Ready or not it is that time of year again: Back to School! It's hard to believe that our summer is already coming to a quick end. But with back to school approaching that also means, as parents, we start worrying about the ever dreaded head lice! Although there isn't an actual head lice "season", back to school brings all of our kiddos back together in close quarters which makes for the perfect environment for these creepy little critters! Here is a list of a few common misconceptions about…

Becoming a hairstylist was always in the back of my mind. From a young age I was styling my barbies or applying makeup to my dolls. By the time I was 13, I had given my best friend bangs and did her hair and makeup for a school dance. After I graduated high school, got married, and had been fired from the second job I had ever had it was time to figure this whole adulting thing out. I had no idea what I was going to do. I felt lost. It was my sister who nudged me to follow my dreams and I am…

Healthiest Sleeping Positions

Your most loved sleeping pose could be giving you back and neck pain, stomach problems, even premature wrinkles. Discover the best sleeping position for your body- plus the one you may want to avoid.

GOOD: Sleeping on the back

Prevents neck & back pain: by maintaining a neutral position for head, neck, and spine

Reduces acid reflux: by keeping your head elevated below your stomach.

Minimizes wrinkles: as in you don’t have anything pushing against your face

Bad…

Let's face it, we put our hair through the ringer on a daily basis. Weather it's with hit styling tools, brushing to roughly or chemical service after chemical service, our hair goes through a lot! Wouldn't it be fantastic if there was a simple 3 step system that can reduce the damage up to 80%*? Look no farther, Strong Sexy Hair is here to save the day!! Made with Aloe Vera and Mango Butter Strong Sexy Hair is able to restore and prevent further breakage while bringing flexibility back into…

Emotional and mental well-being is something we should all take very seriously.

If you have ever watched T.V. you've seen the commercials of beautiful women tossing their hair around and claiming that you can get their hair for just a few dollars at your local grocery store. One in particular claims that professionals prefer their products and even goes as far as saying that they have professional quality products without the professional quality price. Before you go pick up that three dollar shampoo, word dig a little deeper into what you're really getting.

Dry Scalp is a common disorder affecting almost half of the population of post- pubertal age and of any sex and ethnicity. It’s not something that’s talked about and everyone tries their best to hide it. As common as it is, you would think there would be more treatments out there than the one or two shampoos that claim that their product will clear your scalp. As someone who has been down this path I can personally say that nothing you see on TV works. Why are they so successful?…

Ashiatsu, meaning "foot pressure," dates back as far as the 12th century and was associated with Keralite foot massage called "Chavutti Thirummal."

No U.S. government or agency generally accepted agency "grades" or "certifies" essential oils as "therapeutic grade," "medicinal grade," or "aromatherapy grade." In fact, the United States has no formally approved essential oil grading standard. Yet, you see every essential oil independent consultant claiming their "therapeutic grade" oil has the "highest quality" and that you should trust them because they have "done research." Generally the research they are referring to is one hour class…

Everyone knows there are TONS of extension brands out there, so why did I choose Babe you ask? A quick Google search landed me no where so I reached out to my always helpful Sexy Hair family for some advice. After speaking with Laura Hickenboth, Sexy Hair Master Artist, and stylist who has been working with extensions for over 12 YEARS, I feel I made the best decision for my clients.

Babe hair extensions are 100% Human Remy hair. What's Remy you ask? Remy hair means the natural cuticle of the…

Texturized cuts 411:

This is when a stylist uses a razor or sheers to cut hair and cust at an angle. When I think of texturized cuts, my mind goes two different places. You can have short texturized cuts or long texturized cuts.

Texturized hair cuts are popular because the structure of the cut adds volume to the hair naturally. To add a bit of volume to straight, flat hair, ask your stylist for long layers and to add a bit of texture to the ends. If you don't want your hair to look like you…

Is your curly, frizzy and unruly hair getting the best of your morning routine?? Well the stylists here at Rouge are here to save the day!! We offer Keratin Complex Natural Keratin Smoothing Treatment(NKST) to help tame that mane. NKST isn't like your typical straighteners or relaxers that may break the bonds in the hair causing the hair to reform into a more permanently straight strand, instead NKST delivers a more versatile smoother that will still give you the ability to style your hair…

How to achieve this look:

A few years ago I started looking for the perfect makeup line to add to my practice. As an esthetician, I wanted to choose a makeup line that was beneficial to my clients skin. Jane Iredale, the skin care makeup - was my top choice. Not only does it provide great coverage with virtually no touch ups needed but it's also great for your skin! When you hear about Jane you hear words like non-comedogenic, free of Parabens, and high in SPF Content. That all sounds great, but what does it mean? A…

Cut, Color and Style by Shae!! How was still style accomplished you ask?

