Monica McGarry, a cosmetology graduate from Empire Beauty School Tucson, AZ, has been named one of six national winners of the 2025 Sports Clips Battle of the Hair Contest. As part of her victory, McGarry received an all-expenses-paid trip to San Antonio, TX to attend the Sport Clips National Huddle in May 2025.
McGarry’s journey into cosmetology was a calling years in the making. From experimenting with hair and makeup for her sister’s wedding to making the bold decision to enroll in beauty school, she followed her passion with determination.
One unforgettable day at school, she received the surprise of a lifetime while doing what she loved most- working on a client.
“I was coloring my client’s hair when I heard people looking for me. Miss Tracy comes over to me asking how my client was doing. I turned around and there they were with flowers and balloons telling me I won the Sports Clips Battle of the Hair competition. I was so excited. We took a bunch of pictures and they told me I was going to San Antonio, Texas. It was the best day,” said McGarry.
McGarry was allowed to bring an educator with her to the event. She chose Renee Bowen, an educator at Empire Tucson, AZ.
“I chose my educator Renee because we immediately connected. I felt like every time I needed help, she really helped me. She’s so patient, kind, and she keeps it real. She pushes us to be better. That was helpful for me because she didn’t baby us. I feel like she is a very good person, and I needed someone I felt comfortable with. If I felt stressed, I could go to her.”
Bowen expressed how proud she was to be part of the experience, saying:
“I’ve had the pleasure of being Monica’s educator, as well as accompanying her on the trip of a lifetime—in the twenty years I’ve been a cosmetologist, I’ve yet to have such an adventure! Our trip was a great balance of fun, as well as educational. It still feels surreal I got to attend, as it was truly Monica’s hard work and dedication to her craft that got us there. If you ask her, she will more than likely have a demure response inferring that without her educator’s instruction, she wouldn’t have had the confidence; but that is Monica in a nutshell. A multifaceted young woman who is as genuine and humble as she is talented. And she is, in fact, very talented.”
In a full-circle moment, McGarry is now working with Sports Clips.
“I applied to Sports Clips and told them about the contest. The regional manager was excited and said she was looking for me at the Huddle event. They were so welcoming and they have ongoing education programs. They were open to me being there and working right away. They let me come in to shadow people doing haircuts. They even let me go to different locations to watch people do different haircuts and pick their brains,” said McGarry.
McGarry made a lasting impression during her time at Empire Beauty School- not just for her creativity and talent, but for her leadership and compassion.
“Monica has the biggest heart of gold, as a class president, she was the light in the lives of quite a few students—both celebrating and making fun moments for her peers, to helping fundraise for some of their personal tragedies. She excelled in all her modules, and left herself open to the creative process, which left her often even surprising herself with what she could do. Monica is our first Battle of the Hair winner Empire has produced, and I was more than honored to accompany her and share a part of her journey. I’m more than certain, though this is the first of her achievements, this certainly won’t be the last for this talented young lady. She is an inspiration to her peers, very much including myself, as well. I couldn’t be any more proud of her for representing our school,” said Renee Bowen, Empire Beauty School educator.
At Empire Beauty School, we’re here to support you through every high and low- celebrating your wins and standing by you through the challenges. For McGarry, that support came in the form of a tight-knit group of students.
“I made best friends in beauty school. It was something I was open to but not looking for directly. Right away, I felt like I clicked with a group of people. It was amazing. There is nothing like being supported by a group of women. It’s so inspiring to see them achieve their dreams. We give each other advice from our own perspectives in Cosmetology but also in life,” shared McGarry.
Though she completed her cosmetology program, her schooling does not end there. McGarry is fortunate to have several passions that she plans to make careers out of.
“I used to go to school for special elementary education, which is near and dear to my heart. I love teaching and being a safe place for people. My plan is to finish school 5-10 years from now. I want to be a Cosmetologist as a side job. Both of these careers are something I’ve always talked about and I’m very passionate about them,” said McGarry.
Your time as a beauty school student is a transformative one. We love seeing the growth in each of our students. McGarry discusses how she evolved during her schooling.
