Something I take great pride in is the fact that I work Aveda products. Aveda’s core values and mission statement aligns with my personal beliefs. It makes me so happy that I am able to represent such amazing products. Aveda makes, in my opinion, the best natural hair products on the market. I was curious about exactly how they go about making them. I did some research and thought it would be fun to share what I found!
How It’s Made: Natural Hair Products
Natural Hair Products
Aveda is the first beauty company to be manufacturing with 100% wind power. Aveda also only uses sustainable ingredients in their products. We source a lot of our ingredients from different countries with different plants. Because we do need certain plants to be able to create our products, if there is a natural disaster in the area that we source from, it can cause Aveda’s production to be put on hold. An example of an ingredient sourced from another country is Brazillian Uruku. It is used in a lot of Aveda’s makeup now.
Aveda finds it really important to celebrate the different cultures from which we source ingredients. You can find multiple “Aveda sourcing stories” on Youtube!
Finally, all of Aveda’s packaging is recyclable! This is just one of the many ways Aveda tries to minimize their carbon footprint. It is nice knowing that I can recycle all of my beauty products rather than it just piling up in our landfills.
Afte reading this, I hope you choose to join me in supporting a company whose main goal is to support our environment. Stop into Ashka Salon Spa today to get your hands on some of the next natural hair products on the market. I know you will love them as much as I do.
Green. Blue. Purple. Pink. More and more people are adventuring into the world of fun hair color these days. I had the pleasure of attending another class with Aveda’s Global Artistic Director of Hair Color, Ian Michael Black. It was called Kinetic Color and it talked all about how to achieve bright or pastel hair color. These types of colors can sometimes be daunting. I was so excited to learn about how to guarantee my formulas to turn out the way I was expecting them too. With his expertise, I learned how much of what to add to ensure bright or pastel hair color results.
Bright and Pastel Hair Color by Ian Michael Black
How to Achieve Bright or Pastel Hair Color
The first thing that needs to happen when you want to attempt bright or pastel hair color, is that the hair needs to be lightened to basically a white blonde. I like to think about it as if we were painting on a canvas. Bright pink is going to show up A LOT better on a white canvas than it would a brown. This typically means that you need to bleach the hair to achieve that white canvas. This sometimes takes multiple applications and is best done over time to ensure the integrity of your hair.
Once you are there, that is where the fun begins! We then get to paint on whatever color you desire! Maintenance when you have bright or pastel hair color is kind of high. They tend to fade fast so it is super important to use a color safe shampoo. I recommend using Aveda’s Damage Remedy Line when at all possible during to the extensive bleaching process that is typically necessary.
Have you always been curious about getting a fun color in your hair? Call Ashka Salon Spa today to book an appointment with one of our amazing stylists!
As you may have realized, Hair Color is my passion. I love everything about it. I can totally nerd out about hair color any day, for any time, with anyone who is willing to listen. That is why when I first heard about Aveda’s new Demi Plus hair color line coming out, I was geeked! I was given the opportunity to attend a preview class and learn about the new line prior to it becoming available to all. Taking in all I could about this AMAZING new color line, I was in awe. I was excited to bring it back to Ashka Salon Spa and share with my team.
What Make Aveda’s Demi Plus So Special?
Aveda’s old deposit only color line was released 15 years ago and like all other aspects of our lives, hair color technology has drastically improved. The chemists at Aveda started by looking at what they loved about their current line, and then at what areas they believed needed improvement.
The amount of shine that we now get with Aveda’s new Demi Plus is incredible. Aveda added certified organic kukui oil which is definitely the reason behind this show-stopping shine.
One of the best things about Demi Plus is that you are able to get incredible color pay off without ammonia. The formula itself is filled with plant-derived oils including L-arginine. This which works as a power booster to increase pH for maximum color deposit into every strand. L- arginine provides lasting results that fade on tone.
My Experience with Demi Plus
Between having Demi Plus on my hair, and using it on as many of my clients as possible, I have fallen in love with this new color line. I have clients tell me that it makes a difference in how their hair feels weeks after leaving the salon. When I first got my color done, I was in shock at how shiny and healthy my hair looked. Aveda definitely nailed it with Demi Plus.
