Beth and Company

Perfection at Last

2011-05-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

Introducing Perfection SmoothOut™, the new patent-pending innovation to instantly and safely transform coarse, frizzy, curly hair to smooth, straight and superbly shiny with results lasting months.
The Perfection SmoothOut™ employs the most advanced technology to expertly restore hair to an incredibly healthy and gorgeous state beyond expectations. Why stop at great, when you can have Perfection.
Perfection At Last. Breathe Easy.

Oxygen and Your Skin

2011-04-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

Oxygen is the most vital nutrient your body requires for cell reproduction and growth. It’s also a very important element that helps you look younger. Every day you’re going through so many worries and anxieties, that when someone looks at your face, sees all the expressions of stress and strains on it. The reason is the cells don’t get the necessary amount of oxygen. Lack of oxygen in the skin affects the aging process and reduces skin firmness.

The best way to transport oxygen to your skin is using oxygen cosmetic and best skin care products. For bacteria and viruses it’s very difficult to exist in an oxygen rich environment. So it heals, regenerates and prevents your skin from aging.

When the skin receives enough oxygen, the skin cells reproduce and grow healthier. Due to its structure, oxygen affects the deep layers of the skin. Anti aging crèmes, which contain oxygen formula, deliver energy to the skin cells. As a result, the cell activities increase, and make your skin look younger. This is conditioned by the fact that oxygen stable anti aging crèmes transform oxygen to the inside layers of the skin. Besides, wrinkles become invisible due to the lift effect from inside.

If you’re looking for oxygen skin care products, go for the Oxynergy Paris anti aging crèmes, lotions and cleansers. These best skin care products will moisturize and repair your skin, and of course make you look younger.

Always remember that your skin needs breathing. Apply oxygen skin care products and you’ll enhance your ideal beauty and make the aging process slow down.

2011-04-20T07:44:00.000-07:00

Are you blow-drying your strands with the proper technique? Photo: Getty Images

Most of us go about blow-drying our hair with the same excitement we reserve for teeth cleanings and tax filings.

But aching wrists and frizz frustration don't have to be your drying destiny. Chances are, you're likely just making one or more of the most common blow-drying mistakes.

That's what New York-based beauty expert Eva Scrivo reveals in her new book, Eva Scrivo On Beauty. Just as handy with a makeup brush as she is with a pair of stylist shears or a head of highlights, Scrivo has counted famous faces among those who trek to her downtown Bond Street salon.

With all of that A-list appeal, we were surprised to find that Scrivo's advice is of the chill out variety. The expert says issues typically arise when women try too hard. (Now that's some advice that goes well beyond the hairdressing, ladies.)

Are you committing one of these most common mistakes?

1. Not Sectioning Hair First. Flipping your head over and blow-drying until you get dizzy, feel light-headed -- or both -- isn't going to help your cause. Keep a claw clip or duckbill clips near your blow dryer, so that you can easily section hair into the bare minimum of three horizontal sections as you dry.

2. Standing Up As You Blow-Dry. "One of the best pieces of blow-drying advice I can give is to have a seat. You will not believe the difference this makes," says Scrivo. When you're comfortably seated, you can fully harness that upper-body strength without getting tired. Plus, it always helps to steal those precious rejuvenative moments for yourself, wherever you can during the day.

3. Holding The Brush In The Wrong Hand. Many women lift the hairdryer with their dominant hand, while working the brush with the weaker one. You'll get better results by instead holding the brush with your stronger hand, as you'll need the improved dexterity to get the job done in less time. "Even many professional hairdressers learn this incorrectly," says Scrivo. Well, now you can style with even more finesse than them.

4. Overtwisting The Brush. When you brush that first stroke into a section of hair, you don't want to go it more than a quarter turn, which is just enough to give it some smoothing tension without risking snarl. After you pull the brush away from the scalp to the midpoint of strand length, then you can safely start twisting the brush to create shape and curl while under the pointed jet stream of your blow dryer. This is where the magic happens!

5. Pulling The Hair Downward At The Crown. The natural inclination is to pull your brush downward, but that will only give you flat results. That just won't do if you want a roaring mane of silky smoothness. Instead, pull your hair up towards the ceiling, imagining a horseshoe shape coming out of your crown. (Stick with us here.) Hair in the horseshoe should always be blasted in an upwards direction, while hair falling below the horseshoe can be styled downwards for smoothness.

6. Holding The Dryer Too Close. It's totally counterintuitive; holding the mouth of the blow dryer right on top of hair doesn't dry it faster, but only leaves tell-tale damage and pouf in its wake. Always dry with a plastic nozzle in place to regulate and direct heat, and keep it at least an inch away from strands. We had to try it to believe it, but it really does speed things along faster by providing a more even dry -- kinda of similar to a rotating dish in a microwave.

7. Holding The Dryer In The Wrong Position. Your goal: keep that nozzle parallel to each section of hair you hit. Otherwise, the heat will irritate and rough up the cuticle, leaving you with flyaways, damage and smoking strands. And by that, we don't mean sexy.

8. Keeping The Dryer Motionless. Some shake, rattle 'n roll is good for your hips, and apparently, your hair too. Keeping that dryer moving ensures that hair will dry at the same rate all over, and it will actually prevent your shoulder and wrist from hurting from the strain of staying in one spot. "To a stylist, this is second nature, and we do it almost subconsciously," says Scrivo.

9. Going Too Fast. "Women often blow-dry..as if they're in some kind of panic. This is not a race against time. Slow down the process, be more methodical and careful," says Scrivo. In fact, if you race through the process, you'll likely find that you need need to keep going back and re-doing sections anyway, wasting more time in the long run. If your hair dries rapidly (lucky you) before you get a chance to style the section, simply keep a spray bottle of water nearby for a refreshing spritz.

10. Not Drying The Hair Completely. This is for the frizz afflicted out there; if the pouf starts growing almost immediately after you've finished blow-drying, it means you didn't dry it 100 percent. Sometimes hair looks done, but is cold to the touch -- which is the dead giveaway that water is still hiding out in there. "Your hair should be room temperature after blow-drying," advises Scrivo.

In addition to the glam blowout how-to, Scrivo's book covers the gamut of today's top beauty and style questions. From divorcing your stylist guilt-free to finding the prettiest hair color to complement your complexion and 10 fashion commandments to live by, we picked up a handful of new tips, in spite of having been around the beauty block more than just a few times.

And we know we're not the only ones.

Courtesy: Eva Scrivo

Natural Luxurious Lotion

2011-04-08T08:30:00.000-07:00

If the hippie factor has always turned you off of natural beauty products, get ready to change your mind. Sothys is one of the most luxurious spa and beauty brands we can think of, and now they have an amazing collection of natural products.

In addition to several face formulas, Sothys has introduced a Beauty Garden Body Lotion with Cherry Bud and Lavender. The milky texture leaves skin smooth and fresh. It also helps keep skin's hydration in tact with their brilliant Vegetal Moisturizing Activator, a blend of cherry buds, angelica, hawthorn and botanical glycerin.

The naturalness of this lotion makes it no less elegant or upscale, and that's easy to see with a single sweep along your skin.

New Clairsonic Opal

2011-04-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

Clarisonic has long been considered an innovator of sonic technology, and now they've introduced an instant brightening tool that uses sonic micro massage to wake up tired-looking eyes.

The new Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System is applied to the eye area and moved around the bone in a circular motion. Twenty seconds under each eye is all it takes to brighten, refresh and hydrate, not to mention make fine lines look less apparent—and the effects last throughout the day.

We especially like how a marine- and botanical-rich serum is already infused into the device! And so do dermatologists, who have started recommending it to patients seeking an at-home wrinkle reducer. Experts say that because the vibrations of the Opal help deliver nutritional ingredients deep into the skin, you'll see faster, longer-lasting results.

*Compliments of New Beauty Magazine

Relay for Life

2011-03-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

Please join Beth & Company in their fight to find a cure for cancer. From now until May 21st Beth & Company has partnered with the American Cancer Society and their Relay For Life program. Our Friends can help us by clicking on this link and making a donation to their favorite stylist. All procedes go to Relay For Life and The American Cancer Society.

Click Here

And donate to your favorite Team Beth & Company member.

Massage for Prenatal Women

2011-03-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

As spring approaches, we think of new life. There is nothing more sacred than the new life of a child and nothing more beautiful than an expectant mother. A woman's body goes through many changes during pregnancy, as does her mental and emotional state. Research has shown that massage lowers anxiety, decreases back pain, helps with leg pain, improves sleep and decreases stress. Incorporating stones significantly enhances a prenatal massage.
Hot stones are a wonderful tool for relieving muscle problems and comforting the mother-to-be. A full body hot stone massage is contraindicated; however, spot treatments for problem areas in the low back and neck are particularly helpful.
Cold stones also offer incredible therapeutic value. During the gestation period, many women feel warmer than usual, which is why it is important for the massage therapist to help the mother-to-be maintain a good core temperature, so the application of cold marble stones provides a welcomed relief. The cold stones are valuable in releasing muscle strain and tightness.

Totally Restore Damaged Hair . Exclusively at Beth & Company

2011-03-11T08:34:00.000-08:00

Fiberceutic Hair Transformation with Eva Scrivo

Product Feature of the Week

2011-03-01T12:02:00.000-08:00

Everyone wants to know what the professionals use and love...so Beth & Company has decided to feature a product of the week. As our kick off our senior nail technician, Kim Campbell, recommends Solar Oil.

What is Solar Oil? It is a blend of jojoba, rice bran and sweet Almond oils infused with the power of Vitamin E. This synergistic blend of natural oils is designed to prevent cellular damage, reduce visible signs of aging, deeply penetrate and protect nails and skin. Solar Oil is safe for use on natural nails, nail polish and nail enhancements (LCN). With repeated use the oil will drive deeper into the nails keeping them tough and flexible.

So stop by Beth & Company today and grab your bottle of Solar Oil. Your nails will thank you!

Hairdressers Against AIDS

2011-02-22T09:06:00.000-08:00

30 years after the HIV/AIDS virus was discovered it is still making headlines and a world wide epidemic. Unlike cancer, and other diseases with a little education and awareness we can eradicate this disease FOREVER. It doesn't have to take another life or cause any more heart ache to families around the world. That's the premise behind Hairdressers Against AIDS! The Loreal Foundation supports this program as an advocacy program empowering salon staff to use their bond with clients to become a resource of knowledge to help prevent the spread of the HIV/AIDS virus. Just by simply talking to clients hairdressers can become a powerful force in wiping this disease out!

Did you know.....
*33.4 million people are living with the HIV/AIDS virus worldwide
*ONLY 40% of people are aware of the HIV status
*2 million people die of this disease every year
*2.7 million people are infected every year (with 56,000 of those in the US), unfortunatley most of these are young people and children (the age group of 19-29 is the number one group diagnosed every year!)
*2.3 million people are infected in the US

What can you do to be a part of the cure?
1. Ask your hairdresser today and get the facts!
2. If you are from the ages of 13-64 it is recommended that you get tested as part of your normal medical routine.
3. Using condoms during sexual activity, knowing your partners HIV status, and reducing your number of partners.

It's up to us all to STOP the spread of HIV/AIDS....are you prepared to fight the fight?

Here Comes The Bride....

2011-02-16T13:07:00.000-08:00

The weather is turning warm, and love is in the air....that's right it's almost "wedding season". You have big decisions to make. What dress will you sashay down the aisle in? Who will make the cake and food? Who is going to be your photographer? Where are you having this memorable occasion? Well, the good thing is one decision is easy....Beth & Company will take care of all your hair, make up, skin care, nails, and pampering needs!

Did you know Beth & Company is a full service salon and day spa?

*That's right...not only do we have top notch, well educated and trained stylist who can cut, color and style your hair.
*But we also have a full time esthetician who offers full body waxing, Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, Synergie Cellulite treatments, Oxygen facials, eye brow threading and make up consultations and applications.
*But that's not all, we have a full time Massage Therapist who specializes in Swedish, Hot Stone and Deep Tissue Massages.
*And a full time senior nail technician who specializes in LCN nails, pampering manicures and pedicures, and paraffin dips.

But your pampering doesn't stop there. Our administrative staff takes care of all your other needs. From helping you decide which package suits you and your girls style, to decorating the conference room (should you decide to include this in your package), to providing refreshments to keep you all going the day of, we are there for YOU!

It's almost your big day and you have a million things to worry about....but rest assured that your beauty needs is not one of them. We at Beth & Company are dedicated to making sure your day goes smooth and as stress free as possible, while making you look the very best you can! Call Alison today 704-924-8260 and let her start your planning....so you can relax!

Rescue your Eyes

2011-02-10T06:04:00.000-08:00

Come on ladies (and gentlemen) who wants dark, puffy eyes with crows feet? Not me! If you answered that is what you want you can stop reading now. If you answered that's NOT what you want, read on!

Clarisonic has developed a revolutionary palm-sized sonic infusion device called the Opal! By gently tapping the skin around your eye at 125 sonic movements per second, the Opal helps build skin's resilience over time and prevents future damage around your eye area. How does it do this? Well, Dr. Akridge optimized a serum that is dispensed from the Opal. It is an Anti-Aging Sea Serum that infuses into the outer layer of the epidermis that makes the skin appear brighter, look younger, and feel refreshed and energized. He used a multi layered approach of marine extracts and botanicals that will hydrate, firm, tighten and protect your skin from future damage. It is also gentle enough for daily use!

