A Little Hair Help

Fusion Stylist

Hair extension questions answered. Trends explored before you commit to them. Products tested and reviewed.

 

Beaded Hair Extensions

I admit that I have been slow to convert. I have been fighting the bead craze. I can't fight it anymore. Beaded extensions have come a long way. They have further to go of course. The pre-tipped hair seems to still be wispy and wimpy at the ends. My clients feel that 3-4 strands of the beaded hair equals 1 of the fusion extensions. 

I am still searching for the ideal pre-tipped hair for beaded extensions. Does anyone have any suggestions? 

Why am I suddenly sold on the beaded extensions? I attended the International Beauty Show in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago. I was there specifically to look at extensions and talk with professionals about extension installation and removal. About one third of the convention was extensions. Of the 60 or so booths which were selling extensions I only came upon 1 that had fusion (glue) extensions available. The rest were tape-in, beaded, clip in or halo extensions. 

After returning from Las Vegas I ordered some hair and beads from a company that I have worked with many times and trust. I asked a trusting client if I could experiment on her hair with the beads. I installed them very quickly, about 5 minutes for a full back of head row. My client left the salon feeling like she had a lot less had ,but was willing to give it a try. 

One week later the client returned with a report for me. Bead verdict, positive, glowing in fact, except for one problem. She felt like she had no hair. Particularly when it was wet. So I removed the beads, 2 full rows out in less than 5 minutes! Oh my God! It was a miracle!!! After I removed them I petted my clients hair and said, there you go, those are all out now. 

"Are you kidding me?" said my shocked client "You find some more of that hair!"

So now I am on a mission to find the best, thickest, fullest pre-tipped strands I can find. 


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Balayage

Balayage is booming at Blís Salon! We are switching clients from foils to hand painted highlights daily. 

What is the advantage? A beautiful pallet of colors, fantastic full grey coverage, bold visible highlights without the maintenance.

What is the process? Rather than selecting the portions of hair to be highlighted in a rigid, static manner, the hair is selected based on the movement and natural rhythm of the hair. Large pieces of hair are picked up and painted. This allows for a truly unique approach to each head of hair. 

This look can be as natural or bold as desired. Its perfect for someone who wants to experiment with highlights but doesn't want to deal with the grow out. 

balayabebeforeafter
balayage
blondebalayage
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Sephora Airbrush set

Airbrush makeup is so awesome! Did you ever go into Sephora when they were doing their airbrush makeup systems and have them try it on you? I did. It was remarkable. Unfortunately it cost over $200 and then there was the cost of the refills. 

I was thankfully introduced to the airbrush brushes that are made by Sephora amongst other manufacturers. These brushes create a flawless makeup application. I mean seriously flawless. You have to have the right foundation consistency; a moisturizing liquid foundation is best (Urban Decay NAKED is my fave). 

To start I pump 2 pumps of foundation on the back of my hand. I dip the edge of the largest brush into a corner of the foundation, and start to move it across my face using circular sweeping motions. I keep going back to the foundation and placing it on my face until it is all gone. Keeping with the circular motions I blend the foundation in until it looks really natural and actually like my skin is perfect. Then I follow up with the next largest airbrush and gently swipe across the forehead, around the cheeks and at the hairline and neckline to make sure everything is blended. 

Next I squeeze a tiny amount of NARS Orgasm illuminator onto the back of my hand and grab the next size down of airbrush. Using the same circular sweeping motions I apply the illuminator across my cheekbones and onto my temples. 

Sephora airbrush Set

Sephora airbrush Set

NAKED skin foundation

NAKED skin foundation

NARS Orgasm

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Does this career make me look like an idiot? And thousands of other questions you can't articulate

Working title? Does it sound too mean? I think it's kind of catchy. 

I'm writing a book for cosmetologists, both potential and practicing cosmetologists. 

