Hair
5 Products We Can’t Live Without
5 Products
We all have those staples in our beauty routine. You know, the essentials. These are products that you buy in bulk, carry a travel size of and recommend to everyone in passing. In this blog, I will share with you the 5 products that our salon & spa can’t live without.
We carry only the best products at our salon. When ordering and purchasing products for retail, we keep what’s best for our clients in mind as well as their wants and needs. We use and buy products that we would feel comfortable using ourselves and our loved ones. We decided to give our followers and blog readers a look into our own personal cabinet of “must haves”. No incentive, no advertising, just simply saying what we like best and what works best for us.
Aveda Skin Refiner
This is a staple in the skin care world. According to many of the employees at Oliver’s Salon & Spa, this cleansing exfoliator does the job while keeping your skin moisturized. Sometimes, scrubs can over exfoliate and leave you with dry patches. This stuff scrubs impurities but leaves you with a soft, moisturized glow. I would say this product is perfect for the upcoming cold months!
Olaplex No. 7
The hair savior. This is a must have for ANYONE who has artificially colored their hair, especially blondes. This restores moisture to your hair after the damage had already been done. I dare you to find a stylist who thinks this one is a bad idea. Keep in mind, there is a treatment, shampoo, conditioner and more. We recommend a treatment to start, then if you love it, incorporate the whole line!
Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo
If you’re a sensitive scalped person such as myself, you will find that most dry shampoos irritate you. This is the only brand I’ve had any success with. While keeping your scalp moisturized with a formula that has argan oil, this dry shampoo will leave your hair smelling like you just washed it (even though it might be 4 days since you actually have). If you fall in love with the scent, don’t worry; we have tons of Moroccan Oil products that you can add to your collection.
Tan Towels
Okay fake tan gurus, this ones for you. Forget the lotions and orange palms. No one has time for that anymore, it’s 2019. Tan Towels help achieve that summer tan in the middle of winter. It’s basically a wet nap for your skin. Easy application, long-lasting and you don’t smell or look like an Oompa Loompa. They are offered in the classic and plus options. Classic gives you a subtle glow and plus really bumps up the bronze. Even better, they are affordable!
Maria Nila Silver Shampoo
A must have for blondes. Kick your hair's brass with this purple shampoo. It is one of the purple shampoos that actually smell good, too. Maria Nila is a hair care brand that is vegan and cruelty free, so not only are you shampooing your hair, you’re doing it while being moralistic. Use it as much as needed or once in a while. The formula is perfect and doesn't dry out your hair like most purple shampoos do. Plus, you can always pair it with their conditioner!
These products are all stylist approved and used. All of these are also available for retail at our salon. We hope that a little look into Oliver’s cabinets has helped you possibly find your new staple products. If you have any other questions on any of these products, or want to see what else we have, feel free to give us a call at (610)-366-8808 or stop in any time!
Balayage: The Hand Painted Hair Trend
Balayage - one of the biggest hair trends.
Are you looking for a more natural highlight? Balayage is the most subtle way to have perfectly highlighted hair without it looking like you’ve actually colored your hair. It’s very trendy, cost-effective and lasts a pretty long time! In this blog, I will explain what balayage is, the benefits, what to expect and some examples. Here at Oliver’s Salon & Spa, balayage services are done nearly every day along with other popular creative color services like ombre!
What is Balayage?
The term “balayage” is trending. Balayage is a technique, not an actual hair style. Essentially, it is the painting of hair. In French, the word “balayage” means to sweep or paint. Let’s be honest, anything said in French is so chic.
Balayage can be deceiving, as it is just painting the base of the hair. Most stylists end up incorporating a technique called “foilayage”. Foilayage covers not only the base of the hair, but all throughout the hair and accented pieces, based on where they fall around a client’s face. Both foilayage and balayage are used for most clients who want a balayage and ombre hair color.
It's all in the technique.
Most think balayage is done freehand. It is, but there are actually several techniques to make it look so effortless and natural. For example, if someone has smooth, straight hair, stylists will use a V or W technique, creating a flow throughout the hair where the color gradually changes. The hand painted gradation creates a soft transition from base color to highlight, making your hair blend perfectly. This technique will give you the sun kissed highlighted ends you’re looking for with much less noticeable growth lines as time passes.
Is balayage a good fit for you?
Balayage is not just for blonde highlights. You can have a balayage with any color! The most popular ones are blonde balayage and brown balayage, but any color could be used! Some balayage services may be more dramatic than others, involving foiled highlights due to the color lifting process. For example, balayage, when painted on without foil, only lifts a hair color 4 levels. This is ideal for a more natural, blended look. If your hair is super dark and looking to add bright blonde, you would need to add foiled highlights due to the drastic color change. Foil helps heat the color and lift beyond 4 levels.
Really, each stylist has their own technique, which sets them all apart. Some stylists will do a blend of both balayage and foilayage, one or the other or add several other techniques they have made up. That’s the beauty of the creative process of each individual stylist.
Benefits of Balayage
The biggest benefit to balayage is the low maintenance, which is more cost effective. Less upkeep will leave your bank account thanking you. We can all get behind a trend that doesn’t cost that much, right?