Eyelash Extensions have been all the rage lately. With so much focus on how our lashes are looking, many people who don’t want to deal with the maintenance that comes with eyelash extensions have been looking for alternatives to getting those lashes they dream about. We have been doing Lash Lifting and Tinting at Ashka Salon Spa for a while now! Madison has been trained and worked tirelessly to perfect her craft.
When Madison was training, I was one of her models! I have had eyelash extensions in the past, and while I LOVED them on vacation, they just are not for my everyday lifestyle. I was eager to try out this new service and see how I liked it. As soon as I got done with my lash lift and tint, I instantly fell in love. While the results were subtle, when I applied mascara I could tell a huge difference in how curled my lashes were. I would recommend this service to anyone who is scared to try eyelash extensions because of the commitment to them.
Lash Lifting and Semi-Permanent Mascara
I Interviewed Madison on Lash Lifting and Tinting!
I asked Madison a few questions about Lash Lifting and Tinting to get the inside scoop about everything!
Question #1: How did you know you wanted to learn lash lifting and tinting?
When Jozie [the manager] first presented the opportunity for me to learn Lash Lifting and Semi Permanent Mascara, I knew instantly that I wanted to do it! Eyelashes are a huge focal point on the face. It’s a feature that opens your eyes, making them seem larger and brighter. Eyelashes are my personal favorite feature on the face, so being able to work hands on with natural lashes definitely excited me!
Question #2: What are the most important things to remember when getting this service?
The most important thing to remember about Lash Lifting and Semi Permanent Mascara is that with the service, it is working with your natural lash. There is no additional length or volume added. The curl is done strictly with the natural length of the client’s eyelashes. With doing this service, it is very important for the client to take care of their lashes!
The Interview Continues…
Question #3: What makes a good lash lift and tint candidate?
A good candidate for Lash Lifting and Semi Permanent Mascara is someone who likes a very natural look. Since this service works with their natural lash, it is great for people who are a little bit more low maintence with their appearance. It is great for those who prefer to wear less make up and people who don’t spend that much time in the morning getting ready. This is also a great service for those who already have a busy schedule and spending time on themselves in the morning is usually very minimal.
Question #4: Can you break down the process of a lash lift and tint?
There’s a couple of steps to doing a Lash Lift and Semi Permanent Mascara application. It’s a process that usually takes around 45 minutes to achieve. The Lash Lift is the first thing you do. While the client is laying down with their eyes closed, I will measure the length of their lashes to find the perfect silicone rod for the curl. once the lashes are fitted to the rod, I will apply the solutuon. I then apply a neutralizer. After both steps, I then cleanse the eyes to reveal a beautiful set of curled lashes! From there I prep the lashes for the tint. Using customized tint for each client, it will then be applied. After that, the lashes are cleansed one last time to reveal the final look.
Hopefully, you learned more about our Lash Lifting and Tint from reading this blog! If it sounds like you would like this, call the salon today to set up your appointment!
Nothing feels better than super soft, moisturized skin. I have always had dry skin. No matter what I do, it always seems like my skin prefers to be dry and flaky. Ever since Aveda came out with their Beautifying Radiance Polish, I have been obsessed with it. It had definitely worked it’s way into my “Holy Grail” products. I can honestly say, I haven’t used any other scrub-type product since I’ve gotten my hands on it! My favorite way to use it is in the shower, after shaving, I will scrub my body until it has fully melted into my skin. Instantly, I can tell how much more moisturized my skin is! I have friends who use it now, because I just can’t stop talking about it.
Beautifying Radiance Polish
What is Beautifying Radiance Polish?
Aveda’s Beautifying Radiance Polish is a moisturizing plant oil blend with mineralized salt crystals. It helps to remove dull, dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Simultaneously, it is moisturizing your skin with certified organic safflower, sunflower, and olive oils. It also smells AMAZING! The best way to describe the “beautifying” smell is uplifting. I always feel brighten after smelling it. It is made with certified organic rosemary, lavender, bergamot and other pure flower and plant essences. The product consistency is thick enough that it seems luxurious, but can be easily spread with just a few drops of water! And of course, like all Aveda products, it is cruelty free. Aveda products are NEVER tested on animals, only on humans.
