The Spoilt Stylist

Hair to Blog For

An Open Letter To The ATO

An Open Letter To The ATO

An Open Letter To The ATO

Dear Australian Taxation Office,

I know you probably get this a lot, and i understand it’s annoying but before you get all huffy, please hear me out. I promise i’m different.

Recently i got to thinking. I am a model Australian citizen. I’m not even kidding. Aside from a minor DUI incident about 15 years ago (we’ve all been there, am i right?) i am clean as a whistle. In order to make this easy on you, here is a list of reason’s why via some super sophisticated dot points:

  • I have never been on the doll (aka unemployment benefits).
  • I have been employed since the day i finished school, in fact i was sweeping up sheep poo in shearing sheds for extra cash long before this if you really must know.
  • I have never broken the law (except that one time mentioned above but i only got like 8 demerit points taken so i figure it doesn’t count).
  • I have never missed a tax payment.
  • I donate to charity way more than most people.
  • I am spending as much of my hard earned cash as i can trying to boost the economy.
  • I employ on average 7 young Australian’s a year (hi fives to small business, am i right?).
  • I worked and contributed to the Australian economy through the entire process of giving birth to 3 young Australians, 2 of which i had at the same time (i’m a hairdresser FYI, you try doing that with 2 humans in your guts).
  • All the while paying GST, employing staff, doing my bit for the economy…… you get where this is headed?

Being in small business right now is really hard. I’m not even kidding. Have you been to WA lately? It’s not looking good over here.

Anyway, i don’t want to come off looking like a total whiner, i love my job and i enjoy providing a service to the good people of Australia, i seriously do. BUT, my mum always said “if you don’t ask, you don’t get.” So here goes.

Australian Taxation Office i very firmly believe i deserve one year TAX FREE as a reward for my years of loyal service to you and this great country. Now i understand you can’t go around honouring requests like this all the time, obviously the country would turn to shit, so i just wanted to make it abundantly clear that if you adhere to my request i can promise you i won’t tell anyone. Yep. it’ll be our little secret.

I know your really busy but with Christmas just around the corner your decision effects my present budget so i really look forward to your prompt response.

Yours Sincerely

Elsa Mitchell

What is Mum Hair and How to Tell If You Have It

So a couple of months ago the New York Times published a story  “Mom Hair: It Exists, Now What To Do About It”. A story which basically took the piss out of a common hair style mothers with young children typically seem to adopt. Kinda like i’m about to do. Except I’m not The New York Times so i  doubt anyone will care.

What is Mum Hair and How to Tell If You Have It

A whole bunch of mum’s took serious offence to the article and i’m sorry but i had to laugh. Not a week goes by, nay a day even in my salon where the term“mum hair” does not get thrown around. And by the clients, it’s not even me (ok sometimes it’s me).

Mum hair is most definitely a thing. And who cares? Seriously? Im the vainest of mum’s there is and even i sported a dirty (literally dirty, vomit infested) top knot for at least a year after having my twins and I dyed it darker pre-birth to help reduce maintenance (and i own a hair salon).  Even though im gagging at the memory i most certainly am not prescious about it. If you cant laugh at yourself well……… come on.

What is mum hair you ask?

Mum hair – a styless hair style, dull, dry, often dirty, always lifeless and boring.

The Spoilt Stylist.

How to tell if you have it?

  • Was your last hair cut over 2 months ago?
  • Are you washing your hair once a week or less?
  • Do you have an inch of fresh hair growth sticking out like dog balls as a result of post baby hair loss?
  • Have you gone one colour all over for “less maintenance?”
  • Do you have severe split ends and not even care?
  • Are you rocking a pony tail/ top knot more than 90% of the time?
  • Do you have………. a bob?

If you answered yes to 1 or more of the above congratulations you have mum hair.

Now, what to do about it?

