Goodbye Dry! Hello Spring!

It was a dry, cold winter here in Arkansas and we have seen our clients feeling the aftermath of dry scalp, hair, and skin! Get back in balance just in time for spring. Here are some tips and recommendations!

By Kelly Stuckey, owner and stylist

For Your Hair

• Stop washing your hair in hot water!  Extra heat will only dry it out farther and is actually damaging, especially for highlighted hair. That doesn’t mean you have to dial the temp back the entire time, but at least when you rinse your hair!

• Dry scalp or dandruff?  These 2 ailments are often confused and self diagnosed incorrectly.

1. Dry scalp is due to loss of moisture from the skin and can be caused by cold weather, product buildup, and even diet (example: caffeine). Signs and symptoms are itching and small white flakes that come off easily.  Our NaturalTech line has the Nourishing Royal Jelly scalp treatment made just to relieve dry itchy scalp. Aren’t local? Visit the Davines website salon locator to find a salon near you.

2. Dandruff is not caused by dryness, but rather an overgrowth of a harmless yeast due to too much oil (sebum) so it is very important to know which one you have so you can treat properly.  Dandruff flakes are larger, greasy and yellowish white in color, and harder to come off the scalp. You will experience itching and usually have scalp odor. The Davines NaturalTech Purifying Shampoo and Gel will get your dandruff under control and scalp feeling clean and healthy again.

• Dry hair needs extra moisture with some deep conditioning treatments. It’s always worth it to invest in a deep conditioner for your hair type to have on hand and use once every week or 2.

• Brush your hair… sounds simple, right? Many people do not brush their hair properly and only focus on the ends! Be sure your bristles really brush along your scalp and down through your ends. This will stimulate your scalp and bring down any oils you naturally produce to moisturize your hair. Investing in a quality hair boar bristle hair brush and hair oil like Davines Oi is another way to ensure scalp and hair health.

• Come see one of our stylists to help set you up with the right treatment and home plan to have your hair and scalp healthy for the season ahead!

Hannah Simpson, Senior Esthetician

For Your Skin

• Get rid of flaky, dry skin by exfoliating two to three times a week. After the stress of winter, our skin needs a pick me up and a light exfoliant is all you need to buff out unwanted cell buildup to leave glowing skin. If your skin is sensitive to physical exfoliants, try a gentle enzymatic exfoliant like Comfort Zone Essential Peeling or use cleansers rich in fruit antioxidants.

• Heavy creams are used during the winter to shield the skin from environmental factors. As humidity and heat increase, you should opt for a lighter weight moisturizer that can provide more water than oil. Adding a spritz of toner after cleansing is also key in hydrating the skin for a healthy result.

• Spring brings allergies, and allergies bring breakouts! Combat breakouts with a double cleanse. Wipes are an easy go to, but they actually can do more harm than good! Try the Jane Iredale Magic Mitt. All you have to do is add warm water to the mitt, and wipe away all of your makeup with ease. After, double cleanse your skin with a foaming gel cleanser to make sure all of your makeup has been removed.

• We swapped out our heavy cream moisturizers, now we need to swap out our heavy foundations! Choose a lighter weight foundation that contains SPF. Jane Iredale offers multiple coverage options that all contain a great amount of sun protection. UV rays thicken our skin, which cause MORE breakouts, so it’s time to protect your skin! The best part about Jane foundations are they do not harbor bacteria so you can save those winter colors for next season.

• Feed your skin. Our skin is the largest organ and receives nutrients last, which means we should be mindful of what we eat and drink. Drinking half our weight in water is ideal for optimal skin health. Salmon is rich in a fatty acid called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a type of omega-3 that naturally helps block the release of UV-induced enzymes that diminish collagen, causing lines and sagging skin. Salmon contains omega-3s that regulate oil production in the skin and boost hydration, which helps keep your complexion dewy and acne-free. Supplements are also a great way to directly feed your skin and Jane Iredale has formulated some of the best options for all skin types!

• Now is the time to book your custom facial with your favorite esthetician. A professional can evaluate your skin, and can help set your skin up for success this spring!

Every facial at Crown begins with the Comfort Zone Tranquility Ritual to encourage relaxation. 

Hair Extensions are Back: Truths & Myths

post written by Kelly Stuckey, Crown Beauty Bar and Crown Uptown Owner & Stylist

What do you think of when you hear “hair extensions?” Damaging? Expensive? Long hair? High maintenance? They look fake? Something only for the rich and famous?  I would love to shed some light on some of these myths and misconceptions on one of the top requested services in the beauty industry. It’s probably going to surprise you.

Hair extensions are damaging: True and False

In the wrong hands, hair extensions can be damaging. It requires proper application and education to the client on how to care for them. A stylist who has undergone training should know how to select the right kind of your hair type and goals, and how to apply and remove them without damaging your hair.

I personally believe properly applied extensions are no more damaging than bleach and highlights. In fact, many clients get them to add highlights to their hair instead of bleach.

Hair extensions are only for long hair: False

In our salon, we do extensions as often for thickening and to enhance hair color as we do them for length. Many women love the added texture and fullness they get with extensions!  Their hair will hold curl longer and actually make getting ready easier and more enjoyable. Even with shorter hair, Savvy can’t live without her Hotheads extensions for the fullness and style they put into her hair!

Hair extensions are high maintenance: True and False

You have to be committed to taking proper care of them, and investing in quality products to ensure they stay healthy. Yes, they take longer to blowdry and there is more hair to style. However, they hold curl really well and your style lasts longer!  Also, the added hair absorbs more oils from your scalp and will extend the days between washes. For me personally, I spend less time daily on my hair when I am wearing extensions. Now, the days I wash are more time consuming, but it’s worth it.

Hair extensions are expensive: True

The great news is there are several options out there for every budget and lifestyle. We have many people come in for a consultation expecting to pay more, and we have some who leave with sticker shock. Always go for real “remy” human hair. Remy means the hair strands are all assembled with the cuticle going in a downward direction like your own hair.  The best ethnicity is Indian hair because it’s a more natural texture that works well with all hair types. Quality hair is costly and this will reflect in the price. Also, the training and certification for the stylist is a large financial investment they have to recoup, not to mention the time it takes to properly apply and blend the hair. Bottom line, don’t ever get extensions on a deal. This is a perfect example of you get what you pay for.

Hair extensions always look fake: False

The color matching, cutting, and blending will make or break your look. For your hair extensions to look natural, there are considerations like using a variety of colors and putting in enough hair to allow for layers and blending into your own. Don’t skimp on amount of hair. If your stylist recommends a certain amount that is above your budget, hold off and keep saving. Don’t compromise by just getting less hair. It will show. You should be able to wear your extensions straight or curled!

Hair extensions are for the rich and famous:  False

We have clients that range from college students to young professionals to busy mommas. Some clients save up to invest in this service one time for a special season and some build it into their budget and wear them year-round.

At Crown, we offer a variety of brands and types of hair extensions.

SHE by Socap individual keratin bonds AKA hot fusion and strand by strand application. Socap is a 40 year old leading brand when it comes to hair extension quality with a wide range of colors and textures. These are ideal for all hair types, but especially for finer hair types because they can be cut in half for smaller bonds to apply to your fine hair.

ExtenClip by SHE by Socap is a 9 piece 100% natural hair clip-in system. We color match your natural hair and custom order your clip-ins, then show you how to put them in and blend them to your own hair. Prices range from $300-$400 depending on length.

HotHeads tape-in extensions use medical grade adhesive tabs of hair to add fullness, length and color. No heat needed, and the hair can be re-tabbed up to 3 times for extensive wear time with proper care. Ideal for all hair types.

The Band by HotHeads is a one-size fits all hair accessory you can apply yourself any time you want to add fullness, length and color to your hair. Unlike other wefts, there are no clips or hooks making it extremely comfortable to wear and easy to put in.

Becoming Bridal: A Timeline of Recommendations to have You Ready for Your Wedding Day.

Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding ceremony!  This is a special time of preparation full of joy, dreaming, decisions, and planning. You probably have a whole Pinterest board with ideas for your hair and makeup! We would like to help you with some of the details you may not be thinking of with this suggested timeline to help keep you on track. Tap on the blog title above to read on!

3-6+ MONTHS OUT:

ESTABLISH THE LOOK

• After you choose your dress and overall wedding theme, research styles of hair and makeup you would like for your wedding day.

• Start talking about your look with your stylist or researching to find a stylist if you don’t already have one.  Your stylist will be able to make recommendations about what you will need to be thinking about to achieve your desired look.

GET HEALTH CONSCIOUS

• Increase your daily water intake.

• Incorporating exercise will not only have you looking your best, but will also boost serotonin and help you cope with planning stressors.
• Do you take vitamins? If not, now is the time to start! We recommend taking a multivitamin, biotin, Skin Omegas and Skin Complete by Jane Iredale.

• Start teeth whitening now if needed.

HAIR

• Is your desired wedding day hair color lighter or darker than it is currently?  Now is the time to start working that direction!
• Are you wanting longer hair for engagement photos, bridal photos, showers and wedding day?  There are options for every budget:
  • Socap keratin bonded or Hot Heads tape-in extensions are our more permanent methods of all natural hair that will last you 4-6 months and cost anywhere from $300-$1500.
  • We also have more temporary options for daily wear with Socap clip-in extensions and Hot Heads The Band, both custom ordered to match your hair color and desired length.  These styles range from $350-$600, and include tips for how you can put them in.
  • Looking for a way to just boost your own hair growth? Davines Energizing and Regenesis products stimulate your scalp and aid in growth. Talk to your stylist about what is best for you!
• Need to get your hair in better condition?  Time to invest in conditioning treatments and salon quality products for optimum health and shine.  Davines NaturalTech products have a treatment line for every hair and scalp ailment.

SKIN & BODY CARE

• Start by getting a facial and talk to your esthetician about a home skin care regimen with professional facials every 4-6 weeks. Our brand, Comfort Zone, has a line for every skin type all with anti-aging results.

• Let’s talk eyelashes. Every woman wants longer, fuller eyelashes on her wedding day. Decide if you would like to have eyelash extensions, use a lash growth serum like RevitaLash, or just wear an eyelash strip during your engagement and wedding festivities.
  • RevitaLash Advanced Serum is $150 and lasts for approx 6 months!  You will start to see longer, fuller lashes within 6-8 weeks.
  • We recommend Xtreme Lash Extensions (available at Crown) if you are looking to wear individual extensions. A full set is $250 and you will need to get them filled ($1 per minute, usually $40-60) every 2-3 weeks.

• Never underestimate the power of properly shaped, full eyebrows. If your brows have been over tweezed or waxed, there is hope! RevitaBrow Advanced Serum ($150) will have new brow hairs growing back in within 8 weeks. We recommend putting your brows in rehab and not touching them at all during this time. No tweezing or waxing!  After 8 weeks, come in and see one of our brow artists so they can give you the perfect shape! Then maintain your look with a brow appointment every 4-6 weeks with no at-home tweezing!
• Body and bikini waxing. Now is the time to start a regular regimen of 4-6 weeks, if you do not regularly do them. Waxing those areas becomes less painful and irritating each time you do them, plus you need to know now if your skin will have adverse reactions. You would hate to get your first bikini wax the week of your wedding and be uncomfortable on your honeymoon!
  • Day of waxing tip: take some pain relievers about 30 minutes before your appointment.

4-6 WEEKS OUT:

HAIR & MAKEUP

• Schedule a trial run for your hair and makeup.  Trials are highly recommended to ensure the perfect interpretation of your desired wedding day look.
  • Do not flat iron your hair before a trial run, especially if your goal is loose, soft curls.
  • Let the stylist know about any hair accessories, veils, or considerations that you plan to have.
  • Take pictures you can save to look at on the wedding day.

• Finalize needed services for you and your wedding party so appropriate time and number of stylists can be scheduled on your wedding day.  Will you be doing services at the salon or on-location?  Keep in mind a stylist can always go onsite for a travel fee!

