In this week’s How-To- Video Debbie from Michael’s Salon and Spa will be demonstrating how to go from day make-up to elegant evening make-up.  This is a quick and easy tutorial on how to transform your everyday makeup into a stunning look for that special occasion. Watch this video for tips and tricks on how to create elegant evening makeup in just 2 minutes!

 

Products Used:

•  Jane Iredale 24 Karat Gold Dust in Silver
• Jane Iredale Cream to Powder Eye Liner in Black Plus
• Eye Liner/Brow Brush
• Jane Iredale PureGloss

In this week’s How-To- Video Joy from the Michael’s Salon and Spa Design Team will be demonstrating how to style a short bob with lots of texture.  The bob is a shorter haircut which has been in style for several years.  This cut works on many hair textures and is flattering to most face shapes.  The bob has been seen on many celebrities and fashion icons such as Katie Homles, Jennifer Aniston, Victoria Beckham and many more! Watch this video for tips and tricks on how to style a short bob with lots of texture!

 

Salon Tools Needed:

• Flat Iron
• Bed Head Master Piece Hairspray
• Osis Dust It
• Aquage Transforming Paste
• Osis Freeze Hairspray

In this week’s How-To- Video James from the Michael’s Salon and Spa Design Team will be demonstrating how to style the trendy faux hawk.  The faux hawk is a short, popular hairstyle that can be worn by both males and females.  This look has been seen on many celebrities and fashion icons such as David Beckham, Adam Lambert, Pink and Rihanna. Watch this video for tips and tricks on how to create the perfect faux hawk look!

 

Salon Tools Needed:

• Aquage Sea Salt Texturizing Spray
• Osis Grip Mousse
• Hair Dryer
  
• Flat Iron
• Aquage Transforming Paste
• Osis Freeze Hairspray

When preparing for your special event -- whether it's your wedding day, prom, or a formal event -- there are several things you need to think about. From your nails and makeup, to just being relaxed and rejuvenated, these are all things you need to schedule prior to your event, and Michael's Salon and Spa can help!

Special Occasion Hairstyles

When it comes to a special event, your hair is most important (other than the dress of course :). There are hundreds of options for styling your hair. We recommend that you take some time and search online or in magazines to find a style that you like. For some events, like your wedding, you probably want to schedule a run through appointment a few weeks before your event. Take photos to bring back on your big day.

A new trend in updo hairstyles is Bespoke. Bespoke uses a needle and thread to secure your hair in place - no bobby pins or rubber bands that can be difficult to take down after your event. Check out our blog post on Bespoke for more info, and watch Lori's video demonstrating the technique.

Michael's also offers Hair Crystalz as an affordable way to add some glamour to your look.

Relax and Rejuvenate before your big day

Planning a wedding is stressful. Even day-to-day stress can wreak havoc on your body. Before your big day, rejuvenate yourself with a facial or massage. It will help you to relax and look your best for the special occasion you've worked so hard to plan.

Spray Tan Options at Michael's

Are you looking for that perfect summer glow, but don't want to damage your skin with harsh UV lights?  Michael's estheticians can give you just what you're looking for! We now offer two options for spray tan services, read our spray tan blog for more information.

Waxing and Makeup Options

Do you have hair in unwanted places? Michael's offers everything from an eye brow wax to a full Brazilian. Click here to see our full list of waxing services.

Michael's is proud to carry Jane Iredale mineral makeup. Jane Iredale is known as the "skincare makeup" because it is recommended by plastic surgeons and dermatologists throughout the world. Be sure to bring in pictures of makeup looks for inspiration if there is a specific look you want to create.

Manicures and Pedicures

Don't forget about your nails! Michael's offers a variety of options for manicures and pedicures. One option that is perfect for a special event - especially a vacation or honeymoon - is Axxium. Michael's nail technicians can apply Axxium gel lacquer to your fingers or toes - and it will last up to 2 weeks. For more information on Axxium, watch the video of Samantha explaining the Axxium process.

