I learned a lot about myself…good and bad! I learned that I liked doing hair, and the instructors meant business. I had a good education. It was physically and emotionally taxing – it wasn’t easy. I had to grow up because this was the real world!

Phagans graduate Heidi Aldana opened her first salon, Studio 90, in Southeast Portland less than two years after graduating. After changing careers from healthcare to cosmetology, she gained salon experience before becoming a business owner offering hair, nail, facial, and waxing services.

Her story highlights:

Making a career change into cosmetology
Overcoming challenges as an English-language learner
Gaining experience after graduation
Opening a two-chair salon
Building a business with support from family and friends

When Heidi Aldana worked as a certified nursing assistant one of her favorite parts of the job was working on patients’ hair and makeup.

Phagans graduate Heidi Aldana’s first salon, Studio 90.

So when the native Guatemalan found herself unemployed she decided to follow a dream that began in her native country and enrolled at …

Facials can help cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, and refresh the appearance of your skin while providing time to relax. The five main reasons people enjoy getting facials are:

Cleansing away oil, makeup, and surface buildup
Gentle exfoliation for smoother-looking skin
Moisturizing products selected for your skin type
Personalized skincare and product recommendations
A relaxing self-care experience

The specific benefits depend on the facial, products used, and your individual skin needs.

1. Cleansing: Even with a consistent at-home routine, a facial can provide a thorough cleanse and help remove oil, makeup, and surface buildup. The facial you choose can be customized based on your skin type and concerns.

2. Soothing: Day-to-day life is taking a toll on your skin. Environmental agents, whether manmade like smog or natural like pollen, can leave …

In this 2011 year-in-review, Phagans reflects on opening its new Clackamas campus, hosting a grand-opening fashion show, supporting the Tristan Hicks Wellness Fund, and expanding its team. Looking ahead to 2012, the school planned to add night classes, improve its programs, and host more student events at the Clackamas location.

Highlights included:

Opening the new Clackamas campus
Hosting a grand-opening fashion show
Supporting a community fundraiser
Expanding the Phagans team
Planning night classes and additional events for 2012

You know when I started to look back at this year I was amazed at all we accomplished. But before I take that look back I think it’s important to send some thoughts to those out there who are really struggling in these economic times.

Earlier in the year it did look …

What if you’re on a budget (and who’s not as we wrap up 2011) and you want to sparkle this holiday season? Never fear. There are lots of ways to get the glistening look you’re after without breaking the bank.

Fall can be a good time to schedule a facial because your skin may benefit from exfoliation after summer and added moisture as the weather becomes cooler and drier. A facial can help cleanse the skin, remove surface buildup, and support a refreshed, hydrated appearance before winter.

Potential benefits of a fall facial include:

Cleansing away oil, makeup, and product buildup
Removing dead skin cells through gentle exfoliation
Adding moisture as temperatures and humidity decrease
Adjusting your skincare routine for cooler weather
Taking time for self-care before the holiday season

Here’s a closer look at how a facial may support your fall skincare routine.

Pores: Oil, sweat, makeup, and skincare products can contribute to buildup on the skin. A professional facial can help cleanse the skin and remove surface debris.

Dead skin: …

Celebrity makeup artist and Phagans student M’chel Bauxal has seemingly done it all, but when she saw an opportunity to work at the Emmy’s, she jumped at it.

Gel nail polish has been one of the most popular trends in the beauty industry for quite some time now. And with good reason! It offers a longer-lasting manicure that looks great and doesn’t chip easily. We’re going over the pros and cons of using gel nail polish for manicures!

In winter, the near-constant cloud cover lulls Northwesterners into thinking we don’t need protection. Suns damaging rays can break through the clouds so it’s important to protect yourself in all types of weather. But you can do it with style.

Designers of the new Phagans School of Hair Design in Clackamas Town Center included a hidden gem – a stage to highlight the rising stars of cosmetology who graduate from Phagans.