The Essencia Salon BLOG

Essencia Salon Has Hair Feather Extensions!: Come In For Yours Today!!

2011-05-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

North Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Juno

ADD SOME FLAIR TO YOUR SUMMER HAIR -

ESSENCIA SALON HAS HAIR FEATHER EXTENSIONS!

Angela, Julia and DeeDee went to the International Beauty and Barber Show in Miami last weekend, and one of the biggest hair trends they said they HAD to bring back to Essencia was HAIR FLAIRS.

They're now in, and we are excited to offer HAIR FLAIRS at Essencia: FEATHER HAIR EXTENSIONS.

FEATHER EXTENSIONS are made with natural feathers, and are available in a variety of colors and lengths. The feathers are attached to your hair and will last for weeks! The coolest part of these extensions is that you can continue your normal styling routine - you can wash, curl, blow-dry and flat iron the extensions just like you style your natural hair. Feathers are one of the hottest hair accessory trends and will continue to be for some time to come. Many celebrities have been spotted wearing feather extensions!

FEATHER EXTENSIONS are available for purchase.

The Feathers are only $12 for one, $18 for two and $24 for three. This is a great and affordable option to add a little glamour to your style! What do you think of this latest hair trend - is it something you would like to try?

Feather extensions are the big hair trend right now, and Essencia Salon is offering the feather look. "It is the newest trend for the summer and will be for quite some time," Angela Quadagno said. "They are so much fun and are showing up on celebs like American Idol judge Steven Tyler, and teen stars Hillary Duff and Selena Gomez."

Show photos here

Briget Bardot is Back!

2010-07-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

What’s the buzz at Essencia this week? Bridget Bardot! This 60’s sex kitten hair is the hottest look since the “Rachael.” This style takes a classic look and adds a modern edgy twist. It’s got it all: length, fullness, and face framing softness. Redken’s Creative Artistic Director, Sam Villa, demonstrated the “Bardot” via a Webinar that our staff viewed. We are sharpening our shears and gearing up for a wave of women ready to update their look with a style that is convertible, versatile and most definitely sexy.

Blowing You Away With Brushes!

2010-05-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

BLOWING YOU AWAY WITH BRUSHES!

Our industry has come a long way in its use of technology to create beauty, including the technology of brushes. During the 1800's brushes were often made with elastic wire or animal hair. Over time we have taken these brushes and turned them into some serious styling tools.

Today, Grant will tell you about all the different types of brushes, how to choose the right brush, how the brush will benefit your hair, and what each brush is made of.

How to Choose the Right Brush

Make sure to choose a brush according to your desired style; whether it's a sleek look, more shine, or a soft loose style, there is a perfect brush for that perfect style.

When looking for that Smooth Polished Look, try using a brush with soft bristles that are close together. This will apply more tension to the hair stretching the fabric and giving it more control with the application of heat.

If Shine is what you want, then it's a ceramic brush that you are after. The ceramic bristles will help to seal the hair's outer layer by helping to trap the heat of the blow dryer, giving your hair the ultimate glossy shine.

Are you looking for a Soft Loose Blow Out, maybe With Some Bouncy Waves? Use a brush with wider spaced bristles. The brush will offer just enough tension to create smoothness to your hair without losing its natural wave thus creating a flawless sexy hairstyle.

Here are Four Great Brushes to Choose From

BOAR BRISTLE

Generally used on fine to normal hair, boar bristle brushes tend to be softer on the hair and are designed to clean, polish and condition strands. Boar bristle also gives hair healthy shine and helps eliminate split ends.

PADDLE BRUSHES Paddle brushes are generally large, flat and wide and designed to smooth and straighten hair. They are most often used for blow-drying and styling long hair. However, your paddle brush can be used on many different lengths of hair for a smooth look and for a quick blow out. There are also small flat brushes that will do everything a large paddle brush will do but will take you a little longer.

THERMAL BRUSHES

Thermal brushes create curl, movement and body for all hair lengths. The metal or heat conductive material at the center of the brush heats up when used with a hair dryer and allows the brush to be used similarly to that of a curling iron or hot rollers. They can reduce drying time and static.

CERAMIC BRUSHES

Ceramic brushes hold heat from the hair dryer longer and distribute it evenly throughout the brush. They also dry hair faster, eliminate frizz and leave the hair silky and smooth.

Call Grant to get an answer to your "brush" question 561-625-0286.

2010-05-11T16:14:00.000-07:00

EMBRACE YOUR CURLS!

Today Linda is going to teach us how to embrace our curly, wavy and unruly hair. So for those of you who are afraid of your natural texture or just don't know what to do with it, have no fear Linda is here. Linda is going to take you on a journey beginning with the right questions to ask your stylist, styling and blow drying techniques and of course what type of products to be using, what each product does and how to use each product.

