The Importance of the Correct Shampoo

Correct Shampoo

Before I started working in the beauty industry, I was definitely guilty of using drugstore brands for my shampoo and conditioner. I used whatever my mom bought me and that was it. As far as I knew, my hair felt great! Wrong. Looking back, my hair was super crispy. I was using an outrageous amount of hairspray and gel to hold back my ballet bun, and I was washing and straightening my hair everyday for school.  Between how I was styling my hair and the products I was using, my hair was NOT in good shape. After working in an AVEDA salon for 3 years now, I would love to go back in time. I would tell myself so many things. But one of the biggest would be to shampoo correctly. Starting with the correct shampoo and conditioner means you are prepping your hair for success. When you wash your face before applying your make up, you want the cleanest, smoothest surface to work on. Wouldn’t you want the same before styling your hair? I thought it would be a fun experiment to compare a common drugstore brand shampoo and conditioner to my favorite AVEDA shampoo and conditioner.

What is the Correct Shampoo? – The Experiment

I typically with washing my hair 2 to 3 times per week. This helps insure my color stays the best and also doesn’t dry out my hair from excessive oil stripping. For this experiment I washed my hair with my favorite AVEDA shampoo, Smooth Infusion. And I conditioned with AVEDA’s Damage Remedy conditioner. I blew out my hair and wore my style for 2 days. I curled my hair on day 2. I repeated this using a common drugstore brand and recorded my findings. I used the same AVEDA styling products and tools to style my hair. This insured that the only differences was my shampoo and conditioner.

AVEDA Shampoo and Conditioner; Is This the Correct Shampoo? – Day 1

Sunday morning I woke up and washed my hair. I shampooed twice with AVEDA’s Smooth Infusion Shampoo. I conditioned using AVEDA’s Damage Remedy Conditioner. I left my conditioner on for 5 minutes. I used a wide tooth comb and AVEDA’s Damage Control to comb through my hair. To style my hair I used AVEDA’s Pure Abundance Style Prep and the Smooth Infusion Nourishing Creme. I round brushed my hair out how I normally do.

My hair felt soft and fluffy. Once I took the picture I could tell I needed a trim. Which, unfortunately, no product will be able to fix that. They just need to be cut fresh. Other than that my hair was in good shape. Combing through my mane was easy and didn’t cause much discomfort.

Correct Shampoo
Day 1 with AVEDA Shampoo and Conditioner – Correct Shampoo Challenge

AVEDA Shampoo and Conditioner; Is This the Correct Shampoo? – Day 2

Monday was my day off from work so I took it easy in the morning. Like I previously said, I don’t like to wash my hair everyday because the natural oils your scalp produces is good for your hair. To get ready for my day I curled my hair and used AVEDA’s Air Control hairspray to hold my style.

My hair didn’t have as much body as it did the day before. I expected this though. I’m a crazy sleeper and usually wake up with bed head. My curls held pretty well throughout the day and really only fell a little bit. My hair still felt really good and had a lot of natural shine to it.

Correct Shampoo
Day 2 with AVEDA Shampoo and Conditioner – Correct Shampoo Challenge

Drugstore Shampoo and Conditioner; Is This the Correct Shampoo? – Day 1

Tuesday morning I had to go to the salon early to do my best friend’s hair. While she was processing, I had her wash my hair with drugstore damage repair shampoo and conditioner. I picked this kind because if I were shopping for shampoo and conditioner, I definitely would be looking for damage control. It promises that my hair will be fixed in just 3 washes. Talk about a miracle worker. I blew out my hair using the same products and tools as I had when I blew out my hair for the AVEDA shampoo and conditioner.

My hair felt oddly soft. I knew my hair wasn’t healthy enough to feel the way it did. It almost had a wax-y feeling to it. I can easily see how people are fooled by how your hair feels when using these products. However when I was combing out my hair, I lost a lot more hair than I had before. I used the same comb as I had so I was definitely shocked to see what a drastic difference there was. My hair was are to blow  out and I had a hard time giving it any bend to the ends with my round brush.

correct shampoo
Day 1 with Drugstore Shampoo and Conditioner – Correct Shampoo Challenge

Drugstore Shampoo and Conditioner; Is This the Correct Shampoo? – Day 2

I woke up on Wednesday and my hair was so silky soft. Knowing that I was supposed to curl my hair, I knew this would be an issue. However, I couldn’t use anything more than what I had used previously. I attempted to curl my hair and I loaded up my hair with hairspray but it just wouldn’t hold no matter what I did. I was blown away by the difference in my hair after just one wash.

