Winner of our Ultimate Mother’s Day Treat!

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We’re excited to announce the winner of our Ultimate Mother’s Day Treat! The winner will receive gift certificates worth $675 from the following sponsors…

And the winner is…

Christi Bame

Congratulations, Christi! You can pick up your prize at Jyl Craven Hair Design by close of business Friday. (If you need us to hold it longer, please just call the salon at 770-345-9411 to claim your prize.)

For everyone else, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to find out about our ongoing sweepstakes and promotions. Thanks for entering the sweepstakes and Happy Mother’s Day!

Spring Cleaning: The Shelf Lives of Shampoo and Conditioner

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Attention MOMS and the people who love them! Hurry to sign up for our Ultimate Mother’s Day Giveaway. Win $675 in gift certificates from Jyl Craven Hair Design, Advanced Aesthetic Surgery, Advanced Skin Care, Century House Tavern and Key’s Jewelry! Win the Ultimate Mothers Day Treat here!

Spring Cleaning: The Shelf Lives of Shampoo and Conditioner

Are you using expired hair care products and don’t even know it? Now that the weather is turning warm (finally!) it’s time to start thinking about throwing away some of those out dated beauty products you’ve collected from seasons past. That doesn’t just include papers, dust bunnies and fast food leftovers in the fridge; it also includes things in your bathroom such as old shampoo and conditioner bottles.

Didn’t know these products could expire? You’re not alone, actually. It doesn’t help the FDA doesn’t make manufacturers label their products with expiration dates which means the whole process is voluntary.

Harming Your Hair & Scalp

According to the FDA website, they only look at cosmetics to see if there are color additives and if the product does what the label says. Does the shampoo de-frizz hair? Yes. What if that same product goes bad the day after you buy it? You may be out of luck, that’s under the FDA’s umbrella. It’s entirely up to the manufacturer to include an expiration date.

But is it really that dire? What can bad product actually do to you? At the very least you’re applying product to your hair that does absolute nothing. Over time the actual product becomes less effective and won’t perform as intended.  For example, de-frizzing shampoo will do little to nothing for fixing the frizzies if the product is four years old.

A worst case scenario is using the offending product on your hair and scalp and risking possible infection. Product goes bad due to contact with human skin and drops of water. Over time as the product deteriorates harmful bacteria gets into the bottle.  To maximize the product’s life keep in mind to keep your fingers out.  There’s less risk of bacterial contamination that way.

How to Check & Extending Life

So if there’s no mandatory labeling on bottles, how are you supposed to know if the product is actually bad? Extremely expired bottles of shampoo and conditioner typically smell funny or even acrid and feel funny between your fingers. However, they tend to go bad before strange smells come about.

Always check to see if there is an expiration date on the bottle. The expiration symbol will typically be located near the products UPC and will display the drawing of a little container with a number inside of it, like 6, 8, or 12. That means you have 6, 8, or 12 months of use after you open the bottle, double that if you don’t touch it.

If there’s no label, a good rule is to keep unopened bottles for no more than three years and an opened bottle for at most 18 months.  Anything after that you may be pushing your luck! You may find some product doesn’t necessarily follow these rules, so it may be helpful to keep an “expiration journal” for your favorites so you know when they tend to go bad.

Keep in mind this salubrious practice is mostly  for your typical shampoo and conditioner products. If you use “natural” versions the rules are quite different. This is because regular hair care products have additives and preservatives included to help extend their lives. Natural products forego these rules which means you have to keep a sharp eye (and nose) out.

As for extending products’ life, try to buy items that are in spray containers or tubes. The less chance oxygen or water droplets have to get inside to hurt the product the longer your stuff will last. Although you may be tempted to add water or other chemicals to your product, do not do so unless the manufacturer says to. Also, store them in cool, dark places when you’re not using them as constant light might further the deterioration process along.

Hopefully all this doesn’t scare you away from your favorite shampoos and conditioners. It just pays to know a little more about some of your beloved hair care products. Now you can be sure your hair will have the protection it needs all year long!

Are you guilty of storing some old, expired and useless hair care products? Come on into the salon and we’ll get you set up with brand new stuff!

 

Bang It On In 2013

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Bangs! Some people love them, some people love to hate them: such controversy over such a small feature. Many who claim to not like bangs at all are probably only thinking of the simple little tuffs of hair hanging in their face like something from a middle school dance.

But that’s not the only kind of bangs you can rock! Bangs are actually a fairly versatile tool in your styling chest; something you can pull out to create several unique looks for any occasion.

Let’s take a look at ways others have pulled off the “big bangs.” Maybe you can copy their ideas for your own bang up look in 2013!

