Michael's Salon and Spa - Friday, June 11, 2010

Friday, June 11, 2010

Real Women. Real Transformations at Michael's Salon and Spa - Dayton, Ohio

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?

6/11/2010 4:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Disclaimer | Comments [0] | Trackback

Michael's Salon and Spa, Dayton, Ohio - Over 40 Makeover: Lisa

Model: Lisa Scaggs
Hair: Tari Huber
Makeup: Paula Piersall
Photo: Cynthia DeVelvis, Media Group @ Michael's

Lisa learned about our makeover contest through Twitter. She saw the tweet, read the blog, and sent her photograph in without telling anyone. She was surprised to learn that she was selected. Lisa had never been to Michael's, so Tari, one of our master designers worked with her to plan her new look.

As you can see, Lisa's hair was long and in need of a boost of color. That's exactly what Tari did for her, but first they donated Lisa's ponytail to Pink Heart Funds. Tari started with a chestnut brown permanent color to warm up Lisa's look. She then added chunky blonde highlights. Tari added face-framing layers and a side-swept bang to show off Lisa's great eyes and smile.

To style, Tari used Moroccan Oil to strengthen and condition before blow-drying. She used Osis Slick before flat-ironing to help straighten Lisa's naturally curly hair. Finally, she set the look with Bed Head Masterpiece by TIGI. For a night variation, Tari curled sections of Lisa's hair, first using Working Spray by Aquage to protect against heat damage and add body.

Hair by Tari Makeup by Paula

6/11/2010 4:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Disclaimer | Comments [0] | Trackback

Michael's Salon and Spa, Dayton, Ohio - Over 40 Makeover: Sharon

Model: Sharon Nalepka
Hair: Amanda Hansen
Makeup: Paula Piersall
Photo: Cynthia DeVelvis, Media Group @ Michael's

I have had the same hairstyle for the past 5+ years, and the style I had before that I had for almost 10 years. I am always looking for something to do with my hair but just don't know what.

Amanda, who has been doing Sharon's hair for several years, had a few ideas. Sharon is a teacher, so she always used barettes to keep her hair out of her face.

Amanda added subtle highlights to soften Sharon's dark color, and then cut her hair in a sleek bob. "Sharon can put her hair behind her ears if it gets in her way, so she can get rid of the barettes!" Amanda said. Amanda also gave Sharon wispy bangs to compliment her face shape.

To style, Amanda sprayed Volupt by Sebastian and followed with Aquage Uplifting Foam at the crown. She used a round brush when blow drying to give Sharon's hair volume. She followed up with a flat iron to shape the ends.

Hair by Amanda Makeup by Paula

Back to all Real Women Over 40 Makeovers

6/11/2010 3:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Disclaimer | Comments [0] | Trackback

Michael's Salon and Spa, Dayton - Over 40 Makeover: Karin

Model: Karin Lauterbach
Hair: Dennis Milburn
Makeup: Paula Piersall
Photo: Cynthia Develvis, Media Group @ Michael's

Karin just turned 40 and was ready for a change. Dennis got to work first by giving Karin a Keratin Complex smoothing treatment. This treatment made Karin's hair smoother and took away the frizz. Karin was surprised that she "can still wear it curly," unlike many traditional relaxers.

Next, Dennis added permanent color to lighten Karin's natural tones and added subtle highlights. He cut her hair to shoulder length and softened her look with face-framing layers.

To style, Dennis used Fortifying Ultra Gel by Aquage, then blew it dry with a round brush to add lift and volume. He used Working Spray to hold Karin's style. Dennis warned Karin not to use a flat iron to straighten her hair - "you'll lose all of your volume."

Hair by Dennis Makeup by Paula

Back to all Real Women Over 40 Makeovers

6/11/2010 3:46 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Disclaimer | Comments [0] | Trackback

Michael's Salon and Spa, Dayton, Ohio - Over 40 Makeover: Digma

Model: Digma Stockelman
Hair: Jodi Schuh-Keeley
Makeup: Paula Piersall
Photo: Cynthia DeVelvis, Media Group @ Michael's

Digma has been one of Paula's clients for years. She was excited to learn that she won the makeover. Jodi worked with Digma to designer her new look.

Jodi said "at first she was skeptical when I pulled out the red color swatch..." but after the experience Digma said "I LOVE it!" Jodi added red highlights to Digma's dark brown hair, and then cut it in a very versatile style with lots of layers. As you can see, Digma can wear her hair sleek and straight, flip the ends for a textured and piecy look, or embrace her natural curl for a fun style.

To style, Jodi used Fortifying Ultra Gel by Aquage. She finger-dried Digma's hair until it was 90% dry, then used a round brush to add volume and shape to the ends. Jodi then used Matte Putty by Sebastian to shape and hold Digma's look.

Hair by Jodi Makeup by Paula

Back to all Real Women Over 40 Makeovers

6/11/2010 3:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Disclaimer | Comments [0] | Trackback

Michael's Salon and Spa, Dayton, Ohio - Over 40 Makeover: Ellen

Model: Ellen Arnette
Hair: Allison Kirkwood
Makeup: Paula Piersall
Photo: Cynthia DeVelvis, Media Group @ Michael's

"I am nominating my mother, Ellen Arnette for your makeover contest. My mother has always been such a giver and doer for others that she rarely puts any time or money into herself. My mother is at a very rough time in her life. In September 2009, she lost her best friend of 30 years to cancer. And then only a few short months later - 6 days before Christmas - my Dad passed away after 30 years of marriage.

