America’s Beauty Show in Chicago

America's Beauty Show

Last weekend I attended America’s Beauty Show in Chicago with 9 of the girls from Ashka Salon Spa. It is held once a year at McCormick Place in downtown Chicago. I went for the first time last year and it was absolutely amazing. I had gone in really not knowing what to expect at all. However, I was determined to make the most out of this years trip. Especially since I had to reschedule another AVEDA class I registered for in order to go.

America's Beauty Show
America’s Beauty Show 2016

America’s Beauty Show – Classes

As I have talked about before, I LOVE continued education. I love talking classes. And I love to learn. My manager had said I should try to take a class over the weekend to make up for having to reschedule my other one. I could not find where the classes were anywhere and I was really starting to stress out. Luckily my coworker Christine had taken classes at America’s Beauty Show before. She showed me the catalog of all possible classes. And of course, I went crazy. I ended up buying a three day pass to the show and signing up for a total of 5 classes. I know everyone thought I was crazy but honestly I was so pumped.

I had two classes on Saturday. My first class was Larisa Love’s Color. Larisa Love is an amazing colorist that I have been following on Instagram for some time now. This was the class I was most excited to take! I had ubered (by myself! Eek!) to the McCormick Place and arrived an hour and a half early. I checked in to the show on the main floor and had bought myself a pop. I knew I was early and wanted to check out the showroom before class. I knew I needed to figure out where I was going first. I asked one of the hair show workers where it was being held and she said it was “across the skybridge and in the hotel”. I said thanks and headed that way. I was looking for room C-2004 but I couldn’t find it anywhere. By this point I had killed 45 minutes and I was starting to panic. I asked the hotel concierge where the room might be and he told me it’s right by registration. If you were to ask my boyfriend or my best friend, they would tell you how much of a panic I was in. I was sending them video updates throughout the weekend via snapchat. I sprinted back to where I needed to be and got to class with 30 minutes to spare. I was in the front room and settled into my seat when I opened my pop and it exploded everywhere. Luckily the lady next to me was super nice and we laughed about it and she helped me clean it up. When the class started I was in awe. I couldn’t believe Larissa was really there in front of me. She brought out two models. One whose hair was completely done with the techniques she was going to teach. The other model’s hair was half done because she was going to complete the look in front of us. She taught us multiple color technique’s including the balayage sandwich and the teardrop technique. Larissa did a meet and greet after where I was able to talk and ask her questions one on one with her and get our picture too!

America's Beauty Show
Larissa Love and I at America’s Beauty Show 2016

My second class was much easier to find and I still arrived about a half hour early and was able to catch the last half of the class before the one I had signed up for. My second class was Camera Ready Styling. My dream is to work behind the scenes at New York’s Fashion Week one day. I love the idea of working on photoshoots and expressing myself creatively through that platform. This class was put on by Tearsheets which is a company who offers classes in runway and editorial styling. The biggest thing I learned from this class was that this company will teach you how to work effectively on photo shoots. By taking one of their classes you are put on their creative team and they invite people from that list to help behind the scenes for runway shows. They even bring people in for Fashion Week! It made my dream extremely tangible. I am excited to look into taking one of these classes in 2017 as one of my big education investments.

 

America’s Beauty Show – Showroom Floor

America's Beauty Show
Showroom Floor

Besides from classes, America’s Beauty Show has a HUGE showroom floor. It has almost any product or tool in the industry that you can think of. I was like a kid in a candy store. Last year was my first year attending and I just went in blind to see what I could find. This year I made myself a shopping list. I knew I wanted new round brushes, my boyfriend needed trimmers, and my mom wanted some color touch up. When you walk in, it’s hard to not be overwhelmed by the amount of activity that is going on.

What is cool about the showroom floor is that each brand that is there usually has demonstrations and seating in their booth area. I could walk around and watch mini hair shows all day long and honestly that’s pretty much what I ended  up doing!

