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Do you feel like your skin is dry, tight, dull, and wrinkled? It’s time for some body maintenance! Revitalize and fight aging skin with this 4 step process: hydrate, cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize.

Hydrate skin from the inside

Did you know coffee and your favorite green tea, both act as a diuretic? They do, and so does drinking hot water!  While it seems like getting rid of excess fluid would banish puffiness, the effects of this type of dehydration can show up in your face, neck and hands as wrinkly, prunish, and baggy skin! What should you do?

The answer is to create an exchange- keep hydrated, while ‘rinsing out’ waste products your liver has worked so hard to process through the night. There are some great ways to encourage the exchange, as Dr. Oz brings out in this post. Rule of thumb: remember that for every cup of a diuretic, drink an additional cup of water.

Cleanse skin

Have you heard of dry brushing? Dry brushing is a technique that promotes circulation and helps the lymphatic system clean out toxins. It works better on dry skin- here’s how to do it:

Using a natural bristle body brush or a loofah, ‘sweep’ your limbs, torso and back, always towards your heart. Aim for at least 5 or 6 swipes of each area. You can use your fingers on your face and chest, in the same sweeping motion, towards your heart. Light tapping will help decongest your sinuses during a cold or sinus flare up.

What about your soap choice? Is gel or bodywash better than an old-fashioned bar of soap? Experts say it doesn’t matter, as long as the cleanser is gentle enough to clean without stripping away natural oils.

Exfoliate skin

When we are young, our skin cells are replaces every 28 days. As we age though, the rate that it takes to become a ‘new woman’ slows to about every month and a half. The pile-up of dead skin cells on the surface can lead to ingrown hairs, flaky skin and a dull, grey appearance.

According to the dermatologist interviewed in Allure Magazine, “Dead skin cells pile up, diffusing the light and making skin dull.”  Our bodies work to replace cells throughout the night. So, slough them away by exfoliating at night in a before-bedtime bath, instead of in the morning.

Moisturize skin

Next, lock in moisture with a good, all-over body lotion. For particularly dry areas or trouble spots like knees, elbows and heels, body butter is even better! Apply the moisturizer just after you shower to help your skin look fresh and plumped.

We recommend using Mancine Naturals body care line. Mancine Natural products do not contain petro-chemicals,  sulphates, animal derivatives,  triethanolamine, mineral oil, parabens or artificial colors and fragrances. Use the bodywash, scrub, body lotion and body butter as a regimen to fight aging skin.

You can find everything you need to revitalize your skin at Vogue Beauty!

Have you heard of dry brushing?  This article explains benefits of dry brushing thoroughly. But, put in a nutshell, it promotes circulation and helps the lymphatic system clean out toxins.

How to dry brush:

Use a body brush or loofah to ‘sweep’ your limbs, torso and back, in a direction that always aims towards your heart. The touch or pressure should be light, not vigorous as you would if you were exfoliating your skin.

Repeat for at least 5 or 6 swipes of each area. You can use your fingers on your face and chest, in the same direction, out and down towards your heart. Add light tapping to help decongest your sinuses during a cold.

Here is an illustration, courtesy of Collective Education,  that demonstrates the technique:

Take care and look beautiful by reading more articles in our blog!

Male waxing is growing in popularity, doubling clientele in the last 3 years. From backs to chests, toes and knuckles, sideburns and even the ‘Bro’zilian, men are becoming regular customers. Fighting unwanted body hair is as important to men as it is to women.

As a therapist, there are a few considerations to keep in mind for your male clients. We are happy to share with you the following tips and recommendations from each of our wax line manufacturers, with excerpts from Lycon’s Lydia Jordane and more.

Male waxing and pain sensitivity

Men may seem more sensitive to the pain of waxing than women because their hair tends to be rooted more deeply. The hair shaft is also larger, which means that the follicle can become irritated when hair is removed. Males newer to waxing may experience some inflammation following their first wax. Discuss the potential reaction with your client if he is new to waxing.

