It’s almost Summer! Is your hair ready? When it comes to this season of the year, we recommend low maintenance hair styles for the summer that don’t require a lot of styling. The sun can cause our hair to become dry and brittle leaving us with a not-so-great look and split ends. Simple things like regular trims, easy styles, and the right products will ensure your hair looks and feels fresh all summer long. Keep reading for our top tips and tricks!

Popular Summer Styles

1. Bobs

Short hair screams low maintenance, and that’s what we want for the summer! A bob is a fun and fresh way to change up your hairstyle for the summer. It’s fast and easy to style, and short locks will keep you feeling cool!

2. Mid-Length Cut

A mid-length cut gives you several style options while still being low-maintenance. Think beachy mermaid waves… It’s the perfect length for quick and effortless styles all summer long!

3. All About Bangs

Bangs are an easy way to create style with no heat. Bangs help create a styled and layered look perfect for the summer. There are a few options when it comes to picking a bangs style. Our stylists can help you pick one that will perfectly frame your face for summer!

4. Bring on the Color

Creative colors and patterns are a hot trend for summer. If you’re looking to make a statement and have a little fun this summer, try a new color or colors in your hair. Our experienced stylists will help you pick a color that will complement your skin tone and add fun to your style.

Products for Summer

Sun, sweat, humidity, and chlorine all damage your hair during the Summer months. But you don’t have to let these elements ruin your Summer fun! We have a few products that will help protect your hair during the summer and keep it looking shiny and healthy.

Garbo’s is offering 25% off all Aveda products May 13-21, so stock up for summer! We’ve linked a few below for you to check out!

1. Use a High Quality Conditioner

Avoid washing your hair everyday. Shampooing dries hair out and removes the natural oils from your scalp. To help keep your hair moisturized and prevent dryness and damage use a high quality conditioner. Garbo’s has some great options including this one from Aquage.

2. Add Oil to Your Hair if Using Heat

Heat dries out your hair and causes frizz. If you’re using a blow dryer or curling iron to style your hair, apply an oil to help reduce split ends and strengthen your roots. This product and this product are two great options you can buy in store or online.

3. Hair Mask

Incorporating a hair mask into your routine is a great way to help keep your hair healthy during the summer. A hair mask will help keep your hair looking shiny, soft and less frizzy. A mask is also great for your scalp and for strengthening your hair. This one from our own line and this one from Moroccon Oil are two great options

4. Color-Treated hair products

Color-treated hair and summer elements do not mix well! If you have color treated hair, protect it from direct sun when possible. Use products specifically created for color treated hair to protect your hair and its color. This color safe shampoo and conditioner from Pulp Riot are two great choices.

Schedule your hair appointment today and stock up on summer products to keep your hair looking its best all summer long!

Halloween is right around the corner which means another year of fun hair colors, themed nails, and bold makeup. Our talented team can help your visions come to life. Our team loves to get creative and step out of the box with color and designs! Take a look at some of our Halloween looks from this year and years past.

HAIR

(Hair by Allison Parsons at Midtown)

The Halloween season is a great time to experiment with coloring your hair a shade you’ve always wanted. This beautiful red color was done by Allison Parsons who is one of our many stylists skilled in bright and bold hair colors. Our stylists will work with you to achieve your color dreams. If you are opting for a less permanent look, read our blog from last October: October blog.  

We talk all about hair care before and after your Halloween look! We want you to keep your hair as healthy as possible!

NAILS

(Nails by Sandy at Regency)

Nail art can be a great way to complete your unique Halloween look! Even if you aren’t dressing up this year, you can get in the Halloween spirit with a set of Halloween nails! From basic dark colors to fun charms and designs, our nail technicians can do it all. We offer both regular polish manicures and gel manicures. If you are wanting to stay a little longer in our salon, add on a pedicure! Our pedicures are so relaxing and will help remove dry and flaking skin on your feet. View more on our spa services here: Spa services.

Makeup

(Makeup by Ashley Beutler)

No matter what your costume is this year, a makeup look can always help complete your Halloween costume! Makeup is a fun way to elevate your look and feel your best at any of your Halloween events. If you aren’t wanting to find a good costume, your face makeup can be the star of the show!

Contact Us!

Call any of our locations to check which of our team members can help bring your spooky visions to life! View our contact page here: Contact Us! We hope you have a safe and fun Halloween!

Finding gray hair amongst your locks is a rite of passage when it comes to aging…no matter how you feel about the problem! The thing to keep in mind is that gray hair can be just as healthy and beautiful as colored hair, and here at Garbo’ Salon and Spa, we would love to help you own your natural beauty as you age. 

If you are experiencing gray hair, you may be thinking about ways you can hide it or try to embrace it…the good thing is that we can help you do both! There are a few simple ways we like to do this in our salons: add in some highlights to blend your current hair, color your hair to completely cover grays, or transition your hair to a fully gray color overall. It just comes down to personal preference! 

Today, we’re going to talk about the gray hair phenomenon and try to change the stigma around this natural occurrence we all experience in our lives. We’ll be giving you some useful tips and insight on transitioning to and caring for gray hair.

3 Reasons to Embrace YOUR Gray Hair

There are many reasons why embracing your grays may be the right choice for you: 

  • It’s easier! You can trade color touch-ups every four to six weeks for deep conditioning treatments and trims instead. This way we can still use our professional skills and products to keep your hair healthy without you having to come in for a color treatment so frequently. 
  • It’s beautiful!  Your grays are gorgeous – just like you.  With proper care you can learn to fall in love with them. 
  • It’s a change!  Going completely gray–with the right tone and care–can result in a beautiful new look that suits you well!

CARING FOR YOUR GRAY HAIR - 5 tips to Brighten and Soften Gray Hair

Gray hair will be much drier compared to its pigmented counterparts. Here is some essential advice you should follow if you want to keep your gray hair looking and feeling its best: 

Brush Your Hair Nightly 

This will distribute natural oils from the scalp and nourish your hair. Your hair will become softer and smoother with time if you keep up this habit! It can be even more effective if you brush daily with a boar hair bristle brush. 

Use Proper Shampoo

Gray hair can sometimes appear dull due to its fair coloring. Using a purple-tinted shampoo, like Garbo’s Blueberry and Beet Root Shampoo, can brighten it up and make it appear more vibrant. Purple shampoo will also help to maintain the cool tone of your grays and keep them from getting brassy. 

Use Styling Products 

Using serums as well as products with conditioner and silicone will help smooth your gray hair. Deep conditioners like Garbo’s Indulge Mask are ideal for taming stubborn, sometimes wiry gray hair. 

Get Regular Hair Treatments 

Conditioning treatments can help maintain the integrity of your hair as you age. This will smooth out rough, wiry hair while helping to maintain your new natural color.  Next time you’re scheduling your appointment, add on Aveda’s Botanical Repair.  This conditioning treatment will help strengthen, repair, and protect your hair. 

Tips to Grow out Gray Natural Hair 

If you are making the switch from regularly coloring your hair to going gray, there may be a 6-12 month period of uneven color as the natural hair grows in. To allow the new growth to blend quickly, you can consider coloring your hair to match your grays, cutting your hair shorter or getting a few highlights to help with the transition. 

Always feel free to talk to our stylists about what they think will work best.  They’ll make sure your grays blend in seamlessly until you’re able to fully grow them out.

Lots of people choose to let their gray hair go because of its unique tone and lower maintenance care. After reading this article, hopefully you know how to take better care of your gray hair so it can leave you feeling just as beautiful as before. Gray hair doesn’t have to be a bad thing, let’s find you the right products and treatment so you can embrace the beauty of yours today!

Published with the writing assistance of: https://www.lippiehippie.com/
Maddie Poteat Headshot

By: Maddie Poteat

It may not officially be winter yet but the freezing weather and the snow have me feeling like we are right in the middle of it.  Thankfully, No-Shave November is here to warm us all up and get us thinking about a few important things!  While I will not be participating in No-Shave November this year ( I love my razor too much), I will definitely be supporting the cause. 

No-Shave November is a movement that encourages men to grow out their hair to help raise awareness for men battling prostate and testicular cancer as well as suicidal thoughts.  

