Hair salon Stylist personal development

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

What is personal development do you give it any thought? Do you take any time to plan your career once qualified? Have you ever considered the many options available to you in the hair industry and thought about how best to improve your skills and knowledge?

Work on thinking about a plan of action for your career making some clear choices and taking action. Maybe this is not you and our happy just working as a creative stylist in a salon. Experience over the years has shown me that eventually this is not enough for most stylist they want more responsibility they want more control.To get this you have to have a plan a vision and some goals. What are yours? Are you ready to trust yourself take control of your future?

Investing in one self and ones future:

To succeed in at any level in Cosmetology demands quality.professional skill. Creativity talent and technical knowledge and ability. In the Hairdressing profession many individuals have great artistic skills.But they fail or let them sleeves down by not having or acquiring the technical knowledge to make those skills truly great. 

Would you like to gain more experience in other aspects of the hairdressing industry. Are your ready to challenge your self? Maybe your goal is to own your own salon. Have a freelance business. Maybe become an educator for an international hair colour company. A platform artist.Artistic team member. College tutor.Climb the ladder to salon management. All very worth while. Deciding on what path to take,where your true vocation lies is not easy so should not be rushed. Reaping the rewards from hard work and commitment is very satisfying but is it enough? Constantly pushing your self striving to be the very best you can is very challenging but so very worth while could this be you?

The Hurdles and obstacles can seem immense one has to stay committed and focused embrace the challenges. Be prepared to face rejection over come obstacles deal with the emotional challenges of an unchartered journey and adventure stick with it however daunting however demanding it is. Sounds like a great deal of hard work. It is but nothing is easy and it would not be a challenge or so rewarding at the end if it were handed on plate!

The big thing the key is you don't have to do it alone unaided there are many in this industry here to help and advise you you only have to search them out connect and ask for advise for help and you will get it.

With so many talented, focused, driven, motivated stylists and industry professionals help is always available. As an industry professional how can you create that edge how can you keep it? Become a specialist in your field the one people turn to for advise and guidance become a business success. What ever your choice be it.
To be a top stylist. Own your own business. Be platform artist.There are no short cuts but having a clear vision and an understanding of how things work.What path to take this can really help you over the hurdles and obstacles you may face while making this vision a reality.

Apart from having the right up to date qualifications .You must have a full and extensive record of your journey your training your education your soil level qualification and certification. Show a history of having attended education updates, prove creativity, demonstrate skills in service and consultation. Have an interest in business management staff management and training. Show a willingness to learn and commitment earn trust show loyalty gain respect.

Websters defines the word skill as ' The ability to use one;s skills effectively' Todays hairdressers must have a strong working knowledge of the hair, chemistry, the hair structure, the products available, trusting manufactures is no longer enough or safe! know this before you can effectively show your artistic and creative skills through colouring and handling chemicals and products. Again there are no short cuts to knowledge the more you understand who hair colour works and reacts on human hair the better prepared you will be to face the challenges that can and do arise.

What does investing in one self man? Is it costly? Is it worth while? let me tell you,Investing in oneself does not have to be financial- It can and could be a simple as time well spent! We must all look in the mirror and be honest about what needs  attention what needs some adjustment. The real key is knowing from the bottom of your heart.What you truly want where you want your career to go what lengths your are prepared to go to to make. Your dream. your vision. Your quest a reality.

Sadly this does not mean that financial expense is not apart of this, sometimes parting with hard earned cash is the driver and motivator. Seek help. Do the work. Reap the rewards. Self investment. How many people sign up for gym membership to get healthy drop a few pounds ? They go a few time then always find an excuse not to go eventually  the membership runs out or gets cancelled the Gym gets blamed oh it was costly it did not work for me!! when you pay the membership you still have to do the work someone else is not going to ride that bike and get fit or lose weight for you! Same deal with investing in education skill training knowledge you have to commit to the work the program. 

Help can and does come in many forms It could be useful books or downloads. Seminars. Courses. Presentations. Demonstrations. Webinar. Video links. what works best for you how do you learn what keeps you motivated stimulated your choice. The key is to have that vision of what you want where you want your career to go.  Research  your choices!

