Keratin Complex by Coppola = A Hair Smoothing & Reconditioning Revolution

Kim Hannell  -  September 29, 2009  -  8 Comments
254/365... Canons of beauty #2 - Long straight...

Image by Desirée Delgado via Flickr

With Summer on its way out and Fall fast approaching there is always an added buzz in our Albany Hair Salon. It’s no secret that the Sun has damaging affects on the integrity of your hair texture and color. The common theme in the salon following the summer months is always trying to get our clients hair back in to great shape after the wear and tear of summer fun!

Complexions now offers Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy. Thermal Reconditioning is fast becoming yesterdays news. The Keratin Complex by Coppola is a treatment that infuses keratin into the hair and then gets sealed in. The hair will remain pliable and not stiff to the touch. It will take away all the frizz and about 80% of the curl. This gives you the option of curly or straight. (With the Japanese Relaxer you’re stuck with straight) If you choose to Blow-Dry it will also reduce drying time about 60%. The treatment should last about 5 months and dissipates as time goes by. The product is also cumulative and after the second treatment should last even longer.

The results from this are amazing! I have to say, as a stylist for seven years, I was skeptical of this product when it was first introduced to me. I have always felt that relaxing the hair always takes away some of the integrity of the hair. This product does just the opposite! It actually improves the texture and condition of the hair.

I asked my longtime client Brittany to come and let me try it out on her. Brittany has thick curly hair that we highlight. She loves to where her hair smooth and straight and was always a slave to the blow dryer and the flatiron. The combination of highlighting and heat styling was drying her hair out like crazy! After we did the treatment her hair was straight, but still had life and body. Her frizz was virtually non-existent! Her hair felt hydrated and soft. We were both 100% satisfied, even blown-away, by the results!

Before Hair Smoothing…

Frizzy Hair with Curls :(

Very frizzy hair plus quite a few curls :(

After Hair Smoothing…

Smooth, silky, frizz-free hair!

Smooth, silky, frizz-free hair!

I highly recommend coming in for the service if you are looking for beautiful smooth, healthy hair. The service can take anywhere from 2-5 hours depending on the length and density of the hair. You can not wash, pull up or clip your hair for three days after the service. The Keratin needs time to harden in the hair. If you get your hair wet during that time period you simply just blow dry and flat iron. If you have colored your hair it s great to do this service to increase the longevity of the color. By sealing the Keratin into the cuticle, it works as an anti-fade complex. Call to set up a consultation appointment with either Kim or Jenna! This service will really change your life!

Hope to see you soon!

Kim Hannell, Senior Stylist & Colorist at Complexions Spa & Salon

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Complexions Spa attends Eco-Luxe Media Event in NYC

Denise Dubois  -  September 27, 2009  -  0 Comments

The Complexions Spa table at the Go-Green Expo Eco-Luxe EventThis past Tuesday, September 22nd, I took part in the Eco-Luxe Media event organized by Go Green Expo and Rubenstein Public Relations.  This Eco-Luxury Press Event was a new and unique platform designed exclusively for purveyors of the ‘eco-luxury’ industry. The exhibition was held at Rouge Tomate in New York city just off 5th Avenue.   The exhibition attracted many visitors from different parts of the world.  The restaurant was beautiful and the food was outstanding.  The purpose of the event was to show-case environmentally friendly businesses and their products.  Surprisingly, Complexions was the only LEED Certified Small Business in attendance. Going into the event, I remember thinking about how our ‘little’ spa in Albany, New York would be received by such a big city crowd.  All in all, I think we performed very well – our booth looked amazing, journalists and bloggers responded strongly to our wellness focus and LEED-Small-Business story and several financial-types provided us with solid feed back and expressed interest in our business model.  Meeting that many writers, green-media and PR professionals all at once was quite the experience.  I was especially glad to speak with Glamour Magazing, TreeHugger, Organic Spa Magazine, American Salon, Spa Magazine and several other national outlets. Given our own struggles with local-media attention, I think the rate at which American businesses adopt & implement eco-friendly, energy-efficient practices will depend more upon the quality and quantity of coverage from national outlets like those at Eco-Luxe. Given all the green-trees that are ‘falling’ (better yet, sprouting!) throughout the world right now, it’s good to know that professional bloggers and trade magazines are putting themselves into positions that have the potential to generate quite a bit of sound :)

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Small Business Recycling – How We Make Money Being Green

Denise Dubois  -  September 9, 2009  -  2 Comments

Being an Eco-Friendly spa I am constantly looking for ways to do good for our environment.  Currently I pay my waste removal company for three different types of dumpsters.  One for trash, one for paper and cardboard, and one for metal.  It seems crazy that we have to pay extra to do the right thing.  It’s kind of like trying to eat right but at a higher cost.  Anyway a good friend of mine and fellow business owner David Schmidt from Renaissance Floral Design told me what he does for his company.  He referred me to a company called GreenFiber Recycling.  I was thrilled with what I found.  They are a company that pays you to hall away your paper, metal, cardboard, paper, and much much more and then they donate the profit to a charitable organization.  Finally by doing the right thing, you can save money and make a difference.  Check out their website and I think you too will be pleasantly surprised by what you read.

