BEAUTY TIPS and TRICKS

Ever leave the salon thinking, "I wish I could make my hair look like this everyday?" Remember how fresh, clean, and hydrated your face looks after a facial? And, doesn't a great manicure and pedicure just make you feel so much better?

Putting our years of experience and education together, below we have listed our top beauty tips and tricks to making you look and feel your best.

QUICK LINKS: HAIRCUTS | HAIR COLOR | QUICK COLOR & STYLE TIPS | HOME MAINTENANCE | HAIR DRYERS
NAILCARE DOS & DON'TS | GENERAL SKINCARE | ANTI-AGING | EYEBROWS

HAIRCUTS

  • Before deciding on a hair cut and style, you should consider your age, height, hair color, hair growth patterns, nape, cowlicks, hair type and texture, and how much time you can realistically commit daily to your hair styling? Make sure your hair stylist addresses all these issues with your prior to your haircut.
  • It is imperative that your haircut is tailored to your own individual style, whether it's long, layered, a short shag or something else. Much like the fashion industry, hair styles are forever evolving and should be updated with the times. Specifically, you and your hair stylist should make at least slight changes to your haircut and style every six months and an overall new look annually. This helps maintain a more youthful look and keeps you from becoming dated. This annual update can be as simple as changing the side you part your hair on or as dramatic as going from long to short. (Don't forget to update your make-up with the seasons or with your new styles!)
  • In recent years long hair been popularized with 40 and 50 something women (thanks to Desperate Housewives). If you are older and desire to wear your hair long, it is imperative you have the right haircut, style and layering, otherwise what you intended to enhance your features actually drags you down. Kérastase in-salon treatments and home care regimens can help add volume, luster and shine to dull or aging hair and are available exclusively at Essentiels in Bakersfield.
  • Bobs are classic, never go out of style and look great on many women. They may be razored and wispy, an inverted A-line, or blunt with or with out bangs. Ask your hair stylist today what Bob style is best for your head shape, hair texture and overall desired look.
  • Short cuts are always in, but when choosing a shorter look make sure you consult a hair stylist who understands short cuts and is good at them. Always take the time to ask around for a good, short hair stylist before lopping off your long locks. Unfortunately, nothing takes longer to grow out than an awful, short cut.
  • If a loose curl shoulder length haircut sounds beautiful to you, make sure you understand what it will take to maintain before setting your heart on it. Does your hair have a natural curl or will you have to become a professional stylist yourself just to maintain it. Ask your stylist what it will realistically take to maintain this style in terms of time spent each day, tools needed (i.e., curling iron, rollers, etc.) and styling products required, then you can make an educated decision if this style is right for you.
  • Always find at least one picture to show your hair stylist of the haircut you would like. Explain what you like and don't like about the hair in the picture. This visual representation and discussion help reduce communication disconnects. Most dissatisfied clients struggle to communicate their hair vision with their stylist. Remember a picture is a thousand words, and always insist on a hair consultation prior to your stylist grabbing his scissors. You will both be happier in the end.

HAIR COLOR

  • Always ask for a complete color consultation prior to coloring you hair. Make sure to ask for a price quote at this time as well.
  • Do you homework before booking your color consolation. Look for and clip as many pictures as you can find depicting the shade, tone and variation of color that you desire. Figure out what exactly you like about the color, so you can best communicate your intentions with your colorist. Always listen to your colorist's suggestion and recommendations, as skin tones, hair texture, and the process to get the desired results all need to be taken into consideration.
  • From baliage, hair painting weaving to semi, demi or a whole multitude of permanent hair colors and toners, color application techniques have advanced greatly in recent years, which affords your colorists many options to achieve your desired results. Every Essentiels colorist is dedicated to continuous training and color education. You are guaranteed to experience a true color expert when you get your hair colored at Essentiels.
  • Understand that your hair should be treated and prepped for color. This maybe a kelating, preconditioning treatment or color filler. Don't forget to ask your colorist about this step and what your hair needs to ensure a great color result.
  • The color application process maybe more involved than you expected, but a good colorist will review the process and color steps with you during your consultation as well as during the actual application.
  • Your colorist will most likely recommend an in-salon treatment following your color process to help strengthen, thicken, create shine, or increase the longevity of your color. Many Kérastase treatments can improve the integrity of your hair 56% in just one application!
  • Usually a trim or haircut is suggested following a hair color service. A trim and haircut are actually the same, in the sense all the hair on the head is cut. It's only the degree to which the hair is cut that differs. All cuts should be followed by a style.
  • At Essentiels we suggest you meet with one of our makeup artists for make-up color suggestion or face charting after your hair color service. If you made your hair darker, lighter or a completely different shade, it is always a good idea to change you make-up to enhance your new look.
  • At the conclusion of your hair color service, your colorist or hair stylist should give you a prescription for your home care regimen. Maintenance between hair services is your responsibility, a responsibility you should not take lightly… Did you know that some store-bought shampoos have sulfates that are so strong it is almost like washing you hair with laundry detergent? At Essentiels, we will explain what shampoo, conditioner and styling aids will ensure that your color lasts and your hair remains shiny and healthy until your next appointment. We will also write down what styling aids your will need to accomplish a "just out of the salon look' at home. Make sure you stylist shows you how to use them.
  • Always book you next appointment prior to leaving. Hair color and styles are much easier to maintain when your service schedule is regular and consistent. You can always reschedule if needed, but if you don't pre-book you can't be guaranteed an appointment at you desired time.

