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According to the American Academy of Dermatology and the Society for Investigative Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. Acne can reveal itself in people of all ages. Some contributing factors include clogged pores with dead skin cells, excess oils, bacteria overgrowth, and inflammation.
One major area where acne can cause distressing issues is the face. We can’t just hide our faces. Combined with unwanted facial hair, you potentially have a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
Facial hair growth and acne can be due partly to genetics, hormonal changes, health issues, or diet. Acne beneath facial hair growth might be harmless in some cases but can also indicate a more significant problem, especially concerning bacteria.
The Statista Research Department in 2021 stated that the over-the-counter revenue of retail acne products and medicines in the United States was estimated to be around $270 million, an increase from $204 million dollars in 2017.
This statistic alone should be enough to show how in-demand skin care professionals are. If you are passionate about helping clients with acne and facial hair problems, there is no lack of business. All you need to do is learn as much as possible about treating acne and unwanted facial hair and provide real results to each client. Your reputation will soon follow, and your business will grow. Of course, lots of social media before and after pictures and videos will help with growth too.
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Lina Kennedy is a chief pioneer, collecting many feathers in her cap. An expert on professional sugaring, Kennedy regularly writes articles for industry magazines in North America and Europe. As president of Alexandria Professional, one of her personal goals is to ensure that each professional trained in the art of body sugaring learns and understands the exceptional results that they and their clients can achieve through The Kennedy Theory for sugaring and The Kennedy Technique Theory.
The beauty industry is constantly following the rise and fall of different trends. At this moment, no matter where someone shops for their favorite beauty products, whether as a professional or client, they are inundated with clean beauty marketing. But what exactly is clean beauty and how can it impact a spa business and its clients?
Within the last 15 years, consumers and companies have become more aware of what gets put on and inside the human body, leading to a rise in demand for products that will not irritate skin or pose a health hazard. According to a study published in 2019 by Frontiers in Medicine, one reason could be an increase in skin sensitivity that has become more prevalent compared to previous decades. Overall, clean beauty follows the general public’s trend of moving more towards wellness and greener, more environmentally friendly lifestyles.
Everything built in life should begin with a good foundation. In the professional skin care industry, investing in education is the first fundamental tool that will begin to develop and strengthen a professional’s foundation and future. And when it comes to professional hair removal, sugaring is tool that requires diligence, patience, and above all, top-notch education.
Lina Kennedy is the president and CEO of Alexandria Professional, a worldwide leader in body sugaring epilation and skin conditioning. Kennedy is the pioneer of professional body sugaring and master trainer of professionals and distributors in more than 30 countries. As a beauty industry innovator, Kennedy has developed a full line of all-natural, vegan, and cruelty-free skin care products and treatments that are safe and effective for all hair and skin types. Kennedy is dedicated to ensuring that each professional trained in body sugaring learns and understands the exceptional results they and their clients can achieve through the Kennedy Theory. She is a motivational speaker, the author of numerous articles in beauty magazines, and a multi-patent holder.
The professional beauty industry is always in a constant state of change as new products are innovated, and trends rise and fall. With smartphones, computers, and search engines just a click (or voice-activation) away, consumers are choosing to become increasingly more informed about what they put inside and onto their bodies. Combine this with the climate crisis, and there is an increased demand for more “green” and natural products and methods. While the demand for natural alternatives has impacted nearly every corner of the beauty industry, let’s focus on hair removal.
What exactly counts as natural hair removal? Most of the time, when discussing natural alternatives, there is a comparison to traditional wax, which can contain chemical ingredients such as parabens. Beyond that, there are many ways spas could choose to define natural hair removal. Consider these popular methods of hair removal that do not contain any added chemicals or electrical inputs such as electrolysis.
In the skin care industry, it is a professional’s job to help clients feel confident and beautiful in their skin. To get a step closer to accomplishing this mission and recognizing their important role, they should be aware of the prevention, causes, symptoms, and treatments for eczema and psoriasis to support the health of their clients’ skin. Additionally, it is essential that professionals can both identify the similarities and differences of the two skin conditions and how to treat each.
One of the most important hires a spa owner will make is the position of receptionist. From booking appointments and greeting clients as they walk through the door to managing inventory or assisting management, a spa’s front staff plays a big role in the day-to-day tasks. However, what exactly should be expected from a receptionist? No matter the size or needs of a spa, there are basic expectations everyone should have.
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Sugaring is by no means a new hair removal method. In fact, it has been around for thousands of years, hailing from the Middle East.This article will discuss the science behind professional body sugaring, which has been around for roughly 30-years.
The professional beauty industry, by definition, is all about appearances and when a client walks through the door, the spa design and décor says a lot about the owner. Whether they are starting from scratch or are just looking to revamp their spa, decorating can be a fun and exciting project – even on a budget. Planning is key when it comes to decorating on a budget, and small changes can make a difference.
The best way to start a project is to get a good grasp on what you want to accomplish with the décor. Here are two things that will guide every decision you made.
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CLIENTELE
The target market plays a key role in determining what services a spa provides and the price point selected; decorating a spa is no different. Consider the ideal client – are they coming for high-end services? Are they looking for a relaxing treatment or something more fun? These questions will help determine the type of décor to go with.
OVERALL THEME
This is closely tied with clientele. Once you have your target marketing firmly in mind, move onto choosing a theme for the décor. This will help with picking and choosing what colors to incorporate, what accent pieces to include, or what artwork to feature. By committing to a theme, it will also be easier to stay within the budget because you will be working with a narrower field of options.
Remember to keep these in mind when selecting décor. There are many ways to go about decorating on a budget, and a lot of it comes down to creativity.
ASSESS THE SPACE
Before getting started, take a critical eye to each room being decorated. You will be amazed by how much a room can change by simply moving things around. Also, make sure to declutter and get rid of anything that is unnecessary or in poor condition. Start the decorative journey with an overall clean layout.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RETAIL SPACE
Displaying the products offered is an easy way to spruce up the space. If the spa sells any retail, use the spa’s waiting area, and look up fun ways to display products. Make the display the focal point of the room’s design or make it more understated. Get décor inspiration directly from the retail products. For example, if the product packaging all follows a similar color scheme, try using those colors in the display area to make it pop. Or, if the retail products include natural ingredients, use those ingredients as part of the décor by hanging artwork of the key ingredients or displaying the real version.
AVAILABILITY
Before going out and buying new décor, take a good look at what the spa already has. Repurposing items can be just as rewarding as buying something new – and usually cheaper. Is there a piece of furniture that you love but could use a good refresh? Try paining it a new color or changing out the cushions. Even something a small as changing the frames on artwork can make an impact on the décor. Don’t forget to take a look atsupplies or equipment. For example, if the spa uses treatment products that come in bottles, instead of throwing them out when empty, paint them and then use as vases for the waiting area.
PLANTS
Adding greenery to a spa can help it feel fresher and more vibrant with minimal effort. There are so many ways to incorporate plants, but when it comes to doing so on a budget, skip the big stuff, which typically come with bigger price tags. Smaller plants are easier to work with and come with more décor options. String them up across a wall for an added touch of nature, or place smaller, more dainty vases around the spa for a more understated feel. If you want to use greenery in spa décor but maybe don’t have the greenest of thumbs, don’t fret. You can always purchase faux plants and flowers from a local crafts store or plant service.
ARTWORK
The artwork chosen to display can set the tone for a room or décor. While artwork can be on the pricier side, don’t let that deter you. Finding artwork, you love that fits the theme for a reasonable price is very doable but might require a little more effort to find. If you want something with less commitment, there are many options for low-cost, easy-to-remove wall decals that are still trendy and stylish. This is a good option if the spa is planning on changing the wall decals often, and a good-quality sticker will allow you to remove it without worry.
Don’t rush – take the time and really consider each new purchase to ensure you stick to the budget. Before committing to a purchase, check around to see if there is a similar item at a lower price. You don’t want to buy something that ultimately leaves you feeling guilty or compromises the rest of the budget.
