Many of you know that the beach is my happy place, and I've been fortunate to spend more and more time in Cocoa Beach with my family over the past few years. It's been a dream of mine to make those visits a more permanent situation, and I'm excited to let you all know that is becoming a reality this November. 

I feel so many emotions - excited, of course, but also sad to leave MN where I've spent the first 41 years of my career with all of you. Yes, I said the first 41 years of my career because I'm not moving to Florida to retire. I've accepted a new position at a wonderful salon on Merritt Island, called Salon Tropics. I'll pick up my scissors there in mid-November. 

What does this mean for you? 

1. I'll accept new appointments here in Minnesota until October 15th, so contact me ASAP to get on my calendar. After October 15, I will not be adding any new appointments to my schedule. 
   
2. Appointments can be booked through October 29th. 
   

Book your appointment by Oct 15th (but do not wait until then because I cannot guarantee appointments will still be available) to secure a spot on my calendar which closes on October 29th.  

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me over the past 41 years. It's been a ride, hasn't it? I hope to see you before I go! 

I'm so grateful to be back open and seeing so many of your wonderful faces, right now. I'm working hard (and thrilled to be doing it!) to get everyone on my schedule as quickly as possible, and to work with you as safely as possible. I'm of course following all the guidelines set forth by Governor Walz. So, what can you expect during your appointment at this time?

We're All Wearing Masks
I'll be wearing a mask, and you'll need to wear one too. It would be helpful if you brought your own, but make sure it's one you don't mind potentially getting product or hair color on. If you need a disposable mask or forget to bring one, don't worry - I can give you one. 

You'll Stop at the Sanitation Station
In the lobby area, you'll see a sanitation station. Stop there and clean your hands with sanitizer. I'll also be cleaning my hands between guests.  

I'll Be Cleaning Thoroughly Between Guests
I'm following strict cleaning protocols between guests. It takes me 15 minutes to clean and prep for the next client, which is built into my schedule. Please relax outside on the bench or just inside the front door while I take care of cleaning. I'll let you know when I'm ready for you to come inside. 

If You're Not Feeling Well, Let's Reschedule
If you're not feeling well for any reason, please let me know - for your safety and for mine. We'll reschedule your appointment. 

If you have any specific questions about what your experience will be like, please reach out to me by phone. It'll be a little different than in the past, but you can be assured of three things:

• Your safety is my priority.
• You'll walk out looking and feeling terrific.
• We'll have a good time together, as usual!

It's been a busy start to February and I'm noticing a theme: transformations. Many of my clients are coming in wanting to make a dramatic change in color, style and (oftentimes) length. And that is when things get really fun in my chair! Here's a recent transformation I made for client, Sara, who also happens to be the resident beauty expert on Twin Cities Live. I've done a lot of major changes on her over the years, and the fact that she's regularly on TV means that a lot of people wind up commenting on her hair. No pressure! But Sara always follows my tried-and-true tips for taking the leap and it's served us both well. Here's how you can make a major change without the, 'What did I just do?!!" remorse. 

• Bring me an inspiration picture - When making a big change, don't leave the door open for miscommunication. One person's pixie cut is another person's short bob, so bring me a picture and be ready to tell me exactly what you like about it - the length? the texture? the way the bang swoops just past the eyebrow?
• Be prepared to learn a new styling routine - Your new style will likely require a new product or two, such as mousse or a texture spray if you're going short; a color protecting shampoo and conditioner if you're changing the hair color. And you might need to learn how to wield a flat iron, or how to blow dry your hair differently. I'll show you what you need to know before you leave the salon, but be prepared for a learning curve at home. It might take some practice, but you'll become a pro with your new style in no time.
• Avoid crowd-sourcing opinions - When you've made a big change, and might be feeling the need for some external validation that you made the right decision, it can be so hard not to ask everyone you meet what they think of your new bangs. But your hair is your own. You are who you are. Your opinion is what matters. If you feel great, that's what matters. Not what your Amazon delivery guy, your cube-mate, or your mom think about your new look. Rock that transformation with confidence!

Sara went from long waves to a short bob. Here's her before, the inspiration picture she brought in, and the after!

