How to Choose Your Wedding Day “Do”

Not sure how to style your hair on the big day? Choosing your wedding hairstyle shouldn’t get your veil in a bunch! You want to look your best and we want to help - here are the top tips to turn your mane into a wedding-day do:

1. Don’t do anything outrageous! Sure you’ve always wanted to try a mohawk – a  month before your wedding is not the time for a big change. Save the daring look for after the big day.
2. Go with a natural color. If your hair is brown, this is probably not the best time to go platinum. Highlights: good. Bleaching whole head: bad.
3. Do test runs! Make sure you book hair trials about a month before your wedding – this will give you enough time to have a second trial if need be. Leaving the entire process to the day of the wedding could leave you disappointed and upset if it does not work out!
4. Compliment your dress, don’t compete with it. Your hairstyle should be an extension of your dress, not a whole new showpiece. If you are sporting a ballgown, an updo is the way to go; if you are looking romantic in soft flowing layers, wearing your hair down in loose curls looks dreamy.
5. Come to terms with your hair’s personality. Everyone’s hair has a nasty side. Whether its flaw is frizziness, crazy curls or cowlicks, be sure to make peace with it and choose a hairdo that will finesse, not fight, with your hair’s worst enemies.
6. Choose a hairdo you can handle. A mile-high beehive may not be the answer if you plan to dance the night away… Choose something you are prepared to keep in check all night.
7. Respect the elements. If your hair tends to frizz at the slightest hint of moisture and you’re marching down the aisle outdoors, leaving it loose on a rainy day may not work in your favor. If you’re outdoors, consider Mother Nature as a consultant to your style.
8. Veil or no veil… Your veil, tiara or headpiece is essential to your style. Make sure it accompanies you on your test runs and that is can be easily and naturally worked in to your hair. Also, be sure that your headpiece’s fasteners will stay in place all night.
9. Go with the flow… Did you write “Black-tie” on the invite? Make sure your hair reflects your wedding theme.

Formal = updo
Semi-formal = casual up-do or hair half-up

Casual = just make sure you take the rollers out of your hair!

10. This is the most important rule: do what you feel comfortable with! It’s your day so have fun!

MC College is a licensed Hair, Esthetics and Fashion College with 7 locations across Western Canada. We offer education and training, as well as a fully functioning day spa and beauty salon. For more information on our programs and  services, visit our website: www.mccollege.ca.

MEDIA RELEASE - MC College Shows Their Support

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release – April 20, 2011

Contact: Nicole Hauck, Director, MC College

Phone: 204-786-5081 x3

Email: nicoleh@mccollege.ca

Winnipeg – MC College is showing their support for Winnipeg’s inner-city and international women with two April events: Haircuts for the Community and Walk for Water.

On April 27, 2011, students of MC College and Aveda College will be participating in Walk for Water, an event organized to raise money for women in Africa. The fifth annual Walk for Water will again focus on uniting people from 16 cities nation-wide for a 6km walk – the average distance a woman in Africa must walk to get fresh water. The MC College students will be walking as well as providing free hand massages for participants and gift baskets to show their appreciation for all those who participate. The event will start at 8:30 a.m. at the Legislative Building, (2405 Legislative Drive) to City Hall and back. For more information visit www.iwalkforwater.ca.

The Winnipeg campus will also be giving free haircuts for inner-city women on April 28^th, 2011 at the Lord Selkirk Park Resource Centre. Aiming to give a little pampering to those who can’t afford to pamper themselves, the students will provide complete haircuts for women from 1-3 p.m. MC College provides services on a regular basis to Lord Selkirk Park such as Manicures, Head Massages, Scalp and Neck massages.

Each of MC College’s 7 locations takes part in as many community events and charitable causes as possible hoping to spread their vision for passion and creativity to those who may not have the chance to experience these moments in everyday life. As well as being a Cosmetology school, Hairstyling school, Esthetics and Fashion College, the organization hopes to impart its knowledge of the importance of giving back to the community as well. M.C. College Group has donated over 3 million dollars in scholarships and charitable donations in the form of services, products and dollars over the past 15 years.

MC College is Canada’s leader in hair and esthetics training in Western Canada. MC College has been operating in Alberta since 1925 and is a family-run business that has since expanded to 7 Canadian locations. Striving to inspire passion for the hair, esthetics and beauty industry, the college has nurtured the creativity of hundreds of graduates.

The Winnipeg campus offers 3 programs (Hairstyling, Esthetics and Fashion Design) and operates a fully functioning beauty salon and day spa. For more information on the programs visit www.mccollege.ca.

-end-

Spring 2011: Trends That Left the Fashion Schools Buzzing (the rest of us too…)

By Lilly Gordon

The New Year is proving to be a very interesting and eclectic year in fashion. Watching the trends that came down the runways for spring 2011, left everyone with a sparkle in their eyes and a skip in their step (it wasn’t just the champagne!) Looking at the bright, bold and fresh spring trends reminiscent of a fashion school graduate’s first show (meant in the most flattering way possible) reminds us that fashion is not dead, drab or boring anymore. There has been new life breathed into the clothing world and it is going to be an exciting spring.

Top 5 Spring 2011 Trends:

1. Bold Colours: While nude is still nice, bold is fashion’s secret weapon this spring. Dazzling hues of orange, green and blue make everything new and clean again (not neon!). Designers have taken inspiration from fresh fruits, Dr. Seuss, and the freshness of the season. For those who like to rock – wear it head to toe. For those who like to stand out a little less, buy some fabulously bright accessories and wow the crowd. Staples: oranges, greens and blues.

2. Feminine and Flirty: Nothing says feminine like the sultry 60s housewife-inspired look for the spring. Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks really knows how to fill out a sheath, and designers took notice. The hourglass figure is back, ladies and gents. Don’t have a curvy bod? Pick up a full skirt and tiny belt and cinch that waist up. The full skirt is the perfect paradox for day and a perfect option for those who don’t like flaunt what they’ve got. Staples: full skirt, fitted sweater, sheath dress and kitten heels.

3. Biker Chic: Replacing the uber-popular military trend that has plagued designers for more than a decade, biker jackets and quilted leather pants are suddenly all the rage. But don’t go for basic black and matted leather; think metallic and futuristic. Then pair it with a funky pair of biker boots and you’re good to go. Staples: biker-esque jacket, biker boots.

4. Punk-ish: While punk has been an underground favourite for years now, the newness has faded away, much like the washed out founders of the style. But the anguished and independent message remains, as do certain elements of the style. Studs, leather and holey shirts are pieces you can pair with other solid pieces of clothing. Don’t over do it, and you won’t drown. Staples: ripped or worn tees, Doc Martens and something studded.

5. Disco Dream: The 70s are back, and that’s the way, uh-huh, uh-huh, the designers like it. This time around, though, the feathered do’s and flared pants are elegant inspired. Statement belts and billowing sleeves finish off the look for day; while sophisticated bohemian dresses and a few well-placed chunky rings will blow people’s minds in the evening. Staples: Flared pants, blouses and a fantastically long dress.

There you have it: the styles and inspiration behind 2011 fashion trends. Have fun and be fashionable!

MC College has two fabulous locations (Edmonton & Winnipeg) for aspiring fashionistas. Complete our twelve month course in design, production and merchandising and begin your fierce journey through fashion. For more information on our programs and services, visit our website: www.mccollege.ca. Your potential is our passion…

MC College Takes to the Runway

Look out – MC College just got fiercer! This week, MC College is  strutting on the catwalks at Western Canada Fashion Week. Highlighting a flare for boldness, creativity and originality, the stylists created fresh hair designs that enhanced the spring trends of texture, colour and sleek style. 

Showcasing two rounds of eye-popping coifs, the models rocked the socks off the audience with their craftily textured do’s and bold use of materials interwoven in the hairstyles. In round 2, they surprised and delighted with pops of bright, contrasting colours and contoured, angular cuts.

Check out our hair designs, pics and more WCFW highlights here.

Launch Your Day Spa Career: Becoming an Esthetician

By Lilly Gordon

Becoming an esthetician is a popular career choice as day spas and beauty treatments flourish in our busy population. Choosing a day spa career is a great choice for those who love working with people, thrive in a relaxed environment and want to make other look and feel great.

What is an Esthetician?

An esthetician is a licensed professional who performs spa services for customers. There are many facets involved in the varied jobs that estheticians can hold:

• Cosmetology: Learning how to apply makeup on clients for weddings, photography, etc.
• Hair removal: The art of waxing and building client relationships.
• Facials and Skin Care: Facial masks and treatments, skin consultations and analysis.
• Traditional Spa Services: Manicures, pedicures, nails, etc.
• Reflexology: treatments and massage for the hands and feet.
• Spa Therapies: Different massage techniques, aromatherapy, body wraps

There are also advanced areas of study in esthetics that cover working with physicians and dermatologists. An esthetician can focus on one area in his or her career or excel in many depending on the job and salary desired.