Balayage allows your roots to grow in with a more natural look that you do not have to constantly keep up with. Most other color services, you’re making an appointment every 4-6 weeks. Depending on preference and how your hair grows, you can let a balayage sit for months! The only touch ups you might need would be adding some painted strands here and there or maybe a toner if you’re looking for a less brassy blonde.
What to expect...
Your first appointment might be costly, due to the amount of time and technique. Most balayage services start at $200 depending on your hair. If your hair is thick and longer, there may be more color and time required to use, making your visit a little more in price. If your hair is short and fine, your visit might not cost as much as you think. The best way to know exactly how much a balayage service will cost you is to schedule a consultation with one of our stylists.
What happens when I need a touch up?
After that initial appointment, your hair might just need some minor touch ups along the way, depending on the person and how often your hair grows. Do the math. If scheduling appointments every 4-6 weeks that cost $150 and up is breaking the bank, opt out for a one time splurge that will last you months and overall be more cost effective!
Oliver's Balayage
Full disclosure, if you book a balayage service, you will be here for a couple of hours. Timing also depends on the length and thickness of your hair. To make your appointment run smoothly, we require/recommend you coming in for a consultation for your balayage appointment. This allows the stylist to get to know you, assess what direction they will take with your hair and let you know what will be happening during your appointment. Consultations at Oliver’s are only 15 minutes and complementary! See our blog on consultations here!
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.
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.
Oliver’s Take On 3 Social Media Trends
As I’ve written about before, social media platforms are the holy grail of hairstyle inspiration. There are hundreds of thousands of posts across all social media websites, featuring different styles that can send the average person into sensory overload. However, it’s possible to get inspiration from places other than the traditional #hair or #hairstyles pages. Trends pop up everywhere, so I’m going to teach you how to draw some ideas from past social media crazes. In this blog, I’m going to dive into some popular social media trends and buzzwords, then show you how some of the stylist’s at Oliver’s have turned these trends into hairstyles, #nofilteradded.
With so many social media platforms available, there's more than enough inspiration out there for a new look.
Inspiration can come from anywhere, and we all consume enough media to pick up a few ideas to incorporate into our style. Whether its from social media, your favorite TV show, or a podcast you love, fun new style ideas can come from anywhere. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate social media's next hottest hashtag into a new hairstyle.
Here Are 3 Social Media Trends Translated Into Hairstyles:
Trend 1: Unicorns and Mermaids and fairies galore
Surely everyone remembers the Starbucks Unicorn Frappucino insanity of 2017. You couldn’t enter a Starbucks without standing in line behind 20 people all asking for the signature purple and teal drink. Snapchat stories were filled to the brim with pictures of it. While the strangely sour frappuccino itself made my wallet $5 lighter and my tastebuds 5 times sadder, it sparked the unicorn craze that’s seeped into everything from clothing, to makeup, to hair ever since. The bright, funky colors made me reminisce to the days of carrying around Lisa Frank folders and having a colored streak in my hair. While I’ve ditched the Manic Panic hair dye and the over the top school supplies, I can still appreciate the unicorn/mermaid/fairy trend.
I’m not sure what about these colors appealed to anyone’s taste buds, but Starbucks gave us some hair and beauty inspiration that’s lasted almost 2 years after the frap was taken off menus.
Here are 2 of our stylists' take on the fantasy colors trend, which is definitely much more suited for hair. All of the fun and beauty of the Unicorn Frappucino without the sour aftertaste.
Trend 2: Coachella-palooza-fest
While Coachella may not be the first music festival, there’s no denying its the most Instagram-able. (Is that a word? If not, it should be). Thousands of people flood into California sporting their festival-best makeup, which usually includes lots of sparkles, glitter, and rhinestones. It’s a no brainer that most of these looks aren’t wearable on a daily basis, unless your day job requires you to clock in at the Magic Castle. But, a little added sparkle here or there is definitely doable. Maybe not on your face, but definitely in your hair.
It may not be the best idea to break out the rhinestones and cosmetic glue for your day job, but Coachella-inspired makeup looks are fun for special occasions.
These pretty additions to hairstyles are fun, but subtle enough to wear on a daily basis. Cute add ons like charms and braids are simple, wearable, and give you an added accessory for the day. Our stylists do a great job at incorporating some extra sparkle into everyday looks.
Trend 3: Pretty in Millennial Pink
In 2016, Pantone declared "Rose Quartz" (Also known as “Millennial Pink”) as the color of the year. Shortly after, Apple released the iPhone in Rose Gold. It was (and still is) absolutely everywhere, and I’m guilty of purchasing way too many items in this color. These relaxed pink shades have become more of a neutral color in my wardrobe, rivaling the dozens of black pieces I own. (I know I don’t need every shirt in black but it just goes so easily with everything, I swear!) So, if you’re like me and supplemented your wardrobe with dozens of rosy pieces, maybe your hair is the next step?
This dreamy shade of pink is everywhere from our electronics to our closets. Do my matching rose gold iPhone, Apple Watch, and MacBook make me feel a little juvenile at times? Maybe. But will I ever go back to regular old black or silver electronics? Definitely not.
Long gone are the days of neon pink, and instead, a more muted shade is popping up everywhere. While pink hair definitely isn’t for everyone, lighter shades make it much more wearable than a typical neon “fashion” colors. Unlike neon hair, this color will still look pretty and just as wearable when it fades. These styles are trendy and fashion forward, but neutral enough so they won't clash with your outfits.
