Posts by Penny
Oliver’s Looks at Current Beauty Trends
The beauty world is creative, competitive and inspiring. There are trends constantly emerging. With the help of Instagram and other social media platforms, we are able to see these trends on a daily basis. In this blog, I will dig a little deeper on some current trends that are considered influential and tell you exactly what we think here at Oliver's!
DIP POWDER MANICURES - YES OR NO?
One trend I’ve been seeing in particular is the dip powder nails. They are supposed to be stronger and longer lasting than gel nails. They are being compared to acrylic nails. I researched all that is the dip powder manicure to learn more about this trendy nail. Essentially, it is what it sounds like; you dip your nail in powder. Instead of using UV rays to seal your polish, the pigmented powder does the job. They are rumored to not ruin your nails the way that other manicures do.
However, if you’re getting a dip powder manicure at a salon, chances are you will be dipping your nails in a pot of pigmented powder that other people have dipped into. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want to double dip with a stranger. Although they turn out beautiful, it doesn’t make sense for a salon to be unsanitary for beauty reasons. This is exactly why Oliver’s does not partake in the dip powder manicure. In other words this trend is considered a NO for us.
SKINCARE - YES OR NO?
Less makeup, more sunscreen. With new skincare companies emerging, they are shedding some light on the importance of the health of our skin. They are pushing products that improve the look and texture of your skin, fight aging and repel the harmful UV rays. More than ever before, people are getting more facials, dermaplaning, peels, etc. Instagram models and influencers have perfect, soft skin with no makeup thus making it trendy. YES, this is a trend we can totally get behind.
Here at Oliver’s we offer a range of services for skincare. From facials to products, we have a lot to choose from. For example, we have more than five different facials as well as add-ons to customize what is most beneficial for your skin. We have a product for every issue you have as well as educated aestheticians who can provide you with tips and information to better your skincare routine.
LASHES - YES OR NO?
People are lashing out and ditching the mascara. Lash extensions, lash lifts and lash tints are everywhere. This trend has become so in demand that we are starting to need more aestheticians trained in lash services to keep up with the clientele. Can you blame everyone? Long lashes gives a sort of confidence that is unexplainable and cuts down makeup application time. This would be perfect for busy bodies, moms on the go and well, pretty much anyone. We say YES to this trend. Here at Oliver’s, we offer lash extensions, lash lifts and lash tints.
If you have any questions on the current trendy services we offer, call us at (610)-366-8808. Remember, we offer online booking as well!
Benefits of a Spa Day
Life’s stress can hurt us both mentally and physically. Being extra kind to yourself helps alleviate some of that stress and can put you in the right mind frame to tackle what's next. In this blog, we will go over what a spa day at Oliver’s could do for your mental and physical health as well as your confidence. After all, everyone deserves a spa day!
MENTAL HEALTH
As anxiety and depression is at an ultimate incline, we’re all looking for ways to keep ourselves motivated, calm and happy. At times, it becomes a struggle when day-to-day occurrences keep us on our toes. However, the purpose of this blog is to inform our readers that there are small things you can do for yourself that add up.
Keep yourself a priority. Find ways to relax. One of the biggest (and in my opinion most helpful) ways to relax is getting a massage. Massages are known to lower your production of cortisol. Cortisol is the stress hormone that is released when you’re actually feeling stressed. This hormone, once triggered, is a forever flowing river. Massages also increase your white blood cell count.
Massages of all kinds can also use essential oils, which are said to relieve stress and anxiety. Aromatherapy can be extra helpful as these oils are warmed and used in your massage. After a relaxing massage, you will feel as though you are ready to fall asleep. Nothing is better than a good night’s rest!
PHYSICAL HEALTH
Anytime you feel guilty about treating yourself to a spa day, remember; there are physical benefits to your services. For example, getting a manicure and pedicure can clean up dead skin and prolong the health and life of your nail. Regular manicures and pedicures can prevent fungi from growing under and around your nails.
Massages can work out any muscular pain you have while boosting your immunity and lowering your blood pressure. Facials can eliminate dead skin and restore your largest organ- your skin. A good, professional shampoo and/or scalp treatment can clean the dead skin from your scalp and promote hair growth. Waxing exfoliates the skin all while getting rid of pesky body hair.
CONFIDENCE
Look good, feel good, do good. I don’t know about you, but I live by this motto. Yes, it helps me deal with the fact that I may have a bit of a shopping problem, but we all do what we have to do. After a spa day, your confidence could boost. For example, if your gray hairs are showing and you come in for a touch up color, you walk out feeling so much better about yourself. Our vanity is worth much more than we like to think.
In a world where confidence can make or break someone, we want to help be a part of the “make” part. If you notice a whole bunch of blackheads and treat yourself to a facial with extractions, you will notice your skin glowing right away. This small, fine feeling will help you conquer the day, trust me. Looking our best helps us be our best.
ROUTINE?
Our mental and physical health as well as our confidence is important. How we feel on the inside and outside determines the kind of person we are, how we act and what we do. Spa days or services here and there need to be a part of your routine. Plus, who doesn’t love self-care? If you aren’t convinced by now, refer back to paragraph 1 and read through the entire blog again until it hits you. Take care of your body for it is your forever home!
If you're ready to book your spa day, let's do it. Give us a call at (610) 366-8808 or book online!
Here Comes the Bride
Looking for a place to provide you with the perfect look on your big day? Well, Oliver’s has all the brides-to-be and their bridesmaids covered. As an all service salon, we have a number of services to choose from. Whether it’s for the big day or for your bachelorette party, we would love to serve you!
BRIDAL HAIR
On your wedding day, you want to look picture perfect. Here at Oliver’s, our stylists can do all sorts of up-dos and wedding hair. As long as you have a picture for reference, we can make it happen. Here are some examples of wedding do’s that will inspire you.
BRIDAL MAKEUP
Putting your best face forward is important on your wedding day. While there are makeup tutorials all over the internet, having a professional do your makeup limits your risk. Our mua’s are aestheticians who have had extensive training and practice in the makeup field. They know how to properly apply and make your look last the whole day! We use mostly Aveda products, but we also carry several others. If you’re like me, you have your favorite shade of lipstick. Bring it in. We don’t mind teaching you how to properly apply it!
BRIDAL NAILS
Most brides also get their nails done at Oliver's. We have a wide range of different nail styles. We have regular polish, gel polish, LCN and poly gel. You can keep it classic or add designs. Either way, our nail techs are skilled in the wedding nails area. If you're a Pinterest wedding planner, bring a picture. Our nail techs are always up for a challenge!
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Besides makeup and hair services, we offer a number of services that a bride or bridesmaid would enjoy. We have had many brides get their nails done, a facial and a massage. We do offer several packages containing a number of services, but you can always choose your own. The important thing to remember is to book ahead, especially if there are a lot of people in your party. We want to make sure we have enough time to make the day all about you!
If you have any questions about scheduling services for your special day, give us a call at (610)-366-8808 or book online.
New Year, New Skin
Get rid of last years skin
Dull, lifeless skin goes hand in hand with the winter weather. What if I told you there is a way to have summer glowing skin in the middle of winter? Warning: reading this blog may result in you booking an appointment immediately after. It’s okay though. We’re prepared.
In this blog, we will go over the process of dermaplaning, the benefits of it and other facts and myths that first timers may not know. Here at Oliver’s, you can receive Dermaplaning as a stand alone service, or add it to any of our facials!
WHAT IS DERMAPLANING?
With beauty trends changing and advancing every week, or so it seems, it’s a little hard to keep up. There’s always a new study, product or routine that our skin could benefit from. It’s all very exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Luckily, here at Oliver’s, we try our best to keep you updated and in the loop.
So, what is Dermaplaning? Essentially, it is the removal of dead skin cells and peach fuzz all while stimulating the production of fresh, new skin cells. It’s an exfoliation technique that involves a specialized instrument to scrape away those dead skin cells and peach fuzz.
