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4 Salon Treatments To Get Right Now

Dermaplaning

What is it? Your therapist will use a blade to remove dry, dead skin cells and fluffy, ‘peach fuzz’ hair from the face; it’s a painless, relaxing procedure which leaves your skin glowing. Products are absorbed more easily and work much better, and make-up goes on like a dream! Monthly treatments are recommended, and it is really important that you protect your skin from u.v. rays after, so this is the ideal time to have it done – though a minimum spf 30 is strongly advised every day, all year round!

Waxing Or Sugaring

Yes it’s cold, and those summer days seem a very long way off …..But! How many times have you been pleasantly surprised by a change in the weather and wanted to peel those layers off, to then remember you’re more furry bristles than silky smooth? The result is usually a scrabble for the razor, and so begins the cycle of shave, strong regrowth, stubble, repeat, and for many people, that means everyday! Shaving cuts the hair off at skin level, leaving blunt hairs that look stronger and darker, and feel rough. So why wax? Waxing (& Sugaring) removes hair at the root, meaning you have several weeks before the hair starts to show through the skin. When it does grow through it’s a new hair with a tapered end, so it feels and looks softer. When you’ve had it done a few times (usually every 6 weeks) you’ll find the hairs will settle into a regular growth pattern – which is exactly why you should start waxing now, so when we do get those warmer days, you will be ready to welcome them hair-free. The hairs do need to be long enough to remove though, generally we would say the length of a grain of rice, so get growing!

Pedicure

Our poor feet work so hard for us, only to be hidden and neglected for 6 months of the year! A luxury pedicure might include a foot scrub, mask, hot wax, warm bootees, massage …. what’s not to love? You leave the salon walking on air, with pretty toes and smooth skin….. such a boost at this time of the year, plus you’ll be sandal ready come the spring.

Massage

There are so many wonderful massage therapies available, and the benefits are numerous. Complete physical and mental relaxation, soft smooth skin, regular massages should be part of your looking-after-you routine!

Tanning Safely

With the associated health concerns, fewer of us bake in the sun or use sunbeds these days, yet still we want that golden glow, not convinced that our milky-white (or in my case, mottled blue) is really a good look. Bring on the fake! That leaves us with a couple of options, either body make-up that will last until the next shower, or fake tan that will keep us bronzed for a week or more.

Body make-up is ideal for people who don’t have the time for fake tanning, and just want to add some colour to the bits that are on show. Available in spray as well as lotion formulas, the make-up is available in a range of shades to suit every skin tone (or if you’ve bought a foundation for your face that’s a bit too dark, it may be perfect for your legs and other body areas!) Once applied, leave it to dry for a few minutes before dressing, and it should be smudge-proof and water resistant; simply remove with soap and water.

If you opt for fake tan, you have a few options open to you, depending on whether you’re brave enough to do it yourself or prefer to leave it to the professionals; most of the professional brands also retail products so you can top-up at home. The days of foul-smelling lotions and a pumpkin- orange colour are gone, thanks to new formulations and techniques.

If you’re doing it yourself, gradual tanners may be best if you’re a little nervous, where the colour builds up over several applications, and reduces the likelihood of using a tan that’s too dark for you. If you’re really unsure, trial it on areas first that, should it not turn out as expected, you can cover up with clothing!

Preparing the skin is key to a successful tan, as once it goes on you are going to have to live with it for several days!

Ideally, get into a regular body skin care routine to keep it looking and feeling it’s best, but for at least a week before you fake tan:-

• Exfoliate. Removing dead skin cells with a loofah or body exfoliant will help the tan to go on an even colour, particularly where the skin is drier and grips the colour more, such as ankles, knees and elbows

• Moisturise. Adding moisture to the skin will ensure an even tan and avoid a streaky finish

• Hair Removal. If you are waxing or threading, do it at least 72 hours before you apply tan, as this will give the skin a chance to settle down. Shaving can be done the day before

If you’re doing it yourself, when you apply the fake tan, for best results:-

• Wear gloves!

• Always follow manufacturer’s instructions

• Don’t apply to skin that is broken or sore; if you’re concerned about allergies, apply a little of the product to the back of your knee beforehand, and leave for 48 hours to see if any problems occur

• Make sure the skin is clean and dry, and you are not perspiring

• Don’t apply any oily products to the skin, or the result will be streaky

• Don’t apply any deodorant/ make sure it is thoroughly washed off (green underarms are not a good look), or perfume, and remove jewellery

• Where the colour tends to concentrate, such as feet and hands, apply a non-oily moisturiser to lessen the colour, and don’t apply to areas that don’t tan much naturally, such as the toes; blend the colour as you apply so it fades to nothing

• If you’re applying to the face, remember that hair on the upper lip, at the hairline and brows will take on the colour, so avoid or use sparingly

• Allow to dry thoroughly, and wear loose clothing for at least 8 hours. Shower off, and you’re hopefully left with an even, streak- free, natural looking tan

To maintain your tan and keep it looking fresh, continue to moisturise well (with a non-oily product), and it will fade evenly.

No? Disaster struck? Eeeek!

If it’s one or two areas that you’ve somehow missed, you may be able to apply tan to them, but make sure you don’t apply to/remove it from areas already tanned, or they may darken. If it’s streaky or patchy, then you may be able to make it less obvious with dry body brushing, then a loofah or exfoliant, to take the top layers of dead skin off. You can buy tan removers, but these tend to be ineffective once the tan has dried; lemon juice, applied to the skin and allowed to dry, may have a mild bleaching effect. Generally, oil will break the colour up, so use liberally over the area. Don’t be put off! Think about why it may have happened, and if you’re sure you followed all the rules, look at using a different tanning product.

Whichever method you opt for, remember it offers little or no protection against natural UV rays, so keep using your sunscreen when in the sun.

However, if, like me, you don’t want to take any chances, (and end up having to wear a onesie to the beach) find yourself a professional spray tanner. If you fancy some pampering, manual tanning generally includes a body scrub too. 

What is a Crystal Grid?

One of our more popular courses is Crystal Healing Therapy; it can be offered as a stand-alone treatment, or combined with others to complement and enhance the effects and benefits.

A way to use crystals, to bring what you need into your life, is by creating a crystal grid. (I say what you need, rather than what you want or would like; the powers-that-be may be better at deciding what that is than we are!). Using the energy of the crystals and the way you arrange them on the grid, state your intention and let them help you with your dreams and goals.

There are many grid patterns you can use, and their structure can be made of many different materials. Often they are based on age-old geometric designs, typically a hexagon (2 triangles) which has 6 outer points, and is relevant to many religions and cultures. Where the lines intersect, they are thought to represent opposites, and so balance; yin/yang, male/female, etc. 

Using what YOU feel is right is the best way, the same goes for whatever crystals you wish to incorporate. You may want to use crystals that are good, for example, for protection, or you may select them intuitively; trust yourself! We do sell chakra crystals, and we do sell grids with crystals already placed, but generally we would say to use the crystals that YOU want to use.

How Do I Make A Crystal Grid For Myself?

This can be done very simply. We like the ‘Seed of Life’ grid.

Seed Of Life


Additionally you will need:-

1 Centre or Anchor Stone (A).This should be the largest crystal, one that you feel will be good for you, or one that is known to be good for what you need help with. 

6 Supporting Crystals (B- G), optional. These may be all the same, or different, you can select them intuitively. Remember your intention, to focus energies where needed.

6 Supporting Outer Crystals (H-M) 

  1. Cleanse everything you will be using. There are many ways to do this, you can decide which you feel is most appropriate. Some crystals are soluble in water, so don’t immerse them, but running water (including sea water) for a short time shouldn’t harm them. You may bathe them in a full moon, or sunlight, or use a sage smudge stick. 
  2. Set your intention. Be clear and be positive. For example, “I need to develop more tolerance and patience” is better than asking to stop being so grumpy, or snapping at your partner! Write it down, and place under your centre stone. (A)
  3. Repeat your intention as you place the crystals in your next circle (optional)
  4. Repeat your intention as you place the crystals in your outer circle
  5. Place your finger on the anchor stone, then move your finger in a clockwise direction, touching each crystal, to connect them. Remain focused on your intention
  6. You should leave your grid nearby for a couple of days, though they are very pretty, and you may want to leave it for much longer! If so, place it outside and cleanse it in moonlight or sunlight monthly

Please get in touch if you’d like course details ?

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