I walked up to one booth that had a bit of a crowd around it. The gathering wasn’t big enough for me to think anything of it other than how busy the show was in general. I looked down at a table and there was a book written by Jenny Strebe. She is another amazing stylist who I love and follow on social media platforms. She specializes in styling and braids. I had wanted her new book for a while. On the table I saw a sharpie and it clicked that she must be at the show signing books! I looked around to see her standing not even three feet away from me talking to someone else. I couldn’t believe it! I purchased her book and she signed it for me. I even got a picture with her!

America's Beauty Show
Jenny Strebe and I at America’s Beauty Show 2016

All in all, that weekend was extremely successful. I love being in such an inspiring place and I am very fortunate to be able to attend these types of shows. I cannot wait to try my new techniques and tools that I purchased!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Fashion Colors in Canton, MI

Fashion Colors

Lately fashion colors have been seen everywhere! From the runway to the grocery store, I’m sure you have all seen the fun pink, blue, or purple hair people have been rocking! While this style is not for everyone, it is still such a fun and versatile trend. There are many ways that you can bring this into your own style.

Fashion Colors
Fashion Colors by Josie

 Fashion Colors – So Many Options

Fashion colors range from grey to neon pink! Almost any hair trend can be used with these fun colors. Shown above, you see a pink ombre. You could also do highlights with a certain fashion color, or even a color melt.

Grey hair has been huge lately. With Kylie Jenner debuting hers, more and more girls are asking for this smokey style!

Fashion Colors
Colored Grey Hair

Fashion Colors – Are Extensions the Way to Go?

Having such brightly colored hair is a big commitment. It takes a lot of time and patience to truly get what you want from your hair. Without this patience, we can risk compromising the integrity of your hair. If you are looking for just a pop of color you can always try extensions. At Ashka Salon Spa we offer tape in and fusion extensions. Through the use of this wonderful tool we can give you instant pops of purple or blue without as much damage to your hair.

Fashion Colors
Purple Tape in Extensions

I used to have purple tape in extensions in my hair, and I absolutely loved them! I was able to enjoy the funkiness of purple without the upkeep I would have had if I had dyed my own hair that color. Unlike normal hair color, many extensions don’t fade. I kept my tape ins in all summer long and had no issues with any fading! Every time I see this picture I consider putting them back in!

If you are considering dipping your toes into the fashion colors trend, be sure to let our front desk representative know while you are on the phone with her! It is not your typical appointment and we all want our stylists to be best prepared for when you come in! Call Ashka Salon Spa today to set up a consultation or appointment 734-414-9980

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Beauty VIP – Join at Ashka Salon Spa

Beauty VIP

VIP. Very Important Person. Who doesn’t want to be a VIP? At Ashka Salon Spa, with a $100 gift card purchase you can be just that! Becoming a Beauty VIP means you will receive nine coupons that are good for an entire year! Stop in soon though because this offer is only available until February 15th, 2016. We believe all of our guests are very important people and deserve to be treated as such!

Beauty VIP
Join Today!

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, this is a great way to spoil your special someone! By spending $100, you will be able to gift $250+ worth of relaxation. Let your loved one know how much they mean to you, for only a fraction of the price!

What’s the Perks of Being a Beauty VIP?

There are nine different coupons on your Beauty VIP card! That’s not even the best part. These coupons can be used any time from 2/15/16 until 2/01/17. That is nearly a whole year! The coupons include:

$10 off $50 AVEDA product.

Buy 3 get 1 free AVEDA products.

20% off AVEDA product.

$10 off Shampoo and Blow dry.

$15 off a Shellac Application.

$20 off Massage, Facial, or Deluxe Pedicure.

FREE Botanical Hair Therapy with a Haircut ($28 value).

FREE Lip Wax with Brow Wax ($15 value).

FREE Paraffin with Hair Color Service ($10 value).

