LA Blondes: Blonding at it’s Finest

LA Blondes

“Blondes have more fun” is a common phrase and with all of these beautiful sunkissed trends that are popular, it’s making me think that it might be true. Evelyn, Mona, Jessica, and I recently took the class LA Blondes. Blonding hair is always tricky because blonde means so many different things to so many different people and that is just talking about tone. Technique and effect are a complete different conversation, but it is just as important.

LA Blondes Overview

LA Blondes

This class was taught by Alberto Rossell-Davis. He is the Director of Hair Color Sales and Education at Aveda. Through Aveda Color Education, he has created customized technical classes and business classes. I was excited to hear that his LA Blondes class was coming to the Royal Oak Aveda Institute. As soon as our manager mentioned it to us, we jumped on the opportunity.

One of the biggest things that Alberto wanted us to understand is being able to choose the correct techniques to achieve the desired results. He put up four different images and asked up to identify the correct blonding technique. While all of them looked like they would fall under a “Balayage” category, they all were achieved in very different ways. This can be confusing for clients when they see a picture that has been described as “balayage” online but in reality they need to get traditional highlights to get achieve the look they want alongside a shadow root.

LA Blondes Trend Alert: Strobing

A new trend that we learned about was called Strobing. You may have heard of strobing when it comes to makeup, aka extreme highlighting. Strobing the hair is when you using a highlighting technique all over the head and then once the hair has been  rinsed and properly glossed, you go back over it to brighten certain pieces. This gives it that extra bit of highlight, just like the makeup technique. You can use strobing to accentuate certain features like a client’s eyes.

After this class, I know it really opened my eyes to all the different ways to achieve a similar result. It has definitely changed the way that I look at my blonde clients now.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

 

Hair Color Magic: Part 1

Hair Color Magic

I had the incredible opportunity to return to Minneapolis a few weeks ago for another color class! This time it was with Hair Color Magic Founder, Lupe Voss and Daisy Colina who is apart of the Canadian Hair Color Magic team. I was so excited to be back at the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis. There is just something about the atmosphere there. Everyone seems to love Aveda just as much as I do.

Josie Takes on Minneapolis – Round 2 Hair Color Magic

Hair Color Magic
Hair Color Magic: Lupe Voss, Josie, and Daisy Colina

I got into town on Saturday night. This is one tip I learned from the last trip. Don’t fly in the day of the class. You will be exhausted by the end of the day and fall asleep eating pizza in your hotel room by 7:30 pm. I was staying in an AirBnB this time which actually went as smoothly as it possibly could have!

Sunday Morning was the first day of class! I woke up early and felt prepared to take on my day. I got to the institute and went up to the room I was in a mere 10 months prior for the Ian Michael Black class. Lupe and Daisy greeted the class with as much excitement as I was feeling! We spent the first day listening and taking notes about how to formulate for predictable results.

Around 4 we broke from class to take a Paint and Sip class. It was interesting to learn about why artists put certain colors together and others not. Even though my thought process as a hair colorist is extremely similar to that of an artist, this was the first time I actually made the connection. I am an Aveda Artist and I love every second of it.

Hair Color Magic
Paint and Sip

Stay tuned to hear more about my trip! I’d love to use some of my new techniques on you soon. Call to book your appointment today!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Men’s Grey Blending with AVEDA

Results of Men's Grey Blending

Slowly but surely more and more men are becoming interested in covering those pesky greys that seem to keep popping through. However, there is this (ridiculous) stigma that the salon and hair color is only for women. Luckily this is where AVEDA comes to the rescue. They recently launched their new Men’s Grey Blending line and I promise it is about to change the men’s hair color game forever.

How Does the Men’s Grey Blending Work?

Men's Grey Blending
Men’s Grey Blending

AVEDA’s new Men’s Grey Blending color line is going to make more men color their hair now than ever. AVEDA has designed this color to take 5 minutes at the shampoo bowl. It doesn’t smell like hair color and can now be done on people’s lunch breaks! Most men do not like sitting around waiting for their color to process. This removes the extra time spent at the salon. It is super quick and easy!

