By Deborah L. Frazier

Ah, spring is here! It’s time to pack away our heavy winter coats and boots, and dig out our brightly colored spring dresses and sandals for the season ahead.

While Many of us not only try to create a new, fresh palate in our closets this time of year but in our makeup bags, as well. One of the best ways to get healthy, glowing skin for spring is to ditch your winter makeup and experience the benefits of mineral makeup.

Mineral Makeup 101

Mineral makeup is made up of micronized mineral bases that contain concentrated pigments without dyes or fillers. Regular makeup is produced using ingredients that can be harmful to your skin, such as talc, dyes, oils, and chemical synthetics. All of these can block pores, irritate skin and cause inflammation. Unlike regular makeup, mineral makeup allows skin to breathe and function normally. It is easily applied, lightweight, and offers complete coverage that often outlasts normal makeup by hours. Because mineral makeup is noncomedogenic and oil-free, it is a perfect alternative for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

In Dawn Career Institute’s Esthetician program and at our New Beginnings Spa, we encourage the use of Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup line for all skin types. Both students and clients love it for its healthy benefits and easy application.  Many of our clients tell us they love Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup for its sheer coverage and light, breathable feeling. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons also suggest mineral makeup as a great way to cover up skin discoloration and redness.

Be Sun-Savvy

As you pick out your new makeup for spring, it’s also important to remember what needs to go under your makeup. While you should be wearing sunscreen year-round, now, more than ever, you should be diligent about your daily application of sunscreen with the increased sun exposure during the spring. Simply apply a layer of broad-spectrum sunscreen on your face before you put on your foundation. Mineral makeup can also give you a double barrier from the sun thanks to its ingredients of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are natural UVA and UVB blockers.  However, never rely on makeup alone.

Also, instead of hitting the tanning bed this spring, save some time and money and avoid the risk of skin cancer and skin damage by using sunless tanning gel.  At Dawn Career Institute’s New Beginnings Spa, we like to recommend St. Tropez and Bronze Biologic cosmeceutical spray tans.

Your Spring Look

At New Beginnings Spa, many of our clients come in this time of year ready to change up their look. Rather than the matte, powdered look of winter, they’re ready to have a brighter, more natural look with many pretty colors. Our students often suggest bright pinks, reds, and mangos for lips and cheeks, as well as using bronzer to give skin that sun-kissed, dewy appearance. Here’s a favorite Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup routine we use at the New Beginnings Spa to get our clients ready for spring:

• Start with an exfoliation treatment, such as A Natural Difference Mango Peel, which will wash away dead skins cells and reveal the glowing, dewy skin you’re wanting

• Spitz on Jane Iredale D20 Hydration Spray – this spray will set your skin and keep it hydrated

• Apply Dream Tint® for a sheer,
light coverage

• Use Rose Dawn Bronzer for extra shimmer – this can be used on the cheeks, eyes. or as a highlighter

• Use Eye Gloss on your eyelids in shades Aqua Silk or Pink Silk to make your eyes pop with color

• Finish with Pink Lip Definer and Just Kissed Lip Plumper in the color L.A. for bright poppy-colored lips

This look is a great way to try out mineral makeup and incorporate fresh, spring colors in your beauty routine.  If you’ve never tried mineral makeup, this spring is a great time to check it out.  You will love the lightweight feeling, your glowing complexion and getting your springtime look more naturally!

Want to learn more….

Dawn Career Institute can prepare you for a career in the beauty and wellness industry! Students in DCI’s Esthetician program can learn how to perform facials, waxing treatments, microdermabrasion, makeup application and many more skin care procedures. The New Beginnings Spa at Dawn Career Institute also offers students an excellent opportunity to gain professional experience working with real clients.

Dawn Career Institute is located in Wilmington, Del., and offers convenient day and evening classes, along with helpful job placement assistance to all students. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. It’s time to begin your education to become a professional in the beauty and wellness industry!

Learn more today at www.VisitDCI.com or call 1-800-495-8260.

Dawn Career Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
For useful consumer information, please visit us at www.dawncareerinstitute.edu/consumerinfo.

By Lisa Torbert – MS, CADC, Owner, Massage Therapist, QRA Practitioner, Yoga Instructor, pH Testing, Nutritional Healing

By: Dr. Howard Goldstein,

As Urogynecologists, we frequently hear this question. Many women have never heard of this specialty that focuses on very common problems of the pelvic floor, which involve different organ systems.

The medical term “pelvic floor” refers to the organs and systems in a woman’s pelvis. These structures include the bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum as well as the surrounding muscles, tissues, and nerves.  Because many of these organs are connected and are located in a very close area, problems with one organ or system often create problems with others.

A urogynecologist is a physician who completes an obstetrics and gynecology residency and then completes a fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery.  The fellowship consists of three years of additional training focusing on advanced treatment options including both surgical and non-surgical therapies used to treat problems with the pelvic floor.  During this three-year training, we spend a substantial amount of time training with urogynecologists, urologists, and colorectal specialists, among other specialties. This comprehensive training allows a urogynecologist to be well-versed in caring for women with a broad range of problems, including but not limited to urinary incontinence (leakage when you cough, exercise, have sex, move around, etc.) and pelvic organ prolapse (dropping of the bladder, bowels or uterus through the vagina).

Having a baby is one of the most common reasons women become incontinent or have other problems with organs in the pelvic area.  Training in obstetrics provides our physicians with tremendous insight and understanding about how the body changes after child birth.  Combining this understanding with our comprehensive fellowship training affords us the unique ability to treat problems that may affect – even years after having a baby – the systems and organs within the pelvic floor.

Some of the most common problems women have include pelvic organ prolapse, the need to go to the bathroom often (overactive bladder) or leakage of urine (urinary incontinence).  Urogynecologists also treat patients with fecal incontinence (which is when a person cannot control her bowel movements), urinary tract infections and some types of pelvic pain.  Although most of these disorders are not life threatening or dangerous, they happen to women of all ages and can interfere with normal activities.  A urogynecologist can offer a variety of non-surgical treatment options such as medications, physical therapy and/or changes in diet, daily activities or the drugs you take. Some women also benefit from surgery. Surgical options can include same-day minimally-invasive procedures that can be done with little or no “down time” for recovery or major surgery that requires a brief hospital stay.

At the Christiana Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Surgery, you will meet three highly skilled physicians; the only fellowship-trained urogynecologists in the state of Delaware.  We are all board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, have completed board-approved fellowships in urogynecology and female reconstructive surgery, and are actively researching management options and novel treatments for pelvic floor disorders. We bring advanced treatments and technologies and advanced surgical procedures to our patients—getting you back to feeling yourself and living your life to the fullest!

Howard B. Goldstein, D.O., MPH, is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He completed a fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, N.J. He currently serves as the Director of Research and Education for the Division of Urogynecology.

Emily K. Saks, M.D., MSCE, is a urogynecologist with the Christiana Care Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Surgery.  Dr. Saks completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia and has completed a fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at the Hospital of the University of
Pennsylvania.

Babak Vakili, M.D. is the director of the Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Surgery.  Dr. Vakili is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.  He completed a fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery at the Louisiana State University Health Science Center in New Orleans, LA.

The Christiana Care Center for Urogynecology and Pelvic Surgery is located in Suite 1208 of Medical Arts Pavilion 2, on the campus of Christiana Hospital in Newark.  Appointments are also available at the Christiana Care Center for Women’s Health, 3706 Kennett Pike in Greenville.  To schedule an appointment, call 302-623-4055.

At massage & Reflexology of Delaware, what sets us apart from ordinary massage is:

• Our focus on providing a superior therapeutic experience.

• Our approach is personal and customized.

• Our highly trained and qualified massage therapists work with you to meet your individual needs, whether it’s to provide relief from pain, tension, or stress, or simply to relax and feel your best.

Quality, integrity and “Exceptional Client Care” are never an accident. We focus exclusively on providing you the highest quality pain relief and stress management services available in this area. For over two decades, we have helped so many people like you get real relief from pain and discomfort, with extraordinary results. Our approach is personalized massage therapy not cookie-cutter massage therapy.