Also keep in mind that there are more hairs per patch when waxing a male client. As each hair follicle is attached to its own nerve ending, waxing can seem more painful than it is for women.

It is more comfortable to remove hair in smaller patches, although this will extend the total treatment time. Remember to apply pressure longer after each pull to reduce swelling and irritation.

What areas are the most sensitive?

The answer may vary from client to client, but we would pick the back of the neck and the Lats.
Why is the back of the neck so sensitive? There are clusters of nerve-endings on the back of the neck designed to warn a person of an attack from behind. The pain response is often quick and sharp, so apply additional pressure after each pull.

The “Lats” (Latissium Dorsi muscles) have the most nerve endings. The Lats run under the arms and towards the spine, forming the widest part of the back.

Preparation goes a long way

Use a pre-waxing oil before wax application and follow the treatment with a skin conditioning lotion afterwards.

Hard wax is best on the more sensitive areas, such as the center of the chest, widest part of the back, and nape of the neck.

Lycon:

Lycon recommends to use Manifico or Azulene hard wax to grip tough hairs, not skin. Cleanse the skin with Lycotane Cleanser before treating the area. After waxing, use the Soothing Cream to re-moisturize the area.  Send the client home with Lycon’s new Anti-Bump Foaming Gel for an easy way to prevent ingrown hairs.

Mancine:

Mancine has several recommended hard waxes, the most popular is Pure Olive Oil hard wax, followed by Mancine’s Ingrown Zone cream or spray. This formula is designed to lessen the inflammation and swelling of the hair follicle.

Harley:

Harley designed their Harley Gold Strip Wax specifically for larger areas, like the back, arms, legs and chest. Use Harley Cleanser and Toner pre-wax, and then end the treatment with Harley After Care Oil.

Are you wondering how to combat the ebb and flow of mani/pedi or waxing clients? Boost your retail sales! Clients who use the retail products you sell are more likely to book appointments and to come back for more product when they run low.

How do you go about building your retail sales? Here are a few tips to create a solid marketing strategy that will increase sales, bookings and encourage client loyalty:

Give clients a reason to buy retail products from YOU

Have you ever gone into a large box-store, that has sample stands? Why do the stores do that? Well, let’s face it, if you were buying basil pesto in a 3 gallon, 2 pack, but didn’t know if it tasted good, you would likely pass up the opportunity to purchase. But once you tasted it, and it was as good as the pesto your Italian grandmother made- SOLD!

Does this mean you should hand out samples willy-nilly at your salon? Do sample products really increase sales in salons?

Yes and no. Samples that are unrelated to the service are actually a waste of the samples. So, shampoo samples for the wax treatment client are not likely to produce a retail sale.

Comprehensive services

A better plan is to create value-added packages. Here is what we mean- when your client books a treatment, combine it with a demonstration of a few of your retail products.

During a wax treatment for example, apply Lycon Ingrown X-It Cream. Explain it’s benefits and why you like it, and the success other clients have had with it.

Suggest additional uses for Lycon Ingrown X-It (like for her husband’s problem beard.) Then, send the client home with a generous, salon-made, 3 day sample. A note on samples- Sephora does it right, make samples from a full size product, written off and dedicated to marketing. Create sample-sized send homes in front of the client. This method visually communicates the size, shape and label of the product, and aids the client to remember the product when they come in for the next service.

You can also offer a discount for in-store purchase, such as 15% off, plus a coupon for a return purchase. Resist the urge to try and sell the entire product line. Keep notes, and mention another of the products in the next visit.

This method is a great way to fight the “I can buy something similar/buy it cheaper at Ulta….” comment. You have created a try before you buy environment and the client receives personalized, expert tips they need during the application.

Time is money to most people- the client is much more likely to purchase during a value-added treatment and save the time that additional trip to the department store would cost!

If the client likes the product, they will return for more when they run out. It is also likely that they will purchase again at the next appointment.

