Rewarding Guest Loyalty; Guest Appreciation Week

Guest Loyalty

At Ashka Salon Spa, we have started celebrating our Annual Guest Appreciation Week. This year, we moved it to November so that it went along with Ashka Salon Spa’s anniversary. This year marks 14 years that Ashka Salon Spa has been open! As a stylist, I am so grateful for guest loyalty and am happy that we are able to recognize the importance of that.

Guest Loyalty
Celebrate Guest Loyalty with us!

Guest Appreciation Week Benefits: Guest Loyalty

Like every year, you will receive 15% off all services you receive this week and you will be offered champagne and cheesecake for during your appointment. You also get 20% off all product purchases.

One of the biggest changes with Guest Appreciation Week this year is that we are doing a raffle to win many amazing prizes including:

  • Fifty-Minute Dual Exfoliation Peel ($105 Value)
  • $100 Ashka Gift Card
  • Keratin Express Treatment ($100 Value)
  • Fifty-Minute Tulasara Facial Treatment ($85 Value)
  • Shellac Application ($55 Value)
  • $50 Ashka Gift Card
  • Haircut ($50 Value)
  • Fifty-Minute Deluxe Spa Pedicure ($62 Value)
  • Botanical Hair & Scalp Therapy Treatment ($50 Value)

How do you get entered into this amazing raffle? There are two ways to earn raffle tickets!

You can book your next appointment before leaving the salon:

Schedule Your Next Appointment – 1 ticket

Book Your Next TWO Appointments – 3 tickets

Schedule Your Next THREE Appointments – 5 tickets

Or you can purchase Aveda products:

Buy 1 AVEDA Product – 1 ticket
Purchase 2 AVEDA Products – 3 tickets
Buy 3 AVEDA Products – 5 tickets

Winners will be announced on our Facebook page in real time so be sure to LIKE and FOLLOW us on there. We will then post the winners again right here in our blog by November 17, 2017.

Guest Appreciation Week is always so much for at Ashka Salon Spa. Take full advantage of this deal and come spend some quality time with your favorite service provider.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Dry Remedy Line

Dry Remedy Line

Dry Remedy is one Aveda’s many product lines. As the colder months approach, we all tend to notice the summer moisture disappearing. While we welcome boots and sweaters, we don’t want to sacrifice our soft, shiny hair! With Aveda’s Dry Remedy line, we might not have too.

What is Dry Hair?

I feel like I constantly hear people tell me about how dry their hair is. What really is dry hair though? Dry hair happens when your hair doesn’t get or maintain enough moisture. What most people tend to complain about is the fact that their hair doesn’t feel silky or that it is missing some of it’s shine.

Your hair is made of 3 layers: cuticle, medulla, and cortex.

When your hair is dry, the outermost layer actually starts to break down. This gives you the gritty texture that dry hair has. It also will dull the hair because the surface is no longer smooth so light doesn’t bounce off of it in the same way.

What is in the Dry Remedy Line?

Dry Remedy Line
Dry Remedy Line

dry remedy

Shampoo and Conditioner: Meant to nourish brittle hair using  Aveda’s patented deep-moisture complex featuring buriti oil leaving the hair soft and shiny.

Moisturizing Masque: This is a more intense version of the Dry Remedy Conditioner. You will use this once a week in place of your conditioner and let it sit on for about 5 minutes.

Daily Moisturizing Oil: This oil instantly moisturizes hair by 41%. It is 99.9% naturally derived and is the leave in treatment option for this line.

Sometimes it is hard to know if your hair is dry or damaged and what the real difference is between the two. Stop in for an appointment today so we can help figure out what is best for your hair!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Top 5 Hair Myths – Debunked or Proven True?

There are so many myths about everything that are floating around these days. It has become hard to know if you are truly helping yourself. Whether that means exercising, using the right products, or just eating the right things. While I am still trying to sort through all the information on other topics, I thought I could do my part by clearing up some common hair myths!

Hair Myths
Hair by Mona

Top 5 Hair Myths – Debunked or Proven True?

  1. Cutting your hair makes your hair grow.

    FALSE.

    Hair grows from your follicle, inside your scalp. No outer interaction will have any effect on how your hair grows. However, if you keep up on regular trims, your hair will grow healthier and thicker. So that way, the next time you come in for a haircut, you don’t have to be worried that your hairdresser will want to take off an excessive amount of hair.

  2. If you pluck one grey hair, two grow back.

    FALSE.

    No matter what, we cannot increase the amount of hair follicles that we have. This makes it impossible for more than one hair to come back after plucking. However, you still should avoid this because it can be damaging to your scalp and hair follicles. This habit may lead to potential bald spots in the future. To tame those pesky greys, call Ashka Salon Spa today to set up your regular hair color appointments.

