It’s 2012 and it a great time to consult with your stylist about creating something new with your current hairstyle. This could mean cutting more than a 1/2 inch of at your next visit. Be daring, cut 1-2 inches off. Reinventing your hairstyle can make you feel alive. As a seasoned stylist, I’ve seen people go from frumpy to fabulous in a matter of an hour, totally changing their look with a different cut. Color still remains a fun way to reinvent your style. With the fashion color available now, go ahead have some fun. Remember hair grows. You can always go back to your current style if you’re uneasy about change. It’s the one thing we can change and know we can go back if you desire. Enjoy the process, feel the excitement. Ask your stylist what they would do if they could do anything with your particular looks and facial shape. See what they have to say. Tweak their suggestion to fit your lifestyle. Have fun. That’s what it’s all about.

Celebrity makeup artists say that the most common mistake women make when choosing eye shadows, is attempting to match their eye color too much.   Having blue eyes, so you wear blue make up, isn’t the trend anymore.  Today, it is all about contrast.  The eye shadow is meant to frame the eye, not to overpower it.

A tone blue eye will stand out much more with a bronze shadow.  With brown eyes, you can add a dark blue shadow to outline the eye.

Following, is a step by step guide to help apply the best eye shadows for your eye color.

Blue eyes:  the best color is bronze eye shadow.  Use a matte taupe in the crease and then use a satin bone shade underneath the brow area.  Apply to the lid a shimmery bronze shadow with a damp brush.  When it dries, it will have a glazed look that will last longer than a using a cream shadow.  Use a dark brown pencil, closely line the top and bottom lash lines to deepen the effect.

Brown eyes:  start out with a dark (navy) blue eyeliner with a neutral shadow.  Start with a satin bone color on the eye lid.  For the next layer, apply a matte taupe in the crease and a shimmery champagne along the brow bone.  Use a blue pencil to line closely along the top lash line. Blend the line.  Draw a touch of color underneath the lid to continue the look.  Do not apply it on very heavy, it will draw the eyes down.

Green eyes:  start with a plum eye shadow.  Use a lavender shade for the lid. Use a middle-toned color for the crease and highlight with the palest shimmery shade.  Use a dark plum shade to bring out the outer corners.  Finish with a shimmery plum liquid on the top of the eye, very close to the lash line.

Hazel eyes: green works best. Use sheer, muted greens.  Apply a matte taupe in the  crease and a champagne shimmer on the brow bone.  Use a light shade on the lids.  Line the eyes top and bottom with a deep dark evergreen pencil, smudging with your finger.

To complete the beautiful eye look, remember to apply mascara!

For a complete makeup consultation, call us @ 603-924-6627 to set up an appointment.

Shake Rattle and Roll

Do you “shake and bake” when it comes to blow-drying? It’s a habit many of us fall into and unfortunately, it leaves less than an impressive finish. Reflections West Stylists advise against shaking your dryer when blow drying your hair; shaking it tends to increase frizz and minimize airflow and temperature, which  increases drying time.  The only exception is when you’re drying fine hair, then it’s ok to shake the dryer (without a nozzle) until hair is 80 percent dry, to rough up the cuticle and create volume. We recommend you put a nozzle on your dryer and apply a  mousse or thermal protector to keep hair from any heat damage for the rest of the styling time. Over drying (baking) hair, damages it and reduces health and shine.  Focus on, stretching and using a cooler temperature to promote smoothness and high shine.

Good question. Shampoo’s intent is to cleanse your hair of oils and dirt that collect on our scalp and hair during the day. Would it be wonderful to use a shampoo that did this and left hair shiny instead of drying it out, so you have to use a ton of conditioner to get a comb through it?

What you have to look for in a shampoo: Always look at the back of the bottle. Check several, is the first ingredient water? Products must tell the consumer what ingredients (by % of contents) predominately occupy that product. If water is the first, that’s what you are paying for mostly. Surfactants are the next, usually. Look for shampoo that is sulfate free. This is a salt surfactant that can strip hair of color and if you have hair color you know, it’s an investment and it’s important to keep it from fading as long as possible.

I suggest talking to a professional about all products you use on your hair. Maybe your hair is feeling heavy, limp, and unmanageable. Could be anything from your shampoo to your styling aids. If shiny hair is what is important, or protecting your hair from color fading, or perhaps you’ve just invested in a keratin smoothing treatment and like the results and desire to maintain this treatment for as long as possible. Start with the products you’re using and know what they have in them that makes them a gentle cleanser. Educate yourself on what works for your specific hair type. Ask your professional hairstylist what’s best. If they can’t tell you what is in a product that will be best for your hair or visa versa, find a new stylist, one that keeps up with education and  know’s their stuff.  You’ll be glad you did and so will your hair.