Decorating the interior of a spa can seem like a daunting task at first. However, the décor of a spa is just another chance to showcase what makes the business and owner unique. Chic interiors do not always come with a chic price tag. With the right, thoughtful plan, the spa of your dreams is possible.
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As the founder and president of Alexandria Professional, the global authority in body sugaring hair removal, Lina Kennedy has spent the last three decades immersed in the beauty business. She is an entrepreneur, inventor, teacher, and recognized beauty industry innovator, having developed and pioneered a proprietary sugaring process for the removal of unwanted hair. Alexandria Professional is taught in beauty schools worldwide and has distributions in over 30 countries. Kennedy’s critically acclaimed autobiography, “The Sugar Queen,” is described as “a must-read story of courage and determination” that chronicles her life from small town upbringing to multi-million-dollar empire.
Funny to think that the minute we are born, we begin to age. And I for one am quite grateful that I am blessed with ongoing aging because the alternative simply does not take part in my next 40 years of dreams and goals.
My body has gone through many changes as I mature in age, and sometimes I find routines that I have been following for years need to be adjusted. I read somewhere once that one of the most important changes to consider as we age is our personal hygiene, which often declines as we get older. I believe the more we are upfront about matters, candid and unashamed, unapologetic for being blessed with aging, the more we can help each other continue to age with grace.
WHAT MATTERS MOST
This article comes to you during the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020. And, only God and my children know just how much care I give to myself to help me age with grace. Headscarves, hats, and so forth, are all part of my daily wardrobe these days.
Factors affecting the aging population such as difficulty standing, getting up and out of a bathtub, problems with balance, and loss of memory can affect one’s overall health. Other than my selective loss of memory that helps me in “special situations,” I have not reached the challenges. I am very blessed and grateful for my mental, spiritual, and physical strengths. And, I do what I can to keep strong, such as exercise, water intake, and eating healthy foods. You know – the basic good stuff of life, with a glass of wine thrown in here and there.
Our business is very important–albeit our politicians do not want to admit we, skin care professionals, are essential because a person’s overall health also includes skin health. And some of you know how diligent I can be to remind everyone that the skin covers the entire body, not only the visages and décolleté. Finding and selecting a routine and products that work effectively and safely is very important to maintaining good personal hygiene at any point in our life – lest we forget as we age.
BODY SUGARING FOR SENIORS
Hair removal might seem like something we’re only concerned about in our younger (those under the age of 65) years, but not only do many women and men still desire to get rid of unwanted body hair later in life, it can also be beneficial as we age.
Near all of us will experience skin thinning and becoming more sensitive with age. For those who still desire hair removal services, it is important for them to use methods that are gentle and skin-friendly. Certain waxing products might be too harsh and come with higher risks of tearing or bruising the skin, while laser might not be able to pick up the hairs that have been lightened due to loss of pigment.
Body sugaring hair removal is a safe, gentle, and effective method for all skin colors and types, including senior skin. Beyond just removing unwanted body hair, sugaring with high-quality pastes and an advanced technique can improve the skin’s overall tone and texture and is gentle enough to even treat areas with varicose and spider veins. Sugaring hair removal is beneficial for seniors, as they tend to be prone to developing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or simply excessively dry skin. Sugaring treatments are a great way to provide light exfoliation to expose an immediately healthier, more youthful-looking skin without contra-indication.
INTIMATE HAIR REMOVAL
The real benefit of hair removal for seniors has to do with personal care of intimate regions – the genitals. These areas can be prone to infections due to inadequate personal hygiene causing the area to become a breeding ground for unwanted bacteria.
Performing intimate hair removal treatments on seniors requires a gentle technique, due to the skin becoming thinner and more delicate. Advanced sugaring is a perfect match for seniors seeking intimate hair removal treatment.
By removing the hair in these regions which can hold onto bacteria, you are helping reduce the chance of infection while improving the effectiveness when cleaning these areas.
STAYING CLEAN THROUGH SUGARING
In women, urinary tract infections (UTI) are most often caused by bacterium escherichia coli (e. Coli) and are increasingly more common in aging women. This is related to thinner more delicate genital tissue and less effective washing of the vulva – the outer portion of the vagina. By removing the hair from this area, bacteria have less of a foothold, and washing of the vulva has a better chance of removing bacteria.
For men, the benefit of intimate hair removal may not be as obvious as it is for women, but it is still beneficial for improving personal hygiene. Properly washing the genitals is crucial for preventing possible infections and as with women, reducing hair in this area improves the effectiveness of male genital washing. Additionally, men tend to have thicker hair growth in their inner buttocks surrounding the anus which can retain fecal matter. Once this hair is removed, washing and keeping the anus area clean is easier and much more effective (and no more skid marks).
Anyone who has met me knows that I am proud to be hair-free from head-to-toe. Nearly 28 years ago, when I went for my yearly OBGYN appointment, my doctor was shocked when he saw how sparse my hair was. “Lina, how long have you had this problem?”, he asked with concern in his voice. Laughing, I replied, “Doctor, I told you last time I was here that I am involved with sugaring–a hair removal process. My hair is going away!”
After explaining body sugaring to him and all its benefits, my OBGYN doctor began referring to some of his patients to me, who was prone to vaginal infections, for sugaring treatments. According to his patients who became my clients, the doctor felt that by removing their bikini hair, they would be reducing the potential breeding of bacteria that can lead to yeast infections. Cleansing would be easier and more effective.
EASY AND EFFECTIVE CLEANING
Let’s not forget that bacteria in the vaginal area, mixing with oil from the pubic hair area is also a cause of bad odor. This can be a common cause with seniors, as it is generally recommended that they only bathe every few days because washing too often can cause increased dryness. In order to prevent bacteria build-up between washes, especially in intimate areas, seniors should look for easy to use, pH balanced products, such as wipes, for the interim.
If you do not already offer sugaring treatments for seniors, this is an opportunity to increase your spa clientele. We are a large group of boomers who want to look and feel good up to the last minute. As the old adage goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Alexandria Professional sugar paste is a professional hair removal product made of simple, natural ingredients and is proven effective on all skin and hair types. Alexandria Professional Sugaring Pastes come in five different formulas – Regular, LK Plus, LK Private, Tropical, and Tropical Plus – suitable for all skill levels and treatment environments.
https://www.alexandriaprofessional.com/
Let’s begin with a brief true or false session, if for nothing more than to debunk a few old myths and unnecessary concerns to help professionals and clients alike better understand how to manage unwanted facial hair.
First: full facial hair cannot be safely extracted. This is false. With correct knowledge, skillful techniques, and purposeful experience, the skin care professional can safely extract hair from anywhere on the body, including complete facial hair, with the exception of deep inner ears (using round-tip scissors, only trim hairs that may be too close to the eardrum), up into the nostrils (the only hairs that can be safely extracted are the ones growing near and exposed at the exit of the nose – the actual edge of the nostrils), and eyelashes. Everything else is fair game.
Second: removing facial hair will cause it to grow back darker and thicker. This is also false. Hair removal is not the cause of hair coming back thicker and darker. Other than factors such as medication, stress, and hormones, which are the most common culprits of hair changes, what the client might believe to be the reason for thicker, darker hair growing back is likely the growth of a shaven or broken hair caused from attempted extraction. The hair will no longer have its tapered point and will appear darker and thicker than before as it continues to grow out with its larger base.
Third: people with curly facial hair are more prone to getting ingrown hairs. This is actually true. Although a person with straight facial hair can also be prone to ingrown hair, a curly hair physically faces a greater challenge passing through the opening of a follicle and the pore as it coils itself to the opening. The fine point of the hair is challenged by its collective diameter in comparison to the diameter of the pore. Ingrown hairs are caused when the hair is unable to push through the pore and instead gets trapped beneath it. There are various types of ingrown hairs caused by several issues and the most common causes are excess dry skin cells, congested follicles, extraction of hair against its natural direction, broken hair, and shaving.
Keeping this information fresh in mind, let’s jump into the general rules of facial hair removal.
THE 411 ON FACIAL HAIR REMOVAL
A hair removal service should always begin with a consultation to help the professional learn more about the client’s expectations. The more information learned, the better the professional can guide the client into a safe, effective, and result oriented program.
