Fall marches on !

   It's been awhile since my last post. I've been busy painting, remodeling and sprucing up the Salon for the Holidays and I needed a little time to refresh and renew my spirits. Speaking of spirits, I thought I would share with you some of the hi-lights of this years Downtown Merchants Trick or Treat. We have such a good time with it every year, watching the children run around in their costumes in an agitated state of excitment brought on by the magic of the day and the sugar buzz that we're happy to help provide them with.

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Conditions as it Shines

                                                Reflections Hair Polish

Science meets nature with our lastest creation at Vincent's Hair Design. Reflections Hair Polish is a conditioning gloss that gives your hair superior, natural looking shine while providing essential nutrients to overcome the effects of thermal, environmental and chemical damage in your hair. Our product is 100% natural with no chemicals, preservatives or artificial color, making it safe for use on color treated and natural blonde hair. It is made from a synergistic blend of essential oils that are suspended in a light, nourishing oil base. Reflections Hair Polish is good for all hair types. Just 2-5 drops added to your daily hair care regimen will give you soft, silky hair the shines with natural radiance. It's nutrient rich formulation reduces frizziness, calms fly aways and revitalizes tired, damaged hair.

   Used each day as directed, a one ounce bottle of this highly concentrated product will provide you with healthy, shiny, more manageable hair for two to six months. For a limited time we are offering Reflections Hair Polish at an introductory price of $19.95, Making it about half the cost of similar products that are available. Once we find a distribution for this sensational, new product the price will go up. So we urge you to take advantage of this offer and come in and treat your hair to the best that nature has to offer it.

   Reflections Hair Polish has been created by and is produced and sold exclusively at Vincent's Hair Design in Valparaiso, IN.

Happy Labor Day!

   I hope that eveyone has a great time celebrating the last "Hoorah" of the season. This is our last chance to wear our summer clothes before we put them away. Next week it's time to break out the Fall wardrobe, wich is also a great time to think about changing your hairstyle. We're starting to see some movement in hair again, long, loose curls and a little more volume for those of you with longer locks. For shorter hair, choppy, unstructured movement still seems to be a good choice but we are moving away from the unblended looks that have been popular for the last couple of years. Classic taylored looks are starting to make their appearance as well.
   It's also a good time to have your color adjusted for the season. Summer hi-lights and sun bleached colors will leave you looking washed out when your tan has faded. A trick I use for my blonde guests during the late Fall/Winter is to weave fine ribbons of red thru their color. You don't really see it but it warms up their skin tones making them look more vibrant and alive. This is a great time of year for brunettes and red heads and there are a lot of little tricks that we use at the Salon to enhance the natural beauty of their hair as well. Fine weaves of reds, golds, maybe some low-lights, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination. So, celebrate the colors of the season and treat yourself to a new look today.

For styling versatility.....

   One of my favorite styling products from KENRA, Styling Creme! This product is perfect for any style, texture and length of hair. Provides the hair with shine, thermal protection and light conditioning in a touchable, medium hold formulation to define and maintain your style.Perfect for cocktailing with other KENRA products to create signature formulations to meet your individual needs. Also great for men.

Summer goes by much too quickly

   Now that the Fair has come and gone it seems like Summer is coming to an end. In a couple of weeks school will be back in session wich means we'll be busy getting everyone ready to greet their peers. Already the teachers are starting to trickle in, getting coifed and colored and ready to meet a new group of students as a new year begins. Football games and Fall sweaters, warm, sunny afternoons and enough chill in the evenings to let you know that you're alive, that you exist. Harvest festivals and falling leaves amidst a season set ablaze with color, the splendor of the upper midlands in all of its glory.
   I know you don't want to think of it but the inevitable shall soon be upon us. While we wait, my prayer for all of you is that you enjoy the season while it lasts and take from it all of the pleasure it has to offer you.  Live, laugh and love like tomorrow may not come, for soon the seasons offerings shall abate and the dream of summer will be just that, a dream that we once had.

Spray Starch!!!

   No, not the type that you spray on your laundry before ironing, today we're going to tell you about Redken's Spray Starch 15. This is a great product for all of you that like a smooth, glossy finish on your flat ironed hair. It has a long-lasting styling memory for all day-all night control but it leaves your hair feeling clean. Redken's exclusive Bonding System usess potato starch extract to help protect your hair from cuticle loss due to heat styling. Spray Starch 15 helps control static in your finished style and it's non-stick clean formula won't build up on heat appliances. So wether you are crimping, curling or straightening Redken's Spray Starch 15 is a good choice for your arsenal of styling products. Come in and try some today!

Tuesday!

   For those of you that have been following us, you know what that means. It's time for a product review! Will the excitment never cease? I know, I know, but we are a Hair Salon and we are excited to carry perhaps some of the finest haircare products on the planet. Enough drama for today, I'll get on with it.

   Today we will talk about Hot Sets 22 from Redken. This is one of my wife's favorite products.It is a thermal styling mist that creates heat styles that have shine and staying power in a formula that protects hair from heat damage without building up in the hair.Used on damp hair, Hot Sets 22 instantly locks in styles with lasting control. Perfect for use one dry hair when using flat or curling irons.Hot Sets 22, try

some today!

Hot,Hot,Hot!!!

   We've all heard reference of the dog days of summer and it seems like that is what we've been experiencing this week. Temperatures in the lower100's, dangerous heat indices, humidity dripping off of your skin and everytime you step outside it feels like your stepping into a scene from Dante's Inferno and you find yourself wondering wich circle of Hell you have just walked into. Sometimes the best thing that you can do is find a cool, comfortable spot in the shade, curl up and sleep and dream of cooler days.
    It looks like we will be ending the week on the same note that it began, HOT!  Relief is on the way, the temperature is supposed to cool next week making things a little more comfortable for those of you planning to enjoy the Porter County Fair. Woo, Hoo. Festival food, face painting, carnival rides and animals everywhere so watch your step, it doesn't come your off shoes very easily.
    There really isn't anything new or exciting this week to share with you. We are still waiting to hear from the guy who is designing our web-page. It should be up soon. We're  working on getting video content on our blog. We've tried everything but we're not having any luck. If any of you know what we might be doing wrong we would really appreciate some help or advice.I hope everyone has a safe and fun filled weekend. Stay cool and keep hydrated. Me?I'll be doing some research on ancient beauty secrets, thought it would make interesting blog material. First I'm gonna follow Bella's example and take a little cat nap before the weekend begins.

Humbled by a Weed

     It's Saturday, the traditional end of a Hairdressers week.It's quiet in the salon. The staff has left and are on their way to a well deserved rest and the pleasures that the weekend has to offer. I'll warn you that todays posting isn't what you might expect to find on blog for a hair salon but after 60 postings of traditional information,I thought I would try my hand at something a little different. I hope you don't mind and I assure you that come Tuesday, I'll be back to business as usual.
     I'm a smoker. I know that it's a nasty, vile habit that is detrimental to my health. My Doctor has told me countless times that I should quit and my wife hints at how happy she would be if I were to give up the cigarettes. I'm sure that I will soon, well that's the plan anyway. I do have some profound moments of inspired thought while quietly enjoying my habit in the alley next to the Salon. Today for example, while induldging myself in my habit, I noticed a curious situation that I'd not noticed before.A weed has taken root in between the building across the alley and the asphalt patch that the Street Department put down last summer. Bright, vibrant green, leafy, bushy and quite healthy it grows in defiance of the artifice that surrounds it, piles of bricks and morter, wood, concrete and the seemingly endless veneer of asphalt that spreads across the land.The mark of man's perceived dominance over everything upon the earth both great and small.

   Suddenly I felt very small next to this noble specimen that grew with no visible soil in which to spread its roots and thrive, living simply by its determination to live, to survive.I realizid in that moment that my existence was of no more importance than my noble, green companion.It made me think of how strong life's force is and how arrogant we are to think that we have the power  and the ingenuity to destroy the earth on which we live. The earth existed long before we became a blemish on its surface and so shall it continue long after we have gone. It has been a gracious host to our species but one day it shall grow tired of our greed, our arrogance, our lust for domination and shall chew us up and spit us out as something else and we shall be no more.