   

Think of your career as a bus journey.There are lots of people on the bus with you,some getting on and off others staying on for the ride.But hey your the driver take your eyes off the road and pops! your in control drive your career take your path.We are all in charge of our own destiny we have to make choices and live with the consequences challenging our selves and those around us for we are all linked through our industry our passion our commitment to development and change.

There are many professional bodies and groups ready to help and offer advise should you need any help please contact me and we can discuss a path a journey plan for you. I have many contacts and access to some really wonderful supportive material.

Mike B2MR

Hair salon the price of success!

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

This topic comes to mind because of the changes and challenge we see in our industry. As we struggle to look for new ways new initiatives. Ways to move forward and grow both as salon and as individual stylists. Or as team sharing the same vision a collaboration of views and thinking.
For change to happen we have to want it. We have to be prepared to work .We have to challenge everything we know hoping for change is not enough. We have to take a step back and see that we need to do things differently make positive changes.
We cannot expect a different out come or result if we keep doing the same things in some cases making the same mistakes or errors.
We have to take responsibility and stop blaming circumstances external forces or others! We have to avoid being drawn in to the competitive down spiral of the discounting for business game.

I was chatting with my wife Cindy with today. We were talking about hotels and how so many no longer offer the luxury items we so like. Those free bath products that pack of chocolates that complimentary  sparkling water.
It's not free it's factored into the price. The point being the bigger slightly more expensive hotels are still busy and doing well. Whilst the smaller cheaper one struggle compete and yes discount against each other creating a cheap discount market one where something has to give.That thing being service and the experience.  Competing creating a discount market is negative destructive some one has to lose !! Why is this?

We agreed it's because although the larger hotels are more expensive. They are providing an experience we feel pampered. We all like to feel special!! Are you getting the idea. Luxury, excellence, high standards of service delivered by highly skilled professionals. These are not in the same grouping as cheap discount short changed businesses struggling to stay afloat!
What do you prefer when paying for something special unforgettable or  a cheap very forgettable experience?

The Price of success is?
To honestly take a step back in some cases seek help takes a real want for change. Ask the questions. What should i change? How can i change it. Why should I ? Will it make a difference. If your honest it will. If your willing to take up the challenge to do things differently it will.  It's changing your mind set. It's suggesting specialisation. It's creating the place that is special. That place that clients have to be seen in have to be a part of it's creating that something so unique so special that experience thats unforgettable. Was this not your vision when you set out? It should have been!

It applies to your salon. It apples if your a booth or chair renter in salon. It's skill it's your creative talent but what remembered is the experience.Those extra lengths you go to that extra service you provide.
Maybe take some time for this needs some thought and reflection.

Ask yourself some tuff questions. Give your self some honest answer's:

What makes you stand out? What makes you unique? What makes what you do special?
If nothing it's time for a list to make some change.  Remember it's the experience not the discount ! Clients do not remember the discount they do remember the experience. ! What can you do about this?
One thing is very clear booth an chair rental is growing as a business option driven by the demand of the client. Salon owners have a responsibility when developing a booth rental establishment to present a stylish and professional image. The booth renter responsibility is to the service offered but also maintaining the image and appearance to still work with the salon owner to develop the salon and culture no free passes. To develop a reputation as a place of excellence for creative and skilled professionals to work. Both salon and business owners and the stylist running a booth rental business need to work together embrace this new growing opportunity. Collaborate to develop a location a business that works for all parties. Share that vision!!!

This web site my blog all set up to help and offer advise. but also to raise question get you thinking.I'm happy to help just contact me we can talk over your situation finds ways forward have a Skype call put am action plan in place. The development and resources page is there to offer help and support.
all you have to do is Ask reach out change can happen you just have to want it ! DO YOU ?
Mike B2MR.

Perfect red and copper hair colour

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

Perfect shades of Red and copper hair colour.

I post this topic with a love for red hair colour and the challenges they pose mainly colour retention keeping those rich vibrant tones.

I found an interesting link that i will share at the bottom of the article even though it saddens me that it's promoting  home box colour and does not promote the hair salon and professional hair colour services.
so much for manufacture support for the professional.

When we think of reds there are just so many shades to choose from. Hot reds,warm controlled reds and copper shades all the way through to cool blue mauve reds. The red shades are the hardest to get to last keep that rich true colour. The rule is hardest to get into the hair last to come out!

Choosing the correct shade the right volume of Peroxide are all so key to good results using the natural pigment in the clients hair to give depth and longevity to colour. If we use to higher volume of peroxide we can lift the hair to much lifting out any red or orange and giving us a yellow orange pigment base. Always consider target colour and what will be exposed in the lifting process.

Faded dull with Grey root issue

All food for thought? But we also need to consider the formulation for root application the formulation to colour balance on mid lengths and ends.

Hot or bright roots seems to be a huge problem then we also have to consider a formulation for Grey coverage.

Hot roots are normally caused by lack of N natural series or a controlling green or blue base if to bright.

With the examples: Of red and copper below. I have tried to show that it is possible to change shade in this case red without damaging or causing stress on the hair.

As you can see the different shades chosen are all in the same family red, red copper, red brown they all work with skin and eye colour of the model.

                                                 

The Key to switching colour and shade is to do it in stages. Work up and down the shades slowly going from lighter to darker is easy tone on tone. To go Darker to lighter the key is to use the pigment you are lifting don't try for to many levels at once remember it's an ever changing journey not a race. Using this method you can constantly suggest new change with compromise.

A colour client will stay with you as long as your doing a great job so take your time explain  what's possible both short term and long ! have fun.

Rich vibrant even colour root to end

Always consider the environment you are working in the history of of previous colour application. consider and plan colour goals for coming months so change is possible with out over processing and or a poor job!

Take into account any issues during the consultation Grey issues can be resolved so you don't have a thin deposit or  hot roots . Remember Grey issues will require some amount of the N natural series in the root formulation the level of peroxide you choose is the other deciding factor.

The model above to the right  has a Grey issue but as you can see a rich vibrant even colour is possible

 As you can see from these last three shots. new shots same model new  deeper richer red almost brunette shade.  Why? Well as we are dealing with a little more Grey a to vibrant  copper could cause it to  look thin and with a possible bright roots issue.

A razor cut to create texture and movement no scissors used also added more texture with my claw finger razor's.

I hope that is article is helpful and that it creates thought about lift deposit and target colour. Remember consider the issues and the environment you are working on.

Two more shot of this colour and razor cut above and below all the same model to show that switching shades of red and copper can be done with some patients and consultation.

The change in the above shots in from a solid all over colour to mixed tones of high and low lights to stay lighter addressing the Grey issues.

For link on red hair shades and tones that work with ones skin check out.

                                                   http://www.squidoo.com/perfect-red-hair
Mike B2MR: 

Hair Salon. Brand Image repuation

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

Brand. Image. Reputation:

We all work so hard to create a brand that says who we are. We create and image that projects our vision and supports our brand.We work to turn our vision into a reality.We build our reputation.
We start of with such high expectation. We believe and trust we will be a success.

Why do we then cheapen all we have worked so hard  for? We compromise put ourselves down cheapen all we have created by offering discounts why? Do we not believe in our selves has our vision changed? What does discounting really say about your brand?
Maybe it suggest's struggling and are desperate for your business? Rather than professional creative talented styling team. Offering the highest standard of skill and service at competitive rates.

What would appeal more you? What would appear the more professional image and approach? We have to consider  these questions. If we are to really address this discount mentality.  Consider that competition is not a good thing at the best of times. Competition in the salon creates a higher ache that creates issues of  over inflated EGO. It's negative. An environment of sharing, in salon mentoring, collaboration a meeting of the minds, open innovative discussion, a sharing of that vision. Not that mentality built on who's the best!
Competing with salons around you to see who can go the lowest to attract the most is just wrong.
It's crazy! it's a no win market .

Think about your Brand how can you create a niche market?
Think about your vision surround your self with people who share it?
Think about the salon image ? what do you really want it to say ?
Think about your reputation ? what is that worth?
Think about that Street appeal ? those tacky photo copies?

It's only when we really honestly consider these issues that we can really start to see the folly in a discount driven mentality and market.
We have a salon we have a price list .Then we have a huge sign saying 30% off or we plaster the window in discount offers to the point that no one can see in. See what the salon is doing. what it offers enabling the potential client to get a feel for what is being presented.

We fill the window with products we are not first and foremost a retail product store we certainly go get paid to display these products in our window promoting the manufacturer. We have to buy them and then re sell them. We can only re sell them by recommending them to our clients. To do this we have to get then into the salon. If we have discounted our rates right down then why would they pay full price for products?
This is mostly com one sense  but some where along the way we have got lost we have been sucked in to this business model  that is so from our vision that we falter. We get over whelmed we feel lost consumed.
All of these salon's are in the same town all within a few minute wool of each other .So you can see in trying to appeal they all look the same. It does not work .It's tacky!!!!!

Take a step back be honest. What do you really want? How can you get back to your vision? Why did this happen?  Maybe you need a little help or advise? Would you like to discuss your situation ? If so let me know. See contact section.

Mike B2MR:
Lets talk, lets share some thoughts, lets get you a new look, lets get you back to. Your vision. Your brand

Affiliate sharing. Challenging times in salon and spa

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

For some months now i have been talking with and sharing a vision with Karen and David owners of
                                                        http://www.karendavidintl.com/
                                                            [karen David Salon success].

We have been discussing collaboration, affiliation a sharing of views thoughts and opinions. Having never met in person our relationship has developed on trust and mutual respect, learning and listening to each other views and opinions. Quite a few hours of on line Skype conversation. This all bring me to this point one of being able and ready to share with you all access to some really motivation support material.
To reach this point over the past moths as an exercise i have participated in the online program. It works it' raises questions it provides the answers to motivate it works with you to make and implement change.
The question is are you ready?

We live in a time of global shift in economy and business and consumer demands.We live in a world of instant communication net working and promotion.

We live in a time when. What used to work no longer works. What was the normal seasonal business module no longer works or can be relied on. We have clients who demand more are better informed have more choice. We all need to embrace and face these challenges we need to take action. It going to take innovative thinking staff collaboration and commitment to change. A real willingness and want to succeed.

The tools are here: The support is here:

Are ready to take them up get busy do the work reap the rewards?

GET OFF THE SALES ROLLER COASTER.
Is your first step to achieving consistently high salon sales. You have way more control than you realise when it comes to managing and retaining your clients -follow every step in this book and get off the sales rollercoaster.

From increasing sales through your appointment book to your in-salon marketing system, this step by step action plan is everything will take you a whole lot closer to having the salon you only dreamed was possible.

I'm so excited that this material and links are now added to both my website and blog so that i can share these wonderful tools with hairdresser's stylist's trainee's

This will also provide access to the mentoring consultation program provided by and Karen and her husband David. They both have such commitment to our industry they share their vision an expertise to help other succeed. With huge success in Australia and New Zealand a growing team of business coaches. It's time to share that passion and experience with everyone looking to face challenges and create change.
  

In writing Double Your Salon Succes, Karen Lynch shows she has a true understanding of the hairdressing world. She reveals the very essence of what makes for success by identifying the combination of service, consultation and sales that are needed to grow and be current. This book encapsulates so much of what we as stylists forget or take for granted. As Karen shares with us Pamela and Skye’s journey, she takes us on a roller coaster ride from start to finish. She reveals their struggle to make their dream a reality which is at times frustrating and emotionally upsetting and at other times exhilarating. As we read, we think “hey, that could be me; that is so right; what a great idea.” From start to finish, this book is a thought provoking and entertaining read that will leave you wanting to take the challenge to walk a new path to success.

Over the past three months I have participated in the online Salon success program. My reason being to understand how it worked and to fully grasp it's effectiveness in relation to being salon support tool and program for both salon owners and stylist it works
It's challenging it offers so much martial and support but it also raises question that only each participant can answer in way that works for them their vision and goals.
I really is very comprehensive  it has been created by industry professionals for industry professional both salon owners and indeed stylist. I endorse fully what this program can offer and would encourage any one feeling that they need help or that might be feeling they have wondered from their path a little lost or over whelmed to take a little time to research this salon and business support program an call the support that it offers.
As with all support programs there is work to be done it can be challenging. It certainly will question some of your old habits. Show you a new way forward it's all down to commitment and motivation. Yours!

Mike B2MR.

Mike Vallance

Hair industry influences and change

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

The hair Industry is multi dynamic in it's many branches that come together under the heading.
                                                                           'Hair industry'

From: The salon to manufacturing from manufacturing to education skill training, personal development. Career path and challenges.
Educator, artistic team member, platform artist, salon owner, manager, freelance/chair or booth renter.
distributor or sales representative.