Sweep ‘em Aside

One of the big complaints about bangs is how annoying they can be hanging in your face. Of course this doesn’t have to be the case – just sweep them to the side like Jennifer Lawrence! This does require growing them out a little longer than you normally would, but the chic and sleek look is worth it in the long run.

Also notice how in that picture one eye is covered? Talk about a sexy mysterious bonus!

Fringe Bangs

photo courtesy of Jason Merritt; Photos: Getty, Francis Bertrand

Another way to “unboring” bangs is to create your own fringe hairstyle. Check out Lea Michele’s look at the previous link. They’re just a liiiiiittle too long, almost going into her eyes.

The idea with this hairstyle is to draw attention elsewhere. Perhaps it’s to your beautiful eyes or to deflect attention away from a blemish that’s unfortunately popped up. Honestly it’s a very versatile look that can accentuate any outfit you pull out of your closet.

Keira Knightley’s look further down in the link above is interesting too. It’s a choppy & asymmetrical cut that can give you some confidence when you’re trying out an otherwise brand new look. Whether it’s a crazy new top or a new hair color, the asymmetrical bangs say “I don’t care what you think!”

Full-On Bangs

You’re not afraid to go all out, and your hairstyle is no different. So make like Jessica Biel and just rock those full bodied bangs! Her forehead hiding locks go great with her long beautiful hair, creating a complete look that she can whip out for all the big celebrity events.

I mentioned mysterious earlier – notice how she uses her smoky, teasing sunglasses to complete a look that draws you in wondering what’s going on behind that mask! If you can pull off the full-bodied bangs you have many options before you step out for the evening.

Longer on the Sides

photo courtesy of Frazer Harrison // Getty Images

Some aren’t big fans of the fringe cuts because of the “helmet” look the full-on bangs provide. It’s true; they aren’t for every face shape. Instead of the full-on bangs, check out Christina Ricci and her “blunt bangs!”

Notice how they’re shorter in the middle than they are on the side. Christina has a nice round face that you don’t want to hide; instead of covering it up, her bangs frame her face that draws you right in to that beautiful smile.

Which is your favorite type of bangs?

Who Takes the Gold at the Hair Oscars?

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The Oscars are right around the corner, full of glitz, glamour, and overly long speeches anyone barely pays attention to unless they contain something shocking. By now you’ve no doubt picked out your favorite movies and actors to win the night.

But of course there’s an entirely different side to the Oscars we love even more – the outfits and hair! The Oscars are the world’s biggest ball and we love every minute of it. Every minute of the pre-show there’s a brand new dress or fabulous hairstyle to squeal about. Why isn’t it on every weekend?

To celebrate the event, we’ve put together our own version of the Oscars – the Hair Oscars! Below you’ll find some of the stars we picked to take the top prize for their locks. Who would you choose?

Best Pixie

Our Winner: Anne Hathaway

Ever since she chopped all her hair off for Les Miserables, Anne’s kept it short and sassy instead of growing it back quickly. Turns out that was ideal, as we think she looks better than ever! The pixie is a tough one to pull off for any gal, especially a superstar, but Miss Hathaway makes it look like she was always meant to have this hairdo. Not since a young Mia Farrow have we seen such a perfect match-up.

Runner-Ups: Lena Dunham & Miley Cyrus

One’s a Golden Globe darling, the other a pop star trying to rebrand her image. Which do you think pulls it off the best?

Best Curls

Our Winner: Jessica Chastain

Jessica may or may not take home an award Oscar night, but she’s already won the best curly locks award in our book! It’s easy to see why everyone is enamored with her with just a glance at those flaming red strands, which seem to be amazing even with desert sand all in them.

Runner-Ups: Emma Stone & Taylor Swift

Both of these ladies are “hairstyle chameleons” but both pull off the curls with the greatest of ease. Who would you pick as the winner?

Best Bob

Our Winner: Keira Knightley

The classic bob hairstyle takes a certain shape of face to pull off, and well, Keira Knightley has that shape! She always looks like she’s been posed perfectly wherever she goes, especially when her beautiful brown hair accentuates her brown eyes and perfect cheekbones!

Runner-Ups: Helen Mirren & Katie Holmes

Helen’s been rocking the bob for years and Katie’s recently singe frisky look is back. Who takes the award?

Best Facial Hair

Our Winner:

We don’t want to leave the poor men out! While the ladies of the Oscars typically get all the love, there’s something to be said about a man in a tux. Especially if they have magnificent facial hair! Our vote has to go to Robert Downey Jr. He looks like he spends as much time on his “balbo” as any lady on the red carpet spends on their hair. And, come on, it’s RDJ!