Appointment Timeline

Does this all seem like a lot to think about? Yes, we thought so too. That's why we put together a timeline to let you know when you should schedule your appointments. You can schedule up to eight weeks prior to your event.

How To Tuesday videos are back! Check Michael's Beauty Blog weekly for a new video featuring Michael's beauty team demonstrating the techniques they use everyday when getting ready in the morning. There's nothing more frustrating than not being able to re-create your salon look at home, so we're going to do our best to show you some secret tips and techniques so you can have a salon look everyday!

How To Style Long Hair in a Curly Updo

We have put together a couple of updo videos - check out Kinley's Short Hair Updo and Ali's Long Hair Updo - but here's another one for you! Our receptionist Klara learned how to do this hairstyle from our designers, and she always looks so cute and put together. Check out her curly updo:


Video: Hair How To: Long Hair Updo with Curls

To recap, here are the steps to achieve this look:

• Start by using a texturizing product, like Michael's Styling Creme before you blow dry your hair - this will help give your hair some texture so your curls will hold
• You will need a good supply of bobby pins to hold this style
  
• Once your hair is dry, begin by teasing the front to add a bump, and then pin it back
• Start by taking approximately 1 inch sections, and curl from the end to mid-shaft
• Be sure to let the curl set on your curling iron before releasing
• Twist the section back until the end of the curl remains, then pin it in the back
• Klara recommends pinning the side pieces toward the top of your head, and pinning the pieces in the back lower so that you have a full look in the end
• Continue curling, twisting and pinning your hair in 1 inch sections
• If you have pieces that you left too long, you can re-curl, or put in another bobby pin to hold it in place
• Don't forget to curl the hair that you pinned back; Klara doesn't twist these pieces, but flips them and then pins - these pieces will give your updo more fullness in the center
• If your hair doesn't hold the curls well, use hairspray right after releasing the curling iron to help keep your curls
• Be sure to finish the look with hairspray to hold your look
• Accessorize your look with a flower or headband, or start with feather hair extensions for a fun look - they will curl just like your natural hair!

What do you think? Is this a look you will try? If you have any styling tips or beauty techniques you would like to see, please let us know! You can leave a comment here on our blog, or on Facebook or Twitter!

How To Tuesday videos are back! Check Michael's Beauty Blog weekly for a new video featuring Michael's beauty team demonstrating the techniques they use everyday when getting ready in the morning. There's nothing more frustrating than not being able to recreate your salon look at home, so we're going to do our best to show you some secret tips and techniques so you can have a salon look everyday!

How to Curl Hair with a Flat Iron

In our last video, Sheena demonstrated how to crimp your hair with a flat iron. This week, Brooke's taking it a step further to show how to CURL with a straightening iron. Sound like an oxymoron? Watch the video to see how it's done:


Video: How To Curl Hair with a Flat Iron

To recap, here are some of Brooke's tips:

• Brooke preps her hair with Michael's Styling Creme before blow drying to give her hair more texture and hold
• This look is good for the day(s) between shampoos. The build up in your hair can help hold the curls, and prevent fly-aways
• Always use a thermal protectant spray to protect your hair from heat damage
• Brooke used a 1.5 inch wide flat iron - the size of your straightening iron determines the tightness/looseness of your curls
• Section off your hair and start on the bottom layer and work your way up, one side at a time
• In small sections, start the flat iron at your root, turn the flat iron, and pull it all the way to your ends
• Brooke curls her hair toward her face, but you can alternate in and out for a different look
• For the back, Brooke pulls the pieces toward the front to make it easier to control
• Once your hair is curled, take a look to make sure you didn't miss any pieces
• Use a dime-sized amount of Michael's Texture Taffy to give your curls separation and texture
• Finish with a flexible-hold hairspray

What do you think? Is this a look you will try? If you have any styling tips or beauty techniques you would like to see, please let us know! You can leave a comment here on our blog, or on Facebook or Twitter!