When this first came out, my dad had came in for a haircut. I asked if i could try it on him and his initial reaction was “Dads aren’t for trying haircolor on. That is what Moms are for”. He reluctantly let me try it as long as I promised it wouldn’t be purple. I got a text from him within a half hour saying he liked it and might even want to do a darker color next time. 🙂

Results of Men's Grey Blending
Results of Men’s Grey Blending (Not my dad)

As you can see in the picture, the results are very subtle yet definitely different. It is like you took off 5 to 10 years instead of just coloring your hair. What I like most about this product is that it is so simple. I also like that it isn’t so dramatic that everyone will know you colored it!

Call the salon today to set up your appointment to reverse time. 😉

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Shake those Winter Blues at Ashka Salon Spa

Winter Blues

Everyone can agree that we have been having the most beautiful winter weather this past week here in Michigan! I can’t get enough of these 60 degree sunny days. It is going to hit me really hard if it doesn’t last. As someone who definitely suffers every year from the “Winter Blues”, Michigan winters can be long and hard for me. I know I cannot be the only one who gets a little more pep in their step at the first signs of spring.

Winter Blues
Winter Blues

What Are the Winter Blues Exactly?

The winter blues is something a lot of people of experience. Even in my own friend group I feel like I have this conversation multiple times a year with many different people! Of course everyone experiences this differently but I lose a lot drive during the winter months. The rest of the year I am more likely to want to try new things, work longer hours, and just overall be in a better mood. I am definitely guilty of packing on my winter layer with carbs, even more than I normally do. 😉

The more official term for winter blues is “seasonal depression“. From my research, I found that the farther away you live from the equator the more likely you will suffer from seasonal depression. With the lack of vitamin d from the sun in the winter months, our brains are forced to work extra hard to produce melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone that helps to regulate your sleep pattern and also is linked to depression.

To help regulate your seasonal depression, there are “sunbox” lights that replicate the beneficial effects of the sun!

Luckily the actual sun starts coming around more often just in time for spring!

What Helps Me Shake the Winter Blues in Time for Spring?

Once the sun starts to break through the clouds on a regular basis, I try to start focusing on myself. I try to get exercise into my daily routine in someway. I always get on a “I need to drink more water” kick right around springtime too. Last, but not least, I almost always need a hair change! 🙂

My favorite thing to do in the spring is start to lighten up my hair again for the summer. I love that it can be subtle, or dramatic depending on how I’m feeling that year. And how big of a pick me up I might need. 😉 As a stylist, spring hair is one of my favorite yearly transformations as well. I just cannot get enough of it.

Winter Blues

Highlights and Balayage all around! Call today to set up your appointment.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Salon Assistant Training Program

Salon Assistant Training Binder

I was already working at the front desk at Ashka Salon Spa when I started to near the end of my cosmetology program. I needed to consider if it would be a good fit for me as a stylist. One of the many reasons I decided to begin my career with Ashka Salon Spa was their intensive salon assistant training program. There are two major parts to the New Talent Training Program here: classes twice a week with our Training Manager, and following our mentors.

Classes in the Salon Assistant Training Program

Salon Assistant Training Binder
Salon Assistant Training Binder

At Ashka Salon Spa, the assistants are lucky enough to take classes twice a week. They are usually with Evelyn, our Training Manager, Jozie, our General Manager, or Lisa, our Owner. We cover most services that we provide. They range from hair cutting to make up, and even eyebrow waxing. It is great being able to meet so often to talk about different subjects. We also usually have “homework” that we need to do on our mannequin. Our mannequins, also known as doll heads, have real hair to be able to duplicate working with real clients as closely as possible.  It typically takes about a year to get through the entire program.

“I think my favorite part of training is watching the “ah hah” moments… the dots connect and the light bulbs come on. It’s very rewarding as an educator to watch everything come together.” -Evelyn, Training Manager

Mentors in the Salon Assistant Training Program

Courtney, Christine, and Lisa are the three Master Mentor Stylists are the salon currently. I went through my program working with Courtney but throughout the year I also had a few instances where I worked with the other mentors. I think it is extremely important to assist a successful stylist when you are first starting out. You see what works for them and what doesn’t. While I don’t do everything that my mentors did exactly, it definitely helped to form my own techniques.

While following your mentor, you are interacting with their guests and see what they like. You also are able to how a seasoned hair stylist faces challenges. This all helps to improve technique.

Next time you are in the salon, take a look around and find some of our assistants. We are extremely proud to have them as a part of our team. I am ecstatic to see their career flourish!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

 

Power Painting with Ashka Salon Spa

Power Painting

Two weeks ago, I traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio to attend the Hair Color Magic: Power Painting class! This class has been a hot commodity ever since it came out at the beginning of this year. Since hair painting techniques such as balayage, have been all the rage lately, Hair Color Magic thought it would be best to create a class for it.

