Sunday, December 4, 2011

Ask the Experts: Spray Tan


Ask The Experts                                                                                
Tammy Young, Licensed Aesthecian
Spray Tanning


Spray Tanning has become more and more popular.  Why is that?

It is really the only safe tan you can have.  Sun exposure, from either being outdoors or from a tanning bed, causes premature aging of the skin, different kinds of skin cancer, and a variety of other skin-related problems.  Plus, spray tanning products have dramatically improved over the years and has become a part of modern culture.  Those beautiful Hollywood stars have spray tans, and are not the result of hours in the sun laying by the pool. 


How is the spray tan you use here different from the do-it-yourself home tanning products?

The home tanning products contain a lot of chemicals and it’s hard to get on evenly – it tends to streak and have a unique smell.  And depending on your skin tone, it may not look like a natural tan. 

The product we use, Sun FX, is the same one they use on “Dancing with the Stars.”  It has 75% natural ingredients and produces a natural, brown tone – not the orangey tones you sometimes get with the at home self-tanning products.  We have 3 shades:  light, medium and dark and it is odorless.  We do what we call a “Rapid Tan,” which takes about 15 minutes to apply.  It sets in 2 hours and you can shower after 3 hours.


How do your clients prepare for a “Rapid Tan?”

We recommend you take a shower the night before your session and exfoliate with a loofah or exfoliating cloth.  Pay extra attention to rough areas like elbows, feet, or knees.  Also, do any shaving the night before.  After your shower, do not use any moisturizing lotion.  This preparation will help ensure a successful, streakless application of your tan. 


What do clients wear to the tanning session?

Wear comfortable, loose clothing to come and go from the salon – nothing tight.  Some clients like to tan in their bikinis, shorts, undergarmets, or nothing at all.  We also have disposable clothes for clients to wear if they choose. 


Can I wear makeup to my tanning session?

Yes, the tanner works through makeup.  And if the tanner gets in your hair, it easily washes out. 


Will the tan rub off? 

No.  However, there is a bronzer in the product that helps us apply the tan evenly.  This may rub off on clothes or sheets, but it is water-soluble and washes out easily. 


How long does the tan last?

It lasts for 7 to 10 days, depending on your activities.  For example, if you swim in a chlorinated pool, the tan will not last as long. 


What do you recommend to help extend the life of the tan?

We recommend not working out and heavily perspiring for 3 hours after the tan is applied.  Use a moisturizer and avoid exfoliating after your tan is applied. 


Sometimes the tan will look darker on calloused areas, like elbows, feet, hands, fingers and knees.  How can that be avoided?

If that happens, we tell people to spray some Windex on a washcloth and rub it on the area, which blends the color nicely.  That way, there won’t be those darker areas where the product has settled.


Are there any extra precautions for clients who may have sensitive skin?

No, we have had no issues using this product.  We have used it here at What’s New for 5 years and it has been successful for all skin types.


After my tan, can I get out in the sun?

Yes, but it is important to note that our product does not have sunscreen, so make sure if you’re going outdoors for a day of sun, you wear sunscreen as you normally would.


For more information about Tammy:  (Click here for profile)
To see a menu of skin and body care services:  (Click here for menu of services)
To book an appointment:  (615-890-5020 or click here for on line booking)

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Ask the Experts: Jill Shults, Nail Technician


                                                                       
Ask The Experts
Jill Shults, Nail Technician
Pedicures


What are the benefits of having regular pedicures not just in the summer, but also in the winter?

Having regular pedicures year round is a good maintenance program for your nails.  Skin and nails tend to get dryer during the winter, so it keeps your feet and nails moisturized, help circulation, and stimulates the nails. 


A lot of senior citizens have pedicures.  Are there any special considerations?

As people age, their toenails tend to grow thicker, and it may become more difficult to keep your nails cleaned up and at a healthy length.  It’s awkward for people of all ages – not just seniors - to trim their own toenails correctly due to the angle you have to be in to trim your own nails.  Add to that any mobility or sight issues that seniors might have, and it’s a good way to ensure seniors keep healthy feet and nails.  It’s not really age-specific – it’s true for everyone.


What is your most popular pedicure and what does it involve?

Our Signature pedicure takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.  It’s a good, relaxing way to maintain your pedicure.  We work on the nails, cuticles, and callus areas.  This is followed by a sugar scrub and a foot and leg massage.  The last step is polish, if the client wishes. 

Another popular pedicure is the Petite pedicure, which takes about 45 minutes.  It offers everything in the Signature except for the sugar scrub and massages.


Can diabetics have pedicures?

Yes, but that’s the first thing we need to know if a client has diabetes.  Diabetes affects circulation, many times in the feet, which makes them more prone to infections.  We take great care, particularly in trimming cuticles or providing any service that may place a client at risk.  For a diabetic client, I recommend talking to your regular physician first.


Is there a magic formula you look for when choosing a nail color for clients?

That’s my most-asked question.  Aside from a special event or clothes that you may be trying to match, there really isn’t a special “formula.”  It’s really about what color do you like and would like to look at for a week or two.  When a client asks me point-blank, I really look at that client’s personality to determine a color.  It’s all about feeling good and looking good. 


Many people worry a lot about nail fungus.  What do you recommend as a treatment?

I have seen through my experience that many people just tend to carry a nail fungus and there’s not a lot a person can do about it.  The only real treatment to get rid of nail fungus is to see your doctor to prescribe oral medications.  Some topical creams you can buy over the counter can help the way it looks.  I recommend keeping toenails clean and trimmed back as much as possible.  Then, make sure to apply the topical as directed on the nail and cuticle, and also pushed under the edge of the nail at the top. 


For more information about Jill click here
To see a menu of nail services click here