Miss Avis- Mitten Maven Studio

Allow me to introduce myself: My name is Avis aka Mitten Maven, an alt beauty pro based in Metro Detroit. I do a whole bunch of things: hair cuts, color, makeup, wedding and event styling to name a few. I do all the things because it makes my neurodivergent brain happy. I’m behind the chair in Berkley, Michigan at Golden Hour Collective Salon. I travel for weddings all over Michigan and beyond. My chair is always a safe space for all humans. Here are some color and cuts I’ve done lately. Hoping my humans , who want awesome hair, find me.

It’s almost Spring… right?!?

Hello Beautiful Human,

If you’ve looked down at your favorite black shirt lately and thought, “am I… shedding?” this one’s for you.

Winter in Michigan is cute when it starts until it drags on forever and your scalp decides to cosplay as a powdered donut. So let’s break down the difference between dry scalp and dandruff, because they are NOT the same diva.

❄️ Dry Scalp: The Thirst Trap

Dry scalp is exactly what it sounds like, your skin is thirsty. Cold air outside + blasting heat inside + lava-temperature showers = tight, itchy, flaky scalp.

Dry scalp flakes:
• Small
• White
• Usually fall off easily
• Often come with itchiness or tightness

How to Combat Dry Scalp at Home

Here’s your Mitten Maven approved end of winter survival kit:

1. Oil Treatments
A pre-shampoo oil treatment can work wonders. Massage into your scalp, let it sit 20–30 minutes (or longer), then shampoo out.
On hair wash day, I personally love using Verb’s Ghost Oil for my scalp massages. I add 5 pumps at a time to my hands- massage it in, brush it through, and clip it up out of the way while I work around the house. If you do not have Ghost Oil- you can use Coconut, Castor, or Jojoba oil instead. Just watch out in the shower when you are shampooing it out, it can get slippery.

2. Scalp Exfoliation Before Washing
Think of this like skincare for your scalp. The Verb Ghost Exfoliating Scalp Nectar gently lifts buildup and dead skin so your shampoo can actually do its job.

3. Switch to a More Moisturizing Shampoo + Conditioner
If your shampoo still says “clarifying” and it’s March and still snowing… we need to talk. Winter is for hydration.

4. Turn. Down. The. Hot. Water.
I know. I KNOW. But super hot water strips your scalp of its natural oils and makes dryness worse.

5. Blow Dry Your Roots (Especially in Winter!)
When you air dry in cold weather, your scalp stays damp longer. That lingering moisture + cold air can disrupt your scalp barrier and sometimes lead to irritation or even fungal imbalance.
Quick root blast with a dryer = happy scalp + more volume. Win-win.

❄️ Dandruff: The Plot Twist

Dandruff isn’t just “dry scalp.” It’s usually related to an overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia) on the scalp and is more of a skin condition.

Dandruff flakes:
• Larger Flakes/ Scales
• Often yellow-ish
• Can look greasy
• May come with redness or inflammation

If you suspect true dandruff, this is where a dermatologist is your MVP. Prescription or medicated treatments can rebalance your scalp in ways salon products simply cannot.

If you’re unsure which one you’re dealing with, bring your scalp to me. I cannot give you an official diagnosis but I can tell you if it is dry scalp and treatable in the salon.

💆🏻‍♀️ How I Can Help In the Salon

When you come in for your haircut or blowout, you can add:
• ✨ A dreamy scalp massage
• ✨ A Malibu treatment to remove buildup and rebalance
• ✨ A Verb exfoliating scalp treatment for a clean slate moment

These are quick 10-20 minute add on’s that can pay off in the long run.

🇪🇸 What’s the deal with this Spain thing?!?
From March 8th–15th, I’ll be traveling in Spain visiting my friend who moved there in November. This is my first European adventure and an early 40th birthday gift to myself (I turn 40 in April, excuse me while I spiral gracefully).