CONSULTATION
The consultation is a great time for you to share any knowledge you have about your hair with your stylist and a great opportunity for the stylist to give you recommendations. Some great insight that a guest with curly hair can offer their stylist, are what products they are currently using; including shampoo, conditioner, styling and finishing products. It is also great to give your stylist a little knowledge on what you like and don't like about your curl. At Essencia we call it the "Challenges." A great stylist will be able to take your hair challenges and turn them into solutions.

Some things to pay attention to when in a consultation are the questions your stylist is asking you. You want to make sure that your stylist is addressing your challenges, analyzing your facial shape, and giving you proper product recommendations. All of these things will not only help your stylist create that perfect look but will also help you have a perfect understanding of what that perfect look will be.

STYLING

Shampoo is a CLUB ESSENCE ESSENTIAL when dealing with curly hair. The shampoo should be hydrating and sulfate free. What is sulfate free shampoo? Well, a sulfate is an inexpensive additive that is found in most shampoos which acts as the lathering agent in your shampoo. Well, whats so wrong with that? It has been discovered that the salt in sulfates actually strip our hair of its natural oils and moisture. When dealing with curly hair the most important aspect is maintaining a moisture balance, so make sure you are using a sulfate free shampoo! After shampooing make sure to follow with the comparable moisturizing conditioner and leave in for a minimum of 3-5 minutes. Finally follow with hydrating leave-in conditioner. Try a hydrating leave-in that contains your UVA / UVB protectant to help reduce the stress of the heat on your hair.

When detangeling your curls make sure to use a VERY Large Toothed comb. You want to make sure your are not putting a lot of tension on your curls so you will not stretch the hair straight as it drys. NEVER BRUSH YOUR CURLS.

Styling products are a must to create your ideal style for curly hair. There really is no such thing as letting your natural curls dry without using any form of product. Try using a curl defining creme for styling. This will create the perfect balance of moisture and still maintain curl form. Apply your product vigorously throughout the hair making sure that it is evenly saturated. Mix in or layer over a paste or gel with your curl creme for added texture and definition.

APPLYING YOUR PRODUCTS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART!
Here are 3 great techniques for applying products:
Scrunch - this will give you a sporadic curl/wave that will have great definition. When scrunching apply the product and squeeze the hair in the palm of your hands as you push it towards the scalp.

Twist - this will create a tighter, structured and "ropesque" type of curl. After applying your product follow by taking 1/4" - 1" sections of hair and twist it randomly clockwise and counter clockwise until tight.

Shake - this will create a very loose wavy or beach type of curl. After applying product, flip your head upside down and shake your hair at the root area until you have created your designer look.
Here are 2 Great Techniques for drying your hair:

Diffusing - your hair will have maximum curl and body. Make sure when diffusing you are drying your hair at least 80 - 90 Percent dry. A great technique is to lean your head into the Diffuser to create a soft natural look.

Air Dry - the easiest way for you to style your hair. Make sure when allowing your hair to air dry you are allowing it to dry in a controlled climate. If you allow the humidity to reach your hair before fully dry you will not receive desired results.

2010-05-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

Jackie's SKIN CARE Tip of the Week

What most people don't know is how much the sun dehydrates our skin and the #1 cause of wrinkles is dehydration; think the "prune effect." Using an after sun exposure product is important to help give back the hydration which was lost as part of your daily life routine.

With summer comes sunburn. Most of us enjoy spending time outdoors; unfortunately our skin suffers from the daily sun exposure. To prevent sun damage always wear a sun screen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Make sure the sunscreen is protecting you from the UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays). The sun is the #1 way we age our skin. Make sure the sunscreen is protecting you from the UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays). The sun is the #1 way we age our skin.

Here are Jackie's Recommendations:

1. Drinking lots of water. I know you hear this everyday but I can not stress enough how important it is to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. For every caffeinated drink you consume it takes two 8 ounce glasses of water to replenish; again think "prune effect." If water isn't your thing I recommend Crystal Light: Skin Essentials in either Pomegranate Lemonade or White Peach Tea. Crystal Light has combined Powerful Antioxidants, Vitamin A, C, and E with plant extracts. Just two 16.9 fl. oz servings per day provide you with an amazing way to nourish your skin from within.

2. Don’t over cleanse your skin. Scrubbing away does not make it cleaner; in fact it can over-react in response to being washed too much by producing more oil – creating breakouts, as well as flakiness and dryness. Cleansing twice a day is plenty, once in the morning and once before bed. Of course if you exercise cleansing additionally is o.k.

