Fundamentally Elemental

SIDE NOTE:

This is a blog I wrote 2 years ago. Two years ago, today, to be exact. I find it worth a re-post since the initial post was on a different web host and most likely was not seen by those who watch for blogs coming from my business website, www.elementssalonnc.net. Enjoy class day, everyone, and remember how much you are loved and appreciated!

Everyone knows there are elements of the whole. Right? It takes many parts, of anything, to make something complete. Hair is no different...

One of the questions I get asked the most, as I'm cleaning up the hairline of a color client is, "How can that (a cleansing solution) remove color (a chemical solution) from my skin, but not my hair?" It's a really good...and relevant, question. Many clients over 30 years of age, have either thinning skin (sorry y'all...it's true), or dehydration at the surface level, that causes the hair color to stain the skin. So a little clean up is necessary.

So today, I thought I would address this curiosity. A little lesson on the attributes of hair first...

1). Our hair is composed of an insoluble protein called keratin. Every hair strand is made up of 3 layers.

2). The outermost layer of the hair, called the "cuticle" is composed of overlapping flat, colorless cells, much like the shingles on a roof. The cuticle contains no pigment. It's a really important feature, in that it protects what is inside it...much like our skin protects what's inside our body.

3). There is a cell layer between the cuticle and the medulla that contains varying amounts of two natural color pigments that determine a persons natural hair color. Known as the cortex, it determines hair strength and texture. This section is where permanent hair color lightens the natural color and the new, artificial pigment is deposited, changing the natural color to the color of choice.

4). The medulla is the hollow center (or pith), of the hair shaft. It does not appear in all hair...nor does it contain pigment.

So, the answer to the question, "How can it remove color from the skin, and not the hair", is simply because the new color is now a part of the natural pigment, tucked inside the cortex of the hair (thanks to the developer), protected by the cuticle. The stains on the skin are mostly "floating" on the surface, the protective element of the body.

See? ;)

Color your dreams, Passionistas!

P.S. Questions? Add them in the "Comments" box below. I will address all them in my next blog post.

A Letter to My Clients

It has been an exciting year, a year of surprises, a year of adjustment. Many say their personal life and the life they live at their place of business are two separate things. Not mine. What comes my way personally, affects business...and visa versa.

It's been an exciting year because a business move happened on June 2nd, 2015, to Waverly Place in Cary, from Peakway Market Square in Apex. It feels very much like an upgrade I wish I had made when My Salon Suite first opened in April of 2015. Yes, I love my private room 307, Waverly Place,  and all it has to offer throughout the year. You can find out what that is here: http://waverlycary.com (You may have to copy and paste the address).

I rarely get personal in these blog posts, but if you'll allow, I'd like to share my 2016 Resolutions because you have inspired me to be great and continue to improve in everything life has to offer. I've chosen only 5, because I'm a big believer in the significance of numbers. Five is God's number of Grace...and who doesn't need grace, right?

My Resolutions for 2016, that you may relate to, as well:

1. Write down three joyful moments each day.

2. Choose life and meaning over fear of death and tragedy and live "new normal's" as best I can.

3. Find joy in the mundane and the profound...joy in the small things that make my children & soon-to-be grandchild, smile.

4. Remember to appreciate the life I've been given...the journey towards eternity.

5. Consider a "lean-in" circle of friends. Friends that will make each other stronger during sad times. Friends that fill voids, celebrate life, and create a sense of never being alone.

This is what I want you all to know:  This year & every year I am grateful for the opportunity to inspire amazing men and women like you, to look and feel beautiful. You inspire me too! I appreciate and cherish the notes of recommendation posted to my Facebook Page, Yelp, & Elements website. I pray that 2016 will be a year filled with good health, wise decisions, & a knowledge of how very much you are loved and appreciated.

Cheers! and Happy New Year!

Mary

3 Truths About Hair Glossing

Recently, I questioned other beauty professionals, those I have become acquainted with, on their thoughts about glossing and/or glazing. I wanted to see if they believed there to be a difference in the two, and if so, was it just an add-on service to build their bottom line, or did they truly think it necessary for the quality of haircolor to be optimal? Did they make it an automatic part of the haircolor appointment each time the client booked? Or was it a stand-alone service? I had various takes on this "clients need to know" dilemma.

Jumping ahead just a bit, Beth Minardi is an industry icon who has worked both behind the chair and with major haircolor manufactures, as a salon colorist, celebrity stylist, educator and haircolor expert. She is known as the "top hair color expert in NYC" and continues to elevate haircolor to an art form.

Wanting her input on the questions that have been surrounding the add-on service of glossing/glazing, I recently emailed this diva of haircoloring. I asked her about glossing vs. glazing. Here is her response, and I quote:

"Mary. Glossing and glazing are the same thing.  Achieved with an
application of sheer acidic color to refresh faded ends and to perform
magical, non alkaline tint backs. Permanent dye further breaks down
hair lengths when applied to refresh color.  An acidic gloss does not dry
the hair, replaces faded tone and makes the hair shine like crazy!
Wishing you continued success.  Beth"

HA! I concur! So, let's back up just a bit, now. The responses from my fellow business owners were varied. Most believe the addition was necessary with every color application. This made me wonder what color line DOESN'T give shine? Why is there a need to add MORE shine? Others said they used it to boost their bottom line and that they never believed it to be damaging to the hair, so why not? Really??? And one stylist said she only recommend it when her client's hair was excessively dull. I liked that response. This gal has a true heart that hasn't been inflicted with greed, but lives for what is truly needed, while at the same time taking her client's needs into account.

