Summer Beauty Saves

Summer’s Best New Beauty Products

Girl in pink sunglasses, smiling at the camera and enjoying Summer — Prep your hair, skin, and nails for the ultimate Summer Break!

At Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, our staff carefully selects the products used in our salon and spa. From skincare and makeup to haircare and nail products, our estheticians, stylists, and nail technicians only use and recommend brands we trust. This ensures our clients get the best results possible—when visiting our location as well as when recreating your look at home. A new summer season means a new summer look!

If it’s been awhile since you’ve checked out the brands we rely on, we encourage you to take another look. The summer season often brings new product launches, and our professionals are happy to share more information about their favorites the next time you book a service.

Summer Nail Products from Morgan Taylor Lacquer

Morgan Taylor’s newest nail lacquer collection is inspired by the summer blockbuster Rocketman, a biographical musical film based on the life of musician Elton John. The shades in the collection are decidedly vibrant and range from lush purple (Just Me and My Piano) and vivid teal (Sir Teal to You) to a very wearable fuchsia (It’s the Shades) and pretty pink (Tickle My Keys). These lacquers are the perfect choice for a colorful warm weather mani or pedi.

Summer Skincare from Bioelements

Bioelements skincare products are free of phthalates, mineral oil, petrolatum, parabens, fragrance and dyes—and our estheticians swear by them. From at-home products designed to keep your complexion fresh and glowing to personalized Bioelements facials in our spa, this brand’s selection will help you tackle your biggest skin concerns. If you haven’t yet tried Bioelements, consider one of their starter kits for sensitive, oily, dry or combination skin. And to protect your skin from the sun, Bioelements’ RayDefense and SPF 50 FaceScreen are summer must haves.

Summer Makeup from Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics

Established in 1996, Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics has always created uncomplicated, all-natural beauty products that are easy to use, gentle on skin, and deliver gorgeous results. From skin perfecting liquid mineral foundation, mineral radiance crème powder foundation, and natural loose mineral powder foundation to blush, bronzer, eye shadow, eye liner, lipstick and gloss, Youngblood products come in a range of colors to suit any complexion. This summer, we’re particularly in love with the Mineral Radiance Moisture Tint, Luminous Crème Blush, Enchanted Eyeshadow Palette,and Color-Crays Sheer Lip Crayons for creating a simple, no fuss look.

Summer Hair Products from Matrix and MIZANI

Matrix was founded in 1980 by a husband-and-wife hairdressing team who wanted to provide a comprehensive range of products to hairdressers that would maximize their talent and creativity. This summer, we’re loving Matrix’s Total Results Keep Me Vivid line of haircare products. From the sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to the Color Lamination Spray, these products will prevent fading and keep your hair color vibrant and shiny all summer long.

Recently, Creative Images’ stylists added MIZANI to their arsenal of premium haircare and styling tools. The company’s products are designed specifically for the needs of textured hair and work to keep curls hydrated, bouncy and healthy even through heat treatment. For low maintenance summertime hair, our stylists are particularly loving MIZANI’s Style Refresher Milk and Perfect Coil Oil Gel.

Whether you’re wanting to protect your hair and skin from the heat this summer or try out a new sizzling look, Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology has you covered. Call now to book your appointment!

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Happy Client, Happy Life

Eight Ways to Keep Your Clients Happy

Hairstylist finishing curling her clients' hair. Client is smiling and happy. — A happy client leads to a repeat client.

Whether you’re a nail technician, esthetician, or hairstylist, a healthy roster of happy, repeat clients can make or break your business. Not only do regularly returning customers help you maintain a steady income, the effort expended to keep them satisfied is significantly less than the time and expense of marketing to replace them. If you want to ensure that valuable clients book services with you again and again, consider these suggestions to keep them happy.

Name is the Game

1. Remember your client’s name—and use it often. You may be the most talented artist at the salon, but if you treat your customers like nameless mannequins, they won’t be coming back. Greet each client by name and repeat it often while they’re in your chair. While you’re at it, take time after the appointment to jot down a few points about your client’s life that you can use in conversation on the next visit. A few things to note: job, family, health, hobbies, significant other, or travel plans.

Compliments are Key

2. Look for things you can compliment your client on. If your customer comes in with a healthy glow, comment on it. If her hair is thick, curly, exceptionally soft, or has a beautiful natural color, comment on it. Genuine compliments –of any kind– make clients feel seen and special. It also shows that you’re attentive and detail-oriented which are always a good sign of a cosmetologist.

No to the “No”

3. Avoid saying “no” to clients. Instead of telling a customer you won’t provide a certain service, don’t use certain products, or can’t reproduce a particular look, tell her what you can and will do. No one likes to be told they can’t have what they want, but most people are happy to learn about better alternatives.

Eye Contact

4. Make time for eye contact while you work. It’s easy to get caught up in the task at hand, but at least periodic eye contact with your client is necessary, especially if you have one who likes to converse while in your chair. This shows that you’re paying attention and actually listening to what he or she has to say. Don’t believe me? Check this out this article on 5 Reasons Why Eye Contact is Important.

One Task at a Time

5. Avoid multi-tasking. Don’t take phone calls, send texts, chat with other stylists or go on your lunch break. Yes, you read that right. Hair color takes awhile to process but instead of leaving your client to squeeze a meal in, use that time to catch up and really get to know them. This will also allow for you to keep a close eye on the treatment and ensure that they are not over-processing or having a skin reaction. The last thing you want is for your client to need you and you not be around for them. Focus your attention on your client and they’ll know you’re giving their service 100 percent.

Sharing is Caring

6. Share maintenance and styling tips. Whether your client is just getting a trim, her usual facial or manicure service, or going all in on a completely new style, don’t hesitate to share your knowledge! From the products you’re using to the best way to hold the curling iron, they’ll appreciate your tips for maintaining and replicating the results. This shows that you genuinely want your client to be happy both at the salon and at home which generates loyalty yet again. Treat your client like a friend and not a dollar amount.

Flexibility= Loyalty

7. Accommodate last-minute requests. It won’t always be possible, but if one of your repeat clients needs a last-minute appointment, squeezing him or her in for service is virtually guaranteed to generate customer loyalty. People don’t always remember what you did or what you said but they always remember how you make them feel.

Make Them Feel Special

8. Extend a special offer. If your salon or spa manager gives approval, consider extending occasional special offers to your best clients. Whether it’s a small percentage off, a complimentary add-on service or a free product after a certain number of visits, everyone loves a discount and evidence that you value their continued patronage.

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Glow, Baby, Glow

Bowls and tables covered in a variety of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts. — Fruits, vegetables, and seeds are part of a well-balanced diet and also help aid in glowing skin and strong, shiny hair.

Eat These Superfoods for a Healthy Summer Glow

Summer may not officially begin until June 21, but it’s never too early to add some more fruits, vegetables and seeds to your diet! Not only can doing so improve your overall health, but many nutritionists say that what you eat has a greater influence on the beauty of your skin than pricey creams and specialized routines do. To maximize your summer glow, consider working a few of these powerhouse superfoods into your menu every day.

Seeds – Chock full of essential fatty acids like omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9, hemp, pumpkin and flax seeds have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is often at the root of skin problems including redness, blemishes and wrinkles, so adding seeds to your diet can help you prevent those issues. Sprinkle them on a salad, stir them into your yogurt, add them to your granola, or blend them into a smoothie.

The Secret Life of Veggies

Radishes – Not only do radishes add a delightful crunch to salads and make perfect dippers for protein-rich hummus, but they are also loaded with silicon, vitamin C and sulfur. Together, these compounds work to stimulate the circulatory system and boost collagen for plump, glowing skin.

Avocado – Whether you spread it on toast, layer it on a sandwich, or smash it into guacamole for an afternoon snack, creamy avocado is supremely satisfying. Avocados may help you feel fuller for longer—making it easier to stick to a low-calorie diet. It also delivers a hefty dose of healthy vitamins (like vitamin E) and biotin, which can keep your skin smooth and resilient. Not a fan of avocado? Try smashing it along with a couple of other ingredients to make a smooth and creamy face mask!

Dark Leafy Greens – From arugula and spinach to kaleand collard, dark leafy greens are packed with vitamins A+C, sulfur and chlorophyll. They’re also versatile and delicious, whether you choose to eat them raw in salads and smoothies, lightly sautéed or stewed. Dark greens also help aid in clearer, younger looking skin so no need to spend a few on the newest glow creams!

Ginger – Whether you toss it into a stir-fry or mince it for a salad dressing, ginger is full of skin-beautifying zinc. Zinc helps to control your skin’s production of oil as well as regulate the hormones that often create acne. Other Zinc-rich foods include pumpkin seeds and pecans.

Fruit of the Loom

Melons – Few fruits scream summer like melon. Thanks to their high water content, watermelon, cucumber, honeydew and cantaloupe are supremely hydrating. They’re also high in vitamin C, helping your skin remain dewy, firm and wrinkle-free. Eat them on their own or add melon to salads and fruit smoothies. You can even blend melon and freeze the puree into popsicles for a refreshing treat that will leave your body smiling.

Tomatoes – Rich in carotenoids, a phytonutrient that gives fruits and vegetables their color, tomatoes can brighten your dull winter complexion based on an article by YouBeauty. They also contain lycopene, which may increase your skin’s natural protection against sunburn and pollutants. Tomatoes are an easy addition to salads, sandwiches, and—when combined with some other healthy ingredients—yield a simple fresh salsa.

Cherries – High in vitamin C and potassium, luscious summer cherries help your skin produce collagen and stay hydrated and glowing. Delicious on their own, cherries are also a yummy addition in salads and salsas. And if you’ve yet to try them, roasted cherries go fabulously with grilled chicken or pork.

Coconut Water – Unlike sports drinks, coconut water is loaded with electrolytes and free of sugar. Sip it on the beach, after a vigorous workout, on a picnic, or whenever you’re feeling parched and dry this summer. It will help you stay hydrated and also contains potassium, which boosts circulation and makes your skin glow.

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Artemis Center for Domestic Violence

Support your local shelters!

Cosmetology students loading up a vehicle with supplies to be donated to a local Dayton domestic violence shelter. — Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology students loading up the CI Mobile with donations for Artemis Center for Domestic Violence as part of their April donation drive.

Each month, Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology (CIIC) selects a local non-profit charity to sponsor for 30 days. Throughout the month, depending on the charity at hand, students, staff, and clients off CIIC collect different items of donations which are then donated to the non-profit at the end of the month. For the month of April, we had selected the Artemis Center, Dayton’s Domestic Violence Resource Agency; a charity we believed a lot of us could relate to in one way or another.

Artemis Center empowers victims of domestic violence to make decisions and choices that will establish and maintain safety for themselves and their children. By working collaboratively with other community services, Artemis Center advocates are able to coordinate needed services and continue to lead the community in its efforts to end domestic violence. With the beauty industry predominantly made up of females and mothers specifically, CIIC thought that the Artemis Center would be the non-profit to focus our efforts towards.

During the 3o day donation period, CIIC managed to raise over 75 items to be donated to Artemis Center. These items ranged between personal hygiene products, children’s books and toys, cosmetics, bottled water, and other items that could provide any type of relief and support during these tough times. On behalf of Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, we would like to thank all who participated in our donation drive in honor of such a great cause.

If you or someone you may know may be suffering from domestic violence, do not be afraid to seek help. Check out Artemis Center’s resource page for more information.

Mother’s Day Hacks

What your mom really wants for Mother’s Day this year.

Mother reading a handmade card and bouquet of tulips while young daughter kisses her on the cheek. — It’s the little things in life that mean the most. Especially when it comes to showing our moms how much we love an appreciate them. Nothing like a handmade card and a kiss!

Mother’s Day – which was established as an official U.S. holiday all the way back in 1914 – is Sunday, May 12. If you’re in search of a little celebratory inspiration, consider these simple yet meaningful ways to honor the women in your life. Though perfect for Mother’s Day, you can actually use these suggestions any time you want to make your mom feel special.

1. give her a hug… or 10

Few things in this world feel as good as a genuine, heartfelt hug from someone you love. Give your mom a squeeze this Mother’s Day and science says it may even be good for her health (and yours, too!). One study found that the feeling of emotional support hugging generates can significantly reduce our chances of catching a cold and becoming depressed.

2. lend a hand

Your mom cleaned up after you for years, so why not make the time to give her a hand this Mother’s Day. Whether she could use some assistance with home repairs, cleaning, yard work or errands, most moms will welcome a hand with their to-do list. Don’t live nearby? Give mom the gift of Amazon Home Services, where you’ll find pros to help out with everything from hanging TVs and ceiling fans to house and window cleaning.

3. hide a few love notes

While you’re helping with the tidying up, stash a few thoughtful notes to your mom in surprising places. This is a great way to keep those warm Mother’s Day feelings going for weeks into the future. Place notes in dresser drawers, the linen closet, under the laundry detergent… wherever she’s least likely to expect them.

4. lace up your walking shoes

Spend some quality time connecting with your mom while taking a walk. Not only can getting out into nature improve mood and reduce stress, walking regularly for exercise has benefits like weight loss, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and improved memory.

5. Show off your momma

Dig out cherished family photos and share them on Facebook or another social media platform. It’s fun to look back and reminisce about the experiences you and mom have had together – and this way, your friends and family can also join in on the memories, as well.

6. Give her a ring

How often do you talk to your mom? Whether you usually touch base once a week, once a week or even few days, your mom will appreciate additional time to chat on Mother’s Day. And remember, the conversation doesn’t have to be all about you. This is a great time to ask your mom thoughtful questions about her current hobbies, hopes and dreams.

7. reasons why you love her

Saying “I love you” is always appreciated, but telling your mom exactly why you love her will make her feel even more special. Turn those reasons into a keepsake when you write them down in this Things I Love About Mom book from Paper Source or this I Love You Mom book from Amazon.

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Save Your Skin!

Tips for Preventing Summer Skin Damage

Do yourself and your skin a favor; apply a small amount of sunscreen daily to avoid burns, blisters, and diseases!

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. In fact, one in five will develop some type of skin cancer by the time they are 70 years old.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, accounting for an estimated 4.3 million diagnoses each year. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for more than 1 million cases annually. Melanoma, the skin cancer most likely to be fatal, kills more than 7,000 people each year.

While even non-fatal skin cancers can cause disfiguration if left untreated for long, squamous cell carcinoma can metastasize and spread to other tissues and organs, becoming life-threatening. Fortunately, the easiest way to prevent developing any type of skin cancer is to protect your skin from sun damage.

The vast majority of skin cancers—including 90 percent of nonmelanomas and 86 percent of melanomas—are caused by UV exposure. However, this doesn’t mean you have to spend your summer indoors. Regular use of sunscreen or sunscreen-enhanced products with SPF 15 or higher has been shown to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer by as much as 50 percent.

Consider the following tips to keep you sun-safe this summer:

· Apply sunscreen every day. Look for a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB product with an SPF 15 or higher for daily use and SPF 30 or higher if you intend to spend extended time outdoors.

· Apply sunscreen liberally. If applying to your entire body, you’ll need at least two tablespoons—don’t skimp. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

· Apply sunscreen early. Don’t wait until you’re at the park or the pool to put your sunscreen on. For best results, apply the product 30 minutes before you go outside.

· Seek out shade. Whether you’re at the beach or gardening in your yard, shade will provide additional protection from the sun’s harmful rays. If natural shade isn’t available, make your own with an umbrella and a hat with at least a three-inch brim.

· Cover up between 10 AM and 4 PM. These are the hours when UV rays are strongest, so be sure to protect your eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses and your body with ample clothing. Tightly-woven linen is both cool and protective. Beach skirts and sarongs allow you to catch a breeze while shielding your skin from the sun.

· Don’t forget your scalp and hair. If you’re not wearing a hat, it’s easy to sunburn your scalp in mere minutes outdoors. While you can use any spray-on sunscreen for protection, those made specifically for the scalp will leave your hair feeling less greasy and gunky. Consider COOLA’s Scalp and Hair Mist SPF 30.

· If you do get a sunburn… treat your skin gently. A cool bath will temporarily sooth sunburned skin, as will liberally applying a moisturizing aloe vera lotion or gel. If blisters form, leave them alone and continue to moisturize even if your skin peels. Most important: stay out of the sun until your sunburn has healed.

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Wake Up Your Makeup

It’s Time to Spring Clean Your Makeup Stash

Spring clean your makeup bag. Out with the old and in with the new. Do your skin a favor and upgrade to this year’s products.

Whether you store your makeup in a bag, drawer, bathroom cabinet or Caboodle (they still exist!), spring is the perfect time to purge that space of old, expired products as well as those you never wear. Consider the following tips as you sort through your stash and make room for new items that will keep you looking fresh all spring and beyond.

Throw Out Old Makeup/ Products

Nothing lasts forever and that goes for makeup as well. Start by looking for any expiration dates on your products. If you find one, and that date has passed, it’s time to pitch it. Liquid foundations and mascaras past their expiration may have become breeding grounds for bacteria. Skincare products like moisturizers, serums and sunscreens may be less effective after their expiration date. When in doubt – especially if the product has developed a foul smell – it’s safer to throw it out and replace.

For makeup products without expiration dates printed on their packaging, experts recommend the following replacement cycle:

· Powdered eye shadow – up to two years

· Blush and bronzer – up to two years

· Powdered foundations and setting powder – up to two years

· Lipstick and gloss – up to one year

· Eyeliner – up to one year

· Mascara – three months

· Moisturizers and serums – up to one year

· Liquid foundations and creams – up to one year

· Nail polish – up to one year

If you’re not regularly washing the brushes, sponges and other implements you use with your makeup and skincare products, you will dramatically decrease their shelf life. Brushes should be washed at least weekly and replaced if they begin to lose bristles. You can clean brushes with a gentle shampoo and allow them to dry or, if you’re in a hurry, use a quick-dry spray cleanser like this one from Ulta.

Toss Products You Don’t Use

If your makeup storage area is overflowing, chances are you have quite a few unused products taking up space. It’s generally a safe bet to ditch anything you haven’t used in four months, with the exception of your summer (or winter) shade bronzer or foundation. If you’ve been holding on to glittery New Year’s Eve eye shadows or other rarely used special occasion products, consider storing them in a separate bag in your cabinet or a closet.

Wash or Replace Your Makeup Bag

Whether you use your makeup bag every day or only on overnights, now’s a good time to give it a once over and a thorough cleaning. If it’s plastic, rinse it out in the sink. You can generally throw fabric makeup bags in your washing machine. However, if your makeup bags are really old, stained beyond repair or otherwise destroyed, replace them. You can find tons of affordable makeup bags and organizers at retailers like Target.

Fill in With New Spring Trends

What to do with all that extra space now that you’ve purged your expired and unused products? Add a few new touches for spring! A new lipstick, gloss or nail polish in one of spring’s hottest shade will put you on the fast-track to a fresh look. The spring nail polish collection from Essie includes several pinks, peach and lavender as well as a surprising metallic teal. For lips, Chanel’s Rouge Allure Liquid Powder was all over the spring runways, especially in this season’s Electric Blossom, a vivid coral.

Think Before You Accept Your Next Job

Two blonde women shaking hands after discussing a job offer.

7 Factors to Consider Before Accepting that Salon or Spa Job

Congratulations! You’ve graduated from Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, passed your licensing exams, and are ready for your first job as a professional hair stylist, esthetician, or nail technician. All of your beauty industry dreams will soon come true, right? Not so fast. If you want to ensure you’re taking this momentous step in your career with the right foot, you need to find a salon or spa that’s a good fit. To do so, consider these factors before you accept any job.

1. Job Location

It might be your dream job, but if getting there is a hassle, you’re not going to love it for long. Consider any salon or spa’s location and your transportation options before you accept an offer. How long is the commute? What is the parking situation? If you have car troubles, is public transportation available nearby? Foot traffic is also affected by location. Is the salon or spa in a busy area with a steady stream of walk ins? As a new professional, walk ins are essential as you build your book of clientele.

2. Schedule

Before you accept any job, make sure you have a clear understanding of the hours you’ll be expected to work. Do you have the opportunity to set your own hours or will the salon manager choose your shifts? How well will those hours fit with the rest of your obligations like childcare or eldercare? If you have an illness or emergency, does the salon or spa have systems in place to help you cover or reschedule appointments?

3. Compensation and Expenses

You may have gone to beauty school for a variety of different reasons, but earning a living wage is essential. Before you accept that job, ask for details about the pay structure. Will your compensation be solely based on commission or do employees receive an hourly rate plus their tips? As a new professional who has yet to build a clientele, base pay may offer better financial protection even if you have to start out in an assistant or associate role to get it.

You should also consider any expenses associated with working at a particular salon or spa before accepting the job. Expenses may include chair rental, product and supply purchases, even paying for your own parking. These expenses can eat into your take home pay, so make sure you have a clear picture of them.

4. Continuing Education

You received a top-notch education at Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, but the best beauty industry professionals will tell you that there’s always more to learn. When weighing a job offer, consider the continuing education opportunities available at that salon or spa. Do they have a mentorship program for new professionals within the salon? Will they pay for additional classes you may want to take locally or at industry events?

5. Culture

You were probably on your best behavior when you interviewed for the job, and the salon or spa owner was as well. Before you accept the offer, you should find out as much as you can about what he/she is really like as well as the day-to-day workplace atmosphere. You can do this by talking to other stylists, estheticians, and nail techs as well as the front desk staff. If possible, ask to shadow another professional for a day or two and make notes on everything you observe. If you don’t like what you see, it’s probably not a good place for you to work.

6. Job Reputation

The reputation of the first salon or spa you choose to work at is important, so check out its customer ratings online. Search Google, Yelp and social media. If the clientele has a lot of negative things to say, employees are probably not being treated well either. On the other hand, even an apprenticeship or assistant position at a salon with glowing reviews can enhance your own reputation when it’s time to move on.

7. The Fine Print

Almost any job these days, whether in the beauty industry or elsewhere, requires an employment agreement. Make sure you ask to read it before you accept the job offer, and if you don’t understand something, ask for clarification. Pay particular attention to any non-compete clauses in the agreement. These generally prevent you from working at any other salon or spa within a certain distance for a specific time period and are best avoided unless you’re absolutely sure you won’t need to leave.

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Spring Trends to Try

Want a Fresh Look for Spring? Consider These Trends!

Spring arrives on March 20 and, for many, a desire to freshen up one’s hair or makeup routine comes right along with it. If you’re among those who will be craving a springtime style infusion, consider giving one or more of these trends a try.

Blooming Beauty

The spring/summer 2019 runways were a glorious garden of models sporting eyes, lips, cheeks (and even lashes) in shades as bright and fresh as spring flowers. Try pops of pink, yellow, lavender or spring green on eyes or lips. You can go soft and sheer or beautifully bod with unlimited combinations customizable to your comfort level. If you need help choosing the most flattering shades, don’t hesitate to chat with a Creative Images Institute artist about your options.

No-Makeup Makeup

While it’s fun to go all out for an occasion, some days call for a subtler, less time-intensive makeup approach. The no-makeup makeup look is a springtime favorite with sheer, nude shadows on lids, nude or clear gloss on lips, and a creamy flush of blush on cheeks to add life to post-winter skin. Of course, with your complexion the center of attention, you want it to be worthy. Make an appointment with a Creative Images Institute esthetician for a custom facial or microdermabrasion treatment.

Natural Brows

This spring’s brows are bushy, raw and real. Natural brows upstaged perfectly groomed arches on the spring/summer runways and they’re an easy look to master at home. You can create a fluffier texture by brushing brow hairs upward. Lightly fill in sparse areas with a brow powder, then set them with a clear brow mascara. If you’re not sure where to start, visit with a Creative Images Institute esthetician for a subtle eyebrow wax and advice.

Lightened Locks

Spring is a natural time to imbue your locks with light. While blonde or caramel highlights are a subtle way to transition to lighter tones for spring, those who want to go bold will find many exciting options. The spring/summer 2019 runways featured models with hair in a range of pastel hues including coral, rose-gold and pink. With highlights, lowlights and all-over color starting at as little as $30, Creative Images Institute is a great place to try out spring hair trends without spending a fortune.

Baby Bangs

Not for the faint of heart, baby bangs made an appearance on several spring/summer 2019 runways. The eye-catching micro-fringe looks fabulous with a variety of hair lengths and face shapes. However, the grow-out period will be tough, so talk solid strategy with your Creative Images Institute artist before you commit to the cut.

Maximalist Hair Accessories

Unlike bangs, hair accessories are one of the quickest ways to create on-trend hair this spring and require no maintenance of grow out time. Pile on barrettes or embellish your hairline or braid with bejeweled bobby pins. Comb your hair back and pop on a padded velvet headband. Or throw your hair into a high or low ponytail adorned with a substantial bow. If you buy a fabulous accessory and aren’t sure how to use it, just visit Creative Images Institute. Our artists offer shampoo and style, basic braids and event up-dos or styles starting at as little as $7.50 and are happy to include your accessory.

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

America’s Beauty Show- Don’t Miss Out

What could be better than a three-day getaway to scenic Chicago? How about three days in Chicago packed with beauty education, networking opportunities, product shopping and more at the country’s largest beauty show?

America’s Beauty Show, held from March 30 to April 1 at McCormick Place North in downtown Chicago, is one of the most highly anticipated beauty industry tradeshow events in the world.

America's Beauty Show Chicago 2019 Flyer — America’s Beauty Show 2019

Open only to professional cosmetologists, nail technicians, estheticians and beauty school students, America’s Beauty Show is attended by more than 76,000 salon professionals and owners as well as product manufacturers and distributors.

Organized by Cosmetologists Chicago, the mission of America’s Beauty Show is to support the beauty industry by offering educational opportunities, improving the profession and helping those in need.

Attend this year’s even and you’ll have the opportunity to meet and mingle with special guests including New York City hair color expert and celebrity colorist Beth Minardi, hair artist Andrew Carruthers, Redken’s Education Artistic Director Sam Villa and Matrix’s Artistic Director Danielle Keasling.

Get a step up in your career when you register for classes and workshops with the nation’s best hair, nail, makeup and salon business educators. Stop by the Job Fair where students and beauty industry professionals can meet with local and national brands, enter contests and score some great giveaways.

And when you have a free moment, don’t neglect to stop by the Premier Beauty Village featuring live demos and tutorials as well as show-exclusive deals from beauty brands including Aloxxi, Living Proof, Loma, Unite, Moroccanoil and more.

Daily student tickets to this can’t-miss event are still available for $66 if purchased before February 28. Ticket prices rise to $76 if you wait until after March 1 to make your purchase. You don’t have to attend the event alone, either. Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology is planning to take close to 100 students and staff members to the show.

Interested? For $275 you’ll get charter bus transportation to and from Chicago, two nights hotel, and 2-day ticket passes to the show. The Creative Images crew will be heading out on Saturday, March 30 and returning to Ohio on Monday, April 1 so be sure to mark your calendars!

“The Chicago show offers greater exposure to a wider range of products and techniques because of their high quality and high quantity of vendors,” says Ginny Neace, Campus Manager at Creative Images Institute’s Centerville Location.

Don’t miss out! See your administrative office to sign up today and save your spot.

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology