What is all the buzz about blowouts and braids?

Market niches and specialities are nothing new to most industries, but other than kids salons and men’s salons the hair industry has not seen a lot of stepping out of the box in the 30 years that I have been in the business. But now things are beginning to change. Within the past year we’ve seen two hot salon concepts emerge, both specializing in hair styling techniques that require some hair stylist skills that go well beyond those taught in most cosmetology schools.

In both LA and NYC you’ll find specialty salons who do nothing but blow out and another group doing nothing but high fashion hair braiding. What does that mean for us consumers? Quick, great looks the will get you through that high fashion weekend with a minimum of fuss and without busting the average fashionistas budget.

Last longer, more volume smooth base fullness

Blow Out Bars

Gone are the days when you fret over bad hair and long queues just to get your hair blown out and styled for a special event. Now, there is an easy and wallet-friendly solution: Blow out bars are is the hottest service trend in beauty and many such outlets have been springing up across the world. Unlike ordinary salons, these ‘bars’ offer women one signature service. At the same time, it provides them with a luxurious environment to relax or mingle with their gal-pals. Women can now indulge and experiment with the plethora of hairstyles at anytime of the day enabling them to look fresh and lively all year round (or at least for the week). They also provide a variety of hair products and accessories to accommodate different hair types and tastes. Looking beautiful isn’t restricted to special occasions anymore, this on-the-go beauty has done much to restore the confidence in women, leaving them high-spirited as they step out onto the streets with their newly blowout hair.

Braid Bars

Another ‘bar’ that has borrowed this similar concept of “sticking to one” is seen the recent entry of braid bars onto the beauty scene. The simple luxury of having someone do your hair for you and creating a work of art has created a lot of buzz. Women now have the option to choose a funky and new hairstyle without having their hair cut or dyed. Browse through braid menus to select the type that will suit you best and if you’re unhappy? Untie and braid again! Women who need to attend pool or beach parties, and need to keep their hair intact for the night (some say, even days) these one-stop bars are the place to be! Of course, braids are not weaved for that particular reason, in fact it is one of the most versatile styling in the beauty industry, you can wear it messy or fish-tailed to the side, whatever it is, braids are in and here to stay!

Women can now seek refuge in these new braid bars and blowout bars without having to exhaust themselves with homemade hairstyles. This luxury and convenience has undeniably redefined beauty in the hair industry and has been keeping women feeling beautiful everyday.

Got a question, war story or comment about this topic? Click on the "Leave Your Comments" link at the very bottom of this article. Some of my best ideas for future articles come from reading reader comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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Formaldehyde, OSHA and Hair Straightening Products – What’s up?

In September of this year the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued its second hazard alert to hair salon owners and employees about possible formaldehyde exposure when working with some hair straightening and smoothing products.

Hairdressing salon owners who choose to use hair straightening and smoothing products that contain or release formaldehyde are now required by OSHA to perform air quality tests while using these products. If formaldehyde is found to be present at higher levels than OSHA’s limits during any 15-minute period, then the salon owner is required to jump through quite a few hoops in order to keep workers and clients safe. Salon owners must follow OSHA’s formaldehyde standard if they are to use, manufacture, import or distribute the products.

Formaldehyde is a cancer hazard at certain levels. It can also cause allergic reactions or irritation to the lungs, eyes and the skin.  Beauty salon owners and employees need to be properly trained when using hair straightening and smoothing products. The level of formaldehyde exposure in any given salon is determined by a number of factors such as salon size and ventilation, along with treatment applications, blow-dry and flat iron times. Suitable ventilation and observance to proper procedure will result in lower levels of gas being released into the air.

OSHA issues citations against hair salons, manufacturers and distributors

In September 2011, OSHA issued citations to two Florida manufacturers and distributors for failing to protect their own employees to possible formaldehyde exposure as well as the failure to communicate the hazards of formaldehyde to salon owners, hair stylists and the public consumers. They have also issued 23 citations with fines up to $17,500. to salon owners and beauty schools in Massachusetts, Connecticut,, Pennsylvania, Florida, Illinois, New York, New Jersey and Ohio, for failing to protect their workers from overexposure and potential exposure to formaldehyde.

OSHA is requiring that if salons are going to use these products, they must be aware to use protective measures such as air monitoring and training. Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA says, “What is very troubling to the agency is that some of these products clearly expose workers to formaldehyde even when the label states they are ‘formaldehyde free.’”

“The best way to control exposure to formaldehyde is to use products that do not contain formaldehyde. Salons should check the label or product information to make sure it does not list formaldehyde, formalin, methylene glycol or any of the other names for formaldehyde,” said Michaels. “If salon owners decide to use products that contain or release formaldehyde, then they must follow a number of protective practices — including air monitoring, worker training and, if levels are over OSHA limits, good ventilation or respirators.”

The industry fights back

Keratin Complex has announced plans to dispute OSHA’s allegations that their products do not comply with OSHA’s safety standards. Larry Solomon, president of Keratin Complex says, “We disagree with OSHA’s inflammatory and inaccurate report and we are asking for a full retraction.” Keratin Complex not only complies with all OSHA standards but we meet or exceed their safety standards and requirements.”

Now the folks behind Keratin Complex and other Professional Keratin Smoothing Council (PKSC) members are lobbying for OSHA to adopt newer, more accurate testing methods in addition to carrying out accurate air quality tests in salons. Their claim is that OSHA used an older technology method that chemically changes the composition of the product.

Barb Quinn on Google+  

For further discussion on hair straightening you might want to check out these other articles:

• Hair Straightening with a Relaxer
• Hair Straighteners…Here is the Scoop
• Hair Straightening, Here are the Options
• A Safe Keratin Hair Treatment for You!
• How Hair Straightening Treatments Differ

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Hair stylists . . . don’t miss your chance to get funky and shine!

So you think you can style hair?  Now’s the time to put your imagination, talents and skills where your mouth is! The North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) is once again taking entries for the most highly esteemed photo competition of its kind!

Thousands of hairdressers participate in this rivalry for one of 13 coveted North America Hair Styling Awards given annually and it’s open to any professional who would like to give it a go!  Both hair stylists and photographers are recognized in this competition. This is a great opportunity for growth and recognition in the industry. Any hairdresser who has participated in a hair competition will attest to the many benefits received whether you take home a prize or not . . . and this competition is one of the best!

Kris Sorbie, 2011 Master Stylist of the Year

NAHA 2012 has 13 categories which you can enter. Every year they add something new and this year “Newcomer Stylist of the Year” category was added to the competition.  Categories include subjects like, Avant Garde; Hair Color; Salon Team; Make-up Artist of the Year and Student Hairstylist of the Year and more.  For some inspiration just take a look at my article on some of the creations that took home rewards in previous years.

The NAHA 2012 will be held at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, July 22, 2012 during PBA Beauty Week. Entries are due by February 9, 2012. So don’t delay, and get started now to be part of this great opportunity.

Barb Quinn on Google+  

Got a question, war story or comment about this topic? Click on the "Leave Your Comments" link at the very bottom of this article. Some of my best ideas for future articles come from reading reader comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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