BABS Salon & Spa

BABS Massage Specialist Featured in Allure Magazine!

2011-07-19T10:32:00.001-07:00

Erminia Delleganzza, massage therapist extraordinaire, has received high accolades from the August 2011 edition of Allure Magazine.

Erminia takes massage and overall body health to an entirely new level, and truly cares about her clients and their needs.

Check out her write-up here.

To book an appointment with Erminia: 248-593-6993

Medical Massage Therapy Now at BABS Salon!

2011-06-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

Introducing Erminia Deleganzza, Medical Massage Therapist at BABS Salon in Birmingham. Erminia specializes in therapeutic medical massage techniques focusing on healing the body from the inside out by taking a natural and Holistic approach to health and beauty. She specializes in massage therapy, face toning, slimming, and infrared-softlight healing therapy.

~Specials~

Infrared Light Therapy combined with Massage Therapy can aid those suffering from Bell Palsy, Joint Relief, Muscle Pain, Inflammation, Fibromyalgia, Arthritis, Bursitis, Chronic Back & Neck Pain, and even speed recovery time after surgery. Book a 15 min. appointment for $20 or 10 for $150.

Lose those unwanted and stubborn inches from legs, stomach, bottom, and waist. Our non-invasive Weight-Loss European Body Wrap helps to effectively eliminate cellulite, fatty deposits, and water retention. Purchase 6 treatments for $450 and receive the 7^th treatment free. *20 treatments recommended for optimal results*

To book an appointment with Erminia, please call BABS Salon at 248-593-6993.

Prom & Graduation Specials!

2011-05-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

Prom & Graduation

are just around the corner!

$75 for updo and makeup

Call and make your appointment today!

248-593-6993

You're invited to our RE-GRAND OPENING EVENT!

2011-03-01T08:26:00.001-08:00

BABS Salon shows how giving back is a part of having great style

BABS Salon & Spa of Birmingham, MI, a premier salon that has made the business of making their clients look and feel beautiful for the last three years, has yet another exciting accomplishment to announce as they celebrate their new status as a Paul Mitchell Signature Salon. The leading hair care expert is known for its quality products and professional care and BABS Salon is no exception. To ring in the new announcement BABS Salon is hosting a Re-Grand Opening which will take place on Thursday, March 31^st, from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm at BABS Salon located at 1077 S. Worth Avenue (just off Woodward and north of 14 Mile Rd.).

When asked how she felt about attaining this exclusive salon status, owner and operator of BABS Salon, Bernadette Blanchard, had this to say, “We are proud to be a member of the Paul Mitchell Signature Salon family and love the fact that we can offer premier products to our clients to go with our services not to mention we are one of the only salons in the Oakland County area who can offer these products.”

In addition to a re-grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony immediately preceding the event at 4:00pm, attendees will enjoy mini galvanic spa facial treatments (to lift & revitalize skin), mini makeup applications, and hourly gift give-a-ways. As always BABS, a pillar in the community that has made advocacy just as much a part of their mission as satisfying their clients, could not celebrate this new phase without helping others in the process. BABS has joined forces with Wines for Humanity by way of The Festive Chef Cassandra Morrison, caterer and wine advisor, to offer support to local families in need. A wine tasting and hors d’oeuvre pairing will take place from 6:00-7:30 pm for all to enjoy. Bottles of wine will also be available for purchase proceeds from which a monetary contribution will be made to a local shelter aimed at helping families ease the burdens caused by homelessness and abuse.

When asked what inspired this facet of the event Blanchard had this to say, “I’m driven to use my business as a tool in helping families cope with the stresses that life can and will bring. Along with making men and women look and feel beautiful, I understand these real-life problems need real-life solutions. In keeping with the Paul Mitchell mantra, we believe that giving back is a part of having great style.”

BABS Salon & Spa is committed to offering customized and healthy beauty services for both women and men performed by experienced and professional stylists. They dedicate themselves to maintaining a serene environment where one both looks and feels rejuvenated with cutting edge styles that fit their personality as well as your hair texture and services that enrich their body and inspire their soul. Most importantly, the BABS team recognizes that one’s health and well-being often determine how attractive they look and more importantly how attractive they feel.

Introducing the Babs' Kids Glamour Team!

2011-02-17T08:05:00.000-08:00

Think Glamour Team when planning your next birthday party!

Turn your little princess’ day into one glam-fabulous party!

What we do:
For a party of 10 girls (including the birthday princess) the Glamour Team will perform two services (each guest picks their favorite two). Additional guests can be added for an additional charge; up to 15 total guests.

The services to choose from include:
* Heavenly Hairstyling
* Marvelous Manicure
* Playful Pedicure
* Magnificent Makeup

We will also take individual glam-photos of your party guests and give you the photos on CD to distribute as you wish!

Where we do it:
Here’s the best part! We come to you! The Glamour Team will come to your party location to pamper the princess and all her guests.

What we charge:
$300 – A party of 10 (incl. birthday girl - $100 nonrefundable deposit)
$15 – Additional charge per additional guest (up to 15 total)

What you get:
• Two services per guest
• CD with individual photos of party guests

To Reserve the Team: 248-593-6993

The Reviews Are In!

2011-01-07T10:12:00.000-08:00

The following reviews can be found on Yelp.com:

There are times when a woman wonders how she will find and maintain her look. This salon is staffed by the most knowledgeable and professional technicians. They care about each client's needs and desires. They focus on nurturing the spirit and look of each client and have experience with all races of client and textures of hair. I was brought to the salon by my son, who was encouraged by a male mentor. Since, I have three daughters who are also regular clients. Service is delivered in an efficient and timely manner. No All Day at the SALON! When they are in town, I bring my mother and my sister. Each of us has different hair and different styles. We have also used the waxing services of the salon. You would do well to check them out!

