Micoblading

Posted on by thespanerd

What is Micoblading?

Microblading is the art of making realistic hair strokes with pigment to create the illusion of fuller brows. This is a semi-permanent procedure, with results that last about one year depending on your skin type. The benefit of microblading vs permanent makeup is it doesn’t go as deep into your skin. This means Microblading artist has more control over the ink making cleaner, crisper and more natural looking hair strokes for your eyebrows. It also will not fade into an undesirable color that permanent makeup does over time.

My Story

I was a victim of the 90’s and over tweezed my brows. For years I tried to grow out my brows and didn’t have any success. I tried various products to help grow my brows out and had a little success but not much on the new growth.

When I went to school for skin care I was introduced to the Microblading when an artist came into my school and gave us a demonstration. I couldn’t save my money fast enough! I wanted to get my brows done that day. After I finished school I researched a couple different Microblading artist in the Tampa bay area. Which lead me to Brent Weed. I followed his account on Instagram for a month or so. I loved all of his before and after photos he posted of his work. His work looks so natural to me with each individual hair stroke he made it gave a soft but full looking brow. I’m amazed how far semi-permanent make has come. The look of marker filled brows are over!

Before Pictures

microblading before picmicroblading before pic2

The Process

I booked my appointment for a consultation. At the consultation Brent talked about what I should expect from the treatment and he evaluated my skin to see if I was a good candidate for microblading. Luckily I was and then he took about 30 mins to map out my brows. Some may squawk at him taking this much time, but I loved that he took his time and made sure I was going to be happy with the shape of my brows!

 

Did it hurt?

Yes it did, was it so painful that cried out in pain or cried. Nope. If you have ever had extraction work done during a facial that amount of discomfort is a similar comparison as what Microblading felt like. The pain was not that bad. The bed I lay down on was comfy and Brent played music which help distract me.

I am so happy with my results. I am no longer spending so much time on doing my brows in the morning. My everyday make up routine is now down to 10 minutes!

SO here is the before and after shot . . .

microblading after picmicroblading after pic 2

brow (2)

I have absolutely no regrets. I love how my brows turned out. If you are considering doing Microblading. Do your research and find an artist that takes their time. This is one service I do not recommend going to Groupon for. Save your money and get it done right!

 

If you want to go where I got my brows done here is the information:

Flirt Wax Bar

https://www.waxtampa.com/microblade

4004 S Macdill Ave Unit 2

Tampa, Fl 33611

813.835.4929

Brent did my brows and highly recommend him! If you do go to the Flirt Wax Bar, please let them know I referred you.

 

*** I was not paid to do this review or given any compensation.

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Tip of the Week

Posted on by thespanerd
Tip of the week

TIP OF THE WEEK:
Get rid of the pump bottle for your massage medium.


Nothing ruins a nice relaxing experience when you hear the sound of noisy pump or squirt bottle in your session. Doll out your oil or lotion in a ramekin,  it’s quite for client and you keep massage medium container clean. Keep your ramekin close throughout your spa treatment for quite lubrication during your treatment. Make sure you clean and sanitize the ramekin between clients. This also helps you use less product and help keep costs down.

Teaching

Posted on by thespanerd

I’m excited to announce that I’m teaching part time at Summit Salon Academy. I’m teaching in the skin and nails program. I’m also helping to develop their Massage program which they hope start in January of 2021.

Disney day at the school
The Spa Nerd

SHELL MASSAGE CEU

I have made a CEU course for Warm and Cold Shell. It’s a 7 hours hands on course, check out the Education page for more information.