• Wearing hair extensions for the wedding day? We recommend wearing them for at least a month before so you have time to adjust to your new hair.  Our hair extensions last 4-5 months so you could also get them to wear throughout your entire engagement, and replace them with a new set 1 month before the wedding day.

SKIN AND BODY

• Do not make any changes to your birth control, skincare program, laundry detergent, etc. because you do not know how your skin will react!
• Keep maintaining your facial, brow, and lash regimen!

• Try out spray tanning now if you plan to get one before the wedding so you can make sure you like the color and see how long it lasts on your skin.  Our Norvell airbrush spray tan lasts 5-7 days depending on each person’s skin moisturization and the use of the recommended products.
  • Always come in with clean, exfoliated skin for your spray tan.  Avoid using lotion before your appointment, and shave your legs for better even application.
  • Be prepared to wait at least 8, but recommended 12 hours to shower. The tanning solution will darker over time so don’t be alarmed when you look in the mirror later!
  • Ensure your spray tan lasts as long as possible by keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized after your initial shower.

WEDDING WEEK

• Get your facial, massage, body waxing, lash fill, and brow shape early in the week to induce some relaxation before your guests start to get in town. This will allow time to remedy anything necessary and heal any minor irritation.
• Schedule your hair appointment 3-5 days before the wedding day.  It takes 72 hours for the cuticle to close after color and it looks best after day 3!  This will also allow time to adjust anything to your color or cut if needed.
• Plan ahead and talk with your bridal party to see if you are doing nails together or before the group is together for the wedding weekend.
• We recommend a spray tan 2 days before your big weekend.  Exfoliate and come in with clean skin free of all moisturizers and loose fitting clothing.  Allow the tan to develop for 7-24 hours and then shower with recommended pH balanced soap. Moisturize your skin regularly to maintain your tan and for even exfoliation to avoid patchy spots as it fades.
• Avoid high sodium foods and drinks!  Sodium holds 50 times its weight in water so you could shed an extra couple pounds of water weight.

WEDDING DAY

• Avoid wearing clothing or bras with tight straps to prevent red lines on your back and shoulders

• Get plenty of sleep the night before and drink lots of water!
• Don’t forget to eat something with protein that won’t cause bloating.

• Don’t be afraid to speak up if there is anything you want to adjust with your hair and makeup. It can always be taken down or wiped off and this is YOUR special day!!!

And lastly, HAVE FUN! Enjoy this day and the people you share it with.

New Year, New (Dream) Hair

Get your dream hair in 2018.

By Kelly Stuckey, owner and stylist

At the beginning of every new year, we start seeing all the articles about the top trends. I always get a kick out of the conflicting articles… Harper’s Bazaar says one thing and Allure says another, all based on who is writing the article and what advertisers are funding it. Here’s my opinion: trends are fun, but completely subjective, inconsistent and not for everyone. Stick with what works for your lifestyle and best accentuates your features! Instead of telling you that you need “Nirvana Blonde” like Selena Gomez or “Curtain Bangs” like Jennifer Lopez, I want to tell you to embrace and accentuate who YOU ARE. Take inspiration from whatever moves you, then talk with your stylist realistically about your goals and how to achieve them.

Your dream hair will only come after a thorough conversation with your stylist on what you hope for, an analysis of where you currently are, and a gameplan of how to get there. Have realistic goals to work towards and make sure you and your stylist are on the same page. Find a stylist you can communicate with and build that relationship because the best hair comes in sessions. Chances are if it is a big change, you can plan on spending more money and time so be prepared and enjoy the different looks you have in the process! My best advice is to see the same stylist 2-3 times before making a decision on if they are the right fit for you, unless the service was just terrible and you see no hope of improvement.

Things to consider:

1. Maintenance

• How quickly will my new growth show?
• How often am I willing to come in for touch-ups?
  • If you prefer salon visits to be spread out 3 months at a time, we recommend a color with a melted root or ombre.
  • More frequent salon visits mean you can take your highlights up to the root without looking unnatural before the next appointment.
  • Longer haircuts can go longer in between salon visits, but shorter looks need more upkeep and shaping.

