Ahead of Style

We have Moroccan Oil at Ahead of Style, Inc!

At Ahead of Style, we are not into the latest fad, we only use and recommend products that work. We took a little time to test out Moroccan Oil and we were blown away! Moroccan Oil’s light weight formula is recommended for use on all hair types. It increases manageability, increases elasticity, reduces frizz, reduces blow-drying time, speeds up styling, adds shine and gloss, and provides long lasting conditioning. Come in and get this revolutionary product, your hair will thank you!



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AOS Events Calendar!

Find out what’s going on at Ahead of Style, Inc. Check out our Calendar. Click here

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Seeing an Esthetician Saves Money!

A Dermatologist is a medical doctor who has completed a residency in Dermatology, the diagnosis and treatment of skin abnormalities and diseases. A Dermatologist is trained to diagnose and treat all diseases and disorders that affect the skin, the body’s largest organ. He/She has a thorough knowledge of pharmaceuticals and has the authority to write prescriptions; he/she is also qualified to surgically remove skin lesions.

 

An Esthetician is not a doctor but has received one to two years of specialized training in skin care products and procedures such as facials, exfoliating treatments, lymph drainage, extractions, peels, micro-dermabrasion and body treatments. She/he is also trained in the proper use of galvanic and high frequency machines that help the skin to reach optimal condition. Estheticians can remove unwanted hair, apply makeup, and recommend a good home care regimen for their clients’ particular skin types. Estheticians often work in Dermatologists’ and Cosmetic Surgeons’ offices or in medi-spas under the direction of a physician.

 

While a dermatologist specializes in the cause and cure of skin afflictions, an Esthetician focuses on more superficial skin care issues (for example: minor to moderate acne; clogged pores; fine to medium lines; off-colored pigmentation; rosy cheeks; dry or rough skin; and the formation of wrinkles.) and discovering their causes.

 

If you have superficial skin problems seeking the services of an esthetician can be easier and much more economical. It can take some time navigating the heath care system to get an appointment to see a Dermatologist all the while your minor skin care problem my be turning into a big one! In some cases people will spend hundreds of dollars for a few minutes of the Doctors time and walk out without a treatment plan.

 

When you have minor skin problems it is faster and easier to get to an Esthetician than a Dermatologist. Estheticians can help maintain skin health by performing deep cleansing facials and exfoliation treatments, as well as extracting pore blockages. Thus preventing most minor skin problems, prevention not only saves money it is truly the best medicine. Estheticians can also suggest skin care products for your skin type or develop a personalized skin care regimen. A good esthetician will also teach you how to properly care for your skin at home and keeps the lines of communication open, so that you can keep your Esthetician up to date on the progress of your skin care regimen or ask any follow up questions.

 

Sarah Olson is the AOS Licensed Esthetician; you can book an appointment with her online, or by calling the salon 360-573-9922.

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AOS Body Wraps FAQ

WHAT IS THIS AOS BODY WRAP?

This healthy inch loss program is a toxin cleanse that creates a very definite size loss from fatty areas. The aloe vera in the solution will moisturize, tone and tighten the skin for the client to feel baby soft and not needing to shower off the product. The treatment and ‘all food’ ingredients are perfectly safe, healthy and very relaxing.

 HOW DOES IT WORK?

The solution of aloe vera and natural USA herbs combine to penetrate through the protein wall that surrounds the fat cell and dissipate toxins from the fat cells into the body’s lymphatic system. In the lymphatic system, the toxins can be flushed from the body as the client drinks water over the following 3 days. This movement causes a reduction in the size of the fat cell. The loss is quite measurable.

 HOW MUCH SIZE CAN I EXPECT TO LOSE?

Size loss comes first from new fat, while the aloe works to soften the older fat and cellulite areas. Sometimes cellulite will require 4 or 5 wrap treatments to soften these hardened cells. Each treatment will result in decreasing the softened areas. Arms that are not muscular usually lose about a quarter of an inch over the entire arm. Fat across the back and areas under the arms lose easily as cellulite in these areas is rare. As inches are lost, the skin will tone and tighten beautifully. Note sample of size loss chart at right. Imagine how long would one have to diet to drop an inch in the buttock area. Most clients will feel the looser fit of clothing after only a few treatments.

 WILL THERE BE LOSS IN THE BREAST AREA?

The breast area will lose quickly if it is wrapped. Typical loss during two full-body body wraps will result in a need for a smaller size of bra. Do not wrap the breast if no loss there is desired.

 HOW MUCH SIZE CAN I EXPECT TO LOSE?

Size loss comes first from new fat, while the aloe works to soften the older fat and cellulite areas. Sometimes cellulite will require 4 or 5 wrap treatments to soften these hardened cells. Each treatment will result in decreasing the softened areas. Arms that are not muscular usually lose about a quarter of an inch over the entire arm. Fat across the back and areas under the arms lose easily as cellulite in these areas is rare. As inches are lost, the skin will tone and tighten beautifully. Note sample of size loss chart at right. Imagine how long would one have to diet to drop an inch in the buttock area. Most clients will feel the looser fit of clothing after only a few treatments.

 WILL THERE BE LOSS IN THE BREAST AREA?

The breast area will lose quickly if it is wrapped. Typical loss during two full-body body wraps will result in a need for a smaller size of bra. Do not wrap the breast if no loss there is desired.

 WILL THE WRAP HELP STRETCH MARKS?

Stretch marks are partial tears in the skin resulting from the stress of being overweight or from pregnancy. The stretched area becomes smaller during the skin-tightening process, thereby reducing size and color of the stretch marks. Set-N-Me-Free Aloe Comfrey Gel will nourish the skin cells for speeding the growth of fresh new cells. Apply this light gel daily after bathing.

 HOW MUCH IS LOST DURING A SERIES OF WRAPS?

Best results are with a series of 12 wraps. A client can lose up to two full clothes sizes with a series of 12 wraps taken 4-5 days apart. These results can be accomplished by using Set-N-Me-Free Aloe Body Wash in the daily bath to keep the pores clean. The amount of food eaten must be adjusted to the new size and a gallon of water must be consumed daily for 3 days after each wrap.

 WHAT ABOUT THE ALOE BODY WASH?

This product is made with “enzyme active” aloe vera and coconut oil soap. This wash leaves no film on the skin and will eliminate unsightly clogged pore bumps. Clients using Set-N-Me-Free Aloe Body Wash daily will lose up to 40% more than clients that use other body cleansers.

 WHAT DO I WEAR WHILE BEING WRAPPED?

The wrap cloths are applied over the bra and cotton panties for women, and jogging shorts for men. The solution product will not penetrate through synthetic clothing, so cotton is always recommended. Bring a change of undergarments, because what you are wrapped in will get wet.

 HOW OFTEN SHOULD TREATMENTS BE DONE?

It is perfectly safe to have treatments every day although it is not necessary. The solution stays in the body and continues to work for three days. Have treatments every four or five days for the best results, with no more than seven days between wraps as the fat will begin to harden again.  

WILL MY LOST INCHES COME BACK?

Clients reducing on this program have kept off the inches and pounds better and easier than with any other weight loss system. Keep in mind that one cannot continue eating at a size larger than they wish to be. Avoid alcohol, salt, spices, sugar and oils as these will keep the water you drink from flushing through the lymphatic system to cleanse your body of the unwanted toxins and fat. Fat is not heavy so only about one pound of weight loss will occur – after drinking water to flush the body.

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Winterize Your Hair and Skin!

Tricks and yummy treats, turkey and gravy and pumpkin pie, so many wonderful things to look forward to in fall. However with fall coming it means winter is just around the corner and unless you live in the Tropics, the dry and cold winter can be very damaging to your hair and skin. Dry indoor heating and the dry cold weather outside can easily cause uncomfortable dryness to the skin and breakage of your hair. Proper preventative steps need to be taken during this seasons to ensure that your hair and skin does not get damaged. Below are some tips to help you keep you skin and hair healthy through the winter months.
 
Seek a Specialist.

So you want to tone or darken your tresses for the fall/winter season. If you go to your local drugstore or Sally’s, you’ll be hard put to find a salesperson knowledgeable in hair color or skin care who can give you good advice. Save money, and avoid the trauma of having green or orange hair for that holiday party. Going to a colorist or esthetician or dermatologist is a good investment. Such a specialist can color your hair correctly, or analyze, type, and troubleshoot your current skin and hair care regimen, and give you advice on the care products you should be using.
 
