Euro Reflection’s Guide to Hair Removal

Have you ever wondered “what type of hair removal is right for me?” Well, you’re defiantly not alone. This is one of the questions we are asked most often in our spa. There is a lot of information available on this topic, so here is your consise list so you can make an informed decision without hours of online searching. Before jumping into methods of hair removal, it’s important to clear up some questions about hair growth. Hair can grow anywhere on the body from your arms and legs to your back, stomach, toes, fingers, and breasts. No amount of hair or lack of hair is abnormal or worthy of being ashamed of. Hair can change too as your life changes, for example many women get new patches of hair during pregnancy. We work with all types of clients on all kinds of hair removal journeys including those looking to remove unwanted hair while in gender-affirming processes. Euro Reflections is your one stop shop for hair removal in a safe and welcoming environment! 

Shaving 

Although we don’t offer this as a service at our spa, it’s still good to quickly cover the pros and cons of this tried-and-true practice. Shaving, as you likely know, is the practice of running a bladed implement along the skin to cut the hair close to the opening of the pore. It is quick and easy and suitable for a wider array of ages than some other methods. This method can be used on the face, body, or sensitive areas (with great care). The best ways to up your shaving game are: 

Waxing 

Waxing is one of our favourite methods for hair removal. It’s inexpensive, quick, and lasts longer than shaving. If you’re someone who can see little black or red bumps right after shaving, it may be because your skin is fair and your hair is dark, so you can still see the bulb under the skin. With waxing, this is no longer a problem as the entire bulb is removed. Waxing is suitable for the face, body, and it’s great for sensitive areas like the bikini line. This process softens the hair over time and makes it grow in sparser which can be good for longevity and people who are prone to ingrown hairs. We make waxing better for you are by:  

Laser Hair Removal 

This is the most common type of hair removal we offer and it’s one of our specialties. Laser hair removal is the method of using light-based energy to destroy the hair under the skin and prevent new hair growth. It is considered semi-permanent because although it may completely damage some hair follicles and prevent future growth, hormones can cause new hair to grow which has not yet been treated. Usually our clients see 70-90% reduction after a single package of sessions. The best part of laser hair removal is that it makes the hair grow sparser and finer after each session and drastically lowers the likelihood of ingrown hairs or bumps. This method is suitable for face, body, and sensitive areas, however due to the way the laser works, it is not suitable for darker complexions. Laser is a great options for: 

Electrolysis 

This method is like laser as it is a more permanent method of removing hair, however it is only suitable for small patches of hair such as ears, sideburns, chin, upper-lip, or areolas. This is because electrolysis is more time-consuming and slightly more uncomfortable than laser hair removal. The technician only removes a single hair at a time rather than a patch of hair. That being said, it is extremely effective in these small areas and is especially good at combating hair from hormonal imbalances like PCOS. Our favorite things about electrolysis are: 

Dermaplaning 

Dermaplaning is the process of using a surgical-grade scalpel to remove hair/peach fuzz, debris and dead skin cells from the face. This exposes the new skin cells underneath, resulting in a smooth, fresh-looking face. It also helps improve the penetration of skincare products. The procedure is a popular non-invasive treatment choice as it leaves a fresh glow to the face, making it the perfect way to prepare for a big event. We only offer this treatment for the face at this time. Our favorite things about dermaplaning are: 

Letting It Grow 

The final method we want to talk about is letting it grow! We are a body-positive spa and support anyone’s decision to grow their hair, whether it’s all the time or just for a period like the winter or during pregnancy. Be sure to still exfoliate and moisturize the area to keep the hair growing happily and to avoid dry skin in particularly hairy areas.  

With March just around the corner, we’ve got our eyes on this season’s trends. Spring 2023 is all about effortless, vintage-inspired looks, which we believe in achieving by focusing on the health of our hair, skin, and nails. With these five products as your base, you are covered for any look you want to try. When choosing these products, we considered our major concerns and the concerns we hear most often from our clients. The concerns we are focusing on are breakouts, dry scalp, dull hair, loose skin, and dry nails. Everyone deals with these issues, and these are our favorite products to help combat them! 

 

SOS Spot Roll-On Treatment by YonKa Paris 

This SOS Spot roll-on is the perfect ally to visibly and durably neutralize skin imperfections. It contains ultra-powerful active ingredients for a quick and visible result. Its medical grade steel ball tip allows a targeted application to make imperfections disappear in 24 hours. Its practical size allows you to take it everywhere with you for an effective action at any time of the day. Recommended for all skin types and all ages, it is the must have in your bag or pocket.  

Revitalize Exfoliating Pre-Wash by Goldwell 

The Kerasilk KeraTransform Technology™ (KT3) fuses the power of three ingredients to deliver beautiful hair transformations. All Kerasilk Revitalize products contain the segment specific ingredient Ectoin® and Keratin and Color Caring Silk. This Pre-Wash uses the active ingredient: Ectoin® to effectively shield the scalp from oxidative stress, combat the key signs of scalp aging, and hydrate the scalp and to retain its moisture. Perfect to deeply cleanse all scalp types from excessive sebum, to remove dead skin cells, and to purify pores to provide a perfect foundation for long-lasting revitalization. 

Diamond Gloss Shine Spray by Goldwell 

Multi-benefit spray that protects from humidity and hair getting frizzy whilst adding lustrous shine and a silky smooth touch. Like an umbrella for your hair. FlexPROtec complex provides color & heat protection and contains UV-filters. The perfect finish for straight, wavy, or curly hair types! 