When I decided to go to cosmetology school this was a valid concern for me. I had already finished a Bachelors degree and it felt like a very major step backwards, even downwards. I had only been exposed to a handful of professionals in the world of cosmetology. These professionals showed me that a career in cosmetology could be classy, respectable, flashy. On the other hand I had personally encountered and avoided encounters with lots of trashy, disrespectful beauty industry "professionals". 

What guaranteed that I would be able to survive school without being dragged through the mud like all these other lame-o's? There wasn't a book to guide me though. There were no cliff notes. It felt like I was hanging on by the skin of my teeth at times.

Does this career make me look like an idiot? Will answer questions you didn't even know you should have. For example, Why is it that I can grasp Einsteins Theory of Relativity but I can't figure out how to cut a clients hair? Does hanging out with idiots make you dumber? What happens when I stop paying my student loans?

I'm sure you can hardly wait to get your hands on a copy. 

 

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Bliss

Welcome to Bliss Salon! I feel so lucky to be back. Now that I am here. I'm not going anywhere for a long, long time! The salon is currently undergoing some changes both interior and exterior but I'll give you some sneak peaks. Of course you are always welcome to come on in. Bliss is located at 713 N Garden St Boise, ID 83706.  

Dryer Chairs
Studio 616 McCall, ID 
Bliss Salon

Bliss provides a wonderfully relaxing environment for you to enjoy. With complimentary parking, refreshing beverages and aromatherapy I guarantee that you will leave feeling and looking better than when you arrived. 

The best way to contact me is still on my cell phone 208.841.1090

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Cosmetology School

Are you considering cosmetology school? Are you looking for answers on what it will be like? Wondering what the next year of your life will entail? You may also be wondering what it will be like for you after school is over and you are ready to start your career. Surprisingly there are few books on this topic. I'm working to change that. I want to give students and potential students the opportunity to research their career before it ever begins.  

Capturing the true cosmetology school experience can obviously only be done by someone who has been through school, which I have. I am also a professional stylist with 7 years in the industry now. 

I will cover many topics including these

  • How to date a school
  • How to tour a school
  • How to choose a school
  • How to get the best deal on pricing
  • What is included in your kit
  • What your first few weeks will be like
  • What the next few months will be like
  • How to make the most of your time in school
  • Re-examine the fundamentals of hair cuts and color from a real world perspective
  • How to get past the drama
  • What you should and shouldn't worry about when preparing for your state examinations
  • How to find a job
  • How to build a clientele
  • How to be successful as a stylist
  • Book-keeping and taxes for stylists
  • Bigger and better opportunities
  • And much, much more

So I need feedback. What other topics are there questions on? What resources so far have you found to answer your questions? 

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Wedding Hair

​'Tis wedding season again. Since styling hair often seems out of reach for most women on their own I compiled a short list of step by step how to's. You can either practice these looks on yourself, show them to a friend and enlist their help in achieving the look, or show them to the professional stylist who will be doing your hair. If there are any more tutorials you would like please let me know and I will do my best to find them.

Things to consider when choosing a style:​

What will the weather be like? If it's going to be too hot you won't want your all of your hair down.

What neckline does my dress have? Perhaps a up-do would best complement your lovely collarbone

Will I be dancing so hard that my hair will fall out of place? Hopefully. Best tip: Create a small ponytail in the middle of an up-do and anchor all bobby pins into the base of the ponytail. It will hold!​

How good do I want to look? Completely smashing, of course. But not more beautiful than the bride. In fact steer clear of bridal styles to avoid looking like an attention whore. Also don't look like a whore. That's an image that never impresses the hosts.​

I'm getting off track...

If you have very thick or very fine hair keep in mind that the style will look different on you. Thick hair, choose a somewhat sleeker style to successfully pin back a large amount of hair, or wear your hair down, even half down. Thin hair, choose a looser style where we can create volume with large pieces.​

If you see any styles you like, just click on the picture and it will link you to the step by step instructions for the style. ​

​Lauren Conrad's Beauty Department is the video below. I really like her videos. They are to the point, beautifully filmed and always reliable. There are a lot of them. Be sure to check a few out for hair styling tips.