How To Tuesday videos are back! Check Michael's Beauty Blog weekly for a new video featuring Michael's beauty team demonstrating the techniques our they use everyday when getting ready in the morning. There's nothing more frustrating than not being able to recreate your salon look at home, so we're going to do our best to show you some secret tips and techniques so you can have a salon look everyday!

How to Crimp Your Hair with a Flat Iron

This week's video features Sheena demonstrating how to crimp your hair with a flat iron to create messy, beachy waves.


Video: How To Crimp Your Hair with a Flat Iron

To recap, here are some of Sheena's tips:

• Sheena preps by blow drying her hair up-side-down to create as much volume as possible
• Part your hair into one-inch sections
• Starting at the root, slide your flat iron down the section, flipping it over and under to create a zig-zag wave
• Always end "under" so you don't have harsh edges on your style
• Squeeze your flat iron tight to get more definition in your waves
• Sheena twists her bangs to the side and pins them with a stylish clip
• You can vary the look by parting your hair in larger or smaller sections

If you have any styling tips or beauty techniques you would like to see, please let us know! You can leave a comment here on our blog, or on Facebook or Twitter!

How To Tuesday videos are back! Check Michael's Beauty Blog weekly for a new video featuring Michael's beauty team demonstrating the techniques our stylists use everyday when getting ready in the morning. There's nothing more frustrating than not being able to recreate your salon look at home, so we're going to do our best to show you some secret tips and techniques so you can have a salon look everyday!

Round Brush Blow Out

This week's video features Katie demonstrating how she round brushes her angled bob haircut to get lots of volume.

Video: How To: Round Brush Blow Out

To recap, here are some of Katie's tips:

• Finger-dry your hair until it's 80% dry, and then start round brushing
• Clip your hair out of the way to start round brushing your bottom layer and work your way up
• Round brush one section at a time, and hit the cool button on your dryer to allow your hair to cool before removing your brush
• Work in small sections for the best results
• At your crown, brush your hair back at about halfway up your part - if you follow the part all the way back it will look flat.
• Use a good hairspray to hold your look

If you have any styling tips or beauty techniques you would like to see, please let us know! You can leave a comment here on our blog, or on Facebook or Twitter!

We all want long thick eyelashes, but unfortunately, some of us aren't blessed to look like we could be in a mascara commercial (FYI: the women in the commercials are probably wearing fake lashes). So what's a girl to do? You could stick to the time-tested regimen of eyelash curler + loads of mascara, but if you're not getting the results you desire, check out these options Michael's is offering women in the Dayton area.

NovaLash® Eyelash Extensions
For celebrity-approved lashes, check out NovaLash eyelash extensions. You've probably read about NovaLash in popular magazines (O, the Oprah magazine, Lucky, OK! Magazine, In Touch Weekly, Modern Salon and more) but did you know you can get NovaLash extensions here at Michael's Salon?

The physician and cosmetic chemist formulated lash extension system developed for your health and safety... the educated choice.

NovaLash is one of the safest options for women looking to boost their lashes. There's no need to worry about adhesives tearing your lashes out or damaging them. At Michael's, a licensed esthetician will apply NovaLash lashes on your natural lashes. You won't have an adhesive line to cover up, because they attach to your lashes, not your eyelid. You won't have to worry about a line of lashes separating at the end of your wedding day or night out! NovaLash starts at $202 and will last for the growth cycle of the individual eyelashes - approximately 1-2 months. Touch-ups are recommended as your lashes have a natural life cycle.


To keep your extensions healthy and looking great, here are some tips:

• Avoid rubbing your eyes and lashes - this causes you to lose lashes!
• If you wear mascara, DO NOT USE WATERPROOF MASCARA. Waterproof formulas will dissolve the adhesive on your NovaLash lashes
• Avoid eye makeup cleansers containing glycol or carbonates - they can loosen the bond of your NovaLash extensions
• When using eye creams, try to avoid your lashes and eyelids. And again, don't use creams containing glycol or carbonates.

