Smoking and Hair Loss

If you are skeptical about whether smoking can cause hair loss or not, a recent study says “yes”. A recent observational study has found that smoking can cause hair loss and also baldness.

There are many ways cigarette smoking can cause hair loss, and most of these are related to the effects of cigarette smoke on your hair follicles. Cigarette smoke contains almost 4,000 lethal and damaging chemicals that can cause normal hair loss.

Smoking also causes dull, lank and smelly hair. Not only your smoking habit affects the look and smell of your hair, it can also make your hair break off.

Smoking stops the flow of an adequate amount of oxygen and nutrients through your blood. Because your hair does not get the right amount of the vital nutrients, your hair becomes unhealthy and may also break off.

So if you are already a smoker, give up the smoking habit for shiny and healthy hair.

Smoking and Hair Loss

First, let’s take a look at the effect of smoking on blood circulation. Smoking affects blood circulation, which interrupts the supply of blood to the scalp and hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Smoking affects blood circulation in the following ways:

Smoking Stimulates Adrenaline

Nicotine stimulates adrenaline production, which raises blood pressure and heart beat. As the body goes on overdrive, it starts to wear down due to regular smoking. This hastens the aging process. This is the reason why chain smokers look older than their age. Smoking-linked aging naturally takes a toll on the hair as well.

Nicotine Narrows Blood Vessels

Nicotine also constricts blood vessels, which impacts the circulatory system. Hair grows constantly and hence requires constant blood supply. As smoking impedes this supply, hair loss occurs as a result.

Carbon Monoxide Affects Circulation

Tobacco smoke contains high levels of carbon monoxide which reduces the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity. As a a result, your hair follicles get less vital nutrients and oxygen. Hair follicles are fast growing cells and need a constant supply of adequate amounts of nutrients and oxygen to grow. Carbon monoxide impedes this supply, resulting in hair loss.

Poisons in Cigarette Smoke

Smoking cigarettes floods your body with thousands of poisonous chemicals. Your body is thus taxed with the job of getting rid of all these dangerous chemicals to retain good health. As your body’s systems are engaged with this task, they have lesser resources for things like keeping your hair healthy.

Research on Mice

The effects of smoking on hair can be gauged from a recent research study on mice. The rodents were exposed to cigarette smoke for three months. As a result, the mice developed gray hair and suffered hair loss. The link between

smoking and hair loss

is conclusive. So, if you are a smoker, quit this dreadful habit as soon as possible to save your hair and avoid other debilitating effects.

Source:  http://smoking.ygoy.com

Vanity Hair Studio NYC 

12 Things You Should Know About Beauty School

A recent blog from Beauty Schools Directory prompted me to think about my own beauty school experience. I thought I would share some of my highlights and low lights in the world of hair, makeup and  tests!

I decided to attend cosmetology school  in 2001 after graduating from college and struggling to find work in my field. The job market was erratic and quite unpredictable. Lay offs were plentiful and  the premise of  “knowing someone” was quickly fading. Getting a trade was my back up plan.

When I enrolled, I was surprised at all of the paperwork involved. You had an option of financial aid or loans. I wasn't eligible for financial aid, since I already had an undergraduate degree. One week later, I was approved by my credit union for $10,000. 

I spent the next year-four nights a week, reading, testing and observing. "When was I going to do something," I complained often. What’s the use of being in beauty school if I cant do the hair?

I quickly ate my words after my first customer who was an older women, cried in agony  and discomfort after I completed a shampoo. I had incorrectly draped her and all of the water seeped into her clothing,   The next six months would prove brutal. Patrons lining up to get discounted hairstyles and weekly state board  practice exams, that never seem to offer enough time.This was hair school not the police academy  Why was I losing weight and becoming sleep deprived? 

 It was beauty school, but it was.....still school. 

The one thing I will say is, beauty school was not what I expected.  It was hard and time consuming. I often  wondered if the fly by night stylists I patronized in the past, were even licensed. It takes a committed individual to get through  these courses.