Keep track of their purchases and make sure to ask how they like the product. If the client is not seeing results, offer additional suggestions or trade-in for a product they may like better, such as the spray solution.  Reward clients for their purchases by starting a discount or loyalty program.

Keep track of it in-house so that there is no need to carry a rewards punch card.

Build your value in the eyes of your clients

Comprehensive, value-added packages are a great way to build the value of your salon in the eyes of the client. Your comprehensive services will be deemed better than the ‘slap-it-on-strip-it-off’ service down the street or as advertised by a competitor on a coupon site.

The salon does not have to be a posh, upscale, snobbish salon that so many clients shy away from. The salon staff does need to emanate a professional, organized appearance, yet strive for that personal connection with the client. You can add to this by keeping your staff educated on the unique products that you offer. In turn, the staff should have the attitude of educating or imparting information to the client, not selling.

On that note, make sure that staff members have ample opportunity to try the products themselves. Offer a small commission or incentive on retail sales.

Package and promote your retail products

Gift giving occasions happen year around! Create a little something that won’t be found elsewhere- make your own gift packages with your retail products. Keep it simple, tie three products together with a wide ribbon or in a pretty fabric gift bag. Add something different like a candle, spa mitt, a product for their significant other or teen child. Here are some of our ideas for product groupings:

Lycon Ingrown X-It,

Anti-bump foaming gel

and

Tea Tree Soothe lotion

Mancine Shower gel,

in Rose and Vitamin E,

Hot salt body scrub

in Kiwi Aloe, and

Coconut Vanilla Body Butter

 Mancine naturals hand and body lotion

One final thought: Don’t offer too much! Too many choices confuse clients. Stick with two or three brand choices, and group according to specific use, i.e. for dry skin. And if a product isn’t selling, get rid of it.

In review, the key is to get the clients to use your retail products. Because once the product is used during a service, and a sample is sent to use at home, they are more likely to come back to your salon.

This article first appeared on Spa Standard- an excellent site for continuing education.

Want to grow your salon or spa profits?

Waxing is a high demand, repeat service that is very profitable, with low overhead!  In 2015, IBIS World Reports has valued the hair removal industry revenue at $598.1 million! The projected  growth is 3.0% in 2016.

The key to a successful waxing business is using the right products in conjunction with techniques learned through proper training. By following these tips, your business will grow. As more clients get more areas waxed, they will tell their friends!

Education

To have a thorough understanding of the correct products and the best techniques is the foundation of a superior waxing service. For example, eyebrows and Brazilians are two of the most requested treatments.  They require some more advanced technique training, but it is not difficult at all to master, and become a waxing guru in your own right.  Technicians should provide a skin consultation for new clients to determine the best wax and procedures to apply, and also recommend the appropriate after-care products. Hands-on waxing training, with lots of practice, are the keys to providing the best expert waxing treatments and to keep your clients coming back for more!

Choose the right wax

Have both a strip wax and hard wax on hand. Strip wax is excellent for the larger body areas and a hard wax is best for the more delicate and potentially sensitive areas such as the face, underarms and the bikini zone. Using superior quality waxes, together with the right pre and post waxing lotions during the treatment and the right waxing techniques, are fundamental for a superior waxing service. The waxes you use must be low-temperature, pliable and smooth, remove the shortest hairs as well as fine hairs.  It is important the wax contains ingredients that protect, soothe and hydrate the skin while you wax. The wax should smell delicious and do not create skin redness or irritation. Strip waxes should not leave a sticky residue behind on the skin.

Recommend after-care solutions

Clients will appreciate products that make the waxing process easier and more comfortable. In particular, the  home care before a Brazilian treatment is essential. Before performing the waxing service, explain to clients that the skin in the intimate area tends to be dry, preventing the hair from being easily removed from the root. Explain the solutions available  that can aid in correcting the issues. Also explain the benefits of and how after-care products will allow them to stay smooth longer.

