August is one of the most popular vacation and travel months of the year. Here are some tips and tricks to assist you with those long summer trips away from home where you might want (or need) to visit a new salon, whether for much needed maintenance or just plain pampering. Like many of us, you probably shopped around and did your research to find just the right salon here in your hometown. While on vacation, should you require a trim, color touch-up or spa service for that fresh feeling or a special occasion, the following guidelines might be helpful since you can’t bring your beloved stylists and technicians with you!
- Get a referral. Walking into just any salon or spa off the street in a strange city or country is asking for trouble. If you’re staying in a hotel, ask the concierge, and be sure to describe the kind of the salon you visit at home. If there is no concierge, you’re best bet is to stop a stranger on the street whose image most resembles your own. [box]Tip: Many Joseph Michael’s employees know the reputations of salon professionals all over the country as well as abroad, so don’t hesitate to ask us to help you with your research.[/box]
- Mind the language barriers. In a foreign land, you may get a nod in reply to your service request, but unless the stylist or technician can repeat back what you’re asking for, don’t assume you’ve been understood. Even in salons located in other English-speaking countries, the same words you use here to describe what you want can have very different meaning there—making getting your point across rather frustrating.
[box] Hint: Think about what you want to say ahead of time, write down anything that would be helpful, and don’t forget to have those oh-so-helpful photos ready to show.
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- Keep it simple. Even a one-time disaster can ruin your vacation, set you back, and alter your original goals. Whatever services you seek out of town, think relaxing, pampering, and simple.
[box] Important! The best way to head off disappointment while far from home is to think temporary regarding chemical treatments and trimsrather than haircuts. Hotel and resort staff is typically most competent in the area of temporary service. The reason? Special occasion hairstyling, nail, and massage services are ones that traveling guests take advantage of the most—providing those salon employees with the most experience. Talent can be found everywhere, but it’s no guarantee you will find the same quality you expect at Joseph Michael’s.
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- Prepare ahead of time. You’ve stopped the newspaper, your pet has a reservation at the kennel, and the housesitter has her instructions. What did you forget? Hopefully you’ve phoned us in advance so that your hair can be freshly cut and/or colored and your skin protected from foreign water and sun prior to leaving town.
Ask Our Expert: Vacation-Perfect hands & feet!
[box]Our amazing Nail Technicians are busy this time of year preparing hands and feet for either the beach or sightseeing (or both!)
Neung Khunsri, Joseph Michael’s Head Nail Technician, has great tips for her clients who will be out of town and away from the salon.
What services do you recommend for travelers?
“I recommend the shellac manicure because it lasts up to 2 weeks. Even when the nail grows out, nails still shine like new and the color stays on without chipping.”
What’s the most important thing you’d like your clients to know?
“Really important is to get a pedicure before your trip so that you won’t have to worry about the sanitation of a salon or a nail technician you don’t know. You want to go to the same places that you know are clean and professional.”
If a client took only one product with them, what would you suggest?
“Cuticle oil–especially for long airplane trips and where the air is dry. The tube is small enough that you can stick it in your purse and take it with you on the airplane. We carry my favorite one – Qtica Solid Gold Cuticle Gel.”
Note: Neung also recommends getting your manicure 1 to 2 days before you leave and your pedicure either at the same time or up to one week prior to leaving, since pedicures tend to last longer. “It’s good to have it taken care of,” she adds. “Then you can just enjoy your trip.”
Char Panico Muffitt, author and educator, is Joseph Michael’s Hair color & Texture Specialist. In addition to happily serving clientele, she is presenting her PERSONALITY POWER image seminar to groups all over Chicago. You can view her detailed bio, along with all of our amazing talent, here.
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