Box Dye vs. Professional Hair Color

Lindsey Carraher - Stylist at Garbo's Salon and Spa - Blog Post Photo

By: Lindsey Carraher

The old “box dye” versus professional hair color convo… let’s have it! 

I’m sure all of us, at some point in our day, have been tempted by Eva Longoria’s stunningly gorgeous headshot on a “chestnut sand” box of hair color in the Walgreen’s aisle…  And most of us, including me, have given it a shot!  We are human, the manufacture’s marketing skills are on point and hey- it’s only $8!  Well, let me fill you in on what I’ve learned since my own days of “home highlights”…
 
Just like EVERYTHING out there on the market, you get what you pay for.  Brand new hair color for less than $20 may seem like the ultimate “deal” but when you think about it this particular thing you are paying for is one that chemically alters every strand of hair on your head.  Yes, chemically alters!  No matter which brand you choose or which store you purchase it from the product works the same way… How is it possible that the box is able to give you and your girlfriend (with the complete opposite hair color) the same result?! 
 
It’s possible by pumping the products full of high-level peroxides and ammonia to make certain the hair does “something”.  “Why did it turn out nothing like the picture?” – because it lacks information on certain factors that a highly trained hairstylist will take into consideration when coloring your hair.  These factors include the color, condition, underlying pigment, porosity, history, density, texture or the current integrity of your hair.  Your stylist will also know that fine hair processes differently than coarse hair.  That dark hair has a different underlying pigment than light hair does.  That hair processes differently on the base than on the mid-strands and ends… Your stylist is able to factor in these points in order to create the perfect formula for your specific hair.  
 
“Why doesn’t my hair shine like Eva’s”, you ask?  The chemicals used in the way box color uses them, break open and roughen the cuticle.  Think of the cuticle layer like shingles on a roof.  These “box colors” cause all the “shingles” to stay raised and rough not allowing light to bounce off of them and reflect.  Raised shingles don’t do the roof much good in the way of protection…  Just like a raised shingle would allow rain, critters and other outdoor things to creep into the ceiling of your home, the raised cuticle of your hair also allows heat and other environmental factors to get in between them which end up damaging and breaking the hair. 
 
I know many of you are thinking “salons are just so much more expensive!”  So I challenge you to think of it this way… if you had to wear the same top every single day to every event, every function and around every social group forever would you buy an $8 top from Walgreen’s?  Probably not!  You would probably spend the time searching for and trying on many tops before deciding to make a worthy investment on the perfect one, right!?  Your hair is just that.  It is the mainstay of your wardrobe.  It is the accessory you never take off…  
 
So, now that I’ve shared my thoughts on this matter, my advice to you is this: save yourself the stress, the risk and the money it will cost for your color correction and find a hairstylist you trust.  You will not regret it!

 

Sending love,

Lindsey

 

Lindsey Carraher is this week’s guest blogger.  She is currently a Master Stylist at Garbo’s Salon and Spa, Village Pointe.  In addition to working behind the chair, Lindsey is Garbo’s Director of Education and is a member of our Business and Digital Strategies Team.  With over 14 years of experience, Lindsey is able to educate based on what she knows and what she has experienced as a tenured professional in the industry.

 

Follow Lindsey on Instagram if you want more great information like what she shared above!

Instagram: by_elle_c

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Winter Hair Care Tips

Maddie Poteat Headshot

By: Maddie Poteat

Winter is hard.  Yep, I said it.  While the snow, crisp weather, and the thought of cuddling up by the fire sounds amazing, it can also make everything downright more challenging.  One of the things winter can really affect is your hair.  We’ve written on the topic of winter hair care before (read here) but we wanted to update it with a few extra tips and tricks.  If you can remember and follow these few things this winter season your hair will be in good shape come spring time!

Protect your hair from the elements

One of the biggest risks to your hair during winter is the weather…  The wind, rain and cold can wreak havoc on your beautiful locks.  The elements might not only ruin your style but they can also cause real damage.  Next time you’re headed out in the cold make sure to protect your locks.  Try a silky headscarf, a hat or just pull your hood up!

Winter Hair Care - Tips and Tricks

Go easy on the heat

I know we say it all the time but excessive amounts of heat can stress and dry out your hair.  If you can muster it, washing your hair will cooler water can really help.  Laying off those styling tools will also provide a break from the heat.  If you can’t skip blow-drying your hair then make sure the heat option is turned down and you use a heat protectant (like Garbo’s Brilliance Blow Dry Spray) to further protect your hair cuticle.

Garbo's Brilliance Blow Dry Accelerator and Flat Iron Sealer – 4.4 oz
Garbo's Brilliance Blow Dry & Flat Iron Sealer
  • Blow dry accelerator and flat iron sealer
  • Speeds up blow drying up to 40%
  • Seals cuticles during flat ironing
  • Moroccan Argan protects air from intense heat
  • Weightless formula adds depth and renewed radiance to color-treated hair

Did You Know Garbo's Now Offers Med Spa Services?

In partnership with DGMD Medical, Garbo’s is now offering your favorite med spa services (Botox, fillers and IV bags) at our Midtown Crossing location! 

Book Now

Avoid over washing

Another top tip for winter, and all year round actually, is to avoid over washing your hair.  That means going easy on the shampoo, as too much washing can strip your hair of its natural oils.  Everyone is different, but if you can scale back your washes to no more than three times a week your hair will look and feel much healthier.  When your hair is feeling a little oily, opt for a dry shampoo product like Garbo’s Dry Shampoo to get you through the day.

Garbo's Freshen Up Dry Shampoo
  • Skip a day of regular shampooing and save time
  • Dry shampoo revives and refreshes
  • Never feels wet or sticky
  • Extends color and blowouts
  • Eliminates odor with fresh scent
Garbo's Freshen Up Dry Shampoo – 3.25 oz

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Treat your hair

We all need a little TLC in the winter time and our hair certainly does too. One of our favorite winter hair care tips is to treat your hair with a deep conditioner.  The Garbo’s Indulge Masque deep conditioner is one of our faves.  Spend a little extra time in the shower to allow the deep conditioner time to penetrate the hair cuticle.  This should help improve hydration and keep your hair healthy all season long.  If you’re looking for something a little more medicinal, you can try a tea tree oil – its cleansing and nourishing properties will help rebalance the scalp, clean out your hair follicles and nourish your roots. 

Garbo's Indulge Masque – 6 oz
Garbo's Indulge Masque
  • Ultimate moisturizing treatment
  • Intense moisturizing for touchable softness
  • Won’t weigh hair down
  • Replenishes moisture loss during color & chemical treatments
  • Perfect for dry/damaged hair

Keep It Trim

The thought of cutting your hair to help it grow faster is still hard to grasp… No matter how many times our stylists tell us.  However, trimming your hair helps get rid of split ends before they have the chance to split further up the strand and ultimately weaken the entire thing.  This might be asking a lot, but if you have long hair you should look to get a trim every three months.  If you have short or medium length hair you should come in for a trim every two months.  In doing so you are helping to remove the dead ends which will help your hair stay healthy much longer!

Not all of these winter hair care tips are easy, but if you’re looking to improve the look, feel and length of your hair over the winter months than you need to keep it healthy.  Put these tips into practice to help your hair stay healthy and beautiful all winter long!  

Sending love,

Maddie

Other Products We Love
Marula and Grapeseed Conditioner Liter
Marula and Grapeseed Conditioner Liter
Garbo's Colormoist Conditioner – 10 oz
Garbo's Colormoist Conditioner – 10 oz
Keratin Therapy Replenisher
Keratin Therapy Replenisher
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Everything You Need to Know about Eyelash Extensions

Maddie Poteat Headshot

By: Maddie Poteat

Contrary to what you might think, working for a salon/spa doesn’t mean I have tried every new service we provide to our clients.  In fact, I probably surface for an appointment once every couple of months… Why is that you ask?  I am verrryyyy low maintenance when it comes to my hair and beauty routines.  The more time I spend on my makeup and hair in the morning means less time for everything else!  

With all of that being said, when eyelash extensions became big they quickly caught my eye.  With the promise of a shorter morning beauty routine AND having amazing lashes every moment of every day – even after just rolling out of bed – I had to learn more! 