Truth #1: The only time one should add a glossing technique (which is simply refreshing faded shaft & ends), to a clients ticket is when it would boost the client's confidence in the way she looks, and it is needed. Sometimes, the hair just doesn't need that extra boost. Especially when it is well cared for.

Truth #2: An extra charge should, and most likely will, be added to cover product cost of the gloss, and a bit more for the added time to the appointment, if receiving this refresher at the time of getting roots covered. There have been clients that have asked me to comb the retouch formula through the lengths of their hair, and not worry with mixing up a separate batch of color because they believe this is all that is needed to refresh the faded shaft & ends. A stylist should NEVER agree to this. The developer for the outgrowth (the root area) is much stronger than what is used for hair that already has color, faded or not. A fresh (and different) formula is needed for the faded hair, which is now a different color than what is at the root line. This technique alone, will add the shine they are missing, without damaging the hair.

Truth #3: Gloss & Glaze, are one and the same. Some formulas are applied with a clear liquid, others with an offering of color, along with an acidic developer. This whole glossing and glazing debate has been breathed into our existence and carried by the winds of greed, and has now shown it's head in my own salon, going so far as dividing the two services using jargon that elevates the importance of this being a separate service that would add dollars to any ticket.  So I felt it necessary to address the issue with a word from one I truly look up to in my chosen industry. Beth Minardi. If I ever have doubts, or if I just need to make a point, I will seek out those with tried and true knowledge; those that have made a career of proven absolutes. Those I can learn the most from...

Wrapping this up, I should say I wouldn't hesitate suggesting a client come into the salon every couple of weeks (especially during the summer months) for a color refresh of shaft & ends, also known as a stand-alone Hair Gloss Service...but only if that client is a sun and/or beach lover, or works outside like many florists do, and if I believed it to be a quality decision. The reason is because outside elements tend to rob us of our investment of beautiful hair color and it's shine. Even hard water will dull hair and remove the shine. Seriously, who doesn't want shine?

For questions or comments, please feel free to do so below, or send me an email through the contact tab at the bottom of this blog post.

Passionately,

Mary

Look What's New at Elements!

Scentations is a 30 year old second generation family-owned business which creates fine hand crafted home fragrance products in Pocahontas, Arkansas.

I am so excited to be offering this fabulous line of products, to you, my loyal clients. The initial, first time, stocking of Scentations fragrances, will involve only the Cabernet's bold and fruity aroma's of an old-world vineyard. If my North Carolina peeps love it as much as I think they will, I will consider stocking other fragrances, such as White Linen & Lavender, and/or, Fresh Honeysuckle (for Springtime), Seaside No. 93 (for Summer), Pumpkin Seed (next fall), and Holiday and/or Traditions (for Winter).

Here's what Elements Salon now has shelved:

This two wick candle, with it's beautiful urn, adds ambience to any spot in your home.

Potpourri at it's finest, can be used in an attractive dish, or just left in this beautiful bag. The aroma is delightful even contained.

Always a popular gift, this wine glass filled with the Cabernet scent in the form of a candle, will delight anyone!

This is an item that won't last long on my shelves. It is so versitile! It can be used anywhere you want this lovely fragrance to fill. Add it to your vacuum sweeper bag, lay it in a clothes drawer (or closet), put it under the seat in your car, or just leave it laying around the house. It's a winner, for sure!

SCENTATIONS

Cabernet...a gift for all seasons!

ARGAN OILS...My Pick of the Week

BUY 2, GET 1 FREE!

Where do I start, in explaining the benefits of this product? Let's start with the Argan Nourishing Cleansing Oil.

Would you like to step out of the shower with skin that has been moisturized as it was cleansed? Look no further! You will find it in this product. The golden oil quickly lathers to gently cleanse, and easily rinses leaving no residue. Awesome!!!

But wait! There's no one on this planet that doesn't need to exfoliate those dead skin cells that hang around on the top of our skin giving that yellowish tint. While in the shower, go ahead and gently exfoliate with the natural Pre de Provence Argan Body Scrub, and leave your skin with a healthy, moisturized glow...at least once a month. Just massage it right onto your wet skin using circular motions and rinse clean. You'll have the silkiest skin you've always imagined having.

And...since the fall and winter months are here, be sure to protect with Pre de Provence's Argan Silky Body Oil. Hey, it's free this week, when you purchase the first two products. This oil will transform your skin to satiny smooth with Argan-infused body oil that sinks into the skin leaving no oily residue. Just glide it on your softened skin immediately after showering, or pour it into your bath for a moisturizing benefit. You can even use this product as a massage oil. NOW we're talkin'! It is completely free of mineral oils, paragons, phthalates, propylene glycol, artificial color and fragrance.

Grab some for gift giving (or just for yourself!) while they are free, for crying out loud!

Can't make it to the salon today? Call me. I'll gladly put some back for you. But this deal is for only a week, or while supplies last. Sorry, I can't re-order for this price!

See you soon!