BUSINESS TIPS

Ask the Experts

Our beauty experts answer your questions about every aspect of running a salon or spa business

Why is fascia work important in massage?

Fascia is the web of connective tissue that envelops all organs in the body, creating a “home” for all structures. Its four main tasks are to provide strength, support, elasticity and cushioning.

In a healthy state, fascia is relaxed and wavy. It can stretch and move without restriction. Comprised of collagen and elastin fibres anchored within a gel-like matrix, it reduces friction between muscles, allowing them to glide smoothly over each other. This facilitates the transmission of muscular forces and improves efficiency by minimising energy use.

Fascia acts as a protective layer, shielding muscles, nerves and organs from harm. Its cushioning effect absorbs and disperses mechanical forces, reducing damage to underlying structures. It also enhances joint stability by supporting surrounding muscles and ligaments. By maintaining alignment and balance, it reduces injury risk and supports joint health.

However, under chronic stress or repeated trauma, fascia can become tense, restricted or develop adhesions. Over time, the body adapts to stress or repetitive movement and posture, leading to areas of tension or restriction. These changes disrupt fascia’s normal function.

Every massage will improve fascia to some extent, particularly when the therapist understands its importance. However, in my experience, myofascial release is one of the most effective ways to restore balance. It’s a great method to identify and feel fascial restrictions, facilitating change by releasing areas where the fascia is stuck. This isn’t about stretching fascia, but about dissolving barriers within its structure.

Fascia also plays a role in a client’s emotional state. Tension in these tissues can contribute to stress, anxiety and depression. As a healer, I believe that true change requires addressing not only the physical but also the emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of fascial restriction. Releasing the fascia is, for me, the first step in restoring balance to the body, and in turn, improving mental wellbeing.

Educating your client about fascia’s importance, exploring the reasons behind their restrictions, and teaching them how to prevent further limitations is key – especially if we want long-lasting results.

It can be eye-opening for clients to connect a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, dehydration, lack of sleep and unhealthy eating with restrictions they feel in their body’s movement or flexibility. When clients understand what’s going on in their body or mind, everything changes. They begin to take responsibility, make better choices and become engaged in their wellbeing. That kind of engagement doesn’t just benefit the client – it makes our work more meaningful. It’s no longer just about fixing problems; it’s about encouraging real growth and long-term change.

Beata Aleksandrowicz is an expert in massage, healing and women’s wellbeing. An intuitive practitioner and educator, she is an author and speaker on the importance of touch, advanced training and wellbeing.

Why is my client’s skin breaking out after their holiday and how do I fix it?

Holidays are meant to leave us glowing, but for many clients, the reality is far less radiant. It’s not uncommon for skin professionals to see a surge of patients returning from sun-soaked escapes with sudden breakouts, congestion or dull, uneven texture. So, what’s happening beneath the surface, and more importantly, how can we support the skin’s recovery?

Why does skin break out post-holiday?

There are several reasons and most of them stem from shifts in the skin’s natural balance:

1. UV exposure and hyperkeratinisation

Even with diligent SPF use, prolonged sun exposure triggers a process called hyperkeratinisation, where the skin’s outer layer thickens. This traps dead skin cells and sebum, setting the stage for blocked pores and delayed breakouts that often emerge a week or two after returning.

2. Dehydration and compensatory oil production

Travel, air conditioning, salty air, sun exposure and celebratory cocktails all contribute to transepidermal water loss. Dehydrated skin can ramp up oil production in response, leading to congestion and imbalance.

3. Compromised skin barrier

From chlorine and climate changes to unfamiliar skincare products (those tempting hotel minis!), the skin barrier often takes a hit during travel. A weakened barrier invites inflammation, sensitivity and an increased likelihood of post-holiday flare-ups.

4. Lifestyle indulgences

Let’s be honest – holidays often involve more sugar, alcohol and processed foods than usual. These dietary shifts can drive systemic inflammation and disrupt the gut-skin axis, another well-established trigger for acne and skin imbalances.

