Day: May 28, 2012

Categories
Skincare

What is a Facial?

What Is A Facial?

A facial cleans, exfoliates and nourishes the skin to promote clear, well-hydrated skin. A facial is given by a licensed cosmetologist or esthetician, sometimes called a facialist, who analyzes your skin and picks the right products and treatment for your skin type (dry, oily, combination, or normal) and skin conditions (acne, sensitive skin, aging, sun-damage, dehydration, etc.)

  1. Cleansing. A facial begins with a cleansing with cotton pads or sponges and a product chosen for your skin type (normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature.) This can be done manually or with the aid of a machine, such as a European Skincare Machine.
  2. Skin Analysis. The esthetician, or skin care specialist, covers your eyes and looks at your skin through a brightly lit magnifying lamp or a woods lamp that reveals various skin conditions. This treatment can be optional, but it really helps to show the specialist everything that is going on with your skin.
  3. Exfoliation. Using a mechanical or chemical exfoliant. Mechanical exfoliation has a gritty texture and usually happens while a steam vapor is directed at your face. A chemical peelcan be a stand-alone treatment or part of the facial. It is generally an “upgrade” and done in a series.
  4.  Facial massage. Using classic strokes like effleurage, petrissage, & percussion to both relax you and stimulate your skin and facial muscles. Massage helps to feed the skin, removes toxins, exercises your muscles to help to strengthen and tone the facial structure. This increases stimulation to the skin and will give you a more youthful glow.
  5.   Speciality mask targeted to your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature) and condition. We carry a wide variety of facial masks, my favorite pick is the non surgical face lift. It is aloe vera based and is great for all skin types. It tightens the pores and tones the skin, and will not over dry sensitive or dry skin.
  6.   Toners, Fresheners, and Tonics.  These products are used to re-balance the pH of the skin, close down the pores and remove any residue left behind after the facial. This will not over dry the skin, and it is essential to finish the service.
  7.   Moisturizer.  The final step.  Moisturizer is very important to protect the skin after the service. It will create a protective barrier from dirt, and debris, and will seal your skin and keep bacteria out.  It also locks moisture in, which will keep your skin hydrated, soft and supple.

Advice on home care.  The technician will tell you how she thinks you can take better care of your skin and recommend products for you to use at home.  Don’t forget to feed your skin from the inside out, with a well balanced diet, plenty of water, reduce stress & toxins, and try to get plenty of fresh air and sunshine, but don’t forget the sunscreen.

How often should I get a facial?   Usually once a month, the skin regenerates itself every 28 days, so this is the perfect amount of time for a regular facial.  However, if you have any special needs such as excessively dry, or oily skin, or severe acne, you may need to see your skin care specialist more often.

 

Categories
Men's Hair Care

Men’s Hair Color

Does your Gray hair make you feel older than your years? 

Are you ready to make a change?

We now offer several new lines of haircolor for Men Only.  Quick and easy, in as little as five minutes we can blend your gray and give you a fresh youthful look.

BLEND GRAY, YOUR WAY… IN AS LITTLE AS 5 MINUTES

TIRED OF THE GRAY?

Do something about it!  New Haircolor for Men only gives you options including our New Customized Camouflage Service. Want to blend a little gray? In just 5 minutes you can look years younger. Want to blend even more gray? You’re just 10 minutes away from increased coverage and a younger look!  New Customized Camouflage Services are fast, easy and discrete:

  • Reveal younger-looking haircolor in only 5 or 10 minutes
  • Customize how much gray you want to blend
  • Applied quickly and easily right in the shampoo area
  • Leaves hair with natural-looking results that fade gradually
  • Easy, discrete, customized service that can be done on a lunch break.

Call us for an appointment at 405-238-3426, and we will be happy to introduce you to this quick and easy new service.

Categories
Nails

Advice for Nail Biters

Onychophagy-Severe Nail biting

Clients who suffer from cronic onychophagy may benefit from the attention of a good nail tech.

What is it? Because nail biting is so common, it’s easy to dismiss it as just a bad habit instead of the nail disorder that it is. Onychophagy is a sub-group of OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). The sub-group also includes people who chronically pull or pick their hair, bite the inside of their cheek, or pick at the imperfections they see on their face or skin. Some patients with chronic onychophagy bite their toenails, fingernails, and the skin surrounding their nails until they bleed. Others bite and pick until they have literally removed an entire nail.

How do you get it? Onychophagy can begin because of severe stress, tension, or anxiety, but it can soon develop into a habit, which remains even when the stress or anxiety is gone. When a client doesn’t have the ability to muster the inner strength and discipline to stop biting her nails regardless of the products you choose, nail biting isn’t a habit, it’s a compulsion.

How is it treated? The treatment for onychophagy varies depending on the severity of the problem. Some patients respond to consistent nail maintenance, such as manicures, and topical applications on their nails, such as nail polish that tastes bitter, creams, or even hot sauce. Other treatments include behavior modification techniques such as snapping a rubber band on the wrist every time they bite their nails. Many nail biters reach a point in their lives where they are so sick of the embarrassment and pain of nail biting, they stop biting by sheer willpower.

What can a tech do? First, talk honestly with your client about the frustration and embarrassment nail biting causes her. Discuss her preference for treatment — does she want enhancements or does she prefer to grow her own nails? If she chooses enhancements, be sure to apply them very short at the first appointment. Schedule a follow-up appointment for no later than one week. As her natural nails grow underneath, the enhancements will look more natural. If the client chooses to grow her natural nails, talk with her about the need to commit to a weekly treatment schedule. During the manicure, groom her cuticles, removing frayed skin. Apply a nail polish formulated for nail biters, such as “No-Bite” from Barielle. Let the client know you’re applying a foul-tasting polish so she isn’t shocked when she puts her nails in her mouth. Apply a cream to the nail and cuticles that heals the damaged skin and makes the skin supple to prevent hangnails.

What else? Educate clients on how to care for their nails at home. Provide them with an at-home treatment package to purchase. The kit should include a file, a bottle of the polish you chose to prevent biting, and cuticle cream. Recommend the client apply the polish every other day. The cream should be applied multiple times during the day. Take before and after pictures to add incentive and to celebrate the client’s achievement.

End Results…With the correct treatment and at home maintenance your client will see the results they desire, beautiful, healthy nails plus a boost in self-confidence.