# Thursday, April 29, 2010
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?

4/29/2010 3:46 PM Eastern Daylight Time  #    Disclaimer  |  Comments [0]  |  Trackback
# Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Last month, Michael travelled to Chicago to attend America's Beauty Show. In Chicago he found several new products, but one really stood out amidst the sea of wrinkle reducers, moisturizers and skin care products.



Instantly Ageless is a revolutionary cosmeceutical product that works instantly to reverse the signs of aging. The clinically-proven formula is safe and effective, is fragrance free, and is not tested on animals. It can be used daily to:
  • 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
We tested the product on employees here at Michael's and each person had dramatic results. Here is a photo of Debbie with one eye treated and the other untreated:



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.
4/28/2010 5:24 PM Eastern Daylight Time  #    Disclaimer  |  Comments [0]  |  Trackback
# Wednesday, April 14, 2010
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


Kellsey
"Always have a great experience with Cherice and Alana.  They are so sweet and personable and do a perfect mani/pedi every time!"

Alana & Cherice

Thank you BOTH for taking the time to give us feedback! We love to hear how our professionals are doing, and have several places online where you can let us know:
  • 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 
  • We also have a Facebook page
  • And you can send us a message on Twitter @MichaelsSalon

4/14/2010 1:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time  #    Disclaimer  |  Comments [0]  |  Trackback
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:
4/14/2010 8:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time  #    Disclaimer  |  Comments [0]  |  Trackback
# Tuesday, April 06, 2010
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.


As always, please let us know what you think. If there is a beauty technique you would like to see featured, give us some feedback! Leave a comment here on our blog, or on Facebook or Twitter.
4/6/2010 10:49 AM Eastern Daylight Time  #    Disclaimer  |  Comments [0]  |  Trackback
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!


Lisa Homer
Master Designer and Color Specialist

Thank YOU for taking the time to send us a comment. As you can see in her picture, Lisa knows how to do red in a fun way! I'm so glad Lisa could help you and your daughter both be happy with her new look. And kudos to you for taking her to Michael's and not letting her buy a box from the store and do it herself!

We love to hear about our clients' experiences. There are several places online where you can let Michael's know how we're doing:
  • First is the feedback box on michaelssalon.com - which is located on the left of every page of our website
  • Also, please feel free to leave a comment here, on our blog 
  • We also have a Facebook page
  • And you can send us an @ message or direct message on Twitter
4/6/2010 8:37 AM Eastern Daylight Time  #    Disclaimer  |  Comments [0]  |  Trackback
# Saturday, April 03, 2010



Michael's is looking for real women over 40 to be a part of our upcoming makeover photoshoot. We're asking you to nominate yourself, or a woman you know who would be willing to make a major change. Selected winners will receive a free makeover from Michael's Salon including haircut & color, Jane Iredale makeover, manicure and photoshoot with the Media Group @ Michael's. The winners will each receive digital copies of their photographs, and will be featured here on our blog. Photographs will also be submitted to industry publications.

How to enter:
To nominate yourself or someone you know, send an email to cindy@mediagrouponline.com with the following information:
  1. A recent photograph of nominee
  2. Nominee's name and daytime contact information
Rules and Details:
  1. Nominations must be received by Monday, April 12, 2010.
  2. Winners will be notified Tuesday, April 13, 2010.
  3. A consultation will be scheduled with each winner and her designer prior to the makeover and photoshoot.
  4. Makeover and photoshoot will take place on Monday, April 26, 2010.
  5. Winners must be willing to allow their pictures to be used on our blog and for submission to industry publications.
If you have any questions, please email cindy@mediagrouponline.com.

UPDATE: This contest is closed. Click the following link to see our Real Women Over 40 Makeovers.


4/3/2010 1:03 PM Eastern Standard Time  #    Disclaimer  |  Comments [0]  |  Trackback
# Friday, April 02, 2010
The spa at Michael's is great for a relaxing treat, but spa treatments should be part of a regular beauty routine, not only for special occasions. Through the month of April, we are featuring special offers to re-introduce you to some of the services offered by our spa professionals.



Axxium Manicure
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
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
Manicure & Pedicure
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 :)
The spa at Michael's has many other services including massage, spray tan, waxing, and eyelash extensions. Check out all of our spa treatments on our website at michaelssalon.com/spa

4/2/2010 2:30 PM Eastern Standard Time  #    Disclaimer  |  Comments [0]  |  Trackback
# Thursday, March 25, 2010

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!

This week we have a how-to and a demonstration. Kristen received a Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy treatment one week prior to taping this how to. Before she got the Keratin treatment, we taped her going through the same process of blow-drying and flat-ironing her hair, so we can show you how much time she saves after getting the Keratin treatment. If you want to learn more about Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy, visit the Coppola website, and check out our previous blogs about this revolutionary treatment.

So here is Kristen, to tell you more about the Keratin treatment, and to show you how to blow dry and flat iron medium length hair for a sleek, smooth style:


This video is longer than most of our how to videos, but that's because we didn't want anyone to say that we just cut out part of the blow dry or flat iron process. Normally we cut out parts of the video that repeat themselves to shorten the time. Kristen still had 5 more minutes of styling left in the 'before' video, and that time includes explaining the process and products! If you compare JUST the styling times (not talking in between), before the Keratin, it took her 14 minutes from wet to set. After Keratin, Kristen only needs 5.5 minutes to blow dry AND flat iron. As a mother of two working full time, Kristen needs all the extra time she can get in the morning!

Kristen washed her hair with Sebastian Volupt shampoo and conditioner. Combined with the Volupt spray, Sebastian says it adds 75% more volume to the hair. While her hair was still wet, she also used the Silkening Oil Treatment by Aquage -follow the links for more info on each product. Kristen protects her hair from the flat iron with Sebastian's Trilliant Shine Spray and Thermal Protectant.



As always, please let us know what you think. If there is a technique you would like to see featured, give us some feedback! Leave a comment here on our blog, or on Facebook or Twitter.
3/25/2010 3:56 PM Eastern Standard Time  #    Disclaimer  |  Comments [0]  |  Trackback
# Tuesday, March 16, 2010

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.

 
Kristen "Matti" York

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

3/16/2010 1:27 PM Eastern Standard Time  #    Disclaimer  |  Comments [0]  |  Trackback