Correct Shampoo
Day 2 with Drugstore Shampoo and Conditioner – Correct Shampoo Challenge

In conclusion, I will definitely not be switching from my AVEDA shampoo and conditioner anytime soon. I love the fact that they are all natural ingredients and my hair feels better than ever.

AVEDA makes a lot of different shampoo and conditioner lines to fit everyone’s needs. Whether your hair is thinning, or you are concerned about your color fading, Ashka Salon Spa has something for you! Call or stop in today to get our professional opinion about what would be best for your lifestyle and hair.

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

My Experience Entering a Hair Contest

Hair Contest

AVEDA held a hair contest this month called Full Spectrum Fusion. We as colorists had to create a look using a combination of our two permanent haircolor lines. When I saw the flyer in the break room, I knew I wanted to enter. Just starting on the floor, I figured this would be a good way to really look into the color lines and get comfortable with them.

I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do, but I knew I was going to need a model for it. I put out a “hair color model needed” post on social media and immediately heard back from people. One of my friends who went to cosmetology school messaged me. She was interested in trying the oil slick trend. The oil slick trend is meant to replicate what it looks like when there is spilled gas or oil on the cement creating a rainbow effect.

Hair Contest
Oil Spill

Entering a Hair Contest 101 – Never Stop Thinking About it

I spent the next couple of weeks looking into different ways to achieve this technique. There were a few big name stylists who had posted how to videos and I watched as many as I could. I took my time making swatches in the salon so I could see exactly how my formulas would turn out. I made a huge poster board explaining step by step how I was going to achieve my work.

hair contest
My preparation board to enter the hair contest!

When my model came in, I showed her all of my preparation and we were both eager to get started. As I worked through my process, I became more and more eager to see the final outcome. It seemed like everything was going perfect! It took a total of 6 hours to get the results I was looking for and unfortunately my model needed to go so I wasn’t able to get the pictures I wanted.

hair contest
My oil slick colors for the hair contest

 

Entering a Hair Contest – The Photoshoot

hair contest
One of the many images taken for the contest!

hair contest

My model said she would come back in a day for me to style and photograph my work. I was definitely nervous that she would wash it before then just because I knew the colors would be the most vibrant right then. However she didn’t and waited for me to style her hair for her. I learned a lot while we were taking pictures. There is a lot of “behind the scenes” when you look at a beautiful picture in a magazine. We styled her hair with products that I wouldn’t necessarily use if I was just sending her out the door. We also had to be very critical of how the hair was laying. We ended up taking a total of 23 pictures only to submit 1.

Hair Contest
My Oil Slicked Mermaid – My Final Image

In the end, all of my colors turned out exactly how I wanted. There is definitely some things about the process that I would change, but all in all I love how it turned out. You never know how your work will compare to other entries but I know that I did my absolute best. I turned in my photo knowing how much work I put into it, and I was, and still am proud. I will be sure to post another blog once I hear how I did!

Until Next Time,

Josie 🙂

Shampure Dry Shampoo by AVEDA

AVEDA's Shampure Dry Shampoo

I truly believe one of the hair god’s gifts to the world is dry shampoo. I don’t think that my hair would be nearly as healthy as it is if I didn’t take full advantage of this amazing product. AVEDA lovers everywhere have been waiting for a dry shampoo up to AVEDA’s standards. Ashka Salon Spa is happy to announce that it is finally here! AVEDA’s Shampure Dry Shampoo was released in November of 2015.

AVEDA's Shampure Dry Shampoo
AVEDA’s Shampure Dry Shampoo

AVEDA’s Shampure Dry Shampoo – What is it All About?

AVEDA’s Dry Shampoo has their signature aroma, Shampure. Shampure has 25 pure flower and plant essences. This product is also 99.8% naturally derived. Like all AVEDA products it does not contain petroleum minerals or water. AVEDA only makes their products with ingredients that are sustainable and natural.

AVEDA's Shampure Dry Shampoo
AVEDA’s Shampure Dry Shampoo

Benefits of Using AVEDA’s Shampure Dry Shampoo

Why is using dry shampoo so important? Everybody hates when their hair is greasy. Through the use of this product you can revive your look for an additional day. It is important not to wash your hair everyday. It can really dry out your locks. However if you are someone who works out a lot, or feels like their hair just gets oily quickly, you really should look into dry shampoo!

Another great use is when you are styling your hair curly or up. A lot of times hair is too clean and soft to hold your desired style. By puffing some dry shampoo into your hair you will give it some additional texture. Having that grip is important when you want your hair to stay a certain way.

Stop in to Ashka Salon Spa today to get your hands on your own AVEDA’s Shampure Dry Shampoo.

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

Green Science Anti Aging Treatment

Green Science Anti Aging Treatment

Green Science Anti Aging Treatment is one of Ashka Salon Spa speciality facials. This facial is our most hydrating facials. It promotes cell turn over to make skin look smoother and more clear.

Facials are an important part of healthy skin care. Getting one every season will keep your skin in balance whether you have problem skin or not. Through the use of steam and professional grade products, a licensed facial will be able to clean out your pores better than you can at home.  Even though you brush and floss your teeth every day, you still see a dentist for extra help!

Green Science Anti Aging Treatment
Green Science Anti Aging Treatment

AVEDA’s Green Science Anti Aging Treatment Product Line

The Green Science Anti Aging Treatment has so many great AVEDA products used throughout it. All of the Green Science line focuses on hydrating the skin. As skin ages it tends to be more on the dry side. That is why this line is perfect for aging skin.

AVEDA’s Green Science Anti Aging Treatment – Perfecting Plant Peel

The Perfecting Plant Peel is a part of the Green Science Anti Aging Treatment. It gives the effects of a 30% glycolic peel instantly with out the redness or flaking.

After cleansing the skin, your face is sprayed with the activator spray which acts as a toner. The thermal masque is then applied in fluid circular motions. The masque creates heat. This stays on for ten minutes. While it’s on you will get either a scalp, hand, or foot massage. After ten minutes, the activator spray is spritzed again. The masque is then left on for another 5 minutes.

After getting a Perfecting Plant Peel during your Green Science Anti Aging Treatment, you will feel like you have brand new skin.

Call Ashka Salon Spa today to get more information about how to schedule your Green Science Anti Aging Treatment! 734-414-9980

Green Science Anti Aging Treatment
Clear Beautiful Skin

 

Youngblood Makeup at Ashka Salon Spa

Lipstick Shade - Debalicious

At Ashka Salon Spa we use Youngblood Makeup. Why we use this brand is because it is made of finely ground minerals. They only use natural minerals from the earth. There is no chemicals, or dyes. These are found in a lot of make up and can cause skin flare ups.

Through the use of Youngblood Makeup’s signature blend of rhodolite, zincite, hematite, and malachite, it helps protect cells and tissue. This line is gentle on all skin conditions and types. You can even use it on skin recovering from chemical peels!

Youngblood Makeup
Youngblood Lipstick

Youngblood Makeup Founder

Pauline Youngblood is the founder of Youngblood Makeup. She is a paramedical aesthetician to dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Pauline was saw patients daily who’s skin would take up to 6 months to heal after their trauma. She was not happy with her patient’s make up options. She chose to make a product that give’s the wearer’s skin room to heal and breathe.

When she started her work mineral make up was too fake looking. It was either too orange or too pink. She found a way to make it look natural and was healthy for the skin.  In 1996 Pauline founded Youngblood Makeup.

Youngblood Makeup
Youngblood Logo

Youngblood Makeup Ingredients

Youngblood Makeup promises they use the most premium grade minerals. By using a certain milling process, they keep dangerous nanoparticles out of their products.

There are a lot of mineral make up lines out there. When comparing, be sure to check for synthetic ingredients. Examples are talc, alcohol, or petroleum. One ingredient Youngblood Makeup is sure to leave out is talc. It is a filler and often will cause irritation. Instead they use rice starch and various vitamins. This makes Youngblood Makeup a more effective, and healthier option.

At Ashka Salon Spa we bring the Canton area these amazing products! Stop in today and one of our great make up artists can help you pick out what is best for you!

Botanical Skin Resurfacing -Canton, Michigan

Botanical Skin Resurfacing

Facials are a vital part of healthy skin. You may need something more powerful than your standard product. AVEDA’s Botanical Skin Resurfacing is AVEDA’s version of microdermabrasion. It is more gentle on your skin. You will see your pore size diminish greatly. Your skin will look more bright! AVEDA’s Botanical Skin Resurfacing Treatment may help reduce fine lines. Stop in Ashka Salon Spa today to book yours!