    As I finished up the last of my cigarette, I looked up and down the alleyway and beheld tufts of green growing everywhere, thriving in the filth of man's creation and I smiled to myself knowing that when we are gone, life shall continue on. I carefully snuffed out the remnant of my induldgence, threw it in the garbage can and went back into the Salon, all smiles to greet my next guest. I don't think the weed  paid any attention to the fact that I had left.

Satinwear 02 by Redken

   The ultimate blow-dry lotion. Formulated with Redken's exclusive Bonding System this product helps reduce friction and breakage for faster, easier, stress free blow drying. Great for all hair types it is especially ideal for distressed hair since it eases the stress of blow drying. Satinwear's light weight formula leaves the hair controlled with shiny smoothness and a touchable finish. Contains UV filters and antioxidants to protect your haircolor from fadage. So, if your looking for a lightweight product to protect your hair from thermal damage caused by blow drying and flat ironing and that will keep your color looking fresh, come in and try some today!

New from KENRA

   We are excited about the new offering from KENRA, their Nutrient Styling Foam.This product works best for fine to medium hair types. it's alcohol free, light weight formulation conditions and detangles while providing your hair with lasting softness and light control leaving your hair looking and feeling healthy. It is made with soy + rice amino acids to improve hair strength. Rich in antioxidants and botanical extracts it conditions and protects leaving your hair smooth, shiny and more manageable. Nutrient Styling Foam provides your hair with thermal and UV protectants and is humidity resistant making it the perfect product for summer-stressed hair. Come in and try some today!

Reflections

                                            REFLECTIONS HAIR POLISH

                                    Conditions as it Shines

   Science meets nature with our latest creation at Vincent's Hair Design. Reflections Hair Polish is a conditioning  gloss that gives your hair superior, natural looking shine while providing essential nutrients to overcome the effects of thermal, environmental and chemical damage in your hair. Our product is 100% natural with no chemicals, preservatives or artificial color, making it safe for use on color treated and natural blonde hair. It is made from a synergistic blend of essential oils that are suspended in a light, nourishing oil base. Reflections Hair Polish is good for all hair types. Just 2-5 drops added to your daily hair care regimen will give you soft, silky hair that shines with natural radience. It's nutrient rich formulation reduces frizziness, calms fly aways and revitalizes tired, damaged hair.

   Used each day as directed, a one ounce bottle of this highly concentrated product will provide you with healthy, shiny, more manageable hair for two to six months.For a limited time we are offering Reflections Hair Polish at an introductory price of $19.95, making it about half of the cost of similar products that are available. Once we find distribution for this sensational, new product the price will go up. So we urge you to take advantage of this offer and come in and treat your hair to the best that nature has to offer it.

   Reflections Hair Polish has been created by and is produced and sold exclusively at Vincent's Hair Design in Valparaiso, IN.

  

For fine, limp hair!

   Redken's Body Full is the solution for fine, flat, limp hair. The shampoo gently cleanes and removes styling product build-up while infusing the hair with long lasting anti-gravity volume and touchable fullness. The conditioner is an ultra light weight detangler formulated with their Nonstop Volume Complex to plump up fine strands with bodifying strength. After cleansing and conditioning, apply Redken's Instant Bodifier volumizing foam to pump up the volume in your fine hair or try  their Volume Amplifier thickening lift spray for all over fullness. If you have fine limp hair, you need these products. Come in and get some today!   

Saturday!!!

   It's Saturday and the end a a very busy week. It looks like the weather has turned in our favor and Summer has blessed us with it's presence. I was hoping to post our first test video today but due to thechnological difficulties it will have to be put off for a bit. Technology is a great thing when it's working right. When it's not it only serves to remind you of how unsophisticated you truly are.
   Thanks to Dean Bane we now have a new ceiling in the shampoo room. He does beautiful work, so if you live in the area and need any projects attended to around your house or business, he's the man for the job. I've enclosed a picture of it that I took while lying back in the shampoo bowl so that you can see what it will look like on your next visit. That's the only exciting thing that has happened this week. I'm running out of ideas to address on the blog so as always, your questions and comments are always welcome.
   I thank you for visiting our little sector of cyberspace and I hope everyone gets out to enjoy the beautiful day we are having. Until next next week, peace, love and enjoy the day.

