Top Ten Bridal Gifts at Ashka Salon Spa

Top Ten Bridal Gifts

We have been in full wedding season swing here at Ashka Salon Spa for the past couple of months now and we still have a few more months to go! When the weather starts to get nicer, I feel like I start to get invitation after invitation! I wanted to compile a list of the top ten bridal gifts for all of your wedding needs available at Ashka Salon Spa.

Top Ten Bridal Gifts

Top Ten Bridal Gifts

  1. Hand Relief
    Every bride will want the softest hands for the big day, and Hand Relief will do just that!
  2. Foot Relief
    No bride should be worried about callused feet on their wedding day! Help them comfortably dance the night away with some Foot Relief.
  3. Air Control
    The beauty of Air Control is that it has hold without making your hair to crunchy. It is the perfect touch up spray for any bride!
  4. Beautifying Radiance Polish
    I absolutely love this product for pretty much anyone for any event, especially for a bride! It will leave her skin so silky smooth that she will slide right into her dress.
  5. Tulasara Radiant Awakening Ritual
    Dry brushing is a great way to get rid of all of the excess dead skin on your face and the Oleation Oil leaves your skin indescribably radiant. Any bride will love how her make up applies after using this!
  6. Travel size of their favorite products
    Most brides will be traveling for their honeymoon after their wedding. Make her shopping list a little less daunting with a gift of her favorite AVEDA products in travel sizes!
  7. Lip Saver
    Who doesn’t love soft moisturized lips? Everyone is waiting for the big kiss after all!
  8. Comforting Tea Bags
    Whether the bride wants this for the day of the wedding, or even the night before, AVEDA‘s Comforting Tea will relax her as well as get her ready for all of the mingling she’ll be doing!
  9. Stress Fix Soaking Salts
    Every bride you talk to will tell you how stressful planning a wedding can be! Help her forget about her stress with a lavender scented bath.
  10. Ashka Salon Spa Gift Card
    No matter what, a gift card is always a solid option as a gift. The bride can pick and choose if they want a service or a product!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Di Biase Hair Extensions Class

Hair Extensions Class

Jessie and I took an hair extensions class last month and it was such a great experience. We took our class through Di Biase Hair Extensions. While we were there we were certified in 2 different types of extensions: fusion, and sticker hair. We were there all day long and I mean ALL day. We started class around 9:30 am and did not leave until after midnight. While it was a super long day, I felt like I truly understood every concept we had covered that day.

Hair Extensions Class

What Did We Learn In Our Hair Extensions Class?

Class started with us talking to Dale, one of the owners, about the business behind extensions. He taught us about how Di Biase hair is “ponytail collect”. This means that when the hair was cut from the head it was put into a ponytail first. This keeps the hair all in the same direction that it grew out of the head giving you “remi” hair. If hair is not ponytail collect, they have to remove the cuticle from the hair and then create a fake one to simulate remi hair. If the hair is not remi, fake or true, it will literally fuse together because the cuticle is all different directions.

After we talked with Dale for a while, Vicki, the other owner of Di Biase then taught us how to do the sticker hair. I have already taken a couple classes on the sticker hair so it was more of a review for me.

We then moved on to the fusion extensions. As Vicki showed us how to do these, she made them look super easy. Jessie and I both were thinking, “Okay, we got this!”. We practiced on mannequins first and it was definitely harder than it looked. We probably put 20 to 30 bonds in the mannequin before we switched over to doing Jessie’s hair.

Jessie was my model and I was hers. It was an absolutely amazing experience and hair extensions class. If I don’t say so myself, I’d say we did a pretty good job too! Call the salon today to set up your complimentary consultation!

After Our Hair Extensions Class

Hair Extensions Class
Jessie’s Before and After
Hair Extensions Class
Josie’s Before and After

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

New AVEDA Skin Care, Here is a Sneak Peek!

AVEDA has been working on revamping their skin care line for a while now. I am happy to announce that it is right around the corner from being released! The estheticians at Ashka Salon Spa have now taken three webinars in order to get ready for this new AVEDA skin care launch. Coming up within the next few months, we will have taken the AVEDA Skin Transformed. Here our estheticians will learn all about the new Tulasara line!

AVEDA Skin Care – What is Ayurveda?

While AVEDA has always taken an Ayurvedic approach to skin care, with the new Tulasara they are taking it to the next level. Ayurveda is a traditional healing method of India. When the word is broken down it means the “knowledge of longevity”. It is based off of your certain element. The options are Infinity/Air, Fire, and Water/Earth.  If you want to figure out what element you are, you can take a quiz here. 

