5 Ways to Incorporate Daily Care into Your Shower Routine

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By: Mari Perez-Lewis
1. Steamy Stretch: Use the heat and warmth of your shower to increase the effectiveness of stretching! Doing neck stretches in the shower is a great way to add some much needed muscle lengthening to your daily routine. Take your time and make sure you are balanced. Only stretch in the shower if you can do so safely! At your next massage session, ask your therapist for  stretching tips to take home and take care.
2. Aromatherapy:  Put a few drops of Eucalyptus or Tea Tree oil in your hands and inhale while letting the warm water hit your chest. This can help with congestion, inflammation, sore throats, colds, flus and even laryngitis. Want a bright pick me up for the start of your day? Anything citrus – Lemongrass, Orange or Grapefruit – will do the trick. Taking a bath to calm down for the night? Try Lavender, Chamomile or Ylang Ylang. A great resource for great, therapeutic grade oils can be found here.
3. Scalp, Head, Face and Ear Massage: Take a little longer with that shampoo lathering to loosen up your scalp and the base of the skull where all those tense neck muscles attach. Tug on your ears to loosen up that fascia that might be triggering your TMJ. Find all those yummy acupressure face points that help with headaches or sinus issues and give yourself some relief. (Ask your therapist to show you where these are!)
4. Soak it Up: A massage therapist’s best kept secret – Add some epsom salt to your bath and let your whole body unwind in it’s grain sized mega magic. In the warmer months, add some Peppermint Oil to draw the heat out of your hard working body.
5. Use a Scrub: Yes, sugar or salt scrubs exfoliate the superficial layer of the skin, making a brighter new you, but the actual act of rubbing the scrub all over is massage! So go to town, massage yourself to de-stress while you clean up!
Hope you enjoy these 5 simple steps to making sure you take time to take care of yourself!

50 (healthy) Shades of Color

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By Maria Kelly

The last glimpse of your once perfectly polished pedicure (OPI Flashbulb Fuchsia, to be exact) confirms its true: summer is coming to an end. We trade in our sandals for boots, shorts for leggings. The fall is the perfect time of year to strengthen your strands and reinvent your look with rich color. We have a few ways you can do just that at the Spa.

The harmful UV rays can take a toll on the health of our hair. Repair sun-damaged hair with Aveda’s Damage Remedy™ line, available from our Spa Boutique. Schedule an appointment today and experience the Damage Remedy Hair Renewal, an intensive conditioning treatment that moisturizes and repairs damage to your hair. You’ll leave with stronger, healthier, and softer hair that shines.

Spending time in the sun also naturally lightens hair. This time of year, our clients are asking for rich, vibrant shades of chestnut brown or auburn. What I love about Aveda color is that the natural ingredients are designed to protect hair during a coloring process, which is unlike any other color line available. Aveda’s full spectrum™ permanent hair color is up to 96% naturally derived with signature blends of organic conditioning oils. 

If you are looking to transform your look, make an appointment with a stylist today. Ask for a little bit of extra time when scheduling for a color consultation if you are unsure what would look best for you and your style. Features like eye color, natural hair color, and skin undertones are important to consider when choosing a new hue. We’re here to help! Hope to see you in soon.

Hydramask: Prevent Those Winter Blues!

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By: Megan Lenoble

With winter on its way, keeping your skin fully hydrated should be on your mind. To help with that [Comfort Zone] has an amazingly rich mask to provide the deepest hydration: Hydramask. The mask is great for restoring moisture to dry, dehydrated skin, especially when exposed to cold climates. Hydramask also helps to restore tone and elasticity, leaving the skin looking young, and beautiful.  With the hyaluronic acid that assists with hydration and protecting the skin against aging, this mask is a life saver for those dry winter months. Using it twice a week,or for a more intense hydration leaving it on over night this, mask will help keep away the winter blues.

 We offer the entire Hydramemory line here at The Spa, and any of our esteticians would be more than willing to consult with you and recommend the best product for your personalized skin type. A great aspect of the Hydramask is that the main ingredient is water which is what your dehydrated skin craves. Call to book an appointment or come in to look at our wonderful [Comfort Zone] facial lines of products.

Prenatal Massage: Help for Your Pregnancy Aches and Pains

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By: Mari Perez-Lewis

There may be no better time in life to get a massage than when you are pregnant!  While a woman is pregnant, her body undergoes numerous changes physically as well as physiologically and spiritually. The physical changes of her body can cause a great deal of stress and discomfort for the mother.  Carrying a baby inside you changes your center of gravity and puts a lot of stress on your back, neck, abdominal muscles, and shoulders. Pregnancy also relaxes your ligaments, so that your pelvic joints are less stable, and also changes your posture, pulling your pelvis forward. Add to that, the extra weight you’re carrying, and you may find you’ve got an aching lower back among other aches and pains!  Massage is a wonderful way to alleviate many of these discomforts, as well as promotes an overall sense of well-being.