Provide eyebrow and lip services

Adding a speedy eyebrow or lip wax to your service menu is an easy way to grow your business! For example, include a waxing area at your makeup bar to allow for a quick eyebrow wax, especially for walk-ins. Eyebrow and lip areas use the least amount of wax per treatment and can be done quickly.  They are also easy as an add-on to other services a client may be having.

Read “How to Achieve a Perfect Brow” for great suggestions!

Don’t forget about men!

Male waxing continues to grow in popularity as men discover the benefits and comfort of being hair-free.  List your male grooming services separately from other treatments so men feel more comfortable in booking an appointment.  Doing so signifies that male services are the norm, not simply squeezed in. Chests and backs are the more popular waxing offerings for men.  Make sure you choose the right wax for strong and stubborn hair growth that is still very gentle on the skin.  Your technicians need to be properly trained and use the right pre and post waxing lotions, as men can be quite sensitive with their coarse and dense hair growth.

Offer membership pricing

While facials and massages are viewed as luxury services, waxing is seen as a necessity you can’t do without. As clients start waxing and experience the long-term benefits, it quickly becomes a part of their beauty routine that easily fits into most budgets. Membership priced packages give you the profits up-front while providing your clients value for their money.  To increase sign-ups, highlight the cost-savings and extra membership perks on your website, in-store and on social media!

Recommendations:

After-care solutions: Lycon’s Ingrown X-It line

The best wax choice for brow and delicate facial hair: Lycojet Lavender

The perfect wax for male waxing: Manifico!

(1) IBIS World Reports; Industry market research; US industry reports (NAICS), Hair loss treatment & removal; Industry outlook; Revenue outlook

Sometimes, clients report post-waxing irritation after a wax treatment. For men, chests and backs are usually more sensitive. For women, a common area is towards the inner thigh or groin areas. Delicate spots, like the brows, are also prone to irritation.

Lydia Evans, a dermatologist, explains it this way in  Real Simple magazine, “Since coarse and thick hairs are more stubborn to remove, you’ll probably experience more redness in areas where they grow,” such as the bikini line and the underarms.

A great therapist can do a lot to lessen or prevent irritation by mastering the application and removal technique. The following are some tried-and-true methods. Compare the tips to your technique, and give the points that are new to you a try!

How to minimize post-waxing irritation

• The force it takes to pull hairs out from the roots can inflame skin. To minimize the possibility of breakouts happening, it is very important to give attention to the direction that the wax is applied and pulled off the skin.
• Application: Strip wax is applied with the hair growth and hard waxes are applied against the hair growth.
• Removal: With all types of wax, pull the wax against the hair growth, unless you are in an area that makes it difficult to pull off this way.

If the hair is pulled off sideways, it can dig into the side of hair follicle and scratch the follicle or break off. This can cause follicle irritation,  or an ingrown hair which can sometimes progress to folliculitis.

After Waxing Techniques To Calm Skin

Here are some recommendations to follow after waxing areas like backs, chests and legs:

1.    Cleanse skin with Lycotane Skin Cleanser.

2.    Apply a cool wet towel compress on the skin

3.    Apply Ingrown-X-it spray all over the area and massage in gently.

4.    Apply Tea Tree Soothe Lotion.

5.    Recommend that client uses Ingrown-X-it spray or cream at home on clean skin, 2 times per day for 2 weeks or longer.

6.    3 days after waxing, client can also use Tea Tree Soothe daily after using Ingrown-X-it.

If a little more support is needed, the client can apply a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream.

Just a pea-drop size of the cream, applied directly to the red zone can calm the flare-up. Hydrocortisone cream calms inflammation and reduces redness and any itchiness. Advise the client to follow the directions on the package.

Quick tip: Many clients say that they do not schedule a waxing within three days of the start of their period, because the skin tends to be extra sensitive.

For more Lycon application tips, order Lycon’s instructional DVD here.