How GreenFiber Recycling Works

  1. GreenFiber supplies your organization with a recycling bin.
  2. The bins are serviced weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.
  3. Unlike other recyclers or waste haulers, GreenFiber does not charge for our services. In fact, we contribute funds to specific community programs for the paper they recycle.
  4. Your organization reduces its waste disposal costs while helping to conserve natural resources and raise funds in the process.
  5. We make environmentally friendly, safe and efficient insulation from the paper you recycle. Everybody wins!

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How Laser Hair Removal (aka ‘Permanent Hair Reduction’) Works

Denise Dubois  -  September 6, 2009  -  15 Comments

hairy gorillas like laser hair removalWhile planning out possible growth areas for Complexions in 2009, I certainly didn’t think laser hair removal would be near the top of the list. And yet, here we are nine months later, and business, as they say, is booming. Why such growth? Can’t say for certain just yet but perhaps after 14 years of performing the service, our experience and level of expertise is finally beginning to set us apart from the rest of the hair reduction pack? Or maybe the biggest driver is an increase in positive word of mouth from very happy clients, as demonstrated by the responses to a recent Kristi Gustafson Times Union Blog article asking her readers to opine on who has the best hair removal center in the area? What about the less-than-awesome economy? I’d wager quite a few women would find their total waxing bill over the past 5 years less than ideal – does the long term ROI on laser make waxing seem like an overly-expensive bubble-era indulgence?? We’ll find out soon enough I hope (customer survey ftw!) but for now, I’m happy to chalk it up to lots of little things done right, which when added up together, make a big enough difference to break out into our mainstream customer base. With that said… back to how laser hair removal works :)

Permanent hair reduction is founded upon the principle of selective photothermolysis.  This is a method by which hair is damaged or destroyed using a specific amount of light energy or wavelength.  This energy is absorbed by the melanin or dark color pigment of the hair, which then destroys the hair follicle impeding further growth.  This has been performed experimentally for more than 20 years before becoming commercially available in the mid 1990’s.  Today our IPL method is FDA approved for “permanent hair reduction” (n.b. only electrolysis is approved for “permanent hair removal”).

At Complexions Spa, Laser Hair Reduction is performed by certified laser specialists.  We use the Candela GentleLASE system which features a patented Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD™) where cryogen is sprayed onto the skin, cooling the upper layers and providing increased comfort and protection for our clients.

Before performing the procedure at Complexions, we first have to shave the hair from the areas to be treated.  This can also be done at home the day before arrival.  To protect both your eyes and the technician’s, special eye protection is worn from start to finish.  The laser settings will be set for your appropriate skin type needs depending on the Fitzpatrick Classification (ie. skin’s tolerance of sunlight).  In some cases a test spot may be done before you have the full treatment performed.  The test spots may be done to ensure that the laser is set correctly and that your skin does not react negatively to the laser treatment.

The procedure feels like a snapping on the skin and usually takes only a few minutes on a smaller area such as the upper lip or even the underarm or bikini line area.  Immediately following the treatment, you may have a slight sunburn sensation that typically last only a few hours.  We provide a cool compress and a soothing cream following the procedure.  The after care simply requires the application of a soothing cream and sun protection.

Because the hair grows in three different cycles and we have hair in each of these phases at any given time, multiple treatments are necessary.  We recommend treatments on the face be spaced approximately 4 weeks apart while those on the body should be spaced approximately 6 weeks apart.

Common areas to be treated include the face, underarms, bikini area, legs, forearms, shoulders, backs (male mostly ;), abdomen, the male neckline, under the chin or at the nape of his neck. LHR also effectively treats pseudofolliculitis barbae (otherwise known as ingrown hairs or “razor-rash”).

In closing, after more than 14 years in the hair removal business, I’m happy to report that today’s lasers offer a wonderful option for those looking to eliminate hair from unwanted areas with a lot  less pain then electrolysis (which while permanent, can sometimes require 15-30 visits for best results). That said, we do not tell anyone that it will remove every single hair for ever and ever.  Instead, we tell our clients that they may need a few touch up treatments annually.  There are things such as hormones, age, pregnancy, stress and medications that can influence future hair growth. As always, each case is unique, so if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the spa.