Stop in to the salon today to pick up your very own Radiance Polish! Anyone you ask at Ashka Salon Spa will tell you how much they love it. I know you won’t be able to live without it once you’ve tried it yourself.
Every year when Earth Day comes around, the topic of how we can keep our planet healthy becomes more prominent. As Earth Day 2018 approached, I wanted to do some more research on how Aveda helps the environment every day. There are so many reasons why I love Aveda. I think the biggest reason of all is their commitment to environmental responsibility. Aveda is environmentally conscious is a multitude of ways. One of them is through their responsible packaging.
Earth Day 2018: Responsible Packaging
Earth Day 2018
Aveda is the first beauty company to use 100% post-consumer recycled PET packaging. As of right now, approximately 85% of all of their products have this type of packaging.
With every package we develop, we’re mindful of our environmental footprint and work to minimize our packaging and maximize our use of recyclable and post consumer recycled materials.
Now if it is not possible for Aveda to use 100% PCR material for their packaging, they will use a combination of post-consumer recycled material and bioplastic. Both the Dry Remedy Moisturizing Conditioner and Masque tubes are made out of this combination. The bioplastic that Aveda chooses to use is 96% derived from plants and 4% from petrochemicals.
What Does Earth Day 2018 Mean to Me?
Earth Day is such an understated holiday. I think it should be considered a much bigger deal than it is. Keeping the Earth as healthy as we can, will only help us in the future. Some of my favorite memories are times that I was able to immerse myself in nature. I am mortified by the idea of there ever being a time that I couldn’t lay out on the beach, or walk through the nature trails by my house. I truly believe that as humans, we have a responsibility to do our best to keep our planet in the best shape possible.
As much as I would love to say I am completely calm, 100% of the time, I’m not. Stress is inevitable no matter how much we try to avoid it. The only thing we can do is learn how to manage our stress. Everyone has different ways that work best for them. Lately, going to the gym has been a huge stress reliever for me. Another way that I have been able to help manage my stress is with a bath bomb and a face mask. However, some days are so filled that I may not have the time to do either of these things. When this happens, sometimes deep breaths with some of Aveda’s Stress Fix aroma does the trick.
What’s the Deal with Stress Fix?
Aveda’s Stress Fix line is a wonderful addition to anyone’s at home spa routine. The aroma is proven to reduce the feelings of stress with certified organic lavender, lavandin, and clary sage formulated using the power of pure essential oils.
The products included in Aveda’s Stress Fix line are:
Composition Oil
Creme Cleansing Oil
Body Creme
Body Lotion
Soaking Salts
Stress Fix Special Offer
Now until April 28, 2018, we have a couple of specials going on involving Aveda’s Stress Fix line. When you purchase two Aveda haircare products, you will receive a FREE Aveda Travel Stress Fix Composition Oil. This is a great way to try out this aroma and see how much you love it.
If you are already a fan of this line, when you purchase one or more Stress Fix Bodycare products, you will receive 20% your entire Aveda purchase!
Stop in before April 28, 2018, to take advantage of these great offers. We’d love to help you find the product that would work best for you! I know you will love adding this to your at home self-care routine.
As I have said before, I always feel so much more put together when I have my nails done. However, I have found that if I constantly am buffing, and filing, and painting my nails, they will get dry and brittle and I can’t achieve the look that I want. I almost always end up painting my nails at Ashka Salon Spa with CND products. Although I have always been a fan of CND Vinylux because it gives me gel-like shiny, up to 7 days of wear, but still has an easy removal process. I recently learned that my favorite polish just got revamped; making it that much better!
CND Vinylux Nail Polish has a New Formulation!
“Nail beauty begins with nail health.”
