The balayage highlighting technique is referred to in many different ways and many designers claim to know the technique.  But at Michael's Salon and Spa, our designers are trained by a Balayage expert, Master Designer and Hair Colorist Jodi Schuh.  Jodi mastered the balayage technique at the Jacques Dessange Training Salon in Paris. Jodi says she loves the balayage hair color technique because it is natural-looking and very different  from traditional foil highlights.  With Balayage your colorist will actually "paint" the highlights into your hair. This gives your designer more creative control over the intensity and amount of highlights  in your style.    An added benefit, as your hair grows out the roots are more subtle than with foils.




Jodi recently conducted a balayage training class to certify more of Michael's talented hair colorists on this exciting technique. Designers go though several classes performing the technique on mannequins and actual models before they can provide the service  to  Michael's clients. This ensures that our stylists have practiced and mastered the technique, to provide the best possible hair color results every time.

This training is just one part of Michael's continuing education program for our staff. We offer many classes throughout the year to ensure that all of our stylists  stay up-to-date on current fashions and trends.

Michael has been a member of Intercoiffure Mondial since 1972. Intercoiffure is an elite organization of the top hair salons and designers from around the world. Every fall the US/Canada group hosts the Fall Atelier in New York City. This year, Jodi Schuh-Keeley participated as part of the ICA Haircolor Council.

ICA Haircolor Council
The mission of the ICA Haircolor Council is to unite and raise the profile of color specialists of all levels through a network of creative energy, supported by the highest level of pure education and best practices. The group was created in 2007 by the Lois Christie, president of Intercoiffure America/Canada. " I saw a need for a forum uniting colorists throughout the industry - a forum that will help to identify and train the next generation of talented color artists."

The theme for the presentation was Soft and Strong Hair Color. Jodi designed her look with strong pieces of red and copper to accent the soft medium brown - auburn base color.

Video: Jodi Schuh-Keeley presenting her hair color design at the 2010 Fall Atelier in NYC


Jodi preparing her model for the ICA Haircolor Council

Continuing Education at Michael's Salon and Spa
Continuing education is a large part of what sets Michael's apart from the competition. While Jodi was teaching in New York, she was also taking notes and learning other trends in hair design to bring back to Michael's team here in Dayton. Esthetician Jill Luttrell also went to New York, where she visited several top-of-the-line spas to stay on top of the latest trends in skincare.

More pictures from the Intercoiffure Fall Atelier and Jodi and Jill's trip to NYC are posted in an album on Michael's Facebook Page.

What do you think of the hair styles at the show?

We absolutely LOVE it when clients take time to offer us feedback on their experiences at Michael's. Good or bad, we want to know what you think (of course we love the good, but if we can make your experience better in some way, please let us know). On the left side of Michael's website is a 'Share your experience' box that goes to our general manager. It's like having her direct phone extension.

We recently received a comment from one of our Over 40 Makeover winners, Digma, about her experience:

I started to go to Michael's Salon in 2007. I won a facial at a fundraiser from church. My first experience at Michael's was awesome. I love the massages a lot and like all the beauty products.

I was sooo excited when I won the 40+ make over. Jodi did an excellent job with me. Paula did the perfect job in my makeup. I really look like a model. My friends at work are really impressed.

I recommend all personnel from the salon. They are all good. I love you girls! Thanks,
Digma

Thank YOU Digma for taking the time to send us a message! Check out Digma's before and after photos here - she was a great model. Another interesting fact, our makeovers - including Digma's - have already been featured on Modern Salon! After the success of our first Looking for Faces call for submissions, we will be doing another call for submissions soon! Keep an eye here on our blog for more details as they are available.

In the meantime, don't be shy and let us know how we are doing at Michael's!

www.michaelssalon.com

For Jodi, having a career in hair design just made sense. She’s been involved in the beauty industry since the age of five when she participated in her first hair show. She attended her first New York hair show at age 13 and studied under designers working in the most prestigious salons in France at age 19.

Jodi started working at Michael’s Salon and Spa in 1984 and has participated in numerous national and international hair shows through out her career. She is a member of the Intercoiffure, a world organization representing over 2,500 master hairdressers from five continents. She performed at the Intercoiffure Dames World Congress and received two John Jay Awards for Excellence in hair design.

 

A veteran in the industry, Jodi’s hairstyles have been featured in many national and international hair magazines. She has a talent for bringing in the latest and most innovative hair fashions.