Let's Talk Spa

A blog offering information, tips and advice about beauty, skin care, body care and other spa - related topics from Nancy Mudford (Owner of Le Petit Spa) at Vancouver’s Le Petit Spa.


Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Is There Any Anaesthesia Given Before a Brazilian Wax?


Brazilian waxing has quite the reputation; not only for the smoothness obtained, but for the sensitivity and the unknown of how its going to feel having your hair removed “from there!”

This blog covers the topic:
Are there any anaesthesia given before the procedure?

Answer: No. Estheticians do not give any anaesthesia to clients before any treatment, one, because we do not have the training to administer medical grade drugs, and two, because really,
a Brazilian wax isn’t that bad!

There are a few things you can do for yourself before a waxing treatment of any kind to reduce irritation and sensitivity.

*Remember: these are only suggestions and should not be taken as medical advice. Consult your doctor if you are unsure if these suggestions are ok for you!

1. Take an aspirin, antihistamine or Tylenol about an hour before your waxing service. These will make sensitivity or any slight pain you experience less of a worry and less noticeable.

2. Take a warm bath or shower an hour before your waxing service if possible. This will help to soften your skin and make your hair easier to remove.

3. Check with your pharmacist to see if they can recommend a skin numbing cream. These are available over the counter and do not require a prescription. Ask the pharmacist if the particular numbing cream contains any skin-thinning agents - if it does, ask for another as this could cause injury to your skin during waxing.

4. Ensure you are not on any skin thinning medications, such as accutane. Medications like accutane or retinol thin the skin severely; if you were to get waxed on one of these medications your skin would come right off! Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure about a medication you’re on.

5. Do not shave in between waxing services. Shaving causes your hair to grow back in more coarse (not thicker or in more amounts, but the hair is tougher). When coarse hair gets ripped out it is more painful; waxing keeps your hair smooth and baby soft - which feels a lot better when removed.

6. Steer clear of caffeine. Although quite stimulating first thing in the morning, it can cause skin sensitivity. If you really must have it, have it after your waxing service.

7. Is your hair long enough? Ensure that it is between ½ inch to ¼ inch long; any shorter will not deliver the best results. If your hair is longer - please trim! This will also ensure that when wax is applied to your hair, there will be less of a chance that your hair might get pulled or have wax stuck in it.

All estheticians who perform Brazilian, French and regular waxing services are senior estheticians; they have plenty of experience and are excellently trained in advanced waxing services...Read more about our spa team

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Friday, March 16, 2007

"Count Down to Prom" Waxing vs. Shaving: The Pro's and Con's


Hair removal for Teens at Le Petit Spa

Puberty is a funny time for teens. So many things are happening to your body, your mind and your life! Hair shouldn’t be one of the many things you need to worry about.

Waxing vs. Shaving

Waxing removes hair by the root, making your skin stay hair free for longer. When you remove hair from the root, less hair grows back time after time because waxing actually “damages” the blood supply to each hair follicle, so the hair has no nutrients to grow back with. Waxing also exfoliates the top level of your skin, making ultra smooth silky skin.

Shaving cuts hair off at the surface of the skin. This is why hair grows back as “stubble”, the hair is left sharp at the ends and feels “prickly”. Hair grows back usually in a day and if you like soft, smooth, hairless skin, you need to shave everyday; which can cause excessive dryness in the skin.

Either hair removal method works, but waxing has many more benefits:


  • Waxing lasts 2 to 4 weeks depending on the speed of hair growth.

  • Waxing creates smooth, soft skin.

  • Less hair grows back each time you wax.

  • Hair that does grow back is thinner and softer, making it less noticeable.

  • No need to shave everyday.

What is Threading?

Threading is a form of hair removal that originates from the Middle East. It uses no product; all that’s needed is cotton thread to remove hair at the root. A Threading specialist will take cotton thread and entwine the thread around each individual hair, pulling them out at the roots. The same benefits of waxing are achieved with Threading, but there is no use of product, making it perfect for clients with sensitive skin, allergies or people that turn extremely red from waxing treatments.

Threading hair removal is usually done on small areas, like the upper lip or in eyebrow shaping’s.
Waxing can be performed on small body parts as well as larger body parts like the arms, legs and bikini areas.

On Wednesday’s at Le Petit Spa, clients receive a special deal to achieve the smoothest skin in Vancouver…”Wax Days”

Le Petit Spa also has a student discount when you show a valid student ID card to use on all of Le Petit Spa’s “Teen Spa” services

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about exclusive in-spa promotions, monthly events, new product or service launches or monthly service promotions. Have a beauty question? Want to know what a Teen facial is exactly? Email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

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Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Come travel through Canada, France and Brazil this spring with Vancouver's Le Petit Spa


As soon as the sun comes out around this time of year I can’t help but start to think about spring cleaning…and I’m not talking about house spring cleaning…I’m talking about:

Waxing!

Pretty soon the sun will be out in full force and it will be bathing suit season! I can hardly wait! Time to do some maintenance on my body that’s been in winter hibernation for about six months.

Brazilian Time! I love this service. It delivers the optimal feeling of cleanliness and confidence…I may not be heading to Rio de Janeiro, but this service will definitely have me feeling like I'm already there. …Read more

Not wanting to go all the way south? Why not go to France? A French bikini wax will almost take you to Brazil, with the exception of a couple of steps. Perfect for those not ready to travel too far from home…Read more.

Canadian eh? - Some of us are still pretty conservative when it comes to our waxing habits, but Le Petit Spa has just the choice for you! A Regular bikini wax will leave you feeling groomed, without venturing out of your safety zone…Read more.

Le Petit Spa offers Vancouver a Wednesday particularly for their waxing needs: Wax-days at Le Petit Spa! Come into Le Petit Spa on a Wednesday for all of your waxing needs and receive a special deal when you book two or more services…Read more.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, daily and monthly service promotions, special events and more or email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

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Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Le Petit Spa is "Threading the trend"



Threading the trend

What’s been around for centuries but has only been in Vancouver for a short time?

Threading! The perfect alternative to waxing for people who have sensitive skin, threading is a middle eastern technique of hair removal that uses cotton thread to wrap around individual hairs and remove them from the root. There is no use of product that can cause irritation, and it is quick and easy.

Perfect for people who:





  • Have sensitive skin


  • Have allergies to ingredients in hard or soft waxes


  • Have tried waxing and would like to try another form of hair removal


What are some of the main differences between waxing and threading hair removal techniques?

Threading:





  • Does not use any kind of product that may irritate skin


  • Does not exfoliate


  • Results last typically 2 to 3 weeks


Read more on our website about threading…



Waxing:





  • Uses warm wax gentle for sensitive skin


  • Exfoliates skin by removing the invisible layer of dead skin cells when removed


  • Results last typically 2 to 4 weeks


Read more on our website about waxing…

Visit us at "Girls Night In" at the Lululemon store on West 4th in Kitsilano on February 14th, read more about "Girls Night In", a fun filled night of spa treatments, chocolates and martinis!


Interested in receiving the latest news to come out of Vancouver’s number one day spa three years in a row? Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about exclusive offers including in-spa promotions, gift with purchase, new product launches or daily and monthly service promotions or email me with your beauty or spa service questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Read about our daily promotion “Wax – Days” the only Wednesday in Vancouver offering Vancouver and the Lower Mainland the best value in professional day spa services.

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