We offer a FREE $35 “we care consultation” to cover your hair history and your desired look. CALL 924-6627 today and take a few minutes to find out what’s right for you. We look forward to sharing our knowledge with you.

It’s been a whirlwind month of learning for the crew @ Reflections West Salon. Deb and Melissa completed a training consisting of Men’s Trend Cutting, Long Hairdressing (Up-do’s), a business class and Women’s Trends in Cutting! They are excited to share all these techniques with you. The business of beauty is a rapidly changing one and we’re keeping up with it.

It’s been a month of computer know how for Sharon, just recently returning from a seminar in Buffalo, New York and Boston, Mass. regarding what we can expect with our friend the computer. Exciting things coming.

While I was in Buffalo, Deb was busy taking an Advanced Color Class for 3 Days. Deb is advancing her career to become a board certified Colorist. We’re very excited for her.

As we continue to educate ourselves on the latest and greatest changes in the image business we just would like to say “thank you” to all of you that continue to support us through your visits to our Salon. We look forward to always being on top of what’s new and bring it to you.

The other day I was shopping in an office supply store and the clerk said to me “I was late for work this morning, because I couldn’t do anything with my hair, this humidity makes it hard to work with”

Has this happened to you?

Humidity can raise havoc on your hair because humidity is water and it weighs down hair that may already be burdened with product residue from shampoo’s, conditioners and styling aids. It is best to use a clarifying shampoo to remove this build up. It is beneficial to  ask for a clarifying treatment at your salon. Professionals will use the correct clarifier for your hair and finish with a conditioner that is water soluble and will not build up on your hair.

We use Eufora and Brocato products at Reflections West Salon. Eufora products are 75%-85% pharmaceutical  grade Aloe Vera. A soothing product line for your hair. Brocato offers a Peppermint Scrub Clarifier along with many sulfate (salt) free shampoo’s that are gentle for your hair and your hair color.

So if you hair is limp and lifeless with the humidity, check with your stylist and ask if you may need to remove some of the build up that is on your hair. Always follow any shampoo with a conditioner specifically recommended for your hair type.

When you look at yourself in the mirror and think “I wonder what color would look best on me,” the answer is simple. You have either warm skin tones or cool skin tones. Hair color has the ability to bring out those skin tones when chosen correctly. What color are your eyes? What is your personality? All these questions must be considered when choosing your particular color. Your stylist will help you find just the right color or colors and placement of color that will look great! Hair color maintenance is an important factor in your final decision on color. Will you be committed to coming into the salon every 5-6 weeks to refresh your color? There are all sorts of options for you to consider when choosing hair color. You could highlight with minimal upkeep depending on how much hair is colored. A partial foiling makes your hair look like you’ve been in the sun, stunning and you can always add more highlights anytime you would like. Semi permanent color fades off your hair with ease and can last up to 10 weeks. It will not make your hair lighter, but a shade or two darker with a tone to compliment your skin looks wonderful. Discuss all your options with your stylist, color, pricing, your time investment. Get all the facts for an informed decision on your part and have fun. Hair color is an easy way to change your mind about how you feel looking in the mirror. Call Reflections West Salon @ 924-6627 and enjoy a FREE $35 value “We Care Consultation.”

I love to watch the TV and magazine ads about how easy it is to color your own hair and the results being long flowing shiny locks.

Ask yourself, did the model really color her own hair? Did they say they used the product they are advertising?

When you color your own hair at home, you may get a great result the first time and think, this is great! You saved money NOT seeing a professional colorist and people noticed. So in about 2 1/2 weeks you start to see new hair growth coming in.  A line appears at your scalp, be it light or dark…YOU SEE IT!!! Now what?

You think “I’ll just go get another box of color and do it again.” You’re excited and you mix it up in the bottle and apply the color all over your hair, just like the instructions say. You wait the allotted time. Say you’ve picked a dark blonde color and your virgin hair color is Medium Brown. You rinse your hair out and wash it with the shampoo that comes in the box and use the conditioner. You’re ready to style your hair. You look in the mirror…”OOPS, the ends are much darker that the hair that was at the scalp,  the hair appears to have about 3 different shades going from scalp to ends…. HELP!”

What happened? New hair growth is like a newly paved road, smooth, fresh hair that accepts the color perfectly. What the box didn’t tell you is that by applying the color all over  to the shaft and ends of your hair, consequently the much older hair, that has been through alot with “potholes” (referring to a paved round after a rough winter),  it drives the dominating pigment into the ends, making them much darker than the color expected on the box.

Now what? You’ve saved money NOT visiting a salon. Now you must call a professional and corrective color is necessary. Corrective Color is an individualized service. What you’ve used for color and the desired color you are looking for,  has to be considered and action taken to achieve these results. To remove home box color can be damaging, time consuming with varied results,  if your colorist is not versed in this sort of de-colorizing services. This is an expensive mistake most people that color their own hair encounter.

So, when you’re considering hair color, come see us. Visit Reflections West Salon. We will take the time to consult with you. We use color swatches, educating you on all of our color services, so you pay for a professional on target color that you’ve pick out. No guessing…

We offer highlights, lowlights, semi permanent (a non-commitment color) demi and permanent color and Organic Hair Color to name some of the color services we offer.

We also offer Feather Hair Extensions. No commitment, just fun colors added to your own hair.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

You may be considering a Spring vacation to a warm destination or just a weekend getaway and your skin is dry, nails are weak, your polish chips and your hands, well let’s just say ….HELP!!!

Pedicures and manicures are beneficial as a routine service to keep skin renewed and polished. Taking care of your hands tells a lot about a person. Manicured hands say “I love my hands.” We spend a lot of time washing our hands and the soaps used can deplete the moisture in our skin.

A consultation is always the best place to begin with any salon service. With manicures and pedicures it is important to know any history of medical conditions that might affect the nail tech using certain procedures for hands and feet. This is also the best time to pick your polish color.

Manicures begin with a sanitizing spray, both the nail tech and the clients. The shape of nails is a personal preference and must be discussed prior to soaking. After nails are sanitized the nails are then shaped. Soaking hands in a mild cleanser then applying  a sugar scrub will eliminate any dry skin around the cuticle area, fingers and all over your hands. Cuticle softener or remover applied while soaking will help the cuticle removal process. Your nail tech must have tools that are sharp and sanitized to make this process effortless and avoid any possibility of contamination. Pushing back the cuticles in some cases avoids cutting them. Your hands are then cleaned with a soft brush and any debris under  the free edge is removed with an orange wood stick. Pat dry and apply a moisturizing hand cream and the massage begins. Make sure to roll up your sleeves, to your elbow, so that the forearm benefits from this relaxing service. A hand and arm massage helps muscles in both areas release and feel relaxed. Polish is then applied, beginning with a base coat, 2 color coats and a top coat. With Shellac by Creative, each coat of polish is light cured. When your process is completed your nails are ready. No drying time! Your polish also may last up to 14 days without chipping.

Removing Shellac is a quick 10 min process with special removal pads created just for this purpose. Expect to be charged a small fee for removing Shellac the recommended proper way. Any other method of removal may result in damaging the nail plate and the skin around the nail. Be sure to inquire about maintenance and what your nail tech recommends for upkeep of your manicures and pedicures. Knowing the cost of services before you receive them is important information. It is up to the nail tech to offer this information during the consultation.

Your hands will look radiant and you’ll enjoy the ease of maintenance and how long the polish lasts. You’re ready to take on projects that in the past might have been avoided because of fear of chipping your polish. Go ahead and enjoy.

Well, it’s that time of year again. Protecting our hands from cold weather, harsh cleaning chemicals and even strong shampoo have our hands screaming for attention! The first way to prevent splits and dryness is of course to keep your hands moisturized and protected against the elements. Remembering to wear gloves when you go out and when you are cleaning anything is combative against this condition.

Hair and skin products that are gentle and recommended for your skin type will also help. Stay away from harsh soaps that are drying and ask your stylist what they use and  what they recommend for you.

Cleaning products also are a culprit to dry skin. Wear gloves and learn all you can about green cleaners, Some of these are in your kitchen, right now. Such as, baking soda, vinegar and soap and water. Baking soda makes a great abrasive for scouring anything and leaves an unharmed surface when thoroughly rinsed. Vinegar is great for a odor eliminator. Using soap and water to wash windows with a squeegee makes windows sparkle. Imagine the money you’ll save using these simple things. Saving money for you to to use for salon products that will protect and moisturize your skin.

Paraffin hand treatments are a warm and  relaxing  service that you can do anytime. Hands are first cleansed, exfoliated with a mild sugar scrub, moisturized with  just what the hair and skin doctor ordered, for hydrated skin. Your hands then are slipped into a paraffin bath and wrapped in plastic, covered with mitts to keep it warm for 10 minutes or more of ahhhhhh….an affordable luxury with any service or a stand alone service. Take time for yourself. Your hands and skin will benefit from it.

We welcome any questions, for more FREE info, give us a call @ 924-6627.