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Why We Buy OPI (Hint: OPI Makes a Great Green, Healthy, Non-Toxic Nail-Polish)

Mari Salinas  -  September 1, 2009  -  2 Comments

opi Matte Nail Polish ColorWith so many nail polishes available today it can be overwhelming when trying to choose the best one.  Why do I choose to use OPI Nail Polish.   I have used many different nail polishes available in the nail industry. Aside of fun quirky names, I have discovered from experience that OPI nail polish is one of the most durable and longest lasting nail polishes available. OPI nail polish stays on in some cases for at least up to two weeks! Since 2006, OPI has reformulated its entire line of Nail Lacquers, Nail Treatments, and Nail Hardeners to eliminate DBP (dibutyl phthalate) and Toluene.  What is DBP you might ask?  DBP or Dibutyl Phthalate is used by industry as a plasticizer.  It makes materials more flexible and easy to mold or shape. DBP in nail treatments is a major concern because so many people use them so often. It helps keep the formula from becoming too watery while you’re painting it on, and makes it dry to a hard and shiny finish. As for Toluene…

Toluene is a nervous-system toxin and Volatile Organic Compound that not only helps nail polish go on smoothly and adhere evenly to the nail, but is also used as an octane booster in gasoline fuels used in internal combustion engines. In addition to causing eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea, high amounts of toluene can also lead to birth defects, developmental abnormalities, along with liver and kidney damage. In fact, studies have noted an association between toluene exposure and an increased incidence of spontaneous abortions. (in other words, treat Toluene-based nail polishes as though they were the plague!)

Formaldehyde has never been an ingredient in OPI Nail Lacquers or Nail Treatments (+5 OPI).  In keeping with our philosophy at Complexions, we buy OPI because we believe OPI Nail Lacquer is best “Green” nail polish available on the nail-care market today.

A few of my favorites used everyday at the Complexions Nail Salon are:

  • I’m Not Really a Waitress – a rich crimson red very popular in the holiday season
  • Flashbulb Fuchsia – a bright fun purple pink shade
  • OPI Red – your classic, confident red
  • Passion – a timeless soft French pink

The New OPI Coleccion De Espana features the colors of passion that are full of drama.  Try the OPI Coleccion De Espana . . . an accessory to the season’s perfectly polished fashion.

In closing, I think that beauty companies which put the long term health and wellness of their customers first, second and third will, at the very least, have chance at succeeding within today’s much more vigilant market-place. The era of beauty products made with toxic, unhealthy ingredients is soon coming to an end. Brands like OPI, who continually re-invest profits into new R&D experiments that could someday produce healthier polishes at an even more affordable price, will always have the support of beauty centers like Complexions, where every product on the the shelves must always reflect the very same values and culture we ourselves strive towards every day.

- Mari Salinas, Complexions Nail Care Team

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A Day at the Saratoga Races to Benefit the Ronald McDonald House

Denise Dubois  -  August 26, 2009  -  0 Comments

Rondald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region New YorkComplexions Spa & Salon is very proud to be a sponsor of tomorrow’s 11th Annual RMHC Saratoga Fashion Show fund raising event in Saratoga Springs, New York. The event typically raises thousands of dollars for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region and is open to all. The festivities start in Club House’s At the Rail Pavilion at 11 a.m. Kristina Krawchuck from KK Image Media helped organize the event and this year they are expecting over 400 women! Saratoga Trunk is once again conducting a fantastic fashion show for all the ladies to see and enjoy. I can’t wait to see the spectacular fashions they are always known for. Natalie Sillery consistently does an outstanding job.

Our job consisted of putting together over 150 skin & beauty product filled gift bags full of wonderful samples that I hope everyone will enjoy and make use of. Several of my product vendors were amazingly supportive of the event and helped to fill the bag with an array of top-quality product that reflect our support of green and eco-friendly brands. Included in the bag will be samples of Go Smile teeth whitening toothpaste, Art of Shaving Shave Cream, Kneipp Bath Essential Oil and Lotion, Redken Shampoo, our own brand of Complexions Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Lotion, Yon-ka Skin Care, a Gardens of Saratoga calendar and Albany’s Where to Magazine. I also added a $25.00 gift certificate that the ladies can use at the spa for any service at any time. :)

It’s been a wonderful August Track Season so far – being able to be a part of charities like tomorrows has made it all the more amazing.

