Beauty School Directory Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Salon’

Six Salon Red Flags

Posted on: March 24th, 2011 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

salon1.    Not Having a License: All salons must have a license in order to practice and the license is usually posted on each hairstylists or esthetician’s desk. Not having a license or expired licenses is a big no-no. The salon is basically telling you their health standards are not up-to-date or their skills are not top-notch. Make sure a license is present!
2.    The Presence of Pets: Pets are cute but they bring up a flag for sanitary conditions. Pets should be kept at home not in a place of work.
3.    Un-kept Bathroom: We clean our own bathrooms frequently, salons should as well. Just like your sink at home may have dirt and hair clippings, scummy sinks can give you a strong vibe of how the salon views cleanliness. Unfilled paper towels and toilet paper are also huge signs of a low quality salon.
4.    Dirty Tools: The sanitation liquid is there on the salon desk for a reason! If all tools aren’t completely submerged in the cleansing liquid, speak up or rethink revisiting!
5.    Washing Your Hands: This one may be harder to catch but each specialist should wash their hands before working on their next client to prevent spreading of germs.
6.    The White Towel: Each client should get one towel during their visit, not to be used on any other client. Shared towels are not only disgusting but can spread unwanted bacteria.

Ever considered going to beauty school or cosmetology school? Search for nearby cosmetology schools and beauty schools now. Stop delaying! Start your cosmetology career!

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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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Recession Fabulous: Cosmetology School Services on the Cheap

Posted on: July 2nd, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 2 Comments

recession-cosmetology-school-pamperingThe recession has unfortunately extended into summer.   Most economists are say signs point to the recession lightening up by the end of the year – but I can’t wait that long for a haircut, can you?

Since the recession hit, the concept of a “staycation” has become incredibly popular.  Many luxury resorts and vacation spots around the world offer salon-and-spa services, and that salon-and-spa pampering  is often an integral part of the trip for some vacationers. But with so many people staying home and trying to save money, they may feel that salon-and-spa days are out of their reach.  As a cosmetology student, this can is the perfect opportunity for you to swoop in and save the day.  Your cosmetology school can offer all the services of a day spa at lower prices than the big-name hotels and spas.

Clients are looking for a lower-cost spa experience, and you are looking to get hands-on practice in cosmetology techniques, so you are a perfect match for each other!  This situation provides a huge opportunity for beauty students and cosmetology schools.  In the past, people have been wary of the service they’ll receive from students at a cosmetology school, so having clients on a budget come in for pampering services in is a great way to prove how modern, professional and enjoyable cosmetology student services can be.  You’ll gain a great deal of experience in your area of cosmetology before you graduate and possibly even build up a client-base that comes with you when you start your career.

So, as a beauty student at cosmetology school, make sure you spread the word on the low cost and high quality of the services your cosmetology school can provide.  The recession is usually a bad thing, but it can be a great opportunity for you.

Is your cosmetology school doing anything to take advantage of these new opportunities? Do you see more clients on a budget coming through your doors?

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Make Our Soldiers Beautiful

Posted on: June 11th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 3 Comments

Give2theTroops Thank You Photo

When a soldier is serving overseas, looking good is on the bottom of the priority list.  Whether they’re in the deserts of the Middle East or out to sea on a Navy ship, their job serving their country is what is most important.  So although they may not focus on their looks, they definitely deserve pampering more than most.

This is where your salon, spa or cosmetology school can help support our troops.  Lisa Hoffman, wife of actor Dustin Hoffman, has started a trend by donating more than $1 million worth of Lisa Hoffman Beauty products to troops and their families.  Your salon or school may not be able to make a donation at that level, but everything counts.
Here are some fast, easy ways to support the troops:

• Collect donations at work or at school that can go to an organization that helps the soldiers. Operation Gratitude accepts monetary donations that go toward the shipping costs of sending the packages.
• If you receive small containers or bottles of health and beauty products from your suppliers you can donate those through Give2TheTroops. They have a wish list of all the health and beauty items soldiers have requested.
• Your salon, spa or school could offer discounts to soldiers and their families. The soldiers need to relax when they get home and it’s tough for their spouses and children to be at home without them, so they could use some pampering too!

