The Importance of Open Dialogue with Your Client

Open dialogue with your client before starting any beauty service is vital because it assures that their expectations as well as yours will be met. Think about it like this, if you’re driving without any navigation how will you reach your destination. Communication is the key to success!

Our open dialogue begins as I walk them to my chair, making them feel comfortable and at ease. During the entire consultation it is vital to have eye to eye contact; in my opinion it is an unprofessional approach to look through the mirror while speaking with your client. I begin analyzing their personality from their wardrobe, makeup, and even down to the shoes their wearing. Once they are in my chair we communicate about their life and everyday routine, so I can understand who they are and what they are trying to achieve. In addition, we discuss their likes and dislikes. I then proceed to examine the texture, color and condition of their existing hair. We may look at photos to help me understand what they are trying to portray. Although my overall vision may differ from their final look, we continue to discuss with each other until we come to an agreement. As we close I give my professional recommendation on shades and tones with descriptions best suited for them such as apricot, sandy blonde or velvety brunette. During this conversation you are also asking about their commitment to you and their hair color. For example, if they have a low maintenance lifestyle, you give them color that is low maintenance and only needs to be maintained every couple of months……give it some thought….. You’re setting yourself up for failure if you were to give them high maintenance hair color because after a couple of weeks their hair looks a HOT MESS. Do you really want them walking around with dreadful grown out hair color? Don’t forget that our clients are marketing our brand as a professional.

Furthermore, the communication you have with your client doesn’t end on the first visit. You should always continue to converse with them before each visit to discuss any existing or new changes that need to be made. Remember, this shows professionalism of a true colorist, as well as exhibiting how versed you are in your profession. Communication makes the whole experience between you and your client more comfortable and strengthens their trust!

What is PPD?

Paraphenylenediamine or PPD is a chemical used as a permanent hair dye. PPD is most used in hair dye because it is a permanent dye that gives a natural look. In addition to hair color it is also found in textile dyes, cosmetics, temporary tattoos, printing inks, black rubber, oils, greases, and gasoline. Beautiful color can be created through the process of using and mixing dyes to create the perfect shade, but for some people this isn’t achieved without suffering from an allergic reaction.

Paraphenylenediamine can create an allergic reaction usually during the stage of oxygenation.  The industry claims the percentage of users who react to this chemical is tiny but more sensitive cases have been observed recently. Symptoms include irritation where the dye comes in contact including the scalp, ears, forehead, neck and eyelids. In some cases the irritation can be quite severe and can morph into allergic dermatitis or eczema, hives, or reddening and swelling. On rare occasions the reaction can turn into a full, and sometimes fatal, anaphylactic attack.

In my expert opinion there is really not much you can do if you have a PPD allergy. Permanent hair color cannot touch the scalp whatsoever. There is no way to get around it because one mistake can cause your guest problems, hence leading to your own. At my recent color forum I hosted at Salon Ratay I talked about PPD and the few alternatives out on the market. There is one product called Henna which is an all-natural alternative to hair color. Although it may not cause an allergic reaction, it only comes in one shade, which is a red orange color. Another product was just released from Proctor and Gamble called ME +. It claims it has less cases of sensitivity, but it is not a definite alternative to PPD reactions. I recommend to patch test every guest before providing a color service. It will also show if they are allergic to the ammonia, fragrance, or anything else in the dye including PPD. This test may give you an idea but it is not always 100% true because you are testing a small portion, opposed to the entire head.  The only way to be truly safe is to not dye your hair permanently.  You may not love the look of dying your hair naturally through henna but it is the only way you can be sure you’re safe.

Take a look at a video I created where I colored a very important guest's hair who has a PPD allergy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akLzGe_2vHY&list=UU6hXHZZDdiq9_z4pnnvvYZQ&index=3

Family First!

My image in the beauty industry as Sherry Ratay, celebrity hairstylist and educator, broadcasts my life as an award-winning color expert and prestigious salon owner. However, that’s only a small portion of it. In addition to my career, the most important thing in my life is my family. I have three phenomenal children with my husband, Michael. Savannah is 17, Lee Michael is 10, and Ashley is 18. The salon is like a second home for me, I have learned to keep a balance between my home life with my children and husband and the salon with its guests.

Since day one, I have strongly believed that family comes first! For me it is the foundation in which keeps me centered. My husband has supported me since the day we met. Hairdressing is a part of who I am and he respects that. I am truly blessed for all that Michael does in support of my career as a colorist, salon owner and educator. Mike works for American K-9 here in Lake Mary and heads their Business Development division with his own career being very demanding he always finds time when I call upon him if the salons software goes down or if something needs replacing. He has been by my side through majority of my career all the way with the development of Salon Ratay.

My kids have grown up in the salon and surrounded by the beauty industry. Each year during my educational tour I occasionally do feel that motherly guilt every mother feels when they are away from their children, but I know that I am teaching them valuable lessons. I want to convey to my son to respect his future wife’s career, as well as teach my girls that they can achieve anything with pursuance and hard work.  A few years ago my son had some medical issues, so naturally as a mother I put my educational tour on hold and made sure the salon was sustained to be with him. It was a very scary and stressful time for us, I am blessed to say he is healthy and happy, my little baseball player is the light of my heart.

It isn’t always easy juggling the many paths life brings you, I do know one thing and that is I wouldn’t change a thing about my life. It does matter what we face good or bad as a family, we all support each other’s dreams and goals and are there for one another no matter what! As a parent I will take great pride and joy in watching my children grow and to see the successful futures they will achieve.

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.