About the event:

“Come On A My House”: The 11th Annual Ronald McDonald House Fashion Show Presented by the Times Union hits the catwalk on Thursday, August 27th. This particular theme is based on Rosemary Clooney’s best selling song from 1951: an era of simplicity with a core deeply rooted in traditional family values. Those core values are what we instill at the Ronald McDonald House for the more than 14,000 families who have passed through our doors.

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Using Social Media to Enhance Customer Relationships

Denise Dubois  -  August 22, 2009  -  0 Comments
"ignore everybody." By Huge Macleod

"ignore everybody." By Huge Macleod

Whether you operate a small retail store, a business office, a restaurant or spa, your customers are using social media and could be talking about you, your services and your company.  I found that out recently, during the month of May this past year, when we launched our Complexions Facebook page.  Facebook is a public profile that lets you share your business and products with the Facebook users.  Your “fans” can interact with your Facebook Page and drive awareness of your business by sharing stories with their networks.  Today we have close to 200 “fans” and it’s growing strong.  When we initially launched our page we used our email club to drive people to our Facebook page using the incentive of a contest.  We asked our clients to comment about what they liked most about Complexions.  We had more than 60 comments with in a few days.  It was incredibly exciting to read what our clients had to say about us.  We were also able to use quite a few of the comments in some recent advertising and testimonials on our website.  I think it strengthens our bond with our clients to promote and cultivate a community where we can engage with hundreds of others who share in our passion for all things spa and salon – be it organic facials or hydrotherapy massages. Our customers and potential new customers are flocking to social media where personal “referrals” or word of mouth recommendations, review and references carry more weight than paid advertising.

It’s not just for young adults and teens either…The Pew Internet & American Life Project December 2008 survey found the share of adult Internet users who have a profile on an online social network site has more than quadrupled in the past four years from 8% in 2005 to 35% in 2008.  To see who is using Facebook today, check out the chart entitled “The Road to 200 Million” published alongside Brad Stone’s article commemorating the social-networking milestone in the March 29th New York Times.

Social networking sites are ideal for reaching into and beyond your network.  It also lets you connect to customers and potential customers for little to no cost.   Additionally we use our Facebook page to let our customers know about our calendar of upcoming events, and last minute openings and opportunities at the spa.

We’ve learned the value of our Facebook page first hand.  Social marketing is a game-changing phenomenon that is here to stay.  I see less and less print forms of advertising in the very near future for us. In fact, we have already cut way back and saved thousands of advertising dollars by doing so!  Every dollar saved equals another dollar re-invested back into what we do best – help people look and feel their absolute best. What’s more, less print /direct mail also compliments our commitment to green, environmentally friendly business building practices.

So… if you’re interested in having a two-way conversation with your customers,  if you’re ready to deliver value both online and off, if you’re ready to hear first hand how well (or un-well) the experiences and products you offer performed their primary purpose… then you’re more than ready to experience the thrill (and sometimes agony) of true customer-centric business development.

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Re: New York International Gift Fair, Jacob Javits Center

Denise Dubois  -  August 19, 2009  -  0 Comments

Jacob Javits Center NYCI just returned from the New York International Gift Fair at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City.   I attended this show with my good friend David Schmitt from Renaissance Floral Design, a wonderful floral shop and gift store located on Western Avenue in Albany.  We had a great trip.  He was kind enough to let me ride down with him and the next day I took the train home.  I promise myself that the next show scheduled for January, I will definitely give myself more time.  One day at the show was not nearly enough time.  I could have easily spent at least three days there.  It’s really quite incredible how many vendors there are.  Merchandise for any kind of store.  I only covered one and a half floors of vendors.  I also found myself rushing to cover as much ground as possible.  In the end, however, I did settle on a few select designers whose jewelry made me smile, not only because of  how beautifully unique the pieces were but also because of how much they were doing to ensure the long-term health and wealth of the communities from which they came.

The guild of eco friendly jewelry designers appears to be growing at a tremendous clip – and I’m happy to report that a  greater focus on verification & validation is beginning to take hold.  I was especially interested in seeing how all the different ‘green’ jewelry companies went about aligning themselves to the green movement.  Some stories were better than others of course, but by and large, they all made terrific sense.  Much of the jewelry was made from recycled metals and precious stones which were mined under carefully-monitored, worker-friendly conditions. What’s more, several lines went so far as to regulate the land their metals are mined from in order to mitigate any and all possible disruptions to the local ecosystem.  This made me very happy.  Being good to our environment can come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes – for eco- jewelry designers, being organic doesn’t mean diddly, but aggressively rethinking how their products and creations are manufactured from start (earth) to finish (box-in-hand) certainly does. And that my friends, is the fastest path towards sustainably positive change…

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Complexions Spa Talk in Saratoga with Paul Vandenburgh of Talk 1300

Denise Dubois  -  August 13, 2009  -  4 Comments

Funny Side & Jose Santos win the Jockey Club Gold Cup at BelmontSince sharing the Complexions Story and sitting in the Saratoga Race Course clubhouse, eating breakfast and watching the horses fly by are two of my absolute favorite things to do in the world, I figured spending a little time talking with with Megan Baker & Paul Vandenburgh from Talk Radio 1300 yesterday morning would be wonderfully fun time. It’s a fantastic program and a key ingredient to Saratoga’s one-of-a-kind August flavor. I hope everyone enjoyed hearing a little bit about the history of Complexions and why building green has allowed us to provide our clients with so much extra value per every dollar spent.  In fact, we had such a good time that Paul asked us to come back next Wednesday**, so look for us then.

**Because it’s important to always have something special to share during interviews, I decided to roll the dice and ask Future Hall of Fame Jockey Jose Santos if he’d like to stop by the Men’s Barber Spa sometime next week for a shave, polish and trim. August is a pretty busy month for him, so you can probably imagine how thrilled I was to hear him say yes. Best of all, Mr. Santos has agreed to offer a no-frills review of his experience on air with Paul and I either this coming Wednesday or next! More details to come… :)

Denise and Megan talk with Talk1300

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The Javanese Lulur – An Acient Royal Bridal Ceremony Perfect for… Everyone!

Denise Dubois  -  July 26, 2009  -  3 Comments
Rose Petal Bath by Paul Tillinghast

Rose Petal Bath

Continuing with my search for new services, we have recently added another wonderful service to our menu.  It is more of a total spa experience than a single service and one I think will move quickly to the top of our favorite’s list.  It is called the Javanese Lulur…A Royal Celebration of Love.

The Lulur originated in the royal palaces of Central Java, Indonesia, dating back to the 17th century.  It is still practiced today among Indonesian women and spa goers throughout Asia. The ritual is performed for 40 days, every day leading up to the wedding ceremony.  It would be given to the bride-to-be by the other women in the family as a time for nurturing as well as a time when they would pass down their wisdom and sacred stories.

The traditional lulur ritual begins with a massage using coconut oil infused with pandanus leaves and cempaka flowers followed by an invigorating total body exfoliation using the lulur recipe containing a blend of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, jasmine flowers and a hint of jasmine oil. The skin is left soft and gently scented. The massage and exfoliation treatments are followed by a flower bath laced with petals of jasmine, rose frangipani, seasonal aromatic blossoms and astringent leaves. During the bath, the bride sips a traditional tonic beverage called jamu made of turmeric, ginger, egg yolk, and healing herbs which purifies the blood. The lulur is completed with an application of jasmine and frangipani moisturizer. The ritual itself takes about 2 hours. As a spa treatment, this is one of the most pampering experiences available today.

The extensive use of flowering plants, rice and coconuts throughout the lulur ritual and wedding ceremony is symbolic as well as fragrant and beautiful. For the  wedding, the jasmine “melati” flower is essential, and adorns both bride and groom as a symbol of love and fertility.  The frangipani “jepun” flower is placed on prayer temples and in the home and is an essential flower of the Balinese culture and spirituality.

We are pleased to be offering this treatment using JAMU, a product founded in Bali, Indonesia in 1993 by a woman named Kim Collier.  The products are natural, vegan, ORGANIC nourishing recipes, animal and cruelty free, and biodegradable.  I am also happy to be supporting this product because

I know you will enjoy this incredible experience and we are so pleased to be offering for you.  This treatment is perfect for the bride-to-be, mother of the bride, and the bridal party.  It also makes for an amazingly romantic honeymoon, anniversary or ‘date night’ couples massage … and truth be told, works just as well if you’re single ;)

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Organic Sunless Tanning – Peak Season Equals Now

