Do you tip after receiving salon/spa services?

If you don't, then please tell us why? And if you do, then how much? Do you tip when the person performing your service is the owner of the business? Also, do you leave your tips at the front desk with reception, or do you give your tip directly to the person who performed the service? Would love to know your thoughts in the comments section below!

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Mischo Beauty Alert: Kérastase's "Our Treat" Event - Complimentary Hair Services!

What: Kerastase aficionados will have the opportunity to indulge in complimentary treatment rituals and blow outs at participating salons.

When: May 26th (East Coast) & June 23rd (West Coast)

Where: Check out participating Kerastase Consultant Salons and print your own invitation: www.kerastase-usa.com/ourtreat

If you decide to take advantage of this offer, please let us know how it goes!

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Mischo Beauty: ARROJO Product

I'm inspired by Nick Arrojo's accomplishments- a salon and color studio, academy, cosmetology school, Arrojo product concept store, a host of educational materials (books, DVD's, etc.), and the fact that he's the resident hairstylist for What Not To Wear! He's doing exactly what I'm planning to do and I was more than excited to learn about his new haircare and skincare collection.

The haircare collection includes shampoos, conditioners, styling and finishing aids. For my hair type, I chose to try the Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner, Hair Repair Masque, Frizz Control and Shine Spray. I loved the Hair Repair Masque, it both hydrated and softened my type 4B hair.

The skincare range includes products for both the face and body. The daily face wash is a gel cleanser which contains moisture beads which help to gently exfoliate the skin. I loved the scent which is a blend of bergamot, daisies and white cedar wood.

The selection of body washes include Refreshing Rhubarb, Sweet Patchouli and Floral Citrus. To learn more about the Arrojo products and the Arrojo beauty empire, please visit www.arrojoproduct.com.

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Mischo Beauty Loves Miss Jessie's

I've had love and admiration for Titi and Miko (founders/owners of Miss Jessie's) for years now. You see they've been a inspiration to me (they're doing exactly what I'm working to achieve!) and were the subject of my very first post on this blog. At any rate, they opened the doors of Miss Jessie's Salon in 1997 to respond to the demand for expertise in curly, kinky and wavy hair.

The Miss Jessie's product line (named after their grandmother) was inspired by their grandmother's spirit for finding solutions. And most recently they've launched the Creme De La Curl shampoo (sulfate free) and the Creme De La Creme conditioner. I found the Creme De La Curl shampoo to be gentle and very moisturizing. There's no lathering and definitely no suds involved, so no worries about dry/stripped hair. I'll admit that it's taken some getting used to, but I love it!

The Creme De La Creme conditioner is just as gentle as the shampoo and it is recommended for a range of hair types/issues - natural, dry, color and chemically treated. I highly suggest using it as a follow-up to the Creme De La Curl shampoo.

My type 4B hair is currently chemical-free, but I don't use the curly products because I usually wear my hair straight. But, I've told you all before how much my mother loves the Curly Buttercreme and Curly Pudding. My favorite product is the Rapid Recovery Treatment. It's an intense deep conditioning treatment that works wonders on the hair. And, a product that can detangle my hair in its natural state is definitely a MUST-HAVE for me! Seriously!

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Mischo Beauty Alert: Kérastase's "Our Treat" Event - Complimentary (FREE!) Hair Services

What: Kerastase aficionados will have the opportunity to indulge in a complimentary (FREE! yes, FREE!!) signature treatment and blow dry at participating salons.

When: Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Where: Participating Kerastase Consultant Salons (the list will be available May 15th on the Kerastase website). For salon locations please call 877.748.8357 or visit www.kerastase-usa.com.

Also, Mark Garrison in NYC, Maxine Salon in Chicago and Joseph Cozza Salon in San Francisco will be treating clients like true VIP's. Clients will walk in on a red carpet and receive catering and refreshments upon entering the salon.

Why: Well you all know how much I love Kerastase- I've only blogged about it here, here, here, here (you get the point! *smile*), and also because these aren't the best of times for everyone and everyone deserves to be pampered. So treat yourself and please take advantage of this offer!!!!!!!

Photo Source: Butterfly Studio

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Mischo Beauty Loves GEORGIA Beauty Boutique & Salon

I hope you all had lovely weekends. I know I did - especially since learning about a flagship boutique and salon called Georgia. It's described as "the ultimate boudoir for the modern woman" and I think I've fallen in love with it!