  • I’m not religious but god bless balayage. Dark roots and lighter ends, trendy and low maintenance. Jump on it mofo’s.
What is Mum Hair and How to Tell If You Have It

hair by me

  • Top knot’s – another fabulous trend for mums. Mind you if you’re anything like me you’ll be aiming for this:
what is mum hair and how to tell if you have it

pic via – https://au.pinterest.com/pin/431360470539912329/

 

Whilst feeling like this:

  • Box braids – I bagged these out big time when Kim Kardashi started wearing them but i think i’m ready to eat my words. This trend is a mum hair saviour right now. (p.s box braids is just fancy talk for french braid).

What is Mum Hair and How to Tell If You Have It

What is Mum Hair and How to Tell If You Have It

one of our salon MILF’s #nailingit

  • Lastly if you absolutely have to chop it off go for the “textured bob”. It; so hot right now.
What is Mum Hair and How to Tell If You Have It

image via pintrest

Instagram vs Snapchat. The Battle of The Socials

I’ve spent the past 6 months trying to master Instagram. Reading countless tips, online courses and loathing those bastards with the fake followers, wishing i could publicly name & shame them. The whole time trying to find the “winning formula” to make my business an internet success but…… hit pause, scrap that, because now it’s Instagram vs Snapchat. The battle of the socials continues.

Instagram vs Snapchat. The Battle of The Socials

It’s pathetic i know but Im lost in the vanity & pressure to keep up with the cool kids and that’s not even the pathetic part. No the pathetic part is my business is successful. Regardless of my social media count.

I have real life actual human beings that literally fill the seats in my salon every single day. They give my team real life face to face compliments all the time. It’s genuine, authentic & a dream come true.

So why do i give a toss about social media? No seriously why? I am actually looking for someone to answer me on this?

I’ve written about my love hate relationship with Insta many times, it’s been like a code i just had to crack. So i dont know whether i am relieved or enraged that Snapchat is now the drug of choice for our young customers? Let’s go there……..

Instagram vs Snapchat. The Battle of The Socials

So i’m still figuring Snapchat out and already I’m asking friends in the know “how do you get people to follow you?” and “how do you know if they liked your story?”. Im sick, i need help i know but here’s what i’ve discovered so far:

Snapchat Pro’s:

  1. It’s super silly & fun
  2. You can make all kinds of silly faces and pictures including putting adorable puppy ears/nose on your face
  3. Your silliness disappears forever (apparently) after a very short amount of time, unless some weirdo screen shots it
  4. It’s a fun way to show your personality & i think adds some zaniness to your business hence perhaps making you more relatable?
  5. It will keep your kids amused for hours

Instagram vs Snapchat. The Battle of The Socials

 

Snapchat con’s:

  1. Some weirdo will always screen shot your silly pic hence leaving you wide open for future blackmail
  2. It’s a whole new social media outlet to have to master bringing a whole new wave of pressure & demands that come with such things
  3. Your children will love this one arousing way more fights over your phone
  4. If you get to swept up in the silliness of it all you could come off looking like a total tool
  5. Your kids will become super addicted to social media way before their time

So let’s open the debate. Instagram Vs Snapchat. Educate me people.

xx

 

Organic Hair Colour Perth

Organic Hair Colour Perth

What many wont realise is that we actually offer a full range of organic hair colour at Spoilt Hair Retreat and it’s our no1 source for attracting new clients.

A few years ago we introduced the Zenz Therapy Alternative Colour to our salon. I know what your thinking…..

What is Zenz Therapy Alternative Colour?

Zenz Therapy consists of professional hair products that are crafted with the purest raw materials from nature. NO synthetic agents, colours, parabens or perfumes. Zenz stand for clean, organic and sustainable sources. Just beauty as nature intended.

Organic hair colour perth

Is it as good as regular hair colour?

There is a strong stigma surrounding organic hair colours and whether or not they are “as good” as the more mainstream brands. 95% of the time they absolutely are on par however where they might lag behind just a little is :

  • Extreme fashion colours –   Although there is a variety of fashion tones it is difficult to achieve really flurescent and pastel tones.
  • Grey coverage – sometimes, rarely, if you have super super white & very resistant greys it may be hard to get full coverage. This being said i have many clients with up to 70% grey hair that get fantastic results.
  • Blondes – I find the blonde range in the organics to produce absolutely beautiful shades. The bleach is also pretty great, its anyone wanting that in between stage where you are lightest blonde without using a bleach. That can be tricky.

