Author: Penny Miller

Penny Miller started her cosmetology career in 1982 in Oklahoma. After a few years in the business she purchased a small barber shop in Pauls Valley known as Phase II Hair Design. With a passion for the Beauty Business, she grew her business, expanded her technical skills and her business skills and then later went back to school to learn the best methods to mentor others in the beauty field. Penny has worked and trained with several wonderful cosmetology professionals through the years, and has a true working knowledge of the Salon Business.
Once she graduated with her instructors license, she tested her methods, and then opened what is now known as Penny Miller Cosmetology Academy - Phase II. She offers cosmetology training in several different courses as well as intense Salon Business Building practices.
Penny still has a passion for the Beauty Business and enjoys helping others to find their path in Cosmetology. Her methods of teaching have been tried and true, as she still hold a 100% pass rate with her students at the state testing level.

Categories
Skincare

What is a Facial?

What Is A Facial?

A facial cleans, exfoliates and nourishes the skin to promote clear, well-hydrated skin. A facial is given by a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician, sometimes called a facialist, who analyzes your skin and picks the right products and treatment for your skin type (dry, oily, combination, or normal) and skin conditions (acne, sensitive skin, aging, sun-damage, dehydration, etc.)

  1. Cleansing. A facial begins with a cleansing with cotton pads or sponges and a product chosen for your skin type (normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature.) This can be done manually or with the aid of a machine, such as a European Skincare Machine.
  2. Skin Analysis. The esthetician, or skin care specialist, covers your eyes and looks at your skin through a brightly lit magnifying lamp or a woods lamp that reveals various skin conditions. This treatment can be optional, but it really helps to show the specialist everything that is going on with your skin.
  3. Exfoliation. Using a mechanical or chemical exfoliant. Mechanical exfoliation has a gritty texture and usually happens while a steam vapor is directed at your face. A chemical peelcan be a stand-alone treatment or part of the facial. It is generally an “upgrade” and done in a series.
  4.  Facial massage. Using classic strokes like effleurage, petrissage, & percussion to both relax you and stimulate your skin and facial muscles. Massage helps to feed the skin, removes toxins, exercises your muscles to help to strengthen and tone the facial structure. This increases stimulation to the skin and will give you a more youthful glow.
  5.   Speciality mask targeted to your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature) and condition. We carry a wide variety of facial masks, my favorite pick is the non surgical face lift. It is aloe vera based and is great for all skin types. It tightens the pores and tones the skin, and will not over dry sensitive or dry skin.
  6.   Toners, Fresheners, and Tonics.  These products are used to re-balance the pH of the skin, close down the pores and remove any residue left behind after the facial. This will not over dry the skin, and it is essential to finish the service.
  7.   Moisturizer.  The final step.  Moisturizer is very important to protect the skin after the service. It will create a protective barrier from dirt, and debris, and will seal your skin and keep bacteria out.  It also locks moisture in, which will keep your skin hydrated, soft and supple.

Advice on home care.  The technician will tell you how she thinks you can take better care of your skin and recommend products for you to use at home.  Don’t forget to feed your skin from the inside out, with a well balanced diet, plenty of water, reduce stress & toxins, and try to get plenty of fresh air and sunshine, but don’t forget the sunscreen.

How often should I get a facial?   Usually once a month, the skin regenerates itself every 28 days, so this is the perfect amount of time for a regular facial.  However, if you have any special needs such as excessively dry, or oily skin, or severe acne, you may need to see your skin care specialist more often.

 

Categories
Men's Hair Care

Men’s Hair Color

Does your Gray hair make you feel older than your years? 

Are you ready to make a change?

We now offer several new lines of haircolor for Men Only.  Quick and easy, in as little as five minutes we can blend your gray and give you a fresh youthful look.

BLEND GRAY, YOUR WAY… IN AS LITTLE AS 5 MINUTES

TIRED OF THE GRAY?

Do something about it!  New Haircolor for Men only gives you options including our New Customized Camouflage Service. Want to blend a little gray? In just 5 minutes you can look years younger. Want to blend even more gray? You’re just 10 minutes away from increased coverage and a younger look!  New Customized Camouflage Services are fast, easy and discrete:

  • Reveal younger-looking haircolor in only 5 or 10 minutes
  • Customize how much gray you want to blend
  • Applied quickly and easily right in the shampoo area
  • Leaves hair with natural-looking results that fade gradually
  • Easy, discrete, customized service that can be done on a lunch break.

Call us for an appointment at 405-238-3426, and we will be happy to introduce you to this quick and easy new service.

Categories
Nails

Advice for Nail Biters

Onychophagy-Severe Nail biting

Clients who suffer from cronic onychophagy may benefit from the attention of a good nail tech.

