Dancing on the Water

This Native American inspired shoot was created by Matthew very early in his hair career. After several years of thought, prep and design Matthew thought it was time to execute his idea. Starting with the location of the shoot and down to the accessories, the MCS team came together and hand picked every detail. He wanted to incorporate a very vital piece of North Georgia into this project and thats where the thought of shooting on Lake Lanier came to be. The scenery played a big role in pulling together the look that was envisioned for 'Dancing on the Water'.  

The models were each given a certain look that would be brought to life by the stylists. The outfits, the hair and the makeup were carefully selected and formulated to be as unique,  beautiful and creative as possible. Maggie Turner, our brilliant photographer did a magnificent job at combining the background of the natural landscape with the models and their costumes. Every detail was revised by Maggie and Matthew to make sure it was immaculate. Matthew's & Co. Salon created several hair pieces, haircuts and hair colors specifically to bring the vision to life. Several hours were put in by the stylists to make sure each style was perfectly crafted. This photo shoot has looks from different Native American tribes... From the local southeastern tribe "Cherokee", to the "Sioux" from the Midwest, to the "Aztec" from Mexico. All tribes were very inspirational in this creation and Matthew wanted to pay homage to all the Native American tribes and what they represent. 

With the help of the MCS team, models, and  photographer, 'Dancing on the Water' was created! Please goto our gallery to checkout all the amazing pictures from the shoot!!

Love Is In the Hair

What makes MCS different?!

I'm sure you keep asking your neighbors, friends, and coworkers where they get their hair done and continuously keep hearing about this Matthew's & Co. place. You may be wondering, what in the world is so special about that place?? We are here to break down how we love to go above and beyond for each and every one of our clients!

First and foremost customer service will always be our number one priority. We think that booking an appointment should always be made easy, that's why we are available 24/7 for online appointment request and why we always have a guest relations representative on the phone during our hours of operation.

During your service you will always be offered Matthew's Rituals... These rituals consist of homemade Brown Bag Trail Mix and sweets made by Matthew's mother. Along with a variety of beverages that include water, soda, Gatorade, coffee, tea and on Wednesdays we even serve complimentary wine! Every client will receive an outstanding five minute scalp massage to take away all of your day to day stress. As if that's not enough, during your process time you'll be given a warm aromatherapy neck wrap to loosen the tension while you  enjoy a hand healing treatment showcasing Matthew's "Healing Oil". 

Now that your completely relaxed we will introduce you to our products formulated specifically for the south. Matthew has designed a specific product line to target every hair type, without breaking the bank. If you live in the south, we don't even need to explain how important it is to have products formulated to fight frizz. With that being said,  90% of our products have anti-humectants infused within them. Come in and let us guide you to which one works best for you and how you can protect your investment.

As any hairstylist will tell you, our job is never a regular 9-5 schedule. We work non-stop to continuously give back to not only our clients but also our community. At least once a month the Matthew's & Co. staff gets together for continuous education to bring the hottest new trends to you.. We have participated in events all over the world!! From Artego Hair shows in Rome, Italy to advanced cutting classes under the world's best haircutters ZGAT.  When were not learning new things to bring back behind the chair were figuring out ways to use what we have to give back to our community. We have been blessed to give haircuts to the homeless multiple times in our area and continue to do so. When our kind hearted clients decide they want to donate hair to kids, we go through a company called Wigs For Kids. We decided to switch from other groups for many reasons broken down in a previous blog, check it out! Another topic that we feel very passionately about is giving back to the local school systems. At Matthew's & Co. Salon we choose to sponsor all sports and extracurricular activities that go on throughout Hall county schools.

Hairdressing to us has always been more than just cutting and coloring hair and sending clients on their way. At Matthew's & Co. we become so deeply connected to our clients that yall become apart of our family. From when you walk in the door until the time you leave you will notice how our entire team is constantly working together  and enjoying each others company while all stylist choose to interact with everyones clients. This is a group of professionals that want to continue to grow our family so what are you waiting for? Book your appointment and get the experience of a lifetime!! Come see what the whole town has been talking about!! 

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Why the Words "Box Dye" Actually Makes Your Stylist Cringe!

Its a new year and well, you're ready for a big hair change! Your stylist is booked for the next three weeks, and just out of the corner of your eye you catch a glimpse of that oh-so-trustworthy box of hair dye. I mean, Beyoncé is on the cover so it has to be good! In the long run your stylist is just totally over charging you, right?!

FALSE! 

While your stylist are at work to make a living and provide for themselves and their families,  there is a reason you pay what you pay at a salon. We don't just cringe at the words "box dye" because it means maybe we wont be able to pay the bills this month. We cringe because we look down and see gorgeous healthy hair that could be chewed up and made into straw all because you wanted to save a couple bucks. Not to mention the time and effort it will take to get the unwanted tones, and bands of color out of your hair, when you come back and tell us what you've done at home.

Lets break down just a few of the differences between box dyes versus professional color.

Professional color: breaks through the hair cuticle to deposit large color molecules where the natural melanin lives. These molecules become dominate because they are larger than your natural melanin.

Box dyes: Simply stain the proteins on the hair, changing their chemical make up. Sure it may seem shiny the first day, but wait for that color to rinse out with each shampoo leaving a busted cuticle with practically no protein left blowing in the wind.

Professional color: are mixed according the individual in the chair. So when you tell your stylist you want a Ashy or chocolate brown, you end up with exactly that. The developer used in mixing your color is also picked based on the integrity and strength of YOUR hair, not the client next to you.

Box dyes: are like picking 'one size fits all' pants, and we're not talking about leggings ladies. So when you pick up a Ashy or chocolate brown box to cover your blonde hair, don't be surprised when you get out of the shower with green or red hair. On top of that, box dyes only use the strongest hydrogen peroxide making sure it can break through the thickest hair cuticle. So to all of our ladies worried about keeping their fine hair in good shape, realize your putting the same chemical on your hair as the lady in the salon chair next to you that said, "can we thin it out a little more". Your hair cant handle the harsh chemicals, leaving you with broken frizzy hair that even your professional flat iron cant smooth.

Professional color: is predictable. When you're ready to go lighter, your stylist will be able to give you a realistic end result because we know the chemical make up of your hair and because we know how many times color has been applied from roots to ends.

Box dyes: are completely unpredictable. For starters, if your applying your color at home chances are you're doing ALL of your hair every single time. All that is doing is refilling the cuticle, breaking down more protein bonds and adding another layer of dye onto your hair. It wont just magically disappear because the color itself has faded. So when you finally realize what you've put your hair through, your stylist cant just wave their magic wand and make it all better. Chances are you'll be left with a stunning shade of tangerine.

Don't start your year off with a hair tragedy in the making. Hair coloring is a commitment! Make sure you have the time and money to invest when wanting a change. If you're unsure if you're ready to make a big change book a consultation with your stylist. We always give the honest truth, because its our art walking around the town.

Call 770-967-9333 or Click BOOK NOW to make a consultation appointment!

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Hottest Fall Trends of 2015

Whenever fashion trends change, the hair industry is right there changing with it. As we all know the best part about fall is wrapping up in our big comfy sweaters, leggings, a scarf,  and of course the cutest new ankle boots. The 'low maintenance' look that looks like we spent all day planning it. Easy going fashion is this seasons thing, we're here to let you know the same goes for your hair.

Kick summer color to the curb

On your drive to work notice the leaves changing from green to their perfect blend of rich coppers and browns. A change in color is the easiest way to get yourself prepared for the chilly weather we've already gotten a little taste of. This year we will be seeing a slight change in everyone's favorite ombre trend.  Were changing into a much softer, natural flow of colors. "Lived in hair"  is a darker natural root with a flow of contrasting colors and dimension using chocolate brown, chestnut brown, warm golds and red tones.

This style is perfect for all natural hair colors. As we all know blondes are the ones who don't adapt to change as easily as the rest of us, but that doesn't mean you should be scared to try something new. Keeping the blonde around the front face pieces is key, while darkening up your base the slightest amount and adding the bronze undertones. This will give you the perfect fall change.

As a brunette you will start to see a combination of red and gold tones softly intertwining throughout your loose curls. The key to making a few of these strands 'POP' is to keep a cooler toned  brown lowlight directly under the highlight.

Redheads will be able to pick between going on the blonde side, or the copper side. If you're having trouble deciding look at the underlying pigment of the skin tone. If red, stick to coppers. If yellow, stick to blonde.

To cut or not to cut, that is the question..

Were not here to tell you short hair or long hair is "in" because not one style will show off every clients features. However, we've been noticing blunt cuts making quite a few appearances all over. Luckily for all of our flowery branch family, Matthew just trained under the best precision hair cutters in the world ZGAT (@ZGAT_MM on Instagram) and brought it back for all of our talented stylist to get a little taste.

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Styling & Profiling

We're still keeping it simple and easy when it comes to styling. The hottest thing right now are tousled curls. The one way were going to change from your every day look is to go up one curling iron size than normal. (If you use a 1 inch switch to a 1 1/4 inch) Doing so will create a "messy curl" that will allow you to rock it for multiple days! When curling you want to make sure the curls are going away from the face, allowing it to show off your new color while opening your face and brightening your eyes. The final step is to run your hands through the curls, have fun with it and remember they aren't suppose to be perfect!

Products, Products, Products

• Gel mousse- medium hold. Apply to mid shaft and ends while hair is damp. This will give the curl more texture to hold on to.
• Pump, pump it up- light hold root booster. Apply to roots only while hair is damp. It gives the perfect amount of boost without giving you pageant queen hair. 
• Dry Conditioner- Apply small amounts to dry hair before curling. It helps enhance the shine of your hair showing off the vibrancy of your new Artego color line color. 
• Hold on Hairspray- Medium hold hair spray allowing the curls to stay in place through the day without the crunchy feeling.

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Crimpin Aint Easy!

Being stylists behind the chair we often hear, "Can you style my hair in a soft wave?" Normally what is given is a bigger, broken up curl. As artist we like to put a twist on our work, so we had one of our stylist, Ashley, make a quick video on how to use a 'deep waver'. Below we will break up step by step on which products to use and the best way to section to get the waved look! 

Before the video:

Ashley shampooed and conditioned with our Matthews & co. Silk protein shampoo and conditioner. Next she added Vital complex (a leave in conditioner with UV protectant), Rockin curls styling cream throughout the ends (a smoother and a heat protectant) and Pump, pump it up (a lightweight root lifter)

Step 1:

Section out hair in 1/8 in. sections. Spray Hold on Hairspray (lightweight, workable hair spray) on each section of hair. Let the hair fully dry before using your deep waver. 

Step 2: 

Pick up the previously sprayed hair begin clamping the deep waver on the root area, hold for 5 seconds, then slide down the hair shaft hold for another 5 seconds (continue working down the hair shaft until you reach the ends) 

Step 3:

Sprinkle oomph (powdered volumizer) throughout the roots to add body and texture. Finish with Dry conditioner for a weightless shine! 

finished product! 

To book future appointments click the home screen and click "BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW". To try out any of the products used in the video click on the home button then click SHOP! 

**Music is artist The Weeknd song real life** 

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How To Help Prevent Lice

With back to school season here, I'm sure that most of our parents have heard the latest "Super Lice" outbreak happening worldwide. Have no fear! Matthews & Co. is here to give you a little information about lice and MOST importantly tips and tricks to make your children less likely to bring these little critters home from school.

Facts about lice:

• The head louse is a tiny, wingless parasitic insect that lives among human hairs and feeds on tiny amounts of blood drawn from the scalp.

