Professionalism in the Beauty Industry

When you set out to become a business owner regardless of the industry it takes a great deal of skill with a mind set to become inhabited with the so called “machine” that business is. Running any business takes hard work, dedication, time, and money. Entrepreneurship can be challenging in many ways, but if it is truly your passion to own a business then the drive inside of you will not allow you to give up. In addition to your own contributions, it is vital you hire and fill your business with professional employees who help you reach your goals and who can benefit from you to reach their own goals. These should synchronize together.

In my twenty plus years in the beauty industry and eight years of being a salon owner, I have learned many things, but most importantly I have stayed grounded in my original beliefs. Since the beginning I strongly believe in an associate program to empower and build the knowledge of the people that will be working with you. This program gives the associates hands on experience, where they will learn the true fundamentals of hair coloring and haircutting. With this one of a kind education agenda in place, you allow yourself a sense of peace and confidence that you have taught them to be a well representation of the salon brand. I have learned many things in my past eight years of being a salon owner I have seen everything that you could possibly see, good and bad in the beauty industry. I have zero tolerance for IGNORANCE and STUPIDITY.­­­ I do not put up with tardiness, gum chewing, coming to work without makeup or hair done, nor especially disrespecting upper management. These issues limit the ability to be a team member. In any situation I will take immediate action, reprimanding the employee and taking additional action depending on the certain situation. My recommendation to run a fully staffed, professional salon is to follow through on all of the policies set in the contract each employee signed before working. There should be no favoritism, everyone is created equal. Lastly, work is work. There needs to be a separation from your business and your personal life. The way your employees act is based on respect.

At Salon Ratay I hire staff that is professionally the best of the best, in my eyes. The most important characteristics I look for in future employees are motivation, hardworking, and most importantly the desire to be the best they can be. A professional employee must be polished from head to toe, eager to be critiqued, and must be well spoken or willing to learn. Your team is only as strong as your weakest member. The most important piece of knowledge any Service Provider needs to remember is: We are here to serve the guests. It is always all about the guest.

Summer Hair Care and Style

Summer is a great time to be out doors and enjoy the warm weather! Whether you’re lying by the pool, soaking up rays at the beach, or even a friendly backyard barbeque, the summer is full of excitement and fun. Although you may be having a blast, your hair may not be. 

 

The summer can do as much damage to your hair as it can to your skin. The UV rays emitted by the sun increases the oxidation of the dye, whether it is artificial or pigmented, in your hair. This creates the color to fade and removes moisture, leaving a dry “canvas”.  It is very important to protect your hair just as much as you protect your skin. Although, there are products for your hair that protect your hair, just as sunscreen protects your skin. I highly recommend Minardi Prewash Therapy which protects your hair from harsh dryness created by the sun. It nourishes and strengthens with phytocologin and ceramide 2.

Prewash application

1.       Start with dry hair

2.       Saturate with product mid to end

3.       Tuck hair into a bun.

4.       Precede with daily routine

5.       Cleanse after activity

Although the sun can cause the majority of breakage to your hair, the wading in the pool and swimming through the ocean also cause damage. The harsh chemicals and salt water strip the hair of nutrients and may even cause it to turn blue! As mentioned above the Minardi prewash can shield against the sun, but it also can defend against the pool and ocean. In addition to the prewash, Kerastase has two products specifically for this use. Aqua-Seal and Huile Celeste are part of the sun-exposure line, and they are sprays which limits the negative effects of the sun, chlorine, and salt water. Summer styles can be cute, fun, and easy. Here are some tips from my expert designer Alicia Delbrey!

 

 

Alicia Delbrey,

Creative Artistic Director at Salon Ratay

One of the hot styles of the summer season is the beachy textured look. This style can be achieved without even going to the beach and exposing your hair to harmful elements. With just a couple products you’ll have the sexy style everyone wishes to achieve.

Beachy Texture

1.       I recommend not washing hair for 2-4 days

2.       Then apply dry shampoo, my recommendation is Kerastase Powder Bluff which absorbs all the oils in your hair helping create more texture

3.       After the dry shampoo, grab a texture spray. My favorite is Kerastase Spray à Porter. Make sure to shake, then tilt head to the side, spray, and scrunch.

