A few good notes to share…  While I do not have new hair growth yet, I can say that my hair is not falling out as fast.  I used to run my hands through my wet hair and get a handful.  Now it is just a few strands. That’s good news. 

The other note: My daughter is 11 and has very sensitive skin.  She is allergic to metals so when she wears bobby pins or metal clips, she gets a very flaky scalp and it is hard to repair.  I had her try the Nioxin and within 2 days the itchy, flaky scalp cleared up.  Two great points that make this worth the try.

This week I am going to start the vitamins and see if that helps speed the growth up more.

Day 28 – Just met with my representative for Nioxin and wanted to share what I learned.  She explained that I should not expect more strands of hair but rather the hair I have will start to be thicker and stronger.   For those who color their hair, they can also expect their color to be better and last longer.   If I get new hair growth from the open follicle due to the product, that’s an added bonus but if my follicle is not producing hair, this product cannot help.

So…  still good that my hair is falling out less which shows the product is working because it is stronger.   Also will be good if each strand I have is thicker so it will give the illusion of fuller hair which is what the end goal is.  I will keep trying and keeping you posted.

Early 40’s, single mom of a soon-to-be 6^th grader, career focused, daughter of an aging father, and I drive a long commute… certainly I have something in common with you.   For years, I have battled with fine, thin hair… a gift from mom – good thing she also gave me common sense.   As I am sure you have, I have seen the various advertisements about miracles in hair growth but have been skeptical, too busy or not wealthy enough for some of the options. 

I now work in the beauty industry and have the opportunity to try a product line called Nioxin™.   I invite you along my journey as I try to grow hair that I am hoping wants to come out.  I will be updating you daily at first and then probably weekly while I wait for results so you can know that someone like you has tried it and what I experienced.   Hope you find it helpful.

The product line has a variety of components and my regimen will include several but not all.  Please know that I am not being compensated by Nioxin™ nor have they been in any way involved in my wanting to try the product and share my story along the way.   You can get official information on how the product works and company information at www.nioxin.com .

Any professional trained in the application of Nioxin™ can apply the treatment; my stylist is Leah Kinsey at Robert Andrew Salon & Spa, Gambrills, MD.

DAY 1 – July 9,2010

Yeah!  Today I get to start my Nioxin™ treatment. 

4:30pm, Leah begins my treatment.  She explains that she will apply my treatment and I will relax for 20 minutes while it performs its magic.  Then she will rinse my hair out.  I was expected a burning sensation (not sure why, just seemed logical that to stimulate my follicle would be burning) but actually it is a cool, tingly sensation.  I relax and wait.  If you decide to do this treatment, I suggest you bring a sweater as I got a chill that was hard to shake until after she blew my hair dry.

So, that’s it for now.  Fingers crossed.

EVENING 1 – July 9, 2010

Leah explained I needed to apply the Scalp Renew™ to my scalp every night before going to bed for the next 14 days.  I applied the product on the top of my scalp where I need the most hair to regenerate.    I was concerned about a mess it would leave and about odor but it was clean and easy.  Even my boyfriend said it smelled nice, a clean pleasant scent. 

DAY 2 – July 10, 2010

Big event day at work so I need my hair to style nicely.  I wash my hair with the Nioxin™ Cleanser ™ followed by the Scalp Treatment™.  My hair seems dry so I apply the Nioxin™ Intensive Therapy® masque to the ends and leave in for 5 minutes.   Then I rinse the scalp treatment and masque at the same time.  After towel drying, I apply the Scalp Activating Treatment™ directly to my scalp and rub in.  I follow my normal styling routine with my root lifter and mousse.  I dry my hair with my large round brush and then I use a little flat iron magic.  Looks great! I am happy.

The shampoo smells fresh like the rest of the products.  Just a little goes a long way.  The scalp treatment is a cool sensation but it feels great in a hot shower.  The masque is a nice creamy consistency.  Hair feels good!

EVENING 2 – July 10, 2010

I am tired.  Worked our Super Saturday all day.  Made dinner at home and quickly fell asleep on the sofa trying to watch a movie.  Woke up at 12:30am, let the dog out, cleansed my face and am now applying my 2^nd of 14 treatments to my scalp.  Beauty takes effort… right?  Actually a quick application, some scalp massaging and I am off to bed.

DAY 3 – July 11, 2010

My day off.  Same morning routine in the shower with the cleanser and scalp therapy.  Then the Scalp Activating Treatment™  before digging into my regular styling routine.  Another good hair day.

 EVENING 3 – July 11, 2010

Just got back from my girlfriends birthday party dinner.  I am full but it was so tasty.  On 3^rd treatment of 14.   No changes so far.

