American Salon, Feb 1, 2006

Editor's Note

Money Talks

By Mary Novitsky

For a long time, I used to get my hair cut at a pleasant, low-key salon in midtown Manhattan. It wasn't particularly convenient to where I lived or worked, but I had followed my stylist there from her previous place. I liked Liz a lot, she did great hair, and the $40 price tag was a pretty good deal for New York, birthplace of the three-figure haircut.

Backstage Pass

After paying a visit to his hometown of Aberdeen, Mississippi, Billy shares a treasured bit of classic Americana.

By Billy B

The sign is as nondescript as the red-brick building it has been gracing on South Maple Street, in Aberdeen, MS, since 1956: VAUGHN'S BEAUTY COLLEGE. But behind this modest facade is such an interesting slice of American culture that I wanted to share some of it with you.

Out There

This month, Ruth and RARE's director of education, Bradley Irion, dip into our readers' mailbag to answer some questions about handling clients' concerns and requests.

By Ruth Roche

Occasionally a client will come into the salon with a picture of a celebrity, asking for a similar long hairstyle. It's one thing when the client is 20-or 30-something, but when she's older, I find myself hunting for a tactful way to steer her toward something more appropriate. What would you do?

Shop

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Dyeing To Know

Brad Johns, Clairol global color director and artistic director of Avon Salon & Spa, offers his advice for finding passion in your profession.

By Brad Johns

Throughout my career, I've had the good fortune to have worked with and learned from many true icons of the beauty business: Oribe, Serge Normant, Andre Marthielieu Chris Cusano and Bruno Pittini, among others. Their passion for their art makes them mavericks in their field: It's what separates the good from the ordinary, even the good from the great.

Guest Column

Taking Care of Business

By David Adams

In 2004, salon consumers spent $11.4 billion on haircolor services. Haircolor is the largest product category salons purchase, representing 23.4 percent of total product purchases. Those numbers say a lot about the potential for color in our business. Is your salon doing the most it can to maximize the impact of this critical market?

In Session

Beauty Harvest

By Carrie Watson

It's a classic Catch-22: Chemical processing and thermal styling beget beautiful hair, but over time, these processes can wreak havoc, leading to weak, lifeless and temperamental tresses. Aveda's new three-step Damage Remedy Restructuring System, which consists of a shampoo, conditioner and weekly intensive treatment, is formulated to protect and restore distressed hair to its top condition.

Skin Survival Guide

By Carrie Watson

If you think your clients' hair and scalps are the only victims of winter's plummeting temperatures, biting winds and overheated homes, you may be overlooking another seasonal sufferer: skin. Stress, soaps, pollution, poor nutrition and over-exfoliating can all exacerbate complexion problems, according to Dermalogica's Lorraine Ely, eventually leading to sensitized skin that is red, itchy, flaky, blotchy and, over time, more prone to aging.

FYI

Lessons For Success

To offer its members unprecedented education with three top artists, educators and fashion experts, the National Cosmetology Association is presenting its popular Lessons for Success program during the NCA's 86th annual convention on Saturday, March 4, 2006.

Something For Everyone

By Robbin McClain

True artists take inspiration from many sources and incorporate them into their work. This spring, April 30 to May 2, you'll have the opportunity to see a diversity of talent on the IBS New York Main Stage. The lineup will include:

World Cultures

Much to the delight of the more than 4,000 beauty professionals representing 10 countries in attendance, this year's Aveda Congress proved once again that it truly is a small world after all. Held at the Minneapolis Convention Center last fall, the bi-annual event, themed "Beauty, Fashion, Wellness and Art," featured dazzling live stage presentations and a day of educational workshops.

Publisher's Note

Into Africa

By Brett Vinovich

I recently had dinner with my friends Robert Reed, founder/president of Ergo Research, and Ergo vice president Marlene Wagner. We were talking about President Clinton and the wonderful work his foundation is doing for AIDS in Africa, and then Robert told me about Oprah's December 2004 "Christmas Kindness" project.

London Beat

Beverly C shares her advice for achieving stellar results when conducting photo shoots for your salon

By Beverly C

Photography has played a powerful role in advancing my career. I've long considered pictures to be one of the single-most important elements when it comes to fine-tuning the image and furthering the success of your salon. Strong photographic images build your brand and personify your salon's position in the marketplace.

Operating Instructions

Priced to Sell

By Robbin McClain

How much time and attention do you give to pricing? Do you simply dust off the old price list once in a blue moon and think about whether to increase it or not? According to Andrew Finkelstein, founder of The Beauty Resource (www.thebeautyresource.com), a consulting, coaching and educational company for salon and spa owners, how you price your services and products deserves serious consideration. After all, he notes, pricing directly affects the sales and profits you need to successfully operate your business.

Training Day

By Kelley Donahue

Ask just about any stylist what their clients' biggest pet peeve is, and chances are likely it's their frustration at not being able to replicate that "fresh-out-of-the-salon" look at home. To the rescue comes Muriel Mastey, whose Point de Vue Salon in West Hollywood, CA, offers a Hair Bootcamp to help clients solve many of their home haircare woes. Designed for everyone from time-pressed supermoms to harried, high-powered execs, the program offers the following all-star lineup of intensive training features.

Suburban Chic

By Carrie Watson

When Ronald Lawler opened One Salon & Spa two years ago in the Chicago suburb of Oak Brook, IL, his goal was to create a high-end salon as suitable for New York's Madison Avenue as for a suburban shopping mall. With the help of two interior designers from Belvedere USA, Lawler created an inspiring, contemporary salon environment with clean lines and a soothing Asian feel.