FAB Professionals

The Big Debate

2009-04-05T18:44:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

As you know, the economy is in a recession right now, which means there is not a better time to unite the industry and stand together. One issue that has divided opinions, however, is booth renting.

Some people view it as an opportunity to be your own boss and have your own business without paying the expensive costs of starting your own salon. But others view booth rental as passing on those expensive costs to the umbrella salon.

So now it is in debate whether the state should have a booth rental registration to protect the umbrella salons against fines from the booth renters.

I know this is a gray subject, but I want to know what you think. Do you think having a booth rental registration is unfair to booth renters? Or do you agree that the salons shouldn't have to carry the burden of the booth renters' mistakes?

The beauty industry needs unity now more than ever, so please don't hold back your thoughts and hopefully we can put this debate to rest.

Talk to you again soon!
Blake

FAB on Primetime

2009-03-30T09:11:00.000-07:00

HI Everyone!

Isn't technology great? You can learn about anything in two seconds thanks to all the different technology tools out there today.

For example, the iPhone web apps. I personally think Apple is out of control with its random iPhone applications, but a pretty cool application it has is its "Cosmetology Industry News and Tips" web app. You can check it out by clicking here.

And did you know that "google" is an official dictionary word now? Try typing "salon" or "spa" into Google. You will find thousands of websites, homepages and blogs that have all sorts of cosmetology information, including stuff you didn't even know existed. It's great!

You don't even need a television set anymore to watch TV. Just hop on your computer and browse over to YouTube. You can watch millions of videos from around the world.

And even FAB PRO has jumped on the technology band wagon. FAB has its own YouTube channel, where you can find the latest FAB PRO videos. In fact, we have started our own TV show- FAB TV! You can now get your cosmetology news fix by checking out our bi-weekly episodes. We talk about industry news, legislative updates, fun stuff going on at FAB and more! The epidsodes will be posted on our website, but you can also view them on our YouTube channel. Don't forget to subscribe to the channel if you have a YouTube account.

We only have one episode up so far, and we want to hear your reviews about it. Let us know what you liked, what you didn't like and what you want to see in the next episode. As it is my premiere television appearence, I can't wait to hear your thoughts about it!

So enjoy the 21st century and all its technological advances, especially FAB TV!

Talk to you again soon!
Blake

Wax On, Wax Off

2009-03-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I am sure you have heard about New Jersey trying to ban bikini waxing. The practice has never been technically legal in the state, but it has still been offered by spas and salons. Now women, as well as spa and salon owners, in New Jersey are saying they have to fight for their right to wax.

Being in Florida, this doesn't seem to affect us right now, but Florida did recently banned fish pedicures. Do you think it could get to where they would ban bikini waxing too?

I think it does not make sense to ban bikini waxing. The only thing that would make it seem right was if there were a lot of injuries. But last year only two women reported injuries from bikini waxing in New Jersey. Additionally, women would just wax themselves at home if they couldn't have it done professionally, and that would lead to a lot more trouble.

What do you think about it??

The Association of Salon and Spa Professionals has unsuccessfully lobbied the board to legalize genital waxing and is now urging women to sign a petition. To sign it yourself, visit www.brazilianbikiniwax.org

Talk to you again soon!
Blake

The Original "It" Girl

2009-03-13T21:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Barbie Doll just turned 50 years old, and she looks still looks amazing! For 50 years Barbie has been a role model to young children and she has always been a trend setter in the beauty industry. She even has her own holiday- March 9th is "Barbie Day"!

In honor of Barbie and her day, FAB wants you to style a look (on yourself or someone else) inspired by Barbie. Be as creative and original as you want! Then take a picture of your style and e-mail it to fabpro@fabprofessionals.org by March 31st. The photographs will be judged on creativity, hair, make-up and similarities to the Barbie Doll. The first place winner will win a gift basket and a $100 Target gift card! Additionally, your picture will be published in next month’s newsletter and featured right here on my blog! So start thinking of your look! Maybe Rock Star Barbie? Hippie Barbie? I would love to see a "Florida Barbie" personally.

Also, did you know that Barbie has her own blog? It's not as good as mine of course, but it is cute and fun. You can check it out by clicking here.

Barbie may be a doll, but she is always herself and has fun with whatever she does, especially in beauty.

Talk to you again soon!
Blake

"Snakes... why did it have to be snakes?"

