Upcoming Webinar: Solo Studies: Building a Business

Solo Studies: Building a Business

May 20, 2024 11:00 AM (CST) 9:00 AM (PST)

Any skin care professional considering launching a career as a solo aesthetician should look no further than an established professional brand with results-driven products. This webinar will dive into theimportance of a business plan and resources, building a professional backbar with skin type treatment flexibility without straining a budget, investing in product to generate a return, and discovering how to leverage dropshipping and samples effectively to boost retail sales revenue.Tune into these business building blocks as well as Skin Script's essential offerings, exceptional award-winning customer service, and educational resources, empowering skin care professionals for success in their journeys. 

MEET THE PRESENTER 

Michael Shueydirector of education for Skin Script Skin Care, is a celebrated clinical hypnotherapist, Arizona-board certified licensed massage therapist and Arizona-board licensed aesthetician and instructor. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in learning and pedagogy from Northern Arizona University, Shuey’s aspiration to make a difference, deepened. His commitment to individuals’ health, growth and well-being inspired enrollment at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts in Tempe, Arizona. There, her graduated with specialization in massage, skin care, hypnotherapy, reiki, and craniosacral therapy. His hands and heart unified.

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SKIN LAB

Photography by Lauren Di Donato Photography

SKINLAB is located centrally in the township of East Norriton, Pennsylvania, where owner Christina Lawler grew up. What sets SKINLAB apart from other spas is the private, personalized, boutique-like experience it offers. It is all about combining skin care with self-care. As a solo aesthetician practice, each client receives exclusive attention from Lawler during their visit, getting customized treatments tailored to improve their overall skin health while being able to relax in a tranquil environment where they can truly unwind.

 

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Contact Information

@skinlab.pa

skinlabpa.com

(484) 257-9814

 

Mastering the Melt

In the always-changing world of aesthetics, the skill of waxing is more than just removing body hair. It becomes an intricate art form that allows professionals to connect with clients and help them build their self-confidence. In this article, deep dive into the world of waxing, and learn everything from the fundamental principles to staying on top of the latest trends in the industry.

WAXING & AESTHETICS

Waxing is more than just applying wax and removing hair; it can be a huge component in the skin care professional’s tool kit. Beyond the immediate cosmetic benefits, waxing contributes to a profound sense of well-being and confidence for clients. Waxers serve as artists, sculpting not just the physical contours but also the emotional landscape of their clients through the transformative power of waxing. They hold the key to helping clients build positive self-images and find confidence within themselves. Clients trust their beauty professionals to provide them with quality services but also to create a safe, judgment-free environment at the same time. 

For professionals in the beauty industry who may not be drawn to offering facial services, discovering an enjoyment of waxing is like unlocking a secret superpower in the realm of aesthetics. It is not just another choice; it is a game changer that allows one’s skills to shine. Clients want more than just a basic wax. They want a professional who can make the experience personal and tailored to them. Waxing can put a professional in the position where they are providing a comprehensive aesthetic experience that boosts confidence. As the demand for specialized care keeps growing, those diving into the waxing game find themselves leading the pack in an industry that values skill, precision, and a personal touch.

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Taylor Wilson is a licensed aesthetician hailing from the Washington Metropolitan area. She is a graduate of Von Lee International School of Esthetics, founded by the legendary Carole Walderman. She was wax trainer at a European Wax center and eventually transitioned into her own studio, JB Skin Clinic, full time where she provided waxing and skin revision treatments. Realizing she wanted to focus on education and helping other aestheticians reach their goals, she came on board to Starpil as their brand educator.

Precision & Permanence  

In 2024, skin care professionals represent an authority, responsible for understanding all types of hair removal. Being a hair removal expert requires aligning clients with the outcomes they desire based on treatment benefits, their goals, and budget. While waxing and sugaring have been staples in the hair removal market by being the top epilation treatments of choice, laser hair removal and electrolysis treatments for semipermanent and permanent hair reduction are following close behind and may even surpass temporary hair removal services entirely.

It is important to begin at the genesis of hair removal procedures for skin care professionals, which is waxing. Hair growth begins in the anagen stage, with waxing becoming appropriate as the hair reaches the catagen stage to ensure enough growth for the wax to latch onto and be removed seamlessly from the hair follicle. Waxing hair removal treatments are generally applied in the direction of the hair growth and use either a soft or hard wax solution, due to the type of hair (terminal or vellus) as well as the part of the body being treated. Soft wax requires the use of Pellon paper or fabric to remove the wax from the body - with hard wax not requiring the use of paper at all.  