With these three simple steps, you have now created a great summer look!

IBS Las Vegas 2014

Summer is in full force! Hot! Hot! Hot!  I’m sure many of you are thinking the same thing I am, where did the month of June go!

My team and I just recently returned from the IBS Las Vegas show, and let me tell you it was a huge success! Our agenda was a little different for this year’s show; first of all we didn’t stay on the strip. Honestly I’m not a fan of all the hustle and bustle of it. We rented a car and Jacob, made reservations at the Westin Lake Spa & Resort on Lake Meade, which was absolutely perfect! The views are stunning! The atmosphere is relaxing there was a since of tranquility that came upon me.

Besides the switch in where we stayed, I was scheduled to give a 1 ½ lecture on Saturday, The truth about Haircolor, which was a first for me in all my years teaching at any major hair show. Let me tell you Vegas showed the LOVE! Saturday’s lecture was an energetic force of over 100 beauty professionals sharing their thoughts, knowledge, and concerns on haircolor! Phenomenal turn out! With a color language that flowed continuously the entire lecture we discussed the Ph scale, MEA, The Hydrogen Peroxide truth, & the level system. There was GREAT energy in the room! I LOVE when other Hairdressers are as excited and thrilled as I am to know about haircolor.

On Sunday my hands-on workshop which SOLD OUT was just perfect. The class was a jammed packed, 3 hours of Beth Minardi Signature haircolor, 4 different techniques which included Over-the-top, European Ombre, American Balige, and Modern Ombre with a Q & A that was quite intriguing. It is extremely rewarding as an educator when you look out at your audience and you literally see the "AHA!" Appear on their face! It is this very moment in what drives me to teach, inspire, and influence hairdressers to become the best that they can be. Whether they're behind their chair, in their salon, or in the city that they live in.

So overall the change in my schedule for this show was truly wonderful. My team and I were able to fly home on Monday morning with time to re-group and collect ourselves before starting the work week.  Thank you IBSLV for another spectacular show! In addition to all the dedicated hairdressers that inspire me to teach. Never stop learning and growing as we are the face of this beauty industry.

If you have any questions about haircolor or anything in general related to our industry please do not hesitate to email me at sherry@sherryratay.com

How to: Avoid Hair Disasters on Your Big Day

 

 

Over the past two months we have had many beautiful brides to be into Salon Ratay for consultations on their color touch-ups, color enhancements and day of style. With wedding season in full bloom and aside  from worrying about what cake flavors and centerpieces to order, brides also have to plan their perfect look for their wedding day.

 

When I first consult with a bride, it’s important to find out what they like and dislike about their current hair color. Here are a few suggestions I recommend when having your consultation with a bride to be. 

 

 

"I always pull them away from stepping too far from the color they are currently wearing.”

 

 

Do:

• Take a trip down memory lane: Think back to your natural hair color. Sometimes going with an ‘au natural’ color on the big day is best.
• Plan your hairstyle according to the wedding theme: If you decide to go for a more delicate and romantic feel, then soft, flowing locks would be the perfect hairstyle!
• Talk it out: be open to suggestions from your inner circle, the people who love and know you best

 

Don’t:

• Step too far away from the current hair color. The last thing a bride wants to remember is that she regrets making a drastic change on her very important day
• Overlook the location of your wedding: remember, an indoor vs. an outdoor wedding should be factored in how you choose your hairstyle.
• Stress. Be calm, cool and make sure to try out different looks before making the final decision!

Most important you want the bride to be happy and stress free over her haircolor & style.  She has a lot on her mind with all that it takes in planning her life memorable day. Share in her happiness and remember you are creating her lasting look and a huge part of what she will forever remember. 

 

Premiere Orlando

                         

Last weekend was the Orlando Premiere hair show. It's always so exciting for me to get on stage to talk about my true passion, haircolor. This year I ventured into something different and taught two hands-on workshops. It was a new experience and I loved being able to watch people grow as they learned something new.

