Why a Massage Should Be Part of Your Self-Care Routine
Massages are becoming one of the most popular forms of self-care. Whether you’re visiting us at 212 Salon and Spa or attending a physical therapy clinic, everyone can benefit from regular massage therapy. It ticks all the boxes – from easing anxiety to reducing headaches and boosting your overall wellness. Massages are something we could all benefit from having in our self-care routines.
Almost 1 in 5 American adults had at least one massage over a 12-month period, according to research conducted in 2017. Over 40% of these adults booked a massage for health or medical reasons. While a massage can feel like a luxury experience, it can also help your body, mind, and soul.
Massages affect the body’s hormone production, producing a range of wellness benefits that make massage therapy more than just a spa treatment. Experience the benefits of a massage by booking a treatment at 212 Salon and Day Spa using our online portal.
Can Massages Improve Your Wellbeing?
During a massage, your therapist kneads and rubs the soft tissues throughout your body. You can have a full body massage or target your treatment on the ligaments, skin, muscle, or connective tissue you’re experiencing problems with. There’s a massage therapy treatment for everyone, allowing you to tailor your experience to your wellbeing needs.
One 10-minute muscle massage can reduce post-workout soreness by 30%, making regular massage treatments a must-have for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Science proves that we all leave a massage feeling happier and more relaxed. A massage boosts your body’s levels of dopamine and serotonin, the happy hormones, by around 30%.
Massages improve your well-being by boosting the activity of the vagus nerve in your nervous system. It creates a similar effect to meditating, relieving your stress levels, and reducing your body’s cortisol levels.
While you might book a massage as a birthday gift or an act of self-care, a massage has mental and physical benefits we can all take advantage of.
What to Expect from Your Massage
Every massage should be a relaxing experience. It’s a chance for you to disconnect and unwind in an inviting environment that’s designed to put you right at ease. Your therapist will speak to you beforehand about any specific concerns or aliments you have to tailor your massage experience. They’ll focus the treatment on any specific areas of tension.
Your massage therapist will instruct you to move in a few different positions, depending on your individual treatment. The oils used by your therapist will help to relax the knots and tension in your body to make them easy to remove during your massage.
The Physical Benefits of Massage Therapy
If you suffer from any form of physical pain, regular massages can be a game-changer. Conditions like nerve pain and sports injuries can be made more manageable with a massage. Reliving the knots and tension in your body and boosting your hormone production can improve circulation, decrease joint inflammation, and strengthen your immune responses.
If you’ve been feeling achy and sore, a massage can be just what the doctor ordered! Here are some of the physical benefits of massage therapy:
1. Improve Blood Flow and Circulation
Massaging the body helps to boost the movement of blood. Different massaging techniques work to target and heal specific muscles, alleviating the pressure and enabling new blood to flow more freely. Improved blood flow works to reduce high blood pressure.
2. Improved Recovery Time
Whether you’re a budding athlete or enjoy outdoor sports, anyone can suffer from a soft tissue injury. The techniques used during a massage allow oxygen to flow more freely to the tissue and organs in the body, aiding with injury recovery. Whether it’s back pain or an old sports injury, regular massages can be the key to recovery.
3. Increased Flexibility and Movement
You’ll come out of your massage feeling relaxed and flexible. That’s right. Regular massages will relax muscle tension and make everyday life a little easier. Increased flexibility makes joint and muscle movement easier, whether you’re climbing stairs or reaching new fitness goals. A massage will help you breathe a little easier and move freer.
4. Fibromyalgia Pain Management
Regular massages are recommended for those dealing with fibromyalgia, a long-term condition that causes pain throughout the body. While a massage can help to alleviate some of this pain, it can also have knock-on benefits for your overall wellness. Massage therapy can improve your sleep pattern, improve memory, and reduce mood symptoms. You’ll want to check in with your doctor and have a consultation with us before booking in for a massage.
5. Tension Headache Relief
Tension headaches can start popping up at the worst times. Whether you’re stressed at work or experiencing headaches out of the blue, a massage can alleviate your headache symptoms. A massage that targets your shoulders, head, and neck will help relieve muscle tension and make your headaches more manageable.
The Mental Benefits of Massage Therapy
It’s not just the physical benefits you’ll get from a massage. Most people book in for a massage to experience its mental benefits, from stress relief to reduced anxiety. You’ll walk out of your massage feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. There’s no better feeling than that post-massage high!
Here are some of the mental health benefits of massage therapy:
1. Stress Reliever
We all go through times when we’re feeling stressed, whether it’s after starting a new job, looking for a house, or juggling everyday life. A massage is the ultimate form of self-care as a natural stress reliever. A massage reduces the body’s cortisol levels, the stress hormone that gives you high blood pressure, mood swings, and muscle weakness. Take a deep breath and relax as the stress slips away.
2. A Better Night’s Sleep
Are you suffering from stress-induced insomnia? Treat yourself to a massage. While there are sleep hygiene habits you can incorporate into your everyday routine, a massage is one way to guarantee a good night’s sleep by relieving stress and loosening muscle tension.
Experience the benefits of massage at 212 Salon and Day Spa. Relax, unwind, and rejuvenate your soul with one of our specialist massage treatments. Book your massage appointment today and say goodbye to stress.
Why After Sun Gel Should Be in Your Summer Skincare Routine
If you’re a sun worshipper, you want a bottle of after sun gel on hand to reduce sun damage to your skin and prevent premature aging. After sun gel is a must – even if you’re committed to reapplying your SPF every three hours while out in the sun.
