Neroli Salon & Spa

Our Team Is Strong After Covid-19
Massage Therapy For Beginners
Antioxidants: Why We Need It
Hair Extensions During Quarantine
Dry or Damaged: Find Your Hair Type

Posted: 14 May 2020 03:38 PM PDT

Our team at Neroli had a lot of thoughts at the beginning of this pandemic. It was one of those things that "couldn't happen here." Not to us. One of those things that starts far away and disappears or loses its stranglehold before it reaches our shores. Even as the holidays passed, and it creeped ever closer, it didn't seem real. Didn't seem possible. And then the dominoes started falling. Slowly at first, then all of the sudden. Basketball stopped mid-game. Concerts canceled. Bars and restaurants closed. Salons closed. Life as we knew it stopped.

For our team at Neroli, we had a brief moment of "what next?" And then snapped into gear. What has happened between the day we were order to stay safer at home and now, as we prepare to reopen has been sometimes challenging – but as we reflect back on the past several weeks, what we'll remember the most is what we have all been able to accomplish as we worked from home. Here is a behind the scenes peek of how we have stayed #NeroliStrong during the recent pandemic:

Our Team on Teams

Within just a few short days, all of our team members connected through Microsoft Teams. Each location has met three times a week to stay abreast of company updates, share virtual education resources, and train on new systems for reopening. Dogs barking in the background? Yes. Children screaming? Yes. Do we mind? Not at all.

Virtual Education

Our partners at Aveda as well as other companies have provided our team with amazing educational resources to help keep our technical skills sharp during the closure. Classes included online training with Global Artists such as Vivienne Mackinder to summer make-up trends to gel nail extensions and everything in between. We won't be returning to work rusty. We'll be returning to worked retooled.

Some that the team was excited about and a lot of people took were: Alchemy of Color with Alberto Roswell-Davis, Living In Color with Janel Geason & Ian Michael Black, Virtual Wellness with Analisa, and classes learning how to master Gua Sha facial massage and deep tissue on the neck.

Soft Skills

While the world has been socially distant, we've been socially developing. Twice per week, our marketing team has provided social media webinars to help refine and grow our practices both as individuals and as a team. From Linkedin to YouTube to blogging and every platform in between, we have an army of service providers better equipped to share their expertise with our guests and community. And we're all having fun helping each other along the way.

Team Inspiration

For a team of creative people, losing the platform we use to express ourselves can be scary. But we have been fortunate to have resources provided for us to help keep our creative juices flowing. Some of the favorites so far have been a facial drawing class with Rec Room Craft Studio and a personal styling webinar with Chicago celebrity stylist Katie Schuppler from KS Style Consulting. These classes have not only been a ton of fun (seeing each other's drawings—priceless) they also provide skills to enhance our services, like understanding face shapes and thinking of a guests' total style. Next up are fitness classes with Ashley Haag and a virtual cooking class with Suzette from The Past Tree.

What's Next For Our Team?

As regulations loosen, we'll be busy training to provide services in the safest manner possible. Things may look a little strange for a while as we wear protective gear and minimize the number of guests in our space. But slowly, then all of a sudden, we'll be back and better than ever. We can't wait.

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Massage Therapy For Beginners

Posted: 14 May 2020 02:46 PM PDT

Are your new to massage therapy? I’m going to walk you through a step to step guide on what to expect and the etiquette before, during and after a massage.

Benefits of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is so beneficial and it’s important for everyone, from infants all the way to the elderly.

Whether you have a physical condition or an emotional stressor, massage can help relieve or even get rid of simple problems naturally.

The most common ways that massage therapy can help your health are chronic headaches, migraines, sciatica and leg cramping as well as whiplash, and frozen shoulder.

Massage therapy is about more than stress relief and relaxation. It can help relieve these chronic ailments with regular monthly massage.

When you receive your first massage best thing to do is open up and tell your therapist about your lifestyle, stressors and what might be ailing you physically. We’re here to relieve your stress and to decrease or eliminate chronic pain.

Before Your Service

Your therapist will call your name when it is time for your service and escort you to the massage room it should be a warm and welcoming environment making you feel at peace.
Your already stressed out don't stress yourself out further if you're nervous… let us know!
Massage therapists are always understanding and not judgmental were here to help you in any way we can.
You'll be asked about your health history and areas that you are and are not comfortable having worked on.
Before your therapist leaves they will let you know to be face up on your back or face down and face in the face cradle.
Beginning you'll be in your street clothes or in a spa robe. We will leave the room and ask you to undress or disrobe those articles of clothing to your comfort level.

During Your Massage

At this point you have gotten onto the table underneath the sheet and blanket and are awaiting your therapist to enter. Take this time to take some deep breathes, clear your mind and start to relax.

Your therapist will knock on the door and ask if you're ready before they fully enter the room.

When the massage begins your therapist will ask you to take 3 deep breathes and initiate contact with your body.

Usually the massage therapist will start with a medium pressure not too light and not too deep. They will check in with you to ask if you'd like more or less pressure.

Conversation is fine, but your therapist may not engage you directly since you're here to relax… we do not want to ruin your experience with over talking. Therapists will however ask questions about pressure, technique or whether if you feel any numbness/tingling in certain common areas.

Half way through your therapist will tell you to flip onto your stomach and or back… and get to the opposite side giving you that full body massage you're longing for.

After the session is done the therapist will leave the room and allow you to re-dress at which point you'll crack open the door signaling to the therapist that you are all set.

The massage therapist will re-enter the room and go over areas of most tension, self-care tips, and when you should be back for your next session.

Blog written by Brookfield Massage Therapist, Steven. Want to stock up on your products? Call 414.227.2888 to place your curbside pickup order or stop in during our special store hours. Schedule your hair reservation on the Neroli app, online reservations or call 414.227.2888.

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Antioxidants: Why We Need It

Posted: 14 May 2020 02:17 PM PDT

Are antioxidants a part of your daily skin care routine and diet? If not, they’re something you need to start incorporating ASAP!

One of the most common questions I get is “What is an antioxidant serum? Do I need one”? The answer is YES YES YES! Let’s talk about why.

What Are Antioxidants?

Antioxidants are important for their ability to limit damage in the cells caused by free radicals.

They protect against things like viruses, infections, pollution, chemicals and UV rays. Antioxidants are equally important internally as they are externally.

Consuming antioxidant rich foods can help reduce the risk of diseases like heart disease and certain cancers. When applied to the skin as serums they can help prevent premature aging, cell damage and discoloration.

An easy adjustment of adding more antioxidants into your skin care and diet will result in healthy, beautiful glowing skin.

Examples of Antioxidant Rich Foods

Sweet potatoes
Strawberries & blueberries
Dark chocolate
Pecans
Spinach & kale
Green tea

Here are a few recipe ideas to boost your antioxidant intake.

Examples of Antioxidants in Skin Care

Licorice root: helps fade discoloration. Has anti aging properties.
Vitamin E: protects skin cells and contributes to cellular health.
Ferulic acid: protects skins main structures and delays photo aging.
Milk thistle: anti inflammatory and slows aging. Keeps skin supple.
Vitamin C: evens skin tone. Promotes collagen production.

Pro tip: It is important when introducing a new serum to start slow. Use it every other morning for the first month to avoid sensitivities.

Favorite Antioxidant Product

My favorite antioxidant product is the Ultra Protective Antioxidant Complex from Ultraceuticals.

This product works best with the Mineral Protect SPF 50 also by Ultraceuticals.

Apply the Ultra Protective Antioxidant Complex before your SPF. This will provide the best defense against free radicals in the environment and sun damage! Your skin will thank you.

Order it today on our Ultraceuticals shop or purchase at select Neroli locations.

Blog written by Brookfield Esthetician, Lindsay. Want to stock up on your products? Call 414.227.2888 to place your curbside pickup order or stop in during our special store hours. Schedule your hair reservation on the Neroli app, online reservations or call 414.227.2888.

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Hair Extensions During Quarantine

Posted: 14 May 2020 01:51 PM PDT

Tape-in and hand-tied hair extensions are a great way to add fullness and length to your hair. When properly cared for and maintained, they cause no damage to your natural hair.

Tape-in hair extensions typically need to be maintained in salon every 6-8 weeks, and hand-tied every 8-10 weeks. Because of the stay at home order, I have had many guests that will not be able to come in for their regular hair extension maintenance.

Most of my extension guests have reached out to me, asking about how they can care for,and even remove their overgrown hair own extensions.

Hair Extensions | Step 1: Detangle

First things first, you need to keep your hair detangled.

Brushing your hair multiple times a day is key. This will prevent snagging, pulling, and matting. Easihair Pro (the extension company we work with) has a really great wet/dry detangling brush.

If that is not available to you I also recommend the Wet Brush or a Tangle Teezer. When brushing, start at the ends of your hair, and work your way towards the roots.

Hair Extensions | Step 2: Cleanse

While at home, I would also recommend shampooing less and use dry shampoo as needed. My favorite is Aveda Shampure Dry Shampoo.

Do not use any oils or moisturizing products near the scalp. This will help to prevent slipping.

Before shampooing, make sure your hair is detangled and press the panels together (in tape-ins). While shampooing (Aveda Color Conserve Shampoo is recommended), make sure you get in between the wefts or rows of hair.

Condition ONLY the mid lengths and ends of your hair, as conditioner at the scalp will cause slipping.

Hair Extensions | Step 3: Styling

When styling the hair, I like to use a detangling product.

Extension hair is more processed and can get a little more dry through the ends. Aveda Nutriplenish Leave-In Conditioner is my go-to.

Spray product into towel dried hair and brush through the hair to detangle. When you start blowdrying the hair, aim towards the panels/root area to dry first. When your hair is wet, it is more fragile. Drying that area first will take the stress off of your natural hair from holding up the extensions.

After the root area is dry, finish the rest of the hair as usual. When extensions are overgrown, it is a good idea to keep your hair pulled back. Try a braid or low pony, especially when going to bed.

EasiHair Pro Removal Kit

It is usually not recommended for you to try to remove your hair extensions on your own. However, since salons are not open right now, Easihair Pro has put together webinars to show you how to safely remove your extensions at home. Above are photos of outgrown hand-tied and tape-in extensions.

To do this, you will need to order a one-time removal kit for tape-in or for hand-tied hair extensions. Someone in your household will need to help you with the removal.

If you are an extension client with any questions or concerns, feel free to call 414.227.2888 to schedule a phone or video consult or contact Easihair Pro directly at 858.704.4100 or orders@easihairpro.com.

Blog written by Downtown Hair Designer, Tina. Want to stock up on your products? Call 414.227.2888 to place your curbside pickup order or stop in during our special store hours. Schedule your hair reservation on the Neroli app, online reservations, or call 414.227.2888.

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Dry or Damaged: Find Your Hair Type

Posted: 14 May 2020 09:37 AM PDT

Dry or damaged hair are the most common hair care concerns. Using the correct products for your hair is key to getting the maximum benefits for healthy, strong locks!

I’m going to walk you through how you can find out what your hair needs and the products that can give your hair a boost of moisture, hydration or protein.

Is My Hair Dry or Damaged?

It’s a fine line and sometimes can require an in depth consultation.

Dry and damaged can go hand in hand, but their treatments are different.

Here’s how to test your hair:

Step 1: Pluck one wet strand from your head.
Step 2: Gently pull on either end of the strand.
Healthy: If the strand stretches by 1/3 before returning, it’s healthy.
Damaged: If the strand doesn’t stretch (or only stretches a small amount), then your hair needs protein.
Dry: If the strand stretches but doesn’t return, your hair is more dry than damaged.

What Does This Mean?

Team Dry

If you happen to be on team dry hair, your hair is asking for moisture and hydration.

Silicone free oils will be your best friend, when you’re using it in the correct amounts.

Team Damaged

For those who are on team damaged, whether it be from coloring, styling or the environment, you need to repair your hair — preferably with natural protein.

Dry or Damaged Hair: Common Facts

These are a few different things to note about dry or damaged hair.

Damaged hair is the #1 concern in 49% of guests.
58% of millennials quote damage as being their primary concern .
Along with coloring, that and the environment are the most common reasons for damage.
Your hair type can change overtime, it’s always best to consult with your stylist for product options.
Aveda no longer manufactures any products formulated with paragons.
Aveda has been a pioneer in post-consumer recycled packaging.

Which Products Are Right For Me?

Here is a breakdown of which Aveda products are best for different hair concerns.

Sap Moss

Weightless moisture, boosting hydration by 81%
94-98% naturally derived and silicone-free (mimics silicone with causing build-up)
Icelandic moss, larch tree sap extract, coconut and kicks nut oil
Natural jasmine, cypress and clary sage aromas

Nutriplenish

Customized with light and deep lines
94% naturally derived
Silicone and sulfate-free and vegan
Superfood complex, omega-5 with pomegranate oil
Mange butter, coconut oil, algae and oat extract
Natural cocoa, ginger and cardamom aromas

Light Moisture

All textures
Instant hydration delivery
Creamy, lightweight shampoo

Dark Moisture

Medium to coarse texture
50% more butters than the light moisture line

Nutriplenish Multi-Use Hair Oil

100% naturally derived instant hydration and shine
Pomegranate, coconut, avocado, sunflower and argon oils

Dry Remedy Oil

Instantly moisturizes and heals brittle hair and increases results overtime
Buriti oil from Brazil’s “Tree of Life” makes hair soft and manageable
90% naturally derived sunflower, olive and pomegranate oils

Damage Remedy

5 products in entire line
Smart protein in quinoa to keep from giving you over proteinized hair, plus soy and macadamia nut oils
Bergamont, mandarin and ylang ylang aromas
40% education in breakage after one use of Daily Hair Repair
Nangai oil attracts split ends in the Split End Repair

Blog written by Downtown Hair Designer, Kate. Want to stock up on your products? Call 414.227.2888 to place your curbside pickup order or stop in during our special retail store hours. Schedule your hair reservation on the Neroli app, online reservations, or call 414.227.2888.

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