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Boutique Salons

There are specialty salons popping up all across the country. These salons are catering to specific needs that their clients may have and also highlighting the specific talents that a stylist or a team of stylists cares about the most. Unfortunately none of these boutique salons exist in Boise, ID yet, but I am sure it won't be long. ​

Blow-out Bar

This type of salon specializes in a finished look. They specialize obviously in the blow-out which is a blow dry style that leaves your hair very voluminous, shiny and sexy for a couple days or one hard night! Some Blow-out Bar Boutiques are also offering extensions, up-dos, conditioning treatments, or skin care services. 

The convenience offered is a quick style, easy to obtain appointments most days of the week and trendy amenities, such as iPads or iPods at each station and ​espresso. Sounds fun! Check out this Blow Dry Bar in Scottsdale, AZ called Primp and Blow 

Color Bar ​

This is a salon specializing only in color. Many color clients feel the same way about what they want in their color. They want it cheap, they want it fast, they want it perfect and they want it to last. Certain salons are now catering specifically to the color market. They want to offer technically advanced haircolor done quickly. What is there not to love about beautiful haircolor that is affordable and uncomplicated?​

By offering only color these boutique color bars are able to speed up the process of an appointment which translates to a lower bill for the client. For complete ease of access clients may not even have to book an appointment, just drift in when the mood (or the gray) strikes them. ​

Here's an example of a color only salon in Toronto, Canada called Color Lab 12.

Braids, Buns and Pony's

These salons offer a new menu of affordable services specifically for a finished look. So what is on the menu? Typically you will find about 20-30 different braid, bun and ponytail options, including trendier ​options like the sock bun or the messy bun. Since these looks can usually be achieved in 15-20 minutes and require little product the price will be low. Stylist also offer tips on how to re-create a simpler version of this for an at home attempt or tools to take home to re-create the look (i.e. the sock in the sock bun). Products are going to be a key element of styling any of these looks so be prepared to shell out more $ on retail than on the actual style itself. 

Here's an example of a Braid, Bun and Pony Style Bar called Lukaro ​in Beverly Hills, CA

So which one would you be the most tempted to try? ​

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Trash it or Treasure it?

I've recently read about a new kind of girls get together called a Trash it or Treasure it party. I've known that they existed for clothing but I had never heard of one with a beauty theme.​ You can read more about it at Sunnie Brook Beauty Blog. There are some important guidelines listed to let attendees know how to tell if the products you're interested in bringing could be expired.

I would totally take part in this party! However, I would only be interested in products that you can individually dram out i.e. not something that you have to dip into the jar for. This would exclude makeup that is pressed into a compact (blush, powder). I would also have to exclude any eye makeup because I just think that is gross.​ I would be inclined to rule out nail polish too, although I am told that the formaldehyde in it kills any bacteria or fungus I just wouldn't want to take the chance.

It would be perfect for trying out shampoo, conditioner, lotion (face or body), hair styling products, beauty treatments (face masks), self-tanners, bronzers, face wash, makeup brush cleaners, makeup brushes...the list is long. 

Because who hasn't a purchased beauty product that they have instantly regretted or immediately disliked? I know it isn't just me.​

​Kevin.Murphy

​Kevin.Murphy

Also, let's exclude toothpaste and dental floss. You know somebody would try to bring that. ​

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Favorite Sites

These are the sites that I check most days. Some give me inspiration, some give me comic relief, often they do both.

  • Cup of Jo- joannagoddard.blogspot.com - This site covers a variety of topics, motherhood, food, fashion, travel. The posts are short and frequently updated. The photography is amazing! There are lots of great links. She gives products away a few times a month. What I enjoy most about this site is that it's a great example of how to make money with a blog but still keep your blog relevant to the readers, not the sponsors. Always upbeat, always inspiring.