Aestheticians are encouraged to maintain a client record card from the onset of the first consultation and continue to update it at each future treatment. Along with gathering basic important information about the client, their skin habits, challenges, and product usages, there are specific questions to pay attention to when a client seeks full facial hair removal treatment (and other body parts where vellus hair can be involved in treatments). For example:
Any indication towards allergic reactions should alert (not alarm) the professional to be cautious, especially when dealing with the full extraction of facial hair. Unlike terminal hair, which is rooted deeper, vellus hair sits shallow in the skin, near or on the nerve endings, and is usually denser in growth, meaning more hair per square inch, like a soft peach fuzz covering of the skin.
Because vellus hairs sit on or near the nerve endings, they will raise the body’s nervous system alarm when they are extracted, sending signals of damage. As a result, histamines may be produced and account for the itching, redness, and swelling that can occur following the extraction of hair, especially on delicate facial skin. In addition, with a dense amount of vellus hair being extracted, bacteria can develop and cause white blood cells to rush to the follicle to protect it from infection, which can result in whiteheads (sometimes more yellowish in color) forming over the pore.
PROTECT THE CLIENT – PROTECT THE BUSINESS
Some clients may experience a reaction on their first treatment and none thereafter, while others may get minor breakouts for several treatments or no reaction at all. Hair extraction is a skin-related issue. The professional has no control over a client’s genetic skin uniqueness nor how their body and skin reacts to discomfort and actions taken to it, such as extracting hair from the roots.
What is in the professional’s control is the information they share with a client during their consultation. Take time to explain the reasons for possible reactions and what can be done together to help prevent them, or at the very least to manage them during the first couple of treatments. Help clients feel confident about buying into treatments by arming them with relevant knowledge beforehand.
PARTNER UP
Beyond sharing knowledge, patch testing should be a favorite go-to protocol. There is no way to know who will or will not have a reaction from a hair extraction. Consider extracting a little bit of hair between the cheek and jawbone, near the ear, because of its sensitivity and generally heavier density of vellus hair. After the patch test, wait five days to determine whether they will get a reaction and, if so, how severe.
What happens if a client comes back to the spa and says they have developed a reaction or breakout? Should the professional still consider performing a full treatment?
At this point, that answer depends on the client (and sometimes their schedule). For example, if they have a big event scheduled soon after their appointment, then the professional might recommend they reschedule for after the event. As mentioned earlier, vellus hairs are shallow in the skin and are near nerve endings. As one can imagine, for example, a mom excited to see her daughter married might already be on edge with nerves alerted – even if due to great joy. Extracting facial vellus hairs for the first time might throw off more nerve activity than if the client was coming under a more regular time in their life. Why risk it?
Otherwise, the answer is yes, the professional can still perform the full treatment. There are some pre-and post-care steps that can be taken to prevent, lessen, and treat reactions to facial vellus hair removal.
The most important step to apply is to provide sound advice and products that will help them cope with or prevent a reaction or breakout.
PRE-TREATMENT OPTIONS
Sugaring well hydrated and exfoliated skin makes it easier for hair to be extracted and minimizes the chance of hair breakage, which can exacerbate histamine reactions. Clients should stop exfoliating at least 48 hours prior to their appointment, as it can increase their skin’s sensitivity.
Topical treatment can also help pre-treatment. Use an all-natural, topical cream that helps to calm the nerve endings and cool the skin. This will reduce the severity of histamine reactions and, in some cases, prevent it. Apply the cream 15 minutes before treatment to give it time to do its magic. Alternatives to this type of product are all-natural options such as lavender or tee tree oil.
POST-TREATMENT OPTIONS
Like the pre-treatment, an all-natural, topical cream can be re-applied afterwards to further help reduce histamine reactions and aid in the healing process. Again, tea tree and lavender oil are great alternatives. Proper at-home care is also essential. Try recommending non-scented, chemical-free lotions and cleansers following their treatment to help prevent irritation. They should avoid exfoliation for at least 24 to 48 hours. Having them use a detoxifying mud with a high concentration of silicon dioxide will also provide further aid in the healing process.
For a period of 24 to 48 hours, recommend that the client avoid heavy workouts where they perspire a lot, saunas, submerging their face into water if they are swimming, hot tubs and steam rooms, and so on, to help avoid introducing bacteria to the treated areas of their face.
Pustules can last upwards of two weeks if not properly treated. If offering facial hair removal treatments, spend time learning the methodology. And, do not be afraid to ask questions to the brand’s representative or even from the manufacturer of the selected products or method.
It is important to remain within the bounds of one’s knowledge and expertise, not to mention our legal qualifications. It is never okay to recommend clients take medication, even over-the-counter medicines such as antihistamines. Aestheticians are not qualified to do this and will be liable should a client have an adverse reaction. During a consultation, try to draw out as much relative information as possible. This is the time to suggest they seek professional medical advice if a reaction seems an evident possibility. Antihistamines might be a good solution for them but leave that up to their doctor.
Vellus hairs can be a serious game for hair removal. There are more complicating factors associated with it than with any other hair type. A general rule of thumb is “less is best” until fully recovered and protected from bacteria.
MEN'S FACIAL HAIR REMOVAL
Men too can benefit from facial hair removal treatments. Here are several treatments to consider incorporating.
Eyebrows
Most men do not require an eyebrow shaping and, instead, could benefit from just a simple cleanup to get the perfect “non-structured” look. Clean eyebrows can make a huge difference and sugaring can offer a perfect solution because the professional can control one hair at a time if need be to get that perfect yet imperfect look.
Nostrils
Like women, most men need a good cleanup. Extracting nose hair by means of sugaring can be quick and painless. At most, a client might feel an odd sensation but it is nothing compared to the pain of plucking them individually. Under no circumstance should the professional try to yank inner nose hairs that grow up inside the nose away from the nostril area. Clients depend on the professional to be ethical, educated, caring, and professional. They depend on professionals to use common sense. Improper methods can put the client at a serious risk of infection, potential tissue damage, and potential ingrown hair problems which can also be a later cause for infection. Additionally, inner nose hairs are there to filter pollutants and prevent them from entering the body through the nasal passages.
Cheeks
Some men grow hair further up along their cheekbones and it is easy to clean and freshen up their look by taking care of the strays.
Ears
Some men suffer from hairy ears. This is an easy fix using sugaring. Not only is it painless, it will remove coarse, stubborn hair, along with vellus hair, leaving their ears feeling softer than ever. And, any hair that grows again will be softer and lighter in color. Never extract hair from deep within the inner ears, as the risk of damaging the eardrum is high. If a hair looks like it is near the eardrum, trim it with small rounded scissors. Everything else can be extracted.
Back of The Neck
Men often have their necks shaved following a haircut. This can lead to itchy, coarse regrowth, not to mention those nasty ingrown hairs. Instead, fully extracting the hair in the early anagen stage with a pro-sugaring methodology will give the client the softest skin right away. But, the tell-tale will be with their regrowth where they will notice the growth minimized with each treatment, as well as the hair becoming much softer to the touch.
Full Beards
While a man’s full beard can safely be extracted, complications with potential bacterial infections are more prominent due to possible “network rooting systems” or large pores having full hair extraction (in the early anagen stage if following the pro-sugaring protocol), which leaves the follicles more at risk of contracting bacteria. Male clients seeking full beard extraction should always get a series of patch tests to assess if they are good candidates or not. For men who show no complications with beard extraction, they can achieve smooth skin with an ongoing refinement of hair and reduction of growth.
A word of caution, always have a waiver signed explaining all possible reactions, listing the at-home protocol they are to follow, and stating that the client will seek medical assistance should they incur an infection that will not go away.
If this scares a potential male client away from having their full beard treated, then so be it. The risks are real, but the results can also be fantastic.
HORMONAL FACIAL HAIR GROWTH
As women age and go through menopause, it is common for them to develop hormonal or terminal hair growth on the chin, neck, and along the jawline. These are terminal hairs and tend to be coarse and stubborn. Unfortunately, many women of all ethnicities have and continue to succumb to shaving as a way of managing the growth.