“I used to be a very closed-off person. Throughout beauty school, I learned to be much more open and get out of my comfort zone. I feel like networking has been super hard for me, but once I got the groove of it I thought it was nice. I’ve learned to be more open and to let people in my life. I learned to not let anxiety ruin my life. Anxiety has ruined my life before and now it’s not. I am super thankful for my educators at Empire and Lesha, the Executive Director. They have been so great to me during my time there. I’m grateful for the friends I made. I am grateful my husband made it as much of a goal of his as it was mine,” said McGarry.
For those hesitant about putting yourself and your work out there, McGarry shares her advice.
“You are the person who is holding you back. If someone is holding you back, they do not need to be in your life. You have one life, live it how you want to. The what-ifs are scary, you have to talk yourself down. You have to do the things you are unsure about. You don’t know if you will like something until you do it. Try it, stick it out, give it a good chance. If you’re scared, make the jump, do it, and tell someone you can trust so they can push you. There is no harm in trying,” said McGarry.
Monica, congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment. You are an inspiration to those following in your footsteps. We are so proud of you!
For more information about Empire Beauty School, or how to enroll visit https://bit.ly/LearnMoreAtEmpire
The post Student Spotlight: Monica McGarry appeared first on Empire Beauty School.
We are proud to celebrate Makayla Smith, a May 2025 graduate of the Cosmetology program at Empire Beauty School in Jackson, TN. Throughout her time at Empire, Makayla showed dedication, passion, and determination as she worked toward her goals. Her commitment to completing the program and building a future in the beauty industry is an inspiring example of perseverance.
Originally from South Carolina, Makayla chose to pursue her beauty education at Empire Beauty School in Jackson, TN. While her journey included challenges that interrupted her time as a student, she remained focused and determined to finish what she started. Makayla describes her experience as motivational, eye-opening, and a long time coming, and she is proud to be a graduate of Empire Beauty School.
Smith discovered her love for hair at an early age and surrounded herself with friends who shared her passion for beauty.
“At a very young age, I realized I had a passion for hair. I used to always do my hair for school. I would change my hairstyle weekly. As I got older, I wanted to further pursue that passion by practicing with my friends. They told me I should go to beauty school, and it went from there. It’s helpful to have friends in the same field as you. If I have questions, I can always talk to them and they will help me out,” said Smith.
Clarissa Byars, Executive Director of Empire Beauty School Jackson, shares:
“It has been a great honor to have Makayla Smith as a student. She has proven that through perseverance and hard work, ‘the sky’s the limit’. Although she had some bumps in the road along the way, she never stopped. She has shown her classmates what hard work and determination can do for you. She exemplifies what a true professional Cosmetologist should look like. I am so excited to see what’s ahead for her and her future.”
At Empire Beauty School, we strive to create a supportive learning environment that welcomes students from all backgrounds and experiences. For Smith, the Empire community had a powerful and positive impact.
“I love everything about Empire Beauty School. Before I went there, my mental health wasn’t in the best place. Now that I completed the course, I feel like I’m in a whole new headspace. I look at things in a more positive light and I feel more excited. It has been so helpful for me. The educators are very helpful and focused on your mental health. They definitely care about you. When I got to the enrichment class, I had an educator who told us how we can really make something special with this career. She opened my eyes and I looked at things from a different perspective,” said Smith.
During her journey, Smith’s family decided to relocate back to South Carolina. However, their plans were disrupted when Hurricane Helene devastated the Carolinas, creating unexpected challenges.
“When I-40 was collapsing, I was on the road. The chaos was really bad, it scared me. It felt like doomsday. It made me more determined to finish out my goal. I took the time to reevaluate myself. I came back 10 times stronger,” said Smith.
When asked about considering other schools, Smith shared that she felt the strongest support at Empire Beauty School.
“When I went back to South Carolina to inquire about other schools, it was nothing like Empire. I was talking to the staff about my experience and time in school, they weren’t ready to work with me. It was nothing like being at Empire. At Empire, I felt wanted. Jackson was the better fit for me,” shared Smith.
Though her journey had some obstacles, Smith stayed focused on graduating and becoming a licensed Cosmetologist.
“This means the world to me. I have been pushing off doing this for a while. My heart is definitely in this, I wanted to do it for so long. It feels like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I am ready to elevate and get to the next level. I am excited to see what is in store for me next. I feel very happy. I was emotional graduating, but I was happy. This was a huge goal I set for myself. I’m not stopping here,” said Smith.