Drink, Drink, Drink
I mean water! Drinking lots of water helps you to hydrate from the inside out. The goal is a minimum of 64 ounces of water each day. Buy a sturdy, reusable bottle so you avoid the plastic that can leach hazardous chemicals into your water.
 
Humidify the Air
Invest in a humidifier for your home or office…and use it!
 
Moisturizing Cleansers
Take the time to find a good hydrating skin cleanser. Both soaps and shampoo products can dry out skin and hair. For skin we recommend cleansing milk or mild foaming cleansers, and moisturizing bath products ointments.  Moisturizing skin products with vitamins A, D, and E actually help your skin retain moisture. Reapply it throughout the day and after washing your hands. A moisturizer that’s oil-based, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. (Hint: Many lotions labeled as “night creams” are oil-based.) Choose your oils with care because not all oils are appropriate for the face. Look for “nonclogging” oils, like avocado oil, or almond oil. You can also look for lotions containing “humectants,” a class of substances (including glycerine, honey and alpha-hydroxy acids) that attract moisture to your skin. Avoid using harsh peels, masks, and alcohol-based toners or astringents, all of which can strip vital oil from your skin. Instead, find a toner with no alcohol, and masks that are “deeply hydrating,” rather than clay-based.
 
For hair we recommend hydrating sulfate-free shampoos, and weekly deep-therapy mask. Since dryness starts from the ends, regular trims are a must. Also if you normally blow-dry, or use other heat tools, try to reduce their use on your hair and when you do use them apply a repair cream, heat-protecting cream or leave-in conditioner first.
 
Cool it Down
Take cooler showers and baths because extremely hot baths and showers can dry out skin and hair. Right before you get out of the shower, lock in the moisture by running your hair through cold water; this will also give your hair an extra shine.
 
Use Sunscreen
Many people don’t realize that the sun’s rays can be damaging even in the wintertime, when snow reflects the sunlight. It’s particularly important to use sunscreen on your face. You can protect your hair form the sun by wearing hats or using UV protection hair products.

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Make Appointments Online!!

Now you can book appointments with you favorite AOS Stylist! Look for the “book now” button, click on it and book your appointment. So Easy!! Do it Now! Call the salon to book appointments for services and times not listed online.




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The Importance of Deep Conditioning

Deep conditioning treatments are a very important part of hair care and should be apart of your personal hair care regimen. Unlike daily conditioners which are good for hair maintenance and detangling, deep conditioners repair and heal damaged hair. For really curly, permed, straightened, lightened or relaxed hair or if you blow dry/flat iron your hair every day, a deep conditioner is a must.

Deep Conditioners are vital for problem; heat damaged and chemically treated hair. Heat and chemical treatments rob hair of much needed moisture and protein. Moisture, and protein robbed hair is much more susceptible to unmanageability and breakage. With the first treatment, deep conditioners which are infused with oils, herbs, moisture and silk, wheat, and keratin protein can give you awesome results. For most people with normal hair deep conditioning a couple of times a month is recommended. However the more damage your hair has, the more often you should deep condition.

The special this month at Ahead of Style, Inc is deep conditioners. We have several different kinds of deep conditioners available (including herb infused oils for wonderful hot oil treatments) so that we can personalize your treatment to your hair’s needs. Look for our coupon in the September 9th, 2009 Clipper Magazine for a FREE deep conditioning treatment. Call Sarah to make an appointment with an AOS stylist for a free consultation today 360-573-9922.

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Feed a Family! Support Our Food Drive & Save $$ On Your Services!

At Ahead of Style, Inc we are fully aware of the bad economy and how it has affected our families’ and our neighbors. In light of this we have decided to give back to the community that has been so supportive of us! We want to help the needy families of Vancouver, WA and we want YOU to save money in our salon. How can you help?

Starting today until August 31st, 2009 on behalf of The Salvation Army Center of Social Services, AOS has a barrel for non perishable food items. Call and book an appointment or walk into AOS. Bring non perishable food items and you SAVE on your services!

