Sunday, January 30, 2011

Us and Our Planet

   We as a salon aim for perfection when practising our craft. So why shouldn’t it be the same for the environment in which they live?


                                                      


   ‘Going Green’ for salons isn’t necessarily new but it’s definitely gaining momentum and those who have climbed aboard the green bus are reaping the rewards. There are numerous programs available to salon owners that are focused on running a sustainable, environmentally friendly business. Such programs include the Ontario Energy Savings Blitz program which focuses on decreasing air pollution.

   One of the latest eco-friendly programs is Green Circle Salon. Their mission is to “provide green solutions to the salon and spa industry” Green Circle Salons is a positive, ethical and creative company looking to help salons and their loyal customers contribute to the well-being and sustainability of the earth by uniting the industry as an eco-team. They help salons recycle and re-use materials such as colour tubes, foils, papers and plastics. Ten years ago those materials would have been in the dumpster but with innovative solutions from cutting edge companies, recycling and reusing has really taken off in this sector.                   
                                                       
   Ergys Tafilica, Artistic Director of evoke Salon says “ As hairstylists, our craft is to create beautiful, wearable art. But, if the environment around us isn’t just as beautiful, then it’s our responsibility as business owners to make a positive change towards more sustainable operations”. If all business owners thought this way and projected an image and attitude of environmental awareness we would all be on a shorter path towards a healthier earth.

  Creative ways in which salons are going green?  Salons have started collecting the discarded, chopped hair to be reused in the creation of hair mats. These amazing advances are being used to soak up oil spills in our oceans around the world. Another saver is replacing light bulbs and all chemically enhanced cleaning materials with all natural cleansing products. They work, and save you time, money,  your health and the environment.
 
  
   The new way of living is spelled G-R-E-E-N and it you haven’t caught the green bug than,... maybe you live under a rock. I recommend to you, my earthly neighbours to experience a green salon. Get some personal treatment at your nearest green salon and know that as a customer you are also contributing to the sustainability of Mother Earth.



Danielle Fong

Monday, January 24, 2011

She`s Going To Vegas!!!


Elaine Waltman is our winner in the "Win a Trip to Vegas" competition held this year for all evoke clients. The competition ran from May 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. The objective was to refer as many friends and family as possible to either location. Elaine, it must be said destroyed her competition by referring a whopping 35 new guests to our Yonge and Eglinton location! Congratulations Elaine and thank you for all your support! Hope your have some great luck in Las Vegas!!!



Jon DiMauro

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Working Out Your Kinks

Exiting your morning shower signals the start of another day, another opportunity to let your radiant, beautiful hair shine on. Unfortunately you’ve already grabbed the towel and have started rubbing it furiously over your scalp. Now you’ve gone and done it, you’ve got the frizz.
 



Frizzy hair is very common among people; however there are various preventative measures you can take to keep the frizz at a minimum. First and foremost, start ending your showers by readjusting the temperature from hot to cold in the last couple of minutes. The cold water will seal the hair cuticles, diminishing your chances of split ends and frizzy pieces. Towel drying your hair is another common mistake. Allow it to air dry almost fully before blow drying. You can also keep it wrapped in a towel while eating your breakfast and applying your makeup and voila! A quick blow dry and style and you’re out the door.
 
Those of you out there with envious curly hair, unfortunately are the most prone to  frizzies.  When dampened, curly hair tends to retain more moisture causing the hair shaft to expand, allowing you to become vulnerable to a bad case of the frizz. Using shampoos that are geared towards frizzy hair is an excellent idea but make sure to do your research or ask your stylist which one would work best for you. All products containing Aloe Vera are also an excellent treatment for hair and scalp. Aloe contains cellular regenerators and allows for hair growth by stabilizing the hair follicles.
 
Digesting vitamins and the proper nutrition is vital. Vitamins such as B8, B5 and Omega three fatty acids will be a tremendous help in smoothing out your frizzy hair.  Foods containing these vitamins include; milk, walnuts, whole grain cereals and citrus fruits such as tangerines and lemons. The healthier your body and digestive system are, the healthier your hair will appear.
 
It goes without saying that the length of your hair and your regimen of maintaining it directly affects the amount of frizz you will have. Proper upkeep and trims are key for healthy hair.
 
So, next time you come across someone with an obvious case of the frizz; inform, educate and aid them on living a frizz free lifestyle. Who knows, it could be you or a loved one that the frizz creeps up on next.




Danielle Fong