When I took my quiz, I actually ended up being a balanced version of all three. The quiz gives you your results and recommends diet, medicine, climate, and yoga for your specific type.

AVEDA believes that your skin is the first to show when you are imbalanced in some way. On the other hand, when you are living a balanced life, you will have healthy, vital skin. 

AVEDA Skin Care – What is Tulasara?

The new skin care line that AVEDA is coming out with is called Tulasara. Tulasara mean “back to balance”.

What is different about it is that there is one main line for everyone, and through the use of concentrates, it is fully customizable for everyone’s skin care needs. The concentrates that Tulasara will have include firm, bright, and calm. 

AVEDA Skin Care - Concentrates
AVEDA Skin Care – Concentrates

Firm: helps to lift and firm the skin, will also restore radiance.

Bright: also helps restore radiance, but will specifically help with dark spots and discoloration.

Calm: instantly soothes the skin, makes it more resilient over time. 

AVEDA skin care is also coming out with their very own dry brush and oleation oil for at home use! I am personally really excited about these two. Dry brushing is great for exfoliating and promoting healthy cell turn over. 

AVEDA Skin Care - Dry Brush
AVEDA Skin Care – Dry Brush

All in all, Ashka Salon Spa is pumped about these new products and so am I. They should be in salon no later than september! Be sure to plan on stopping in to try one of our updated facials and get your hands on some new products!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

My Photo Shoot Experience in Canton, MI

Photo Shoot Experience

Working on behind the scenes of photoshoots and runways has always been a dream of mind. Whether it was designing clothing, modeling or doing hair, I knew I wanted to be in that atmosphere. I have worked on one other photoshoot helping  someone do hair. Ashka Salon Spa has added 2 photoshoots per year where the team is able to participate. The salon can then use these photos for promotional material! Jessie and I decided it would be a great opportunity to work together on. Evelyn also decided to do her own look as well! All in all it was a great photo shoot experience.

photo shoot experience
I had an amazing photo shoot experience!

Jessie and Josie’s Photo Shoot Experience

Photo Shoot Experience
Back View of Josie and Jessie’s Model

This was my first photo shoot where I was completely in charge of the hair. Jessie loves doing makeup, and is amazing at it. We knew we were going to work together. I love braids so I knew I wanted to incorporate that somehow into the hair design. Jessie wanted to use warm deep tones.

One thing we learned with working on our first photo shoots was how much work it really is. We also learned how much preparation goes into it. Jessie and I didn’t realize that you even need to think about how you want your model to pose! We are looking forward to working together again on the holiday photoshoot later this month.

Evelyn’s Photo Shoot Experience

Photo Shoot Experience
Evelyn’s Model

Evelyn had her cousin come in and did a very beautiful balayage. It really brightened up her model’s look. Day of the shoot, she curled and braided her hair. Evelyn also gave her model a natural makeup look. She looks glowing and beautiful!

You definitely need to stop in to see what our amazingly talented stylists can do with your hair and makeup! 734-414-9980 Look for the other images on our facebook and other social media accounts.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

 

Clip in Custom Extensions in Canton, MI

Clip in Extensions

Long thick hair is so “in” right now. Almost everyone I talk to seems to be growing their hair out. How nice would it be to be able to have those long locks you’ve been dreaming of at the snap of your fingers? It is totally possible with the help of Amanda at Ashka Salon Spa. Amanda is our clip in custom  extensions specialist.

Custom Extensions
Clip in Custom Extensions Specialist – Amanda

Benefits of Clip in Custom Extensions

Clip in extensions are great because they can help you to achieve the look you want for a specific event, and then you can take them out as soon as you get home. While you can purchase clip in extensions from many companies online, it’s always nerve wracking wondering if it will match your own hair color. By coming in to see Amanda for clip in custom extensions, you can ensure they will be the perfect color! Amanda will also cut the extensions to blend in with your natural hair in the best way possible.

Custom Extensions
Clip in Extensions

How Do You Get Your Clip in Custom Extensions?

Call 734-414-9980 so that you can set up for complimentary consultation! You will be able to sit down with Amanda and talk about why you want clip in extensions. She will tell you what is realistic versus not and what to expect from your clip ins. You guys will pick out a color and Amanda will measure your head so that they fit perfectly to you! When leaving your consultation you will be 50% down as a deposit. In about a week, you will come back to see Amanda to get your clip ins put in and cut to blend with your hair. At that appointment you would pay the remainder of your balance.

If you are interested in getting your own set of clip in custom extensions, call today to book your complimentary consultation with Amanda! Be sure to check out our facebook to see our wonderful team’s work!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Bridal Hair with Our Lead Bridal Artist

Bridal Hair

Someone’s wedding day is considered to be one of the biggest days of their lives. Brides everywhere search hard to find someone who can give them the perfect look for it. Some want to feel like a princess. Others want to feel like a slightly elevated version of themselves. And to some, it might be both. Bridal hair and makeup and truly make or break your wedding. It affects all aspects of your day! Finding someone who can give you everything you could dream of and more on your day is super important. I know at Ashka Salon Spa you will find just that.

Bridal Hair and Makeup Prep: What To Do Before the Big Day

Bridal Hair
Bridal Hair By Melissa; Inspiration on left

Prior to your big day, it is important to do a few things to ensure that your hair and makeup goes as smoothly as possible! Follow this checklist:

  1. Get your color done! No one wants to remember those roots.
  2. Wax or thread your eyebrows, just not the day of. The makeup doesn’t adhere to the freshly waxed skin as well.
  3. Do a trial run with your artist. This is good for both you and the artist to know what to expect on the big day.
  4. Do your nails. Everyone will be looking at your ring!
  5. Get a facial about a week before the wedding. You can even set up a facial regiment with our estitcians after being engaged.

Questions and Answers on Bridal Hair and Makeup with Our Lead Bridal Artist

Bridal Hair
Bridal Hair by Melissa

I talked with our Lead Bridal Artist, Melissa, about bridal hair and makeup. She is absolutely wonderful at what she does. I would be lying if I did not say that everyone at the salon, clients and staff, make a point of say how pretty the styling she does is. My personal goal is to be as good as her at upstyles and makeup one day.

How long have you been doing bridal hair and makeup for?

Melissa: I have been doing bridal hair and makeup for about 5 years and I’ve loved every second of it.

What is your favorite thing about bridal hair and makeup?

Melissa: My favorite thing about it is bring out my client’s natural beauty! It amazing to make someone feel fabulous for their special day.

What is the biggest challenge when it comes to working with brides?

Melissa: I guess I would say the biggest challenge would be giving them exactly what they want. It is hard to make sure that they absolutely love it especially when they have high expectations.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Airbrush Makeup in Canton Michigan

Airbrush Makeup

With so many makeup brands, tutorials, and gurus out there nowadays, it is hard to keep it all straight. I feel like I even get overwhelmed with it all sometimes. Hopefully with this blog I am able to clear up just one of multiple options out there for you; Airbrush Makeup.

Airbrush Makeup
Airbrush Makeup by Mona

Airbrush Makeup Vs Traditional Makeup

At Ashka Salon Spa, we used to offer traditional makeup applications using AVEDA makeup. It was a hard decision but we finally switched over to strictly Airbrush Makeup a few years ago. There were many reasons behind this decision.

Airbrush Makeup looks flawless in photos. When you are using a brush or a sponge, it is very difficult to get every line blended perfectly so that our high tech HD cameras don’t pick up on them. With airbrush, because it is applied as a mist, those lines are automatically blended. This gives your face a natural perfect complexion.

Like I have already mentioned, it is applied in a sheer mist. This allows for your natural coloring to come through the makeup. This not only gives it a more natural look, but it also helps prevent “cake-face”.

The brand we use at Ashka Salon Spa is TEMPTU. It is waterproof. This means that it is also tear, sweat, and any other liquid proof to keep your look perfect throughout your event.

All in all, I truly believe Airbrush Makeup is the way to go for any special occasion you may have. It is just so lightweight and flawless looking. I personally love how it feels on my skin. If I didn’t know I had a full face of makeup on, I wouldn’t have guessed it simply because you feel fresh faced.

 

Airbrush Makeup
Airbrush Makeup by Jessie

Call today to set up your makeup application for your next event! 734-414-9980

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Sticker Extensions at Ashka Salon Spa

Sticker Extensions

Extensions are such a popular trend right now. At Ashka Salon and Spa we offer multiple times and brands of extensions. One of the types that we offer is Sticker Extensions. Sticker Extensions are a great way to create a lasting style that still is not as much of a commitment as some other extension types. Every summer I usually get sticker extensions put in my hair for a temporary pop of color. It’s perfect because I don’t have the commitment of a purple or blue streak in my hair but I also have long lasting results. I wore my purple extensions half of summer and it didn’t fade noticeably. I was able to swim and enjoy the summer sun without worrying about ruining my hair color!