Carla Y.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
4 star rating

Babs is the best bang for your buck in the Birmingham area! I was hesitant to try a salon in Birmingham, as I've seen prices at other area salons. However, after hearing good reviews from a friend, I was surprised to see how affordable they were! I got my hair cut, colored, and highlighted for a great price-- and it looks fantastic! Vina did my hair, and I was impressed at how personable she was. She was receptive to my ideas, but not hesitant to suggest, either. Love her! The other employees were also very friendly. You should definitely check them out!

Cheryl R.
Clawson, MI
5 star rating

My personal experience with the proprietor of Babs Salon and Spa has been a positive one. I have always been conservative when it comes to hair care. Wash, blow dry, curl and go. Since becoming a client of Ms. Blanchard, my hair has grown longer and healthier than when I was a child. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I trusted Babs to color my hair. The result was AMAZING! I receive sooo many compliments, the color Babs selected for me is perfect.
Babs Salon and Spa is professionally operated. All the technicians are knowledgeable and professional. Each is committed to continual professional development regarding their trade, remaining on the 'cutting edge' of their profession. I would highly recommend anyone of the stylists or technicians. I am a customer for life and you should be too.

Marsha M.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
5 star rating

Babs Salon and Spa is a wonderful find! The owner and staff are very knowledgeable about styles, trends, coloring, cutting and extensions. But what I love more than anything is the owner's commitment to all of their clients having healthy hair first and foremost.
I've been a client going on seven years and went for a consultation when my hair had been burned out by chemicals not being removed properly. My hair was treated with care and returned to normal within a year. Ms. Blanchard is also trained in the Coppola system that uses protein to straigten hair. I've become a client using this system and my hair is very healthy and longer than before. I do not miss chemicals at all!!!
You should also try their spa treatments all presented with a personal touch - facials, massages, manicures, pedicures and more!!

C. Morrison
West Bloomfield Township, MI
5 star rating

If you want to be waited on in a classy salon, this is it. Bright and airy. Clean with jazz music. I get my hair relaxed here and appreciate a reasonably priced salon with great service, greater people, and finesse!

hilary c.
Southfield, MI
5 star rating

Babs Salon is wonderful!!! Speaking from the experience of someone who knows how tough it is to find somewhere that will do your hair beautifully (and keep it healthy) and take care of your waxing without a wait. Its truly a one stop shop. If you haven't been there you should go. It's right next to a bridal shop and before you hit Papa Joe's Market on Woodward. Stop in... the owner's wonderful and they will definitely find a way to work you in and get you out quickly. Trust me you'll leave looking and feeling beautiful on the outside and in your pocket, which is so hard to find these days. Oh, and added bonus they sale some really great products that I haven't been able to find at other salons.

Autumn J.
Romulus, MI
5 star rating

I have been a client at Bab's salon since they opened. The atmosphere is wonderful and I always feel like I'm the most important client that Bernadette has! I think she makes all of her clients feel that way!
My hair is always looking and feeling good when I leave Babs Salon. I was referred to Bernadette, the owner of Babs Salon, by a mutual friend and have been absolutely satisfied since day one. I recommend Babs to anyone looking for excellent service at reasonable prices in a very comfortable environment.

Renita T.
Southfield, MI
5 star rating

I am in high school now and that means school dances, homecoming, prom, etc. It is very important for me to look my best. I LOVE BABS! I am guaranteed to come out looking H-O-T! I also get my highlights and cuts done there. I have fun when I go. Everyone there treats me like a normal person and not just some teenager. Plus, my mom doesn't complain about me wanting to get my hair done because they have great prices! I would TOTALLY recommend all my friends to come!

Alex E.
Birmingham, MI
5 star rating

I'm a guy so I don't like for people to jack up my hair. I just happened to need a cut one day that my wife was going in to have hers done. The salon was very professional. I didn't have to tell them anything fancy for them to know what I meant by "just clean it up." I can't stand to have my hair cut too short so I was really glad when they did it right. Vina Lybbert was her name and I highly recommend her.

Devin E.
Birmingham, MI
5 star rating

BABS Salon is the absolute greatest! It has such a warm, welcoming feel to it. I thoroughly enjoy the stylists--Vina Lybbert is the stylist I use. When I walk in the door I know I am guaranteed to have a great time and walk out with hair that makes me feel like I could conquer the world! Anyone who is looking for a new salon should REALLY check them out. BABS Salon is a great way to boost your ego for sure!

Brandy E.
Birmingham, MI
5 star rating

I'm a big fan! Not what I expect when I think Birmingham salon at all! The prices were very affordable, the service was superb, my hair looks better than it ever has, and I didn't feel like I needed to go into the salon looking like a million bucks just to feel comfortable. Real people should go to this salon! Superb service without the pretentious flair!

Ramaja L.
Birmingham, MI
4 star rating
11/12/2010

The following reviews can be found on Google.com:

Blue Skies ‎ - Dec 9, 2010
Great service! Very talented and friendly staff. I highly recommend this salon...

juliagulia ‎ - Jun 30, 2010
Great Place! I came here for waxing and was very impressed. The owner is extremely professional and friendly. The prices are very reasonable, especially when compared to other Birmingham salons which can be terribly over priced. I would highly recommend giving this place a try for waxing services.

A Google User ‎ - Jun 2, 2010
Love this salon! I'll be upfront from the beginning, my good friend works here. And while you might think my review might be biased, her last salon would not have received a good review from me where atmosphere is concerned. However, BABS has a wonderful atmosphere. The owner and all the stylists are fun to be around, very friendly and accommodating and very very talented! Unlike other salons, you feel comfortable, never rushed or like you are just another head of hair in the chair. The attention you receive makes it worth your time and money! Finally, a Birmingham salon without all the snoot and affair and arrogance! They simply want to make you beautiful and feel great! Go, go, go!

BABS Salon is now a Paul Mitchell Signature Salon!

2010-12-16T08:46:00.001-08:00

BABS Salon and Spa in Birmingham is now a Paul Mitchell Signature Salon!