4D Visible Lifting Cream by GM Collin 

4D Visible Lifting Cream targets sagging and loss of volume for visibly firmer and redefined skin. This luxurious face cream provides a reshaping effect for younger-looking, more radiant skin. It visibly improves skin elasticity and tone; gives the skin an instant ‘’lifted’’ appearance; visibly reduces deep facial wrinkles; provides the skin with a sculpted appearance; and strengthens and firms the skin by hydrating it. 

Rescue Rx by CND 

A highly effective new treatment from CND that repairs damaged nails with the power of Keratin protein and moisturizing jojoba oil. With daily use, peeling and white spots are dramatically reduced. See a difference daily. 

Sleek Ponytail:

To achieve a sleek ponytail, start by brushing your hair to make sure it is smooth and free of tangles. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck, and use a hair tie to secure it in place. Try to find a hair tie in the same color as your hair. If you want to give your ponytail some extra definition, you can use a soft-bristled brush to pull the hair along the sides and back of your head. For a sleek finish, you may want to use a flat iron to smooth out any bumps or fly-a-ways before starting your pony tail. Finally, finish the look with hairspray to keep it in place all day. For an extra polished look, try taking a small piece of your pony tail and wrap it around the elastic band, securing it in place with a bobby pin.

Messy Bun:

A messy bun is a great way to style your hair for a casual, effortless look. The position of a messy bun is what makes it appropriate for work. Having the bun too high looks too casual and is more appropriate for working-out. Try a bun that just shows over the top of your head from the front. To create a messy bun, start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles. Gather all of your hair into a high ponytail, and secure it with an elastic. Twist the ponytail around the base, and secure it with bobby pins. Pull out pieces of hair to create a more voluminous look, and finish off the look with hairspray. With a few simple steps, you can easily create a stylish and effortless messy bun! 

French Braid:

A French braid is a great way to style your hair when you don’t have a lot of time. To do a French braid, first you’ll want to start by brushing your hair and making sure it’s free of any tangles or knots. Then, separate your hair into three equal sections. Take the right section and cross it over the middle section. Then, take the left section and cross it over the new middle section. Now, you’ll want to start adding in hair from the sides of your head as you continue braiding. Take a small section of hair from the right side, and add it to the right section before crossing it over the middle. Then, do the same on the left side. Keep repeating this process until you reach the end of your hair, then tie off your braid with an elastic band. If you need a visual guide, there are lots of great tutorials online! Hide an imperfections with fun pins!

Half-Up Ponytail:

First, decide if you want a center part or no part. Then, section off the top part of your hair from the bottom. Gather the top section of your hair and secure it with an elastic. To finish the look, pull a few pieces of hair from the ponytail out to frame your face. For an extra polished look, try taking a small piece of your pony tail and wrap it around the elastic band, securing it in place with a bobby pin. Have fun styling! 

Low Knot:

A low bun is a great hairstyle for a variety of occasions! To create this look, start by gathering your hair into a low ponytail. Then, twist the ponytail around itself until you form a bun. Secure the bun with bobby pins and finish off with hairspray for a long-lasting hold. You can also add a few accessories like a cute hair scarf or ribbon for a unique touch. With a little practice, you’ll be able to master the low bun in no time! 

Jane Iredale: LipDrink $24 

Not only does this lip balm hydrate your lips, but it protects against premature aging caused by the sun. The sun’s UVA rays can make lips thinner and less plump, but the SPF in this formula helps to combat those effects. This balm comes in a variety of colors from clear to dark plum and always has a fresh lemon scent.  

I love my muff: Soft $18 

Whether you’re waxing, shaving or neither, this lotion helps to PH balance your intimate areas and leaves behind a botanical scent, so you feel fresh all day. If you are shaving or waxing, this product helps to sooth irritated skin, reduce inflammation and combat ingrown hairs.  

Advanced Nutrition Programme: Skin Accumax $160 

This award-winning supplement is great for all skin types, but especially those with an uneven complexion. Used primarily to treat acne and blemishes, this supplement evens out the texture and tone of your skin across your whole body. For this reason, it is also a great option for treating back blemishes.  

Intense Moisture Serum $90

This moisturizing serum can be used day or night, in any season, and on any skin type. We love the lightweight texture which looks great even under makeup.  

 

Hyaluronic Acid – Is it Worth the Hype?

What is it?

Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring substance within the body, used to lubricate the tissues. Research has shown that its properties may be able to improve skin texture, accelerate wound healing and lessen the signs of aging when injected or applied topically. One of the main reasons that Hyaluronic Acid has such a plumping effect is because a single gram of the substance can hold up to 6L of water! This product can now be found in a variety of skin products, including the GM Collin Hyaluronic Filler Serum. 

Is this product right for me?

Since Hyaluronic Acid is naturally occurring in the body, there is a very small chance of reaction or sensitivity, making it a suitable product for most people. Topical versions of the product provide hydration through water retention rather than oil, also making it suitable for dry, combination, or oily skin types. That being said, Hyaluronic Acid mainly addresses signs of aging and is usually recommended for clients over 30 years of age. 

The Bottom Line

Hyaluronic Acid seems to be everywhere lately, but this product is no passing trend. Hyaluronic Acid has been a trusted staple of the Cosmetic industry for years and has undergone countless research studies across the world. It’s a trusted product for aestheticians due to its ability to hydrate the skin, protect from external irritants, minimize fine lines, and give an overall plumping effect—all in one!