3. Tone your skin. Many people skip this step thinking it isn’t necessary to use a toner when in fact the opposite is true. Toning is good for many things, including removing any excess makeup your cleanser may have left behind, as well as bringing back your skins Ph levels. Some cleansers strip the skin of Ph Balance which can dry out the skin.

Jackie Recommends:
Pevonia’s Phyto-Aromatic Mist (toner)- This is the perfect product to restore your skins hydration and reduce the effects of sun damage for after sun care. It soothes, hydrates and heals the skin. This product is great for all skin types, including the most sensitive skin. This product is great for after sun exposure or for every day use to rehydrate the skin.
Pevonia’s Hydrating Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 - Protects UVA/UVB rays. Recommended for all skin types. As always you should reapply sunscreen every two to three hours depending on your outdoor activity.

Why You Don't Want To Hammer Your Nails

2010-04-30T15:08:00.001-07:00

Why You Don't Want To Hammer Your Nails

People often think that the reason God gave them nails is for them to look good. But the main function of nails is physiological rather than cosmetic. Nails enhance fine motor skills, they protect the fingers and toes and they enhance fine touch. For those reasons, it's important to keep nails healthy.

Tara has some great information to share with you today. She wants you to know how important proper nail care is to your good health!

Disorders of the nails often indicate an underlying disease and improper nail care can put you at risk for diseases like hepatitis B and C and athlete's foot.

If you've ever contracted a infection after receiving a nail service you will understand why there are stricter sanitation and safety standards at salons today. The press made fun of Paula Abdul for lobbying for such practices after a nail infection resulted in her nail being removed. But trust us, it isn't fun or unique; many people contract such infections after having nail services at a salon. The cause is using the same tools and instruments on more than one customer without proper sanitation. Infectious bacteria is then transmitted from person to person. When you plan on spending time and money in a salon you should not have to worry about contracting any type of infection much less having to spend money on something that has to be treated and cured.

Consumers need to be informed and vigilant to protect themselves from injury or infection at salons. The following tips will guide you on what to look for when planning your visit to the salon:
1. Be aware. Look around to see if the salon is clean and make sure that licenses and health inspection notices are displayed prominently. The State of Florida now requires salons to post a sign in the nail area. Each technician's license should have a photo and be laminated to insure a trained, licensed professional is performing the service. State Board of Cosmetology Inspection Reports are to be displayed for the public to view as well as the state issued salon license.
2. Ask questions: every customer has the right to ask the technician how the equipment is disinfected. If the operator doesn't know, or seems unsure, refuse the service. All tools that are not disposable should be completely immersed in hospital-grade disinfectant for at least 15 minutes. Any equipment that cannot be disinfected should be discarded. That includes nail buffers, emery boards, toe separators, orange sticks, etc. You may bring your own nail kit to the salon to ensure that the tools are clean.
3. Wash your hands before a manicure and ask your manicurist to do the same.
4. Ask the manicurist to push back cuticles instead of cutting.
5. Don't shave your legs the night before or the day of your pedicure. Scrapes and nicks can make you more susceptible to infection. Using razors to shave calluses on the feet is dangerous and not permitted in Florida.
6. To kill pathogenic bacteria pedicure tubs need to be cleaned after each use with a disinfectant, germicidal or bleach solution for 10 minutes, followed by a 10 minute wash with a tuberculocidal disinfectant. Many salons balk at this procedure because it requires them to take footbaths out of commission during business hours.

7. Experiencing any pain when getting a manicure of pedicure is never OK.

Experience the Mirage at Essencia

The Mirage Pedicare System from Belvedere is the first intelligent pedicare unit designed for the safety of the consumer and the convenience of the technician. This chair is unmatched in comfort and security for the guest and is quick and easy to clean up for the operator.

One of the best features is the thermostatic control of the water in the foot bowl and automatically regulates the bowl water temperature up to 102

Both the client and technician have controls to monitor and alter water temperature. In other systems technicians attempt to mix cold and hot water by hand touch trying to find the right temperature. With Mirage it's automatic. The full-function, oversized Mirage chair provides a contoured design that wraps the client in high-density foam cushions for maximum comfort. A finger-tip control pad in the armrest allows the client to recline the chair 30 degrees, move the chair forward/back and up/down, and manage the lumbar massage function.

The best feature of the Mirage is the superior disinfecting system. It is a aten-pending, self-contained process that provides on-button, "hands free" bowl water circulation, disinfecting and sanitizing. The system allows the pedicare technician to quickly sanitize the station between clients and provides one-button overnight disinfecting. An integrated disinfectant container is stored in the unit and injects the hospital grade germicidal solution into the system insuring complete sanitation and disinfection.