• Lice "Nits" are more commonly found. You'll be looking for tiny yellow/brown dots on the scalp. They are lice eggs.

• Nits look like dandruff, only they cannot be removed by brushing.

• They are spread VERY easily between head to head contact.

• Lice prefer clean hair.

Ways to Prevent: 

• Every person in a house hold should have their own combs and brushes.

• Do not share hats, hair bows, brushes, head scarves with any other person.

• Stay away from sand boxes, lice can actually live up to 24 hours in sand.

• Using the right shampoos, Matthews & co. Sulfate-free Keratin Therapy and our Peppermint Clean shampoos and conditioners will be your best bet.  

• Applying Matthews & co. Vital Complex into wet hair will also help prevent due to the amount of coconut oil added.

• CHECK WEEKLY for lice!

That sums up the basics about lice and the best way to prevent them! Inform your children about not sharing anything related to the head while in school, and do consistent checks! Most importantly DO NOT go to a salon if you have lice because of how easily it can be spread. Feel free to call your hair salon or doctor’s office for any additional information. Lice is a common thing, do not panic if you or your children have it just go to your local store and pick up a bottle of lice shampoo!

Like always thanks for reading, please follow us on our social media sites! 

How You Should Be Using Your Hair Mask!

With the end of summer rapidly approaching, many of you guys may have started to notice the ends of your hair becoming dry. The Pinterest lover in you searches 'DIY Hair Masks', you find yourself in the kitchen making a giant concoction of the ingredients you just read. We're here to help you understand how different types of hair mask work and proper ways to use them. 

How to apply a hair mask: 

• Always use the treatment after shampooing. Using shampoo first will break down any build up in the hair, allowing the mask to fully penetrate and focus on the areas that need the extra love.  

• Only apply mask from the mid to ends of the hair. Normally the only part of your hair that will need extra attention will be from the midshaft down. Doing so will allow your hair to still have body in the roots the next day! 

• Comb the product through thoroughly. Doing this will allow the product to have an even consistency all over, leaving no spot over or under moisturized. 

How long should the treatment be left on? 

Next is the tricky part, everyone thinks the only way a mask is beneficial is to sleep over night with the product in the hair, that's not the case. Depending on your hairs texture and level of damage will change the type of treatment and time of the treatment.

Protein Treatment

(Argan Oil Restorative Hair Mask) 

5-10 Minutes 

• Leaving the treatment on for 5 minutes if you have fine, or not so damaged hair that just needs a pick me up. Leave the treatment on for up to 10 minutes if you have thick, over processed hair.
• Do not leave on the hair for any longer than 10 minutes. When using protein treatments leaving the product on longer can actually make the hair more damaged and give it that "fresh spaghetti" feel. 

Hydrating Treatments 

(Smooth-e)

20-overnight

• Treatments are only beneficial for the first 20 minutes, there is no harm in leaving the product on for longer periods of time.
• Products should be used after shampooing and conditioning the hair. 
• Products can be beneficial for smoothing during blow drying. 

Oil treatments 

(Healing Oil/ French Argan Oil) 

30 minutes- over night

• Focus oils on the ends of your hair only, this will prevent the roots of your hair from being too heavy to style. 
• Product can be mixed with a shampoo for a quick smooth look.
• Product can be slept in over night for full benefit and shampooed out in the morning. 

For any more questions feel free to walk in and ask a stylist which treatment would be best for your hair, and keep an eye out for product being sold online COMING SOON! -XO MCS staff. 

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MCS Makes Change to Wig For Kids

Matthew's & Co. Salon has decided to make a big change for the salon, community and for children around the united states. After much research, the MCS staff came together and decided to switch the company we send our donated hair to. We now support the Wigs For Kids Non-profit organization.  As hairstylists, we wanted a company we could be positive our clients donated hair would actually benefit children in need without a catch. Being able to change one persons appearance is an amazing feeling, but being able to also benefit children in need is beyond rewarding. Below are a couple reasons why MCS chose Wigs for Kids and more information on requirements to donate! 

