With the darkening days and longer nights, and the Christmas season fast approaching, it is no surprise the winter period can leave you feeling a little stressed and worse for wear. If those winter blues are getting you down, there is no better pick-me-up than some beauty pampering and rejuvenation. We have a few suggestions for some luxurious winter treats that can help get you back to feeling fresh and fabulous, even through the cold, dark days.
Laser hair removal
This is the perfect solution to that time-consuming, lengthy, and pretty annoying process of shaving every day in the shower. Laser hair removal is a safe and effective treatment that uses a powerful laser, or intense pulsed light, to permanently remove body hair. Quite simply, the light from the laser is absorbed by melanin, the pigment in the hair follicle, which then heats up and is destroyed. Although that may sound rather painful, the lasers usually have an additional cooling device to soothe the skin during the treatment.
Laser hair removal is a popular solution to unwanted body hair as it can be used on any skin type or tone and on basically every area of the body from face, to chest, to stomach, to arms, to bikini line, to legs, to feet and every patch in between. The length of the course depends on the treatment area and the individual’s skin and hair type, but it is usually recommended to undergo a minimum of six to eight sessions and to do these as often as possible.
There is a lot to consider before you undertake this procedure, specifically the pre and post treatment protocol, so be sure to visit therapieclinic.com for more information.
Hair treatments
In the midst of busy lives and Christmas shopping, it is easy for your hair care routine to take a back seat. From exposure to the cold climate, to daily stresses, to forgetting your weekly deep condition, your hair may end up looking and feeling a little winter weathered. A trip to the salon for some luxury hair treatments is exactly what you need to restore shine and strength to your tired locks.
Fix brittle and breaking hair with an Olaplex treatment, a three-step process that locates broken bonds in the hair that have been caused by chemical, thermal, and mechanical damage to help repair hair, reduce breakages, and prevent further damage.
Try a Kerastae Fusio-dose for a tailored made treatment unique to your hair needs. With four Concentrés and five Boosters to choose from, you can create a pairing that increases volume, reduces breakage, re-nourishes, adds shine, or controls frizz.
Alternatively, you can always stick to a simple colour, cut and blowout. Try a deep mulled wine tone or a blended balayage, freshen up those ends with a trim and some layers, and finish off with beautiful big curls for revived looking hair.
Nail treatments
Although the chill of winter brings along endless opportunities to huddle in front of the fire with a mug of hot chocolate, the cold weather can wreak havoc on your nails. The nail plate can become very dehydrated which will result in weak and brittle nails that are constantly peeling and splitting. I think it is safe to say if this can be avoided, it should. Rather than leaving your nails to wither away, try a manicure that uses harder wearing polishes for stronger nails.
There are three main types of artificial nails for you to choose from: acrylics, gels, and silks. You also have the option to add extensions or tips to your nail that can be filed down into your desired shape. For acrylic nails, a polymer (powder) is mixed with a monomer (liquid) on your nail and begins to harden immediately. Once completely solid, the nail is buffed and filed to your chosen shape and length, and then painted and polished in the colour and design of your choice.
Gel nails are slightly different in that they require exposure under an ultraviolet light before they become dry and hard. A base coat must be applied and then 2 or 3 layers of colour are built up to create a pigmented shade. Each layer in the process must be cured under to UV light. A top coat is then applied and dried and then the nail is wiped to remove any sticky residue.
Silk nails are fabric wraps that fit on the surface of your nail and are then glued in place to strengthen weak nails and help cracked nails grow out.
Though there is a stigma attached to artificial nails with some people believing that nail extensions can damage the actual nails, it is important to note that if you follow the proper guidance for maintenance and upkeep, visit a licensed salon with trained professionals, and adhere to the correct procedure for removing them, these types of nails are not likely to harm healthy and natural nails.
Microblading
Eyebrow maintenance has become an essential part of the daily beauty regime. With that thick and full brow look being one that many strive for these days, microblading might just be the answer. Whether you are wanting to fill in the gaps, heighten your arches, or just define your eyebrow shape, microblading is a precise and almost permanent way of creating a bespoke eyebrow perfect for your face. The process uses a tiny blade to delicately scratch the upper layers of skin and insert pigment to create fine and realistic hair-like stroke. As the treatment can last for up to 18 months, your brows will be nothing less than fabulous this winter.
Remember to do your research before booking any appointments so you are clued in and up to date on the procedures.