These are just some small ways your school or business can help our troops overseas.  A care package including their favorite shampoo or a soothing lotion would let them know we’re all thinking about them while they’re gone.

Is your beauty salon or cosmetology school participating in one of these charitable programs to help the troops and their families? Do you have any other ideas to help the soldiers?

Are beauty careers recession proof?

Posted on: June 4th, 2009 by Beauty Schools Directory 7 Comments

In troubling times, most people feel that their careers could be in jeopardy – but there are a few careers that are not seeing the ax. Cosmetology and beauty careers are among those seeing an increase in demand for skilled professionals.

Some people might feel that spending money on cosmetology services to make them look better will be put on hold in troubling financial times. But it turns out it’s the exact opposite! Since the baby boomers are aging, many feel the hands of time are ticking against them and some will do anything to erase Father Time from their faces, hands and hair. Also, many people can no longer afford those luxurious vacations, and instead take a luxurious trip to the salons and spas.

Many professional women want to make sure that they’re looking their best so that they’re ready for that last-minute job interview or looking polished when out networking.  And everyone still wants to look beautiful for the big events in their lives, such as graduation and weddings.  That means there is an ever-growing demand for licensed estheticians and cosmetologists.

Training to become a beauty professional might be a smart move in troubling times. The demand for cosmetology, hairstyling and esthetics professionals is increasing – even during the recession. And when the economy starts to take off again, studying to become and working as a beauty professional could secure your future even more.

We want to hear from you! Beauty professionals and students, are you worried about the pinch of the recession economy? Or do you have a steady stream of business in these troubling times?

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Tabitha’s Take Over

Posted on: November 4th, 2008 by Beauty Schools Directory 2 Comments

The Pro’s and Con’s of Salon Image

I’m totally hooked on Bravo’s Tabitha’s Salon Takeover. If you haven’t heard of it, Tabitha Coffey, who was a contestant on season one of Shear Genius, now has her own show. She goes to salons that are in dire need of some help. She works with the owners and staff to do a head to toe makeover. We’re not just talking about décor and atmosphere, oh no. We’re talking about stylist habits, attitudes and management styles. In the first half of the show she identifies the pro’s and con’s of a salon, and decides the things that need to be improved upon.

This weekend I went and got a hair cut. I had a Tabitha moment when I walked in and decided to find both the pro’s and con’s of this particular salon. Who better to judge your salons performance than a client, right? Here were my observations:

Pros:
• Extremely friendly receptionist – She greeted me at the door, asked my name and offered me a drink or a snack. She made me feel welcome and it was a great start to my salon experience. First impressions are everything, ya know.

• Waiting area – The waiting area was very clean and comforting. There were comfortable chairs that matched and new magazines that were neatly laid out on the table. I felt comfortable and relaxed in the 10 minute wait I had before my appointment, it seemed to fly by. This is a far cry from some salons where the waiting area seems to be hap-hazzardly thrown together with any available furniture and 6-month old Better Homes and Gardens magazines that are strewn across a table that clearly hasn’t been wiped down in weeks!

Cons:
• Stylist Stations – My stylist’s station wasn’t the picture of cleanliness. There were bits of hair floating around and you could tell that she has spilled some hair color earlier in the day and hadn’t cleaned it up properly. The color didn’t bother me, but the floating hairs were a little disgusting.

• Hair brush – Here’s where I got really turned off. The stylist picks up a brush that had someone else’s hair in it, and used it on me. She clearly hadn’t made an effort to clean out her brush from her previous appointments before she used it on me. That’s really gross! I don’t know how well groomed the other clients were!! Had she taken the time to clean out her brush after her last appointment, I would have never known the difference.

• Conversation – For the first 5-10 minutes of my appointment, I sat there in awkward silence as my stylist washed and combed my hair. She made no real effort to talk with me or get to know me as her client.

It’s all about the details! Most stylists on Tabitha’s show scoff at the idea that hair in a brush is a problem. “No one will even notice!” they say. And as Tabitha says “Yeah, but you’re clients will!”.

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