Change happens it's constant from the products that are available to us. This new must have technology  we have to have. However we also need to question how and why they work understand any side effects Are they safe ! We must be educated on these products feel confident they are safe for us and our clients.
What dives the invention and investment into research of new product technology? Is it sales and profit yes of course. First and foremost it's driven by Media demand from promotion and advertising. Now with the internet with the tablet with the android more than ever, clients can see it see instantly the results see the look they are hooked they want it!
Of course it's our job to deliver but it's also our professional duty to be the moral compass. We have to have the knowledge and the skill to inform advise and educate our clients on the products it's pro's and con's for there will always be both!

Influences.
This economy this global shift has been a wake up call to any one in business and we in the hair industry are not and have not been immune to this. The seasonal spikes that we could rely on no longer exist that Christmas rush that spring make over that pre holiday do!
Staying in touch with discussion groups and forums shows me that many salons are struggling, many are looking for a way to turn things around. Many are relying to discounting, some are taking short cuts maybe compromising on product quality. Just treading water trying to survive.

We all need to take a deep breath evaluate where we are what we want. Re visits those goals that vision and re focus. We have to embrace new technology. We have to collaborate more with staff or team members. Learn to use the power of the media social net works collaborate with staff to promote the salon it's services in a positive way.
Be strong enough to seek out professional help and advise. Maybe we need to think of this shift as a new beginning, a time for reinvention, a time to revaluate and start with over with a new rekindled energy and out look, Change and indeed challenges can and do seem so daunting because it forces us to look at things in different light encourages us to think out the the box.

We can all make difference in so many ways. Start with that vision build your team have an ongoing in house training program. Develop your team have apprentices train then share your skills investing them they are the future become the teachers develop your an their future, use the colleges for the theory for you trainees to get certified work with the colleges and collaborate on training for they certainly don't have all the answers they need also to adapt to the industry changes and salon demands.
Work to develop these young enthusiastic creative stylists grow with them, grow develop and learn together.

Products source what works for you both for salon use and retail don't carry to much stock. Address the skills and passions of each and every salon member, encourage courses and extra training both in salon and external. work with your manufacturer and supplier on education up date and in houses training events. . The salon as a whole has to have the highest standards of training and expertise, individually encourage  specialisation become unique a destination location a place of excellence in even field. The palace that is talked about a place that people want to be associated with. Community involvement, be it linked to the gym healthy centre or supporting local events collaboration innovative thinking.
How do we get beyond thinking of 'clients as one time walk in's' and consider them as long term potentials?

When will we start to consider all those clients who 'come once never to return' ! Those lost opportunities to make a first and last impression. When will we take the time to think. 'In fixing someone else's mistakes' will it could it cost me potential 'Clients'. Part of this new thinking is. 'We are in the service industry'. 'We are not in the server industry'. Professional boundaries and mutual respect must exist. The client is not always right neither are we balance and being open to change and the unexpected and dealing with and addressing issues solving problems.

That first impression the personal image we present. How we communicate and articulate our suggestions the art of listening. Being a professional in your field of expertise thus giving sound advise. Executing and delivering the service advise in highly skilled professional way with the highest expertise and skill offering a wonderful experience. Charging for your time and expertise. No discounting. No little bit off at the cash register. Being paid for a job well done. This is what a client expects and wants nothing more nothing less. Discounting could suggest that 'you did not do your job as well as you could have'. 'It will be better next time'. 'Thank you for letting me try'. 'Sorry i could have tried harder'. Do any of these a good message? a message of professional confidence and assertiveness.

Yes things have changed they will continue to change to challenge us so we have to learn to embrace adapt and be ready so that we can keep up with the every changing demands and wants that our industry dictates as it grows and developed. We all have the strength to do this .We can also connect with other professional share experience seek advise offer advise competition is not always a good thing  it can become so distractive and negative both within the salon and  if competing with business around you. Discounting is competition sadly it's not he who gives the biggest discount who wins.

