Pg. 1 / Pg. 2 / How to Use Aromatherapy / Essential Oils

Click the Other button to see about job opportunities at Strands.

What makes a good salon? At Strands Hair and Skin Treatment Centre we think it’s a question of striking the right balance. Creating a salon environment that’s professional but also friendly; a salon where we listen but also provide expert advice. A place where staff and clients are able to laugh and banter or just sit and read the latest fashion magazines. A place where you know you'll be pampered but, more important, a salon that’s at the cutting-edge of style. Take our quiz to see if your salon is right for you. At Strands we think it’s important to understand our clients’ needs. Most important: Listening. It’s important that we know what you want. We need to know how much time you’re willing to spend on your hair and what kinds of problems you’ve had in the past. We need to know your styling habits, and, if you need us to, we can teach you how to blow-dry or scrunch your hair to get the look you want. It’s not enough to have great hair when you walk out of the salon, it has to look right every day. And we need to find the color, cut, style that works for you. Advising. We know that you’re not necessarily up on the latest techniques or perms or colors: We’re the experts, we’re here to tell you what’s possible and what’s happening. Problem-solving. If your hair is dry, damaged, or over-treated we can offer a number of hair and scalp treatments to nourish and revitalize the scalp and hair cuticle. For example, deep conditioners made with organic fruits, vegetables and essential oils (like our avocado mix for dry hair) nourish and treat the hair. Our ATS line, pure shampoos and conditioners that soothe as they cleanse and are excellent for sensitive or allergic skin. These, incidentally, come with individualized "Healthshots" or "Powershots" that add pre- or custom-blended essential oils. Being flexible. We keep your options open. What you want today may not be what you want next year. Or even next week. Everyone changes their mind now and then; some more than others. To help you decide we also offer computer imaging, so you can see a new look before you try it. Meanwhile, both you and your stylist need to consider: your hair type, its thickness and texture; your face shape, your style in everything from clothes to makeup your lifestyle, and the amount of time you’re willing to spend on your hair. "You have to consider the person’s personality and lifestyle," says Urs, owner/manager of Strands. You can’t give someone a high-maintenance cut when their life is wash-and-wear. We also look at fashion trends, both in terms of cutting techniques, colour, and fashion. I like a combination of European and North American fashion trends. Europe is based more on the ‘runway’; here it’s television. I try to find something in-between, that works for the person. Something both unique and stylish." Other points to consider: How well does your hair move, and how? Some people have hair that just naturally behaves; others need an especially good cut and more detail before their hair will do the same thing. Will your hair look better with some streaks added for extra shine (you can go with semi-permanent colour if you’re not sure)? Or, do you need deep conditioning or a scalp treatment to alleviate problems? Is your hair fine? Oily? Dry? Over-treated? We solve problems at the root, not on the surface – for example we treat over-active sebum (the cause of oily hair) gently, until we gradually create a more normal environment and discourage the over-production of oil. (Our skin care products also.) We take hair health seriously at Strands. There are products now that are effective and good for your hair. More and more hair care products, including colors and perms, contain natural ingredients and are enhanced by aromatherapy. Don’t go for the ‘quick fix’ or mask hair or skin problems, get down to the root of it. Our salon has been the choice for several Vancouver naturopaths for a good reason: our products and services are good for your hair and skin – they’re not just cosmetic. Remember: Beautiful hair is healthy hair. If your hair needs a perm (or, on the contrary, needs relaxing because it’s too curly), we have no choice but to use chemicals. Contrary to what some people think, it’s simply not possible to restructure hair using botanic products only. But it is possible to use safer, gentler products and add extra conditioning steps to the process and minimize the damage. For example, at Strands we add chamomile to the perm solution to help maintain the hair’s natural balance and keep hair at optimum health. What if your hair’s already been over-processed or "burned’? Well, it takes time to reverse damage and return hair to full health. We’ll need to deep condition and pamper your hair for a while before it regains its bounce and shine. Then we’ll work with you to find long-term solutions. We don’t perm or colour before its time. Let's get Quizzical Take this Strands QUIZ to see if you're getting the most from your salon. Do you have hassle-free hair that's fun, flattering and fits your lifestyle? Does your cut frame your face and naturally fall into place (even without blow-drying?) Is your hair shiny, vibrant, healthy? Is your hair colour right for you? Are you happy with it? Or do you look longingly at photos in magazines and wish you could get that look too? Do you have dry ends, oily scalp, or other hair problems you'd like have solved? Do you have a simple, affordable, personalized hair- and skin-care regimen - with pure, natural ingredients that cleanse, condition, and nourish without harsh additives or agents? Do you chemically treat your hair (colour, perm, relax)? Is the product ammonia-free? Do you know of, or use, botanic alternatives? If you answered 'no' to any of these questions, talk to someone at Strands for answers. e-mail us. Strands Vancouver salon HOURS: Strands is flexible; we're open every day of the week except Tuesday, but you should call 681-3341 for exact hours.   Staff Urs Uberstylist Urs Eichenberger is the owner/manager of Strands and the pivotal person around whom the Strands philosophy evolved. Urs began his career in Europe where he first learned all about colour by working for two major, international color manufacturers (we don't want to name names). And to this day young stylists or students who work at Strands are awed at his intuitive and comprehensive grasp of hair color. Urs regularly attends international hair shows all over the world to keep up with new techniques and products (like his funny diagonal scissors). He was twice nominated Canadian Hairdresser of the Year. Some eight years ago, long before aromatherapy became a household name, Urs attended an intensive seminar on essential oils and their use as therapeutic agents in everything from massage oils to shampoos. Over the last years he’s mixed up dozens of products that will soon be available, through this web site, to clients around the world. Urs’s knowledge of hair is of a depth and breadth that French scientists in Toulouse (where he was attending a workshop at a French cosmetics and pharmaceutical firm) were completely amazed: Urs was able to read scientific material on hair and skin with a level of comprehension that most dermatologists don’t have. Born in Switzerland, Urs moved to Canada around 20 years ago. He began Strands in 1984 and has consistently kept the salon at the forefront of hair and skin news.    Erika General Manager and makeup expert Erika keeps Strands running and assists wherever needed (except cutting hair). A former jetsetting executive, Erika has an in-depth knowledge of color and style which she developed over years of working with fabric and fashion.   Lina European-trained Lina is best known for her impeccable pedicures, though she can provide a wide array of esthetic services, from manicures and waxing to facials and treatments of all kinds. Lina's gentle hands treat skin, nails, feet and keep them healthy, toned, and beautiful. Married, with one son, Lina keeps Strands organized. She seems to do ten things at once, all of them well. For more on Lina, check out pedicures.		Aromatherapy Computer Imaging System Esthetic Services Hair Color Hair Care Products Makeup René Furterer website Skin Care Special Events Staff Quiz

STRANDS HAIR & SKIN TREATMENT CENTRE #203, 131 Water Street Vancouver, BC V6B 3M3 E-mail: strands@telus.net