Beauty Haven Belfast Online

thebeautyhaven@yahoo.co.uk

0

Visit Online Store

Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

  1. Our top ten laser hair removal tips

    Comments Off on Our top ten laser hair removal tips

    Laser hair removal is an extremely popular treatment these days.  The success rate according to Vogue magazine is 90 percent of clients who receive laser hair and are suitable for laser treatment reported a reduction in hair loss after 3 to 6 sessions.

    If you are considering ditching your razor in favour of laser we have put together our top 10 laser hair removal tips.

    1. Pre Treatment Care. Prior to your first treatment you are required to have a patch test to ensure you are suitable or the treatment. You will be advised not to use self tanning creams before treatment and you must void sun exposure 30 days before a  treatment.
    2. Post Treatment Care. After the Ellipse treatment it is common for the area to feel slightly warm. It is also common to experience some redness and mild tenderness. These symptoms may appear immediately or a few days after treatment. For 30 days after treatment you should avoid exposure to UV light i.e. sun beds and sun bathing and a high SPF30 should be applied when outside. This will protect the skin from hyper-pigmentation and sensitivity. Aloe vera is recommended to be used after treatment to reduce redness.
    3. Exfoliation . We recommend exfoliation 3 times a week for 3 weeks but not within the first 48 house. Exfoliating will encourage the dead roots to fall out after every treatment and leave the skin looking and feeling smoother.
    4. Photosensitivity.As with most other forms of hair removal treatments some medications can affect the outcome of the treatment making the skin photosensitive and which could lead to a burn from the treatment. If you are taking antibiotics the course would need to be finished a week prior to treatment. During your appointment a consultation form will be asked to be completed. Please list all your medications so we can check to see if there are any that are contra-indicated. Many drugs and herbal remedies cause photosensitivity to specific wavelengths of light. Certain skincare products with retinoids and AHA’s can increase skin cell turnover making the skin more susceptible to sunlight.
    5. How many treatments are required? Everyone’s skin and hair re-growth is different and the amount of sessions with vary from client to client. Laser hair removal works best when the hair is in the growing cycle, but there is no way of knowing exactly when this is.  This is why a course of six – eight treatments are recommended, For optimum results we highly recommend to complete the course of treatments even when the hair slows down in regrow
    6. Hair regrowth between treatments. Do shave in between treatments, this is only form of hair removal required. Do not wax, pluck, bleach or use hair removal creams.
    7. We are often asked, does the treatment hurt? The treatment is likened to the flick of an elastic band, you will feel a slight heat sensation. We advise you to avoid caffeine before laser treatment if you are feeling slightly nervous about your treatment. Caffeine heightens anxiety.
    8. Maintenance treatments.Once treatment is complete some hair will never grow back, however some hair may grow back and will require intermittent treatment every year or two. Any regrowth will be slower at growing back and the hair will be finer.
    9. Regulated services. When doing your research on which clinic to choose for your course of treatments, do not solely base your decision on price, make sure you are attending a regulated clinic. In Northern Ireland any clinic offering laser services must be regulated with the RQIA. Details of registered clinics and their inspections are published on their website www.rqia.org.uk
    10. Patience pays off, be regular with your appointments and only start your course when you know you won’t have any breaks in your treatment plan.

    At Beauty Haven we pride ourselves in helping our clients decide the best form of hair removal treatment for them with no added pressure to sign on the dotted line. Any further questions please call 02890666628

     

     

     

     

  2. Is male and female skin different?

    Comments Off on Is male and female skin different?

    Did you know a man’s skin is about 25% thicker on both the face and the body than a women’s skin?  In addition to this the texture of a man’s skin is tougher, oilier, ages differently and  is usually firmer because it has a higher collagen density and elastin levels are greater. Because collagen content is directly related to the signs of skin ageing, it is reported that a woman’s skin is approximately 15 years older than a man’s of the same age. Having said that, it would seem that women are better at protecting their skin from the sun and using a sunscreen to prevent UV damage. There are differences between male and female skin….

    • The hormone testosterone determines the masculine characteristics of male skin and gives it a different structure to female skin. The ability to grow a beard is just one of the obvious distinctions.
    • Sebum (oil) and its production also differ. After puberty, sebum production is greater in males than females, which is attributed to androgen secretions and accounts for why men have longer lasting acne.
    • Ingrown hairs is a problem that occurs to both male and female who use most forms of hair removal. When hair is plucked, shaved or waxed the hair can grow back on itself and get trapped under the skin or worst still can re-enter the same follicle. The body recognises the ingrown hair as a foreign body and this results in a pimple that can fill with pus.Exfoliating the skin on a regular basis to remove dead skin cells covering the regrowth of the new hair will prevent ingrown hairs. Exfoliants including micro-fine Silica will help remove dulling skin cells, and prepare the skin.  Chemical exfoliants including Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid will help remove dead skin cells, lift ingrown hairs above the skin line, and soften and smooth skin.

    Maintaining a daily deep cleansing regime is important for male and female but ever  more important for males as the skin is prone to more breakouts as the skin is more oily. Incorporating  AHA’s and BHA’s (Alpha and Beta Hydroxyls Acids) into your homecare routine will help avoid ingrown hair’s caused by shaving.

    Apart from these differences in male and female skin, the same skin care products can be used for both sexes. Double cleansing, toning and moisturising morning and evening  with a masque once a week is a good basic start to take care of your skin.

    Have a look at some of our best selling products for both male and female skin:

    • Dermalogica Pre-cleanse oil removes all traces of make-up and build up of dirt, grime and pollutants.
    • Environ Sebuwash is a gentle deep cleanser that mildly exfoliates to decongest the skin to alleviate congestion.
    • Toners – you either love them or hate them. They aren’t necessary anymore as long as you have correctly cleansed the skin, we recommend double cleansing to ensure your skin is squeaky clean. Environ low foam cleansing gel is a gentle facial wash and is a firm customer favourite as it can be left in the shower and leaves the skin squeaky clean and won’t dehydrate it like some other washes can.
    • Environ AVST Moisturiser levels 1-5. These Vitamin A moisturisers have a number of benefits, they normalise sebum secretions, lock in moisture, protect against photo ageing and minimise sensitivity. They are sold as a step up regime and you are required to have a consultation before you can purchase
    • Environ Revival Masque has been nick-named ‘facelift in a jar’  It lifts and firms to tighten and brighten the skin, promoting the synthesis of growth factors that are important in the regenerative process of the skin.

    Understanding your skin is key, we often get to know our triggers, have you eaten foods high in sugar, perhaps you haven’t been good about your water intake for a few days or let your skincare regime slip?  So if you develop a few spots,  or the skin feels dehydrated or looks a bit dull have a think about what has changed over the last few days. Quite often simple changes can make all the difference to your complexion.

    We offer a Face Mapping consultation if you would like further advice on how to manage your skin.

    www.beautyhavenbelfast.com

     

  3. Is electrolysis for you?

    Comments Off on Is electrolysis for you?

    When it comes to hair removal there are various options available, you may have been considering electrolysis so we’ve put together some information to help you decide ……

    Electrolysis might be a good option for you:

    •  If your hair colour and skin tone is not suitable for laser, for example electrolysis unlike laser will work on any colour of hair including blonde, grey, white or red hair.  Often after a course of  laser treatments there are the odd few hairs left often lighter in colour which electrolysis can ‘mop up’ so to speak and finish the job.
    • Do you want to permanently remove small areas of hair on your body or face ? Electrolysis is the ONLY recognised hair removal method that can boast permanent hair removal as opposed to permanent hair reduction.
    • Do you feel self-conscious about excess hair? Excess hair can cause self esteem problems particularly on areas such as the face.

    Electrologists have undergone specialised training to perform electrolysis. If you are considering electrolysis, it is important to research before committing to sessions. The wrong decision could mean additional costs and treatments with unnecessary discomfort and scarring.

    One way to ensure is to ask the electrologist if they use the needle electrolysis, which is the only permanent form of hair removal, as opposed to electronic tweezers which is not. Also ask friends and family as well as your doctor if they know a good electrologist. Word of mouth is the highest recommendation. It is also a good idea to check the salon’s website and read reviews.

    Electrolysis is effective and the right procedure for any hair and skin colour, unlike Laser hair removal which is only effective on dark hair and fair to medium skin tone. Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal system and has been around since the 1900’s. The treatment removes individual hairs from the face and body. The growth centre of the hair is destroyed by the electric current passed down through a very fine needle which is inserted into the hair follicle, and then the hair is removed with tweezers.

    Most areas on the body can be treated with electrolysis but its mainly small areas on the face, including eyebrows, lip, chin, cheeks and neck. There are generally no side effects, but sometimes a temporary, slight reddening of the skin may occur.

    FAQ’S

    What Causes Unwanted Hair Growth?

    Hair growth is the result of heredity, hormone levels, medications and some illnesses. Even some forms of temporary hair removal can stimulate hair growth. For example tweezing the odd few hairs on your chin can encourage the hair to grow back more and coarser. Electrolysis may be an option when hair growth is in an area of the body most noticeable.

    How many treatments of electrolysis will I need?

    As mentioned above, many factors influence hair growth. Determining which condition that is causing additional hair growth will help in knowing approximately how many sessions will be required. For example one condition such Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) results in having more hair than usual, often on your top lip, chin, around your nipples and in a line down from your tummy button – this is called hirsutism. Treating PCOS is more of a management programme rather than permanent removal.