Pregnancy massage is beneficial and generally safe throughout the entire nine months of the pregnancy; however, if you are having a high risk pregnancy it is best to discuss your condition with your midwife or physician before seeking a massage therapist. It is best to seek out a therapist who has been trained in pregnancy massage. This is important because you want your massage therapist to know and understand what is and is not safe for the mother and her baby as well as have knowledge of pregnancy and the anatomy of a pregnant woman. Proper positioning of the mother changes as her pregnancy progresses, for example after a woman is 22-weeks-pregnant it is no longer safe for her to lay flat on her back. There are deep blood vessels that can be restricted due to the weight of the baby, causing decreased circulation for both the mother and her unborn child. A trained prenatal massage therapist will also know which areas and techniques to avoid.  Still, it’s important to communicate with your therapist and let her/him know what areas need attention.  Let them know right away if anything during the massage, including your positioning, is causing you any discomfort.

Here at The Spa, we use a special pillow that allows the mother to safely lay face down on the table, relieving the stress on her back and allowing her to relax in a fully prone position.  The Belly Pillow is designed to support your belly and pelvis, and is safe to use right up until the last weeks of pregnancy.  Everyone’s pregnancy is different, and some women are uncomfortable with this option.  If you choose not to use this positioning, you will receive your massage in a side-lying position, supported by pillows.
Whether you’re looking to relieve some of your pregnancy symptoms (anxiety, stress, sleep problems, back pain, etc.) or just looking to completely relax before the baby gets here, the benefits of pregnancy massage are just as great, if not greater than standard massage.  In a recent study, pregnant women experienced a reduction in symptoms, fewer postnatal complications, shorter labor times, hospital stays and less postpartum depression.  Sign me up! Right?

Look Great In Any Shade!

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We often look for advice from our stylist on haircuts, color changes and upcoming trends. However, we often forget to ask about our day to day makeup routine, much less how we should change it up when when we do a major color change to our hair.

Everyone has different skin color and comfort zone as to how extreme their color pallets are.  Here are some basic tools to use when going from your natural color to red, brown, or blonde.

 
Going red : various shades require different intensities and how bold you are wih color. Blushes you want to stay away from are the red and pink tones. Rather, you should lean  towards peachy based shades . Eye color should be more neutral with beige and brown shadows liners and mascara. lip colors should be kept to a minimalist look with neutral and peachy color glosses.
 

Going Blonde : Blue eyes look best in cool shades such as grey, silver and steel blue. Blondes with brown eyes look best in browns and plums. When choosing your blush shade staying with a pink color looks best with the bright locks. Also depending on your look, blondes look killer with red lipstick. If you can’t go that bold you can get away  with a soft rosy or pink shade.

Going Brown : Brunette women are among the most versatile when it comes to makeup colors because most shades complement their lovely dark locks. Blush colors should be in warm pinks, a rosy brown and even a bronzer if you prefer. Your eye makeup is really a playground for any color you feel like trying out. Green eye ladies can wear purple shades, bronze shades, and even smudge with a black or charcoal liner . Blue eyed beauties can apply shades of copper and any neutral shades you choose; even jazz it up with a silver / or a charcoal liner. Last but not least you brown eyed ladies can choose any color under the sun, you have the most versatile eye color and can play it up for any look .
We have a wonderful mineral makeup line here at The Spa, True Cosmetics. Call to book your next consultation or mineral makeup application with any of our wonderful stylists!

Summer Protection With Circadia

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By: Annie Fabiano

The Sun causes 90% of visible damage to the skin. Not only does ultraviolet radiation cause most forms of skin cancers, it also causes premature aging such as hyper pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. And really, who wants that?

Although the sun is strongest in the summer, the sun can still cause damage throughout the year. The best way to protect yourself is by using sunscreen. When looking for sunscreen it is important that it is full spectrum and protects against both UVA and UVB rays.  In order to understand sunscreen, you must understand the meaning of SPF. Manufacturers use a process where they use radiation on a fair skinned individual and see how long it takes for a red spot to appear. Then, they apply sunscreen and radiate the individual again with various lengths of time until a new MED (minimum erythema dose) is obtained.