 

                       

I want to raise the standard in the art of haircolor applications. Teaching the people in our industry new and exciting things make a difference behind the chair. I went in depth about the visual difference in a soft ombre and the American ombre. Not having a visual starting point for your lighter ends is so sexy. Another technique I taught was Over The Top, it is perfect for transitioning your guest from season to season. Whether it be incorporating more highlights or lowlights, it's perfect for giving them that new look for spring or fall.

I am so excited to be on my way to the International Beauty Show in Las Vegas at the end of the month. Visit their website and register for my class. I can't wait to see you all there!

                            

Look out for my next video on Youtube! I will be discussing men's haircolor and gray blending. Last year 18-20% of color services sold were men's color. Using the right product and having the right education will keep men coming back for more color services and increase your revenue. I can't wait to share this information with you, so make sure to check my Youtube channel for when that will be posted.

Sherry Ratay's Formulas featured on Behind The Chair!

I wrote an article for Behind The Chair about Summer Color Formulas. Visit Behind The Chair's website to see more!

5 Sizzlin' Celebrity Summer Shades

Celebrity color serves as the inspiration for both you and your clients. Whether it’s Emma Stone’s reddish-blonde ombré, Kim Kardashian’s chocolate brown or Jessica Chastain’s vibrant red—these hues are always in demand! At the Sherry Ratay Salon in Orlando, FL, Owner Sherry is constantly asked to recreate A-list shades. The following are the most requested hues in her salon and in her work as a Minardi Artistic Colorist. Here she shares her no-fail formulas and techniques for bringing these in-demand shades to your color-enthused clients. 

Giuliana Ranic

 

Starting Level: 4
Formula A (highlights): Beth Minardi Signature Permanent 2 oz. ICE Ice Age + 2 oz. 40-volume developer
Formula B (glaze): Beth Minardi Signature Demi-Liquid 2 oz. 10 Ice Hi Ho Silver + 2 oz. 5-volume developer

Starting in the front panel with a technique called “Over The Top." Apply Formula A, using soft delicate strokes within your foils while focusing on the front frame. Process for 45 minutes.  Shampoo and dry. Glaze all strands with Formula B, process for 20 minutes, shampoo and dry the hair.

Jennifer Garner

 

Starting Level: 4 with 40% gray
Formula A (retouch): Joico Vero-Lights + 20-volume developer
Formula B (ombré): Joico Vero-Lights + 20-volume developer
Formula C (glaze): Beth Minardi Signature Demi-Liquid 1 ½ oz. 9NB Almond Parfait + ½ oz. 6B Bambi +  2 oz. 5-volume developer

Apply Formula A  to touch-up gray roots. After finishing the retouch application, apply Formula B starting at the nape to create  a soft ombré. Using a Joico Vero-Lights color brush, blend the color in so there is NO visual starting point.  Lift to a soft, yellow, shampoo and dry the hair. Glaze all strands with Formula C, process for 15 minutes, shampoo, condition and style.

Kate Winslet

 

Starting Level: 6
Formula A (highlights): Beth Minardi Signature Permanent 2 oz. 12 BB Antarctica + 2 oz. 40-volume developer
Formula B (lowlights): Beth Minardi Signature Demi Crème 2 oz. 9BG Cornsilk + 2 oz. 5-volume developer
Formula C (glaze): Beth Minardi Signature Demi Liquid 2 oz. 10G Buttercream + 2 oz. 5-volume developer

Beginning at the nape, working up and then following with the sides and top, alternate between Formulas A and B to create soft dimension. Process for 30 minutes, shampoo and dry the hair. Glaze all strands using Formula C, process for 15 minutes, shampoo and style.

Jayma Mays

 

Starting Level: 5
Formula A (retouch): Beth Minardi Signature Permanent 1 oz. 16G Golden Sable +1 oz. 7OG Valencia + 2 oz. 20-volume developer
Formula B (highlights): Beth Minardi Signature Permanent 2 oz. 11GO Creamsicle +2 oz. 40-volume developer
Formula C (highlights): Beth Minardi Signature Demi Crème 2 oz. 7NCG Peach Bellini + 2 oz. 5-volume developer
Formula D (glaze): Beth Minardi Signature Demi Liquid 2 oz. 10C Peach Chiffon + 2 oz. 5-volume developer

Apply Formula A  to touch-up gray roots. After finishing the retouch application, alternate Formulas B and C and process for 30 minutes, then shampoo and dry the hair. Glaze all strand with Formula D, process for 15 minutes, shampoo and style.