1 non perishable food item equals $5 OFF a wash/deep condition/style combo. 2 non perishable food items equals $10 off a haircut. 3-4 non perishable food items equals a FREE facial or underarm Wax, 5 non perishable food items equals $25 off ALL chemical hair services! There are no restrictions, you bring the food, and you save, as many times as you like!

THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO COME INTO AHEAD OF STYLE, INC THAN RIGHT NOW!
Ahead of Style, Inc
360-573-9922
http://www.aheadofstyle.net
9410 NE Hazel Dell Ave
Vancouver WA 98665

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What’s the Deal with Sodium Lauryl and Laureth Sulfate?

My mother always used Salon purchased or Health Food Store purchased cosmetics in particular Shampoos and conditioners. (Note this was in the 70’s and 80’s so all of those products Like Nexxus that used to be a Superior Salon exclusive product, have now been reformulated for mass production and can now be bought in the grocery store). Because of my up bringing in my personal life, I’ve I have always been real selective when it comes to what cosmetics I buy.  As a professional Stylist I am even more militant about what I use and sell to my clients.

 

  

About 5 years ago I switched to Sodium Lauryl and Laureth Sulfate (SLS) free shampoos. SLS is a surfactant that also gives us suds when we shampoo. Bubbles harmless right? Read on.

  

 

I am going to link to some other blogs so you can conduct an up to date search but basically for me it comes down to this: At best SLS is a completely harmless strong surfactant that strips the hair & scalp of much needed oils, (for shine) and moisture (to prevent split ends and breakage). Strong surfactants like SLS strips artificial color from your hair. Nothing like paying hard earned money for your color service only to have it wash down the bathtub drain in two weeks! At worst it instigates hair loss, is an allergen for most people, which irritates the scalp/skin and may be carcinogenic. Who needs that!

 

  

I’ve done some research, which included trying my new SLS free shampoo vs my old shampoo. I do not know if SLS is a carcinogenic, there is just as much info out there that says it is as there is that says it’s not. But why take the risk? SLS free shampoos use milder surfactants. Plus I had a serious Aaha moment when I used a SLS free shampoo. My hair did so well on SLS shampoos. It was soft and supple, no frizz, and plenty of shine especially when I flat ironed. Also I’ve has several clients that had really bad scalp flaking and it disappeared once I put them on SLS shampoos.

  

 

I am a curly girl. I am Afro-American and I am “natural” meaning, I do not chemically relax my natural curls. Curly hair naturally is prone to dryness. The curlier the hair the dryer it is. Chemical services on any hair type (straight or curly) dries out the hair. Dryness leads to split-ends, split-ends lead to breakage. I know tons of people who think their hair doesn’t grow when what they are really dealing with is Severe Breakage. Basically the hair breaks off before you realize (notice) any length. That is why I am always ALL about putting and keeping Moisture in the hair! (Protein too, but that’s another post.) Switching to a Sodium Lauryl Sulfate free shampoo is a great start to moisture rich hair.

 

  

Another thing to be mindful of when purchasing a shampoo is the PH or Potential Hydrogen. A lot of store bought products won’t list the PH or molecular weight of their shampoos and conditioners. And believe me you want to know! Shampoos with a high PH like a 9 to 11 can cause the cuticle cells of hair to swell up and get rougher which can leave your hair looking dull and lifeless. Yikes! I recommend a shampoo and conditioner that have a PH of about 4.5 to 5.5. 

  

 

Pravana Shampoos and Conditioners are two out of my three ROCK BOTTOM YOU MUST HAVE PRUDUCTS! All of Provana’s shampoos are sulfate-free. I use Pravana’s Hydrating  line for maximum moisture. Pravana is ONLY available for purchase in salons, like (shameless plug aleart!) Ahead of Style, Inc located at 9410 NE Hazel Dell Ave, Vancouver WA 98665 Phone 360-573-9922. Also AOS only uses SLS Free shampoos on their clients.

 

OK here are the links:

Skin Deep: My favorite place to look up product ingredients.

The Beauty Brains: Says SLS is safe

Mane & Chic: The post to read is Shampoo is the Devil. LOL. Wonderful site!

Jason Cosmetics

Killer Strands: Love this site!

Nappy Me:

Snopes: Says SLS is safe

 

Long Hair Care Forum: Search results of posts. Great NON-Professional site.

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