Looking ahead, Smith is determined to grow, elevate her skills, and make her mark in the beauty industry through continuous learning.
“I hope to work with a salon, with a good mentor to show me the ins and outs of managing a salon. My long-term goal is to be a salon owner. It’ll take time and patience but I will get there. I plan to dominate the beauty industry. I hope to become one of the best stylists there is. I hope I can take this, and elevate, grow, and learn. I like to make people feel beautiful. I love seeing the reaction you get when you spin them around in the chair and they can see the transformation. Their faces light up and they get so happy by changing their hair,” said Smith.
Smith offers valuable advice for balancing school, work, and personal life while pursuing a career in cosmetology.
“Stay grounded. There’s a reason why you started. If you feel in doubt or lost, go back to the reason why you started. That’s what I had to do. Staying consistent is the main thing. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. If your heart’s in it, it’s meant for you,” said Smith.
Makayla’s story is a powerful reminder that determination and passion can overcome any obstacle. We are excited to see her continue to grow and succeed in the beauty industry.
For more information about Empire Beauty School, or how to enroll visit https://bit.ly/LearnMoreAtEmpire
The post Spotlight on Success: Makayla Smith, Jackson Graduate appeared first on Empire Beauty School.
Calpurnia Reed, an educator with 29 years of service at Empire Beauty School in Manhattan, New York, is retiring after a remarkable career dedicated to shaping students’ lives. In 2024, Reed was honored with the Educator of the Quarter award at Empire Beauty School. This recognition is given quarterly to the top educators in each region, celebrating their hard work and commitment to excellence.
Warren Payton, Executive Director at Empire Beauty School in Manhattan, NY, shares his excitement for Reed:
“Ms. Calpurnia Reed has been an amazing educator at the Manhattan Campus since 1995. Her expertise and educational intelligence is unmatched. She has often ranked number one in any educator evaluations done here in Manhattan. She is passionate when it comes to her students receiving top-quality education. Her customer dedication is top-tier. She will stop at nothing to ensure that her classroom is warm and inviting and always conducive to learning. Her students look forward to coming to school every day and they will get upset if she takes a PTO day. Ms. Reed doesn’t just care about the student who is in front of her but also the student who is not present. She will take the time to reach out to those students to ensure them that they are missed and are not taking advantage of a great opportunity to become a licensed professional. Ms. Reed is an impeccable dresser and she always looks professional and is a great role model for her students. Ms. Reed underwent a major health challenge that caused her to be out of work for several months and when she returned, it was full speed ahead; as if she were never gone. Ms. Reed was a proud recipient of Educator of the Quarter which she was very excited to receive. She will be missed beyond measure, the impact that she has made at Empire will never be forgotten. I wish her well in all of her future endeavors.”
Reed expresses her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making her remarkable career possible.
“I appreciate the opportunity to work here and be here for so long. It was a learning experience, and what I learned here, I plan to take with me. I will never forget the 29 years I spent in this building. Empire is a great company to work for. I will miss my coworkers, we have a great relationship. In the mornings we discuss what we are doing for that day, if we have a problem we go to each other, even if we just need to vent. I will miss them the most. I will miss the students too, of course. I learn from the students just as much as they learn from me,” she shares.
Robert Curcio, Regional Senior Director at Empire Beauty School, notes just how irreplaceable and special Reed is.
“Ms. Reed came to Empire by storm and demonstrated the highest levels of commitment to both the Empire Family and her students. Ms. Reed was a leader of leaders, being referenced by others as the Godmother of education. She was a go-to educator who truly understood the execution of the curriculum, having played a part in the analytics of curriculum development in the past while also supporting the state in testing thousands of students over her tenure with Empire. She always moved with such poise and never appeared rattled by always maintaining classroom control ensuring students met expectations and were successful. She flourished in setting the foundation for students having been a part of the pre-salon modules for Empire during the majority of her time and then transitioned into proctor mode at night. Unreplaceable is probably the best word to use when describing her. Overall, Ms. Reed has a huge, kind heart and demonstrates to love working with her surrounding team members and school leadership while always having a positive outlook on things and life.”