What is Sugaring? Can I have a brazillian with Sugaring?

2010-02-25T09:13:00.000-08:00

Sugaring hair removal is different than waxing. With waxing hair removal, hot wax is applied with a spatula in the direction of the hair growth, cloth strips are applied to the wax and the hair is removed with the strip in the OPPOSITE direction of hair growth, causing discomfort and breaking of the hair. The sugaring technique uses a thick lukewarm sugar mixture that is applied in the opposite direction of hair growth using the hands. It's then flicked off quickly, in the SAME direction as the hair growth resulting in less breakage, less pain, no ingrown hairs and will never tear the skin! No strips, no spatulas, and no mess! And, the best part is that repeated sugaring can lead to permanency.

With most waxes, you can apply the wax only once to a limited area. Attempting to remove additional hair from the same area can result in a burn, removal of skin and possibly scarring. With sugaring you can speed things up by applying the paste to a very large area and it can be repeated as often as necessary to completely remove the missed hairs in that same area. Sugar won't dry out and is extremely sanitary because the amount of paste used to remove the hair from one area of your body can continue to be used for multiple body parts making it risk free of cross-contamination. Sugar is water soluble, meaning any residue left on the skin can be removed with plain water, unlike regular wax which requires a solvent or oil.

Some hair growth is needed. 1/16 of an inch is needed when using the traditional sugaring technique, which is about 2-5 days of hair growth after shaving.

Sugaring doesn't attach to live skin cells. Sugaring will only take away dead skin cells, unlike waxing which also removes live skin cells. If you're skin is already over-exfoliated (using glycolic, Retin A or peels) you don't have to worry about the sugar accidentally removing skin; it is completely safe to use with these treatments as well as those with skin conditions like rosacea, eczema and varicose veins.

The Brazilian Bikini is one of the most requested sugaring services. Mollie is most efficient and makes every woman feel at ease during the treatment. At Essencia, she takes the time to properly prep the area before sugaring and then soothe the skin after the treatment.

Male clients really appreciate sugaring because of the benefits of less pain and ingrown hairs. The most popular areas are the back and chest.

Each individual is different when it comes to hair texture, rate of growth, etcetera. so experimentation is needed to see if sugaring hair removal is a viable method for you.

Sugaring hair removal is a very popular, economical, safe, and convenient method of hair removal. Using natural ingredients, sugaring hair removal is generally more kind to the skin.

sugaring Brazilian palm beach north palm beach palm beach gardens Jupiter Brazilian

waxing hair removal Brazilian

New Salon Photos!

2010-02-22T18:53:00.001-08:00

Recently Essencia Salon had South Florida's own Chris Martin of PHOTOS BY CRHIS MARTIN to come to the salon and take some photographs.

Here is a peak at one of the photos that he shot:

To view the entire album check it out on our website HERE

Quick Tip

2010-02-19T08:13:00.000-08:00

Here's a "Hair DO" for you: DO use the right hair care products for your specific hair type. For example, damaged, dry or color-treated hair; use products formulated to repair damage & add shine and resiliency or for oily hair use a deep-cleansing shampoo & light conditioner. Talk with your stylist to determine which products are best for your hair. The right products are fundamental for your hair care routine!

ArtiGras Fashion Show 2-14-10

2010-02-13T13:00:00.000-08:00

ArtiGras is this weekend! We're so proud that our talented stylists were asked to do the runway hair styles for the Fashion Show on Sunday. So, if you are going to ArtiGras on Sunday be sure to attend the fashion show with clothing by Lili Pulitzer and Hair Styles by Tara, Greg, Tiffany and Linda from Essencia Salon. If you can't attend, be sure to check out our website and facebook next week to see the fashions and fabulous styles our amazing staff created!

Angela and I are so fortunate to have such a diverse and multi talented staff of artistic, creative people!

Help Make Essencia Number 1

2010-02-12T08:16:00.000-08:00

We need your help!! Essencia Salon was nominated for the Best Hair Salon in Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast. Starting Feb. 15th voting will begin for the competition and we need you; our fans...... TO VOTE! We will post often on our blog to remind all of you to help make Essencia what we all know it is, NUMBER 1.

For now check out the page to vote. But remember voting begins on Monday, Feb. 15th!!

Introducing the New Essencia Team Members!!

2010-02-11T17:05:00.001-08:00

We are welcoming 3 new employees to our Amazing Family. Summer Murphy who is our Salon Operations Director, Julia McClintock who is an Associate Stylist and Mollie Ashton our newest Esthetician. We are so happy and fortunate to have them at Essencia. Look for their profiles by the end of next week on our website to find out more about them and what they bring to our Salon!