Before you enroll, take an inside look of the beauty school experience.

1. School hours are in the day and the evening. If you attend in the daytime its approximately nine months. If you attend in the  evening, its almost two years. Most schools don’t let you mix it up, but  a conversation with the owner of the school to make an exception, wouldn't hurt.

2. Beauty school is expensive. A full course can run you  between 10k and 15k

3. The instructors are former or active salon owners, so they have lots of information to share.  

4. You should know something about hair. Beauty school does not teach you about hair styling. You  learn the fundamentals only. No... you don’t learn how to weave or braid hair.  If you don’t have a clue about hair, you will fail or drop out. It’s the horrible truth, but it’s the truth! You will need to attend advanced classes after you obtain your cosmetology license if you want to learn market trends.trends.lll

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      5. You are required to complete 1000 hours . You can't get around this. Schools are very strict 

          on absenteeism. If you're a chronically late individual, curb it. Beauty schools impose 

          temporary and indefinite suspensions for tardiness. 

6. Your classmates are always willing to be your test dummy.  Capitalize on this opportunity, before you start your practicals.

7. You wont get a job right away as a Stylist. After graduating, you still have to apply for the written exam. After the written exam you are scheduled for the state board. Practice, practice, practice. Practicing for the state board exam is like learning to drive. At first you seem nervous and unsure of yourself. But after a few weeks of  driving school, it becomes fluid. 

8. Don’t apply for a salon job until you become licensed. Even if you wash hair, a cosmetology license is required.

9. Avoid opening a salon  until you’ve actually worked and managed one.  You would also need to determine if you want to be an “off the books’ stylist or a “1099 form" stylist. An “off the books stylist” usually works with cash only and does not report their income to the IRS (illegal).  The upside is, you keep all of  your income. The down side is, you're ineligible for a car, house, medical insurance, loans or anything that requires  proof of employment. Commissioned stylists usually make great money. You are more motivated than a booth renter who pays $100-200 a week for a chair. Commission  arrangements allow you to share the expenses for supplies with the owner. The owner is also responsible for marketing the salon. If you don’t make money, they don’t make money. Stylists are generally paid weekly and receive a 1099 form at the end of the year. 

10. Hair Shows are good, but what else? If you're in the business, you've been to at least one hair show in your city. This is a good opportunity to learn new techniques and test new hair products, but you shouldn't rest there. Attend some workshops on business. Strategic, marketing, branding and customer service are essential in the world of beauty. What's the use of gaining customers, if  poor service and inconsistently drives them to a new salon.

11. Establish a signature. What’s so special about your styling techniques that will be easily recognized? Branding starts with you!

12. And lastly, be a professional. In the world of Face book, blogs and  YouTube...everyone seems to be recording your every move.  We all have flaws but a good stylist will focus on re-inventing themselves. 

If you have questions about this blog, feel free to contact VanityHairStudioNYC@Gmail.com

Vanity Hair Studio NYC Inc.

private salon services

The Beauty Business

10 Steps to Opening and Running Your Own Hair Salon 

From the outside, it appears that thousands of women  have mastered the art of opening their own hair salon. From Dominican Hair Shops offering a $10 wash and set to Upscale Hair Studios catering to celebrity clients, the market for hair dressers to earn a living in the beauty industry is a lucrative endeavor.

Below are some tips for anyone interested in opening their own salon . 

1. Get a Cosmetology License. Its easier to run a salon when you understand the craft.

2. Establish a Business Plan. A business plan is a blueprint to your salon's revenue stream, operation and target market.

3. Establish a Niche. What makes you different from the salon down the street? Maybe its your hours of operation. There is a popular salon Downtown Brooklyn that opens at 6:00 am. This should have been a priceless gem, however the service sucked. So while establishing your niche, make sure your unique service also keeps repeat customers.

