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 🙂

 

Olaplex at Ashka Salon Spa

Olaplex

With social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest, it’s easier than ever to get sucked into wanting a dramatic hair change. While all big makeovers is always a process, with new products called “Bond-Builders”, you are able to make more progress with significantly less damage. There are multiple bond builders on the market nowadays. At Ashka Salon Spa, we have chosen to use Olaplex.

What is Olaplex?

Olaplex

There are two steps when it comes to Olaplex. No 1 is put into your color to begin to rebuild your bonds as your color is processing. This concentrated first salon step rebuilds broken disulfide bonds and begins the process of preventing damage and repairing hair. We can add this to highlights, all over colors, toners, anything you are getting done!

No 2 is put on at the shampoo bowl after we have rinsed your color. Our second salon step continues to rebuild and restore any remaining broken bonds ensuring the strongest, shiniest, and healthiest hair possible. And really, who doesn’t want strong, shiny, healthy hair?

Who is Using Olaplex?

It seems as though all I read in magazines now is how Olaplex is being used for all of these celebrity hair makeovers. A few celebrities who are known to have used it include, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Emily Blunt, and Jennifer Lopez. People are raving about this miracle product. If I could I would use it on every single one of my color clients.

When you pair Olaplex with some of Aveda’s Botanical Conditioning Treatments, I can guarantee healthy hair. Whether you have been going to Ashka Salon Spa for a long time, or it’s your first time with us, be sure to ask your stylist if Olaplex is right for you. Our stylists would love to give you the hair of your dreams.

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 🙂

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 🙂

Ashka Salon Spa Giving Back

Giving Back

Part of Aveda’s mission is “give back to society”. This phrase has always struck a chord with me. I think it is super important to always be thinking of how we can be giving back, especially those less fortunate than you. Ashka Salon Spa has a very similar Core Value:

“Always uphold our integrity and contribute to the betterment of local and global community.”

Ashka Salon Spa is Giving Back Through Anchor of Hope

Ashka Salon Spa sees the importance of giving back in to our communities. Through their Community Giving Back Fund, Anchor of Hope, Ashka offers a 100% Give Back Policy. As long as you give us at least a 30 day notice, giftcards, goods, or services will be given to your event as long as you are local! Due to the frequency of inquiries of donation requests, we do ask that you abide by our donation requirements.

To apply just visit our website and fill out our Donation Request Form.

Giving Back at Forgotten Harvest

Giving Back
Owners, Steve and Lisa, volunteering at Forgotten Harvest

Steve and Lisa Curry, the owners of Ashka Salon Spa, recently volunteered at Forgotten Harvest in Fenton, Michigan. Forgotten Harvest’s mission is:

“We are dedicated to relieving hunger in metro Detroit and preventing nutritious food waste.”

They were established in 1990 to fight two problems: Hunger and Waste. What I think is so cool about Forgotten Harvest is the amount of opportunities they have to volunteer! For instance, Lisa was working in the kitchen  separating meals into bags to send out of shelters that they had gotten from restaurants that no longer fit in the guideline of “restaurant quality food”. By this I mean, even though they might not be able to sell it anymore, the food is still good and can provide nutrition to someone in need. Steve on the other hand was going through pounds of potatoes picking out rotten ones and separating the good ones to be used and sent out.

I think it is so important to attempt to give back to the world around you. I am so lucky to work for a company, both Aveda and Ashka Salon Spa, who believe that as well.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Get Your Beauty Box at Ashka Salon Spa

Beauty Box

Monthly subscription boxes of any type seems to be all the rage lately. At Ashka Salon Spa we have jumped head first into that trend! We now are offering our own “Beauty Box”. Although most of these types of products change monthly, ours goes as long as supplies lasts. I have seen multiple of my guests fall in love with new products this way! Its an awesome way for people who want to try out Aveda products but don’t want spend a lot in case they don’t like it.

Beauty Box
Beauty Box

What Can I Expect To Find in a Beauty Box?

Each time we come out with a new “Beauty Box” it is different! We have had two now. One was Damage Remedy themed, and now we have a Smooth Infusion box.

Currently in our Smooth Infusion Beauty Box you get:

  • Smooth Infusion Shampoo Sample
  • A Sample of Smooth Infusion Smoothing Masque
  • Smooth Infusion Style Prep Sample
  • A Sample  of Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Creme
  • $5 COUPON for product at a FUTURE visit

Would you believe me if I said you get ALL of this for ONLY $5? Well you should, because it is!

What is the Beauty of a Beauty Box?

I think the coolest thing about Ashka Salon Spa’s Beauty Boxes is that it gives you a chance to sample the Aveda products. I have said it before, and I will continue to say it, I TRULY believe that Aveda products are the best choice for your hair. However, living on a budget myself, I understand that it is scary to invest in something you don’t know for sure. By giving this affordable option to dive into the Aveda world, Ashka Salon Spa is making it much less frightening.

Give it a try! I promise you won’t regret purchasing one of our Beauty Boxes.

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 🙂

Aveda’s New Thermal Dry Conditioner – Now In Canton!

Thermal Dry Conditioner

Dry Shampoo has been my absolute favorite product when it comes to saving my hair and my sleep schedule. The only thing that I don’t like to about dry shampoo is that after a day or two it really feels like it has dried out my hair. When Aveda said that they were coming out with a Thermal Dry Conditioner, I was ecstatic.

What is Thermal Dry Conditioner?

Thermal Dry Conditioner
Thermal Dry Conditioner

“Instantly conditions, detangles and softens hair in between washes while a calming aroma with 25 pure flower and plant essences naturally refreshes all hair types and textures.”

This product gets rid of that “dry shampoo feel” in my hair. I love the way my hair feels after I use it! I haven’t tried using heat tools after it yet. Others have curled their hair after using it and swear it makes a huge difference. It has a heat protectant in it so that you are safe from the added heat!

The Aveda website says that it contains “a blend of certified organic jojoba and sunflower oils” that “conditions and detangles hair in between washes”. Everyday I hear more and more people talking about how long it has been since they have washed their hair. It is important to adapt our products to these types of trends and that is exactly what Aveda is doing with the new Thermal Dry Conditioner.

Thermal Dry Conditioner on Extensions

Jessie, one of our Extension Specialists at Ashka Salon Spa, has found that she really likes using the Thermal Dry Conditioner on hair extensions. Since your natural oils aren’t going all the way down to your extensions, they can end up drying out a little. By adding this dry conditioner, it will keep your extensions feeling fresher, longer!

I promise you won’t be sorry if you invest in the new Thermal Dry Conditioner!

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 🙂