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Tennis Star Serena Williams Goes to Beauty School!

Posted on: February 18th, 2010 by Beauty Schools Directory 1 Comment

serena-1-croppedTennis super star Serena Williams has accomplished pretty much every thing a tennis player dreams of. She’s won over $30 Million in prize money, Olympic Gold Medals and more titles than I can count! And let’s not forget her partnership with Mission Skincare, and  her uber-popular line of handbags, jewelry and clothing sold on HSN. Once a girl has accomplished all that, what’s left for her to do? Go to beauty school, that’s what!

Serena recently posted an entry on her blog sharing that she’s enrolled in a Florida nail tech school near her home. What made her decide to enroll? Her love of a good mani/pedi!

“No one likes getting their nails done more than I do.  As a matter of fact I go every 4 days to get a manicure and every 7 days for a pedicure. So, I had a brilliant idea to get certified to be a nail tech. Besides the fact that I am coming out with a nail collection from a company called HairTech, I thought “Serena this is a no brainer.”  Immediately after I came home from the Australian Open I researched some schools and enrolled in a course that allowed me to complete 240 hours (that’s what u have to do to get certified at least in Fla.) at my own pace. 240 hours may seem like a lot, but I intend on completing it within the year.”

Serena snapped some pics of herself and her classmates on their first day at nail tech school. Take a look!

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“Today was my first day and boy was I excited! When I got there, they immediately had us do pedicures on each other. I wanted to make sure I did it just the way the real salons do it, so I began with asking the girl if she wanted any water to drink. I was so relieved when she said no, because honestly, I didn’t have any to give her. Then I asked her to pick a color and she said French!! I’ve never done french, but I was determined to not butcher it.  Luckily, thanks to my weekly pedicures I took my time and it came out great. I know it wasn’t just me thinking I did good because all of the other girls kept asking if I had done this before. They thought I was on that show called “I get that a lot!”

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“My next class is in a few days, but I’ll keep you guys posted on my progress. Don’t be surprised if you hear about a part time job I’ve picked up at a local nail salon.”

How awesome is that?! What do you think about Serena’s decision to go to beauty school? How would you react if a celeb turned up in your cosmetology school class? Let’s hear it!

Photos: Global Grind

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Valentine’s Day Beauty – Countdown to a Night on the Town

Posted on: February 11th, 2010 by Beauty Schools Directory 1 Comment

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Valentine’s Day is just a few days away! Got big plans? Here are 5 steps for an easy beauty prep!

3 Days Away – Wax Poetic

Give yourself enough time to bounce back from bikini clean up. You don’t want to get caught with swelling, redness, and tenderness, but not too far ahead because annoying new hairs can pop up quick.

Not sure you’re up for a wax? Why not try a great alternative?

2 Days Away – Faux Glow Spray

As any esthetician will tell you, avoid the tanning beds. If you want a faux glow, try a spray tan booth. Two days should be enough for it to soak in so you can rinse the excess off. You want to look hot, not look like you’re auditioning for Jersey Shore.

Day Before – Eyebrow Wax

Give your brow a little time to heal after the treatment creates some redness. You want him to gaze into your eyes, not get distracted by what’s going on between them.

Morning Of – Get Ready with a ManiPedi

The big day means a Sunday morning nail session is in order. A neutral shade is always chic, but don’t be afraid to experiment for a seductive result.

Just Hours to Go – Care for Hair

This is where you can really shine and be noticed. Try something different, like loose waves for the big night, or boost the body and control with a little bit of salt water treatment. Have a look at these professional styles so you can make it sexy and unexpected!

Ready to go? Apply your favorite lip gloss to your kissable pout and have fun this Sunday night!

Grammy Beauty 2010

Posted on: February 2nd, 2010 by Beauty Schools Directory 1 Comment

Grammy night 2010 was full of hot music performances and high fashion that kept everyone talking well into the next day. But let’s not overlook the beauty! Take a look at some of our favorite beauty looks of the 2010 Grammys and the products you can use to recreate them at home or on your clients.

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Carrie Underwood’s look was all glamour for the Grammys! She went for the smokey eye and nude lip combo, which is a modern classic. Try Lauren Luke My Smokey Classics and My Glossy Lips Complete Makeup Palette to recreate Carrie’s look with just one set of products!

Carrie’s shoulder length bob was incredibly shiny and featured a sultry side-swept bang. To get locks that shine like the American Idol star’s, smooth on a dime sized amount of CHI Silk Infusion before styling hair with a flat iron.


taylor-swiftTaylor Swift channeled old Hollywood for her big night at the Grammys. Her wavy ‘do, kohl rimmed eyes and sheer red lip color was a blast from the beauty past! Even the straightest hair can mimic Taylor’s sexy waves with the Rsession Tools Nalu Waver.