There are many types of wax on the market today, with various types having preference over others due to sensitivity, the amount of hair it can adhere to, and whether the wax may break while pulling. The goal is for the client to have as painless an experience as possible in a short amount of time – with smooth skin and zero hair left behind. Ultimately, whether the professional performs waxing or sugaring techniques to remove hair by way of epilation techniques, the hair generally frees itself from the hair follicle for the duration of three to four weeks (sometimes five to six weeks for slower hair growing clientele) and then grow back.  

LASER FOCUS 

Laser, in and of itself, is a category that ultimately comprises a multitude of modalities. Lasers can either create ablation or nonablation of skin tissue. Laser hair removal will always fall under the nonablative category of laser light technology, which does not ablate skin tissue, meaning, for example, clients are able to quickly go back to work without any serious downtime. Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that uses highly concentrated light to remove unwanted hair from different parts of the body. The laser emits a beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicles, damaging them and preventing future hair growth. This safe and effective method has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional methods like shaving, waxing, and plucking. However, not all laser hair removal treatments are the same.  

Diode Laser 

The diode laser is one of the most used lasers for hair removal. It emits a longer wavelength of light that can penetrate deeper into skin, making it ideal for treating darker skin tones and thicker hair. This laser also has a larger spot size, which means that it can cover a larger area at once, making the treatment faster and more efficient. 

Alexandrite Laser 

The alexandrite laser is known for its fast treatment time and effectiveness in removing light to olive complexion hair. It emits a shorter wavelength of light that is easily absorbed by lighter skin tones, making it a popular choice for people with fair skin. However, this laser has a smaller spot size compared to the diode laser, so it may take longer to treat larger areas of the body. 

Nd:YAG Laser 

The Nd:YAG laser is a versatile option that can be used on all skin types, including tanned or darker skin. It emits a longer wavelength of light that can penetrate deeply into skin without causing damage to the surrounding tissues. This laser is also effective in treating finer hair, making it a great option for people with lighter hair colors. 

Ruby Laser 

The ruby laser was one of the first lasers used for hair removal and is still used today. It emits a shorter wavelength of light that is best absorbed by lighter skin tones and darker hair. However, this laser has a smaller spot size and can be less effective on finer or lighter hair. Due to the ruby crystal being one of the first laser mediums, it is a historical laser medium at this present time in the industry and may not be the first choice when purchasing equipment as a provider. 

Intense Pulsed Light 

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is not technically a laser, but it works in a similar way to remove unwanted hair. It uses broad-spectrum light with multiple wavelengths to target the hair follicles, making it suitable for a wide range of skin tones and hair types. However, because intense pulsed light is not as targeted as traditional lasers, it may require more sessions for optimal results. 

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Courtney Sykes is the chief administrative officer of Southeastern Esthetics Institute and is a licensed aesthetics instructor in South Carolina. Sykes is also the creator of Courtney Sykes Molecular Anti-Aging, a clinical skin care line for consumers and professionals. Her passion lies in creating real change in the aesthetics industry, assisting her students to obtain gainful employment and make a difference in the lives of their clients. Sykes specializes in a science-based approach to skin health and education. Her primary focus is chemical peels, laser treatments, eyelash extensions, micropigmentation, and cosmetic lasers. Her background in medical spa management has led her to nationally accredit the largest licensed aesthetics school in South Carolina – Southeastern Esthetics Institute. 

Getting Intimate 

It is safe to say, intimate skin care has evolved greatly in the last decade and has become more popular, with high demand from both women and men. Intimate skin care has also created a specific niche within the skin care industry that any skin care provider could make a highly successful career out of alone.

It is no longer just waxing and laser treatments that service intimate areas. Sugaring, vajacials, specific intimate skin care product lines, v-steaming, male specific hair removal, intimate lightening, and vaginal and anal rejuvenation are among some of the most popular intimate skin treatments available today. While every skin care provider may have their preference on what type of intimate skin treatment to offer clientele within their own practice or business, intimate services are a powerful way to help clients gain confidence and can have a huge impact on their self-esteem by providing a safe and sacred space for them to be vulnerable, incredibly brave, and trusting without fear of judgment. By offering intimate area services and lending judgment-free support to clients, service providers create a priceless experience which is incredibly valuable as a service provider. Own that energy and take pride in it! 

BIKINI TO BRAZILIAN 

Hair removal preferences are personal, and there are a wide range of preferences. Limiting intimate hair removal to only bikini and Brazilian waxing or sugaring menu options is like owning a coffee shop and only offering two choices.

The first step in diversifying a hair removal menu is to understand the different types of treatments and the terminology associated. A Brazilian service leaves no hair behind and is considered the removal of all hair, front and back. A bikini hair removal service is generally considered the removal of all hair outside of the underwear line, such as the inner thighs and top of the mons pubis and usually does not include hair removal of the backside.

Bikini and Brazilian waxing and sugaring options on a service menu may include but are not limited to the following, regular bikini, tight bikini, bikini with backside, regular Brazilian, Brazilian without backside, and many more. Whatever service options are chosen to be included on the menu, be sure to include a detailed description of what the service entails as well as proper preparations and precautions the potential client can take before arriving at the appointment.

Before beginning the wax or sugaring service, always consult with the client to be sure about their hair preferences. Even if the client has booked a Brazilian, they may prefer a strip or patch of hair left behind or they may not even know what a Brazilian means. Clear communication is both compassionate and sets the standard for perceived expectations.

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Tiffanie is a licensed aesthetician, CEO of Sweet Cheeks Waxing and Skincare, and an aesthetician educator and mentor of Sweet Cheeks University, specializing in Brazilian wax education. Follow @sweetcheeksuniversity and @sweetcheekswaxingskincare on Facebook andInstagram for more.

Beyond Waxing 

The limitations of laser hair removal have become less in number lately, as advanced technology can now target light-colored hair and dark skin tones. With this progress, it is a wonder how sugaring, as the oldest method and such a basic process of hair removal, can continue to hold its own in the hair removal industry. 

Hair removal specialists that already offer laser treatments may feel that they already provide the best in hair removal; however, combining laser with a reputable sugaring system makes a broader range of hair removal candidates available for a business to target. Sugaring opens the door to a variety of clients that may be unable to receive lasering treatments for various reasons, such as the color and texture of their skin and hair, skin sensitivity, and even skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.  

NOT ONE & THE SAME 

Many people, in and outside of the industry, confuse sugaring with waxing, as both are applied to skin, spread across a section, and then removed from skin, taking hair. There are several fundamental differences between sugaring and waxing.  

Firstly, sugar pastes are water soluble, making post-hair removal cleanup much easier. Base formulations are all made of sugar, water, and lemon. Waxes, on the other hand, require special solvents for cleanups. Although some synthetic additives to waxes can help with certain sensitive skin types or make waxes creamier, they can also trigger atopic dermatitis and cause skin condition flare-ups or allergic reactions. Additionally, sugar pastes do not harbor bacteria, as they are unable to breed in high concentrations of sugar. Waxes can breed bacteria, especially in the vicinity of wax pots.  

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Lina Kennedy is a chief pioneer, collecting many feathers in her cap. An expert on professional sugaring, Kennedy regularly writes articles for industry magazines in North America and Europe. As president of Alexandria Professional, one of her personal goals is to ensure that each professional trained in the art of body sugaring learns and understands the exceptional results that they and their clients can achieve through The Kennedy Theory™ for sugaring and The Kennedy Technique Theory™. 

Handheld Help: Elevating Exfoliation with Ultrasonics 

There will always be something new and innovative to try in the world of aesthetics. It can be easy for skin care professionals to become swept up in the latest and greatest, but sometimes taking a step back and re-evaluating what one already has, or thinking about it in a different way, can be incredibly exciting.

When the topic of ultrasonics in skin care comes up, the first item that comes to mind is likely an ultrasonic skin scrubber or spatula. These handheld devices are used by skin care professionals for deep cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, and product infusion. They are an excellent add-on to any facial treatment, but they are now so commonplace that the average user likely does not appreciate just how powerful ultrasonics in skin care can be, especially when combined with exfoliating techniques like chemical peels, enzymes, dermaplaning, and microdermabrasion.

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From Facials to Fat Cells: A Quick Look at Post-Operative Care 

In the last decade, a new field has emerged in the world of aesthetics – one where clients seek more than just facial services from their skin care providers. More and more clients are wanting body services, such as noninvasive treatments to promote the breakdown of adipose tissue that eventually translates to weight loss. For those who dare to go a step further and undergo cosmetic surgeries, they may even desire post-operative, noninvasive body treatments as well. 

This has caused great controversy since, in multiple states, adipose tissue reduction and post-operative treatments are not within the aesthetician’s scope of practice. This is due to their novelty in the industry, and the fact that the manipulation of adipose tissue might be considered a more medical practice.