We all have new technology new products new tools. Constantly changing techniques and demands to sill levels. We have an industry in a state of flux. We have change and challenges to face. We have social media devices and we all have to embrace all the changes and the challenges they pose. Exciting times is the only way to look at it.
Mike B2MR

Health or Wealth: In the hair salon

Back2myroots : A place to share thoughts and grow idea's. B2MR

Health or wealth: 


As mentioned we are living through some very challenging economic times. Business models that work no longer seem to.There are no guarantee's when it comes to customer loyalty. With this comes worries about revenue daily and weekly takings.
Products and techniques come and go Perming, Henna, Highlights, Lowlights,Ombre. All have taken there place in the salon hall of fame for both looks and indeed for profitability. 

Now we have a new challenge facing us! The chemistry of our products is changing at a rapid pace some of the manufacture are less than transparent about how these products work and any possible side effects.frankly this is worrying and we as professional have to ask more question and be either less trusting  or hold the manufacture to account.
The chemistry in many cases of our hair colour has changed Ammonia got gets a bad warp it seems an Alkaline derived from grain has a more natural quality to it so it must be safer and healthier! You decided MEA come from the ethanol family.

Back to the profit the revenue the services that are great money makers. The safety of the chemicals in the Keratin products [relaxers] and our ability to trust the manufacturers of these products. Follow the money...so many stylists see only the quick return and fast cash made on this service, and  ignore the cancer, COPD and asthma dangers to ourselves and our clients. In some cases if not the product it self then the reaction caused when high heat is applied and fumes are given off.  Formaldehyde and it's different-name-same-chemical Aldehyde produce toxic fumes in our salon workspace. We see now and will be seeing in larger, bigger amounts serious breathing issues and potentially even worse health developments.
What is it going to take for salon owners and stylist to sit up do some home work ask some key questions about these products.

Greed is winning out over the safety and health issue! What will happen to our industry when the inevitable legal actions start by anyone who has side effects contracted from being around these fumes?
We need to wake ourselves and each other up to the very real dangers of these product do your own research read some of the true facts. Don't trust me i'm just a messenger but wealth is no replacement for health! The manufactures need to be more honest and we stylist have to demand more of them. Ignorance is not an excuse when it comes to health and safety.
Here are some links below and some food for thought.  But hey please do your own home work!

Lets take a look at some of the NEW Exciting Keratin hair products: They are designed  to control and smooth out hair get rid of the frizzies make it more manageable :

Well it's seems like the market in the Keratin based hair products is growing in leaps and bounds it also seems that in an effort to gain market attention the chemistry of these products is in state of constant change  each company claiming more natural less harmful formulations. Some of the reviews I have read are far from favorable as to results attained, having said this to be fair i have had some very positive and open feed back the people at Nano Keratin very open about the product and how and why it works explanation of the process.

Warning flags:

After the initial interest in the Brazilian blow dry then came the first warning about formaldehyde and the fumes given off with the use of high heat flat irons. The main problem seems to be that having replaced the stabiliser formerly Formaldehyde the search was on for new ingredients that did not produce toxic fumes but also allowed for the cuticle to be opened and softened prior to the application of the Keratin. How do these products work quite simply you are opening the cuticle slightly introducing a conditioning product applying a layer a veneer of keratin and then ironing it flat with a hot iron that a simple explanation.

The much bigger explanation is that the products are all slightly different the source of keratin the products used to stabalise and change or manipulate the ph prior to the Keratin application. I read many reviews on the social sights and blog postings as people report their experience some good some bad some just not really that impressed.

This is the topic that started me asking questions: 

http://www.short-hair-style.com/formaldehydefree-keratin-products-are-carcinogens.html

It not all doom and gloom and on a positive note i wrote an article on the Nano Keratin Technology  a very interesting keratin product that can be read at.

http://mikeb2mr.wordpress.com/2010/08/24/nano-keratin-a-hair-break-through/

Another product was highlighted this week in the HJ  Brocoto they market their product as being a Curl interrupted smoothing system. How does this product work this product does not contain formaldehyde. The main point of difference they claim are as follows System does not contain any formaldehyde or give off any type of gas it is very gentle for hair and health. or so it's claimed .just yesterday i was sent copy of lab report showing high levels of formaldehyde present in products claiming to be safe. The very high het required plays a key roll in the production of the harmful fumes.