What are the benefits?
*Improves skin texture
*Gentle for daily use
*Can be layered with your own eye cream
*Reduces appearance of puffiness in as little as four weeks
*Noticeable firmer skin after two weeks
*Immediately hydrates, leaving skin feeling refreshed
*Perfect for eye area, lip area, brow and forehead!

So if you're looking for a non surgical way to make your eyes look younger, then give the Opal a try! Call Beth & Company today to pre-order yours!

The Sulfate Free Rage

2011-02-03T13:57:00.000-08:00

I'm sure if you've looked online or been around anyone with "hair knowledge" you've heard the Sulfate Free Rage in hair care products. If you search the web about sulfates you will find lots of nay-sayers telling you why sulfates are so bad for you. But remember, most of these posts are by people who have some sort of reaction to sulfates, eczema, rashes and loss of hair (etc.). I would give this example, when I go to the beach with my friends I have to put on 50 SPF sunscreen because I know if I don't I will burn. They, on the other hand, are putting on baby oil and will get a pretty golden brown. So it's not that the sun is bad, it's just the way my body reacts to it differently than theirs. This is the same with sulfates; some people are more susceptible to the effects of sulfates than others.

With that said, sulfates are the primary detergents that make your shampoo, body wash and other cleaners that foam. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths about sulfates such as they cause cancer, cause color fading, and are too harsh for your hair. Remember these are just myths as you have used them for years and years.

But now you have options if you are looking for something new in hair care. There are lines of sulfate free products, and it's up to you whether you try them or not. Remember as you start trying sulfate free products you may not get the intense lather you are used to, but your hair will remain hydrated and will keep some of it's natural oils. Here are some of the benefits of sulfate free hair care products:

*Reduces Irritation: If you are sensitive to sulfates, sulfate free products can be milder to your skin, scalp and hair.

*Good for Colored Hair: For some hair types these products can reduce the color fading process.

*Reduces the Dryness of the Scalp: Since sulfates can be irritants for sensitive people they can cause irritation of the scalp by removing natural oils. This could lead to dandruff, itching and boils on the scalp.

*Reduces Hair Loss: Since the average person loses 100 hairs a day (wow), the sulfates can attack empty hair follicles and make your hair more brittle, breakable and dull.

Now that you have the facts, my advice to you is.....if you are happy with your hair and your shampoo that you are currently using, don't change. But if you feel like sulfates are damaging your hair then maybe you'd like to give sulfate free hair care products a shot. It's always good to change up your routine, so if it's time for that change try one of the three lines we carry at Beth & Company that are sulfate free.

*Aquage--Biomega
*Paul Mitchell--Awapuhi
*Lorea--Delicate Color

Ask your hair stylist if you have any questions. As a trained professional they will be able to get you the best product for your hair!

Treat Yourself for Valentine's Day

2011-02-01T11:16:00.000-08:00

Whether you love Valentine's Day and can't wait to spend a romantic evening with your sweetheart OR you hate Valentine's Day and are going to spend it watching movies and eating ice cream....the one thing for certain is it's almost here! What better way to show someone you love them (or to treat yourself) than by giving them a relaxing day at Beth & Company? We have days of beauty and bliss for men and women, so everyone on your list is covered. Enjoy one of these packages we put together just for you!

The Diva Plus (come on ladies....we're all a little diva, right?): This includes an Oxygen facial, a relaxing one hour Swedish massage, a Signature spa manicure and pedicure, shampoo and style, Bare Minerals Kit and makeover, a signature Beth & Company robe and lunch! (Now that is what I call a perfect day!!!)

The Diva: You will receive an Oxygen facial, one hour Swedish massage, Signature Spa Manicure and Pedicure, shampoo and style and a spa lunch!

Spa Extraordinaire (this is for the man in your life!!!): Your man will receive a Men's Executive facial, express pedicure and a one hour Swedish massage. (He will guarantee to love this!)

Spice of Life (if you're in a hurry, this may be just what you're looking for): Express facial, half hour Swedish massage, Express Manicure and Pedicure

Day of Bliss: One hour Swedish massage, Signature Spa Manicure and Pedicure (ahhhh....this is bliss!)

Princess for a Day (you feel like a Princess everyday, why not treat yourself like one): Oxygen Facial, Signature Spa Manicure and Pedicure.

Dream a Little Dream: Oxygen Facial and a One hour Swedish Massage

So whether you have a lot of time to pamper yourself or you are too busy to take a whole day for yourself (which you always need at least one day to be pampered!) we have the perfect package to make you feel your best! Let our trained, knowledgeable and professional staff at Beth & Company make you feel like a Diva this Valentine's Day!!!!

Bangs or No Bangs, That is the Question

2011-01-27T13:50:00.000-08:00

Want to change your hairstyle without cutting off length? Want to change your look without dying your hair a crazy color? Well, a simple (and almost regret free choice if you don't like it) way to do so is with bangs. But for many of us this is a big decision. What if we hate them (it may take a while to grow them out)? And since a simple choice, such as bangs, has the ability to make you look younger, heavier (yikes), more severe or softer....it's a choice you should really think through.

What's the most important factor in making this decision? Your face shape! You have to take into account does your face look different when smiling vs. not smiling, do you have a "mixture" of face shapes, and do you have a very dominant face shape? Wow, this sounds difficult to decide. Well, relax, it's not with the help of your stylist. They are trained to help you with these decisions. So get their objective opinion and then make your decision. (Remember: we are all guilty of looking in the mirror and judging our looks way harsher than anyone else does. And since we have our own built in prejudices about ourselves don't just trust your opinion)

So, look through these face shapes and decide which one you think you have....and then you can think about bangs more objectively.

Oval: If you have an oval face, you have the ideal face to work with. You are evenly balanced from hairline to cheekbones and from cheekbones to chin line. You can go with any type of bang; angled, fringe, wispy, blunt or no bangs at all. You can really play with this trend.

Rectangular: Your face is a little longer than wide. You also tend to have a prominent squared jaw line. Good news, you can also try wispy, fringe, angled or piecey bangs (try to avoid blunt cuts). These bangs will really help to balance your face giving it a shorter appearance.

Round: You tend to have soft, full contours with a rounded jaw and chin line. Although your face is symmetrical, you may want to stay away from bangs. If you really want to wear bangs try light wispy partial bangs over part of your forehead. If you choose other bangs you run the risk of "cutting" off your face and creating the illusion of added weight (no one wants that).

Square: With a square face you tend to mimic some of the features of a round face. The difference is you tend to have a strong square jaw line and a square hairline. With bangs, the same rules apply as with round faces.

Heart: You tend to have a delicate, narrow chin, high/dramatic cheekbones, and wider forehead than chinline. If you want to wear bangs, try them off center. Try to stay away from blunt cuts, but you can try wispy or fringe bangs.

So, do you still question....Bangs or No Bangs?

New OPI Collections 2011

2011-01-25T12:39:00.000-08:00

Every girl loves to change up their look every now and then. What better (and quicker) way to do so than with nail polish? Whether you change your color everyday or once a month....it's always fun to play with something new. OPI has launched two new collections for 2011 that you are sure to love. The Katy Perry Collection (available at Beth & Company now) and The Texas Collection (available at Beth & Company February 2, 2011).

The Katy Perry Collection: Hot, edgy, playful and sexy! These describe the singer and her OPI Collection! As a trend setter in all aspects, Katy has a true love for hot nails that break all the rules. Whether showing off new designs, colors and looks on the red carpet or on Twitter, this singer is always looking for the newest, greatest look. This collection includes four glamorous shades and one break out hit (the Black Shatter).
* Teenage Dream: This is a plummy pink sparkle. Glitter is back with this polish!
* Not Like the Movies: A metallic silver polish, great for evening or day looks.
* Last Friday Night: A "crayon" blue, glitter color.
* The One that Got Away: A deep dark, berry, purple color. Hot for any look!
* Black Shatter: A revolutionary topcoat, that when applied over dried nail lacquer, creates a cracked/leopard pattern!

The Texas Collection: 12 new colors, each offering a different texture to make them unique! Everything is bigger in Texas....even this outstanding new collection!
* Don't Mess With OPI: A fierce Forest Green
* Austin-Tatious Turquoise: Bodacious blue-green
* It's Totally Fort-Worth It: A shimmery lavender grey
* Do You Think I'm Tex-Y?: A sexy berry color
* I Vant To Be A-Lone Star: Starry Texas-sky Blue
* Houston We Have A Purple: A galactic red-violet
* Suzi Loves Cowboys: A beautiful chocolate shade
* San Tan-tonio: A "Honey" Tan, beautiful!
* Too Hot Pink to Hold 'Em: Red Hot Pink Red
* Guy Meets Gal-veston: A Hot Coastal Coral
* Y'all Come Back Ya Hear?: Texas Tangerine....HOT!
* Big Hair Big Nails: A rosy peach

Come into Beth & Company and let our experienced nail technician treat you to a spa manicure and pedicure finished with one of these exciting new colors! Then grab a bottle, or two, to take home and enjoy!

Massage Therapist Helping Detect Skin Cancer

2011-01-20T13:23:00.000-08:00

Sand, sun, water and long summer days....sounds like a dream right now as we layer up with clothes, hats and gloves. But reality is those days are right around the corner. And as we prepare to "bake in the sun" we should remember that skin cancer is a reality for millions of Americans. In order to be better prepared you need to understand what skin cancer is, what to look for and how to prevent it.

What is skin cancer? It is damage done by Ultraviolet (UV) light when it penetrates the epidermis and dermis layers of the skin. This will alter the molecular structure and DNA of skin cells. Although your body tries to repair itself sometimes it cannot do so. These damaged cells then turn into growing, uncontrollable masses, know as skin cancer.

Although the term "skin cancer" is a general term, there are three very specific types of skin cancer.
*Basal Cell Carcinoma: These tend to grow slower and are the most common. They appear as a fleshy or pink, shiny bump or patch. They usually develop on ares of the body that have the most sun exposure (such as the head, neck and trunk)
*Squamous Cell Carcinoma: These are also very common. They look like a scaly pink or brownish bump or patch. They usually are found on the ears, face, and trunk.
*Melanoma: These are the least common, but most deadly if not detected early. They can develop on any body area, can be large or small, several colors and can appear irregular, raised or flat.
**But remember skin cancer can grow anywhere on your body and their appearance can vary.

Knowledge is power....and so is early detection. The signs of skin cancer are easy to remember A, B,C, D, E!
A=asymmetrical shape
B=irregular border
C=irregular or multicolored
D=diameter larger than a pencil eraser
E=evolving

Now that you know, be safe with the sun and protect your skin. Try to wear long sleeves, long pants and large brim hats if in the sun for a long period of time. Always wear at least SPF 30 sunscreen, and apply often! Also, avoid the sun between the hours of 10am and 4pm.

Did you know that by visiting your massage therapist you can not only relax, but relax knowing they are trained to spot these skin cancers on your skin. They will be able to detect and alert you if you need to see a health care professional. They are an important line of defense for you, so treat yourself....for your health!

And don't forget the fabulous skin care line with SPF by Dermalogica. Ask us today what products will protect you the best!

Awapuhi by Paul Mitchell

2011-01-19T05:59:00.000-08:00

Thirty years ago John Paul DeJoria and Paul Mitchell had a vision, and today we get to reap the benefits! What was the vision? Awapuhi Wild Ginger hair care line, and it will exceed all your expectations.

What is Awapuhi? Awapuhi is a ginger plant that has been used by Hawaiian natives to moisturize skin and hair for centuries. Impressed and intrigued by the plants healing benefits Paul Mitchell decided to establish a sustainable, solar powered Awapuhi Farm in Hawaii. Each plant is carefully, hand harvested and processed in order to preserve its hydrating properties. And with a unique extraction method designed especially by Paul Mitchell you get the most lipid-rich part of the Awapuhi root. Thus leaving your hair more manageable, softer and give that intense shine that everyone wants!

Another great benefit of the Awapuhi Wild Ginger hair care line is the exclusive Keratriplex system. Daily stress to your hair can cause damage from the cuticle to the cortex. Keratin fibers in your cortex are what makes your hair healthy and strong. But when these fibers break down you get broken, weak hair. That's where Keratriplex comes in. It is a blend of three proteins that penetrate the cortex, rebuild disrupted bonds and reinforce the cuticle. Leaving your hair shiny, healthy and strong again.

If you are one of the 93% of people who say you have dry, damaged or color treated hair then you need to try Awapuhi Wild Ginger hair care line by Paul Mitchell. The system is proven to repair damaged hair. It doesn't matter why your hair is damaged; from heat styling, chemical processing or aging, you can replenish it with vital protein and intense moisture. It's never too late to do something good for you hair!