    How often will I need to attend appointments?

    The total number of treatments required to permanently remove hair from a particular area will vary from person to person. Many clients return once a week or every two weeks as needed, and as time goes on the length of time between each treatment will get longer. However the unwanted hair will be gone forever once the series of treatments is complete.

    How long does treatment take?

    Each treatment lasts between 5 minutes and one hour.

    Is Electrolysis painful?

    The majority of our clients report that electrolysis is more uncomfortable than painful, our pain threshold can vary, feeling tired or anxious for example can affect our tolerance to the treatment. There is topical cream available available at most pharmacies that will numb the pain.

    If you are still unsure about Electrolysis or have other questions of your own, please call us, email or FB us any concerns you may have.

     

     

  4. My evening pamper essentials.

    Comments Off on My evening pamper essentials.

    My solution to coping with the January blues is to pamper myself and spend an evening with my favourite luxury items. What could be better than a long soak in the bath followed by a DIY facial, throw in a glass of fizz and your fav TV show, sounds like the perfect evening. Pamper nights don’t have to be a Friday night, if you’ve had a bad day, head home, stick the kettle on or pop a bottle of prosecco in the fridge and get your pamper evening started.

    1. Light a candle – We sell a range of candles from the Keltic candle range, these candles are 100% soy that are clean burning and never go black around the rim or blackened your walls, they are also made in Belfast. There are so many scents to choose from, Rhubarb and black plum is one of my favourites. If you are having an evening of pampering, filling the house with a lovely scent is a great way to help you relax.
    2. Run a bath – We are often so busy looking after the skin on our faces that we forget the skin on our bodies, its important to exfoliate the body once or twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells. There are many on the market to choose form, the Thalgo spa salt flake scrub ( £40)  smells fantastic and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth, the shower foam from the Thalgo range  (Merveille Artique £24 )  is a little indulgent but if you are not a lover of baths  and prefer a quick shower, you will fall in love with this shower foam. The scents from these products will leave you feeling like you have just left the spa.
    3.  Give yourself a facial. I must say I am spoilt for choice when it comes to facial products, I am a massive fan of the Environ range. Having introduced the range to our salon range last year the results I have seen both on my own skin and on many of our clients have been amazing. Our top selling products are the vita peptide eye gel, revival masque, avance and frown serums and of course the AVST moisturisers which contain Vitamin A. All of these can be used to perform a DIY facial. The revival masque in particular will brighten your skin instantly, its known in the industry as ‘facelift in  a jar’ and it really doesn’t disappoint. Once your skin has become acclimatised to the range the revival masque can be left on overnight. It is important before purchasing any of these products that you have had a consultation to ensure you are using the correct products as some clients may be contraindicated to Vitamin A.
    4. Netflix and Nails – doesn’t need any explanation really. Having nicely polished toenails just lifts your mood.
    5. If you have followed these steps its likely you’ll feel ready for bed, reading before bed rather than looking at a screen will help you sleep and is much better for your wellbeing. Your emails will wait until the morning.

    Having a day or night to yourself is good for the mind, so set aside some me time as often as you can, be your own best friend and be good to yourself.

     

    Beauty is when you appreciate yourself. When you love yourself, thats when you’re most beautiful – Zoe Kravitz.

     

  5. Inch Loss Body Wraps – do they really work?

    Comments Off on Inch Loss Body Wraps – do they really work?

    Theres no better time to consider getting a body wrap than just after the Christmas and the New Year season, most of us have had one or two mince pies too many, hence losing a few extra inches may sound appealing.

    To achieve good results and maintain a healthy body weight and stay in the same dress size, there is not one thing that will do this for you. A combination of a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet, a regular exercise regime and a inch loss body wrap may be the answer for you.

    I have spoken to several fitness instructors and even Davina McCall confirms that exercising at home or going to the gym three times a week is the perfect solution.. To get the full benefits from training you have to put in the hours. Working out on its own is not enough, diet and exercise go hand in hand.

    Personally I am not concerned about how much I weigh, I am more interested in my clothes feeling comfortable on me. If you have an important event to attend or if you simply feel your clothes are feeling on the ‘tight side’ why not kick start your new year with a Harley Body wrap. The wrap is ideal for immediate inch loss as the solution removes toxins from the body.  Lose from 6 to 20 inches on your first wrap. Many of our clients will opt for one treatment however there is no doubt optimum results are achieved with a Course of 6  body wraps.

    How does it work?

    The bandages we use for the body wrap are soaked for a minimum of 2 hours in a formula of Aloe Vera which contains vitamins and minerals, the solution improves conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and aids in detoxing as well as inch loss.

    What can I expect during the treatment?

    The therapist will chat to you to find out which areas of concern you are interested in targeting and your expectations regarding treatment. After the consultation your body will be measured in eighteen different points.  The areas included will be bust, waist, hips, upper, mid and lower thighs, legs and arms. This is followed by a full body dry brushing which boosts the circulation and opens up the pores. The body is then wrapped in the warm bandages and a sauna suit is put on you  to keep you warm, allowing the Harley wrap formula to penetrate into the skin. You are cocooned for one hour giving you time to relax, read, fall asleep or have a facial.

    What are the benefits of a wrap?

    The benefits of the wrap is to detoxify the body enabling the wraps to absorb and draw out toxins in the skin and making it efficient in drawing out excess water from the skin.  After one hour the bandages are removed and the body is re-measured in the same places and recorded on a consultation sheet showing you where the inch loss has occurred. You should fell less bloated and your skin will be smoother and hydrated. This effect can last up to 72 hours. A course is recommended to maintain this inch loss, but you can have a single wrap treatment in order to fit into a dress or outfit for a wedding or a special occasion.

    There is an offer for January for a full Harley Body wrap with a facial at £55

  6. New Year, New Smoother You!!! Laser Hair Removal

    Comments Off on New Year, New Smoother You!!! Laser Hair Removal

    This is the perfect time of year to consider laser hair removal. New Year, New Smoother You.

    Winter months are the perfect time to commence treatments because 30 days before treatment starts and 30 days after treatment skin should not be exposed to the sunlight as this causes photosensitivity and the skin may burn. We therefore strongly recommend using an SPF30 after treatment to prevent burning or pigmentation even on a sunny day in Northern Ireland during the winter.

    If you have fair skin and dark hair you are the ideal candidate for laser as you will get great results. Unfortunately laser does not work on light, red or grey hairs. Darker skin can be treated by laser but believe it or not a darker skin can burn more easily therefore the energy is kept much lower and may require an extra session or two. If you are unsure if either your skin or hair colour is suitable for laser hair removal, book in for a free, no obligation consultation to determine suitability of treatment. A small area is tested with the laser and any questions you may have can be answered.

    At the consultation the therapist will explain the procedure of the laser treatment and advise approximately how many treatments are required and the costs involved. No two people are the same therefore treatment plans will be discussed for your individual needs.

    The advantages to laser hair removal are large areas of the body can be treated relatively quickly as opposed to other methods of hair removal. resulting in longer time in between treatments giving long lasting results.

    An example of a typical area such as  full legs can be treated in about an hour and if you follow a treatment plan of 6 sessions, one treatment every six weeks by September you could be hair free.

    Other popular areas for woman are upper lip, chin, underarm and bikini which can be treated in a lunch hour appointment. Facial hair removal can be treated every four weeks, and a typical six sessions treatment plan could be completed by June or earlier if the whole six sessions are not required. Popular areas for men are the back, chest and beard.

    We have been carrying out these treatments for almost 14 years with great success, here are just some of our clients comments and reviews:-

    • Had my 1st laser hair removal session, the therapist today was amazing. She made it very easy. Confident, friendly and professional 5* service. Cant wait to come back for the rest of my sessions. Thank you.
    • Excellent as always, very happy with results.
    • Was advised I may need 6 sessions or more for my extended bikini line, after one session was amazed at the amount of hair that fell out after one treatment.
    • Noticed a significant reduction in hair only after a couple of treatments and the hair regrowth has slowed down.
    • Fabulous service as ever – quickly becoming a member of our extended family due to brilliant service and friendly caring approach.
    • 5 out of 5

    Whilst on a treatment plan with laser it is advised not to use any other form of removing hair  such as waxing or tweezing, the only exception is that you can shave. The therapist will shave the hair before treatment to avoid the skin burning. Following treatment, the hair on the area being treated will shed the follicle and fall out after approximately two weeks. The advantages of being able to shave between treatments if required means you are not undoing any of the work done by the therapist and you can maintain a hair free look.  A lot of clients are initially concerned especially on facial areas that if they shave,the hair will grow back as stubble but you are effectively shaving hair that should fall out and regrow much finer.

    Our top five benefits of using laser hair removal as opposed to any other form of hair removal.

    1. Precision – Laser can selectively target hair whilst leaving the surrounding skin area undamaged.
    2. Speed – Many hairs can be treated at the same time as the laser takes a fraction of second.
    3. Cost effective – Take into account the amount spent on waxing over a prolonged period of time, usually years. Or the money spent on razors and shaving foams.
    4. Time – No need to shave every day.
    5. Ingrown Hairs – Most other forms of hair removal can cause ingrown hairs, laser hair removal tends to end this problem.

    If a “Smoother You” is on your wish list then give us a call or book a free consultation with Beauty Haven, who will be happy to discuss your requirements and tailor a treatment plan that suits you.

Top