  • The Superficial, because you're ugly - thesuperficial.com - The tag line alone is enough to make me like this site. It's a online gossip magazine that is updated multiple times per day. Written from a male perspective bringing a fresh and smart mouthed commentary on the Hollywood elite. Filled with the things you wish you would have the courage to say if you ever met any of these celebrities. I will be eternally thankful for the posts on Jon Hamm (look it up).

  • Jezebel- Celebrity Style, Sex, Fashion for women without airbrushing - jezebel.com - A bold look at all things trending from a consistently female point of view. Jezebel provides a platform for writers who aren't afraid to express their opinions on just about anything, politics included.

  • Martha Stewart - marthastewart.com - A perennial favorite. I use this site for cross referencing and inspiration. Her iPad apps (Cocktails, Smoothies, Cookies, Scrapbooking) are so fun and easy to use and her iPad magazines (Everyday Food and Living) are hands down the best digital magazines, completely interactive and seasonally themed. Kudos to the staff at Martha Stewart Omnimedia for keeping ahead of of the current media trends. 

So check them out for yourselves. Let me know what you think. Tell me what sites inspire you.

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Hair color during pregnancy

Hair color during pregnancy

To color or not to color during pregnancy? My first bit of advice to Mom's to be is if you are uncomfortable with this procedure then you should probably not do it. My second bit of advice is highlights or lowlights. With highlights and/or lowlights we can change the color of your hair, cover grays, bring you back to your natural color...so many options. To apply any of these options I use foil. Each piece of colored hair is contained within a thin sheet of foil which keeps it off of the scalp. Since your hair is not a living organ the application of color within the foils does not enter your bloodstream. There is another risk; the fumes that are released during the processing of the color can be smelled at the shampoo bowl momentarily. Other stylists working within the salon could be preforming treatments such as a perm or straightening treatment which also release fumes. 

However I have performed many color applications on myself and my clients during pregnancy and I have never seen any adverse side effects. I have also never heard any complaints from clients during or after their pregnancy. I would never suggest that a client who hasn't been receiving color consistently start a new routine. Go with your instinct and you will never feel bad about it. 

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Keep it in the family

Have you ever been told by a professional who is rendering service to you that you need to use the entire family of products to achieve a synergistic effect? I have, quite a few times. Let me tell you why they are mistaken.

This is old news, sort of a sales pitch/wives tale invented by some marketing genius to get you to spend more with their company. Almost all of the different families of products contain somewhat similar ingredients and the are also manufactured by one of the few major manufacturing facilities that exist in the USA. Let me rephrase it this way, same general ingredients, same manufacturers, different labeling and packaging.

No all products don't contain the same ingredients for example, there are good ingredients and there are cheap ingredients. Companies like Suave and Pantene use cheaper, harsher and more abrasive ingredients in their products to produce their $3 shampoo. The results you get from these cheap ingredients can be dryer hair and skin, breakouts along your hairline, a waxy build-up in your hair (ehhhm Pantene) or severe drying of your skin. Companies like Alterna and Kevin.Murphy use more costly ingredients which results in a refined product. They tend to eliminate synthetic preservatives (parabens) and GMO (soy, corn) so your body and our environment doesn't have to pay they price. So if you use a Suave shampoo it will not make you Alterna conditioner any less effective, but trust me that Suave shampoo is making your color fade way faster and isn't benefiting the health of your hair and scalp at all. 

So when you are out choosing products just keep in mind what options are the most important to you. Is it cost? Is it the quality of the ingredients? Are you looking for a targeted result (stiff, soft, color protecting) Is it the design of the product (how it fits in your hand, stays upright in your shower, dispenses easily) Whatever decision you make know that your product is working despite the fact that you haven't purchased it's companion or two or three. I personally like to try 1 to 2 items in a line before I will commit to purchasing any more. Suit yourself.

