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.

Here is a recent comment from an out-of-town visitor:

Not from Dayton, but was there this weekend and decided, on a whim, that I wanted a haircut...called in to make an appt and said that my only requirement was awesome bangs.  I was scheduled w/ Tasha and I can honestly say I don't think I've had a better haircut ever before.  My bangs were spot on and she was incredibly friendly and down to earth...seriously bummed that I live 2 hours away!! 
-Name withheld

We love it when our clients take the time to offer us feedback! Here is another comment that was submitted yesterday in the 'Share your experience' box on our website:

"I had a great experience. I cut 11 inches off to donate to locks of love. I was a little nervous but Myka did such a great job. I get compliments every day on my cut and color. Everything was great and I love my new do for summer!
-Kristyn

We love it when our clients take the time to offer us feedback! Here is a comment that was submitted yesterday in the 'Share your experience' box on our website:

I promised Laura I would give an update, so here it is. Laura gave me the Keratin treatment on Wednesday. She did an excellent job. I loved my hair walking out of the salon. I had to wait three days to wash it. Saturday was the big test. Would I be able to cut my styling time in half??

I am so excited to say that it only took me about ten minutes to style my hair and walk out the door the way I like it. I was absolutely amazed. On top of that, my hair stayed completely straight without any frizz or curl. I am so excited about this treatment, and will do it again next year, just in time for the humid weather to start. Thank you so much to Laura for doing such an amazing job. You rock!!!!!  :) :)
-Name withheld for privacy

Have you noticed how many celebrities have been wearing their locks in wavy curls? Have you tried to style your hair like this at home, just to end up with a tangled, half-curled, half-frizzy, doesn't-look-good-at-all mess? Here comes Myka to the rescue! She wears her hair in curly waves every day, so she took some time to show us exactly how to make your hair look naturally wavy, when it's not:

To style, Myka used products from Aquage and TIGI.

• While her hair was still wet, she used Sea Salt Texturizing Spray from Aquage to add volume, texture and separation to her locks.
  
• Once her hair is dry, she preps her strands with Bed Head Masterpiece shine spray by TIGI.
  
• When curling, Myka takes vertical sections of her hair, and curls by starting mid-shaft,  and working her way down
• She makes sure not to curl the ends, to keep the look loose and natural
• Once she curls the top front sections, she works on the bottom layers around her face, then curls sections in the back
  
• You don't have to curl every strand
• To finish, use a pea-size dollop of Bed Head AfterParty by TIGI to separate strands and add a smooth shine
• Flip head upside down and shake out curls, then use your fingers to separate and shape

What do you think - can you get this look at home? Is there a style or beauty tip you would like to see featured? Let us know, leave a comment here, on Michael's Facebook, or @michaelssalon on Twitter!

We've had a lot of questions from clients asking about Axxium manicures. We have written blogs about it, but we thought the best way to explain it would be to show you in a video!

Here is a video featuring Samantha, one of our newest nail technicians, demonstrating the Axxium manicure:


Some key points from the video:

• Plan an hour for this manicure - the process is the same as our regular half-hour manicure, but the polish application takes extra time
• Each coat of polish is cured under a UV light - drying the polish instantly
• At present, Michael's has 14 colors to choose from for an Axxium manicure, as the service becomes more popular, we (and OPI) keep adding more
• Removal of the Axxium gel lacquer polish doesn't damage your nails like other nail enhancements
• Axxium is available for pedicures also!
  

Have you tried the Axxium manicure? What do you think?

Today must be client feedback day - thank you all so much for sharing your experience with us! Here are two more comments that we received today:

"I went to Kellsey yesterday for a big change...a huge cut and highlights for my hair. Kellsey did a FANTASTIC job!! She has always done a great job and I wasn't disappointed with this big change! Thanks so much Kellsey!"
-Michelle

Our website has a "Share your experience" box for clients to leave feedback on their Michael's experiences. Here is a recent comment we received:

I always get my hair cut styled and colored by Amanda, she is great and always listens and gives you exactly what you ask for. Always satisfied with Amanda.  Thanks Amanda!!

Amanda

Thank YOU for taking the time to leave us a comment. We encourage client feedback, and have several places online where you can let us know how we're doing at Michael's:

• First is the feedback box that Mary used - which is located on the left of every page of our website - www.michaelssalon.com
• Also, please feel free to leave a comment here, on our blog (www.michaelssalon.com/blog)
• We also have a Facebook page: facebook.com/MichaelsSalon
• And you can send us an @ message or direct message on Twitter: twitter.com/michaelssalon
  

This week's How To video is a little different. First, we're showing a spa treatment instead of a hairstyle. Paula is demonstrating what the MD Express peel is. Many people are confused and don't know exactly what a chemical peel is - an episode of Sex and the City comes to mind. Paula shows you exactly what to expect - it's a quick and easy treatment that makes a big difference! Also, you can use this video for follow-up at home with the MD Skincare Alpha/Beta Daily Face Peel. Use the same strokes around the face that Paula uses on Mary to exfoliate your skin and leave it fresh and luminous!