If you thought Garbo’s was a female only salon, think again (and read this post and this post while you’re at it)!  While you guys are busy growing out your facial hair this month don’t be afraid to stop in to your nearest Garbo’s location for some help.  We can assist in styling your new, longer hair in a way that will have you looking and feeling great while being an ambassador for the No-Shave November movement.

More on the No-Shave November Movement

Of course you’ve heard of No-Shave November but maybe you’re not exactly sure what the movement is all about.  Don’t worry.  The movement began as a way to stimulate conversation centered around men’s health and break the stigma of men being uncomfortable talking about personal health issues. Studies show that men are 33% less likely to visit a doctor, leaving them susceptible to late detection and prone to health risks. By growing out facial hair or head hair, we can all be agents to a great cause!

Styling Your Way Through November

Many of the men I know use No-Shave November as an excuse to not worry about their hair for a month… So what if things look a little scraggly?  No!  The stylists here at Garbo’s beg you not to let yourself turn into a caveman… 

If you start waking up with messy hair try forming it after you get out of the shower with little of bit our Lucky Man Creme Clay.  The best part about this is that a little goes a long way, and if you’re on the go, you can always toss it in your bag and have it when you need it.  

Need a few other ideas for how to get the perfect beard while working with what you’ve got?  Check out this style guide below!

No Shave November Styling Guide

Hair loss shouldn’t be something you worry about during a month advocating growth, so if you’re looking to thicken your hair, consider meeting with a professional.  We’ve recently partnered with DGMD Medical to offer new MedSpa services at our Midtown Crossing location.  In addition to injectables and fillers, DGMD focuses on hair restoration in both men and women.  Dr. Gross and his team can help you find the best way to combat your hair loss – whether that is a prescription, PRP Therapy, a hair transplant or one of their other solutions!  In the meantime, you can check out this style guide for a few ideas on how to style the hair you do have!

If this is your first time adventuring with growing out your beard, congratulations to you!  With a wonderful beard comes the need for an even better hairstyle.  Lean on one of our talented stylists when it comes to this as they can point you toward the best hairstyle to match your beard,  

If all that time checking yourself out in the mirror has lead to you noticing a few more gray hairs than you thought you had, just remember our stylists love coloring our male clients’ hair as well.  There is nothing wrong with a little touch up from time to time!

By the time the month is over, the call is yours. Keep your beard and be proud you were an advocate for a great cause, or book an appointment and our stylists can help you get back to looking like yourself at whichever of our four locations suits you best!

Thanks as always for reading!

Sending love,

Maddie

Make Sure You Don't Miss Our Next Blog Post!

Make sure you don’t miss a single blog post by signing up for our reminder emails!  Each time we post something new to the blog we’ll send you a quick email letting you know.

Subscribe!
Maddie Poteat Headshot

By: Maddie Poteat

Hair Extensions are SO in.

Longer, fuller, healthier hair is something we are all after.  Hair only grows so fast but when it just isn’t fast enough we turn to extensions.  While you may know a lot about this fad, there is so much more to learn!  As we prepare to launch our very own brand of extensions, we wanted to share 10 things you need to know about them!

1. There are so many different types of hair extensions! Microbead (I-Tip), Tape-In, Fusion (Glue-In), Flat-Tip, Clip-In, Hand Tied, etc.  Each type is different and offers the wearer a different type of extension experience.  We recommend you talk with your stylist to see what kind fits you best!

2. Unlike the synthetic hair of the past, you can treat today’s extensions just like you would your normal hair.  When investing in extensions, you are purchasing real hair.  This means it can be washed, dried, and styled just like your real hair!

Hand Tied Hair Extensions

3. While the term “extensions” refers to extending the length of your hair, extensions can actually be used to add thickness and fullness as well!  If you’re looking for a little bit more volume or to thicken up your ponytail, extensions can help.

4. Unfortunately, not all hair can support extensions.  Before purchasing anything make sure to consult a stylist about what you are aiming to achieve.  He or she will look at and feel your hair to make sure it can support the extensions you want.

