Color out of a box?

The financial crunch is upon us, and if you are like most people you are looking for ways to cut down on your expenses from dropping the morning latte for coffee at the office, watching Netflix instead of going to the movies, cooking dinner at home instead of dining out, coloring your hair from a box.... wait wait wait.... Before you go to such drastic measures make sure this is truly a service you feel comfortable performing yourself and know the facts.

Many of the "do it at home" color kits claim to be ammonia and peroxide free, only to contain an ammonia or peroxide derivative in the ingredients. The damage this can cause often takes months (if not years) to return the hair to its natural healthy state.

These so called "semi-permanent" color kits, lead one to believe that the color will wash-out in a few weeks or until one can get back to a professional colorist.  Usually this type of color will result in a definite line of demarcation, an undesirable tone and most often a botched application.  Professional colorists would have challenges applying their own color so it is understandable why so many people have a challenge with home coloring products.

I see a fair amount of clients who come into the salon, close to tears with an unsuccessful home application hoping & praying for a quick fix.  As professional colorists we are grossly limited in what we can do to the hair without further damaging it after it has been treated with these types of chemicals.   The time and expense to perform color corrective services is on average about twice what a normal appointment with a professional colorist would cost, not to mention the damage at home products can cause to the hair.

So as the financial crisis takes hold on every part of our society we urge you to consider your best options, before going for a quick fix.  A professional color application specifically formulated for you is a good, albeit more expensive investment for your hair that will save you money in the long run.

Ladies, lets talk basics.  If you want to be known as stylish women, you need to own the LBD (Little Black Dress.)

The Little Black Dress, as it is known today, was a creation of Coco Chanel's.  Before she re-introduced it as a dress for the daytime, it was intended as a garment for mourning.  When Paul Poiret came up to her while she was wearing one of her first little black creations, he asked, "For whom, Madame, do you mourn?"  She cheekily responded, "For you, Monsieur."  I personally mourn for the woman who does not own one of the most important pieces of clothing for her wardrobe.

Here are some basic guidelines for selecting and wearing your Little Black Dress:

Choose the best fabric you can find, nothing too tight or too shiny.

Avoid being accused of "playing it safe."  Make sure to accessorize with a statement piece such as a dangerous stiletto, bold jewelry, etc.

It is commonly said that you only need one; I say get two at a minimum.  I personally own five in different styles: Cap Sleeve, Sleeveless, Illusion Sleeve, and one that the hem hits mid-calf which I can use as a cocktail dress.

Once your closet is complete with your basics, you can then splurge on those trendy items that will pass along with the seasons.

Here is the video of the live photoshoot we did at Congress.  It gives you a little perspective of what it is like to be on stage.

Creative Loafing has just announced in their most anticipated issue of the year there  "Best of Awards for Atlanta," that Van Michael Salon is once again  the top choice of their readers.  This marks the 52nd Best Salon award Van Michael has received from various media.

What a pleasure it is to be noticed as the best and a salon that continues to build its reputation instead of just resting on it.  Thanks again for all those who voted and choose Van Michael as their salon.

Creative Loafing best of Awards