Marcia Cross

 

Starting Level:  6 with 50% gray
Formula A (retouch): Beth Minardi Signature Permanent 1 oz. 6NCB Fawn + ½ oz. 7OG Valencia +  ½ oz. 8RG Autumn Harvest + 2 oz. 20-volume developer
Formula B (midlengths and ends): Beth Minardi Signature Demi Liquid 2 oz. 10C Peach Chiffon + ½ oz. 6CG Mango + 2 ½ oz. 5-volume developer

Apply Formula A  to touch-up gray roots. Apply Formula B to midlengths and ends, process for 45 minutes, shampoo and style.

 

A Healthy Lifestyle In The Beauty Industry

I want to expand on my last blog about taking care of myself and being in the beauty industry. This time I want to focus on how I stay healthy and why it’s important to stay in shape.

A healthy lifestyle is important to me first, because it makes me feel good. Eating the right foods and working out on a regular basis gives me the energy I need to keep up with my daily life. I believe it is very important for me to teach my kids to be aware of how eating healthy and exercising has many great benefits. In the last 34 years obesity has become more prevalent in our society. Statistics show that 30% of adults are considered obese and there is a constant battle with childhood obesity. I feel it is my duty as a mother to make my children aware of these statistics so they continue to have a healthy mindset.

Now I’ve always been a healthy eater, so it’s not much of a chore for me to stay on the right path of eating. I love fruits and veggies. Cooking is how I relax during the week. I love being able to prepare fresh, healthy meals for my family. Dinner time is very important to me, being able to sit down with my children and husband discussing their days is great family time. I bring the leftovers to work with me the next day. A few favorites of mine are roasted beets, sautéed kale with onions and garlic, chicken and romaine lettuce on the grill. Delicious! That being said, I still love my dark chocolate and red wine. But of course all in moderation. Ladies, I'm sure many of you fight the same fight I do with your husbands. When I want to cook a nice healthy meal, my husband wants to bring home an extra large cheesy pizza, have McDonald's for lunch or eat ice cream for dessert every night. I know it's a hard battle, but don't give up! 

I am also very conscious about the foods I buy. I strongly believe that all the chemicals used to make our foods grow have an effect on our bodies. I am on Food Inc.'s website on a regular basis researching and reading up on the latest food studies. I check which foods are good to buy organic (to avoid GMOs) and which foods I can get away with buying non-organic. I visit my local farmer's market to buy my organic fruits and vegetables. Publix has their GreenWise (all natural and organic)section. They have a wide variety of meats, cheeses, cereals and so much more. Next time you go to your local grocery store, check to see if they have a similar section.

I have to say that as far as exercising, I love having my personal trainer. Matt Arena of Arena Fitness (based out of Lake Mary, FL.) keeps me accountable for my exercise, my eating habits, he knows my goals and keeps me on track. When I exercise with Matt, he makes sure I have proper form and pushes me harder than I would push myself. I love it! My favorite thing is boxing. (Try this ladies, it's a great stress reliever!) When I don't exercise with Matt, I will ride bikes with my children and go on long walks with my husband (good for both our mental and physical health). Even when I travel, I make my way to the hotel gym in the morning.

Like I mentioned in my last blog, this is what works for me and how I choose to raise my family. I know not everyone can dedicate all the time I do, but I wanted to share the healthy choices I make in my life. I know everyone's life is different, what matters is that you put in the effort (even if it's small). You don't have to join a gym or see a personal trainer, but go for a walk with your kids after dinner or substitute your morning frappe for a green tea. Making those little changes in your life make all the difference in the world.

 

 

 

** Make sure you speak and consult your family physician before starting an exercise routine.