DAY 4 – July 12, 2010

Wondered why the man up the street gave me a funny look this morning when I was walking my dog this morning.  Ooops!  I forgot I had the Scalp Renew™ on my hair from last night and it makes my hair a bit big with bed head – good thing I am not a celebrity.

So, I came in and started my morning Nioxin™ regimen; Cleanser™ and Scalp Therapy™ with the Intensive Therapy® masque,  then Scalp Activating Treatment™ and style. 

Evening 4 – July 12, 2010

4^th of 14 treatments with  Scalp Renew™  No new hair yet but my hair is manageable and shiny.

Stay tuned for the second half of these Chronicals…..

Why Does This Happen?

Ultraviolet rays are responsible for the break down of collagen fibers – that essential fiber that keeps skin looking young. Lower levels and weak/broken collagen fibers can lead to wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin. Sun damage can also take the form of sun spots, and discolored patches. When our pigment producing cells, the melanocytes, become damaged by the sun’s powerful rays, they produce pigment irregularly, resulting in age spots and freckles. The combination of these unfortunate issues makes us look older than we need to. But, don’t get too discouraged. There is hope!

What Can You Do?

One of the quickest routes to removing sun damage and revealing younger-looking skin is the Photofacial. Photofacials work in a couple of ways.  First, the high energy light waves are absorbed into irregular pigmentation and the pigment is destroyed. Second, the heat producing waves encourage skin cell turnover and increase the rate of collagen production resulting in plumper, fresher, smoother skin. This combination results in a more youthful appearance. Photofacials can also treat broken capillaries and rosacea and can decrease the appearance of large pores. Photofacials are not just limited to the face. Intense Pulsed Light treatments can be performed on the chest and hands, or really anywhere that your skin is showing signs of sun damage such as your arms, shoulders, back and even your legs.

Does it Hurt?

A Photofacial is only a little uncomfortable. During the treatment, an intermittent and tolerable stinging sensation can be felt over the area that is being treated.  A typical treatment takes about 30 minutes. Once the treatment is over, there is no real discomfort – only a mild sunburn-like feeling that may last for a few hours. You may notice right away that the sun spots and irregular pigmentation is darker than before the treatment.

In the days following the treatment, your skin will probably be even darker and more “peppered” looking. In about 10-14 days, this pigment will slough off revealing newer, more even toned skin underneath. Typically it takes between three and six sessions to see the full results of the treatment. Your skin will continue to improve for months following the treatment as the collagen continues to grow, filling in fine lines. Enlarged pores will decrease in size and broken capillaries will continue to fade.

Photofacials are among the many services offered at the Robert Andrew Medical Spa. We will continue the discussion of establishing a consistent skin management routine in our next blog post, which will highlight 7 steps that you can take to improve the appearance of your skin!

When: Wednesday Aug. 5

Time: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Where: Robert Andrew Salon & Spa

RSVP: 410-721-3533 or 301-261-3844

PLUS- $25 credit redeemable toward the purchase of any three Repêchage products on the day of the event.

Ms. Sarfati is the creator of the world-renowned Four Layer Facial and has more than 30 years of experience as an esthestician, spa owner, manufacturer, consultant and is the author of Success at Your Fingertips: How to Succeed in the Skin Care Business.

For your convenience, please call to pre-book your consultation time.

Ever wonder why your hair feels like Barbie’s after a few days at the pool? Or why your blonde hair has a pale green cast to it? Chemicals in pool water, such as Chlorine, will lighten your color, open the cuticle, and make your hair brittle. The copper in the algaecide, is what makes it green (blonde (yellow) + copper (blue) = green).

Before you start balancing your checkbook to see if you can afford a salon fix – stop it before it starts! Protect your hair by apply a protective crème conditioner (made for swimming) throughout your hair. This will seal the cuticle and keep the chemicals from absorbing deeply into the hair. At the end of your day, use a clarifying shampoo to remove chemicals and residuals, and don’t forget to condition afterwards!

You just made an appointment to have your hair colored before you head to the sand. Maybe you should wait till you return. Salt and freshly colored hair can be a deadly combination. Salt is a mordant and can actually pull those beautiful hues right into the ocean. Your color will probably fade while you are there, so why not get a boost when you return, and head back to your real life with great color. Besides, you’ll probably never see those people again, or at least till next year!

So think ahead and ask your stylist about the best route to travel this summer. Hair is an accessory, we just happen to wear it every day! Have fun, stay safe.

“I’ll admit I’m a baby when it comes to beauty treatments.  My sensitive skin has always made it difficult for me to wax.  But I will also admit that my brows are a bit of a mess and could use a little more help than just my occasional tweezing.  So I jumped at the chance to try Threading – an alternative to waxing that is getting more and more popular because it’s a great alternative for people with sensitive skin or who are allergic to wax.