Can you colour the hair when pregnant?

This is 100% a personal choice however using the organic hair colours are a fantastic alternative should you have any concerns.

Want to see some of our results?

Pictures speak volumes i think. Here is some of our work using the organic colours.

Organic Hair Colour Perth

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Organic Hair Colour Perth

So what do our clients think of our organic hair colours?

We are blown away with how rapidly the organic range is growing within our salon. Our regular clients who have made the switch love it and haven’t looked back & new clients are being drawn to us every day as a result of positive feedback.

So i’ve just given you a little taster of info, call the salon on 93837060 to hear more.

xx

 

 

 

Businesses With Paid Instagram Followers Exposed

Oh yes it’s that dirty little secret no one is talking about & it is absolutely rife on Instagram. I’m starting to wonder is it becoming the norm? Is this an acceptable thing to do now? Surely not!

Businesses With Paid Instagram Followers Exposed

MOST of you are probably scratching your head right now and saying to yourselves “surely she doesnt mean people PAY other people to follow them on social media” (FYI yes, yes they do) and there’s a big old bunch of you hiding in your closest thinking “what’s the problem?”.

Boy am i glad you asked.

The problem with buying followers:

  1. It is FAKE. False advertising. This discredits your business and frankly screams lack of integrity.
  2. It’s cheating and no one likes a cheater. Seriously…… no one!
  3. It sends the wrong message. Your telling the world that you need to be popular by any means necessary even paying for it. It’s total BS! Being authentic, working hard at your business or craft & succeeding on merit is the only way. Cutting corners is wrong!
  4. Newsflash – fake followers will not grow your business. Good luck getting those robots into your business or buying your products. DOH!!
  5. Why am i even making a list, it’s all so obvious.

Who is paying for followers:

1. Spotting fake followers is easy.Just spend 2 minutes clicking through the list of followers and you will notice profile after profile with 2 or 3 posts a handful of followers but following thousands. They look a bit like this:

        Businesses With Paid Instagram Followers Exposed

2. Comment to followers ratio is the most obvious. I have over 1100 followers and i average a handful of comments on my popular pics so someone with 20k followers for example should have a tone of comments. Obvious fakers have almost no comments.

3. Over night numbers increase. Just click through a few past photo posts and if you see it go from 40 likes to hundreds overnight…… FAKERS!!!!

Why do i care:

My love hate relationship with social media is no secret & i’m the first to admit i get totally sucked into the vanity of it all. It’s an illness i’m sure.

I am passionate about small business and mentoring others to succeed in business. I see my peers comparing themselves to the popular kids & feeling not good enough all the time. This is in the actual grown up world. You’d think i was still in high school.

My message is; don’t get lost in the bullsh!t. There is still a big place in the world for old fashioned values in small business & social media followers is, yes important, but not the be all and end all in the making of successful business.

Love.

xx

 

 

The Treatment Frizzy Hair Can’t Live Without

The treatment frizzy hair cant live without

Frizzy, curly or unruly hair. The struggle is real. You’ll do  just about anything to minimise the stress around taming the fury beast but lucky there’s a solution. I give you the ……..

….Bhave Smoothing  Keratin Treatment.

The treatment frizzy hair cant live withou

Keratin treatments have been a battle for my salon over the years with more battles lost than won, but lets not go there. It’s in the past, time to move forward and thanks to this amazing treatment we can.

I know what your thinking.

What does it do?

The Bhave Smoothing Keratin Treatment makes hair easy to manage, so anyone who struggles with frizz or has curly and difficult to manage hair is a good candidate.

Does it straighten the hair?

No. But i will relax the hair so curls will get looser. Some people may find they can ‘wash & go’ whereas others will have to add some heat to their hair in order to get a smoother result.

Is it permenant?

No. The treatment usually lasts up to 3 months. Using the recommended Bhave products at home will enhance the longevity of the treatment. I also find the more you have it done, the longer it lasts.

Can it go on coloured hair?

YES. However we usually recommend colouring your hair 2 washes AFTER having the treatment as it can be known to alter the colour of your hair. Definitely consult with your stylist BEFORE having your treatment done.

How much does it cost?

At Spoilt Hair Retreat, my fabulous Perth hair salon, we charge $249 – $349 which includes the take home Bhave Shampoo & Conditioner valued at $70.

the treatment frizzy hair cant live without

Will it mean i no longer have to style my hair?

Some people will be lucky enough to be able to wash and wear after having the Bhave Keratin Smoothing Treatment but most will require some styling. It will just make this process a lot quicker and easier.

Have you had a treatment that made your hair more manageable?

xx

 

 

 

 

10 Fine Hair Solutions

10 Fine Hair Solutions

How frustrating is it having super fine hair? I’ve gotta be honest i don’t personally have this problem, i have a mountain of hair #sorrynotsorry which i love so i feel for those with 10 strands on their head and i care, i really do, hence why i am here to offer

10 fine hair solutions.

Usually i can’t personally relate to fine hair products but i recently accidentally used this, and it made my hair MASSIVE! So fine hair babes, first on your shopping list:

1. Moroccan Oil Volume Shampoo:

OH……MY………GOD!!! I accidentally washed my hair with this and i could not figure out why my hair was so huge. Huger than normal i mean. WOW if you are after volume you must try this.

10 Fine Hair Solutions

2. Moroccan Oil Volume Conditioner

Same deal, i backed up my accidental shampoo experience with this conditioner. A lot of fine hair peeps struggle to find a rinse out conditioner that doesn’t weigh your hair down. Well look no further, i found it.

Best of all, Moroccan Oil products are Paraben Free.

3. The perfect hair cut for fine hair:

To layer or not to layer? It’s a 50/50 debate because some people like the shape or the body that a little bit of layering can offer but it really depends on just how fine your hair is and the length. Super fine hair i would avoid laying and go for a blunt cut to make look thicker. Shorter styles and those who consider themselves medium-fine can get away with some soft layers. A bit of texture can make it look like you have more hair than you actually do when done right. 

10 Fine Hair Solutions

image via pintrest

4. The perfect colour for fine hair:

If having fine hair is your biggest problem then avoid going too light with your colour. Blonde tones will make it look thinner, not to mention your hair is more fragile when it’s fine so you really can’t afford to lose any more so i would recommend avoiding high levels or peroxide and bleach. Stick to all over colours the add richness, depth and shine.

5. How often should you wash fine hair?

Like having fine hair isn’t hard enough it usually gets oily a lot quicker too. Washing your hair frequently will increase the amount of hair you shed so if possible try avoid washing your hair every day. Using the correct shampoo  & conditioner will assist you with this.

6. Another amazing fine hair shampoo:

Ok so you definately need volume shampoos or clarifying shampoos. Clarifying shampoo’s cleanse the hair from dirt and oil, hence drying it out and preventing rapid oil build up. I recommend:

Sebastian Volupt Shampoo:

The cushion particle technology is far superior for adding volume that doesn’t leave your hair feeling coarse to the touch or turning your hair into a hard, immovable layer. Cushion particle technology binds two micro-particles to the surface of your hair, raising the cuticles of the hair and roughing it up for tons of volume that is touchable and soft!

The Spoilt Stylist 10 Fine Hair Solutions

 

7. What? A fine hair mask?:

Most people associate a mask with thick or dry hair. But guess what, this one’s specifically for fine hair

Wella SP Volumize Mask:

Strengthens and stabilises fine and fragile hair to improve volume and body.

This virtually weightless intensive treatment is formulated with Bamboo Extracts and key nutrients to restructure and nourish fine and limp hair.

