As we prepared for our quarterly photo shoot, our team discussed what works and what doesn't. The fashion magazines all display images of young, beautiful models with hair that is NOT wearable for the average woman. Could you imagine getting ready to drop your kids off at school, or heading to the office - but first taking hours and hours to style your hair like this?

Image by Intercoiffure

This is a fantastic image, but it doesn't fit the lifestyles of most of our clientele. We want to inspire our guests to try new looks, but each person needs to be able to envision the look on him/herself.

For our May photo shoot, instead of having our designers or Michael select models, we asked our clientele. We sent out emails and asked for submissions on Facebook and Twitter:

Michael's is looking for real women over 40 to be a part of our upcoming makeover photo shoot. We're asking you to nominate yourself, or a woman you know who would be willing to make a major change.

We received more feedback from this online contest than any previous online contest. It was very difficult to select the winners, but we narrowed the field down to six. These brave women put their trust in Michael's talented staff to design their new look. 

Before and After Photos:

Our designers went above and beyond just cut and color to empower each woman to discover the best version of herself. Click the names below to see more pictures and to learn about each makeover:

Andrea                   Digma                    Ellen

Karin                        Lisa                  Sharon

What do you think? Are YOU ready to make a change?

• diminish fine lines and wrinkles
• minimize lines around the eyes (aka "crows feet")
• reduce or eliminate frown lines between your eye brows
• smooth lines around the upper and lower lips
• shrink the appearance of pores and improve skin texture

Application Tips:

• Use lots of moisturizer before applying Instantly Ageless
• Use Instantly Ageless sparingly - a little bit goes a long way. You shouldn't need any more than a pea-size drop, if that
• If you have time, allow the product to dry for five minutes before applying makeup. This isn't essential, but it gives the product time to set.

Instantly Ageless is available NOW here at Michael's Salon in Cross Pointe Centre. See Debbie to try it for yourself - no purchase necessary! Debbie also does complimentary Jane Iredale makeovers, so make an appointment following your next hair cut!

For more information on Instantly Ageless, check out their website, or ask Debbie or an estetician here at Michael's.

Do you get frustrated when your nail polish chips a few days after a manicure? OPI has developed a new gel lacquer system called Axxium that makes your polish last and last. The polish instantly cures under a UV light - no more being careful reaching into your purse or putting on your coat after getting your nails painted!

An Axxium manicure can last several weeks, depending on how much you work with your hands. Mary, a designer at Michael's says her Axxium manicures usually last about a week, but she has her hands in water and chemicals all day long. I sit at a desk and my Axxium manicure didn't chip for three weeks! For more information on Axxium, check out this previous blog post all about it.

MD Express Peel is a microexfoliation treatment that removes unwanted cellular debris from the surface of the skin, resulting in a smoother, firmer and more luminous complexion. It helps treat enlarged pores and gently calms redness with soothing botanicals. Results are significant, noticeable and immediate. An MD Express Peel is a results-oriented treatment, so if you're looking for relaxation, please check out our other facial options.

Alpha/Beta peels are especially helpful for those with problem skin - acne, rosacea, scarring, sun damage, aging - all of these can be minimized with an MD peel. For more information, check out our previous blog posts, or visit the MD Skincare website. Also, check back to our blog next week - we will feature a video with Paula demonstrating the MD Alpha/Beta peel.
UPDATE: Click here to view the MD Alpha/Beta video

I'm sure most people are familiar with manicures and pedicures - but do you realize what having poorly treated hands and feet says about you? At best, it says you can't be bothered by little details. Sure, not everyone can afford to get weekly manicures and pedicures, but the nail technicians at Michael's can give you a good foundation that can be kept up with a little at home maintenance.

Manicures and pedicures are more than just polish applications - it's about maintaining the health and appearance of your nails. Your cuticles will be trimmed and neatened, hands and feet moisturized, feet buffed and exfoliated, and nails neatly shaped. A manicure is a must-have before a job interview, and you need a pedicure before you wear your strappy sandals this season :)

Naked Glow – The Lift – a complete 24 hour face lift system is now available at Michael's Salon and Spa. Borrowing influences from Scandinavia and Europe the Lift will defy the signs of aging and create positively glowing skin. Leaving your face looking younger. The system includes a calming night lift, eye lift and daytime moisture treatment.

All three products currently available at Michael’s for $105 dollars for a limited time only.

www.michaelssalon.com

Now I have hope!

Shirley Before Laser Enhancement          

Shirley After Laser Enhancement

If laser hair therapy can do this for Shirley in just 6 months, just think what it can do for you. It is a safe, effective treatment that is painless, has absolutely no side effects and is completely noninvasive. It uses a non-thermal (cool) laser in low level to bathe the scalp and hair in a pure therapeutic red light.

Having to deal with fine thinning hair for too many years myself, I can’t tell you how excited I am about this service being offered at Michael’s Salon. Being a woman who works in a salon and loves everything about the beauty industry, loosing my hair was extremely emotional and hard to accept. I just started the laser therapy last week – it’s really simple and relaxing, you just sit under the laser hood for 30 minutes two times a week. The program involves six to twelve months of treatments. To enhance the results, I apply a topical supplement in the areas where I’m experiencing the most hair loss.  I do this every night and wash my hair in the morning. The only hard part in the program is being patient and letting the system work. After seeing the results in Shirley’s pictures above, I’m so anxious to see how the program will work for me.

This is me before Laser Hair Therapy. I’ll keep you posted on my results.

FYI, for those of you who haven’t heard about Laser Hair Enhancement - It uses the most scientifically advanced cosmetic lasers, fully FDA compliant. Over 50 laser diodes bathe your scalp and hair in therapeutic light. The most effective treatment ever discovered to create a fuller, thicker, healthier head of hair.

It’s like physical therapy for your hair!

Posted by: Kim

As women we are always looking for tips on how to age beautifully. Let's face it, we all want to look our best and most importantly look younger. www.Oprah.com shared five sured fired ways to slow time without going under the knife or using a needle. The top two tips are things Michael's Salon and Spa can help you with. At Michael's we offer Dr. Dennis Gross alpha/beta chemical peel service and MD Skincare retail products in our spa. And of course getting a great haircut and color always makes you feel wonderful.  

Number 1 -Protect Your Skin