Hand Tied Wefts - Hair Extensions

5. Contrary to popular belief, extensions should not damage your natural hair.  If both the quality of the extensions and the skill of the stylist installing them are top notch, your natural hair shouldn’t be affected by the new hair.

6. Some types of hair extensions take longer to install than others.  Hand-tied extensions take about two hours depending on the stylist installing them.  (That time does not include coloring or styling the hair).

7. The products you use have an impact on your extensions.  Just like your normal hair, you’ll want to be sure you’re using the right products on your extensions as well.  Look for products that will help keep the ends from drying out and will keep your color from fading.  We recommend Garbo’s Brilliance Blow Dry Flat Iron Sealer and Garbo’s Elixir 11!  Both products are color-safe and can be used on both your natural hair and your new extensions.

Installing Hand Tied Extensions

8. They will appear natural!  The only person who will know you have extensions in will be you!  A talented stylist will color match your hair properly and install the extensions so they blend perfectly with your natural hair.

9. Extensions can add dimension.  If you’ve always been hesitant about coloring your hair, extensions may be the perfect option.  You can add color dimension to your hair without coloring your natural hair.

10. Extensions come in all sizes and colors.  Don’t worry, most salons can customize your extensions so they match both your current hair color and the length you want.  

Make Sure You Don't Miss Our Next Blog Post!

Make sure you don’t miss a single blog post by signing up for our reminder emails!  Each time we post something new to the blog we’ll send you a quick email letting you know.

Subscribe!
Maddie Poteat Headshot

By: Maddie Poteat

“The Men of Garbo’s”… It has a nice ring to it!  Although it may sound like a hot new band’s name, The Men of Garbo’s are the fantastic male stylists who make up a small, but mighty, percentage of our team.  We have been busy sharing why Garbo’s Salon and Spa offers the best men’s haircuts in Omaha (Book now!), but we wanted to make sure our own guys get the credit they deserve.  What better time than Men’s Month to spotlight the Men of Garbo’s?!

Introducing the Men of Garbo’s!

John Bernal, Omaha Hair Stylist

John Bernal, Hairdresser at Garbo’s, Midtown Crossing

How long have you worked at Garbo’s?

“I began working at Garbo’s back in 1996.  I was originally located at One Pacific Place but moved to the Midtown Crossing location when it opened.  I have been there ever since.”

What is your favorite service to provide to clients?

“What I love most is making someone love their hair.  Sometimes it’s the cut, sometimes it’s the color, sometimes its other treatments.  It’s hard for me to choose just one!”

In your opinion, how does Garbo’s cater to our male clients?

“Garbo’s provides head to toe services for our male guests – haircuts and color, facials and body treatments, waxing, manicures, and pedicures.”

Christian Brooks, Hair Stylist Omaha NE

Christian Brooks, Hairdresser at Garbo’s, Village Pointe

How long have you worked at Garbo’s?

“I’ve worked at Garbo’s for one year”.

What is your favorite service to provide to clients?

“My favorite service to provide to my clients is hand tied extensions.”

In your opinion, how does Garbo’s cater to our male clients?

“Garbo’s caters to our male clients by giving them a comfortable space to get “pampered” without making them feel uncomfortable.”

We are using the month of June to raise awareness that Garbo’s offers Men’s Haircuts as well as many other services that men should take advantage of.  With that being said, is there anything you would like to add?

“One service that men should take advantage of is hair color.  I have a male client who doesn’t have hair on his head yet we still blend out the grey in his beard.  He always feels much more confident after the service.”

Adam Kloppenborg, Guest Services at Garbo's Salon and Spa

Adam Kloppenborg, Guest Services at Garbo’s, Village Pointe

How long have you worked at Garbo’s?

“I’ve worked at Garbo’s for the past two months”

What is your favorite service to provide to your clients?

“My favorite service to provide is making sure our clients feel like they’re being taken care of to the best of my ability.”

How does Garbo’s cater to our male client’s?

“We definitely seem to have more stylists that really enjoy doing men’s haircuts and colors than other salons I’ve worked at.  It is very beneficial to have people who are skilled at each.”

We are using the month of June to raise awareness that Garbo’s offers Men’s Haircuts as well as many other services that men should take advantage of.  With that being said, is there anything you would like to add?

“I feel like a lot of men forget that simple maintenance or grooming can be very beneficial to how they look and feel.  Simply getting your eyebrows waxed, or your cut cleaned up, or even changing things up with a new color or style all together.  Feeling good and looking good go hand in hand.”

Thomas Sena, Hair Stylist and Manager Omaha NE

Tom Sena,  Hair Stylist and Salon Manager at Garbo’s, Regency

How long have you worked at Garbo’s?

This is a difficult question for me.  I began my career at Garbo’s over 25 years ago as a newbie in the location at One Pacific Place.  I then worked at The Factory, opened up my own salon (T’eez) where I worked for the next 18 years and then I finally returned to Garbo’s to work with Darcy (Garbo’s owner) about 5 years ago!

What is your favorite service to provide to your clients?

My favorite service is probably updos.  I feel most creative while I’m designing in real time.  Also, I love that it’s usually for an event as it’s fun to be a part of someone’s special day.  Styling was something that took me the most conscious effort to learn.  I felt like the females I went to school with at least had experience working with hot tools on their own heads but I had to start from scratch.  I was determined to work hard to catch up.  Once I got into it I really loved it.  I’ve styled for many photo shoots and fashion shows over the years.  I have also had the honor of styling for many brides over the years.  At the height of my schedule behind the chair I was styling over 50 brides a year.  My record was 6 separate brides in one day!   It’s truly an honor.  I even had the genuine honor of styling the writer of this blog for her wedding!!! 

How does Garbo’s cater to our male client’s?

Males are the fastest growing demographic in our salons today.  Men simply care more than ever about their personal style.  Even with the resurgence of barbering there just aren’t as many barber shops around anymore.  Training for our stylists at Garbo’s focuses a great deal on men’s cuts and styles and the specific products that work best for men.  The men’s cuts of today are demanding and we don’t take that lightly.  Bring on the dudes.  We ain’t scurred.

We are using the month of June to raise awareness that Garbo’s offers Men’s Haircuts as well as many other services that men should take advantage of.  With that being said, is there anything you would like to add?

Besides all the new cuts and styles that men are wearing, or wish to wear, they are also paying closer attention to manicures, pedicures, waxing, and skin care.  Grooming for men is more than just hair.  Maintaining eyebrows, nose, and ear hair, beards, nails, and skin is also a part of a man’s regular maintenance routine.  Because it’s newer to many men, we help direct them and let them know what we can do for them.  Often men come in with orders from their wives or partners.  We are happy to help them out and even get them into grooming before they are told by their partners to get in here.  We help guys show up to the party already looking great!

Adam Podraza, Guest Services Omaha NE

Adam Podraza, Guest Services at Garbo’s Regency

How long have you worked at Garbo’s?

“I have been in the beauty industry since 2009 but joined the Garbo’s team in 2018.”

What is your favorite service to provide to your clients?

“Getting to know our guests is my passion.  Everything from connecting with our clients who have been letting our team service their families for 20+ years as well as finding the perfect stylist for each new guest that calls or walks into one of our locations.  Every member of our team has a unique skill set and different services they are passionate about and seeing the connection you have made between a guest and the right service provider is a satisfying feeling. Being in guest services is a unique position within a salon, you provide the first and last impression for our guests. You need to be knowledgeable not just about the products and services we provide but also about each of your service providers, their personalities as well as their strengths.”

How does Garbo’s cater to our male client’s?

“Overall, men tend to be very dedicated to a good stylist/barber and I have never seen a more fiercely loyal clientele until joining the team at Garbo’s.  While I feel that alone speaks volumes about the level of service our stylists provide, at every location we have team members who specialize in men’s haircuts.  The education and support I see here at the salon blows me away and has taken the barbering skills of our stylists to another level.”

We are using the month of June to raise awareness that Garbo’s offers Men’s Haircuts as well as many other services that men should take advantage of.  With that being said, is there anything you would like to add?