– Jan Arnold; CND cofounder and style director
The three key ingredients that have been added to their new formula are: Keratin, Vitamin E, and Jojoba Oil. Keratin is a protein that is found in both your hair and your nails. By adding this into the CND Vinylux formula, it helps to improve nail flexibility as well as strengthen them. Which means less painful, broken nails! Vitamin E is known for being good for the skin. It is also an antioxidant that has anti-aging properties. It also helps defend against free radicals that are bad for your nails. The Jojoba oil helps to repair your nails while the polish is on! Jojoba oil is also found in a lot of our Aveda hair and skin products as well so I thought it was interesting to see CND adding it in.
I love the idea of being able to keep my nails polished without feeling as though I am harming them! I am excited to play with these new polishes more as the spring and summer months inch closer to us.
Call today to schedule your next nail appointment with one of our expert nail technicians: Kym, Sarah, or Misty. They’d love to try out CND Vinylux Nail Polish’s new formula on you.
Self care has been a huge topic of thought for me lately. As I have gotten older, I have realized the importance of self care. You cannot give, if your basket is empty. Everyone needs to take time to replenish themselves so that they are in the best state of mind to keep moving through life. Ashka Salon Spa believes this as well, and we are happy to provide a space that you can focus on that self care. Until April 28th, 2018, we are running a special called the #SelfCare Savings Package so that you can focus on yourself for once.
What’s Included in the Self Care Savings Package?
Self care doesn’t have to break the bank. This spring Ashka Salon Spa is running a special so that you can enjoy multiple services for a discounted package price. Take a minute to take care of your skin and hair with the #SelfCare Savings Package.
For $100 you will receive:
• Fifty-Minute Tulasara Facial Treatment
• Paraffin Hand Dip
• Shampoo & Blowdry
• AVEDA’s NEW Shine Treatment
These services ala carte are normally a $160 value. You will get approximately two hours of peaceful alone time to center yourself. Think of it almost as mental spring cleaning.
Misty actually just gave me a Fifty-Minute Tulasara Facial Treatment today and I am always amazed at how much that deep cleansing makes me feel better. An hour of peace and quiet, while a trained esthetician takes care of my skin, is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Last week, I was giving my guest an 80 minute pedicure. This service includes a Paraffin Foot Dip. We both agreed that we love the difference the paraffin makes when it comes to moisturizing our skin. My skin personally has been so dry this winter. I know I can use any bit of moisture that I can get.
Aveda‘s New Shine Treatment is amazing! It came out recently and I have been loving adding it to any guest who is interested in it. My hair has never looked or felt better since I’ve been using it on my own head as well!
Call the salon today to book your #SelfCare Savings Package today while we still have availability.
At Ashka Salon Spa, I truly believe we have the greatest team a salon can have. We all care so much for one another inside and out of the salon. I take pride in the fact that my clients can see our comradery and comment on it regularly. Today I wanted to talk about one specific team member: Senior Mentor Stylist, Kristin. I wanted to highlight (pun fully intended) her for her can do attitude, loyalty to Ashka, and being a great role model to aspiring stylists and veterans alike.
I Asked Kristin a Few Questions:
Kristin
What is your Ashka Salon Spa history?
Kristin: Starting as one of their first employees in November 2003, I have worked for Ashka for 14 and 1/2 years. I do women’s and men’s haircuts as well as hair color services. I am also certified to do Socap and Dibiase Hair Extensions.
What is your most cherished Ashka Salon Spa memory?
K: I have many cherished memories working at Ashka Salon Spa! One that stands out in particular though was when a guest called back a few days after her haircut and had one of my coworkers leave me a note. The note was to tell me that she absolutely LOVES her hair and that I have “hands of gold”.
What’s your favorite thing about Ashka Salon Spa’s culture?
K: I love everything about the culture at Ashka Salon Spa. Everyone is kind and has a positive attitude. All of us are willing to go the extra mile to make sure each and every guest is completely delighted with their experience. We truly are a big family.
What do you like best about what you do?
K: I love that each day I have an opportunity to make others feel great about themselves. It’s so rewarding to see someone smile when they look at themselves in the mirror and know I contributed to that.
I hope you enjoyed getting to know Kristin a little bit better! Kristin is available for appointments Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 10 AM to 8 PM. Call today to schedule your next appointment with her!