Runner-Ups: Ben Affleck & George Clooney 

Ben just gets classier and more distinguished as he ages while Clooney has been there for some time now. Which one takes the facial hair cake?

Best Straight Hair

Our Winner: Lucy Liu

We didn’t think we were going to like Elementary, but we can’t help turn in every week because of Lucy’s fabulousness! Her hair in particular looks fierce every single episode and she looks more adorable than ever. It helps the show turned out to be pretty good, too.

Runner-Ups: Beyonce & Nicole Kidman

Honestly this competition was the closest as all three could easily tie. Maybe Beyonce takes it because her hair is so versatile, or  will Nicole –  with the classic and consistent look – win?

Super Awesome Secret Santa Letter!!

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This was just too awesome not to share! Below is a letter we received from the Cherokee County Department of Family and Children Services thanking us for our help in the Secret Santa program last year. Make sure to read it all the way through as the language it really quite pretty! We would’ve done it without this special thanks but this just makes everything that much better!

Make a “Glam Plan” for Your Hair: 3 Super Stylish Hair-Do’s and How to Achieve Them

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So you’re ready for a night out on the town, a long day at the office, or a day just hanging out. But wait, what’s this? You completely forgot about your hair! What are you supposed to do with such little time to get ready?

Like most things in life, it helps to have a plan, especially in emergencies like this one! Instead of tying your hair in a quick ponytail or just hoping the wind can give you a quick makeover, try one of the following styles for a quick & easy look no matter what you’re getting ready for. Instead of your game plan, it’s your “glam plan”!

A Night Out: Hollywood Curls

Perfect for a night with the ladies or that special someone. These curls will blow everyone’s mind as well as perfectly accenting your favorite outfits.

When styling your curls we love using a large round ceramic brush while simultaneously blow drying. To help smooth the hair, apply Satin Design by Shu Uemura.

After the hair is dry, curl it in sections. Make sure to use a heat protectant when using a curling iron or you risk damaging your hair as well as night out! We prefer Fibre Architecte by Kerastase because of the complex ciment-cylane technology that heals and soothes hair fibers – all while healing split ends.

Want tighter or softer curls? Use smaller or larger sections, respectively, to achieve your desired look. For a nice finishing touch apply a little Elixir Ultime from Kerastase to your fingertips after your curls cool. Elixir Ultime is an amazing blend of Maize, Procaxi, Argan, and Carmellia Oils that will add strength, protection, nourishment, and shine to all finished styles! Shake your fingertips to gently loosen the product over your hair.

Taking Care of Business: The Fashionable Pony 

The next day, you’re probably not out puttin’ on the Ritz anymore. However, you do have to go to work or head out to squire the kids around! Instead of destroying all your hard work from last night, though, here’s what to do.

Start off your pony glam plan with a little Fresh Dust from L’Oreal Professional. It extends your salon blowout by absorbing excess oils to help release weight.

Now, part your hair, leaving out the top section. Tease the hair at the crown to give height and smooth back the sides and pull all the hair into a ponytail. Gently brush with a boar bristle brush to keep any noticeable frizz in control.

If you want, take a small strand from the ponytail to wrap around and hide the hair tie for a smooth look. Bobby pins may come in handy here! Now just spray Double Force Ultime from Kerastase for a strong added hold that also seals the hairs cuticle, and you’re done!

A Casual/Comfortable Day: The Smooth & Sleek Look

Not going anywhere anytime soon? Or maybe you want to look and feel like you’re right in the middle of a vacation no matter what you’re doing. The smooth & sleek look can make you look like you’ve never had a worry in your life!

Apply Satin Design to smooth the hair and combine with Ciment Thermique from Kerastase for added heat protection. For a straight sleek look, use a large round brush.

Blow dry hair in sections using a concentrator and dry the hair in a downward motion to smooth. Apply a half pump (not too much!) of Elixir Ultimate to smooth and shine.

Grab your Fibre Architect to protect from heat and apply your flat iron (if needed). For best results, flat iron in small, thin sections while using a comb. Now you’re ready to chill with the best of them!

We understand that you can’t jet to the salon every time you have a special occasion, so we hope these instructions helped. If you have questions about achieving these three looks, leave a message on our Facebook page or give us a call!

Your Year Round Hair Care Guide

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Have you ever read one of those “hair tips from everybody” posts? You know, those blog posts or magazine article that claim to know exactly what works best for your hair even though they’ve never met you or touched your scalp (or probably anyone else’s) before?