You may notice appointments are limited for a couple weeks around this time. Also fun fact when I open my booking app overseas, it adjusts to whatever time zone I’m in, which has made things… chaotic in the past. So if booking feels tight or confusing, that’s why.

If you need a March refresh, please book sooner rather than later. Easter is coming and so is the warmer weather 🎉 but you know what that means… people will start taking off their hats and they will notice that they need a haircut (which means I will be busy behind the chair).

If you’ve gotten this far I appreciate you thank you for trusting me with your hair, your journey, and your seasonal scalp drama.

Hydrate your roots. Lower the shower temp. Book your appointment.
And if you see me eating tapas pretending I’m in a Wes Anderson film- know I’m living my best life.

All the best,
Avis
Mitten Maven Studio ✨

💆🏽Let’s talk about your scalp and Spain!!! 🇪🇸 Click here for an update from Miss Avis @ Mitten Maven Studio!

🎃It’s the best week of the year!👻

Hello Beautiful Humans,

This season has been spooky in more ways than one, and I’m not just talking about my attempt to watch the Conjuring Series, so much change and reflection. Last week, the federal government announced that SNAP benefits will not be available for Michigan residents in November, and many local food banks that normally help fill that gap have lost significant federal support.

That news really struck a chord with me, as someone who grew up on food stamps, I know how deeply food insecurity can affect a family. That’s why, through the end of the year, I’ll be collecting non-perishable food to donate to local food pantries.

You can drop off donations during your appointment or reach out to coordinate another time to stop by.

And if you’re stocking up for Halloween, consider an alternative idea that’s been floating around TikTok: offering instant ramen, Easy Mac, or snack cups instead of (or alongside) candy. They’re affordable, easy to make, and bring a little extra comfort to kids who might be experiencing food insecurity.

💛 Why This Space Means So Much

When I moved from my salon suite into Golden Hour Collective, it wasn’t just a change of address- it is a chance to finally bring my longtime vision to life.

My dream has always been to salon differently and create a space where connection goes beyond “just” hair and makeup. A place where my amazing, creative, and kind clients can come together, not just to be pampered, but to feel part of something meaningful.

Now that I have the extra space, I can finally host the kinds of events I’ve always wanted to:
✨ Zine-making parties
🧶 Knitting and craft nights
🔮 Tarot readings and self-care workshops
♻️ Parent toy and clothing swaps
💎 Vintage, clothing, and jewelry pop-ups

These gatherings are about community-building friendships, sharing creativity, and supporting one another. I want Golden Hour Collective to be a space that uplifts and connects us, no matter what’s happening in the world outside. I would love your input on what this community will look like please fill out my form here!
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxnMhvrZR3yrBzJTCj5_Re2IxE6wtkxYPiol1jvoyehEc3og/viewform?usp=publish-editor

🌼 Here for You

I know that times are tough for a lot of people right now. While my prices have changed over time to meet the demands of higher costs, I always want to make it clear that I’m here to help when I can.

If you’re experiencing financial hardship or job loss, please reach out to me directly. We can find a way to make things work together. I’d rather have an open conversation than see you go without care you need.

Thank you for continuing to support me, my work, and this growing community. Every one of you has helped make this vision possible, and I can’t wait to see what we build together next.

All the best,
Avis
Mitten Maven Studio @ Golden Hour Collective

🥫Food Drive + What’s Next for Our Community Space✨ Click here for an update from Miss Avis @ Mitten Maven Studio!

Fallin’ for Fresh Hair in the D!

Hello Beautiful Humans,

🍂Do you feel that crispness in the air? The kind that makes you want to a warm cider donut, real bad! (Just me over here channeling my inner Jennifer Coolidge).

This time of year, a lot of you mention feeling like you’re shedding more hair—and you’re not imagining it! Scientists think we actually hold on to more hair in the summer to help protect our scalp, and then when the weather cools down, our hair goes through a little seasonal shed. Totally normal, but if thinning hair has been stressing you out 🙀, I’ve got some new tricks up my sleeve.

