Happy Fall All!
Whew! The staff has been busy. Professionally and personally. A snapshot: Chris received his certification in Hot Stone Massage; Kerry awaits the closing on their new home in Oak Park; Diana has been teaching Wella color classes every week; Linda has a new condo. The stylists enjoyed a Sebastian cutting class; Carmen is wowing us with her hair cuts.
We're looking forward to Thanksgiving with our friends and families and taking care of your needs this fall season. We've provided some solutions for the weathers challenges.
November Specials
Tuesday Two's-day
Get 2 spa services for the price of one.
Massage/Facial/Pedicure/Manicure/Waxing
Equal or lesser value. Tuesday's only through November. Sorry, no exceptions.
A Note from your Aesthetician
Sensitive vs. Sensitized Skin
Hello all! Though many of us enjoy the cool autumn breeze, the change in the weather can cause our skin to become more sensitive. Now that we're heading into the fall months I've been hearing a lot of questions and concerns from my clients about skin sensitivity. These inquiries have led me to believe that there's a lot of confusion about the actual definition of sensitive skin. So, here are some answers for you curious folks out there.
A lot of people who visit my treatment room at Thairapy Plus have had reactions in their skin due to products they've used which may have caused itching, burning rashy and generally uncomfortable experiences. This leads them to believe their skin is sensitive. Though that may well be the truth, usually a reaction of that sort is caused by misuse of a product or just using the wrong product for their skin type. When I look for signs of a sensitive skin, I look for a few things: extra dryness, a tendency toward redness or blushing and any sort of skin bumps and/or capillary dilation. These are all symptoms of skin that is either genetically or environmentally sensitive or sensitized. Don't be confused!
Here's the difference between sensitive and sensitized skin. Simply broken down, sensitized skin happens when some sort of extrinsic factor contributes to the breaking down of your skin's healthy barrier. This could be anything from product misuse to the pollutants in the air, the crazy Chicago weather or even consuming too much wine- sorry friends! Sensitive skin is passed down through your genes (thanks again mom) it's all intrinsic. If your skin has always turned red at the slightest touch, if you're always a bit on the rosey side and have always needed to use the most gentle skin care products to avoid a reaction- you have a genetically sensitive skin type. Sensitive skin needs a lifetime of TLC to maintain its health.
There's good news here. Sensitized skin can absolutely be helped. You can use products to not only heal sensitization but to prevent it all together. This goes for you too genetic sensitivity! Use soap free cleansers that are also free of artificial fragrance and dye. These are some of the top irritants in products. When choosing a moisturizer don't gravitate toward oil free. Skin needs some oil to stay healthy and maintain proper hydration. Even if you are prone to a break out now and again, there is something out there for you. Lastly, if you're choosing a moisturizer with sunscreen, look for titanium and zinc in the active ingredient section of the label. Those are physical (as opposed to chemical) sunscreens that won't irritate.
There are plenty more tips, tricks and information where that came from. If you are curious about your skin type, come on in and I'll be happy to provide a free skin and product consult that will start whipping you into shape.
Love you, but would you keep your shoes on?
We've enjoyed our summer in sandals and flip flops. Exposing our perfectly painted toes for the world to envy. Now we dig out the socks and shoes for the damp days of fall. The covering of our feet does not mean it's time to neglect a pedicure. In fact, it's an equally important time.
Feet sweat being in socks and shoes. Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria which causes odors. It is imperative to properly remove the dead skin from under the nails, the culprit of stinky feet. It is also time to trim nails a bit shorter as not to bruise the nail bed from our toes hitting the tops and front of our shoes.
Our Essential pedicure is $40 and includes:
• Foot Soak in mineral salts
• Nail Trim
• Removal of dead skin from around and under the nails
• Foot Scrub and filing of dead skin
• Heel Softening Cream and moisturizing
• Paint or Buff & Shine
Fabulous Fall Hair
The rainy days of fall play havoc on our hair. If you have straight hair you deal with matted, flat hair. If you have curl, you fight the "bad home perm" look. What to do?
For the straight tressed girls, start with extreme volume to end up with movement by days end. Start with a mousse or volumizing spray applied to the first 2" of growth. We will be happy to recommend the best product for your hair type. Section hair and blow dry by over directing the hair; keeping the hair higher than the natural fall. Confused? Schedule a lesson with your hair thairapist for step by step instructions. For the unexpected rain, carry bobby pins and a little gel, like Gel Forte from Sebastian. Create a low side part and sleek the hair back. Secure a hidden pin behind each ear if needed to keep strands in place.
If you have curl, embrace it! This is not the best season to flat iron. You will only end up frustrated. We carry a number of products for different types of curl. A fan favorite is Moroccan Oil Curl Defining Cream. The key is to hold hair in place while diffusing or air drying. Never brush. You will definitely go from fabulous to frizzy. If you feel the need to separate the curl, use a bit of oil, either Moroccan or Wella's Oil Huile. Very gently work through with fingertips.
Chilled to the Bone
Rainy, damp weather can make you feel "chilled to the bone." We offer a number of massages, but Hot Stone massage is the answer this time of year.
Hot stone massage is a homeopathic treatment in which warm stones are placed on various parts of the body. Hot stones originated in Native American culture by warming the stones over a fire, they were then used to treat aching muscles. The stones used are typically smooth rocks made out of basalt. In our modern times, the stones are placed in a machine with hot water and warmed up to approximately 125 degrees, a comfortable temperature for you and your therapist.
Hot stone massage may provide greater relief than even a deep tissue treatment due to the use of heat.
As most of you know, massage increases circulation, but did you know that the circulation from a hot stone massage is greater than a regular massage? Applying heat to the muscles and getting into the deeper body tissues allows your blood vessels to open which promotes good circulation. This will help ease muscle fatigue, eliminate lactic acid which can cause muscle cramping and pain and delivers oxygen to them. The mental/emotional benefit of any good massage is to combat the symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. Massage can work hand in hand with traditional medications and treatments to further promote contentment in your day to day life.
We offer Hot Stone Massage as a 60 or 90 minute treatment. $120/$140
Whew! The staff has been busy. Professionally and personally. A snapshot: Chris received his certification in Hot Stone Massage; Kerry awaits the closing on their new home in Oak Park; Diana has been teaching Wella color classes every week; Linda has a new condo. The stylists enjoyed a Sebastian cutting class; Carmen is wowing us with her hair cuts.
We're looking forward to Thanksgiving with our friends and families and taking care of your needs this fall season. We've provided some solutions for the weathers challenges.
November Specials
Tuesday Two's-day
Get 2 spa services for the price of one.
Massage/Facial/Pedicure/Manicure/Waxing
Equal or lesser value. Tuesday's only through November. Sorry, no exceptions.
A Note from your Aesthetician
Sensitive vs. Sensitized Skin
Hello all! Though many of us enjoy the cool autumn breeze, the change in the weather can cause our skin to become more sensitive. Now that we're heading into the fall months I've been hearing a lot of questions and concerns from my clients about skin sensitivity. These inquiries have led me to believe that there's a lot of confusion about the actual definition of sensitive skin. So, here are some answers for you curious folks out there.
A lot of people who visit my treatment room at Thairapy Plus have had reactions in their skin due to products they've used which may have caused itching, burning rashy and generally uncomfortable experiences. This leads them to believe their skin is sensitive. Though that may well be the truth, usually a reaction of that sort is caused by misuse of a product or just using the wrong product for their skin type. When I look for signs of a sensitive skin, I look for a few things: extra dryness, a tendency toward redness or blushing and any sort of skin bumps and/or capillary dilation. These are all symptoms of skin that is either genetically or environmentally sensitive or sensitized. Don't be confused!
Here's the difference between sensitive and sensitized skin. Simply broken down, sensitized skin happens when some sort of extrinsic factor contributes to the breaking down of your skin's healthy barrier. This could be anything from product misuse to the pollutants in the air, the crazy Chicago weather or even consuming too much wine- sorry friends! Sensitive skin is passed down through your genes (thanks again mom) it's all intrinsic. If your skin has always turned red at the slightest touch, if you're always a bit on the rosey side and have always needed to use the most gentle skin care products to avoid a reaction- you have a genetically sensitive skin type. Sensitive skin needs a lifetime of TLC to maintain its health.