The truth is, your hair is just like your fingerprints: completely different from everyone else’s. Because of this, these articles become a little less useful. A “definitely useful tips for everybody” post doesn’t really work if the tip is for straight hair and your locks are more of the “crazy curly unless I spend all day straightening them” variety!

However, there are some useful tricks you can use for your hairstyle that should improve not only the life of your hair but also what you get out of it. These aren’t some zany tips that work with those who have totally perfect hair – these are useful for everyone out there who wants to maintain healthy hair all year round!

Work with Your Hair Type

Like we said above, every hair type is different, and should be treated differently. The problem with many of the treatments and tips you see in magazines and such is they only work with specific hairstyles which may or may not include you!

So if you have naturally curly hair, work with what you got instead of fighting against it all the time! Or if you color your hair, choose a shampoo and conditioner that will prolong your hair color instead of sticking with what worked in the past.

If you color, we love Bain Chroma Captive because it has Zinc Gluconate that traps color pigments and stabilizes color. It also has Linseed Oil that polishes hair fiber and prevents color fading. Masque Chroma Captive is also amazing as it helps preserve color depth and shine and provides 33-50% less color fading and UV protection.

Work with the Seasons 

We’ve already written about how winter can mess up your beautiful strands if you’re not careful. But what about tips that work for any climate and any season?

For starters, maintain a schedule. It may sound a little weird, but your hair is a lot like grass: it needs maintenance on a consistent schedule! Why would you take care of your lawn better than your own hair? Answer: you wouldn’t, so get it on a schedule.

We recommend you come in for a cut, and a color refresh, if you color, every 4 to 6 weeks. This can get your hair growing on a rhythm that will benefit it for years to come. Find a favorite Jyl Craven style artist you love and stick with them so they know your hair type, your lifestyle and your preferences.

Does your hair tend to run a little on the dry side? During the drier parts of the year this can be extra dangerous. Make sure to use some product with added protein to protect extensive damage.

We’ve had incredible results with Bain Satin shampoo from Kerastase. It has infused proteins, lipids, and glucose that help restore the nutritive deficiencies of the hair. Also Lait Vital is an excellent conditioner by Kerastase that compliments everything Bain Shatin does.

Work Your Lifestyle

Taking care of your hair doesn’t just include using different products and brushing it every day! Your lifestyle, including the food you eat, can make a huge impact on your hair’s health in ways you probably wouldn’t imagine.

For example, eating the occasional fast food burger is ok, but making it an everyday event can cause your hair to lose nutrients and luster. Also, if you’re not out there getting your heart rate going once in a while or finding some other way to blow off steam, you could see a few more strands in your hairbrush than normal. Eating healthy, getting regular exercise (at least 3 times of week seems to be the rule of thumb) and avoiding stress all show through right on top of your head.

What we’re trying to say is: when you find yourself getting away from your New Year’s Resolution to exercise more, remember your hair! It needs your help, and every little bit counts…all year long.

For example, eating the occasional fast food burger is ok, but making it an everyday event can cause your hair to lose nutrients and luster. Also, if you’re not out there getting your heart rate going once in a while or finding some other way to blow off steam, you could see a few more strands in your hairbrush than normal. Eating healthy, getting regular exercise (at least 3 times of week seems to be the rule of thumb) and avoiding stress all show through right on top of your head.

What we’re trying to say is: when you find yourself getting away from your New Year’s Resolution to exercise more, remember your hair! It needs your help, and every little bit counts…all year long.

Your Wintertime Hair Guide from Jyl Craven Hair Design

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Running around the outlet mall, going to lunch with friends you haven’t seen in a while, standing outside in a line for a movie in Christmas Day – despite the chilly temperatures you’ll probably find yourself outside more than you imagined. When this happens, you don’t just get the sniffles and rosy cheeks; your hair also starts screaming for mercy! Luckily, there are several tricks you can pull to keep your locks healthy, vibrant, and injury free.

Moisturize!

The last thing you want is your hair to snap off like a dead twig! Ok, it may not get that bad, but freezing temperatures can rough up dry hair like nobody’s business. Pick up a bottle of conditioner that adds extra moisture and keep a steady routine and your hair will make it to spring just fine.

We absolutely love Lait Substantif by Kerastase for fine mature hair because of the collagen-infused formula that  adds density and flexibility for long lasting style and body.  It also strengthens and provides UV filters for protection.

For normal to dry hair Nutritive Lait Vital by Kerastase is the way to go.  This 2012 IN Style Beauty Best Buy quenches thirsty hair, protects from the drying out process and restores moisture and shine.