“What a great Mother’s Day present! My massage with Jenn was way better than flowers. I always walk out of Massage & Reflexology of Delaware pain and stress free. The atmosphere is just perfection. Thanks for offering excellence!”
~ Karen (Newark)

Distinctions in Standards of Excellence

Massage and Reflexology of Delaware is Delaware’s only Nationally Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork practice and is an (NCBTMB) Center of Excellence. Massage and Reflexology of Delaware has achieved this distinction by upholding the profession’s ideal measure of excellence and professionalism while promoting the highest professional standards in massage therapy, keeping current in professional training and working in an ethical, client centered atmosphere.

We are 1 of only 14 Centers of Excellence in the United States!

My last 90 minute massage with Heather was so excellent that it felt like my pain was melting away on the table… it will be hard to go back to 60 minute appointments again! Thank you for always leaving me wanting more!”   ~ Julie (Greenville)

Our Signature “Fusion Massage Therapy”

Since stress can translate in different ways for different people (from aches and pains, to muscle tension, to both physical and emotional exhaustion), massage can actually help our body and mind de-stress. Explore our exclusive techniques (called Fusion Massage Therapy), and discover how thousands of clients, just like you, have used our therapy as a successful alternative to other forms of treatment. Developed by our owner, this therapy may use several different techniques during your session. Your neck may need one technique and your low back may respond better to a different one. Fusion Massage Therapy provides relief as well as, if not better than, medication for many ailments, including but not limited to:

• Fibromyalgia

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Long hours hunched over
(dental or administrative assistant)

• Repetitive lifting (child care, manual labor)

• Increased susceptibility to immune dysfunction

• Pre-Joint Replacement Therapy

• Insomnia

• Athletic/exercise-related injury or pain

“Terry Meyer is an Angel! My life was changed forever with her God-given talent with massage. I am a fibromyalgia sufferer and for years I went from therapist to therapist until I found Terry. After going to Terry exclusively for almost 4 years, she recommended one of her other therapists, Maryann Summers, who has successfully treated my condition with Myofascial Release with amazing results. I highly recommend Terry and her staff for those who suffer with chronic pain. Did I mention it’s affordable?”   ~ Regina (Newark)

Our Therapists must be proficient in many techniques to relieve Soft Tissue/Muscle pain & stress, reduce inflammation and increase range of motion and are continually educated & tested on this knowledge.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a compression/release technique used to restore, maintain and enhance the health and well-being of the entire body. It is a natural, drugless way of stimulating and increasing the circulation to all the internal organs, while inducing a “relaxation response” that promotes the body’s innate aptitude for health.

What to Expect

Your therapy will include:

• Customized treatment plan that will give you relief from pain at every appointment.

• Ongoing evaluations to modify your treatment, as needed.

• Stretching and a hot/cold pain therapy plan to use at home.

Flat Fee Pricing & No Tipping Policy

• 90 Minutes — $95

• 60 Minutes — $65

• 45 Minutes — $50

• 30 Minutes — $35

• 1 Hour Synergy Massage — $95
(2 Massage Therapists)

• No Memberships, Tips or Hassles

Gift Cards available in any monetary value and fees are by session length, not technique.
Instant Gift Certificates available on our site:  www.MassageAndReflexologyOfDelaware.com

Call or email to schedule your appointment. “New Client Discount Coupon” on site.

Mon.-Fri 10am-6:30pm

Saturday 10am-4:00pm

(302)633-4035

mandrofde@comcast.net

1601 Milltown Road #15, Wilmington, DE 19808

302.633.4035  •  www.MassageAndReflexologyOfDelaware.com

By Dr. Philip Chao

MRI Consultants opened its doors five years ago, at the beginning of a great recession!  And, we have done well.  One of the reasons I left my old office was that they refused to invest in new MRI equipment (like people who keep their old TV instead of switching to a hi-def flat screen).  They thought the old technology was “good enough” and that the new technology (3-Tesla and OPEN Bore magnets) was too expensive.  “Not ready yet,” they said.  MRI Consultants now has three state of the art MRI scanners—surely an example of the fastest growth in Delaware.  Oddly, while patients across the State are educating themselves and seeking out quality MRI, many of their doctors do not seem to be doing the same—apparently believing that there is no difference in image quality between one MRI scanner and the next.

Our OPEN Bore 1.5 MRI scanner has 18 channels and is able to produce images that rival (or surpass) any 1.5 “closed” MRI in the State.  In addition to crystal clear images of your spine or knee, it also provides the least claustrophobic and spacious experience available today.  It even has the latest cardiac and angiography pulse sequences.  Its advanced software includes things like BLADE, which compensates for patient movement.  We have hundreds of patients where BLADE picked up the abnormality that the routine scan did not.

MRI Consultants opened its doors five years ago with a 3T MRI scanner.  Our experience led us to select another, even more advanced, 3T MRI scanner for our new office in Lewes!  This newest magnet is not only a 3T, it has 32 channels—which makes it almost as strong as a 6-T MRI (if such a thing existed)!  This new MRI scanner is similar to the one at the NEURA Institute in Australia for advanced functional and trauma research.  It can do diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), which is the next frontier in brain imaging.  It detects Alzheimer’s disease.  It can detect the subtle changes in the fiber tracts of the brain which are damaged when a bomb explodes, or when the brain is damaged in an accident.  1.5T MRI scanners simply cannot see these changes accurately.

3T scanners see things more clearly and more quickly than weaker scanners.  Put simply, MRIs are like digital cameras.  The more megapixels (or, in this case, higher the “T”), the sharper the images.  Get the best.  Doing so might spare you unnecessary surgery!  A 3T MRI scanner can do breast MR spectroscopy, prostate spectroscopy and whole body diffusion weighted imaging (DWIBS).  While these techniques are not yet reimbursed by insurances, we are able to offer them each at a very low out-of-pocket price of $500.  We have a growing number of referrals from Johns Hopkins and University of Pennsylvania where doctors insist on 3T quality.  These patients no longer have to drive all the way to Baltimore or Philadelphia.  3T quality is now available to all Delawareans, at either our Newark or Lewes office.  A 3T MRI costs the same as a 1.5 MRI or a 1.0 MRI or even a 0.3 or 0.4 MRI (yes, as hard as it is to believe, there are still MRI scanners that are so old, they don’t even have a magnet-strength of 1.5).

CONTRAST is an issue of growing concern.  Using contrast can change the diagnosis as much as 25% of the time.  While the contrasts used for MRI is completely different from the contrasts used in CT scans, there are several kinds of contrast approved for MRI use.  They are generally safe, but the three most commonly used have been linked to a very rare—and truly horrible—disease called Nephrogenic Systemic Sclerosis (“NSF”).  MRI Consultants spends the extra few dollars per dose for PROHANCE, a contrast which has NEVER been linked to NSF.  And, for patients who CANNOT get an MRI due to impaired renal function, we provide EOVIST, which is excreted by the liver.  Ask your MRI provider which contrast they use.  It matters.

Because of our emphasis on patient care, we are aware that many people today are without medical insurance—or have plans with very high deductibles.  To help provide access to quality MRI, we have an Out-of-Pocket price of $500 for a non-contrast study.  A study with contrast costs an additional $200.  We are also aware that there are people who are truly claustrophobic.  In addition to having the most spacious, least claustrophobic MRI scanner made today, we provide FREE IV SEDATION to our claustrophobic patients.  We are aware that if you have to have an MRI, you are understandably anxious to get the results of your test as quickly as possible.  We provide same-day results, AND you leave our office with a FREE CD of your complete MRI study.  You are free to look at it at home, make copies of it, and take it to your follow-up appointments.  We are also aware that navigating the insurance issues surrounding car accidents and workers compensation can seem to be overwhelming.  We provide help getting these studies approved by your insurance company.

MRI Consultants opened its doors five years ago, and we look forward to many more years of serving the MRI needs of Delawareans.  Remember, if you live in Delaware, you are never more than 45 minutes from a 3T MRI!