QUICK COLOR & STYLE TIPS

  • Your hair color, cut and style defines you. Make your look a timeless expression.
  • Always have varying color shades of high and lowlights. This creates a more natural, youthful look.
  • Don't be afraid of change. Hair changes are invigorating… when was the last time you really had full bangs or what about a new color or highlights?
  • Always use a thermal protector if you use any heat on your hair.

HOME MAINTENANCE

  • Having the right shampoo, conditioner, thermal protectors, styling aids, and tools are key to having your hair look great everyday. Make sure you follow your stylist's recommendations for products best for you and your specific hair and scalp needs.

HAIR DRYERS

  • The old fashion heat coil dryer burns your hair as you dry it. The Ionic dryer is new technology that reconfigures the molecular structure of you hair. With the Original Tourmaline dryer and the T3 Bespoke Labs Featherweight dryer, you'll see smooth, sleek and shiny results every time you use it, without running the risk of damaging your hair. Also, the Featherweight is made with an exclusive pattern, making no two identical and guaranteeing that you're having a one-of-a-kind hair styling experience every time you use it.

HAIR FLAT IRONS

  • Take advantage of sleek styles or smooth curls - all while maintaining, beautiful healthy-looking hair. Good stylists use the multi-functionality T3 Bespoke Labs Duality iron because it's perfect for replicating those catwalk trends, whether it's to straighten, curl or wave the hair. The infrared heat penetrates deep into the hair, ensuring the styles last day and night. Key features of this iron includes:
    • Fully adjustable heat settings (up to 410 ºF) with SmartPipes™ instant heat
    • 1" wide Tourmaline ceramic plates works with thinner, shorter hair types
    • Stylish bejeweled handle and 10 feet professional swivel cord
    • A heat resistant cleaning mat

NAILCARE DOs & DON'Ts

Adopted from Paula Begoun and her book, The Beauty Bible (Beginning Press):

  • Do get a manicure every week and a pedicure every 4 weeks. Ask for a standing appointment schedule and if there are any discounts to booking a series of nail services.
  • Do coat the outside of the nails with polish or ridge fillers, which can help protect the nail and prevent breaking and splitting, at least while the manicure lasts.
  • Do moisturize the cuticle area with cuticle oil to stimulate growth and to prevent cracking and peeling, which can hurt the matrix. Do wear gloves to protect nails and cuticles from housework, gardening and washing dishes.
  • Do be cautious when doing office work. Nails and cuticles take a beating filing, opening letters (use a letter opener), typing (use the flat of your finger pads on the keyboard instead of the tips of your nails) and handling papers.
  • Do moisturize and apply hand cream frequently, especially after you're done washing your hands, and pay attention to the cuticle area.
  • Do apply gloves to hands and socks to feet after moisturizing and before going to bed each evening.
  • Do wear a sunscreen during the day on your hands and cuticles to prevent sun damage, which can hurt your nails. Reapply every time you wash your hands.
  • Do meticulously clean all nail implements and change nail files often. Bacteria and other microbes can get transferred by the nail tools you use, causing infection or harm to the matrix.
  • Do disinfect any tears or cuts to the cuticle, and treat ingrown nails as soon as possible. Nail infections are not only unsightly, but also can cause long-lasting damage to the nail. Any drugstore antibacterial ointment, such as Polysporin, Neosporin or Bacitracin, will do.
  • Don't use nail products that contain formaldehyde or toluene. They pose health risks for the nail and for your entire body as well.
  • Don't put cuticle oil on acrylic nails. This causes lifting.
  • Don't use fingernails as tools to pry things open.
  • Don't use your fingers as letter openers. That destroys the cuticles, which destroys the nail matrix and affects nail growth and strength.
  • Don't soak nails for long periods, and never use any kind of soap or detergent when soaking. Nails and cuticles that become engorged with water weaken, and the longer soap or detergent is in contact with skin and nails (despite the advertisements for Palmolive dish detergent) the greater the potential for damaging the nail and cuticle structure.
  • Don't overuse any kind of nail-polish remover. Use a minimal amount on the nail and avoid getting too much on the cuticle and skin.
  • Don't push the cuticle back too far. Leave the cuticle alone as much as possible. Trim only the part of the cuticle that has started to lift away from the nail.
  • Don't allow any manicurist to touch your hands with utensils that have not been properly sterilized. The importance of this step cannot be stressed enough. Risking your health and well-being for a manicure is just not worth it, and that is a definite possibility with bacteria-laden nail instruments!
  • Don't bite nails or pull or tear at hangnails. Always gently cut them away, leaving the cuticle intact and as untampered with as possible.
  • Don't pick or dig into an ingrown toe nail. Ask your manicurist for assistance.
  • Don't ignore nail or cuticle inflammation. Disinfect the skin as soon as you can with an antibacterial or antifungal agent. Any change to the nail's appearance needs to be checked out by a dermatologist.
  • Don't shave your legs right before a pedicure.

