Men's Grooming: Beard Maintenance 101

James is here to save all men from bad facial hair! 

before (L), after (R)

These items are MUST HAVES for a men's kit:

REDKEN Genius Wash Cleansing Conditioner For Unruly Hair

L'Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil Nourishing Oil

Kevin.Murphy Smooth.Again

After, with a cute baby of course!

Schedule your next visit to Shine, start your beard maintenance regiment now! 

Olaplex: Knock Offs or Knock Out ?

We love Olaplex, a single ingredient chemistry, that is free of silicone or oils, that links broken bonds in the hair during and after chemical services making them stronger than they were before.

From the American Board of Certified Haircolorists March 2015 Newsletter :

"We have now heard of 10 brands worldwide entering the category. It's easy to understand with Olaplex growing to a reported 70,000 salons in the USA in 6 months...

After many of my members emailed and asked my opinion... I decided to obtain samples and conduct my own independent tests to find out the truth and save my members and others from walking into a snake pit. I once had my own doubts about Olaplex. I even expressed the opinion that Olaplex was a rip-off. But after using the product for many months, I know that the chemistry is real and that you can do more as a colorist with Olaplex then without Olaplex. This is good for everyone in the color business.

I took four hair swatches from the same ponytail and bleached them using Blondor and 40 volume for 50 minutes for maximum effect. I followed each manufacturer's instructions precisely. The photograph below is after four shampoos. colorpHlex is on the far left, next is good old fashioned mineral oil, b3 Brazilian Bond Builder is next, and Olaplex on the far right.

I will say that after the first two shampoos, all of the swatches were in pretty good condition and it was difficult to tell the difference. The b3 and the Mineral Oil left the hair most shiny after the first shampoo which made me very curious. But after the fourth shampoo, it was clear that the other products were not holding up and seemed to prove to be nothing more than oil and silicone. They were only temporarily coating the hair thus creating an immediate shine, but unable to build or link broken bonds with any degree of quality. The hair felt dry and fragile. At best, they would be better served to call it an additive for shine. Anything more is a far stretch of the imagination. The Olaplex sample maintained its integrity and was the clear winner. We also performed similar tests on live models and Olaplex was always noticeably and significantly superior. The more compromised the hair was, the more Olaplex outperformed the rest. 

What concerns me is that they are making the same claims as Olaplex. They do not achieve what Olaplex does. I was so impressed with the results I had to call Dean Christal himself to ask what Olaplex had that the others do not? He said, "We have a real Chemistry that has multiple patents in the works." It must be so because in my long career I have never seen anything that has worked as well as Olaplex. 

The rapid growth of Olaplex is also proof that I am not the only one that is seeing the difference. It would be a shame to see a bunch of knock off brands hurt this category that is becoming so important to colorists around the world. These are just my opinions from tests that I have conducted. I encourage everyone to do the same.

Andre "

All of this boils down to one thing, Olaplex is a knockout!

Sandi's Product Spotlight: Smooth.Again

Kevin.Murphy's Smooth.Again gives amazingly smooth and shiny results, while at the same time maintaining a pliable texture.  It has so many benefits: shine, frizz control, and heat protection.  It is like a BB Creme for the hair, what could be better!

Till next time,

Sandi

Shining Gifting Opportunities Part 2

 Shine Salon is here for all your gifting needs! L'Oreal is bringing the heat with with Mythic Oil holiday sets this year. 

Strengthen and soften hair while adding nourishment and shine with the
Mythic Oil Milk Duo Holiday Box Set for $32.

The L'Oréal Mythic Oil Souffle Holiday Box Set includes Souffle d’Or Sparkling Shampoo and Conditioner and Mythic Oil Rich Oil spray.
Gift the Mythic Oil Souffle Holiday Box Set for $50.50.

Happy gifting!

Shining Gift Opportunities

 Shine Salon is here for all your gifting needs! We are so excited to bring these holiday gift sets from Kevin.Murphy. Each set is crafted as complete style sets, in one great package! 

Plump Me

Enjoy a Plumping Wash and Rinse with a complimentary Body Mass.
A value of $80, gift it now for $57!

Boost hydration and help to restore, soften and nourish both your hair and hands! The pack includes Hydrate.Me Wash and Rinse and limited edition Hydrating Hand Créme.
A value of $78, gift it now for only $58!

Awaken the senses with this all-encompassing men’s essential travel pack.

Enjoy a Stimulate Me Wash, Stimulate Me Rinse, a brand new shampoo and conditioner for men, Night Rider with a Complimentary Travel Toothbrush and Toothpaste by SuperSmile. A value of $80, gift it now for only $50!

Heaven Scent

Enjoy an Angel Wash and Rinse with a complimentary Angel candle.
A value of $77, gift it now for only $57!

Which set will you be gifting this holiday... or keeping for yourself?! 

Product Spotlight: Andrea's Holiday Styling Go-Tos

When I was first introduced to the Style Winder, I must say I thought, "...great, another gimmick." Well, I was wrong! This tool is amazing not only for us stylists, but you too! The iron heats up in seconds, which is an awesome feature for those last minute touchups. The temperature is adjustable and allows you to create curls and waves fast and more importantly, it is beyond easy. I love this iron and it has totally change my view on "curling hair"






My favorite styling product of the moment is Anti Gravity Spray from Kevin.Murphy. I love the ease of using a spray-in styler and blows my mind when it comes to volume! For those who are gel or foam challenged, this is the product for you! Just spray in wet hair, comb through with a wide comb and you are on your way to a great hair day! Not to mention the amazing fragrance from KM products, we all know fragrance is everything!

With these two products, your go-to holiday hair will be fab,

Andrea

November + December Cancellation Policy

Due to high demand and a history of last minute cancellations and no shows during the holiday season, Shine Salon will require a credit card number upon booking appointments during the months of November and December.  If you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment, your credit card will be charged 50% of the cost of the service for that day. 

Product Spotlight: SMOOTH. AGAIN by Kevin Murphy

SMOOTH. AGAIN by Kevin Murphy

Inspired by all  the BB Creams and the multi-purpose products that have become the norm for skin today. Treats, smoothes, straightens, adds shine, style control and heat protection, SMOOTH. AGAIN has style control, and the ability to straighten the hair without damage. It controls frizz, curly, coarse, or unruly hair and SMOOTH. AGAIN has style control, and the ability to straighten the hair without damage, control frizz, curly, coarse, or unruly hair.

SMOOTH. AGAIN is full of ingredients that treat the hair, improve the quality of the hair, and that can be effective in high temperatures, protective up to 200 degree Celsius, which is 428 degrees Fahrenheit.

It has 6 Essential Australian fruit extracts for their ability to thrive in harsh climatic conditions, high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. With Lotus Flower Extract that stimulates, heals, purifies, rebalances and refines the texture of the hair and derived from Brazilian Cupuacu seeds, that protect, smooth, and soften. In enhancing hydration of dry, damaged hair Cupuacu Seed Butter adds that perfect shine and replenishes moisture within.
SMOOTH.AGAIN is wonderful multi-purpose product that can be used for various types of hair.

Ask you stylist for more information.

Rosie Says: Men's Skin Care Is Important!

Hey guys, this month we are focused on your skin care needs. Although men traditionally spend less time on skin care, the benefits of a daily routine should not be ignored. These benefits include but don't stop at: a younger, more youthful appearance, healthier looking skin and smoother shaves.

Men's skin is different from women's and daily shaving can lead to inflammation.Higher testosterone levels lead to oilier skin that remains stronger later in life. However, as men age and hormone levels decrease the skin's ability to produce new and protect existing collagen is diminished.

A simple yet effective daily routine can include just a little more than cleansing and shaving. Sunscreen with broad spectrum protection should be applied liberally to the face and neck.By replacing that sunscreen with a nighttime moisturizer your routine can be complete. Washing your face at night is an important step considering environmental exposure throughout the day.

Whatever your age, if you are ready to step up your game, you can then add in a serum to help a particular challenge.Whether you are correcting an acne issue, ingrown whiskers or preventing wrinkles, adding a serum into the routine can make a world of difference.