Dr. Philip Chao graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Yale University and was Scholar of the House. He continued his studies at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, receiving his medical degree in 1983. After a transitional internship year at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown NY, Dr. Chao did his residency in Radiology at Brooklyn’s SUNY Health Science Center (1984-1987), where he became Chief Resident. He stayed on to complete a fellowship in Neuroradiology (1987-1988). Dr. Chao has been interested in MRI technology since its very beginning – the first MRI scan took place in 1981 while he was pursuing his medical studies. The University of Pennsylvania, where Dr. Chao was both a Body MRI Fellow (1988-1990) and a Neuroradiology Fellow (1989-1990), was at the heart of the development of this technology and Dr. Chao was able to work with pioneers in MRI on the first GE Signa 1.5T (tesla) scanner. His advanced research and specializations complete, Dr. Chao left the University of Pennsylvania for a position as Director of MRI in Wilmington DE – a position he held for 14 years. Dr. Chao eventually left that position to create the best MRI center in Delaware, using the very latest technology: 3T MRI. While 3T (tesla) scanners have been used for scanning research patients since 2002, these advanced, more powerful MRI scanners only became available for clinical use in 2004. Dr. Chao worked hard to bring 3T technology to Delaware and in February 2007, MRI Consultants, LLC began operating the first 3T scanner in the State. 3T is the newest horizon for MRI.

Best Open MRI

302 838 7800

www.safecontrast.com

also visit our new office:

MRI Consultants Lewes

17252-9 N. Village Main Blvd

Lewes, DE 19958

302 827 4251

By “Sherm”

Being in this business as long as I have, I’ve heard my share of horror stories about caterers cutting corners, later charging hidden costs, or staff clashing with location staff.

This business is incredibly competitive and believe me caterers are counting on your limited knowledge of exactly how we operate. Let me lift the napkin for you.

Fresh vs. Frozen ~ ALWAYS taste test your menu. You may pay a small fee for the opportunity, but better to find out now whether the chicken breast you’ve chosen will be fresh or thawed. Believe me, they taste different. Just because someone you know liked the food a year ago, doesn’t mean the same chef is still working at that establishment. This is your special day you should like the food they are serving.

Chinet vs. China ~ Does it really make a difference? Not if you have a great caterer! If guests are going to remember something it’s not going to be your china pattern, it will be the rubbery chicken! Review your catering package closely and if you’re on a budget, this is where you can afford to skimp. A well connected and knowledgeable caterer has access to plastic ware and plates that look just like china and at half the cost of the real thing.

Have It Your Way ~ This is your special day, so make sure you get what you want. You should interview companies until you find one that agrees to personalize your menu. With food allergies these days, there are so many dietary needs to consider. A good caterer will accommodate all your needs. Consider children attending the reception, will your caterer provide child-friendly options. PBJ and Filet? Why not?

Location, Location, Location; is not just for Real Estate ~
More than likely you’ve often dreamt of your wedding day way before your thoughts turned to selecting a caterer. The setting is important from many aspects; the décor and accessibility and can they accommodate all your guests. It is important to consider whether your caterer can accommodate your every need on-site (whether an indoor or outdoor wedding) but, MORE IMPORTANTLY, you need to learn about whether your caterer has a good relationship with the location. The last thing you need the day of the wedding is conflict between the reception site and your caterer.

The Biggie: Hidden Costs ~
Read your contract closely. Let me say that again READ YOUR CONTACT CLOSELY.  Is gratuity included? Is there a room fee? Are there charges for set-up and/or clean-up? Did you take copious notes during your conversation with the caterer; refer back to those notes before you sign anything. Double check your package, is everything you want included? There may be an up-grade charge for certain items. Remember, no matter how large or small the company they may not remember all the little details that aren’t so little to you a year later.

With more than 20 years in the culinary business, “Sherm’s” experience runs the gamut from operating small kitchens to fine dining at Harry’s Savoy restaurants. He has studied HRIM at Del Tech and the University of Delaware. Sherm and his partner own and operate two very successful cafes with the third venue; The Skyline Grill, Sherm’s Catering will be catering events downstairs opening earlier spring in Pike Creek with full catering services.

