How good eyebrows can be a girls (and boys!) best friend!

There are currently three treatments available at The Wax Factor to make your brows a more prominent feature on your face whilst looking natural. Firstly a hot wax can make a big difference – although I hot  wax my clients, when it comes to my own I’m always slap dash due to no time – having your brows waxed by a beautician not only saves you time on the flip side a fresh pair or eyes can sort out any issues you currently have and break the cycle of uneven brows. 

We can also tint your brows – I have heard so many times from clients they had has this done in the past years ago but the therapist made them too dark or they didn't last – I let my clients decide how dark or light their brows go and with proper aftercare your brow tint should last at least 3 -4 weeks (please note tint test required at least 28 hours prior to appointment)

Lastly if you don’t want to venture for a tint just yet what about some eyebrows powder brushed through your brows to see if you like them more defined and the powder also help fill in the gaps of missing hair thus mimicking brow hair - I will do the brow powder tutorial in facebook later this week and post up the video.

Having nice brows really can shape a client’s face so let’s make the most of them! After all they are all yours!

I Love LVL!

I trained in LVL nearly five years ago- my clients wanted great lashes but a few struggled with maintaining eyelash extensions. The solution for my clients was LVL which stands for Length Volume and Lift! It's great for short as well as long lashed clients. I have to tint test new clients to LVL at least 48 hours prior to the appointment and as long as there are no reactions we can proceed with the LVL!  I take the clients natural lashes glue onto a mould then set the lashes with various solutions and at the end a colour boost is added.  The end result is full lifted lashes.

Clients me how long LVL lasts. This depends on if the client looks after the lashes and follows the aftercare advise and also the length of their lashes. Medium length lashes have a life cycle of eight weeks so I would say 6-8 weeks for that client but for clients with long lashes at least eight weeks as long as after are advise is followed.  After care is minimal -you just need to brush them at least once a day - as long as you look after your lashes they will last you a long time.

This is a fantastic treatment for busy people.  This lash treatment means you wake up every morning with full voluminous lashes that mimic false lashes and they last plus they are your own lashes so no watching what you do. It genuinely looks like you have make up and really opens up your eyes!

Every four weeks I recommend LVL clients to have another colour boost and this really brings the LVL back to life so I are really getting more value for money.

If clients are going on holiday and they plan to do a lot of swimming I recommend LVL lashes as they are so easy to keep and maintain.  This a very popular treatment at The Wax Factor simply because it's such a time saver for people plus it can look really dramatic but natural.

The cost of LVL is £45 and the treatments takes one hour

3 Day Detox - Juice Master - Jason Vale - Review

I’m hoping this is useful for clients thinking of trying the 3 day Jason Vale detox – I wasn't brave enough to do the 7 or even the 5 day juicing detox so I started off with the 3 to see if I would lose the pounds it claimed I would and also to see if I could stand the pace and not eat for 3 days!

I’m all for making life easy on yourself so I downloaded the 3 day detox app for my iphone (also available on android) – honestly the app is fantastic and probably the best app I have used simply because it makes everything easier for you especially if you are like me bought a juicer and not actually used it – at all!

The app gives you your ingredient list, recipes , your juices menu for that day and helpful tips – it’s does the hard work for you bar do the juicing.

Next thing I did using my app was go to the supermarket – I went to Asda – I was doing the detox with a colleague of mine so I doubled the amount – I will prepare you it costs a fortune in fruit and veg and that was buying in Asda – I did joke with the checkout assistant I would have been cheaper buying sweeties but mind this is your food for three days you don’t eat anything else. I would go to Aldi or Lidl next time to bring the cost further down but I have a feeling some of the items will be out of season so could be pricey at some points in the year.

When you are buying your fruit/veg and if you are working the days you are on the detox (I was) make sure you have containers to take your juice with you to work plus a fridge or cool bag to keep it chilled as its better when they are chilled.

I will be honest I think I pigged out the night before because it wasn’t going to eat anything for 3 days but I think this is quite natural or maybe not!

If you drink a lot of caffeine like me you need to start weaning yourself off gently a week or more before you start of you will get really bad headaches.

DAY 1

Got up about 6am before everyone in the house got up – opened up app checked out the recipe for the juices of the day and got all the ingredients out of the fridge so I was a bit organised plus my containers and I started to juice the first recipe – I was also juicing for my colleague too in separate containers so it was quite a bit of work and I’m not work shy!  I did each juice then put the containers to the side and then started the next recipe – I took all the juices to work with me so my colleague got her juice  for the full day (morning noon and night) so I had a bit more work than just doing the juice for myself as my colleague didn't have a juicer.

Juices – I must admit they were very nice and refreshing so I can’t say I disliked any of them so taste wise drinking the juice wasn’t a problem – it wasn’t like medicine – also at no time was I hungry – you can also drink water in addition to the juices and some teas if you feel hungry to fill you up.

The Bad news – the only thing I missed through the 3 days was actually eating something – it drives you crazy!! If you are a snacker like me at night after work you will really miss that snack(s) – I know some people go to their bed early on this detox to stop them eating but with two children I couldn't do that – I just had to suck it up and ignore my teeth champing at the bit!!! It’s especially hard when you’re cooking for your family L

DAY 2

Went through the app again but I seem quicker juicing – one tip soak and clean the juicer there after use as its harder to clean later – ringing in my ears is I have only tomorrow to go and then it’s finished! So much for willpower!

Again all the juices were lovely but man I miss eating!!

The good news even after one day I said to my colleague my trousers were a better fit and she agreed after only one day we noticed a difference so it was working!

I had a fly weigh on the scales – I know people say not to do this but if you feel you may fall of the juicing wagon – weigh yourself - I did and I couldn't believe I had actually lost weight! It was worth it.

I had a small cheat a small children’s sized Ritz cracker I gave to my oldest and I couldn't resist! It was lovely!

DAY 3

I was even quicker juicing today and guess what? it’s the last day – yippee!!!

Day 4 – Its over ! Judgement Day

Well I weighed myself first thing in the morning and I lost 6 pounds not only do I feel it and can see it – it would be nice to lose another few pounds and while I now believe after surviving the 3 days I could go onto the 5 day or 7 day detox as I know I could cope with it as I know its short term.

I know a lot of people have loads of energy on these diets when doing them but I didn’t notice a big difference if I’m honest but everyone is different

2 months on – I have kept the 6 lbs off by watching what I eat but not starving myself so it’s not a quick fix after all!

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Hurrah for Hollywood - the bare facts!

Hurrah for Hollywood - The Bare Facts!

One of the most popular questions I am asked in the salon is about Hollywood's

What has prompted me to write this brief blog is existing Hollywood clients friends don't have enough information on what it entails to have a Hollywood so I'm hoping this blog will help them make an informed decision if the Hollywood or any of the other intimate wax treatments are for them!

Why get a Hollywood?

Various reasons but the three main reasons are

 a) hygiene especially at the time of the month and clients who are sporty - remember perspiration attached onto hair = smell :(  

b) Clients going on holiday who intend to wear a swimsuit/clients who swim for fitness or even wearing normal underwear - clients wish to be groomed so there are no escapees visible!

c) clients genuinely wish to deplete the hair from that area and with regular Hollywood waxing every 4 weeks you will have hair follicles that will no longer produce a hair, hair will become finer and lighter and growth will be much slower and eventually disappear for good!

The solution is a Hollywood!

Before your Appointment 

Make sure the hair is at least the length of a grain of rice - shorter hair will not be able to be waxed so I believe in value for money so grow that hair! Also too short hair is very nippy and we wont be able to wax shorter hairs which in turn leaves you with small hairs ! When waxing hair is like a piece of rope, the more length I have the more pull we have! On the other spectrum hair can be too long and although you will get a great wax it can be nippier! When booking please let me know and I can email you over our Pre-Wax Care sheet to make sure the Hollywood experience is as pleasant as possible (this will include pain relief suggestions!)

