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Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

  1. Laser Hair Removal; Why Choose Beauty Haven?

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    We at Beauty Haven give you our assurance of the highest standards of quality and safety within the aesthetic industry. We place ethics at the centre of our practice, and in light of this we listen to you first.

    Are we regulated and certified?

    Here at Beauty Haven, we are regulated and certified by the RQIA (Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority). It is a legal requirement within Northern Ireland to be registered with the RQIA if you are providing a laser service.

    Our clinic is annually inspected, to ensure that their standards are met and that the clinic is well managed. Further information may be obtained from visiting their website: www.rqia.org.uk. All annual inspection reports are published and available to view.

    Is the Ellipse IPL Light laser hair removal safe?

    Yes, it is completely safe. Ellipse is a second generation Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) system, ultilising a patented “dual mode filtering” system, which removes all unneccesary and potentionally harmful wavelengths. The Ellipse has pre-programmed treatment suggestions for different skin and hair types, thus allowing the energy levels to be adjusted for each individual clients requirements.

    Our price promise

    If you find a cheaper laser hair removal treatment elsewhere, Beauty Haven will match that price…guaranteed! Treatment being price matched must be comparable. Beauty Haven must be able to verify the price with the competitor, and the competitor must be based in Northern Ireland.

    For more information on treatments, please contact Beauty Haven or visit www.ellipse.com, where you can also find before and after pictures.

  2. Summer Waxing Tips

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    This time of year, a lot more skin is being exposed – this means we need to think about hair removal!

    One of the most popular waxes especially once summer arrives, is the bikini wax. There are many different types and many different names! There is the standard bikini wax, which involves removal of the hair directly outside the underwear line (standard bikini wax costs £10). Next is the Californian or Extended Bikini, this is a step up from the standard bikini. There is slightly more hair removed, “thong shaped” to the front and slightly more taken from underneath (costing £14). There is then the Brazilian; this wax involves everything off, but leaving a strip of hair on the pubis mound (costing £25). Finally, there is the Hollywood where everything is removed (costing £30). The names and meanings vary from salon to salon, so it’s always best to ask or let the therapist know when making the appointment exactly what you want.

    If transferring to waxing from another method of hair removal, such as shaving, the hair must be left to grow to a length of approximately 1/2 a centimetre long. It is not advisable to expose the skin to sunlight or use sunbeds 24 hours before or after waxing. Very importantly, remember to always tell your therapist of any medication you may be using and any conditions/illnesses/disorders that you might have as it could affect your treatment.

    Waxing is one of the best ways of removing hair for an extended period of time. To get the best result, it is recommended that you wax regularly (every 4-6 weeks) and completely avoid shaving inbetween. Regularly coming in for waxing, and only waxing the area will mean that the hair begins to grow back much finer, therefore giving you a lasting smoothness inbetween treatments.

    How you treat your skin after waxing is very important. It is recommended that you wearing loose, non-restrictive clothing on any body areas that have been waxed, and to not apply any products on the area for 24 hours that are perfumed or coloured; aloe vera or antiseptic cream such as sudocreme are fine.

    Swimming, saunas, jacuzzi’s and hot baths should not be carried out after the day of waxing. If you found you were suffering from ingrowing hairs, gently exfoliate the skin after 24 hours, and then continue to exfoliate every 4-7 days. A popular product for ingrown hairs is Skin Doctors Ingrow Go which not only removes ingrown hairs but also razor bumps, ensuring skin is beautifully smooth. Ingrow Go is perfect for use on any areas of skin that are prone to ingrown hairs and razor bumps (Skin Doctors Ingrow Go RRP £10.95).

    If you have any concerns or are unsure of anything, please ask your therapist for advice.

     

  3. Facial Primers.

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    The main purpose of a facial primer is to provide a smooth surface onto which you can easily apply make-up. Using a primer will also help ensure your make-up stays in place throughout the day. As well as providing smooth, flawless skin and longer lasting make-up application there are many other benefits of using a primer. Minerals included in many primer products help to even out skin tone, minimise shine, decrease breakouts and prevent drying of the skin.

    Dermalogica provides a number of products that can be used as primers for various skin types. The Skin Perfect Primer is an illuminationg make up prep which will smooth away fine lines, brighten and prime for a flawless skin and to prep the skin for make-up application. RRP £38.40

    Barrier repair is a unique moisturiser that melts into sensitised skin to soothe and reinforce the skin’s protective barrier. It can also be used as a primer, your make-up will just glide on when using this product as a primer.RRP £36.50

    Another great product which can be used as a primer for a slightly oilier skin type is the clearing mattifier.This medicated topical treatment will help clear breakouts,reduce congestion and control shine.RRP £43.30

    We are massive fans of facial primers here at Beauty Haven so if you aren’t sure which is the best one for you pop in and we’d be happy to advise.

  4. Holistic Healing Part Two – Reflexology

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    So What Is Reflexology?

    Reflexology can be defined as a non-invasive treatment that works to heal the whole person, rather than just the symptoms. It is based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet that correspond to all the various organs, glands and systems of the body.

    During reflexology, the therapist uses specfic techniques to work on points of the body to relieve tension, aid the natural healing process and restore balance to the body. Reflexology also has a deeply calming effect, which promotes relaxaction as well as a feeling of well-being. It can also help to improve sleep and improve your mood. Quite often Reflexolgy is recommended by midwives during pregnancy and especially towards the end of the last semester.

    If you are having Reflexology treatments to help improve a specific ailment or concern we would recommend two treatments per week. Thereafter a monthly maintenance treatment is suffice.

    Occasionally following a Reflexolgy treatment a client may go through a ‘healing crisis’ this is the body ridding itself of toxins. Symtoms will usually subside within 24 hours. Symptoms can include headache, post nasal drip, sleep disturbance and lethargy. However, as previously metioned, this is the body ridding itself of toxins to allow balance to be restored, so these symptoms are a good thing.

    For further information about Reflexology or any of our treatments please call 02890 666628.

  5. Holistic Healing Part 1 – Do you suffer from headaches?

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    Headaches are a common health problem with more than 10 million people in the UK suffering from them. They can be caused by many different things but for the majority of people the main causes are stress, anxiety, dehydration, not eating enough or not getting enough sleep. Medication can be used to treat headache symptoms but these are temporary fixes if you have recurring headaches. In order to relieve both the number and severity of your headaches a few lifestyle changes may be needed. Ensure you drink plenty of water everyday, do not skip any meals and try to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night.

    Enjoying time alone is a good way to relieve some stress and allows you to do the things you want to do instead of just the things you have to do. Making the time to enjoy hobbies or relaxing activities gives you the chance to clear your mind and become refreshed. Aim to find half an hour each day that is specifically for some ‘me time’. During this half hour try to avoid technology such as phones or laptops and spend some time exercising, reading, getting pampered or even learn a new skill or take up a new hobbie. This alone time should give you renewed energy and relieve built up stress from day to day life. If stress or anxiety are causing your headaches then you should try theraputic treatments that are aimed at relaxation and stress reduction. Relaxing reatments such as massages will also help relieve tension and reduce stress.

    The Indian head massage is a ancient therapy that is based on acupressure massage. The therapist uses deep but gentle pressure point massage to the upper back, neck, shoulders, scalp and face. The benefits of an Indian head massage include: alleviating built up tension, improving circulation, reducing the symptoms of stress, insomnia and anxiety as well as renewing energy levels.

    If headaches are persistent we would recommend always seeking medical attention first.

  6. Gel Nails

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    When you take care of your appearance, not only do you look good, but you feel good too. An aspect that is usually over-looked are the nails.  Artificial nails have quickly become the new future of the nail industry, and one of the newest trends are gel nails.

    The Process

    The beautician will first file your nails to your desired shape, then gently push back the cuticles. Then, the nail itself will be gently buffed to take away the natural shine that is on the nails. A coat of primer will then be applied and allowed to dry. A clear base coat is applied after this and “cured” beneath a U.V. lamp – this makes the gel become hard and adhere to the nail. Once the base has been applied, your chosen colour will then be applied until the beautician and the client are happy with the result. Inbetween each coat of colour, the nails will be cured. Finally, a glossy top coat will be applied to give the nails a beautiful shine, and once again cured beneath the lamp.

    Why Choose Gel?

    One of the best reasons for choosing gel is that it doesn’t damage your natural nail. While wearing gel nails, your natural nails are still able to grow. With the protection of the gel, they are able to become stronger and more beautiful.Gel nails also give you beautiful looking nails without any risk of colour fading or chipping for between one and three weeks, unlike traditional nail polishes.

    How To Remove

    Gel nails should always be removed by a professional. Each salon has their own way of doing it, but usually there are two ways it’s traditionally done. All will start with the shiny top coat being gently buffed away, then the beautician can continue with the soak off.

    One way is to soak a piece of cotton in acetone, apply it to the nail and then wrap the nail with the piece of cotton in tin foil and allow that to softly break the bonds between the natural nail and the gel. Once the appropriate time has been left – between 10 and 20 minutes – the beautician will then take the tin foil off and gently scrape away any remaining gel, which will come away easily. The beautician may gently buff if there is any residue left.

    The second way is for the beautician to ask the client to place her nails in a bowl of acetone – after buffing away the shine. The client will then relax for 10 to 15 minutes to allow for the bond between the natural nail and the gel to break, then the beautician will gently scrape any remaining gel off, and possibly buff to remove any remaining residue.

    It is extremely important not to pick off or try to remove the gels any other way. If removed unprofessionally, it results in a layer of the natural nail coming away with the gel – as the bonds have not naturally been broken – and the nail will therefore be damaged and weakened.

    For any information on the treatments discussed, please call Beauty Haven.

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