What is it? Because nail biting is so common, it’s easy to dismiss it as just a bad habit instead of the nail disorder that it is. Onychophagy is a sub-group of OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). The sub-group also includes people who chronically pull or pick their hair, bite the inside of their cheek, or pick at the imperfections they see on their face or skin. Some patients with chronic onychophagy bite their toenails, fingernails, and the skin surrounding their nails until they bleed. Others bite and pick until they have literally removed an entire nail.

How do you get it? Onychophagy can begin because of severe stress, tension, or anxiety, but it can soon develop into a habit, which remains even when the stress or anxiety is gone. When a client doesn’t have the ability to muster the inner strength and discipline to stop biting her nails regardless of the products you choose, nail biting isn’t a habit, it’s a compulsion.

How is it treated? The treatment for onychophagy varies depending on the severity of the problem. Some patients respond to consistent nail maintenance, such as manicures, and topical applications on their nails, such as nail polish that tastes bitter, creams, or even hot sauce. Other treatments include behavior modification techniques such as snapping a rubber band on the wrist every time they bite their nails. Many nail biters reach a point in their lives where they are so sick of the embarrassment and pain of nail biting, they stop biting by sheer willpower.

What can a tech do? First, talk honestly with your client about the frustration and embarrassment nail biting causes her. Discuss her preference for treatment — does she want enhancements or does she prefer to grow her own nails? If she chooses enhancements, be sure to apply them very short at the first appointment. Schedule a follow-up appointment for no later than one week. As her natural nails grow underneath, the enhancements will look more natural. If the client chooses to grow her natural nails, talk with her about the need to commit to a weekly treatment schedule. During the manicure, groom her cuticles, removing frayed skin. Apply a nail polish formulated for nail biters, such as “No-Bite” from Barielle. Let the client know you’re applying a foul-tasting polish so she isn’t shocked when she puts her nails in her mouth. Apply a cream to the nail and cuticles that heals the damaged skin and makes the skin supple to prevent hangnails.

What else? Educate clients on how to care for their nails at home. Provide them with an at-home treatment package to purchase. The kit should include a file, a bottle of the polish you chose to prevent biting, and cuticle cream. Recommend the client apply the polish every other day. The cream should be applied multiple times during the day. Take before and after pictures to add incentive and to celebrate the client’s achievement.

End Results…With the correct treatment and at home maintenance your client will see the results they desire, beautiful, healthy nails plus a boost in self-confidence.

 


Categories
Beauty Tips Cosmetics

How To – Mineral Cosmetics

Mineral Makeup……..tips & tricks.

Pure mineral makeup has become popular because it’s less harsh on the skin than other products. But before using this makeup, it helps to have a few tips. Read on to learn how to achieve smoother skin with pure mineral makeup.

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Always cleanse the face first and then apply moisturizer before using mineral makeup. Even individuals with oily skin may experience some dryness and flaking when using this type of makeup. Applying a moisturizer with SPF will make skin look softer and provide protection from the sun.

facial hydrate

Mineral cosmetics now come in a variety of packages.   For light coverage, or a very natural look, use a large brush when applying the makeup, swirl the brush around in a circular motion all over the face until the level of coverage is achieved. For a full coverage, which is best for photographs and special events, use a large round sponge for the main areas of the face and an angle sponge for those delicate areas around the eyes, nose and hair line.

cosmetics

Use a finishing spray. If after applying mineral makeup, your skin still looks dry, apply a moisturizing finishing spray to the skin. This will get rid of that “flaky look” and make skin appear more flawless, and dewy. Simply spritz a large round cosmetic sponge with the finishing spray and then blot gently all over the face.

cosmetics - Copy - Copy

If you have any questions or comments please contact me @ 405-238-3426.  We keep a full range of cosmetics, and skincare in stock to help you with your beauty needs.  Don’t underestimate the power of good skincare, we offer a complete line of facial services, as well as make-up lessons if you need more help.

skincare

Categories
Featured

Welcome to Penny Miller Cosmetology Academy!

Penny Miller Cosmetology Academy is an upscale Beauty college that offers the finest training in cosmetology available for students who are serious about career advancement.

Becoming a cosmetologist can lead to a lucrative career and going to cosmetology school is the first step in the process. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, expected growth in the cosmetology industry will likely surpass many other professions. Cosmetologists are required to become licensed to work in the United States and each state has a board that sets the standards necessary to obtain licensure. We are located in Oklahoma and therefore we work closely with the Oklahoma State Board of Cosmetology to make sure our students are educated in policies and procedures pertaining to Oklahoma Law.

Courses offered in cosmetology school include basic sanitation and hygiene, hair care, nails, waxing, facials and customer service. At Penny Miller Cosmetology Academy we provide kits for our students that include tools they will need for their course. Students are given classroom basics for the first one hundred and fifty hours of their coursework, and then go out onto the floor to perform services for clients, each day they start with Theory Class, and then they start working with clients and mannequins to perfect their services. They are not paid, but can accept tips during their practical service hours, and they gain experience in all aspects of the course they have chosen.
Categories
Featured

Information from the U.S. Dept. of Labor

Cosmetology Career Opportunities …

The following definitions and growth statements originated with the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Cosmetologists provide beauty services, such as shampooing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair. They may advise clients on how to care for their hair, straighten hair or give it a permanent wave, or lighten or darken hair color. Additionally, cosmetologists may train to give manicures, pedicures, and scalp and facial treatments; provide makeup analysis; and clean and style wigs and hairpieces.

Estheticians exclusively provide skin care and treatment. Manicurists and pedicurists, called nail technicians, work exclusively on nails and provide manicures, pedicures, coloring, and nail extensions to clients.

In addition to their work with clients, cosmetologists, nail technicians and estheticians are expected to maintain clean work areas and sanitize all work implements. They may make appointments and keep records of hair color and permanent wave formulas used by their regular clients. A growing number actively sell hair products and other cosmetic supplies. Those who operate their own salons have managerial duties that include hiring, supervising, and firing workers, as well as keeping business and inventory records, ordering supplies, and arranging for advertising.Overall employment of cosmetologists, estheticians and nail technicians is projected to grow equally as fast as the average for all occupations through 2012, because of increasing population, incomes, and demand for personal appearance services. In addition to those arising from job growth, numerous job openings will arise from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations, retire, or leave the labor force for other reasons. As a result, job opportunities generally should be good.

Our Educators attend special on site training with several professional companies, and hair shows to help stay on top of the latest trends and newly released and reformulated products, then they bring this information back to the academy to share with the students.


Hands on education is always the best in Cosmetology Training.                            

Categories
Hair

What’s New in Beauty?

Here are five of the latest haircuts and colors Hot in Hollywood! 

As you can see colors are deep, rich and very vibrate.  Tones can be both cool or warm, but the shine and health of the hair is vital to ensure the vibrancy.

 

VERY SHORT HAIR: Milla Jovovich

Sure, this asymmetrical undercut isn’t for everybody, but it’s a stunning option for the client who wants to stand out from the crowd. Solid Color with a deep rich chocolate brown. Who should try it: It’s best for a strong, independent woman who is looking to cut her hair off and keep with trends.

 

 

SHORT HAIR: Cameron Diaz
Cameron’s short layered bob is fresh and fun with lots of movement. In short, it’s an idyllic summer look and one that clients from all walks of life are drawn to. Beautiful Soft Summer blonde with highlights and lowlights.  Best on women with square and oval face shapes.

 

 

 

SHORT HAIR: Ali Larter 
A clean, asymmetrical bob screams elegance and edge. This look is a good option for the client that wants to go shorter “but not too short!” Leaving the length around the face makes the client feel as though her hair is still long. Haircolor is a Honey blonde with golden blonde lowlights.

 

 

MIDLENGTH HAIR: Olivia Wilde 
This textured, collar bone-length bob and soft fringe is an essential summer style. It’s a great look for the everyday woman.Who should try it: Anyone! This cut can be adapted to any face shape. Color is Ombre’ – Rich deep golden brown with golden highlights for a tone on tone effect.

 

 

 

LONG HAIR: Taylor Swift 
Who says long hair has to be lifeless? Taylor’s angled, lengthy layers look summertime cool with a soft, eye-skimming fringe. Adding a fringe to a long cut is a great way to update a style without doing anything too drastic. Taylor’s color is a light golden brown with soft golden highlights. 


 

 

 Hot – Trendy – Fun Colors from Pravana!   Color Splashes are a great accent for deep dark tones in the hair.  Bold can be Very Beautiful!  

Hot New Color Splashes are all the Rage for Summer! Model wearing Wild Orchid and Violet on a dark base.

Using the Right Products are most important to maintain these new fun colors, see our professionals for our recommendations for your specific hair type and color!

Categories
Featured

Hot Product

Quick Curl….

What can we say about this product?  We use it on almost every client that walks in the door!

Quick Curl  is a wonderful styling aid used to protect the hair from any heat appliance, blow dryer, hood dryer, curling iron, flat iron, hot rollers, & even pin curls for those “new retro looks”.  It gives you added styling control with a little extra “starch” to help hold the look in place until it fully cools.  This helps ensure that the style stays longer, stronger and better.  You can add extra volume to the hair by spraying it at the base or “root area” of the hair before you blow dry or you can get simple end curls and flips by just adding it to the hair ends.   It is an all purpose styling tool that works on all types of hair!   WE LOVE, LOVE, LOVE QUICK CURL!

Categories
Featured

Specials

Quick Curl Special : 8 oz. Regular price $ 8.96  Now only 5.96!  Limited time only!

16 oz. Regular price $ 14.96 Now only 10.96 ! Hurry Limited Supply!

Quick Curl – Thermal Protect Spray will help you to style your hair with ease, while protecting your hair from heat of your thermal irons, blow dryers and hot rollers.  Use while blow styling for added volume and lift, or prior to flat iron, curling iron or rollers for added strength and protection.