A growing body of research supports the health benefits of massage therapy for many conditions. These are the top 25 reasons you should get a massage.

Short answer: Yes

Long Answer: Yes, please. But there’s more.

Massage is great. You know this. But it’s not always a great idea.

Why?

When you are sick, your body needs rest. It’s strange to think about it this way, but receiving massage is an active task, it is not entirely rest. Massage causes change in the body, and your body has to work to maintain stability. Getting a massage when you are sick takes attention away from infection-fighting. That’s no good.

You’re not…

Okay, not completely stop shopping there. I may have been exaggerating, but stop going for your skin and hair care. I'm not talking about just Walmart here. I'm saying stop going places where you won't have one on one care from a trained professional. Why? Because more than likely you aren't going to look at your Tarte foundation, which is called the "good-for you-glamor" and know if cyclopentasiloxane is actually natural (hint: it's not). "What about hair care?" You ask, "Why can I buy name…

Lash Extensions: FAQS

Have you ever heard about lash extensions and wondered if they would be right for you? In this blog, I will address some FAQS we hear from our clients to answer any questions or concerns you might have.

What is a lash extension?

Lash extensions are an extension of your natural lash. Unlike false lashes, lash extensions are glued to each individual natural lash to give your lashes a natural appearance with a little extra flare!

How long will the extensions last?

Your natural…

by. Shawnda James

Breastfeeding requires complex muscle movements of a infant's jaw, mouth, neck, and upper torso, where the muscles of the throat and esophagus have to engaged to facilitate swallowing. These movements all need to happen in a tiny person who is just getting accustomed to breathing air.

Massage has been around even longer than the written word. Ancient hieroglyphics around the world show us the therapeutic benefits of touch was used way before most of the health treatments we use today. Now that leaves us with the question: alternative to what?

As a massage therapist during winter I always hear apologies for the state of feet. Although this doesn't bother me, there are lots of reasons why you should invest in a monthly pedicure. Here are a few:

Essential oils are a powerful supplement to any health regime. Now that you have bought your oil of choice you may be thinking to yourself: What now? How am I supposed to use this?Luckily our massage therapist, Shawnda, has the answer for you!

ENVIROMENTAL IMMERSION

is used to uplift and purify your environment by diffusing your favorite essential oil or essential oil blend. This technique turns your house or workplace into a place to unwind. Because we all know there is no…

Have you been looking for a light consistency oil to fight the effects of poor hydration and aging? Look no further! Eminence has just launched a new facial oil that is nourishing, hydrating and firming that works well with all skin types. The Rosehip Triple C + E Firming Oil is an effective facial treatment comprised of a blend of results-oriented actives and ingredients that provide hydration and protection!

Designed as a complementary product to the Citrus & Kale Potent C + E Serum, the…

Does the cold winter weather have your hair feeling dry and brittle? These 3 simple tips will help you combat the winter dryness.

1. Regular Trims- Keeping your hair trimmed regularly will reduce the look of dry and frizzy ends by snipping away the split ends off your hair.

2. Shampoo Less- Yes, shampoo your hair less! Excessive shampooing during the winter months can strip your hair of the natural oils and moisture it needs. Now we aren't talking going a week without shampooing, just skip one…

CLEANSERS, TONERS AND MOISTURIZERS

We all have people who are hard to shop for. If only there was something you could get men and women of all ages. Luckily, there is. People turn to massage for stress relief, pain reduction, and relaxation. Massage is appropriate for everyone from young to old to mommies to be to athletes. Massage is also beneficial for people living with conditions such as cancer, fibromyalgia, and arthritis.

Shawnda James, LMT discusses how you can relax your mind and body and get more from your massage.

1.) drink water before and after your massage

2.) breathe through the pain

By Shawnda James

The dredded neck ache that you have no explanation for can be the worst. You know the one- where it's hard to turn your head and it's impossible to look up. But why are you having it? Did you sleep wrong? Maybe. Or maybe it's something else.

By. Teresa Branch

DISCOVER THE THREE SIMPLE STEPS THAT ARE OFTEN OVERLOOKED IN SKIN CARE.

Today, I want to talk to you about skin care. There are so many products out there we don't understand or know when to use. I want to help you know what to use and when to use it. I want you to form a habit of a skin care regimen. Then, I want you to radiate the beauty of healthy and glowing skin!

Cleansing, toning and moisturizing are the basics of skin care. But, are you missing something? We should…

By. Shawnda James

1.) you need to stretch! Just like you need your morning coffee- your muscles need to be stretched to wake up in the the morning. The same goes for any strenuous activity

SELECTING THE BEST EYE, CHEEK AND LIP COLORS

by. Shawnda James, LMT

Barefoot Bodyworks- that's something you don't hear very often. And there's a reason why! The massage therapist at Rouge Spa and Salon is the only one in the area that is certified in Barefoot Bodyworks.

Do you use heat to style your hair? Then this is a MUST read for you!

Two of the most damaging things that we can do to our hair are chemical services and using heat. While using heat for styling isn't something that is easily avoidable there is a simple answer to help fight back against the damage and color loss of heat, Heat Protectants! Crazy huh?!?! Now using a heat protectant isn't the be-all-end-all to hair care, but they will improve the health of your hair. Heat protectants help to…

5 DONT'S of Skin Care

By. Brittany Murray

As an esthetician, I hear some of my clients tell me their deep, dark skin secrets. Some of these are pretty common while some make me cringe on the inside. So I've put together a list of no-no's when it comes to your skin!

1. No Home Care Routine - I can't express how important it is to take care of your skin at home! I have so many clients who prefer a magic wand to wave over their skin and take away all signs of aging, hyper-pigmentation, and acne.…

By. Shawnda James, LMT

Today children are more active than ever. They get up early for school and then they don't get to bed until late due to homework and practices all day. It's no surprise that today's youth and children experience more stress than ever before. So why deprive them of the benefits of massage? Here are four reasons why you should take your child to see a massage therapist

Written by. Shae Murphy

Have you ever asked yourself the question "Do I really need to use hair products?" If you have you definitely are not alone. The answer to that question is YES!!! Absolutely, without a doubt, yes your hair needs products in it. The benefits to hair products are endless, I could write such a long blog about the benefits of hair products but I will save you all some time and just hit the main points. We all use sunscreen and wear clothes for protection from the elements…

by. Mckenna Parker

Written By: Shawnda James, LMT

Written by: Shae Murphy

Everyone travels, there's just no way around it! So here is a list of my 5 travel must haves that go on each trip with me and a quick how-to on them. I will them in the order of which I use them.

1. Full Bloom: spray on damp hair at the root for fuller, thicker hair. This thickening spray has a Shine of 8 and Hold of 4. Full Bloom will help your blow dry last up to 72 hours and has a 24 hour fragrance revival. This will give you just enough extra boost for your day.

2.…

Should men get massages?

By Shawnda James, LMT

The answer is an astounding yes! The real question is WHY should men get massages. So often I hear that massages are only for women. The reason for that is because when most people think of massage they think of a luxury instead of a necessity. The fact is that massages are a therapeutic experience that are key to every health regimen- male or female.

HAIR FYI

Local Hairstylist Attends Exclusive Training

To Learn Latest Trends in Hairstyling, Haircutting & Techniques

– For a hairstylist, education does not end when they finish cosmetology school. To be successful, they must constantly stay on top of the latest trends, techniques and styles in addition to learning how to grow their business. To do this, Paragould-based hairstylist Shae Murphy from Rouge Spa and Salon in Paragould attended an exclusive by invitation-only training from July…

Dermatologist vs Esthetician - What's the Difference?

Aside from the obvious medical degree, my clients tend to ask me this often. They want a description going beyond their title and schooling. A description that answers "what can each do for my specific skin concern?"

One major difference is the products they are recommending for their patient. A dermatologist can prescribe medications when a certain skin concern is not responding to over-the-counter or professional products. An example of…

Triethanolamine. This chemical compound of ethylene oxide and ammonia (both very toxic) isn’t something you would expect to be in everyday products. But what are you really putting on your loved ones for backaches, joint pain, and muscle spasms?

Triethanolamine is one of the dangerous ingredients in bothBengay and Biofreeze. The FDA approves of this chemical with a concentration no higher than 5% for a brief amount of time, followed by rinsing the area. The side effects may include organ…

What is skin cancer?..

By Sarah Jane Lamb, Esthetician