Staff Pick of the Week

   Do you use a lot of styling products on your hair? Do you have a pool or a hot tub? Hard water? Redken's Hair Cleansing Cream is what you need. Formulated for all hair types to clarify the hair and help remove mineral and styling product build up leaving your hair feeling fresh and healthy. The perfect companion for your gym bag if you are a swimmer.

12:16

  As of 12:16PM yesterday, Summer has officially arrived in the region. That means that a lot of you will be taking advantage of what the season has to offer. Sun, fun and frivolity, lazy days at the beach spent bronzing your body in the golden sunlight, outdoor festivals, concerts, barbeques and afternoons at the pool. All of these activities are excellent ways to while away the season but they can have a devastating effect on your hair and skin if you're not carefull. Here are a few tips to keep your hair healthy, silky, shiny and manageable all summer long.

   Use professional Salon products on your hair especially if your hair is color treated. Make sure that the formulations you are using contain UV inhibitors that give your hair some protection from the sun's damaging rays. Your stylist is the best place to start. They know your hair and can tell you wich products are best suited to your hair and it's needs.

   Condition, condition,condition! Your hair will need a little extra moisture if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Use a light, moisturizing conditioner after every shampoo. Apply a leave-in conditioner to your hair before your styling products and atleast once a week give your hair a deep moisturizing treatment such as KENRA'S Nourishing Masque. This is one of my personal favorite products for rejuvenating dry, damaged, stressed out hair.

   If you are going to be swimming, wether in a pool or at the beach, use a clarifying shampoo as soon as you can to help remove any chemicals or minerals from your hair. Incidently, if your hair has experienced that strange green cast after being in a pool, it's not from the chlorine, it is from the high copper content that we have in the water in our area.  The chlorine acts as a bleaching agent, opening the cuticle layer of the hair, allowing it to become saturated with water. As the sun dries your hair, the water evaporates and leaves behind a mineral deposit in the open cuticle layer. If you have ever seen what happens to a copper pot that is left out in the elements it suddenly becomes clear why your hair has turned a not so pleasant shade of green. If you should experience this, don't panick, give us a call. At Vincent's Hair Design we have a deminaralization treatment that will remove the impurities while restoring your hair to it's natural, healthy state.

   If you're going to be lounging around the house enjoying the sun,give your hair a mini spa treatment. Apply a moisturizing treatment to your hair, cover it with a plastic processing cap and let the sun's heat work it's magic on your stressed out hair.These are just a few tips that will keep your hair in it's optimum condition this Summer. As always we look forward to your questions and comments. At Vincent's Hair Design, our job is to help keep you looking your best.

Happy Father's Day!

   Saturday is here marking the end of another busy week at the Salon.It will be an even busier Sunday, we're replacing the ceiling in the shampoo room and hoping everything goes smoothly and with no gliches so that we can open on Monday with monimal mess left behind.
   Things are really starting to roll for Amanda and Evan, their appointment books are starting to fill up, so if you would like to experience the talents of these fabulous young stylists you should make your appointments soon. I'm proud of them. It is unusual to find young people in this day and age that have such dedication to their craft, talent and a strong work ethic. I guess I should also thank their parents for instilling these values in them.

   Speaking of parents, it's Fathers Day tomorrow, the time of the year that we honor our Fathers, bestowing upon them tokens of our appreciation, more ties with clever sayings that they only wear under great duress, gadgets and gizmos and cheap cologne.I can't celebrate in such fashion as my Father has been gone for a very long time, leaving this world much sooner than he should of. I would like to take a moment and pay tribute to my Dad. He was part of the Greatest Generation, the ones we can thank for the things that we have now.My Father was a real "mans'" man,as many of that byegone age were, hard as nails and as strong as a bull. He wasn't particularly warm and fuzzy, he was never one to say I love you, although there was never any doubt in our minds that he did. His actions spoke louder than any words ever could. He took great pride in our accomplishments and taught us that there was no shame in our failures. He taught us to be fair and honest in our dealings, to take pride in the things that we did as well as ourselves and to work hard but to take a little time to enjoy all of the pleasures, large and small, that life has to offer.