An MD Alpha/Beta peel is a recommended treatment for several skin disorders, including acne, rosacea, hyper pigmentation, fine lines and more.


I asked Mary how her skin felt a few hours after the treatment, and she said "it feels really clean - comparable to how your mouth feels clean and fresh after going to the dentist."

To follow up at home, Paula recommends using the All-In-One Facial Cleanser with Toner at morning and night to wash your face. At night, follow with the Daily Face Peel Two-step system, and finish with a good moisturizer.

We love it when our clients take the time to offer us feedback! Here is another comment that was submitted yesterday in the 'Share your experience' box on our website:

My daughter is a freshman in high school and wanted bright red hair. I reluctantly agreed. I took her to Lisa for the new look. Not only did Lisa give my daughter the red she was looking for, she did it so beautifully that I like it too. She added some black to frame her face. The color looks great with her skin tone.

My daughter loves her new look and I love it too. Lisa gave us a win-win situation which is hard to do for a head-strong teen and her mother!
Thanks Lisa!

Designer Spotlight - Kristin “Matti” York

 Kristin “Matti” York graduated from Creative Images Cosmetology School in 2006. She couldn’t wait to start working at Michael’s Salon. Matti pursued a career at Michael’s because she wanted to continue learning after obtaining her cosmetology license and work for a salon where she saw a future.

She has always wanted to be a hairdresser and says she has never thought about doing anything else. One of her favorite services is specialized styles, so if course she enjoys working with wedding parties and loves prom season.  It goes without saying that Matt is definitely a people person. She goes above and beyond to make her clients happy.  

“A happy client is the best feeling in the world” says Matti. “I feel like I’ve accomplished something wonderful if I can make someone’s day a little better. I know when I get a new hairstyle; I look better and feel like I can conquer anything. I love that I can make my clients feel that way too.” And, Matti does just that. She makes her clients feel great and they absolutely love her.

In February, Matti was awarded the Michael’s Salon 2010 Rising Star Award. Her client base and service revenues grew over 100 % from the previous year.

Besides building a solid clientele, Matti believes that one of the most important things to be a successful hair designer is to be a great listener. She says “Listening to your client is important to accomplishing the look they are going for. If you can give them that, they will leave your chair looking great and feeling happy.”

www.michaelssalon.com

It's How To Tuesday (a day late) again at Michael's! Do you have problems recreating your salon look at home? Michael's Salon is putting together a new how to video each week to teach you how to style your hair at home. But here's the difference: our designers are demonstrating the styles on themselves!

We didn't want to leave out the guys, so this week's video features Michael Ison, a new designer and intern here at Michael's. Ison gets questions all the time about how he styles his hair, so here's his video to show you exactly what he does:



Ison uses products by Sebastian to hold his look: the Volupt Spray before blow drying, and the Microweb Fiber to style.

It's How To Tuesday again at Michael's! Do you have problems recreating your salon look at home? Michael's Salon is putting together a new how to video each week to teach you how to look fresh from the salon everyday.

This week is part 2 of Debbie's Jane Iredale makeup application. Last week she showed how to apply makeup for a classic day look. This week, she's showing you how you can quickly and easily dress up that look for a night out. She turns the basic eye makeup into a smokey eye and adds some shimmer to the look.


Debbie added Jane Iredale's Cream to Powder Eyeliner in Black Plus and used the Eyeliner/Brow brush to soften and smudge the look. She added some shimmer with the 24 Karat Gold Dust in Silver, and added some shine to Morgan's lips with Jane Iredale's PureGloss.


For more makeup tips, check out Jane Iredale's makeup blog and YouTube page. The great people at Jane have lots of videos and ideas on how to update your makeup look. And as always, let us know what you think of today's video! Leave a comment here, or on our Facebook or Twitter accounts. Also, let us know if you have any ideas for next week!

It's How To Tuesday again at Michael's! Do you have problems recreating your salon look at home? Michael's Salon is putting together a new how to video each week to teach you how to look fresh from the salon everyday.

This week Debbie is showing you a basic daytime makeup look. She is using Jane Iredale products, which are all available here at Michael's. Jane Iredale has created an awesome line of products that are great for your skin. For more info, check out this previous blog post.


Next week, Debbie will show you how to dress up this makeup look for a night out. She will give Morgan the smoky-eye look that is always popular.

Do you want more makeup tips? You can get a complimentary Jane Iredale makeover with Debbie next time you come in to Michael's! It's a great way to try different shades and colors - we do recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure that she's available.

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.

It's How To Tuesday again at Michael's! Do you have problems recreating your salon look at home? Michael's Salon is putting together a new how to video each week to teach you how to style your hair at home. But here's the difference: our designers are demonstrating the styles on themselves!

Ladies, you can throw away your bump-its, because Elise is about to show you how to back comb and tease your hair to get volume, without having to use an uncomfortable plastic head piece!

Elise used products by Osis to get this look: Dust It mattifying powder and Freeze Fix spray.

It's How To Tuesday again at Michael's! Do you have problems recreating your salon look at home? Michael's is putting together a new how to video each week to teach you how to style your hair at home. But here's the difference: our designers are demonstrating the styles on themselves!

This week Ali is demonstrating something that is usually very hard to do on yourself - a long hair updo. Once the steps are broken down, she shows that this style is actually pretty easy and quick!

One thing you need to keep this look in place is great hairspray. Ali used two different hairsprays by Aquage - the Freezing Spray to smooth and hold the look while styling, and the Finishing Spray to set it in place.

It's How To Tuesday again at Michael's! Do you have problems recreating your salon look at home? Michael's is putting together a new how to video each week to teach you how to style your hair at home. But here's the difference: our designers are demonstrating the styles on themselves!

This week Kinley is demonstrating a great style for the day between shampoos. Most people don't need to wash their hair everyday - by simply rinsing your hair every other day in lukewarm water you can extend the life of your color and keep your hair healthy.

Kinley used TIGI's Dirty Little Secret Dry Shampoo to give her second day hair life and shine. She secured her style with TIGI's Bedhead Masterpiece Shine Hairspray. 

Abby began her career in the beauty industry by attending the Aveda Institute in Cincinnati and became a licensed hair designer in 2006. Abby says she has always loved doing hair from the time she was a little girl. Actually, one of her fondest memories is playing in the beauty shop where her grandmother worked. Yes, her grandmother was also a hair dresser.

Abby loves everything about the beauty industry. She enjoys creative color, highlighting and styling, but her favorite service is hair cutting. She says with so many new styles every cut is different and this keeps her skills fresh. Abby is a very visual person and gets her inspiration from fashion magazines as well as television and films. She’s always seeking out new trends and feels that the media seems to direct the way styles are going.

Abby truly loves being a hair designer and she finds it extremely rewarding. She’s been very successful in her career and her clients love her. She was even chosen to be the on location hair stylist for movie being filmed here in Dayton, Ohio. The movie titled ‘True Nature’ is currently in the final stages of editing and expected to be released in the very near future. The movie stars Carolyn McCormick of ‘Law and Order’ as the leading actress. Abby was the only stylists on the set for 5 straight weeks of filming.

Abby said working on the movie set was a wonderful experience. She was honored and happy about the opportunity. However, she would never consider it as a permanent career because she would miss her friends and clients at Michael’s Salon and Spa.

For more information on the movie 'True Nature' visit www.truenaturethefilm.com

New in 2010 at Michael's Salon, we will feature How-To Tuesdays. Women in Dayton - heck women around the world - are frustrated when they can't reproduce their salon look at home. So to combat this problem, we will produce a weekly video starring one of our designers demonstrating how they style their OWN hair! Sure, it's easy to understand what your stylist is teaching you when you're in a chair in front of them and they have two free hands... but it gets a little more difficult when you're solo in front of the mirror.

Our first brave designer is Tonya Verhoff, who has been at Michael's for many years and is known for her cute and stylish short hair. In this video, Tonya will show you how she gets her short hair just right:

Ladies, don't be intimidated by the steps to achieve this look! If you pay attention to the clock behind her, you see that it took Tonya less than 20 minutes from wet to set.

To recap, here are some of Tonya's Tips:

• Tonya uses Styling Creme by Michael's when her hair is wet, applying from root to tip.
  
• When blow drying, begin by finger-drying your hair until it's 80% dry and then use a round brush to add body.
  
• If you use good products and a good flat-iron, you should only have to pass it through your hair once. More than once and you will burn and damage your hair.
• Tonya uses Beyond Shine by Aquage to protect her hair from heat damage.
  
• To finish her look, Tonya uses Michael's Shine It paste to give her hair flexible hold that's not too sticky.