The methodology the professional chooses for this treatment must be able to effectively deal with the hair when it is actively growing in the anagen stage. Otherwise, the professional is wasting the client’s time and money.
Hormonal terminal hair growth will never go away 100% – not unless the hormonal problem is properly balanced, and even then, 100% permanent hair removal is not a reality.
Professional sugaring will help most clients with hormonal hair growth to get it under control. It is the definition of “under control” that requires dissecting and better understanding of facts.
For optimum results, add a minute package to the spa menu. Women with hormonal facial hair will want to keep their growth well managed. By paying upfront for a specified number of minutes, clients are then free to book appointments as often as they need. Require clients to book a minimum of five minutes per treatment and as frequent as one to two times per week for the first month. Unfortunately, some clients may not come as often as they should and will require more time per session.
The goal of this package for the client is two-fold: to provide affordable permanent hair reduction and to reach daily ease of growth management.
The goal for the spa is also two-fold: to reach or excel results as discussed in the client consultation and to be respectful of the spa’s overall profits. The professional can make that happen with a simple calculation of your fixed costs and average variables, adding the targeted goal profit and dividing by the spa’s hours of operation to get how much money the professional needs to make per hour.
To keep this math simple, let’s say the professional wants to make $60 an hour to reach their goal. Then, the lowest price should be one dollar a minute. That means the highest package of minutes should cost no less than one dollar a minute. All other packages with fewer minutes will cost more, for example, one dollar and 25 cents a minute. The fewer minutes in the package, the higher the cost per minute. Then, the professional is always guaranteed to respect their bottom line, while helping a client affordably reach their goal.
There is a bottom line to facial hair removal and to preventing or stopping related potential reactions. Basically, reduce the hair growth and reduce all reactions. It is marvelous. And, the only way to make that happen is to affect the hair follicles, so that the hair growth process is stopped.
First impressions are always important and a spa menu is an opportunity to make an impact on potential clients from the get-go. When someone picks up the menu, that is the opportunity to provide all the enticing information they need to decide if the spa’s services are a match for them.
The overall design says a lot – from the materials used, to the design characteristics, to the names, prices, and treatments offered. If the menu is too long, too complicated, or reads like a novel, the client could be lost. There must be a balance of information and visuals to describe what each service entails or the client may move along to a place they already know or one that communicates more effectively.
Let’s break down the all the components of creating a spa menu.
TREATMENT NAMES
Deciding what to name treatments and services is one of the first steps in creating an effective menu. Using clever treatment names can help build brand identity and increase awareness for the spa, which will help increase client base and repeat business.
Here are a couple of things to keep in mind while choosing names for the spa.
First and foremost, it is important to consider who the target customers are going to be. If the spa caters primarily to women, then using words associated with beauty and antiaging are more likely to draw their attention. On the flip side, if there is a large male customer base, then use neutral words and focus on what the treatment actually entails, such as full-body exfoliation and a moisturizing facial.
Identify the type of service and purpose of the treatment. If the skin care professional wants a client to easily understand all of the service options available to them, add descriptors in the name that are indicative of what the client can expect. This can be done by adding actual words like cleansing, peel, or toning. Another good option would be to include key ingredients or the tools used, such as laser facial or sugar exfoliation.
Try using a bit of creative humor. Humorous names can be memorable and appealing to the clientele (like the way nail polishes now have fun names instead of just a number for the color). This creates a sense of fun that the client will remember and talk about to friends, family, and co-workers, helping to promote new business through word of mouth. Trending expressions or a play on words is also a clever way to build attraction for spa services. Laughter is a contagious and memorable tool for all advertising.
While a skin care professional might want to be as creative as possible with treatment names, title length is important. Simplicity is always good because, in today’s increasingly digital world, people want an easy booking experience. Nobody wants to see a treatment name that reads like a sentence. Instead, try to keep them between two or three words. If needed, use a couple of sentences to describe the service below the name on the menu. Remember, clients can be upsold on what they may not be familiar with once they are in the spa.
The spa menu should be representative of the brand image the spa wants to portray and the experience clients can expect during their visit. For example, if the spa has a natural, earthy vibe to it, use words that reflect this. Another option would be to use names that follow the overall philosophy or culture of the spa. If focusing more on health, use words such as purifying and detoxification for treatments. If the goal is to provide a relaxing experience, try words such as soothing and calming. By following these methods, a skin care professional can grow their brand identity and attract clients who are looking for specific spa experiences and are more likely to become repeat business.
With carefully chosen words, the client is seduced into wanting the treatment as they read the menu. This is the time to make an impact and set the tone for the brand identity, both of which will have lasting impacts on business success.
PRICING
One of the main reasons a person is going to look at a spa menu is because they want to find out how much a treatment is going to cost. For this reason, it is important not to beat around the bush when it comes to pricing. Be sure to label each treatment cost clearly and try not to leave any ambiguity about the cost.
In this day and age, calculating spa menu pricing can feel like a frustrating game while navigating different pricing structures and options, but it is a crucial part of the business. No spa wants to end up being the most expensive in their area but, at the same time, being too cheap might make a poor first impression. Make sure prices are ample enough to make a profit, while also simultaneously providing clients with a high-quality service for a reasonable price.
There is no perfect formula for deciding menu pricing, but here are a couple of questions to keep in mind when trying to calculate the appropriate prices for treatments and services.
What is the going rate for similar services in the area? Use this to position the spa accordingly – a bit higher, to create an image of professionalism and exclusivity, if desired, or the going rate, if the spa is more casual in style.
What are the product costs per treatment? Some manufacturers will provide this information upon request, but if this is not a readily available option, try making the cost calculations yourself.
What is the cost of overhead? This includes rent and utilities and any other recurring costs that relate to the upkeep of the business.
What are the labor costs? If providing higher wages or commission plans, the treatment and service prices will need to be high enough to account for this. Also, ask yourself what is your time worth? Then, calculate services down to the minute. For example, if you need to earn $65 an hour, your minute and hourly services should be priced to meet this.
Does the spa offer additional amenities? Having options for clients such as locker rooms, lounges, and showers affords premium prices.
What are the demographics of the target clients? Knowing where they like to shop and what they like to buy is a start, but also look into the average median income in the area, along with the average spending per household. These might sound a little technical, but knowing the answers can be a great resource in helping determine pricing.
Beyond these factors, a crucial component of figuring out pricing structure is knowing how clients perceive the overall value of what the spa has to offer them. Are services in high demand with limited competition in the area? If so, try to capitalize on this. Be aware that potential clients will evaluate based on more than just treatment results. Customer service reputation, brand identity, and brand awareness all play a role in determining the intangible value of the spa. This will have an impact on the prices you’re able to charge and the willingness of clients to pay that price.
TIPS FOR SETTING OR CHANGING SPA PRICES
To quickly drive in business to a new spa, an advertised introductory price can be offered, but specified for a limited time only. This creates a sense of urgency for the potential new clients to take advantage of this offer before it expires. After the first treatment or within that limited time, it is up to the spa to retain the client at the regular price by offering exceptional customer service and occasional incentives to try new, additional services.
Get rid of discounts and stop shorting your worth. Try limiting promotional offers to certain times or days of the week. Too many deals can add up to big losses. To keep track, total up what is discounted the previous week or month to see what is being lost.
On the subject of coupons, Groupons, and other discounts, a word of advice – don’t. Once a service is discounted, it is devalued, and it is very difficult to climb back up. Do not market to the deal-chasers because most are not loyal and will move on to the next best deal without thinking twice, so do not waste the time or money.
When you feel like you are at capacity and have hit the ceiling on profit growth, it is time for a price increase. By raising prices 10%, for example, a skin care professional can afford to lose 10% of their clientele without losing income, and now there is availability in the schedule to book clients at the increased rate, increasing the bottom line without working longer days.
Keep inflation in mind and reset pricing on a regular basis (yearly or seasonally, for example) to adjust to any changes in overhead.
Be sure to test prices before deciding on final price point and make sure to keep in mind a profit margin to keep the spa operating in slow times. If planning on making any price increases, remember to let current clients know in advance and explain why things are changing.
