The aesthetics industry is where beauty and business join forces. Having set standards of professionalism, operations, services, and customer service is how you run a successful business, whether you are a solo practitioner or working under someone else. Client satisfaction is key and having robust business policies in place is crucial for success. These policies serve as the backbone of any aesthetics venture, providing a framework for operations, client interactions, and staff conduct.  

The aesthetics industry is multifaceted, encompassing a wide range of services and professionals dedicated to enhancing beauty, wellness, and skin care. Skin care professionals, spa owners, and suppliers of skin care products are all integral players. Despite its diversity, the industry faces various challenges, including evolving consumer preferences, regulatory compliance, and competition from emerging trends such as natural skin care and wellness-focused services.  

Taylor Wilson is a licensed aesthetician hailing from the Washington metropolitan area. She is a graduate of Von Lee International School of Esthetics, founded by the legendary Carole Walderman. She was a wax trainer at a European Wax center and eventually transitioned into her own studio, JB Skin Clinic, full time where she provided waxing and skin revision treatments. Realizing she wanted to focus on education and helping other aestheticians reach their goals, she came on board to Starpil as their brand educator.  

What skin care brand to bring into the spa is one of the most important decisions a spa owner will make. This decision is based on many factors, like continuing education, results, price point, and brand philosophy.  

Upon opening an account with a brand, you’ll be assigned a brand representative. Some companies may call them a brand rep, account manager, business development manager, or corporate account executive. No matter the name, what it means to be a successful and effective brand representative is the same. For the most insightful information, look to brand representatives themselves as well as brand owners. If you’re looking to be a great brand representative, it is wise to see what owners are looking for in their employees.  

EXPERT GUIDANCE 

Brand representatives consult with so many different businesses and can bring you the best and most successful tips and strategies from successful spas for you to implement into your business. Here are a few expert tips from some of the best brand representatives in the industry. 

Lora Condon is an international award-winning aesthetician, guest on Dr. Oz, author of Spa Wars, and a beauty consumer advocate known as “The Beauty Buster.” Condon was named InStyle Magazine’s “Best Eyebrow Shaper in New Jersey” and has worked with Ladies’ Home Journal, The New York Times, Success Magazine, Good Morning America, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, and Téa Leoni. Condon was featured in videos by Cosmo, Refinery29, Beauty Insider, and Entertainment Tonight. Beauty Buster Organic Skin Care was created to target specific skin conditions and contains luxury lip treatments with olive oil from Condon’s great grandfather’s town in Italy.  

Getting insurance for a small business can be an overwhelming task. Whether a seasoned business owner or a practitioner new to the industry, here is a breakdown of some items to consider when seeking insurance for a beauty business along with key questions to ask.

CHOOSING A POLICY

Consider the nature of the business and identify the risks potentially associated with the specific type of practice. Think about what types of coverage the business requires based on the variety of services offered and size of the business. For example, the needs of a solo practitioner offering only waxing services is going to differ from a full-service day spa with 20 employees offering hair, skin, nail, and waxing services.

Explore the different options that insurance provides such as liability, property, professional liability, and business interruption insurance. Sometimes, leasing properties require certain coverage and for the landlord to be listed as an additional insured on the policy. If the business owner owns the property themselves, the bank or lienholder typically requires property insurance. Liability insurance is always a good idea for any business to protect against claims from clients; however, there are multiple types with the most common being general liability, professional liability, and product liability. If unsure about the coverage each of these offers, business owners may want to consider reaching out to an insurance company or agent for advice. 

There are two main types of wax that professionals may use for hair removal services. Hot wax is often referred to as hard wax and strip wax as soft wax. When should you use hard wax versus strip wax? How do you know which to pick? What is the difference between hard wax beads and the traditional brick packaging? Below are the answers to these questions and more! 

KEY DIFFERENCES 

The main difference between hot (hard) wax and soft (strip) is the way that the wax is applied and removed. Hot wax is applied against the hair growth, left to set, and then removed without the use of an epilating strip. Strip (soft) wax is applied in the direction of the hair growth and then an epilating strip, like muslin or pelonis, is placed over the wax, pressure is applied, and it is removed opposite to the hair growth, pulling the hair out. Both are effective ways to remove hair and allow for a smooth result. Additionally, hard wax is heated to a temperature of approximately 60°C (140° F); it should be a thick honey consistency. Whereas strip wax is heated to 70-75°C (158-167° F) and is a runnier in consistency. 

WAXCRAFT 

Strip wax is applied thinly and can be removed quite quickly with practice. As a result, it is advisable to use strip wax in larger areas such as legs, arms, back, and even the outer edges of the bikini (inner thighs). A good quality strip wax should not cause skin drag or leave any sticky residue behind. Hard wax is excellent for more sensitive areas such as the bikini or Brazilian area, underarms, and face. Hard wax can be applied in different size patches, which allows for more precise waxing around tricky areas such as the eyebrows and the lips.  

PRE & POST  

With all waxes, it is advised to use a cleanser before and after waxing to help cleanse skin of any debris, makeup, or lotion. Waxing opens the hair follicle, so it is important to ensure skin is clean prior to waxing. Applying the cleanser immediately after the wax will help close the hair follicle. Applying a pre-waxing oil with hot wax adds an additional barrier of moisture to skin, and a little goes a long way! With both hard and strip wax, applying an aftercare product after the service further soothes skin and reduces any redness or inflammation.  

WAX WISDOM 

When choosing which waxes to have at your station, it is important that you consider all factors, such as what areas you will be waxing most and whether you will need both a hard and strip wax always heated. If yes, you will need to look at how big your wax station is and whether it can fit a duo heater or two singles. Being able to have both waxes available allows you to tailor your services. However, ultimately, the most important factor is that you are comfortable waxing with the type of wax chosen as this will make for the most comfortable waxing experience for you and your client.   

Lindsay Miller is the president of LYCON Wax North America. Having first discovered LYCON Wax in the United Kingdom 10 years ago, she has dedicated her time to growing the brand across North America, including introducing LYCON to Canada. Training and product quality are extremely important to Miller and she prides herself on building a strong team around her that can offer the best customer experience possible. LYCON continues to be a market leader in hair removal wax and is used in top spas and salons around the world. 

Combination skin is the most common skin type, and the most commonly mistreated skin at home. It can also be overlooked in a treatment menu. Combination skin can affect people of all ages, from teenage skin to mature skin. It is characterized by an oily forehead, nose, and chin – the area of the face known as the T-zone – with drier areas on the periphery of the face, such as the cheeks. The condition manifests because of overactive sebaceous gland activity in the T-zone, which creates excess sebum, leading to blackhead and pustule formation. At the same time, the area on the periphery of the face has underactive sebaceous glands, resulting in dry, flaky skin and even a compromised skin barrier.   

DAMAGE CONTROL 

This skin type can be greatly affected by the environment, becoming oilier during the summer months due to heat and humidity, while becoming dry in the winter due to wind and lower humidity. This skin type can also result in dehydration, due to improper product use. One study found that participants with combination skin type were 1.63 times more likely to have sensitive skin than participants with neutral skin.1  

The greatest damage a client can do when treating combination skin at home is to use overly drying products that address the oily T-zone yet causes the outer area of the cheeks to become dehydrated. This causes the skin acid mantle to be disrupted and an imbalance in skin’s pH. Skin needs to be within 4.5 to 5.5 acid range levels, so it is essential to use products that help maintain the acid balance in skin.  

Combination skin’s unique set of concerns, which include presenting oily and dry, dehydrated skin at the same time as well as moisture barrier and pH disruption, have been difficult to treat in the past, but new protocols and products are making it possible to create the perfect balance. 

References 

1. Xiao X, Qiao L, Ye R, Zuo F. Nationwide Survey and Identification of Potential Stress Factor in Sensitive Skin of Chinese Women. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020 Nov 20;13:867-874. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S284359. PMID: 33244252; PMCID: PMC7685347. 
2. Bissett DL, Oblong JE, Berge CA. "Niacinamide: A B Vitamin That Improves Aging Facial Skin Appearance." Dermatologic Surgery, July 31, 2005, 860-65. 
3. Bissett DL, Miyamoto K, Sun P, Li J, Berge CA. “Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin”. International Journal of Cosmetic Science. 2004, 231–8. 

Inner mobility is essential for clear, healthy, and glowing skin. The type of movement needed can vary from person to person, but the goal of balancing the exchange of nutrients and waste removal remains the same. Movement relieves restrictions in the connective tissue, softens muscle tension to allow for the free flow of fluids, improves circulation to feed skin with nutrient and oxygen rich blood, and supports skin’s natural filtration system to remove excess fluid and cellular waste. 

OBSTRUCTION, STAGNATION, ACCUMULATION. 

Stagnation does not occur by itself – it is an intermediary, a cause and effect of blockages and accumulations in the tissue. When an obstruction –a tight muscle or tangle in the connective tissue, restricts movement – it leads to stagnation (sluggishness or immobility) within the tissue, which creates an accumulation of excess fluids and wastes that lead to an abundance of skin related issues. Obstruction can lead to “tech neck” and sagging from tight muscles and scar tissue and wrinkles from restriction in connective tissue. The resulting stagnation can cause hyperpigmentation, lack of vitality, and tenderness. The pooling of fluids and wastes (accumulation) leads to puffiness, acne, and dark circles. 