Warm and Cold Shells

Posted on by thespanerd

Standing at the forefront of innovation in naturally self-heating and self-cooling thermal wellness, skincare, massage and beauty products, Spa Revolutions introduces the thermaBliss® Enhancement
Collection empowering spa professionals and distributors with ultra-premium products designed for client exclusive,
effective and sanitary results.
With these first-to-market long-lasting, appliance-free thermal wellness tools for professionals that address massage,
skincare, body, and nail services, Spa Revolutions leverages their proprietary mineral energy thermaBliss® ChargeTM activated by water to enable five-star thermal wellness treatments for spas, wellness retreats, chiropractic, physical therapy, dental, dermatological industries as well as salons. thermaBliss technology with LavaGel® enables on-demand, cost-effective, game-changing, portable treatments
featuring thermal wellness applications:
• lasting up to 90+ minutes
• sustained mineral energy activated instantly with water
• appliance-free, battery-free, electricity-free, flame-free and safe
• portable, lightweight & compact
• client-exclusive, single-use and sanitary
The powerful effects of thermal wellness enhancements include:
• Radiant mineral heat delights clients & induces relaxation
• Heat increases nutrient-rich, oxygenated blood flow through vasodilation & conversely cold produces vasoconstriction, promoting health & rejuvenation from within
• Stimulates skin’s natural process of self-hydration & prepares skin for optimal permeability (up to 10x more
receptive than dry skin)
• Accelerates the molecular action of every skincare product & active topical, while speeding the tie to the
efficacy

Natural thermaBliss Shells

Available in three options, therapists are empowered to select the best option for the treatment or client.  When filled with the patented self-heating thermaBliss mineral energy, thermaBliss Shells heat for up to 90 minutes, depending on the selected thermaBliss charge, giving you the same heat as a traditional hot stone massage with just two stones or shells – no electricity of equipment needed.

Non-porous surface of all thermaBliss Stones & Shells allow for super fast cleaning and sanitization in under 2 minutes. 

thermaBliss Natural Codaca (Tiger Striped clam) Shells 

100% real Codacia shells are hand-selected in the Philippine Islands for their unique size, shape and structural integrity.  Codacia shells are carefully matched by size, sanded and polished to reveal their unique luster, bonded together and sealed to form a beautiful massage implement – a gem of the ocean!  Use of the shell helps reduce therapist stress, strain and injury, while extending careers.  Being an organic product, these shells vary naturally in size, shape, color and pattern.

thermaBliss Natural Cowrie Shells  

The Natural Cowrie Shell is, perhaps, the most versatile shell massage tool.   Its unique contours and ergonomic shape enable the therapist to utilize hot or cold therapy, delighting clients with both hands-on and tool-driven massage, elevating any service with just 1 or 2 shells.  This enhancement therapy allows multiple modalities: trigger point, reflexology (hands, feet), spot therapy (neck, head), as well as facial services.  Use of the shell helps reduce therapist stress, strain and injury, while extending careers. 

thermaBliss Ceramic Codacia (Tiger Striped clam) Shells

Handcrafted of the highest quality ceramic and crushed seashells, each shell is hand-painted, replicating the beautiful luster and appearance of the natural Codacia shell.  Use of the shell helps reduce therapist stress, strain and injury, while extending careers.  Uniform in size and thickness for easy heat management.

When filled with the patented self-heating technology of thermaBliss mineral energy,  thermaBliss Stones heat for up to 90-minutes, depending on the selected charge, giving you the same heat as a full hot stone massage with just two stones – no electricity of equipment needed.

thermaBliss Charges

Each thermaBliss Charge contains a distinct mixture of mineral energy technology. The magic is is in the minerals.  This breakthrough technology uses a powerful, patented blend of magnesium, iron, and salt that simply activates with water.

Each specific charge delivers a radiant, soothing and effective dose of heated or chilled therapy.

Body Level 2.0
Our most potent charge for medium to high heat massage and body treatments lasting up to 90 minutes.

Body Level 1.0
Ideal for 60-90 minute massage and body treatments at low-medium heat.

Facial Blend

For facial treatments, this mild blend lasts up to 60 minutes, stimulating the skin’s natural healing processes of vasodilation and hydration.  This blend is a powerful alternative to facial steamers, opening pores and allowing for optimum topical penetration. The Facial Blend can also be used in body treatments for those clients that are sensitive to heat.

Glacial Blend

On the chilled spectrum, use the Glacial Blend for vasoconstriction to minimize puffiness and swelling, sooth and cool overheated skin and close pores at the end of a spicy treatment.  Use the Glacial Blend in conjunction with any of the heated charges for contrast therapy.

I love massaging with shells. I hope you enjoyed the above information from Spa Revolutions.

Good Posture hard to come by easy to learn.