   I was always amazed by the fact that there didn't seem to be anything he couldn't do if he put his mind to it and I learned thru his guidance that there was nothing I couldn't do if I so had the desire. His sense of humor was dry and sarcastic and hilarious if you knew how to take him and if there was anything I truly miss about him, that would be it. But I don't really miss him, although he no longer walks this earth he is still a part of me and always will be. So tomorrow when my work is done, the mess is cleaned up and all is put right, I'll hoist my glass high in a silent toast to a man who once was . The man whose shadow I exist in. Happy Father's Day!

Nature's Rescue by Redken!

   Nature's Rescue is a new collection of paraben-free,sulfate-free and silicone-free haircare essentials that have been formulated with plant and marine extracts, that remove impurities and build-up while helping to nourish the hair. REDKEN'S exclusive Sea Algae Complex provides moisture and protection for stressed out hair while the cooling sensations and ocean inspired fragrances make your shower experience as relaxing as a day at the beach. These fabulous new products come to you wrapped in packaging made from up to 100% post consumer recycled  materials. Nature's Rescue can be used daily, weekly or on alternate days with your regular products. A must have addition to your at home haircare regimen!

Saturdays Rock !!!!

   It's the end of the week and the first, although unofficial, weekend of summer. If you're headed out to the beach don't forget your sunscreen and keep your hair covered  if that's possible. You wouldn't want that beautiful, new color that all of your friends are envious of to be faded by the sun and fun and long gone by Monday.
   There's nothing new to share with you this week except for the fact that one of our "Staff Pick" products that we reviewed a couple of weeks ago has been discontinued by Redken.( I hate when that happens). So if you're a fan of Redken's Contour 08, stock up on it while it is still available.
   The play Chicago opened at the Memorial Opera House last night. If you get the chance,get out and see the fantastic retro styles that our Amanda designed for their production. She does such a wonderfull job and we're all very proud of her.
  As always, we look forward to your questions and comments concerning your hair. We hope everyone has a fun and safe weekend.

Staff's Pick of the Week

   This week's Staff Pick is REDKENS Ringlet 07. It is a medium hold lotion for medium curly hair that refines ringlets, boosts shine, calms frizz and conditions for a smooth, glossy finish. With Ringlet 07 there is no need to hide those beautiful curls any longer. Save 10% on your purchase of Ringlet 07 this week!

Happy Memorial Day!

   Wow, it's hard to believe that the year is almost half gone and Summer is just around the corner. We've been as busy as ever getting everyone coifed and colored in anticipation of the season. I hope that you have a fantastic weekend and that you are safe in your travels. Please take a few minutes during the fun and festivities to give thanks to and  remember those who have served us so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we have. With that said, it's time to lock up the doors, go home and fire up the grill and pour off a long cool one.

Staff's Pick of the Week

   This weeks Staff Pick is REDKEN'S Guts 10. It is a medium hold, lightweight mousse that is designed to provide lift and volume. It is good for all hair types but is particularly effective for people with fine hair it provides them with volume and fullness in their finished style. Come in and try REDKEN Guts 10 this week and save 10% on your purchase.

Meet Amanda

   Amanda has been with us for a year and a half. She has been a stylist for the past five years. Her young, fresh ideas lend a certain aire of color to our Salon.

   "I know that I have chosen the right profession. I am excited about finding the latest trends in hair and fashion and sharing them with my guests so that they always feel stylish and current. I love making a difference and seeing the happiness and confidence I inspire in my guests with the looks I create for them. I consider them as friends and enjoy hearing their stories and learning about their lives.I believe that a good consultation is the key to meeting people's expectations."