• How will I commit to at-home care to preserve my look?
  • Paying top dollar for professional hair services and using drugstore hair care is similar to buying a beautiful silk blouse and home laundering it.
  • Your color will fade. Prevent the fade by using sulphate free products, washing your hair in cooler water, and shampoo less often.
  • Revive your color in between salon visits with a color-support conditioner like Evo Fabuloso Pro or Davines Alchemic.

      2.  Your Natural Undertones

• In natural light, hold out your arm. If the veins on the inside of your elbow look green, you have warm undertones, and blue veins mean cooler undertones.

  • Warm Undertones Characteristics:

    • Eyes: Brown, amber, hazel or yellow-green.

    • Hair: Strawberry blonde, red, brown, or black with gold, red, orange, or yellow undertones.

    • Cool hair colors will be harder to achieve.

  • Cool Undertones Characteristics

    • Eyes: Blue, gray, or blue-green.

    • Hair: Blonde, brown, or black hair with blue, silver, violet and ash undertones.

    • Cool hair colors will be easier to achieve and maintain. Warmer colors will most-likely wash you out.

WARM: Golden Color by Katie Thomas ^

COOL: Cool Beige Blonde by Katie Thomas ^

       3. It Might Not Happen in 1 Salon Visit

• How far away is this look from my current color?
• What is my previous hair history?
  • If you have ever used box-color (No shaming, I promise. We’ve all been there), you can get unexpected results. The color molecule is not as advanced as professional color and can react differently than expected.
• There is always the option to plan ahead. Schedule a complimentary 30 minute consultation with your stylist so they can give you an estimate of time and cost and plan accordingly to schedule out a day with you.

       4.  Tips for the Best Service

• Communicate. Tell them things you’ve liked and disliked in the past. Don’t be afraid to share, but please be kind!  We want to hit a homerun for you!
• How much time do you have to spend in the salon?  It’s always smart to discuss time with your stylist so you know how much time to plan for. We want to respect your time too!
• Bring a photo of yourself at a time when you LOVED your hair. That is always a great thing to show a stylist.
• If you have a photo of a celebrity, hold your thumb over their face and imagine your face in it.

• Are you on the go, pony-tail gal or spend time styling daily?
  • Often clients are drawn to a style in the photo, and associate it with the haircut. Ask yourself if you will style your hair like the photo?
  • Want to learn how to style your hair?  Schedule a Hair Instruction Appointment. This is a full hour dedicated to teaching you how to do everything from blow-dry to curl to braid!

• Be on time. The stylists want to do their best work and need every minute of the bookable timeframe to do so!
• Call within 24 hours to cancel. Stylists’ income solely relies on appointments and they want an opportunity to fill that spot if you can’t make it. We totally understand things come up though!

At Crown, we truly strive to make every client feel as beautiful on the inside as they look outside. We want to help you achieve your goals, accentuate what makes you unique, and make sure it fits your lifestyle. We do believe in the brands we carry and know we have a solution for any hair or scalp issue or dream you have!

2017 DAVINES HOLIDAY GIFT SETS ARE HERE!

Whether you're a diehard Davines product junkie or a new kid on the block, our Holiday gift sets are perfect for those looking for big savings on incredible hair products. 

Every year we look forward to the box design for these sets and this year did not disappoint! Encased in adorable rounds, every set is geared to a specific hair type. So which one is right for you, eh hm, we mean the person you're buying this gift set for? Below is a quick overview to help you find just the right set!

NOUNOU GIFT SET

This set contains an 8.45 fl oz. NOUNOU Shampoo, 8.45 fl oz NOUNOU Conditioner and a travel size Oi Oil. The NOUNOU line is ideal for bleached hair, with highlights, perm or relaxed. Its formula, characterized by a rich and full-bodied foam, is designed to gently cleanse treated hair, giving it body and nourishment.

The Oi Oil brings extraordinary shine and softness to the hair with a strong detangling and restructuring action. Say goodbye to frizz with it's anti-frizz effect. It also has strong anti-oxidant and anti-free radicals action.