Posted on by thespanerd

The Spa Industry is a very physical job and proper body mechanics can help prevent wear and tear on the body. One key part of body mechanics is good posture. Posture is something that doesn’t come naturally to most people. I have come across a neat device to help training your body to have good posture, this devices name is the Upright Go. I came across the device through social media as I’m always looking for the latest gadgets to share with clients, colleagues and followers.

massage-therapist-self-care

It’s a small and slim device that sticks to upper back. The adhesive strip didn’t irritate my skin and it comes with extra adhesive strips. The strips remind me of Command Strips that you use to attach hooks to wall. The strips come off easily when you want but stay on securely when you don’t. It comes with a small black case and a charger. See picture for example of the product.

upright-go-inset-1

Upright go monitors your vertical posture, are you leaning forward or hunching. It doesn’t monitor every aspect of your posture. But it does a good job of telling you when your slouching and offers a training mode. The training mode vibrates when ever you slouch. The vibration feels and sounds like a vibrating notification from your cell phone. Because of this I wouldn’t recommend doing training mode while giving treatment. As your client may think that you are on your cell phone while you are giving them a massage or facial.

Most massage schools go over body mechanics and how good posture can help you achieve a long career. The terms sky hook and earth hook are often used to describe how you should stand. The Upright go will help you with your sky hook or other terms keeping head up and shoulders back.

It was easy to set up. I charged the device, downloaded the app, sync the app and phone. Then I just stuck it on my back. That’s it.

GO_1_49fa0810-0c12-45a1-bdc6-dbeb002bfe72_1024x1024

At first, I hated the app because it showed me how bad my posture was. I slouched 80% of the time of day. I mean really? So, I wasn’t ready for such honesty. But I swallowed my pride and kept using it.

The first couple of days wearing the device the my upper back quickly became sore. Mainly because I was using muscles that had weakened from my poor posture. I ended up getting a massage and doing some stretching of the Trapezius, Pectoral, Rhomboids and all the various neck muscles. This helped to relieve the muscle soreness from the Upright Go. They recommend wearing it every day for a least a week. And then wearing it couple times a week to help keep you in habit of using good posture. I used everyday for three weeks. That is how long it took me to not think about sitting up straight up straight and for me to just do it on my own. I’m not perfect but it has been a huge help in relieving some of my back pain.

upright-go-review-2017-07

The app has two modes Training mode and tracking mode. Both are useful for resource. The data provided by app isn’t an exact science it won’t tell you if your hip is hiked up or if you are leaning more on foot or the other.

When in training mode, the Go will vibrate if you lean forward too much, lightly nudging you to straighten your back and correct your posture. The vibration never jolting just a gentle reminder to sit up straight. I would not recommend having it in training mode for long periods of time because it will drain your cellphone battery very quickly.

Tracking mode doesn’t change much. The thing just won’t vibrate if you hunch past the threshold. Whatever mode you’re in, the device still tracks the time spent straight or stooped, presenting them in colorful, accessible graphs and charts. The app provides all the product information you could want and even built-in chat to get at customer-support staff directly. The data isn’t perfect, but it is a good resource for helping to improve your health.

Upright-Go-mobile-app-screen-captre

The upright go website states the following “Poor posture can cause fatigue, all kinds of muscular pain and headaches. It can impact your gait, circulation, breathing and generally accelerate wear and tear on your body. Hunching over and putting pressure on your intestines can slow down your digestive system. It can also sap your energy levels, harm your mood and affect how other people perceive you.”

The device I found is not a quick fix it will take a minimum of a couple weeks to truly train your body to have good posture. You do have to commit to use it. Making sure you take it off and charge it at night. I forgot one night that I still had it on, the battery died and had to charge it the next day. Before I could do my training session. To be fair to myself I had busy schedule at spa that day and little sleep night before due to my toddler being sick most of the night.

I think the device would great for spa technicians, students and clients. Really anyone can use it. But being in the spa industry and having taught massage for a couple years. I could see this device being used in massage school to help reinforce good posture while learning the basics of good body mechanics. I could also see this device being sold by chiropractors, physical therapist and massage therapist to help with their client’s treatments for back problems. I believe the Upright Go really can be used for almost anyone.

I recommend you try Upright Go to help improve you posture which in turn can help improve back problems and over all heath.

