The basics covered today were the principles of design,
ranging from shape to lines.  Although
these are not new concepts, they are concepts that always need refreshing to
ensure better services.

The haircut that was covered today was a simple one length
bob, but it was a totally different take on what I normally do for a one length
bob.  There are so many nuances about the
bob that we have to account for, and guest consultation is so important to
figure out what works best for the guest.

The hardest part of class today was being open to a new
concept.  In my practice at the salon, I
generally don’t section as much as we did in class.  However, I learned that proper sectioning
(accounting for changes in the head shape and hair movement) is essential for
completing the proper bob.  After doing
the bob the same way for almost 5 years, it is interesting to be able to take
the skills I have learned in today’s class back to the salon.

I have already decided who I get to practice on, and I can’t
wait!  I look forward to another day
tomorrow.

Here at the salon, the new year means a little bit of time on our hands to get the salon back together.  To clean up the holiday decorations and get ready for the upcoming year.  This year is filled with so many exciting events, and we hope to keep you informed of upcoming events at the salon.

That brings us to the burning question, what are you doing for your hair today.  What products are you using in your hair?  What services are you having done at the salon that we can improve? What changes do you want to make to your hair over the next couple of months?  Do you have big events (weddings, senior class photos, prom, etc.) that we should be working towards?

One of our guests came in yesterday and needed some refreshing with color.  The base color was perfect, but the ends had faded out.  Simply adding a toner to the last 15 minutes of her hair service was so beneficial to the overall color of her hair.

Another guest asked on facebook what we could do to change her color, and we had a long conversation about the possibilities.  She has had all over color done recently and now she want to change to a reverse hombre style color.  She’s getting ready for some photos and wants to return to her blonde roots.

These are some wonderful conversations to have, and wonderful services to offer.  It is so important that we keep our guests happy, and we look forward to each and every one of you coming back in the new year.  We want to hear from you, email us at info@alteredimagedurham.com for anything you need.

Their cuts now start at $35.00 and their chemical services will reflect the same adjustment.

Way to go Katie and Brad!

The first step in this particular style was to apply product.  The hair is different as you move from the root to the ends.  The roots are softer and the hair becomes harder as you move to the midshaft.  Product provides consistant control and texture when applied evenely from roots to ends.  Product should be applied at the ends first and then work to the roots.

The next step is blow dry the roots.  The way I prefer to blow dry the roots is using a flat brush and blow directly at the roots going from side to side, making sure not to direct the hair up or down.  Do this all over the head, the top part of the head should be blown from left to right and then right to left.  This technique reduces volume at the scalp, if you want to add volume blow dry the sides and back up, and the top back.

The next step is to pin up the crown area, the sides  and divide the back into three sections.  Blow dry the nape area first, either using a round brush or a flat brush, depeding on if you want curly or straight.  Blow dry each section individually, and if you want more curls then divide each seciton further.  I generally go through after each section is completely dry and mess it up, put some hair spray on and then go back with my fingers and place the hair where I want it to go.

That is the long way…most of my clients will not take the time to do that.  It takes me 20 minutes to do a proper blow dry.  To save some time, blow dry the hair as you normally would and then go back with a curling iron or flat iron and tame the tresses that way.  Either works, it really depends on the time and energy you want to spend on your hair.

We never mind teaching someone our tricks of the trade, so if something doesn’t make sense, ask.  We look forward to seeing you the next time you come in the salon!

Mistakes happen, sometimes they happen in a small way and sometimes they happen in a big way.  We always try to correct any mistakes here at the salon, so if you are seeing that a color is fading too quickly or the color is looking a bit brassy or ashy, let us know.  Those are simple problems that can be fixed quickly.

One of the biggest comments that we are seeing today is that colors are looking washed out and drab, a simple toner can help refresh the ends and give the color a luxurious shine.  If your colors are fading too quickly then let us know, we can add a chemistry system to help seal the hair after it is processed.

One of the guests yesterday asked if we take pictures of the hair once it is finished so we can remember what we did for the next time.  This is such a common place where we make mistakes, it can be challenging to repeat the same exact hair cut again from one apppointment to the next.  There is always a difference, and please tell us i fthere is a noticeable difference that needs to be fixed.

Above all, let us know what is going on with your hair.  It’s important to know what is working and what is not.  We appreciate the criticism as well as the praise.

The runways are showing luxurious reds, brunettes and coppers blended with high fusion colors.  We’re also seeing a lot of texture, have you seen crimping irons used in recent months?  How about crimping irons and curing irons at the same time?  Well, we are seeing it.  Have you considered a change?  The melding of colors has become very hot and seems to be sticking around, creating a blended line that looks like someone is growing the color out.

The pictures are from the haircut and color we did in class, ask us about it when you come in!

1. Pool time ususally means that your hair will be exposed to a variety of chemicals, which often cause ashy looking hair.  In order to protect your hair, you can either wear a swim cap (but who wants to wear one these days?) or you can gently run some conditioner through your hair before swimming.  The conditioner will not stay in the whole time, but it will provide some protection.  If you have already noticed your blondes are looking a little drab, then use a clarifying shampoo to strip the chlorine out.
2. Sun time means that your browns and reds will fade quicker than usual.  Usually when you see some brassy tones coming out, your natural pigment is showing.  One way to combat the fade is to apply some conditioner whenever you go out in the sun, just a little bit will do.  While you are in the salon, we can offer Redken Chemistry System for color treated hair.  This system helps to close the cuticle and seals in the color, and will help slow down the process of color fading.  We can also pull your color through and refresh the ends, again maintenance is the key to keeping fresh looking color.

Whether it’s by the pool, out in the garden, or just a simple walk, maintaining your hair is just as important as maintaining your skin.   If you have any questions about hair maintenance please feel free to talk to your stylist the nest time you come in.

When scheduling your hair removal service, it is important to understand what is involved in hair removal. We recommend that no one tan within 24 hours of the service, and that any topical medications be discussed with your professional. Any other medications that might affect blood flow or skin elasticity should also be discussed with your professional. We usually plan for 15-30 minutes for smaller areas such as face or armpits, while areas such as legs take 45 or more minutes.

Most guests don’t even feel the hair being removed, however each guest is different and there are certainly areas of the body that are more sensitive than others. We have found that on men, ears and nose are less sensitive than those love handles. And on women, armpits are typically sensitive.

After your service, it is important that you do not touch the freshly waxed areas with unwashed hands for 24 hours. You are more prone to infection if you touch the freshly waxed ares.

Those are just the basics, for now. Any questions you may have can always be asked during your consultation with your professional.

There’s nothing we will not try here at Altered Image. The beauty of our business is that we deal with hair, and luckily hair grows back. Contemporary to stylish, straight to curly, rocker to diva…we do it all. Come into the salon or schedule an appontment today.