Monday, December 8, 2014

THE SHOCKING REALITY BEHIND BUYING PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS OUTSIDE A SALON OR SPA


The following blog post was reprinted with permission by Lauri Shea, Ethereal Aura Spa and can be seen HERE. I urge all my clients to read this important message. My response follows.

October 13, 2014
It's very tempting to buy < professional salon products inserted by Pat > at a discount, but it's really not worth it!



A quick search on eBay or Amazon will bring up thousands of products for hair and skin care, often at drastically reduced prices.
Many professional lines, such as MoroccanOil, Aveda, MAC, < GKhair (Global Keratin) inserted by Pat > and Dermalogica, insist that their products are ONLY sold at professional salons, spas, or directly from the company. I've personally talked to reps of these companies, and on many of their websites they specifically say that any products not sold through authorized retailers are neither safe nor recommended. So where do these products come from?
It varies widely. Some of these products CAN be legitimate, but it's very unlikely. Some bottles are real products watered down, some bottles have completely different products in an expensive brand name bottle, some bottles are previously opened or expired, and some -- seriously -- come from dumpsters.
Yes, dumpsters. People dumpster diving at Sephora, Ulta, Sally Beauty, drugstores, < local hair salons and spas inserted by Pat > and beauty supply stores is extremely common. They find expensive products in the dumpster and resell them on eBay, Amazon, or directly to a consumer by posting videos of their product haul on YouTube and transferring money through PayPal.
Not only is this unethical, it's disgusting. There's a reason that those products ended up in the dumpster in the first place, whether they were expired, defective, damaged, or were returned products they could not legally resell. Not only were they not able to be sold before they went into the dumpster, but then they were sitting in a dumpster for an unknown length of time before someone dove in and found them.
Many beauty supply stores will deliberately damage their merchandise in order to prevent people from looting their garbage, but this doesn't stop a lot of people.
"Now what they did... this last time it had makeup all over it, makeup foundation is really hard to get off. This time they used hair removal, and I guess they thought because of the smell it would deter me, but actually it was a lot easier to get off!" - Tanya Ortiz
This has become a business venture for some people. This woman in particular seems to be incredibly proud of herself for dumpster diving at Ulta and selling these products through PayPal. "I just love doing what I do. Why? It's a great way to get free stuff. It's another way I can bless others... I'm going to give you the opportunity to get some stuff that's a little bit pricey, and you don't have to pay the pricey price for it." - Tanya Ortiz
It's not just beauty products - she shows bottles of expired food she's also selling. "Out of date never killed anyone."
At 10:23 she shows an Urban Decay Electric palette, with clear brush marks on it. This poses a serious risk of infection, especially with eye products. You don't know who used it before you, whether they had pinkeye or other extremely contagious diseases. It's just like using somebody else's dirty foundation sponge.
It's also a slap in the face to many beauty professionals. When a hairstylist or esthetician recommends a product, and the client decides to find the "same" product online, they are not paying the professional for his or her time and experience. A stylist or esthetician has gone to school for countless hours to get education, has spent time with this client figuring out which cleanser, < conditioner, hair treatment and chemicals inserted by Pat > tonerexfoliation, moisturizer and sunscreen will work best for their specific skin and hair needs. Instead of paying the professional who cares, buying from these people amounts to paying a criminal for their illegal activities. These people are not authorized to sell these professional products, have no education to determine which product is appropriate for which skin type, or known which people are contraindicated for these products either.
Is it worth it? No. It's disrespectful, it's illegal to sell products you are not authorized to sell, it's disgusting, and it's risky, all to save a few dollars.
Is every single product sold on eBay and Amazon infected with pinkeye? Of course not. But it's not knowing the difference that's dangerous.
Please respect the professionals in the beauty industry and buy direct.
______________________________________________________

A note from Pat:

Lauri Shea, Ethereal Aura Spa, thank you for reporting on this very important, and potentially dangerous issue. Several of my own clients recently have not purchased, or have returned, GKhair products purchased from me, because they found them lower priced on the internet. I did a search myself, and some of these products were selling for lower than the cost I'm directly paying GKhair for them! I discussed the situation at length with my GKhair (Global Keratin) sales rep, Julie,  and she says that GKhair does NOT sell their products to retailers, only to individual hair salons and beauty schools, and that anything you find on Amazon, eBay, etc. is NOT authentic GKhair products. She says they are probably watered down or not the GKhair product at all. As tempting as it is to buy it cheaper online than from salon professionals, remember that you get what you pay for ... and it's not always pretty!


Monday, September 29, 2014

Flattering Fall Hair - Best Advice 2014

Pat Alessi - Salon 1580 was honored by being recently chosen by Best Self Atlanta magazine for its "Best Advice" column in its October 2014 issue. We were asked to provide beauty advice for what’s "flattering for fall" in terms of hair style and color. The column features excerpts from Pat's replies. We have provided the complete content here for your review. Hope these beauty tips help you find your "best self" and fabulous fall hair style and color!



What hair color and style trends do women tend to get stuck in? 

Pat says: "Wearing the same style and color for years because women are creatures of habit, afraid of change, or because the men in their lives say that they like long hair. As a general rule, any lifestyle change that necessitates a new wardrobe also necessitates a new hair style. A subtle transformation can yield as much impact as a total makeover — or is a good start for more dramatic changes in the future. If you are stuck in a style or color rut, begin with baby steps, like face-framing highlights and soft, eye-grazing bangs."



What are the current trends for hair color and style for the fall?

Styles: “I love the sleek looks that are on trend for fall; they're refreshing, and a well-tressed contrast from summer's undone beachy waves. Try the look with a smooth ponytail or bun, adding a middle or side part for a modern twist. The trick is getting Global Keratin hair-taming treatments, which retains smoothness for three months! Using your heat styling tools, like your blow dryer and flat iron, activates the products and locks in the shine."

More Fall Styles:
-- Loose, textured waves. Bohemian waves with polish is popular for the fall.
-- Perfect center parts
-- Every take on the pony tail, knots, braids and twists
-- Glamorous ‘60-inspired styles, like mega volume paired with stick straight strands
-- Crops and wavy bobs


Color:
-- “Creamy Yellow,” “Honey Blonde,” and “Buttery Blonde”: pale, golden tones and/or honey tones added to blonde hair
-- Light brown with blonde contrasting highlights
-- Blonde hair with rich brown and/or auburn lowlights
-- “Champagne Red” and “Strawberry Gold,” a great enhancement for dark blondes
-- “Cinnamon” or “Copper” strands are perfect for fall.
-- “Medium Chocolate with Caramel Highlights”











What are the most important factors when selecting a hair color and style?

A) Your hair type:
1) Hair Texture (coarse, medium or fine)
2) Density (the number of individual hair stands on one square inch of the scalp)
3) Porosity (the ability of the hair to absorb moisture and is directly related to the condition of the cuticle layer which is a compact layer of the hair that is naturally resistant to being penetrated by moisture), and
4) Elasticity (the ability to stretch and return to its original length without breaking. It represents or indicates the strength of the side bonds that hold individual hair fibers in place.) 
B) The pH levels required for your hair type for proper hair care products
C) Growth patterns of your hair
D) Face shape, facial features, length of neck, skin and hair tones, etc.

Choosing the best possible hairstyle and color that enhances our good features and distracts from the not so attractive ones.



What hair colors and styles are best for women in their 30s? 

"A woman's 30s are a busy decade — careers take off, dating gets serious, and families get started. Your haircut needs to keep up. Softened pixies, graduated bobs, blunt lobs (a collarbone-length cut with blunt ends), tousled layers, long layers with soft bangs are perfect for the woman in her 30s.
Colors: Your 30s are a turning point. You're not really young, but you're not super mature either. It's time to start thinking about enhancing your natural beauty.  Crazy colors like blue hair, and extreme changes like going from black to platinum blonde, can look cheap. You can get by with cheap when you're 20, not so much when you're 30."
  


In their 40s? 
"Bangs, layers, and highlights are your best friends. Tousled pieces hide regrowth, so you won’t need frequent touch-ups. A choppy cut with long bangs and bold, sunny streaks immediate age you. Short hair: short shags, layered bobs, long bobs with bangs; classic shoulder length; long and straight; long waves. If you’re thinking red, go blonde.  Red hair, unless it’s natural, is rough on mature skin tones. It will expose and exaggerate blotchiness, brown spots or sallow undertones. But a honey blond with golden tones works every time." 






50s and beyond?
"TLC is key. Heat styling and chemical processing make hair porous and prone to breakage. Global Keratin hair-taming treatments are ideal. Smoother, straighter hair reflects light, diminishing the appearance of lines and creases in your face. Spend on moisturizing and hair-taming treatments as you would on wrinkle creams. Your 20-something brunette shade won’t work when you’re 50. Extremely dark hair can look hard and fake next to mature skin. Downshifting from espresso brown to a softer shade like maple or chestnut can erase years. If you want to show off your gray, remember that your best gray may not be your natural gray. Adding cool, ashy highlights can improve the color and is one of the best-kept secrets of stylish gray-haired women."

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

GKhair "Fast Blow Dry" for smooth and shiny hair

GKhair's "Fast Blow Dry" professional formula meets the needs of clients who are on the go and demand fast results!


It's called GKhair "Fast Blow Dry" for smooth and shiny hair.  GKhair’s FAST BLOW DRY contains a concentrated dosage of JUVEXIN®, which allows you to experience the benefits of amazing shine, frizz free and smooth hair. This product enables the hair to fight against the effects of humidity reducing styling and drying time. Lasts 4-6 weeks.


Make your appointment today for a "Fast Blow Dry" Treatment!

› SMOOTHS AND TAMES HAIR
› Cuts blow-drying time by 50%
› Prevents Breakage
› Fast & Easy


This revolutionary product can be used in two ways:

Option One:  Fast Blow Dry Treatment  - Whether or not you have ever had a Global Keratin hair-taming treatment, this Lasting Blow Dry Treatment is a defrizzer which will leave your hair smooth and silky for 4-6 weeks! Your hair is clarified prior to product distribution, then blow-dried, and flat ironed.
Cost:  $79 (additional  charge for hair below shoulder length and above average thickness)


Option Three: Color Lock - This product is applied after a color treatment (full head color and/or highlights or lowlights) to seal your color for long-lasting effect, with the added bonus of leaving your tresses smooth and silky for 4-6 weeks!
Cost:  Additional cost of $42 after your color service is provided by Salon 1580 (extra charge for hair below shoulder length and above average thickness).



*GKhair's Juvexin is derived from sheep wool through an environmentally-friendly process, and is a special blend of proteins and peptides optimized specifically for hair and is delivered to the hair in its natural state. The long protein chains of Juvexin closely mirror the hair’s own keratin structure. This allows the Juvexin to bond with the hair and wrap around the cuticle to repair and protect, while penetrating to the core to nourish each strand. Juvexin has been developed to protect and restore the properties found in young, healthy and vibrant hair which are usually lost over time. Juvexin is GKhair's foundation in creating manageable, frizz-free, beautiful looking hair.

The Juvexin biopolymer is protected by more than 150 US and worldwide patents that works like a fountain of youth for hair, restoring it to a younger, more vibrant and healthier day. It works on even the most damaged and over-treated hair, restoring strength and suppleness while actually protecting it against damage from harsh sunlight and pollution. Hair is actually stronger and healthier - proven in 10 years of independent laboratory testing.





Saturday, August 9, 2014

What the heck is a hair Keratin Treatment ... and is it for me?

Welcome to my blog!  


So many of you ask me about GKhair Hair-Smoothing Treatments (formerly Global Keratin), so I thought I would take some time to give you all the info about GKhair Treatments so you can decide if this is something you may be interested in for the health of your hair.

Salon 1580 is a Featured GKhair SalonOur experienced, GKhair Certified Experts at Salon 1580 are THE GKhair Experts and have been selected as one of the Atlanta area's "Top 20 GKhair Salons"! GKhair regularly holds training classes for hair stylists in the metro Atlanta area and Salon 1580 has hosted many of these certification classes, for local stylists and salons.

So, you’re interested in getting a keratin treatment. You’re tired of your dull, frizzy, kinky, unmanageable hair. You’ve seen great results for others, but you’ve also heard horror stories about hair taming systems, and you want to do your research. Good for you! You’ve come to the right place. 


What you should know about hair-smoothing treatments. Why GKhair?


GKhair hair-taming treatments deliver smooth hair for women, men and children for 3-5 months depending on the type of treatment

There are NUMEROUS kinds of keratin hair treatments around, but they are NOT created equally. Unlike over-processed hydrolyzed keratins found in the market today, GKhair’s Hair Taming System with Juvexin is an active compound, delivered to the hair in its raw, natural state. Critical amino acids and proteins remain intact, conditioning the hair and protecting it from damaging environmental effects, aging and daily styling. It works on all hair types, leaving it more manageable, soft, shiny, smooth and frizz-free for up to 3-5 months, depending on which formula/application you choose. That is because, with regular GKhair treatments and regular use of GKhair shampoo and conditioner, the Juvexin compounds.

With GKhair, you will experience the only hair taming system with Juvexin, a special blend of proteins optimized for hair. It is truly the best way to tame and manage your hair. These professional, in-salon treatments penetrate the cuticle to improve texture, enhance manageability and reduce frizz for 3-5 months. It rejuvenates while straightening and strengthening hair, leaving it healthier and reducing styling time.