Her inspiration to enter the beauty industry came from her older sister, who shared a similar passion.
“As a young girl, I always wanted to be a teacher but I wasn’t sure in what aspect. My sister then started in the beauty industry, so I followed behind her. Growing up, we always did each other’s hair,” Reed shares.
For Reed, the most memorable part is being with her coworkers and students. She finds it meaningful to watch them grow from day one and appreciates when her students return after graduating to share their experiences.
“My coworkers and management are amazing. Student-wise, I enjoy them. I love seeing where our students begin. When they first start, they come in not knowing much. Then you see a 360-degree turn which is exciting. I love watching them understand what I’m teaching them. I enjoy when our students graduate and come back to tell us they are now licensed, speak about their work experience, and talk about their success. About every 3 weeks, we get to meet new students. You always remember them. It Is memorable to see a former student come back as either an educator or an administrator. You don’t forget moments like that,” she says.
Reed offers valuable advice for those considering a career in the beauty industry.
“You have to be humble in this industry. People are not going to hand you anything. They will teach you and you have to be teachable. You must be willing to learn, be professional at all times, and be patient. You are always on stage. Nobody knows it all. If you are teachable, you will be successful. If you think you know everything, then that is a problem because no one can teach you anything. This industry is always evolving. You have to go with the flow,” Reed shares.
As Reed prepares for retirement, she is excited to start the next chapter of her life down in South Carolina.
“My biggest and most exciting plan is building a house in South Carolina. I am excited to decorate my new home and build my life back down in Carolina. My home is my main priority right now.”
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Calpurnia Reed for her years of dedication and service. Her impact on the Empire Beauty School community will be felt for years to come. We wish her all the best in this exciting next chapter.
The post Calpurnia Reed Retires After 29 Years at Empire Beauty School Manhattan appeared first on Empire Beauty School.
The North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) is the most prestigious in the industry, celebrating talent across the nation in categories such as cutting, color, and texture. NAHA nominee Evie Johnson and NAHA winner Jamal Edmonds offered a once-in-a-lifetime mentorship opportunity for two Empire Beauty School students, supporting them in navigating NAHA. In this article, we shed light on the accomplishments of Evie and Jamal, the exclusive mentorship, and how it impacts the success of our future beauty professionals.
Evie and Jamal are close friends, which has been central to their success. Both are accomplished professionals with deep expertise in textured hair, education, and creative styling. Evie is a certified trichologist, salon owner, platform stylist, and educator with a specialty in hair shaping and treatment. Jamal is a Mizani educator, NAHA finalist and winner, and a colorist/texture expert. Evie Johnson is a multiple-time NAHA nominee and Jamal Edmonds won the 2022 NAHA award for Texture.
Empire Beauty School had the opportunity to host a Mizani Mentorship Moments session for all school locations, with Evie and Jamal as our featured guests. The purpose of this session was to inspire future beauty professionals and provide hands-on industry insight. Following this session, two Empire Beauty School students from Florence, KY would receive mentorship from Jamal and Evie, preparing them for their own NAHA submissions.
The two talented students selected for this life-changing opportunity are Kristeen Kettelhake and Alyssa Boles. Both are driven, creative, and eager to make their mark in the beauty industry. Their selection for this mentorship is a testament to their commitment and potential.
Kristeen Kettelhake never imagined she would be chosen for such an incredible opportunity.
“My beauty career has grown a lot since starting at Empire. When we met about the mentorship contest. I was excited about it but never thought I would have been selected. When I found out I was selected I was in shock, I called my mom immediately to tell her about it,” she shares.
Kristeen’s mood board reflects her love for nature’s beauty, drawing inspiration from the theme of an enchanted forest.
“There is beauty in nature; it doesn’t matter what season it is, there is always something beautiful. It also shows growth. Nature always changes. In autumn and winter, the plants start dying due to the cold but shortly after, spring and summer come. It reminds me, even though life changes and starts a new season of my life there will always be an opportunity to grow and learn,” Kristeen expresses.
Kristeen hopes to learn new techniques from Evie and Jamal and gain the skills needed to pursue her own NAHA submission in the future.
