Blog Archives

Earth Day: How We Are Making a Difference

4/22/2021

Happy Earth Month friends! Roma from Salon Society here on the blog today to talk about everything eco! I am a hippie trapped in a concrete jungle and do everything I can to ensure I am eco-friendly and sustainable. One of the things I love most about working in an eco-friendly salon is a shared belief that environmental consciousness is incredibly important, both at work and at home. Here are some of the ways we strive to be earth-friendly!

IN-SALON

Our salon is largely paperless: all appointments are scheduled using an online system and we send receipts electronically
Our shopping bags are made from paper and are recyclable

We aim to stock products that are made naturally and are environmentally-friendly.

We proudly sell Kevin Murphy hair products, which are cruelty-free, made using eco-friendly methods, and packaged using sustainable Ocean Waste Plastic.

At KEVIN.MURPHY, we make every effort to help and protect the environment by utilising packaging that is recyclable or biodegradable. We use only natural ingredients from sustainable and renewable sources, that are harvested in a way that does no harm to the environment at all.
- Kevin Murphy Website

We carry Routine Natural Deodorant, which is made in Canada and only contains clean, wholesome ingredients. Their deodorant jars are refillable at places in Regina like The Alternative, our neighbours! Visit the full list of refill stations in Canada.

We are a member of Green Circle Salons - a global program started in Toronto to help beauty industry professionals recover up to 95% of their beauty waste. This amazing program allows us to recycle the following:
- hair clippings
- excess hair colour/colour tubes
- used metals and foils
- used single-use items
- paper and plastic waste
- PPE waste

Fun fact: Green Circle Salons sends recycled hair clippings to help clean up oil spills in the ocean!

Green Circle Salons' website has TONS of great information about how salon waste can be recycled through their program. It's pretty crazy and inspiring - check it out!

BEHIND THE SCENES

Our team always separates all recyclable products from trash from any salon supplies, furniture, lunches, beverages, etc.
We keep reusable plates, cutlery, and cups in our staff room
We use dryer balls in our salon laundry rather than dryer sheets
For cleaning, we use eco-friendly products and reusable cloths instead of paper towel
Our bathroom paper towel is made from recycled materials
We reuse shipping boxes and mailer envelopes received in the mail for our outgoing orders!
We use refillable or compostable K-Cups in our Keurig machine
All of our wall-hanging planters are made from recycled milk jugs (Wally Gro - check them out!)
We collect garbage from around our building on a daily basis - it's shocking how much we pick up!
Our team brings in homemade snacks and drinks to share to help cut down on single-use plastics from restaurants
We collect pop can tabs to be recycled into wheelchairs!
(If this interests you, help out by bringing your can tab collection to your next appointment!)

AT HOME

On top of our salon initiatives, our team also wanted to share some of the sustainable practices we have implemented into our own lives:

Using reusable straws/cutlery/baggies
Using dryer balls instead of dryer sheets
Carrying a reusable water bottle
Making our own snacks
Growing a garden
Recycling whenever possible
Bringing our own grocery bags
Carpooling
Riding bicycles instead of driving
Using eco-friendly cleaning products/refilling stations
Composting
Using biodegradable cleaning tools (bamboo dish scrubbers, toothbrushes, Q-tips, etc.)
Turning off lights when leaving a room
Avoiding single-use plastics
Bringing our own take-out containers to restaurants
Reusing recyclable containers
(yogurt, sour cream, pasta sauce, etc.)
Buying bulk foods in reusable containers
(i.e. Bulk Barn)

With so many ways to be environmentally-friendly, we want to know: what are your favourites??
Let us know in the comments!

ABOUT THE EXPERT

Roma is a Junior Hair Artist specializing in hair cuts and creative colours. She is a proud eco-warrior and personally undertakes ALL of the sustainable practices listed above!

Read Roma's About Me page or Book an Appointment.

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Tan Tips - Before & After a Sunless Tan

4/9/2021

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PRE-TAN

Exfoliate from head to toe, preferably the day before or the day of your spray tan
Remove all previous spray tan and dead skin as much as possible
Try not to apply moisturizers or oils the day of your spray tan as it will interrupt the absorption of the spray tan and act as a barrier to the skin
Remove all facial makeup prior to your spray tan (mascara is fine)
Avoid using deodorant before your spray tan if possible as it will create a barrier
Shave or wax BEFORE your appointment as hair removal can strip your tan
If possible, try to wear dark, loose clothing to your spray tan appointment
REMEMBER: CLEAN SKIN IS THE BEST SKIN

POST-TAN

MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE!
- Proper moisturizing will extend the life of your tan and prevent uneven fading
- Wait to start moisturizing until after your first shower
- Hempz lotion is a great choice for post-tan moisturizing!
Your spray tan artist will tell you how long to wait until you can shower following your spray tan. DO NOT SHOWER until this time has elapsed!! Our solutions have varying processing times.
Your first shower after your spray tan will be a warm water rinse only. Do not use any bar soap or body/face cleansers as your colour is still processing.
- After your shower, pat gently on your skin to dry - do not wipe/rub
- When showering off your spray tan, you may notice the water colour changing - please don't panic, this colour is just the bronzer washing off your body.
Avoid swimming and excessive sweating for at least 12 hours after you have had your first rinse
Your colour will be developed to its fullest in 24 hours

Products to avoid: Bar soaps, mineral oil (baby oil), Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), hair removal creams, Chlorine, body scrubs, lotions with alcohol (check your ingredients - you'd be surprised how many popular brands contain alcohol - *cough* Bath & Body Works).

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Everything You Need to Know About Sunless Tanning

4/9/2021

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Hello beautiful people! With summer just around the corner, we are very excited to be bringing on a new service at Salon Society... Spray Tanning!

Visit our pre- and post-care tips for your sunless tan here!

Spray tanning is a safe, quick way to get a bronzed glow or deep tan, depending on your preference. Here is some info you might not already know about this awesome new service:

What product is used? Is it chemicals?
We use AG Sunless Tanning products, which is a Canadian company based in Saskatchewan - just like us! Their products are made with ingredients that are earth-friendly as well as skin-friendly. They contain no preservative chemicals and are vegan, nut-free, scent-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, anti-ageing, contain no false cosmetic bronzers, AND are infused with vitamins A, B, C and D to nourish skin. With all these amazing features, a spray tan really becomes a skin treatment!

AG Sunless Tanning products are quick-drying and do leave your skin feeling wet or sticky. Most clients can get dressed in just minutes following their spray tan!
Is it the same as a tanning bed?
In short - no! While using a tanning bed takes many sessions and presents a risk of skin cancer, spray tans give instant results and are safe. They are also excellent for those with fair skin tones or sensitive skin who may not see results from tanning beds. Spray tans are also pregnancy-safe!

Read more about the differences in our blog post here!
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear loose, dark clothing to spray tan appointments. Our solutions should not stain clothing or bed sheets - if you do see some transfer, toss it in the wash!
Do I have to get naked?
However you are most comfortable is what is best for you! It is your call; anything you do wear will leave a perfect tan line. If you want NO tan lines, it is recommended to wear nothing for your spray tan.

Some people feel best in a tank top and underwear, some want to be nude - it is completely up to you! We see all types of bodies - our salon is always a no-judgement zone.
How does it work?
Here is a basic rundown of how a spray tan appointment typically goes:
1) After arriving at the salon, you will be brought to a private room where you will meet your sunless tan artist and discuss what you are looking for.
2) The sunless tan artist will leave you to undress to your comfort level.
3) Your sunless tan artist will return when you are ready and walk you through the tan process. Our spray tans are applied manually, using a professional airbrush machine with a custom-mixed colour for your needs.
4) Once your tan is applied, you will be asked about the finished colour, in case you want additional layers for a deeper colour.
5) You will be dried using the airbrush machine, and then left to redress in loose clothing.
6) Your spray tan artist will explain the aftercare instructions including shower times.
7) If it is raining when you leave, we will have an umbrella to escort you to your vehicle!

Following your spray tan: Avoid ALL types of liquid on your skin for at least 4 hours or until the time you rinse off. This means NO washing dishes, showering, sweating, lotion, perfume, or crying (LOL we mean it - only smiles on spray tan day!).

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The Dirty About Dry Shampoo

4/1/2021

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We carry FIVE different dry shampoos - So I am here to give you the dirty and answer all your questions on keeping your hair fresh and clean between washes!

If you're in the process of stretching the days between washing your hair, dry shampoo is the way to go. Not only does it keep your hair fresh, it helps to add volume and texture!

Our Dry Shampoos (in no particular order):

FRESH.HAIR – Kevin Murphy
Perfect hair Day™ – Living Proof
Fresh Affair - Kerastase
Gold Lust Dry Shampoo - Oribe

Which is your favourite?
My personal top pick is the Living Proof Perfect hair Day™ because it actually works – even when I have not washed my hair in… let's just say many days!

Living Proof products are backed by science, and this dry shampoo was created with their Triple-Action Cleaning Technology so that it works immediately as well as throughout your day with time-released scent to keep you fresh.

What is the difference between these salon-quality dry shampoos and drug store brands?
Because drug store brands are created to be relatively inexpensive, those brands often cut corners by adding chemicals and fillers, which sit on your hair and cause build-up over time. When you use a salon-quality dry shampoo, the ingredients help to actually clean the dirt and build-up off of your hair instead of piling on.

When and how much should I use?
I like to spray some on before I work out at the gym or before I go to sleep so that it can get to work in the meantime! If you will be wearing a hat or toque, spray some dry shampoo in your hair ahead of time to absorb grease while you're wearing it.

Start with a quick spritz and add more as you feel you need. More doesn't hurt! Another game-changer is the ability to choose which level of cleansing you're needing when you buy!
Which dry shampoo is curly girl approved?
Our resident curly specialists say that FRESH.HAIR is a great pick for curly hair, because it is essentially ANGEL.WASH in powder form. It was originally designed for backpackers to be able to spray on and wipe off with a wet towel!
Which dry shampoo is best for dark hair/doesn’t leave white residue?
I personally don't find the Perfect hair Day dry shampoo leaves any residue in my hair, but some of the other brunettes in our salon prefer Kevin Murphy's FRESH.HAIR. The cake-like scent of FRESH.HAIR is super popular, but if you're looking for a more gender-neutral option, Gold Lust Dry Shampoo by Oribe is a great universal choice!

If you have more questions or need help choosing the best dry shampoo for your hair, send me a message on Instagram!

Until next time!
- Shanna

ABOUT THE EXPERT

Shanna Watts is a Master Hair Artist at Salon Society and has been in the hair industry since 2016. She is a Red Seal Journeyperson Hairstylist, and an expert in blonding, lived-in colours, and hair extensions.

Visit Shanna's About Me page or Book an Appointment.

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Earth Day: How We Are Making a Difference

IN-SALON

BEHIND THE SCENES

AT HOME

ABOUT THE EXPERT

Tan Tips - Before & After a Sunless Tan

PRE-TAN

POST-TAN

Everything You Need to Know About Sunless Tanning

The Dirty About Dry Shampoo

ABOUT THE EXPERT

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