Denise Dubois  -  July 19, 2009  -  3 Comments

spray tanning old school styleWhen we first opened our doors in 1987 as Complexions Professional Skin Care, we always stressed the importance of proper sun protection. Many of our clients still loved the way they looked with a tan but wanted to avoid the harmful effects the sun has on our skin. As a result, we have offered this treatment for many years. The hour long process begins with an all over body exfoliation to remove dead, rough cells and smooth the skin. This process prepares the skin’s surface in order for our massage therapist to apply an even layer of sunless tanning lotion. Any accumulation of dead cells can lead to blotching and uneven looking color. The lotion is applied using gentle, efflaurage massage movements which completely relaxes our guest. The results are beautifully bronzed, smooth skin which lasts for approximately 7 days. For continued long lasting results, we provide our guest with a tube of the sunless tanning lotion to take home. We suggest reapplying a few times per week to maintain a nice sun-kissed look. The benefits are our clients look like they have a suntan without the damaging free radical attack on our skin cells and collagen fibers. To make this spa service even better we recently found a product called Chocolate Sun. It has taken the classic sunless tanning procedure and turned it into the first skin care treatment with the benefit of tanning the skin. The solution is made with organic, natural, and wild crafted botanicals, herbs, and antioxidants. Most importantly it is free of harsh chemicals. Chocolate Sun provides exceedingly high levels of hydration in addition to creating natural looking color. Shea Butter, one of the richest emollients, lubricates the skin while the powerful antioxidant, Green Tea, combats the aging effects of free radical damage. The color develops gradually, just like the tan Mother Nature would give you, minus the harmful UV exposure.

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The 4 Keys to a successful (re:profitible) Spa & Salon

Denise Dubois  -  July 16, 2009  -  0 Comments
Secret of My Success Soundtrack album cover

Before diving into a bit of spa-owner/manager/service-provider related discussion, I’d just like to quickly add the following preface: All good roads lead to consistently exceptional (preferably perfect) customer service. Which means, the following systems represent many – but definitely not all – methods of harvesting an overall client experience that’s as close to perfect as it can possibly be. But I digress… On with the story!

A little over two years ago we implemented a program at Complexions that maps out a career path for each and every individual that joins the Complexions Team. Short-term, mid-term, long-term… you name it, it’s all laid out for them including key milestones that need to be met in order to grow in their chosen career in the spa industry. They are given goals to meet in four main categories that if followed, provide a path to success that is faster than any other I have seen, heard or used since beginning my own career nearly 25 years ago. Furthermore, our program addresses many issues that have become more important than even to the success… or failure… of boutique spa & salons given the recent downturn within our macro-economy.

Classic Example #1: If your service providers are either sitting or waiting for clients to come in, you already have a problem. Of course, some will say lack of business is a tricky/complicated problem to correctly diagnose. Nonsense! There is always something to do in a spa or salon. Always. Sure, someone will say more advertising is needed… that if the owner/manager only advertised more, less stations would be empty. And sometimes, they’ll be right – but usually, when you get down to the brass tacks of the spa & salon business, the person, team, spa and/or salon with the highest retention rate wins.  In other words, once most of the non-moving parts are put into place  (re: the facility, the location, your branding, educational resources/opportunities for employees, equipment etc) what you’re left with is people. And people are dynamic! Always try to remember that whenever quantifying or calculating the ROI you earn from an employee or partner because what may be true today, may not be true tomorrow. People can change, both for the better and the worse – so if you want to cultivate more of the former and less of the latter, please consider carefully the following 5 commandments to spa & salon success:

  1. A Pre-booked client = a happy client
  2. Recommending the correct home ‘maintenance’ skincare programs & products ensures that clients look & feel radiant in between appointments
  3. Asking for and attaining referrals demonstrates confidence. If you’re awesome at what you do, don’t be selfish, share your talents with as many people as you can.
  4. To maintain a high new customer retention rate, combine #1 & #2 with consistently great results

The fourth point is especially important given today’s economy because sourcing new customers has become harder and for some, far more expensive. Keeping new clients creates more capital which creates more new advertising which (hopefully) creates more new clients and so on and so forth.

Given the two decades as “owner” that came before we introduced this program I can say with great confidence that meeting with each service provider monthly to evaluate – in detail – their progress is a truly awesome experience. It allows me the opportunity to speak with them, one on one, and really dive into their KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) with the goal always being to end up with ‘more positives’ next month. Laying out objective, measurable milestones isn’t always easy – it takes homework and knowing the numbers inside and out – but in the end, numbers usually tell a pretty accurate picture.  It’s been exciting to see so many people learn, grow and take control over their own success. Confidence goes a long way in the beauty business and being able to effectively measure one’s own performance is a powerful tool for those who learn how to wield it. Occasionally, there will be those who don’t buy in – who fight against things like management systems and performance reviews and  these people don’t typically last very long at Complexions. Not every new employee can work out exactly how you hoped they would – but that’s ok since the ultimate goal is to surround yourself and your team with as many talented, passionate and results-oriented people as space allows. We’ve still got some space to fill at Complexions – so if you’re the kind of individual who will not only appreciate but also accelerate within a results-driven spa & salon, by all means, step right up because the door is always open :)

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French Manicure FAQ & Best Practices Guide

Mari Salinas  -  July 15, 2009  -  0 Comments

Free Fresh French Tip Manicure Creative Commons

Image by Pink Sherbet Photography via Flickr

Over the years, Complexions nail salon clients – both new and old – have asked me countless times to give up the secret behind the beautiful results we produce each and every day. Like most things, there isn’t really a shortcut to success but rather several key maintenance routines that if performed consistently, result in phenomenal nails. For my first post, I wanted to share with you the answers to a few of these most frequently asked questions. Hopefully they will help you with any concerns you may have or often wondered about.

