Hilary Lowry, Author at Beauty Haven Belfast Online

Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

Waxing tips for beginners
July 29, 2015 11:45 am Comments Off on Waxing tips for beginners
People always wonder before they get their first wax, ‘are my hairs long enough?’,’ will this be painful?’, not really knowing what to expect. If it is your first time waxing, there are a couple of simple steps you need to follow before and after the wax to ensure you get the best possible result.

Hair growth should be about 1-2 cm long which would roughly be 3-4 weeks of growth. This enables the therapist to easily remove the hairs from the follicle. If the hairs are too short this results in hairs not being removed effectively or if too long can be quite uncomfortable for the client.

You need to avoid exposing your skin to sunlight or use of sunbeds 24 hours before waxing. This is to avoid any burning to the skin area as it will be much more sensitive and delicate.

It is always important to inform your therapist if you are on any medication or have any conditions/diseases or disorders. This is especially important if taking a medication such as Retin A. The reason is, waxing removes skin cells even when performed properly and it will exfoliate your skin. Retin-A can also thin the skin as it removes the dead skin cells from the areas being treated and peeling is very common. If you were to wax while taking Retin A you could be left with a red, glossy looking wound that will probably turn into a pigmented area. It could also result in bleeding and scabbing.

After you have had your waxing treatment it is important for you to look after your skin and follow the aftercare your therapist will advise you. You should avoid any heat treatments such as having a hot bath, shower or the use of a sauna/Jacuzzi. Again a sun bed should be avoided 24 hours before a wax and 24 hours plus, after a wax. Any of these heat treatments above would lead to red irritated skin and could lead to burning on the recently waxed area.

Your therapist will finish up your waxing treatment by applying a thin layer of aloe vera or an after wax lotion. It would be advised not to use any other product for 24 hours post waxing. If having an underarm wax, most people would feel like they need to reapply a deodorant, however this would nor be recommended. Try to also avoid any perfumed body lotions or fake tan over any waxed areas.

Avoid wearing tight or restricted clothing on the body areas which have been waxed. The reason for this is due to it increasing the chances of causing ingrown hairs or causing irritation from the clothing rubbing on area.

There are many people who suffer from ingrown hairs, if you find that you are prone to them the best advise would be to exfoliate your skin every 4-7 days and apply a body moisturizer. We sell a product called INGROWN GO by Skin Doctors. This helps remove ingrown hairs and can be applied to the following areas; legs, underarms, bikini line, face or any other areas on the body which suffers from hairs being trapped. This product retails in the salon at £10.95.

Retin A is a big contraindication as mentioned above, however there are many other contraindications for being waxed. Some contraindications include; recent scar tissue, allergies due to ingredients found in the wax, bruising, cuts, psoriasis, eczema, sunburn and medication which can thin the skin (waxing could cause a tear to the skin with thinned skin).

At Beauty Haven we require all of our clients to fill out a consultation form prior to any treatment. This is a important way to ensure we have all knowledge of any contraindications or medical changes.

There are a several types of wax which can be used for removing hair on any part of the body. We prefer to use honey wax and tea tree wax. Tea tree wax is most suitable for those who have sensitive red skin. It contains a gentle soothing ingredient, however it still removes the hairs as effectively as the honey wax.

Details of the waxing that we offer can be seen in our price lists in salon or also on our website www.beautyhavenbelfast.com

If you would like to book in please call us in salon on 028 9066 6628 or you also have the option to book online 24/7.
How a regular massage can help with stress.
July 25, 2015 9:04 am Comments Off on How a regular massage can help with stress.
Massages are more than a pampering experience; there are many benefits from being given a massage treatment. The majority of people book a massage appointment to help relieve aches and pains, muscle soreness and stiffness in the joints. Massage can be great to treat conditions such as sciatica, arthritis, headaches and migraines. In addition to treating physical problems, massage can also help with those suffering from everyday stress, anxiety and depression.

