the beauty blog :: andre chreky :: the salon spa

Stay Healthy

Did you get a flu shot this year? I did. It didn’t stop me, though, from catching the non-flu “cruds” that lingered, and lingered!

Keeping our clients and team members healthy is a top priority at Andre Chreky. Even though it’s April, colds and stomach bugs continue to rear their heads. I’m passing on the good health habits we follow in the salon. I think they’re wise advise for any business or household.

1. Scrub
Washing your hands is your number one defense against communicable disease. To wash properly, use very warm water and a big squirt of soap, rinse, then dry with a clean unused towel. This should last at least 20 seconds. Wash before and after shaking hands (be discreet), after visiting the restroom, before cooking or eating, when you get home from work or play, and after being in populated places, like Metro or the grocery store.

2. Sleep
The U.S. National Library of Medicine concluded that adults with less than seven hours of sleep were more likely to develop a cold than those with eight or more hours. It’s hard to fit in enough sleep, but so worth the effort!

3. Nourish
Fill your tummy with immunity boosting foods such as chicken soup, green tea, garlic, salmon, ginger, yogurt and sweet potatoes. They help your body’s defenses.

4. Hydrate
Maintaining proper hydration allows our bodies to transport nutrients, prevent muscle fatigue, reduce inflammation, and digest food properly. Carry a water bottle, sip regularly, and keep it topped off.

5. Relax
Stress breaks down our immune systems and increases our chances of getting sick. Go for a walk, stretch, or meditate.

6. Disinfect
Keep bacteria-busting wipes on hand. Doorknobs, phones, computer keyboards, handrails, refrigerator handles, and lunch tables are all common areas that should be disinfected regularly.

7. Don’t touch
Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth. Viruses enter the body through these pathways – avoid assisting them.

8. Breathe
Lemon, peppermint, lavender, tea tree are essential oils that can be inhaled throughout the day to help prevent illness. You can use a diffuser or simply dab a few drops on your wrist or under your nose.

9. Cut back
Over scheduling, excessive partying, frequent travel, and constant overtime at work can cause your immune system to weaken. Balance your calendar to give your body the time it needs to maintain its immunity.

10. Probiotics
Research shows that a healthy gut can strengthen your immune system. Ask your doctor if she will recommend a probiotic supplement for you.

The Art of Burning Man

I’m a huge fan of art in public spaces. Some of the area’s best examples are along the U Street corridor in the Shaw neighborhood. So, imagine my surprise – and delight – when I was walking near the salon and happened upon a massive 6,000-pound sculpture of Maya Angelou on 17^th Street between H and I Streets, NW! The piece had just been installed a few hours earlier. I was lucky enough to meet two members of the Golden Triangle BID team who were excited to tell me about a new collaboration between the Renwick Gallery, the Golden Triangle, and the renowned Burning Man art festival.Each summer in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, a city of 70,000 rises out of the dust for a single week. During that time, enormous experimental art installations are erected, before ritually being burned to the ground at the festival’s conclusion. This thriving temporary metropolis, known as Burning Man, is a hotbed of artistic ingenuity. Both a cultural movement and annual event it is one of the biggest influences in contemporary American art.

No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man transports the art of this mysterious desert ritual to Washington, DC for the first time. The show is taking over the entire Renwick Gallery and spilling into the surrounding Golden Triangle neighborhood. It brings alive the movement’s culture and creative spirit through a multimedia experience that includes massive interactive installations, jewelry, costumes, photography, and more.

Now through December 2018, the six outdoor installations may be enjoyed at these locations:

1. Maya’s Mind: Artist Mischell Riley
   800 block of 17^th Street, NW between H and I Streets
2. Golden Spike: Artist HYBYCOZO
   Connecticut Avenue and K Street NW (installed on median)
3. XOXO: Artist Laura Kimpton
   Corner of 18^th and I Streets NW
4. Ursa Major: Artists Mr. & Mrs. Ferguson
   900 block of 19^th Street NW between I and K Streets, NW
5. Future’s Past: Artist Kate Raudenbush
   Adjacent to James Monroe Park at Pennsylvania, I and 21^st Streets NW
6. Untitled: Artist Jack Champion
   Edward R. Murrow Park at Pennsylvania and 18^th Street NW

For more information, visit www.americanart.si.edu/BurningMan.