There's good news here. Sensitized skin can absolutely be helped. You can use products to not only heal sensitization but to prevent it all together. This goes for you too genetic sensitivity! Use soap free cleansers that are also free of artificial fragrance and dye. These are some of the top irritants in products. When choosing a moisturizer don't gravitate toward oil free. Skin needs some oil to stay healthy and maintain proper hydration. Even if you are prone to a break out now and again, there is something out there for you. Lastly, if you're choosing a moisturizer with sunscreen, look for titanium and zinc in the active ingredient section of the label. Those are physical (as opposed to chemical) sunscreens that won't irritate.
There are plenty more tips, tricks and information where that came from. If you are curious about your skin type, come on in and I'll be happy to provide a free skin and product consult that will start whipping you into shape.
Love you, but would you keep your shoes on?
We've enjoyed our summer in sandals and flip flops. Exposing our perfectly painted toes for the world to envy. Now we dig out the socks and shoes for the damp days of fall. The covering of our feet does not mean it's time to neglect a pedicure. In fact, it's an equally important time.
Feet sweat being in socks and shoes. Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria which causes odors. It is imperative to properly remove the dead skin from under the nails, the culprit of stinky feet. It is also time to trim nails a bit shorter as not to bruise the nail bed from our toes hitting the tops and front of our shoes.
Our Essential pedicure is $40 and includes:
• Foot Soak in mineral salts
• Nail Trim
• Removal of dead skin from around and under the nails
• Foot Scrub and filing of dead skin
• Heel Softening Cream and moisturizing
• Paint or Buff & Shine
Fabulous Fall Hair
The rainy days of fall play havoc on our hair. If you have straight hair you deal with matted, flat hair. If you have curl, you fight the "bad home perm" look. What to do?
For the straight tressed girls, start with extreme volume to end up with movement by days end. Start with a mousse or volumizing spray applied to the first 2" of growth. We will be happy to recommend the best product for your hair type. Section hair and blow dry by over directing the hair; keeping the hair higher than the natural fall. Confused? Schedule a lesson with your hair thairapist for step by step instructions. For the unexpected rain, carry bobby pins and a little gel, like Gel Forte from Sebastian. Create a low side part and sleek the hair back. Secure a hidden pin behind each ear if needed to keep strands in place.
If you have curl, embrace it! This is not the best season to flat iron. You will only end up frustrated. We carry a number of products for different types of curl. A fan favorite is Moroccan Oil Curl Defining Cream. The key is to hold hair in place while diffusing or air drying. Never brush. You will definitely go from fabulous to frizzy. If you feel the need to separate the curl, use a bit of oil, either Moroccan or Wella's Oil Huile. Very gently work through with fingertips.
Chilled to the Bone
Rainy, damp weather can make you feel "chilled to the bone." We offer a number of massages, but Hot Stone massage is the answer this time of year.
Hot stone massage is a homeopathic treatment in which warm stones are placed on various parts of the body. Hot stones originated in Native American culture by warming the stones over a fire, they were then used to treat aching muscles. The stones used are typically smooth rocks made out of basalt. In our modern times, the stones are placed in a machine with hot water and warmed up to approximately 125 degrees, a comfortable temperature for you and your therapist.
Hot stone massage may provide greater relief than even a deep tissue treatment due to the use of heat.
As most of you know, massage increases circulation, but did you know that the circulation from a hot stone massage is greater than a regular massage? Applying heat to the muscles and getting into the deeper body tissues allows your blood vessels to open which promotes good circulation. This will help ease muscle fatigue, eliminate lactic acid which can cause muscle cramping and pain and delivers oxygen to them. The mental/emotional benefit of any good massage is to combat the symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. Massage can work hand in hand with traditional medications and treatments to further promote contentment in your day to day life.
We offer Hot Stone Massage as a 60 or 90 minute treatment. $120/$140
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