Stress and anxiety can manifest in very physical conditions;
- The most common reason for tension headaches is muscle tension and this is generally connected with having postural problems. Tension headaches are most likely to be aggravated by stress, anxiousness, depression, lack of sleep, eye strain and noise. They can also be linked to arthritis, disk problems or degenerative bone disease within the neck or spinal column.
- Migraines differ from tension headaches as they are often located on one particular side of the head or the other and are known as a throbbing, pulsating, thumping kind of pain. This type of pain can be made worse by sneezing, coughing or increased activity. Migraines can lead to stress, depression or nausea.
- Insomnia. If you have difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep long enough to feel refreshed in the mornings it is likely you have insomnia most commonly caused by stress or anxiety. Relaxation is key to helping insomnia sufferers: listening to calming music, a warm bath before bed and regular massage to help reduce stress will help.
- Skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis or eczema; all of these skin conditions can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety. Our skin has lots of nerve receptors which are linked to our nervous system. Massage treatment will stimulate and release chemicals such as serotonin in the brain which helps reduce stress and anxiety.
At Beauty Haven we offer a selection of massage treatments including Indian Head Massage, Full Body Massage, Back and Tension Massage, Hot Stone Full Body Massage and Hot Stone Back and Shoulder Massage.

So what does the treatment entail?

If you have never had a massage treatment before, you may feel a little apprehensive, clients often have never received any form of touch therapy before and aren’t sure what to expect. In all reputable clinics you will be asked to complete a consultation form prior to your treatment commencing. This will rule out any contraindications to the treatment, such as certain skin or medical conditions. You will be asked to undress to your underwear and lie on a heated therapy bed, covered with towels or blankets. With the sound of relaxing music and the relaxing aroma of massage oils it won’t take long for you to switch off and relax into your treatment. Add an Indian Head Massage to the end of your body massage treatment to help relieve any tension being held in the neck and head.

How often should you have a massage?

If you suffer from stress, it is common to experience tension in the shoulders, muscle soreness, headaches and feeling fidgety. When there is tension being held in the shoulders, a regular weekly massage will help alleviate these symptoms. Once a noticeable improvement has been achieved, follow up monthly treatments are recommended.
7 things every woman should know about laser hair removal
July 22, 2015 2:28 pm Comments Off on 7 things every woman should know about laser hair removal
Many dream of a body free from embarrassing and unsightly hair. Attempts to realise this dream have led to a great deal of effort, not to mention suffering, in the use of razors blades, electric shavers or the more painful methods of tweezers, wax or needle electrolysis. And as a rule, all this energy is wasted as the hair soon grows back. Laser hair removal offers fast, safe and practically painless permanent hair reduction. There are many questions surrounding this treatment so we have tried to answer the most common questions we are asked in the salon.

Hair Removal – Questions and Answers

Who is it for?

We can effectively treat all skin types for a reduction in hair growth as long as the hair colour is darker than the skin and the client is over 18 years of age.The treatment is perfect for anybody that requires hair reduction on an unwanted area.

What does it do?

The light picks up the colour (melanin) in the bulb/hair and destroys the root of the hair to reduce hair growth in unwanted areas. You can expect to receive a long term 85% reduction in the entire hair growth.

How long does it take?

We usually suggest 3 to 6 treatments for hair removal. Treatments are carried out every 4-6 weeks for the face and 6-8 weeks for the body. Dependant on the area being treated the time it takes to carry out an individual treatment can vary, for example a minor facial are such as the upper lip can be completed in about 10 minutes, whereas an entire back or both legs could take one to two hours.

What happens in between treatments?

In between each session you will have a fall out phase; this is usually 1-3 weeks after a session.The hair sheds away and you are left with a smooth finish. A couple of weeks later the hair begins to re grow, it becomes softer, finer and is reduced by around 20% of the entire growth each time.

How does the treatment feel?

The general feeling is a short, sharp heat for a split second on the skin. The sensation is quite mild.

Is there any after care?

We recommend that you avoid heat treatments including hot baths, saunas, and steam rooms for 24-48 hours.You MUST avoid the sun and sun beds for 30 days before and after treatments.Factor 30+ must be worn to reduce this risk.Fake tanning products can be used 2 weeks either side of a treatment but must be completely removed before the next session.

How do I start?

Firstly you must book an appointment with the clinic for a consultation . The therapist will go through a few medical questionnaires with you to see if you are eligible for the treatment. Following this, she will explain to you in full detail what the treatment entails and answer any questions for you.

A patch test on the area will then be carried out to check for any skin sensitivity to light treatments.

This will also give you a chance to experience the sensation of the light on your skin so that you know what to expect when coming in for your first treatment.

Anything else?

The hair must only be shaved during the treatments.

No plucking, waxing, bleaching, threading or immac creams are allowed.

We cannot treat any area which has been exposed to the sun within 30 days of the treatment and cannot treat you if you are going into the sun 30 following the treatment. SPF 30+ MUST be worn on the area before and after treatments. For advise please call 02890 666628
5 Health Benefits of Reflexology
July 20, 2015 8:24 pm Comments Off on 5 Health Benefits of Reflexology
What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is a technique of applying pressure to the reflex points of the feet and hands. These reflex points correspond to all the major organs and body parts. A trained reflexologist can induce a state of deep relaxation by applying pressure to the reflex points encouraging the bodies natural healing abilities to overcome the many adverse reations to stress.Reflexology is a complimentary treatment and should never be used to replace seeking medical advice however this wonderful therapy will help balance, harmonise and calm the entire body.Reflexology can help just about anyone, from babies to the elderly,those who are sick or those who are just maintaining health.

There are many health benefits of Reflexolgy but here are our top 5:
- Overcoming Stress.
Modern life brings with it many worries. we are working longer hours, juggling family life, trying to be super mums or dads. we find ourselves spending increasing amounts of time on tasks that don’t satisfy us or allow us enough time with our families.Pressue to climb the career ladder and providing for your family are just some of the things that create worry, tension and stress.Reflexology helps people become less irratable, improve mood and become more tolerant.
- Infertility/Pregnancy
The non physical causes of infertility lie in unnecessary stress and anxiety that grow out of many legitimate concerns, relationship stress, the responsibilty that having no children will bring, just the thought of parenthood can create tension even if you aren’t really aware of it.Deep relaxation alleviates stress and tension, releases energy and can stimullate the reproductive organs and promote normal glandular functioning.

Common ailments during pregnancy.

Morning sickness, discomfort, fatigue,hemorroids, headaches,fluid retentio, leg cramps, insomnia …. the list goes on. reflexology has something to offerin the way of relief for each of these symtoms, in some cases instant relief.
- Acne & skin disorders.
Today both men and woman go to great pains to improve their complexion. We spend a fortune on skincare and cosmetics. many clients often look at themselves in the mirror and are pleased at how good they look…. dark circles and puffiness around the eyes disappear or fade, tension lines are gone, a tight, rigid jawline softens, this is no miracle, its quite simple, a relaxed face looks more beautiful, when circulation is improved, the skin take son a healthy glow. reflexolgy releaxes the entire body and mind, when tension is released the face shows it. I attended a skin care course recently on acne; interestingly the tutor recommneded that before tackling the skin itself, we should encourage our clients to take a course of Reflexolgy or massage treatments to promote relaxation and de-stress, an interesting concept but definitely food for thought!
- Energy in Children – too much, too little
Both hyper activity and sluggishness respond well to reflexology. Both conditions can prevent a child from making the best of their childhood years and lead to problems in developement. Treatments in children and generally no longer than 30 minutes and we usually find after the first couple of treatments the child begins to relax and really look forward to their sessions.
- Menstrual problems.
Many women become more regular in their menstrual cycles with regular reflexolgy.The chemical changes that occur each month evoke real and emotional discomfort. for a few days, the body is not in its normal hormonal balance, the result can be mood swings, irratability and physical discomfort from cramps, headaches and tender breasts.Regular reflexology sessions in the days leading up to monthly periods can make you feel calmer and make it easier to stay in control. The treatment balances abnormalities that cause periods to be late and by inducing a state of relaxation and alleviating stress the treatment has been sucessful in getting many woman back on more regular cycles.
5 Common questions about electrolysis
July 8, 2015 1:47 pm Comments Off on 5 Common questions about electrolysis
1. How does it work

1.Electrolysis is a way of removing individual hairs from the face and body.The treatment is performed by inserting a very fine, disposable,flexible needle into the follicle (the pocket where the hair sits in your skin).An electric current is passed into the hair shaft to stunt future growth. The destruction is carried out by heat (thermolysis), a chemical reaction (galvanic) or both blended together (blend).Virtually any area can be treated with the exception of the inner ear and nose.

Common areas for woman include: Lip, chin, neck, sides of face, nipples, abdomen, underarm and bikini.

Common areas for men include: top os nose, eyebrows, cheeks above the beard line, top of back

2. Will it hurt

Electrolysis can be adapted to suit each individual by adapting current intensity and treatment time.In its standard form it can be an uncomfortable treatment however our electrolygists can recommend local anaesthetic creams to numb the skin if the client has a low pain threshold, most clients manage well without the need for creams as the treatments are generally short between 15 and 30 minutes

3.How long will it take

There are many factors that can influence hair growth so the number of treatments needed will vary from person to person. It is important to have regular treatments, usually once a week until you start to see a reduction in hair growth, you can then lengthen the time between visits and come as and when you need to. You will be able to see results throughout your treatment so you will not have to wait until the end of your treatments to see results.

4.What are the side effects

Following treatment the skin can appear a little red and sometimes a mild swelling can occur. This disappears quite quickly dependant of skin type and sensitivity. Usually within 24 to 48 hours your skin will show no signs of treatment, however sometimes clients may see tiny reddish brown pinprick scabs, especially on body areas or where hairs are distorted or ingrown. These scabs drop off naturally within a few days to a week depending on the individual’s healing ability.We are often asked “will I be scarred?” provided the treatment is carried out correctly and aftercare is followed there is no risk of scarring.

5,What causes unwanted hair growth.

Hirsuitism is a condition that can arise in woman due to excessive male hormones causing hair to grow in areas where men normally grow hair such as the face, back and chest.

Hypertrichosis refers to abnormal hair growth often over the entire body but can also be localised.

Polycystic Ovaries causes excessive hair growth usually on the face, chest. back and buttocks.

Hormonal changes within the body can influence hair growth, for example woman going through the menopause can experience increased facial hair.

Some drugs, temporary methods of hair removal and illness can stimulate hair growth.

As most of these conditions are influenced by internal factors they will require regular management of hair removal. We have seen many positive results from clients suffering from these conditions.
Summer waxing tips for the bikini area
June 24, 2015 10:01 am Comments Off on Summer waxing tips for the bikini area
Unwanted hair is a fact of life which can become especially annoying during the summer. Can you imagine lying on your sun lounger wearing your new designer bikini and hair coming out the sides in all directions … No, not the look you were after I’d imagine!!!

If you are thinking of skipping the salon in favour of at home waxing, tread carefully. Ingrown hairs, burns and bruising can occur if you don’t know what you are doing. Certain skin conditions such as excema or psoriasis are contraindicated to waxing or if you are diabetic, the risk of infection is higher so probably best to avoid. A reputable salon should ask you to complete a consultation form prior to your treatment, they will be able to assess if there are any contraindications and if so your treatment should not be carried out. It is important to let your therapist know if you are using any anti ageing or acne creams that may contain a retinoid (vitamin A derivatives retinol, retinyl palmitate, tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene),as your skin will be extra susceptible to getting burned and peeled off by waxing since those creams loosen the attachment of skin cells and cause increased exfoliation. Make sure never to have a wax just after using a sunbed or sunbathing.

It should really go without saying but for a successful wax, your pubic hair should be about one -fourth of an inch. It is surprising sometimes when a client books in for a wax treatment only to discover, she shaved two days ago. The length of the hair is important, the procedure is less painful if the hair is thee right length, the therapist will not have to go over the area more than once, if the hair is too short, the wax strip will have a hard time trying to grab it. Waxing can be painful enough !!

It can be a minefield when you are deciding on which type of bikini wax you require. Quite often, woman are too embarrassed to ask ‘which is which’ so to clear this up for you ( in most cases) here are the most common types of waxing:

A standard bikini wax is simply a little hair removed from the side of the pant line.

A Californian bikini is slightly extended, the hair at the sides of pant line and a small amount from the below the abdomen (top of pant line) is removed.

A Brazilian bikini wax is considered advanced waxing and leaves a thin strip of hair at the front with all the hair removed from sides and back.

A Hollywood bikini wax is also considered as advanced waxing and all the hair is removed.

Post wax, aloe vera can be used if the area feels a little tender. We would recommend wearing loose clothing and avoid having a hot bath or shower for 24 hours. If you are jetting off to the sun, try to plan your wax appointment for a couple of days before you leave. In between waxing treatments, and at least 48 hours post waxing, we would advise you to regularly exfoliate the area. This prevents ingrown hairs which can be unsightly, not to mention painful. Should an ingrown hair become infected, seek advice from a GP.

Waxing Regularity

The hair is normally pulled from their follicles by the esthetician every time you go for waxing and this determines how long the waxing lasts. Follicles take a longer time to give the replacements when you wax regularly. It takes up to eight weeks for some people to grow hair after several waxing treatments. The age of a person can be a factor when it comes to hair growth. Due to hormonal activity, younger people have a higher rate of hair growth and will need to get waxed more regularly. Its definitely worth the regular visits when you find yourself able to go weeks between wax appointments. Seek advice from a professional if unsure which hair removal method is right for you and hopefully their advice will enable you to have a beautiful, hair free summer!

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