Alyssa Boles has always had a deep connection to beauty, experimenting with makeup and hair at a young age. Despite the doubts of her peers, she decided to pursue her passion.
“I’ve always loved makeup and hair. In my junior year of high school, I thought about going to Empire to expand my knowledge and become a cosmetologist. However, all of my friends were going to a four-year college. Empire has supported me by giving me the best education. I’ve learned so many things from all my teachers, my first teacher there was Ms. Tuvara and she was the absolute best,” Alyssa shares.
Alyssa’s mood board was inspired by Greek mythology, showcasing the strength, grace, and power of goddesses like Athena, Aphrodite, and Artemis.
“I’ve always loved mood boards and vision boards. I’ve never had good luck, so I didn’t even think I’d win! But when I got the email, I was ecstatic, I instantly had to tell everyone I knew. I’ve loved Greek mythology since I was in elementary school because of Percy Jackson. And goddesses are the epitome of beauty, what better way to show off a woman’s beauty than to represent them with different goddesses? Each goddess has a role, Athena is wisdom and strength, Aphrodite is beauty and grace, and Artemis is a leader and the queen of night. I wanted to reflect different women with the different goddesses,” she explains.
Alyssa is dedicated to perfecting her craft and expanding her skill set. She is eager to learn about the business and marketing aspects of the beauty world.
“Whether I choose to do hair, nails, or skin, I want to be the best I can be. I plan on taking many notes and documenting a bit of my experience with Evie and Jamal. As I move through schooling and working with clients, I’m doing great work but I’m excited to see and learn behind the scenes. Working with Evie and Jamal will help me feel more confident in myself and my craft. This experience will show how many other opportunities there are for cosmetologists,” she reflects.
This mentorship has a long-lasting impact on our Empire Beauty School students, as it provides them with exclusive insight into the beauty industry. This opportunity will shape their careers as they begin their journey to submitting an entry to NAHA. Students, we encourage you to search for mentorship opportunities as they will guide you toward success. Please reach out to the team at your school for possible opportunities.
For more information about Empire Beauty School, or how to enroll visit https://bit.ly/LearnMoreAtEmpire
The post Navigating NAHA, a Mizani Mentorship with Empire Beauty School. appeared first on Empire Beauty School.
In partnership with Mizani, a select group of Empire Beauty School educators were given the exclusive opportunity to travel to Los Angeles, CA for a one-of-a-kind experience. This experience included a two-day education event at the L’Oréal ProLab, featuring hands-on training, product knowledge, and team-building activities. This opportunity allowed educators to expand their expertise, enhancing their ability to share cutting-edge techniques and industry knowledge with students.
The trip was awarded to educators from schools with the highest Mizani sales across Empire Beauty Schools. The contest also embraced schools that championed launching a new Mizani product line. Educators were selected randomly, giving eligibility to all educators and not only those placed on the salon floor. The educators selected were based on their embodiment of Empire’s Core Values, especially Integrity. They demonstrated leadership when they believed no one was watching.
The educators selected for this trip were: Tierney Gramling in Shamokin Dam, PA; Elianna Stewart in Lebanon, PA; Desarae Dumas in Speedway, IN; Ebony Wilson in Charlotte, NC; Kimberly Rankins in Northlake, GA; Dorothy Madaris in Morrow, GA, and Deborah Wiese in Tucson, AZ.
The L’Oréal ProLab in Los Angeles, California, held from December 6th-8th, 2024, offered two days of customized education, with hands-on training, product knowledge, and exclusive team-building opportunities, including a special dining experience at Manhattan Beach.
Amanda Lucas, Senior Director of Educational Development at Empire Beauty School, had the opportunity to accompany the educators on the trip. She shares:
“This opportunity aligns with our commitment to provide ongoing training and development to our Educators. They not only had hands-on experience, but they also learned the science and ‘why’ behind the products and techniques. It was incredible to see the Educators bond and share so much with each other. It was the first time they met and made great connections, they were able to share best practices and experiences. They were excellent representatives of Empire and displayed the Core Values throughout the entire weekend. They are so excited to share what they learned with their students.”
Each of the seven educators had the opportunity to share their insights and reflections from the trip. Here’s what they had to say about their experience:
Tierney Gramling, Educator at Shamokin Dam, PA:
“For our campus to be acknowledged and to have been given this unique opportunity means so much to me, it’s almost hard to put into words just how grateful and appreciative I am for this amazing chance of a lifetime. I was in good company with my incredible fellow educators. After 20 years of being in this profession, this was an adventure full of firsts for me. I’ve spent the last week really trying to reflect on my unbelievable experience and I’ve walked away from it with so much more: more knowledge, more confidence, and more courage. It was very much an empowering journey from start to finish. I feel I brought a strength back with me that I never had before. Maybe I did, I just hadn’t been able to discover and utilize it until I had this experience. I was able to share the ‘Words Matter-Never/Always’ list with the entire school so we can all work to equip our future generation of stylists with the correct texture terminology. I was able to assist a student stylist with his first silk press, using all the techniques we had been taught that Saturday with Alexander. I was able to share the knowledge and the confidence I had in the products and the procedure with the student which in turn gave him the courage to perform that service and gain the confidence he so deserved when he successfully completed it and saw how happy his client was and how proud I was of him. It has been an absolute honor being a part of this amazing group and experience. When we were told how and why each of us was chosen it was an awe-inspiring moment to know we were part of something so big and so positive. It just reinforced and proved what I already knew was true of my campus, my ED, and my co-workers, as we all lead and inspire by example here. I’d like to extend my appreciation and gratitude to everyone who was a part of making this dream come true.”
Elianna Stewart, Educator at Lebanon, PA:
“Empire has allowed me to continue my education in the field, they offer classes and inform us of opportunities. This trip however has been an unparalleled experience. It has given me a new level of confidence and excitement surrounding the topics discussed. Beyond learning new techniques and refining my skill set, I feel this experience has given me new ways to approach educating my students. It gave me new ways to approach certain topics, and new tools on how to present such information in a way that the students will be able to connect with a lot easier. Most of all, this trip has made me feel like I am part of something greater. I am not a number or a statistic, but a human who is being valued for what they do. This trip helped me to foster new connections, stepped me out of my comfort zone, and expanded my support network.”
Desarae Dumas, Educator at Speedway, IN:
“I absolutely appreciate this great training and education from Mizani. It was one of the most honorable and memorable events I have experienced in my 7 years with the company. The team building was amazing. I met some of the best educators in the company! The overall impact of the content for the trip itself was very well planned and executed by all 3 parties (Empire, Mizani & L’Oreal) who worked together to make this happen. I am so excited to transfer my training and knowledge to my co-workers and the student body here at our Empire Speedway location. Our core values shone as we all were appreciative and sponges to the education given to take back to our peers, students, and beauty culture aboard! I also used many examples from this trip in my EIT class this week to demonstrate leadership, unity, and professional growth for our future educators.”
Ebony Wilson, Educator at Charlotte, NC:
“Empire has supported my professional growth by giving classes via Zoom and in person on product knowledge. During professional development days, I look forward to the hands-on product knowledge that we receive as well. The Prolab experience was so refreshing and helpful. I came back with a better understanding of Mizani products and new techniques. My students loved the knowledge I was able to share. I’m truly excited and thankful!”
Kimberly Rankins, Educator at Northlake, GA:
“This experience has influenced my vision for the future of the school by trusting that the school is choosing the right products to be used by the students. When the Educators are well-educated about the products, it makes it much easier to relay the information to future professionals. They will be with an advanced level of knowledge and skill set on Mizani.”
Dorothy Madaris, Educator at Morrow, GA:
“The opportunity was a great privilege. The skills taught were great to share with our Future Stylists. Product is so very important for a professional to be well-versed in. Sharing the experience and the knowledge given with the students gives them an expanded vision of what can be done in the industry or encourages them to broaden their views of the career field. I’m very thankful and will continue to educate all who come into my space whether class or hallways.”
Deborah Wiese, Educator at Tucson, AZ:
“I’m always open-minded to learning something new but this was THE most amazing learning experience I have ever endured. It completely changed my perspective on textured hair. It raised my awareness of the demand for services in caring for textured hair and also that the majority of people have some sort of texture in their hair. It helped me with the proper terminology when referring to textured hair and the amount of money that can potentially be made. I cannot wait until our next module, which is Chemical Texturizing. I not only plan on creating new lesson plans packed with all this new knowledge, but I also plan on including as many educators as I possibly can to share this information with them as well. I know this trip has changed me in many ways. The confidence I now have when it comes to the subject of textured hair is indescribable. I am confident in my ability to cover all aspects of this subject and I am super excited about sharing it. Now that I have a deeper understanding, I will be able to direct students and answer their questions with confidence. Knowledge is Power! I thank Empire for this life-changing experience!”
This trip was more than just a learning opportunity, it was an immersive experience that allowed educators to refine their craft, explore new techniques, and gain fresh perspectives. As these educators return to Empire Beauty School, they bring back a wealth of knowledge and excitement to share with their students.
The post Empire Educators Empowered by Mizani Training appeared first on Empire Beauty School.
What Are the Best Beauty and Style Tips to Try This July?
If you're looking for simple beauty and style ideas to try this July, you're in the right place. From the skincare box you’ll want to grab before it sells out to smart fashion tips and wardrobe decisions, this week’s roundup covers it all.
Whether you're curious about everyday skincare routines, bold color trends, or the easiest way to update your look, these trusted bloggers share advice that actually works.
The Boxwalla June Beauty Box featuring Nuori Skincare includes a full sized serum and moisturizer that are truly covet-worthy. This Danish beauty brand is extraordinary, and Lola's Secret Beauty Blog recommends ordering a box before they sell out.
Marsha at Marsha in the Middle strongly, okay, sort of agrees on buying multiples of an item that really works for her. It turns out she applies that same idea to seeing a particular play. You may be surprised at which one. Then again, you may not!
Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style invites you to join her, and Shelbee's, monthly series. Each month there is a theme and all you have to do is send a photo, or two, and explain why your wardrobe item is a Good Buy or a Good-Bye. The theme for July is Yellow!
When Angie at Your True Self Blog first explored the many different ways to wear asymmetric skirts, it was a bold new trend. Now, a couple of years later, asymmetry is becoming a classic style of the future . Age doesn’t matter when you blend classic and modern!
Welcome to Skincare 101! In this guide, Barbie's Beauty Bits will answer the question: How can you take care of your skin every day? Taking proper care of your skin is essential not only for its health but also for your overall well-being.
When time and money are short, it pays to do your research on competing beauty tech. Profound uses a long pulse radiofrequency (RF) with real-time temperature and impendance (think hydration) controls. This is very different than all the other RF devices like Morpheus which use short pulse RF. Profound with the long pulse tightens much more than the others. It’s used for the lower face and upper neck, targeting the jowl area and under chin laxity. Complications are temporary and rare.
Ellacor is the relatively new “microcoring” device. It takes actual tiny “biopsies” full thickness all over the skin – hundreds of them. The idea is intuitive, but the results have not been great due to a very high rate of complications. It is also used for the lower face and upper neck area to target the jowls. Complications are fairly frequent and can last a year or more.
The tightening results are similar between the two devices. But sometimes photos really are worth a thousand words. These are untouched, no make up photos of me below. These two procedures were done 1 year apart.
*Some of the old Ellacore discoloration is still present a year later.
I hope this helps,
Brandith Irwin, MD
Founder of SkinTour
Follow my skin tips and travels on Instagram!
The post Healing/Downtime Ellacor vs. Profound Skin Tightening appeared first on Skintour.
I’ve been trying to do due diligence on this device since the company contacted me about a month ago. They have not made this easy and here’s why I’m concerned.
What is it? This is a new way to deliver radiofrequency (RF) into the dermis with possibly less discomfort, less downtime and more reliable results. It’s a patented RF cannula inserted into the skin and then moved under the skin in a fanning motion to create the heat that then tightens the skin.
What’s not to like? Like many marketing campaigns, Reveal (the company who owns this) is not making it easy to figure out if these results are real. The technology is patented by an Italian company and then licensed by Reveal in the U.S. and being sold as Attiva.
After the experience with Ellacor, where complications were very much minimized by the company, we all need to be skeptical, I think.
If anyone knows more, I would love it if you’d communicate with us by calling our clinic at (206) 939-6633 and leaving a message or going on our website and contacting us that way.
I hope this helps, and I would love it if this was real…..but is it?
Brandith Irwin, MD
Founder of SkinTour
Follow my skin tips and travels on Instagram!
The post Attiva Skin Tightening. Real or Hype? appeared first on Skintour.
Yes… my heart goes out to you. Complications from this procedure are numerous now, and may be leading to the company’s demise. If you follow our Instagram, you’ll see more on this at there. The company so far has not been responsive to all the post procedure problems that Ellacor is causing.
One question as you might imagine is ….who pays for fixing the problems that are endemic to this procedure? The doctors certainly don’t want to because they know these weren’t caused by an error on their part individually, but are related to the technology. The company, as far as I know, hasn’t established a fund to pay for things that could be fixed. It’s a problem so far without a good solution.
Good luck to you and I hope this helps!
Brandith Irwin, MD
Founder of SkinTour
Follow my skin tips and travels on Instagram!
The post Update on the Problems with Ellacor Micro Coring Face Tightening appeared first on Skintour.
I have no financial ties to this company and if you’d like to see my photos of me 1 day post procedure, please see our Instagram. The whole science and experience of skin repair and maintenance has changed rapidly in the past 2 decades. It continues to progress. Thermomechanical energy may be a new way to accomplish skin rejuvenation.
All the technologies below rely on energy/heat transfer which then creates a very selective, controlled skin injury that stimulates repair, in a healthy way, to rebuild skin. The key to this is the selective and controlled part! This is true whether it’s a light, sound, or radiofrequency based treatment. Depth matters. More superficial treatments will give more superficial results. Typically, lasers transfer energy/heat and are usually targeted to a “chromophore”.
Generally, it really depends on which autoimmune disease you have. Most lasers are safe with autoimmune disease and some can even help correct problems due to the disease. RF is a little trickier depending again on which disease. Try to find a dermatologist who is experienced in aesthetics who also is board certified in internal medicine. There are quite a few of us.
Lasers and BBL/IPL have been in use for 30 years and are a staple of skin repair and maintenance. They offer consistent performance for wrinkles, redness, flushing, dilated blood vessels, hair removal, acne scars, texture, resurfacing, brown spots, skin tightening, tattoo removal, and more.
Radiofrequency (RF) is newer, but has been used now for about 20 years and continues to improve and evolve. The key to this technology is to distinguish between the different types such as long pulse with microneedling (like Profound) and short pulse with microneedling (more superficial like Morpheus 8, etc.); the older monopolar (like Thermage) and other older bipolar systems.
Each company is trying to come up with something new and better. So far, other than Profound which is deeper and requires injectable numbing, there really isn’t much difference in the results of the radiofrequency or ultrasound based systems. As a result, these technologies offer no or minimal downtime, but also offer minimal results.
Now there is something new, “Tixel”, which is a thermomechanical tech system made in Germany and is now FDA approved here. “Tixel” is delivered through very high heat with a special insulated tip and a longer microsecond pulse than a Co2 laser creates a selective rejuvenating skin injury. The advantage is less discomfort and less downtime. It remains to be seen if it actually creates excellent results. I’ll be researching and reporting on this over the next few months.
I Hope this Helps,
Brandith Irwin, MD
Founder of SkinTour
Follow my skin tips and travels on Instagram!
The post Tixel – New Skintech You May Want to Pay Attention To appeared first on Skintour.
If it’s just moisture you’re looking for around your eyes, then you are right, of course, that moisturizers are fine for that. Remember that the skin around the eye area has almost no oil glands, so it’s particularly susceptible to wrinkling.
But what if we want to prevent loss of elasticity, wrinkles, and over all skin texture of the eye area? Lasers can help for sure, but we’re not going to do those frequently due to the downtime. The key word here is prevention and if you start using an eye cream or two when you’re young, you won’t regret that decision.
There are a lot of good eye creams. Have an eye cream party with your friends and sample 5-6 of them and each rate them. You can even get tiny containers so that everyone can use it for a week or so and then vote!
I Hope this Helps,
Brandith Irwin, MD
Founder of SkinTour
Follow my skin tips and travels on Instagram!
The post Why an eye cream and which one? appeared first on Skintour.