SCOPE THIS

The controversy began because there are multiple body treatments designed to break down and reduce body fat that are not medical, such as wood therapy, manual reductive techniques, and some aesthetics equipment. These treatments are in high demand, and currently, multiple states have been evaluating whether they should formally be a part of the aesthetician’s scope of practice to ensure that professionals receive the education and complete information necessary to practice these services. 

The body contouring industry has grown exponentially in recent years, with more aestheticians in the United States offering body and post-operative care. In fact, many doctors already approve of this type of post-care to improve their patients’ results and to speed up their recovery. Although post-operative treatments are still relatively new and controversial, their acceptance is increasing for these reasons.  

BODY TALK

 Body treatments are typically noninvasive techniques that utilize tools, aesthetics equipment, and various products and procedures with the primary purpose of breaking down adipose tissue through different technologies. These include ice therapy, infrared sauna, and the use of frequencies like cavitation or microcurrent, to name a few.

Body contouring treatments’ main objective is to accelerate fat burning or calories to promote the breakdown of fat cells while activating the lymphatic system to detox the body. Three to ten consecutive treatments can leave clients with impressive results, causing great popularity and growth in the beauty industry. The speed and appearance of the results depends on technique, protocol, the viscosity of the adipose tissue, and so on. 

EASING THE AFTERMATH

 After cosmetic surgery, the body undergoes multiple changes, and recovery can be complicated and painful. The surgery type will decide what post-operative protocol should be used. While the primary purpose of post-operative sessions is to accelerate the healing process, they can also eliminate bruising, prevent fibrosis, eliminate fluid secretion, and reduce pain. Other techniques such as ultrasound, a compression garment, supplements, and other topical products have also become popular for post-operative care.

 Aestheticians and other skin professionals empower individuals to embrace confidence, embodying the perfect blend of art and science in the pursuit of beauty and well-being. In the last decade, they have become true experts in skin care, and many have also mastered the art of body sculpting with noninvasive treatments. As they stride into the future, these dedicated professionals not only enhance the beauty of their clients’ skin but also craft enviable silhouettes through a repertoire of safe and innovative techniques. 

Spicy Skin Care: Capsaicin Function & Formulation  

Beauty begins the moment one decides to embrace their inside and outside characteristics. Decisions are more difficult when feelings of discomfort get in the way, especially physical discomfort. Both surface level and deep pain distract from the lifelong journey of seeking beauty. Identifying how to use ingredients such as capsaicin in topical skin care treatments can help clients address pain immediately.

FORM & FUNCTION

As it irritates most tissues, the natural function of capsaicin is to deter mammals, including humans, organically limiting their interaction. For example, as a food spice, it is used sparingly but can bring pleasure and euphoric effects which drive its consumers to delight; this is a result of an endorphins release.

In plants where it is present, capsaicin is considered structural, meaning it is in the internal membrane of the fruits of the chili pepper plants and is more of an irritant and neurotoxin. (For many, this may not be considered desirable.) In other words, the actual seeds do not produce the equally loved and dreaded capsaicin; rather, the inner wall of the chili pepper plant where the seeds are attached is where capsaicin is predominately found, making proper extraction for skin care formulations critical.

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Ahead of the Curve: A Proactive Approach to Skin Health 

There is a movement building within healthcare. Top-level academics and practicing doctors are starting to look more thoroughly at prevention rather than cure-based care. They are prescribing supplements and lifestyle factors that extend healthy lifespan, also known as healthspan. The focus is moving away from crisis management to forward planning for a long and fully functional life. With new microbiome learnings, skin care will follow.

Peter Attia’s latest book, Outlive, suggests setting a centenarian decathlon for oneself. The concept is to choose 10 physical tasks to be able to do at age 100, and then reverse engineer the necessary actions to achieve that future. Some examples include being able to lift a great grandchild, climb stairs while shopping, or have intercourse. Start training for these tasks now because people lose muscle mass and bone density consistently every decade. Attia advises people to put in the work now for long-term healthspan gains. Exercise is prescribed in exact doses of intensity and duration. Diet is tailored to blood results and genetics. Many, particularly high earners, are following the advice.  
 
SHORT-TERM FOCUS

In contrast, the current aesthetics industry seems largely focused on short-term improvements in the appearance of skin. This is often at the expense of long-term skin health. The time horizon for treatments only sometimes extends further than three months. 

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