It truly is not always the fault of the therapist. When booking your spray tan, the salon should advise you on your pre care.
This involves, ex-foliate well two or three times the week coming up to your spray tan application avoid deodorant, perfume, body lotions etc the day of your spray tan (unless you like that lovely green effect) paint your fingers and toe nails with a coat of clear nail polish to help prevent staining of the nails wear loose dark clothing bring flip flops try arrive a little early for your appointment so our not flustered and perspiring

If these procedures are not taken, it more than likely will result in flaws, to no fault of the therapist. Some salons will even refuse to apply the tan if they feel you have not followed through with these procedures, as it will appear that they have a poor tanning solution or therapist. For those of you that are regular fake tan Thursday experts you must ex-foliate regularly.

As you notice your tan wearing off, scrub, scrub, scrub! When you continually apply tan, even though you do ex-foliate regularly you do get a build up of tan. Its important to give your skin a break from tan every couple of months. Your skin is the largest organ in your body. Allow it to breath.

After you have had your spray tan, your therapist will advise you on the following, allow your tan to dry for approx ten minutes before getting dressed don’t panic, the colour that you are now is not the colour you will end up with. The initial bronzer is simply a gauge for the therapist to spray an even tan.

This always appears slightly orange and sometimes slightly green. The green tinge is added to prevent you going orange when the chemicals react with your skin if possible leave your bra off to avoid nasty strap marks make sure you avoid perfume, deodorant, body lotions, water (remember to avoid washing your hands for as long as possible) after having your tan applied avoid jewellery, white / tight clothing, boots etc. try not to perspire your and clothes will stain, don’t panic, it all washes out in a good hot wash.

Remember, it washes off your skin in days, so it must wash off fabric too make sure you leave it a minimum of eight hours before having your shower.

The longer you can leave it the better. I always recommend to have it applied in the evening, leave it overnight and wash it off the following morning when showering, make sure you wash (don’t scrub) until the water runs clear. You want all the initial bronzer to come off, leaving you with a beautiful natural looking tan. having had a shower you may spray deodorant, perfume, body lotions etc as normal now it is up to you.

A spray tan lasts longer when maintained. Moisturise at least once a day with a good body moisturiser as your skin dries out with all tans and when this happens, your tan starts to look patchy.

Please note that spray tans do not contain spf to protect you from the harmful rays of the sun, so you must continue to apply a good sunscreen top up treatments are a good idea, but only if you have the top up tan applied within three days of the first application Really it comes down to three things, who applies the tan are the correct procedures being taken finance – salon tan is more pricey than home tan kits Some people prefer a cream tan application in the salon.

This is more time consuming on the therapist and is generally the only reason why is more expensive than the spray tan, which is more convenient. I would always recommend the cream tan for anyone that has dry skin. It tends to take longer to dry but is more hydrating on the skin than a spray tan.

The convenience and efficiency of a spray tan is often more appealing people however there are some more mature ladies who just wont entertain the idea of an airbrush system. Perhaps cream tans will become a thing of the past in salons. What a lovely thought for all you therapists out there. Imagine no more brown hands, fiddling around with a towel or leaving you client ages to dry!

This leads me to talk about automatic spray tans. You usually find these in solarium shops. Remember that hilarious episode of friends where Ross had quite an experience in a spray tan booth? Need I really say any more? Avoid them. They are pre programmed to spray, meaning it is one for all. When a therapist applies your spray tan she is able to gauge it perfectly, unlike this one for all system.

Some tans tend to suite some people better than others. The only way of finding which tan sits you better is trail and error. I must have tried every tan out there, both home and salon tans.

If you are applying your home tan, ensure you follow the above guidelines. Pre care is essential as you must prep your skin in order to achieve a perfect tan application. There are so many different brands of tans and types of tan out there. Sometimes there is too much choice. As you stand there in the supermarket aisle wondering which one to buy, the various t.v advertisements repeatedly run through your mind. You need to look for a few things,

What is in your price range?

Please note that often the cheaper tans are equally god if not better. Just because it is expensive doesn’t automatically mean it is suitable for your skin type. Always check the discount box to see what is being sold off. You might not need it for a week or too but it will save you in the long run.

Choose one to suite your skin type.

If you are fair, don’t choose a tan for darker skin types etc. Examine what the bottle says. For example if it says the tan will be ‘a beautiful flawless tan lasting more than seven days’, you should know not to believe this. Any tan starts to fade after three days, and by day six you will definitely be best to remove any traces which may be left. If the bottle states something which seems unbelievable or unrealistic, don’t underestimate your own intelligence and put that one down!

Ask a friend of similar colouring what she has tried

I would always recommend my clients try various different brands and types of tan on a weekend where you have nothing planned. Trial and error is the only way to find what suits you best. What suits your friend and lasts days on end on her may look disastrous on you, and vice versa. Always remember your separate SPF as false tans do not contain any SPF.

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You should always be aware of the various infections etc. which you may be susceptible to. The following are some of the more common complaints;

PARONYCHIA:

is an infection of the nail fold. It is caused by bacteria, fungi and some viruses. The proximal and lateral nail folds act as a barrier between the nail plate and the surrounding tissue. If this seal is broken the bacterium can easily enter, resulting I infection. Pain, redness and inflammation will be present in the nail folds. People who have their hands in water for extended periods may develop this condition. Be cautions as it is contagious.

PSEUDOMANAS:

is a bacterial infection. It recognized by its green discolouration in between the natural nail plate and an artificial nail bed. People often recognize it as a mould. It is actually a by-product of the infection and is caused mainly by iron compounds. Pseudomanas thrive in moist areas. Moisture levels allow it to grow resulting in this infection. The darker the colour of the nail plate, the deeper into the nail plate the infection has spread to. In some cases, the nail plate has been known to lift from the nail bed.

ONYCHOMYCOSIS:

refers to the invasion of the nail plate by a fungus. This infection can have a huge effect on the life of a person. People are often ashamed or embarrassed to expose their toes, and usually postpone treating it. Often it is caused by trauma or damage to the foot, or if a person has had athletes foot prior to the development of onychomycosis. It can be very difficult to treat. This must be seen to by a doctor or podiatrist promptly as the condition will only worsen.

TINEA UNGUIS:

is also commonly known as ringworm of the nail. It is characterized by nail thickening, deformity, and eventually resulting in loss of the nail plate.

ONYCHATROPHIA:

is where the nail plate wastes away, causing it to loose its lustre, reducing in size and can even shed fully. It may be caused by injury or disease to the nail plate.

ONYCHORRHEXIS:

is where nails are weak and split vertically, peel, and sometimes have vertical ridges. This can be hereditary. The use of strong solvents etc can also cause this. Oil, hydrating masks and paraffin treatments will re-hydrate the nail plate and improve the appearance of this, however you should always see your doctor or podiatrist to rule out any possible diseases.

ONYCHAUXIS:

is where the nail bed (base of the nail) is thickened abnormally. It is generally more common in the elderly and is characterized by its thickened and sometimes curved hooked nail. This may result in a disorder and must be seen by a doctor or podiatrist for advice. Long nails and trauma to the nail may cause this. Ensure to keep nails trimmed and attend to any injuries.

LEUCONYCHIA:

is where white lines or spots are present in the nail plate. It may be caused by tiny bubbles of air that are trapped in the nail plate layers due to trauma. This condition may be hereditary and no treatment is required as the lines / spots will grow out with the nail plate.

BEAU’S LINES:

are nails that are characterized by horizontal lines of darkened cells and linear depressions. This may be the result of trauma, illness, malnutrition or any major metabolic condition, chemotherapy or some other damaging event. It is the result of any interruption in the formation of protein of the nail plate. This must be attended to by a doctor or podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment.

MELANONYCHIA:

are often described as nail moles. It is characterised by vertical pigmented bands, and must be seen to by a doctor or podiatrist as they could signify a malignant melanoma or lesion. However, people with darker skins often have darker streaks and are completely normal. It is always better to put your mind at rest and have things like this seen to by a professions.

PTERYGIUM:

is where the skin protrudes over the nail plate. It is usually the result of trauma to the matrix. It can result in the loss o the nail plate. Never attempt to treat this yourself. People have often made matters worse by removing the pterygium themselves. You must see a professional about this.

PTERYGIUM INVERSUM UNGUIS:

is an where the hyponychium grows forward. You can see the live tissue firmly attached to the underside of the nail plate. It is caused by allergic reaction to solvents / acrylics, systemic, hereditary. This condition is extremely painful and should be diagnosed and treated by a doctor or podiatrist.

PSORIASIS:

can also appear on the nail as well as the skin. It leaves pitted, dry marks on the nail, and sometimes the nail will crumble. The nail plate may separate from the nail bed, and have a red / orange / brown appearance to it. This can look disastrous and must also be treated by a doctor or podiatrist.

BRITTLE NAILS:

often split vertically and often causes separation of the nail plate layers at the free edge of the nail plate. This is a very common complaint. It is a characteristic of the natural ageing process. This can occur when the nails are over exposed to water and solvents. Use vitamin e and jojoba oil on the nail and cuticle area to help to re-hydrate and thus help prevent further splitting and peeling. I recommend you do this twice daily and more if your hands are frequently in water. Regular manicures or pedicures can be extremely effective.

VERTICAL RIDGES:

are also part of the ageing process. This is where the nail plate grows forward onto the nail bed in a ‘rail and groove’ effect. With age, we loose moisture content in out nail plates and this results in ridged nails. Re-hydrate the nails with vitamin e or jojoba oil to help prevent this.

HEMATOMA:

is the result of trauma to the nail. Ill fitting shoes is a common cause of this. The nail bed may bleed as a result of trauma. The blood is then trapped between the nail bed and the nail plate. If this is not treated by a doctor or podiatrist nail plate separation and infection may occur. In some cases the nail plate may have to be removed.

As I have constantly stated throughout this section you must seek diagnosis and treatment from either a podiatrist or doctor for any nail disease or disorder. Please don’t take these lightly as they will persist and worsen if not treated correctly. Should you notice any changes or abnormalities to the nail or cuticle area please consult your doctor or podiatrist as beauty therapists and nail technicians are not qualified to diagnose or treat any disease or disorder.

However we do work wonders in beautifying your hands and feet so be sure to maintain healthy nails by having regular manicures and pedicures.

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But what exactly is Micro-dermabrasion?

When asked by my clients, I describe it as a progressive, non-invasive treatment that propels fine aluminium crystals onto the surface of the skin, and thus having a deep exfoliation effect on the skin. It removes the surface layer of dead skin cells, resulting in newer, healthier and younger skin.

As well as the crystals having an abrasive effect on the skin, the vacuum action helps stimulate microcirculation, increasing the blood supply. It also stimulates the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin to improve the overall appearance, texture and elasticity of the skin. 

Slight discomfort is felt during the treatment, and slight redness is expected after each treatment session.

This is a normal reaction and will lessen within twenty-four hours. Depending on the individual salon / clinic treatment time will vary from between thirty and sixty minutes, usually being the latter. This makes it easily accessible to have your treatment during your lunch break and return to work, often unknown to your colleagues.

I would however advise to follow the correct procedures;

• Avoid sunbeds and direct sunlight and always ensure to wear your SPF (preferably SPF 30) during the day, as your skin is more sensitive to the sun and more susceptible to pigmentation if not wearing a good and high SPF
• Avoid make up, perfumed products etc. if possible for the rest of the day, if not twenty-four hours. Your skin is already more sensitive after the treatment, so why add to it?
• There is no need to use any exfoliating agent on the same area being treated during the course of treatment or for the week after the last treatment. Avoid the use of Vitamin A, AHA and BHA, Lactic acid, salicylic acid etc. during and for seven days after the last treatment.
• Avoid waxing, hair removal creams etc. for at least forty-eight hours before and after each treatment.

You may apply pure aloe vera gel to sooth the area, but avoid all other products.

After treatment, particularly the first you may notice your skin breaks out. Areas of dryness are another common complaint. As your skin goes through a process, do not be alarmed. This is all normal.

I recommend you have one a week for 6 weeks as a course of treatments. Do not have the treatments any closer together than seven days, as it is too aggressive on the skin. For skin, which is not overly sensitive, chemical peels may be combined with micro-dermabrasion treatments, alternating week-to-week, or even on the same day, if your skin is suitable. This should be discussed with your skin care therapist.

Micro-dermabrasion may be performed all over the face and body to treat a broad range of skin problems such as

• fine lines and wrinkles
• blackheads and comedones
• some stretch marks
• superficial scars
• pigmented / sun-damaged skin
• uneven and granular skin
• enlarged pores
• acne scarring

I have had this treatment on numerous occasions and highly recommend it. In my opinion, everyone can benefit from this. It’s an excellent all-rounder treatment. To gain optimum results carry out a course of 6 treatments over six weeks. It’s a deep exfoliation in a controlled manner!

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In between these treatments you can maintain your manicured nails at home yourself by exfoliating your hands, filing you nails regularly, and clipping if necessary. Buff nails from side to side every few days to avoid ridges on the nail plate, remove any dirt from under the free edge of the nail and apply cuticle cream / oil to help soften the cuticles.

When you have softened the cuticles, push them back using either an orange wood stick or a plastic hoof pick. Always use a good hand cream as your hands will give away your age. (People tend o forget that their hands and neck give away their age, not just their face and eye area.) Apply nail hardener and or nail polish if needed.

Be sure to follow the steps;

1. Base coat
2. 1st colour coat
3. 2nd colour coat
4. Clear top coat

A with the toes, the nail polish can take some time to dry. Allow a good forty-five minutes for a manicure in the salon, and a further few hours for the polish to fully dry. Even though they are dry to touch does not mean they are fully dry. It can take up to six hours to fully dry.

As I mentioned in the pedicure section, always be aware of the hygiene precautions which the salon are taking. It is within your right to ask questions such as;

• Do you use an autoclave / steriliser?
• Do you use a sanitizing spray or wipes?
• Do you use a non-acetone nail polish remover?

Ignorance is not always bliss. What you don’t know may actually hurt you. Before you pay out, speak up!

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Nowadays, chemicals, one being lead are added to lipstick and lip-gloss, thus making something as simple as a ”bit of lippie” a huge health risk. Lead builds up in the system over a period of time and without you realising it, you are putting you, your unborn child and your experimental five year old in the bathroom at great risk.

Lead can damage the nervous system, particularly in young developing brains. Studies have also shown that there is a link between lead and infertility in both men and women. The issue of lead causing birth defects or even miscarriages is another great concern to mother-to-be.

If I handed you a glass of lead, would you drink it? No, you certainly would not. Consider this; by applying lipstick a couple of times a day, over a number of years, how much lead do you think you ingest?

Bearing all of this in mind, there is a safer, more natural solution. Natural mineral make up contains no harsh chemicals such as lead, no synthetics, parabens, perfumes etc. You can happily apply and re-apply natural make-up products to your face, lips and eyes without a worry in the world. So next time you reach for a stick of poison, consider what you are swallowing, and opt for the natural alternative.

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Mineral make-up is the hot topic of conversation with women in today’s society. Gone are the days of caking on cement like layers of fluid foundation, resulting in a heavy, oily and above all irritating layer of make-up. The “less is more” theory is in and its here to stay!

Mineral make-up is so light and breathable, you feel like your not wearing any foundation at all. With the same coverage as your normal messy fluid foundation, mineral make-up suits all skin types from acne prone and oily to dry and particularly sensitive skin. The omission of preservatives, talc, oil, fragrance and other harsh chemicals means that mineral make-up is ideal for even the most sensitive skin types.

Okay, so we all know how great mineral make-up is. We all know where to purchase it, but do we know how to get the most out of our product? The key to the perfect application (not to mention being economically smart with your product) is the tools which you use. “The tools?” I hear you echo?

Similar to tradies, any good beauty therapist or make-up artist will tell you that her “tools” are extremely important to her in her. When purchasing a mineral powder foundation it is imperative that you invest in a good quality Kabuki brush.

The natural, soft tapered bristles will insure you get that perfectly flawless and even coverage every time. When applying your mineral foundation, always use the three step rule; swirl, tap and apply.

Begin by swirling a small amount (again less is more) of product into the lid of your foundation. You should really do this for about sixty seconds to ensure all the product particles are lodged in the bristles of the brush.

Tap your brush against the side of the lid to shake away any excess product. This is essential to ensure a smooth, even application. Finally, in circular motion, apply the foundation to your face, being careful to cover all areas of the face. If you want a heavier look, for night time simply repeat these steps, building up smooth, gradual layers on your face.

Switching from your normal heavy fluid or compact foundation to a light, barely there mineral make-up foundation, you will instantly feel more free, naturally beautiful and most of all happy in your own skin. Give it a go, but don’t forget to invest in a good quality application brush, specifically designed for applying mineral make-up to get the most out of your new best friend.

You can purchase pure goats Kabuki brushes at Lemon Tree’s on-line store (click here)

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What are the following ingredients Yuva use in their mineral make-up and why do they use them?

Titanium dioxide is a lightening agent, which adds the white to formulations and cosmetics. It is a mineral that is said to carry natural sunscreen properties and even anti-inflammatory properties. It will make your make up stick more to the skin therefore adding adhesion and coverage in a natural way.

The same applies for zinc oxide . Zinc oxide as above. Sericite this is mica. The international nomenclature name for sericite is mica. Mica a super fine powder, colourless, with some shimmer. The light refractive properties of this ingredient help provide a flawless effect to cosmetics.

Iron Oxide derived from oxides in the earth and then purified. Iron oxides give you earth derived colour. Kaolin Clay in small quantities assists to mattify our mineral make up. In large amounts it can be drying for your skin therefore we make sure we use only small amounts. Great for oily skin needing higher oil absorption.

Clay is a naturally occurring mineral. Australian organic clays are used in Yuva formulations. It is a translucent powder with medium adhesion and provides good coverage.

Magnesium Stearate is a very fine powder derived from plants or beef. Yuva strictly use only plant derived. It adds a beautiful smooth glide to the application process.

A feel to your mineral make up marketed as ‘premium’. It is a very fine powder so it does not add whiteness or any colour but is very sticky and clings to your skin adding great adhesion.

What are some of the ingredients in other mineral make-up labels and why are they using them?

ismuth Oxychloride – This ingredient is not used in Yuva mineral make up however it is used in mineral make up as a ‘filler’.

It can cause breakouts and irritation. Serecite is the most natural replacement however some are replacing it with boron nitrate/nitrite, which falls into the category of magnesium stearate, as it moves away from being a pure mineral and undergoes processing.

Dimethicone/Methicone/Cyclomethicone   – These ingredients are not used in Yuva mineral make up. They are all minerals, however they are derived from silicone (cosmetic silicone) which are synthetic. They add a creamy texture to formulations, however they can irritate sensitive skins.

Rice Powder –  This ingredient is not used in Yuva formulations. It is a naturally occurring soft powder often used in place of talcum with a medium absorbency.

We choose to use kaolin clay as a much more cosmetically accepted ingredient with far more mineral content.

Visit our on-line store stocking the entire Yuva skin care and beauty range (click here) – to visit the Yuva store

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1. Get a good eight hours sleep every night. Puffiness and dark circles are just not a good look.
2. From the age of twenty-one everybody should use a good eye cream / gel. Use both morning and night. Some eye care products have a build in SPF. This is excellent for during the day, but use one without an SPF for nigh time.
3. Shape your brows. Always keep your eyebrows defined by having them waxed / tweezed regularly.
4. Eyebrow tinting can make a dramatic difference to your eye area. As well as trimming the brows, tinting provides us with a well-defined brow, thus improving the eye area.
5. A little concealer under the eye area can go a long way. Apply over your eye care. Remember, less is more!  Foundation is not always necessary. Often concealer on blemishes, under eye area etc and a little dust down with powder can be enough to even out your skin tone.
6. When applying eye shadow, be careful. Colours such as red, maroon etc can often make you look tired or even sick. It’s always great to experiment with colours, but if you want to play it safe go with neutral, beige, light brown, sandy colours. Anybody can wear these colours and can’t go wrong.
7. Eyelash tinting is an excellent way to emphasise the eye area. Never have an eyelash tint without having a patch test at least 24 hours prior to treatment.
8. For a dramatic look, build up you mascara in layers. Be careful not to clump it. Never “pump” your mascara as this clogs the brush and will clump on the lashes.
9. Eyeliner can be fun to experiment with, but be careful not to close your eyes in by coating the entire eye area with pencil. Perhaps try white eyeliner. It’s a great look especially in the summer.
10. Reduce puffiness and tired eyes but applying two dampened tea bags to the eye area and leave while you relax for approximately 10 minutes. The same can be achieved by putting two teaspoons in the fridge to cool, apply to the eye area and relax for approximately ten minutes. AH!

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Yuva is the first salon range of products that is all naturally derived and recommended by professionals. The Yuva skincare range is a blend of 100% pure essential oils and naturally derived ingredients. It is very comforting to know that what you put on your skin is completely natural, contains no artificial colours, fragrances, mineral oils or petroleum products, which of course can be damaging and irritating to the skin.

With their extensive product range, Yuva cater for all skin types and treat all skin conditions. I especially adore Yuva’s Skin Brightening Scrub. This beautiful exfoliant gently, yet extremely effectively exfoliates your skin, removing the surface layer of dead skin cells, absorbing excess oil, softening skin balance and overall revealing a smoother, softer and brighter appearance. Remember exfoliation and hydration is the key to beautiful skin.

Another fantastic product which I cannot praise enough is Yuva’s Firming Eye Cream. This wonder product combats it all; fine lines and wrinkles as well as puffiness and dark circles in the eye area. With extracts of cucumber and aloe vera this super hydrating cream is soothing and gentle on the delicate eye area, while the addition of vitamin E, macadamia nut oil, evening primrose oil and jojoba seed oil firm the skin, improving and helping to prevent premature ageing. Don’t forget, the hands and eye area are often what give away our age. Keep your age a secret by maintaining youthful looks with a few key products.

In addition to their facial product range Yuva offer a fabulous range of body products. My favourite is of course Whipped Cream. This luxurious body cream is so heavenly you will want to eat it. With key ingredients such as sheabutter, grapefruit oil, coconut oil and cocoa seed butter your skin will instantly feel beautifully smooth.

I am thrilled to use and work with Yuva products. Hand on heart they really are a truly fantastic product range which have something for everyone.

To book in for your Yuva facial call 07 3491 3411 or fill out our on-line booking form (click here)

We also carry the full Yuva product range online including their new yuva mineral makeup, no matter where you live in Australia you can always get hold of your favourite Yuva product, we offer free delivery for all orders over $200. (click here) to visit the Yuva online store.

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How much do you spend for you ongoing waxing treatments? Wouldn’t you rather permanently reduce that unwanted hair growth, not have to worry about the constant regrowth and in the long term have extra cash in your pocket? Yes you may pay a little more initially for your laser treatments then your waxing treatment, but unlike the ongoing regular waxing sessions, having completed your initial course of laser treatments, a couple of sporadic single sessions will suffice to maintain results.

Before your first treatment you should always have a detailed consultation with your therapist, followed by a patch test to ensure that you are suitable for the treatment. It also allows the therapist to gage which settings suite your skin and hair type. This is extremely important. Personally I always like to leave it at least twenty-four hours after a patch test before carrying out the first treatment to allow any abnormal reaction to appear.

During the consultation, never lie. These questions are asked for a genuine reason and mislead information can result damage to your skin! Ask all questions and never ever lie or withhold information. For medical reasons, some clients are not suitable for laser hair removal. Following this some have approached a second clinic with the same intention, failing to disclose that same information, so as they would be allowed to continue with treatment.

This is extremely dangerous and not at all advisable. If you are not suitable for treatment, you are not suitable for treatment. At the end of the day, it’s your skin being treated. 

In one single treatment, sixty to ninety percent of the hair in the anagen stage of the hair growth cycle is successfully treated.

This is why you need to have a course of treatments, to eventually reach the majority of the hair growth. Do not think of it as permanent hair removal, think of it as permanent hair reduction. To date, there is not treatment for the permanent complete hair removal, so do not be mislead by any clinic who tells you otherwise.

Each and every one of us is different, therefore we each react differently to the treatment. Some people notice a reduction after one treatment, however generally it is after the third or fourth treatment before you see a noticeable difference. Initially you will notice the hair grows back slower after each treatment as the treatment slows down the hair growth. Then you will notice the hair growth grows back patchy.

You will need a course of treatments, which are usually sold in a course of six. The average is six to ten treatments, however some people often need up to ten or twelve treatments. 

Many people get tongue tied and flustered when explaining how the treatment works. To simplify, the light that comes out of the hand-piece of the machine travels down through the hair shaft, to the root of the hair, where if is growing from.

It heats up to a certain temperature, cortorises it and kills it off so it us unable to grow in that area again. The hair is not removed there and then, but as it grows out and away from the surface of the skin, it falls out of the follicle and doesn’t grow back again. 

Before your treatment your therapist will shave down the area to be treated.

The reason for this is so there is no loss of heat from the hair lying above the surface of the skin and the heat travels directly to the root where the hair is growing from. In between treatments you may shave the area (or with facial and bikini areas etc you may trim down with a scissors).

Never ever wax or tweeze as this will stimulate the hair growth and disrupt the entire course of treatment. Depilatory creams are not recommended as they tend to cause sensitivity on the skin. Your skin will already be slightly sensitized, why add to it? Do not bleach the hair growth. The laser light targets the pigment of the hair, if there is no pigment in the hair, it will not be successful.

This is why light, blonde, white or grey hair types are suitable. 

The production of Meladine and similar products mean that clients with blonde, grey and white hair can also benefit from laser hair removal. It is a topical melanine solution that is sprayed onto the area to be treated numerous times a day for a period of time leading up to and during your treatment. Like with the laser treatment it targets the hair and does not affect the surrounding skin.

The actual hair shaft will not alter in colour because the colour is deposited directly into the follicle of the hair, meaning only the hair lying below the surface of the skin will darken in colour. This is quite an expensive method and I would only recommend it to clients who are extremely persistent on reducing the unwanted air growth.

I have recommended it to some of my clients and it has worked quite well but makes the overall treatment less cost effective. 

Before, during and after your treatment you should always ensure you avoid direct sun exposure, solarium’s and be sure to wear a high SPF to avoid pigmentation and damage to your skin. Follow your therapists advice on after-care carefully. Any good clinic / salon will give you a post treatment advice leaflet outlining the do’s and dont’s.

Many clients are eager to have their treatments close together, i.e. two a month. This is completely pointless. The hair takes approximately a month to complete the hair growth cycle. You should have one a month initially. As we aim to reach the hair in the anagen stage each time, reducing the hair growth each time, we want to make sure we eventually reach the majority of the hair in the anagen stage to eventually reach the majority of the hair growth.

With time the hair growth slows down after a few treatments, so depending you the individual the  therapist may ask you to come back every five or six weeks to reach the hair in the anagen stage.

The big question ; “does it hurt?” No it does not. It is slightly uncomfortable and not by any means a relaxing treatment, but personally I think waxing is more uncomfortable.

I describe it to my clients as a mild tingling sensation, similar to an elastic band snapping against your hand. Some pulses feel slightly more uncomfortable than other but overall it’s a fast, clean, comfortable and an extremely effective method of permanent hair reduction. 

IPL (intense pulsed light) and UPL (ultra pulsed light) are also effective in the permanent reduction of unwanted hair, however from extensive experience in working with many different laser, IPL and UPL machines I feel that laser is more effective for hair removal and IPL and UPL are excellent for photo rejuvenation and acne treatment.

Other laser machines are available for photo rejuvenation and acne treatments. As a general rule I would sooner opt for laser treatments. 

Since having laser hair removal, I have never ever looked back. It is by far the most advanced and effective way to treat unwanted hair growth. Be sure to have a patch test and discuss the procedure in detail with your therapist prior to treatment. Shop around as prices may greatly vary.

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