Beauty VIP
Hair Color Service By Jordan

Don’t have someone to spoil you this Valentine’s Day? Spoil yourself! Make yourself a Beauty VIP. We challenged you to resolve to have healthy hair. Now we are challenging you to spend a little more time on yourself this year. We want to be with you every step of the way. Make 2016 the year of yourself. Sometimes we need to be a little selfish. Pamper yourself. Trust us, you deserve it!

Call Ashka Salon Spa at 734-414-9980 today to get more information!

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

Season of Savings is here…Call Today!

Season of Savings
We are entering into our Season of Savings! We have a different deal everyday through New Year’s Eve. This time of year gets crazy for everyone. Pamper yourself with one of these festive deals.
Every Sunday during Season of Savings we have a deal on AVEDA when you have an appointment that day! November you get 20% off and December you get 15% off. If your stylist doesn’t work that day, try something new! Even a brow or lip wax or a manicure counts!

Season of Savings – Facials, Massages, and Nails, Oh My!

Use the Season of Savings to get your nails done before the holidays! There are a few deals including $20 off an eighty minute pedicure or $15 off Shellac. There is even $25 off a Deluxe Pedicure and Manicure.
There are lots of spa deals through the rest of the year. Look at our Season of Savings and find deals on facials and massages! Some of our BEST –  A FREE Botanical Kinetics Eye Cream when you get a facial or $20 off AVEDA’s Botanical Skin Resurfacing Treatment. If you need a massage and a facial to destress from the holidays you can receive $30 off the combo! Want to try a chemical peel? You can get $30 off a chemical peel on December 29th. Schedule your consultation today (required)!
Season of Savings
Season of Savings

Get Holiday Hair!

These deals are a great way to get your holiday hair on sale! Receive $25 off a Full Highlight, or $10 off a Shampoo & Blowdry. You can get a free Rosemary Mint Shampoo when you get a men’s cut on December 9th!
There are SO MANY product deals in our Season of Savings! These include Buy 2, Get 1 FREE AVEDA skincare, 25% off AVEDA gift sets, and a free sling back bag with a service.
When you buy a $100 gift card, you receive a $20 bonus card – Saturdays only through December 19, 2015. Call now before these deals run out!
**See photo above for disclaimer and exclusions. Call the salon with any questions!

Get Your Balayage Hair Color at Ashka Salon!

Balayage Hair Color

Balayage Hair Color is an up and coming trend that is here to stay! With Balayage, guests get a natural-looking effect. It can be used to brighten up the hair making it look sun-kissed.  Our stylists will work their magic by hand painting pieces of your hair to achieve the look you want. Balayage Hair Color has been a hit on the red carpet for some time now. Seen on celebrities such as Khloe, Blake Lively, and Sarah Jessica Parker, this look is for everyone!

Balayage Hair Color
Balayage by Mandy

 

Balayage Hair Color – The Sky Is The Limit!

The best thing about Balayage Hair Color is how many versions there are.  It is unique to every person and their hair. No two balayage hair color services will be the same!  You are able to achieve both subtle and intense looks. Balayage Hair Color can be used on both dark and light base colors. In some cases, you are even able to get blue, orange or hot pink color applied on top of the balayaged pieces for a show stopping look! (Must mention when booking!)

Balayage Hair Color
Subtle Balayage by Evelyn

 

Balayage Hair Color – What You Need To Know

When making your appointment for Balayage Hair Color, it is important to mention that you are thinking of this trend. We may need to book extra time to achieve the look you want!  It is a GREAT idea to bring photos of hair you like to your service. A photo is worth 1,000 words and goes a long way in getting your service off on the best foot. Our team has advanced training in this art and will be able to create the perfect balayage hair color look for you!

Balayage Hair Color
Balayage by Emma

 

Balayage Hair Color is similar to other coloring skills that are on trend right now. This includes Ombre, Color Melting, and Ecaille.  The differences are often minute and hard to tell apart. By bringing in a photo to a professional, they will be able identify if the look you are going for is balayage hair color. If not they will be able to advise you on what you need. All of these trends enhance the tone and color of your hair and brighten it up.  This natural feel has been all the rage lately and it is sure to be here for a while. Book your Balayage Hair Color today!