The stylish boutique and salon is owned by Jodie Patterson whose background includes fashion and entertainment, and sister-in-law/finance expert Kiara Ellozy. Their love of beauty and obsession with healthy hair and skin naturally led them to open Georgia. The intimate space, designed by Serge Becker and Christian Wassman, includes aged foundation walls, sleek brass-rimed shelving, marble counters, antique wooden doors, floor-to-ceiling linen drapery and 10 foot windows.

I'm loving the boutique's "inspiration wall" which includes photos of the owners, as well as photos of family, friends, artwork and beauty icons we all know and love.

I about died when I saw the black tiled heart-shaped shampoo area! So unique- and the perfect signature touch- I love it! The private salon is tucked away in one corner and staffs six stylists, trained to care for all hair types. Specialties include cuts, color, extensions, weaves, braids and dreads. And those of you with textured hair (wavy, curly, kinky, etc.) should know that the salon has become the go-to for your specific hair type!

The boutique offers 40 select brands of products from all over the world, including drugstore brands as well as your high-end brands. They also carry styling tools, hair accessories from France and hair extensions. I was so happy to learn that they carry a few of my personal favorites such as Davines, Phyto, Jane Carter Solution, Mixed Chicks and Hair Rules.

In addition to the jewelry, lingerie and skin and body products carried by the boutique, they also carry their own signature line called G & Company. It includes a body cream (top seller), body wash, hair brushes, silk pillowcases (you all know how I feel about silk pillowcases! If you don't have one you need to get one ASAP!) and candles.

So now you all know why I've fallen so hard! This is a dream come true for a beauty lover!!! I'd love to know your thoughts. Do share!

You may visit Georgia at:

89A East Houston Street
(between Elizabeth and Bowery)
New York, NY 10012
T: 646.827.2428
W: www.georgiany.com

Photo Sources: Georgia, DanielKrieger.com & Racked.com

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Mischo Beauty Review: Sedu Revolution Nano Tourmaline Ionic 1" Styling Iron

So after hearing my beauty blogging friends, Urbane Girl and All About The Pretty, rave about the new Sedu flat iron, I couldn't wait to try it! Well my test for a new flat iron is always whether or not it will straighten my type 4B hair, without burning it or drying it out. After shampooing and deep conditioning my hair, I choose to sit under my hooded hair dryer, as opposed to blow drying. Oh, and I used my FHI Heat Hot Sauce as my thermal protectant.

After training with Vidal Sassoon, I learned that the key to a successfully flat ironing the hair is to first section the hair for organization, and then flat iron sections no thicker than 1/2 inch (if not smaller, depending on the texture of your hair). I used the highest temperature setting on my natural hair, due to the fact that it's coarse and tightly coiled. Shiny, silky, and soft hair was the end result for me- and yes, I was very pleased.

A few other facts about the Sedu that I love are:

- The Sedu comes with a heatproof mat (I often style my hair on the go, so the mat makes
traveling with the Sedu easy!)

- The adjustable temperature control allows me to set the temperature based on my hair's
texture (in case I decide to relax my hair) and needs

- The Nano Tourmaline plates ensure an even distribution of heat and a smooth finish

- The curved edges of the plates allow for easy curling of your hair, and the Sedu comes with an
instruction DVD with easy to follow steps for achieving curls, waves, etc.

Oh, and I love the packaging (very sleek and chic), which made me excited about trying what was inside. Overall, the Sedu is a winner and I recommend it!

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Mischo Beauty School: Eyelash/Eyebrow Tinting 101

I've recently received a few emails with regards to eyelash/eyebrow tinting. For those of you who've been following my blog for some time now, you may remember my search for eyelash/eyebrow tinting models while completing my esthetics program. At any rate, both services are performed (or should be performed) by a licensed esthetician using a vegetable-based dye, which is completely safe for the eyes.

Tinting brows saves from having to stencil or fill them in daily, because it lasts from four to six weeks. The procedure only takes a few minutes and the results are eye-opening! Avoid using harsh-looking black tints on eyebrows, and opt for a rich chocolate brown (if that particular color family suits you). I suggest selecting a blue-black or jet-black tint for lash definition.

Have you had this service? If so, what did you think of the results? Do tell!

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Mischo Beauty: Kerastase Nutritive Winner!

And the Kerastase Nutritive winner is:

Comment #1: Kari

Please email your shipping information to me! Thanks to everyone for entering.

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Eight Days of Mischo Beauty Giveaways: Day 6: Kerastase Nutritive

The Kerastase Nutritive product line is very near and dear to my heart because it was the first product line I used during my first apprenticeship at the most AMAZING salon in DC. During that time, I was educated on just about every Kerastase product- therefore gaining a clear understanding of which products should be used on certain hair types. And believe me, there is definitely a Kerastase product for every hair type/issue!

So today, you can win the Bain Satin 1 shampoo (complete nutrition shampoo for normal to slightly dry hair), Lait Vital 1 conditioner (incredibly light nourishing care for normal to slightly dry hair) and the Serum Nutri-Sculpt (leave-in lustrous repair).

Leave a comment below and tell me what Kerastase products you love and or would like to try, your hair type, AND name/describe a haircolor category (you will find the information in a "Mischo Beauty School: Haircolor 101" post), and you'll automatically be entered to win. The winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday, December 31st.

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Beautiful hair needs an expert: Bumble and Bumble Sumo Wax

I was just reminded of how great Bumble and Bumble's Sumo Wax is! I actually haven't used it since first discovering it while working in a salon in San Francisco about six years ago- but I definitely still recommend it for all hair types. It's great for those with short haircuts seeking texture and definition and it's also great for those with longer styles because it removes the frizz and adds shine. Of course the amount you use is based on your haircut, hair type and hair's needs. Just remember, a little goes a long way! I think it's the perfect styling aid for Beyonce's sleek flat iron finish- no worries about flyaways or dull looking hair.

Have you tried it? What are your favorite Bumble and Bumble products?

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Mischo Beauty Pick

Another one of my favorite product lines is Davines. It’s a line of hair care products from Europe, with a range of products for every hair type. I was introduced to these products during my first salon apprenticeship. After having worked countless hours as a shampoo assistant, I grew to love the results I witnessed firsthand.

My absolute favorite is the Love Shampoo & Conditioner (Lovely Smoothing Shampoo & Conditioner). It’s a combination of Indian Fig extract, rice proteins, olive oil and vitamin E, resulting in a rich blend of conditioners and moisturizers that work to nourish the hair. The result is always soft hair with a smooth cuticle.

I highly recommend the products for dry, coarse or curly hair. And guess what, just in time to share LOVE for Valentine’s Day…

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Mischo Beauty School: Facials 101

I can’t begin to name all the reasons why you should incorporate facials into your beauty routine, right now, TODAY! Not only are facials relaxing and pampering, but they are crucial to maintaining the health of your skin. First, let’s understand what exactly a facial is! A facial is a service performed by an esthetician designed to improve and revive the skin. They help maintain the skin’s health and correct certain skin conditions through deep cleansing, massage, and the use of masks and other products and treatments. Here are a few of the many benefits:

1. SLOWS DOWN PREMATURE AGING
2. Deep cleansing
3. Deep exfoliation
4. Increases circulation & detoxifies
5. A skin analysis, product prescription and custom home regimen from an esthetician
6. Stimulates skin renewal and metabolism
7. Corrects or alleviates conditions such as dryness, oiliness and redness
8. Softens wrinkles and aging lines
9. Helps clear up blemishes and minor acne
10. SLOWS DOWN PREMATURE AGING

Love your skin.

Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions!

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Mischo Beauty School: Hair Relaxers & Thinning/Breakage 101

I’ve received many questions on the use of hair relaxers resulting in thinning hair and hair breakage, so I’ve decided to address the issue. Damage from relaxers may result from a number of reasons. At any rate, the problem could be due to one of the following:

1. The "strength" of the relaxer might be stronger than that needed for your particular hair texture. Relaxers come in "mild, regular or super" strengths.

2. Your stylist may not be applying the relaxer properly. It should ONLY be applied to the NEW hair growth, every 6-8 weeks. No overlapping onto previously relaxed hair!

3. Thermal styling may be an issue. Are you frequently using a curling iron, flat iron or blow-dryer? If so, that will definitely contribute to thinning/breakage.

4. Do you color your hair? If you use permanent haircolor, the application should be at least two weeks after relaxing or you will experience thinning/breakage. You should only be using a mild relaxer.

If you're thinning near the scalp, then it's probably from improper application or overlapping of the relaxer onto the previously relaxed hair. If you're thinning along the length of the hair, then it's probably due to excessive heat from a curling/flat iron, blow-drying or constant chemical overprocessing.

Hopefully your stylist will identify the problem and offer you a new haircare regimen. If you feel that your problem is different from those listed above, I'd recommend you visit a Dermatologist.


Love your hair.

Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions!

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Mason Pearson

Ted Gibson, hairstylist to the stars and owner of the Ted Gibson Salon in New York, recommends handmade Mason Pearson brushes as necessary tools for maintaining healthy hair. Recognized as the finest hairbrushes in the world, they play an important role in the condition of the hair by stimulating the scalp and spreading the hair's natural oils from roots to ends. Every woman should have one!

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