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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

Give a Little Love This Holiday

It may be the season of giving but a lot of us are still struggling with trying to find ways to give outside of just leaving gifts under the tree. Check out this blog for some easy but meaningful ways to give back to loved ones and to your neighbors. Here are six good deeds you can do this holiday season.

The holidays are a natural time to practice kindness and generosity. After all, an American essayist, Hamilton Wright Mabiea once said, “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” At Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology, we’re planning to spend the next 52 weeks showering our staff, cosmetology students and clients with appreciation as well as extending a helping hand to our neighbors, family and friends. If you want to join in, we’ve put together a list of simple good deeds to get you started.

1. Donate a Toy to Toys for Tots
Founded back in 1947, the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots charity has since distributed 548 million toys to 251 million children. Local Toys for Tots campaigns are conducted annually in over 800 communities through the 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. This holiday season, Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology is collecting toys for the program. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to one of our beauty school campuses and we’ll even give you 10 percent off a beauty service.

2. Save Your Pop Tabs for Ronald McDonald House Charities
Since 1974, Ronald McDonald House Charities has helped millions of families with sick children find comfort and support during challenging times by providing meals and housing near treatment hospitals. This year, Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology began collecting pop tabs (from cans) for the charity—and you can help. Gather pop tabs from your family, friends and neighbors and drop them off at one of our beauty school campuses.

3. Give Your Old Mascara Wands to Wands for Wildlife
Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology is also a drop off point for used mascara wands. Instead of tossing them in the trash when you do your monthly makeup bag clean out, bring them to one of our beauty school campuses. We’ll pass them on to Wands for Wildlife, a program run by the Appalachian Wildlife Refuge. They’ll use the wands to remove fly eggs and larva from the fur of animals in their care. Just think, your old mascara wand could have a second life combing a bunny, possum or baby duck!

4. Buy Your Holiday Gifts Through AmazonSmile
If you’re like millions of other shoppers, you’re probably going to order at least one gift through Amazon this year. But did you know you can give to charity in the process? Doing so is easy. Just log into your Amazon account through AmazonSmile and choose a charitable organization. Amazon will then donate 0.5 percent of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to that charity. This isn’t just a holiday thing either. You can help out your favorite charity with every purchase all year long.

5. Adopt a Military Family Through Soldiers’ Angels
Founded in 2003, Soldiers’ Angels has a 98 percent efficiency rating with most of every donation going towards program services. In 2017 alone, the charity provided over $17 million in aid to over 360,000 service members, veterans, wounded heroes and military families. During the holidays, they run an adopt-a-family program for military and veteran families who might not otherwise be able to afford to celebrate. There are currently more than 300 families waiting for adoption. Visit their website to learn more.

6. Send Holiday Cards to Lonely Seniors
Not every elderly person has children and grandchildren to care for them. Some are widows and widowers as well, and often find themselves spending the holidays alone. Even living in a senior community may not be enough to alleviate their loneliness. According to Love for the Elderly, 90 percent of seniors living in nursing facilities report feeling isolated and depressed. But you can help! Join Love for the Elderly’s Letters of Love campaign and the charity will distribute the letters and cards you write to seniors in need of a little holiday cheer.

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Our Scholarship Winner- Lisa Buchhalter

Record number of annual Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship awards are announced.

Minneapolis, MN – November 15, 2018 – This year, 34 students from across the United States received
a $1,200 from the Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation. The scholarships are awarded directly toward tuition costs for cosmetology education. Over the past 21 years the Foundation has awarded 384 scholarships and given close to a half million dollars in scholarships. Congratulations to the 2018 recipients and to their schools! This year’s scholarship recipients are:

Zakeya Batteast, Panache Academy, Baraboo, WI
Brenna Bingham, Avalon School of Cosmetology, Layton, UT
Kennedy Bolden, Schuler School of Cosmetology, Greenville, SC
Kelsey Brack, Hays Academy of Hair, Salina, KS
Annie Bromberg, Summit Salon Academy, Tacoma, WA
Lisa Buchhalter, Creative Images, Dayton, OH
Mackenzie Castro, Elite Academy of Hair Design, Bellaire, OH
Camille Clancy, Paul Mitchell School, Lakewood, CO
Tracy Clark, Urban Barber College, Concord, CA
Janelle Daley, American Barbering College, Louisville, KY
Sarah Dilallo, Shearego, Rochester, NY
Inga Evans, Academy of Cosmetology, Bozeman, MT
Blessings Fandi, Bella Capelli Academy, Pittsburgh, PA
Mariah Fowlkes, Long Island Beauty School, Hauppauge, NY
Tiffany Gess, Empire Beauty, Flagstaff, AZ
Dalel, Gonzalez, Savanah Tech College, Hinesville, GA
Addison Hiatt, Toni & Guy, Albuquerque
Brittany Hollis, Summit Salon Academy, Lexington, KY
Joy Khoury, Kaizen Beauty Academy, Pembroke Pines, FL
Gabrielle Kreider, Rudaes School of Beauty Culture, Fort Wayne, IN
Courtney Learned, Paul Mitchell, Normal, IL
Yvette Leija, LaJames Beauty School, Davenport, IA
Carolyn Lutz, Century College, White Bear Lake, MN
Janelle Daley, American Barbering College, Louisville, KY
Sarah Dilallo, Shearego, Rochester, NY
Inga Evans, Academy of Cosmetology, Bozeman, MT
Blessings Fandi, Bella Capelli Academy, Pittsburgh, PA
Mariah Fowlkes, Long Island Beauty School, Hauppauge, NY
Tiffany Gess, Empire Beauty, Flagstaff, AZ
Dalel, Gonzalez, Savanah Tech College, Hinesville, GA
Addison Hiatt, Toni & Guy, Albuquerque
Brittany Hollis, Summit Salon Academy, Lexington, KY
Joy Khoury, Kaizen Beauty Academy, Pembroke Pines, FL
Gabrielle Kreider, Rudaes School of Beauty Culture, Fort Wayne, IN
Courtney Learned, Paul Mitchell, Normal, IL
Yvette Leija, LaJames Beauty School, Davenport, IA
Carolyn Lutz, Century College, White Bear Lake, MN
Amber McWeay, Paul Mitchell, Roswell, GA
Stevie Milbridge-Scott, WI Indianhead Tech School, Superior, WI
Michael Owens, Rudy & Kelly Academy, Virginia Beach, VA
Barbara Palomares, Paul Mitchell, Arlington, TX
James Puertas, Paul Mitchell, Provo, UT
Martha Rodriguez, Houston Training School, Houston, TX
Lindsey Schiro, Paul Mitchell, Tampa, FL
Crystal Scott, Paul Mitchell School, Jacksonville, FL
Tarneda Seals, Chanell Ardor School of Beauty, Madison, WI
Leah Smothers, Toni & Guy Academy, Shoreline, WA
Crystal Stevens-Benson, Rocky Mountain Academy, Glenrock, WY

Each scholarship recipient demonstrated a strong commitment to complete his or her
barber/cosmetology education, as well as financial need. The Joe Francis Haircare Scholarship Foundation memorializes the life and achievements of Joe Francis, founder of The Barbers Corporation and the franchise systems: Cost Cutters, City Looks Salons, and We Care Hair, now Regis Corporation subsidiaries. Joe Francis’ story is literally one of rags to riches, beginning his first job as a shoeshine boy for a local barber school. His labors eventually led him to enroll as a barber student where his entrepreneurial spirit flourished and his lifelong career in the industry took off. He built state of the art hair salons and began franchising first as The Barbers Hairstyling for Men and Women, Inc. He took his company public and established The Barbers Corporation. The barbers grew to 1,200 franchise hair salons in the United States and Europe. Joe began with a one-chair barbershop, a self-made man who never forgot his early struggles and continuously looked for ways to help others find opportunities in the hair industry.

Joe Francis was inducted posthumously into the National Barbers Hall of Fame. “The Scholarship Foundation was Joe’s dream. We have awarded 384 talented hairstylists and barbers with scholarships and we look forward to continuing our support of careers in the industry,” explained Florence Francis, widow of Joe Francis, Chairwoman, and Co-Founder of the Foundation. Joe’s daughter, and President of the Foundation, Barbara Francis, announced, “My Father worked tirelessly to strengthen the industry and elevate the hairstyling profession. He believed it offered a path to self-fulfillment and reward. He was determined to help deserving individuals launch their career. He wanted to give back to an industry that gave him so much.”

Applications for future scholarships are accepted from January through June 1st of each year, with
award notifications made each September. For more information, visit the Foundation’s web site:
www.joefrancis.com or email: contact@joefrancis.com

Do’s and Don’ts to Nail Your Next Interview

Do you ever get nervous for your interviews? Good! Being nervous means you care about how you’ll do which is first step when it comes to starting something new. In this article, you will learn not only how to work through those nerves but also how to nail your next interview!

A job interview is much like a first date. While it’s nerve-wracking and unlikely to go exactly as planned, it’s also your only chance to make a good impression. Fortunately, your education at Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology has provided you with the technical skills necessary to succeed in a hairstylist, esthetician or nail technician job. Now you just need to present your best professional self to land that position. Take note of these do’s and don’ts and you’ll have a new cosmetology job before you know it.

1. Do learn everything you can about the salon or spa before your interview. Whether you look the company up online through Google, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, check it out in person, or call the front desk for information, thorough research into the salon or spa you’re considering can help you decide if it’s really a place you want to work. You can also use what you learn during the research process to impress the interviewer with your knowledge of the company.

2. Do dress appropriately. While the beauty industry is a creative one, and dress code often varies by location, the outfit you choose to wear to your interview should demonstrate your respect for the opportunity. Did you happen to see any pictures of current salon or spa employees while doing your research? If so, those images can give you clues on how to dress. In general, it’s wise to avoid anything too tight, short or low-cut. If in doubt, ‘business casual’ is usually a safe option.

3. Do arrive on time. If you’re late to the interview, the salon or spa owner may assume you’ll be late to work as well. Not sure how long it will take you to drive there? Do a test run a day or two before the interview and plan your travel time accordingly. That said, you don’t want to arrive too early, either. If you get to the location more than 10 minutes before your interview is scheduled to begin, wait in your car to avoid making anyone feel rushed.

4. Do ask thoughtful questions. Yes, the interview is an opportunity for the salon or spa owner to learn more about you. But it’s also a chance for you to get details about the job that you couldn’t find online. Some of this information may even help you decide whether or not to take the job should you get an offer. Good questions to consider include:

• “What traits do your most successful employees share?”
• “How do you define success?”
• “How long do your employees work for you on average?”
• “Why did your last hairstylist/esthetician/nail tech leave the position?”
• “How would you describe a typical day in this role?”

5. Do follow up after your interview. To this day, nothing beats an old-fashioned, handwritten thank you note. Mail one as soon as possible, but don’t hesitate to follow up by email a day or two after your interview as well. Just thank the salon or spa owner for his/her time, reiterate the reasons you’d love to work there, and ask if there is any additional information you can provide to help with the hiring decision.

6. Don’t give in to nerves. Even if this is your very first salon or spa job, you need to project an aura of confidence if you want to make a good impression. Avoiding fidgeting (such as tapping your foot or twirling your hair) during the interview. Sit up straight, but don’t sit too stiffly. Keep your arms loose and relaxed rather than crossed. The right body language can go a long way towards convincing your interviewer of your professionalism.

7. Don’t forget to practice answers to difficult interview questions. To avoid rambling and keep your answers clear and succinct, it can be helpful to practice your responses in advance. Recruit a friend to help you polish your answers to common questions such as:

• “What can you tell me about yourself?”
• “Why should we hire you?”
• “Why did you leave your previous employer?”
• “What are your greatest strengths/ weaknesses?”
• “What are your goals for the next five years?”

You want your answers to show that you are honest, self-aware and passionate about the beauty industry. And you want to avoid distracting fillers such as “um,” “so,” “like” and “you know” in your responses.

8. Don’t speak poorly about previous employers or coworkers. It’s very likely that you’ll be asked why you left your last job, even if it wasn’t in the beauty industry. Even if you gave notice because every second of every day there was a nightmare of epic proportions, avoid saying this in your interview. You might also want to remove any negative comments of that sort from your public social media profiles, if you haven’t already done so.

9. Don’t ask about pay or benefits until you’ve been offered the job. Employers want beauty industry professionals who want to work at what they love, not just for a paycheck. You’ll have plenty of time to negotiate your wages and benefits after you’ve received an offer. In the meantime, however, it is acceptable to ask about the schedule and other logistics. After all, there’s no point in accepting a position with days or hours that ultimately won’t fit with your other commitments.

10. Don’t turn into a pest. Salon and spa owners are busy. Even if they’re eager to fill an available position, it can take awhile for them to make an employment decision. While reasonable follow up shows you’re proactive, professional and passionate about the opportunity, repeated phone calls and dozens of emails will cause nothing but annoyance. Remember: desperation is never attractive whether on a first date or during your job search.

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

New Season, New Look

Here are a few ways to update your look with these Fall trends.

Now that the sweltering heat of summer is finally fading, it’s time to think about updating your wardrobe for fall. Whether you treat every day like you’re walking the runway or prefer to keep your look on the casual side, these fall trends can be adapted to suit any style. Mix, match and have fun creating a new look all your own.

Trend: Lush Texture
The stores are full of statement pieces as well as day-to-day staples in lush textures. J.Crew in particular has loads of velvet in rich shades including these cropped pants in burgundy velvet and long wrap coat in navy twilight velvet
If corduroy is more your style, Free People offers an affordable nod to the 70s with a retro-inspired structured blazer and flared pants. Or choose an unexpected color to keep your look modern. Zara has some great options like this matching blazer and high-waisted pants in fuchsia corduroy and Mango is offering a structured blazer and straight trousers in a rosy pink corduroy.

Trend: Animal Print
It’s a jungle out there, and leopard is always a classic. Go head-to-toe with a long leopard print dress like this one from Zara or mix in the velvet trend in this J.Crew faux-wrap mini dress in rose leopard velvet. If you’re looking for just a touch of the wild, you can’t go wrong adding a leopard print scarf or cheetah print block heel sandals from Gap to an outfit built from neutral staples.

Trend: Over-sized Sweater
When there’s a chill in the air, there are few things cozier than an over-sized sweater. You’ll find them this season in a range of materials from cottons and acrylic poly blends to cold weather standards, such as wool and cotton. If you want to mix some fresh color into your fall wardrobe, you can find a lot of affordable options like a green chunky knit turtleneck and this long dark green sweater. Or, if you love the classics, check out an over-sized v-neck in wool- and mohair-blends as well as cocoon-like ribbed turtlenecks in solids and houndstooth.

Trend: Long Pleated Skirt
If the mini is perfect for summer, the midi is your ideal fall and winter skirt length. Long enough to keep your legs warm but not so long as to drag on wet sidewalks, you’ll find this season’s midi skirts in silks, poly satins, faux leather and more. Choose a pleated version and pair it with that oversized sweater for a textural contrast. If you need some inspiration, check out a neutral beige plaid pleated skirt or classic leopard pleated skirt. If you like an edgier look, this shiny red waxed finish pleated skirt or black faux leather pleated skirt. Black has always been considered a timeless, versatile piece therefore, it won’t be hard to match it with whatever #OOTD you’re looking to rock!

Trend: Dark Floral
Florals are no longer just for spring and summer. Black-backed florals were all over the fall runways and with some affordable options. You can also consider florals backed by dark red, burgundy or green. The best part about fall florals are limitless makeup looks to match. With floral patterns raging in multiple styles and colors it’s easy to find a piece that works for you.

Trend: Statement Coat
From faux fur to faux shearling, statement coats are all about texture this season. Choose a classic color like this toffee faux fur coat f or ivory faux shearling coat if you want to invest in a topper that will go with anything. If you’re feeling a little bold or daring, don’t be afraid to make a statement with a sleek leopard print. Looking for something a more versatile? Consider a short pastel faux fur that can be matched with any outfit and any hair style.

Trend: Fresh Hair Color or Style
As every fashionista knows style also matters from the neck up. Consider updating your hair with a warm and spicy color. From coppery strawberry blonde and honey blonde to brunette with caramel highlights, your stylist can offer you lots of options.
If a fresh, sleek cut is more your thing, both baby bangs and curtain bangs were big on the fall runways and offer a simple way to change your look. Lobs and bobs as well as long cuts were seen with both sleek and natural texture.

Remeber, updating your hair for fall doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology offers the highest quality services at affordable prices, and first-time clients receive 20 percent off their first service. Give our Vandalia or Centerville campus a call today to book your appointment with one of our trendy artists.

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology

Networking Your Way to a Successful Career

The importance of networking and how one link may be the link you need to further your career.

Have you ever played the party game Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon? Based on the concept of six degrees of separation, which suggests that any two people in the world are only six acquaintances (or less) apart, the game challenges players to connect Hollywood actors to the prolific movie star Kevin Bacon through a series of six or fewer films or costars. Not only is it a fun way for movie buffs to pass the time, it’s also an excellent illustration of the power of networking for beauty industry professionals.

Why, you ask? Simply put, because each person you know is a link in a chain to others. With every link you connect, your professional reach expands exponentially and increases your ability to reach new clients, as well as industry insiders who can help you further your career. A healthy network is invaluable whether you want to broaden your clientele or take the next step up the beauty ladder.

Of course, you need to make sure you’re networking effectively if you want to maximize the impact of your efforts. Time and again, the tactics below have been proven to work well for resourceful beauty school graduates.

Follow influencers and other beauty professionals on social media – Whether you keep tabs on them through LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, following influencers as well as beauty professionals is a simple way to get them to notice you. You can’t just lurk in the shadows, however. Make meaningful comments on their posts, reshare, and retweet. This can work particularly well if you want to gain your dream salon or spa owner’s notice. Engage on social media and he or she will already know who you are when it comes time to submit your resume.

Continue your education after graduation – As one of our educators, Ms. LaShawna Brewer, recently pointed out in an interview, education is the key to working in the beauty industry. Make an effort to continue to learn new techniques throughout your career. Taking classes and attending seminars with industry professionals you admire will not only help you keep your skills fresh but will also allow you to interact—and add more links in your networking chain. Someday, those links may be able to help you land your next salon or spa position.

Hang out with others in your industry – We’re not just talking about your friends from school or work, though. Get to know as many other salon and spa professionals as you can! Industry meetups are an easy way to do so and Meetup, the world’s largest network of offline social communities, can help you find them. Their networking for hair stylists group currently has more than 1,900 members and 21 scheduled meetups in 18 cities and four countries.

Attend beauty industry events- Trade shows, product launches, job fairs and other recruiting events will also allow you to meet other industry pros and make the networking connections you’ll need for a successful career. A few to consider include America’s Beauty Show in Chicago, the International Salon and Spa Expo in Long Beach, California, and the International Beauty Show in New York.

Even more convenient is Creative Images Institute’s annual networking and recruiting event. Coming up on September 10 and held at the Dayton Masonic Center, the event will enable you to mingle with other artists and alumni as well as professionals from local salons and spas. Meet others in the beauty industry face to face while you learn more about potential employers in your own backyard—no plane ticket or hotel required!

By Angela Rose for Creative Images Institute of Cosmetology