How to Become an Esthetician

To start an Esthetician career, a diploma is required from a licensed cosmetology school. Be sure to pick a school that offers all of the areas of focus that interest you. Choose a local beauty school that is foremost in its education and training. You should also speak to the school’s previous graduates and find out what kind of practical experience they offer.

When you are attending your school of choice, you can choose to specialize in certain areas if you choose (such as the advanced areas). A program of this type will usually last less than a year and consist of theory, practical training and work experience.

What Kinds of Jobs Are Available

Estheticians generally make anywhere between $25,000 - $60, 000 per year depending on the type of job they have, the location and the commissions and tips received.

A cosmetology school diploma in esthetics should leave graduates prepared to take on a day spa career in any full service day spa or medical spa, beauty salon, resort or cruise ship spa.

MC College is a licensed Esthetics School with 7 locations in Western Canada. We offer education and training in Hairstyling, Esthetics and Fashion, as well as a fully functioning day spa and beauty salon. For more information on our programs and services, visit our website: www.mccollege.ca. Your potential is our passion…

March is National Women's Month!

Let’s Celebrate All Beautiful Career Paths!

March is Women’s History Month and an opportunity to celebrate how far women have come. While we hear a lot about how women are underrepresented in math and science professions, we’re unlikely to hear much about women’s achievements in "pink" career fields.

Yet over the past century, "pink" career paths have created thousands of successful career paths and businesses.　

From product developers and beauty editors to backstage stylists, day spa owners and salon professionals, it’s estimated that more than 820,000 people work in the beauty industry today. Even more remarkable is that these jobs are projected to grow.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook 2010-11 Edition– projects that careers in cosmetology will grow much faster than the national average. Skincare (esthetics) careers are projected to grow 38 percent through 2018 with overall cosmetology jobs growing about 20 percent for the period 2008 through 2018. These jobs aren’t just in big cities, but in virtually every town.

Perhaps the most alluring part of a career in beauty is its staying power.

Consider:

·Jobs in the beauty industry are not subject to off-shoring – at least until someone invents a way to get a haircut from a call center.

·Jobs in the beauty industry are not likely to be replaced with technology – until a computer can provide a haircut and color.

· Jobs in the beauty industry provide what many young people are wanting more of today – life/work balance and the opportunity to create a schedule that lets people do what they love while also finding time for their loved ones. For this reason alone, beauty careers are an attractive choice for mothers and caregivers.

Perhaps the most beautiful thing about the beauty industry is its commitment to helping others. Each year, salons, beauty schools and manufacturers contribute thousands of hours of service to programs benefitting their community. Our various M.C. College locations have donated their time and energy to many volunteer and community programs:

M.C. College Red Deer raised over $1200.00 in a one day fundraiser with monies raised being given to the Christmas Bureau. They were also involved in Pinking for Cancer and raised over $1000.00.

M.C. College Edmonton has donated the revenue from one day's services to the Youth Emergency Shelter, donated haircuts to Employment Services Edmonton, has actively been involved in the Hair Massacure and is currently raising money for the relief effort in Japan.

M.C. College Calgary sent students to perform haircuts, manicures and pedicures for Woods Home - a homeless shelter for youth, and volunteered their time for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. They also volunteer at a Calgary drop-in centre on a weekly basis and just finished up the 2nd annual Shave for the Brave event to benefit Young Adult Cancer Canada.

M.C. College Kelowna has given complimentary haircutes to the John Howard Society and the Cut for the Cure at the University of British Columbia.

M.C. College Vernon has donated a day's proceeds to the Salvation Army, they have participated in fundraising for the Winter Carnival and Elks Society, and have given free services to the Boys' and Girls' Club.

M.C. College Winnipeg has given complimentary manicures to inner city women at the Lord Selkirk Park Resource Centre and complimentary haircuts to the Spring Community Feast.

M.C. College Saskatoon donated their time to the Streak for MS event, and performed complimentary hair and makeup services for the Saskatchewan Learning Disabilities annual charity fashion show.

Beautiful indeed - we should be proud of ourselves, M.C. College Group!

Yes, we need careers in math, science and emerging technology fields. But let’s not forget about the opportunities available to those who want to make the world a more beautiful place.

Sincerely,

Joe Cairo

President, M.C. College Group Inc.

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