the fresh perspective...

FOR AL Smile

Smile though your heart is aching Smile even though it's breaking When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by If you smile through your fear and sorrow Smile and maybe tomorrow You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness Hide every trace of sadness Although a tear may be ever so near That's the time you must keep on trying Smile, what's the use of crying? You'll find that life is still worthwhile If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying Smile, what's the use of crying? You'll find that life is still worthwhile If you just smile

That's the fresh perspective...

the fresh perspective...

Too hot! Now that we are into the swing of things (temperature wise), what plans do you have for your hair's protection?  Are you ready for sun?  The damage that can be caused to your unprotected hair can be controlled!  You just need to know a few simple things.

1) Wear a hat.  This type of protection is the best and keeps the sun rays directly OFF your locks.  You may be hot but your hair will thank you.

2) Try to use products that contain SPF.  If you can't wear a hat, this is the next best thing.

In all your comings and goings this summer, please do not forget to protect your locks.  That's the fresh perspective...

the fresh perspective...

ARE YOU BEING SERVED?

We had an in-salon class on Tuesday about consultations.  We really focused on the things that need to happen when you meet a client for the first time.  The way we had been conducting our 'first-time' experiences were okay, but not great.  With the help of Kevin Murphy educator, Timothy Durant, we were able to learn how to better serve our clients.

How are your salon experiences?  What do you expect from your local spot?  As a paying customer, what do you want out of your one hour haircut appointment?  Were you well taken care of?  Did your stylist explain processes, manage your expectations, and solve your hair problems?  Were you satisfied?  Does it even matter to you? There are so many salons out there and it's hard to know which one is best for you.  We want anyone that is a client of ours to feel like they are our number one priority and their hair even more so.  We want to help you achieve all your hair dreams.  We want to serve you.  If you've ever been by our shop and have any suggestions for us, drop us a line or leave a comment.  We are here for you (and your hair).  That's the fresh perspective...

the fresh perspective...

WHAT INSPIRES YOU? I find inspiration in many things, but when it comes to my job, I find I'm inspired by fashion and style.  I love looking at images and magazines and videos.  I love people watching.  I love interacting with people.

As a stylist, I have to find ways to stay inspired and motivated.  I found these images from a shoot we did a few years back.  These are some of my favorite hair images.  My model, Pascale, had the perfect amount of hair and I was able to style it in a few different ways.

I'll be doing another shoot in a few weeks and I can't wait to style up our models.  I have so many ideas and styles I would like to try!  Any chance I get to get my hands into hair is a great chance!

If you're a creative person, how do you stay inspired and motivated to create?  What keeps you at the peak of your game?  Is there something that helps you focus?  We'd love to hear!

That's the fresh perspective...

the fresh perspective...

NAILS, DONE.

Every Thursday I paint my nails.  I'll try any color, I'm not afraid.  What I didn't realize about my new habit, was that it would turn me into a hand model!

Maybe my lack of hair has really allowed me to experiment with other things?  Is there anything you do weekly that's just for you?  Any 'self' stuff?  I know some women who do fancy hair treatments and others that take exquisite baths.

I do my nails (never my cuticles) and unwind as they dry.  It really is restful actually.  Enjoy the weekend and try to relax a little if you can.  I will work on paying attention to my cuticles...

That's the fresh perspective... 

the fresh perspective...

I AM NOT MY HAIR I would like to have a bit of an open discussion about hair.  To be more specific, a **black woman's hair.  I've been styling for over 15 years and have never felt that my hair was defining me everyday.  When I cut it off a few months back, I didn't realize the backlash that would ensue... My husband hated it, and some clients felt like I would be making a huge mistake.  Some people even said, 'too bad, she's a pretty girl...'.  I'm not sure I understood that when I was born, it was my duty to choose only hairstyles that would be comforting to all the human beings on earth.  Me choosing to cut my hair has offended some...  I didn't realize that cutting off MY OWN HAIR, would bring so many opinions up.

What I find truly confusing is how many people have told me that they think it looks great!  Are they lying?  Do they think I went too far?  My question to you is this, "Does your hair make you who you are?".  Do you agree with the fact that society has tried to mold us to feel like if we don't do things this way then that will happen?  Are any of you black ladies in agreement with me or not?  Do you think your hair is you? White ladies, do you think that hair is that important or not?  Also boys, what say you here?  Do you feel like I've touched on something?

One of my co-workers told me of a story of a young white girl who had braids done in her hair and so many black girls lashed out saying, 'you gotta take our hairstyle too?!  why can't we have our own thing?'.  Ummmm, WHAT?!  No race or nationality owns hair!  You own your hair and no one else...  I'd really like to know what y'all think, Caucasian and African American/Canadian or any other race for that matter...

That's the fresh perspective....

**I use the term 'black' and 'white' loosely.  I do not mean to offend anyone, I'm just not the best typist and find using those terms easier on my fingers than using the terms Caucasians or African American/Canadian.  I know the terms used in this article are not politically correct and once again I mean not to offend.**