Hot Makeup Colors for Spring/Summer 2011

2011-01-13T06:49:00.000-08:00

Oh, the old saying "makeup is a girls best friend" is so true. Although makeup is not necessary everyday, as a woman we tend to feel prettier and more "put together" when we have our "face on". It's just another fun way to express ourselves and show the world how we feel on any given day! As we prepare for the snow to melt and the sun to shine we also start thinking about what new makeup colors we can play with. Luckily we don't have to think too hard as the secret is out....for Spring/Summer 2011 the hot color trend are pastels! These colors will perfectly match the season and the new outfits you will be wearing!

Since your eyes are considered the gateway to the soul most women want to play up the makeup they wear there. And although everyone has different eye colors, eye shapes, skin tones and hues, the fabulous pastel color palette has something to compliment everyone.

So what are the pastel colors of choice? Pink, blue, orange, green, red, lavender and gold tend to be the colors that most fashion experts recommend for Spring/Summer 2011. The important choice when picking these colors is to find the hue that best suits your skin tone, eye color, hair color and facial features.

Another important piece in picking your perfect color/hue is deciding what the occasion is. For day wear, you may want to choose a more subtle makeup style. Choose colors that are a bit paler, don't make your eye shadow stand out too much and go more natural with your cheek and lip colors. For a bold evening out opt for brighter eye makeup shades, bold lip colors and cheek colors. For this look choose a hot pink, orange-red or fire red lipstick color to create that WOW look!

Although pastels were popular last year, this year try a more monochrome look. If you want to combine two hues only do so to create a shadow effect. Also, the bolder the eye makeup the darker the mascara you want to use. That way your lashes match your bold lids!

Have fun, play with color, inspire yourself for a new fabulous and trendy look!

Massage and Weight Loss

2011-01-06T09:48:00.000-08:00

You have always heard "if it sounds too good to be true it usually is" right? Well...hold on because you are about to hear something that sounds too good, and it's true!!!! MASSAGE CAN ACTUALLY BE AN EFFECTIVE WEIGHT LOSS TOOL!

How you say? The power of massage goes way beyond relaxing. It can improve your body's resilience, aid in muscle nutrition and flexibility and can be a wonderful way to support your mental and emotional well being. All this correlates with what you need in order to support a healthier life style, thus weight loss!

Think of massage as your weight loss partner, because the two have such an interesting relationship. Massage can provide subtle improvements to your body. Such as better injury prevention and healing, improved flexibility and range of motion. This helps you to heal in between work outs, thus allowing for more productive and pain free hours in the gym (which is where everyone is because of New Year's resolutions, right?).

Also when you are relaxing in a massage you are impacting and improving your circulatory system. Your massage therapist helps move blood to body tissue, which increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients your muscles receive. By relaxing in such a deep state you are allowing your body to rest and relax (which helps heal muscles).

Last, but one of the most important factors in weight loss is the emotional side. Most people don't correlate a new diet plan and exercise routine with your healthy emotional state. But it is a primary factor in determining if you are successful or not in your weight loss goals. With regular massages you can reconnect with your body thus becoming more in tune with your needs and more motivated to meet those needs.

We all know that losing weight isn't the easiest goal to reach, but with the help of your massage therapist you can reach those goals in a more customized fashion. Creating a healthy lifestyle is the only way to achieve sustained better health, weight and mental health. It's easy to incorporate massage into a healthy lifestyle. So decide how often you can afford to visit your massage therapist and get on the path to better health today! Your body will thank you!

Top 5 Requested Celebrity Hairstyles

2010-12-30T12:59:00.000-08:00

So....face the facts....you may not sing like Rihanna or act like Jennifer Aniston, but that doesn't mean you don't want your hair to look fabulous like theirs! It's a fact, a lot of women look to celebrities for the hairstyle that they want to make their own. You look through ALL the "celebrity" magazines and pick out the best picture of your favorite stars hair and head straight for Beth and Company to make that dream a reality. You're not alone. Can you guess the top 5 celebrities that women look to for their hairstyle?

1. Topping the list this year was.....Jennifer Aniston! It seems that a lot of us girls want to look like the "girl next door". Jennifer's style is sophisticated, ageless, classic, easy going and sun kissed look. If you want you hair to portray that you are effortless, simple and non confrontational, then this look is for you!

2. Taylor Swift comes in second with the most requested style. Her curls are what everyone wants! They are sexy, fun and playful. Her style really shows her youth (without looking to young on a woman of an "older" age) and makes her approachable. Not only are her curls in high demand, her color is as well. Shes a "marshmallow" blonde that rivals the likes of Marily Monroe and Madonna.

3. Ah, the edgy Rihanna comes in third on the list! She sports the chic, edgy, fashion forward, rocking asymmetrical bob. Rihanna pushes the boundries with her style, music, hair style and hair color....and any lady replicating this style likes to stand out and make a loud statement!

4. Kim Kardashian makes the list at number 4 because of her beautiful hair color and style! Kim sports the sexy, soft waves that take you back to the Old Hollywood (think the 40's) glamour. She has a very simple, elegant style that looks low maintenance (but it's probably not!). Also, her dark locks really reflect the color of the seasons.

5. Last on the list is Victoria Beckham. Although "Posh Spice" looks different every time we see her, her dramatic bob is what women love! It's not only sleek and stylish, but also sophisticated, classic and trendy. You can wear your hair severe and sleek or textured and flirty with this cut. This hairstyle can change with your mood!

So, what style do you most want? It may be one of these 5 lovely ladies or it may be someone else. But whatever you decide make sure that you love it and wear it with pride! Your look is totally up to you....but it's always fun to have a compass to guide you to styling!

Spring/Summer 2011 Hair Trends

2010-12-28T07:01:00.000-08:00

While it still seems warmer temperatures are far away (we still have snow on the ground!), fashionistas around the world are already preparing what is "hot" for Spring/Summer 2011. And while the hottest fashions may be out of reach, you can always think of the newest trends in hairstyles. They are easy to incorporate into any lifestyle and they are the easiest way to be on top of trend! Compared to what we saw for Fall/Winter, Spring/Summer looks are more modern, having very few retro accents. They also have many variations that leave them open to all women from all walks of life! So if you just can't wait any longer, here are a few of these hot trends for Spring/Summer 2011....

Volume, the bigger the better, right? Well, not necessarily. High volume hairstyles are still popular, but it is being used way more deliberately to create a more refined, modern look. Don't be afraid of volume (whether creating a hot updo, or a simple down style), but make sure that you incorporate it so it matches your life, face shape and hair texture.

Loose (almost bed head/messy) hair styles are a hot trend. To display your femininity a lot of women are looking for a simple, refined loose hairstyle. This hairstyle expresses the less is more idea while showing a relaxed carefree attitude that still carries a touch of glamor from eras of the past. No matter what your hair type or texture you can sport this hairstyle that highlights and frames your face perfectly creating a confident, bold, mysterious allure.

The updo hairstyle, whether used for a formal look or a casual day out look, is very popular! Whether the look takes a few minutes to create or something a little more detailed you can create a sophisticated hairstyle with a multitude of elements creating that unique look that fits you perfect.

Lastly (for now!), is the extreme side part. This trend carries over from Fall/Winter season, but still can add a fresh look for your Spring/Summer tresses. Used mostly for sleek, straight tresses, you can use on other hair textures as well. This is an easy adaptation you can use for a well defined, simple, fuss free hairstyle!

Happy Spring/Summer and Happy transforming to the warmer weather you!

Why Paul Mitchell Pro Tools?

2010-12-16T07:38:00.000-08:00

You already know that you can go to Wal-Mart, CVS or any other discount store and buy an inexpensive hair dryer, straightening iron or curling iron, right? But just because they are inexpensive to begin with doesn't mean they are your best deal. They can end up costing you so much more in the long run. And not just money, but with severe damage to your hair! The danger with these cheaper model pro tools is they can scorch your hair (as they often have only one heat degree), or since some dryers don't have fan cages you run the risk of your hair getting pulled into the fan.

What's the beauty of Paul Mitchell pro tools? They feature Paul Mitchell's exclusive Express Ion Complex. It is the most advanced ionic technology available! It is simply a blend of volcanic minerals that deliver natural conditioning negative ions and infrared heat. Ready to choose a Paul Mitchell Pro Tool? Here are a few of the best (and we carry them all in stock at Beth and Company), all perfect for Christmas gifts!

Express Ion Style 1.0: The newest and "greatest" pro tool available! This tool can make your hair straight, wavy, curly and any other way you want it! Your hair will be left noticeably shiny and conditioned, creating a healthy looking style. It heats up to 400 degrees in 60 seconds, but has a temperature control to get it the perfect heat for your hair!

Express Ion Smooth 1.25: This straightening iron will give your hair healthy results with incredible shine, from the inside out! It also heats up to 400 degrees in 60 seconds, also with a temperature control. It has a classic straightening iron design that smooths and polishes your hair in less time.

Express Ion Curl 1.0: This curl iron will provide flawless curls and waves while hydrating the curls insuring incredible shine and staying power. With the ceramic heat delivery system preventing cold spots, you are guaranteed faster styling.

Express Ion Dry v.1: Dries hair up to 60% faster while gently removing excess water from the inside out. It creates healthy, hydrated results. And with the gentle airflow you will have less frizz! This dryer is ideal for fine hair.

Express Ion Dry v.2: This dryer also provides faster drying times, by 60%! It delivers that extra dose of conditioning technology for hair that is vulnerable. It also provides a powerful airflow that is perfect for thick hair.

Express Ion Round (Brushes): These brushes come in sizes Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large. The aluminum barrel heats up while drying the hair, helping to style your hair. The unique shaped corkscrew bristles provide a smoother finish while helping to maintain flyaways and creating a sleek, frizz free finish!

Remember Paul Mitchell pro tools are only sold in professional salons! So, come in and check out the amazing pro tools we have! Another wonderful benefit....all the pro tools we carry come with a 5 year warranty!!!

So don't be fooled by the cheaper, inferior models that cost less in the beginning. Because in the long run the cheaper tools will cause you a lot of stress and time with getting the damage done to your hair corrected!

Gorgeous Winter "Glow"

2010-12-14T07:33:00.000-08:00

You may be feeling the effects of the cold winter air on your skin and lips! With all the cracked, dry and chapped skin you may be feeling like you've lost that "glow" about you. Luckily, with a small change in your diet, and your skin care routine you can get that beautiful winter glow that everyone will admire!
How can your diet affect your skin? By adding nourishing, antioxidant rich fruits, vegetables and "healthy" fats you can moisturize and replenish your skin. All while providing your body with health promoting nutrients.
Fresh Fruits:
1. Berries: Choose what you like; blueberries, strawberries or raspberries. Berries are rich in flavonoids, which is an antioxidant that can help delay the aging process and strengthen collagen in your skin. They are also high in Vitamin C. Vitamin C will help maintain capillary walls, promote skin elasticity and plumpness.

2. Mango: Mangoes are high in vitamin A, C, and E. They are also rich in antioxidants. (Remember they are high in calories and sugar, so to avoid that winter bulge, don't overeat these fruits)
3. Citrus Fruit: To help cleanse your digestive system and clear the skin try grapefruits, oranges, lemons and limes. Citrus fruit is also rich in Vitamin C!
4. Kiwi: Another fruit high in Vitamin C and antioxidants. This fruit will help promote skin elasticity and smoothness!
Fresh Veggies:

1. Beets: Although Beets may not be in the forethought of your mind, they are full of antioxidants, flavonoids and aid in the digestive and immune systems functions. They will also help revive dull skin and promote renewal and repair.
2. Broccoli: When your mom told you to eat your broccoli, she knew what she was talking about. It is high in fiber, iron, antioxidants, foliate and vitamins A, C and B2. All of these attributes promote healthy skin, hair and nail. It also helps clean out your digestive system, liver and kidneys of toxins.
Healthy Fats:
These fats provide skin cells with nourishing moisture and oil which help prevent dryness and wrinkles. Try Salmon, tuna, flaxseed, avocado, walnuts and olive oil. But be careful as these are still fats so eat in moderation!

Skin Care:
1. Microdermabrasion: Try this treatment to get the dead skin cells off, allowing new ones to surface. It will make your skin smoother, glowing and help with those pesky wrinkles.
2. Exfoliate: EVERYDAY!!! Get those dead skin cells gone for good.
3. Moisturize: Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize....did you get the point? MOISTURIZE!!!! This includes your face, hands, feet and lips!
Don't accept the dull winter skin all season long. Fight back and do something about it today!!!

5 Quick Holiday Party Tips

2010-12-10T10:33:00.000-08:00

It is definitely "Christmas Party" season, and I am sure most of you are booked every weekend until Christmas with something fun to do. If you're looking for something different here are 5 quick tips to help you look your best!
1. Try Red Lips: It may not be your everyday lip color choice, but it may be a good change for that special party. You can go for the matte look or super glossy. Whichever way you choose, it's a super bold look. So remember to keep the rest of your make up simple. Keep the lips your focal point and avoid unnecessary distractions.
2. Add some Sparkle: You can add sparkle to your eyes, cheeks, or whole face. But remember big flakes of glitter will make you look too "teeny bopper" and won't compliment your look. Try instead small flecks of glitter incorporated in your make up. It will add a little "pop" without being too over the top.

