Thursday, October 1, 2009

Sun Signature Article - October 2009

Sun Signature Article - October 2009
By Nancy Canfield

When LeAnne Kordis, owner of The Alternative Salon and Spa was working on her PhD in Behavioral Therapy, she never realized where she’d be putting that education to work.

As her “bread and butter,” she trained as a hairstylist and makeup artist, eventually earning her li- cense as a Medical Esthetician. That required five years experience under doctors such as plastic surgeons, and three years of study. She also added acupuncture to her skill set.

The more LeAnne worked with people on their hair, skin and scalp, the more she learned the complex- ity of their dissatisfaction with their appearance. It came from within, and LeAnne wanted to apply a more holistic approach.

Eventually, she branched out to include Healing Beauty, or medical tattooing, especially for cancer pa- tients, in terms of giving a woman back a part of her that disappeared, her aureola.

The Susan Koman Foundation has invited LeAnne to write ar- ticles for them.

When patients complete chemotherapy, they may be left with no eyebrows or eyelashes; tattooing is a better alternative to false hair which may come off inopportunely.

“Tattooing helps people feel more normal, because they look it. The prescription for health and beauty go hand in hand with feeling good about yourself. “Women wear many hats, have many emotions; they’re multi-faceted,” LeAnne says.

In counseling clients, LeAnne found that many people are the victims of domestic violence either as children or adults. In fact, that was the thrust of her PhD dissertation, trying to help young victims to cope with their past and become successful despite their pain. Lots of image issues there.

After a number of years down- town San Diego, LeAnne brought her talents to Rancho Bernardo in 2004, intent on providing more personalized services.

Located in the Bernardo Plaza for the past year, right near Mas- sage Envy, LeAnne and her staff of 20 are ready to help you improve your image. Give her a call and find out how at (858) 485-7895.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Sun Signature Article - August 2009

Sun Signature Article - August 2009
Beauty and professional makeup offered at The Alternative Salon and Spa


The Alternative Salon & Spa aesthetics staff are a team of pro- fessional makeup artists with combined experience of over 20 years in wedding, personal and formal makeup.

They offer custom mineral make- up and individual/small group makeup courses.

“It is our mission and passion to dedicate our skills in helping every woman attain her own con- fidence and beauty through our personalized makeup services and education,” says Leanne Kordis, owner/manager of the Salon. Mineral Makeup and its benefits

Mineral Makeup is a new trend. Everybody is talking about mineral makeup and how it is revolution- izing the cosmetics industry.

But why is it so popular ?

First of all, high quality mineral makeup is made from 100% pure earth minerals and therefore con- tains no chemicals such as talc, fragrance, oils, additives, dyes and chemicals that usually irritate sensitive skin and can be damaging to pores.

Besides its natural contents, Min- eral Cosmetics, especially Mineral Foundation offers many benefits:
• Hydration, which keeps your skin dry
• Provides excellent sun protec-tion
• Gives a perfect and silky luminous look
• Provides long lasting and flawless make up coverage because it absorbs the excess oil and is suitable for all skin tones and skin types from oily to dry and hyper sensitive skin.
• Mineral Powder is recom- mended by most Dermatologists for severe acne, rosacea, skin allergies and eczema because the minerals actually heal the skin and nourish it which is ideal for hiding dark, red spots, broken capillaries, rosacea and acne scars, without creating irritations to the skin
• Mineral Powder can be applied after a chemical peel, microderm- abrasion or laser resurfacing with no risk of inflammation or allergic reaction
Mineral Makeup also does not clog the pores and protects the delicate areas of the skin
• Mineral Makeup works well for mature skin because it reflects light and camouflages fine lines and wrinkles
• Mineral Makeup is light and allows your skin to breathe.

With all these benefits mentioned above, no wonder mineral makeup is now gaining huge popularity in the cosmetics and beauty industry.

Mineral Makup is suitable for all skin types and ages.

Mineral Make Up Quick Start Pakages are available at our spe- cial price now until Aug. 31, 2009. Contact LeAnne at The Alternative Salon & Spa for more details at. Or, go online at: www.MotivesCosmetics.com/ExoticBeauty.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Sun Signature Article - July 2009

Sun Signature Article - July 2009
Introducing Facials for the Scalp


The Alternative Salon & Spa would like to introduce a new Hair Restoration from Nioxin. It’s called SCALP RENEW.