Time To Surf The Web
So even if nothing on the #hair page is catching your eye, Instagram, Pinterest, and other social media platforms are choc-full of other things to grab inspiration from. If you don’t mind a little creative brainstorming, that is. So next time a trending topic on Twitter piques your interest, or you laugh at a hashtag, maybe you can translate it into a hairstyle!
If this blog convinced you to change up your look, I recommend checking out our blog about why booking a consultation is important before you make any drastic changes.
Thank you to our stylists Luanne, Niki, and Carmen for their work! Check out the Oliver's Salon & Spa Instagram and Facebook pages for more work from our entire team. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment, call us at (610) 366-8808 or book online.
Going Platinum (Blonde)?
It seems like lately everyone’s making the jump to platinum blonde. Celebs who used to rock sultry dark locks are now lightening up and opting for a more icy look. So how do you jump on the bandwagon? In this post, I’ll be writing about the steps you need to take to make sure your new platinum style is Hall of Fame worthy.
Platinum blonde AND healthy hair? Yes, it's 100% possible IF you listen to your stylist and spread your appointments out. (Style by Carmen)
So to preface, I’m definitely not going platinum anytime soon. I love writing about first hand experiences so I can give you all the real deal. Unfortunately, the Elsa from Frozen ice princess look definitely won’t suit my dark curly hair. Plus, the fairly extensive aftercare needed doesn’t fit into my VERY low maintenance hair routine. (Shoutout to the Keratin Treatment I had done that makes getting ready in the morning a total breeze). That being said, I can recognize a popular trend when I see one. And I love a good hair transformation picture. So, I’ve done some digging to make sure that you all know how to kill it with your new blonde locks. (No need to thank me.)
Step 1: Do Some Soul Searching
While I love a #transformationtuesday as much as the next person, going platinum blonde might not be for everyone. Lifting color from your hair is a process, and getting the best results won’t happen in one day. Good things come to those who wait. Going platinum and keeping your hair’s health intact is a tricky process. It potentially involves many sessions, a big aftercare commitment, and a high price tag.
Before anything, make sure to ask yourself if you’re 100% positive that you want platinum hair. I wouldn’t try to talk any of you out of a new look, but you don't want to get a couple weeks in and regret your decision. So if you have slight commitment issues, maybe platinum blonde isn’t for you. (Let’s keep in mind that although you may want to drastically change your look, you should still want healthy non-damaged hair afterward.)
If you're still down to turn your locks white-hot, I salute you. Now I’m going to assign you some hair homework.
Step 2: A Little Instagram Stalking Never Hurt Anyone
Instagram is the holy grail of hair inspiration. Even if you’re not an avid user like I am, it’s easy enough to scroll through and grab some ideas for what you’re looking for. Swipe through the #platinum or #platinumblonde hashtags to find some on-trend ideas.
Platinum blonde isn’t a one size fits all label. There are different tones, add ons like balayage or highlights, and other factors that might change the final outcome of what you’re looking for.
It’s also smart to take your features and complexion into account when choosing a final look. Collect as many ideas in like with the look your going for to have on hand for your stylist. If you have picture references to show your stylist it’ll make your consultation more productive and your final color customized exactly how you want it.
Step 3: Consultation
First off, if you’re unfamiliar with what a consultation is all about, check out my blog about them here! Now is the time when you get to run the ideas you’ve collected by your stylist, and devise your plan for swiping your platinum card. Don’t feel defeated if your stylist tells you it’s going to take more appointments than you were expecting. They have your best interest at heart and don’t want you to end up with any damage from lifting your color too quickly. If your stylist is truly your BFF, they won’t let you destroy your hair by taking out all of your color in one shot.
During this initial visit, your stylist is going to check out the integrity of your hair. All of us have different hair health, so depending on where your hair is at strength wise it may affect your platinum blonde journey. If your hair is more on the damaged side, slow and steady will win the race. If your hair is a little stronger you may be able to get away with fewer treatments. HOWEVER, and I can’t stress enough, this entire process most likely will not be done at once.
Side note: Make sure you take a before picture! There’s nothing better than a drastic transformation swipe post on Insta.
Step 4: Sessions
This step is going to vary for everyone depending on your starting color, but if there’s one point I want to drill home it’s this: You aren’t going to have platinum blonde hair in one go. You will have to visit your salon for multiple lightening sessions that will vary depending on how dark your original color is and your hair’s current health. Each session will act as a stepping stone to gradually lift the color out of your hair. So while your hair is “in progress,” the color of it will vary. I can definitely understand why the uncertainty of leaving your salon with a unknown color is off putting. Just keep in mind that your stylist won’t let you leave the salon looking unpresentable. Your hair is on your head but it also has their name on it. Sending you out the door looking like a brassy mess doesn't benefit either of you.
As I mentioned before, this step does have some variables to it. Multiple lightening sessions will gradually lift color depending on how dark your hair is. Because your stylist wants your hair to look AND feel amazing they’re likely to suggest bond builders like Olaplex or B3. These products prevent some of the damage your hair might incur. They act as an insurance policy for your hair while it goes through multiple lightening sessions that have the potential to be damaging. Your stylist can mix these directly into the lightener (bleach) so they won’t add any time to each individual appointments.