Testimonials:

“I used Sherm’s Catering for my daughter’s bridal shower … His service and staff were excellent. The food was wonderful and I received many compliments from my guests especially about his crab dip and homemade chips! The prices were great and there was an abundance of food. I highly recommend him for your next event.” ~ Judith Stives;  Bear, DE

“We had Sherm and his group assist us with a fundraiser for March of Dimes. They were wonderfully professional and FUN to work with. There were RAVE reviews from all of our guests on the food. Thank you to all your staff for making our event such a raving success!!” ~  Sue Sokira; Wilmington, DE

“I have used Sherm’s catering for multiple events ranging from small office parties to large benefit fundraisers. The prices are the best around and the food is incredible! At every event, we’ve
received so many compliments about the food!”~  Danielle; Newark, DE

“I will gladly say that I am repeat customer and have been since day one. Excellent food, great customer service and the price is always right. Keep up the good work Sherm and Company!” ~ Mallory Cicchetti; Wilmington, DE

My best to you as you create the perfect wedding!

The Wedding Day.  The planning and preparation.  So much to consider, so many choices to make. You look to the experts to make your day the best it can be. As you arrange appointments for your hair and nails, consider a makeup professional for picture perfect makeup and lash extensions! Tears of joy lead to mascara smudge – even when professionally applied.  Waterproof mascara isn’t a good solution when it leaves your lashes dry and brittle and doesn’t provide the best look possible. False eyelashes look fake, are hard to apply and may disastrously fall off at the most inopportune moment!  The solution will not only last you through your special day, but will go with you on your entire honeymoon!  Eyelash Extensions.

Extensions are a fantastic alternative because of their natural (or dramatic) look, ease of application, and affordability. They will accentuate and enhance your look to give you photos of a lifetime, without worry. Questions? Here are some that we hear every day and answers that will have you batting your brilliantly lashed eyes for your special occasion:

What are eyelash extensions?

The extensions themselves are perfectly polished polyester points. They come in a variety of thicknesses, colors and degrees of curl. There are various brands on the market as well as types of lashes. A lash artist can determine the best “lashscape” for your lifestyle and special occasion.

How long do they last?

Your lash extensions, when properly applied, will last as long as your natural lash is attached to you. Some will pop off, but with a good adhesive and technique you’ll be able to enjoy your lashes through your honeymoon. Our natural lashes shed about 3 to 4 lashes a day.  If an extension is attached, it will fall off with your natural lash. So…if you get a set applied and care for them delicately, you will still have lashes left in 3, 4 even 5 weeks. To keep your lashes looking fresh, Lasting Looks recommends refining fills every 2 to 4 weeks.

I was told to ask for Novalash (or Xtreme Lash, or 3D Lash).  Why is that?

Novalash, Xtreme Lash and 3D Lash are brand names. They are also training companies and lash supply companies. While training and supplies from these companies are very good it really comes down to the knowledge, skill and talent of the lash technician.

How long does it take to apply the lashes?

Your appointment time depends on how many lashes you are getting. At Lasting Looks, we like to keep eyelash extensions affordable for all budgets.Therefore, we offer different size sets:  Wink, Demi and Full. A Wink Set is 20 to 25 lashes per eye; about 45 minutes.  A Demi Set is 40 to 60 lashes per eye; about 60 to 75 minutes. A Full Set is 70 to 100 lashes per eye; 90 to 120 minutes. Set sizes are not universal and can be independently defined by a salon. Be sure to ask about the number of lashes you are getting when you are booking your appointment.

Whether you want lashes for your wedding day and honeymoon, or an every-day look to restore lashes of your youth, Lasting Looks has the professional, perfected technique, applied by a licensed, certified and experienced Eyelash Extension Specialist. Safe and affordable, trust your eyes to Lasting Looks! www.LastingLooksForYou.com

Profile:

In 2006, after a 20 year corporate career, Melisa Ferriola opened Lasting Looks – a permanent cosmetics studio, lash bar and day spa now located in Hockessin, Delaware. The Lasting Looks’ mission starts with the desire to empower women to take charge of their appearance and to put their best image forward.  Come experience the Lasting Looks difference for all your skin care needs.

