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How do you earn what you are worth, and not lose customers in the process? This also brings up another point to consider – are you planning to raise prices across the board or in certain areas. One idea is to raise prices for senior stylists only in order to filter down some clients to the junior staff. This must be done carefully in order to not lose clients, which is why it is vital to plan price increases with staff to make them effective overall.
Here are some steps to consider when increasing prices: 1. Decide upon a reasonable amount. 2. Give clients reasonable notice. 3. When you tell them, be professional.
The approach you take to raising prices also depends on what your goals are. If you want to attract higher-image clients and shed some lower-tier clients, then attrition during the process is expected. If you just want to lower the demand for appointments instead of expanding your business, then you should expect to lose clients. However, if you are looking to shift demand within your salon, this makes the job a little easier on you and your team.
It is flu season again, and the additional strains of last year’s Swine Flu pandemic have businesses and consumers in a frenzy over combating flu germs. Professional outlooks on the flu season are not helping matters; leading health experts project that the H1N1 virus affects as much as 40 percent of the American population through 2010. Since skin contact with contaminated surfaces is one of the main ways Americans can contract the flu virus, it is important for skin care professionals to educate worried clients that they are utilizing the most cutting-edge strategies for combating the virus. To be proactive, eliminating surface contamination in your spa is a first step. Unfortunately, lots of traditional cleaning techniques can actually promote the spread of germs through cross-contamination, via improper cleaning. Health-based cleaning fills the void left by traditional cleaning strategies. By leveraging state-of-the-art soil containment and removal technology and hospital-grade disinfectants, skin care facility managers can create a cleaner environment for patients and clients. Some areas of greatest concern include are waiting areas, restrooms, and treatment rooms.
Surface Decontamination, Technology, and Hospital-Grade Cleansers A crucial fault of traditional cleaning techniques is their tendency to use spray-and-wipe tactics to clean surfaces. Cross-contamination and the spread of harmful germs occur as a result of these techniques. Health-based cleaning systems use advanced soil removal techniques such as microfiber technology. Microfiber in cleaning cloths and mops has been shown to be 99 percent more effective at removing soil and pathogens than traditional cleaning materials such as paper towels or non-microfiber cloths. Small, angled edges along the microfibers actually attract dirt, grease, and contaminants to help leave a truly clean surface. With a color-coding methodology for these tools, health-based cleaning systems utilize a single tool for specific office areas, greatly reducing cross-contamination and germ transfer by making sure soil and matter from one area is not spread to another area. For extra insurance use lightweight, flat mops equipped with super-absorbent fabric that traps and hold dead germs. Just because you skin care facility is not a hospital does not mean you should not take the same protective measures for a safer, healthier environment as they do. Your facility can benefit from EPA-registered, hospital-grade cleansers and disinfectants that are highly effective in eliminating pathogens and the illnesses they cause.
Additional Tips: • Perfumes or other odors – whether attractive or noxious – should not be present following the cleaning process. • High-efficiency, HEPA filtration vacuums that capture dirt and particles that are .3 microns or larger should be used to improve indoor air quality. • Cleaning personnel should wash hands properly and change gloves frequently. • “No-touch” spray and vacuum systems should be used whenever possible in restroom areas to effectively clean germ hot spots, such as floors, sinks, and sink tops through proper disinfection without danger of cross-contamination.
How you spend the first few hours is really indicative of how the rest of your day will be. Wake up or sleep in? Scrambled eggs or pop-tart? Water or whiskey? These are the things that shape the rest of our day. Here are four tips I follow every morning (well, almost every morning) that will help you feel energized and more productive.
Proteins in milk that form part of the cow’s natural protection against milking related infections can be formulated into anti-microbial cosmetics and oral care products, according to manufacturer Quantec. The New Zealand based company has been working on the Immune Defence Proteins (IDP) for three years and is now ready to launch the ingredients onto the skin care and supplements market. Rod Claycomb, managing director of the company, explained how the proteins form part of the cow’s own defence system. “After milking, cows are quite prone to bacterial infection of the mammary gland called mastitis. This suite of proteins is nature’s own way of helping to protect the cow,” he said. Currently the company is preparing for the launch of the ingredient onto the oral care market at the food and supplements show Supply Side West in Las Vegas. “IDP is good at nailing the bad bacteria in the mouth that lead to halitosis and gum disease,” Claycomb explained. In addition, the company is launching the ingredient onto the topical skin care market where the antimicrobial mode of action is similar but the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the proteins are equally important. Potential applications for skin care include anti-acne formulations, products proposing relief from psoriasis and dandruff, as well as antifungal systems such as those fighting against yeast infections like candida albicans and athletes foot. Copyright© DecisionNewsMedia.com
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), about 300 extra calories are needed daily to maintain a healthy pregnancy. These calories should come from a balanced diet of protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with sweets and fats kept to a minimum. A healthy, well-balanced diet during pregnancy can also help to minimize some pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and constipation.
The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends the following key components of a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy: appropriate weight gain, consumption of a variety of foods in accordance with the Food Guide Pyramid, and appropriate and timely vitamin and mineral supplementation.
Fluid intake is also an important part of healthy pregnancy nutrition. Women can take in enough fluids by drinking six to eight glasses of water each day, in addition to the fluids in juices and soups. An expectant mother should talk with her physician about restricting her intake of caffeine and artificial sweeteners. All alcohol should be avoided in pregnancy. Copyright© kroger.com
• Before teeth erupt, clean gums with a clean, damp cloth. •Brush teeth with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. Introduce a pea-sized dab of fluoridated toothpaste after two years of age, once the child is old enough to spit out the toothpaste after brushing. •Prevent baby bottle tooth decay: Do not give children a bottle of milk, juice or sweetened liquid at bedtime or when put down to nap. •Limit the time your child has a bottle. Your child should empty a bottle in five to six minutes or less. •Help your child brush his or her own teeth until six years of age. Allow the child to watch you brush, and follow the same brushing pattern to minimize missed spots. •Avoid foods and treats that increase tooth decay: hard or sticky candies, fruit leather, and sweetened drinks and juice. Offer fruit rather than juice; the fiber in fruit tends to scrape the teeth clean, whereas juice just exposes the teeth to sugar. Copyright© www.kroger.com
Step 1 - Skin Preparation Squeeze Citrus Gel or Skin Brightening Cleanser into hands and begin cleansing. There is a very specific technique for optimum cleansing when using Rhonda Allison concentrated cleansers. This step is shown on Rhonda Allison Live website.
Step 2, Phase One - Enzyme Applicaions Pepsin and Papain a digestive enzyme will begin the process of removing surface dead skin cells. Enzyme is applied to skin evenly (light steam may be used) and removed with wet gauze in seven to 10 minutes. Transformation has begun.
Step 2, Phase 2 Maui Peel is a blend of bromelain enzyme and the AHA L-lactic acid. This step will further soften and lift remaining unwanted cells and begin deeper regeneration. Smooth evenly onto skin and massage into skin for five minutes. Rinse with tepid water and gauze pads. Blot dry. Skin will feel like butter.
Step 2, Phase 3 Cherry Jubilee Enzyme is a phyto-nutrient enzyme and infuses antioxidants into the skin. When enzyme is applied place dampened eye pads on eyes and lay 4 inch gauze on upper and lower half of face. Wrap face in slightly warm compress for five minutes. Rinse skin with tepid water and gauze. Skin is stimulated and absorbable.
Step 3 - Vital Nutrient Application. Customized Cocktail Mix
• 2 drops of Hyaluronic Serum • 2-3 drops of Super C Serum • 2 drops of Amino Peptide Serum • 2-3 drops of Drops of Essence
Blend into skin and begin stimulating face massage to increase circulation and aid in penetration of nutrients.
Step 4 - Milk Parafait Lift Mask Application (blend of three masks)
The Natural Lift Mask is prepared. This creates a setting mask and lifting affect for the skin. Add equal parts of Milk Mask and Grape Seed Parfait Mask to Natural Lift Mask. Mix well. The mask blend is cool and refreshing on the skin and works in tandem with the cocktail to nourish, hydrate, and refine skin.
Step 5 - Finishing Application Mist skin lightly with Cucumber Spritz, a humectant spray, and do light tapotement. Apply a thin layer of Ultra Hydration Cream (a final antioxidant moisturizer) and blend gently into skin. Finish with Daytime Defense SPF30.
Enzymes are nature’s biological catalysts that instigate change in the skin’s cellular functions. DMK Enzyme Therapy is the only treatment of its kind in the world and uses transfer messenger enzymes to enhance optimal skin function. This treatment works with the internal functions of the skin to increase circulation, oxygenization and lymphatic drainage by using reverse osmosis to ‘back flush’ fluids through the cell wall, leaving a clean clear, toxin free matrix. Enhances collagen production strengthening and firming the skin, and also induces a ‘plasmatic effect’ in the skin by dilating the peripheral capillaries and improving cellular oxygen uptake and delivering fresh nutrients to the skin.
Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals – fruits are a great way to keep your skin healthy whether they are eaten or applied during skin care treatments. With the current trend of clients wanting their skin care regimen to include treatments that are natural, organic, and healthy – fruit is a great way to go. Citrus fruits can help with anti-aging and acne; while cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries are some of the great sources for antioxidants as well as detoxification. We have included several different fruit treatments from spas around the world to provide you with an idea of treatment menus that can help you provide your clients with natural, healthy resolutions to their skin care challenges and/or concerns.
There are so many beauty benefits to incorporating a hint of peppermint into your beauty regime. Peppermint is a large source of vitamin A, which is proven to reduce the signs of wrinkles. It is often used in balms because of the herb’s ability to increase blood flow and stimulate nerves. Menthol, one of the main ingredients in peppermint, is extremely healing to dry skin, acne, and red blotches.
To prevent heartburn… drink peppermint tea before and after meals. Try adding a drop or two of peppermint essential oil to water and drinking small sips during a meal.
Poison oak and poison ivy: Contact with these beautiful woodland vines causes a hot, itchy rash; poison oak is the culprit on the West Coast, and poison ivy on the East. This contact dermatitis can be quite severe for some people. There are several simple and effective home remedies for this painful itch. Though it is tempting to take a hot bath or shower, which will temporarily make the rash feel better, hot water will always agitate the condition in the long run. Therefore, avoid hot baths, showers, saunas, and sweat lodges. Bath only in tepid water. A drop or two of peppermint essential oil (no more or you will be flying out of the tub before you get in it) added to the bathwater will help cool the rash and give temporary relief from the itching and burning.