Our scalp is an extension and part of our skin. Like our skin, the scalp develops layers of dead skin cells, sebum plugs and build-up from products and harsh environments which contribute to miniatured, weak hair.

Nioxin, SCALP RENEW, is the first in-salon service of its kind. Think of it as a “facial for the scalp!”

SCALP RENEW is an anti-aging treatment that utilizes a patent-pending Natural Dermabrasion technology to restore scalp and hair health. SCALP RENEW is formu- lated to dissolves away the effects of aging. You will see the immediate results as this special scalp therapy will open follicle sites and increases cellular turnover. You will also see progressive re- sults over time as the scalp treatment add- ed density and strength to hair and increases collagen pro- duction.

SCALP RENEW can be used immediately prior to a hair color, relaxer or perm service. SCALP RENEW will not impact hair color at all. SCALP RENEW therapy should be used once every 4 -6 weeks. Application more often is not recommended and will not make the product more effective.

The Alternative Salon is located in Rancho Bernardo Plaza Shopping Center at 16777 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite E-1. Call (858) 485- 7895 to make an appointment.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Sun Signature Article - April 2009

Sun Signature Article - April 2009
The Alternative Salon creates Grad Night with RB Broncos


The Alternative Salon & Spa in Rancho Bernardo has been in business now for 26 years with it’s success attributed to customers in the Rancho Bernardo area.

The new owners of The Alterna- tive began operations of the Salon in October of 2008 and have been looking for ways to contribute to the RB Community. They now believe they have come up with a worthwhile project for their first fund raiser. Teen Night Friday’s describes the name of the project they created.

LeAnne Nguyen (manager-own- er) along with other managers of the salon, wanted to do something that filled multiple purposes. “First of all, “we wanted to do something that was good for the kids in the area,” suggested LeAnne. “If high school kids would like to have a place to gather, have a few snacks, get their hair cut and be in a relaxed environment, we can provide that all in one evening.

Secondly, LeAnne explained that in times of financial stress and hardship, The Alternative wanted to offer financial relief to schools that were interested in participat- ing. Liz Frakes (VP and Grad Night PTSA Officer) of RB High School was immediately excited about the opportunity of work- ing with The Alternative to help facilitate this unique evening for the teens, while at the same time enabling a contribution to the RB High PTSA to contribute to their Grad Night ’09.

Frakes showed enthusiasm and excitement for the project. The Al- ternative explained to her how they would create the fliers, have them printed, if required and help find ways to get them distributed.

Liz’s immediate response was “Goodness – that sounds easy, all we do is get the word out and you give us money!”

That’s exactly what the manag- ers at The Alternative wanted, an easy way to help schools in the Rancho Bernardo area.

Students at RB High who come into The Alternative Salon on Fri- day nights starting April 17 be- tween 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. can get a hair design and cut for $25. For each hair design and cut given to a Rancho Bernardo participant, The Alternative will donate $5 to the Rancho Bernardo PTSA.

The Salon is also offering Brow Design & Wax for $15, and of that, $5 will also go to the PTSA.

Call in reservations are appre- ciated, if possible, but they will work to accommodate those that do not have reservations.

Other schools or organizations who are interested in participating in fundraisers with The Alterna- tive Salon may contact them at: salon@thealternativesalon.com.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Sun Signature Article - March 2009

Sun Signature Article - March 2009
What you need to know about medical tatoos and micropigmentation


To some, the word “tattooing” takes on a different light than what the normal take is on this ancient art of body marking.

Body marking occasionally comes into play in the realm of healing, and more often than not, there is a practical motivation for an unchanging mark and at times, art is not the motivating factor. In this case the tattooing would be referred to as medical tattooing.

The most common application of medical tattooing comes in the realm of radiation therapy for cancer. A sort of targeting pattern is often tattooed onto these patients, as the treatment schedule is frequently stretched over a period of months. This is the most reliable way of marking the treatment ar- eas without having to re-measure and remark, giving the oncologist a fixed map to follow.