Sticker Extensions – How Do They Work?

Sticker Extensions
Sticker Extensions for a Pop of Color

Sticker Extensions are just like how they sound; stickers! There is two pieces of hair that sandwich a small slice of your own hair and that is how they stay on. Our extension specialists will customize the placement and cut of your extensions so that you can have the look you’ve always wanted. You can use them for an whole head application, to add volume to your sides, or as accent pieces of color.

Sticker Extensions
Sticker Extensions

With all extension services at Ashka Salon Spa, we require a complimentary consultation. During this appointment you will see hair swatches of colors, get an exact price for your custom extensions, and learn exactly how it will work with your desired style. We do require that you put down a nonrefundable deposit of half of the cost for your extension appointment before booking your service. This pays for the cost of the hair as well as to hold your appointment for the day of.

Call today to see Lisa or I for your custom extensions! 734-414-9980

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Healthy Hair – A New Year Resolution

Healthy Hair

Every one wants to have pretty, healthy hair. And every new year, people give them selves a resolution. This year, Ashka Salon Spa is challenging you to resolve to have healthy hair!

Healthy Hair
                  Healthy Hair By Emily

What is Hair, Healthy Hair or Not?

Hair is made up of a protein called keratin. It has three layers. They are the cuticle, the medulla, and the cortex. The cuticle is the outer most layer. It has flaps on it almost like shingles on a roof. These shingles raise and lower depending on the condition of the hair. Hair condition is typically determined by the condition of the cuticle. The cortex is the the middle layer of the hair. The medulla is inner most layer of the hair shaft.

Healthy Hair
Healthy Hair by Brianna

What Does it Mean to Have Healthy Hair?

Healthy hair is strong. Hair is able to stretch up to 30% of it’s length. To keep it strong, you should avoid brushing while your hair is wet. Use a wide tooth comb and AVEDA’s Brilliant Damage Control to gently detangle your hair. When you heat style your hair, turn down the temperature. Be sure to use a heat protectant every time you style. It is also important to clean your styling tools with alcohol once a week to get rid of product build up. That excess product build up can make your hair brittle by searing into your hair.

Healthy hair is shiny.  Hair appears shiny when the cuticle layer is laying down. This way light can bounce off of the hair strand easier. When your hair is wet, the cuticle “shingles” lift easier. When you towel dry your hair, be gentle. Pat dry starting at the roots and moving down the hair shaft. Using a boar bristle brush also can help add extra shine to your locks.

Healthy hair is soft. You should condition each time your hair is wet to lock in the moisture. Use a hair masque such as Damage Remedy or Dry Remedy once a week.

It is important to get regular haircuts in order to keep your ends from splitting. Some people say, “Getting you hair cut makes your hair grow faster”. While this isn’t true, it does help you hair grow longer, stronger.

Call Ashka Salon Spa today to talk to a professional about how you can get healthy hair! 734-414-9980

Bridal Hair Services at Ashka Salon & Spa

Bridal Hair Services

Look no further for the right place to get your bridal hair services! The experienced team of stylists at Ashka style over 50 brides per year. Our team has taken a lot of advanced training in bridal hair services. In addition to bridal hair services, we offer airbrush makeup artistry and services for your entire wedding party. Visit out “Bridal” tab for more information on what we offer.

Bridal Hair Services
Bridal Hair Services

 

Bridal Hair Services – What to Expect

At Ashka, we require a trial for any of your bridal hair services. The memories and photographs from this day last a lifetime. We require the trial to insure that you are happy and looking exactly as you want to on your wedding day. The cost of the trial is the same cost as the wedding day. All bridal hair services are scheduled, booked and confirmed through our website. This is to insure no details are missed over the phone. A deposit based on the size of your party will be taken to reserve your wedding day appointments. This deposit will be held on a gift card for you to use the day of. If there is left over you may use it for products, another person’s appointment or future services. It will not be refunded. LOVE how you look on your wedding day…book your bridal hair services with an expert at Ashka.

Bridal Hair Services – Tips for the Day

Don’t forget to have a great firm hold hair spray like this one from AVEDA. You can buy it before you leave! It is long lasting and flake free. This defends against humidity as well. Wear a button down or zippered shirt to your appointment. Bring a bottle of water or juice. Arrive at least 10 minutes early. Make sure to bring your veil or headpiece. If there is anything you were not happy with at your trial, communicate with your stylist before the wedding day. You can call or email regarding and changes. All of these things insure that you bridal hair services go smoothly and turn out just like want! Let Ashka help you kick off your wedding day with a great salon experience!