  3. A cold rinse will add shine.

    TRUE.

    By rinsing your hair with cold water right before you exit the shower, you are helping to seal your cuticle closed. When your cuticle is shut, your hair appears smoother. This gives light more surface area to bounce off of, making your hair appear shiner. Who doesn’t want shinier hair? If this isn’t enough shine for you, you can always pick up some of Aveda’s Light Elements Smoothing Fluid to add to your style.

  4. If you always use the same shampoo, it will eventually stop working for you.

    FALSE.

    I have to admit, until I started doing my research for this blog, I completely believed this myth. If you were to look in my shower, you would see the multiple kinds of shampoo and conditioner (maybe a few stray bobby pins too) in there. However, I have been proven wrong! This is a total myth. I think I might have been just looking for some validity to my product problem!

  5. Unwashed hair is better for styling.

    TRUE.

I’m hoping this cleared somethings up for you and you are feeling more confident in your hair care journey!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Aveda Artist Instagram Challenge

Aveda Artist Instagram Challenge Entry

Aveda is now holding a monthly Instagram contest called the Aveda Artist Instagram Challenge. This past month, Ashka Salon Spa set up a photoshoot for us to get images to enter into the competition. I teamed up with Kay to create my image. I was in charge of the hair, and Kay did the make up for me!

What is the Aveda Artist Instagram Challenge?

Aveda has been putting on this challenge for a little while now. Every month Aveda picks one or two hashtags as the inspiration. The winner is chosen by the Instagram posts with the most likes. If you win, you get the amazing opportunity to be flown out to Minneapolis to the Aveda Headquarters. There you get to do another photoshoot with the Global Artistic Team as your mentors for the shoot. Here is an example of what you win!

What Did I Do for the Aveda Artist Instagram Challenge?

The hashtags for the month of September are #EcliptingColor and #TextureTonic. Eclipting Color is Aveda’s signature coloring technique. I used that method to apply the dimensional smokey tones on my model’s ends.

When It came to styling, I was so excited to use Aveda’s new Texture Tonic. This is Aveda’s version of a “Sea Salt Spray” but instead of just using salt, they actually have put sugar in as well. This helps to create a natural, touchable, undone look! I curled her longer side with a 1/4 inch curling iron and then used my fingers to comb through it, while spraying the texture tonic.

I really wanted the focus to be on the hair so we went simple with the make up. Kay did a simple cool toned smokey eye to play up her beautiful blue eyes, without taking too much away from the hair! She did an amazing job and I absolutely love it.

Aveda Artist Instagram Challenge Entry
Aveda Artist Instagram Challenge Entry

I would appreciate it so much if you followed this link HERE, over to instagram and gave my photo a like to help me win this amazing opportunity!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Meet Our Eyelash Extensions Team at Ashka Salon Spa

Eyelash Extensions Team

Within the past few years, eyelash extensions have been growing tremendously in popularity. Since Ashka Salon Spa added Eyelash Extensions to our menu, we have been constantly getting inquiries about them! We are so blessed to have such an amazing Eyelash Extensions Team here. Keep reading to get to know them a little bit better.

Eyelash Extensions Team
Glamour Lash Application by Misty

Eyelash Extensions Team Member Emma

Eyelash Extensions Team
Emma

I would have to say the reaction I get from my clients when they see their lashes for the first time. They get so excited and can’t stop looking at them! I love making people feel beautiful. I constantly am making sure I have the tools and knowledge to give my clients exactly the look they want from eyelash extensions, whether it’s just something soft and natural or very glamorous. It’s very humbling when someone loves and appreciates  what you do!

  • What is the most important thing to know about Eyelash Extensions?

That you HAVE to take care of your lashes. The wonderful thing about extensions is that they make everyday life a little easier because you don’t always have to worry about makeup and you can just go, BUT what some people don’t realize is that you still need to take the time to take care of them at home in between your fills. That means lightly brushing them out so they don’t get tangled, lightly cleansing them so they still clean and everyday oils are removed from them. Longevity and the state of your natural lashes relies on how they are taken care of in between the fills.

  • When and how did you realize you wanted to do Eyelash Extensions?

About almost 2 years ago now, eyelash extensions were just coming to the surface and I was hearing more about people getting this service done. I wanted to expand myself in this industry and I love all things beauty so I hunted for a class and dove into it! After getting certified, I was constantly coming home from work and just researching all types of lash extensions. I looked up different brands, types of applications, products and how other professionals applied them. It really helped shape me into how I did lashes and I couldn’t be more grateful. I absolutely LOVE this service. I get so excited with each application I have.