“I’ve taken my skin for granted over the years using harsh chemicals, products that weren’t appropriate for my skin, unprotected sun exposure and just plain neglect and I’ve found that as I (and my skin) have aged, I have become extremely passionate about aesthetics.  For decades, things like skin and nail care have been deemed “girly” and overlooked by a lot of the male population but as a society we have become very focused on the visual (social media, reality television, etc) and practicing self-care has become a huge part of that trend.  Services like facials aren’t just a hydrating lotion and cucumber slices on your eyes anymore, they’re highly refined and specialized treatments for your skin prepared by professionally educated and licensed providers.  A Signature Facial not only leaves my dry skin balanced and hydrated but it’s a long term investment is your skin’s health. Not to mention, it’s also one of the most relaxing experiences you can have (I fall asleep every time).  A natural mani/pedi exfoliates the skin on your hands and feet and combined with a trim of your cuticles and buffing of your nails (or clear polish if that’s your jam) is a huge boost to your self-esteem.  A massage by one of our therapists is the right way to really hit the reset button on your body and balance you both physically and mentally.”

A big thank you to John, Christian, Adam, Adam, and Tom for taking the time to share their thoughts with us.  Ken, we’ll catch you next time!  

If you are still scratching your head at the difference between a barber and hair stylist I urge you read our previous blog post (What is The Difference Between a Barber and a Stylist?) – we’ve laid it all out in a super easy-to-understand infographic!

If you are interested in booking an appointment with one of our talented male stylists please click here.  Otherwise, thank you all for reading and we’ll be back soon for another great salon blog post!

Maddie Poteat Headshot

By: Maddie Poteat

What is the difference between a Barber and a Hair Stylist?  Does it matter?  Well, when it comes to male grooming, guys have a couple of options.  Aside from swanky shaving boutiques, “watch sports while you get your haircut” salons, and the classic men’s barbershop, the options for a men’s haircut boils down to two options: a Barber or a Hair Stylist.  While knowing the core differences between the two professions can be helpful, we argue that choosing one over the other because of their title isn’t the best way to go.

Making the Right Choice

In honor of Men’s Health Month, we’ve put together a thoughtful infographic detailing everything you need to know about Barbers and Hair Stylists – the tools they use, the skills they possess and the education they must attain.  It may surprise you to learn just how much the two professions have in common!  Make sure to read through to the end as we include our recommendation on how to choose the best option for you at the bottom.

Barbers Vs Hair Stylists

Sources:

Sherri Mahoney, Manager, Master Stylist, and Barber at Garbo’s Salon and Spa, Village Pointe

Arthur Lyle, Owner and Master Barber at Lyle Stylez & Cutz (@lylestylez_cutz)

How to Choose between a Barber and a Hair Stylist

The main difference between a barber and a hair stylist is the fact that a barber can use a straight edge razor to shave your face.  Now, the education piece is important as well.  While cosmetologists learn a variety of skills during their time at school, Barber’s do spend more time learning about the different cutting and styling techniques on men’s hair.  

With that being said, we argue that your decision between a barber and a stylist should come down to the professional and not the profession.  In our opinion, it doesn’t matter which license they hold – the quality of service, the integrity of the person, the commitment to their craft and their passion for the industry should matter much more.

Making Your Decision

The next time you are in need of a new stylist or barber here is our recommendation on how to choose between the two.

  1. Determine your desired cut/style – the type of style or cut you are after will help you narrow down the pool of potential hair cutters.
  2. Research your area’s best salons and barbershops (look at their work on their website or social media, read their online reviews, drop in for a quick consultation, or ask your friends and family for suggestions)
  3. Once you’ve chosen your preferred location, communicate with the guest services team.  More than likely they will know the ins and outs of each stylist or barber who works there – what they specialize in, what types of styles they are good at, what they enjoy doing, etc.  The guest services team will be able to place you with a person who can help you achieve the look you are going for.
  4. Over-communicate!  Every time you visit a new stylist or barber make sure you tell them exactly what your vision is.  Don’t be afraid to speak up during the appointment if the cut isn’t short enough or the look isn’t turning out as you thought it would.
  5. Bring in a photo as an example.  It never hurts to have a visual example of what you are looking for.