Nasreen, the threading technician, sensed my anxiety right away and was a great cheerleader through the whole process.  First she applied a cleanser to my brow area and asked me to hold the skin taught with my hand.  The hair removal is done with coarse thread (not your typical sewing thread) that catches each hair and removes it with a quick flick of Nasreen’s highly trained hands.  She had quite the challenge with my virgin brows.  There were areas that stung, but no more than plucking each hair out individually.

The whole process took only minutes to complete and Nasreen promised that subsequent touch ups would be even easier now that the major shaping was done.  After she was finished she handed me a mirror and – WOW – I love my new brows!  They were very natural looking and I had very little redness even with my sensitive skin.  People noticed the difference right away – my eyes “popped” and looked more open.  For this kind of result I think I could see myself having this done again.”
- Sarah T.

Threading is performed at the new Express Facial Bar so there is no appointment needed.  It’s available for all areas of the face including brows, lips, cheeks and chin.  Pricing starts at just $16 and if you use code EXFACE between now and July 31st you get 10% off your service.

Mention promo code EXFACE and receive 10% off any Facial Express Bar Treatment!* Pass it on to your friends!

30 Minutes to Beauty $65 ($105 value)
Hair – Conditioning Hair Treatment
Face – Deep Hydrating Seaweed Mask w/ essential vitamins & minerals
Hands – Anti-Aging Treatment w/ massage

Seaweed Facial On the Go $55 (30min)
Nourishes, hydrates, cools and refreshes skin.  Anti-oxidant rich and rejuvenating treatment.

Opti-Firm Eye Contour Treatment $45 (30min)
Clinically proven ingredients that work to reduce wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles.

Deep Pore Cleansing Mask $25 (15min)
Mineral-rich sea mud reduces oily shine without drying out the skin and prevents future breakouts.

Deep Conditioning Mask $25 (15min)
Anti-Aging formula for dry skin.  Soothes and protects the skin.

Hydra Dew Alternative to Botox $75 (30min)
Express lift, visibly smoother and younger looking skin.  Diminishes expression lines while firming the skin.

*Offer valid through July 31, 2009.  Facial Bar is available Wednesday-Sunday.

Then I discovered the secret to packing light – they’re called SwitchFlops. You can pack a week’s worth of shoe styles in the space it takes to pack one pair of shoes.  Pack one pair of SwitchFlops and bring as many of the interchangeable straps you want to match all your outfits (and if you’re truly addicted like me you’ll buy outfits to match some of the cute straps).  The idea is really quite ingenious.  There are several different styles of SwitchFlops including the traditional flip flop and a dressier kitten heel.  Both offer endless style possibilities with just a quick switch of the straps.

Robert Andrew has these shoes in their boutique so you can try them on and see all the different straps first hand.  It might make taking just a carry-on an option for my next trip!

“For 41 years I’ve waited to have straight hair. It was the craziest experience to wash my hair and have it completely straight. I kept waiting for it to get curly or frizzy. It has done neither of those things. I must say that a lot of people don’t recognize me at first. It is so fun having straight hair and not worrying about what to do with the curls when they don’t behave. People cannot believe that my hair is actually straight and it is! Brian and the staff of iSalon did a fantastic job during the process and I couldn’t be happier.”  – Debi V., RA Customer

The iStraight System:
iStraight is a revolutionary Japanese Hair Straightening System that utilizes protein, ceremides and the power of natural ions to rebuild the hair, while minimizing the natural curl or frizz through a very thorough process of washing the hair and straightening it using a series of heated styling tools.

While it may sound like a lot of wear and tear, you will emerge from the salon with completely retexturized, sleek, bone-straight, healthy hair. And, unlike other hair treatments, humidity or other factors will not affect the hair or subject it to split ends or breakage. It is a general rule of thumb to avoid washing your hair for 12-72 hours after the treatment to make sure the hair has completely reformed to its new state.

Here at Robert Andrew, Japanese Hair Straightening is just one of the many hair treatments and services that we offer. Feel free to come in so we can show you a range of possibilities for your hair and skin.

We are located in Gambrills, MD, but our clients and friends come from all over the area from Crofton, Annapolis, Bowie, DC, Baltimore and many other places. Our community has been good to us and we like to give back as often as we can. In the future we’ll be highlighting and giving an inside look into the kinds of things we do to give back to our community and the people in it.

In addition to highlighting charity events and our own promotional events, we’ll be giving insider beauty tips and information that we have learned over the 40+ years we have been in the fashion industry.

We may offer discounts or printable coupons on here as well. Our goal is to connect with people and show our appreciation for your business and friendship. So feel free to stop by and say hi, or let us know what you think of our blog on your next visit to Robert Andrew.