To get Taylor’s makeup look, line the upper and lower eyelid with Make Up For Ever Kohl Pencil for dramatic effect, and finish the look with Lipstick Queen Medieval Lipstick for a sheer burst of crimson color, and a healthy dose of Vitamin E.

lady-gagaLady Gaga not only turns heads with her performances, but with her show-stopping beauty looks. While this look in its entirety is not for every day wear (or the faint of heart) there are some great things to be pulled from this look.

For starters, Lady Gaga’s eye makeup application was impeccable! The strong brow, metallic eye color and lush lashes made for a bold and dramatic eye look. Create a bold, but natural, eye brow with MAC Eye Brows pencil. Turn to MAC Eye Shadow in Electra and MAC 6 Lash false lashes for perfect duplicates of the products used on Lady Gaga.

For a mod look, recreate Lady Gaga’s pastel pink pout with Lime Crime Candyfuture Lipstick in Great Pink Planet. If you really want to take a walk on the wild side, clip in a few Yellow Clip On Hair Extensions to bring out your inner Lady Gaga!

So, what do you think of these beauty looks? Will you be trying any of them? What celeb had your favorite look on Grammy night? Let us hear it!

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Forty and Fabulous

Posted on: January 24th, 2010 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

by Beth Neely

As most of us do, I went home for the holidays to visit my family. I was lucky enough to have my 19 year old step-daughter Jordan with me. While home we were looking at some old photos my mother has hanging on her paneled wall.

Jordan was like, “Is that you?”

“Yes dear, that’s me.”

And then it hit me, my hair still looks exactly the same as it did 22 years ago when I graduated from high school. Of course, I color lovely grey, in addition to the mousy brown; with the help of Garnier #80. I had to break-up with my stylist, whom I loved, since it cost me a weeks worth of daycare just to get my hair dyed.

THEN

Beth Neely

NOW

Beth now

In high school my love affair was with the product Sun In. I would actually spray this stuff on my roots when they grew out and sleep in it. Yes, you read it right, sleep in it … and my hair didn’t fall out. Maybe we should name it Moon In! Did you know that they still make that stuff? I checked.

So, this goes out to all the 40-something women out there who are subconsciously trying to hold onto their youth. If you’ve found a way to update your look, without looking frumpy and forty, but forty and fabulous please let me know. Or if there is a stylist in KC who wants to do a make-over and be on this site, let me know. I’m game!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Posted on: January 21st, 2010 by Beauty Schools Directory 3 Comments

by Michael Mackie

My hair stylist just up and moved to Joplin, MO. No call. No goodbye. Just left.

I was devastated. And I can’t even begin to TELL you how distraught my hair is over the situation. It’s like losing a best friend … a best friend with magical clippers.

I’m losing hair where I need it … and I’m gaining hair where I don’t want it.

So I’ve started the long, laborious and painful process of shopping for a new hair guru. My hair takes a village … and so does finding the right person with the right touch.

But where do I start? Do I have a friend refer THEIR stylist? Nah. Most of my friend’s have not changed their look since … well, birth. Do I just stop in to random salons and demand to see their stylist’s qualifications? Nah. Even with eight million certifications, you could be a top-notch stylist, but a horrible colorist. So what’s a boy to do?

Now that I’m settling in to my ‘30’s, I just realized only five people have ever touched the (now-thinning) hairs on my head … so, clearly, I’m vain about what’s left on top of my melon.

So, I’ve decided to start interviewing people to find out why they WANT my business. And, more importantly, if they can help me achieve my hair goal. (Uh, which is to look like Aaron Eckhart, less I digress.) Trust me, if my hairdresser came back … first, I’d smack him for leaving. But I’d go back in a heartbeat because he was phenomenal at what he did.

So as I head in 2008, I’m open to any ideas or suggestions on finding someone brilliant, talented, and can make that bald spot on top of my head disappear. And, finally, my new stylist better have a good head on their shoulders.

A good head with hair almost, but not quite, as good as mine.

Beauty? There’s an app for that.

Posted on: January 7th, 2010 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

2010 Beauty & Technology Trends2010 promises to be an innovative year for the beauty industry.  Stem cell face lifts and blood fillers are the current bizarre trends in youthful skin procedures, while a new iPhone beauty- app craze has taken the world of beauty to a virtual level.  Want to try on a new hair color without the risk?  There’s an app for that.  Want to “measure your attractiveness”?  There’s an app for that!

If you have resolved to get rid of those wrinkles in the New Year, blood fillers may be the way to go.  To begin the procedure, platelets and fibrin are separated out from your own blood.  This mixture is then injected beneath the surface of the skin at the targeted site.  After eight weeks, new collagen, skin cells, and blood vessels form to help erase signs of aging.  The results are supposedly long-lasting with no side effects, and more importantly, it seems the 2009 vampire craze has followed us into the new decade.

Similarly, “stem cell face lifts” use your body’s own materials to rejuvenate skin.  Fat and stem cells are harvested from your own body (usually in the abdominal area) and then grafted to your face.  Stem cells currently existing in your face are then “awakened” and trigger further growth of the implanted fat and existing skin cells.  Although this sounds like quite the procedure, the process can be conducted in an about an hour under local anesthesia, with only a week recovery time.

Perhaps one of most easily accessible of beauty innovations in 2010 are the beauty applications for the iPhone.  Apps like “color try,” and “MakeUP” allow beauty consumers to test different hair colors and make up brands on uploaded pictures before spending and committing.   Have you ever wondered how attractive your really are?  Download the “vanity” application and you will get an unbiased rating of your looks based on objective measurements.

With so many beauty industry advancements, we can all hope for a good-lookin’ 2010.

Another hot trend in 2010 is getting connected online in the beauty industry. The best place on the web to do that is at the Beauty School Lounge, where you can network with other students and professionals in the business, post online cosmetology portfolios, find beauty and cosmetology jobs, watch beauty tutorials and much more. Check it out now!

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Champagne used in pedicures?

Posted on: November 5th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 1 Comment

Nail technicians use champaigne oil and grape peel scrub for pedicures.Pop the cork and celebrate your… feet! There’s a new ingredient fighting age spots and exfoliating your tootsies and you can only get it from France: Champagne! Some salons are offering champagne pedicures to help soothe your tired feet. Have you heard of this new beauty salon service?

How it works: your feet are soaked in a rose mineral bath and a nail technician massages champagne oil into your feet, and then applies a grape peel scrub. Champagne oil is high in antioxidants, and it helps activate the grape peel scrub, which makes the skin glow.

Some nail technicians claim that this pedicure is also good for diabetic clients because it supposed to stimulate circulation. This can also build the capillaries that diabetic patients lose.

Why settle for regular pedicures when you can have the champagne of pedicures – literally!

Have you experienced or has your salon offered this champagne pedicure service? Better yet, have you learned about this fancy new process in your nail technician training?

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Where Hair Extensions Come From

Posted on: October 21st, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 3 Comments

Hair Extensions from IndiaHave you ever wondered where hair extensions come from? According to Oprah.com, 1000 tons of human hair are imported into the U.S. every year. The finest quality hair comes from India.

One Indian landmark in particular is famous for exporting human hair. The Venkateswara Temple in Southern India earns around 18 million a year selling hair to exporters. As one of Hinduism’s holiest sites, worshipers to this temple leave an offering of their hair for Lord Venkateswara. Cutting off hair for religious reasons is part of a ritual called tonsuring.

Some salons sell this “temple hair” anywhere from $2000 to $4000 depending on the length of the extensions.
Hair from India is also collected by village women who pool their hair together and sell it to exporters. Other women collect hair after it falls out naturally and sell it.

If you want to learn how to do hair extensions and become a professional hairstylist, find cosmetology schools near you.

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Using Botox to treat acne?

Posted on: September 24th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 12 Comments

Botox a Treatment for Acne?Chicago plastic surgeon Anil Shah M.D. recently published the only study ever done showing that Botox lowers the skin’s oil production and thus, can be used to treat acne. “Botox definitely clears up acne,” says Dr. Shah, who has treated about 100 patients in this way.

Of course, the media and spas around the country jumped on this information. “Another acne-treatment product to throw at consumers!” Only one small large problem. It seems like Botox as an acne treatment isn’t really that great of an idea.  When tiny amounts of Botox are injected directly throughout the dermis of face, yes, oil production is limited. But, sorry Dr. Shah, seems like Botox injections are a stupid way to treat breakouts.

First, to significantly reduce oil production, very large areas of the face would need to be treated, resulting in the expressionless look for which Botox is often mocked.

Second, the procedure is difficult. Even Dr. Shah admits that “Experience here is really essential.” The muscle paralyzer has to be injected directly into a layer of skin just 1/25th of an inch thick. If it’s injected too deeply it can alter the patient’s facial expressions.

Third, Botox as an acne treatment can be prohibitively expensive. Once you find a doctor willing to treat your break-outs in this way, a treatment can cost upwards of $500 and last for only 4 months.

