Professional Pet Groomers & ALL Dog Lovers! XYLITOL WARNING

A Professional Pet Groomer, Columnists, Investigative Journalist, Fashion Model, Photo Journalist, Professional Pet Photographer, Fundraiser, Volunteer, Animal Rights Advocate and dear friend, Wendy Dosher-Smith recently sent me a warning about Xylitol, the ingredient that makes that sugarless gum taste sweet to us and maybe to sweet for our companion pups. As a dog owner and a person that comes in regular contact with professional groomers as well, I thought it would be a good idea to post the link and Wendy says: If you have a dog READ IT!!!

http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/xylitol.asp

Your Computer at the Beauty Spa, Nail Salon, Barber Shop, or Pet Grooming Shop Can be Infected by the Swine Flu!

Most professional salons, shops, and spas now have atleast one computer. The Swine Flu can leave your computer coughing, sputtering and yes, even lead to computer death!

Personally have received e-mails in my inbox regarding the Swine Flu Outbreak. Many are from sites I have signed up for like Web MD or About.com. Some however, are not. Do not click on links within e-mails from a source you do not know and be sure to warn every all user on your network or you could end up purchasing a new computer; all thanks to the Swine Flu.

Website names related to the words swine flu or common searches like "swine flu updates", even the medication, used to shorten the life of the flu, Tamiflu, are being purchased at alarming rates. These sites may be used to host malware, like trojan computer viruses, or for spam campaigns or phishing attacks that can fill your inbox with unwanted spam.

We are all concerned about the swine flu and unfortunantly bad people know this. Do not fall for coming phishing attempts that say things like "The Swine Flu is Now in Your City". The best source for information is the CDC's website or your local news sources.

• Do not fall prey to clicking on links within e-mails



• Do not open mail from unknown sources



• Do not give money to anyone that promises you Tamiflu or any other Flu stopping meds



• Only go to trusted sites for updates like www.CDC.gov

As Stylist, Barbers, Nail Technicians we come into close personal contact with others, so we have enough to worry about. Don't let your computer become another thing of concern. A computer death is dismal for your bottom line.

Happy Earth Day, Saving Our Planet Can Save You Money Too!

Happy Earth Day to All! I know I have blogged about the Softees Spa, Hair Salon, and Barber Shop Towels before but this is a new offer, just in, and how timely!

Softees Towels With Duraguard Are:

• 6 Times More Durable Than Cotton Towels, Meaning Less Towel Replacement, Saving You Money and Our Earth's Precious Resources


• 3 Times More Absorbent than Cotton Towels, Meaning Less Towel Usage, Which Means Less Washing, Lowering Your Power and Water Consumption, (as well as your costs) and Decreasing Your
  Daily Carbon Footprint


• Quick Drying Which Means Less Time in the Dryer, Saving Energy Daily!

And if that weren't enough, A Donation to Breast Cancer Research is made with your purchase and you receive one FREE Power of Pink Towel in addition to the ten black towels in the pack! This Softees Towels deal is available for a limited time only and on SALE at ShearsforHair!

Jaguar Jaguart Shears on Sale for Mother's Day!

In honor of Mother's Day, http://www.shearsforhair.com/ has reduced the price of the Jaguart Shears by Jaguar by One Third, making them less than $100.00! These hair shears come in four patterns and colors and are sure to fit your Mom's personality (or yours)! This price is ONLY good until Mother's Day so don't delay, get this great deal today!
These Jaguar's Limited Edition Shears Each Come With a FREE Matching Amulet and FREE Matching Finger Ring Inserts! Seen above are the Glam Pretty Pink Shears, but They Are Also Available in a Hot Zebra Stripe, a Jungle Green Shear, and a Flower Power Shear. Mom will be so proud! :)

Do You Know How to Adjust Your Haircutting Shears' Tension? Our Step by Step Instructions Can Save You Money!

Maintaining your haircutting shears can save you time and money! If cared for properly hair scissors can last for years. One of the easiest things you can do to care for your shears is checking your shears' tension (and we aren't talking about your stress level here) but, we promise that doing this atleast once a week, if not everyday, can ensure that your shears keep on cutting that hair, whether you are a professional Groomer, Hairdresser, or Barber.

Hold your scissors in one hand with the tips pointing toward the ceiling.

Open one handle to a 90 degree angle (like an "L") and let it go.

The blades should close approximately 2/3 of the way (if looking at a clock the blade should fall no further than between 2 and 3 O'clock)

If they fall completely open, the tension is set too loose. This will allow the hair to fold or bend as you cut. If the tension is too tight, your blades will not fall open. Tension that is to tight, will cause to excess wear on the inside of your scissors blade and be less ergonomic for you; as you have to use more hand force and pressure to open and close your shears.

Just think of how many times you are opening and closing your shears during ONE haircut, or grooming one dog. That is truly amazing!

The Darling Daughter of One of Our Staffer's is Celebrating a Birthday Today!

Happy Birthday to Katie, a Shears4Hair staffers' Darling Daughter!

Katie is a model for Antoniou Hair Products, the Only Hair Care Line ShearsforHair Carries.

Why? Because they work and are a healthy alternative for Hair Stylist and Barbers, who are constantly exposed to chemicals! These are all natural hair care products that are NEVER tested on Animals. What more could a professional hair artists ask for?

Spring is in the Air and So Is Your Business, So Get Ready for All Those Clients!

This is a Great Time for Everyone That Cuts Hair! What a great time of year! So many Special Occasions! So much to celebrate and SO much work to do! Proms, Weddings, Graduations, Dance Recitals, and More! Professional Pet Groomers are beginning to see those primpy pooches for the first time in the year too. EVERYONE wants to look their absolute best! That includes you!

Remember, as a Hair Stylist, Barber, or Professional Pet Groomer, your clients will look to you for that refreshed, renewed look for Spring! First of all, remember, they also look at you! Put your best foot forward. Take special care to look your best! Take this opportunity to shine! Upgrade some of your tools, whether it be a cape, vest, tool skirt, case, holster or a new hot pair of shears! Looking Good also includes your shop! Don't forget to do some Spring Cleaning, freshen up your shop, salon, or spa with a bit of new paint or new decor.

One easy way to freshen everything up is with the New Softies Salon and Spa Towels Remember to keep your invoices for everything you buy that is work related too, as this can help you cut your taxes at the end of the year! Don't throw those old towels away though! Wash them and donate them to your local animal rescue! They could use them and you can get another tax deduction as well as that warm fuzzy feeling from doing our furry friends a favor!

Hair Cutting Professionals Tax Tips Don't Forget Those Deductions!

If you haven't gotten your taxes done yet but are planning on it, remember your deductions!
Whether you are a Hair Stylist, a Barber, or a Professional Groomer, we all have to turn in our taxes to the IRS by April 15th. We just want to remind you to not forget your deductions! Since most of us have to purchase our own hair cutting tools, hair dryers, razors, gloves, etc. to perform our jobs, many things you use everyday ARE tax deductions! Keep reciepts and invoices for everything you buy. These expenses add up into a tax deductions and can DECREASE what you owe the IRS or INCREASE your refund!
Some things hair cutting professionals forget to itemize as deductions are: subscriptions to industry publications, continuing education costs, appointment books, or appointment booking services, advertising costs, even business cards!
Check with your tax preparer, or if doing your own taxes, consult the IRS website or offices for what is and what is not a tax deduction. And since you are getting a refund now, be sure to check out some of new and exciting products, like that new razor you have had your eye on, new shears or a case or holster to protect your investment in your shears!