The SKIN CARE SOLUTION FOR MEN trial size kit offers you a chance to try a 3-step system that will keep your skin calm, hydrated and healthy. Recommended daily products include THE TOTAL FACE AND BODY CLEANSER, TOTAL STRENGHTH SERUM, WEIGHTLESS PROTECTION BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 45 and REBALANCE MOISTURIZER.

We also offer some great treatments.The DETOX DEEP PORE TREATMENT purges the skin of blackheads leaving it purified and with a clearer complexion.The LINE MINIMIZING TREATMENT FOR MEN is effective in treating aging skin, pigment disorders, smoker's skin and photodamage.

Schedule a consultation for assistance with your skin care needs, 

Rosie

Product Spotlight: L'Oréal Smooth Essence

L'Oréal Smooth Essence

I'm in love with L'Oréal Smooth Essence, weightless smoother for fine and limp hair. Sometimes finding a product that smoothes the hair without weighing it down is hard to find but L'Oréal has delivered with this bottle.

Smooth Essence has a small amount of hold which allows fine, limp hair to build up body! The smoother is formulated with protein extract, UV filter and vitamins to repair and reinforce hair. While adding a beautiful shine, it can also be layered with Cashmere Gelee which provides shine and extended anti-frizz control for all day results, perfect for the windy Fall days that are coming!

Till next time,

James

Amy's Product Pick: Kevin.Murphy Hair.Resort.Spray

Kevin.Murphy's Hair.Resort.Spray is a great product for so many reasons, even in ways you might not imagine! The product was created to get beach waves in any length of hair, giving the beach-y look even when inland.

Hair.Resort.Spray is a foundation and finishing product with the flexibility of using on dry or damp hair and is infused with essential oils of tangerine, honey and orange for an amazing scent when used. 

Any length of hair can use Hair.Resort.Spray, it will give a subtle result when put in wet hair and will give strong results when applied to dry hair.  When using the product with damp hair, spray at the roots and blow dry it in to get amazing texture and volume. Fine hair, you can use it too! Spray a light layer evenly over length of damp hair to get the desired texture.  Even reactivate the look on the second day by spraying a light layer to dry hair! Use the product alone or in combination with other Kevin.Murphy products to create the exact texture you are looking for.

Kevin Murphy shows the versatility of Hair.Resort.Spray

Have you used Hair.Resort.Spray? Let us know what you think of Amy's product pick!

Dustin's Summer Tips

Whether you're relaxing on a tropical beach, cruising the lake, stomping the pavement in the city or hanging in the mountains, summer opens up the door for new styles and opportunities! 

Summer Products to Swear By:

         Kevin.Murphy Hair Resort Spray 

Want to enhance that beach wave? Throw Kevin Murphy Hair Resort Spray in your beach bag and spray in to the hair to have a natural and beautiful style throughout the day. 

          Kevin.Murphy Staying Alive

Always spray a leave-in conditioner to shield and protect the midstrands and ends of hair from the natural damage that can happen from uv rays. It will also help prevent color from fading. 

      

           Kevin.Murphy Blonde Angel 

Blondes! Hair can get sunburnt just like skin! This may cause an unwanted golden/yellow tone to the hair. Kevin Murphy Blonde angel wash and rinse can bring u back to the color you loved when you walked out of the salon! This can also help our gorgeous natural gray and silver clients as well! 

Enhance Your Natural Summer Highlights! 

Twist and braid your hair, styling hair differently, giving each strand a different sun kissed shade. Try top knots, side buns, fishtail and french braids to create a natural ombré or ballyage effect. 

 

via Beauty High

PROTIP: also avoid spray on sunscreen around the face as it can get in the hair and create really "unusual hair color" try traditional lotions or powder face sunscreen. 

Enjoy your summer! 

Rosie Says: Waxing Basics

Rosie Says: Tips for Summer Waxing

The time is now and with a little planing around your beach and lake trips, you will be fully prepped when it's tim to ull out skin bearing clothes.

The most popular waxing options for women include the underarms, arms, the bikini area and legs, while back waxing is a great option for men. 

Consider hair length. Most suggest the hair be 1/4" long, I find it more helpful to just let it grow! Fight the urge before your first appointment to shave for 3-4 weeks.The one time extended growth period allows hair to grow evenly, which will give you a smoother, longer lasting wax from the start.

Be nice to your skin! Moisturizing and gentle exfoliation bi-weekly helping the follicle release easier promoting a smoother, longer lasting result.

I won't tell you it doesn't hurt, there will be some discomfort.  For relief take an over the counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen about an hour before appointment. If you have extra sensitive skin, take a short soad in Aveeno Oatmeal Bath after your appointment. Regular waxing is the best remedy though because hair softens as does sting!

Now have fun in the sun, with SPF protection of course!

Rosie Says: Spring Skincare Regime Change

The time is now and with a little planing around your beach and lake trips, you will be fully prepped when it's tim to ull out skin bearing clothes.

The most popular waxing options for women include the underarms, arms, the bikini area and legs, while back waxing is a great option for men.

Consider hair length. Most suggest the hair be 1/4" long, I find it more helpful to just let it grow! Fight the urge before your first appointment to shave for 3-4 weeks.The one time extended growth period allows hair to grow evenly, which will give you a smoother, longer lasting wax from the start.

Be nice to your skin! Moisturizing and gentle exfoliation bi-weekly helping the follicle release easier promoting a smoother, longer lasting result.

I won't tell you it doesn't hurt, there will be some discomfort.  For relief take an over the counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen about an hour before appointment. If you have extra sensitive skin, take a short soad in Aveeno Oatmeal Bath after your appointment. Regular waxing is the best remedy though because hair softens as does sting!

Now have fun in the sun, with SPF protection of course!

Amy's Color Corner: Balayage and Ombré are HOT!

With summer just around the corner, our phones are ringing off the hook with clients looking to lighten up their locks! The hottest trends in hair fashion right now are balayage and ombré, both of which are perfect for summer. To be sure you get exactly what your looking for, know the difference in these two trends. 

Balayage is a form of highlighting that involves hand painting various sections of hair, very subtly at the root moving into more strength towards the ends. This is a very natural, sun kissed look that doesn't involve every strand. The grow out is soft and natural, and the effect is too.

 
 

Ombré is also a form of hand painting, similar to balayage, but it does involve every strand. All the ends are lightened from the tips to about midway up the strand. Very rarely will any color come near the roots of your hair except in the very front bang area. There is a pretty minimal grow out with this since you start out with a pretty natural/dark root area and the effect is very strong and fashion forward.

 

If your still not sure which way to go, be sure to bring in pictures of looks you like and a shine stylist can guide you in the best direction to suit your personal style. 

*as a side note, both of these techniques are advanced and are best left to an experienced, long time stylist. To correct a botched job is always difficult, time consuming and expensive. Moral of the story...leave it to the licensed professionals!!

Amy

Tuesday Morning Inspiration!

I may have just shimmied a shoulder to this red-hot mama!  Inspiration at its best!

Weekend Hair Blues

Happy Friday to all of you Shine followers!  

I've been looking at weekend transitions online and to my suprise I'm finding that "weekend hair" doesn't necessarily change from "work week hair" as much as it used to.  

This Spring, the messy bun and messy updo seem to be the trend. and even though it may look simple enough, it can be a trial.  If it's not a challenge when putting it up, it could be come a challenge to keep it looking great throughout the night (a.k.a long trips to the bathroom to readjust the greatness of the messiness)

Kevin Murphy has a great solution to this... (pause for dramatic effect and shameless plug)... it called the Sewing.Kit!

I know what you're thinking... what the heck is a sewing kit doing in a salon??  Well, It's a new way to perfect and keep an updo going all weekend long by litterally sewing a style in.  

So this it my challege to you fellow Shiners...change it up for the weekend!  Get a little crazy and out of that comfort zone that we've snuggled oh so nice and tightly into!  

Here are some great examples!