4. Have a Financial Plan. Don't blow your life savings on a business idea. Get financing from your bank or credit union. People tend to be more responsible, when they are liable for repayments.

5. Learn Book Keeping. A salon can function as a cash  business, but if you cant track your earnings and spending, how can you establish a pattern of income. If you're off the radar from the IRS it can be detrimental later on;  if you decide later to purchase a home or a vehicle.

6. Utilize the OPAL.NY.GOV website to find out what certifications and licensing you need to operate. Having a cosmetology license is not the only thing required for salon ownership.

7. File Your Taxes Honestly. Sure we all hate paying taxes. But recording your revenue will benefit you in the long run. Banks tend to lend money to business owners, who already have income.

8. Hire Talented and Skilled Stylists. A salon is not a catch all  for people interested in making "side money" or temporary income until they start working again  It is a real career that requires licensing and skill. Avoid hiring friends or relative that don't know the business.

9. Don't Rent Booths. Booth rentals create financial strains on salon owners. Both rents tend to be very low and does not cover the salon's operational costs. Both renters are not considered employees and can function under their own  guidelines. This includes the times they work, the clothes they wear and the customer service. If you want to avoid, conflicts and YOU working long hours to make up the difference for the salon expenses, establish a commission arrangement.

10. Hold Weekly Staff Meetings. Regrouping every week or every month will allow the salon owner and  the employees to discuss progress or lack there of. Meetings also promote brainstorming sessions.

While there is not a perfect formula to establishing and running a successful salon ,a guided support can always prove helpful! 

If you have any questions about this blog, feel free to contact us at VanityHairStudioNYC@gmail.com

Vanity Hair Studio NYC
private salon services

What Would You Change About Your Salon?

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Here are a  few responses we received from survey monkey.

1. More privacy

2. Longer hours

3. Professionalism

4. Different music

5. Regulated temperatures

6. Stick to appointment schedule

7 A regular receptionist

8. Natural light

Give us your two cents!!!

Vanity Hair Studio NYC
private salon services

What Makes A Great Haircut?

If you're like me, you can spot a great haircut from a mile away!! The challenge is, not everyone knows what to look for.

I noted some tips in identifying... if you've gotten your money's worth OR you are in need of a do-over.

A Great Haircut...


1. Starts with a great consultation. What is your daily routine? What do you  do for a living? Do you have a photograph of the desired style? Do you   exercise? Do you really know how much of your hair will have to be cut? These are typical questions you will hear from an experienced stylist.

2. Does not require additional maintenance, like curling, hairspray, re-styling.
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3. Is recognizable the following day. If your haircut looks looks different after you leave the salon, then you have a problem.
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4. Can be worn curly or straight.
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5. Falls into place when the wind stops blowing
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6. Compliments your face shape.
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7. Can be cut with clippers, thinning shears, scissor. Quality shears are essential in this process.

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Vanity Hair Studio NYC
private salon services

Nicki Minaj Has a New Fragrance. Are You Buying It?

New American Idol judge Nicki Minaj  has teamed up with Elizabeth Arden to create a signature scent for her Pink Friday line.  The singing rapper teamed up with Elizabeth Arden to create a signature scent. In typical eccentric Nicki style, the fragrance bottle is a replica of an armless brass Nicki in her signature pink wig and lipstick. The fragrance is described as an “intoxicating floral musk.” 

Vanity Hair Studio NYC

The Truth About No Lye Relaxers !!

The main, active ingredient in a no-lye based relaxer is calcium hydroxide or guanidine hydroxide. Although the pH level of a no-lye relaxer is typically lower than a lye-based one, no-lye relaxers are often associated with dryer hair due to potential calcium buildup. One of the major reasons someone may prefer a no-lye relaxer is if her scalp is sensitive, as the chemicals in this type of relaxer can be milder on the scalp. This doesn't mean that it's better to use on children or that the chemicals cannot burn you (they can).


Vanity Hair Studio NYC