 

Blog By Josie

Ombre Hair Color at Ashka Salon Spa in Canton, Michigan

Ombre Hair Color

What is Ombre Hair Color?

Ombre comes from a French word meaning shaded or shading. Traditionally, ombre hair color is darker at the roots and fades down to lighter at the ends. Depending on the length of your hair, multiple formulations will be used. There are many methods for creating ombre hair color. Several techniques and tools can be used. This includes brushes, clips, foils, flamboyage strips and balayage or “hair painting” techniques. Every stylist has their own method for creating the perfect ombre hair color. Your formulation and technique will be customized for your desired outcome, length of hair and previous or past coloring. One thing is for sure…ombre hair color has taken the world by storm!

Ombre Hair Color
Color Melt by Megan

Ombre Hair Color – What to Expect

Ombre hair color should be mentioned when you schedule your appointment. Instead of a typical coloring time being booked, we will book a solid 2-hour block of time. Because there are different techniques and formulations being used, your stylist may need to stop one part of your hair from processing and leave another part to finish. This requires their skill and undivided attention. Most ombre hair colors require at least 3 different color formulations. After a thorough consultation your stylist will decide which techniques will work best for you. Ombre hair color can be subtle or an extreme change depending on what you are looking for. It is important to remember that most ombre hair color photos you come across show models or celebrities that have their hair curled. To achieve the same look, you will need to style your hair that way. Ombre hair color appointments at Ashka are $200.00. This charge covers the solid block of time, consultation, formulation, application, and a wash and full blow dry. Many people choose ombre hair color because the upkeep can be low-maintenance since the root area is intended to be darker. This will depend on how close your natural hair color is to the ombre hair color you choose.

Ombre hair color has taken on many other names. These include “color melting” “balayage” and “Ecaille” – The idea of melting gorgeous colors is much more common now. See one of our stylists at Ashka for your next hair color change. We are full of ideas, up on color melting trends and would love to make you look and feel your best!

Ombre hair color
Ecaille

AVEDA Hair Color at Ashka…come in today!

It is time to try AVEDA Hair Color In the past hair coloring in a salon was thought of a luxury. Hair coloring has become very common place for women as well as men in modern times. But using the wrong hair color can be very bad for your hair. Going to the wrong salon can cost you a lot of money and your hair’s health.

This is where AVEDA Hair Color Comes In

AVEDA Hair Color is one of the most natural hair colors. Our hair color is less damaging than other options because it is up to 99% natural. AVEDA Hair Color can create a unique outcome for each person. It’s soothing on the scalp with its natural aroma and essential oils. Our service providers are trained in all hair color techniques. From blondes to reds…we have the unique formula for you. Our stylists LOVE AVEDA Hair Color and are always excited to give you a new look. We can also update your current color with this natural product with a great aroma. To learn more about AVEDA click here.

AVEDA Hair Color Gives You Options

AVEDA hair color has many options for semi-permanent hair color that last 4-8 weeks. Our permanent color is great for grey coverage. It contains special ingredients that covers up those pesky greys! AVEDA has grown their hair color line to include color that specializes in dark textured hair as well. Whatever your hair or your goals are…we have the formula and application for you!

Sometimes Blondes DO more fun! Check out AVEDA Hair Color
Sometimes Blondes DO more fun!

If you love to be blonde, AVEDA hair color has hundreds of options. From golden high lights, buttery blondes, to all out platinum, we can get you there! AVEDA hair color leaves hair feeling softer, full of shine and oh so healthy!

AVEDA hair color is perfect for men. You can easily blend grey for a more subtle look or you can eliminate it for an instant make over. By blending colors it grows out more softly.

Visit us for your next AVEDA hair color service….whether you want to be chestnut or chocolate brown, golden or ashy blonde and anything in between! Beauty is as beauty does…good for you and our earth!