10 Fine Hair Solutions

8. Waves = Volume

Seriously do yourself a favour and learn to throw a few curls or a light wave in your hair. Good news is messy is in so it doesn’t matter if your not that skilled at styling. Also great for 2nd day dirty hair if to avoid every day shampooing.

10 Fine Hair Solutions

9. Dust it

This styling product is the bomb. You just tease your hair at the roots, sprinkle a little in, rub it in and BOOM! Instant volume that lasts all day.

10 Fine Hair Solutions

 

10. Dry Shampoo

For those who have not yet discovered dry shampoo, where the hell have you been??? But seriously this is a great way of getting a day off between proper shampoo’s. You just spray it into your hair dry and off you go. It kinda dries it out, a bit like  talcum powder for your hair. There are hundreds on the market but i like Rockstar Dry Shampoo because  it comes with a light hair/ dark hair option.

10 Fine Hair Solutions

Any other fine hair secrets don’t be selfish, share share share!

 

xx

 

 

 

 

 

Small Business vs Insta-models

I was recently interviewed for an article that appeared in Saturday’s West Australian newspaper, Insta-models look for free easy life. Turns out this topic is quite controversial & opened a big fat can of worms surrounding the benefits of social influencers.

Small Business vs Insta-models

Firstly let me clarify what is a social influencer? A social influencer is anybody that has a large following online usually on social media such as Facebook or Instagram but it also applies to You Tube channels and Bloggers.

Reading the article what most wouldn’t know is that i am a blogger as well as owning my own business and it was my post Insta-models vs Old Fashioned Service  that prompted my interview for the piece.

Most understood my view however a few were upset & it was suggested I “stop my whining” and “embrace the new era of marketing”.  A lot of people chose to point out how stupid businesses would be not to utilise social influencers to their benefit.

To them i say this:

COME ON! Obviously most small businesses are fully aware of the benefits of social media and blogging, disputing that was not what the article was about. 

Yes the benefits are obvious but the hard truth is that there is only a select few suitable candidates that will actually offer any value to your business by exchanging services for posts.

Small Business vs Insta-models

The issue at hand is the lack of etiquette & professionalism MANY use in approaching small businesses for an exchange of services.  THAT IS WHAT THE ARTICLE IS ABOUT!

To be fair yes the same thing happens when the roles are reversed, quite often businesses are not approaching their social influencers in the right manner too. I am pretty sure i can speak for all bloggers when i say we don’t want free stuff for our posts, we want $$$. That’s what sets apart the pro’s from the amateurs in this game.

So how about we all stop bitching about this and just agree to adhere to a set of guidelines?

And the guidelines are:

1. Be professional

Most professional social influencers will have a media kit which clearly outlines the variety of packages & advertising benefits they can provide you with and the expense for doing so.

2. Do your research

A pro will be able to give you a breakdown of exactly how many followers they have and  exactly who they are. This will allow you to determine if their audience aligns with your target demographic & if your marketing budget is suitable to those numbers.

3. Cash is king

The only person benefitting from an exchange of services for posts is the person receiving the service. Anyone approaching you for free stuff as payment screams amateur & should be avoided. Anyone who places a value on their position will expect a monetary payment.

4. Don’t take no personally

Most businesses these days are bombarded with requests from insta-models etc. and although it’s a popular marketing tool its not for everyone. For me personally i see way more value in rewarding my existing loyal clients who pay the money & tell their friends for free. If i was to give away a free hair cut it would be to them. That’s what works for me, its not personal. I believe there is still huge value in good old fashioned customer service & my business thrives as a result.

5. Be authentic

From time to time BE REAL. Talk about things you like because you genuinely like them even if you aren’t getting something out of it. Support your local businesses because that’s being a good human being. In turn this will build your credibility & rapport in the community and you just might find you wont have to ask for things for free, you’ll be rewarded anyway.

6. Be respectful

Don’t approach your target with flattery & then snub them off when they decline your offer. Cut to the chase, show respect, make your pitch & respectfully thank them for their time.

Any more tips on this i’d love to hear?????

Behind The Scenes Of a Swimwear Shoot

Some people think that hairdressing is just about cutting hair and gossiping but thats not true, there’s way more to it. Sometimes we get to attend photo shoots and touch sexy models too.

My job has allowed me the privilege of befriending two very talented Perth swimwear designers; Ela & Jackson who recently invited Spoilt to style the hair for their latest collection. This shoot was too smoking hot not to share with you.

Being serious for just a second, opportunities like this are not only fabulous because we get to play with pretty ladies, but we get to interact with some serious local talent too. And since i am a huge advocate for supporting Perth local businesses why not use this platform to share the love.

Introducing Perth model Holly Young:

No comment required, this chick is freakin hot but that aside what a superstar model. A whole day in a pool and not once does she look wrinkly and freezing. Jealous.com.

I know what your thinking, how do i get her phone number why did they need a hairdresser for this? Believe it or not our lovely stylist Naomi Maley spent a good half hour combing a tone of product through to create this “wet look” hair do. For those of you looking to create this at home you’ll need 1 x bottle of Sebastian Potion 9 cream + 1 x Sebastian Texturizer Spray + 1 x wide tooth comb.  Plus a heap of chlorine to remove it from your pool after.

Now i have to confess we can’t take credit for the make up on this, only the hair. Although we would love to because Perth make up artist Taylah Jackson “nailed it” with her smokey eye skills. I thought Holly couldn’t possibly get any hotter but Taylah sure showed me. WOW! P.S – Naomi you did an amaze job on the locks in this pic too. 

Behind The Scenes Of a Swimwear Shoot

By now your probably wondering, who’s the man behind the camera? Well the men behind the camera are Perth photographers Dylan & Benjamin from https://www.instagram.com/b.rex_/ who did an amazing job of these incredible images. Well done guys, i was blown away impressed.

Lastly my 2 favourite babes Ela & Jackson. Congrats on the new collection which sorry peeps, is coming soon so stay tuned at https://www.instagram.com/elaandjackson/. Thank you for inviting us to participate in this super fun project.

xx

Behind The Scenes Of a Swimwear Shoot

shop the collection @ http://www.elaandjackson.com

 

 

 

 

What Happened When I Coloured My Hair Pink

What Happened When I Coloured My Hair Pink

About 12 months ago I wrote a blog post bagging out people who haven’t changed their hair for 10 years straight.

It forced me to take a long hard look at myself as I realised shortly after, that was me. I’d had the same blonde locks forever now, it was time to change. Dying my hair pink seemed the obvious choice.

the spoilt stylist how pink hair can change your life

Me; with blonde hair

After flirting on and off with pink hair for the past 12 months I noticed something really strange happening. People were treating me differently when my hair was pink. When I shared this observation with my husband he informed me “maybe it’s because they feel sorry for you.”

That’s not it.

Another thing happened about 12 months ago, I discovered the phrase resting bitch face. But we’ll get back to that.

So how was I being treated differently? Well people were much nicer to me when my hair was pink. Mums at school approached me more, people at the gym stopped to chat to me, strangers stopped to compliment. And it led me to wonder?

Do I have resting bitch face? Does the pink hair soften me in some way? Do I look like a friendlier person? Why didn’t I look friendly before? I always considered myself a pretty approachable person, but clearly I was not.

the spoilt stylist how pink hair can change your life

Me; with fully sick pink hair

the spoilt stylist how pink hair can change your life

What is resting bitch face? Glad you asked. My understanding is that it is a term used to describe someone that looks like a bitch when they are just going about their business, relaxed and expressionless.

So basically all of this reinforces three things-

  1. Having pink hair makes you awesome.
  2. If you haven’t changed your hair for 10 years you def should.
  3. Don’t judge a person if the don’t look too friendly, it could just be resting bitch face.

So once again i marvel at the power of the hair do. And i would love to hear the experiences you guys have had when you’ve taken the leap and made a big change to your looks?

 

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