They have a two step system, the first phase is a gel which softens the bonds in the hair,the ph of the smoothing gel is 6.85 ,( key ingredient ammonium bisulphite ) with the cuticle now relaxed and slightly open this is when any colour would be added prior to the Keratin application Then the keratin product is added when the bonds are pliable and elongated therefore easily absorbed with gentle heat.the keratin spray is 4.5 to 5.5. This product cannot be over used as the keratin is buffered with other natural ingredients such as acai oil, macadamia seed oil etc. This does not effect other chemical processes The colour does last longer when sealed after ironing with keratin spray. The colour we recommend to use at the same time as the service is an ammonia free demi colour , which does not affect the Ph, my question is demi colour does have an alkaline driver so we are opening an already open cuticle? The keratin is manufactured.  

Relaxers,Straitners, Keratin, Blow out: Sharing a health warning

Over the past week I have written reviews and posted information on the new Keratin hair products designed to relax De frizz promote a healthy look promoted as a system that last up to three months without any damage and side effects.

Much of what i read and re-searched was very exciting but as with all products and claims of the new wonder product did it have side effects. The one thing that did keep coming up as a warning light was initially with the Brazilian Blow out and Formaldehyde the problem being as the heat with the hot iron is applied the fumes can be dangerous. Question raised have and were met with denial in many quarters sadly fears have come to be true as yet only in Canada but a red light is a red light. Please if using these products take care follow all direction protect your self and your client.

Warning Oct. 7, 2010

Brazilian Blowout Solution Contains Formaldehyde

The Issue:

Health Canada is warning Canadians that Brazilian Blowout Solution manufactured by Brazilian Blowout of California has been found to contain unacceptable levels of formaldehyde. The Brazilian Blowout hair smoothing treatment is known to be available at salons across Canada.

Health Canada has received complaints of burning eyes, nose, and throat, breathing difficulties, and one report of hair loss associated with use of the product.

Testing conducted by Health Canada found that the Brazilian Blowout Solution contains 12% formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is permitted in cosmetics at less than 0.2% when used as a preservative. Formaldehyde is a known irritant, sensitizer, and is linked to cancer in humans when inhaled chronically over a long period of time. Health Canada believes that the reactions are being caused by formaldehyde becoming aerosolized during the blow drying and flat ironing stages of the treatment. Any procedure containing formaldehyde above the allowable limits places clients and stylists at increased risk.

Who is Affected:

Consumers receiving hair smoothing treatments using Brazilian Blowout, and stylists performing the treatment may experience reactions of burning eyes, nose, throat, and breathing troubles.

What Consumers Should Do:

Consumers who have had adverse reactions to Brazilian Blowout treatments are advised to seek medical attention. There is no cause for concern for consumers who have used this product and not experienced any reactions.

Stylists who use Brazilian Blowout treatments should immediately stop using the affected product.

Adverse reactions to cosmetics can be reported to Health Canada using a form available on Health Canada’s website.

Consumers and health professionals can contact Consumer Product Safety toll free at 1-866-662-0666.

Source:

* Health Canada, Oct. 7, 2010. is the look worth the risk?

Moving on we now have companies rebranding and so re packaging with new formulation claims ALDEHYDES are the term used. are they safe ? what happens when exposed to high heat? In the end you the stylist have to decide is it worth risking?

What is an Aldehyde? It's the new kid on the block in keratin relaxers. Formaldehyde without the form!!!!!
Aldehyde is now found in many products ingredient listings instead of formaldehyde. Could it be it is derived from a natural source? maybe in the same way as we take Ammonia free as being better because MEA is derived from a natural source. It's classed as natural herbal organic and so we are lead to believe safer and so Ok! when the fermentation takes place it makes ethanol. A grain Alcohol derivative the alkaline required for the process.
Aldehydes when heated with a flat iron to a heat of 450 degrees in the keratin process produce a gas guess what it's called? No prizes folks but it's bad stuff and can be carcinogen!
all good stuff i think worth knowing. I write so much on the topic of questioning product and the difference between what we are told an what is withheld. we have to stay current on all these products as they change and become re invented. . Mike very useful link
http://www.ewg.org/hair-straighteners/our-report/hair-straighteners-that-hide-formaldehyde/

As always i hope this has been informative it is a re visit to the topic for me as more information has come to light. Mike B2MR.
Special thanks for input and sharing to Pamela Decharo: