Ask the EXPERTS

COPIED

7 mins

Ask the EXPERTS

Our experts answer an array of questions about every aspect of running a successful salon or spa business

How can I work crystal therapy into my existing treatment menu?

Crystals and precious metals have been used throughout history as a healing method to cure both mental and physical ailments. The Egyptians used them to promote protection and health, and this thinking has been passed down through the ages. Today, these ideas are gaining traction again, especially in the beauty and wellbeing sector.

The basis of crystal healing and gemstone therapy is the idea that everything is composed of energy, and that the energy of crystals resonates with human beings to create a positive reaction.

There are various ways crystals can be incorporated into your menu. Crystal wands, for example, can be used in face and body massages. Let the customer choose the wand they are most drawn to, as this will tell you what it is that they need more of in their lives, and then use it in treatment to realign their energy.

For example, if a guest picked rose quartz then it means they’re looking for more security or are feeling the need to manifest a more loving and forgiving quality, whereas if they picked sapphire then it means they want more clarity, which will aid their problem-solving abilities.

Therapists could also use crystal elixirs, which are created when gemstones and crystals are left to infuse with water and oils. The idea is that these mediums become imprinted within the particular stone’s vibrational energy and when absorbed during treatment, the body responds positively to the crystal’s energy.

Laying crystals at the end of a relaxing massage is another way to enhance a client’s experience. This ritual involves placing stones at the energy centres of the body, which match with the chakra points – lay stones that correspond in colour to the individual chakra points.

This supports the natural healing process and relieves stress, sharpening concentration, aiding personal growth and enhancing inner harmony and balance.

Lucy Dunn is events administrator for The Old Course Hotel, St Andrews in Scotland, whose Kohler Waters Spa won Residential Spa of the Year: 11 Rooms or More at the 2019 Professional Beauty Awards.

How should I decide which nail products to stock and how to build up my range?

There are hundreds of products available so deciding what to stock can be difficult. The best place to start is to consider local trends. Which nail systems are typically used in your area? Consider your strengths though – if you’re experienced in gel, but most local clients wear acrylic, feel free to educate your customers and change their minds.

When building your range, there are basic colours that every nail technician needs – red, nude, pink, glitter, grey, lavender, navy, and white. Next, consider the season and choose trend colours that you like, but remember, it’s hard to pick the right colour for everybody. If a customer has a shade in mind, ask them to show you the exact colour before ordering anything in specially, to avoid buying the wrong colour.

If you aim for 30 different colours, then you can offer a good variety for your customers. Try to buy five or six new shades every season to build your selection and update your stock. It is best to have your colour wheel to hand so you can see exactly what you need and don’t overbuy. Don’t forget to record your stock and track your best-selling colours.

You also need to pay attention to the shelf life of products and be aware of how long a bottle has been open. Look for a little symbol of an open container, which will show you the shelf life – be that 12, 18, 24 or a maximum of 36 months, depending on the brand.

Storage can also affect the shelf life so ensure you are storing and using products correctly.

Annamaria Farkas is chief executive of Crystal Nails UK. She has been in the industry since 2002, using her expertise to become an educator.

How can I prevent folliculitis when performing back waxes?

It is important that you do a full consultation. Always ask if your client has had any previous reactions to waxing. If so, it is especially important to instigate a routine of cleansing and exfoliating. This should be carried out every other day prior to waxing as this will help to prevent the build up of dead skin cells.

You must stress to clients the importance of adhering to aftercare advice. Most post-waxing infections will be caused by poor or no aftercare.

For a back wax, advise clients to bring a clean, loose-fitting t-shirt to put on immediately after the treatment and to avoid heat, friction and perspiration for 48 hours post-wax. This includes hot showers, swimming pools, hot tubs and vigorous exercise.

Retail or recommend an antibacterial wash and cream for them to use twice a day for two days. For best practice, and to limit cross contamination, always:

• Sanitise the working area between clients

• Sanitise your client’s skin prior to treatment

• Wear disposable latex-free gloves

• Use disposable heads for cartridge wax systems or throw away cartridges after single use

• Never double dip your spatula in to the wax pot.

Always advise your client to seek medical attention if symptoms persist longer than 48 hours or if they are severe.

Caroline Mears is a waxing trainer and Perron Rigot brand educator. She has been running her business, Waxpert, since 2010, treating clients from a private clinic in Cambridgeshire.

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What are the pros and cons of sugar wax versus standard strip wax?

Sugaring, often referred to as “sugar waxing”, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity because it offers an alternative to waxing that uses entirely natural ingredients. Sugar waxes are most commonly made from sugar, water and lemon juice to give a honey-like consistency.

The product contains no chemicals or resins so it can be made in an entirely vegan and cruelty-free way. As it’s water soluble, any residue washes away with warm water, making it eco-friendly. Spillages are easily cleaned up and customers can put clothes back on without fear of damaging them.

Like wax, the product is warmed and applied using a spatula, then removed using a fabric strip. It requires no additional training as the technique is the same as waxing. However, with sugaring, there is minimal need for pre- or post-wax products.

Sugar wax sticks to the hair, not the skin. This leads to a gentler, less painful treatment, which reduces redness and soreness. It also eliminates the risk of ingrowing hair and leaves a smooth finish. However, preparing the skin for sugar waxing requires cleansing to make sure it is free from moisturisers and oils and then dusting with talc to ensure the skin is dry in order for the product to stick to the hairs.

Because the product only sticks to the hair, smaller hairs aren’t always caught first time with sugaring, but the same area can be treated multiple times as the skin isn’t damaged.

Rosie Khandwala is co-founder of Aqua Natural, a certified vegan sugar wax product range, and has been manufacturing sugar products for more than 30 years.

How should I plan my digital marketing strategy?

In this hyper-competitive industry, you can’t afford to fall behind with marketing, promotion and positioning – customers can be all too fickle if they don’t receive regular nurturing.

To maximise valuable time, energy and money, your marketing activities must deliver against your broader business strategy and objectives. You should plan annually and review the results quarterly.

When you get down to planning the monthly content, look across all your channels – events, website, social media, blogs and newsletters. While this can feel time-consuming, in the long run it will save so much work.

A monthly digital marketing outreach should consist of at least one newsletter, keeping a consistent structure so it’s easier to plan content and making sure to include website links; and three blogs, but try to come up with titles and angles for these in advance to avoid writer’s block. For optimum SEO, aim for 500 words minimum per blog.

You should also try to do at least one email or social media advertising campaign per month. Think about what you want to promote and drive action for it. For example, if you want to push a new treatment, this could be a good way to entice lapsed clients back into the spa, offering them a free skin review as an incentive.