✨ What’s New from Verb: They just launched a Peptide Serum + Shampoo designed to help strengthen hair, support your scalp, and promote healthier growth over time. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and a great option if you’re ready to give your hair some extra love this fall.

Oh—and remember when I roped you into my last science experiment with bringing in your water from home? That was part of the Malibu Hair Makeover Giveaway, and Annamaria was our lucky winner! 🎉

💧 Malibu Treatments: These are here to stay! Summer fun can leave your hair feeling a little funky, and Malibu has a detox for every issue—chlorine, hard water, or just too much product build-up. Think of it as a “reset button” for your hair.

Speaking of fun, weekends in September are filling up fast (it’s still wedding season—shout out and congrats to my gorgeous brides Tori, Kate, and Rachel 💕). And mid-September, I’ll be sneaking out of town for a little break to go to Riot Fest in Chicago (Sept 18–22). If you’re going too, let’s compare lineups! Here’s what I’m excited to see 👉 riotfest.org/riot-fest-schedule-2025/?friend=1zhi.1OSw.1FrJ.YvAT.1YAT.f9ga.MSzX.QdAp.hLL8.1trS.ipM.qvMm.1YYQ.2bIM.1FR7.1DP4.PG42.vIBz.1TDZ.25r1.Eu7x.2jaq.110I.1ikX.1oND.xcaN.BLgH.

Lastly, if you haven’t been by the new spot yet—come see me at Golden Hour Collective in Berkley. If you’re reading this, it might be your sign that you’re due for your fall haircut 😉

Thanks for being the best humans around. Wishing you the coziest fall vibes, and maybe even a cider donut (or three).

All the best,
Avis

Your September Hair Survival Kit (with cider donut energy) Click here for an update from Miss Avis @ Mitten Maven Studio!

☀️This Summer Science

Meets Self-Care!

Cue the science goggles and Corgi companion dressed like a rat, friends — we’re getting nerdy about hair 👩🏻‍🔬🥽🧪

Did you know the sweet spot for healthy hair is a pH between 4.5–5.5? This slightly acidic level keeps your cuticle smooth, your shine intact, and your scalp happy. But if your water is loaded with minerals like calcium, iron, copper, or chlorine, your hair’s pH gets knocked out of whack.

This summer, I’m on a mission to save your strands from the sneaky damage hiding in your own shower. Seriously- the biggest hair and scalp problems you may be facing can start with hard water and old pipes loaded with minerals that can leave your hair dull, dry, brittle, and basically immune to all the good stuff you’re trying to feed it.
⠀
💧 So here’s what I want you to do: Bring me a water sample from your shower (yes, your actual shower water — trust me). I’ll test it for you right here, so we can customize the best treatment using Malibu C products to revive your hair and wash away the build up mineral mess.
⠀

What’s the deal with Malibu C?
These antioxidant-rich, science-backed treatments detox your strands, literally pulling the junk out of your hair (its really cool, kind of looks like slime when you pull it off but not the fun kind) using fresh-dosed, crystallized vitamin C and plant-based boosters. And the best part? I can finally fully offer this service at Golden Hour Beauty Collective.

🔬 Let’s Talk Hair Concerns and Treatment Options:

Concern: Stiff, Brittle, Brassy Hair
Treatment: 🌊 Hard Water Wellness
Removes calcium, iron, and magnesium buildup.

Concern: Green, Smelly, Dry, Crunchy hair because of swimming.
Treatment: 🏊 Swimmer’s Remedy
Pulls out chlorine and copper.

Concern: Itchy, oily, or dry flaky scalps
Treatment: 🔥 Scalp Therapy
Helps restore balance with cooling comfort.

Concern: Color Looking less vibrant and shiny even when it’s new.
Treatment: 🧪 Crystal Gel Treatment
The ultimate detox before a color service. Strips out product, minerals, and metals that can affect your results.