NOTE: When we say scraping, it’s important to know that this service does not hurt. In fact, you might fall asleep.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
First, the skin is cleansed. Doing this removes any excess makeup, lotion or any other products that might be lingering on the skin. This helps set the skin for a more effective service.
An aesthetician takes the specialized tool, which is a surgical single razor blade, and holds it at a 45 degree angle. Starting on the forehead, the aesthetician will begin the process, doing one side of the face first, following by the other.
Following the exfoliation, a warm towel will be placed on the face to remove any excess hair or dead skin that may have been left behind. Is there anything more relaxing than a warm towel?
After that, a peel will be applied to the skin. This is when the treatment is most effective, due to the skin already being penetrated and able to absorb the product more, thus having more of an outcome. Then a serum (if needed) will be applied as well as a moisturizer.
At the end of the service, upon request, you will be able to see all of the dead skin cells and peach fuzz that came off of your skin. To me, this is the most satisfying part of the service. To others, it may seem disgusting.
WHO SHOULD GET IT?
Dermaplaning is for women of all and every skin type and skin color. Realistically, you should be around your 30’s and up, but that is not set in stone. Although, we wouldn’t recommend a 16 year old girl getting it done. This service is for anyone who wants to improve the health and appearance of their skin as well as the texture and tone.
BENEFIT?
Now the good part. What EXACTLY will I notice besides what a simple pamphlet will say? Well, you will notice a more glowing and softer appearance right away. There will be a little redness directly after, but luckily there is no down time. By down time, I mean healing.
There are minimal risks of breakouts following the service as well. Your makeup will glide on a lot easier, so you will notice yourself using less. On top of the instant benefits, you will notice a reduction in fine lines, hyper pigmentation and acne scars. Due to the quick results, I would recommend this service before a social event!
CONCLUSION
If you have read this blog and decide dermaplaning is something worth checking out, give us a call at (610) 366-8808 or book online. If you have any questions following the blog, shoot us a message via social media or give us a call. Any of our aestheticians would be happy to help!
Moroccan Oil 101
Do you have untamable, dry or oily hair? What about dull, lifeless and frizzy hair? After meeting with a Moroccan Oil sales representative and asking tons of questions, I felt the need to share the product knowledge with the rest of the world. Also, as a Moroccan Oil product user myself, I love to rave about their products (especially the treatment). Oliver’s is one of the few salons that retail Moroccan Oil products and keep up with the new products being offered as well. In this blog, I will highlight some of the best selling products, some common mistakes that are used when using products and some of the benefits that Moroccan Oil products can offer.
If you’re like me, your bathroom is filled with many different products from many different brands. It’s difficult to try a product and actually stick with it when new products are constantly being created and marketed so well. Plus, many brands don’t make products for different hair conditions as well as styles. Hair products are not a one size fits all type of deal. Sometimes the product has to fit the person, not the other way around. These products have been around for a while and have a trust worthy reputation, which is why they were blog worthy to me. Also, the signature smell of their products is enough to write a book about.
Issues? Let's solve them
Let it be known that Moroccan Oil Treatment is the cure-all. This is the exception to the one size fits all product rule stated above. It literally fixes every issue and you can pair it with almost every single Moroccan Oil product. I prefer to pair mine with the hydrating styling cream. It serves as a good base for ANY hair style I decide to go with. Let’s call it a magic potion from now on.
Moroccan Oil Hair Treatment and Moroccan Oil Hydrating Styling Cream
Dry hair?
If you’re like me and use a straightener or any other kind of heat styling tool on a daily basis, your hair could probably use a tall drink of water. I’m constantly experiencing dry hair and constantly looking for products to mend it. Obviously the magic potion helps with this problem on a day to day basis but there are many other products that help with hydration on a more long term scale. If you’re looking for hydration from the start, Moroccan Oil offers Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner. The shampoo & conditioner is sulfate, phosphate and paraben free and is infused with vitamins A & E and red algae which replenishes your hair and helps it grow. There are different types of shampoo and conditioner to choose from too, such as hydrating,
Moroccan Oil also offers two different types of masks for the ultimate hydration. The Intense Hydrating Mask is for thick, dry hair while the Weightless Hydrating Mask is for fine, dry hair. Both masks improve the overall feel and shine of your hair making you have selfie worthy locks. There is also a Hydrating Styling Cream that functions well when mixed with the magic potion for day to day styling on dehydrated hair. I use it almost every day!
Dry scalp? Split ends?
Personally, I have dry scalp all year round with a side of product build up. I also wear all black, so I really don’t need flakes cramping my style. I have tried tea tree oil and several shampoos and haven’t quite found a product that really tackles the problem (and the flakes) without irritating my scalp.
Moroccan Oil offers a Dry Scalp Treatment. Not only does it take the flakes away, but it eliminates the pesky irritation with the help of Salicylic Acid and Geranium Essential Oils. Word from the rep is it makes your scalp smell amazing too. Who doesn’t love that? I’m looking forward to trying it out, especially in the winter season when the flakes are on full effect!
For those of you with split ends, a product that would save your hair's life is the Mending Infusion. It seals split ends and gives you that 'just walked out of the salon' look. Talk about a way to extend your haircut!
Lack of volume? No texture?
Big hair will forever be “in” and some of us suffer from flat hair or thin hair that needs a little boost. Moroccan Oil offers several texture products, but the one that I find it hard to live without is the Dry Texture Spray. Most dry texture sprays can either be sticky or smell bad. This stuff, along with every other Moroccan Oil product, smells AMAZING and really does what it says it will on the bottle.
If you’re looking to kill two birds with one stone, you can check out the Dry Shampoo. Personally, if I run out of dry texture spray, I use dry shampoo to give me a little extra lift and style (besides taking care of my oily scalp). There are two types, Light Tones and Dark Tones. This is helpful because most dry shampoos are made with some sort of talcum powder. Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo is made with rice starches, which eliminates the white powdery look in your roots along with the color tint in the product. The Light Tones is for blonde hair and the Dark Tones is for darker hair. This also aids to eliminating that ugly white residue that sits in your roots and helps keep your color looking vibrant, even if you haven’t washed your hair in three days. Minimum effort, maximum results.
Curly hair?
Any person with curly hair knows the struggle of blow drying, brushing and styling. I feel like Moroccan Oil understands. So much so that they have seven products dedicated to curly hair. SEVEN. Each one has a specific function but the one I want to highlight is the Curl Defining Cream. It’s a lightweight styling cream that makes room for bouncy curls that are smooth and shiny. Whether you have tiny tight curls or more loose curls, this product conditions and cares for them.
Moroccan Oil Hydrating Cream and Moroccan Oil Curl Defining Cream
Let's address some mistakes that happen pretty often...
- Conditioner is for your ends, not your scalp.
- Keep your shampoo on your scalp, not your ends.
- Don't put any products on your scalp unless the product is intended for scalp use.
- You can mix the magic potion with any of your styling products.
- Use a heat protectant before styling your hair with hot tools.
- A little bit goes a long way.
You're welcome.
Warning:
Everyday use with these products may result in hair that everyone wants to touch and smell. Let them, it's okay.
There are SO many more Moroccan Oil products besides the ones that I have mentioned. So if you have any additional questions about Moroccan Oil products after reading this blog, I would be more than happy to help, as would any of our other staff. Also, if you’re interested in seeing what else they offer, check out the Moroccanoil website. A little bit of knowledge goes a long way. (Plus, your hair deserves it)
To learn more about what products we offer, give Oliver’s a call at (610) 366-8808 or book online.
Oliver’s Gift Cards
What better way to say Happy Holidays than with a gift card? Whether it’s a lot or a little, gift cards make the best stocking stuffers and overall gifts. I’ve always preferred gift cards so I could spend that money exactly how I want to. Oliver’s offers gift cards and gift certificates all packaged and ready to gift.
“Ugh, Gift Cards Are So Unthoughtful.”
We all know the gift card is the perfect gift for someone who has everything. If you’re at a loss and don’t know what to get a person, gift cards happen to work great too. Some people say it’s the lazy way of gifting, but I think it’s a little more thoughtful.
Gift cards give the person the power to pick exactly what they want. When buying gift cards from Oliver’s, we don’t require a minimum or maximum. You could put any amount on a card or pick a service and put the amount of the service on the card.
Why are Oliver’s Gift Cards so special?
With our gift cards, we give you the works. We package the gift card in a square envelope with a ribbon tied around it, put it in a small gift bag with our logo on the side along with tissue paper and a menu. Basically, we give your gift card to you all ready to go.
When you purchase a gift card, there is no minimum set amount you need. You can load the card up with the value of your choice, or ask us how much a specific service is. For example, many people come in and want to gift a pedicure, so they buy the gift card for the cost of that service. The gift cards can go towards any of our products too!
Those of you who are purchasing a gift card from Oliver’s should know that there is information that we need to know. For example, who the gift card is going to. If that person has been here before, they are saved in our system and easier to locate. If they are not, we like to ask for a phone number to enter them as a client. We do this so if the gift card ever gets lost, we can easily search the client’s name and see the gift card saved in our system. This way, everybody wins.
What if I am unable to purchase a gift card in person but I REALLY want one?
Lucky for our out-of-towners, or loved ones from far away, we give you the option to purchase a gift card from miles, towns and even states away. All you have to do is give us a call. Oliver's sends gift certificates via email to you, or the person you want to surprise. We even send physical gift cards in the mail! (Which is something not a lot of other places do) We know how important it is to find the perfect gift. If that perfect gift is an Oliver’s Salon & Spa gift card, then we want to make sure everyone has that option.
Convinced? Give us a call at (610)-366-8808 or purchase one online!
The Reality of Buying Professional Products Online
Let’s face it, hair products can get pricey. We all love to save money where and when we can, but is it worth sacrificing your hair? I don’t know about you, but when it comes to my hair, I don’t like to take risks. There are tons of products out there and sometimes it can be difficult to choose the right one. Chances are, if you have been to a salon or ever had your hair done professionally, your stylist will recommend products that fit with your hair, and chances are, you use it. In this blog, I will give you a few pointers to keep in mind when purchasing your hair products.
In this online shopping era that we all live in, it’s so easy to get exactly what you want with just a click of a button. While online purchasing is super convenient and sometimes more price friendly, if you’re not careful, you can end up purchasing something completely different from what you wanted. If you’re like me, you probably click “order” without reading the full description of a product too. Here at Oliver’s, we want you to have your best, beautiful hair and will go to any length to help you achieve that.
So here’s your first tip: Do your research.
Read, read read! I can’t stress this enough. If you’re ordering your product from Amazon, Groupon or another online seller that is not the company itself or a salon, make sure you read the fine print. Is the title of the product legitimate? Is the seller legitimate too? Do they have a good track record? Definitely make sure you check out the reviews and ratings on the product you’re buying as well. Public opinion matters when it comes to a public product.
Don't forget to research your seller. Do they have a good record? Are they trustworthy? After doing your research and STILL not feeling sure, ask yourself, is this product worth sacrificing to save a couple extra dollars?
Take note of the shipping dates when you order online. Some sellers on Amazon are from a different country, so realistically, your products wouldn’t be here for a WHOLE MONTH or might end up on someone else’s doorstep. No thank you.
Second Tip: Ask your stylist.
If you have done all of your extensive research and still feel unsure, ask your stylist. They know your hair just as well as you do. Who knows, they might know of a similar product that works just as well and doesn’t cost as much! They’re experts for a reason! Any of the stylists here at Oliver’s would be more than happy to offer their knowledge and opinion.
Third Tip: Salon quality products for salon quality hair.
This tip pretty much explains itself.
For example, one of our stylists here at Oliver’s informed me that all Paul Mitchell products should only be sold in a Paul Mitchell salon. If they are not, it’s likely that they are diluted, old or have been in the warehouse for who knows how long. So that means if you're a bargain shopper like me and you buy products from Marshalls and TJ Maxx, you could be buying watered down or old products. There are just some tips that stylist know that the rest of the world wouldn’t even think of!
Fourth Tip: Appearance Matters.
As I have mentioned, read the fine print, but don’t forget to look at the overall product. If you’re ordering online, make sure you look at the pictures of the actual product your ordering. Does the packaging match up? Is the writing in your language? I’ll show you an example:
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This is the Keratin Complex Vanilla Bean Deep Conditioner and the actual product we sell at Oliver’s Salon & Spa.
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This is also the Keratin Complex Vanilla Bean Deep Conditioner… or is it? The product’s packaging is COMPLETELY different.
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As you can see, the white bottle's packaging is in a completely different language. The back of the white bottle is in that same language, making it difficult to understand what is actually in the product. Would you trust that on your hair?
Conclusion:
In the event that you have ordered your hair products online, make sure you have done your research, asked a stylist if you were unsure all while keeping our helpful tips in mind. We would love to hear some of your horror stories or success stories about purchasing hair products. We all have them! Who knows, maybe we can help other online shoppers with our stories!
Check out our website and if you have any questions on any products, call us at (610) 366-8808.
Autoclave 101
When it comes to your nail services, are you getting what you pay for? You should expect (and get) a clean manicure with no problems to follow. Little does the common client know, some salons are not so sanitary. That’s why Oliver’s goes above and beyond to make your service as sanitary as possible. In this blog, I will explain why Oliver's takes sanitation seriously and uses an autoclave.
We use Tweezerman nail clippers at Oliver's and YES, we sanitize them correctly!
What Even is an Autoclave?
What exactly is an autoclave? For those of you who have never heard of an autoclave, you’re not alone. The autoclave originates in a medical setting, being used to clean and sanitize medical equipment that has been used in surgery. It’s a sterilization unit that uses water and steam at a high temperature to kill microorganisms, or as we refer to it, bacteria.
So… why are we using this in a salon?
Well, a nail tech uses tools while performing services such as pedicures and manicures. Fun fact: the average human hand has about 150 different species of bacteria living on it. So, using these tools then transfers those bacterias from the hands and to the tools. Also, if you have sensitive cuticles like I do, you bleed during manicures. Blood-born pathogens can also be transferred to and from tools. Do you really want to deal with all of that on a spa day?
The Dangers of Poor Sanitation
Salons should be held to a much higher standard when it comes to sanitation. If the tools used on you during your service are not properly sanitized, you could be at risk for a lot of things, as could the salon. Some states are required by law to use an autoclave. These laws are updated annually and each state has a different requirement. You can read each state’s specific requirements here. Pennsylvania requires that any tools that come in contact shall be sanitized immediately after each use and maintained in a sanitary condition at all times.
I have been to a few salons where I have witnessed a nail tech pull tools from the drawer and put them back in there after using them on me and that is a huge problem, especially when there is a possibility of me bleeding due to my sensitive cuticles. I should have said something, but I assumed that all salons just followed the rules.
Why Oliver's Uses an Autoclave
Here at Oliver’s, we take sanitation very seriously and follow the rules. Although Pennsylvania does not require salons to use autoclaves, we find that it’s best to keep our clients safe and reassured that they are getting exactly what they pay for. Going the extra mile is something Oliver’s is used to, so we are always on top of any new and safe way to improve our services. Some benefits of using the autoclave are a certified clean manicure, no risk of bacterial infection and peace of mind.
Oliver’s makes sure that we give our clients the best experience possible. We are focused on quality, not quantity of our services. Any sort of beauty service should be relaxing. You shouldn’t have to worry about the cleanliness of the tools being used during your service. Going the extra mile in sanitation makes sure that you’re happy with the service you receive, and our technicians can focus on their art without having to worry about their tools. We believe that every single one of our clients deserves to be treated like a queen.
Conclusion
Besides manicures and pedicures, Oliver’s has a wide range of other services that are conducted in a safe and sanitized way. Head to our website and check them out! Also, if you have any questions about our autoclave, tools or systems, don’t hesitate to give us a call!
The information about autoclaves came from here.
Our nail technicians are trained and updated with all of the sanitary requirements to perform various nail services. If you're interested in booking an appointment or have additional questions, call us at (610) 366-8808 or book online.