All in all, it is important to remember that most stylists these days are well trained and well equipped to handle any type of men’s haircut or style.  On the flip side, most barbers are equally as trained to handle women’s cuts and styles.  At Garbo’s, our stylists attend Men’s Cutting classes and Barberology courses each year in order to stay up to date on the latest techniques and trends.  When searching for a new place to get your haircut, make sure Garbo’s is on the top of your list!

A big thank you to both Sherri Mahoney and Arthur Lyle who helped fact check and provide valuable insight for this blog post.  Arthur has a new book out called “The Cutting Edge” – if you are a Barber or a Stylist and need help growing your business this book is a must read! 

Book Your Appointment Now

Read our Reviews: Midtown Crossing, Oak View Mall, Regency, Village Pointe

Check Out Our Work!

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

Maddie Poteat Headshot

By: Maddie

I love how a new season can bring with it the opportunity to start anew – to change things up a bit.  However, knowing what it is in style or on trend can be daunting – especially if you aren’t ready to make a drastic change.  Thankfully, this fall’s hair and beauty trends fall in a pretty broad range so we have plenty of room to freshen things up on our own terms.  I’ve rounded up my favorite styles, cuts and looks for the new season in hopes of giving you some inspiration, and maybe a little confidence to try something new!

90’s Inspired Hair Accessories

Get ready for a comeback!  As with so many things this season – what was old is new again.  Remember those Banana Clips and thick headbands you used to wear back when?  Well go pull them out from the dusty drawer you threw them in because they are back!  

Don’t be afraid to mix it up with these accessories – trade out your muted headband for a large neon one (also very in this fall) and wear it over your ears.  Instead of wearing one barrette pair it with a few more and stack them on top of each other.  Or, try stuffing all your hair into a large banana clip and wearing it higher on your head!  Need more inspo?  Check this site out for a few more ideas.

Hair Styles:

Low ponytails are super in style this season.  Get that baby as low as it will go while keeping the sides sleek and straight.  Pair this style with a bold middle part to shake things up a bit.

The hair scarf – my favorite trend this season!  There is no easier way to class up a simple look than tying a beautiful hair scarf around your ponytail or bun.  We are seeing both long and short scarves so don’t be afraid to mix things up and have some fun with this style!  Here are a few options I found online from Anthropologie (I have these and LOVE them), Amazon and J.Crew.

Girl With Scarf in Hair

Effortless big waves are always in style and they are still going strong this season.  Make sure you are using a heat protectant spray (Garbo’s has two great options: one that can speed up blow drying time and another that has a bit more hold to it).  If you want to avoid the heat altogether, try braiding damp hair and letting your strands dry to achieve a similar look.  Try Garbo’s Volume Infusion to really nail the natural look – this leave in spray will add a little bit of volume and definition while making the hair super soft and shiny.

Haircuts:

While there are many cuts that are in this season, two of my faves are:

The Wash and Go cut – the cut that allows your hair to be itself.  Let the hair dry naturally to take full advantage of this low maintenance ‘do.

The Bob – Another wash and go style that is cut just below the chin.  This style doesn’t have too many layers so it is perfect for you low maintenance ladies out there.

If these aren’t enough for you, check out a few more options here.

Aveda Hair Medium Cut - Blonde

Hair Color

As always, going dark for the fall is still popular.  However, there are so many different color browns to choose from so here are the three that jump out at us this month:

Deep Chestnut Brown – The perfect fall color for your hair.  No matter the skin tone, this color will look amazing on you and with anything you wear this season.

Light Understated Brown – Not quite as dark but not close to blond either.  This color is much more understated and is perfect for you if you want a more natural look.

Rose Brown – With just a touch of violet and pink, this color strays away from the boring.  This different take on the classic brunette color will give you the change you are looking for this season.

Freshening up your style for a new season doesn’t have to mean a drastic change.   The range of this Fall’s hairstyles, cuts and colors is pretty broad so finding your next ‘do while still staying on trend is easier then ever.  However, if drastic change is what you’re after that is totally “in” as well!

Whatever you are ready to try this season you can count on Garbo’s to help.  Bring in your wild and crazy ideas and put our stylists to the test – we are confident you’ll walk away looking amazing and feeling your best!

 

Sending Love,

Maddie