Therefore, I chatted with a few of our experts in eyelash extensions and had them answer every question I had about the product, the service, and the up-keep. 

What are eyelash extensions?

Let’s start here.  Eyelash extensions are exactly like what they sound like.  Real or synthetic hair is attached to your current lash to make them longer, fuller or more voluminous.  There are three types of hair a salon can use: synthetic, silk or mink.  The lovely ladies at Garbo’s use Mink Hair for the eyelash extensions as they are lighter on the eyelid than other types.  In addition to the different types of hair, you can also choose the look, shape and the length you desire.  Once you know what type of lashes you would like, a trained professional applies the false lashes to your natural lashes one at a time using a special type of semi-permanent glue.  Think of lash extensions as hair extensions for your eyes…

DO EYELASH EXTENSIONS RUIN YOUR NATURAL EYELASHES?

Ahhh the famous question…  After much research and talking with the gals at the salon, the answer is no!  When the extensions are applied correctly they will not harm your natural lashes.  The special adhesive used on your lashes is formulated to create a solid bond specifically for human lashes.  The adhesive dries softly on the lashes which allows them to stay flexible and bouncy just like your own lashes.  With that being said, if you take proper care of your lashes while you have them they will not hurt your natural lashes at all!

How expensive are eyelash extensions?

Eyelash extensions can range in price depending on what type you select and where you have them done.  At Garbo’s, our prices for the first appointment start at $175.  The price for each follow up appointment start at $60.  >> Book your appointment now.

How long does it take to apply the lashes?

As we mentioned above, eyelash extensions are added one by one.  Because of this, the process can take a while… A normal initial appointment can last anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours.  The subsequential appointments you make to fill in the lashes that have fallen out do not take as long – the length of these appointments depends on how many new lashes you need.

How long do eyelash extensions last?

Since the lashes themselves are glued to your natural lash they will eventually fall out – either from coming detached from the natural lash or when the natural lash itself falls out.  Because of this, a full set of lash extensions will last 3-4 weeks depending on your level of activity and how you care for them.   If you intend on wearing your eyelash extensions longer than 3-4 weeks (which most people do) you will have to head back to the salon for a fill.  This appointment doesn’t take as long as the original lash appointment but new lashes will need to be added to replace the ones that fell out.

ARE EYELASH EXTENSIONS SAFE?

Yes!  Your eyelash technician should be properly trained to apply the adhesive to the lashes in a way that will not harm or irritate your eye.  At Garbo’s, all of the stylists and estheticians who offer eyelash extensions have taken the required training and have the experience necessary to safely apply false lashes.  However, if for some reason you do experience any burning or discomfort during your appointment it is important you speak up!  This service should be a pain-free and relaxing experience.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY EYELASH EXTENSIONS?

There are a few big no-nos when it comes to eyelash extensions.  First and foremost – do not pick or pull them off.  This will most likely result in you pulling out  your real lash along with the fake one!  Also, keep water away from your lashes for the first 12-24 hours as it can weaken the adhesive before it is set.  Depending on the type of glue used, most oil-based products or makeup removers around the eye area should be avoided.  You should also avoid rubbing your eyes as that will loosen or pull the lash off prematurely.  For a full list of do’s and don’ts ask your technician after your appointment – he or she will be able to provide you with more information that is specific to the type of lashes that were installed.

Are you running out the door as you read this to get eyelash extensions?  Or do all the rules and upkeep scare you away?  Did I miss any of your burning questions?  Let me know!

If you’re one of those people sprinting to get your falsies applied, you can make your appointment by calling your preferred Garbo’s salon location or booking online!  

Thanks as always for reading and following along!

Sending love,

Maddie

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How to Survive Wedding Season

Maddie Poteat Headshot

By: Maddie Poteat

It’s that time of year again…  The sun is finally shining, the flowers are beginning to bloom and you are drowning in wedding invites!  Whether you’re a guy or a girl, married or single, you understand the craziness that comes when Springtime hits…  Having been an invitee at many a wedding myself – and recently tying the knot – I see the struggle to stay afloat from both sides of the fence.  With the help of Bridesmaids Gifts Boutique, I put together a few tips in an effort to help you survive this year’s wedding season!

How to Survive Wedding Season

 

FOR THE GUESTS

PLAN AHEAD

As amazing as it is to be invited to so many people’s weddings it can also put a pretty heavy financial burden on your shoulders.  From the outfits (see Tip #2!), the travel expenses and the gifts, being a guest at a wedding can be expensive.

If you know you have a hefty amount of celebrating to do this wedding season make sure to plan ahead.  Book your flights and your hotels in advance to ensure you get the best deal.  There are plenty of apps out there that will alert you of the best airfare deal once you plug in your dates and destination so make sure to use them!

When it comes to accommodations and you have a big group of friends attending the wedding ask about sharing a hotel room or renting an Airbnb together.  Reducing the cost of the biggest expenses can help you feel better when it comes time to buy gifts.

Speaking of gifts, don’t be ashamed if you can’t afford the most expensive gift on the registry.  Buy what you can and forget the drama.  The Bride and Groom will appreciate you gave a gift – no matter how small.

More Wedding Hairstyles by Omaha Hairstylist Kayla Benner
@kayla.benner.hair
Updo Wedding Hairstyle by Omaha Hairstylist Kayla Benner
@kayla.benner.hair
More Wedding Hairstyles by Omaha Hairstylist Kayla Benner
@kayla.benner.hair
Re-wear your outfits

Having attended more than five weddings last year, in the span of only a few months I might add, I found myself stressing to find and buy the perfect outfit the week before each wedding.  Purchasing a new dress or new shoes for each event left me with a large hole in my bank account…

With that being said, don’t be afraid to wear what you already have.  You meet so many new people at weddings that most won’t even know the outfit you’re wearing isn’t brand new.  And for those who do know you, I guarantee they won’t remember!  Between the cost of traveling to and from the wedding (especially if it is out of town), the drinks at the reception (if it is not open bar) and all the gifts you have to buy, foregoing a new outfit is an easy way to cut costs.

FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM

BRIDESMAID AND GROOMSMEN GIFTS

In the last few years, Bridesmaid and Groomsmen gifts have become more and more popular.  Brides and Grooms understand the commitment their closest friends are making when they accept an invitation to be in the wedding party so they are wanting to say “thank you” with more than just a card.

There are many routes to go when choosing gifts for your wedding party but keeping it simple will help make this task enjoyable!  Depending on your group of friends, you may want to choose a gift that is more practical in nature – personalized hats or water bottles – something you know they’ll use for a long time.  Or, you may want to go with something a bit fancier – like this silver engraved pearl necklace from Bridesmaids Gifts Boutique!

Bridesmaids Gifts Boutique makes it super easy to find the perfect gift for anyone in your wedding party.  Most of their gifts can be personalized and they come in at the perfect price point!  The best news is they also have gifts for men!  We spotted this personalized tie clip from Groovy Groomsmen’s Gifts and thought it would make the perfect gift for the guys on your big day.  If you are in need of easy but meaningful gifts for your wedding party I urge you to check out these sites

Bridesmaids Gifts - Pearl Necklace
Groomsmen Gifts - Tie Clip
booking your bridal services

As a salon who offers bridal packages, we know a thing or two about how to make your appointments go smoothly.  I talked to one of our reception coordinators, Carol, who has been scheduling bridal services for more than a year and a half, and she had a few recommendations.  

First off, you should have a clear idea of what services you would like to book before calling to make your appointments.  This will result in less back and forth between you and the salon which should help ease your stress levels!  Knowing ahead of time what type of hair and makeup each person in your bridal party wants also helps reduce confusion and booking errors.

Carol also strongly suggests making any changes to your bridal party appointments (coming in later or earlier, adding or removing a service, etc) as soon as you can.   The salon you are working with will want to make sure they can accommodate you, your family and your girlfriends on your big day but because most salons are helping other clients at the same time last minute changes are more challenging.