Why Should You Pick AVEDA’s Botanical Skin Resurfacing Treatment?

Microdermabrasion actually removes the skin’s top layer. This causes the skin to believe it is injured. Due to the mild injury, healthy skin cells rush to the top layer of skin. After this appointment you will experience redness and irritation. There are many other symptoms that can last up to 4 days!

AVEDA’s Botanical Skin Resurfacing Treatment is less invasive. It bumps exfoliation to the next level. However, there is little redness. Without the irritation, you can even get AVEDA’s Botanical Skin Resurfacing Treatment on your lunch break at Ashka Salon Spa! (You will go back to work with no make up though!)

Scientifically Tested, AVEDA’s Botanical Skin Resurfacing improves in the following categories:

– 24% Radiance

– 39% Clarity

– 28% Smoothness

– 29% Pore Appearance Reduction

What to Expect During Your Botanical Skin Resurfacing

After you call Ashka Salon Spa to set up your service, you are in for a real treat. In your facial, you will receive an experience. You get a scalp, hand arm, foot, and face  massage. Your face will be cleansed and toned with AVEDA products.

Botanical Skin Resurfacing
Botanical Skin Resurfacing

All of Ashka Salon Spa’s facials are completely custom. Depending on what your skin needs, our skin artists will make it perfect. No matter what your concern in, we can give you a plan to help. Call today to set up your Botanical Skin Resurfacing with one of our skilled technicians at Ashka Salon Spa!

Brilliant Humectant by AVEDA-Featured Product

Brilliant Humectant

AVEDA’s Brilliant Humectant is a great tool for curly hair! If you have curly locks, this will give you the shine and moisture you’re looking for!

Like all AVEDA product, Brilliant Humectant Pomade has many useful botanicals. These include certified organic flax seed and aloe, as well as kelp. The flax seed is used for natural hold. The aloe is to help tame frizz while conditioning. The kelp is used to help moisten the hair.

As an added bonus, AVEDA’s Brilliant Humectant Pomade packaging is 100% post consumer recycled.

Brilliant Humectant
Brilliant Humectant

 

Curly Hair – What’s the Deal?

Your genes are the reason behind those great curls of yours! At one point in time, it was thought that the hair shaft was responsible for the texture of your hair. More recently it has been found that the shape of your hair follicle is actually the cause! Curly hair’s follicle is an elongated oval shape. It grows out of the head at a sharp angle.

Curly hair often tends to be drier then straight hair. This is due to the fact that your scalp’s natural oils can move down the shaft of straight hair easier than curly hair.Everyone wants shiny hair because shiny hair means healthy hair. Straight hair tends to naturally have more shine because light reflects off of it.  Curly hair however absorbs the light making it less shiny.

How to Use AVEDA’s Brilliant Humectant Pomade

Styling curly hair can be very tricky.  Many people tend to fight their curls rather than accept them. One reason for this is not knowing how to make curls work. By using the correct products such as AVEDA’s Brilliant Humectant Pomade, you will begin to love your curls!

Step 1: Wash with AVEDA’s Be Curly Shampoo and Conditioner or Co-Wash.

Step 2: Dry and Style with a Diffuser.

Step 3: Apply a small amount of AVEDA’s Brilliant Humectant Pomade to palms and rub together to emulsify. Apply evenly through dry hair.

Pro-tip: Glide fingertips over areas where you want to eliminate fly aways and add brilliant shine.

Brilliant Humectant
Curly Hair, Don’t Care

 

Why Does Ashka Salon Spa Love AVEDA’s Brilliant Humectant Pomade?

Evelyn, Senior Stylist and Training Manager: AVEDA’s Brilliant Humectant Pomade is awesome for taming frizz and fly-aways on highly textured hair and adds shine and moisture to curls.

Lisa, Master Hair Stylist and Owner: AVEDA’s Brilliant Humectant Pomade is one the most amazing products! It transforms curly hair in to shiny, bouncy, non frizzy locks in just seconds. Also smells incredible.  It is a must have for curly hair!

During our Season of Savings we have product deals through 2015! Stop in on a Sunday for a service and receive a 15% OFF your own AVEDA Brilliant Humectant Pomade.