• Wigs for kids is a Non-profit organization

When most people decide to donate their hair, they do not realize how many other companies actually make the majority of families receiving the hair, pay for the hair. At MCS we are big in giving back in any way we can, and were so happy to have found a company who can help us complete out mission. 

• Each prosthesis is hand-tied and is made completely from human hair

If you guys have ever tried on a wig in the Halloween store, you have felt what a NON hand tied, NON human hair wig feels like. With having a hand tied wig, this allows the kids in need to have a wig that looks and feels natural. Wearing wigs made with such care won't make a difference in the daily activities  such as playing on the play ground, participating in sports, or just being an active child.

Requirements for donations:

• Hair must be a minimum of 12 inches
• Hair cannot be chemically processed or colored
• Natural color or highlights that wash out are accepted
• We do not accept gray hair
• Hair must be completely dry before mailing
• Please send hair that is clean

The link below will connect you to the Wig For Kids website where you can look up more awesome information about the company. For any further information on donating through our salon please contact us at 770-967-9333. 

www.wigsforkids.org 

Follow us on social media! - XO MCS staff 

Welcome Our Three Newest Products

Matthew's & Co. wants to welcome in our three newest products; Gel Mousse, Rockin cream and Dry Conditioner! These products will give your hair the ability to have multiple styles. For those of you who have used any of our products may have noticed that these products are formulated especially for the south! Meaning, if you are looking for a humidity resistant product you're in the right spot! Read below to understand a little more about these products and to see which one will be the next addition to your hair product cabinet. 

Gel Mousse

Gel mousse is THE perfect product for all hair types!

1. Natural curls: Using a quarter size amount will give a little extra texture and life back into your beautiful curls, without the dry crunch 80's style perm look!  
2. Thin fine hair: Adding a dime size amount will put life back into your hair. Gel mousse will give you the perfect amount of volume and texture making the hair shaft appear more full. 
3. Thick full hair: Using a quarter size in your long thick locks will give the perfect amount of movement in your hair. It allows your hair to have more texture, letting the round brush do its job and add movement and volume without it falling the second your blow out is complete. 

This product should always be used on wet hair and evenly distributed throughout the hair, using a Wet Brush! 

Rockin Cream

Rocking cream has totally taken over all of the MCS staffs hearts. This has become the salon's favorite blow out balm.  Adding just a dime size amount on wet hair leaves the hair with a soft, silky and shiny blow out.  Luckily for all hair types this product IS also a thermal protectant, meaning it will help preserve your color treated hair and reduce damage from the blow dryer, flat irons and curling irons. 

Dry Conditioner

Dry conditioner is the perfect way to add shine without weighing  your hair down with oils. Being a thermal protectant and humidity resistant product, you can add this product wet or dry. SMALL amounts of this dry conditioner is all you will need. This product is perfect for all hair types. 

MCS's favorite way to use dry conditioner: 

1. Towel dry hair and add a blow out cream (Smooth-e) 

2. Blow dry hair 100% with a round brush 

3.Add small amounts of dry conditioner to ends for each section of the hair

4. Use flat iron/curling iron to enhance the maximum amount of shine. 

That sums up the latest Matthew's & Co.  products, stop in and try them out! -XO MCS staff 

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Behind the Scenes with a Professional Stylist!

As stylist behind the chair, we hear all the time questions and statements along the lines of  "You guys are speaking a different language" or "Wow, there's a lot more behind doing hair than just 'coloring' or just 'cutting' someone's hair?".  For this week's blog our stylist team decided to break down the steps of what goes on in our head as you sit in our chairs to be pampered. Our Master stylist, Trish, decided to demonstrate a common service done in the salon (partial highlight with base color) on her wonderful client, Debbie. 

Step 1: Breaking the Base

As seen in the 'Before' picture located above, our client started with a much darker natural hair color, and ended with a beautifully toned highlighted blonde. The way her base color was achieved way by first 'breaking the base'. Doing this allowed stylist, Trish,  to lighten her natural color prior to highlighting, giving her a lighter canvas to work with, while letting the client's hair pull to a natural tone without leaving a line of demarcation or leaving the hair damaged.  

Step 2: Highlighting 

When highlighting, the stylist determines the best formula for the client. Many factors come into formulating such as the condition of the client's hair and how light or dark the client desires. 

Step 3: Foiling pattern

If you have ever had your hair highlighted in more than one salon you might have noticed those crazy looking foils going in every direction. Have you ever wondered why every colorist doesn't use the exact same pattern on your hair?  Many things factor into which placement is chosen. (hair length, natural look, more dramatic looking highlights) Stylist, Trish, picked a very natural look highlighting technique, allowing her client to be able to pull it up in a pony tail with out getting the stripey affect, while also giving a very soft grow out in between appointments. 

Step 4: Toning 

Toning is used to correct any unwanted tone left in the hair at the shampoo bowl. In this service Trish decided to use the blueberry Artego color shine mask. This is a BLUE mask tones out any yellow, brassy tones and leaves the hair smelling like fresh picked blueberries.  

Step 5: Blow drying with product

Trish decided to use our Matthews & Co. 'Rockin' Cream.' This product is thermal safe and adds a little hold and body while adding shine and hydration to the hair.  Debbie just wanted a soft natural looking blow out so this one product took care of all of her needs. Trish used a round brush and flipped out the ends of her hair, while pulling out an unwanted curl.

Step 6: Trim

When preforming any chemical service we always recommend to keep up with your haircuts, so your hair is not left damaged! Trish decided to do a dry trim, since she was taking off very minimal length and shaping up her previous haircut. This trim allowed Debbie to leave with fresh ends and no splint ends! 

-XOXO MCS Staff

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That sums up the "Behind the scenes with a professional stylist" blog of the week. Thanks everyone for reading, we love feedback on the blogs and would love to answer any questions you guys have! Please follow us on our social media networks! 

Quick steps to re-create your pro blow out!

As we all know there are many different techniques to style your hair, from the blow drier to your hot tools (curling iron, flat iron, deep waver etc.)  This will be a little step by step way to speed up the time of styling while also giving you the 'just stepped out of the salon' look every morning! 

Step 1: Choose the Right Products

The start the every good style out is choosing the right products. No matter what texture your hair is you should always start out with a leave in conditioner and heat protector.

Step 2: Application

Next step is applying a root booster lightly around the top section. Once all your products have been applied and evenly distributed (brushed through the hair evenly) you are ready to start blow drying. 

Step 3: Power Dry

When blow drying you should always power dry your hair to about 80-90 percent dry, this means quick blow dry with out using a brush. While power drying make sure to focus on the roots first, doing so will allow the water to travel down the hair shaft evenly reducing frizz.

Step 4: Sectioning

Next, you're ready to start sectioning, we suggest investing in multiple clips and pre-sectioning the entire head from the beginning. Always start from the nape of the neck and work your way up, leaving the middle (mohawk section) for last, keeping wet hair separated from dry hair will also reduce frizz.

The part where most all clients get confused is using the round brush. The easiest way to get comfortable is by rotating the nozzle of the blow drier (the little attachment we all throw away when we get new blow driers).  Doing this will prevent you from twisting your wrist in an uncomfortable position. Pushing your hair in the opposite direction of where you wear it is how you will create your volume.  

Step 5: To Hot or Not

Once all of your hair is completely dry you can then decide to use a hot tool or just complete the look with a finishing product! 

*image by Flickr

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Welcome to the Matthew's & Co. Blog

Welcome to our new blog! Here you will get a glimpse at what a day in the life of our salon is really like. We will share funny hair memes, dramatic before and after images of REAL clients, and the latest promotions and upcoming events. Check back frequently for the latest updates!

*image by Elena Kalis, Flickr

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