The cosmetic industry is constantly evolving and witnessing significant shifts in consumer preferences. The rise of clean, vegan, and gluten-free products has left spa owners and skin care specialists wondering if these labels are merely marketing gimmicks or genuine reflections of the evolving consumer consciousness. This article delves into the world of clean, vegan, and gluten-free skin care labels, exploring whether they are still relevant and meaningful or if they have become dated concepts in the ever-evolving skin care landscape. 

THE CLEAN BEAUTY PHENOMENON 

Clean beauty has been one of the most prominent movements in the skin care industry in recent years. It centers on using products free from potentially harmful ingredients, such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. The concept of clean beauty gained traction as consumers became more conscious of what they put on their skin, with an emphasis on natural and nontoxic ingredients. 

Clean beauty products claim to be safer for skin, promoting healthier, more radiant complexions. Many spa owners and skin care professionals embrace this trend, often marketing their businesses as clean beauty sanctuaries. But are these claims based on solid scientific evidence, or is pure beauty merely a marketing ploy? 

It’s important to note that the FDA does not regulate the term “clean” in skin care, and there’s no universally accepted definition. Consequently, the clean beauty label can vary significantly between brands. Some companies may avoid a few specific chemicals, while others may have much stricter criteria. As a result, spa owners and consumers may need help deciphering what constitutes a genuinely clean product. 

Reference 

1. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. (n.d.). Cosmetics labeling guide. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-labeling-regulations/cosmetics-labeling-guide

Richard Merrill is a results-oriented spa business consultant with distinctive expertise in nurturing and guiding spa enterprises across the United States. His proficiency spans strategic planning, branding, marketing, sales, and operational management systems. With an extensive background of over 15 years in the spa and beauty industry, Merrill brings a profound understanding of the intricate intricacies of establishing and managing a thriving spa venture. His unwavering commitment centers on propelling spa professionals towards accelerated success and realizing their visionary aspirations. In 2019, he founded Richard Merrill Consulting, an enterprise that offers holistic business consulting, cutting-edge marketing services, and streamlined printing solutions. This all-encompassing resource is an indispensable toolkit for spa professionals seeking to cultivate more lucrative enterprises. 

A Google Business Profile (GBP) is a free tool that helps people find local businesses, and most importantly for a spa, it can generate bookings. There are several ways to set up a profile that provides a better chance of appearing at the top of local search results, but for now, take a look at these four easy actions to optimize this business tool. 

 NAP TIME

NAP stands for name, address, and phone number. Make sure the important info on the Google Business Profile is exactly as it appears on the business website and other review or social sites. If the address is not abbreviated on the website, do not abbreviate it in the Google Business Profile listing. This is important for accuracy and customer trust, but also because Google uses name, address, and phone number information to decide which businesses to show in search results. If the name, address, and phone number information is consistent across every online platform, it is more likely that the business will show up in search results.

According to Mayo Clinic, social anxiety is described as “an intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers.” Skin care professionals who deal with social anxiety can find it challenging to navigate connecting with new and existing clients. This fear can manifest in several ways, including having difficulty relating authentically, conducting consultations, and building a meaningful rapport with clients. 

OVERCOMING ANXIETY 

A part of the skin care professional’s job is to connect with clients, assess their needs, and deliver results. However, those battling with social anxiety can feel overwhelmed at the thought of deeply connecting with clients. The key to overcoming this anxiety is to recognize when it is present and take steps to accept and move past it. Signs of oncoming social anxiety can appear in several ways including rapid heart rate and being unable to focus one’s thoughts.  

Reference 

1. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, October 18th). Social Anxiety Disorder. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353561 

As a practicing aesthetician, the question always arises, “Why can an aesthetician in one state perform a particular service that one in another state cannot?” Well, considering aesthetics was born from the cosmetology license, the industry has evolved tremendously since the 90s, causing variety from state to state. Trends, machines, devices, and products have become more potent and are able to perform a wide range of services. They assist in product penetration, stimulate muscles to tighten and firm the appearance of skin, lighten pigmentation and skin irregularities, remove hair, and so much more. Ingredients are often overlooked, and in some formulations, these ingredients can offer significant results but can cause damage if not used properly, like in the hands of unlicensed individuals. Knowing this, why are some states changing the scope of services aestheticians can perform?

SCOPE THIS

Connecticut

In July of 2020, Connecticut was the last state to become regulated for aesthetics, nails, and eyelash extensions. Prior to 2020, there was no regulation or governing board. While state guidance is clearly needed, minimizing the services aestheticians can legally perform in any state risks going back to an era of free rein for the unlicensed.