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Fun in the sun can be grim for the skin. It’s hot, you’re sweaty and UVA/UVB rays are more damaging than any other time of year. This summer you’re probably also adding a mask to the mix. 

Not to worry. You keep doing your part to flatten the curve and protect your community, and we’ll help protect your skin from summer maskne (mask acne). 

Enter: the ESTIs. Though you wouldn’t know it to look at them, estheticians have to work just as hard as the rest of us to keep their skin clear and aglow during this sunny season – mask or not. They’ve shared some tried and true tips you’ll want to add to your summer skincare routine immediately.   

1. Adopt a light and bright routine. 

Treat your summer skincare routine like you do your wardrobe. When the mercury rises, swap out heavier products for a more breezy bunch. Think: gentle foaming cleansers, dual-purpose moisturizer with SPF 30+, plant-based toners, etc. 

2. Continue to moisturize. 

If you’re used to layering with oils and serums in the a.m., try moving the ones you really like to bedtime hours instead. Put a pause on heavier moisturizers, but be sure to follow each and every facial cleansing with a season-specific salve. Even if your face feels oily, skipping out on moisturizing altogether can throw off your skin’s pH. This reliably leads to increased oil production and, you guessed it, breakouts. 

3. Invest in a quality Vitamin C. 

This year-round basic is essential in summer. Whether you’re looking to correct hyperpigmentation from rays gone by or prevent sun-fueled fine lines and wrinkles, it’s a must-have. But repeat after us: not all Vitamin Cs are created equal. They’re known for being highly sensitive to light and air, both of which can oxidize even the most expensive serums prematurely. At minimum, look for one that’s highly stabilized and comes in a darkened bottle. Bonus points if you can keep it in the fridge and away from direct sunlight. Apply daily between cleansing and moisturizing; especially on days you’ll spend lots of time outdoors.

4. Increase your exfoliation.  

Ask any ESTI and they’ll tell you over-exfoliation is a big no-no. But in this season of sweat and swelter, it’s A-OK to gradually increase the number of days you (gently) slough off skin. Skip the scrubs, which can be especially irritating for sun-kissed skin, and opt for a more gentle and effective alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) solution. 

5. Step up your SPF. 

We couldn’t get through a ‘summer skincare’ guide without tipping our sunhat to this all day, every day fundamental. It’s the most critical element of your entire routine, and in the summer months you need to be downright vigilant. Set a timer on your phone to remind you to reapply every couple hours. Be sure to include your face, neck, chest, hands, ears, and lips. Go with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Consider investing in one that has a light moisturizer built in to avoid clogging pores. If you struggle with breakouts, try applying a swipe of rose water between applications or using a powder sunscreen (yes that’s totally a thing!) for the reapplication.

Remember that these are just the start of taking care of your skin during summer. You can also build some simple solutions into your day to help these tips really take shape like drinking plenty of water, keeping hot showers under 5 minutes, and seeking shade any chance you have. Get in the habit of building these summer essentials into your skincare routine and it’ll be smooth sunning from here until the leaves start to change.

xoxo,

Gina

This article does not contain medical advice and the information herein should not replace a consultation with a physician. See your doctor or a professional esthetician for skin care assistance personalized to your needs.

Click on the Skin Care tab on ginasplatform.com to find the best skin care salons in your area or use the Gina’s Platform app to find an esthetician near you.

Each generation has their signature hairstyle. From beehives to lobs, we’ve seen it all. But there’s no question Balayage is the defining hairdo of the decade. 

It’s among the most widely requested hair colors in salons. The natural looking highlights and lowlights appear sun kissed and effortless – less “I paid for this color” and more “you can thank my all-inclusive beach trip for this blonde.” 

To create maximum dimension, this painting technique is applied freehand piece-by-piece. The best part is it’s totally customizable based on lifestyle and hair goals.  

Creating the perfect blonde balayage ultimately comes down to choosing the right shade to really bring the technique to life. Consider these four criteria to start. 

Selecting a shade

Choosing the perfect blonde is all about complementing complexion and lifestyle. In other words, it’s not just about what will look good walking out the salon doors. It’s about selecting a color that will stay fabulous when it’s maintained at home. Some clients will baby their locks and come in every six weeks like clockwork. Others will wash with bar soap and call twice a year to get their mane tamed. 

Good news is that blonde has a more forgiving upkeep regimen. Balayage is also designed to grow out and look more natural than other treatments. With the right color-care products and semi-regular appointments, blonde balayage can last months longer than other hair color applications.  

Popular blonde balayage colors

Any blonde, or combination of blondes, can be balayaged. It’s a technique that lends itself to artistic expression. However, there are a few blondes that get asked for over and over again, including: 

• Ombré
• Platinum 
• Strawberry 
• Ash 
• Honey 
• Butter
• Ice 
• Dark 
• Warm 
• Bronde (brown + blonde)

Blondes Based on Coloring

To select the right one, decide if skin tone is warm or cool. Veins in the wrist are a huge tell. The more blue or purple they appear, the cooler the tone. Green means warm, and a mix of both indicates neutral so any hue will look hot. 

In general, the more pale or pink the skin, the more suitable it is for cool shades like ash, ice, or platinum. Dark or golden skin looks extra glowy framed with hone, butter, or bronde locks. 

The lighter the eyes, the more a multi-tonal blonde will make them pop. For dark eyes, stick with a single rich blonde shade to bring them out.  

Hair Condition 

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: hair color can only be as good as the condition of the hair. 

Meaning, if the hair is breaking off at the touch or in need of some serious deep conditioning, proceed with caution. Going blonde doesn’t have to be done in one setting. In fact, for dark, coarse hair it could take several appointments to lift locks to the perfect blonde balayage. 

Do blondes really have more fun? Only one way to find out.

xoxo,

Gina

You can find professional hair stylists and colorists near you by clicking the Hair Care tab on ginasplatform.com or on the Gina’s Platform mobile app.

Reopening your salon? We’re sure your clients are over the moon. But no matter how sick they are of their shag, they still don’t want to get sick.

We know you want to keep your clients and coworkers safe. That’s why we created this checklist of ten best practices to safeguard your socially distant salon.

Reduce your capacity 

Whether you decrease the number of days you see clients, stagger your business hours, or simply space out your appointments, the idea is to keep your salon as empty as possible. At minimum, workstations should maintain a strict six-foot distance between them. (Same goes for your shampoo bowls, bathroom stalls, and employee lounge.) 

Limit the time spent with each client

You may consider limiting your services to less complex offerings and avoiding time-intensive treatments. This will allow you to see more clients in a day, so long as you schedule plenty of time between each one.

Screen employees and clients at the door

Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of COVID-19. If you see someone experiencing shortness of breath or a dry cough, send them home or ask them to reschedule. Some salons are taking temperatures at the door and denying entry to anyone who measures 100+ degrees. If you choose to implement this practice, be sure to use thermometer covers and sanitize between each application. 

Keep your waiting area closed 

Have clients wait in their cars until it’s time for their appointment. This ensures stylists and hair dressers have an opportunity to fully sanitize their workstations between appointments and further reduces contact between clients. Post signs or otherwise advise your clients of the number to call when they arrive. Only the client should be allowed to enter the salon. Ensure children and significant others do not accompany your client to their appointment. 

Require everyone to wear masks 

Though masks can be uncomfortable for some services, it’s extremely important that anyone who steps foot inside your salon wear one at all times. Should a client need to temporarily remove their mask for any reason, supply them with a clean towel to cover their mouth and nose. Masks may also be removed outside your salon for fresh air, but must be reapplied before returning inside.

Ensure employees wear gloves at all times 

Stock up on multiple glove sizes for every member of your staff. Gloves should be worn at all times – no exception. This includes any receptionists, stylists, or janitorial employees. Gloves should be changed frequently, especially after every appointment and each time stations are sanitized.

Prohibit stylists from sharing tools

Stylists should continue to use their own tools, including sheers, hairdryers, and products. Should anyone need to share, ensure a thorough sanitization is conducted, hands are washed, and fresh gloves are reinstated.

Sanitize thoroughly between clients 

You probably do this anyway, but you may need to add a few steps to your cleaning process to prevent spreading the virus. Use a disinfectant on any surface a client has touched during their appointment. This includes shampoo bowls, workstations, restrooms, products, tools, and any reception area items like a card reader. Wash towels in hot water with bleach at the end of the day and clean the laundry basket or receptacle. 

Stock up on personal hygiene supplies

Make sure your salon has ample tissues, paper towels, hand soap, hand sanitizers (with at least 60% alcohol), cleaning disinfectants, etc. Don’t forget to change out wastebasket liners each day, too.

Offer a contactless payment method 

Clients who prefer a totally contactless payment option can pay with their credit card through the Gina’s Platform mobile app or they can go to your free webpage on GinasPlatform.com.   Of course, they can also swipe their credit card in person at their appointment as well. 

Keep in mind that this list is far from exhaustive. You know your salon best. If you feel additional safeguards are necessary, don’t hesitate to implement them. Salons naturally create closeness, but only you know how far to go to keep your clients safe.

To get started, download the Gina’s Platform app from the App Store or Google Play. Follow the prompts to create your profile, then look for instructions on creating your own website!

xoxo,

Gina

The beauty industry is all about the visual. Want to book new clients? You first need to show them something beautiful.

Gina’s Platform is the first of its kind: a personal lifestyle resource center connecting lifestyle professionals with potential clients. In addition to a host of other features and benefits, beauty professionals can also create an impressive website for their hair salon, nail studio, or spa – at no cost!

A beauty salon or hair spa website can help attract clients, project a professional image, and begin building trust with your clients before they ever even sit down in your chair. 

Intimidated at the thought of building your own spa or salon website? Don’t be. These are just some of the ways an easy to create website from Gina’s Platform can help your beauty business thrive.  

1. Get a free hair stylist website – really. 

Who says you have to pay thousands of dollars for a professional beauty salon website? Our individual stylist sites not only showcase your work, they help you run your beauty business, too. Clients can set up or request appointments, peruse your promotions or portfolio, read your testimonials, and more. It’s everything you need to easily create a complete, fully customizable website. And yes, it’s free when you sign up for our professional beauty app! 

This new free website is everything you hoped and dreamed it would be. The website builder within Gina’s Platform is a super easy to use drag and drop builder with intuitive style that lets you be in charge of everything. Your new salon website will be able to handle online booking and appointments, sell products in your new online store, and give you access to a whole new world of marketing tools. Did we mention that it is free?!

2. Grow your client base. 

Projecting a professional image is a great way to attract new business. A beautiful site can showcase your best work and lure new customers while you tend to your current clients. A website is also a great way to collect testimonials and portfolio pictures. The website builder that is included in Gina’s Platform has the power to create and enable all of this with your own customizable branding.

Sign up, and we’ll also automatically add your profile to our Gina’s Platform website for maximum exposure. That’s instant access to millions of would-be clients seeking services just like yours. 

3. Improve your current client relationships. 

Giving your clients the ability to schedule their own appointments is a convenient way to make sure your books stay full. But it’s just the beginning. 

Gina’s Platform also lets your clients log into either your free website or app, to update their contact information. Now, you never have to worry that your email addresses or phone numbers are out of date. Whether you’re sending birthday messages, automatic appointment reminders, or simply want to thank them for being a valued client, you always have an easy way to stay connected. 

This also opens a better door for new marketing techniques that you may not have considered before. Your email marketing will now be able to grow with your client list. Promotions, discounts, and customer give backs are all now at your fingertips as you can readily connect with all your clients with ease.

4. Gain access to effective digital marketing tools. 

Make your salon or spa website stand out by:

• Adding professional photos of your best work. 
• Listing your specialties – like cutting curly hair or color correction – to help clients find you.  
• Including testimonials so your future clients know how great you are. 
• Giving a price list of your services so clients can budget appropriately.
• Utilizing our free social media tools to easily share your website and profile on social.
• Connecting your site to your Google My Business for your local clients.
• Put yourself on the map so clients can where you are and when you are open.

With a little TLC your new website can appear on the first page of search engines which means a much higher chance of gaining new business and building new relationships with new clients.

You do beautiful work every day. Why not have an equally aesthetic site to increase your appeal? With ready to go templates, creating a business boosting website for your salon or spa has never been easier. Let us take care of the marketing so you can focus on doing what you love. 

To get started, download the Gina’s Platform app from the App Store or Google Play. Follow the prompts to create your profile, then look for instructions on creating your own website!

xoxo,

Gina