We carry the vibrant and beautiful Paul Mitchell the Color. Our Awapuhi treatments are leaving client's hair silky and radiant and the rave reviews just keep coming! This treatment is considered luxury care for dry and damaged hair, and reduces 80% of future breakage.

Paul Mitchell is a very trusted and trend-setting company within the beauty industry. So to combine Paul Mitchell with the talent of BABS stylists is nothing short of sheer magic!

Book your appointment today and watch the magic happen!

248-593-6993

Hair Stylists & Nail Techs WANTED!

2010-11-12T09:15:00.000-08:00

BABS Salon in Birmingham is in search of our next stylist and nail tech to join our team!

The Salon: BABS is a salon located just off the corner of Woodward and Lincoln. The salon has plenty of stations for comfort while creating beauty and magic, 1 waxing and facial room, 1 pedicure room, and 3 nail stations with plenty of storage space and your own desk light.

The Team: BABS currently has 3 stylists, 1 nail tech, & 1 facialist. We are looking to expand our team with a couple more stylists and a nail tech. We prefer incoming stylists to have somewhat of a clientele that we can help them build off of. We have clientele right now in need of a nail tech, as the one tech we have has no openings. View our team profiles here.

The Bonuses: At BABS we believe in community. We also believe in being involved. When local businesses host parties or events, we attend and support the business and the cause. This is not only a great way to network and meet potential clients, it reminds us that none of us can do this alone, but together we can do anything! We also host events at our salon! In 2010 our biggest event was a partnering with the Pink Fund, where we offered $5 haircuts and donated all of the earnings to the Pink Fund. In 2011, we will be hosting several events already in the planning stages (one will be a mother/daughter glam session scheduled for May).

Bernadette Blanchard, the owner of BABS, is an excellent employer and all her staff and team agree that you cannot lose by choosing to work for her!

For information or to schedule an interview: 248-593-6993 (Ask for Bernadette or Vina)

The Black Cat is Out of the Bag!

2010-10-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

We are sharing secrets! Halloween makeup secrets that is.

This Halloween, turn your costume from "eh" to "FAB!" Here are some "must know" secrets to Halloween makeup that will allow you to pull off a more realistic costume.

When creating a base color on your face--for instance, green for Frankenstein or pale for Dracula--don't just use one color. A blend of colors will create a textured and realistic look.

Here are some suggestions:

a. Frankenstein - For the base face color apply a light coat of green makeup, then over that layer sponge on a brown color lightly, then re-touch with the green where needed to mute the brown. The blend of the green and brown will create a modeled and more realistic look. Finish with all the extra little touches.

b. Vampire - For the base color blend white face paint with just a small amount of gray. White face paint is for clowns, so you want to tone it down with some gray. After the base coat is applied, use a smokey gray color just under the cheek bone (just like a blush) and down the sides of the nose to create a gaunt look. Remember to BLEND OUT THE EDGES! You don't want stark lines separating the colors. Now you're ready to really bring your vampire to life with some smokey dead eyes and black lips!

c. Zombie (or anything dead, really) - For the base color blend grays and browns with just a touch of black. A little trick: Take baking cocoa and apply with a brush in random areas on face and neck. The base makeup will help the cocoa to stick and it will give a dirty look.

Just remember to blend colors so that your makeup really pops and comes to life!

Happy Halloween from the staff at BABS!

Straight from N.Y.C.: Dominican Silk Wrap now at BABS in Birmingham!

2010-10-06T09:16:00.001-07:00

For more than 500 years, Dominican women have been perfecting beautiful, healthy hair. Their washing, drying, brushing, and wrapping techniques are combined with the natural products native to their country (avocado, silk, coconut, olive, cinnamon oils, and the slime of snails). The result is a silky head of hair full of body and shine!

There are more than 3,000 Dominican salons throughout the New York City metropolitan area offering their clientele the hair experience of a lifetime: The Dominican Silk Wrap.

And here at BABS in Birmingham, we have our own 100% Dominican and N.Y.C native. Iris uses all natural Dominican products straight from the Dominican Republic. Her clients are loving their hair after their Dominican Silk Wrap experience.

The Dominican Silk Wrap helps to prevent breakage and eliminate frizz. The natural products that she uses restore capillary functions, regulate sebaceous glands, and promote hair growth by hydrating and strengthening hair. This service is especially designed for women with textured hair, so more and more African American women are turning to the Dominican Silk Wrap for beautiful, natural hair.

Dominican salons do not prefer the use of hot irons/combs and harsh chemicals on a regular basis, because the overuse of all these things can play a detrimental role in the health of hair. Their own special techniques are renowned for producing luxurious, healthy hair. For women wanting straight hair without the use of chemicals, Iris will perform a very Dominican technique called a Doobie or "dry wrap." In this technique, the hair is brushed and wrapped tightly around the head (after the wash and blow dry experience), pinned, and then wrapped with a silk head scarf. The longer you wear your wrap the better, so wearing it overnight is suggested.

The Dominican Silk Wrap experience starts at $60, and Iris (la estilista) is waiting to book your appointment.

Call now: 248-593-6993

Client Etiquette: What you should know as the client!

2010-10-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

Being in the service industry is hard at times because inevitably there are always those clients or customers that feel you are at their mercy and they owe you little respect. These are the same patrons who provide you with absolutely no room for mistakes or misbookings. Frankly, you are not allowed to be human, subject to human nature, and your time has no meaning or value whatsoever. Clients such as these don't understand due to a lack of salon/spa etiquette knowledge.

Here's a post to clear it all up so that we can move on with a perfect give/take relationship from now on.

Appointments

Running Late: When you book an appointment, you need to understand that other clients will be booking that day as well and most likely there will be an appointment before you and one after you. Because of this, there are times where we simply cannot accommodate "running late." A stylist cannot punish the 5 clients scheduled after you by pushing them back and ruining their daily schedule because you are running late but still expect to keep your appointment. If you were one of the later clients, ask yourself how you would feel if you arrived on time only to sit for 20 minutes waiting.

This is why most salons/spas ask that you reschedule if you are going to be 15 minutes or more late. 15 minutes late makes a huge difference in salon service time. If you know you are running late, call immediately and reschedule. One thing to remember, quite often we have clients waiting for cancellations, so your acknowledgment of lateness allows us to call another client to fill your time slot. Then we can always see you at another time when your schedule allows for it.

Think of it this way, you wouldn't show up 15 or 20 minutes late for a doctor's appointment or a business meeting, and your hair stylist should receive the same respect. Their time is literally money.

Canceling Appointments: Many salons/spas will charge you 25% or more of your bill if you fail to cancel your appointment at least 24 hours in advance. Again, this is because your time slot could have been filled with a paying client. Calling 10 minutes before your appointment to say you're not feeling well and will have to reschedule is very disrespectful to your stylist considering you knew how you felt long before you called and could have given the salon enough notice to fill your time-slot. And don't worry, salons and spas understand that some emergencies are just simply unavoidable. In those instances, we will gladly work with you. However, clients that come in late, miss appointments all together, or constantly cancel at the last minute will fall under suspicion in the same way as the "boy who cried wolf one too many times." Keep your reputation as a client on good-standing and little emergencies along the way will be happily accommodated.

Missed Appointments: Let's be honest, we've all missed appointments from time to time. But do not make a habit of it, and call as soon as you realize to reschedule. Too many missed appointments can get you "fired" as a client.

Salon Misbookings or rescheduling: Unfortunately, it's going to happen. There are times when a salon/spa will mistakenly book your appointment at the wrong time or on the wrong day. It should not happen often if a salon is well managed, but even the best salons make mistakes. In cases such as these, we understand your frustration and will work hard to reschedule you at a time that is convenient to you, the client.
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As stylists, we enjoy our relationships with our clients. We love catching up while you're in the chair, but most importantly, we love watching you leave with a smile on your face, knowing you look absolutely beautiful! If both the stylist and the client work together to form a relationship built on respect and appreciation, then everyone wins!

School is in session...so it's time to talk about head lice!

2010-09-21T09:01:00.000-07:00

I know...not exactly the most enticing subject! However, it is a necessary subject.

There are so many myths about lice out there. My favorite is that only dirty people get lice. NOT TRUE AT ALL. In fact, lice prefer clean hair because they cannot successfully exist in dirty/oily hair.

Because school children come into physical contact with each other on a daily basis, share construction paper hats made in class, and pile their backpacks on top of each other, all school children are susceptible to a lice infestation. The good news is, there are safe ways to prevent and treat head lice.

BABS Salon is now carrying Fairy Tales Hair Care for Children, an all natural and organic hair care for children featuring the #1 lice prevention hair care system.

Come in today for a private consultation and product recommendation. After all, prevention is all about stopping an infestation before it even begins!

248-593-6993

Healthier hair through the dry months!

2010-09-16T10:06:00.001-07:00

With Fall and Winter bearing down on us, it is time to start considering a healthier alternative to those beautiful Spring and Summer highlights.

The dry seasons of Fall and Winter can be especially damaging to highlighted hair. While highlights brighten your overall look and add dimension, highlighting bleach is the exact opposite of moisturizing. For this very reason, highlighted hair can become brittle and breakage can increase if not cared for properly with moisturizing shampoos and conditioners.

Because Fall and Winter are notoriously dry and harsh, we highly recommend switching from highlighted hair to a rich, lowlighted hair color. Some semi-permanent color lines, such as Redkin Shades and PM Shines, are actually conditioning, and hair can be taken to a darker, richer color without compromising the integrity of your hair.

And let's be honest, when we think of Fall we think of rich, earthy colors, crisp clean air, and comfy sweaters and jeans. Why not embrace the Fall season with a beautiful new style and color that will compliment the earth's changing beauty and have you smiling throughout the dreary Winter months ahead!

Call us for an appointment today! 248-593-6993

Cold weather is coming...bringing more than just snow flakes!

2010-09-14T08:15:00.001-07:00

FLAKES! And you know I'm not talking about snow flakes. Cold weather brings on more than just inconvenient travel issues. Cold weather brings on dry scalp resulting in flakes (dandruff).

Lucky for you, BABS knows how to keep dandruff at bay while maintaining a healthy, moisturized scalp throughout the harsh winter season.

We offer a Tea Tree Scalp Treatment that will exfoliate dead, flaky skin, and leave your scalp moisturized and feeling rejuvenated! For centuries, Tea Tree oil has been used to aid in skin conditions. Paul Mitchell understood these healing properties and designed a scalp treatment to aid in the reduction of flaky, dry scalp.

Our Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Scalp Treatment includes a 15 minute, relaxing head massage as we really work the treatment into the scalp, exfoliating flaky skin away and the peppermint extracts leave your scalp feeling tingly, fresh, and rejuvenated! We finish up with an amazing shampoo and blow out, all for only $40!

Wear black this winter in totally confidence! No more flaky shoulders! Schedule your relaxing Tea Tree Scalp Treatment today!

248-593-6993

BABS is asking for your help!

2010-09-07T09:50:00.001-07:00

An 85 year old man from Birmingham is missing, and has been since Friday. Please click on the following news links to see pictures of Norris Lee and help us find him and bring him home.

BABS send prayers to Norris' family!

http://wwj.cbslocal.com/2010/09/06/birmingham-police-search-for-missing-man/

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/local/Police-Search-For-Missing-Norris-Lee

http://lostnmissing.amplify.com/2010/09/05/michigan-birmingham-norris-lee-85-w-alzheimers-missing/

We fix $6 haircuts!

2010-08-31T08:40:00.000-07:00

By Vina Lybbert

If you haven’t seen the commercial, you should. I love it! Basically, there is a small salon on one side of the street and the owner is standing outside looking at the crazy busy new “haircut factory” across the street boasting $6 haircuts. The owner looks at his own empty shop, and suddenly an idea pops into his head. The next scene is his shop with a sign across the front window claiming, “We fix $6 haircuts!” The line of bad haircuts waiting to get into the door is hilarious

This is a perfect example of wanting to save a buck, take a shortcut, and end up desperately wishing you hadn’t. The majority of people taking shortcuts with their hair simply do not understand the chemistry and technique behind what we actually do in the hair industry. I say this because if they did, our salon would not have so many calls that sound like this: “Can you please fit me in today. My hair is orange and I used the same color I’ve always used but this time it’s ORANGE!”

Let’s be honest, we’ve all done that. You pick a box up at the local drug store, the same color you’ve always used—light auburn brown—only to discover that this time your hair is the same color as that wig you saw in the Halloween shop. Only bonus here is that you no longer need to actually buy the wig for your costume this year! *bah dum ching*

If you are going to continue to play stylist, then I’m guessing that you already know and understand the following:

1. The hair swatch on the shelf for box color is white hair that has been colored. Meaning, if you paint a white wall a light brown color you are going to come up with an entirely different color than if you paint a wall that already has color. Unless your hair is white, you will not receive the same results as that swatch. Period.

2. When you come into our salon for hair color, we have to take a lot into consideration: Your existing color, your new growth color, are your ends faded out (yet another color), is the hair healthy or fragile, are the ends compromised, etc. Of all the decisions we have to make with color, the developer level we use with the color is yet another. Hair has a scaly outer layer called a cuticle. We have to open that cuticle ever so slightly with developer in order to get those color molecules into the hair. Hair that has been chemically treated is often compromised in ways that only a trained stylist can detect. Box colors contain 30+ volume developer—they have to in order to get the lift they “claim” they can achieve on “any” hair—and 30 volume developer can be very harsh on hair and cause breakage. Think about it, your natural color (roots), the colored midshaft, and the delicate ends should not all receive the same high volume cuticle blow out in order to achieve the desired color. Eventually, you’re going to end up with roots that are lighter (hot roots) than the midshaft and ends that break away easily. Congratulations! Now go call your stylist and hope she can fix it!

3. The color wheel is your best friend. If your hair is too ashy, you of course know which colors to avoid in order to neutralize the ashy tones, right? You also know the contributing color pigment in both your natural hair and in the color you’re using? You understand that sometimes your roots will require a different color with a different level of developer than your midshaft and ends, correct? And finally, I’m sure you have a full understanding of neutral tones and can look at your own hair and not only determine what level of neutral it is, but also know exactly what mix of colors you need to achieve the desired level 6 light auburn brown from scalp to ends? Perfect! Then you also understand that you will never achieve this with boxed color off the shelf.

There is a reason that stylists can look at a head of hair and know almost instantly that it has been box colored. And some of you do-it-yourselfers have learned that some beauty supply stores do not require a professional license to purchase hair color products. This has caused a whole new painful era for your stylist. Just because you can do it at home does not mean you should! Not only do you need a full and complete understanding of all of the above, there are numerous other ways you can damage your hair beyond repair by playing stylist.

Here is an example:

A client somehow came across a basic knowledge of hair color and her and a friend decided to go to a Beauty Supply store and do their color and highlights at home. The client purchased a red brown color, but the associate helping her (who had never attended cosmetology school) told her that in order to lift her hair she would need a high developer. They went home and she followed the instructions for the color from the associate’s suggestions. To her horror, the client ended up with red orange hair. Her friend suggested that the brush-in highlights would help to break it up, so the client allowed her friend to brush in some professional grade highlighting bleach.

The end result:

Needless to say, the client walked into her salon with her hair tucked under a baseball cap, and was very thankful that her stylist could work her in. The hair was severely compromised and fragile. After a long consultation, the professional stylist used highlights and lowlights to take the client’s hair back to a wearable color. However, in the end the stylist had to cut off the last 4 to 6 inches of the client’s hair as the breakage from the damage was too severe to recover the ends. The client admittedly learned her lesson and is a devoted regular client, leaving the chemical treatments to the trained professionals from here on out.

After:

The phrase “do not try this at home” should be spray painted across the front of beauty supply stores that allow non-licensed customers to purchase professional grade chemical products. If the person purchasing the chemicals AND the person selling the product and offering “advise” have neither attended cosmetology training, the results can be simply devastating.

There is so much you need to know and understand when changing the chemical structure of your hair: Varying processing times depending on the hair fabric, lines of demarcation and when to not overlap chemicals to avoid breakage, the list goes on and on. The beauty industry has seen some fantastic products go down the drain because untrained clients start using it at home and end up with allergic reactions, burning from overprocessing or misuse, or chemical breakage from a sheer lack of knowledge. Nowadays, with the internet, people will post pictures and boiling statements about products that “ruined their hair.” What they forget to say, and what the readers forget to understand is that they should not have been using it in the first place as an untrained individual. Would you stitch up your own child? Would you represent yourself in a lawsuit? No? Then why would you take such risks with chemicals in your hair?

Perhaps until you’ve seen your hair melt and string out like gum, or break off about midshaft all over your head (aka chemical cut to the hair industry), or your stylist has to cut off 6 inches of burned and damaged hair, you just won’t understand the importance of leaving it to the professionals. But please understand that you may color your own hair 100 times with no ill effect; however, the 101st time may leave you crying in my chair while I try desperately to save your hair and save you from humiliation. It is then that I need you to remember that I am a hair stylist, not a miracle worker. :-)

Awkward Years Are Not a Right of Passage

2010-07-28T14:31:00.000-07:00

by Vina Lybbert

My first year of middle school, puberty began to creep up on me with a vengeance. I was not one of those girls with luscious locks and porcelain skin that seemed to mysteriously avoid any of the embarrassing side effects of growing older. Instead, my hair was very fine, my complexion anything but perfect, and my confidence was lowering by the minute.

The onset of puberty can bring on acne, create oily hair that can dull your natural color, and cause hair to grow in places it shouldn’t be growing. So there I was in all my glory: mousy, oily hair, uni-brow and a forehead full of zits. There was a period of time when I wore my bangs swooping over my forehead in true Skater Boy fashion, though I was never a skater.

My mother was not fashion savvy. In fact, I would even say that she felt this uncomfortable time in my life a “right of passage” that all girls go through as they enter womanhood. When I went to her, out of desperation, she provided me with a little hope as she promised to take me to the beauty shop. And I was the poor sucker who fell for it and ended up with a really over processed poodle perm which puffed high in the front and no longer covered my acne or the large caterpillar pretending to be two separate eye brows. The next day I went to school with tight curly locks with a pink barrette holding back those bangs and exposing my shiny, bumpy forehead. And just as I expected, I was met with pointing and snickers from my classmates. By noon word had spread and a few of my loyal friends took me into the bathroom and watered down my coils and tried to help. But alas, just after lunch my boyfriend of 7 months sent me a note via another boy—the coward—breaking up with me. It was definitely a day of infamy that will forever haunt me.

When my oldest daughter came to me crying about her newfound problems, I sat down and thought about ways I could help her. I decided to take her to the salon where she received face-framing highlights just to brighten things up. Then we headed to the waxing station where they used an age appropriate wax and we shaped up her brows (in other words, created two separate brows). We finished the visit with a mini facial and a skin care lesson that she is still practicing months after. When we left the salon she was on top of the world. My little girl went from being overwhelmed with all that puberty was throwing at her to a soon-to-be young woman with amazing self-assurance.

Bernadette Blanchard, owner of BABS Salon in Birmingham, agrees that “feeling good on the inside can be directly related to looking well groomed on the outside. How many of us have had bad hair days and just felt crummy all day long? Helping these little ones by teaching them proper skin care and ways to improve their grooming habits is not about vanity, it’s about instilling in them a level of self respect and confidence.” Bernadette is also an instructor for the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good, Feel Better” program at Beaumont Hospital. The program helps cancer patients cope with the physical side effects of treatments and helps them to regain their confidence and encourages them to take control of their lives.

Of course it would have been easier to hug my daughter and convince her that “this too shall pass.” But if, as a mother, I could help her through this awkward stage of her life and not force her into experiencing those embarrassing moments that many of us look back on with disdain, I had to try. Fortunately, today we have plenty of safe, affordable options available to aid us in the battle against all that threatens to take away our natural beauty. Research and education are valuable weapons for both you and your daughter when deciding to go toe-to-toe with puberty.

For more information on the side effects of puberty, click here.

Cut-A-Thon for The Pink Fund

2010-07-09T14:37:00.000-07:00

July 25th Cut-A-Thon!

2010-07-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

On July 25, 2010, BABS Salon will be joining forces with The Pink Fund!

Come by Sunday, July 25th from 11am to 4pm as we are offering all haircuts for a minimum donation of $5! Don't need a haircut? Try a fabulous blowout for a minimum donation of $5!

All proceeds will be going to The Pink Fund (please see above link for their website and information), an organization dedicated to assisting breast cancer patients with financial hardship due to loss of employment or money during cancer treatment.

The Festive Chef, local Chef Cassandra Morrison, will be providing some very delicious treats. And Paul Mitchell the School Michigan will be joining us with their best Senior level students! These future professionals have already been trained by industry leaders!

You may also nominate your favorite cancer survivor for a makeover! Email "why" your survivor should win and include their contact info and name to babssalonspa@gmai.com
before July 24th. The winner will be announced on July 25th!

See you there!

Keratin Straightening vs. Relaxers

2010-06-09T11:19:00.000-07:00

Because Keratin straightening systems are still fairly new to the beauty industry, there is much debate on whether or not Keratin straighteners will replace relaxers.

We have decided to weigh in on the debate and set the record...well...straight.

1. Will Keratin straightening treatments work on all hair types and textures?

I have tried keratin on every texture of hair and I can say with my experience, 90% of potential clients can benefit from the keratin straightener. Unfortunately, I have to say sorry to the other 10%; however, they will keep relaxers in business. Some hair just proves too coarse for the Keratin treatment.

2. Can you still have your color touched up and/or changed if you have a Keratin straightener on your hair? What about highlights?

Color is a major benefit with the keratin straightener especially for African Americans or any one with dry or more fragile hair. Yes to color touch ups, color change, and highlights.

3. How do relaxers work versus how Keratin straighteners work? Which is better for your hair?

Keratin straightening, still fairly new to the industry, seals the hair with protean to make your hair straighter, stronger and softer with lots of body. Relaxers, first of all, burn most people, whereas keratin dose not. The richness of color can be comprised with relaxers. Hair is dryer with a relaxer and for many clients the hair line breaks. Just the opposite occurs with keratin, as it will allow growth within your hair line rather than breakage.

4. Why are Keratin straighteners so expensive?

Keratin is so expensive, first of all, because it's still new to the market and people are so excited about it. Second, the product is expensive for the salon to purchase, therefore causing a larger markup on the treatments. And third, the process is time consuming; it can take from 2 to 4 hours depending on the fineness or thickness of your hair and length.

5. How long do Keratin straighteners last versus relaxers?

Three months is the normal length of time but it depends on how often you wash your hair. With more washing or swimming you can lose some time; however, your hair will never return to its natural texture.

6. Which Keratin straightening systems are the best?

At BABS we use and believe in the Coppolla Keratin Straightening system. We have achieved amazing results on all textures of hair with this company. See ad on our website:
http://babssalon.com/Index.asp

7. What if I have wavy, not curly hair? How will a Keratin straightener benefit me?

No matter your hair type, whether wavy or extremely curly, you can benefit from a Keratin straightener. Sometimes an uneven natural wave can be a nuisance, and a Keratin treatment can tame the wave and bring a shine to your natural locks.

8. How long will the Keratin straightener procedure take versus relaxers?

A Keratin straightening can take longer than relaxers, but the benefits outweigh the time commitment. Between 2-4 hours depending on length and thickness of hair. Relaxers, however, due to their harsh chemical nature are applied quickly and washed out quickly in order to keep from compromising the integrity and elasticity of the hair.

9. Can I swim and do summer activities with a Keratin straightener?

Yes you can! Proper care of your Keratin treatment is essential, but we educate you well enough to maintain beautiful hair all summer long!

10. Are there any precautions/tips on how to care for my hair after my Keratin straightening treatment?

Again, the stylists at BABS Salon & Spa feel education is important in creating happy clients. We will educate you on everything from what shampoos are best and won't damage the treatment (i.e. sulfate free is best) to UV and environmental protection. After all, this is an investment and we want to help you protect your investment!

Call BABS today for an appointment or a consultation for a Keratin Straightening treatment: 248-593-6993

Extensions of Beauty!

2010-05-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

Got Hair?
If not, we know a little secret!
By Vina Lybbert

From the time of the Egyptians to our present day, hair extensions and wigs have played an enormous role in defining beauty. Wigs and hair extensions over the years have been associated with everything from determining one’s social status, to creating over the top looks, and simply adding hair where there is none. Regardless of their purpose, hair extensions have played an important role in the history of beauty and the beauty industry.

You may not know this, but modern day hair trends are very similar to those of ancient Egyptian times. The age, gender and social status of Egyptians could be determined by the hairstyle they wore. Beauty was very important to the Egyptians. We see this reflected in the depictions of Nefertiti and Cleopatra. Ancient Egyptians wore wigs for two purposes: Shaved heads aided in cleanliness and wigs covered the lack of locks; wigs also hid the loss of hair due to aging.

It seems that there were a few eras over the centuries that donned wigs to hide follicley challenged heads. Louis XIII wore wigs to hide his premature balding, as did his son. Wigs during the 1600 and 1700s were expensive and bleaching them just added to the expense. Therefore, as lighter wigs came into fashion, the people discovered that instead of bleaches one could achieve the lighter look by applying powder instead. Hence that crazy period in history with the enormous powdered wigs that were considered fashionable. But let us move quickly past that little blemish on hair history, shall we? Besides, we all know that wigs during the late 1700s carried a label of aristocracy with them, and the French Revolution proved to be especially hard for the Aristocrats, where a big powdered wig yelled “hey, guillotine needed over here!”

After a time where additions and fake hair were frowned upon, the 20th Century Edwardian hat styles once again called for hair additions. In order to keep the shape and position of the popular and stylish hats of this time, women would collect their own hair from combs and clippings and hair dressers would build supports in which the women could incorporate into their hair and add as necessary. Additional hair was also added to give the appearance of fuller hair where needed. Secured with a hat pin, the shapeless hats of this era appeared fuller due to the extensions and additions used in the supports.

Once again, wigs and extensions disappeared from the beauty scene until the 60s and 70s when updos and big hair came back with purpose and vengeance. Hair extensions aided in adding fullness to coils and voluminous pony-tails and other perfectly coifed hairdos such as the beehive. But once again, those with thin or thinning hair could wear wigs everyday, especially since wigs were now affordable for everyone.

The 90s and early 2000s saw an ethnic division in hair extensions and wigs. African American women began to incorporate hair additions into their everyday lifestyles. Hairstyles and lengths could be tweaked on a day to day basis depending on their needs and the events in which they were attending. However, the last few years have seen other cultures taking advantage of the benefits of hair extensions. In fact, the demand for extensions has caused the beauty industry to perfect the techniques used to apply them.

Application of hair extensions has seen many new twists over the years from sewing panels of hair into corn rows to gluing wefts of hair near the scalp to the recent trend of gluing individual strands for a more natural look with maximum movement. Even though the latter seems like the best option, they can be more damaging due to the removal options. Also, the lack of a track near the scalp might allow one to brush or comb through more aggressively than necessary out of forgetfulness and cause breakage to the growing hair.

Up until now, getting extensions meant spending a lot time in a chair and bringing with you something to knit or an epic novel to read while you sit the day away. The newest form of hair additions to hit the beauty industry is the seamless hair extension system. These hair extensions are not only seamless and feel trackless to the touch once applied, they can be applied in as little as 30 minutes! Salons everywhere are making the switch and providing these as a more comfortable and gentler option for their guests. The application and removal of these hair extensions are as safe as the track and sew method, but without the unnatural bumps. In fact, these extensions require no sewing, braiding, clamping or chemicals. Your hair remains in its natural fall, where it should be.

Bernadette Blanchard, owner of BABS Salon & Spa in Birmingham, is an instructor and educator for New Concepts/Tressalure. She prefers the seamless extensions because “they are the best thing that has ever happened for very fine hair. You add nothing to the hair that would add weight. You also have the ability to fill in the entire head without the extensions being seen. And for anyone, it is less time consuming, less waste of hair because they are reusable and therefore sustainable, and [the extensions] do not compromise the hair in any way. They are removed just as easily as they are applied.”

Regardless of your purpose for wanting or needing hair extensions, everyone can benefit from the industries newest revolution in hair additions. Luscious locks are literally less than an hour away! Call BABS for an immediate consultation today!
248-593-6993

It is Prom & Wedding season!

2010-04-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

We were blessed enough to have a light winter followed by a beautiful spring! And with spring comes the season of formal engagements.

Prom is just around the corner! Updo trends change constantly, but the main thing to remember is what style will go with your dress.

What you should take into consideration when choosing a formal hair style:
1. What is the shape of my neck line?
2. What is the overall style of my dress?
3. Do you have enough hair for the updo or will you need extensions?

An experienced stylist will be able to help you through your decision process. Here at BABS we are confident that we can help you select a formal hair style that will compliment your dress, your style, and have you turning heads when you walk into a room!

Like Proms, your wedding day is all about the dress and the hair! (And the love, it's about the love too!) At BABS we cater to brides and bridal parties, offering competitive bridal packages including makeup and rejuvenating facials. It's YOUR day, why not start it off in the spa! Our stylists are trained to help you choose a hair style that best works with your overall look on your wedding day.

We are here to answer any concerns or questions or to book your appointment:
248-593-6993

Whether it is your day or your night, you deserve to be the most beautiful girl in the room!

Iris' Tip of the Week: Embrace those Natural Curls!

2010-04-22T07:53:00.000-07:00

Finally, the weather has broke! This is the time of year where I like to unleash my natural curls. Why bother with a hot dryer when I can just wash and go. When wearing your hair naturally curly, it is very important to visit your stylist for regular deep conditioning treatments (preferably once a week). Curly hair tends to dry up from daily washing if not treated.

Anyone with curly hair understands how difficult it can be to tame our wild locks. Here are a few tips that will help you achieve juicy bouncy curls:

Step 1: Wash hair with curl defining shampoo and conditioner. I like to use Redken Curl Refiner system.

Step 2: I feel curls are at its best when soaking wet. Take advantage of this moment when getting out of the shower. Quickly bend forward and rub some curl definer (curl definer comes with Redken curl system) in your hand along with some moisturizer and run through your hair.

Step 3: Scrunch! Scrunch! Scrunch! with your towel and LET IT GO! The more you mess with curly hair the frizzier it gets.

Later in the day when completely dry I may rough it up a little for volume.

BABS Salon supports The Pink Fund!

2010-04-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

Currently at our salon, we have one of The Pink Fund's porcelain piggy banks. The Pink Fund is an organization that places these pink piggy banks on business counters throughout the city for a period of 30 days in each business. The goal is to raise as much spare change as possible in those 30 days.

"The Pink Fund provides short-term financial aid in the form of direct payments for breast cancer patients in active treatment who have lost their stream of income. Our goal is to provide financial peace of mind, so patients can focus on healing and returning to the workplace." www.ThePinkFund.org
877-234-PINK (7465)

BABS Salon: Our Mission & our team!

2010-04-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

Here it is, 2010, and we have finally given in to the pressure and we are taking on the Net! Our Salon Blog will be used for news/media, stylist's tips, product recommendations, and so many other events and advice. One of the things that we stress in our salon is that if we educate our guests, truly teach them how to maintain beautiful healthy hair, then everyone from the stylist to the guest benefits!

Our mission: We recognize that your health and well-being often determine how attractive you look and more importantly, how attractive you feel. BABS Salon & Spa is committed to offering customized and healthy beauty services for both women and men, performed by experienced and professional stylists. We dedicate ourselves to maintaining a serene environment where you both look and feel rejuvenated with cutting edge styles that fit your personality as well as your hair texture, and services that enrich your body and inspire your soul.

Our team:

Bernadette - Working as a professional stylist for over 20 years, Bernadette specializes in all aspects of the styling industry, including color correction, precision cutting, hair straightening, multiple hair extension techniques, wig customization, and maintenance of healthy hair. She is experienced with all lengths, densities, and textures. In addition to being an accomplished stylist, she is also the owner and operator of BABS Salon & Spa (Birmingham, MI) and serves as a Color Educator for Primont Hair Color. Bernadette cares for her community as much as the beauty of her clients, as she provides instruction for hair and make-up classes through the “Look Good…Feel Better” program for cancer patients. BABS is an official Locks of Love salon and it is also a Wig Bank for the American Cancer Society. Through constant education and training, she continues to advance and cultivate her many beauty industry talents.

Iris - Iris is a local hair stylist in Birmingham, Michigan. Being a Latina (Dominican & Puerto Rican) and a Manhattan native, she understands the difficult challenges in finding a hair stylist that is able to maintain unique textures of hair. She began her career at Babs Salon and Spa, working closely with Bernadette Blanchard (salon owner and educator). She is excited to build her business and expand her knowledge as she continues her education. Her specialties include mid length to long hair restoration and maintenance of healthy hair. "Healthy hair is beautiful hair." Embrace you’re beautiful locks. She looks forward to meeting individuals throughout the Metropolitan Detroit area.

Vina - Paul Mitchell trained, Vina’s technical skills are fine tuned by the latest trends and techniques within the beauty industry. She continuously seeks out educational opportunities in order to learn and stay up to date. She has personally been trained by industry leaders such as Angus Mitchell, Debra Dietrich, Stephanie Kolcielski, & Kelly Cardenas. Vina’s CV includes: Stylist/makeup artist for numerous bridal shows in the metro Detroit area, stylist/makeup artist and columnist for Lucy Magazine, and stylist/makeup artist for numerous local fashion shows.

Christy - Christy was practically raised in a salon. Her mother is also a cosmetologist. Christy received her education at Paul Mitchell the School. She has personally been trained by industry leaders such as Kelly Cardenas, Stephanie Kocielski, Yosh Toya, Michael Scott Helm, Daniel Muldoon and Ira Pope Sage. She has participated in local events and fashion shows at The D.I.A, The Fisher Theater, The Emerald Theater, The Royal Oak skate park, Wayne state Theater, and local high school theaters. She took first place in the Beehive Jive. Her Model was featured on Channel 7 news cutting the ribbon with the Mayor of Ferndale, to kick off the Woodward dream cruise 2010. Christy is always trying to "give back". She has helped with many charities such as Locks of love, Food for Africa, Larry King Cardiac foundation, Andrew Gomez dream foundation, Leeza Gibbions memory foundation, Children's miracle network, Salvation Army, Habitat for humanity, relief for Haiti, and Doing Hair Because We care. She has also provided hair care for nursing homes, orphans, people who are poor and or homeless, Victims of A.I.D.S, Breast cancer, natural disasters, domestic abuse, and many other causes. Christy has taken her education by storm. She is and will always be a "lifetime learner" with continuous education. With the "Be Nice or Else" culture installed she truly believes "When you put people first success will follow".