3. Try False Lashes: Don't want false lashes for everyday wear? No problem, just try them for that special party (parties). You can go crazy with them or keep them simple, but false lashes are the epitome of glamour....so work them girl!!
4. Add a Statement Headband: Headbands are an inexpensive way to make a dramatic statement. They can cost way less than jewerly, but can cause the same "wow" effect! Try this quick, easy tip to change your look without much money or effort!
5. Let your "hair down" with an updo!: You can pull your hair up to give a different look than you are used to. Make it messy, or just perfect and you can add class and elegance to any look. Try the side ponytail, messy bun, angled french braid, or a modern French twist! You can add curls or accessories to really change your look.

Although there are so many options for the perfect Holiday Party look, it's nice to have a few simple tips that can really make you feel your best at any party! Don't be afraid to look a little different than you do every other day. It's always nice to surprise people with a head turning look!!

False Eyelashes? Yes Please!

2010-12-07T13:37:00.000-08:00

Long eyelashes are considered a sign of femininity and beauty. They can also make your eyes look bigger, fuller, more inviting and overall prettier. But a lot of us are not born with long luscious lashes. Thank goodness "modern civilization" provides us with "false" eyelashes and because they come in various styles, colors and sizes (when done correctly) no one will know you weren't born with them!
Since there are so many varieties of false lashes it's important to choose the right ones for your occasion. If you are going for a fun evening out you may want to try embellished ones with dazzling jewels, sparkling gems, feathers and vibrant colors. Play them up with fun, bright makeup! But if you are wanting them for everyday wear, you want to choose shorter lashes that match more your natural color. Try light, natural make up that will play up the lashes without being too obvious! It truly is amazing how many different looks you can achieve by trying fake lashes. You can go from naturally elegant or screaming your individuality with eye make up and lashes!

An important thing to remember is NEVER SETTLE FOR CHEAP LASHES! Cheap lashes are often made of plastic thus making them harder to apply. They can irritate the eye and will look extremely harsh and unnatural. Also, if you choose thick or heavy lashes you can weigh your eyelids down. Thus making your eyes appear smaller, which is a no-no.
False lashes are designed to accentuate your eyes, giving them a fuller appearance, so be sure to let a professional help you pick the lashes that are right for you! At Beth and Company we can help you pick the right lashes for your occasion, and we can help you apply them! We have a full stock of event lashes perfect for your Christmas and New Year's Eve parties, so come check them out! You will be so glad you did, your eyes will catch all the attention and no one will notice they are not your "real" lashes!!!

Customer Appreciation Event

2010-12-03T07:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas is quickly approaching,
and through all of the hustle and bustle,
Beth & Company wants to make sure
you are rewarded like you should be!!

...Specials Include:

Gift Certificate Specials:
Purchase a Gift Certificate for $200 or more,
and receive $40 worth of Beth & Company Reward Bucks.
(valid January and February of 2011)

Purchase a Gift Certificate for $150 to $199,
and receive $20 worth of Beth & Company Reward Bucks.
(valid January and February of 2011)

Purchase a Gift Certificate for $50 to $149,
and receive $10 worth of Beth & Company Reward Bucks.
(valid January and February of 2011)

Discount Card:
Purchase a $25 discount card and receive %20 off ALL RETAIL purchases in January and February!

Pro Tools and Clarisonics:
All tools 25% off!

Skin Care:
Purchase $200 worth of Dermalogica Products,
and receive a complimentary Dermalogica Facial or Microdermabrasion .
(valid January and February of 2011)

Purchase $150 worth of Dermalogica Products,
and receive a complimentary express facial .
(valid January and February of 2011)

Purchase 2 Dermalogica Facials or Microdermabrasions,
and receive a $25 Beth & Company Gift Certificate.
(valid January and February of 2011)

Massages:
Purchase 3 1 hour Swedish Massages,
and receive a complimentary 1 hour Swedish Massage .
(valid through June of 2011)

Purchase 2 1 hour Deep Tissue Massages,
and receive a complimentary 1 hour Deep Tissue Massage .
(valid through June of 2011)

Nail Care:
Purchase 3 Spa Pedicures,
and receive a complimentary Spa Pedicure.
(valid through June of 2011)

All Products will be on special!
And other great deals will be available.
Make sure to come in and celebrate with us!
Light food and drinks will be available!

Specials will be available December 4th from 4:00-6:00 ONLY!

Microdermabrasion; the "Instant Facelift"

2010-11-30T06:35:00.000-08:00

We all want better skin, whether its to repair the damage we have done to it over the years, or just the unwanted signs of aging. But most of us are unwilling, or unable to try drastic measures like plastic surgery, chemical peels or Botox injections. The good news is we don't have to go the drastic route, there is now Microdermabrasion and it can completely change your skin....for good! How you ask? Keep reading!
Microdermabrasion used to be only a treat the Hollywood stars enjoyed, but now it has turned mainstream. To understand more about what Microdermabrasion does you need to understand more about your skin. Your skin is made up of two main layers. The epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the layer that Microdermabrasion directly affects, since it is the layer that is exposed to the outside world. It is simply a set of dead skin cells on top of another layer of cells that mature. (This topmost layer is called the stratum corneum.) Microdermabrasion "gets rid" of the stratum corneum thus allowing the healing process to begin with newer skin sells. Immediately your skin's surface is improved!

Now that you understand your skin, what is Microdermabrasion? Simply it is the application of tiny rough grains (crystals) that buff away the stratum corneum. Your body will interpret this as a mild injury to the skin and will rush to replace the lost skin cells. But instead of the dead, dull skin cells that were on your face you get fresh, healthy, new skin cells. It is a painless, massaging action done by a professional. Usually it is performed to the face, chest, neck, arms and hands.
What are the main benefits of Microdermabrasion? It revitalizes dull skin, reduces enlarged pores, erases fine lines and wrinkles, reduces/erases acne scars, helps to reduce mild pigment irregularities, blackheads, stretch marks and sun and age spots! Yes, that about covers everything most women and men want to change about their skin!
So with Microdermabrasion having the fewest side effects of procedures that deal with the skin why not try it today? It is also safe for men, women, all skin types and colors.

Call Beth and Company today and let Holly give you the royal treatment. Don't you want to get your skin ready for those Holiday parties and 2011?

What does your hair color say about YOU?

2010-11-24T06:10:00.000-08:00

Changing your hair color can be fun, a way to express yourself, even a fashion statement. But do you know what your hair color says about you? There is definitely a stereotype for every hair color...check out how accurate it is for you.

Red:
Red is the new "in" color, a lot of people want it, but with only 2-5% of the population having it naturally you may have to get your hairstylist to help you achieve that perfect Red!
Red has two stereotypes.....1. feisty, opinionated, seductive, hot headed, hot tempered and just plain hot!!! and 2. Homely. With freckles, orange hair, pale skin and lashes.

Black:
With black hair people perceive you as sultry, tough, mysterious and exotic. But be careful, black hair shows every flaw and imperfection on your skin. So make sure you have the skin to pull this look off!

Brown:
Ah, the brown haired lady! Being brunette you are often perceived as responsible, the good girl....the girl next door! You can sex up your brunette locks with low lights, an extreme cut, or amazing styling.

Blonde:
We all know the stereotype of blondes, the "sex bomb", ditsy, party-girl and flirty. They are also perceived as high maintenance and vain because maintaining blonde hair takes a lot of work! The human eye is drawn to lighter shades, so as a blonde you will definitely get more attention. Thus giving an answer to the age old question of "do blondes have more fun"? Yes, they do have the opportunity for more fun since they usually get more attention!

No matter your natural hair color, you can always get the color you thought you should have been born with. Let your professional hair stylist help you achieve this look. It will save you time, money, stress and the integrity of your hair in the long run!!!

What's So Special about Bare Minerals?

2010-11-18T14:30:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you've seen the Bare Minerals TV commercials, seen mineral make-up in stores and at the mall....there is a huge buzz around mineral make-up right now. And all with good reason. But when choosing which kind to use, consider Bare Minerals. Bare Minerals has proved numerous times to be one of the best make-ups on the market and have many consumer awards to prove it! In 2006 Glamour magazine named it Best Make-Up and it holds the recommendation of the Skin Cancer Foundation (and was awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation). It is also pure and free from the chemicals, unnatural dyes and preservatives that are typically found in other cosmetic lines.
The first Bare Minerals product was the SPF 15 Foundation. Not only did it contain sunscreen, it had no preservatives, oils, talc, fragrances or anything else that would irritate the skin. Today, the line has grown to include many other make up products, brushes and extras! (Come check out the line at Beth and Company)
Bare Minerals is also good for your skin....that's right, a make-up that is GOOD for your skin! All the products are tested by a dermatologist, thus supporting the health of your skin. It is also safe to use and may even clear up certain skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, dry skin, oily skin and sensitive skin. How does it do this....it's all natural and does not clog pores!

So, if you're looking for a make-up that provides excellent coverage and is healthy for your skin, then Bare Minerals mineral make-up is for you! Want to try before you buy? Come in and let one of our beauty professional teach you what colors and how to apply them so you look and feel your best! Don't take my word for it!!!!!

Pedicures = Better Health

2010-11-16T11:37:00.000-08:00

Oh your poor feet, they take a beating everyday and get very little love in return. During a typical day, your feet endure a cumulative force of several hundred tons!!! Wow, its incredible what your little "piggies" can endure. It's great to let a professional pamper your feet and paint your toenails a beautiful shade of red or purple....but did you realize the health benefits to receiving a pedicure? That's right, there are serious health benefits.

Ok...here he/she comes at your feet with a pumice stone or a "Ped Egg" and you think to yourself this is going to hurt. Well, relax, when done correctly it doesn't. And the benefits of getting your calluses and dead skin cells off outweigh the anxiety of getting it done. The appearance and comfort of your feet are improved with calluses gone. But leaving the calluses on your feet can cause uneven pressure when you walk or stand and can leave your feet hurting all day....which is no fun!!!!

Next is the part you can't hardly wait for....the massage. The joy of having your feet and legs rubbed and massaged is pretty much amazing. The good news; most peoples favorite part of a pedicure is also the most important! Massaging certain spots on the foot send signals to other parts of the body and encourage overall health improvement anywhere in the body. Depending on certain factors, like area being massaged, amount of pressure and the ailment of concern you can help heal everything from the eyes to the liver!
Lastly are the more "mood" benefits you can receive from a pedicure. This is tied into the scents that are used to help you relax. Scents can be tied to improving circulation, focus, memory and mood.

So....even though it's not sandle weather, it's always the season for a pedicure! Pamper your feet, because they will get you through, roughly, 115,000 miles in your lifetime (or 4 miles a day). You don't want them (or anything else in your body) to give out....so take good care!!!!

Time to Change Your Hair Color?

2010-11-11T06:08:00.001-08:00

As Fall is upon us and Winter is knocking on our door many women want to try something new with their hair color. Something to make you feel better about yourself, beat the Winter "blahs". Before you go picking the hottest color of the season there are some things you (and your hair stylist) should consider. Have you ever really considered if you hair color matches your skin tone? Probably not, a lot of women don't think of the importance of this. They just want something new. Since the wrong hue can make you look washed out, sallow, drab or "muddy"....take some time to pick out the perfect color for you.....it will be worth the time and effort!

The main trick to finding the perfect hair color is to complement your skin's undertones. Here are the 3 basic shades of undertones....and some tips on what colors will work for you.

1. Pink/Blue Undertones
Base Color: Intense colors....browns, reds and blonds will look great for you.
Be sure you go with the intense colors!
Highlights: Golden, honey or ash highlights will work best with your intense
base (or natural hair color)
2. Red Undertones
Base Color: Honey brown or a golden color will be beautiful for you. Avoid
bright red tones, and don't go too blond or too dark. Don't go to extremes!
Highlights: Caramel highlights will look best for you. Your hair will have a
beautiful sun kissed look and your skin will look less red.
3. Yellow Undertones
Base Color: You need deep, rich color. Try Dark Chocolate, Chestnut, Mahogany
or Auburn. Since you have yellow undertones, avoid yellow or golden hair.
Highlights: Try and neutralize your yellow skin tone with Cinnamon, red,
burgundy or dark copper.

Although there is way more that goes into picking your perfect hair color this will give you a good basis. Always talk to your hair stylist when making these decisions. He/She is a trained professional in picking and applying color. You never want to go it alone, so please don't try to color your hair at home. You want to avoid damage to your hair....and only your hair stylist can guarantee that you leave with the perfect color for you and your hair is healthier than before you came in!

So....have fun with color and do something that makes you look and feel beautiful!

The Right Hair Style for Your Face

2010-11-09T06:59:00.000-08:00

We've all been in the mall and saw that hair cut and wished we could make our hair look just like that, but for some reason it never does. Why not? Well, it's not that she has better hair it's simply you have to choose a cut that looks good with your face shape. Since we can't change our face shape, we have to work with it. If you do not know what shape your face is, simply pull your hair back in a tight ponytail, with no hair around your face, and you will see the outline. Determine the size and shape of your forehead as it compares to your cheeks and chin. Or better yet, ask your stylist and he/she can point you in the right direction.