The last and most important tip is to arrive on time.  Wedding days can be stressful.  As the bride, you are balancing enjoying your big day and keeping everything running smoothly.  As with all other appointments a salon books, they also set aside a specific amount of time for you and your bridal party’s hair and makeup.  Arriving late can put added stress on both the stylists, makeup artists and you!  With that being said, most salons will completely understand that the day is hectic and crazy so if you do happen to be running late just have your maid of honor (or someone else) call and give them a heads up!  At Garbo’s, we do our absolute best to make sure you receive the treatment deserving of a bride-to-be!

As fun and exciting as weddings are, unfortunately, they can bring un-needed stress into our lives.  Hopefully, these few tips will help you survive wedding season like a pro!  Let us know how you take on wedding season in the comments below!  

Sending love,

Maddie

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2018 Garbo’s Gift Guide

Maddie Poteat Headshot

By: Maddie

Gift Giving is hard

Let’s make it easy! Garbo’s first Gift Guide is filled with easy and awesome gifts that your friends and family will ACTUALLY use! You can snag any of these gifts in our stores and the ones that are available online are linked below!
2018 Garbos Gift Guide

The Goods

1. Aquage Backcombing Brush – $11

2. Aquage Smoothing Brush – $34

3. Aveda Tea Bags – $21

4. Aveda Tea Bottle – $31

5. BaByliss Pro Hair Dryer – $189

6. Garbo’s Candle – Berry Spice – $18

7. Hot Tools Curling Irons – 1 inch, $47, 1 1/2 Inch, $80

8. Garbo’s Gift Card – Any Amount

9. Garbo’s Guest Bathroom Bag –$45 Small, $70 Large

 

10. Aveda Gift Box – Starting at $22

11. Garbo’s Travel Bag –

Build your own! – Price Varies

Pre-Made Bag – Curly Hair – $28

Pre-Made Bag – Color Safe – $26

Pre-Made Bag – Volume – $27

Pre-Made Bag – All Hair Types – $28

12. Aveda After Shave – $35

13. Aveda Shave Cream – $21

14. BaByliss Pro Straightener – $169

Happy Shopping!

Let us know what you think of our first Gift Guide and if you find it useful!  Make sure you take an extra look around when you are shopping in our store or online – you never know what perfect gifts you might find!

Happy Holidays!

Maddie

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Back to Healthy – fixing your damaged hair

Maddie Poteat Headshot

By: Maddie

Feel that hair of yours.  Does it feel different now than it did before the summer started?  Think back to everything you experienced over the past three months and now remember that your hair went through it just like you did!  I’m sure you put on sunscreen when you relaxed at the pool or lathered on some lotion when your legs were feeling a bit dry… but did you take care of your hair the same way? 

It’s funny how our hair tends to get forgotten when it comes to us taking care of ourselves.  The sun, wind, chlorine, salt water and sweat can all negatively impact the healthiness of our hair.  Thankfully, there are a number of ways we can get our hair back to healthy both in the salon and at home.  

In the salon:

Most salons, including Garbo’s, carry deep conditioning treatments that the stylist can apply while you’re at the shampoo bowl.  These treatments are different than take-home products as they penetrate deeper into the hair follicle and are for professional use only.  Two of our favorite treatments come from Aveda – one to help pump moisture into very dry hair (Moisture Treatment) and one to improve the look and feel of damaged hair (Repair Treatment).  Depending on what your hair needs, your stylist may recommend one over the other or a combination of the two.  These treatments do come at an extra cost ($40, or $20 if adding on to another service) but they are worth it as you can’t get the same treatment at home.
Client at Shampoo Bowl

At home:

While an in-salon treatment is highly recommended when your hair needs some serious love, it is not the only option.  Garbo’s carries many high quality products that can help get your hair back to healthy!  These deep conditioning masks will leave your hair feeling smoother and looking much less tattered and dry after just one use.  While these products can be used separately we recommend pairing them with a deep conditioning treatment for maximum repair.  Our favorites: Aveda Damage Remedy, Aveda Dry Remedy, Garbo’s Indulge Masque and  Aquage Seaextend Silkening Oil Power Infusion.  
Aveda Damage Remedy (Purchase In-Store Only)
Dry Remedy Moisturizing Masque
Aveda Dry Remedy (Purchase In-Store Only)
Garbo's Indulge Masque – 6 oz
Garbo's Indulge Masque
Aquage SeaExtend Silkening Oil Power Infusion
Aquage Seaextend Silkening Oil Power Infusion

We know these things can be complicated and confusing so please reach out to us if you have any questions!  Send us your questions in the comments box below, give us a call or schedule a consultation online – our team of stylists can work with you to figure out what your hair truly needs to get back to healthy.