CREATING ADD-ON SERVICES
No matter what economic bracket they may be in, everyone loves a bargain. Creating packages of related services and specifying the savings details for them entices the client to book more than their original intention, simply because of the savings involved. Now, more than ever, women have more disposable income and are increasingly interested in pampering themselves often.
Questions to Consider
Add-on Services to Incorporate Now
No matter if you are a skin care professional, massage therapist, or hair removal practitioner, here are ideas for easy add-on services you can begin offering:
When recommending an add-on service to a client, be sure to educate them on the benefits and only recommend those that make sense for whatever treatment the client is already receiving. Do not come across as simply trying to make more money, but rather, as being helpful for solving the needs and desires of the client.
Promoting Add-On Services
Just because add-ons are available does not mean clients will automatically start including them when booking their treatments. Here are some recommendations for successfully integrating new add-ons:
Do not forget that add-on services are also a great way to boost sales revenue by having clients try out new products. They also present an opportunity to promote the additional classes and education that you have attended to maintain your certification. Take a real close look at what is on the spa menu, check out what can still be added to increase the spa menu profile (your investment), and start investing in anything that will help further satisfy clients.
The missing, and perhaps most important, link to combining all the information above is the skin care professional. You know what can be offered to clients and what type of experience they will have every time they visit. Package thoughts together in a clear and inviting manner to create a spa menu that is enticing and memorable. Remember that the spa menu is representative of the brand and taking shortcuts on the presentation could have more negative impacts on the business. Ask for help if needed, take time working out all the details, and present clients with a menu to be proud of.
Lina Kennedy is the president and CEO of Alexandria Professional, a worldwide leader in body sugaring epilation. Kennedy is the pioneer of professional body sugaring and master trainer of professionals and distributors in more than 32 countries. As a beauty industry innovator, Kennedy has developed a full line of all-natural skin care products and treatments that are safe and effective for all hair and skin types. Kennedy is dedicated to ensuring that each professional trained in body sugaring learns and understands the exceptional results they and their clients can achieve through the Kennedy Theory. She is a motivational speaker, the author of numerous articles in beauty trade magazines, and is a multi-patent holder.
Few who knew Lina Kennedy at the start of her life would have predicted the trajectory it took. Growing up on the poor side of the tracks, in a struggling household that everyone knew was headed by the town drunk, the young Kennedy had few reasons for hope and no encouragement for ambition. Worse, her home life was haunted by a terrible secret – a violation of her innocence that could never be mentioned or acknowledged. At age seven, when a botched operation took her close to death, she did not want to come back. In a near-death experience that was and remains enigmatic, Kennedy was told that she must return, but that she would never
be alone. That message, unexplained and unexplainable, became the rock she clung to.
After years of life lessons from a parade of unlikely experiences and a cast of colorful characters, Kennedy found her way. Out of nowhere, the right business opportunity – the then unknown practice of body sugaring – appeared.
Her decades of hard work inspired not only a revolution, but ultimately, the title, many admirers give her, the Sugar Queen. Kennedy’s natural storytelling ability makes her autobiography a joyous read – a page turner full of drama and surprises. Even in the darkest episodes, she lightens and brightens her story with humor, warmth, spiritual discovery, and her infectious joie de vivre.
Whether you’re still in school or just graduated, starting and building a career as an aesthetician can feel daunting. As a licensed aesthetician, there are so many paths you can take. Where do you start? How do you build a resume? A lot of what we are going to discuss revolves around practice, experience, and skills. Spas are always looking for aestheticians who can harmonize, complement, or enhance their business.
Here are 10 things to keep in mind as a new aesthetician taking those first steps towards a new career.
Remember that when it comes to job searching and starting a career, you, the aesthetician, are the product employers are essentially buying into. Continue to develop skills and experiences as a licensed professional, especially as you seek to further yourself in your career. Those first steps may be intimidating, but take them with confidence and continue moving forward, one step at a time.
Lina Kennedy is the president and CEO of Alexandria Professional, a worldwide leader in body sugaring epilation. Kennedy is the pioneer of professional body sugaring and master trainer of practitioners and distributors in more than 32 countries. As a beauty industry innovator, Kennedy has developed a full line of all-natural skin care products and treatments that are safe and effective for all hair and skin types. Kennedy is dedicated to ensuring that each professional trained in body sugaring learns and understands the exceptional results they and their clients can achieve through the Kennedy Theory. She is a motivational speaker, the author of numerous articles in beauty trade magazines, and is a multi-patent holder.
By now, most have heard of the trend called sugaring. As part of the growing trend to be more conscious about what goes in and on the body, many consumers have turned to body sugaring as a more skin-friendly choice for hair removal. Not only is it a simple and effective service, but the return on investment for both client and practitioner is monumental.
BENEFITS The Paste: While sugar pastes will vary by manufacturer, when compared to traditional waxes, they are a more natural product and can be formulated without parabens, ureas, and other undesirable ingredients. Prioritizing good-for-skin ingredients like sugar, lemon, and water enhances the client’s results and a spa’s business reputation. For professionals, a quality sugar paste can offer gainful rewards. High-quality sugar paste formulations are less likely to break down during treatments, allowing professionals to use less product per client. Less product means more services. 100 Percent Hygienic: The combination of paste formulation and best practices allows professional body sugaring treatments to boast being 100 percent hygienic. Because of the high concentration of sugar found in pastes, bacteria will not breed, eliminating the chance of cross-contamination. Combined with the practice of wearing gloves on both hands and discarding used paste after each client is treated, sugaring is an ideal choice for spa owners and aestheticians. Fewer Ingrown Hairs: Professional body sugaring removes hair in its natural direction of growth. This decreases the chances of the hair breaking upon extraction, which is often the cause of ingrown hairs. In addition, sugaring treatments are also a great source of exfoliation and regular appointments help reduce the risk of ingrowns and keep the client’s skin soft and smooth. Less Time Between Treatments: With the proper sugaring technique, professionals can remove hair as short as one-sixteenth of an inch, meaning less wait time between treatments. The application of paste seeped into the hair follicle, followed by removal in the natural direction of growth, allows for superior results, as hairs are sugared much shorter than what is practiced in other forms of hair removal. Permanent Hair Reduction: Probably the biggest secret of body sugaring is that regular treatments can lead to permanent hair reduction. Again, the proper technique is key in removing short hairs in the earliest stages of the growth cycle. Over time, consistent treatments deplete the hair follicle, leading to permanent reduction and lasting smoothness for clients.
BEST PRACTICES With any professional beauty care treatment, companies, salons, and people all develop different steps and practices for essentially the same routine. The same goes for body sugaring. One professional might be trained with a different set of instructions or practices compared to a professional certified from a different company. Having said this, there are a couple of best practices that anyone performing professional body sugaring treatments should follow. Proper Ergonomics: Practitioners who perform body sugaring treatments should try to learn sugaring techniques that will help extend the longevity of their working hand, including areas like the wrist, elbow, and shoulder. There are several different sugaring techniques out on the market today, but they should not all be treated as equal. Anyone in the industry knows that sugaring can take a toll on the body. Finding the technique that works best with the body’s natural ergonomics is key to achieving a long and prosperous career. Patch Tests: Vellus hair can be found all over the body and, while it is the lightest and thinnest of hair types, many people still wish to remove it for personal reasons. Anytime a client wishes to book a sugaring treatment for areas that contain vellus hair, professionals should always perform a patch test first. The reason for this is the removal of vellus hair can often result in histamine reactions, because the hair sits on top of nerve endings. By performing a patch test, the client is given the time to see if they are likely to react to a full treatment and how severe this reaction may be. From here, it is up to the client to decide if they would like to move forward and book the full service. The most commons areas for hair removal that contain vellus hairs are the face, chest, back, and arms. If a client chooses to forgo a patch test for these areas, have them sign a waiver stating they understand their skin might have a reaction and that the professional performing the treatment will not be held liable. Gloves on Both Hands: Professionals are constantly moving and touching various things throughout the day. Even though certain formulations of sugar pastes can prevent the breeding of bacteria, professionals should always wear gloves on both hands when performing treatments. This practice provides further protection from cross-contamination from either the client’s skin to the professional or vice versa. Pre- and Post-Care: Protocols for pre- and post-treatment care are created for a reason. Often, pre-treatment protocols are put in place in order to properly prepare the skin before sugaring. As for post-treatment, these protocols often involve products that help extend the results of sugaring. Standard procedures should be non-negotiable when it comes to providing a client with the best sugaring experience possible. Sanitary Procedures: This practice does not apply strictly to sugaring hair removal and should be followed regardless of an aesthetician’s area of focus for treatments. Any time a new client is brought into the treatment room, professionals should ensure that everything has been wiped down and cleaned using the appropriate products and methods. This includes any equipment that was previously used and, especially, any massage tables or beds on which a previous client was lying. Manufacturer Recommendations: An excellent manufacturer will provide treatment protocols for any aesthetician or professional using their products. This should be common practice for both product and equipment usage. Professionals should always follow these recommendations to ensure treatments go smoothly and without any complications due to improper use. If a manufacturer does not provide recommended treatment protocols, professionals should consider looking for another brand to make sure they are receiving the best possible products for their services.
