It's Time to Treat Yourself...

So, I am never happy just plugging along with the status quo.  I love getting excited about new services, new products and seasonal colors, so I decide to add a trio of both practical and pampering services just in time for the holidays.  Hmm, sounds like these might make a great gift for someone!

Wella LuxeOil Deep Conditioning Keratin Treatment $20 / $10 with a hair service

                           

Using the LuxeOil Shampoo, this service starts with an intoxicating massaging shampoo and follows up with the Hair Mask and Restorative Elixer blended and massaged through the hair to be followed with 10 minutes under a warm dryer for smoothness and hair repair before rinsing.

Facial Waxing

I found a gentle alternative to traditional wax.  Nufree is a wax free product that is great for those with sensitive skin, does not leave a residue and effectively pulls the entire hair out.

I'll be doing brow arches, lips and chins starting next week.
Services are $12 each, $20 for any two or $25 for all three.

Hand Treatment with Paraffin $15

       

First, an generous application of healing, soothing cuticle balm, followed by a moisturizing massage using Qtica luxury lotion, then off for a dip in the paraffin bath. I'll wrap you up to let the heat do it's magic and after 10 minutes, voila!  Relaxed, moisturized happy hands.

Try adding one or all of these new treatments to your next visit, but remember to book them ahead of time, so I have plenty of time to spend on you...

New Wella LuxeOil Line is Magnificent

The smell of this new smoothing and reconstructing line is heavenly! With almond, argon and jojoba oils to strengthen, soften and smooth. I'll be using this at the back bar when you get come in for a service, so here's a primer to what the line consists of...

KERATIN PROTECT SHAMPOO $22

From Wella: For lightweight, luxurious cleansing. This professional shampoo gently cleanses impurities while keratin and panthenol penetrate the hair to anchor water molecules with hair proteins for strength and hair reconstruction.

My experience: After using this, I am amazed at how the hair feels stronger and protected, without any kind of residue feel after styling. It really is a luxury experience.

KERATIN BOOST LEAVE IN CONDITIONING SPRAY $22

Infuses the hair to strengthen the keratin and leave the 
hair smooth and moisturized. Provides the perfect foundation for styling and cutting.

I like using a cutting lotion because it smooths down the cuticle and makes your comb glide to give a more precise cut.  This also means a more smooth surface for style foundation. While it is a conditioning spray, it doesn't weight down the hair with an overly moist feeling.  Use after shampoo for combing out hair.

RECONSTRUCTIVE ELIXIR $48

This special formula softens hair without weighing it down. For use on wet and dry hair for optimal nourishing and smoothening effect.

Similar to the Wella OilReflections in its delivery, the focus of this elixir is rebuilding fragile hair and creating smoothness. Use before styling.

Not pictured above, but on the back bar and in stock soon:

KERATIN RESTORE MASK $22

Instantly reconstructs hair fiber to improve texture and leave hair soft to the touch.

Trying this, it is easy to over use. Due to it's extreme thickness, you will have a tendency to scoop out too much.  This mask is SO thick, that truly, a tiny bit goes a long way. Hair feels slippery and comb able after use. Use occasionally after shampooing.

Striving for Zero Waste

Salon Vertigo has always been committed to reducing waste and recycling.  Now being the only stylist generating trash, I took it as a personal challenge to push myself to do more to reduce, reuse and recycle.  We have always used old towels in favor of paper towels and napkins, sold cruelty free cosmetics with no extra packaging, use a water cooler to keep the plastic bottles to a minimum and make coffee the old way without succumbing to the plastic waste factory of a Keurig style machine.

Ever since I moved into my new space, I have become as paperless as possible.  I pay bills online from emailed statements, run charges using Square and emailing or texting receipts and using the iPad for all of my business needs including streaming music, managing inventory, placing orders via text and scheduling appointments in the cloud from clients text messages. Clients (for the most part) no longer need appointment cards, as they are putting appointments on their phone calendars.

The OTHER big change is my addition of composting.  It's taken a bit of effort on the clients part-  every time they want to throw something out, they look at me for a hint as to where it should go...
Composting consists of coffee grounds, teabags, food items, compostable food containers and coffee cups/lids, paper towels, degradable packing peanuts and hair. I keep that bin back in the haircutting area.

Recycling is in the dispensary area and now includes my used foils from highlighting, magazines, shipping materials (I take plastic bags and styrofoam to the recycling center), color containers,  glass or metal bottles, plastic carryout containers, etc.  There is so much recycling happening at the salon now,  that it needs to be emptied daily.

Let me know if any of you would like my old magazines for any reason, so they can get one more use before recycling.

With all the new changes, my trash receptacle rarely needs emptying, and THAT'S a good thing!

MOP Pear Duo for Baby

Even though I choose each of my products in the salon very carefully because of their amazing qualities, pricepoint and filling a need, everyone knows that Modern Organic Products are still my favorite all time products. I was a MOP educator for years, travelling around the state teaching classes about supporting organic farming and using these products with recycled packaging and certified organic ingredients.  It is a very small line, but every product in it packs a wallop and outsells everything else have had for years.

The MOP Pear Smapoo and Pear Detangler duo is a great useful and luxurious gift for any baby and contains real pear and no artificial coloring for a delicious relaxing bath time. The shampoo has a no tears Ph, so it can be used both as a shampoo AND a bubble bath that smells amazing. It's concentrated, so a tiny bit should be enough.  Finsh off bath time with the detangler to make combing baby's hair easier.  

Pear Shampoo $14 / Pear Detangler $12

Easy Breezy in the Summer

Thinking about my upcoming August vacation, I am deciding how to pack the least amount of stuff with the most usefulness.  I'll be swimming with Quincy at a beach house for 5 days on Lake Huron starting on August 20, so please make any back to school appointments ASAP.

I find that while I tend to be all around low maintenance, I like for my summer routine to be even quicker, lighter, easier.  Face it (a pun?), we all have a certain glow in the summer months that I like to let shine through and pare down what I use to get ready (when I actually BOTHER to get ready).
Whether going on vacation or not, these products make looking polished a breeze.


For Face

My private label cosmetics line has a myriad of affordable problem solvers, from lipstick sealer to eyeshadow magnet.  I've recently seen a ton of print about face primers that "blur" and realized that we have carried 2 varieties for several years now.  I decided to give it a try and was pleasantly surprised with the results.  I have extremely oily skin and try to put as little as possible on it, but the Pore Perfecting Face Primer was perfect to dust my mineral powder over to have great looking even skin tone that allows your powder or liquid makeup to glide on and look even more gorgeous. Try the tester next time you come in - Use just a dab for perfect results!

Pore Perfecting Face Primer for normal to oily skin - $14

RetextureCREME Face Primer for normal to dry skin - $21

My most basic summer cosmetic wardrobe is super quick and does double duty.  Mineral Powder prevents shine, evens out my skin tone and hides any other bothersome blemishes, Volume X mascara  both lengthens lashes and is a nice brow color and LipToxyl lip gloss not only gives you a shiny, glittery color to your lips, but also super plumps them up.  Now there's no excuse not to primp!

Mineral Powder Foundation, $20.00

VolumeX Mascara $12.50

LipToxyl Sheer $20.00

And for the rest of yourself...

A quick spray and a minute of blow-dry can give you volume and separation like you just came from a day at the beach.  I love it in my fine straight hair...
New Zoya Summer colors in both cream and glitter styles make you wanna show off those summer toes in cute sandals or go barefoot!

Wella Ocean Spritz - $16

Zoya Nail Color - $9.00

As for the rest of my travel supplies, there will be 3 bathing suits, 2 sarongs, flip flops, my yoga mat, my camera and my rubber inflatable boat and some hoodies, leggings and sneakers for night star watching of the Perseids meteor shower on the beach.  AHHHHHHH.

In Full Bloom

I can't believe that the Polar Vortex is finally being beat down and slowly crawling back into it's hole. Finally!  Sunshine.  I bought 2 new pairs of sandals that I've already been wearing for weeks.  Without socks.  Now THAT'S determined.

I've been in the new location now for a little over 3 months.  Everything is shaping up nicely. I can't wait to come in, turn on the lights and start up one of my awesome playlists to be heard through my mindblowingly incredible Gallo acoustic speakers.  That is probably the one thing that gives me the most pleasure while I'm working, besides the space itself (and of course my clients). For those of you who haven't heard the story, I won the speakers.  I had the same speakers at home and lost them in a fire.  I ordered my replacement speakers directly from the company via phone, as there was not a local outlet to buy them at the time.
I told them my story about how I picked the speakers in a local stereo shop listening room bringing my own CD's and cranking it out until I was satisfied after listening to Public Enemy, Miles Davis, The Mavericks and Pavement and said that they still sounded great 16 years later until they were firehosed in my living room.  I loved them so much, that I wouldn't settle for anything else.  They shipped the new speakers to me and I fell in love all over again.

