Tight FIT

We try some tech-based lifting and skin tightening facials and explore the latest spa equipment on the market

Ellisons Japanese Head Spa treatment

Through an exclusive partnership with Hair and Nature, supplier Ellisons has launched a new product and accompanying treatment protocol to allow spas and salons to tap into the trending Japanese Head Spa concept. The couch is plumbed in so water is not reused, and it can be adapted with removable pads so it can be used as a normal treatment bed.

For Japanese Head Spa treatments, the protocol begins with consultation and scalp analysis to assess scalp health and identify concerns such as dryness, oiliness, product build-up or hair loss.

Next comes a neck, shoulder and décolleté massage before scalp cleansing and exfoliation then a warm steam treatment with aromatherapy oils, using the steam hood. Using precise pressure points, a soothing head and neck massage is then performed, followed by a relaxation treatment using the bed’s rainbow shower, which can be moved up and down over the scalp and hair. A tailored hair mask or conditioning treatment is then applied to strengthen and hydrate hair. The treatment takes between 45 and 90 minutes, and revenue per hour can be increased if other treatments are added during the experience, such as facials or hand and foot care.

Ellisons recommends charging from £85 upwards for a basic service. 0345 222 8080 / ellisons.co.uk

Tried and tested… Inmode Allure Inmode Lift treatment

The lowdown: Inmode launched its Allure brand to bridge a gap between beauty and aesthetics by offering non-invasive facial lifting treatments that use technologies including radiofrequency (RF) and electro muscle stimulation. The Lift treatment combines RF with the brand’s Mini FX fat reduction tech and manual facial massage.

The experience: I was lucky enough to try the treatment under the expert hands of renowned facialist Lisa Franklin during Inmode Allure’s launch event at Akasha Spa at the Hotel Café Royale in London. Franklin is known for her super-thorough consultations that take a holistic approach to the skin health covering mental wellbeing, stress hormones and lifestyle factors. Visiting after my busiest month of the year I was a bit burnt out, which was reflecting in my skin.

After a cleanse, the treatment began with Forma, Inmode’s bipolar radiofrequency, which Franklin built up gradually until we got to the optimum heat to really boost collagen production and help tighten skin. She concentrated on my lower face and jawline before switching to the Mini FX head to get to work under my chin. Mini FX uses RF combined with high voltage pulse (HVP) technology, which delivers high-frequency energy pulses to induce damage to fat cells, leading to apoptosis. While Franklin warned me this can be a bit painful I found it even more comfortable than the RF (which can feel slightly hot on the less fleshy parts of the face). The treatment finished with a lymphatic drainage massage covering my face, neck and shoulders. Franklin told me my lymphatic system felt quite blocked, probably due to more stress and alcohol consumption than usual. I could literally feel the massage draining the toxins and firming everything up.

The verdict: When Franklin handed me a mirror at the end of our hour together I could genuinely see a difference. My face looked lifted with a definite reduction in the lines and skin laxity around my mouth and jaw. The lymphatic drainage element of the treatment also had a huge effect, initially making me super-drowsy as the toxins left my body but leaving my face less puffy and more contoured.

Business benefits: This is a great treatment for clients who want a results-driven facial with no pain or downtime. While like any good facial you need regular treatments for lasting results, it does have that wow factor of creating an instant temporary lifting effect too. Inmode market it as a red carpet facial and used it at The Brits on celebrities such as Laura Whitmore, so it’s great ahead of a special event.

Tried by Eve Oxberry

Lisa Franklin Skin Care Clinic charges £450 for the treatment. inmodemd.co.uk

Tried and tested… Potenza RF Microneedling

The lowdown: Potenza RF Microneedling is a skin rejuvenation treatment that pairs the collagenstimulating benefits of microneedling with radiofrequency (RF) energy. It combines monopolar and bipolar RF at 1 or 2MHz, creating four RF modes. With 11 different needle configurations and customisable energy settings, practitioners can fine-tune treatments.

Designed to improve skin texture, firmness and radiance, Potenza is suitable for all skin types and tones. By creating controlled micro-injuries and delivering RF heat to deeper layers of the skin, the treatment encourages collagen production.

The experience: I visited Rejuva London on Harley Street for a treatment with aesthetic doctor Dr Kristy Lau. It began with a skin scan using advanced imaging technology which highlighted that my forehead lines required extra attention.

A numbing cream was applied and, once it took effect, Dr Lau began using the Potenza device. The sensation was a mix of mild pressure and warmth, with some areas feeling more intense, particularly around the forehead and jaw. It was a bit painful but tolerable – no pain, no gain! Despite this, the treatment was entirely manageable, thanks to the numbing cream and Dr Lau’s careful technique. The session lasted 45 minutes and afterwards my skin looked flushed, due to the microinjuries and heat. A soothing serum and mask were applied to calm and reduce redness.

The verdict: My skin felt a bit rough for a few days afterward, but I didn’t experience any major issues. I used the Skinceuticals products Dr Lau provided to speed up recovery. Since I only had one treatment and my baseline skin health is good, I didn’t notice a huge difference, but a course would deliver more visible results. Over the following weeks, my skin texture felt smoother, and my complexion was refined, with continued collagen production promising enhancements over time.

Business benefits: Potenza RF Microneedling is a high-value treatment for businesses seeking to offer advanced skin rejuvenation with minimal downtime. Its ability to be customised for individual skin concerns, combined with its suitability for all skin types, makes it a versatile and inclusive service with visible results that improve over time.

Tried by Ellen Cummings

Rejuva London charges £649 for one session or £1,699 for a course of three. rejuvalondon.co.uk / cynosurelutronicemea.com

Tried and tested… Bespoke Facial at Dr Motox clinic

The lowdown: Dr Motox’s newly opened clinic is located opposite Selfridge’s on Duke Street, London. I was booked in for a bespoke facial with the lovely facialist Charlotte Fitch, who used all my favourite technologies.

The experience: After a thorough double cleanse with Medik8 products, it was clear that Fitch was a skilled beauty therapist from the way she used her hands. Just from the cleansing process I felt more snatched and de-puffed thanks to the massage elements.

Next, it was time for Hydrafacial extraction, where Fitch focused on my t-zone, which is my most congested area, as well as my lower cheeks, where I suffer from hormonal acne. Then it was time for some Déesee Pro Sculpta EMS, my favourite handheld device. This little star is small but mighty, really stimulating the muscles. My face was contracting like crazy. After a little time lifting and toning one side of my face with the device, Fitch did a pinch test to show me how much tighter my face was on the treated side. Then it was onto the next Déesee Pro technology, the LED light mask, on its anti-ageing setting. After some time relaxing under the warmth of the mask, Fitch got the Sculpta out again and swapped to the radiofrequency head, using it in an upward motion to add lift while the RF was working.

The last technology used was microneedling with Skinpen. By this point I was so relaxed I could have fallen asleep, showing how painless this microneedling device is. Fitch kept the needling very superficial while using hyaluronic acid to hydrate. To calm my skin, a cooling sheet mask was applied before the finishing products.

The verdict: I loved this facial, not only for the technologies included but also because of Fitch’s skilled touch, which added so much by way of sculpting, lymphatic drainage and depuffing. Tech without that touch wouldn’t be as valuable but combined they enhance one another. The variety and quality of the technologies were unmatched and Fitch’s selection for the combination was spot on – I walked out of the clinic with glowing skin.

Business benefits: Having a bespoke facial option on your menu is super important. The ability to add or remove technologies or products based on the client and their skin not only improves outcomes but can make the client feel more looked after, rather than having a one-size-fitsall facial forced on them.

Tried by Kezia Parkins

Dr Motox clinics charge £150 for a bespoke facial. drmotox.com