Step 5: Take Notes, The Rest Is In Your Hands
One downside to platinum blonde hair is the extra at-home maintenance routine you’ll have to get used to. A purple shampoo needs to be incorporated into your routine to ensure that your hair stays platinum and doesn’t get yellow or brassy. Follow up appointments will also be necessary to address any grown out roots or fading. So, ask your stylist how often you should be coming in for a touch up. Make sure follow your stylist's directions to a T to get the longest life out of your platinum hair.
Step 6: Welcome To The Platinum blonde Club
Congratulations! It was a long, hard road but I’m sure it was worth it. So now, here’s where that before picture comes in handy. Shock all of your friends with that amazing before and after pic of how you went from whatever starting color to a total platinum princess. After all, what’s a new hairstyle without the Instagram cred that goes with it?
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Two more platinum blonde beauties by Carmen, and not a split end in sight. With one of our fab stylists and a little patience your hair can look this great, too.
Thank you to our stylist Carmen for giving me the 411 on the steps to going platinum and for the photos of her awesome work. Check out her Instagram page @color_bycarmen for all of her amazing work.
For more information on how to get this service from one of our many talented stylists, call us at (610) 366-8808 or book online.
The Keratin Smoothing Treatment
Now that summer is just about over, it’s time to reflect a little bit. Everyone has been loving the Keratin Smoothing Treatment that Oliver’s offers which is great! I’m glad I got to showcase such a cool treatment that a lot of people don’t know about, especially during the summer when a ton of us suffer from frizzy and difficult-to-manage hair. In this post, I’m going to provide a quick follow up to the Keratin Smoothing Treatment I was able to receive. If you haven’t gotten the chance to read that blog, check it out here first, then come back to read about the results!
Here’s my hair 6 weeks out from the treatment! It’s still straight and way softer than before I had the treatment done. For the full follow-up, keep reading.
So first, a little recap of the results I saw immediately after my treatment. The treatment I received was the Keratin Express Blowout, which is the shorter version of the full Keratin Smoothing Treatment. It was expected to last about 6 weeks and make my hair less reactive to humidity and frizziness. The few days directly following my hair was much easier to manage, especially on humid days when it’s usually a nightmare. I don’t fully straighten or style my hair on a daily basis. I generally touch up my roots and ends with a straightener in the morning, but now I wake up, brush it out, and go--yes, I woke up like this.
Day to Day Differences
I didn’t really notice a decrease in the quality of the treatment as the weeks went on. My hair didn’t seem to get any less smooth and I wasn’t noticing it reverting back to its original frizz, even in humid temperatures or during rainy days. Obviously, when I wash my hair it still comes out curly, but my curls are significantly looser and easier to run my fingers through. I’ve been doing a lot of travelling so not having to bring as many styling products around with me has been a huge plus.
Washing
One thing I was super excited to see was how the treatment affected my natural hair. I have curly hair that I usually wear straightened, and from washing to styling, it used to take me around 90 minutes. My hair is definitely much harder to wrangle when its curly and nearly impossible to comb through while it’s wet, especially before I condition it.
Following my Keratin Smoothing Treatment, washing my hair was a hundred times easier. While it was wet, products easily coated my locks and I was able to spend less time fighting with the comb. My curls were looser so sectioning everything off before blow drying was much easier. However, the biggest difference this treatment made was after I blow dried it. Usually, blow drying my hair takes about 20 minutes, and I end up looking like I just got electrocuted. The Keratin Smoothing Treatment made my hair so much tamer after blow drying for less than 10 minutes. I’d say my blow dried hair was about a quarter of the size it usually is, and looked much more presentable to the point where I could have walked out of my house without straightening it.
It’s also worth noting that I don’t wash my hair everyday, so this probably prolonged the treatment's effect.
Final Thoughts
I would definitely recommend this treatment to anyone who has more difficult to manage hair, especially if you have curly or wavy hair. It will loosen your curls and make them easier to deal with, without any damage. Even if you have straight hair that picks up humidity, this treatment would still be perfect for you. It didn’t take any body or fullness away from my hair, it just make it easier to manage while curly and more sleek and controlled looking while straight.
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Here’s the full set of before and after pictures, from day one to 6 weeks later! The first two photos are from the day I got the treatment, and the third is after 6 weeks. I’m super happy with the results I got from the Keratin Express Treatment and I'm still getting benefits from it even 6 weeks later.
One big plus I noticed was my lack of split ends. I had my hair trimmed the same day as my Keratin Smoothing Treatment, giving my ends a fresh start. I usually straighten the ends of my hair daily, so I notice damaged ends much sooner following a trim. However, since I've been completely skipping that step in my routine, my split ends have been nonexistent.
If you’re still unsure about the treatment, start out with the express version like I did. It’ll give you an idea of what your hair texture will be without committing to the full Keratin Smoothing Treatment.
Time Saved
In the morning, before the treatment I’d estimate that I spent about 15 minutes doing my hair. Now when I get ready, I literally brush it and leave, which takes under a minute. So across about 6 weeks, that equals over 10 hours of saved time in the mornings across about 6 weeks. (This is only a rough estimate. I’m on summer break so please don’t ask me to do any serious mathematical computations for at least another week or two.) This is a huge amount of time, and doesn’t even account for the time I’ve saved on hair-washing days. Since the treatment, I’ve been setting my alarms later because I know I don’t have to do my hair. This is totally ideal for someone like me who is always looking for that extra couple of minutes in my bed in the morning.
So just for fun...
Here are a couple ways I could have spent those 10 hours:
- Watching 20 episodes of The Office.
- Run about 78 miles at the gym. (Who am I kidding, this one would never have happened)
- One beach day.
- A one-way flight to Italy.
- 10 extra hours at work. (Maybe I’d feel less guilty about my most recent shoe purchase if I had done this one)
What did I actually do? Catch a couple extra minutes of sleep in the morning. #NoRegrets.
Interested in saving time in the morning (and hopefully spending it more productively than I did?) For more information on how to get the Keratin Express or the full Keratin Smoothing Treatment from one of our many certified stylists, call us at (610) 366-8808 or book online.
Salon Consultations 101
With so many different hair styles and trends out there, it’s hard to avoid hair envy. Try scrolling through the Instagram #hair page without being just a little bit jealous of that girl with the super cute rose gold ombre, or the one with the icy blonde balayage. Everyone gets that itch every once in a while to completely redo their look. So what happens when you decide to scratch it? You take the plunge and call your stylist saying you need a change. Sure, you may have an Instagram picture to go off of. But how do you make sure that your new look comes out looking just how you want it? A consultation.
In this post, I’m going to give you some insight into why booking a salon consultation with your stylist before making any major changes is an absolute must. A quick consultation with your stylist will put you both on the same page, address any possible issues that may arise, and can potentially give you new ideas that you hadn't thought about before.
Making a radical change? This process took a salon consultation, as well as multiple visits, lightening sessions, and sets of extensions. Make sure to schedule a salon consultation with your stylist so they can pull off every component of your perfect new ‘do. Keep reading to see pictures of the entire process!
Let’s face it: Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we’ve all made style or beauty mistakes that are downright embarrassing. Whether it was my barely-there eyebrow phase, or my neon hair phase, I’ve deleted more Facebook and Instagram pictures from middle and high school than I can count. It happens to all of us, because it’s easy to overlook a glaring error in your beauty routine or pick a style that might not fit into your life well.
For example, I love all the amazing balayages that are popular right now. But I stay away from getting one because I know I'm not the best with maintenance. (My hair has been super easy to style since having a Keratin Express Treatment. Click here to read my blog about it!) The most perfect style in the world isn't really perfect if it also doesn't fit into your routine and habits. That’s where your stylist can step in. Along with knowing the technicalities of HOW to do your hair, stylists are also able to make suggestions that will customize the style you want perfectly into to your life.
So What Is A Salon Consultation?
A salon consultation is a quick visit with your stylist or aesthetician to go over what you want and need in your next visit. They’re not necessary every time you get your hair done. If you’re a regular and have been getting your haircut by the same stylist in the same way for 10 years, naturally you don’t need any advice on what you want to get done. However, if you’re seeing a new stylist, visiting a new salon, or making a change to your current hairstyle it should be your first step.
Why Is A Consultation Necessary?
1. Lifestyle
It’s great to go in with an idea of what you’re looking for, but it’s also smart to let your stylist make suggestions. Our stylists won't sway you away from what you want, but they can ask questions you may not have considered. Does your job require you to wear your hair up? Are you able to take a lot or a little time for styling in the mornings? Are there certain products that you absolutely can't live without? These are all factors that go into choosing your perfect style that works for your life. The more custom tailored they’re able to make your appointment, the more likely you are to love your new hairstyle afterward.
2. Time
Everyone's hair type is different. Differences in hair length, thickness, type, and curl patterns can change your appointment drastically. Consultations can help the stylist get a gist of your appointment, ensuring they have enough time to do what you've requested. Getting to see you and your hair in person beforehand is a major plus. Your stylist wants to give you the optimal amount of time to make sure you're feeling well taken care of and not rushed out of their chair.
3. Reflect On Your Last Appointment
Didn’t like your bangs the last time? Felt your hair color made you look a little bit washed out? Now is the time to tell your stylist of any concerns you had from your previous appointment. So, be honest. Communication is key if you want to make sure you hair comes out exactly as you want it.
4. Different terms/lingo
Sometimes it’s hard to describe exactly what you want. I love beauty and style, but even I’m not a walking hair lingo dictionary. If you scroll through any stylist’s Instagram, they’re likely using more hashtags than you can count. From balayages to mermaid hair to platinum pixie cuts, there’s such a huge range of hairstyles and terms that describing exactly what you want can get messy. A consultation, especially one with pictures and references, is way more helpful to a stylist than just booking and booking an appointment and just saying you want “highlights,” when you actually want a “balayage.”
Nearly 3 million posts on this hashtag alone makes pinning down what you want in a look to one specific photo is almost impossible. Find multiple to show your stylist during your consultation and they'll figure out the rest.
There are so many different features of hairstyles to consider, such as tone, shade, and cut. So, its a great idea to have multiple picture examples highlighting different things you want. Having multiple pictures where you can point to different features is ideal. Think: "I like the bangs on this one. I want the length on this one but with more layers. The color on this picture is perfect.”
This method is so much more personalized to what you want than a single picture. Now, your stylist can piece together your perfectly customized look.
5. Feedback On Ideas
Stylists know what is and isn’t recommended with certain hair types and best ways to frame your face. So, they have valuable background knowledge that can help you make your final decisions. They'll be able to tell you any effects a service may have on your hair type. For me, this is a huge plus because my curly hair is prone to dryness. So knowing beforehand that a treatment will dry it out even more may change my decision. This is also helpful for maintenance like I mentioned before. If you show your stylist a picture and the maintenance requirements are something out of your comfort zone, you may want to opt for an easier style.
6. Specialty Appointments
Some hair appointments take even longer. For example, if you have very thick or curly hair, or damaged and brittle hair. A stylist will cut short, fine hair differently than they'll cut long curly hair. If this is you, you share my stress of going into a stylist. Do I want a different look? Yes. Do I want to destroy my hair in the process? Definitely not. A consultation is a perfect way to address any concerns or have your questions answered before your appointment.
The same goes if you're looking to get hair extensions. A consultation is required to color match your hair perfectly and pick out the desired length. Then, your extensions are custom ordered just for you. Customization is key to finding your perfect new look. So, consultations are necessary because your specific hair extensions need to be ordered in advance of your installation appointment.
Need Proof? Check Out The Dramatic Change In The Photos Below. This Transformation Was Only Achievable After A Successful Consultation
These pictures are the before and after extensions were added. These extensions were custom ordered and dyed for the client to make sure they perfectly matched her new color. Starting from the first picture to the last, it's hard to tell that's even the same person. For a change this drastic, a consultation was needed to talk through all of the steps that would take place.
Scheduling One Appointment Is A Pain, Now I Have To Schedule Two?
At Oliver's we want to give you the highest quality experience every time, so we make sure to offer consultations to all of our clients free of charge. They only take about 15 minutes and can give both you and your stylist peace of mind. After a quick meeting, you'll both know exactly what you want on the day of your appointment. Plus, you’ve done your due diligence with your stylist. Good hair karma all around.
If you can't pull off a consultation, another option is an "online" consultation. (I understand having a busy schedule, no judgement.) First, snap a couple selfies of your hair that show its different features (length, thickness, color). Make sure these are in the best lighting possible so they're accurate. Next, gather all of the #hairgoals pictures you've compiled of what you want your end look to be. Like I mentioned before, the best method is to have multiple pictures that you can pull inspiration from. Then, pass both of these onto your stylist so they can figure out what it'll take to pull off your before and after. While an in-person consultation is still preferable, this is a great alternative to simply booking an appointment without giving your stylist an idea of what your hair's starting point is.
Other Areas For Consultations
Changing up your hairstyle isn’t the only type of appointment that might need a consultation. If you’re receiving any type of permanent makeup application, Oliver’s requires a consultation. These procedures are partially permanent and require some thought before committing to. Microblading, for example, potentially lasts for years and can completely change your eyebrow shape and the entire look of your face.
A full blown consultation separate from your appointment isn’t necessary for most services. However, it’s always a good idea to let your aestheticians or masseuses know of any potential issues before an appointment. That sore shoulder you neglected to tell your masseuse about has the potential to make your massage seriously unpleasant. So, just give them a heads up on any areas that may need special attention. Same goes with any skin issues (like eczema or psoriasis) of you’re receiving a skin treatment. Spa treatments are for relaxation, so make sure you let your professional know of anything that might prevent that.
We Want You To Love Your Look
At the end of the day, we want our clients to have great relationships with our service providers. The better your stylist or aesthetician knows you, the better the end product is. Salon consultations are a great way to not only make sure you’re getting exactly what you want from a service, but also to form a bond with your stylist or aesthetician so in the future so they know your tastes and can give you suggestions. Oliver’s has many of clients that have been coming in for years that know exactly what they want. If you’re a new client or trying out something different, book a consultation to get that Instagram-worthy hairstyle.
If you want to change up your look and are interested in having one of our stylists help you out, schedule an appointment by calling us at (610) 366-8808 or booking online.
Oliver’s Top 3 Beauty Brands
Most beauty lovers have spent more than a couple years narrowing down our favorite makeup, skin care, and hair care brands. Similarly, salons have to make decisions about which beauty brands they’re going to use for the services they offer. At Oliver’s, we want to make sure our customers receive an amazing experience. The different products we use all go into making sure of that. In this post, I’m going to give you a look into the different beauty brands Oliver's uses and sells and why they make our already excellent services even better!
Here's our beautiful reception area and part of the retail space at Oliver's! It's the perfect place to snag some last minute products on your way out of the salon.
Want To Look Great Even After Your Appointment?
Getting your hair done is fun, relaxing, and exciting, but what's the point if you can't recreate how awesome you look and feel the next day? Our staff at Oliver's aren't just here to make you look amazing for the afternoon after your appointment. They're also here to educate and show you how to maintain your look so you can feel great 24/7.
When you get a service done, especially a new hairstyle, your stylist will be able to recommend specific products that can relieve some of the issues they've noticed in your hair. So, not only are you getting a new look, you're also learning how to maintain your new style and create it yourself at home. The products we sell mirror what the stylists are using while you're sitting in the chair. So if they recommend a product, it's because they use it day in and day out.
Personally, I'm not big on reading directions. It's a character flaw I'm willing to admit. However, its pointless to spend money on products and not use them correctly. If you use too much or to little, it can sometimes counteract the entire goal of the product. Also, depending on your own features, you may have to slightly alter how you use a product. To get the most bang for your buck, theres no one better than your stylist to tell you how to use what you're buying.