   "Men need to look good too, so for the next week I amm offering $5.00 off a men's haircut and 10% off your next purchase of Redken for Men, when you mention our blog or FB page."

The End is near.....

   The end of the week, that is, and what a splendid week we've had.  We're happy about our new association with ValpoLife. I hope that you take the time to explore some of our fellow businesses in  downtown Valparaiso on your next visit to our Salon.There are truly treasures to be found in our community.
  Amanda will be doing hair for the stage production of  Chicago put on by the talented people at the Memorial Opera House. We're proud of her and hope that you can make it out to see her talent presented on stage. There are few things in our industry that are any more fun than doing hair for a theatrical production, the smell of the grease paint, the roar of the crowds, all experienced from chaotic world of life behind the stage.
  As far as the end of the world is concerned, if it truly comes today, I take great pleasure in knowing that I will go out while doing what I love the most, surrounded by the people that mean the most to me: My Wife, my Staff and all of our fabulous guests. I hope everyone enjoys the weekend.

Staff pick of the Week

   This Week's Staff Pick is REDKEN Contour 08. It is a madium hold styling lotion that gives the hair shape while blow drying and provides flexibility when allowed to dry naturally. It has been designed with optimized styling resins for humidity resistant, long lasting control with no flaking, stickiness or build up. Save 10% when you purchase Contour 08 this week.

Meet Becky

   Becky has been a part of our team for thirteen years. She is a veteren of our industry with more than thirty five

 years of experience. She was a successful salon owner for thirteen years before becoming a member of our staff.
   "I love being a hairstylist. My guests are much more to me than "customers", I consider them as my extended family.This is the most rewarding career that there is' making people feel good about their appearance and themselves."
   "I believe that the products that you use make all the difference in the way your hair looks and feels, therefore I would like to treat you to a free REDKEN reconditioning treatment with your next color service. Be sure to mention that you saw it on our blog!"

End of the Week

   A chilly, damp May morning. We're busy today with wedding parties and prom styles. I hope that the weather improves for everyone's special occasions.They say that it is good luck if it rains on your wedding day but I can't help wondering wether this saying was coined to calm the nerves of some ancient bride long ago. It's interesting where our traditions come from such as the wedding bouquet and carrying the bride over the threshhold. I may expose some of these traditions in the future if anyone is interested but for now it's time to get back behind my chair with a handfull of pins, and twirl my curling iron for the sake of our Brides and young girls fancies. Best wishes for the weekend for everyone!

Friday!!!

   It's Friday and we're all excited about the little taste of Summer we've experienced for the last couple of days. It seems that everyone is in a frantic rush to get high-lights or a new, fresh look for the season yet to come, so don't put off making your appointment, our book is filling up quickly.
   We have some new surprises in store for you in the next couple of weeks. We just bought video equipment and will be posting as soon as we figure out the equipment. Please be sure to come back often to see what we're up to. Thank you again for taking the time to visit us.

Staff's Pick of the Week

   REDKEN'S Anti-Snap is one of my personal favorite products. It is a leave-in treatment that gives strength to overly processed, thermally damaged hair. It provides heat protection, reduces friction from brushing and helps to prevent breakage and split ends. Anti-Snap has been formulated with Interlock Protein Network and Fortifying Complex wich delivers protein and ceramide to help fortify damaged areas and protect internal strength while reinforcing surface protection and shine. This product is a must have for those of you that use a round brush and blow dryer and/or a flat iron on your finished style and is great if your trying to grow your hair out.

Meet Alicia

   Alicia is our Salon Coordinater and has been with us for sixteen years. She is responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly and that everyone is happy.

   "I love chatting with the guests and making them feel welcome and comfortable. It is a challenge to keep the appointment book straight and the stylists happy and on time for their guests. My roles here are vast and varied. I never know what I might have to do from one minute to the next but I'm always up for the challenge."

   "I'm not a stylist so I can't offer you a special on any of our services but for the next week I would like to invite you to save 10% on any REDKEN product when you mention our blog or our FB page."

Prom Hair 2011