2009-03-02T11:15:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

So we have all been chatting about the fish pedicures, but I heard about something else that makes fish pedicures seem normal- snake massages! That's right, snake massages!

A health and beauty spa in Israel is offering this treatment for around $70. It works by having you take your clothes off and lay down. Then six, non-venomous snakes are placed on your body and start squirming and slithering around. The spa owner claims that the feeling of the snakes on your body is soothing and helps your aches.

Personally, I think this would be quite the opposite of relaxing. Even though they are non-venomous, I would be too scared stiff to enjoy the massage. So I am not going to be hoping that this trend makes it over to America anytime soon. But hey, one man's trash is another man's treasure. Any of you think you are brave enough to get this slithering massage??

Talk to you again soon!
Blake

Lights, Camera, Hair!

2009-02-23T08:37:00.000-08:00

Weren't the gowns at the Oscars last night gorgeous? But most of us (if not all of us) can afford those gowns, they are simply a dream. But their hair, now that's something we can do. I saw lots of beautiful hair styles last night, as well as some I am not going to be copying any time soon.

Right off the bat, Kate Winslet. She had an up-do of old glamour Hollywood that I think we will all agree looked sophisticated and beautiful. Another one of my favorites was Vanessa Hudgens. Her hair looked soft and framed her face, and I was surprised when she turned around to see a long, beautiful pony tail. I found it very pretty and classy. My favorite for the night though was Jessica Biel. The most common style for the evening was an up-do or a bun, but Jessica Biel wore her hair in a half-up style where her tousled waves fell beautifully on her shoulders.

As far as for the worst hair styles, there weren't too many, but I am sure you will agree with me when I say that Mickey Rourke should win the "Worst Entire Look" award. Moving on to the women, Lisa Rinna usually looks great, but last night her hair looked scary! She almost looked like a different person. It was just too much and too big.

And I wouldn't say the Reese Witherspoon's hair looked bad, but I didn't think it looked elegant enough for the Oscars. It just looked a little too messy for the event. Overall, I would give her a grade of a C.
So in conclusion, I saw many beautiful hair styles last night that I want to try out on my own hair, as well as some I did not favor at all. What do you think? Was there anyone I left out? Let me know!

Talk to you again soon!
Blake

And The Reality Is...

2009-02-17T20:25:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Have you noticed how there is a reality show for almost every profession on television these days? There is a reality show about meter maids, exterminators and even loggers! So it is not surprise there are several shows (mostly on Bravo) about hair stylists and the beauty industry. One in particular that caught my attention last year is "Tabatha's Salon Takeover."

At first, I thought it was going to be a little brutal to watch. In the previews for the show, Tabatha just seemed to strut into these salons barking criticisms at the salon owners and stylists. However, once I started watching it, I really enjoyed it. Yes, Tabatha did appear a little "mad with power" and had no problem saying what she really thought- no matter how cruel it was-but she did know what she was talking about. I also really appreciated how they dealt with the business side of the salons. Tabatha had a lot of great advice that I am sure helped some salon owners watching at home. In fact, she had great tips for all businesses, not just the salon industry. The show ended last October and I am not sure when the next season (if there is going to be one) will be. While I did enjoy watching the show, I don't think I would want Tabatha to come to my business. She is smart and has original ides, but she can be so ruthless about it. I think I would be scared of her, as some of the stylists on the show look like they are. But I guess that is why it makes good television. So I do really like "Tabatha's Salon Takeover" and I hope it comes back for another season. Do you know if it is or not? Do you also enjoy the show? And are you feeling a little overwhelmed by all the types of reality shows out there now like I am? Let me know!

Talk to you again soon!
Blake

Wear your heart on your lips

2009-02-12T14:02:00.000-08:00

Whether you're single or attached for this Valentine's Day, it is a day you can really have some fun with. And I found something fun that I want to share with you.

Two Faced has a new lip gloss that is emotionally activated. It depends on your body heat level, but the gloss will change the shades of your lips from several shades of pink to even several shades of blue! I think this sounds perfect for Valentine's Day. Show your significant other or your friends exactly how you're feeling. The reviews say it smells nice and is non-sticking, too. You can check it out here. Sephora has a whole line of love beauty products to help us celebrate this fun holiday. Do you know of any cool products like this?
Happy Valentine's Day!

Talk to you again soon!
Blake

Green Looks Good On Everyone

2009-01-28T08:46:00.000-08:00

Isn't it crazy how GREEN the world has become? Ten years ago, hardly anyone talked about their products being organic. Now going green is happening in almost every industry, especially cosmetology.