 

Photo credit: Scott London

Welcome, Local Taqueria

There are tons of lunch options within walking distance of Andre Chreky salon. But even with all of those seemingly endless options, you’d be surprised how quickly the staff and I start yearning for something new. Variety is the spice of life, and that’s why I’m super excited that the next new thing promises to be just that: spicy! Local Taqueria is taking over the 3000-square-foot space at 1627 K Street and from what I’ve read it sounds like it’s going to be wonderful!

According to Local’s website, owning his own restaurant has long been the dream of co-owner and executive chef Giovanni Orellana. He longs to create a restaurant that brings people together over accessible, homemade food. Orellana wants to recreate the atmosphere and joy of having your grandmother, mother, and aunts cooking Sunday dinner for the whole family. “The aroma, sight, and textures of a family meal bring back childhood memories, and that’s what I want to showcase in this restaurant,” Orellana says.

Taqueria Local will use locally sourced ingredients in traditional and unexpected ways. The menu offers two authentic soups, appetizers such as grilled corn with cotija cheese, nine different tacos (available gluten free!), and several yummy-sounding Mexican desserts. With margaritas, sangria, beer, and wine, Local Taqueria may quick become one of the neighborhood’s happy hour hangouts. But for me, I’ll be happy to grab a cup of Crema de Maíz, a taco al pastor, and a icy push pop – in Aztec chocolate, please!

 

Photo credit: Instagram @localtaqueria

Plump up. In a Good Way.

No one wants to eat her way to a thicker waistline. But when it comes to eating your way to thicker hair: heck yeah!

On a recent trip to London, one of my clients picked up a great new book by the team of naturopaths, herbalists and nutritional therapists at the world-renowned beauty emporium, Neal’s Yard. In Neal’s Yard Remedies' Eat Beautiful, the authors reveal that simple menu additions, such as a snack of two mango slices, can strengthen hair tissue and promote growth. Sprinkling a tablespoon of flaxseed over your salad or cereal can nourish hair and prevent it from weakening. Here are some of their yummy recommendations for reversing the thinning of hair.

Mango
Mango is rich in the mineral silica, a component of connective tissue that helps to strengthen hair and promote hair growth. It’s also full of hair-healthy vitamins A, B6, and C. Enjoy two medium-sized slices a day.

Soy Beans
Full of iron, omega-3, vitamin B2, and magnesium, soy-based edamame beans and tofu inhibit the formation of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Excess DHT can contribute to hair loss. Eat at least one 2½-oz serving a week.

Eggs
A wonderful source of protein, eggs help boost collagen production. Collagen breaks down as we age, leaving our hair vulnerable to breakage. Eggs are also full of hair-friendly nutrients such as vitamins A and D, carotenes, lutein, and zinc. Eat a hardboiled or poached egg four times a week.

Kelp
Hair loves a diet rich in kelp. Kelp’s iron and the amino acid L-lysine aid hair growth. Other nutrients such as zinc, vitamins B2 and B5, and magnesium are hair-friendly too. It can be hard to add enough kelp to your diet, so seek out a kelp supplement.

Figs
Figs, along with other dried fruits and berries are a great source of iron, which is essential for healthy hair growth. Figs also feature shine-enhancing vitamins A and E, potassium, and magnesium. Munch on two dried figs a day.

Flaxseed
Rich in omega-3, vitamin B1, magnesium, phosphorus, and selenium flaxseed nourishes and moisturizes hair. Try one tablespoon daily, sprinkled over your meals.

Pumpkin Seeds
Protein-rich pumpkin seeds provide zinc, which supports cellular reproduction that leads to hair growth. You’ll also benefit from zinc, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, and protein by eating up to one tablespoon daily.

Berries
Berries are abundant in collagen-boosting vitamin C for scalp circulation; they also aid in iron absorption. Add a cup daily to oatmeal or salads.

Avocados
A great source of vitamin E, potassium, omega-9, the B vitamins, and folic acid, avocados also increases oxygen uptake and improve circulation to the scalp. Eat one medium avocado two-to-four times a week.

Leafy Greens
How does your garden grow? Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, watercress, and cabbage, all promote the production of keratin, a protein that strengthens hair follicles. You’ll get a boost from vitamins A, C, K, B, and potassium, too. Aim for a cup of leafy greens daily.

A Rainforest in Your Shower

Every now and then, I come across a product that’s so exceptional that I can’t wait to rush home and use it again. Our new Teadora Brazilian Glow Face & Body Toning bars are that alluring. Prevention Magazine recently named this lovely vegan product Best Natural Soap; I enthusiastically agree!

Teadora Face & Body Toning Bars are crafted with a blend of organic Brazilian Amazon rainforest botanicals and coffee butter to firm and tone your skin from head to toe. Luscious, natural, and organic they gently clean and deeply moisturize your skin and are perfect for every day use. They also help prevent stretch marks and are safe for sensitive skin.

In addition to moisturizing and smoothing, Teadora bars tone while they cleanse. The unique blend of sustainable Brazilian ingredients combines powerful oils and butters such as buriti, patauá, cupuaçu and coffee. Each offers a full of free radical-fighting antioxidants, vitamins, and oleic and fatty acids that help to hydrate, tone your skin, and combat cellulite.

All Teadora products are 100% vegan, made with ethically sourced and sustainably harvested super food ingredients. They are free of harsh chemicals and toxins, gluten, and synthetic fragrances. And, despite its name, the Brazilian Glow soap is made in the USA.

 

Photo credit: teadorabeauty.com

Bags Packed for Morocco

Save 40% on
Marchesa bag with Moroccanoil goodies

If you can’t spring for a ticket to Morocco, treat Momma to the next best thing! Our gorgeous cosmetic bag, designed by Marchesa, is chock full of the Moroccanoil products everybody loves. Not just “travel-sized” samples. No! This bag is brimming with full-size hydrating shampoo, hydrating conditioner, and the signature Moroccanoil treatment.

Recently named by Allure magazine as one of the best smelling hair products, the editors had this to say about Moroccanoil, “At the top of the list is our favorite product, Moroccanoil Treatment. This heavenly elixir has blessed many blowouts and is a cult classic for a reason: It's hard not to get addicted to the signature musky, sandalwood-y scent. Besides smelling great, it also smoothes frizz and makes your hair feel crazy soft.”

This virtual trip to Morocco retails for $51. During April, you’ll save 40% when you pay just $30. Offer good through April 30, while supplies last. One per customer, please.

PS: you’ll save 25% on Moroccanoil products this month! Offer is good on open stock merchandise through April 30, while supplies last.

April is for Renewal

You can feel it in the air – the time for rebirth is here! Shake off winter’s doldrums and enjoy the lighter, brighter, fresher feeling that’s unique to April.

Andre Chreky has some unique-to-April treats for you as well. Take advantage of restorative specials throughout the salon and spa. Each is designed to help you embrace April’s stimulating surge of renewal.

• Marvelous Blow Dry Mondays: $25 Blow dry (regularly $50)

• Treatment Tuesdays: $25 Moroccan Oil treatment(regularly $60)

• Wonderful Waxing Wednesdays: 50% off all waxing services

• Color My Tresses Thursdays: 20% off all color services

• Fabulous Facial Fridays: $70 facials(regularly $90-$140)

• Sandal Ready Pedi Saturdays: $35 pedicures(regularly $55)

• Silky Smooth Sundays: $250 Keratin Smoothing Treatment (regularly $600)

And Don’t Forget

April 4 – Time for Spring Cleaning! Restock your vanity/shower/gym bag with fresh treatments, lotions, and potions. Save 20% today on all in-salon retail purchases.

April 25 – Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Think ahead with an Andre Chreky Gift Card – go ahead and splurge! After all, you’ll save 10% on gift cards today.

 

Bags Packed for Morocco

Save 40% on
Marchesa bag with
Moroccanoil goodies

If you can’t spring for a ticket to Morocco, treat yourself to the next best thing! Our gorgeous cosmetic bag, designed by Marchesa, is chock full of the Moroccanoil products everybody loves. Not just “travel-sized” samples. No! This bag is brimming with full-size hydrating shampoo, hydrating conditioner, and the signature Moroccanoil treatment.

This virtual trip to Morocco retails for $51. During April, you’ll save 40% and pay just $30. Offer good through April 30 while supplies last. One per customer, please.

Also…

Save 25% on
All Moroccanoil Products

Offer good through April 30.

Our New Treat for Feet

Have you been neglecting your feet since your last foray with open-toed footwear? Poor soles! Luckily for them, we have a brand new treatment that will give your tired tootsies a taste of luxury. Our new Lemongrass and Lavender pedicure begins with a delicious deep soak, followed by an invigorating sea salt scrub, and ending with a snooze-worthy foot massage.

Dead Sea salts are rich in minerals that exfoliate and soften your skin. Lavender soothes while lemongrass recharges your newly resurfaced feet. Our densely rich body butter is invigorating yet calming, with time-released moisture that lasts long after you’ve stepped out the door. Top it all with a new nail color, perhaps a hue that’s a harbinger of spring!

Take advantage of our February mani/pedi combo special for just $60…and be sure to request our Lemongrass and Lavender Pedicure.

Butter Me Up

We tend to associate dry skin with winter months, but in fact it’s a year-round problem. Warm weather can be just as dehydrating – more so, if you spend lots of time in the sun.

I’m delighted with our new product, Delon + Body Butter, an intense moisturizer that is shea butter based. It's thicker than body lotion and is extra effective at rejuvenating dry skin. Use it head to toe, or on your problem patches, such as elbows and knees. All Delon + body butters melt into your body as you apply them, but they solidify when they reach the dermal layer. This forms a barrier from the outside elements and helps maintain the natural moisture of your skin.

Best of all, our price on Delon + Body Butters is insanely affordable: only $9 a jar! At that price, you can stock up on the full range of amazing scents. Choose from olive, coconut, vanilla, white peony, raspberry & black currant, white chocolate, grapeseed, mango, and Asian lily. 

 

Photo credit: overstock.com

Cherry, Baby

Washington may be divided on many issues. But one topic in the National’s Capital wins unilateral support: cherry blossoms! Whether you’re DC born-and-raised, relatively new to our city, or an out of town visitor, the profusion of pink and white blossoms that adorn downtown Washington every spring brings a smile to virtually every face.

The 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival will be held March 20 through April 15, with the magnificent Cherry Blossom Parade scheduled for Saturday, April 14, 2018. Festival coordinators set the schedule around the blossoms’ anticipated peak bloom date…although blossoms have been known to peak before and/or after the festivities, depending on our fickle local weather.

The annual festival celebrates US-Japanese relations as well as the delicate foliage, with numerous events, exhibits, and performances of cultural interest. Family activities include the parade, fireworks, concerts, traditional dance performances, and hands-on art experiences.

Locals know that driving to (or anywhere near) the blossom-lined Tidal Basin is NOT a good idea. Luckily, the prime viewing area is just a quick walk from many Metro stations, including L’Enfant Plaza, Smithsonian, and Foggy Bottom; Capital Bike Share makes pedaling to the Tidal Basin another great option. Tourists should consider hopping on the DC Circulator’s National Mall route; it departs from Union Station and travels past Washington’s landmark monuments and memorials, before delivering you to “Cherry Blossom Central,” all for just one dollar.

You can read about the history of DC’s blooming cherry trees, and see the complete lineup of events by visiting the official National Cherry Blossom Festival website.