Maybe 3 months later, I got an email from them saying "like us on Facebook for a chance to win".  Well, this is not something I take lightly.  I only LIKE things that I really like and want to support or follow. Businesses that belong to relatives of friends, bands I've never seen and the like are not something I'm interested in.  But Gallo?  I LOVE them.  And I won.

My friend Jim K. a self proclaimed AV nerd hooked up my new replacement speakers at my house and offered to do the same when I moved the salon.  Next time you're in the salon, take a moment to enjoy the great sounding music as well as the generous help of Jim K for the installation which he did all for the price of a pizza.

For more info on the system:

Gallo Acoustic Home Theater

In other news, our new spring stuff is rolling in!

New shades of Matte Lipstick $12.00

You'd think that Matte lipstick was chalky and clumpy?  Well, not this one!  It goes on smooth and creamy with super saturated pigment for a nice long lasting wear.

Zoya Spring Shades $9.00 each

I especially love the natural collection for myself, but as I see the awaken collection on clients who apply it while in the salon, I am totally charmed by it...

Zoya Pixie Dust $10.00 each

For those of you who have not tried Pixie Dust, it is not like anything else.  It's got a matte, bumpy finish on the nail that is thick with glitter.  YUM!

Find other Pixie Dust colors in the salon with a matte colored cap.

Zoya Monet Special Effect Top Coat $10.00

Use on bare nails for a clear polish look with big glittery pieces, or over a colored polish for a more VA VA VOOM effect.

My New & Not So New Neighbors

Moving to the sunny side of the street has it's advantages. Especially a new set of neighbors and a different back alley in which to say hello. My experience here has been one filled with friendliness and welcome. I love the diversity of this block - it's SO not Main Street, and I hope it starts to get recognition for offering a REAL shopping destination.

Aventura
Just outside my back door, this new tapas place by Sava is my go to after work with friends. Great for a snack, a sangria or dinner, I am always wowed by everything that I have tried. Friendly, helpful staff help you pick just the right thing...
http://aventuraannarbor.com

Aunt Agatha's
Oddly enough, I had never gone into this gem until I moved into the building. The go to place for new and used mystery and crime books with a sale rack full of bargains outside. My clients enjoy stopping in on their way into the salon. Once I am done settling, I see myself spending more time in there.
http://www.auntagathas.com

Dear Golden Vintage
 Next door to Aunt Agatha's. I really look forward to this place being here. Spectacular vintage women's dressy clothing from the 20's on up sold in a dream like setting. Opening any day now. Nice!
https://www.facebook.com/DearGoldenVintage

Literati Book Store
We needed this store.  For so many reasons.  I'm happy to see a practical store find a home downtown thriving.  Like a tiny Border's, Literati offers the things you want and need, without the fluff. Check their website for the myriad of events happening here.
http://literatibookstore.com

Shakti Massage (Soon to be Live Well Massage)
Right down the hall from me, Leah does massage specialized for injuries and repetitive motion.  The space is transitioning from a yoga / massage studio into a wellness center with different sorts of classes targeting wellness and partnering with a nearby chiropractor.
Contact Leah @ 734-546-4040

Today Men's Clothing
What better shop to move into the gallery project space? High end men's clothing, shoes and accessories with matching high end customer service.  The place is gorgeous.  I think I'd like to move in...
https://www.facebook.com/TodayClothing

Transition Rack Bikes
A full service bike shop selling a wide variety of quality road, triathlon, mountain, cyclocross and fixie/track bikes.  The employees are all mechanics, so you are ensured a knowledgeable experience, whether buying, accessorizing or having repairs done.
http://transitionrack.com

Enough With Winter Already!

My hands and feet suffer the most in winter than any other part of me.  And I'm not even someone who needs to moisturize.  Ever.
So, here are my top products to help survive the misery of winter sucking the life right out of you.

Swiss Foot File - $20

Thankfully, they changed the name from "pedi-file" to foot file.  Those crazy Swiss!  A lifetime file, not the kind you use once and it loses it's grit. The grit seems to be encapsulated in some sort of teflon coating - it's not going anywhere.  This pedicure file for callused skin is double sided with a fine and a coarse side, and is antibacterial and waterproof. I love it and use it several times a week.

Callus Cream- $20 for 2.6 oz. /  $6 for .7 oz.

This magic cream loosens the cell bonds of the hard callus layers.  The intensive care formula immediately softens and noticeably reduces calluses within a few days, especially when used with the foot file.

QTICA Cuticle Cream - $18

I apply this balm every night before bed, so it has all night to work it's magic.  This is the 1 ounce size that comes in a glass jar, using a beeswax base, it is healing and antibacterial.  Tortured, red, inflamed and torn cuticles are a thing of the past. Great also on cuts, burns and especially on lips to keep them kissing smooth. OOH la la!

Wella Enrich Moisture Treatment - $14

This high performance treatment works to restore damaged hair with ingredients such as silk extract and shea butter.  Your hair is repaired, protected and hydrated without being weighed down. Use a couple times a week in addition to your shampoo and condition routine.

New Products That Make Everyone Happy

I have SO many new products in house now in addition to my old favorites.  The changes at the salon have been the portal for me to scrutinize everything surrounding me.  If I don't totally love it, it's gone.  Man, does that feel great!

Sebastian Dry Clean Only - $20

This dry shampoo eliminates oily roots and gives your hair a fresh smell as well as a big feel.  I never thought I would use such a thing, but this is the BOMB.

Wella Huile - $40

Those who have tried it, buy it.  A bottle will probably last you a year.  It makes dull hair shiny, fine hair full of body, smoothes fuzz in a blowout and makes tinted grey hair glorious.  Nuff' said.

Wella Enrich Shampoo and Conditioner-$19/ea

I have not loved a shampoo and conditioner this much since the MOP Glisten (now discontinued).  It's got great moisture, detangling quality and leaves your hair feeling great.  Buy in larger sizes for exceptional pricing.

MENS DEPT. Grooming Cream - $14

#1 for finer hair types and #2 for thicker more unruly hair.  I really love the citrus/mint smell of this line and feel this is one of the best cream type stylers for those who think the puck type molding creams are too heavy.

Illumina Hair Color Service

I JUST got this in.  It claims to make your hair feel better than before it was tinted.  The shades are incredible and I will have the full line of shades by the end of next week.  I can't wait!

Spring is just around the corner, which means new nail color shades and makeup.  Stay tuned.

Formerly 212, now 213 in 2014

The drama of 212 South Fourth Ave's landlord chronicles ended in 2013.  The building was sold and the new owners were to build 3 new stories on top of our existing building, making a total of 4 floors of condos and retail remaining on the ground floor.  We were asked to stay throughout construction and tried to make the best of it.  For a little while.
The building looked abandoned and no one was going to rent the street storefronts during the 2 year construction.  4 of the 5 of us decided to leave, and I decided to stay at least through the holidays, utilizing the extra space as a retail pop-up.
Only 2 weeks into my ordering of my inventory for the pop-up, I was told I had 60 days to get out.  They needed to demolish my space in order to excavate for structural footings.  Apparently, there was no basement under my salon.
Great.  Like I needed ONE MORE THING to deal with.  Everything else in my life had changed dramatically and was beyond my control.  All I could do was continue to trudge forward.  I immediately started with a call to a friend who was high up in the offices of a very well respected landlord in town.  I figured she was connected enough to give me a lead.  What I didn't expect was what happened next...
I was offered the most perfect space at the most perfect price right across the street from my old location and they were doing my build out for me.
I spent the next few months throwing things out and starting to pack, while doing a retail store for the holidays.  I was working 7 days a week.  In January, I had 4 days to move during the coldest time of the year.  It was miserable.
In the end, I donated everything from the old salon that I wasn't taking with me. That made it someone else's problem to move. Kiwanis showed up and took everything.  And I mean EVERYTHING.  They unhooked the washer and dryer, they took giant wall mirrors from the Main street salon, they even took facial room equipment.
So now, here I am in my new space, loving everyday.  I love my neighbors and all the new energy around me.  Most of the businesses on this block are new, run by a younger generation of entrepreneurs and I am thrilled to be a part of it.
My clients that have been in so far love the new communal feel of the space, We have streaming music through the incredible Gallo Accoustic speakers I won recently and I book mostly via text using the cloud, so I can make appointments any time, no matter where I am.  Everything in the new place is wireless and there is never a phone ringing.  I am in heaven.

Here is an early photo the day after moving in.  It becomes more gorgeous in here every day and the mix of new retail with new hair products has been a hit.

Salon Vertigo Hours

Monday 12-7

Wednesday 12-7

Thursday 1-7

Saturday 10-4

New contact info:

213 South Fourth Ave / Suite 1B

734-221-0302