So Why So Many Products?
Oliver's was created on a holistic basis, meaning that all of our services are connected and we want every client to leave here feeling the best that they can. Oliver's retail area is extensive and we have products for pretty much anyone. If you have heat damaged hair, we have products for that. Want to prevent wrinkles and dry skin? We have you covered. Looking for a new outfit to go with that new haircut? We also handpick adorable clothes, accessories, and jewelry from New York. Oliver's is a well-rounded salon and spa that can totally be used as a one-stop shop for many of your beauty and fashion needs.
If you're a dedicated shopper like me, once you're on a roll nothing can stop you. So instead of driving all around the Lehigh Valley, it's pretty convenient to have almost all of your beauty needs in one place. While big name beauty brand stores like Ulta have a large range of products, not all the products there are salon quality.
What Brands Do We Use
While were use many different brands at Oliver's, our top 3 are Aveda, MoroccanOil, and Jan Marini.
Aveda is an all natural beauty brand committed to using organic ingredients. The brand was founded by Horst Rechelbacher, who is called “a pioneer of holistic beauty, and a champion of environmental responsibility.” Just like how Oliver's was the first full service salon and spa in the Lehigh Valley, Aveda was the first full service beauty brand. Aveda has a large range of products from makeup, skin care, and hair care.
MoroccanOil
MoroccanOil is primarily a haircare brand that uses Argan oil of Morocco in their products. Carmen Tal, the brand's founder, had her hair badly damaged after a color service. (Fried hair after a salon appointment? Everyone's worst nightmare.) She was away traveling and received a MoroccanOil treatment that revitalized her hair, and she knew she had to share it with the world.
Jan Marini
Jan Marini is an innovative skincare brand that constantly researches and tests new products that provide proven results. In skincare, they're one of the most respected brands because of how thoroughly they test their products. Other beauty brands make wild claims about what their products are capable of, but Jan Marini makes sure that any claim they make is based in fact.
Some Fun Facts About Our Brands:
- Aveda uses ALL naturally derived ingredients, and is cruelty free and never tested on animals.
- MoroccanOil's signature product, the Treatment Oil, has been raved about by celebs like Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, and Penelope Cruz.
- Jan Marini products are medically validated, meaning they undergo lab testing to prove they work.
- Aveda is the first beauty company to use 100% post-consumer recycled packaging.
- MoroccanOil products use oil from the argan nut, which can only be grown in Morocco.
- Jan Marini products are cruelty free and not tested on animals.
- The aromas in Aveda products are created completely from natural plant and flower essences - no synthetic fragrances are ever used.
Already Have Your Go To Beauty Brands? Here's Why What Your Salon Uses Still Matters.
Imagine after a rough week you decide to treat yourself to a facial. Do you really want to spend that hour worrying about what the products being used might be doing to your skin? Regardless of age, background, or skin type you should be conscious of what chemicals you’re putting onto your skin and body. Beauty brands make broad claims about hydration, or anti-aging. In reality, many have chemical ingredients like parabens, synthetic colors, or harsh fragrances that can do more damage than good.
Reading every single ingredient on the back of every product you own isn’t realistic. (To be honest, I can't even pronounce most of them.) With so many skincare products out there, it can get stressful trying to find what’s perfect for you. After taking your specific skincare or haircare needs into account, it seems like theres a product for everything. Even if you eventually find that “perfect brand” for yourself, your salon probably isn't going to be using the exact products you use in your personal routine. When you visit Oliver’s, you don’t have to worry about what chemicals might be going into your skin or on your hair. For us, the number one goal is that our clients leave looking and feeling amazing.
Make Sure Your Products Are The Best Of The Best
Obviously, everyone’s skin and hair are different. What works for me might not work for you, but harsh chemicals often found in cheap products are downright damaging. At Oliver’s, we make sure to use products that are high quality and well-researched. Even though we may not use your go-tos, you can feel comfortable knowing the beauty products we use and sell are top of the line.
For more information on Aveda, MoroccanOil, or Jan Marini, click to check out their websites. If you’re interested in these excellent brands and the services Oliver's uses them for, call us at (610) 366-8808 or book online.
Tame Your Frizzy Hair
Let’s face it: all of us have been cursed at least once with the dreaded bad hair day, where nothing can seem to tame our frizz. There’s nothing worse than having to spend an extra 20 minutes of your morning calming your locks, just for them to revert back to their original shape by the end of the day. In this post, I'm going to explore one of the possible methods to stop frizzy hair: the Keratin Smoothing Treatment.
My hair directly after receiving my Keratin Smoothing Treatment! It looks way more healthy, smooth, and shiny, and seems like it's grown inches in just 90 minutes.
What makes hair frizzy?
Sun, heat, age, and environmental factors cause a reduction in keratin in your hair, which leads to your hair being drier and more porous. This causes the strands to take excess moisture from the air, producing frizz. (Hence why your hair may be extra unruly on those especially humid days.)
How to get rid of frizzy hair?