Using UV defensive products can boost your skin’s protective barrier, prevent premature aging, and lower your risk of melanoma and skin cancer. Your SPF and after sun routine shouldn’t be limited to your face – choose products that you can use all over your body for ultimate protection.
We’re sharing why after sun gel should be part of your summer skincare routine and our recommended product to throw in your pool bag.
What is After Sun Gel?
After sun is a moisturizing product that is designed to support the skin after prolonged UV exposure, commonly used to treat sunburns and skin irritation. Most after sun gels include ingredients like aloe vera and allantoin that soothe the skin to reduce pain and support cellular repair.
Many after sun products contain soothing ingredients that also contain anti-aging properties that stimulate your skin’s collagen production to repair damage and rejuvenate the skin. Look out for after sun products with ingredients like shea butter that deeply nourish the layers of your skin.
While SPF should be your number one priority, an after-sun gel can help soothe your skin if you’ve forgotten to reapply or find yourself exposed to high levels of UV radiation. Being at the beach or the pool can make it difficult to keep your sunscreen on, making an after sun gel a must-have to treat any potential burns or skin irritation.
You shouldn’t wait for your skin to become burnt or irritated by the sun to use an after-sun gel. It’s the ideal way to soothe your skin and give it a boost of hydration. After sun cannot ‘cure’ a sunburn, but it’s the first step in helping your skin recover from extensive UV exposure.
How to Use After Sun Products
A post-sun gel is essential when your skin feels burnt or inflamed after being in the sun. It’s designed to calm your skin upon first contact, providing instant relief. While it won’t heal the sunburn instantly, it will reduce pain and irritation.
Keep your after-sun products in the fridge or a cooler to keep them chilled. Applying cold after-sun products can support the healthy tissue in your skin as it seeks to repair your sunburnt skin.
You want to apply a generous amount of after sun to your skin, allowing it to soak in before putting on clothes or going into the water. An after-sun gel is a must-have for those with dry skin as it helps prevent peeling and cracking caused by excessive UV exposure. Apply after sun gel every day during summer and times of high UV exposure to keep your skin protected and hydrated all year round.
After-sun isn’t just for treating sunburnt skin. If you’ve got a natural tan, this hydrating post-sun product can prolong your tan’s lifespan and give you a bronze glow for longer. You can think of it as a two-in-one product that soothes your skin and gives you the most out of your natural tan.
Using SPF and After Sun Gel
It’s not enough to just use an SPF or to only pick up an after-sun gel to soothe burnt skin. You want to regularly be using both to treat your skin before, during, and after being in the sun.
Make sure you’re reapplying sunscreen throughout the day and use after sun as a preventative measure to soothe any potential skin irritation. It can also help to cool your skin down after a day at the beach.
After-sun can be applied once a day or as required if your skin is sunburnt. The key to helping your skin recover is to keep it hydrated to prevent peeling. A moisture-rich after sun gel will easily absorb into your skin to reduce inflammation.
The best way to apply after sun on irritated skin is to do so after having a cold shower and while your skin is still damp to increase absorption. Just like SPF, you want to be using an after-sun all year round to protect your skin, reduce irritation, and support your skin’s natural protective barrier.
How to Protect Your Skin from the Sun
While we all love to get a summer tan, the safest way to give your skin a bronze glow is from a bottle or spray tan treatment. Prevention should always be your number one priority. Along with using SPF and after sun gel, there are extra steps you can take to protect your skin from the sun.
- Stay cool by increasing your water intake to keep your skin and body hydrated.
- Reapply your sunscreen every three hours and directly after being in the water.
- Sit in the shade where possible and use a hat to protect your scalp and forehead.
Our Recommended After Sun Gel
Hydrate your skin after a day in the sun and give your tan an extra boost with Germaine de Capuccini’s ‘Icy Pleasure After Sun Repair Gel’. It’s our recommended body after-sun gel that soothes skin irritation, reduces redness, and has an exclusive anti-aging formula. Apply directly to the skin after
This innovative after sun gel is powered a UV dynamic system that protects against free radicals and UV radiation for up to 24 hours. It’s the perfect top-up for your daily SPF with water lily extract giving the gel anti-aging properties to protect and rejuvenate the skin.
The Germaine de Capuccini gel is suitable for all skin types and a must-have for your summer skincare routine. Throw a backup tube in your beach bag to give your skin the TLC it deserves.
You can pick up a tube of Germaine de Capuccini’s after-sun body repair gel during your next visit to 212 Salon and Day Spa.
How to Create the Iconic Haircuts of the ‘90s
The ‘90s is one of the most iconic eras of the 20th century. Whether it’s the girl power bands or the rise of the supermodel, the ‘90s delivered us trends and icons that are still going strong today. Some of the most sought-after hairstyles today first rose to popularity in the ‘90s, including the instantly-recognizable ‘Rachel’ haircut.
We’re taking a trip back to the ‘90s to explore some of the era’s most iconic haircuts. Our stylists are sharing how you can achieve a voluminous ‘90s look at home while playing with cut and texture.
The hairstylists at 212 Salon and Day Spa are here to help you achieve your hair goals, from the ‘Winona Pixie’ to the classic ‘Rachel’ haircut.
Iconic Haircuts from the ‘90s
Whether the ‘90s give you nostalgia or you were too young to enjoy its trends, the era gave some defining haircuts that come back every season. The iconic ‘90s haircuts focused on experimenting with cut and texture to create maximum volume.
Are you looking for a ‘90s haircut? These are the most popular ‘90s hairstyles that our clients love at 212 Salon and Day Spa.
The Rachel
The defining sitcom of the ‘90s, Friends, has given us everything from memorable lines like “we were on a break” and “pivot! Pivot!” to the ‘Rachel’ haircut. While Friends has been off-air since 2004, Jennifer Aniston’s hairstyle in the early seasons of the show became just as popular as the franchise itself.
The ‘Rachel’ is all about using choppy layers to frame your face with a voluminous blow-dry. While the haircut is a chic statement, it’s notoriously tricky to style. You’ll want to work with your stylist to find a version of this ‘90s haircut that works for you.
Jennifer Aniston herself admitted that the style is high maintenance and one she struggled with off-set. It’s not for the light-hearted and will regular a little extra TLC to keep its sleek look.
You can maintain the ‘Rachel’ haircut at home by sectioning your hair before blow-drying it away from your face with a hot barrel brush, finishing off with pinned rollers to create a bouncy finish.
The Winona Pixie
It’s not just long hairstyles that can experiment with layers. The ‘Winona Pixie’ is proof you can have fun with any hair length. This laidback style was the ultimate cool girl look of the ‘90s and has been reinvented countless times since by celebrities like Keira Knightley and Anne Hathaway.
What makes the Winona Pixie different is that it leaves the hair slightly longer around the ears and neck, framing the face more than a traditional close pixie cut.
You’ll want to invest in a hair pomade to maintain the shape and sleek finish of this ‘90s hairstyle.
Fluffy Fringes
The ’90s was the era of the fringe. One of the easiest ways to change up your look is to experiment with a fringe. Every hit ‘90s TV show had at least one main character rocking a feathered fringe – like Tiffani Thiessen in ‘Saved by the Bell’.
While a fringe can feel intimidating, a blow-dry brush is the secret to keeping your fringe looking fluffy and voluminous at home. Speak to your stylist to determine the right fringe for your face shape and feature, whether you’re considering full bangs or a sleek side fringe.
Another ‘90s hair trend in this category is “claw bangs”, a peekaboo style that defines your feathers and elongates your face. A round brush is your best friend to create the claw shape swoosh of the fringe.
Creating Voluminous ‘90s Looks at Home
The ‘90s offer hairstyle inspiration for every aesthetic and lifestyle, whether you want a low-maintenance pixie or a bouncy blow-out. There’s one thing that almost every ‘90s hairstyle has in common – volume.
Every blockbuster ‘90s movie had the lead actress rocking a voluminous blowout. Picture Alicia Silverstone in ‘Clueless’ or Julia Roberts in ‘Pretty Woman’. These hairstyles were usually achieved after a trip to the hair salon, but you can recreate the voluminous ‘90s hairstyle at home with the right tools and technique.
Hair health is crucial. You want to invest in a haircare routine that prioritizes moisture and shine, from using the right shampoo for your hair type to indulging in regular hair masks and oils. ‘90s volume is high maintenance but it’s a routine anyone can master.
You’ll need a fine-toothed comb, volumizing spray, hairspray, and either rollers or a heated roll brush to create the look at home. Wash your hair and wait until it’s 70% dry before using your heated brush or rollers to create loose waves.
Adding a little hairspray to your rollers before applying them can help them grip your hair for a better curl. Finish with your heated roller brush or remove your rollers before shaking out your curls. Go the extra mile with a little backcombing at the root for extra volume.
Speak to your stylist for tips and tricks on maintaining your voluminous ‘90s blow-out at home and for product recommendations that suit your hair type.
Playing with Cut and Texture for Fun
Nostalgic ‘90s haircuts are all about having fun with cuts and texture. The chopped cuts that dominated the era don’t require your hair to be a certain texture to work. Celebrities like Jenna Ortega have brought back the laidback hairstyle that gives a feminine twist to the shaggy look.
A choppy cut is low-maintenance and effortlessly chic, giving you the freedom to play around with styling or keep it casual.
It’s surfer-chic meets ‘90s girl power. Work with your hairstylist to create a cut and texture that works for your natural hair and the level of maintenance that you want. You can embrace your natural frizz with face-framing bangs and choppy layers that are effortlessly chic.
If there’s anything you should learn from ‘90s hair trends, it’s that a little volume goes a long way. Experimenting with cut and texture can give you a new look without stepping out of your comfort zone.
Recreate your favorite ‘90s hairstyle by booking an appointment at 212 Salon and Day Spa today.
When Should You Book Your Next Haircut?
It’s one of the most common questions that we hear at 212 Salon and Day Spa. You’ve fallen in love with your new look, and on your way out the door, you’ll stop at reception to ask, “when should I book my next appointment?”
The timeline for coming back to the salon for your next touch-up or maintenance appointment will depend on the treatment you’re using and the condition of your hair. There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer for when you should book your next haircut.
We’re breaking down six of the most popular appointment types to help you determine when to book your next appointment at 212 Salon and Day Spa. Your stylist will also be able to help you decide when to pop back in for your next haircut or color treatment.
Women’s Haircuts: 5 to 8 Weeks Between Appointments
There’s a common misconception that the ‘8 week rule’ applies to all women’s haircuts. You’ll want to stick to a regular timeframe like this if your haircut has a specific shape, such as a graphic silhouette or a bob.
8 weeks is also an ideal time frame for women with longer hair who want to maintain their shape and overall length. Waiting longer than this between haircuts can lead to split ends and result in more hair needing to be cut at your next appointment to maintain your hair’s overall health.
You’ll want to book in for a women’s haircut on a more regular basis if you have shorter hair. Frequent trims can help to maintain your hair’s overall health and shape while helping to avoid split ends.
Men’s Haircuts: 4 to 6 Weeks Between Appointments
Men will usually require more regular haircuts than women to maintain the shape of their shorter hair. We recommend waiting 4 to 6 weeks between men’s haircuts. If you have a crew cut, skin fade, or buzz cut, you’ll want to book in for more regular treatments every 2 to 3 weeks to maintain the sharpness and shape.
The speed of your hair’s growth will largely determine how often you should book in for a men’s haircut. Regular haircuts every 4 to 6 weeks will let you blend your bear into the side of your hair, tidy up your neck hair, and polish your edges.
If you’re planning to grow your hair, you’ll want to work with your hairstylist to determine how often you should wait between appointments. While it may seem counterproductive to cut your hair when trying to grow it, regular trims can boost your hair’s overall health and condition, helping you reach your desired length quicker.
Your hair stylist will be able to advise you on treatments and appointments when they become familiar with your hair texture and growth pattern.
Grey Coverage: 4 to 6 Weeks Between Appointments
Choosing when to book your next grey coverage appointment is largely up to personal preference. The regularity of your appointments will depend on your hair’s rate of growth and texture.
Most people will start to notice their roots reappearing around the 4-week mark, making it an ideal time to book in for a touch-up if you want to completely conceal your grey hair.
If you don’t mind a little grey showing, you can extend the time between appointments to 5 or 6 weeks without losing the shine or color of your hair. However, the intensity of your chosen grey coverage color will dull with time. Gloss treatments are the perfect way to boost the intensity of your hair color and cover any grey hair in the process.
Highlights: 6 to 8 Weeks Between Appointments
Foil highlights should be touched up every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain their vibrancy, especially if you have blonde highlights. Most clients will also choose to book a regular haircut and toner treatment every 4 to 6 weeks to keep the overall look of their highlights.
You’ll want to consider the contrast between your highlights and natural color when booking your follow-up appointments. Waiting too long can make it difficult for the foils to lift and evenly deposit your color.
Over washing your hair, particularly if you have an oily scalp, may require you to book more frequent appointments as the color will dull with each wash. Rinsing your hair with cold water and using a heat protectant can help boost the lifespan of your highlights and let you go a few weeks longer between treatments.
Balayage: 10 to 12 Weeks Between Appointments
If you’re debating between getting foil highlights or a balayage treatment, the maintenance involved is something you want to consider. A balayage is relatively low maintenance with most clients able to go 10 to 12 weeks between appointments. Your balayage should look natural as the color is less intense than highlights, giving you extra time between treatments.
You’ll still want to book in for a toner re-fresh and trim every 4 to 6 weeks while waiting up to 12 weeks for your next balayage treatment. Regular toner treatments will keep your balayage looking fresh and reduce any unwanted brassiness for blonde hair.
Maintenance Toner: 4 to 6 Weeks
You’ll usually want to wait two months before coming back in for your next appointment to give your new color time to naturally fade, especially if you’re rocking contrasting highlights. However, you don’t want to forget about your maintenance toner. Maintenance toner and root touch-ups for color-treated hair should usually be booked in on a 4-week cycle.
A maintenance toner will give you more time between color treatments, including highlights and balayage. Your toner treatment will add a natural gloss and shine to your hair, sealing in moisture to boost your hair’s health.
These timeframes between hair appointments are general guidelines to follow. Your stylist is the best person to recommend when you should book your next haircut once they become more familiar with your hair type, particularly for color treatments.
Book your next haircut or color treatment at 212 Salon and Day Spa using our online booking system.
80s Hair Trends are Back | Meet the Modern Perm Bob
Perms are the original love/hate relationship. The hair trend came to symbolize the ‘80s, immortalizing the iconic look of stars like Cher, Dolly Parton, and Sarah Jessica Parker. But the iconic ‘80s perm was a hair trend that required you to suffer to get the look. Anyone who grew up in the ‘80s will remember the dreaded perm cap.
Millennials and Gen Z are rediscovering the wonder of the perm and its bohemian chicness, bringing the hair trend back for Spring/Summer 2023. The modern perm bob is all about adding texture and dimension to your hair, perfect for a summer by the beach.
We’re deep diving into the world of the ‘80s perm and how you can experiment with the modern perm to create a voluminous, curly bob for spring and summer.
What is a perm?
Turn on any classic movie from the ‘80s and you’ll come face to face with the decade’s most popular hair trend, the perm. It’s a hair treatment that transforms naturally straight hair into permanent curls using chemicals that reset the hair’s bonds to alter its appearance to create curls or waves.
The process involves wrapping the hair in rods to create your desired curl pattern. While the ‘80s perm favored tight curls, the modern perm bob calls for a looser beach curl that focuses on volume. Your stylist will be able to adjust your treatment depending on the look you’re aiming for.
Once your curls are wrapped, the stylist will apply a perm lotion to help set the curl. After this, they’ll rinse out the lotion and add a neutralizer to stop the perming process.
It’s always best to have a professional hair stylist perm your hair due to the chemicals involved.
Can perms damage your hair?
Any type of chemical or color treatment can damage your hair. Not everyone is a candidate for perms. You’ll want to avoid perming your hair if you’ve heavily bleached or highlighted your hair as it can lead to more damage. Wait until your hair regains its strength before experimenting with perming. Your stylist will be able to advise you on whether your hair is suitable for a chemical perm.
The process of perming your hair will leave it feeling dried out, meaning you’ll need to give it more TLC. Getting a perm will require you to commit to maintaining your hair and taking active steps to keep it healthy, including cutting down on the amount of heat you’re using when styling. You’ll want to invest in moisture-rich products that can help your hair bounce back from your treatment.
How long will a perm bob last?
Not all perms last the same length of time. It depends on how tight your curls are wrapped. The tighter the curl, the slower it will drop. However, tighter curls usually create a sharper line when your hair starts to grow.
Looser girls will have a less visible regrowth line, giving you a more natural look as your perm grows out over time. Most people will get 3 to 4 months of wear from their perm if they choose a soft body wave. A tighter wave can last from 5 to 7 months.
Meet the Modern Perm
The ‘80s perm has made a quiet and gradual return to hair trends. Just like the way our favorite crocs have become mainstream fashion. Much like crocs, the perm has evolved with time. Gone are the days when a perm would leave your hair feeling brittle and dry. New innovative wrapping techniques will have you walking out of the salon with soft and shiny hair.
The modern perm is the perfect look for spring and summer. It swaps out the tight processed curls of the ‘80s for a look that focuses on adding texture and volume. You can channel your inner Julia Roberts or Sarah Jessica Parker with a voluminous loose perm that is guaranteed to turn heads.
Perm bobs are one of the biggest hair trends that we’re seeing at 212 Salon and Day Spa. There are two main options for the modern perm that you can choose between, depending on your desired look and hair type.
Body Wave Perms
Are you looking for extra movement in your hair? Body wave perms are the perfect way to add more volume to your hair to create a textured base that helps maintain your hairstyles for longer. Your stylist will create this modern perm using a larger rod to produce a looser and more versatile curl type.
Beach Wave Perms
Want a laidback, bohemian look? Create your perm bob with beach wave curls. This treatment gives you a more youthful look and is ideal for those experimenting with perming for the first time. It requires less maintenance and will change up your look without the dramatic effect of a tighter curl.
Don’t forget that a perm is a commitment. You can’t undo the treatment, so you’ll have to wait for it to grow out within 3 to 6 months. We recommend starting with a beach wave perm before advancing to a body wave perm if you decide on a tighter curl.
How to Maintain Your Perm Bob
Legally Blonde taught us all the first rule of getting a perm – don’t get your hair wet for at least 24 hours after your treatment. It’s the golden rule for maintaining your perm bob. We recommend waiting at least two days post-treatment to wash your hair and avoid combing it for the first 24 hours.
Don’t forget that your perm will make your hair act as like natural curls, meaning you’ll want to invest in products formulated for curly hair. Choosing moisture-rich shampoos and conditioners will help keep your hair healthy and allow you to get the most out of your perm.
Experiment with this modern take on an ‘80s trend by booking an appointment with your 212 Salon and Day Spa stylist using our online portal today.
The New Peek-a-Boo Hair Trend Taking Social Media by Storm
We’ve all thought of changing our hair color but might not want to fully commit. You might have black hair and have always dreamt of what it would be like to be a blonde. Perhaps you’re drawn to pastel hues but can’t commit to an all-over shade.
While the peek-a-boo hair trend is nothing new, its latest evolution is all about making a bold statement with contrasting hues. This hair trend went viral on TikTok and is most recognizable as the style worn by Helen McCrory as Narcissa Malfoy in Harry Potter.
You’ll see this trend being called everything from ‘inner color’ to ‘under-hair’. It creates the illusion of hiding the contrasting shade under your natural or predominant color. It gives you the option of having fun with hairstyles that show off your mix-and-match colors or allow you to keep it more subtle for day-to-day wear.
Our team of stylists at 212 Salon and Day Spa is on hand to help you experiment with this new peek-a-boo color trend.
What is the Underlights Trend?
Underlights is a hair coloring trend that has evolved from the peekaboo style. It’s all about giving you the chance to be creative with your hair without committing to an all-over color. Underlights – also known as hidden hair – is a fuss-free style with comes with less maintenance than traditional highlights or hair coloring trends.
The section of hair that is dyed is hidden under your predominant hair color when worn loose. You can choose to let the color ‘peek’ out when you style your hair. It gives you total styling freedom, whether you want to stay low-key or show off your underlights with braids or a TikTok-approved high ponytail.
While blonde underlights are one of the most popular options, you can explore the full color wheel. Nothing is off-limits with this hair trend!
Peekaboo underlights are placed beneath the top layer of your hair, usually featuring a gradual tint from front to back, peeking out from under your hair like a surprise. You can also choose to add your underlights as a single color for
Think of peekaboo underlights as the trendy little sister of highlights. While highlights create a natural blend, peekaboo underlights are all about exploring color in new and playful ways. It’s the perfect choice for fans of updos or those who want to experiment with a bold color palette.
Your 212 Salon and Day Spa stylist will help you find a fun and unique way to explore this trend that compliments your favorite hairstyles.
Why We Love the Underlights Trend
Underlights give your hair a whole new layer of versatility. You can make the color as discreet as you like or be bold and daring with a bright shade. One of the main benefits of underlights is that you’re only coloring one layer of your hair, causing less damage than an all-over color.
Spring and summer are the perfect time to have fun with the underlights trend. Choose a fun, vibrant shade, or keep it classic with a contrasting hue for a contrasting look.
We love the undelights trend as a low-maintenance alternative to an all-over color. You can let the color grow out as it’s not placed at the roots and book your touch-ups in your leisure.
You can jump on the bandwagon of a bold statement color without making a long-term commitment. Opting for underlights can help you maintain your hair’s health and reduce the number of trips you’ll take to the salon for regular touch-ups.
How We Create the Underlights Look
There are two different ways we can recreate the underlights trend on your hair – either using foils for a splash of color or freehand painting, like a balayage. Your stylist will be able to advise you on which option is best for your desired look.
Medium to long length hair is ideal for this trend. You’ll want minimal layering that creates enough of an effect for your chosen color to peek out from under the top layers of your hair.
We can still recreate the underlights look on short hair. Your stylist will focus the color on strategic places and usually at the ends of your bangs to create the ‘peekaboo’ look.
Which Underlight Color Combos to Try
There are no rules when it comes to choosing your color combos for the underlight trend. You can go as crazy and bold as you like or keep it subtle with a lesser contrasting shade. The first step to choosing your underlight color combo is to decide between a complementing or contrasting shade.
Lean into the ‘90s glam trend by choosing a super-contrasted look. One of the most popular color combos for the underlight trend is adding platinum blonde to natural brunette hair or dark underlights for a natural blonde. Choosing two colors on opposite ends of the spectrum will mean you’ll have a little more maintenance to achieve a polished look.
The easiest way to experiment with the underlight trend is to choose a low-contrasting combo. This color trick is one you’ll see all over Instagram, as well as being Hailey Bieber’s signature look. It looks like an ombre effect but uses stronger highlights on your hair’s underside.
Create a more natural look by choosing a shade two hues lighter or darker than your natural hair color for a subtle blend. You’ll get the benefit of changing up your hair without making a drastic change. It’s the perfect refresh for spring and summer.
This peek-a-boo color trend is going to be everywhere this spring and summer with regular touch-ups every six to eight weeks at most. You can even stretch your maintenance appointments for up to six months, depending on the layers in your hair.
Your 212 Salon and Day Spa stylist will let you know if your hair will require any bleaching to reach your desired color combo. Book your appointment for an underlights treatment using our online portal today.
Everything You Need to Know About Silk Press Hair Treatments
Do you straighten your hair every day? Is your hair goal to achieve perfectly smooth and silky hair? You’re the perfect candidate for a silk press hair treatment. This innovative treatment creates smooth and straight hair without the damage of previous treatments.
Silk press hair treatments work for ash blonde locks and naturally dark hair. This technique is ideal for those with natural curls who want fuss-free straight hair. The silk press hair technique is one of the newest treatments on offer at 212 Salon and Day Spa. Our silk press hair treatments range from $150 to $300, depending on your hair type and length.
We’re sharing everything you need to know about silk press hair treatments and how to maintain silky straight hair at home.
What is a Silk Press Hair Treatment?
The silk press hair technique is a non-chemical treatment that is used to straighten curly and coarse hair. It starts with shampooing the hair before blowing it out and pressing it with a flat iron. This treatment creates a smooth and silk finish for the hair, creating a ‘silk press’ look. It’s a step up from the traditional blowout.
The difference between a silk press treatment and blow out is that it follows up the blow dry with a thermal treatment to smooth the hair for the sleekest look. A silk press treatment is the best way to create the look of glass hair, especially for those with textured hair. Finishing off a silk press hair treatment with a flat iron will give your hair a high-shine look.
Is My Hair Suitable for a Silk Press?
Not everyone needs a silk press to achieve sleek and smooth hair. If you get similar results from a regular blowout, you won’t be an ideal candidate for the silk press hair treatment. If a round brush and blow dryer doesn’t leave your hair sleek and smooth, a silk press treatment will be a game-changer for you.
Your hair will be suitable for a silk press treatment if your curl type is from a five to eight. These more defined curl patterns typically struggle with frizz and shrinkage, making them ideal for a silk press treatment. The technique means that the curl can be stretched before being given a silk finish and smooth texture.
We recommend investing in a professional silk press treatment to limit the risk to your hair. Although the treatment is relatively risk-free, it requires a large amount of heat on your hair. If your hair is heat damaged or struggles with high-temperature treatments, it’s worth booking a consultation before your treatment.
You can expect to get one to three weeks of wear from your silk press treatment, making it ideal for special occasions, vacations, and bridal looks.
What’s Used During the Silk Press Treatment?
There are no specific products that are used during the silk press treatment as it’s a technique and not a chemical process. It means that our stylists can choose the best products for your hair type to give you the smoothest long-lasting results. We’ll typically incorporate heat-protectant products to minimize heat damage throughout your treatment.
The texture of your hair will dictate the additional products used during the treatment with most having a hydrating formula to boost your hair’s natural shine. Two products that are used in every silk press treatment are a flat iron and a blow dryer. A concentrator nozzle will give your hair a smoother finish and make it easier to create a sleek look with a flat iron.
Can I Do a Silk Press Treatment at Home?
While it’s possible to do a silk press treatment at home, we recommend booking in at a salon to get the best results. There’s a specific technique for achieving the silk press treatment and a lot of heat involved. Using the proper technique and professional products will keep your hair healthy and give you the best long-term results.
Will a Silk Press Treatment Damage My Hair?
Any treatment that uses heat can damage your hair. The best way to reduce the risk of damage to your hair is by working with a professional stylist.
You’ll likely only experience damage to your hair if the silk press technique is carried out incorrectly. Our stylists at 212 Salon and Day Spa have experience working with curly and coarse hair, understanding how to work and care for it.
The concern around hair damage and the silk press treatment focuses on the natural texture of your hair. Our stylists will work to ensure your hair stays as damage-free and healthy as possible.
You can reduce damage to your hair by incorporating a weekly conditioning mask into your routine post-treatment. Look out for formulas that include argan oil and cupuacu butter to restore your hair’s vibrancy and hydration.
How to Care for Your Silk Press Post-Treatment
You’ll leave the 212 Salon and Day Spa with your dream hair, smooth to the touch and silky in texture. A little TLC is required to keep your silk press looking fresh for weeks on end.
There are a few things you can do to maintain your silk press treatment for the best long-term results. We recommend wearing a plastic cap while showering to protect your hair from humidity and prevent curl reversion.
It’s worth investing in satin or silk pillowcases to prevent breakage in your hair overnight. Don’t want to switch your pillows out? Get a silk bonnet. It’s the perfect option when you’re travelling. If you like to wear your hair in a ponytail or bun, pick up a silk scrunchie to keep your hair smooth.
You can expect to get one to three weeks of wear from your silk press treatment. It’s easy to touch up your hair between appointments by applying a heat protectant and using your flat iron. Other products like sculpting paste can help to tame flyaway strands and keep your hair silky smooth.
Make an appointment today at 212 Salon and Day Spa for a silk press hair treatment that will bring your hair goals to life.
Refresh Your Hair with Winter Cuts and Styles
The festive season is upon us. It’s a time to put your best foot forward and not have a hair out of place. The holidays are a chance to refresh our hair with the trending winter cuts and styles that are all over social media.
2022 is the first post-pandemic holiday season without restrictions, meaning more of us are jetting off to celebrate with friends and family. What better than showing up with a new hairstyle? Winter is a chance to experiment with your hair, from trying new winter cuts to trending styles.
The winter months are also a chance to give your hair some TLC with conditioning treatments and regular trims. We’re sharing the winter cuts and styles that everyone is talking about this season. Speak to your hairstylist at 212 Salon and Day Spa about how to personalize these winter trends to suit your style.
1. Chin-Length Bob
Elevate your look with an added touch of glamour this festive season with a chin-length bob. Your stylist can work with you to find a cut that suits your face shape, from a fuss-free shaggy bob to an angular cut.
The beauty of a chin-length bob is that it’ll keep you looking fresh for the whole season. You can maintain the look with regular trims. It’s a ‘90s look that you can make more feminine with curtain bangs or face-framing features.
Although the hair is short, it’s easy to add texture to your hair by softening the edges. A hold cream is a perfect investment to keep this look chic without weighing it down and straighten your hair for a glass-like look.
2. High Pony with Face Framing Pieces
We’re throwing it back to the ‘70s with this vintage-inspired hair trend. Embrace your inner starlet with bottleneck bangs or face-framing pieces. Keeping your fringe soft will give the hairstyle a ‘70s feel and keep it feminine.
Nothing shows bottleneck bangs off more than a high ponytail. This supermodel-worthy hairstyle is a favorite of Sophie Turner and Taylor Swift, both of whom opt for a fuller fringe to complete their looks.
Book in to have your hair shaped and fringe cut to make it easier to achieve this look at home. This winter hair trend is one we’ll be wearing to cocktail parties, after-work drinks, and Christmas markets.
The secret to recreating this look at home is to practice your blow-drying technique and use a round brush to give your ponytail an extra bounce. Keep a few pieces of hair loose around your face and separate a section of hair from your ponytail to wrap around the base for a sleek finish.
3. Copper Brunette
Every season we see a new color trend. It’s usually one that reflects the feel of the season – from cool blondes to warm brunettes. Zendaya has set the winter 2022 hair trend with her cooper brunette locks. It continues the winter trend of adding more warmth to your hair as the temperatures start to drop. Most people will choose to add caramel or copper to their hair for extra warmth to brighten their complexion.
Maintain your hair’s natural warmth or add a copper brunette hue with a gloss treatment. Give your hair extra support with a hair mask to lock in the shine and give it an elevated finish.
You can take this winter hair trend and make it your own. Gigi Hadid has given her copper brunette locks a vintage-inspired twist with a long fringe and multi-dimensional tones. This winter cut is perfect for those who curl their hair for added depth and definition.
Incorporate a color-protecting hair mask into your routine to maintain the color between treatments.
4. French Twist
Is your calendar full of festive events and family get-togethers? Treat yourself to a hair appointment to try out one of the winter season’s most popular hair trends – the French twist.
It’s an effortlessly chic Parisian look that will see you through the holiday season. Our stylists can give you a polished French twist that’ll guarantee you a spot on the best-dressed list. It’s easy to master this look with the help of styling products and a little hairspray.
It can take some trial and error to perfect the French twist, but it’s easier than you might think. Keep a few strands loose around your face for a more casual look or sleek back the sides for a glamorous finish. You can add a little sparkle to this holiday season hairstyle with a sequin or pearl clip.
5. Butterfly Cut
Hair trends in the ‘90s were dominated by ‘The Rachel’, the hairstyle Jennifer Aniston wore in Friends. Flash forward to today and this iconic hairstyle has been given an update as the butterfly haircut. It’s been gaining popularity since the Spring and has become the must-try hairstyle for winter 2022.
This winter hair trend is universally flattering and works for all face shapes and hair types. The butterfly cut is an easy way to add extra volume to your hair and give it another dimension.
The name ‘butterfly’ comes from the shorter face-framing layers that blend into the longer layers of the hairstyle, creating the illusion of wings. These shorter layers typically sit at chin length, while longer layers go beyond the shoulders.
Want to take this winter hairstyle to the next level? Speak to our colorists about adding mini highlights to your face-framing sections to brighten your complexion.
You’ll want to add a volumizing spray to give your hair extra movement with this style. If you prefer a sleeker look, add a styling cream to flatten any flyaways or frizz.
These 5 winter cuts and styles are ones that our stylists can bring to life. The beauty of these trends is that you can tailor them to suit your face shape and complexion. Refresh your hair by booking an appointment at 212 Salon and Day Spa with one of our expert colorists or stylists. We’ll work with you to get your hair winter ready.
The 90s Hair Trends Coming Back in 2023
t’s time to embrace your inner Rachel Green or Carrie Bradshaw. The 90s are back – at least for hair trends. ‘90s kids are letting nostalgia fuel their experiments with the era’s iconic hair trends, while Gen Z is discovering the decade’s hairstyles for the first time.
The ‘90s are a defining time for everything from TV shows to fashion trends. It was a time of prosperity with a happy-go-lucky feel that we all want to embrace for 2023. ‘90s trends are coming back into style, proving the theory that trends work on a cycle.
While ‘90s hair trends are back in vogue for 2023, a little styling can give these trends a contemporary feel. Our stylists at 212 Salon and Day Spa are working with clients to add a ‘90s flare to their favorite hairstyles. We’re sharing the 90s hair trends that will be everywhere in 2023.
Looking to refresh your look? Throw it back to the ‘90s.
The Rachel
Few hairstyles are as legendary as ‘The Rachel’. This trend takes its name from Rachel Green, Jennifer Anniston’s character in the sitcom ‘Friends’. While Jennifer Aniston has mixed feelings about her iconic look, The Rachel is a fool-proof hairstyle that always comes back in style.
It was created by Chris McMillan for Jennifer Aniston’s ‘Rachel’ character with a focus on layers. You can think of Aniston as one of the OG influencers. The hairstyle came to define the ‘90s with the term ‘The Rachel’ becoming universally recognized – both in and out of salons.
You can give ‘The Rachel’ a 2023 update by experimenting with face-framing bands and opting for shorter layers with warm highlights.
The High Ponytail
One of the chicest ‘90s trends is the high ponytail. It’s universally flattering and makes you look instantly put together. This ‘90s hair trend works for any occasion and gives you the perfect excuse to experiment with hair accessories (another ‘90s classic!). You can give the high ponytail a contemporary feel by keeping your hair sleek and frizz-free for a Kardashian-worthy style.
The Baby Spice
The ‘90s were a time of girl power. The Spice Girls are as legendary today as they were in the ‘90s. While Victoria Beckham is still setting fashion trends, Baby Spice’s high pigtails were one of the biggest ‘90s hair trends.
We’ll be experimenting with this ‘90s hair trend in 2023 for a nostalgic ‘it girl’ look. Elevate the casual pigtail trend with silk scrunchies or by crimping your hair. We don’t think it’ll be long until this trend is all over our TikTok FYP.
Bangs are Back
Bangs were everywhere in the ‘90s. It was a defining element of every ‘90s hair trend. We’re predicting that bangs are back for 2023. There’s a style of bangs for everyone, from curtain bangs to micro fringes. You can give your ‘90s-worthy bangs a modern update by incorporating them with face-framing layers and experimenting with textured cuts to make the look your own.
Fresh bangs can instantly transform your look and accentuate your natural features. You’ll want to consider your face shape when choosing which bangs are right for you. Our stylists will help you find your signature bangs.
One type of bangs we’re expecting to see everywhere in 2023 is the classic ‘90s swoopy side bang. It was made famous by Aaliyah and is the perfect way to show off shiny, smooth hair. Add it to a sleek high ponytail for the ultimate ‘90s look or make it contemporary with a deep parting and face-framing bangs.
The Midi Cut
Debating between short cut and letting your hair grow out? Get the best of both worlds with the classic ‘90s midi cut. The beauty of this hair trend is that it’s easy to customize and update for a contemporary feel. Add short layers and a little texture for extra movement and a fluffier, feminine look. Wispy layering will maintain the silhouette of the 90’s iconic midi cut, without making it look dated.
The Midi cut is versatile with good shaping helping to keep the look relatively fuss-free. If you’re going for a midi cut longer than your shoulders, you’ll need to do some daily styling. The one thing to consider with a longer midi cut is that it’s usually associated with the bouncy blow-out. Add a bit of character to your midi cut with curls or by straightening your hair.
Box Braids
Janet Jackson is a ‘90s icon who is still influencing hair trends today. Box braids have slowly been making a return with celebrities like Zendaya and Beyonce leading the way.
You can reimagine this ‘90s hair trend with extra comfort by experimenting with knotless box braids. This adapted version of the trend keeps the knot away from your scalp to leave your hair feeling lightweight. Don’t be afraid to add a bold pop of color to your braids and use extensions for longer braids.
Incorporate this ‘90s trend into your everyday look by wearing a messy bun with long face-framing box braids.
Rich-Girl Blonde
Some of our favorite ‘90s movies – like Legally Blonde and Clueless – all had one thing in common. The rich blonde girl. It’s no surprise that expensive-looking blonde hair is synonymous with the ‘90s and its era of icons like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Princess Diana.
‘Hollywood blonde’ is once again making a comeback in hair trends. This color is ‘it girl’ chic but is a high-maintenance look that requires regular touch-ups for the roots. The beauty of this trend is that you can personalize it to fit your style, adding face-framing highlights or extra depth to your roots to make them easier to maintain.
These 7 ‘90s hair trends are all making a comeback in 2023. Our stylists are on hand to help you personalize each of these trends to suit your style, whether it’s curtain bangs or the iconic ‘Rachel’ hairstyle.
Book an appointment today at 212 Salon and Day Spa to experiment with ‘90s hair trends and find your new signature style for 2023.