Eyelash Extensions Team Member Mona

Eyelash Extensions Team
Mona
  • What is your favorite thing about doing Eyelash Extensions?

My favorite thing about doing eyelash extensions is being able to change a whole appearance in someone’s face.

  • What is the most important thing to know about Eyelash Extensions?

I honestly feel like the most important thing to know about eyelash extensions, as you’re investing a lot of your money into something so small, is knowing how to take care of them and actually doing so. The more you take care of them the longer they’re going to last you.

  • When and how did you realize you wanted to do Eyelash Extensions?

Actually, the funny thing is, I used to get my eyelashes done and after a few times of doing that and people constantly asking me if my eyelashes were real, and it really hit me! I could actually offer this to my own clients in my chair. So after year of going back and forth, I finally decided to spend the money and take a class and actually learn how to do it.

Eyelash Extensions Team Member Misty

Eyelash Extensions Team
Misty
  • What is your favorite thing about doing Eyelash Extensions

I absolutely love to see the look on my clients face when they see them and how excited they are. I love making people feel good about themselves.

  • What is the most important thing to know about Eyelash Extensions?

The most important thing to remember is to take good care of them, follow the instructions your lash specialist gives you so you can get the most wear out of  them!

  • When and how did you realize you wanted to do Eyelash Extensions?

Originally I didn’t plan or want to do lashes, my lovely boss pushed me to take the class. I am so grateful she did, because I absolutely love doing them!

Having my Eyelash Extensions when I went on vacation this summer was amazing! It was so easy to take care of. If this is something you might be interested in, call the salon today to book an appointment.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Rosemary Mint – Feel Invigorated

Aveda believes that aroma plays such a huge part in experiences. I think certain smells can totally change the atmosphere from stressful to relaxing or even nostalgic. There are four main aroma categories that Aveda promotes: Beautifying, Stress-Fix, Shampure, and Rosemary Mint. In this blog we are going to focus on Rosemary Mint. Keep reading to learn more!

Rosemary Mint

What is Rosemary Mint?

Rosemary Mint’s keynotes are certified organic rosemary and peppermint with other pure flower and plant essences. Aveda claims this smell to be “invigorating”. To be completely honest, when I first heard this phrase, I was not entirely sure what it meant. I googled what the definition of invigorating was and what came up was:

adjective
  1. making one feel strong, healthy, and full of energy.

After reading the definition, I totally agree that it is epitome of invigorating. It is just such a fresh smell that I really cannot get enough of it!

What Products Can I Get That Are Rosemary Mint?

There are so many different Rosemary Mint products available! You can get shampoo and conditioner. There is also body lotion. Aveda’s only bar of soap has this aroma. But if you prefer to use an actually body wash, Aveda has that too! When I use any of the Rosemary Mint line, I love the almost tingly sensation you get from the peppermint in the products.

Recent Ashka Salon Spa has invested in diffusers for around the salon and spa. We have been use the Rosemary Mint Composition Oil in them to spread that amazing Aveda scent.

Rosemary Mint
Aroma Ingredients

One of my favorite compliments I ever receive is that I “smell like Aveda”. I can promise you that you will get that with this aroma. Stop into Ashka Salon Spa today to pick some up for yourself!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Aveda’s Sun Care Line

Aveda's Sun Care

We are so incredibly lucky to have such a beautiful state to live in. Throughout the summer, I can tell my hair definitely take a beating from the harsh sun though. Even when I am on vacation I can tell a difference after just a week of my hair being over exposed to the severe UV rays. Although I love to soak up the sun as much I can, I know I won’t survive without Aveda‘s Sun Care line.

Aveda’s Sun Care Line – How to Protect Your Hair

One of Aveda’s most underrated products, in my opinion, is their Sun Care line.

Aveda's Sun Care

There are three products that make up the sun care line.

  1. Aveda’s Sun Care Protective Hair Veil
    I absolutely love this products. It is a lightweight, waterproof mist that helps protect your hair from harmful UV rays. I love that it is so easy to throw in my pool bag. However, I think my favorite thing is that it helps detangle my hair after being in the chlorine all day. It’s normally a battle and a half to brush through after a pool day, but I can tell a huge difference when I use the Hair Veil.
  2. Aveda’s Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser
    This product is a color safe formula for cleansing all hair types. It even has a corn-derived chelator that helps to remove any mineral build up such as chlorine.  The Hair and Body Cleanser is an absolute must for me when I am at the pool all day. I can’t stand the feeling of chlorine in my hair and on my skin. It is also super convenient that it is an all in one.
  3. Aveda’s Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque
    This masque is really like a big drink of water for your parched hair. It helps to restore the look to the sun exposed hair. Through the use of plant oils, it moisturizes and conditions your hair. After using this masque, my hair always feels so silky and soft!

Be sure to protect your hair as much as you can this summer with Aveda’s Sun Care line. Stop in to Ashka Salon Spa today to pick some up.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

What is the Deal with Eyelash Extensions?

Eyelash Extensions

All I have been seeing lately is “Eyelash Extensions this or Eyelash Extensions that”. Celebrities everywhere are proclaiming their love for them. With this service growing in popularity so quickly, many people are left with questions! What are they? Do I need a natural or glamour application? Who is suited for eyelash extensions? I will answer all of these questions and more in this blog, so keep on reading!

What Are Eyelash Extensions?

Our Eyelash Extensions are individual and semi-permanent. They are great for special occasions, or even just everyday life! The lashes should last approximately 3 to 6 weeks depending upon the life cycle of your own natural lashes. They are applied on top of your lashes and will slowly fall out as your natural lashes do. We do require a complementary phone consultation and an in-person consultation might be necessary. With various lengths, colors, and thicknesses, our Eyelash Extensions Team will customize a perfect look for you.

Ashka Salon Spa’s Eyelash Extensions Application Types

At Ashka Salon Spa we have two different types of applications. You can either get a Natural Application or a Glamour Application. It really is personal preference of the style you prefer.

Eyelash Extensions
Natural Application
Eyelash Extensions
Glamour Application

Once you have your lashes on, and have fallen in love with them, you’re going to want them to last for as long as possible! To increase the longevity of your extensions, you can come in for a fill within the first three weeks of your initial full application. After that you will reschedule for a full application again.

What are the “Rules” of Eyelash Extensions?

When you first get your lashes done, your Lash Extension Specialist will give you some rules to follow. You can’t cry, sweat, or wash for at least 24 hours after application. This is because you need to be able to let the glue that they used to fully set up. After that, day to day, you must be careful about what type of make up remover you use. It cannot be oil based because that might loosen your lash extensions shortening their lifespan.

Another thing you have to keep in mind is that through sleeping and normal day activities, your lash extensions may start to tangle. To avoid any craziness you should use a clean, disposable mascara wand to lightly brush them in the morning, after showering, and at night. Your lash specialist should give you one before your leave your appointment.

Lastly, you are allowed to use mascara with your extensions, even though you probably will realize you don’t really need too. However, you cannot use waterproof mascara. It is also important to keep in mind that with the use of even non waterproof mascara, it can weaken your extensions thus shortening their lifespan.

I had mine in while I was up north this summer and it was perfect! I didn’t have to fuss with mascara, or worrying about if it was running down my face while I swam. If you are interested in a consultation, call Ashka Salon Spa today!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

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 🙂

Summer Hair Trends 2017

Summer Hair Trends 2017 - Balayge

Summer is coming and going more quickly than I can seem to even enjoy it! Michigan summers, in my opinion are completely irreplaceable. I know that I want my hair to look it’s best even with the crazy weather we may experience. As the heat, and humidity kicks into high gear, I love seeing the new summer hair trends that pop up. Keep reading to see what I think are the top summer hair trends 2017.

Top 4 Summer Hair Trends 2017

Summer Hair Trends 2017 - Beach Waves by Jessie
Summer Hair Trends 2017 – Beach Waves by Jessie
  1. Beach Waves
    Beach waves have been a hot hair trend for a while now, and we are continuing to see it as we transition into the hot summer months. When it comes to summer, I know that I want the lowest maintenance styles when it is hot and humid. I think the beauty of beach waves is that they give an effortless appearance that still is put together.

    Summer Hair Trends 2017 - Braids by Josie
    Summer Hair Trends 2017 – Braids by Josie
  2. Braids
    Braids have been huge lately. The coolest thing about braids is that they come in all shapes and sizes! Really, no two braids are ever exactly alike. I love the texture braids can give to a style! It also is a easy way to keep your hair out of your face and off your neck without just a boring ponytail.

    Summer Hair Trends 2017 - Cut It Off
    Summer Hair Trends 2017 – Cut It Off
  3. Cutting if Off
    More and more people are opting for a lob, or even a pixie this season! With the hot humid weather, I know I have been trying my best to keep my hair off of my neck. I even got an undercut to help keep it breezy back there!

    Summer Hair Trends 2017 - Balayge
    Summer Hair Trends 2017 – Balayage
  4. Balayage
    This hair color trend is still going strong throughout the 2017 Summer Season. It gives such a natural sunkissed glow to your hair, making you look like you spend all day at the beach instead of in the office.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