Blog Archives
December 1, 2017
Treat Yourself: Spa Day Suggestions
Life can get crazy. It’s important to slow down and take some time to relax every once in awhile. What better way to do that than a spa day? You can use that time to unwind, destress, and beautify! Here’s a few suggestions for your next spa day:
October 18, 2017
What is Esthetics and Why is it a Great Career?
Esthetics is the study and practice of skincare, including treatments designed to care for the skin, temporary hair removal, makeup, body treatments, and other beauty services. For someone who is especially interested in skincare rather than hair or nails, esthetics offers a more focused path within the beauty industry. At Phagans School of Hair Design in Happy Valley, Oregon, our 600-hour esthetics program combines classroom learning with practical experience to help students prepare to sit for the Oregon state licensing exam and pursue opportunities in the skincare industry.
What is esthetics?
Esthetics focuses primarily on the skin and the services used to care for it. While cosmetology covers several areas of beauty, including hair, skin, and nails, esthetics gives students the opportunity to concentrate specifically on skincare …
September 28, 2017
Personality Types That are Completely cut out for Cosmetology
You may be a good fit for cosmetology if you enjoy beauty, working with people, helping others feel confident, being creative, or working with your hands. There is no single personality type you need to pursue an education in beauty, but these traits can make the work especially appealing. At Phagans School of Hair Design, students can build their technical and customer service skills through hands-on beauty education designed to prepare them for the professional environment.
What personality types are a good fit for cosmetology?
People who are drawn to cosmetology often share a few common traits. They may love following beauty trends, connecting with people, helping others, expressing their creativity, or staying active throughout the day.
That does not mean you need to fit neatly into one …
June 12, 2015
Who’s That Photo-Bombing Bombshell?
If you pay attention to the Phagans Facebook page, you will see one person, more than any other, end up in many of the photos. You can’t miss Miss Betty striking a pose with her hand on her hip and a leg pushed in front of her. But she’s more than a pretty face and perpetual photo-bomber. Let’s get to know her:
Position and Number of Years at Phagans?
I have been with Phagans for 13 years and am a fully licensed instructor for both day and night classes. I mentor my students and let them job shadow me at JCPenny’s hair salon. I am the artistic team director at both campuses.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Phagans?
I love it when a student sets a goal, then I …
May 5, 2015
Q&A With 2014 Rose Festival Queen Emma Audrey Waibel
Since Phagans School of Hair Design has provided hair, makeup, and styling for the Portland Rose Festival Princesses during the Queen’s coronation for several years, we thought we’d catch up with 2014 Queen Emma Audrey Waibel for a quick Q&A about her experience. This year’s coronation is Saturday, June 6, 2015.
How did you get involved with the Rose Festival?
I attended the 2012 Queen’s Coronation and then also went to one of the metro coronations and was inspired by the confidence and civic involvement of the girls who applied.
What was it like being crowned Rose Festival Queen?
It’s incredibly overwhelming being surrounded by close friends and family and also being recognized as a leader by the city of Portland.
What are some highlights you’ve had over the last year …
Anti-Aging Tips for Moms of Every Age
Good skin care doesn’t have to become complicated as you get older. At every age, the basics are similar: protect your skin from the sun, cleanse gently, moisturize, and choose products based on your individual skin concerns.
Age Range
Skin Care Focus
20s–30s
Sun protection, acne care, moisturizing
40s
Moisture, sun protection, fine lines and texture
50s
Hydration, dryness, changes in tone and texture
60s+
Gentle cleansing, richer moisture, daily sun protection
Skin changes differently for everyone, so age is only one factor. Skin type, sun exposure, medications, hormones, and individual concerns can all affect which products or treatments are appropriate.
As Mother’s Day approaches, husbands, children, grandchildren, and well-wishers of all stripes are scurrying to find the perfect present for mom. For busy moms, Mother’s Day may be little more than a reminder of the …
April 9, 2015
Alumni Profile: Samantha Borenheim
I started off in the industry close to 20 years ago doing hair and makeup at Glamour Shot back in the 90’s and managed to salon in high school. Then I went in a very corporate direction. … I really feel like I finally found my home when I started with Phagans.
February 14, 2015
Alumni Profile: Sarah Pein
Meet Sarah Pein. We are very proud of her and her recent graduation from the Lloyd Campus. Our loss is a salon’s gain, as she looks to transition into being behind the chair. Congratulations Sarah on getting licensed and following your dream. You have worked hard and we will miss you, and we wish you continued success as part of the Phagans family.
How did you get involved with Phagans?
I was wanting to save up for Cosmetology School. My fiancé actually saw that Phagans was hiring. I thought it would be great to work at a cosmetology school to motivate me to save up. I was working at McDonalds at the time, so I was very excited to apply at Phagans.
How was your experience working …
February 6, 2015
Five Easy and Hot Hairstyles for Date Night
Easy date night hairstyles don’t have to require a lot of time or complicated styling. Beach waves, a loose twist, a sleek ponytail, a half-up style, and a topknot can all create a polished look while still being relatively simple to do at home.
Hairstyle
Best For
Beach waves
A soft, relaxed look
Loose twist
An easy updo with a romantic feel
Sleek ponytail
A simple, polished style
Half-up
Keeping hair away from the face while showing off length
Topknot
A quick updo for a more dressed-up look
Choose the style that works best with your hair length, texture, and the amount of time you have to get ready.
If thoughts of date night conjure images of your hair baking in a straightener or spending an hour with curlers in your hair, think again, because you’re doing it …
December 5, 2014
5 Career Paths to Explore in Cosmetology and Beauty
Cosmetology is a career that offers a variety of different paths. As a cosmetologist, you can have the opportunity to help people feel better about themselves and help them in numerous other ways. Learn about the five hottest careers in cosmetology here!