The best way to tame frizzy hair is by replenishing the keratin in your hair. But what is keratin? Keratin is a natural protein in your skin, hair and nails. In your hair, keratin gives your strands structure and provides a shield from the elements. When hair is damaged physically, the keratin protein is the first to go. So by replenishing keratin, you’re able to condition, strengthen, revitalize and repair damage. This results in shinier, bouncier, and more healthy looking hair. However, you can’t add more keratin back into your hair with wishful thinking.
LUCKILY, Oliver’s Salon and Spa offers an awesome service called the Keratin Complex Smoothing Treatment.
This treatment is a professional hair smoothening service that uses the reparative protein keratin. (Side note: There are multiple brands of the Keratin treatment on the market, but it is worth noting that this is a completely different service from many of the Brazilian Blowout/Brazilian Hair Smoothening treatments.)
How does that treatment work?
First and foremost, the treatment must be done in-house by a trained stylist. The stylist will perform a simple four-step process, outlined below. (Check out the end of the blog for my before and after!) Oliver's has several amazing stylists who are certified in performing both the Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment and Keratin Express Blowout. Now, for the treatment process:
1. Your stylist will use a special deep-clarifying shampoo and wash your hair twice with it, preparing the hair for treatment and to remove residue and buildup from previous hair care products.
2. The selected smoothing treatment is applied.
3. The hair is blow-dried.
4. A hair straightener is used to seal in the treatment for a smooth, silky finish.(Steps may vary depending on the service performed)
The entire process takes about 90 minutes and leaves your hair looking fresh and fabulous. Everyone’s hair is different, so the longevity of the treatment varies on factors such as lifestyle and at-home maintenance. Oliver’s offers two methods for the Keratin treatment: The Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment which lasts up to five months, and the Keratin Express Blowout which lasts up to six weeks. To prolong the amazing results from this treatment, make sure to use sodium chloride-free and sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners following your appointment.
My Experience
Now it wouldn’t be nearly as helpful or informative of a blog if I didn’t actually test the Keratin Smoothing Treatment out myself, right? I received the Keratin Express Treatment, which took about an hour and a half and the results are expected to last 6 weeks. I have naturally curly hair that is very prone to dryness and frizziness, especially during the summer. I generally keep it straightened to cut down on styling times and products, however this gives me even more dead ends and dryness. So, I was a pretty ideal candidate for the treatment because I had more than enough experience with frizzy damaged hair.
To start off the treatment my hair was washed twice with the Keratin clarifying shampoo. In my own hair care routine, I also use a clarifying shampoo for buildup. This makes my hair extremely dry, so I ALWAYS have to condition afterwards unless I feel like fighting with my hairbrush for the next hour. Naturally I was a little worried when I learned we wouldn’t be able to use conditioner prior to brushing the keratin treatment through my hair. I immediately felt bad for Hannah who would have to deal with the endless knots that were likely to form after shampooing my hair. However, when she began to brush the keratin through it glided easily through each of the sections, already making my curls much more manageable.
Next the keratin was blow dried into my hair. I usually blow dry my hair following a shower which generally causes it to grow immensely, but while Hannah was blowing it out, it was much smoother and a fraction of the size. Lastly, Hannah straightened the Keratin into my hair. This was an easy process and only took about 20 minutes. Altogether, the Keratin Complex Blowout was an extremely quick and easy treatment that hardly strayed away from a normal morning routine. As someone who has tested out a couple different types of relaxers and treatments, this was by far the easiest.
The Results
It was a rainy day so typically by the time I’d walk from the salon to my car at the end of the day, in the rain and humidity would have made my hair noticeably frizzier/larger by the second I closed the door. Today, my hair stayed completely in place and didn’t give me any trouble.
When I wake up, my usual morning routine is to take my hair down, brush it out, and lightly straighten the front pieces and ends which get slightly curly in my sleep, usually taking me about 15 minutes. The morning following the blowout I was able to just wake up and go because my hair was silky and much more manageable, and didn’t curl up at all in the night. (Anything that will help me to get a couple extra minutes of sleep in the morning I can 100% get behind.)
The weekend directly following my treatment was the ultimate test: I went camping. The weekend’s extreme humidity, thunderstorms, and the lack of all my hair products around me was daunting. While I love the outdoors, my hair was not built to be out in the wilderness without a flat iron. I expected to look like a complete mess by the end of the weekend, but that definitely wasn't the case. My hair stayed straight and in place, even through an afternoon hike in 90 degree weather.
I’m about a week out from the day I received my treatment and my first impression is definitely a home-run. I’ll post a follow up blog with how it’s held up over the next few weeks, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes!
Convinced Yet?
I would absolutely recommend the Keratin Complex Blowout treatment to anyone, especially those with wavy, curly, or hard to manage hair. Not only does it make your hair look and feel nicer in the short term, but it will cut down on the need for frequent styling with excessive heat, which will improve your hair’s health in the long run. If you’re new to hair treatments and want something with a shorter longevity, the Express Blowout is a great option to try before committing to the full treatment. You can get a feel of how the treatment will affect your personal hair type, and if you’re anything like me you’ll be dying to get the full treatment ASAP.
The Keratin Complex Blowout is an amazing treatment that will revamp your hair and cut down on future styling time, making your morning routine all that much easier. So the next time you wake up and can’t seem to tame your mane, give us a call to schedule your smoothing treatment!
For more information on how to get this service from one of our many talented stylists, call us at (610) 366-8808 or book online.