🧠 Why You Should Care:

Hard water + old pipes = tiny rocks in your shower. Those same minerals can latch onto your hair over time, making it feel a little awkward.
This creates a rough surface, dull color, and weakens the hair structure. It can even block your color from depositing properly.
Think of it like trying to paint on dirty glass. Yikes.

Let’s science your strands back to health 🧪🧪🥽.

Book your summer service now and bring in your water sample. I will need about 2 oz in a small mason jar or Tupperware container to test it during your appointment. Just had an appointment and still want to enter- no problem 😉 Bring me your water to test ( while I’m working) and you will be entered to win. The winner will be announced Labor Day Weekend!

I need this in my life- Give me the info!
Malibu is a $45 Standalone (includes blow dry + full consultation)
$20 Add-On to any service
Recommended every 6 weeks+ for ongoing care. Results last until minerals re-accumulate (aka your water strikes again).

💛 Stay safe and hydrated out there (your hair will thank you)!

All the best,
Avis

P.S. Tag me in your hair nerd moment with your water jar for an extra entry on Instagram

🔬 Science Hair Makeover: Bring Me Your Water, Enter to Win a Treatment! Click here for an update from Miss Avis @ Mitten Maven Studio!

So many things this Spring!

Hello Beautiful Humans!

Can you freaking believe that summer is almost here?! Personally, spring has brought a lot of change for me — and from what I’m hearing, maybe a lot of change for you too.

This weekend, I move out of My Salon Suite Ferndale and into Golden Hour Collective in Berkley. I believe in being fully transparent, so I want to share what’s been going on as clearly as I can.

Thirty days ago, I gave notice to my current salon suite. While this transition has been in the works for some time, part of the urgency came from a non-compete clause in my lease. When I signed the lease for Bee’s Knees in Oak Park, I was threatened with legal action by the owners of my current salon in Ferndale, because the new space falls within the restricted radius outlined in that agreement.

To avoid any legal conflict and move forward with integrity, I made the decision to temporarily move to Berkley. The plan was to work there until Bee’s Knees was ready — hopefully after my contract expired. This plan was based on a construction update I received in late April that suggested we were on track.

But last week, I got a semi-urgent email from the Oak Park landlord asking for a meeting. During a walk-through with the city and contractors to assess ADA compliance, it turned out that it’s not just the bathrooms that need updating. Now, the back lot will need new ramps, the HVAC and water heater need to be moved to the roof, the hallways have to be widened, and all the door frames need to be redone.

Here’s the kicker: there’s a rider in their insurance policy that excludes coverage for code-compliance upgrades. So all of these unexpected changes — we’re talking tens of thousands of dollars per space — are coming directly out of the property owners’ pockets. And with four storefronts affected by the fire, it’s a huge blow.

Unfortunately, this no longer aligns with their original plan to retire in the next five years — which was also when I had hoped to have enough cash money to buy the four walls I was renting. Instead, they’ve decided to sell all four spaces. They did offer to sell one to me, which sounds really freaking cool and dazzling with opportunity, but let’s be real: I am not sitting on a million dollars. Trust me — if I was, there’d be signs.

Let’s just say the proverbial rug being yanked out from under me was not on my bingo card this spring. So I spent most of the holiday weekend deep sighing while thinking about commercial real estate. My only cure? Setting up my inflatable hot tub and marinating in it with the jets on, staring at the sky. I really did this. For three days. Haha.

So here we are again — one major change after another. I really do appreciate you for being along on this wild f’n journey. For now, the dream of my own salon is going into the crockpot to sit and simmer. We’re going to have patience and trust that something awesome will come along when the time is right.

Looking forward to seeing you over at Golden Hour Collective in a few days- the addresses will be updated over the weekend.

2734 Twelve Mile Road
Berkley, Mi

All the Best,
Avis

All Things Update- A Tale of Two Spaces Click here for an update from Miss Avis @ Mitten Maven Studio!