Upright go is currently having a special on the device with 2 to 3 day shipping. Follow the link to check it out. I hope you enjoy it just as much as I did.

https://www.uprightpose.com/

Disclaimer: I did receive the Upright Go for free. I was not paid to review the device. My review is my honest feedback and opinion.

Flowing facials

Posted on by thespanerd

When I first started out in the spa industry in 2005 I was a licensed only as a massage therapist. I then later became licensed as a full specialist in the State of Florida. The Full Specialty license covers both Aesthetics and Nails. One of the things that surprised me when I went to school for skin care as how often we take our hands off the client. Coming a from a massage back ground it’s a big faux pas to step away from client and be hands off for longer than a few seconds. So, because of this Facials felt very choppy to me and didn’t like the amount of time I left the client during a facial treatment.

So, through some trial and error I figured out ways to minimize my loss of contact with the client. What I do is scan their face and do an eval when I go to pick up the client. Then I do another quick eval under the Mag lamp just make sure I know what their skin type. This is also when I’m asking what their concerns are and what they want to be addressed during the facial. While they’re getting on the table I will pull products and put them on a little art palette. The art palettes (basically it’s what you would use to put your paint on) you can find at a craft store for cheap. So, the palettes have all these little round divots to put product in and I dish everything out that I’ll need for their service. I always put the products in order of application, so everything is organized and easy to grab. This is also one way to watch your portion control and not use too much product.

This prep allows me to have a nice flow for the service. I’m not pausing to pull out a jar to get an additional product because it’s already out. I have everything within arm’s reach so I’m never really leaving the head of the table when I’m doing the facial. Whenever I can I always leave one hand on the client or near their head on the table. This allows the client to know where I am always.

One thing that is a pet peeve of mine is when Estheticians just put a product on and walk away. If I’m leaving an enzyme treatment on or a mask on for a while I’m not just sitting there I’m doing a massage on their neck, shoulders, arms, hands or feet. I’m not filling out a retail recommendation card or looking at my cell phone. So really the only time that my hands really leave the client as when I’m rinsing my hands or grabbing a towel from the hot towel cabinet. This hands-on approach can improve you flow and give your clients the touch they need.

How do you minimize your loss of client contact with your facial clients? Hear your feedback on how you can keep your facials from being choppy.

Comfy clients equal happy clients

Posted on by thespanerd

woman relaxing relax spa
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

There is nothing more annoying than laying down to enjoy a massage and the table is rock hard. One way to enhance your clients experience is to have a comfortable to table for clients to lay down on. Having a massage or an aesthetics table that has enough padding is key. No matter how good your facial or massage treatment is if you cheap out on the table clients won’t be able to relax and enjoy their service.

There are several types of tables out there that have extra thick padding. Oak Works and Earthlite are some of my favorite brands. I am also a huge fan of the electric table that adjust the heads and legs as well. There are also padding options that you can add to table. Massage Warehouse and Universal Spa Supplies are two companies that I like to get supplies from so check there if your looking for accessories to add onto your table.

Another nice touch to add to table is a table warmer. The two table warmers that I like the best by Oakworks and Earthlite.

Oakworks Premium Fleece Table Warmer

I like the Oakworks brand because it goes up to 135 degrees, down side for this heater that it turns off every 99 minutes. So, if you have cold treatment room and able to remember to reset the heater this is a good option for you.

oakworks table warmer

https://www.universalcompanies.com/By-Category/Linens-Towels-And-Bedding/Bedding-Accents-And-Accessories/Table-Pads-And-Covers/_/Fleece-Table-Warming-Pad/110V1/

Earthlite Deluxe Fleece Table Warmer

The Eartlite table warmer is another good choice it goes up to 122 degrees and this is heater will stay on for up to 10 hours. This heater is great when you have lots of back to back appointments. You can turn it on at the beginning of day and not have to reset it after each client.

earthlite table warmer

https://www.universalcompanies.com/By-Category/Linens-Towels-And-Bedding/Bedding-Accents-And-Accessories/Table-Pads-And-Covers/_/Samadhi-Pro-Deluxe-Table-Warmer/110V1/

Another must have for your treatment table is a water proof sheet that will go over table warmer and padding. That way you can wipe down and disinfect your table between clients. This will also protect your table warmer and padding from getting oil or product on them. You can find these at most spa supplies companies like I mention earlier.

Having a comfy table that is nice and warm is one of the many ways to enhance your treatments. So, if you haven’t laid down own your table in while, do it. See what your clients are feeling and make sure it’s comfortable. This is one way to make your clients have the best experience possible and keep them coming back to you.

xo8 placenta stem cell mask

Posted on by thespanerd

Earlier this month I was given a mask to try. I always like to try new products and is one of the perks of my job to test products out.
Disclaimer: Rose  Laudisio the CEO and Founder of xo8 Placenta Stem Cell Mask gave me the mask to try for free. I am not being paid to do this review.
The packaging is nice and straight forwards, it talks about the benefits of the mask and the ingredients.

List of the ingredients

The mask, see the tiny gold flakes!

The xo8 website has lots of information about their product,  I have shared some of their information below.

Ingredients

XO8 Placenta Stem Cell Mask uses a cocktail of 14 unique and highly active cosmeceutical-grade ingredients proven extremely effective in rejuvenating the skin. It also includes amino acids, nutrients and antioxidants necessary to fight the signs of aging.

These 14 key natural active ingredients are the driving force behind the XO8 Placenta Stem Cell Mask.

For more information in the ingredients and the mask check out this link

https://xo8mask.com/the-mask/

The Mask

The XO8 Mask Placenta Stem Cell Mask handles your deepest skin concerns with 14 natural ingredients applied directly to the skin. The Mask dramatically brightens, diminishes lines, fades dark spots, hydrates, soothes, nourishes, and tones, giving tired skin a boost and making lovely skin even lovelier.

Our mission is to provide an affordable, high­-end, cosmeceutical-grade product that uses advanced technology to produce incredible skin­-rejuvenating results.

 

Testing out the mask

When I first put the mask on I had a cooling sensation on my face. It has a pleasant fresh scent and not to over powering. The cooling sensation lasted the entire time I left the mask on, which was about 45 mins. 

Not the most flattering photo, but wanted to share what it looks like on

 

The results

Before and After

So I saw a small reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, redness and inflammation was reduced. My skin felt like it drank a full glass of water, nice and hydrated. My lips also felt a little fuller aswell. I’m sorry the before and after photos are not best quality, but if you study the photos you can see the differnece.

Update: This morning (did the mask last night) the lines in my forehead were resuce by almost 50%. Wow!

Comments

  • The mask would be good add-on to a facial, peel or microderm treatment. 
  • Spas and Estheticians could use this for extra revenue for spa services and sell it in retail as take home kits.
  • Downside to the mask is having to lay down. You can’t multi task while wearing the mask at home. 
  • Which is also a benefit because it made me lay down and relax for a bit.
  • I did notice some overall improvements right after using the mask, but not enough to see a huge difference. This maybe because I only did one treatment.
  • The following morning I saw more of difference in my fine lines, so I like that it keeps working after you take it off.
  • Its is not a vegan product since it does have sheep placenta in the mask. So that could be a turn off to some clients.
  • It would be nice if the mask could be used more than once or twice. But most sheet mask like the xo8 are usually one time use. 
  • I would be interested in using a serum with ingredients in the mask as a part of a at home skincare regiment.  At this time I believe xo8 only has the mask to offer clients.



Star Rating

                               *******                                 7 out of 10  (for normal to oily)

      

I would give the mask a 7 out of 10 for myself, I have normal to oily skin and still relatively firm. I would try the mask again and I also would recommend others to try it.

UPDATE:                                                               9 out of 10 ( for dry and mature skin types)

I tried the mask on a client who had very dry and mature skin. It did wonders for her skin a huge reduction in fine lines and the hydration was greatly boosted in her skin.

 

Hope you guys enjoyed the review, I look forward to sharing more products with you in the future.

Busy as a Bee

Posted on by thespanerd

I apologize for not being regular about my blog postings. Raising a 8 month old baby girl , working a full time job and shoping for a house has me busy as bee!

I hope to share some more articles soon and post my first product review on XO8 Placenta Masks.  Stay tuned . . .
Here is a cute picture of my baby girl to tide you over till my next article post. Stay nerdy all my spa peeps.