This week, Paul Mitchell is celebrating 40 years of being in the beauty business. I have a long history of my own with the brand and thought this would be a great time to share with you just a few of the reasons why I'm a supporter of Paul Mitchell and carry their products in my salon. 

My Paul Mitchell Story
I began using Paul Mitchell products while I was In beauty school - we're talking June of 1980 (the brand launched in January of that year). When I graduated in 1981 and began working behind a chair, I continued using their products day to day. When I bought my first salon in 2005, I decided to become a Paul Mitchell Focus salon which meant that I exclusively used and carried Paul Mitchell products. Fast forward 15 years and the relationship is still going strong. 

They Support Me as an Independent Businesswoman
Paul Mitchell is more than just haircare products. They're a network of dedicated trainers and educators who share their knowledge with me and help me keep my skills up to date - so I can better serve you. I've spent many hours working one-on-one and in group settings with Paul Mitchell trainers who are as inspiring and fun as they are knowledgeable about hair trends and techniques. 

Their Products are Excellent and Affordable
It's important to me that all of my clients have access to great quality products at affordable prices, and Paul Mitchell delivers. I really appreciate the variety of lines that they offer so whatever your hair type (coarse, color treated, curly and more) or your hair concern (thinning, frizzy, damaged) there's a selection of products I can guide you toward that will make it easy to style your hair at home. 

Paul Mitchell Products are Cruelty-Free and Sustainably Sourced
We're all in this world together, and I appreciate that Paul Mitchell doesn't test finished products or ingredients on animals, and they don't sell their products anywhere that animal testing is required. They were the first beauty company to take a stand against animal testing back in 1980 and they still stand firm on that today. The company also actively works on being eco-conscious and environmentally friendly in seeking out sustainable ingredients and being mindful of packaging and supply chain practices. 

'Tis the season for dashing through the snow (if you live here in Minnesota) and checking things off your to-do list. You can check two things off your list at once the next time you stop in at the salon: looking fabulous for party season (schedule that cut and color now!) and picking up gifts for every occasion that pops up in December.

​Put together a hostess gift of hand soaps and Hempz body lotion. Stuff those stockings with Paul Mitchell minis. Find something sparkly from my selection of jewelry handmade by The Skipping Rock. Or splash out on a professional hair styling tool that would make even Santa say, "Ho ho ho!" It's all right here at Rolayne's Hair Design. Find more great gift ideas on my Facebook page. 

New Year's resolutions are kind of a "love 'em or leave 'em" thing. There's something so satisfying about resolving to make your life better/more/less/whatever in the new year. But there are also all those statistics about how resolutions don't really work... in any case, I'm not here to tell you how to live your life in the new year. I am here, however, to encourage you to think differently about your hair in the new year.  Call them resolutions, call them a friendly nudge from your favorite hairstylist, call them whatever you want. Here's what I'd like you to think about when it comes to your hair in the new year. 

Hair style and color are both deeply personal things. It can be very easy to get in a rut and stay with what you know, even when your hair no longer reflects who you are. On the flip side, it can be very easy to lose your own personal style in the sea of hair trends and celebrity selfies on Instagram touting the newest look. So I say: Think about what you and your life need out of a hairstyle. Do you need to shake things up? Or do you need to stay strong and not fall for every new trend that pops up? Either way, be brave enough to find the hairstyle that's right for you. Not sure where to start? That's what I'm here for. 

There is nothing like throwing a little caution to the wind and trying something new with your hair. The fun part? Playing doesn't have to be permanent. Have fun with temporary, color depositing shampoos that let you rock pink hair that washes out before your next big meeting at work. Add a headband or a few strands of tinsel to your everyday look. Learn how to create a new braid or try the cool faux-hawk style that's all over YouTube. Follow my Facebook page for a daily dose of hair inspiration. There's a lot to be serious about in the world, today. Your hair isn't one of those things. Have fun! 

If the idea of "Be Brave" or "Have Fun" has you thinking, "Juliette. PLEASE give me an idea that's less woo-woo and more practical," this one's for you. Go through the hair products in your shower and in your bathroom cabinet. Are they old? Ineffective? Do they actually make your hair do what you want it to? The new year is a great time to replenish your shampoo, conditioner, styling products and hairbrushes (yes, hairbrushes!) with products that help you nourish, protect and style your hair. If you need any recommendations, let's talk about options during your next visit. I carry Paul Mitchell products because they are effective, affordable, and there's a product line for every hair type. 

Whether you're looking for a brand new style or would like to recreate a look you've loved for a long time, communication with your stylist is the key to success.  Here are four tips I have for you to make sure you walk out of the salon happy with your hair. ​

Bring a photo. If you can show me what you want, rather than try to tell me, all the better. The photo can be of a celebrity or, even better, one of yourself with the hairstyle you'd like to achieve. This will help me understand your personal definition of "short" or "caramel highlights." Different terms mean different things to different people. Pictures help.

Be honest about your lifestyle. If you don't have time to style your hair every day, let me know. If you'd rather not use a lot of product, let me know that too. Both will influence the kind of style that is ultimately right for you. 

Ask questions. This is especially important during the styling phase of our time together. If you don't understand why I'm using a certain product, or how to use a styling tool to achieve the look I'm creating, let me know. Your questions won't offend me. I want you to be able to look great and feel great when you style your own hair at home. 

Take my advice.  I absolutely want you to have the look you're going for. But I also want you to have the right look for your particular face shape, hair texture and lifestyle. If the look you want doesn't lend itself to any of these - I'll let you know. After we agree on the overall look you want, I'll offer little tweaks here and there that will achieve a great style that's perfect just for you.  

If you have even a little bit of curl, summer is the time to make the most of it. Here's how I like to do it. You'll need three products and your fingers. That's it!

Lay the foundation for your curls by washing with a curl-enhancing shampoo and conditioner. I recommend Paul Mitchell's Spring Loaded Detangling Shampoo and Spring Loaded Frizz-Fighting Conditioner. They are super gentle, smell amazing, and will get you well on your way to wavy hair. The key ingredient to fantastic waves? Paul Mitchell Twirl Around. All of my curly-haired clients swear by this product. It's a cream/serum hybrid that will give you frizz-free, soft waves (no crunchy curls, here!). 

Now, onto the technique....

Spend time twirling small sections of your hair around your finger. You can twirl away from your face, toward your face, however you like. This takes a little time, but is totally worth it. Once you're done, you'll have a head full of twists. Now the hard part....leave it alone! Don't touch it, don't mess with it until your hair is dry. If you absolutely have to speed things along, gently dry with a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer. 

When your hair is dry, tousle those waves and voila! That's it. Your perfectly imperfect summer waves are set. You can touch them up the next day with a small/medium curling iron if you need to. 

The Paul Mitchell Neon line is proving to be extremely popular at the salon. It's flying off the shelves, for good reason! In addition to the Sugar Cleanse Shampoo and Sugar Rinse Conditioner, the line includes several styling products. I've been using two of them, lately, and find them to be really different from anything else Paul Mitchell offers. 

Each of these products has the signature Neon sugar scent. I don't think it's overly sweet and I also don't find it necessarily lasts all day like the Lavender Mint products.

Sugar Confection Working Spray: This hairspray offers light, flexible hold and is perfect for setting an everyday style. I would choose something a little stronger for an updo, but I love this one for keeping fly-aways in place. It's also terrific for wavy hair. Spritz a bit of this on damp hair and let it air-dry to create touchable waves with minimal effort. 

Sugar Cream Smoothing Cream: This is another very light, easy-to-use product. Apply to damp hair and style as usual to get a little extra hold, shine smooth strands. This product would work well on any hair type, but I think it's especially well-suited for fine hair. 

Sugar Cleanse Shampoo: This shampoo is a workhorse that will get your hair super clean, without stripped out your color. I don't recommend it for anyone with super dry or damaged hair, but it's terrific for anyone with fine hair that tends to get weighed down by other products. 

Sugar Rinse Conditioner: This conditioner is much the same as the shampoo - it does the job without damaging color-treated hair. It's not thick enough for anyone with extremely dry/damaged hair but does a nice job of detangling normal hair types. Plus, it's very lightweight so your hair won't fall flat once you style it. 

Next time, I'll let you know what I think about the styling products in the Neon line. (Sneak preview: I think they're great for lots of hair types!).  If you'd like to try out the Neon shampoo and conditioner, let me know the next time you're in my chair. I'd be happy to use them on you!