Kevin.Murphy
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5 phrases we want to hear

When a client sits in my chair, new or accustomed to me there are a few key phrases that I am looking for. 

  • "I brought a picture". Hallelujah! I know clients probably think that this is annoying but we speak different languages when it comes to color and cut. What one client describes to me a volume is really a complete straightening treatment. If she didn't have the picture I would have assumed the opposite. Same with Blondes and Brunettes, there are so many shades and a picture is worth a thousand words.

  • "I love my previous stylist". I've learned over the years that you do not want a customer who has just been scorned by a previous cut/color experience. Either they are just unhappy people to begin with or they are not very good at articulating their true desires (maybe they should bring a picture). There are obviously some exceptions to this rule, but haters are going to hate.

  • "I love to experiment with my cut/color". This is so great because it leaves a little wiggle room for play. This phrase does not mean that you want to put purple in your hair or cut it all off. It simply means that you know you will look smashing no matter what subtle changes are made to your style. Not experimenting with your hair is like wearing the same outfit everyday, reliable but boring. 

  • "What do you recommend"? To me this phrase conveys great trust in the confidence and professionalism of the stylist. I am constantly updating my education credentials and try to stay on top of current wearable trends so I can take you in the right direction. 

  • "I recommended my friend to you". This is the kindest statement of all. To know that you have been recommending my services is the best compliment of all. To me it means that not only do you enjoy your style and obviously are receiving compliments on it. It also means that you enjoy the experience of my salon and want others to have that too.

So put your trust in your stylist, experiment a little, just a tiny bit, if not with color or with cut than perhaps style would be a better jumping off point for you. There are infinite combinations to try. As Vidal Sassoon said "If you don't look good, we don't look good".

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Can't Explain What I Don't Know

You can’t see tomorrow with yesterday’s eyes
— Ryan Adams

My heart was broken on Friday morning at approximately 12:00 PM along with most American's, or anyone around the world who loves someone. The shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school was news that nobody wanted to hear. I watched President Obama's speech with tears in my eyes wondering why this happened and when another shooting would happen again. Most people I spoke with regarding the events wondered what they could do to help the victims families and what could be done to prevent another tragedy such as this from ever happening again. Of course there are no real answers, only opinions, speculations and bold conclusions, none of which made me feel any better. 

So how do we move forward? How do we protect our children? Our friends? Our parents? Our community? I feel powerless. I feel a sense of dread knowing that everyday in America children, teenagers and adults play combat and warfare games annihilating anything in their path, just for fun. I cringe when I hear people say that events like these actually encourage them to buy a weapon. I am numb when I read the statistics of how many American's own guns. 

Carousel
There is no solution. No way to rid America of assault weapons. No chance of eliminating the violence that is present in movies, video games and fantastic news reports. All I have is love to give and receive, but that just doesn't feel like enough. 
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Gifts that no girl wants

You're thinking, great Christmas is almost here and I had better get something for my gal, but I have no ideas. Well let me steer you far away from these ones. 

Psychic fair

A gift certificate for a psychic. This will only make us ask questions about your future, or better yet our future without you in it.

Camelback hydration pack

Camelback hydration pack

The hydration pack that you want for yourself because you found such a sweet deal on it. Nope, don't want it. I actually had this happen to me. 

Richard Simmons

Bad workouts we can do at home. Really any at home exercise motivation will be taken the wrong way. If your girl is really into exercising already get her a gift card at a local exercise store.

Act like a lady think like a man

Self help books in general are a bad, bad gift idea. This has got to be one of the worst, especially if it's given to a woman from a man.

Kay Jewlers

Ugly jewelry. This is the biggest waste of money. Honestly I have never met a woman who is just longing for any pre-designed piece of bling from Kay jewelers. Their slogan "Every kiss begins with Kay" is enough to make any girl throw up in their mouth a little. Don't do it.