GENERAL SKINCARE

  • Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day for healthy, glowing skin.
  • Get your antioxidants every day. They are found abundant in beans, grain products, fruits and vegetables, and help fight free radicals in the skin, which in turn, improves skin tone and texture.
  • Use the proper skincare products for your skin type. When it doubt, ask for a complimentary skin analysis by one of Essentiels licensed estheticians.
  • Apply SPF sunscreen protection each day as directed.
  • Cleanse and apply toner to skin daily.
  • Exfoliate every other day. Exfoliate with the Clarisonic brush for more effective results.
  • Apply a mask appropriate for your skin type once a week.
  • Apply moisturizer day and night.
  • Use eye cream on eye area only.
  • Rejuvenate your skin regularly with a professional facial once a month and periodic peel as prescribed.

ANTI-AGING

  • Schedule a complimentary skin scope and analysis with an esthetician who can then recommend the best products and regimen for your skin type and skin goals.
  • Augment your skin regimen with an anti-aging serum. Serums penetrate deeper into the skin and are one secret to more youthful skin.
  • Use a moisturizer for targeted concerns.
  • Pat-in products in an upward motion
  • Use ring finger when applying eye products on and around delicate skin.
  • Skin around the eyes is one of the first areas to age. Make sure you have a good eye serum and cream and apply them daily.
  • Get your antioxidants every day, and never forget to apply your SPF sunscreen.
  • Use a Clarisonic brush to cleanse and exfoliate your skin. The brush will help products absorb and penetrate the skin better, resulting in a more youthful appearance.
  • Use NuFace to stimulate muscles on the face, lift and tone the skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Use the EVIS LED Anti-Aging red light to improve the appearance of sun damaged skin and create an even toned complexion. The LED light, which represents technology researched and developed by NASA scientists, will also increase collagen production by 150-200%, enhance skin firmness and erase the appearance of wrinkles and reduce dark under eye circles.

EYEBROWS

  • Eyebrows frame the eyes and open the face. As such an important focal point of our appearance, they deserve investment. Schedule a professional brow trim and shape regularly.
  • Shape the eyes with an eyebrow wax or try threading for sensitive skin.
  • Use a powder compact to fill in any spaces in the brow. Brows colored in really help to accentuate a look.
  • The use of a double ended brush makes filling in and brushing brows easier.
  • Wands, pencils and powders are great for coloring in brows.
  • Apply clear gel to help keep hair in place as well as present a sleeker look.
  • The bareMineral Eyebrow Kit is a great brow tutorial. It shows how to shape and fill in brows.
  • Use neuLash to grow longer, thicker lashes.
  • Don't forget brows, eyes and lashes go together.

MORE TO COME

Check back for our tips on foundations and color matching, eye, cheek and lip colors best for your skin tone and complexion, creating day-to-evening looks, using cosmetic brushes, and putting your complete look together

Got a great beauty tip or trick of your own? We would love to hear it! Email us at info@edayspas.com, and if we post it, there is a FREE lip color at Essentiels with your name on it.