the fresh perspective...

Crappy Hair

So, let's face it.  We've all been there, excited to get your hair done only to realize you hate it?!  If this has never been you then, bravo, stop reading.  It's rare that some folks may not have experienced disappointment in a service that they had paid for.

I think that's how we all should look at it. Our clients (you) pay us to do a service (hair) for them.  Most times it works out but, other times it may not.  This is completely normal and the point of my post today is that it's okay to 'complain'.  It's okay to speak your mind if you were confused about the service(s) you were receiving.  It's okay to hate your cut and color.   It's okay to wish you never tried something new.  The fact is, it's hair.  It grows everyday and after a few months -if your hair actually grows- you have new hairs to tamper with.

We need to realize, as stylists, that we may sometimes swing and miss.  We may sometimes suggest something that was not really suggestable (yeah. I made that up).  We may have cut your hair a little too short.  If you don't tell us then we assume everything is okay.  If you are ever unhappy with your hair, as my client, I would hope that if you liked me enough and respected me enough as your stylist, you would tell me.

Stylists and clients do have close relationships and that's why I think it's best to be honest if you are unhappy.  Obviously there are ways to express your unhappiness that should not include expletives or references to one's mother, but this type of reaction is only going to get you a bad reputation amongst salons.  If you're truly upset then don't call the shop till you've had some time to relax, and think it over.  Don't forget that it is just hair and the professional that caused your emotional collapse can probably fix it if you speak to them in a respectful tone.

I could regale you guys with stories of situations in which a client was unhappy and reacted negatively but that would be pointless.  No one likes to be yelled at or called names.  If your service was less than stellar it is your right as a paying customer to speak to someone in charge, just remember that the individual you are 'complaining' to is a person just like you.  That's the fresh perspective...

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hey boys...

  Seeing that I touched on shoes the last time we hooked up, I'd like to continue on that same vein.

Blue shoes.

How many of you have 'em? Do you have any shoes of color at all?  Colored shoes/sneakers are a great way to change-up a so-so wardrobe.  Remember, stick to the style that you're most comfortable with and the style that suits you best.  Take a look at your current wardrobe and see what it says.  Let the shoes compliment what's on your bod...

the fresh perspective...

PERMANENTS

It seems to me that there are quite a few of you lady folks out there that are getting your locks permed.  We have had at least 3 perms in the last few weeks and because of this I decided to see how everyone feels about permanents.  So funny how the name means long-lasting because they actually aren't that long-lasting for most people...

Why would anyone want a perm?  Maybe you're lazy.  Maybe your hair is *limpy pimpy.  Maybe you've always had straight hair and dream of beautiful waves...  The fact is, if done well, perms are very nice.  You get body, volume, and an easy wash and wear style.

You may not be the best candidate for a perm if your hair is heavily highlighted or chemically damaged.  If you're not sure, just ask your stylist.  Some stylists are anti perms because it's not to easy to guarantee a great permanent look.  Some hairs don't take perms well, some hairs don't curl (they just frizz), some hairs look chemically damaged after the perm.

The best way to avoid any of these things is to make sure your hair is in great shape (preferably virgin) and the stylist perming you is comfortable.  My one tip to you curious perming virgins is, make sure you get a good strong curl pattern.  When you've decided the type of texture you want, it's okay to make it a little tighter.  I have found that if a client wants a loose body wave and no curl it's best for them to leave the salon with curly hair because shampoo tends to loosen up curls.

If you wanted a beachy wave and left the salon loving the looseness, in a month you may have nothing.  It's better to have it curlier than you would like, because then at least, as the perm starts to relax you'll have more longevity.  Does that make sense?  If my client says, "oh! it's so curly...wow...".  I am secretly doing back flips inside because then I know they will love it later on when it relaxes because folks, permanents aren't that permanent.  That's the fresh perspective...

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*limpy pimpy- no body and very limp and life-less.

FYI- We just got a new organic perm in and are itching to try it on people.  If you're interested, reply to this post with your inquiries, we might be able to make it happen for you...  Also, I should say that some people's hairs love perms and they look great and last a while.  Just a little disclaimer...

the fresh perspective...

The Curling Iron In this day and age the flat iron gets all the love.  Intermittently I've been using my curling iron, and I forgot how great it is.  Don't get me wrong, the flat iron is a great all around tool and can do so much, but the curling iron?  The curling iron does not get enough love in this era.

The curling iron has the ability to give more of a full look.  It also makes giving texture to hair quite easy.  The flat iron does take some skill to use as a curling tool.  You need to be be swift with your movements as not to put a 90 degree kink into your locks.  The curling iron is simple and basic and doesn't require much dexterity.  That being said, the curling iron can be a little complicating.

How does one begin to make a decision about the type of iron to get? Well, you can always start by asking your stylist.  He/she will be able to guide you down a good path and should offer all the advice and tips that they know.  There is pretty much an iron for just about any length of hair and any type of hair.

The lovely curling iron is also a bit gentler than a flat iron because they are less hot and don't have two continuous heated plates squeezing the sweetness out of your hairs.   Any type of regular heat styling may leave your hair looking dull and unhealthy so keep that in mind when deciding your styles.

I'm looking forward to this upcoming week of hair.  I'm going to get a few curls into some of my clients hairs and start a revolution!!! That's the fresh perspective...

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the fresh perspective...

Colored Jeans It's the hot look for the summer.  Maybe you just went out and bought a pair, or you dug up an old shade, colored jeans are definitely a trend for summer 2012.

When shopping for your pair of colored jeans, try to keep in line with the type of clothes you currently have in your closet.   If it appears that your closet is full of greys, blacks, and endless neutrals, you might want to go with the pastel colors.  If you are one that likes to change it up all the time, you may want to go with something more vibrant.

Trends are a fun way to spice up your wardrobe.  Don't go nuts and buy seven different shades of colored jeans.  One, maybe two, but if you have a pair for everyday of the week you end up being a slave to the trends and spending way too much money trying to keep up.  They're called trends for a reason, they don't last... That's the fresh perspective...

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20 Questions?

Good Morning all!  The weekend has come and gone and it's the beginning of yet, another week.  How were your days off spent?  What did you do?  What did you accomplish? Set any goals or completed them?  Ah, so many questions...

Why are questions so annoying? You know what I mean... Who are you talking to?  When are you coming back?  Where have you been?  Goodness.  Give me a break already...  The thing is, questions are quite a handy tool.  We use them to learn about things. We use them to solve problems.  They can also tell a lot about the type of individual you are.

When you're young, you use questions to learn how to communicate.  We ask why, and we want to know what simple terms and phrases mean.  When we get older, we use them to impose our will and/or dominate  a conversation.  It's almost used like a weapon, shooting out questions about everything, not really looking for an answer.

Let's try to change the dynamic of questions and use them like children or students do.  Let's use them to learn about an individual, a co-worker, a friend.  And when they answer, really listen.  Let's try to ask questions that triggers answers that will give us knowledge on something we were always curious about.

This week, I'm going to use questions to learn a bit more about the people I work with.  How are you going to use them?

Peace