How to help the skin reset

The golden rule? Less is more. After a holiday, skin often needs a gentle reset, not an aggressive overhaul. Panicked exfoliation or reintroducing potent actives too soon can exacerbate the problem. Here’s some advice to help guide your clients:

1. Prioritise barrier repair

Encourage clients to focus on hydration and soothing, barrier-supportive ingredients. Look to formulas rich in ceramides, hyaluronic acid and peptides to restore resilience and calm inflammation.

2. Reintroduce actives slowly

Clients often want to “get back on track” with strong retinoids or acids, but sensitised post-holiday skin needs time. Recommend a gentle approach: after a few days of barrier-focused care, slowly reintroduce low-strength actives such as azelaic acid or encapsulated retinol.

3. Recommend the right treatments

In-salon options such as Hydrafacials, enzymatic peels, LED therapy or skin boosters can effectively rehydrate, decongest and jumpstart skin recovery. Tailor treatments based on skin condition and level of sensitivity.

4. Simplify the routine

Strip things back to the essentials: cleanse, hydrate, protect. Advise clients to avoid unnecessary products or steps while the skin rebalances. Once the barrier is restored, you can help them reintroduce more targeted serums and treatments.

Above all, reassure your clients that post-holiday breakouts are normal and manageable. With the right approach, their skin will soon be back to balance, and even stronger for it.

Dr Waqas Nawaz is an aesthetic doctor offering non-surgical cosmetic treatments across clinics in London, Sheffield, Manchester and Dubai. He also runs the Dr Nawaz Academy, where he trains medical professionals in his techniques.

How can I attract more clients and increase profits as a home-based business?

Running a home-based beauty business can be incredibly rewarding, with flexible hours, low overheads and the chance to create a personal, welcoming experience for your clients. But to truly thrive you need more than just great treatments.

Create systems

Success isn’t about working harder; it’s about working more efficiently. Start by implementing simple, repeatable systems for your daily operations:

• Use an “all-in-one” management system to send automated reminders, manage appointments and take deposits or payments. It saves hours of messaging and significantly reduces no-shows.

• Batch your tasks. Dedicate specific days or blocks of time for cleaning, stock checks, marketing or admin. This reduces mental clutter and boosts productivity.

• Automate your marketing where possible. Email newsletters, loyalty programmes and pre-scheduled posts keep your brand visible while you focus on what matters most to you, your clients.

Time is money and every minute you save behind the scenes gives you more freedom to grow.

Visibility builds trust

Clients won’t book if they don’t know you exist or if they’re unsure about the experience. Focus on building visibility and trust through:

• Consistent branding and messaging. Keep your website and social channels professional, clear, and client focused telling people what you do and how to book.

• Show up on social media with valuable content such as before-and-afters, skincare tips, behind-the-scenes videos and client reviews. This helps build trust before someone even meets you.

• Offer a standout client experience. From the moment they walk in, clients should feel valued. Small touches like warm towels, calming music and personalised aftercare advice make you memorable and referable from home.

Word of mouth is still so powerful. Happy clients will share your business but only if the experience is worth sharing.

Think beyond the appointment

You don’t have to pack your week with back-to-back appointments to grow your income. In fact, profitability often comes from increasing the value per client visit.

• Retail wisely. Offer professional skincare or aftercare products that complement your treatments. Educate clients on why they need them and not just what they are.

• Upsell or package treatments together. Combine treatments (for example, a facial and a brow tidy) or offer packages to encourage rebooking and higher spend per session. These encourage loyalty and consistent results while increasing your revenue.

• Price for profit with confidence. Your pricing should reflect your time, skill, product quality and results. Don’t undercharge just because you work from home.

When your pricing, offers and systems are aligned, your income grows without you needing to work longer hours.

Being a home-based beauty therapist doesn’t mean thinking small. With the right systems, visibility and mindset, you can create a business that is profitable, and fulfilling.

It’s time to work smarter, show up with confidence and turn your passion into long-term success.

Bonnie Platts is the co-owner of AB Beauty Recruitment & Consultancy and has also co-written a free guide – Six Top Tips to Make More Money in Your Home-Based Beauty Therapy Business.