Revitalash® Eyelash Conditioner
If you're not crazy about the thought of extensions, we also offer Revitalash Eyelash Conditioner. Again, you've probably seen Revitalash in the press (In Style, Elle, O, the Oprah magazine, and many more). Revitalash is a unique eyelash conditioner that will help you achieve the natural beauty of longer, thicker, fuller looking eyelashes.


A very small amount of Revitalash is applied once a day. No matter how brittle, short, fragile, thin or sparse your eyelashes are, Revitalash can help you achieve your very own long, beautiful, healthy looking lashes. You can purchase Revitalash at Michael's for $135.


Jane Iredale False Lashes
Jane Iredale just released their new Professional Faux Lashes. These lashes are great because instead of strips that you have to cut to fit your eyelid, they are individual pieces you can apply where you want your lashes to be fuller. You can apply just to the outer lids, or across your entire lash line.


If you have a special event and want longer lashes just for one night, schedule a makeover with one of Michael's talented makeup artists. They will apply all of your makeup, and can add as many Jane Iredale faux lashes as you desire, for a minimal add-on.

Take care of your lashes
Whether you try false lashes or not, always always ALWAYS wash off your makeup at night. Sleeping in your makeup is not only bad for your skin, but also bad for your lashes. Wearing mascara overnight can cause your eyelashes to become fragile and break or fall out prematurely.

Have you tried eyelash extensions or conditioners? What was your experience?

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:

Are you noticing that your hair isn't as shiny and healthy as it was ten years ago? It's true, with age comes hair that is drier, breaks easily and lacks body and shine.
The recent issue (May 2010) of More magazine tackled this problem in an article titled "Ch-Ch-Changes!" More offered up a six week plan to bring back the silky texture we all love. Here are some highlights from the article, with tips from Michael's included (direct quotes from More in italics). Update (5/26/10) More's article on tips for aging hair is now available on their website. Disclosure: All product recommendations in this blog are by Michael's professionals:

Trim, then tame
Visit your stylist to get rid of damaged ends, then explore conditioning treatments. "Nearly every stylist we spoke to said for the most dramatic results, you can't beat an in-salon keratin treatment."

We've blogged about keratin treatments several times, but the treatment infuses keratin into your hair follicles to promote healing, block humidity, and prevent environmental toxins from entering the hair. It leaves hair smooth, frizz-free and manageable.

Give your do some downtime
After a keratin treatment, you should not wash your hair for 72 hours to allow the treatment to soak in. When you do wash your hair, use a sodium-free shampoo like Keratin Care. Salt will strip your hair of chemical treatments, which means your keratin, or color process for that matter, won't last as long.

Also, skip a day or two from shampoo. Your hair produces natural oils which help keep it moisturized. If you must, rinse your hair in luke warm water, and use a small amount of conditioner just on the ends.
**Personal note: Jodi talked me into shampooing every other day, and I'm finally able to keep red color in my hair, after many attempts that faded quickly. And as an added bonus, my shampoo and conditioner last twice as long!

Finally, go easy on the heat. When you do rinse or shampoo, use luke warm water, not hot water. When you blow dry or flat iron, use a thermal protectant like Iron It by Michael's, Aquage Beyond Shine or Trilliant by Sebastian.

Color Care
After taking great care of your hair, you might want to amp up the color a bit. The More article recommends 'Ask your colorist if (s)he can use an oil-based bleach, which processes hair more gently than a traditional bleach." Michael's uses Wella color processes, which are oil-based, and condition your hair as they color.

More magazine is a great resource for 'women of style & substance.' They celebrate women over 40, and offer tips on fashion, beauty, love, careers and more.

What do you think of these tips? Do you have other tips to share? Let us know in the comments!