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Have You Ever Asked For a Hair Redo?
Have you ever left the salon feeling not-so-fabulous about your cut or color? Maybe the blond was a little too yellow for your liking, or there was an obvious bleed mark in your fringe. Or perhaps it was just that your new cut wasn't cooperating with the texture of your hair, leaving you with a string of bad hair days.
Cool Idea: Old Windows as a Room Divider
I recently showed you a few ways to decorate with old windows, and I've seen another instance that I just had to share. I stumbled across the Le Créme Spa in San Francisco, and was charmed by its shabby chic interior design. Here, the salon hung an arrangement of five white windows from the ceiling to separate the front desk from a bench used for pedicures.
How Do You Spend Salon Time?
A "quick trip" to the salon can take what feels like an eternity, especially if your stylist sees clients back-to-back or is double booked. Patience isn't exactly my best virtue, but salon time can be a great opportunity to sit back and not worry about all the things I could or should be doing. Even with the fun magazines I don't get at home, I'd be lying if I said I've never blogged while under the dryer.
Take Copious Notes From Your Stylist
You say honey, I say honey, but what color comes out on your hair? People have different interpretations of hair color descriptions, so just as it's smart to take pictures of what you like and don't like, to the salon, it's wise to keep track of your color.
My favorite stylist keeps index cards on all her clients with their colors, conditioning treatments, cuts, etc., which proved very handy when I relocated.
Do You Book Standing Appointments?
Having regular scheduled blowout and manicure appointments always seems like the most ladies-who-lunch cosmopolitan dream to me, but I recently discovered a friend of mine — who, um, serves lunch — has a regular Wednesday afternoon date with her manicurist and a standing monthly eyebrow appointment. Do you schedule your appointments months in advance, or are you an impulse salon visitor?
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Do You Book Standing Appointments?
Summer Reading: Is Summer Blockbuster Hype Too Much?
After seeing Tropic Thunder, I felt a teensy bit of relief that the Summer blockbuster events of 2008 seemed to be over at long last. Not that I didn't have fun, but I'm a little maxed out on major hype, epic special effects, and huge box office totals. I'm ready to dig out my warm jackets and sweaters and settle down with some little Fall movie gems.
Pet Salons: Spoiled Sweet or Spoiled Rotten?
Even your pets deserve to be gorgeous! More and more pet pampering salons are opening up in China, like the one this snazzy bunny relaxed at in Changchun. Not just for the dogs, these salons welcome cats, rabbits, and other creatures that need a little pick-me-up.
What's Really Going On at the Spa
Set aside a few minutes to read this excellent article from New York magazine. It's a thorough, unblinking look into the reality of the spa and salon business, from the amount of money that workers make to the what they really think while they're waxing off your hair.
For instance, the writer interviews her facialist, Francesca Kim, who reveals the pay structure at her employer, a Manhattan spa:
In her current gig, she began at an hourly rate of $10 to $12 — the industry maximum, she tells me — plus commission for each treatment she does for a client.
Oh Man: Guys Are Being Groomed for Barber Lounges
The term "metrosexual" was just a blip on the cultural radar, but the business of men's grooming is far from a fad. Some guys will always opt for a trip to the simple, no-fuss barber. My dad, for instance, pays a whopping $7 to have his "ears lowered," as he puts it.
Quick Quiz: Should You Tip The Owner of A Salon?
I get lots of emails asking about tipping etiquette for hair, nails, and other general salon and spa treatments, so I thought it was time to address the issue. Growing up, my mother always told me that it is not standard practice to tip the owner of a salon.
This unspoken rule stems from the idea that the entire cost of your treatment goes to the house.
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