 

Sending Love,

Maddie

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3 Winter Hair Fails and Fixes

Winter is a tough season.  It takes a toll on everything – from our homes, cars, and schedules to our minds, attitudes, and bodies.  In addition, it also isn’t particularly kind to our hair.   There are many ways the cold and dry weather effect our hair but we have outlined the top three winter hair fails below and included easy ways to fix or remedy them!

1. Dry Air = Dry Hair

As the temperature drops, so does the humidity.  We know you aren’t a fan of what humidity does to most hairstyles but it is a double-edged sword…  Yep, don’t celebrate too long because before you know it, that sustained lack of moisture in the air does the same thing to your hair.  Ugh, it’s like you can’t win, right?  Don’t worry, read on for a few helpful tips!

Our number one shampoo for dry hair is called “Pure Moisture Shampoo“.  It’s going to drench your hair with moisture but not weigh it down.  That’s a very tricky task but Pure Moisture crushes it.   Use it just once and you’ll feel the difference.  In addition to moisturizing your hair it also comes with all the bells and whistles:

  • sulfate and salt-free
  • no petrochemicals
  • formaldehyde-free
  • no animal testing
  • gluten-free

2.  Split Ends and Fly-Aways

Fly away with me…on vacation away from this cold dry air!  Ok so now you have more than just dry hair.  Your ends are splitting and your fly-aways are out of control.  Once again, it’s the dry air plus hats, sweaters, heaters, furnaces, and static electricity that are doing this to you!  Yay, winter!  Oh but wait,…we have your hair life preservers right here. The aforementioned Pure Moisture will work for any type of dryness you are experiencing.  However, we do have some other options that can help.

Argan Anti-Frizz Shampoo – smooths, silkens and adds shine to unmanageable, curly, frizzy or chemically treated hair.  You will also want to make sure you are using the Intense Anti-Frizz Conditioner as well.  Both of these options have Moroccan Argan Oil in them which is the ingredient that helps control your flyaways and helps to protect the hair shaft so fewer split ends occur.  If you are looking for more information on the great effects of Argan Oil, visit Hairguard.

3.  Dry Scalp

Oh pretty it’s snowing….oh wait.  Never mind.  I’m afraid that’s your dry, flaky scalp on your hair and your navy top.  This takes us full circle: Cold Air = Dry Air = Dry Hair = Dry Scalp = Flaky Scalp 🙁

Listen, just like a snowflake, we are all unique.  Some of us have an oily scalp when it’s dry out and some of us suffer from a very dry scalp.  It’s weird, I know, but it has to do with your physiological makeup and what you are using on your scalp and your hair.  Garbo’s makes a few products that help maintain a healthy scalp:

Garbo’s Energizing Shampoo or our Lucky Man Scalp Stimulating Shampoo change your thoughts on shampoo.  It’s made specifically for your scalp and you’ll know the first time you use it.  Infused with menthol and caffeine, this shampoo stimulates your scalp and promotes blood flow which in turn cleans your scalp and helps your hair grow longer.  Now that you have taken care of your scalp you need to make sure to follow it up with a great conditioner.

When you really need the big guns (which you will during the winter), it’s time to bust out Garbo’s Indulge Masque Deep Conditioner.  This is the ultimate in moisturizing treatments.  What is particularly unique about this conditioner is it won’t weigh your hair down after using it – just make sure to give your strands a good rinse.  Garbo’s Indulge Masque renews and revitalizes your hair with moisture which gives it bend and flexibility again.  Since this product does pack some punch we recommend using it weekly.

Now that you have read the three most common winter hair fails and their fixes we hope you feel more confident when styling your hair this season.  The weather can really do a number on our hair but if you have the right products and tools you’ll be in a much better position to take on the challenge! 

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