They intensify in February and only start waning sometime in October. My reaction to them ranges from “ok, I can fix this” to “you probably should see your doctor for that!” Hair emergencies.

I Have a Hair Emergency

When a woman uses the words “hair emergency”, you can hear the heart-pounding, devastating panic she feels in her voice.  Trust me, it’s easier to recreate your look when the hair emergency is a bad cut, it gets complicated with box hair color.

Sounds like an Oxymoron – but Stay with Me

Gone are the days of block foils (highlights), single-tone color, and yellow blondes. This is going to sound like an oxymoron, but trust me it isn’t – It’s About Natural Beauty.  Color customized not only to skin tone, texture and eye color – but also to reflect a women’s individuality and personality. She wants to stand out of the crowd without being a spectacle.

Think Marilyn Monroe – the signature platinum blonde wasn’t natural to her genetically, but was naturally a complement to her persona as Marilyn, the starlet. Show stopping blonde doesn’t come from a store bought box color. Box color can’t fulfill everyone’s ambition or desire. It’s just not that simple.

Cold Hard Facts about Box Color

> You CAN GET chemical burns from box color.

> Box color contains Metallics.

* Metallics make the dye less predictable.

* They are sometimes impossible to color over.

* Metallic dyes can fade to odd colors.

* Metallic salts can essentially melt your hair – can end in disaster, with hair going gray, green, blue, purple, orange, bright yellow and more.

> Box colors fade faster.

> If you want to experiment with other colors later on, it can get ugly.  Without knowledge of color theory, you will most likely get undesirable results like orange when trying to go blonde or black when trying to go brown.

Box Color Alone Doesn’t Damage Your Hair – You Do

Over the counter color is normally a liquid formulation, which requires a large color molecule. In order to penetrate the hair shaft and get through all the 7 to 12 cuticle layers- the hair shaft must be opened wide enough to admit the color molecule into the interior of the hair.

This is accomplished by using more ammonia to open the cuticle layer wide enough to accept the large molecule, and this is where over the counter color can cause damage.

It’s rarely the application to virgin hair that causes problems; it’s when you reapply the color each month to cover your gray or every 6 weeks or so to refresh the pigments. Each time the refresher is applied to each and every strand. This equates to putting ammonia over ammonia each and every time!

Ammonia damages hair by leaving it rough in texture, which causes the color to fade quickly and lacking in shine.

Salon color has much smaller molecules, uses less ammonia, has 100% oxidative dyes with no direct dyes and works off a 20 volume peroxide system. All of which is healthier for the hair.

A professional stylist knows when to use one product for re-growth and when to use another on the remaining previously colored hair to add shine and deposit pigment. They have the ability to refresh the hair with a demi-permanent that doesn’t contain ammonia, so the hair shaft only gets one application of an ammoniated product.

While box color brands do offer different gadgets for highlights and lowlights, these tend to look flat because it takes some skill to know where and when to place color modifications to enhance your natural beauty. It’s worth mentioning here that when it comes to repeating this process at home, it can be very tricky.

Truer Colors

Professional stylists are knowledgeable in color theory and pick pigments for the desired shade.  They mix the perfect formula with different volume levels available in their secret stashes of high-end color. They add boosters to enhance pigments, to make a fire engine red more fiery for instance. And they have neutralizing pigments to help tone down color, often creating a shade with three or more different colors.

In the end It’s About the Money

Color correction is expensive in both time and money. The damage of box color will need to be grown out, which will take years and time is money.

In the end, it’s not so much that box color is bad as it is that it takes a talented professional to apply it evenly, select the right corrective shades and repeat the process as many times as you love your new look.

J Christian is an award-winning, International Platform Artist and Master Educator for Sexy Hair, Los Angeles. Together with his wife Marcy he owns and operates J. Christian Studio in Hockessin, DE. He travels the world and regularly teaches at the Institute of Courage, a hair academy in California founded by Michael O’Rourke. Owner of Michael O’Rourke Hair. The salon, accredited by the Better Business Bureau, is the proud recipient of the Better Business Bureau 2010 Torch Award for Market Place Ethics and recent recipient of First State Favorite Salon for Women in New Castle County.

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