I believe that this makeover would make her feel better about herself and the future... my mother is a very strong woman. She has always been there for everyone. She would take the shirt off her back for anyone, even a stranger.

It would not only mean the world to her, but for me to see my mother smile again would be the greatest joy. My mother has had the same look my whole life, and now is the time for a change."

Change is exactly what Allison did for Ellen. She used a rich base color to add warm undertones to Ellen's hair color. Then she wanted to break it up wiht some light by adding caramel and blonde highlights. Allison kept the look natural - the highlights are subtle so you can see the darker color underneath.

Ellen has very fine thin hair, so Allison cut four inches from the length and gave her medium to long layers to add volume. She added side-swept bangs and layers around Ellen's face to soften the look.

Allison suggests for Ellen to blow-dry her hair upside down at home, then use a round brush to shape the style. After blow-drying, Allison added curls for a fun look. She used Queen for a Day Thickening Spray by TIGI to hold the look. Allison's tip for other women with thin hair trying to get his style: "when you curl, use small sections and curl each piece in opposite directions for volume."

Ellen was very touched by the whole experience. "It was an amazing gesture, this whole experience has been something special."

Hair by Allison Makeup by Paula

Back to all Real Women Over 40 Makeovers

6/11/2010 2:51 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Disclaimer | Comments [0] | Trackback

Michael's Salon and Spa, Dayton - Over 40 Makeover: Andrea

Model: Andrea Glass
Hair: Lisa Homer
Makeup: Paula Piersall
Photo: Cynthia DeVelvis, Media Group @ Michael's

Andrea has been Lisa's client for almost three years. Her husband loved her hair long and blonde. "It took a contest like this to give me the courage to make a drastic change." Lisa went to work, first giving Andrea a keratin treatment to make Andrea's hair smooth and manageable. Andrea was excited to wear her hair straight for a change. After the treatment, Andrea "loves the shine and condition. I can style my hair so much faster, and it doesn't feel like it's chemically processed - it feels like real hair!"

A few days later, Andrea's hair was ready to be colored and styled. "I always use three to four colors for clients. Multi-tone color makes hair look healthier, and I really wanted to enhance Andrea's skin tone," Lisa said. For her cut, Lisa chose a chin-length bob. "It's great for her face shape. Andrea has a long face, so a short bob keeps her looking younger. Long hair can be matronly and aging for women in their forties, especially when it's curly."

Lisa started the style with Moroccan Oil to strengthen and condition Andrea's hair, and then followed with Volupt Spray by Sebastian to add body without curl. She used a round brush to blow-dry, and then smoothed the ends with a flat iron.

Andrea is a very sassy, high-spirited person, so to add a little fun to her look, Lisa used multi-color clip-in extensions to add some personality.

If you're wondering what Andrea's husband has to say about her new look, Andrea told Lisa "He LOVES it!" She didn't let him see her until the night after the photo shoot, when they scheduled a special date night. "He didn't recognize me when I first walked up to him" and he agreed that her blonde days are over.

Hair by Lisa Makeup by Paula

Back to all Real Women Over 40 Makeovers

6/11/2010 2:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Disclaimer | Comments [0] | Trackback

Monday, June 07, 2010

New client impressed with Michael's Salon and Spa, Dayton, Ohio

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

Tasha

Great job Tasha! And thank you to our commenter for leaving us feedback! Have any of you readers been in the salon lately? How was your experience? Let us know - leave a comment here, or send us a message on our website, Michael's Facebook page, or Michael's on Twitter. We'd LOVE to hear from you.

6/7/2010 9:54 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Disclaimer | Comments [0] | Trackback

Friday, May 28, 2010

Locks of Love donation at Michael's Salon and Spa, Dayton, Ohio

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

Myka

Thanks Kristyn for leaving feedback, we're so glad that Myka took such great care of you! And thanks for donating your hair to such a great cause. We work with both Locks of Love and Pink Heart Funds to donate hair to disadvantaged children and cancer patients.

In order to donate to either charity, please remember that your PONYTAIL must be at least ten inches long. Your hair might be ten inches, but when pulled back into a ponytail it gets shorter.

Has anyone else donated to Locks of Love, Pink Heart Funds or another charity? How was your experience? Did you like going from long to short? Please share in the comments below.

5/28/2010 10:56 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Disclaimer | Comments [0] | Trackback

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Great results with Keratin treatment - client feedback - Michael's Salon and Spa, Dayton, Ohio

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

Laura

Thank YOU for taking the time to leave us a comment! The Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy is an amazing process that smooths hair to make it silky smooth, without frizz. Many designers at Michael's have received the process and absolutely LOVE it!

We love to hear how our professionals are doing, and have several places online where you can let us know:

First is the 'Share your experience' box located on the left of every page of michaelssalon.com. These messages go straight to our salon manager and are a direct route for your voice to be heard.