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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

Simple Resolutions for a Beautiful 2019

New year’s resolutions are anything but new. In fact, historians assert that the first new year’s resolutions were made by ancient Babylonians around 4,000 years ago. Wonder if they were any more successful at keeping them than we are today? By last calculation, 80 percent of these promises fail before February!

But here’s a little good news. While we can’t assist you with losing weight, making new friends or finding love, we can help you make 2019 your most beautiful year yet. Consider these five resolutions that are simple enough to stick with long-term.

1. Drink more water

Your body is composed of about 60 percent water, so it’s not surprising that staying properly hydrated is so important for good health. Not only does drinking enough water help you feel more energetic and alert throughout the day, but it is also essential for beautiful skin. Dermatologists frequently tell their patients to drink 80 ounces of water a day to keep their skin hydrated, plump, elastic and blemish free.

If you find tracking your daily water intake difficult (or often forget to drink it at all), there are a number of ‘smart’ bottles and gadgets on the market to help. One such device, the Ulla, can be clipped to any water bottle. It tracks when you drink and will even blink to remind you to hydrate.

2. Wear sunscreen every day

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year than all other cancers combined, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. But that’s not the only danger of unprotected sun exposure. An estimated 90 percent of skin aging is also caused by UV rays.

Fortunately, there’s an easy solution: applying sunscreen daily. A good sunscreen will prevent UVA and UVB radiation from reaching your skin and causing sunburn, skin cancer, sun spots and wrinkles. If you’re not spending time outdoors, a product with SPF 15 is usually sufficient. For longer exposure times, choose sunscreens with SPF 30 and above. Apply them to your face, neck, hands and any other exposed skin—even on cloudy days. 

3. Moisturize regularly

Dry skin doesn’t just look dull and flaky, it can exacerbate acne issues and age-related wrinkles as well—no matter what your age. Make a resolution to moisturize your face (and body) regularly in 2019. Not only will doing so keep your complexion looking fresh and healthy, but some products can also help you fight wrinkles and age spots and provide sun protection.

Of course, choosing the right moisturizer is important. If you’re not sure where to start, the estheticians at Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology can help. Call 888-569-1797 to book an appointment. New clients even receive 20 percent off their first service.

4. Clean out your makeup bag

If your makeup bag (or drawer) is stuffed to overflowing, you’re not alone. But you don’t have to resign yourself to another year of wasted time searching through half-used products for what you need. Instead, resolve to purge expired makeup products every six months.

In general, experts recommend tossing liquid makeup that is older than six months and powdered makeup that is older than two years. The typical life expectancy of mascara is only three months. The same goes for liquid eyeliners, though cream and powdered eyeliners and eyeshadows should be good for two years. Lipsticks and lip liners can last two years as well.   

5. Give your hair a break

This is one of your easier resolutions to keep up! Daily shampooing, blow drying, and curling can really stress your hair, not to mention the damage that can be done by at-home bleaching and coloring. For a full calendar year of good hair days, resolve to give your tresses a break. How, you ask? Shampooing your hair less frequently can help, as can skipping the heat styling tools at least a few days a week.

For even better results, regularly pamper damaged hair with a moisturizing mask or deep conditioning treatment. At Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, our stylists swear by Matrix’s line of hair masks. There’s one formulated for every hair type. We also offer a number of hair treatments in our on-campus salons starting at just $5.  Check out our salon page for more information about our services

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Graduate Interview: Katee Brown

How would you describe your dream career? Does it involve working in a high-end salon or spa (or maybe even owning your own) while making clients feel relaxed, pampered and beautiful? Does it include plenty of opportunities for creativity, continual learning and professional growth? Perhaps it enables you to feel a sense of pride every day as well as provide you with financial security? Sounds like you’re dreaming of a career in the beauty industry. Our graduate, Katee Brown, had the same vision before joining our beauty team.

At Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, we’re dedicated to providing the beauty industry professionals of tomorrow with the education they need to be successful today. Whether you’re interested in our cosmetology, nail technician or advanced esthetics program, we offer financial aid to students who qualify and career assistance to help you land your next job.

Our graduates are highly respected and go on to work in some of the best salons and day spas in the Ohio area because of the world-class training they receive in our programs. In fact, our full-time job placement specialist says she never has enough graduates to meet demand!

But you don’t have to take it from us alone. The best way to learn about a beauty school is to talk to the students who have attended it. We recently sat down with one of our graduates, Katee Brown, to get her take on the experience she had at Creative Images Institute.

CIIC: Thanks for chatting with us today, Katee! Why don’t you start by telling us what inspired you to choose cosmetology as a career path?

Katee: I’ve actually wanted to do hair since I was 12 years old. I grew up as something of a kitchen beautician by practicing things at home like dying my friends’ hair. Growing up in a family of females, I was always going to the salon with my mom and would sit under the dryer while she got her hair done.

CIIC: What brought you to Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology when choosing a beauty school?

Katee: I toured Elite when I first started looking around for a cosmetology school. It was nice, but it was way too small. A few friends actually recommend that I check out CIIC. When I came for a tour, I loved that there was a full-blown salon. It was busy and fast-paced with a friendly staff. And it was cool to see students actually interacting with real clients instead of just mannequin heads.

CIIC: Now that you’ve graduated, what are your job plans?

Katee: I plan to go to work for a full-service salon so that I can continue to grow and learn about all areas of beauty. I’m looking for a salon with a strong client base and plenty of opportunity to gain experience.

CIIC: Of everything that you learned here, what was your favorite part?

Katee: Color! I absolutely love doing color—it’s my niche! Color is always fun to play with, but I really enjoyed learning the technical part of it like how to figure out what color equation I need to achieve a certain type of look and what section pattern will allow me to cover as much hair as quickly as possible. I especially love doing highlights and balayage because of the transformation you get to see. I also love doing nails and makeup because there are so many possibilities and so much creativity is required.

CIIC: And how about your future goals? What’s your ultimate dream for your career now that you are a cosmetology graduate?

Katee: My ultimate dream is to open my own successful full-service salon. I want a full staff and, because I believe in active business owners, I will still take on clients of my won. But for now, I’m going to focus on continually improving my skills. Once I have a strong enough client base, I’ll start looking into creating my own brand.

CIIC: Well, we wish you the best of luck and look forward to hearing about each and every success! Tell us something that has pleasantly surprised you about cosmetology.

Katee: This industry is what you make of it. If you want to go far, there is definitely the opportunity to do so. You just have to be willing to put the work in. The possibilities in this industry are actually endless.

CIIC: So, so true! What other advice do you have for anyone who is considering getting into the beauty industry and considering Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology?

Katee: Now that I am a graduate, it’s not just doing hair and painting nails. There’s so much more that goes into your education than you would even think about. You’re going to learn anatomy, chemistry, biology, dermatology and seriously so much more. It’s hard work, but it will absolutely pay off. There are so many avenues to choose from in this field, your only real competition is yourself!

For more information about how to start your beauty career journey, contact us at https://www.creativeimages.edu/contact/ and we’ll guide you every step of the way!

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Winter Beauty on a Budget

Keep Your Hair, Skin, and Nails Warm and Healthy This Winter With These Helpful Tips:

Winter is definitely here, and along with it, icy winds, freezing snows and thermostats set to high. The extreme temperature fluctuations most of us face daily as we navigate our way from home to school to office and home again are hard on our hair and skin. It can make it challenging to look our best, but with the holidays (and all the photo ops that come with them) right around the corner, we obviously want to appear fabulous, not frizzy and frazzled. And we want to do it without spending a bundle.

Fortunately, it’s possible to look and feel beautiful all season long without breaking your budget. We’ve put together a few expert tips to show you how.

A Strong Winter Hair Game

That warm blast of air coming from your home or office heating vent might feel good after your freezing commute, but it’s also drying out your hair and making it more prone to split ends and breakage. Experts suggest combating this seasonal increase in dryness in a number of ways:

* Shampoo less frequently to avoid stripping away healthy natural oils. With the right tools, including dry shampoo and cute hair accessories, you may be able to stretch your time between washes by several days. Ask a Creative Images Institute hairstylist to help you develop a strategy.

* Once a week, hydrate your hair overnight with a moisturizing oil or serum.

* Never skip conditioner after shampooing and use a leave-in product to extend hydration and guard against static. While you’re at it, line your course-fabric winter hats with silk or satin fabric to reduce split ends and breakage. You can often find inexpensive vintage silk scarves at thrift stores.

* Keep up with those trims. You might be tempted to just let your hair grow all winter long, but having it trimmed regularly to remove dry, brittle ends will help reduce breakage and keep your style looking beautiful and healthy. Schedule an appointment with a Creative Images Institute hairstylist and you’ll save a bundle off of regular salon prices.

Radiant Winter-Proof Skin

Remember those temperature extremes and dry air we mentioned earlier? Well, they also tend to wreak havoc on skin if you don’t guard against them. From chapped lips and ragged cuticles to overall dullness, experts suggest protecting and perfecting cold-weather skin in a number of ways:

* Cracked, dry lips are a common winter ailment. Keep them baby soft with regular exfoliation. It’s as easy as massaging a generous coat of honey or balm into your lips with a super-soft toothbrush, then wiping away the excess and flakes with a tissue.

* Swap out your light summer moisturizer for a richer product. Avoid petroleum-based varieties as they’re more likely to dry out delicate facial skin and instead choose an oil-based solution for lasting hydration. While you’re at it, treat your face to an intensive hydrating mask twice a week. It’s easy (and inexpensive) to whip one up at home using ingredients such as yogurt, avocado, honey, aloe and almond oil.

* While it’s easy to remember to exfoliate in the summer when you’re naturally showing more skin, it’s just as important during the winter months. Keep a sugar or salt scrub in the shower and give your body a thorough buffing once or twice a week. Even better, visit the Creative Images Institute spa for an aromatherapy body scrub treatment at a budget-friendly price.

* Dry, ragged cuticles can lead to painful hangnails. Keep them moisturized by massaging in hand cream or even inexpensive Shea butter every time you wash your hands. This will also keep your hands soft and hydrated as well as encourage nail growth.

Whether you want to freshen dull winter hair with a new color, nourish and brighten skin with a facial, or get your hands holiday party ready with a fun manicure, the artists at Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology are ready to help. Give one of our conveniently located campuses a call today and enjoy luxury service at a bargain price.

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology