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She’s letting her skills shine...

We are excited to announce this year’s “Let’s Your Skills Shine” winner, Attalina DiGiacomo from La’ James International College Cedar Falls! In case you missed it, check out her winning contest submission. 

Ever since third grade, becoming a Cosmetologist has been a dream of Attalina’s. The thought of getting to cut, color & style hair has always excited her. She knew Cosmetology was the career choice for her. 

Researching schools is a must when you start a new career adventure. It’s important to ask questions, tour the schools and even talk with current students and educators... and that’s just what Attalina did! “I visited the Cedar Falls campus and I fell in love with the school. I really enjoyed the positive energy the students and staff gave me. When asking my friends and family about the school, they all had only good things to say! The set up & system here at LJIC was a good fit for me.”

Choosing La’ James International College has been an exciting experience so far. “The teachers have always encourage me and they’ve taught me so much. They continue to give me tips and tricks for the real world and I couldn’t appreciate enough!”

While in school, Attalina has had the opportunity to do some amazing color transformations & beautiful up-styles for her clients. Check them out!

“This was a super fun color to do! Though it was a slight color correction, I enjoyed every second of it! My client wanted purple in her hair, but not just underneath where her previous colors had been. She wanted it to be more noticeable. We decided on a purple balayage with the bottom half being all purple. She wanted a change before school started back up and she ended up LOVING her hair! When she left the school she gave me a hug and thanked me a million times! It definitely made my week!”

“Though I didn’t get any before photos I can describe her hair by saying it was mostly brown and all one length. She told me she wanted a change and something lively. We came up with the idea of caramel bridge highlights and burgundy red all over! This one was fun to do because it was my first time doing a color and highlights at the same time! She mentioned she missed having short bangs so we decided to add those in with the long layers too! I loved the life that the colors and cut brought to her hair!”

“When I practice on mannequins I act like they are clients in my chair. This ‘client’ doesn’t like braids or buns as an up-style look. I decided to do twists for this style in a direction that looked as if they are going up. Doing that I think adds to the detail for the overall look, it gives the eye something to follow! I first added the bump and styled the rest of it around that. Just grabbing the hair and twisting then pinning. I believe in total it took 15-20 minutes including prep time!” 

“With my up-styles I enjoy the slicked back and elegant ones. I also LOVE braids and try to incorporate them in with a lot of my updo’s. I created this look for a ‘client’ who was either a bride to be or anyone who has an elegant affair to go to. For this style, I did a low bun (created with a low ponytail and teasing) with a loose dutch braid wrapped around!  I did add some curls around her face to soften the front and make the style more balanced and fun!”

Attalina is set to graduate this year in July. Her plans are to work in a salon for a few years to perfect her skills and to learn more about the industry. However, in the future she does plan to open her own salon with her sister and the sky is the limit from there! “My plan hasn’t changed in years and I hope it stays that way!”

When asked for advice to give future students, Attalina had some great words... “Two things... One, never ever doubt yourself. If you don’t get it perfect the first time that’s okay! That is why you’re in school! If you doubt yourself you won’t be able to complete the task. Always believe in yourself! And two, be open to accepting help. There are a million and one ways to do a technique/style/anything. More often than not, someone is willing to show you how they do something and to help you learn! Embrace the learning experience!” 

We are so proud of you Attalina! You are attacking your goals and doing what you love! Your future is big, bright and we cannot wait to see what you do in the industry. 

Follow Attalina and her work on instagram @HairByAttie

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Client and Stylist Relationships: Conversations & Building Trust

Client and Stylist relationships can be a tricky one. It’s easy to get off topic with those who are repeat guests that we have grown to know and love. Often, we become so close that our role becomes confused with their therapist role. So how much over-sharing is too much? And what are the rules when it comes to “small talk” when you and your client are in that new “getting to know each other” phase?

Getting to know one another and building trust!

When communication flows easily and opening, a level of comfort and trust forms. Even though you may discover you have similar views and ideas, doesn’t always mean it’s a professional topic. Building relationships is important, but your professionalism is too. Conversations you share should be positive, interesting and most importantly, appropriate for the salon setting.

Remember, there may be other ears listening in on your conversations. That particular conversation could be offensive or hurtful to someone else.

Topics to Avoid

So, what are these topics that can lead to a negative experience or hurt feelings?

Personal Life– A common mistake is to overshare information about our lives in hopes to make our guests feel comfortable around us. This can do more damage than good in some cases. It’s unprofessional to unload your problems and other major events in your life to a client. Keep in mind, they are coming to see you to have positive and relaxing experience. Focus on helping your guests and making the most of their time by redirecting the conversation to how awesome their new look will be.

Politics & Religion– Heavy and deep personal beliefs can sometimes clash amongst others. Passionate topics such as these can bring on debates, high emotions and honestly, they just never end well. Make it your mission to redirect these topics to something else.

Gossip– theirs, yours, the salon’s… it doesn’t matter who’s gossip it is, it’s toxic! We are all guilty of getting sucked into dishing the dirt but just remember, that’s not your job. The worst gossip you could possibly discuss to your client is any Salon drama. Not only have you portrayed your entire business as an unprofessional setting or dysfunctional environment, but you have also spoke volumes about your own reliability to the team.

Money– The topic of money comes off as desperate or braggy and most people are not comfortable with it anyways. More than likely, you and your client are not close enough to speak opening about personal finances, so don’t even let the conversation go there.

Positive & Professional topics

Ask your client to list 3 things they like and don’t like about their hair. Not only is this beneficial for how we assist them, it also allows the client to open up, talk about themselves and their lifestyles.

From here, you can discuss lifestyle-related topics. Just avoid getting too deep or personal. Some clients like to vent and when this happens, simply redirect the topic back to how updating and changing their look will have such a positive effect.

Our industry is all about positivity and making others feel good about themselves. Don’t let any topic drag you or your client into a negative space. Your client is there to feel like they are the center of your attention and they are there for a positive experience. Do not let yourself get distracted with any drama.

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Your one-step guide to dressing for prom: Dresses & Accessories

There’s nothing in the world like Prom Night.

When you’re in high school, few things in life are as important as going to prom with that special someone. In order to have the perfect prom, you want to make sure that you have everything in order. It starts with the date. Who are you going to ask and how? Popping the question is always the hardest part. Is your special someone cute, funny, zany, cheesy or just a good old-fashioned romantic? Once you have a date, it’s time to start planning. There are dozens of hairstyles, nail styles and dress styles for you to choose form. Before you make up your mind, take a look at our timeline of proms past & present.

Style Trends – Dresses

Illusion – Illusion is all about tricking the eye. This type of dress is designed to show off your strengths. The lines of the dress can be tailored to fit the exact size and shape of your body, or they can highlight features that aren’t there such as a voluptuous curve. From over-sharing to under-sharing, there’s an illusion dress out there for you.

Two Piece – The two-piece crop top dress is perfect for having fun. Light and designed for the girl on the go. These dresses are best worn in the spring and summer. If you’re having your prom outside, you can’t go wrong with a striking two-piece. You can always wear the top by itself when summer rolls around. The possibilities are endless.

Sequins – Always a prom staple, sequins are known for being the life of the party. If you love making an entrance, this is the style for you! Whether you’re going formal or casual, sequins add a splash of radiance to your prom night. You’ll turn heads on the dance floor and look flawless while doing it.

Ball Gowns – Never underestimate a fashion throwback. Those storybook ball gowns are coming back in a big way. Elegant and sophisticated, ball gowns are a great way to dress up the evening. You’ll feel like a true Cinderella as you waltz through the dining room or light up the dance floor.

Style Trends – Accessories

Statement Necklace – Sometimes you want to save your big reveal for the accessories. If you’re going with a straightforward look with a solid-color dress and minimal makeup, you can make waves by adding a statement necklace to finish things off. A large pendant or a gem can be the perfect way to top off your style.

Bun Pin Accessory – If you have shoulder-length hair, you can always glam up your bun with a stylish pin. This is a great way to add some flair to your look. You can go with something large that demands attention or highlight your bun with something more laid back.

Earrings – You also can’t underestimate the power of a good pair of earrings. This is another great way to highlight the rest of your ensemble. You can match your earrings to your dress, your purse, or your makeup. Choose something flashy and large for a more dramatic entrance or go for a touch of silver for something more tasteful. You can’t go wrong.

Clutch – Always a fashion must, the clutch will never go out of style. It’s the perfect accessory of feeling like a diva. Hold it by the corner and you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped out of the cab on 5thAvenue. It’s the ultimate choice for the girl on the go.

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Back into the Routine – It’s time to “adult”, once again!

The worst part about vacation is the trip back home and realizing we have responsibilities & that real life awaits us. Ugh… the thought of “Adulting” again makes you cringe. Who invented adulting anyways, right?

When traveling, we get comfortable to that “unplugged” and disconnected feeling. We find ourselves adapting to those easy, carefree schedules and our brains conveniently forget routines. Getting back into it after vacations isn’t always easy but it has to be done!

Here are some helpful tips to get you back into your “adulting” routine:

Get to Bed –Chances are during vacation you had some pretty long & late hours. Getting a good night’s sleep is key to maintaining focus and attacking tomorrow’s agenda.

Wake up & smell the coffee!– On the morning of your first day back, don’t slack on yourself. The saying says… “when you look good, you feel good” and it’s true! So get up, give yourself a couple extra minutes to get ready, grab a cup of coffee and let’s tackle today. Feel good about yourself as you accomplish today’s tasks.

Plan of Attack –Now that your back into the swing of things. You probably have a little bit of catch up to do. Don’t feel like you have to finish everything all at once, at that very second. Stay calm, take a breath & work through your tasks. Give yourself a minute to arrange your tasks by importance & urgency. Get yourself organized so you avoid feeling overwhelmed as you complete your work.

Hydrate & healthy eats –more than likely you’ve splurged on some vacation treats these past couple days. And good for you! You deserve it! After all, you were on vacation. Now that you’re back though, your body is probably craving some love & attention. Make sure to hydrate & take in some healthy snacks. Those good nutrients will leave you feeling great and provide your body with energy. You’re going to need that energy as you play a little bit of catch up and get yourself back into a routine.

Let’s Move– Pick your favorite form of movement. Maybe it’s a walk, job, yoga or intense workout. Whatever it may be, go after it! Get every last bit of jet leg & junk food out of your system! Those feel-good endorphins will soon be traveling through your body and thank goodness too because it’s just what we need as we tackle and conquer our daily tasks.

You can still have fun –Just because vacay is over, doesn’t mean you can’t have fun at home too. Make time for family & friends on the weekends. Maybe take a road trip or grill out & enjoy an evening on the patio. Remember, summer is just around the corner!

We hope these tips help get you back into your routine! YOU CAN DO IT!

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Inspo for Patty’s Day!

Looking for a fun style this St. Patrick’s Day? Our students & graduates have created some looks perfect for the Holiday. Let their styles inspire you to create your own.

★ Inspo by @trendzbytiffanyjo - La’ James International College Des Moines

★ Inspo by @papatat_hair - La’ James International College Des Moines

★ Inspo by @sierra_styles_ - La’ James International College Fort Dodge

★ Inspo by @megzmakeup - La’ James International College Cedar Rapids

★ Inspo by @looksbyalexiaa - La’ James International College Des Moines

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Pack Your Bags! We’re going on Spring Break!

It’s that time… Warm thoughts & summer daydreams… SPRING BREAK IS HERE! Put down the books, pack your bags and let’s head south! Check these 15 essentials off your list while packing the beach bags! Check… Check… Check…

Sunscreen. The higher the SPF number, the better off you are. Apply 30 minutes before heading to the beach and reapply every 2 hours!

SPF Moisturizer. A good SPF moisturizer will help save your face during time outside at the beach but will also save your skin years down the road!

Aloe Vera. Apply after your body is free of sand and other dirt and oils.  Try putting your aloe in the fridge. This will give your skin a nice cool down after a long day of fun in the sun.

Health Snack. Don’t give in to beach-side temptations such as ice cream & hot dogs. Stay on track & pack some some trail mix or protein packed snacks in your beach bag.

Waterproof Mascara. Because who wants black mascara under the eyes? Also, have makeup

Makeup Wipes. Have makeup wipes on hand to remove makeup, dirt and to cleanse your face at the end of the day.

Hand Sanitizer.For those times when soap & water are not available.

Lip Balm.Sunburnt lips is such an uncomfortable feeling. We protect our skin, so remember to protect your lips!

Beach Bag. You will need a good-sized beach bag to carry your stuff around the boardwalk. Plus, you want to keep dirty clothes separate from clean clothes when repacking to head home.

BIG Beach Towel. Find a beach towel that’s not your normal one-person towel. This way you and your friends can all sit together, relax & take in the ocean sounds!

Sunglasses.A fabulous pair of shades is essential to any summer look! But the best shades are those infused with UV protection. It’s important to invest in good pair of sunglasses that block out harmful rays.

Swimsuits. Ahhh…. Don’t forget this important item! And it’s not a bad idea to pack a couple. Always be sure to wash your swim suits in between wears. Especially for woman.

Cover Up. Find a trendy, lightweight, flowing cover up to go over your swimsuit when heading to the beach!

Wrist Purse or Cross Body Bag. This is a great way to keep your ID, money and phone with you at all times and a lesser chance of losing it.

Water Bottle. Staying hydrated with the hot sun is a must! Most places have water fountains to fill up water bottles with no hassle. ALWAYS be sure to drink plenty of water.

Are you ready?!? Have fun, be safe & enjoy your Spring Break Beach Getaway!

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The Beauty of Kindness

With our crazy & hectic lives, we sometimes forget the simplest of things… kindness. Who else can relate? We get so caught up in being angry and frustrated at the obstacles we are thrown each day. Eyes are rolling, sometimes our fists are clenched, you find yourself mumbling angry words & dwelling on the negativity. But when this happens, pause and take a moment to yourself. It’s time to reflect and make a change!

Let’s bring a little more kindness & positivity into our days. And not because we have to but because we want to! We know how painful it can be when others are not kind towards us but that feeling you get when someone does show you kindness is amazing!... And it is contagious! Your positivity & happiness brightens your day & effects those around you. They see it & they feel it. We’ve got 20 simple acts of kindness… choose 1 or choose all… but encourage yourself & others around you to fill everyone’s day with kindness:

1.    Say Please & Thank You, everyday!! It’s amazing how quickly we forget our basic manners. A Thank You can go a long way. 2.    Smile & make someone’s day a little sweater. 3.    Say “I Love You” to your family & friends. In our busy routines it can be so easy for us to forget those close to us. 4.    Listen & pay attention 5.    Pause before you speak. Think about the words you are about to say & choose words with a positive intention. 6.    Offer a hug. 7.    Invite someone new into your friend circle. 8.    Mend a friendship with someone who has hurt you. 9.    Send out a kind email or text. Better yet… a card! 10.  Give someone a genuine compliment. 11.  Help clean up, without being asked. 12.  Hold open the door for the person behind you. 13.  Give up your seat! 14.  Encourage a friend or family member, especially when you notice they are feeling uncertain or unmotivated. 15.  Strike up a conversation with a stranger 16.  Let someone into your lane while driving. 17.  Give your time to someone who needs it. 18.  Pick up the trash, even if it’s not yours. Next time you see a soda bottle in the parking lot, just grab it & toss it! 19.  Challenge yourself & remove compliments & curses for one week. 20.  Make a donation or volunteer.

Remember that kindness is a choice and it’s like a muscle, it gets stronger the more you use it or weakens if you don’t. The more we choose kindness, the more it becomes natural. Which ways will you show kindness today?

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The Results are in...

This weekend was the CBI [Cosmetologists and Barbers of Iowa] Student Competition at The Meadows Event and Conference Center in Altoona, Iowa. This year’s theme was “Unicorns, Mermaids & Mythical Creatures” and we are very proud of the results from our LJIC students. Their hard work, time & creativity paid off! Out of 18 groups LJIC Fort Dodge won 1stin the Nail category. LJIC Fort Dodge also placed 5thover all, LJIC Cedar Falls Group 1 placed 6th& Group 2 placed 16th. Get to know our student competitors & take a look at their creations.

Congratulations Nieisha White!

Nieisha from LJIC Fort Dodge created a snake print design for their group’s Medusa inspired look. Nieisha’s nail design was a top favorite, taking home 1stPlace! Congratulations Nieisha!!

Medusa

Team 5 from La’ James International College Fort Dodge took home 5thplace with their Medusa inspired look. Congratulations to our student stylists Christina Passow, Tana Gamache & Nieisha White & their model, Tina Rollins

Ice Dragon

Team 1 from La’ James International College Cedar Falls took home 6thplace with their Ice Dragon inspired look. Congratulations to student stylists Brianna Petersen, Reyna Rodriguez, Tatiana Adams and their model, Attalina DiGiacomo

Woodland Nymph

Team 18, also from La’ James International College Cedar Falls took home 16thplace with their Woodland Nymph inspired look. Congratulations to Janice Harn, Emma Twitchell and their model Sylvie Lee.

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Our favorite Valentine’s Day services & their benefits

Can you believe it? February already and you know that means Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. We’ve got some excellent gift ideas for you & your loved ones. Here are a few of our favorite relaxing services & their benefits. Which one will you choose?

Couples Full Body Massages are an excellent choice for Valentine’s Day!

Rest and Relaxation is always nice but being able to unwind in a peaceful day spa with a loved one is even better! Couple’s Massages are a perfect way to celebrate this romantic holiday, while also treating your body to some much-needed self-care. 

Some of the biggest benefits of massage are relaxation, improved circulation, lower blood pressure, relief of aches and pains and improvement of overall quality of life along with improved mobility and flexibility. *Read More: Benefits of Massage

Now at LJIC you can book your Valentine’s Day Full Body Massages for only $60.00. Call 888.880.2108 or visit Guest Services to schedule online. *Iowa campuses only.

Give the gift of a European Facial & Body Wrap!

Relax in a beautiful true day spa while rejuvenating the skin with this combination of luxury services. With these bitter cold temps this winter, your skin definitely could use some love, care… and HYDRATION! European Facials both hydrate & purifies combination skin. *Read More: Reasons to get a Facial

Give the rest of your skin some attention with a Body Wrap. There are many different types out there, each one designed for different needs. Mud Therapy Wraps are a detoxifying body treatment that invigorates the skin & body. Aromatherapy Wraps nourish & hydrate the skin. Or choose a Sea Weed Wrap, an anti- an anti-oxidant treatment to revitalize the skin and fight off damaging effects of the sun, as well as environmental aggressors, oxygenates, refreshes and increases moisture in the skin.

Book your European Facial & Body Wrap at LJIC for only $50.00. Call 888.880.2108 or visit Guest Services to schedule online. * Excludes Peppermint Sea Twist

Complete Looks for Valentine’s Day

Having a stylist to help with hair and makeup is a great treat! And the benefits… you will be looking fantastic for your Valentine’s dinner date and you did not have to do a thing!

Book your Shampoo Blow Dry Style with Makeup Application at LJIC for only $20.00. Call 888.880.2108 or visit Guest Services to schedule online.

Book your Valentine’s Day services at LJIC today! Call 888.880.2108 or visit Guest Services to schedule online.

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Makeup & skin care tips for dry skin.

Dry flaky skin can be a serious pain, and wearing makeup can make it worse. Whether you’re naturally dry or the weather has your skin craving moisture, it is important to know that applying makeup without fixing the problem will only make it worse. Here are some tips on how to get rid of dry skin and applying makeup to your dry skin.

Before your makeup routine, make sure you cleanse with a gentle face wash formulated for dry skin. Face washes for normal to oily skin may be too aggressive and can cause dryness, making the problem worse. Then, you should exfoliate to remove dry flakes of skin on problem areas, such as the nose and cheeks. Next, moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! This is a key step to getting the makeup to do what you want it to do.  Let the moisturizer sit 3-5 minutes before applying foundation.

Creamy foundations and blemish concealers work best for dry skin. With proper tools, foundations from a jar, stick, or compact will glide onto the skin smoothly. Be sure to use a clean brush rather than your fingers to apply concealer and foundation. A brush is gentle and won’t cause the skin to flake.

Read: DIY: Cleaning your makeup brushes.

For the eyes and cheeks, use creamy blush and eye shadow. Powdery makeup will cake up on dry skin and draw attention to lines, creases, and wrinkles. As with applying foundation, resist using your finger tips. Use a clean blush brush and eye shadow brushes to smooth on creams without roughing up your skin.

When using eyeliner, experts recommend using liquid eyeliner because pencils or powders can easily flake and make lines and wrinkles stand out. With mascara, make sure to replace it every 3 months because it can start clumping and possibly become contaminated. Stay away from waterproof mascaras because some of these formulas can dry out your lashes.

Read: How to tell when products go bad?

Hopefully these tips will help you apply your makeup to create a smooth, flawless finish. 

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The benefits of scheduling in advance

Many clients choose to book their appointments in advance while others prefer to walk-in. Both are very acceptable, but did you know pre-booking does have some pretty amazing benefits?

Time is valuable. We know you have a pretty full plate already. Booking your appointments in advance just crosses one more thing off your to-do list.  How often do you leave your appointment with your next one on the schedule? You should definitely start! Scheduling your next appointment at this time not only makes it easier on you but also your stylist. Your stylist knows your hair, they know the look you want, and they know how long it takes to achieve that look. With your stylist standing right there, they will be able to help get you booked correctly with the right amount of time you’ll need. Which leads right into our next benefit.

Maintaining your look. You stylist can determine how quickly your hair is growing and they know when your next appointment should be. Maintaining your look regularly is a huge time saver for your stylist. This way, no one has to worry about your hair being too long or having too much regrowth. Keeping up on your look also makes it easier for you to style in between appointments. Booking in advance will keep you right on schedule and worry free!

Busy Seasons & Frantic Calls. Holidays and big events are crazy for everyone. Stylists try to make time for all their clients but during busy periods such as Prom & Wedding Season, Holiday Breaks, Mother’s Day, etc… trying to get every person in can be a challenge. Remember when it comes to holidays & holiday parties, everyone is trying to get in at once. We’ve all had to make that quick frantic call, “please, please, please can you fit me in, whatever you have available.” The last thing you want to worry about is getting your roots done. So, schedule your appointment in advance to save yourself from frantic calls & stressing out before your next event.

Budget & Plan. Keeping ourselves beautiful does come with a cost and when your appointments are already on the books, you are giving yourself a chance to budget.

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Try something new this year...

“Like anyone else, there are days I feel beautiful & happy and then there are days I don’t, and when I don’t, I do something about it” - Cheryl Tiegs

2019 is here and it’s time to welcome new possibilities and opportunities to feel great about yourself! Here are 5 beautiful ideas to try this year... 

1. Try a Facial!

Most people wait until something is wrong with their skin such, as breakouts, brown spots, rosacea, fine lines and wrinkles, to get a facial. But did you know that getting monthly facials can help prevent these issues before they start? 

2. Try a New Hairstyle or Color

It’s a new year, why not try a new style? Whether it’s a cut or color, giving yourself a new look can help boost your mood and self confidence. 

3. Have you tried Hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy, a method that employs water to maintain health and fitness. It is used for rehabilitation, recovery, training and conditioning.

4. Try a Body Wrap

Body wraps are all the rage at spas these days. Both rejuvenating and relaxing, these treatments really can do wonders to your body. There are many options available, all with their own specific benefits. In general, body wraps are essentially designed to detox, hydrate & tone the body. 

5. Have you considered Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is one of today’s most popular treatments and is available in both spas & dermatologist offices. This method of physical exfoliation involves buffing away the surface layer of your skin while simultaneously vacuuming up dead cells, oil, and other debris that’s trapped in your pores. There are many benefits to this relaxing treatment: It removes dull skin, softens fine lines, reduces acne and pore size, fades scars and brown spots, and stimulates cell turnover and the creation of collagen. 

Make your 2019 a Beautiful one!

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How to Beat Winter Lips!

By Julie Camp: Educator & Licensed Cosmetologist at La’ James International College East Moline.

Winter can be a rough time of the year for your lips. The cold air, wind, sun and heated indoors can all eliminate moisture and create chapped lips.

Some facts about the lips first!

The skin on the lips only has 3 to 5 cellular layers which is thin compared to the face which typically has up to 16 layers.

The lips skin is not hairy and does not have sweat glands. Therefore, it does not have the usual protection layer of sweat and body oils which keep the skin smooth, inhibit pathogens, and regulate warmth. For these reasons, the lips dry out faster and become chapped more easily!

As already mentioned, the the skin is thin. Thinner skin means that it’s easier to see blood vessels underneath giving the reddish hue of the lips (which is more pronounced in lighter skin colors).

Now to the Winter Tips!

1.  Don’t lick your lips! The enzymes in Saliva are meant to digest food and are irritating to the lips. When the saliva dries, it takes more moisture from your skin. Break yourself of this habit by applying lip balm throughout the day.

2.  Eliminate dead skin. Apply a gentle lip scrub weekly. When you remove dead skin cells, you will have a smooth surface to allow for better absorption of moisture. Here is a recipe for a DIY scrub!

Brown Sugar and Honey Scrub

Ingredients

1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 squirt of honey (just enough to mix with brown sugar and make a paste) 1 drop vanilla

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients together thoroughly and store up to a month in glass jar or tub with lid. Old eye cream jars work great. 2. To apply: Rub scrub into lips and exfoliate gently. Let it sit for a minute or two, then rinse off with warm water. Apply a generous slather of lip balm afterwards to rehydrate lips. Use 1 or 2 times weekly.

3.  Use your lipstick! Opaque lipsticks that are hydrating offer great protection against cold, sun, wind and helps prevent chapping. Make sure to re-apply when it wears off. It is also a fun way to brighten your spirit during the cold/dreary months!

4.  Stay hydrated! Healthy skin and lips need lots of water! Also, adding a humidifier and plants to your home can help add moisture to the air and help keep lips smooth and moisturized!

5.  Apply the correct lip balm- Watch for ingredients that can dry the lips out more like Eucalyptus, menthol, camphor and phenol. Those ingredients tend to make you re-apply more often as well. Instead, use balms with ingredients such as Lanolin, glycerin, ceramides, beeswax, coconut oil, plant oils like Aloe Vera and jojoba, and herbs like chamomile and calendula.

By Julie Camp: Educator & Licensed Cosmetologist at La’ James International College East Moline.

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5 Reasons to get a facial

Most people wait until something is wrong with their skin such, as breakouts, brown spots, rosacea, fine lines and wrinkles, to get a facial. But did you know that getting monthly facials can help prevent these issues before they start? 

Prevention is the key to ensuring happy and healthy skin. Here are a FIVE reasons why you should be booking your monthly facial!

Go With The Flow

Facials increase circulation of the blood under the skin, which helps to renew skin cells. They can also assist by decreasing puffiness, redness, and fluid accumulation by manipulating the lymphatic system and aid in detoxification.

Strengthen and Smooth

A good facial (and facial massage) can help smooth fine lines and promote collagen production, which is crucial in preventing premature aging, wrinkles, and sagging.

Debris Be Gone

It’s impossible to avoid environmental pollutants and free-radical damage. We’re exposed daily to unavoidable toxins, UV rays and debris that cause damage to the integrity of our skin. Professional strength exfoliation like Chemical Peels paired with a facial effectively remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover when done regularly. Over time, professional exfoliating methods can also help to diminish acne, facial scarring, pigmentation and roughness in the skin.

The Perfect Pair

Besides exfoliation, extractions are one of the most important parts of a facial. If you are experiencing blackheads or whiteheads, a skilled esthetician can remove them more safely and effectively than you can at home. Once the pores are cleared out, you will notice an improvement in your complexion. You may want to continue steam and extraction treatments every two weeks until your skin has cleared. It’s also very important to follow up with the right products and a good at home skin care routine.

Anti-aging Assistant

Through exfoliation, massage, and promoting the absorption of nutrients and antioxidants, facials also help fight the process of aging. Facials slow the aging process and make your skin feel healthier, smoother, and more radiant.

Source: Sanova Dermatology

LJIC uses a Wood’s Lamp to provide a customized facial based on your skins needs. Want to learn more? Book your facial at LJIC today! Call 888.880.2108 or visit https://ljic.edu/guest-services/ All services performed by students under instructor supervision.

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Have you tried Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy, a method that employs water to maintain health and fitness. It is used for rehabilitation, recovery, training and conditioning.

WHY HYDROTHERAPY WORKS:

Hydrotherapy uses the physical properties of water to achieve successful outcomes.

Buoyancy: Creates a weightless environment that alleviates pressure on joints, supports weak muscles & improves balance deficits.

Viscosity: Creates resistance

Hydrostatic Pressure: Creates pressure or weight against a body part to help decrease pain and edema.

CONDITIONS HELPED BY HYDROTHERAPY:

Hydrotherapy is used to treat many illnesses and conditions including:

acne

arthritis

colds

depression

headaches

stomach problems

joint, muscle, and nerve problems

sleep disorders

stress

It is also commonly used for relaxation and to maintain a person’s state of health. Hydrotherapy is also excellent for reducing or relieving sudden or long-lasting pain.

BENEFITS OF HYDROTHERAPY

dramatically increasing the elimination of waste, thus assisting detoxification

loosening tense, tight muscles and encouraging relaxation

increasing the metabolic rate and digestion activity

hydrating the cells, improving skin and muscle tone

boosting the immune system, allowing it to function more efficiently

improving the function of the internal organs by stimulating their blood supply

Source: Swimex

Did you know that LJIC has a Hydrotherapy Tub and offers Hydrotherapy Massage at some campus locations? Call 888.880.2018 to learn more & book your appointment today! All services performed by students under instructor supervision.

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Why is exfoliating your skin important?

You know you should be doing it, but it's often a skipped part of most skin care routines. The important step of exfoliation, however, can help correct a slew of complexion concerns:

Get Soft Skin: Who doesn't love a little instant gratification? The first thing you'll notice after a good scrub (whether it's physical or chemical) is soft skin that you'll want to keep touching.

Stimulate Tired Cells: It's natural for your body's skin cell renewal rate to start to slow down, which means that dull, dead-layer skin cells can linger around. Sloughing away that layer not only smooths things out, but can actually stimulate new skin cells when you exfoliate regularly (think two to three times a week). This means you'll boost your cell turnover rate, so you should have a glowing, healthy complexion.

Help Prevent Acne: Regularly exfoliating on top of your acne care regimen can help quell breakouts. It's best to use a gentle chemical exfoliant for acne-prone skin, like enzymes that can assist in dissolving the dead skin cell buildup that clogs pores.

Brighten Your Complexion: Hyperpigmentation can be reduced with a regular exfoliating regimen, too. The melanin buildup that causes dark spots can be diminished over time as you continue to slough away the outer layers of your skin.

Prep Your Skin to Better Absorb Skin Care: Dead, dry skin cells can prevent all the goodness of your serums, moisturizers, and targeted treatments from penetrating to their maximum potential. Exfoliating helps to remove any barrier that might stop your skin care from achieving optimal results.

Source: PopSugar

LJIC recommends Microdermabrasion, Salt Scrubs or body polishes regularly! Call 888.880.2108 or visit https://ljic.edu/guest-services/ to book your appointment today.  All services perform by student under instructor supervision.

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5 things a stylist must do

By Mrs. Abby Chaney : Licensed Cosmetologist & Educator at La’ James International College Iowa City.

1. Look the part of the Beauty Industry. Having your hair, makeup and nails done prior to coming to work is very important. Also, having good personal hygiene. Your clients are trusty that you will take care of them, so start by taking care of yourself.

2. Stretch! Sounds silly but think about it... you are constantly on your feet and moving around each day. Keep your body in good shape to prolong yourself throughout your day & career. 

3. Arrive early to work and start preparing for your day. Before you leave at the end of the night, take a look at tomorrow & see if you can prepare in advance.

4. Get enough sleep. Being well rested will help you stay focused throughout your day. 

5. Always carry a business card with you. You never know when you will have an opportunity to hand one out. You can always leave them with your bill at a restaurant, give one to a stranger walking past or hand one to the person standing behind you in the grocery store.

Those are just a few of many helpful tips. What important task would you add to the list?

By Mrs. Abby Chaney : Licensed Cosmetologist & Educator at La’ James International College Iowa City.