Q: Why are my nails yellow?
A: It could be many different reasons. Most common reason is basecoat is not being applied. Applying base will prevent the yellowing of the natural nail especially when using a darker or rich nail lacquer shades. A good base I love to use and have found to be very effective is Essie’s Protein Basecoat.
Q: Will Acrylic or Gel artificial nails damage my natural nails?
A: Artificial nails generally will not damage your nails. It is the way we take care our nails that may cause damage. Whether you go with an Acrylic or Gel nail, it requires upkeep. Generally every two weeks to fill in growth. When you allow more that two weeks to go by you may start to notice lifting of product and that’s when you may start to run into some problems.
Q: What do I do when I no longer want my Gels or Acrylic nails?
A: Be sure to have them Professionally removed. Get a nice manicure to clean up nails. Start on a nail growth system. Removing your artificial nails yourself can cause damage to your natural nail. After having your nails removed it is essential to get manicures every two weeks. I would recommend this for at least six visits. Doing this along with applying your nail growth system at home in between visits will add to your goal of natural healthy nails. I would recommend Duri Nail Growth System.
Q: Do my nails need to be long for me to get a French manicure?
A: No. there is no specific length you need in order to enjoy a French manicure.
Q: How long will my French Manicure/Polish last?
A: Depending on how active you are with your hands, your professional manicure may last three to four days and in some cases up to seven days.
Q: What can help my French Manicure/Polish Application last?
A: Applying a topcoat such as Essie’s Good to Go every other day will help. You want to avoid excessive use of body oils and or scrubs for this may cause chipping. When applying lotions try to avoid nails. Wearing dish gloves always helps too.
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Blowdrying Tips & Tricks for Dummies

Kim Hannell  -  July 10, 2009  -  1 Comment

A blowdry gone horribly wrongI can’t even begin to tell you how many times my clients say to me, “I can never make my hair look as good as you do!”  It is heartbreaking to hear those words!  As stylists, we want you to look and feel your best everyday.  Not just on the days you visit the salon. Styling can be an ugly fight if you aren’t armed with the proper weapons, i mean, tools! Here a some key points to successful styling.  Also, listen to your stylists recommendations for products. (Although we might have a lot of experience, we would never be able to achieve great results without great products!)  Use a blowdryer that has a nozzle on the end to help direct the airflow down the hair shaft or a diffuser for curly styles.

  1. Apply product as needed.  make sure you have clips and brushes ready, as well as your blowdryer.

  2. Assess and cowlicks, or “problem areas”  in your hair. These are the areas you will want to attend to first.  Whether it be a cowlick in your bangs or a double crown (whirls in the crown). You will want to do some “directional drying” on these areas first.  Blow them in the direction that you want them to lay.  Use your fingers to assist with this process.  If you have a sweeping bang, you will want to direct the airflow down and toward the front of your face to get that nice “sweep” across the forehead.

  3. Work the excess moisture out of your hair. If you are looking for more volume take this time to direct the roots of your hair in the opposite direction they are going to lay.  This helps create lift.  if you are trying to smooth out curl, use your fingers to create tension on each section of hair to pull it straight at the root.

  4. Once the hair is almost dry, clip your hair so that you are working with 2-4″ sections, depending on the density of your hair.  Thinner hair can take larger sections, while thicker hair needs smaller ones.  Direct the airflow down the hairshaft  while using your other hand to work the brush.  Dry the roots first and work down to the ends.  Make sure each section is completely dry before moving onto the next.  If you are looking to add more volume or bend into your hair, let each section cool down on the brush.  Let the hair fall off the brush and do not touch it until it is completely cooled, or “set”.

  5. After you have completed your brush work, give your hair a good once over on the cool setting.  This helps set the style and seal the cuticle down.

  6. Finish with a light working spray for volume or serum to fight frizz.

Try not to get discouraged.  It takes a lot practice and patience.  Allow yourself enough time to properly blowdry your hair!

- Kim Hannell, Senior Stylist at Complexions

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Is there a safe alternative to tanning?

Denise Dubois  -  July 9, 2009  -  2 Comments
sun bath

Image via Wikipedia

When we first opened our doors in 1987 as Complexions Professional Skin Care, we have always stressed the importance of proper sun protection.  But….none the less, many of our clients still like the way they look with a tan.  The truth of the matter is when you have a tan your skin is damaged.  Our skin’s main function is protection therefore, when we are exposed to harmful UV rays, our skin reacts by producing melanin to combat those harmful rays.