Arrival at the Salon

You will be asked to remove your bottom underwear for the treatment.  The reason I don't ask clients to wear underwear is because it simply gets in the way and this way I can guarantee every hair is removed! Please relax when you arrive I have been qualified in intimate waxing for the last 8 years (trained by Kim Lawless) and a lot of my clients have Hollywood waxing (I had 5 Hollywood clients one Saturday morning a few weeks back) so you are in very safe and confident and experienced hands :)



During Treatment 

The Hollywood wax means everything off and this includes (very descriptive part!) inner bottom, all of front including pubic mound and inner labia. We will use Perron Rigot Oil, Perron Rigot Hot Wax and Australian Body care Tea Tree Post Wax Cream - I have used all these products for the last 5 years and although I check out new products these are still the best. You will be put in two positions (don't worry they are standard).  During the treatment  I will talk through how waxing works especially if you are looking to commit to frequent waxing long term (95% of my waxing clients are regular wax clients all year round) and also explain your post wax aftercare. I guarantee to make this as comfortable as possible for you and  and at the end of it you will be glad you took the plunge! I have never had a client regret getting wax and 98% of my clients are repeat.

Not ready for a Hollywood?

Some clients step up from bikini - to g string - to Brazilian to Hollywood - its all personal choice at your pace:)

I hope this blog helps some Hollywood newbies - please check out my Facebook reviews from my lovely clients - any questions just ask :)

Isabel

The Wax Factor - Airdrie

Want to be hair free for the summer - start your waxing regime now!

It may be the last thing on our minds just now when our legs are mostly covered up but now is a great time time to grow out that leg hair to start on a waxing regime and you will reap the benefits in the summer months when the sun makes an appearance.

The feedback I have from clients that start to get waxed during the summer only is that its the growing out to have a length of hair that can be waxed is the most difficult part and then they resort to the razor or trousers! Having to wear a skirt while growing out leg hair for 4 weeks is pretty tough!

I had a few clients last year that started to be waxed in the winter in anticipation of the summer and also so they could go swimming without worrying about the leg hair! I'm pleased to report that these clients have seen a dramatic decrease in the speed of the hair growth and with some follicles without a hair.

I've probably advised a lot of clients on the following but its probably worth mentioning again so you know there is a positive payback for being waxed regularly.

Hair has three stages of growth when you come into the salon - there is the visible growth which we can see, feel! and wax with ease.  The second stage of growth is that sitting just under the skin and not visible - this growth is the next batch of hairs you see a few days/weeks later (depending on your hair growth) and this batch of hair will be the next to be waxed. The third stage of hair growth is within the root and its still to make an appearance.

Any clients who advise they wish to start up a waxing regime are asked to return every 4 weeks and then after 3 sessions we should have all the hairs at the same level so the wax will then before even more effective.

If I feel a client can lengthen their next visit to 5 or 6 weeks I will let them know :)

By then the client will start to see their leg hair are not only finer but also slower to grow in and may even notice bald patches on areas where the follicle no longer grows.

I always recommend that clients don't shave in between waxes because it takes them two steps back. Shaving promotes hair follicles growth rather than decrease it so you can find yourself back to square one.

The keys to slowing down hair growth is to be waxed on a regular basis and be able to flash those legs this summer!

Welcome Nouvatan!

After a good think I decided to introduce Nouvatan to The Wax Factor.  I'm always looking for products that benefit my clients and I think I have this is Nouvatan.  I had last looked at stocking four years ago but decided on Vani-t but having had supply issues with the Vani-t body custard I looked for a replacement product and revisited Nouvatan.

Nouvatan was started in the owners kitchen in 2007 and it's made in Britain too so we are supporting a UK family business!

I've now tanned a few clients with Nouvatan express and they absolutely love the results - some left the colour on overnight and others showered after a few hours and they were over the moon with the results.  These are Vani-t regulars so they are accustomed to a high quality tan and this tan ticked that box!

As well as offering Nouvatan as a spray tan treatment I'm so confident in the product I have also heavily invested in there pre and post tan care retail range.

Nouveauglow is a body moisturise that also provides a gradual build up of colour with every application. Normally on a test I would apply each day but this time I applied every 8-10 hours to see the results quicker.  I was left with an even streak free tan not too dark although another application or two will make me much darker when I want that - it also lasted just over a week and fade was very even. I also found its a very rich product which means you dont need a lot so it lasts a long time.  Its also absorbs very quickly and doesn't feel sticky either. We are retailing the Nouvaglow at £12.50

We are also retailing Nouvaman Tanning Cream -  a spray tan specially formulated for male skin and the only make tanning product on the market . It retails at £15.00 and is a gradual tan

Other items I am stocking are Nouvatan tanning Mouse and Q10 oil free moisturiser which were featured in a recent edition of Cosmopolitan magazine. The Nouvatan Mouse produces the same colour as the spray tan and ideal for clients that wish a colour that night. I'm also stocking the oil free moisturiser which lengthens the wear of your tan being oil free as clients have advised its difficult to locate oil free moisturiser. We are retailing mouse at £16.50 and the moisturiser at £9.95.

To celebrate the launch of Nouvatan at The Wax Factor any client who has a spray tan or purchases a retail item from Nouvatan range gains an entry into the draw for a mini Nouvatan kit worth £12.99 - valid til 23rd December and winner announced Xmas Eve! Click here to get booked in

We are also retailing the mini kits as Xmas gifts which are proving popular after selling 5 in the last 6 days and we are on limited stock so please purchase before they run out!

Universal Contour Wraps - How does it work?

After 20 years is the Universal Contour Wrap still the best wrap on the market?

With all the new products that arrive on the market I always investigate these pretty thoroughly for the pro's and con's for my clients.  I always strive to bring in the best new advances in technology that are of benefit to my client - this is my foremost thought when introducing products to the salon - my clients all come first!

I trained in the Universal Contour Wrap two years ago having looked at circa 5 other alternative wraps and although not the cheapest treatment the results were a lot more substantial that the others on the market at that time.

Its worth explaining a bit about the Universal Contour Wrap which will help clients reach an educated conclusion if the Universal Contour Wrap is the right treatment for them or if there is an alternative on the market and that way its helps each client make their own decision.

Essentially the Universal Contour Wrap consists of hypoallergenic clay mined from the west coast of the USA and a specialised wrapping technique which helps draw out impurities and toxins out of the body whilst also sculpting a new shape for the body.  The clay also continues to work and draws out impurities several days after the wrap which is why I advise clients not to fully shower for up to 3 days after the unwrapping process - believe me if your losing more you wont shower and remember there is no smell to the clay :)

Clients love this treatment not just for the inch loss but for a healthy detox all in a 2 hour treatment!

The skin benefits are amazing for those clients that have dry skin and need a bit of a boost it acts as a skin exfoliator which leaves you with silky soft skin ready for the beach or a spray tan!

The Universal Contour Wrap is also the only body wrap worldwide to be scientifically proven to lose inches instantly

Its also the only body wrap on the market to offer a guarantee to clients which is two fold - the first part is they guarantee that you lose at least 6 inches at the time of treatment or your money back and the second part is that the inches remain off for a minimum of 30 days or you receive a free treatment

I'm glad to say in two years and after nearly 80 treatments I've never had to refund or rewrap a client!

Another question I am asked is if undertaking the course of three when should you take the three treatments? If its for a specific event i.e. wedding or holiday I work it back in weeks - I suggest a wrap is done each 7-10 days and remember to add on 3 days at the end for the no shower time so you are clay free for the event!

My clients have these wrap for various reasons - maybe its a wedding either bride, bridesmaid or guest, holiday, kick start a diet plan and some clients even have it for the skin benefits alone and this is a unisex treatment so my male and female client book this treatment.

I'm also asked how to maintain the inch loss - the answer is easy its just like a diet if you start to overindulge then you will start to reintroduce the toxins to your body and you will gain weight and reduce the inch loss you have achieved. Overindulging will put you back to square one but many of my clients have found the aftercare easy to follow and have reaped the rewards as they lose more inches in the following days post wrap.

Each wrap is £70 but at the moment whilst stocks last your will receive a Universal Contour Wrap Après Wrap product worth £15 which aids inch lose post wrap

The course of three is £170 a saving of £40 which works out at £57 per wrap!

If anyone has any questions on this please speak to me next time your in the salon or text email me :)

Here is a link to a video that explains it all 

http://universalcontourwrap.com/ucw-classic-pro/ucw-classic-pro-video/

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