Increasingly, there is also us- age of tattooing for reconstructive purposes, often called “Areola Restoration. Areola Restoration and Scars Camouflaging follow- ing mastectomy are the leading areas where tattooing can be a part of a patient’s post-surgery treat- ment options.

In this case, doctors and medi- cal tattoo technicians collaborate with patients to restore a pre-ill- ness and pre-surgery appearance. Medical tattooing is simple, safe, effective and minimally invasive. This procedure promotes accep- tance of self-image and closure on the breast cancer experience.

“I feel whole again;” “I can un- dress in the same room as my husband again,” or “I don’t feel that there is something missing any- more,” are some of the common responses and feedback that Le- Anne Nguyen, a veteran medical tattoo technician often heard from her clients who have received the Areola Restoration procedure after their mastectomy.
LeAnne Nguyen is a medical es- thetician (M.E.) with a combina- tion of over 13 years experience in esthetics industry.

Ms. Nguyen is the owner and founder of San Diego Permanent Make-Up Center (SDPMC) since 2004, specializing in permanent cosmetic micropigmentation as well as medical tattooing.

SDPMC is regarded as one of the nation-leading specialists in the field of medical tattooing. Ms. Nguyen’s innovative approach delivers the very latest performance and techniques to her clients.

SDPMC’s medical accounts include: Gupta Plastic Surgery Center of Carmel Valley; Centre for Health Care of Poway; Tem- ecula Valley Physician Medical Group; Hemet Community Medi- cal Group and Coastal Plastic Sur- geons of Poway, Carmel Valley and Temecula.

While insurance does not nor- mally cover Areola Restoration, there are cases where medical insurance could apply. If this procedure improves your ability to function normally both emo- tionally and psychologically after mastectomy, it may be partially covered by insurance and/or state funded programs.

Check with your oncologist or reconstructive surgeon office for more information.

If you, or anyone you know are breast cancer survivors and would like to bring closure to your breast cancer experience by the way of Areola Restoration, feel free to contact Ms. LeAnne Nguyen for more information.

You may also obtain “before and after photos” of Areola Restora- tions performed by Ms. Nguyen by contacting her directly at: in- formation@sandiegopermanent- makeupcenter.com or by calling her directly at (858) 4885-7895.

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Sun Signature Article - February 2009

Sun Signature Article - February 2009
Enjoy discounts at the Alternative Salon and Spa in Rancho Bernardo

By Leanne Kordis, Manager

The new year is well underway.

This month, February, is a good time to treat yourself to a beauty treatment to enjoy and revitalize yourself.


This month, the Alternative Salon and Spa in Rancho Bernardo is offering 10% off your Pureology purchase of $75 or more.

In addition, reserve an appointment now for you and a friend on Friday, March 20, from 9 a.m. to noon for a complimentary Pureology Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment (a $30 value). This double your savings offer applies to Pureology product purchased on March 20 during the treatment day hours.

On that day, an extra discount of 20% off a $75 purchase for both you and your friend will be given.

Since spaces are limited, call us now at (858) 485-7895 to make your reservations. We’ll welcome you at the Alternative Salon and Spa.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Sun Signature Article - January 2009

Sun Signature Article from January 2009
Welcome to the New Year and and let The Alternative Hair Salon and Spa help you feel your very best

Happy New Year! The Alternative staff members want to welcome you, both men and women, to visit our salon and to try our many services to make you look and feel your very best.

Our staff is professionally trained with years of experience to offer a variety of beauty services.

Women’s hairstyles are up-to- date and designed for each individual’s preference as is skin care for both men and women. Expert permanent makeup is also available and is enjoyed by the many women who have had it done. We also offer discount specialties. The products we use are of the best quality and our clientele has always been pleased with the results of our services. We look forward to introducing these ser- vices to new people so we welcome you to visit our salon and acquaint yourselves with what we can offer you.

The Alternative Salon and Spa is one of the original beauty salon in Rancho Bernardo. W e strive to maintain the high quality of ser- vice and products for which it has always achieved and been known for.

Start the new year with confi- dence in your appearance by vis- iting us at The Alternative Salon and Spa. For more information, call me, LeAnne Nguyen at (858) 485-7895.