts that flatter face shape.

A great haircut emphasizes your best features and leaves you with confidence and pride. A haircut should be based upon your face shape, hair can conceal your worst feautures not make your worst features stand out even more. Regardless of what change you are attempting to make, face shape and feautres must always be considered. Its been said before and of course it will be said again, EVERYONE DESIRES CHANGE. It makes the cosmetology industry go round. Examples will be given; A round face shape calls for the illusion of length, therfore less volume around the face. A square face however.... Concealing a strong angular jaw by short, spiky cuts and long, sleek styles with layers that start at the jawline and continue downward. Oval face shapes calls for almost any look many options are involved: short or long, straight or wavy. For your own most flattering look, consider your best feature and highlight it with your hair cut and style. Or, for your worst feautre perhaps style to conceal said feautres. Now for the grand finale...The long face. Yes, a perfect cut for this shape is one that doesent add length to the face but creates the illusion of width. Bobs, and curly hair add width to the face as well as "A lines". Short spikey hair is not reccomended for these particular face shapes. A haircuts sole purpose is to emphasize features not work against them, its the foundation for any color service and will be the deciding factor a 100%.

Deciding on your hair color....what makes a right choice?

Nobody likes there natural color anymore. Throughout history civilaization/societies have altered hair color to indicate status or apperance to enhance there feautures. On top of this, people like a change, regargless if its a few suttle highlights or dramatic purple hues in and througout the fringe of there haircut; WE ALL DESIRE CHANGE. Facors in determining what color(s) work in your favor starts by determing your skin tone, are you fare or dark skin toned. Following this, are you a fan of your Tone? do you want to excentuate your skin with a more dramatic look? All of these things play a massive roll in picking a proper hair color, for example; You hate dark skin tone and love pale and fair skin tones, a darker shade of hair color is called to not only draw more attention to said color but give the illusion of lighter skin. Also, color can be contingent on the cut you have; for a more layered hair, and perhaps your hair is on the more medium brown side and you desire a change. Of course you do honey, we all do! make the ends slightly lighter, and weave in high- and lowlights to emphasize the texture of the cut. The bottom line....we all desire change, theres just a few steps and few things to consider prior to making one =).

Hair pigmentation

Wouldnt we all like to be natural blondes and never have to worry about the unmanagable managability? Or be naturally dark, witout the "two week retouch", because unfortunatley your hair is just sooooo light that whilst growing appears to look like baldness? Of course we would, its a pipe dream to want what we cant have thats why of course cosmetology invented hair color (praise jesus), so it is possible to have what nature intended to give us, right? However "natural" hair pigment does have its purposes and need be understood. There are certain factors that go into narural hair pigment and yes gray is considered a natural hair pigment, some of said factors are based on two types of melanin, which are; Eumelanin (being the dominant pigment in dark-blond, brown, and black hair)and pheomelanin which is dominant in red hair. Blond hair is the result of having little pigmentation in the hair strand. Gray hair occurs when melanin decreases or disappears though we all wish it would'nt. And of course those of us who have kept our natural color have healthier hair, and less suseptible to breakage and damage =).

Hair color throughout the ages.....=)

Hair dyeing was already being practiced by the Gauls in 27bc; coloring was class indication, red was upper class of course. Unfortunatley in the dark ages, smoldering red beauties were considered to be involved in witchcraft. When Queen Elizabeth sat on her throne, it wasnt until this time red hair not only became socially acceptable but a sign of beauty and grace..... Thats right, not all gentlemen prefer blondes. Blonde hair, however had its allure to women; later on women achieved angelic golden hues for their hair by applying a formula of black sulfur, alum and honey, upon application sun bathing was called for to process said formula into a beautifull blonde. Obviously bleaches/lighteners were nowhere to be found at this time....=)

Interesting facts.....=)

Did you know that each person’s head will hold around 150,000 hairs? There is never a need to panic when you lose a few hairs in your hairbrush, when at a younger age, you would have lost about 90 hairs in a 24 hour period but as you get older, this rises to 150 hairs per day have no fear it happens to everyone!!!! There are some tips and tricks in regards to hair hair loss and growth, some being scalp massages to circulate blood flow and others are vitamin treatments and hair loss treatments....however there is not for certain way to make your hair grow, other than hair extensions =)

Human Relations

Talk less, listen more. There is an old saying....."You were given two ears and one mouth for a reason", You will be more respected in human relations when you listen more than you talk. When you are a good listener, you are fully attentive to what the other person is saying. To gain understanding, ask questions. Has anyone been in a situation with a stylist or any customer service represenative, where good communication was not present?? If so, explain your experience =)

History of Cosmetology

Before the 20th Century Hairstyling typiccally limited to the upper class.....Hairstyles and Make-up were used to mark social status, religious beliefs, political status, military rank, and simply fashion.......


When was the first permanent waving machine used??????
What was the process that one had to go through to get a perm?????

Medieval Times

During Medieval Times What two Subjects were taught in English Universities????

Haircoloring

During the Golden Age of Greece (500 B.C.), Hairstyling became a highly developed ART!!! Hairstyling services were introduced in Rome around 300B.C. Women used Haircolor to determine class in there society..........
Does anyone who what the class they were and the color??????
Noblewomen.....
Middle-Class.....
Poor Women......

Makeup

There are many different ways to enahnce ones features. Depending on if you are concealing or enhancing a feauture, is going to determine what products to use. Lets say for example if your skin is rather a rosie shade, a green based foundation and or primer is used to tone down the redness. A good thing to keep in mind is the color wheel, and what colors neutalize what. For eyes, if you are attempting to make your eyes appear brighter us darker shades of shadow if your eyes are of a light shade. Or vis versa, when speaking of darker shades of eye color use lighter shades of shadow do intensify natural eye color pigment.

Eyebrows

In the early years of Salem, it was said, that if a uni brow was present you were declaired a witch and burned at the stake. Thus the invention of eyebrow arching!