Premier Salons
Premier Salons has more than 140 salons and spas throughout Canada and the United States, with locations in specialty stores including
Hair Design & Color Perms Relaxers
Facials Massage Skincare
Brazilian Keratin Hair Straightening
Now available at most locations.
Please call a salon near you for more details.
Product selections include

Purchase a
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salons across
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1-877-SPA-PACKAGES

Ask the Experts

Ask the Premier Salons Experts for hair and beauty tips, tricks and advice.

Haircare
Nailcare
Skincare

Browse through our frequently asked beauty questions, or, click here if you can't find the answer you're looking for and would like to submit a question of your own. Please indicate your zip/postal code and a local beauty expert will contact you with the information you requested.

We can also arrange a complimentary consultation at any of our locations. Simply email us your contact information and the location you are interested in and we will get in touch with you shortly.

Haircare

Q. What is Brazilian hair straightening?

A: This is a straightening system with keratin, which is a protein similar to those occurring naturally in human hair. The process heat-seals the hair cuticle and leaves hair soft, smooth and frizz free for up to 4 months. Brazilian straightening does not use strong chemicals and therefore will not damage your hair like other straightening systems. This treatment can be performed on chemically treated, colored and relaxed hair. Select Premier Salons locations are proud to offer this latest hair service to our customers.

Q. Is there any help for dry hair?

A: Dry hair can be caused by a number of things. Environmental damage from the sun, heat and outside chemicals, mechanical damage from blowdryers, curling irons, etc and chemical damage from perms, color and bleach all cause hair to become dry, frizzy and difficult to manage. Don't despair because there are solutions that will help get your hair back to normal.
  • Use a moisturizing shampoo and make sure to condition after every shampoo.
  • Do not use mousse on dry hair. Try a thickening lotion instead.
  • Allow your hair to air dry wherever possible. When you must use your hairdryer, blow drying hair should be done correctly - use it on a cooler temperature and aim it down the hair shaft.
  • If you spend a lot of time in the strong sunlight, use a hair sunscreen or protect your hair with a headscarf or hat.
  • Be careful not to over wash dry hair. It's very easy to strip away the natural oils if you wash it too often.

Q: I want to know the best way to make my hair dark without looking fake?
A: Your first step is to seek professional consultation. Depending on your natural/existing level- to remain more natural looking you should only go 2 levels darker than what your natural is otherwise you get roots in 2 weeks and your hair will indeed look fake. Ask your colorist for a dimensional color. They will deepen and take on the tone of the darker but will not reach the same depth and as a result, will look more like natural color does. Your end result will be dark with dimension instead of solid color.

SOURCE-Matrix

Q: I have very fine, long hair. How can I keep the length and get more body and fullness?

A: You need to arm yourself with the proper tools for volumizing. Use a shampoo that is specifically formulated for fine hair and choose a rinse-out conditioner that will not weigh the hair down. There are also tons of styling aids that will help with volume. Try a volumizing foam mousse, spray gel or root lifter spray when styling. Product lines such as Matrix have a complete line of volumizing products that is meant to build body on fine or textured hair. Another thing you may consider is adding a few long layers to give your hair some movement and volume.

SOURCE-Matrix

Q: How can I keep my hair healthy from sun and chlorine water damage in the summer?

A: You'll need to use a clarifying shampoo in order to get rid of chlorine that can build up on the hair. Follow that with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to replace moisture that can be lost due to pool chemicals and sun. Put a leave-in conditioner in your hair prior to hitting the beach or pool. This will help to keep the chemicals from absorbing into your hair. Try to always rinse your hair in plain water after getting out of the pool to prevent the pool water from drying your hair.

SOURCE-Matrix

Q: No matter what I do, my hair is super oily. Can you help?

A: Oily hair can be extremely frustrating but rest assured because there are solutions that will get your hair looking great. First and foremost, always use a shampoo that is formulated especially for oily hair. Wash your hair frequently, as this will remove excess sebum and don't forget to suds up twice. Don't use a conditioner every time you wash-oily hair produces enough moisture. If your hair is hard to manage, use a conditioner that is low on oil and condition only your ends, not your scalp. Lastly, don't overbrush your hair as brushing aids in movement of sebum down the hair shaft, which results in oilier looking hair.

Q: Can you offer some general haircare tips?
  • Use the right hare care products for your specific hair type
  • Get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks
  • Use hair care products containing sunscreen
  • Shampoo your hair only when it is dirty
  • Turn to a professional for all of your hair care needs
  • Use professional conditioning hair coloring systems
  • Stick with one chemical service
  • Add texture
  • Choose hair color that compliments your style
  • Use a wide-toothed comb when your hair is wet

Nailcare

Q. My manicures never last more than a few days. Is there anything I can do?

A. There is nothing more frustrating than nails that look unkempt after a few short days. Here's how to make your polished pretties go the extra mile.
Keep nails short. The longer the nail, the more susceptible you are to chipping and breaking. Instead, aim for a more functional length (no more than a quarter inch past your fingertips.)
Choose color wisely. Brown and beige polishes tend to chip faster because they contain higher levels of iron oxide and titanium dioxide, which overpower the chip-preventing agents found in their formulas. Sheer pearlescent shades are your safest bet.
Toss old polish. If you insist on changing your polish between salon visits, re-stock your cabinet with fresh lacquers about every six months. Older polish will not only discolor, but will not adhere to your nails as well.
Protect your hands. Immersing your hands in water can cause polish to lift off the nail, while exposure to solvents such as household cleaners, hair products and sunscreen will create dullness. Wear gloves when washing dishes or performing other manual duties and try to minimize contact between your nails and shine-inhibiting products.
Reapply top coat. The golden rule of manicurists; reapplying top coat every day will prevent chipping and keep polish looking fresh. Try Essie's Shine-e polish refresher, which gives nails the wet look of a fresh manicure and enhances color.

Q. What are the top nail trends of the season?

A. Nails that pop. This season, reserve the clear stuff for your base and topcoat and opt for bolder shades that make a statement. Try a flat grey polish or a deep red with a high-shine finish. As the weather warms up, look for bright primary and secondary colors such as blue, yellow, pink or purple.

Q. Red is a popular shade almost every season, but is it suitable for any age or skin tone?

According to Essie Weingarten, president and founder of Essie Cosmetics, this steadfast favorite is great on everyone and is the "definition of grown up glamor." It's just a matter of selecting the shade of red that looks best on you. Reds with an orange or brown undertone work best on warm skin tones. Cool skin tones should choose reds with a blue, violet or pink undertone. Keep this punchy color looking sharp by applying top coat daily.

Q. How do I select a nail polish shade to match my ensemble?

A. As far as matching your ensemble, it's more about comfort level these days, says Weingarten. "No 'matchy-matchy' is the motto - color is about self-expression and personality."

Q. How can I make my short chubby fingers look longer and leaner?

A. You can take "pounds" off your hands by changing your short square nail to a longer soft almond shape. "The illusion can have a lengthening effect on hands and look more natural," says CND education ambassador Amanda Fontanarrosa. "In fact, this shape is stronger and can absorb more impact when filed correctly. It's like Spanx for your hands!"

Skincare


Q. I have been contemplating waxing for some time. What are some of the benefits of waxing? Can you offer some tips?

A. It's time to ditch your razor and embrace the benefits of a waxing regimen. Waxing extracts hair from the root, resulting in finer, slower, re-growth. Imagine a life without nicks, rashes and prickly stubble. Premier Salons offer a comprehensive menu of waxing services, choosing waxes that address the specific needs of your skin type and hair texture.

Tips
  • To avoid irritation, avoid exposure to direct sunlight for up to 24 hours after a waxing service.
  • Avoid hot showers or baths immediately after a waxing service.
  • If you're prone to redness and/or swelling, take an anti-inflammatory and an antacid 20 minutes before your service.
  • Re-schedule your next waxing appointment while you're at the salon, to ensure you're following a proper waxing regimen.
  • Exfoliate your skin in-between appointments by using a natural loofah brush and scrubbing in a circular motion-this will slough off dead skin and help to prevent ingrown hair.

Q. I often get blemishes on my face and back. What causes this and how can my skin to clear up once again?
A. Acne, one of the most common skin disorders, is a chronic condition that affects all ages, every ethnicity and both sexes. It can occur on the face, neck, chest, shoulders and upper back.

Why does it happen? When skin is functioning optimally, the sebaceous glands produce oil that empties onto the skin's surface. At the same time, dead skin cells are shed at a normal rate as newer, fresher cells rise to the surface. Sometimes, these dead cells shed too fast, clump together and clog the pore. This is called non-inflammatory acne. If this plug stays below the skin's surface, it is called a "closed comedone" or whitehead. If the plug reaches the skin's surface and is exposed to air, an "open comedone" or blackhead forms. Contrary to popular belief, the black color is not caused by dirt but rather is due to a process of oxidation.

Besides these non-inflammatory blemishes, you may also have larger, more inflamed breakouts. Inflammatory acne starts when the combination of excess skin cells and oil cause pore-aggravating bacteria to develop. This leads to pimples, redness and overall irritation.

Premier Salons/Halcyon Days carries superior products, such as Murad, that will address ALL of the factors of acne and skin breakouts, reducing cell build-up, excess oil and inflammation. Our experts will create a regimen that is just right for you and put you on the path to healthy, beautiful skin.

SOURCE-Murad

Q. What can I do to preserve the youthful state of my skin and the overall feel of my body?

There are a number of things that you can do to keep looking AND feeling younger.
1. Get enough sleep
2. Kick the habit (yes, all of them!)
3. Switch to a satin pillowcase
4. Exercise regularly
5. Give those knees a rest
6. Limit exposure to extreme temperatures
7. Maintain a stable weight
8. Try to keep a regular schedule when traveling
9. Travel with your own water
10. Avoid alcohol based skin-care products
11. Remove makeup before going to bed
12. Be gentle to your skin - don't over exfoliate
13. Wear sunglasses
14. Wear sunscreen - and lots of it
SOURCE-MD Skincare

Q. I don't always take off my makeup before going to bed. Is it really as bad for you as everyone says?

A. This is a habit that needs to be broken as soon as possible! All makeup should be removed from your face before you go to bed at night. Leaving makeup on the skin enlarges the pores, which is a part of aging. Additionally, leaving makeup on the face could lead to inflammation, which can generate free radicals and collagen breakdown.

If your skin is maintained properly, its natural healing powers will be maximized, and it will stay in better condition for a longer period of time. Use a facial cleanser with toner in order to remove makeup, clean your face, and tone the skin all at once. This product is best applied to dry skin with dry hands in order to properly bind to the dirt and oil molecules.

SOURCE-MD Skincare

Q. What do I need to know about sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be an integral part of your skin care regimen. Here are some basic rules to follow.

1. Wear sunscreen every day - even in winter.
2. Choose broad spectrum sun protection and choose a higher number - SPF 30 is the minimum.
3. If you love it - you will use it. Find a formula suited to your skin type and often choose one for face/one for body.
4. Find a formula suited to your skin type and often choose one for face/one for body.
5. Time it right - always try to apply your sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure so the key ingredients can react with the skin.
6. Be generous! You need a lot to be properly protected.
7. Don't forget often overlooked places.
8. Resist the temptation to "get as tan as you used to".
9. Rethink pink. Cover susceptible areas with a higher level of sunscreen.
10. Beat the heat. Find shade from 10am-3pm when sun is hottest.

SOURCE-MD Skincare



Essie Paul Mitchell Redken Biolage Tigi Murad