A Chicago Esthetician’s Guide to Mask Life

Susan Dechant is the Chicago Esthetician You Need Right Now
Facial services

Chicago Esthetician Susan Dechant knows the ins and outs of skincare, perfectly shaped brows, sky-high lashes, and everything else you could possibly want in a beauty specialist. These things are her bread and butter. Her meat and potatoes. The nuts and bolts of her professional core.  

Susan is known to have the fastest hand in the waxing game. In the beauty world, that’s like being the nurse with the best needle stick – you want her on your side, especially if you have low tolerance for pain. 

Susan Dechant: top Chicago esthetician and Maskne fighter

For almost 20 years, Susan has flexed her professional muscle as a top Chicago esthetician by sculpting striking brows, lifting lashes, and bringing out the glow in everyone who puts their face in her expert hands. 

And then, just like that, we all began covering up our faces. Zoom meetings gave us leeway in how much money and time we put into our appearances. The finer details of our quarantine faces were mercifully blurred by the limits of built-in laptop cameras and we all got away with letting our skin get a little…iffy. 

All the while there was Susan, armed and ready for the day when we began to crawl out from our quarantine holes and back into the light. That day has come. 

 

A Chicago Esthetician’s Guide to #MaskLife: Brow Shaping, At-Home Facials, Lash Lifts, and More

Since the rise of the mask, many of us have encountered new challenges in our daily beauty routines. One marked example is the novel “Maskne” which, as you can probably deduce, is a mask-induced acne that plagues our chin and jawline. Shoutout to all the nurses, caregivers, and other essential workers who wear masks for hours on end each day – that is not easy and neither is removing your masks to find a cluster of new blemishes.

According to Susan, one of the best ways to keep up with your skincare routine these days is a great at-home peel. She recommends the new Pro-5 Liquid Exfoliant, which she often uses to prep her clients’ skin before a facial service.  This professional-grade formula goes deeper than a physical exfoliant and has been released for at-home use. Read more about it here! 

 

Before and After: Revitalizing Your Eyes

You may have noticed yourself communicating with your eyes a lot more often these days. That’s really all we can do with a mask obscuring most of our facial movements! That means you’re going to want those lashes and brows in great shape. They’re gonna be the star of the show until it’s safe to remove our masks.

Susan’s top recommendation is a brow shaping or brown tinting service. She uses a honey-based hard wax, a no-stick option that is typically less painful than soft wax or strip waxes. Her tinting dyes are vegetable-based and last three to four weeks. For clients with sparse brows, Susan recommends the henna dye option for a bigger, more lasting impact. 

Dont’ forget; has a reputation as being the fastest waxer around – just one of the many reasons she is the best Chicago esthetician for your post-quarantine makeover. 

Speaking of makeovers, Susan recently performed a combined brow and lash service to revitalize her client’s above-the-mask zone:

BEFORE:

 

AFTER:

Making the Most of Mask Life

We will be sporting masks for the foreseeable future so why not make the most of it? We can all feel great while doing our part to keep Chicagoans safe. Take care of the skin beneath the mask with Pro-5 Liquid Exfoliant by Glo and other great products we offer, or make an appointment with Susan if you’re ready to make those eyes POP! 

We are open and ready to get you back to feeling your best. Whether you’re heading back to the office or just ready for a refresh, Fringe has you covered.

Love,

The Team at Fringe / A Salon

The Best Way to Exfoliate Your End-of-Summer Skin

 

Glo Skincare

As the buzz of Chicago summer reaches its hazy crescendo, some of us are holding out for the season’s grand finalethe first fall breeze. Until then we’re smack dab in the middle of the dog days, and in a congested city it’s key time of year for congested skin. After all, adjusting to the new realities of our world in 90-degree heat is bound to add some urban grime to your brow. And how do you even get rid of it? Is a sugar scrub REALLY the best way to exfoliate? 

Add on top of that the usual summer enemies (sun damage, dark spots) and there’s a lot going on with your face come late August. Let’s not even get into the recent phenomenon dubbed Maskne, which we’ll dive into as part of a future post 

 

Mask Life.

While the city is filling potholes and repaving the roads why not give a little bit of that love to your face? At Fringe, we are resurfacing our end-of-summer skin equipped with innovative skincare products we can’t stop using at home.  Our top product pick for perfect skin at the end of summer is, in our opinion, the BEST way to exfoliate your end-of-summer skin. The magic formula?  Pro-5 Liquid Exfoliant by Glo Skin Beauty.

Pro-5 Liquid Exfoliant: The Skincare Equivalent of Liquid Gold 

GLO is one of Fringe’s best-selling beauty brands and the Pro-5 Liquid Exfoliant has become the crown jewel of their skincare products. It’s as good as gold and our staff can’t get enough! 

Sometimes referred to as an at-home peel, the magical Pro-5 formula is a chemical exfoliant. Don’t let that scare you – the word “chemical” has been villainized by advertisers in recent years, but chemicals have a big place in your skincare routine! Don’t forget: water is a chemical.   In all truth, a peel is the best way to exfoliate at home. 

 

How Do Chemical Exfoliants like Pro-5 Liquid Work? 

Glo Pro-5 at home peel

As opposed to a physical exfoliant, which only reaches the most surface level of the skin, chemical exfoliants like Pro-5 Liquid are a gentle way to foster deeper exfoliation and allow other beneficial products to have more impact on your skin This is where the acids come in. That’s right. Acids. 

The “5” in Pro-5 refers to the combination of five key alpha and poly hydroxy acids at a concentration of 10%.  The blend includes lactic acid as well asmandelicglucolic, tartaric, and malic acids. Despite the harsh imagery that comes to mind when you think of putting acid on your face, these ingredients work in harmony to exfoliate, hydrate, brighten, and balance your skin. Additionally, this method is gentler than a sugar scrub or other DIY facial treatmentsIn skincare, it’s usually best to work smarter, not harder

 

The best way to exfoliate? At home.

 

GLO’s Pro-5 Liquid is often used by estheticians to help prep the skin before more involved treatments, but you can also use it as part of a weekly at-home skincare routine. 

 

Who Should Try Pro-5 Liquid Exfoliant? 

Anyone who wants a little help with exfoliation or just smoother facial surface should check it out. Seriously. Makeup will glide on more effortlessly, or you might be inspired to go makeup free. Either way, a great at-home peel or exfoliant can often be the difference between feeling fine and feeling fresh. 

 

Back to School, Back to Life, Back to You 

“Going to the office” is still just a stroll to the couch for some of us, with the novelty of working in pajamas having worn off months ago. Many parents will enter the first full school year of the pandemic era, hoping to have a better grip on at-home learning than they did in March. Whatever your new “normal” is, the seasons are due for a change and you probably are, too. 

Versatile products like Pro-5 Liquid and other GLO products will help you manage your skincare until full facial services are back up and running at Fringe.  They are simply the best way to exfoliate your end of summer skin! Check out or online shop or consult one of our estheticians for advice on the best way to customize and optimize your products. 

Don’t forget to check out our other amazing products and promotions as we get you back on track with your beauty and self-care routines. We’ve stocked our online shop up with premium hair and skin products to help you wind down the summer looking post-vacation levels of  fresh (remember travel?) 

Ready to make an appointment or learn more about our productsReach out here! 

Love, 

Fringe / A Salon  

 

Fringe’s Guidelines: COVID 19 Procedures

The COVID-19 safety guidelines for Fringe’s reopening below.

The health and safety of our clients and employees is of utmost importance to us, and we are grateful to each and every one of you for your continued support as we head into this next challenging yet exciting phase. We look forward to seeing you soon!

We have implemented the Illinois Department of Commerce Personal Care Services Guidelines.   Here’s what you should know before your next appointment at Fringe.

What to know before you come in:

– All customers are required to wear a mask. If you do not have a mask, we will have some available to purchase.

– We ask that you limit your number of personal belongings.

– Please call us upon arrival, we will invite you once your service provider is ready for you so you may go directly to a team member work space.

– Only persons with an appointments will be permitted to enter the salon

– At this point, we ask that no children under 16 come to the salon.

– If you are not feeling well, we ask that you please stay at home and reschedule your appointment at Fringe.

Protective equipment and what we’re doing for your safety:


– Gloves and masks worn by employees

–  Protective dividers at front desk and manicure tables

 – Sanitized cape and towels for each client

 – EPA-registered anti-bacterial products used to sanitize all tools, stations, restrooms, and common areas

-Washing hands for 20 seconds before & after each service

– Cleaning with sanitizer of common areas in between clients

– Stations have been spaced more than 6 feet apart

– Blow drying, or styling will be limited until the next phase.

– There will be limited coffee or other beverages available until next phase. 





Book your next appointment with FRINGE online today.








Best Beauty Buys to get you through Quarantine

In a time of crisis- we found it important to pivot!  For your convenience- we created

FRINGE-ONLINE.COM

Our online store is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week-

Curbside Pick Up

Monday – Friday 10am-5pm

Delivery available-

BRIGHT SHADOWS – (7 shades)       
Those grey strands sparkling at your roots? Need a quick fix for your Virtual meeting?
Give grey roots the boot. This breakthrough root touch-up spray instantly covers regrowth, gray or otherwise, between color appointments — no stickiness, dustiness, or transfer. Featuring a target actuator for mess-free application, the multidimensional shade provides coverage that lasts until the next shampoo.


MOROCCAN OIL MASKS
Does your hair need a boost of confidence? Since your haircut has been delayed- A Mask, infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil and nourishing ingredients, it hydrates and conditions while dramatically improving hair’s texture, elasticity, shine and manageability.
Available for 4 hair Types- Intense Hydrating for more course dehydrated hair. Weightless for fine hair in need of hydration and shine. Smoothing for thick, wavy, curly hair to hydrate and leave it feeling and looking smooth. Restorative, for hair that has been chemical altered and needs some serious strengthening.

   


MOROCCAN OIL COLOR DEPOSITING MASK
Just added- Infused, nourishing mask with new bonding technolgy and a boost of 7 different colors- Go wild with Hibiscus or AquaMarine, go Cool with Platinum shades of Steel. Intensify your blonde to light hair with beautiful Rose Gold or Champagne. Finally, for those brunettes out there- Touch up your Balayage or add some depth with a lovely cool Bordeaux or mellow out a brassy tone with Cocoa.

RENEW SERUM
from Glo Skin Beauty
You have the time- Step up your Skin Care Regime-
A 10 Day Skincare Challenge- with RENEW SERUM by Glo Skin Beauty.
Renew Serum helps stimulate mild exfoliation, improving the appearance of texture with Retinol, Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid. Results are smoothing, by drawing out impurities to minimizing the look of pores resulting in clearer, refined skin.
This mild night time serum gives a lot of results for a little effort.



Dry Shampoo Seems to be having a moment!
Need a quick pick me up for your locks- Dry Shampoo absorbs oils and gives your roots a boost to-
You have that meeting in 5 minutes- need a quick way to be presentable- quickly brush hair, shake the bottle and spray at your roots- your hairstyle comes alive and smells pretty good too!

    

DEATH VALLEY
by R & CO
Our number one selling Dry Shampoo is great for product junkies everywhere-Liven it up with Death Valley, the quickest way to get volume and body into your hair. This dry shampoo absorbs extra oil and adds texture for an untamed look.



SPRIRITUALIZED
by R & CO
Great for anyone who loves a natural feel for their hair- Just worked out? This is a favorite among our Male clients-
Transcend lifeless hair with SPIRITUALIZED. This dry shampoo mist has a revolutionary micellar formula with suspended cleansing powder that leaves hair and scalp feeling exceptionally clean.



SKYLINE
by R & CO
The name says it all- hair that needs extra grip and elevation. Second Day hair that needs first-day volume-
Get on top of the world with SKYLINE, a dry shampoo powder that will dramatically refresh and elevate. Leaves an intensely clean feel. Dramatically refreshes second-day or post-workout hair.




DRY SHAMPOO by MoroccanOil
in Light or Dark Tones

Contains ultra-fine rice starch that absorbs oil, buildup and odor, leaving hair instantly cleansed and refreshed. UV-protecting, argan oil-infused formula contains subtle violet undertones to balance brassiness in blonde hair and bring out the best in light tones. While the Dark Tone maintains the natural richness of dark, brunette tones.




Fringe’s number one selling product of 2019-
BADLANDS
by R & CO
The most unique product you won’t know how you lived without.
One part dry shampoo, one part styling paste, 100% badass. Use when you want to extend the life of a blow-out or add volumizing texture. Men and woman alike- love the volume and lift this product imparts!



For Whole Body Balance-

OYLIE
Scented Body Oil
Feeling Blue? Take a nice warm bath and follow up with our Oylie- Scented Body Oils. Incredible moisture with no mess and no oil residue-
Your skin will thank you!

BEST SELLING HAIR CARE PRODUCTS

The list is in – here are our five best-selling hair products from 2019! These tried-and-true haircare products give you that salon-quality look between visits. Take a peek at what our stylists and clients have been loving for their hair this past year.
R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste
This dry shampoo is great for both adding texture to your style, and for absorbing oil on that second-day hair. It’s an effective and light-weight dry shampoo, and also a styling paste that provides texture and hold. Use on damp hair with a blow dryer to add volume, or work into your roots for oil-absorbing texture. This versatility of this product makes it an everyday stylist and client favorite.
Moroccanoil Treatment Original
There was no surprise this product made the list – we don’t know anyone who doesn’t love it! The Moroccan Oil
Original Treatment can be used on wet, damp, or dry hair for a deep condition that smooths and shines. The iconic formula is infused with argan oil, vitamins, and minerals that will leave your hair silky, shiny and healthy.
R+Co Television Perfect Hair Shampoo & Conditioner
We love this shampoo and conditioner combo, it’s a great all-in-one line that gives you the perfect camera-ready hair – hence the name! R+Co’s Television products provide weightless moisture with perfect body, shine, and strength and has an amazing juniper scent.
R+Co High Dive Moisture + Shine Créme
This leave-in conditioner is great for dry, damaged hair that could use a bit of a recharge. Perfect for these dry winter months, this product can bring dry and dull hair ba
ck to life with a rich moisturizing and detangling boost. Dive deep into an every-day product that will moisturize and drown out frizz
Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo
This dry shampoo comes in two different formulas, one specially formulated for dark hair and another for lighter hair. Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo Dark Hair Tones leaves brunette hair clean and refreshed while keeping your color rich without the dull reside. The Light Hair Tones fomula has subtle violet undertones to combats the brassiness in blonde hair. Both formulas absorbs oil, buildup, and odor which makes it perfect for second day hair.

 

 

NEW! Brow Henna

Are you sick of penciling in your eyebrows each morning and mindful to not place harmful chemicals on your skin? Have you wanted to try microblading but been intimidated by the permanence? Brow Henna, the new trend in eyebrow tinting, is an 100% plant based, vegan and cruelty free formula. Unlike traditional eyebrow tints there is not ammonia, lead or hydrogen peroxide in henna products. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How it works?

When you book a Brow Henna appointment one of our estheticians will walk you through the process. After a brief consultation we will mix a shade that will match you your skin tone and hair color. The henna palette comes in 7 different colors which allows us to create a customized brow color suitable for all skin tones. After the Henna is applied to your brows you will sit back, relax and let the henna do its thing. Once dried completely we will remove the henna from your bras and TA DA you will have perfect easy to maintain brows.

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits

Henna coats the hair cuticle making each individual strain or your eyebrow appear thicker and softer. It  also helps strengthen and restore hair growth. This treatment is perfect for those with sparse of over plucked eyebrows. 

Keep Your Skin Hydrated This Season

Has the cool, crispy fall weather got your skin feeling dry and tight? With the change of seasons from summer to winter now is the ideal time to freshen up your skin. With summer behind us and winter lurking around the corner, your skin is asking for an extra dose of hydration.

So what exactly is a Hydration facial?

When you enter the treatment room, one of our highly trained estheticians will have a thorough consultation to better understand your skincare needs and to assess the best ‘plan of action’ for your facial service. This will consist of a pre-cleanse to remove makeup, built up debris and oils on the skin, followed by a cleanser best suited for you. After cleansing we will look at your skin more closely under a magnifying light to determine how dry (lack of oil) and/or dehydrated (lack of water) your skin is. From there, you’ll have either a physical exfoliation (something that feels grainy) or a chemical exfoliation (most likely an enzyme or AHA based product). After sloughing off all that old dead skin you’ll be treated to a facial massage to increase circulation and overall relaxation before receiving a customized hydrating mask. Your service will end with a combination of serums, eye creams, lip balm, and moisturizer specially chosen for you.

This is the perfect way to jump start your winter skincare routine. Just as we put away our flip flops and dust off our snow boots, this is the time to put away those oil-free moisturizers and stock up on creamy cleansers and hydrating serums (hyaluronic will be your new best friend, trust us).
Can’t wait to see you in the treatment room!
interior chicago il hair salon

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

Fall is officially here, and we are starting to see pumpkin everything, everywhere we go. This time of year you can’t escape the pumpkin trend! But lets be honest, why would you want to? From pumpkin-flavored coffee and pastries, to pumpkin-scented candles, it’s no surprise fall beauty trends follow suit. Pumpkins are everywhere, and we are here for it. Find a list of pumpkin services, perks, and trends below

Pumpkin Nail Trends:

Don’t miss out on the warm and rich orange hues this season. We are also offering 20% off all nail services on Sundays Mondays and Tuesdays this season. Call or book any service online

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pumpkin Hair Trends:

Looking to spruce up your look this season? Fall leads us to deeper darker hair tones – even blondes transition to warmer and richer shades that won’t wash out their skin tones. For something a little more bold, you can’t go wrong with the stunning coppers and vibrant reds that simply shout: Fall!

Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub:

Fall is the perfect time to start refocusing on our skin’s health. Summer fun in the sun can leave your skin damaged, and the drop in humidity may have you feeling dry and itchy this time of year. We recommend transitioning to a richer moisturizer that will help hydrate and repair your skin, and keep you glowing as that tan fades. AND for all you pumpkin lovers out there – try the Glo Skin Beauty’s Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub. The soft yet effective exfoliation is the perfect fall addition to any skin service

Pumpkin Spice Coffee:

Next time you’re in the salon have a pumpkin spice coffee on us. Ask your stylist for details.

R+Co Concentrates: What they are & Why we Love them

At some point or another everyone reaches a place in their hair care routine when they are in need of a major pick-me-up. Reboot your look with these three new R+Co Concentrates: Gemstone, Dallas and Atlantis. Whether you’re looking to lock in color, add some volume to your look or repair your damaged hair R+Co has a concentrate for you. This in salon treatment improves the overall condition of your hair while each individual formula one targets a different obstacle. 

 

 

 

GEMSTONE: Color Locking Concentrate

 This color locking formula is the perfect add on to any color service. It leaves your hair strong and shiny like a, dare we say it, gemstone. The clinically proven concentrate will leave your color visibly more vibrant for up to 23 washes. 

 

 

 

 

DALLAS: Thickening Concentrate

This formula lends its name from Texas-style big hair and it will do just that for your locks. One  treatment repairs damaged hair and increases visual fullness by 2x. This treatment is perfect for those with fine or thinning hair. The lightweight formula helps blow up your do with our weighing it down for the perfect “bigger is better” look. 

 

 

 

 

ATLANTIS: Moisturizing Concentrate

Thirsty? Atlantis is the cold drink of water your hair has been waiting for. Brown Algae extract hydrates  your hair and scalp leaving your hair manageable smooth and soft. One treatment increases moisture levels, repairs hair and combats frizz for up to 4 weeks.

Sun Protection that Loves you Back

Memorial Day is behind us, and Summer is officially here. With summer comes beach days, BBQ’s, and patio parties. Our schedules will get busier as we jam-pack our summer full of vacations and pool parties. While enjoying all the outdoor activities, protecting your skin should always be on the top of your to-do list.

These days there are so many different sunscreens on the market, how do you choose a sunscreen that gives you the right protection, but is also right for your skin type? This year, we recommend glo Skin Beauty for the best in sun protection and skincare.

WHY WE LOVE GLO

Glo Skin Beauty is a cruelty-free, PETA approved skin care and make-up brand. Their products are an extension of your daily skin care routine, and each product compliments the next. They know your skin is as unique as you are, and focus on making products for all skin types that that allow you to create personalized skin care solutions. They also believe that what is not in their products is just as important as what is in their products, and all of their products are free of harmful chemicals and parabens. Here are two of our favorites:

SOLAR SHADE

This is a light-weight mineral-based sunscreen with SPF 50 that is designed for delicate and sensitive skin – we recommend this sunscreen for people with sensitive or oily skin. This is a great addition to your skincare routine for photoaging protection.

MOISTURIZER TINT

With oil free hydration, and a hint of color, this sun protection is perfect for everyday use. It offers UVA/UVB protection that doesn’t leave your skin feeling sticky or greasy and has an SPF of 30. The sheer tint of color helps reduce redness and even out skin tones to keep you looking your best while protecting against the aging effects of the sun.