Anytime you are outdoors you should wear sunscreen and reapply about every 90 minutes. Circadia’s Light Day Cream SPF-30 is an excellent choice for a sunscreen. The lotion has a rich, velvety feel that is hydrating and brightening while protecting your skin from the damaging rays of the sun. The sunscreen is gentle for sensitive skin types as well those who have just received a facial peel, waxing, or microdermabration. The Circiadia Light Day Cream SPF-30 also contains a time-released agent that controls the delivery of targeted ingredients. The Spa at Traditions uses Circadia products in many of our facial treatments.

Be Trendy With Ombre!

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By: Ashlie Walsh

One of the most popular trends in hair for the summer of 2012 is the technique called ombre.  The definition of ombre is shaded or graduated in tone. The best way to describe this technique is that the way the color is applied causes your hair to look like you have severely grown out a previous color, or your hair has been dipped into a lighter color.

The lighter color is only applied on the tips or ends of your hair and then your stylist will use a color a bit darker to blend into your root color which is the darkest. If you are considering this look, something to remember is that ombre looks amazing on long hair and is a bit harder to get the look with short or curly hair. In order to change this look a tad, you can try putting a few highlights in order to frame your face to lighten the ombre as well. This is a good look not only for someone that is trendy and wants the latest thing out there, but its also great for someone who cant make it to the salon every 6-8 weeks to get their roots done.  The ombre technique allows your color last longer. This trend has been popping up everywhere, not only with hair, but also with nails. So if you wanted to try the trend but didn’t want to change your hair color, you could do ombre on your nails!

First Time Spa Ettiquette: A Guide to Better Your Experience

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By: Mari Perez-Lewis

Massage Etiquette
Did you know that only about 18% of Americans have received at least one massage in the last year? I often ask people who have never received massage what has held them back from doing so and the most popular response has been ”I have no idea what to expect or what I’m supposed to do”.  When it comes to massage, especially in a spa setting, a fear of the unknown can be a source of stress for some. Here is a simple guide to massage etiquette for first time spa goers to help you know what to expect and to feel at ease.

Turn Off Your Cell Phone
Always turn off cell phones, pagers, and other digital devices before entering a spa; this basic massage etiquette makes your session more comfortable and ensures that other spa clients are not disturbed.

Arrive on Time
If this is your first visit to our spa, please arrive at least 30 minutes in advance. This will allow time for you to fill out paperwork and for the front desk staff to give you a tour of the facilities, change into your robe and enjoy some quiet time in the relaxation room before your session. Unless you have arrived with sufficient time to be in the relaxation room at least five minutes before your appointment time, please wait to use the steam showers until after your massage. Your therapist will often have a full day of massages and needs to begin and end all sessions on time – especially if you have another service such as a pedicure or facial following your massage.

Speak Up About What You Want
When you call to make your appointment, the receptionist will ask you if you have a gender preference for your therapist. Massage therapists are taught to respect boundaries and use proper draping techniques, so either male or female should be fine. When you meet your massage therapist, it is a good idea to go over your expectations for the massage. If you have areas which you would like the massage therapist to address, request that he or she focus on them, and do not be afraid to talk about any concerns you may have. During the massage, speak up about anything that you would like to be different – more pressure, less pressure, another blanket, the table warmer turned off, etc. Your comfort is our priority as therapists, so please do not hesitate to ask if there is something we can do to improve your experience.

Stay in Your Spa Nudity Comfort Zone
Massage is usually done nude, but you are covered with a sheet at all times. Only the part of the body being massaged is exposed. You can keep your underwear on, but it might limit the therapist’s access to muscles that could use some work. However, that decision is yours and is dependent upon what you are comfortable with and what will allow you to relax during your session – your therapist can adapt. If you’re just starting out and know you have some anxieties about being massaged by a stranger, you could try a reflexology session which allows you to keep your robe on during the entire session.

To Talk or Not to Talk During The Massage
You may find that you get the most enjoyable experience by remaining silent, or you may prefer to chat. Your therapist should follow your lead. If you’re not talking and the therapist won’t be quiet, you can say something like, “I’m just going to zone out/be quiet/rest for a little while.” The therapist will get the hint. In general, try to use a quiet “spa voice” when you talk anywhere in the spa.

Getting Up From the Treatment
You don’t have to jump up instantly, but the therapist likely has another client after you so don’t linger too long. Most therapist now say “I’ll wait outside the door,” so you are aware. Your therapist will be waiting for you with a glass of water, and will check in with how you are feeling after your session, making any recommendations they may find appropriate.

Tipping
Tipping after a massage or body treatment is another tricky aspect of massage etiquette. Standard tips range from 15-20%, although you are not obligated to tip. Be aware that if you do not tip, the massage therapist may think that you were unsatisfied with the massage; if you choose not to tip, you should clearly express your satisfaction, or lack thereof, with the experience. Feedback about your session, good or bad, is invaluable to your therapist and is greatly appreciated.