GKhair hair-taming treatments deliver smooth hair for women, men and children for 3-5 months depending on the type of treatmentHow GKhair Works:


GKhair reduces the stiffness (elastic modulus) in the hair. This reduction or softening effect causes the hair to lose its natural curl and feel softer. Juvexin penetrates throughout the hair shaft, delivering important conditioning and moisturizing benefits. This improves the softness and reduces friction enabling the hair to better withstand heat, helps make hair less prone to breakage and improves the lubricity of hair, giving hair overall better manageability. On both wet and dry hair, there is less entanglement during brushing, making the hair less prone to breakage, while improving manageability.


Award-winning GKhair hair-taming treatments are available at Salon 1580

What is Juvexin?


Award-winning GKhair hair-taming treatments are available at Salon 1580
Juvexin is perhaps the most revolutionary development in hair care in the past 50 years. Derived from sheep wool through an environmentally-friendly process, Juvexin is a special blend of proteins and peptides optimized specifically for hair and is delivered to the hair in its natural state. The long protein chains of Juvexin closely mirror the hair’s own keratin structure. This allows the Juvexin to bond with the hair and wrap around the cuticle to repair and protect, while penetrating to the core to nourish each strand. Juvexin has been developed to protect and restore the properties found in young, healthy and vibrant hair which are usually lost over time. Juvexin is GKhair's foundation in creating manageable, frizz-free, beautiful looking hair.

The Juvexin biopolymer is protected by more than 150 US and worldwide patents that works like a fountain of youth for hair, restoring it to a younger, more vibrant and healthier day. It works on even the most damaged and over-treated hair, restoring strength and suppleness while actually protecting it against damage from harsh sunlight and pollution. Hair is actually stronger and healthier - proven in 10 years of independent laboratory testing.

What's the Difference between GKhair's Formulas/Applications?


Award-winning GKhair hair-taming treatments are available at Salon 1580
"Resistant" is for maximum straightening. GKhair's original formula is for coarser, dry, unruly hair, lasting for up to 3 months. It cuts your styling time in half, giving you smooth, manageable, and healthy frizz-free hair. You must wait 48 hours before washing your hair, being careful with sweating, bending/crimping the hair, etc. (see below). With proper care and with GKhair after-care products, will last up to 3 months. Regular color services can be applied the same day. This formula restores and protects, maintaining hair's natural properties by creating a shield over each strand and restoring it from the inside out; while protecting against harmful UV rays, pollutants, chemical treatments and the rigors of daily shampooing and styling.

"The Best" is a defrizzing, hair smoothing formula, leaving your hair with body and curl formation. It has no harsh chemicals and you can wash your hair immediately after and your resume normal activities. Formaldehyde Free! NO FUMES! With proper care and with GKhair after-care products, will last 3+ months. This formula rejuvenates while straightening and strengthening hair by reducing the stiffness (elastic modulus) in the hair, this reduction or softening effect causes the hair to lose its natural curl and feel softer. The greater the concentration along with length of application time of Juvexin, the softer or straighter the hair will become. Must wait 2 weeks for color after "The Best".

“Curly” Formula tames waves, eliminates frizz, repairs damage, and delivers shine. It restores and protects your hair, maintaining its natural properties by creating a shield over each strand, restoring it from the inside out, while protecting against harmful UV rays, pollutants, chemical treatments, and the rigors of daily shampooing and styling. Leaves your hair with the most body and curl/wave formation. You must wait 48 hours before washing your hair, being careful with sweating, bending/crimping the hair, etc. (see below). Good for most hair types. Regular color services can be applied the same day.

The all-new "Miami Bombshell" Formula is the Perfect Rehab for Damaged Hair, formulated specifically for blondes!

It will:

  1. Tame, repair damage, and protect hair from breakage with Juvexin -- a keratin anti-aging protein blend optimized to restore hair from the inside out, returning it to a more youthful state. It also contains natural oils and pearl extract to achieve optimal hair health and moisture. 
  2. Neutralize unwanted brassy tones (unwanted warm pigment) in the hair. 
  3. Cut styling time in half! 
  4. Deliver intense shine and silky smooth hair straightening.
Repairs dry and keratin-depleted hair damaged from the effects of  summer:
  • harmful sun rays 
  • humidity 
  • sweat 
  • chlorine 
  • salt water
Hair Smoothing  with Hair Body. Just for  Blonde Bombshells like you.


The "Italian Style" Application is still available upon request; click HERE for info.



GKhair hair-taming treatments deliver smooth hair for women, men and children for 3-5 months depending on the type of treatmentYou’ve just had your first GKhair hair-smoothing treatment. What about Aftercare? 


The First 48 Hours:

After receiving your GKhair RESISTANT FORMULA or CURLY FORMULA Hair-Taming Treatment, you MUST NOT get your hair wet in any way, shape, or form for 48 hours, preferably 72 hours. Avoid any activity that will cause you to perspire. No swimming. Don’t go out in the rain without your hair protected. If your hair does get wet, IMMEDIATELY apply GKhair Leave-In Conditioner Spray, blow it dry, and flat iron with the setting on high, 1-2” sections, flat ironing it seven times for each small section.


Until after your first shampoo: Do not put your hair in a bun, ponytail, or braids or use any clips. Do not put your hair behind your ears or put your glasses or sunglasses on top of your head. Doing so will result in a permanent bend or crimp. Leave your hair as your hair professional has styled it.

Flat iron your hair every day until after your first shampoo. (See next section for what type of flat iron to use: titanium, not ceramic.)

There is no waiting period for "The Best," "The Italian," or "The Miami Bombshell" GKhair keratin treatments.


Important Information Regarding Hair Care Products and Implements (no matter which GKhair formula treatment you received):


Shampoo and Conditioner Following your GKhair hair taming treatment, it’s very important to use only GKhair shampoo and conditioner, which are fortified with Juvexin and are developed to maintain and extend the life of your treatment. Use of GKhair shampoo and conditioner is essential to maintain your treatment because they are free of Sodium Chloride and harsh sulfates which can strip the keratin from the hair. Each GKhair product is fortified with Juvexin to continue the nourishing and conditioning effects of the GKhair taming treatment, and deliver additional shine, while protecting each strand. This is why, at Salon 1580, no matter which of the three GKhair formula treatments you get, we require you to sign a waiver if you refuse to buy authentic GKhair shampoo and conditioner from our salon; we cannot guarantee your GKhair treatment will "take" and last without following the very important steps listed above and without using these GKhair products. You may be tempted to buy these products online, but before you do, PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
www.goo.gl/La7U1f
 

Flat Irons with Titanium Plates – It’s very important to use titanium irons, NOT ceramic, as ceramic plates can actually strip the keratin treatment. When straightening your hair with any Keratin treatment your flat iron plates must be made with titanium. Titanium has the ability to retain high heat and will distribute heat evenly. Most ceramic surfaces will lose heat as soon as you start to iron. The titanium plates will retain the heat once you start straightening.  This will result in that beautiful shine on your hair.


Important Information Regarding Hair Color ("Resistant" and "Curly"):

Following your GKhair RESISTANT or CURLY hair taming treatment, wait two weeks before having any hair color application. You may color even the same day with "The Best," "The Italian," or "The Miami Bombshell" GKhair keratin treatments.


Tips to Preserve and Extend the Life of Your GKhair Hair-Taming Treatment:


·    Use only GKhair shampoo and conditioner (see why, above). Afterward, towel dry and spray with GKhair Leave-In Conditioner or Creme


·    Once weekly, shampoo your hair, apply the conditioner and leave it in for 30 minutes to help restore the keratin. For maximum results, squeeze the conditioner in your palm, and add a few drops of GKhair Smoothing Serum. Rub your hands together and apply from roots to ends and leave it in your hair for 30 minutes. 


·    If you have excessive perspiration (i.e. after an extensive work-out), or have gotten your hair wet in the pool or ocean, shampoo your hair, apply the conditioner and leave it in for 30 minutes to help restore the keratin. For maximum results, squeeze the conditioner in your palm, and add a few drops of GKhair Smoothing Serum. Rub your hands together and apply from roots to ends and leave it in your hair for 30 minutes. 


·    Chlorinated or Salt Water – Rinse your hair and apply leave-in conditioner prior to swimming to  help to block chlorine or  salt water from penetrating the hair shaft. Immediately rinse your hair as soon as you're done swimming and apply more leave-in spray. Using GKhair UV Protection shampoo and conditioner helps protect your keratin treatment, retain your hair color, and prevent UV damage to your hair, especially during summer months, and when at the pool or beach.


·    GKhair REFRESH - come back into the salon and get a GKhair Refresh six weeks after your full treatment. It’s VERY IMPORTANT to do so during the summer months; sun/heat, chlorine and salt water will deplete the keratin.  A Refresh will replace the keratin and extend your original Treatment at least one extra month.  PLUS, with the new GK Color Seal process we use for the Refresh, not only do you get a "mini-keratin," but it protects and seals your hair color, too!

Salon 1580 uses only GKhair keratin products


Award-winning GKhair hair-taming treatments are available at Salon 1580Award-winning GKhair hair-taming treatments are available at Salon 1580


Award-winning GKhair hair-taming treatments are available at Salon 1580


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