Kegel Bells

Kegel weights. Let's face it guys, you are never going to have the sex life of your dreams, and neither are we. Lugging home vaginal dumb bells are definitely going to decrease your odds of getting any closer to that dream.

vacuum

Household cleaning gifts are the lamest. Come on. If you really feel like your house needs a new vacuum get it for the family or for yourself, but do not buy this as your wife, girlfriend, lover gift. Unless it is the most bad ass vacume (Dyson) and attached to it is a note saying "I will be doing the majority of the vacuuming this year, so you can catch up on your self-help books or kegel exercises".

Colon Hydrotherapy Kit

Do it yourself Colon Hydrotherapy kit. This is the worst by far. Although I think it would make a great white elephant gift. I just liked the picture. 

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The gifts all girls want

Many of us are trying to come up with the perfect gift for friends and family this season. Sometimes it can be really fun and other times it can feel like you are just spending money on something because "you're supposed to". I don't like feeling that way. I love to fill my online shopping cart with all sorts of items, some for me, some for them, some for me. Basically I just shop for myself and give them gifts to other people and then if they don't like it I can always relieve them of it. I think most people are pretty please with the gifts, because I only want the best for myself. So here are some ideas for all the people in your life.

For the concert, theater, museum, sporting event junkie in your life.

Mini raspberry bush for your gardener of limited space, time or energy.

The most delicious coffee delivered to a bean connoisseur.

For the friend who is always bringing you the pastries she doesn't want to eat all by herself.

The book lover who never feels too old to enjoy Roald Dahl.

For the gal who has a few secrets to keep, it has a lock!

Girl who is always on the go, but still wants to look damn good!

Your friend who is always smelling so good and is looking for something new.

More gift ideas to come...
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Brazilian Blowout

Curious as to what this treatment can do for you?

It can reduce your styling time dramatically. By smoothing the cuticle with a treatment it eliminates or drastically reduces your flat iron time in the morning.

It will reduce frizz. Wether your hair is curly or straight we all experience a bit of frizz that is disappointing. The keratin treatment will put the frizz on hold.

Re-texture your curly hair. It will not eliminate your curls, it will smooth and transform them. Depending on the results you desire I have a few different strength options to choose from.

Make you feel like a star! When you blow dry your hair and get to stop there without further styling or fussing with your locks you will feel like you have received a Hollywood blow-out for weeks on end.

Brazilian Blowout ZERO 

Brazilian Blowout ZERO 

Brazilian Blowout Original Acai

Brazilian Blowout Original Acai

Brazilian Blowout Boise
Brazilian Blowout Boise

I am running a special on the treatment through November. Let's book your appointment today. Just think of all the time you will save over the holidays.

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Creating an experience you crave

What is it about the salon that leaves us wanting more? What is it about any business that makes us want to return? The product, or end result is ultimately the reason for the visit, but it's all the small courtesies that make the big difference. So let me tell you what you have been missing at Platinum Beauty Lounge by having your hair done elsewhere.

Prior to your arrival you will receive a e-mail, text, or phone call reminder, whichever you prefer.

Platinum Beauty Lounge Boise, ID
  • You are offered a beverage from our lounge area. We serve beer, wine, tea, hot chocolate, white chocolate mocha, vanilla caramel coffee, regular coffee, soft drinks and ice cold water.
  • A proper consultation is conducted.
  • Enjoy a hand or scalp massage
  • Superior massage and rinse at the shampoo bowl
  • Bang up service in color, cut, and/or extensions
  • Attention to detail
  • Bombshell blow-dry and style
  • Detailed information about the products that would work perfectly for you
  • Speedy checkout and rebook
Call now to book your holiday appointments! Limited space is available. 208.841.1090
Platinum Beauty Lounge located on 1020 W.  Main St
Jennifer Bridges station Platinum Beauty Lounge Boise, ID
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