PRE- AND POST-TREATMENT CARE There are several options available in the hair removal industry for pre- and post- treatment care, but how does a professional choose which is best for his or her services? When it comes to sugaring, there are basic functions to look for in effective pre- and post-treatment procedures.
Pre-Treatment Before beginning a sugaring service, make sure the skin is properly cleansed and prepared for an optimal treatment. Here are three steps every professional should always include. Cleanse: The client’s skin should always be free of dirt, makeup, and oils prior to sugaring. An antimicrobial, perfume-free product that gently cleans the skin is ideal. This first step ensures there is nothing on the skin to act as a barrier or to fight against the sugar paste as it is being applied. Soothe and Calm: Ideally, for this step, professionals should look for products with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe and calm the skin prior to sugaring. Even though body sugaring is a gentle form of hair removal, it is a good idea to include a pre-treatment product that is anti-inflammatory. Apply Drying Powder: The final step before moving on to the sugaring treatment is to apply some type of drying powder to help expose the finer hairs and ensure the skin is dry for the application of the sugar paste. If the skin is wet or oily, the sugar paste has a harder time sticking to the hairs. Products for this step should be aluminum-free and, if possible, talc- and gluten-free to prevent allergic reactions in clients. In addition to these steps, professionals should also make sure clients are aware of a couple of pre-treatment suggestions. Clients should not exfoliate immediately before, or the day after, a treatment. Body sugaring provides exfoliation while removing the hair and if clients exfoliate too much prior to a treatment, this can lead to skin irritation. Ask clients what medications they are on prior to treatments to see if anything may cause increased sensitivity. Clients undergoing Retin A treatments should not be sugared unless they have passed the five to six week mark or it has been at least 28 days since they have discontinued treatments. Clients taking Acutane should not be sugared, as the high dosage of vitamin A affects the entire body. Clients should not tan or exercise prior to sugaring treatments.
Post-Treatment After sugaring, professionals want to ensure the results from the treatment last as long as possible. In addition, they want the client’s skin to look and feel its best. To ensure this happens, the following steps should always be performed. Cleanse the Skin of any Residue: This step is very simple but should always be followed. Following sugaring, look over the treatment area and gently wash off any sugar residue with a warm cloth or towel. Do not use a hot cloth or towel, as this can cause irritation of the treatment area. Soothe and Calm the Skin: This step is identical to the second step in the pre-treatment section. The goal here is to find products that are anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial to help calm and soothe the skin, while also reducing any redness that might be present. Hydrate: Sugaring does more than just remove unwanted hair. It also exfoliates. Once a treatment is complete, the final post-care step is to make sure the client’s skin is well hydrated to give that silky look and feel. Beyond these basic steps, professionals should make their clients aware of rules they should follow for 24 hours post-treatment. Clients should not workout immediately after a treatment. It would be a good idea for clients to avoid exercise to prevent any chaffing or irritation of the newly sugared skin caused by sweating and heat friction. Clients should not tan or go into the sun for long-periods of time immediately after a treatment. As mentioned, sugaring is also a form of exfoliation which can leave the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, increasing the client’s risk of sunburn. Clients should not exfoliate until at least the day after treatment and, even then, they should be gentler on the treatment area or forgo it altogether. If the client is not careful, their skin can become irritated due to over exfoliation. The steps listed above are the bare-bones that every sugaring professional should include with their treatments. From here, products or steps can be added as the professional sees fit. For example, if available, a natural product to reduce the discomfort that can accompany hair removal is also highly recommended. This type of product could be something applied as part of pre-treatment care, post-treatment care, or both.
HOMECARE FOR CLIENTS When it comes to sugaring hair removal services, the client’s homecare regimen is nearly as important as the sugaring treatment itself. It is important for professionals to be able to properly educate their clients on what they should be doing between visits, to not only prolong their results, but also to improve the experience and results of the treatments. There are two steps all sugaring clients should be doing at home: exfoliation and hydration.
Exfoliation While exfoliation plays a large role in removing dead skin to reveal the healthy and bright skin underneath, it is even more important for the hair growth that occurs between appointments. As the hair begins to grow back, clients want to make sure the hair does not get trapped underneath a layer of dead skin. This can lead to problems such as congestion and ingrown hairs. Should a client return for a sugaring treatment with trapped hair due to lack of exfoliation, much of the treatment will be spent trying to free those hairs and the client may leave disappointed with the results. Regular at-home exfoliation using scrubs or exfoliating gloves can help ensure hairs do not get trapped below the surface. This means that when clients come for their next treatment, professionals will have a much easier time removing the hair and the client will leave with the desired results.
Hydration Just like exfoliation, proper skin hydration is key if clients want to achieve optimum results. Proper hydration helps keep dryness at bay, which, in turn, will help prevent hairs from getting trapped under the skin. When a client comes in with healthy, hydrated skin, the sugar paste has an easier time wrapping around the hair, allowing for easy extraction. Professionals can only control about three quarters of the factors that affect a client’s sugaring results. The other quarter is entirely dependent on how dedicated clients are to their homecare regimen. Can good results be achieved with treatments alone? Yes, but for optimum results, professionals need to provide their clients with the knowledge and products needed to reach their skin’s best condition.
With proper pre- and post-treatment care and incorporation of best practices, professionals will be able to deliver the sweet benefits that accompany sugaring services to their clients.
Lina Kennedy is a chief pioneer, collecting many feathers in her cap. An expert on professional sugaring, Kennedy regularly writes articles for industry magazines in North America and Europe. As president of Alexandria Professional, one of her personal goals is to ensure that each professional trained in the art of body sugaring learns and understands the exceptional results that they and their clients can achieve through The Kennedy Theory™ for sugaring and The Kennedy Technique Theory™.
No matter the condition of an individual’s skin, winter can bring about a whole host of unwanted challenges. When the temperature drops, people often expose themselves to overly dry, hot environments while indoors and equally dry and freezing conditions outside.
These changes in a person’s environment can cause skin to become dull, dry, or acne-prone. Existing skin conditions, such as eczema, rosacea, acne, and psoriasis, may even worsen during the winter season. Why? Dryness can weaken the skin’s barrier used to protect itself from the world it interacts with, which can lead to worsening skin conditions.
Here are 10 tips for aestheticians to help their clients power through the winter months and emerge with better skin.
Winter skin care really comes down to making sure the skin can retain the moisture it needs to remain healthy and youthful. As an aesthetician, help clients by incorporating great products and services that focus on these elements. It is also important to educate clients about what changes their skin may be going through and help them create a homecare routine that will compliment and prolong the results of the treatments performed.
Lina Kennedy is a chief pioneer, collecting many feathers in her cap. An expert on professional sugaring, Kennedy regularly writes articles for industry magazines in North America and Europe. As president of Alexandria Professional, one of her personal goals is to ensure that each professional trained in the art of body sugaring learns and understands the exceptional results that they and their clients can achieve through The Kennedy Theory™ for sugaring and The Kennedy Technique Theory. ™
It is that time of year again – when people crave those sun rays and show off their skin. Exfoliation is an important step in any skin care routine to help clients achieve that smooth, healthy summer glow.