In Woody Allen’s classic “Annie Hall,” Alvy Singer laments, “Everything our parents said was good is bad.” He lists whole milk, red meat – and the sun.   Obviously, the sun is not “bad,” but the truth about sun exposure is much more complex than believed a generation ago.  Ever since Coco Chanel declared tanning “in” in the 1920s, a suntan was seen as symbol of health, youth and status. However, recent studies on the relationship between the sun’s ultraviolet rays (UVR) and our skin are changing the way we view that “healthy” glow.

What is tanning?

Tanning is the skin’s reaction to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.  When skin is exposed to UV rays, cells called melanocytes produce the brown pigment melanin, which darkens the cells of the epidermis.  This darkening of the skin cells is the skin’s natural – if imperfect – defense against further damage from UV radiation.

Is tanning bad for you?

The sun’s UV rays damage the DNA of the skin’s epidermal cells, triggering enzymes that race to repair the damage.  However, these enzymes do not always repair the DNA successfully, and all this unrepaired damage can lead to mutations that increase the risk of skin cancer.  Also, repeated unprotected sun exposure can cause photoaging – wrinkles, sagging skin, and spots associated with sun damage.

Does all UV radiation harm my skin?

Scientists divide the solar UV spectrum into three wavelengths - UVA, UVB and UVC. Once, UVA and UVC were thought harmless, and only UVB  was believed dangerous. UVC is still deemed no threat, since it is absorbed by the ozone layer. But UVA accounts for up to 95 percent of solar UVR reaching Earth. Though far less capable of causing sunburn than UVB, UVA is present during all daylight hours year round, while the amount of UVB in sunlight varies by season, location and time of day.

By the 1990′s, scientists knew that UVA exacerbates the cancer-causing effects of UVB, and is the main wavelength behind photoaging. Recently, an Australian-U.S. study found that UVA may be more carcinogenic than UVB. It penetrates more deeply and causes more genetic damage in the skin cells (keratinocytes) where most skin cancers arise. The National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization now designate both UVA and UVB as causes of cancer.

Doesn’t the melanin acquired through tanning actually protect my skin?

Darker skin does offer greater protection than light skin against sunburn and skin cancer. However, that applies only to people with naturally darker skin. Tanning, like sunburns, attacks the skin’s DNA, producing genetic defects that may cause skin cancer.

Isn’t getting sunburned more dangerous than getting tan?

Both are dangerous, because both result from DNA damage to the skin cells. It is true that sunburn has been directly linked to melanoma – one blistering sunburn more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life.  It is usually thought that lifetime sun exposure is responsible for increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma, while both intense, intermittent sun exposure – the pattern that is traditionally linked to melanoma – and lifetime exposure are believed to be involved in the development of basal cell carcinoma.  However, studies have also shown a marked increase in melanoma incidence in people who have developed either squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma. Scientists are still trying to determine the exact exposure pattern behind the development of the different types of skin cancer, but it is safe to say that both burning and tanning play major roles in skin cancer.

Are tanning beds safer?

Tanning salon owners say tanning machines are safer than outdoor tanning for two reasons: 1) they mainly use UVA rays, and 2) they offer more “controlled” UV exposure. However, we know now that UVA is a carcinogen, and studies have revealed that tanning salons frequently exceed “safe” UV limits. Study after study has shown that sunbed tanning increases the risk of both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers.

The facts bear out: There is no such thing as a safe tan.  However, there are safe alternatives in sunless tanning.   Being informed about how to protect yourself from unwanted sun protection is the best defense against skin cancer and photoaging.

A Healthy Alternative

The desire for bronzed skin led us to offer a healthy alternative to indoor and outdoor tanning called a  Body Bronzing which actually serves as a treatment.  During this hour long process the client is  brought into our wet room to first experience an all over body exfoliation which removes dead skin cells,  preventing streaking and blotching from sunless tanning creams.  The skin is very smooth and ready for the application.  We use a product called  Nature’s Healthy Tan created from all natural, organic, and wild crafted botanicals and herbs.  The solution is formulated with the highest concentration of these all natural ingredients resulting in a powerful blend of skin saving antioxidants which produces exceptional results.  This sunless tanning cream is free of harsh chemicals and unpleasant odors usually noted with sunless tanning creams.  Our clients are introduced to a safe, natural tan without any of the harmful effects from the sun or harsh chemicals at the same time they enjoy the bronzed look to their skin.

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