Have a Round face?
Do: To make your face appear longer and leaner you simply want to create less volume around your face. Try cuts that fall right below the chin, soft, graduated layers and wispy/tapered ends. Bangs are flattering, but try long or side swept instead of blunt ones.
Don't: One length-blunt cuts, curly short hair and spiky/short topside styles. You do not want to emphasize the roundness.

Have a Square face?
Do: To downplay your strong, angular jaw try texture (curls or choppy ends). You can also do short, spiky cuts or long styles with layers (starting at the jawline and going downward).
Don't: Stay away from chin length one-length bobs, a center part, or any straight cut lines, especially bangs.

Have an Oval face?
Do: You are a lucky girl....you can pull off almost any style. You can wear your hair short or long, straight, curly or wavy. Pick one feature and play it up. You can try a nice angular bob, bangs, beachy waves, whatever you like! So play and have fun!
Don't: To keep from looking dated avoid short layers on top of the head. Also, (as with most face shapes) avoid short hair and blunt cuts with curly hair. It will make you look boxy or a pyramid.

Have a Long or "Oblong" Face?
Do: You want to create a hair do that doesn't drag down the face, but still adds width. You can do chin-length bobs, shoulder length bobs (try having the back cut a little shorter so it doesn't look boring). Also good are curls and waves, which are very in style.
Don't: Stay away from extremes. Don't have hair longer than the collarbone and avoid super short styles. They will not be flattering for you.

Have a Heart Shape Face?
Do: Since your chin tends to be the focal point of your face, try and draw attention to other features (such as your eyes and cheek bones). Try side swept bangs, a strong part, hair that falls below your jawline, brow grazing fringe and soft or long layers.
Don't: Since you have a prominent feature, try to avoid harsh layers, choppy cuts, short bangs (blunt cut)

Confused yet? Well if you are, head straight to your hair stylist and he/she can get the perfect style for your face shape and lifestyle!

Have fun, play with looks and do what works for you!

Is a good nights sleep really that important?

2010-11-04T12:55:00.000-07:00

Do you battle with the age old fight between getting your Z's and finishing those last minute chores, working late or watching your favorite TV show that comes on late at night? Well, you are not alone. Most Americans do not get enough sleep every night. But did you know it's equally important to get quality sleep, not just quantity? Don't take my word for it, here are some ways sleep (or lack there of) can affect your health.

1. Sleep keeps your heart healthy. A lack of sleep has been associated with worsening blood pressure and cholesterol, which increase the risk for heart disease and stroke.

2. Sleep May Prevent Cancer. At night your body produces melatonin. Melatonin helps protect against cancer and appears to suppress the growth of tumors. By not getting enough sleep (exposing yourself to lights) you reduce the levels of melatonin in your body.

3. Sleep Helps Reduce Stress. When your body is sleep deprived it goes into a state of stress. This causes your body to go on 'high alert' which causes your blood pressure to rise and your body will produce more of the stress hormone. Unfortunately when your body is stressed you are less likely to sleep well.

4. Sleep May Help you to lose Weight. (YAY!!!) The hormones ghrelin and leptin are important for the regulation of your appetite and when you are sleep deprived these hormones are disrupted. Thus making you hungrier and making it harder to lose weight.

5. Sleep Can Benefit Your Skin. When you sleep your facial muscles relax thus helping to smooth out wrinkles and lines on your face. The lack of facial expressions at night allows the dermal layers of your skin to rejuvenate. You will notice when you are sleep deprived your skin looks dull, drawn, stressed, dark circles and bags under the eyes and more noticeable fine lines and wrinkles.

These are just a few of the reasons why you should make sure you get 7-9 hours of sleep every night, but the list goes on. You have to allow your body time to heal from the daily stress. So find ways to relax (massages are a great way to relax), unwind and get to bed earlier. And don't forget you gain an extra hour of sleep this weekend....so enjoy it!!!

For those fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles and dull skin you may already have try quality skin care products (such a Dermalogica) and treat yourself to an Oxygen facial.

Synergie Cellulite Treatment

2010-11-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of the incredible Synergie Cellulite Reduction Treatment? If you haven't....get ready because there is a new breakthrough in the battle with cellulite. Synergie is a non-surgical, non-invasive cellulite treatment approved by the FDA. It provides optimal stimulation, stretching and pressure to subcutaneous tissues which are often not achieved through traditional massage.
Synergie uses Vacuum Massage Technology, which uses gentle suction and pressure that cause the fluids in the fat cells to release, thus battling the cause of cellulite. It creates a relaxing and invigorating massage to the skin, unlike other cellulite treatments that cause pinching and pain.
What are the main benefits of Synergie Treatments?
1. Dramatically reduces inches
2. Improves skin smoothness in treated areas
3. Boost the immune system
4. Stimulates collagen production (reduces stretch marks and scarring)
5. Reduction in water retention
6. Reduction in joint pain
7. Reduces CELLULITE!!!

Can you benefit from Synergie treatments? YES YOU CAN...everyone, men and women, can. So call today and book your appointment with Holly and start the benefits of Synergie treatments. Get it all taken care of now, so you are beach ready for the summer!

Skin Changes with the Weather

2010-10-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed that as the weather is changing so has your skin? Well, it's just the beginning of changes to come as Fall continues and Winter begins. The weather is turning colder, windier and drier and your skin is going to need some extra protection from the environment. So follow these skin care tips to avoid your hands, face, body and lips getting chapped, dry and "crusty".

1. Exfoliate: Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells thus allowing the skin to absorb more moisture. It also promotes the generation of fresh skin cells underneath, making the skin look fresh, smooth and healthier. With Winter comes along drier air and central heating which can make the skin less likely to retain water in the dermis level. Exfoliating is more important than ever.
*Choose a good exfoliate, such as Dermalogica, that is not too harsh but will
cleanse the skin properly.
*Also try an oxygen facial or microdermabrasion to breathe life back into your
dull, dry skin.

2. Moisturize: This is the most important winter skin care tip!!! You may need to choose a heavier moisturizer in winter just to help relieve dry skin. If your skin is still oily in the winter months, you still need to moisturize. Try to avoid alcohol or water based moisturizers, they aren't as effective and will end up drying you skin more. Choose moisturizers (and body lotions) that are cream based.

3. Take Care of your lips: We've all had or seen someone with dry, cracked lips. It's not so appealing and it doesn't feel so hot either. When choosing a lip balm that will help with this problem look for three things:
(1) Good moisturizing properties
(2) Provide a barrier and protects the lips against the elements
(3) Contains vitamin E for good elasticity
There are also products that exfoliate the lips, which can help to get the dead skin cells off for good. That way when you apply a lip balm it is actually healing the lips not just coating the dead skin cells.

4. Drink lots of Water: This is something our moms have told us since childhood, but its so true. It will keep you hydrated (which promotes more moist, supple, healthy skin) and it will help to flush the harmful toxins out of your body. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. The more, the better!

5. Last but not least.....Get Plenty of Sleep: So much happens while you sleep. Your oxygen levels in your body drop, thus allowing your body to rejuvenate itself. Also while you sleep your skin cells renew and repair thus causing it to be newer, healthier skin. If you do not give your body the proper time to do this you will see pre-mature aging, drier skin and a huge toll on your body. Try to get a minimum of seven hours a night, but as with water....more is better!!!

It's so important to care for your skin, especially as we start to age. Always choose good quality skin care as it is worth the investment. Also, treat yourself to professional services that will help to heal and protect your skin. At Beth and Company we have an incredible esthetician that can help you beat the winter skin blues!

Look Good, Feel Better

2010-10-19T12:44:00.001-07:00

Look Good, Feel Better is more than a slogan. It's a way of life for thousands of women who are affected by cancer every year. In 1989 the Look Good, Feel Better program was designed to help individuals with cancer look good, improve their self esteem, and thus manage their treatments and recovery with greater confidence.

Now with more than 650,000 women who have participated in the program its become something greater than anyone could have imagined.

What is the Look Good, Feel Better program? Well, it's a two hour, hands on workshop that teaches step by step make over tips and advice all lead by cosmetology professionals. Included in this two hour session is a 12 step skin care and makeup lesson, nail care techniques and professional advice on how to deal with hair loss. Wigs, scarves, hats, hairpieces and other accessories are included in the lesson.

The program is open to all women with cancer who are undergoing radiation, chemotherapy or other form of treatment. Each participant gets take home instruction booklets and complimentary cosmetic kits that match their skin tones. It's hundreds of dollars worth of name brand cosmetics free!!

At Beth and Company we are proud to be part of this amazing program. We will be holding our 4th session at the salon on Monday October 25. If you or someone you know could benefit from this program please check out the website and get registered. We would love to have you be our guest at this life changing event!

**Throughout the month of October Clarisonic will be running a Facebook campaign. They will donate $1 to the Look Good, Feel Better program for every "like" they receive on their Facebook page. So...PLEASE visit facebook.com/clarisonic today in order to help this amazing program!

**Also visit www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org for more information

Fight Like A Diva

2010-10-14T07:22:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed there is pink, pink and more pink everywhere you look? Well it's all for a good cause. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and as you learn more about this disease you will learn there is something YOU can do to help wipe it out forever!

With 1 in every 8 women having invasive breast cancer during their life, everyone knows someone or has experienced the devastating effects that Breast Cancer can have on a person and a family. In 2010 there will be around 207,090 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer (yep, I said in 2010 alone!!!).

With breast cancer being one of the top two cancers in the US and the 2nd leading cause of death in women, its time to take action now to protect yourself and the ones you love. Here are some good tips from the Susan G. Komen foundation:

1. Know your risk

* Talk to your family to learn about your family health history
* Talk to your provider about your personal risk of breast cancer

2. Get screened

* Ask your doctor which screening tests are right for you if you are at a
higher risk
* Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if you are at average risk
* Have a clinical breast exam at least every 3 years starting at 20, and every
year starting at 40

3. Know what is normal for you

See your health care provider right away if you notice any of these breast
changes:
* Lump, hard knot or thickening
* Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
* Change in the size or shape of the breast
* Dimpling or puckering of the skin
* Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
* Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
* Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
* New pain in one spot that doesn’t go away

4. Make healthy lifestyle choices

* Maintain a healthy weight
* Add exercise into your routine
* Limit alcohol intake

With early detection and better treatments the mortality rates for breast cancer are going down, but one life lost is too many. So we continue to fight for a cure. Join us at Beth and Company as we donate to the cure. Donate $5 and receive a free Paul Mitchell 413 styling brush!

At Beth and Company we are determined to see the number of survivors rise and the number of new diagnosis fall. We honor those two and a half million breast cancer survivors and pledge to help fight like divas for the cure!

Clarisonic--Make your skin feel NEW again

2010-10-12T06:12:00.000-07:00

The Clarisonic is a revolutionary skin care brush that will change the way you think of skin care. Created by the makers of the Sonicare Toothbrush, nobody understands sonic technology like Clarisonic.

Clarisonic gently removes embedded dirt and oil, everyday grime and residual makeup, resulting in healthier, more beautiful skin. With all these impurities gone your skin is more prepared to absorb your skin care products. How does this amazing brush work? Well....it uses gentle sonic vibrations, with no abrasion or harsh chemicals. It gently buffs the skin, cleaning into your pores deeper than just manual cleaning.

Who can benefit from the Clarisonic brush? EVERYONE!!!! It is gentle enough for all skin types, including skin with complications (i.e. seborrheic, dermatitis, and rosacea). It's also great for acne, whether it be your teen or that pesky adult acne. Also, don't forget the men in your life. They can use the Clarisonic to apply shave cream (as well as cleanse their face). The men who do this report a closer, smoother shave with less irritation and fewer breakouts!

When used in conjunction with a good skin care regimen, many people reported improvement in firmness, tightness, elasticity, appearance of skin health and evenness of skin tone, an improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, softness of the skin and reduced pore size in as little as eight weeks!

This unprecedented skin care system makes a great Christmas present, so stop by Beth and Company to experience one for yourself! You're guaranteed to fall in love!

Are you ready to make your skin feel new again? Then you are ready for the Clarisonic skin care system!

LCN--Unprecidented beauty and elegance

2010-10-07T07:08:00.000-07:00

Have you walked into the mall and that strong chemical smell makes your eyes water? Well good news has arrived....beautiful nails no longer have to make you sick to your stomach! LCN, Light Cured Gel Nails, are the revolutionary line of light cured products that seal, correct, lengthen and beautify your fingernails!
The vision for this product stems from years of research in dental resin by German chemists. They created this product using the same quality, durability and beauty of composite resin systems they knew for the dental world and revolutionized the beauty industry.
So, what really makes LCN nails far superior to the acrylic nails of yesterday? Well....

*NO Harmful Ingredients: LCN nail products are safe and gentle so you can continually keep them on natural nails with no damage to the nail. It will actually protect the natural nail and promote nail growth.

*NO Unpleasant Odors: Remember that strong chemical smell we mentioned before? Well, there is no odor or toxins with this product providing you with a more pleasant experience.

*NO "Fake Nail Syndrome": Since LCN is non porous, they will not yellow your nails, damage the nail bed or weaken your nails like traditional acrylic nails.

*NO Breaking: LCN nails provide superior durability making them less likely to break, crack or lift.