The scent that characterizes the NOUNOU family has a citrus, spicy and aromatic note.

MINU GIFT SET

This set contains an 8.45 fl oz. MINU Shampoo, 8.45 fl oz MINU Conditioner and a MINU Hair Serum. The MINU line is ideal for colored hair. Its formula, characterized by a rich and full-bodied foam, is designed to gently cleanse colored hair, protecting the color and keeping it shiny for a longer period of time.

So what's the hair serum all about? It's crafted for all types of colored hair to allow the color to last longer. Its leave-on formula is designed to protect the duration of cosmetic color and to give extra shine to colored hair.

The scent that characterizes the MINU family has a citrus (orange blossom) and fresh note.

OI GIFT SET

This set contains an 8.45 fl oz. OI Shampoo, 8.45 fl oz OI Conditioner and a OI All-In-One Milk. This award winning line is great for all hair types. Milky-smooth OI Shampoo, infused with nourishing Roucou Oil, is the perfect daily shampoo to maintain soft, shiny and voluminous hair.

OI Conditioner is particularly suitable for giving hair extraordinary softness, shine and body. It also accelerates the drying process, protects the structure of the hair from damage caused by the heat of blow dryers and straighteners or by mechanical stress.

Oi All-In-One Milk has a particularly rich and nourishing formulation. It's benefits include: added shine, added softness and silkiness, excellent detangling power, facilitates combing of dry and wet hair, controls frizz, has an exceptional conditioning effect, gives body without weighing hair down, moisturizes hair, facilitates blow drying, heat protection and provides a longer-lasting hairstyle.

LOVE GIFT SET

This set contains an 8.45 fl oz. LOVE Shampoo, 8.45 fl oz LOVE Conditioner and a OI All-In-One Milk. Ideal for frizzy or unruly hair for a smooth look. Its formula, characterized by a soft and creamy foam, is designed to gently cleanse frizzy hair and favor styling, making the hair smooth. The conditioner favors straightening, giving elasticity and hydration.

This set, like the OI set, also features the OI All-In-One Milk. This milk has a particularly rich and nourishing formulation. It's benefits include: added shine, added softness and silkiness, excellent detangling power, facilitates combing of dry and wet hair, controls frizz, has an exceptional conditioning effect, gives body without weighing hair down, moisturizes hair, facilitates blow drying, heat protection and provides a longer-lasting hairstyle.

The scent that characterizes the LOVE family has a citrus and green note.

YOUR HAIR ASSISTANT GIFT SET

The newest line in the Davines family, the YOUR HAIR ASSISTANT line is a system comprised of seven exclusive sulfate and paraben-free products specifically formulated to obtain any kind of creative look while offering the highest performance possible in every phase of the perfect blow-dry: preperation, styling and finishing. This set features an 8.45 fl oz of Prep Shampoo, a 7.05 fl oz Mild Prep Cream, and a 8.45 fl oz Blowdry Primer.

Each product prepares the hair to receive the application of the next one, thus intensifying the result. Heat protection, shorter drying times, and anti-humidity action.

These elements are necessary in products aimed at ensuring perfectly blowdried hair and are the key features of the YOUR HAIR ASSISTANT line.

The line’s sophisticated fragrance, a bouquet of nocturnal jasmine softened by the freshness of mint, remains and is spread out evenly on the hair even after its application.

That's it! These items are in limited stock and they go fast so scoop one or two up quick the next time you're in either Crown location! If you have any questions, just give us a shout! Happy Holidays!

Calley's Braided Top Knot Tutorial

Calley shows you a half updo using braids and a top knot and how to style the lower half with a beachy wave look that holds it's texture. Products featured by Davines and Evo Brands. A Crown Beauty Bar production.

Clip-In Extensions Tutorial with Catherine

Clip-in extensions are the easiest way to give your hair the length and thickness you want. Catherine shows you how she wears her SHE by So.Cap clip-in extensions.

Overnight Curl Tutorial With Bree

Today Bree shows us how she gets her bouncy morning curls without the frizzy hair that usually comes with it!