Cancelling Your Appointment
The spa has a 24-hour cancellation policy. A Charge Card number is required in order to bok an appointment, if you cancel or miss your appointment on the day of the service you will be charged in full. If you know you’re not going to make it, let the spa know as soon as possible. A therapist might have come in just for you, and if you don’t show up or pay the cancellation fee, the therapist doesn’t get paid and another client may have missed the opportunity to have that appointment time.

Hair-be-gone… With Laser!

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By Liz Hutchings

As we enter the summer season, unwanted hair is a hot topic. Various types of hair removal are available, but which is the best, most efficient and easy on the wallet? From waxing to depilatories (hair removal tools) to electrolysis to Laser, you could be overwhelmed with the various options. Here are a questions to ask yourself when deciding which hair removal method is best for you:

1) How sensitive is the area (Bikini, underarms, legs, facial hair etc.)?
2) How often do you perform or get hair removal done in a given year?
3) What is the cost per treatment?
4) Skin type/color and any tanning habits?

If you frequently use any type of hair removal process you may want to consider Laser hair removal. Waxing, sugaring,electrolysis… all of these methods require visits as frequent as every 4-5 weeks and they can also be painful and irritating at times. Such methods can also get costly, ranging anywhere from $30 – $100 per visit. This can really add up throughout the year. Over the counter depilatories, while a cheaper option also need to be performed on a routine basis and depending on the product’s ingredients, they may be very irritating to the skin. None of these methods however, are permanent nor do they cause a reduction of hair follicles.

Hair Removal Laser used at The Spa at Traditions
Consider Laser…  Laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.   Permanent hair reduction is achieved by using heat to disable the hair follicle and prevent re-growth. The bulb and bulge of the follicle are areas responsible for re-growth; these areas are treated by the laser. The light from the Laser targets melanin, which starts to absorb heat.  The structure of the follicle is disabled by this heat. That said, the hair must be brown or black, because Laser light is not absorbed by white, gray, red or light-blond hair.
Laser Hair Removal requires multiple treatments, but will help eliminate hair re-growth permanently.  Hair growth occurs in three stages.  In only the first stage (the anagen stage) the hair follicle can be killed.  Unfortunately, hair follicles are not all in the anagen phase at the same time, and this is why multiple treatments are required. The number of treatments required varies depending on the individual and body part. In general, after 4-7 treatments you could expect up to 90% hair loss. Try to keep treatments spaced 6-8 weeks apart.

Laser treatments can range anywhere from $99-$300 a treatment, but is this money well spent. If you add up how much you spend every year on waxing and other methods this is definitely the most cost effective over time. Please make sure when consulting for Laser treatments you consider and review your medical history, including current medications, tanning habits etc.  This is important, as there are some circumstances when it is not recommended to have Laser hair removal, such as pregnancy, skin cancer, unique skin types, infections, hormonal influence, diabetes, etc.

Please call The Spa at Traditions to see when our Laser services will be available.

Turning Heads With Your Updo

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By Ashlie Walsh

With wedding and prom season here, the question on everyone’s mind is “what am I going to do with my hair?” There are so many really amazing updo’s and styles that are popular right now. Our salon has a large wedding-based clientele, so our stylists stay up on the latest and greatest way to make you look your best for your next event.

One of the most classic, beautiful hairstyles that will turn heads at any event is the Chignon. This is an up do that is placed low on your head and put up in a loose way. You can customize this style any way you want from loose with curls, to voluminous with a tighter bun.

One of the hottest trends right now is braids! This is a great way to dress up a plain updo or to jazz up a down style. You can add a side braid to mimic a headband or incorporate braids into the actual updo. Braids are also a fun style that can be done at home in just minutes but looks like it took a long time!

Another always popular style is the half up, half down look. This is a great look for those who want something fancy but not an updo. This look has gotten extremely popular with brides because you still look like yourself while looking special for the occasion. This style is a great way to have fun with and customize to your own personal style.

Half Up, Half Down Done at The Spa at Traditions

Side ponytails and buns are a newer style that has become super popular because of their versatility. You can gently sweep your hair to the side to give a toussled look or pull it tighter into a bun to look more formal. In pictures, side ponytails allow you to look done-up but most can tell you have longer hair.

When an important occasion is coming up you need to pick a hairstyle that will complement your dress, make you feel your best, work with your hair type and be appropriate for the event. It’s a good idea to come to the salon with an idea or picture for your stylist to look at and discuss with you so they can help you achieve what you are looking for.