*NO limits: Since LCN is a light cured resin product they can be sculpted or applied over tips. LCN can meet the needs of every client and all nail types!

Come into Beth and Company and experience the unprecedented beauty and elegance of LCN nails. Our technicians are trained experts in the art and science of creating beautiful nails with more than 30 years of combined experience!

Hot Trends for Cooler Weather

2010-10-05T11:46:00.000-07:00

As the seasons change, so do the trends for hair and make up. We all appreciate a little advice on what's hot....so here are some of the top trends from beauty professionals.

1. Eyes: *The smokey eye: smoldering eyes and sleek hair are a trend that can
take you from daytime to an evening out. With so many great products
out there now there is an EASY way to create that Sultry look!
*Pink Eye Shadow: create a fresh, young look without looking childish,
a great trend for any age. For darker skin types try a fushia and for
lighter skin types try a baby pink.

2. The perfect updo. "Undone" looks are in. Create a messy look that is put together. Make it simple for daytime looks and add a few more bobby pins or curls for the perfect evening look. Ooze femininity with an undone French twist!

3. Lips: *Bright lips are not just a summer look, create a look for Fall with
bright shades of pink and red. It has a little attitude while being
sexy at the same time.
*Wine Shades: don't think bright lips work for you? Try a wine stained
look. It helps to infuse fantasy into any look.

4. Metallic Nails: If you've never tried the "metal" look, now is the time to
step outside the box. Shimmering polishes, silvers and grays are hot, hot, hot!!!

5. Beachy Hair: Take the hot look of "beach" hair from Summer to Fall. Messy, windswept looks are hot for the cool weather. This hair pairs well with the smudged, smokey eye to make the look unique for the season.

6. Luxe Lashes: BIG LASHES are all the rage for Fall. False lashes have evolved from what your mom used, so don't be afraid to try them. You can buy easy to apply lashes (that you can take on and off multiple times)at Beth & Co. We'll even show you how to use them!

7. Defined Eyebrows: Strong arches, deep colors and fuller brows are in style. You can have your arches shaped by a professional, he/she will be able to make the arch perfect for your face. Also, have your brows tinted or use a brow pencil or powder to create that "strong, powerful woman" look. (Tip: use one shade lighter than your hair color on your brows)

8. Mega volume (BIG) hair: Create that big, teased look that will turn heads. Don't be afraid of a little (or a lot) of volume in your hair!

9. Bangs: Oh yes, bangs are back! And they add a mysterious, sexy vibe to your look.
*For flatter/oval face shapes go for blunt cut bangs, don't be afraid of
how strong this look is....you can rock it!
*For round and square faces go for the fringe look that's longer on the
sides and slightly shorter in the middle.

10. Big, Fat Curls are hot for Fall! Create this look instead of tighter curls and you are sure to be happy with the result. Channel the 70's!!

What's Hot? You!

2010-09-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

Do you have the luxury of your own personal hairstylist and fashion adviser with you everyday, at your beck and call (if you do, then I for one am very jealous)? While most of us don't have such extravagant luxuries we still want to feel relevant and in style without compromising who we are in the process! Since we tend to look toward celebrities (who by the way, do have their own hairstylist and fashion advisor at their beck and call) to know what the hot new trends are its important to remember your own personal style and to simply "tweek" what is hot to fit your personality.

Remember, when you take that picture of your "dream" look to your hairstylist its just a guideline as to what the finished look will be. Your hairstylist will take into account your lifestyle and your personal beauty routine as well as your hair texture and facial bone structure. Then together you can put a personalized twist on the look to make it "you". Once you and your hairstylist are on the same page you will walk away with a look that is not only "you", but that makes you feel beautiful.

Take a risk, stay in touch with your style and personality, and talk to your beauty professional at Beth & Co so you can enter Fall as a trendsetter!!!

Alcohol In Skincare Products? Get the facts.

2010-09-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

So, we've all been there before. Making our way happily through the mall when suddenly
there it is. The latest and greatest in skin cleansers has made it's way to your friendly neighborhood department store makeup counter.The friendly sales person offers to show you how well this new cleanser works. She applies some of a competitors cleanser, wipes it off of your face and then proceeds to take a cotton pad, load it with her brand and viola' you can see how much dirt the other cleanser left behind.
Like to know what happened? What you are looking at on the second pad is actually the previous cleanser which was deposited on your face as you sat there. Then you were given a heavy dose of an alcohol based cleanser which proceeded not only to remove the cleanser but also the hydrating lipids your skin needs to stay healthy.

Don't All Skincare Products Use Alcohol?
Absolutely. There are many alcohols that quality skincare products use to either preserve their products or help them to penetrate the skin and cleanse the pores.These are innocuous fatty alcohols (with names like cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and so on), but when an ingredient label simply lists “Alcohol,” “Alcohol Denat.,” or “SD-Alcohol 40,” you can be sure that it’s the very bad kind! These types of alcohols are extremely detrimental to skin: drying it out, causing free-radical damage with continued use, and, for those with oily skin, triggering more oil production in the pore lining. Sure, it can temporarily de-grease skin, but the long term damage (and the triggering of more oil production) is not worth the short term benefit.

What to Do?
First and foremost, ask questions. Any knowledgeable skincare professional should be able to tell you all the ins and outs of their products. This goes a bit beyond "it cleans your pores". He or she should be able to design a custom skincare regimen that suits your skin's specific needs.
Next. Ask more questions. If something does or doesn't work, find out why. This will help you down the road when you get tempted to let the counter lady play doctor with your skin.
Last. Find a "quality" skincare line that is supported by a physician, dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Here's a hint. The ones on T.V. don't count. There are always local sources to answer any medical questions you may have.

In the long run it is well worth shelling out a few extra bucks to have health happy skin that is trouble free through your whole life. Not just your 30's.

Next Month at Beth & Company

2010-09-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Cosmeceutical Trend in Skincare

Been a little bit bad to your hair? Starting to think about trading in those summer locks for something a little more seasonally appropriate? Now is the time of year when all that brushing, blowing and straightening combined with the suns additional effects on the hair really begin to take their toll.
Thankfully Loreal Professionnel has discovered a way to keep those lovely locks in place.

Fiberceutic is Loreal's first fiber-filling in salon procedure for severly damaged, over-processed hair.

Fiberceutic contains a revolutionary molecule that provides instant reconstruction deep inside the cortex of the hair fiber. This molecule acts at the core of the hair fiber and provides emergency care for hair severely damaged by chemical processes, styling procedures or exposure to harsh weather.

What does this mean for you?

1) Hair that's been reconstructed from the inside out adding strength to the hair and protecting it from further damage.

2) Sensitized hair regains it's natural condition

3) Hair is left with a firm, natural touch

4) Provides lasting effects through 10 shampoos

5) Hair is more manageable and healthy

Hair Shedding!!!

2010-09-02T16:12:00.001-07:00

Beth & Company gets a lot of questions about why hair sheds and why it sheds in different amounts at different times.
While we didn't have time this week to put together a proper explanation I did find a quick little article to get a head start on the subject. Hope this helps.

Seasonal hair shedding

We, and much of the mammalian world, have two main shed seasons. The biggest shed occurs in early autumn and a smaller one in spring. Essentially we are replacing our summer coats with winter coats. Perhaps the best example is the arctic fox that sheds a pigmented summer coat and replaces it with a white coat (camouflage) for winter conditions. Much of the research on seasonal shedding and hair regrowth is conducted with mink (some studies from Australia on sheep and goats too). Researchers have looked at prolactin and melatonin levels among other factors as a potential regulator of the changes in hair growth. Giving mink melatonin, or reducing exposure to daylight, promotes shedding of the summer coat and the onset of the winter anagen growth stage. Possibly it is a similar situation for humans where changes in daylight hours modify the melatonin secretion rate from the pineal gland and this in turn affects hormones and/or their receptors in the skin.

The shed cycle in humans has not been investigated in much detail, but a few studies from the UK demonstrate the seasonal shed cycles. Although there is an increase in shedding during spring and fall, the number of hairs shed still falls within the generally recognized limits of 50 to 100 hairs a day. So in spring and fall the daily shed rate may be closer to 100 hairs a day and in summer and late winter the typical shed rate may be closer to 50 hairs a day. However, the average rate of shedding does vary from person to person. Some people can be high shedders, but also have high rates of hair growth and replacement so they have no net hair loss. To understand your own seasonal hair shedding it is better to compare the hair shed rate in spring/fall to summer/winter within yourself rather than compare it to other people. Whether there are still seaonal shed cycles for humans living at the equator is not known - I would guess not if the changes are entirely due to melatonin levels.
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Seasonal hair shedding references

* Johnston B, Rose J. Role of prolactin in regulating the onset of winter fur growth in mink (Mustela vison): A reconsideration. J Exp Zool. 1999 Sep 1;284(4):437-44.
* Courtois M, Loussouarn G, Hourseau S, Grollier JF. Periodicity in the growth and shedding of hair. Br J Dermatol. 1996 Jan;134(1):47-54.
* Parry AL, Nixon AJ, Craven AJ, Pearson AJ. The microanatomy, cell replication, and keratin gene expression of hair follicles during a photoperiod-induced growth cycle in sheep. Acta Anat (Basel). 1995;154(4):283-99.
* Nixon AJ, Choy VJ, Parry AL, Pearson AJ. Fiber growth initiation in hair follicles of goats treated with melatonin. J Exp Zool. 1993 Sep 15;267(1):47-56.
* Randall VA, Ebling FJ. Seasonal changes in human hair growth. Br J Dermatol. 1991 Feb;124(2):146-51.
* Rose J, Oldfield J, Stormshak F. Apparent role of melatonin and prolactin in initiating winter fur growth in mink. Gen Comp Endocrinol. 1987 Feb;65(2):212-5.
* Rose J, Stormshak F, Oldfield J, Adair J. Induction of winter fur growth in mink (Mustela vison) with melatonin. J Anim Sci. 1984 Jan;58(1):57-61.

New Texturizing Solutions

2010-08-30T12:04:00.000-07:00

There are two four-letter words in hairdressing: bang and perm. When it comes to perms “We now say ‘body’ or ‘movement’ or ‘texture'. Whatever you choose to call them—texturizers, waves or perms—the technology has come a long way.

Demand is on the rise as texture has become increasingly fashionable. The whole process of creating curl has changed dramatically from the days of strong chemicals, perm rods and end papers.

In 1938, Arnold F. Willatt invented the cold wave. It used no machines and no heat. Hair was wrapped on rods and a reduction lotion containing ammonium thioglycolate was applied, breaking open the disulfide linkages between the polypeptide bonds in the keratin (the protein structure) in the hair. The disulfide bonds give hair its elasticity, and can be reformed with chemicals. Next, an oxidation lotion was applied, (hydrogen peroxide), to close the disulfide bridges again and the hair was reformed to the shape of the rod. The entire process took six to eight hours at room temperature.

A Kinder, Gentler Perm
The new generation of perms are much gentler, with lower pH and low ammonia. The application also has changed a lot from using perm rods and end papers. Today’s tools are flexible and soft offering a wider variety of shapes and size of wave or no tools at all. Freehanding pin curls and processing those is a good idea. You can do just about anything you want. There is so much variety now, and that carries over to the textural spectrum.It’s not just about different cuts and color today. It’s about being able to create and control different textures in any kind of hair.

Things to know about perms
A quick guide to perm terms.

* Root Perm: The root perm adds volume at the root of the hair to give lots of body. It’s also perfect for already permed hair that’s looking for a little pick-me-up. Because only the roots are treated, it saves the rest of the locks from another treatment.
* Body Wave Perm: Creating big, bouncy curls, the body wave is for curl lovers who want a more modern look. Because this perm uses larger perm rods than traditional perms, the length of your client’s hair will determine how curly it will be: the shorter, the curlier.
* Weave Perm: Because you’re curling only partial sections of the hair, the weave perm will give your client a fusion look with both textured and straight pieces in her hair.
* Stack Perm: The stack perm is made for women who have a one-length cut. The treatment creates soft, layered curls for a natural look and is achieved by the use of differently sized rollers to the middle and bottom sections of the hair. The top is typically left fl at to look more natural.
* Acid Perm: While it sounds harsh, the acid perm is actually gentler than the traditional alkaline perm as it has a lower pH level. It is specifically made for those with sensitive, fragile, or damaged hair.
* Exothermic Perm: Referring to the gentle, internal heat that is characteristic of this treatment, the exothermic perm speeds up the processing time. The heat allows the lotion to absorb quickly into the hair, conditioning and strengthening the cuticle from the inside.

How To Get The Hairstyle You Really Want

2010-08-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

We've all left the salon with a cut that's too short or a color that's just a bit off. If we could just figure out how to nail down what we want instead of hit here and miss there life would be a lot simpler. Right? Well, Here are seven tips to getting the perfect cut and color out of your stylist. Also, find out if you're guilty of customer habits that the typical stylist hates.

Pick the Right Stylist

Big One. Choosing the right stylist from the beginning of the process is absolutely the most important step in getting the style you desire. Your stylist should be well versed in industry lingo but also be able to translate terms into a language you can clearly understand. Your stylist should continuously be educating themselves in the latest industry products and techniques. If it's been more than a month since their last educational event, it's a safe bet you'd be better off going to a different hairdresser.

Schedule a Consultation

Even though we all know we're supposed to sit down for a chat with a new stylist before a cut or color, consultation before a dye-job,very few women actually do it.

If you are trying out a new look or a new stylist, schedule a 10-15 minute consultation when you book the appointment. The stylist needs to see what your hair looks like dry and styled as you typically style it. This tells him or her a lot: How much time you really put into your hair each day, how your hair dries and how healthy your ends are what type of products you're using etc.

The goal of a consultation is to make sure you and your stylist are on the same page before drastic changes are made to your look.

Bring Pictures

Nothing is more difficult for a stylist than for someone to sit down in their chair and try to explain the cut or color they want without a picture. Imagine if someone said, "I want to look like Cameron Diaz." Cameron Diaz blonde or brunette? Cameron 2001 or 2010? And what does she look like nowanyway? Bring a picture or 2 or 3.

As for color, never rely on salon-speak. Ash blonde to your stylist may mean butter blonde to you. Show a picture of what you like and ask your stylist to show you an example of the color she'll be after.

Never Say " Do whatever you want"

You can never assume that what you envision and what your stylist's muse of the day is will be the same thing. Most often they're not even close. You want your stylist to give his or her opinion but the ultimate decision has to be up to you. Nothing is more frustrating to a hairdresser that to put that perfect look on a client and the client hates it.

Show It, Don't Say it

Want three inches off the length. Hold you hand up to your hair and show your stylist what three inches looks like to you. Even better, take your hand and hold it where you would like it to fall and have your stylist step back and get a good visual. He or she may have some suggestions but you will both be clear on what the end result should look like.

Prepare Questions and Listen to Your Stylist

Before the consultation prepare any questions you may have before the appointment. If you don't, chances are you won't remember all of them during the consultation.
Ask questions like,"what type of hair suits me", "will I be able to style it myself"
"what type of maintenance is involved.
Listen to your stylist's answers and make informed decisions.

Be Honest

Tell your stylist what you've done to your hair in the past. Nothing is worse than a client not telling their stylist about that perm they had 2 months ago and stylist assuming they're just working with curly hair.
Your hair has a history and the more of that history the stylist knows the more effective he or she can be.

Be Nice, Tip

If you're stylist has done a good job, let him or her know it.

TIP

Why You Need A Massage ...Today!!!

2010-08-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

You have just had an extremely stressful week and next week does not look any better. What do you do to ease the stress? Get a massage! Human touch has a healing effect and massage is extremely therapeutic, not just for
relieving stress. Although studies have shown that a thirty minute massage lowers the levels of the stress hormones cortisol and norepinephrine. Massage can have some other great benefits.

Boost Immune System

The health of your immune system is measured, at least partially, by the number white blood cells circulating through your blood and how well those cells perform. Studies were conducted were subjects were given a one hour massage and they found that after the massage the subjects had elevated white blood cells and increased functioning in the disease fighting T cells. This means that massage can be especially helpful to cancer and HIV suffers.

Makes You Happy

While stress hormone levels lower through massage it also raises levels of serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters that are associated with feelings of happiness and comfort. When depressed subjects were given thirty minute massages twice a week within a month their serotonin levels were much higher and they outlooks much more positive.

Reduces Pain

Tension in muscles produces toxin and chemicals that cause pain. When the muscles are massaged and loosened it can prevent injuries. Tight muscles can lead to pulled muscles and particular painful back injuries. One study found suffers of lower back pain after receiving massages for 10 weeks reported a 47 percent drop in pain. It has been discovered that massage triggers the release of endorphins which increase a person's pain threshold.

Pay Attention

Yes, massage is a great relaxation tool but remarkable it can actually increase your level of alertness. A quick massage during a break at work can increase productivity and concentration. When subjects were given a 15 minute massage it was found that they could complete math problems faster and with greater accuracy.

Get a Good Nights Sleep.

Tips For maintaining Healthy Hair

2010-08-17T16:09:00.000-07:00

There are literally thousands of hair care products on the market. Each promising to give your hair the health and nourishment. While the products you use on your hair are important, there are really three basic things that will help you maintain good hair health. A healthy and adequate diet, proper hair maintenance and avoiding activities which damage your hair.

1. Adequate Diet

Hair growth depends on an adequate diet. A widespread diet problem which causes loss of hair is iron deficiency Anaemia. The cause is too little iron in blood brought on by a diet containing too little meat, eggs, cereals or peas and beans. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also needed to provide vitamin C, which enables the body to absorb iron. Proper diet will provide the body with the ability to better replace the hair lost during the natural shedding process and will ensure the hair that grows will be strong.

2. Cutting the hair

Cutting the hair on a regular schedule is essential to it's well being. Over time the ends of the hair become exposed to different stressors which can cause damage to the tips of the hair shaft. This damage is known as "split ends". Left uncared for the split ends will continue up the hair shaft and eventually weaken the hair. Regular trimming of the hair removes the split ends and prevents the progression of the splits.

3. How we damage our hair

One of the greatest and most frequent activities that damage the hair is frequent shampooing. Hair has what is know as and acid mantle surrounding the cuticle. The mantle protects the hair and keeps natural moisture and oil inside the hair. Shampooing removes this mantle and exposes the hair to the environment. Unless you are using a quality salon shampoo and conditioner you will not be restoring the acidity of the hair. Inferior quality shampoos and conditioners do not address restoring the acid mantle.

The second most frequent activity which damages hair is the use of over the counter products to color or lighten hair. Although scalp hair is hardy and can withstand a lot of abuse, it can be damaged by too much or inexpertly applied perming, dyeing bleaching and massage. The amount of chemical service the hair can take varies from person to person. Occasionally the scalp is allergic to the dye and becomes inflamed and swollen.

Most people who bleach their own hair do so with hydrogen peroxide and then do not properly treat the hair after. If the peroxide is repeatedly applied, it may make the hair dry and brittle

A professional stylist can be very beneficial in helping you to achieve a healthy head of hair. A professional stylist, with the proper amount of continuing education,
Is able to properly access each individual situation and make a proper determination of how to proceeed with each service.

If you're not sure about how healthy your hair is, stop by or call Beth & Company and one of our knowledgeable professional stylist can help you.

The Right Way To Shampoo Your Hair

2010-08-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

Most of us think we have this all down pat. After all, we have been shampooing our hair all our lives. How could we go wrong with something like shampooing our hair? However, shampooing our hair the wrong way can contribute to its damage without us actually knowing it.

What we should remember about our hair is that the individual strands of hair, no matter how thick or strong they look, are actually very delicate. So we can't just tug and pull at it, or it can cause it to break. We don't want that.

So, what is the right way of shampooing the hair?
The first thing you should do is to comb the tangles out of the hair before you wet it so the hair would shampoo easily and the tangles won't worsen with the addition of water. Then wet your hair thoroughly under the shower. You can use either warm or cold water if you like, but for best results you should wet your hair with warm water to open the scale-like cuticles of the hair and shampoo all the oil and dirt off. You can then rinse your hair with cold water to close the cuticles and add to the shine of your hair.

Rinse your hair under the shower to rid it of any leave-on conditioner and/or styling aids you have may have used previously, using gentle strokes of your fingertips. Then, pour about half and ounce (quarter size) of shampoo in the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together, and then apply the shampoo to your scalp. Take note that you should put the shampoo on your scalp and not at the ends of your hair, as the shampoo would dry your hair's ends and cause it to weaken and split. Also, do not mix your hair all over your head as you shampoo because it may tangle. After this, rinse the shampoo off.

More often than not you will need to shampoo your hair a second time. The purpose of the first shampoo is to clean the oil and dirt off, the second shampoo will treat your hair. So, repeat the process, but let the shampoo sit on your hair for around a couple of minutes. Rinse the hair completely after this.

To get the excess water off your hair, just squeeze the water out. Do not pull or tug at the hair because the hair is at its most delicate when it is soaked. When the excess water is out, apply a half ounce (quarter size) of conditioner to the hairline, roots and ends of the hair. Work the conditioner through the remainder of the hair. Leave the conditioner on your hair for 2 to 3 minutes and rinse with cool water.

It's important to note that these instructions are designed to be used with quality salon professional grade shampoos and conditioners. Using inferior, cheap products in this manner may actually cause damage to your hair.
If you are uncertain about which products are best for your hair, consult a professional, licensed cosmetologist.

Defrizzing Your Hair

2010-08-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

When it comes to hair, the "F" word is "frizz". Nothing is harder on a hairstyle, except, perhaps, a red-eye flight or a typhoon.

Here's how to avoid an uprising:

1. Shampoo and Condition:

Wash hair, concentrating on the scalp, using a low-detergent shampoo such as Loreal Serie' Expert' Absolute Repair or Intense Repair. (the tip-off is that they don't lather very much,they are cream cleansing rather than detergent cleansing, but when in doubt, ask your stylist for advice).
Rinse and apply conditioner, leave it in for a few minutes, and rinse with cool water. Then press - don't rub - wet hair with a towel.
Comb your hair gently with a wide-tooth comb.

2. Apply Styling Products:

While hair is still fairly wet, rub a dose of silicone gel, cream, or serum between your palms and run hands down the length of hair to help seal the cuticles shut.
The coarser the hair, the heavier and richer the product should be. Paul Mitchell's Super Skinny Serum is great for a broad range of hair types but for coarse,thick hair we recommend Serie'Expert' Fluid Intense.
To make sure every strand is coated from the roots to the ends, pin up the top layers of hair and smooth gel or serum on the bottom layers first. Work to the top layers then comb the product through the hair to ensure even distribution.

3. Dry

If you have curly hair and want to wear it natural, let it air-dry, or blow-dry it using a diffuser. Hold the dryer so that the diffuser cradles hair from below.
To wear hair straight, divide it into two-inch-wide sections. Blow-dry each one on high from roots to ends, using a tourmaline barrel or boar-bristle brush and pointing the nozzle down.
To finish sealing cuticles, use a small amount of serum or pomade on dry hair.

Tricks Of The Trade

Shampoo only every other day - since detergent inflates the hair shaft and roughs up cuticles. On alternative days, rinse hair and condition only the ends.

To clean hair without fluffing frizz-prone ends, try shampooing only from the crown to midshaft avoiding the ends.

How To Use Your Styling Iron

2010-08-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

Still can't live without your styling iron? Once you've learned to achieve that smooth sleek look,it's hard to give up. Even if you're using a quality, professional grade styling iron such as Paul Mitchell's Express Style or CHI's smoothing iron you can still cause damage to your hair with over use or inappropriate use.

Here are 10 tips to help you and your flat iron work together without damaging your hair.

1. Keep your flat iron clean. It will last longer and do less damage to your hair if you keep the plates clean and smooth preventing snagging and sticking.

2. Use a styling aid to prevent frizz before you blow dry. Light weight silicone based products are available in most professional salons. These products are designed to place a barrier between you hair and the heat and they also help seal in moisture. Be wary of drugstore styling products as most of the less expensive brands use industrial silicone which actually adds to damage over time.

3. Practice. Use you styling iron at lower temps to brands control. It's a lot easier to take 10 minutes here and there than it is to regrow burned hair.

4. Use a comb or brush to lead the iron through the hair. This will prevent sealing tangles and creating rough spots in the hair. You can also follow behind the iron through your hair in order to add an extra level of shine.

5. Use products designed for the task at hand. Most salon products are very versatile and can be used with heat but you don't want to use a volumizing product on your hair if you are trying to straighten it.Ask you stylist to show you some products that will produce your desired results.

6. Use small sections. The smaller the section the flatter and more weightless your hair will be.

7. Use even pressure while stroking your flat iron from the root to the end without stopping on any part of the sectioned hair.This will prevent press marks and will also prevent burning the hair.

8. Use a wide bristle brush on your hair while brushing your desired shape into place.

9. Use a lightweight serum to smooth any frizz left over. Ideally you can use a spray that you can run your hands over to get that those last little "fuzzies"

10. Let your iron cool; clean its surface with a cloth so you'll be ready to use it again tomorrow. Again, a clean iron will move smoothly through the hair thus preventing snags and burns.

How to Grow Out Bangs

2010-08-04T13:21:00.000-07:00

Well, you got those cute little bangs that all of the celebs were wearing but now you’re kinda tired of them right? By now you're probably thinking you'll have to wait several months to get them to a decent length while hating your hair the whole time. In lieu of perpetual bad hair days there are actually specific things you can do to grow out your bangs faster than you ever thought! Plus, bangs are so last season! Celebs are now trading in their bangs for loose updos and longer, side-swept bangs. Here’s how!bangs

Buy a stretchy hairband. Getting a chic, fashionable hairband is a great idea because it can be worn at any stage of the regrowth process. Put it right at your hairline, or push it back a little further to grab and hold any strays.

Use hairspray. Using hairspray will keep your bangs back as well as any flyaways. So if you’re sick of having them in your face, use some bobby pins to pin back the hair and follow up with some hairspray.

Do different parts. You can always experiment with different parts, which is probably the best way to grow out your bangs. You can divide your bangs right down the middle and use bobby pins to make them stay put, or use some gel to slick them straight back off the forehead for a chic, no-part look.

Be patient. Although these tips will keep your hair away from your forehead and speed the growth process, it will still take time. If you just got bangs and you’re already thinking about trading them in, wait for about 3 weeks, after which the hair will be more easier to style.

Your Essential Skincare Routine

2010-07-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

It doesn't need to be elaborate but these 3 steps are essential? You can add additional layered steps such as applying a toner or an exfoliant as your skin demands but these 3 are the essential steps.

1. Cleanse: Wash your skin thoroughly on a daily basis to remove the dirt, debris, pollutants, and perspiration that accumulates on a daily basis. If you have dry or sensitive skin, use only warm water to wash your skin and use a mild natural cleanser every few days. If you have normal or oily skin, be sure to wash with a gentle cleanser on a daily basis.

2. Moisturize: Unless your skin is very oily, you will want to use a moisturizer everyday to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Your skin needs moisturizer all year long as both the indoor winter heat, and summer sun can be equally damaging to your skin.

3. Protect: Use a sunscreen when possible, regardless of whether or not you plan on spending much time in the sun. The sun's rays are very damaging and if you get in the habit of applying sunscreen.

Be sure to invest in quality skincare products such as Aveda, Dermalogica or Skinceuticals. Less expensive products use inferior ingredients to save cost of production and make them more marketable. These ingredients often effect the Ph of the skin which can be harmful to your skin causing additional damage and making problems worse. A skincare expert at your local salon could help you learn which products are right for you.

Correct Way to Dry Your Hair

2010-07-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

Always pat your hair dry with a towel and do not put a towel on top of your head and rub your hair dry -it can break your hair strands and cause excess hairloss. Tell your husband or boyfriend this if he is concerned about hair loss because men tend to dry their hair like this a lot.

Additional Tips:
Avoid leaving the blowdryer in one spot for more than a few seconds. Keep the dryer moving around and keep it 2-3 inches from your head.

Use a quality, well made hair dryer. Hair Dryers with ceramic and or tourmaline heating elements are best. These dryers maintain a more even level of heat and cause less stress on the hair as compared to steel or aluminium heating elements.

Use a salon quality thermal protectant on your hair. Salon grad products use lightweight silicones that won't weigh down your hair or build up over time.

Why Professional Hair Care?

2010-07-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

When it comes to hair - especially for women - anything goes in an effort to make us feel beautiful. And often this effort means the pursuit of professional hair care - that service that will keep our hair healthy and looking great. Of course, such service comes at a price - some higher than others - but most find that it is more than worth the expense. Can you cut your hair at home? Yes. Can you color your hair with the use of a product you picked up at your local drugstore? Absolutely. But what you save in avoiding professional hair care you will almost certainly wind up spending down the road to fix damage you have caused.

Professional services are simply part of our lifestyle - a necessary factor in keeping our bodies healthy. Just as we visit doctors for check-ups, dentists for professional cleaning, and ophthalmologists to make sure our glasses or contacts are up-to-date, so must we allow ourselves professional hair care to ensure the health of our hair.

Professional hair care typically requires a trip to a salon where your hair will be washed, conditioned, cut, and styled. Your stylist can assess the health of your hair and determine if you need a deep conditioning treatment and what cut will work best with your particular hair. Developing a long term relationship with a stylist allows you to know what you're getting when you walk in; it also allows the stylist to get to know your hair and subsequently learn what to look for in determining the health of your hair. Trimming the hair allows the hair to grow and keeps it healthy. If you do not trim your hair, the ends become split and your hair becomes dry, broken, and brittle.

When it comes to styling, professional hair care treatment gives you insight into what looks best for your hair and around your face. It is important to seek out a stylist who has experience working with your type of hair; if, for instance, you have naturally curly hair, you want to find someone who is skilled in dealing with your type of hair. A haircut for curly hair is very different than a haircut for straight hair. A little bit of research will go a long way towards ultimately getting what you want.

For those who color their hair, professional hair care is even more important. If done incorrectly, color can damage your hair long term. A professional hair colorist can expertly treat your hair and help you decide what color looks best on your hair and against your face.

Professional hair care may cost you some money; but it will be well worth it in maintaining the health and beauty of your hair.

credit:

Poison Oak Season...eeeewwwwwww

2010-07-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

Logan got a nice little case of poison oak so I went and found this article to help clear up some things about how the nasty little plant works.

Is Poison Oak Contagious?

By: Rachel Mork
Is poison oak contagious? If you or a friend has poison oak, you may worry that scratching or touching the rash will cause it to spread. The bottom line is this: poison oak is not contagious, but you can get poison oak in ways other than touching those three leaved plants. In order to understand how poison oak is spread, you need to understand what causes the rash and how that rash is passed along.
A poison oak rash, like a poison ivy rash, is actually a reaction to an oil present in and on the poison oak plant. This oil is called urushiol. Urushiol is found in all parts of the poison oak plant, including the leaves, stems, roots and berries. This oil is easily accessed; it is present on the surface of the entire plant. All you have to do is touch a part of a poison oak shrub and you will come in contact with urushiol.
How you respond to urushiol will depend on the sensitivity of your skin. Most people-about 80 percent-respond by developing itchy pustules everywhere they come in contact with urushiol. About 20 percent of people are unaffected by poison oak and do not develop a rash at all. Most animals are unaffected by urushiol.
You can come in contact with urushiol in other ways besides touching a poison oak plant or shrub. If your cat rubs its fur on poison oak and then comes a rubs up against you, you may get some urushiol on your body and contract a rash. Worse yet, if that sweet kitty of yours rolls in some poison oak and lies down on your pillowcase, you can get a nasty case of poison oak on your face and neck. Likewise, if you wear long pants and long sleeves while working in the yard and your clothing rubs up against poison oak and then you come in contact with the urushiol on your clothing, you can get a rash from that contact.
However, you can't make the rash spread by scratching poison ivy or by breaking open the pustules. Once you've washed off the urushiol, you can't make poison oak spread. Your rash does not contain urushiol; it is simply a reaction to the urushiol that came in contact with your skin. This means you cannot catch poison oak from another person who has a rash but has already washed, nor can you make your own case of poison oak spread by touching one area to another.

5 Tips for Staying Beautiful for Summer

2010-07-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

The upside to humidity? It can help keep your skin moisturized. The downside? It sends your carefully-applied makeup running south faster than a former Alaskan governor in search of fame and fortune. The heat is on, and summer is not going to let us leave the house sweat-free for quite a few more weeks. So what are some easy, quick tips on how to keep your makeup from melting – and other best beauty bits for surviving the warmth?

Use a primer. Primers are considered the basis of your makeup and should be applied under it all. It will help your foundation wear all day, fill in lines and pores, and generally make for a smooth canvas. Some can also absorb oil. Expert call primers the “essential.” I call them “neat-o”. This product gives your skin a dry, tight feeling good for summer, though probably not best for dehydrated skin.

Skip the moisturizer for a hydrating toner. Sometimes, just sometimes, it is simply too hot and sticky to think about putting anything other than ice on your face. On those wettest of days, consider substituting your daily moisturizer with a hydrating toner. This can keep your skin feeling balanced, but it won’t necessarily add to the oil you’re already combating.

Use a mattifying sunscreen. Yes, your sunscreen can make your skin feel oilier. So be sure to pick one that’s going to keep things feeling dry. To quote ourselves, “Due to the matte finish, it offers up an almost powdery application that leaves your skin feeling like you just dusted with cover up, not slicked with sunscreen.” You have to love a sunscreen that makes your face feel drier upon application.

Wear a slip. Okay, I know Mad Men is days away from premiering its next season and a lot of us have our Joan Holloway hats ready. But a slip really can cut down on chafing when your skirts literally stick to you. Plus with the high noon rays of summer bearing down on us, it isn’t the worst thing not to be able to see through your skirts. Joan Holloway would agree on such lady-like modesty!

Keep a clean handkerchief. I know, we’re still in Mad Men territory. But when you’re pouring sweat, sometimes a tissue just ain’t gonna cut it. Consider stashing an organic cotton handkerchief in your purse for those moments when you need some extra absorption. They’re cute, utterly recyclable in the wash, and will make the act of dabbing your hairline seem much more vintage.

How Does The Brazilian Keratin Treatment Work?

2010-07-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

The Brazilian Keratin Treatment is different from traditional relaxers and straightners in that is doesnt use harsh chemical that can over-process hair and leave it in poor condition. The Brazilian Keratin Treatment is a safe process that can be used on any type of hair- dry, frizzy, over-processed, colour treated, ethnic or even unprocessed virgin hair. The results are healthy, shiny, frizz-free, manageable hair that looks great.

Most chemical straightners and relaxers break down the hair and restructure it so that it appears straighter. These older processes can potentially be very damaging to the hair as they are designed to irreversibly modify and restructure keratin by using products with very high pH levels. The high pH levels cause the hair shaft to soften and then swell tremendously and this is when the damage occurs.

The Brazilian Keratin treatment doesnt use these sorts of high pH levels so there is no softening or swelling of the hair shafts. This means that the condition of the hair shaft is not compromised and the hair remains strong and structurally intact. With the Brazilian Keratin treatment there is virtually no risk of hair damage or breakage and the results are long-lasting, reversible and gentle. The treatment will wash out over time without leaving any lasting damage to the hair.

The treatment works by using keratin which is a protein already present in the hair shaft to smooth and straighten out curls and frizz. Keratin is high in the amino acid cystine which is what makes the hair strong and elastic. Keratin makes the hair durable and when used in the treatment it gently blends with your hair it helps to restore what has been lost through damage and environmental stresses. The use of keratin in this straightening treatment means that the condition of the hair is actually improved as opposed to damaged like in other traditional straightening methods. The keratin fills in the gaps between the cuticle and inner hair shaft and is sealed in by a hot iron to eliminate frizz and add strength and elasticity.

Other straightening or relaxer treatments may take a long to complete but the Brazilian Keratin treatment can be completed in 1 to 2 hours depending on the length and texture of the hair. Unlike other straightening treatments you do not need to worry about the condition of your hair as it can be used on dyed or highlighted or any type of hair. As the results are not designed to be permanent it will not require a neutraliser or immediate rinse. You should expect the treatment to last up to 4 months and after this time is up you can just have the process repeated to get smooth, silky hair all over again. The treatment blends perfectly with the natural growth of the hair and as it is designed to wash away gradually you will not get any tell-tale signs of re-growth like you might do with other straightening systems.

The Brazilian Keratin treatment promotes healthy, soft, shiny and straight hair so if you want a gentle, safe way of straightening out your curls and calming your frizz then this treatment is for you!

For more information on the Brazilian Keratin Treatment Call or Visit Beth & Company Salon and Day Spa.

114 N Center St
Statesville NC
28677
704-924-8260

Importance of Taking Care of Your Skin

2010-07-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

In the midst of our busy lives, it’s easy to forget to take good care of our skin. The skin is, by nature, able to heal by itself. However, if it’s exposed to the harsh environment for prolonged periods of time without proper protection, the ph balance can be upset. This may lead to severe damage of the skin.

Perfectly healthy skin always look smooth, supple and young on the surface. You too can be the proud owner of such skin if you take the trouble to protect your skin. First, let’s understand the conditions that cause the most damage to our skin.

Immense heat – If you place yourself under direct sunlight for long periods of time, be sure to use a high quality sun block. If possible, try to avoid the mid afternoon sun. Avoid sun bathing or jogging when the sun is at its hottest. The immense heat can cause injury to your skin. Ever experience severe sun burn before? Your skin will become patches of red and dead skin will start peeling off. Not a very pleasant experience!

You don’t even have to be at the beach to get your skin scorched. Sometimes, when going out to run errands, you may be overly exposed to the sun. In your hurry to get things done, you probably forget that your skin is hurting. Only when you are retiring at night do you start feeling the pain.

Excessive oil, dirt and grime – Living in the city, it’s almost inevitable that our skin is exposed to oil, dirt and grime. Just take a walk on the traffic congested streets and you find your face with sweat, oil, and dirt. Bacteria may even accumulate on your dirty skin.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to protect your skin from the skin and from dirt and grime. If you anticipate that you are going into the sun for a long time, be sure to use a good quality sun block. Wear a cap to provide additional shade for the exposed skin on your face and neck.

As for dirt and grime, always carry face wipes with you to clean your face. If you can find the time, use a face wash to clean your skin. For example, you can always find a few minutes during lunch to wash your face in the restroom.

Those are measures you can take during the day. You can’t really spend too much time cleaning and protecting your skin when you are at work. When the day slows down during the evening, that is the best time to allow the skin to regenerate.

Start by giving your face a wash. If the surface is still a tad too dry, use a moisturizer. Toner can help to add strength to the skin and make it look younger and tighter. Finally, apply skin regeneration cream to the surface of your skin. When you wake up in the morning, you will find a fresh looking face staring back at you in the mirror.

Dermalogica is the leading skincare company in the world. Dermalogica's broad range of products are suited for every skin type and age.
Go to www.bethandcompany.com and access Dermalogica's website to discover a new level of healthy, young skin.