Before getting into the mechanics and details of physical exfoliation, it is important to review the basics. The skin is the body’s largest organ and is a vital, complex system that is in a constant state of renewal. The most superficial layer of the skin is the epidermis, which is made up of five layers that are divided into two zones. The epidermis is comprised of sheets of either dead or dying skin cells and acts as a barrier from the world.
On its own, the skin sheds one surface layer of dead skin cells every 24-hours and renews itself through a process of cell division over three to four weeks. Any form of exfoliation, whether chemical or physical, is just helping to expedite this natural process of shedding and renewal.
As mentioned before, there are two types exfoliation: chemical and physical. This article will focus on physical exfoliation methods but, in the name of covering the basics, chemical exfoliation would include ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), or enzymes to provide the exfoliation.
Because skin is constantly renewing itself, buildup of dead skin cells can happen fairly easily. This can lead to a host of uncomfortable problems that can cause clients not to feel their best. Exfoliation helps remove these layers of buildup to reveal brighter, healthier skin!
It should be noted that these benefits are not exclusive to physical exfoliation but are also applicable to chemical methods, as well.
Helps Heal Dry Skin
Dry skin is basically a buildup of dead skin cells and can cause skin to appear sallow and dull. By exfoliating, those layers of dead skin cells are removed to reveal the younger, living skin underneath. Regular exfoliation is just one step in helping to keep dry skin at its most optimum condition.
Increases Blood Circulation
The mechanics behind exfoliation typically involve using slight pressure and circular motions which will help increase blood circulation to the area being exfoliated. This increased blood circulation promotes new skin cell production.
Prevents and Treats Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs are unsightly and annoying to deal with. They are essentially hair trapped beneath the skin and exfoliation can help liberate ingrowns and prevent future ones by keeping dry skin at bay.
Releases Clogged Pores
Excess oil and keratin can get trapped in the skin, leading to clogged pores. In turn, this causes stubborn issues, such as blackheads and blemishes, to crop up. Exfoliating helps to release the dirt, oil, and keratin to reveal cleaner, smaller pores.
Remedies Acne
There are a ton of topical skin treatments out there for acne, but the effectiveness of these products depends on how well the client’s skin can receive them. Proper exfoliation can help pave the way for easier absorption of skin care products.
The simplest way to define physical exfoliation is the use of either a tool (brush, towel, or sponge) or a substance (salt, sugar, rice, beads, and so forth.) to loosen and remove dead or dying skin cells. It does not matter what skin type the client has – dry, oily, combination, normal, aging, or teenage – exfoliation should be a regular part of your routine one to three times per week.
Dry Brushing
This is a very simple and easy way to get exfoliation done. As the name suggests, all that is needed is an exfoliation tool of choice and the client’s body. The client should gently brush their skin, being careful not to be too aggressive with pressure and motions. If dry brushing for the first time, it might take a few sessions before the client really sees results. They should also try dry brushing before a shower or bath and should always make sure to hydrate afterwards.
Microdermabrasion
This is professional exfoliation for the face. Microdermabrasion is performed by a licensed professional and involves the removal of the center most layer of the skin cells and helps promote cell growth. This method of exfoliation can be beneficial for people with wrinkles and scarring.
Dead Sea Salt
With a whole host of benefits, 21 different minerals, and a more rounded shape, Dead Sea salt is a great substance to use for physical exfoliation. This salt is ideal for the body, as it can help detoxify skin. Typically, Dead Sea salt products can be comprised of either just plain salt or combined with other essential oils or lotions.
A Dead Sea salt scrub can be used either in the shower or by itself. For shower use, just scoop out the desire amount of product onto their hands and rub into the skin in circular motions towards the heart. Then they simply rinse off while in the shower. For use by itself, it is best to exfoliate somewhere they can easily clean and rinse off, such as a bath. Like the shower, the client scoops out the desired amount and begins exfoliating. To really lock in the benefits, instead of simply rinsing the salt scrub off, the client can wet their hands and seep the product into the skin. Then, they should pat dry and apply moisturizer to finish off.
Clients should avoid using Dead Sea salt on the face and open cuts or wounds. Use on these areas can cause irritation.
Sugar
Another often-used substance is sugar. Considering the havoc too much sugar in a diet can wreak on the body, it is amazing how many benefits external use can have! For one, sugar was often used as a healing aid and to help prevent infection, as bacteria cannot breed in high concentrations of sugar (hence it is use as a food preservative). Like Dead Sea salt, sugar crystals can be small and round enough to cause less skin abrasion when used as an exfoliant, while still effective for the task.
While safe for use on the whole body, sugar scrubs really separate themselves from Dead Sea salt thanks to their ability to be used on the face. Just like with any other method though, being extremely gentle when dealing with the face is key.
Body Sugaring
The last exfoliation option is to go for a professional sugaring hair removal service. While the treatment tends to focus on the hair removal aspect, the nature of the technique and the paste also provides a great skin exfoliation treatment.
There are other ingredients that can be used for physical exfoliation, but when purchasing a product, always check the ingredient list. Try not to use products that include larger sized exfoliants, such as fruit pits, nut shells, or similar substances that are more jagged. These can cause micro-tears in the skin and excess abrasion. Always look for smaller and finer exfoliants or ones with a more rounded shape.
Microdermabrasion, Dead Sea salt, and sugar are exfoliation methods that can be relatively easy to add to a salon menu. Though a shower is the optimal option for having client’s wash off, any treatment using scrubs can also be cleaned off simply using a towel. Overall, the size of the treatment room and the materials and products available will ultimately determine which physical exfoliation methods to offer clients.
Here are some quick tips to have clients consider before they begin any kind of exfoliation routine.
Find a method that fits their skin type; while exfoliation is beneficial for all skin types, not all methods work for every skin type. For instance, people with dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin should consider using milder forms of physical exfoliation, while those who might have oily or rougher skin should try using stronger methods.
Always be gentle, regardless of skin type or method used. This includes using gentle pressure while exfoliating and rinsing with lukewarm water instead of hot. Also, pat the face dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing.
Create a routine that works for the individual. Regular exfoliation is a must for any skin care regimen but not everyone’s skin reacts the same. The recommendation is one to three times per week, but some clients might need something different. Clients know their skin the best. They should experiment and create a schedule that works for them.
Moisturizing is a must – after any exfoliating, always apply moisturizer immediately after to lock in the benefits and keep skin glowing and hydrated. Because exfoliation can be drying, this is a step clients should never miss!
Clients should also consider their existing routine, paying attention to the products and ingredients they are currently using before exfoliating as some of these might cause increases in skin sensitivity leading to breakouts or exacerbating skin dryness. Things to be especially mindful of are peels and serums, along with some medications.
As the summer season continues, exfoliation should be at the forefront of every person’s skin care regimen, if it is not already. Determining the right method and consistency is all about getting to know one’s own skin.
Lina Kennedy is a chief pioneer, collecting many feathers in her cap. An expert on professional sugaring, Kennedy regularly writes articles for industry magazines in North America and Europe. As president of Alexandria Professional, one of her personal goals is to ensure that each professional trained in the art of body sugaring learns and understands the exceptional results that they and their clients can achieve through The Kennedy Theory™ for sugaring and The Kennedy Technique Theory.™
Body sugaring has been a staple of the beauty and skin care industries for a long time; it originated as an ancient Egyptian method of hair removal. As time has evolved, so, too, has sugaring. The professional technique that revolutionized the way sugaring is performed arrived on the market 25 years ago and has been one of the most sought-after hair removal techniques ever since. And, while the sugaring paste used by ancient Egyptians has not drastically changed, modern technology – and a lot of dedication and patience – has made it much easier to perfect formulations.
People are curious by nature and, for the most part, the more they know, the more likely they are to either try something new, make recommendations to friends and family, or become repeat customers. Taking advantage of this observation in the treatment room is a must for anyone looking to obtain loyal, well-informed customers who truly appreciate the professional’s work. It also does not hurt to increase retail sales, either.