Of course, this is only my opinion of Botox as an acne treatment. I tend to be skeptical of most trendy things, though. And over a few years, my skepticism usually proves to be right. Atkins Diet, anyone?

What do you think about the prospect of Botox being used to treat acne? Estheticians, skin care specialists and makeup artists – do you think Botox is a viable solution to cure or treat acne?

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The Risky Business of Body Waxing

Posted on: August 13th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 4 Comments

tiffany-hall-ms-esthetician.jpgTiffany Hall is a licensed esthetician and certified massage therapist, as well as a makeup artist with more than 16 years of experience “painting faces,” as she likes to put it. Tiffany is passionate about skin care, waxing, sanitation and supporting local business. She graduated from David Pressley School of Cosmetology in 2004 with a diploma in esthetics, Origin Institute of Massage Therapy in 2005 with her massage diploma, and Dale Carnegie in January 2009 in Human Relations and Communications. Follow her on Twitter @msesthy or become a fan on Facebook.

You’ve finished your cosmetology and esthetics training, passed your cosmetology board exams with flying colors and now you are ready to take on the world. Bright eyed and bushy tailed you have put together an esthetician resume and cover letter that gets results. “You’re hired!” Those words are music to your ears and they have given you the confidence boost that you need in order to live your dreams of being an esthetician, performing waxing, facials, cuts, colors or round brushing. You can’t wait to tell all of those who have loved and supported you throughout your beauty school journey and start your first day.

Taking the Helm: On-the-Job Training
It’s your first day on the job and you are in your treatment room or station at the salon, and Mrs. Smyth walks in unexpected and needs a facial wax. She is headed out of town for business tomorrow. You are the only one available and the receptionist books her with you. Yay – your first official client!  Your esthetician career is off to a great start.

You go through your mental check list:

  • Wax Melted √
  • Strips √
  • Applicators √
  • Gloves √
  • Client form completely filled out √

In the midst of you servicing your first waxing client, the owner walks over and says, “Take good care of Mrs. Smyth, she’s a regular. Oh, and by the way we use one applicator per client.” You hesitantly comply with her wishes after all she is the owner and you don’t want to make any waves on your first day. The receptionist tells you before handing you your only tip (Mrs. Smyth’s) that the owner would like to speak to you. The walk to the back office is one of the longest walks you’ll ever take. You get there and nervously sit down, and ask, “Is something wrong?” She says “Yes, Mrs. Smyth complained about how long it took you to wax her and that your gloves kept sticking to her face, and I noticed that you used too many supplies for that one service.”

Don’t Rock The Boat, Baby?
You are at the pinnacle of your career, you work in a posh Midwest salon, and the potential for growth is endless. Just one problem – they are unsanitary! I mean DISGUSTING.  They break every sanitation in the book. They double-dip during waxing, don’t wear gloves, their wax pots are a health code violation, and you, the germaphobe, are forced to go along with their unsanitary practices. After all, your job is on the line. In your heart you know that double-dipping and not wearing gloves while waxing is risky business, but you need your job. So you grin and bear it.

Making Waves
Sanitation during body waxing is a very touchy subject and has been known to spark the most heated debates among spa and salon professionals. So much so that people are afraid of losing their jobs if they speak out. If sanitation is an important issue to you and you are unwilling to compromise (good for you!), take these steps to find the right

  • Put it in writing. Use your resume and cover letter along with your application to state your intentions upfront to perform the highest quality, most sanitary waxing services.
  • Take a stand or take a walk. If you are serious about sanitation and unwilling to take the risks associated with double-dipping and not wearing gloves while waxing, do not compromise your standards.
  • Be on the lookout. There are countless spas and salons out there that practice safe sanitation when performing waxing services. Keep going until you find the right one.
  • Ask and you shall receive. During any routine interview the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions. This is your chance to ask about their sanitation practices and inform them early on that it is important to you.
  • Call in reinforcement. You’ve been gainfully employed, and aside from the waxing violations things are perfect. Before you approach management concerning their sanitation fiasco, do your research. Find others that share your point of view on safety and sanitation and broach the subject with management in a respectful manner with solutions in mind.
  • Put yourself in their shoes. This may be very embarrassing for them. Take their feelings into consideration and assure them that it is in the spa’s best interest to provide the safest services to your clients.

As trained, licensed estheticians, you know the benefits of body waxing are endless. As we are in peak season for waxing and sun, remember what you learned in cosmetology school about safety and sanitation for waxing procedures, and put your clients’ health first. It is a win-win for everyone. Your clients leave safe and happy, your salon has repeat customers coming back for the highest quality services, and you will always know you’ve done the right thing.

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