Wash Your Hair Less Often

Wait, didn’t we just say to moisturize? Yes, but keep water and shampoo away from it, or at least limit your showers. Too many can strip away essential oils that work to protect your hair naturally during colder months (the body knows what it’s doing!). Do you wash your hair every day normally? Try every two days until it warms up.

Cover Up

One simple way to keep your hair from getting blasted in the face? Cover it up! Put on a hat, a scarf, a cardboard box – whatever it takes to keep the harsh winds from destroying your mane. In fact, this may be the perfect time to run out and go hat shopping…not that any of us need the excuse, of course.

Protip: If you’re thinking of covering up that wet head with a hat, think again! Blowdry it first or pay the price.

Blow Dry

Speaking of blow drying your hair…do it! Going outside with a wet head can lead to split ends and other unfixable problems. If you don’t want to chop your hair off after you end up looking like a Christmas tree branch then be nice and thorough before you even think about going outside.

Ciment Thermique is a Kerastase “must have”.  Here’s why:

      It’s a best-selling reconstructive heat protective milk for weakened hair.
    It helps to protect and repair hair from the stress of heat styling (blow dryers, straightening or curling irons).

If you’re a fan of letting your hair dry naturally, you might want to change up your winter routine and take showers in the evening so you don’t end up having go out with wet locks.

Deep Conditioning Treatment

Sometimes conditioner isn’t enough. Schedule a deep conditioning treatment once a month to ensure your hair has enough gusto to make it through until spring. You may be so impressed you’ll keep it up through the rest of the year!

We love Masque Substantif by Kerastase.  It  intensely hydrates and re-balances the scalp while adding moisture, body and suppleness to the hair.

If you follow these tips you should have no problems throughout the winter season. Your hair will be nice and lustrous for when it’s time to break out the shorts and tank tops!

What other hair tricks have worked for your hair care routine during the cold months?

Need wintertime hair care products? Don’t forget we’re having an in-salon only promotion tomorrow – 20% off Kerastase and Shu Uemura products! Come in to our Canton, GA location tomorrow and we’ll recommend just the right products for your hair type and lifestyle!

Jyl Craven Hair Design Holiday Hours

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We strive to strike a balance between being here to get you all dolled up for the holidays and spending time with our families, so we’re posting our holiday hours. Make your appointments now because our limited-hours appointments on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are filling up fast!

Monday, Dec. 24 – 9:00-2:00
Tuesday, Dec. 25 – Closed
Wednesday, Dec. 26 – Closed
Thursday-Sunday, Dec. 27 – 30 – Normal business hours
Monday, Dec. 31 – 11:00-5:30
Tuesday, Jan. 1 Closed
Wednesday - Jan. 2 – Resume normal business hours

How to Give the Gift of Beauty (Without Insulting Your Recipient!)

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We recently wrapped up our second very successful gift card sale. Our customers bought one $75 gift card for a friend, and got a second $25 gift card for themselves or to give as a second gift. But one of our clients said something that got us thinking:

“I should give this to my son’s teacher as a gift. She never seems to take time for herself. Oh… but I hope she doesn’t take it the wrong way.”

She had a point. How many times have you received an odd gift: a gift card to the grocery store, or a sweater that was two sizes two big or small and thought, “So what are you trying to say here?” The last thing we want is our gift of beauty to backfire! So we thought we’d write up a few tips for presenting your Jyl Craven Gift Card to your recipient:

1.)  It’s Not About Looks – Of course you already know better than to say, “I bought you this because you could really use a new look” or “Wow, those roots are really peeking through.” But sometimes that’s what your recipient will hear, especially if he or she is busy, stressed or feeling down. And who doesn’t run though the gamut of those emotions on the holidays? Reassure your recipient that you’re giving her this gift as a pampering experience, not because she “needs” it. And if she’s never heard of us, remind her that when she comes in she’ll be kicking back with a glass of wine or an ice cold beverage and enjoying one of Salon Today’s favorite salons in the country!

2.)  Tie it to a Special Occasion –Is your recipient getting married? Going to the prom? Starting a new job? Going through a breakup? All of these are occasions to look and feel your best. Add a card that says something like, “I thought you might want an up-do for your special occasion.” Your recipient will appreciate your thoughtfulness in taking care of that little detail.

3.)  Make it a Group Outing – I recently read a statistic that 40% of shoppers buy a gift for themselves during the holidays. We can’t blame you, after all, who knows you better? (And if some of those Jyl Craven gift cards come back to us in the hands of regulars, we’d be the last to judge. ;) ) So give your gift card along with an invitation to accompany you to your favorite salon!

Have you ever given the gift of beauty and been rejected? Or have you ever received a gift you found insulting? Let’s discuss on Facebook!