Beth Minardi Signature Colour. Why we switched.

As many of you are already aware, we have successfully switched colour lines from Goldwell to Beth Minardi Signature Colour. At Claudio James Salon, we strive to use only the best products for you and the health of your hair. Before the switch, we were constantly trying new colour to see if one would ever surpass the quality of Goldwell. Among the many we tested, we came across 1 that was simply AMAZING, it was Beth Minardi Signature Colour. We didn’t know what we stumbled across, all we knew was that it had incredible shine and the hair felt conditioned after the colour service. The grey coverage was outstanding and when the test subjects were asked how the color stayed 6 weeks later, all could not believe the long lasting results. We knew then we finally found what we were looking for. Angie attended a class, was inspired and could not wait to start applying it onto our guests. Many instantly noticed a difference in the shine and the exact shade of the colour. The colour is so conditioning and mild on the hair that it does take an extra 10 minutes to process, even for our non-grey coverage guests. The extra time it takes is worth it because you end up with gorgeous conditioned color locked tresses. Minardi colour will save many guests money in the long run because there is no need to pull through the ends every time you receive a touchup, so there is no need for an extra product charge. Our bleach has changed as well, we now use Joico Vero K-Pak (who teamed up with Minardi colour) to provide K-Pak protection, which conditions and reconstructs while you lift. Come in and try the new Minardi colour line, I am certain you will not be disappointed.

Brazilian Blowouts....

So lets talk about the Brazilian Blowout. Some people still are not sure what it does, who should get it, if its safe or if its worth the money.
     What it does:
A Brazilian Blowout is a smoothing treatment, NOT a straightening  treatment. This means you will still be able to wear your natural curl and/or add iron curls that will hold in your hair and have it stay frizz free. It also cuts down drying time and if you choose a sleeker flat iron look, it will not frizz out with humidity. If you are someone who gets color and or highlights, you would get them done first, then receive the treatment on the same day. Another advantage that makes this brand stand out from the rest, is that there is NO downtime, meaning you can workout, shower or swim right after the treatment without altering the results. There are two options to choose from. 
Brazilian Blowout Original Solution- contains a small safe amount of formaldehyde. This solution is best for extremely coarse or curly hair. (Not available at my salon)
Brazilian Blowout Zero Plus Solution- This is the only solution I provide at my salon. This is best for wavy or fine hair. It contains NO formaldehyde and the frizz results are still the same as the original solution. It just does not relax the curls as much.
Since there is no harsh chemical reconstruction to the hair in either of the solutions (such as a Japanese straightener), it lasts for up to 15 weeks. 
  Who should get it:
 Honestly, anyone can receive a Brazilian Blowout. It is recommended for people with either, super curly frizzy unmanageable hair, super thick unmanageable hair and people with extremely damaged over processed hair. The reason it is so flexible is because it actually conditions the hair from the inside out. It is also great for people who love to flat iron their hair pin straight. When the 15 weeks is up, you are still left with healthier hair then before you received the treatment.
  Is it safe:
Yes. Both solutions are 100% safe. Formaldehyde is found in lots of things we use everyday such as toothpaste, apples and nature! Its the quantity that is important. With all the controversy, it has been reformulated and works better than ever!
  Is it worth the money:
That's a matter of opinion. The price tag can range from $350-$800, my salon starts lower than most at $300. I truly believe in the quality of this product, if someone is struggling everyday to blowout their hair, just to have it a frizzy mess when you step out the door, then yes. If your hair is curly or severely damaged and is always frizzy, unless u glob bottles of gel in your hair, again yes. Now if you are someone who lets your hair air dry and it looks like you flat ironed your hair when it finally does dry, then no. My salon offers free Brazilian Blowout consultations to make sure you are a perfect candidate for the process.

Ps. It is very crucial that you use a shampoo, conditioner and after care products that are safe for the treatment. If you don't, it will strip the treatment out of your hair and you can just watch hundreds of dollars swirl down your drain. My salon only guarantees the treatment with a purchase of a Shampoo and Conditioner before you leave the salon.

MoroccanOil

As a stylist, it is very important to believe whole heartedly the quality and the benefits of the product you are using on your guests hair. I worked at a salon for 2 years that used Aveda and I never really was inlove with all the products they had to offer. I had my 3 favorites, but thatwas it. I used those 3 products on every guest, every time. I was always on thebottom of the list for salon product sales and I never knew why. I always gavethe excuse that "I am not a salesman". After opening my salon inMarch of 2011, I stared using MoroccanOil due to all the great publicity it wasreceiving. I, of course, did research and tested all kinds of products on myfamily and friends. For me, it was fun to see what different products do with different hair textures, but mainly because I wanted what was best for thehealth of my guests hair. Just as I suspected, MoroccanOil was EVERYONE'Sfavorite. I use every single product in the entire line and I just can’t getenough. The products seem to fly off my shelves and I am always sold out of atleast one product. So funny how just because I saw the difference they havemade in my family and guests hair, I sell so much more because I want everyone to experience them.  Sometimes I feel the urge to place a signoutside my salon that says “I will work just for the chance to do your hair,FREE”!! Thank goodness for my accounting history, I know that is not a wisemove at all. MoroccanOil just recently introduced a Clarifying shampoo and aHydrating shampoo and conditioner. I have not been able to track down theseproducts from the distributors, so I must eagerly wait until they are able tobe purchased for my salon. I would LOVE to be a MoroccanOil rep, because I LOVEdoing hair and I Love MoroccanOil so much, I would feel like I am living off ofhobbies. I am just waiting for the release of a volumizing foam or mousse for blow-dries. Idon’t stray away to any other brand now, but with the arrival of a volumizingmousse, the line will be complete.

Claudio. 

Welcome!!

I am excited to start a little blog talking about my salon, products I love, places I go and trends I like. I'm still not sure exactly how this site works, but if you can comment on posts, PLEASE DO! I also love taking suggestions and trying new products that may have changed your life. My Salon currently uses MoroccanOil, American Crew, Glodwell and Brazilian BlowOut Zero. Check out my website ClaudioJamesSalon.com. Ill be back soon!!
Claudio.