What is Power Painting?

Power Painting
Power Painting

Power Painting is Hair Color Magic’s version of hair painting! It gives a flawless blend with customizable amounts of dimension throughout the hair. Lupe Voss, the founder of Hair Color Magic, took the time figure out the best formulas using AVEDA enlightener and viscosity for this technique. She also spent time using multiple types of application brushes to find which one works best with our particular product. I actually got one of the brushes from attending the class, and let me tell you, it’s a miracle worker.

This grown out, hand painted, sun kissed look seems like it should be around for a while. There are so many ways of rocking this style. And realistically who doesn’t want to look like a glowing goddess? I know I do!

Why Should You Power Paint?

Power Painting

By “power painting” you are using AVEDA products. In my personal opinion AVEDA products are the best. You are able to condition your hair with the AVEDA’s plant power while getting your dream hair over time. After getting your color it is always important to properly care for your hair. Your stylist will recommend the best at home care, personalized just for you! One of the biggest benefits is that power painting does not mean one specific look. Everyone’s will be different! No one will have the same color as you. You are also able to ask any questions you may have about your personal style.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Holiday Promotion 2016 at Ashka Salon Spa

Holiday Promotion 2016

The holiday promotion 2016, Season of Savings, has started everybody! Ashka Salon Spa has a different deal everyday for the rest of the year. There is something for everyone on here! I am going to talk about a few of my favorites.

 

Holiday Promotion 2016 – Product Deals

Holiday Promotion 2016
Holiday Promotion 2016

For the remaining Sundays in November you will receive 20% off all products with an appointment. Get freshened  up for the holidays and also save on some gifts for your loved ones (or maybe just yourself ;]). If you are going to be traveling at all this year for the holidays, it is important to be able to bring your favorite AVEDA products with you! November 18th, you will receive 30% off all AVEDA travel. On November 29th, you will receive a free, full size AVEDA hairspray of your choice will you spend $175.

We will be kicking off December with a buy 2 styling products, get 1 free deal on the first! Perfect for any holiday gifts. December Sundays, 4th, 11th, 18th, all give you 15% off products with an appointment. Later in the month on December 22nd, receive a free pair of Ashka Salon Spa tech gloves with a $150 purchase. There is so many more product deals that you just have to take advantage of. What an amazing holiday promotion 2016.

Holiday Promotion 2016

Holiday Promotion 2016 – Service Deals

Holiday Promotion 2016

There is an endless amount of deals on services this season! Whether you want your nails, or hair done we have something for you. Some of the deals include: $25 off a Pure Brazilian Blowdry, free Lip Wax with Eyebrow Wax, $20 off a Full Highlight, and free Haircut with Ombre color! No matter what your favorite service is, I am sure you can find a day where there is some kind of deal associated with it. Every Saturday from now until the end of the year, buy a $100 gift card and receive a $20 bonus card. Our Season of Savings calendar is absolutely incredible and you need to take advantage of it this holiday season!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

AVEDA’s Mid America Hair Show Part 2

hair show

Last week I talked about the first part of AVEDA’s Mid America Hair Show! I wanted to finish telling you all about my wonderful experience this week. Hair shows are one of my favorite ways to find inspiration because of how intense they can be. I did not think it would be fair to try to squeeze all of that amazing-ness into just one blog post. Here it goes!

AVEDA’s Hair Show – Barbering

Hair Show
Dusty Rhode at the Hair Show

Dusty Rhode came on stage to talk about AVEDA’s barbering world. He talked a lot about different hair textures and how we, as stylists and artists, need to do what we think is best based on the hair type. For instance, using AVEDA’s Grooming Cream is great for longer textured hair. Some new products that Dusty talked about were the Men’s Thickening Paste, and the Men’s 5 minute Grey Blending Color! There are a lot of new and exciting things in the barbering world.

AVEDA’s Hair Show – Haircutting

 

Ricardo Dinis is the Global Artistic Director of Haircutting. When he came on stage at the Mid America Hair Show, he said that he recently has been extremely inspired by the art world. A powerful quote from Ricardo that I can’t stop thinking about is, “When you see something beautiful, you have to stop and stare”. He was talking about how we have the power to create a look for our clients that causes people to stop and stare.  I have been striving to create a look like this for each one of my clients.

AVEDA’s Hair Show – Texture

hair show
Tippi Shorter with her team and models at the hair show.

Tippi Shorter works with all kinds of textured hair. She is AVEDA’s Global Artistic Director of Texture. She talked a lot about a new class she is designing called “Architexture”. This is a class on how to properly cut curly hair. Tippi mentioned how when she is working with her celebrity clientele, she works with a lot of wigs. She wanted to give us tips for working with wigs. Although I personally do not work with wigs all that often, it was still very interesting.

AVEDA’s Mid America Hair Show was absolutely incredible. I am counting down the days until Congress 2017.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

AVEDA’s Mid America Hair Show

Mid America Hair Show

Last week I had the honor of attending AVEDA’s Mid America Hair Show. As you have probably noticed, I take a lot of pride in being able to travel to shows for knowledge and inspiration. This show was both and more for me.

Mid America Hair Show
Mid America Hair Show

The show started with Van Michael Salon. Van Michael Salon is a chain of AVEDA salons near Atlanta. They talked a lot about the importance of consultation. When their stylists consult with their guests about possible styles, there are four main points of consideration.

  1. Hair Texture
  2. Body Silhouette
  3. Face Shape
  4. What the Client Wants

While 3 out of these 4 points I have always considered, body silhouette is new to me. It was just an interesting concept that I am eager to learn more about. I cannot wait to apply it to my own consultations with my guests.

Next up was Ian Michael Black, Global Artistic Director of Hair Color. He talked a lot about AVEDA’s new hair coloring trend, Eclipting. The coolest thing about this new technique is that it is different on every single client. We, as hair artists, use hair color to contour our clients face shape. The thought was, if we can do this with makeup, why can’t we do this with hair color too?

Create a Demand for Change at the Mid America Hair Show

Aveda has recently partnered with the Audubon Society. The Audubon Society is a mission driven wildlife conservation society.

Mid America Hair Show
The National Audubon Society’s mission shared at the Mid America Hair Show

Audubon has been studying how climate change affects the birds in our country for the past 7 years. It has been found that within 50 years 188 bird species will have lost 50% of their safe climate habitats. Even crazier, 126 bird species will be completely extinct, forever. AVEDA has partnered up with them by donating a certain amount of money for every Love Composition Oil that is purchased to help plant native plants in order to help balance the climate change.

The biggest thing I took from this presentation was that we NEED to talk about the importance of climate change on our world. Only about 3 out of 10 people will talk to their friends about this. If we get more people talking about the danger our world is in, we can hopefully take more steps in the right direction. We are what hope looks like to a bird. We can help. Love drives both Audubon and AVEDA.

There is so much more to tell you guys about! Stay tuned for my next blog post to discover more about AVEDA’s amazing Mid America Hair Show!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

New York Fashion Week with AVEDA

Working behind the scenes of New York Fashion Week has always been a huge dream of mine. Being able to help major designers fulfill their visions of their art sounds absolutely incredible. When I found out that AVEDA guest artists work on these incredible shows regularly, I knew I wanted to work with them.

New York Fashion Week – AVEDA

New York Fashion Week

One AVEDA Guest Artist who works backstage for fashion weeks all over the world is Jon Reyman. Beginning his career with AVEDA, Jon followed all the way through with it. He became a Purefessional and was working as the Artistic Director of the Advanced Academy by 2002. He works with a lot of celebrities and behind the scenes at multiple fashion shows and photoshoots. Jon is very passionate about education and it shows.

My Future New York Fashion Week Goals

New York Fashion Week
The Skingraft AW15 Show

Through personal research, I have found out that there are classes offered at the AVEDA Advanced Academy that allows you to attend New York Fashion Week. I am determined to attend this course within the next couple of years. This amazing opportunity is taught by Jon Reyman himself. I cannot even imagine the amount of knowledge one would acquire from this class. Starting with a 2 day hands on workshop in New York, then you meet back with Jon Reyman for New York Fashion Week to assist behind the scenes on some of the biggest runway shows.

Honestly, I am continually in awe about the multitude of possibilities that AVEDA supplies through their company. I am so thankful that Ashka Salon Spa is as involved as I am when  it comes to continued education. I cannot wait for the time to come when I can write a blog about how I get the chance to go to New York Fashion Week.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