The process of detoxification can come in numerous forms, but the underlying goal is to rid the body of toxins to improve its natural processes. Think of the word “toxin” as an all-encompassing term for any substance that impacts a person’s health and body in a negative way. People are constantly breathing in pollutants or ingesting synthetic ingredients that are harmful to their bodies. The following 10 factors should be kept in mind when helping a client with body detoxification or if the client is simply curious.
Sun exposure is something everyone needs to stay healthy. Soaking in the warm sun is a relaxing way to enjoy a vacation, but how much sun is too much? With summer in full affect, it is time to consider the truth surrounding the old wives' tale of sun exposure being beneficial for acne.
Dry skin is something everyone tends to experience, especially when outside forces, such as dry weather, indoor heating, and cold winters, play a role. When clients are experiencing dry skin, exfoliating treatments are key to bringing back their healthy, glowing skin! Dead Sea salt is especially beneficial for those who suffer from dry skin. Not only do the salt grains exfoliate the skin, but they also deliver a dose of beneficial minerals!
Consumers have a tendency to spend a noted amount of money to rejuvenate their faces but what happens to the rest of the largest organ of the body? From cellulite treatments to hair removal, consumers have not neglected their body! In fact, hair removal has become one of the fastest-growing sections of the beauty industry.
Missed opportunities happen even to the best spas. They happen every day and skin care professionals often do not realize how many there are until the missed revenue is more than evident. By minimizing missed opportunities, spa owners can maximize client reach. The process may not feel or be easy at times, but it can be made achievable.
When it comes to professional treatments that have gone wrong, there can be several different causes, including allergic reactions, equipment malfunctions, and misdiagnoses. The most important actions skin care professionals can take to help their clients is to determine the cause of the skin reaction, mollify and help to heal the affected area, and prevent it from reoccurring in the future.
Exfoliation removes dead cells, taking dullness and flakiness with it and revealing a new layer of glowing, healthy skin. Despite its benefits, exfoliation is often skipped in skin care routines.
Young girls are often told by their mothers, grandmothers, and sometimes even a skin care professional that shaving will cause their hair to grow back thicker and darker. Is there any truth behind this belief or is it just an old wives tale? If this statement were true, anyone who has ever suffered from balding would be shaving their heads religiously, expecting the regrowth to solve all of their problems. On the other end of the spectrum, any client who has been shaving for years would be covered with a tremendous amount of thick hair.
From using homecare products to a variety of professional treatments, people spend a lot of money to be hair free. Take commercials, for instance, which range from shaving to waxing to homecare lasers. There are even comedic hair removal takes on social media. The message is crystal clear, hair removal is big business! How do professionals tap into this widespread need?
One of the most common occurrences in waxing is skin lifting or tearing. Professionals should understand the difference between the two so that they can better determine if they can help soothe the client’s skin or if they should refer them for medical attention.
by Lina Kennedy
A couple of decades ago, offering cream and sugar for anything other than coffee or tea would have sounded quite ridiculous! But in today’s realm of aesthetics and cosmetics promoting coffee and chocolate to soothe even the jitteriest skin, or offering sugar as a real hair removal solution to an age-old problem is very realistic. And as post treatment, applying a good trans-dermal cream to hydrate and moisturize the skin is simply a great, soothing and natural way to complete your sugaring service.
Bacteria can come in many different shapes and sizes with varying degrees of severity. It is important to note that not all bacteria are bad, as many of them are helpful and essential to life. The difference between non-pathogenic and pathogenic bacteria is that non-pathogenic bacteria is considered useful, while pathogenic bacteria (such as germs) are more dangerous because they can carry diseases. When it comes to aesthetics, pathogenic bacteria presents reasons for concern.
Your clients may have outgrown Halloween, but do not let them outgrow masking as an ongoing skin regimen! Do them a big favor and advise them to get masked if they have not already started!
How do you market your business in your community? Having your own business/being an entrepreneur can be a very challenging job. You are required to sell yourself and your products, yet nobody really wants to be sold. So, how can you thrive with your business in your community? Here are some simple steps to help you reach your goals.
Alexandria Professional® recently announced that it now has a new Canadian location. As the company’s second BodySugaringU™ (BSU) training facility that offers continuing education to all beauty professionals, the new location will service both Canada and the United States.
Alexandria Professional® welcomes 2013 with great expectations for its first Body Sugaring-U (University), located in Williamsville, New York. This location offers courses for the Advanced Body Sugaring Certification by qualified Alexandria Professional Educators. Body Sugaring-U will provide free Refresher Classes (to tweak your technique before habits begin to form), as well as a multitude of other classes relating to their Full Circle of Skin Conditioning Program.
Roses are red … Violets are blue; sugar is sweet … but is it the right choice for you?
This is the question that all salons should be asking. Many factors fall in to this question. The main one being sanitation. In today's day age, sanitation could make or break a salon. Luckily there has been a simple product around for generations that happily addresses this concern: sugar! For 22 years now, I have been sharing with my global audiences a simple fact relating to sugar: Natural healing properties of sugar help to prevent infection and promote healing.
If you don't already cater your services to the men in your vicinity, or if you limit your services to haircuts, you are selling yourself short. That is to say, you are selling your business short on its potential profitability. Haven't you noticed "for men only – hair care & more" places popping up all over North America? And, it's fast becoming a hot commodity! So don't wait until one pops open in your neighborhood before you realize that all those guys could be your customers!
Professional body sugaring continues to demonstrate how multi-beneficial it really is when the correct education is provided for technique and theory. And you should have an opportunity to learn even more once you are certified so that you fully comprehend the variety of treatments applications your salon/spa can offer with it… from hair removal treatment options to “skin conditioning treatments” which you guessed it – includes eczema and psoriasis.
Recognizing skin conditions of Eczema and PsoriasisEffected areas usually appear very dry, thickened, or scaly. In fair-skinned people, these areas may initially appear reddish and then turn brown. Among darker-skinned people, eczema can affect pigmentation, making the effected area lighter or darker.
We are so lucky to live in a time where options are in abundance. And we certainly have more options than ever when it comes to hair removal methods: shaving, electrolysis, laser, threading, waxing, and … here's where the confusion comes in… we have sugaring. That's correct, sugaring is a validated option of its own just like all the other options. So, why is it that the mass of people (other than trained professional sugaring practitioners) categorize sugaring as waxing? They believe that sugaring is just another form of waxing, which would be understandable if the technique and theory were the same, but they are not; in fact, they are quite opposite. So then, why call it waxing or even sugar-waxing? Well, I believe I can shed light on the issue to explain how this came about by using the following analogy.
Don't be shy take the whole bowl! I think it's absolutely amazing that something like sugar can play such havoc on our health when ingested, yet when used externally it can be so wonderful in helping to create order in our outer most skin cells' appearance You might be thinking that "creating order" is somewhat of a peculiar way to describe skin, but in reality the skin's structure can certainly expose a less than orderly skin care regimen. I get so frustrated and very excited all in the same moment whenever I take a look at someone's skin and its most noticeable characteristics are patchy skin cells, sallow appearance, and worst of all ingrown hairs.
A couple of decades ago, offering cream and sugar for anything other than coffee or tea would have sounded quite ridiculous! But in today's realm of aesthetics and cosmetics promoting coffee and chocolate to soothe even the jitteriest skin, or offering sugar as a real hair removal solution to an age-old problem is very realistic. And as post treatment, applying a good trans-dermal cream to hydrate and moisturize the skin is simply a great, soothing and natural way to complete your sugaring service.
We, as the consumers, have a tendency to spend a noted amount of money to rejuvenate our faces and at best our décolletés. But what happens to the rest of the largest organ of the body? It cries out for help by mimicking the Sahara, an alligator, the Rocky Mountains … well you get the idea.Now, I can write this article to you my colleagues, my friends and my customers as a nice, light but quirky piece with some educational value, however I decided to simply have a heart to heart with you. Having the pleasure and privilege of meeting people from all walks of life, from all over the world, I have met incredibly knowledgeable people who go the distance to create healthy choices for skin care.