It seems one of the originals is Burt's Bees. Since 1984 they have been creating products that contain only natural ingredients, such as beeswax, herbs and minerals. I personally own a lot of Burt's Bees' products; anything from lip balm to shampoo to hand repair cream. They are not only healthy without any toxins, but it all smells wonderful!

Recently I was in Target and noticed they have a "Green by Nature" line. It contains different lotions, creams and balms that are all free of parabens- preservatives founds in many lotions and moisturizers that can irritate the skin. I have sensitive skin and everything in "Green by Nature" looks really good quality, so I am going back to Target later with my friends to buy some. You can check out the line here.

And did you know that there is even a new magazine called Orgainc Beauty? They have all types of tips and products, everything organic. They even have information on natural anti-aging and acne products. Make sure to explore their website.

You can take organic beauty a step further by obtaining The FAB PRO Green Conscious Certification for your salon. It distinguishes your salon by making a statement to your clients that you care about the planet. Learn more and download the application at www.fabprofessionals.org/green

So you can drive a hybrid or replace your light bulbs for the environment, but using natural, organic beauty products is good for you.

Okay everyone so I want to hear what your favorite natural,organic beauty product is- GO! (mine is Burt's Bees Peach & Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub.)

Talk to you again soon!
Blake

To Wash or Not To Wash?

2009-01-21T11:10:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!
I think you'll agree with me when I say that Jessica Simpson has gorgeous hair. It usually looks just like Barbie Doll's hair. Well Star Magazine is revealing her hair secret- she only washes it about 3 times a month! Star Magazine reports that it is what her stylist, Ken Paves, recommended for her hair. The article writes that because of this though, Simpson's hair often becomes greasy and smelly, so she uses hair extensions and perfume (from her own line of course) to cover it up. Most reactions to the article are disgust, but Simpson really isn't the first to try this idea. Most women who also color and style their hair frequently are told by their stylists to wash their hair as little as possible. Many women have participated in getting their hair washed and styled at a salon once a week, and not washing it again until their next appointment at the salon the following week. I personally only shampoo and condition my hair about 2 times a week. My hair is long, wavy and extremely thick. If I wash it every day, my hair becomes dried out. Not to mention how it takes me about 45 minutes to straighten my hair, so when I do straighten it I want it to stay straight for a couple of days and I do not wash it when I shower. Yes, sometimes after a couple of days of not rinsing out my hair it does look dirty and a little greasy. I usually massage baby powder into my hair and it quickly looks freshly washed. I also recently bought some "dry shampoo" from Sephora and I love it. It really does look like my hair was just styled and it has a fragrance that makes my hair smell wonderful. So I guess some people might consider Jessica Simpson and me gross, but at least our hair looks awesome.

Talk to you again soon!
Blake

Something Fishy's Going On

2009-01-14T16:48:00.000-08:00

Have you heard about the new spa phenomenon? Would you believe that it involves sticking your feet in a tank of fish? It's called a "fish pedicure." These fish pedicures having been popping up in salons and spas all over the country lately. Known as "doctor fish", the fish used in the tanks have no teeth along with an appetite for human flesh. Salons have been using them to take dead skin off their clients' feet instead of using razors, claiming that the doctor fish are more sanitary. While I have never experienced a fish pedicure myself, everything I have heard about them is a positive. The clients rave that they are organic and relaxing, and do a great job of making their feet smooth and clean. All these compliments moved my curiosity into motivation, making me search for spas nearby that offer fish pedicures. However, my search stopped abruptly when I saw that the average price is $45. Really, 45 dollars? Just to have some tiny fish nibble at my feet? While a fish pedicure is definitely intriguing, in this economy I think I will just stick to the standard razor. What do you think? Am I being stingy? If you have tried a fish pedicure yourself, make sure to tell me about it. Maybe you can convince me to go for it.

Talk to you again soon!
Blake

Tales from the Intern

2009-01-11T18:36:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

My name is Blake and I am the new intern at FAB. As one of my new tasks, I am now taking over the blog. That means this is where you will hear about all of my adventures, curiousities, as well as my rants. And I really want to hear from you! Let's chat about everything that is going on inside the idustry, outside the industry, and of couse what's new with FAB. I am really excited, and please don't hold back any thoughts you have!

Talk to you again soon!
Blake