We've established that professional products are better than store brand products. Now, I would like to tell you about Michael's "Brown Label" products.

This is the only full line of all-natural, gluten free products available in the Dayton area. Not only are the products gluten free, but they are also free of parabens, preservatives and salt, ingredients that can damage your hair follicles, and that are commonly used to dilute products. Michael's line of products are highly concentrated - it takes less product for each use, so one bottle will last much longer!

What's the big deal about gluten-free?
For those who suffer from celiac disease or gluten allergies, ingesting gluten can lead to reactions that range from uncomfortable to downright dangerous. The skin is the largest organ in the body, and it absorbs everything you put on it - even hair products that touch your scalp.  Although it's not very common, severe reactions of gluten allergies have included hair thinning or falling out at an alarming rate. A good rule of thumb is if you can't put gluten IN your body, you shouldn't put gluten ON your body either.

Even if you don't suffer from gluten allergies, Michael's line of products is specially formulated by cosmetic chemist Irma Jobst to protect your hair from damage caused by environmental factors - it protects against sun damage and fading - and from over-styling. Irma (right) was here this morning training our staff on product chemistry.



Are you ready to try our new line of products yet? I understand if you're a little hesitant, so ask your designer at your next appointment. She or he will be able to recommend the products that are best for your individual type of hair. And, here's a good deal to sweeten the pot a little more:

Our short answer: YES

 

Yes salon products are better, and here’s why. Look at the ingredients on your shampoo that you purchase at any retail store. I’m willing to bet that one or more of the following will be the top ingredients: water, salt (sodium chloride or ammonium chloride) or a sulfate.

 

What are these ingredients?

While water is a necessary ingredient, most store brands are highly diluted – to the point that it takes much more product to get the job done. For products that are diluted with high quantities of water, there will be lots of salt. Salt is a thickening agent, so that your product will seem to be of a good consistency. Sulfates, often listed as ammonium laurel sulfate, sodium laurel sulfate, or sodium laureth sulfate, are lathering agents. They make your shampoos or foaming products get bubbly to make you think they’re working. Salon products include these as well, but in smaller amounts, and at gentler doses. Sulfates at high doses are harsh on your hair, especially your hair color.

 

Why are they bad?

If your product is diluted, it will take more of the product to achieve your desired result. Which means that one professional bottle might last longer than 3 or 4 bottles of store products. Multiply the cost of a store product by 4, is it still cheaper than a professional product? Still, why are you spending so much on salt and water?

Salt is very hard on your hair, especially if your hair has been processed. If you are willing to pay 70, 100 or 150 dollars on a process, why would you strip it with cheap products?

 

Professional Recommendations

Of course, not ALL store brand products contain harsh elements, and some professional products do. One of the most important reasons to use professional products is because you can get specific recommendations from a licensed professional. Michael’s designers train with cosmetic chemists and understand what ingredients are in the products we offer. They will recommend the products you need to get the style you are looking for. And the best part – Michael’s guarantees the products we sell. If a product you purchase doesn’t work out for you, bring it back within 30 days and we will be happy to find another product better suited for your needs.

What do you think? Do you use professional products or store brand products? Are you satisfied with your hair's texture? Does your color last as long as you think it should? Let's get a discussion going.

Do you suffer from thinning hair? If so, you are not alone. 30 million women in the United States suffer from thinning hair. Laser hair treatments, available here at Michael's in Dayton Ohio, provide hope. This is not just another false claim saying "we can re-grow hair instantly!" For laser hair treatments to be effective, it takes patience and time. The FDA approves this treatment, and studies have shown a 97% success rate in increased hair count after 18 weeks of treatment.  It typically takes one year to achieve ideal results.

The Doctors television show featured this treatment on a segment about thinning hair. This video explains how the laser works:

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?

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:

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!

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.