Frequently Asked Questions including pre + post care

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• The Range - our private entrance is via the side door, located in Agnes Street. You will see our plaque next to the entry door. Rockyview - you will receive an email 24 hours prior to your first appointment with our address details. 

• Please attend your appointment alone. This includes children. Your time has been scheduled for your relaxation, and also requires the therapists undivided attention.  We do not permit children in the salon at any time, and if you attend with a child your appointment may be rescheduled. 

• Please arrive on time. All the details we require from you have been completed online, so you do not need to attend your first appointment early. We schedule clients on time and would love for you to also be respectful to our time. If you do arrive early, feel free to sit in our air conditioned waiting area and browse our retail items. 

• Mobile phones can be freely used during your appointment. Feel free to bring airpods and listen to music or podcasts during your treatment if you'd like. 

• We want to give every client the time and attention that you deserve for your service. We understand that sometimes circumstances arise and you need to make adjustments to your plans. If you must cancel or rebook your appointment, we respectfully request at least 24 hours notice.    
• Cancellations or missed appointments without 24 hour notice will result in a charge of part or all of the service amount.    Please understand that your appointment time was set aside just for you. If you cancel your appointment without giving at least 24 hours notice prior to your appointment will result in a charge of 50% of the service amount. Any “no shows” will be charged 100% of the service amount.    Depending on the services booked, in the case of multiple services at a single appointment, a cancellation without 24 hour notice will result in a charge of 100% of the primary service amount and 50% of any additional service amount.    
• The cancellation fee and any service fee will be required to be fully paid before any more appointments can be made.    
•  Our salon booking policy is intended to ensure that we have the opportunity to fill any last minute availability. We don’t want to make any clients on the waiting list miss their chance to book an appointment or receive a service. Please understand that we’re committed to offering you the highest possible level of service during your appointments with us.    
• If you need to cancel because of a personal or medical emergency, please contact us as soon as possible, and we can decide how best to proceed.

There are three main reasons to look after your gel nails properly:

1. Your nail health. If you regularly do bad things to them as listed below, it can compromise your nail health and even result in permanent damage.
2. They will look better for longer. No one likes chipped nails.. Especially when own name is attached to them! Please follow the guidelines below to ensure your nails are always looking their best. 
3. Infill cost and financial/time factors. If you look after your nails well, you won’t need to come in as frequently or for extended infill appointments, which will save you money.  With proper care, our nails can last as long as 6-8 weeks on some clients.   

DO

• Treat your nails like jewels, not tools.
• Wear gloves when you do your household work.
• Use a spoon for opening soft drink cans.
• Test your hold when lifting heavy objects.
• If you decide you want to remove your artificial nails, please do not pick them off.
• After you shower, gently push back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher or your towel.
• Use the file provided to gently remove some length each week to avoid them becoming too long and top heavy
• Let us know if you have any concerns or questions – we’re always happy to help!

DON’T

• Pick your nails off!
• Use products containing vaseline or mineral oil
• Glue down any lifted areas
• Let water or moisture sit around your nails for excessive periods of time 

Why Use Cuticle Oil?

• Have you ever experienced that curling up thing at your free edge? Generally this is due to the nail plate no longer receiving oil and moisture from the nail bed. When your dried out plate comes in contact with water or moisture, it sucks up, making the plate expand. The plate then dries out and contracts. The plate then begins peeling and loses it shape, pulling away from the product that it’s attached to.
• Cuticle Oil will shrink back your ‘cuticle’ making it more soft and supple and help to prevent hangnails.
• It plasticises the enhancement. Not using oil on nails is similar to not having shocks on your car, every impact is amplified which makes the product more prone to form cracks or break. Cuticle Oil is designed to penetrate through the enhancement to act as a shock absorber.

Stay away from Mineral Oil, Vaseline, and products containing Mineral Oil!

• These are petro-chemicals, synthesised from crude oil. They are not absorbed into the skin to replace lost moisture, but instead, sit on top of the skin and leave you feeling greasy. Petroleum based products may even leech more moisture OUT of your skin, contributing to dryness!
• Lotions are good for skin, but even the best lotions will not replace moisture as effectively as a good botanical oil. So don’t forget to use it! It only takes a few seconds a day and will protect the investment you made in your nails like no other home care product!

Infills

If you wish to maintain your nails, usually between 2-4 weeks, you will require infills. Timing depends on factors such as:  

• How fast your own nails grow (they also grow faster in summer than winter)
• How you treat them
• If you have an event or function you would like the colour or style changed for

Before you come for your next infill:

• It’s wise to book in advance – particularly for evening bookings – these times are most popular and can book out months in advance.

There are three main reasons to look after your extensions properly:

1. Your lash health. If you regularly do bad things to them as listed below, it can compromise your lash health and slow down the growth of new lashes. Your lids can become itchy from the buildup of dead skin if they are not cleaned regularly.
2. They will look better for longer. Eyelash extensions that have been coated in mascara, oily makeup and strip lashes don’t look that great.
3. Infill cost and financial/time factors. If you look after your lashes and retain them well, you won’t need to come in as frequently or for extended infill appointments, which will save you money.  Our infills are charged based on the amount of time we spend replacing lashes each time.  

DO

• Try not to touch them much, particularly during the first few hours. The more you touch them, the more oils from your fingers get on them, the more strain on the lash root etc.
• Avoid steamy environments, very hot showers, spas, saunas etc. for 24 hours as a minimum. If it’s a very hot and humid day, try to stay out of the heat. 
• They are technically waterproof, however, if you are swimming  or sitting in a hot spa daily,  they probably won’t last quite as long as if you didn’t, more from rubbing them when water gets in your eyes.
• Make sure you are using oil-free products on your face, particularly eye makeup removers and cleansers. 
• Clean them properly, at least a few times a week with a foaming lash cleanser. 
• If you have a very oily face, try to control this as much as possible with blotting papers, mattifying lotions etc. and by using oil-control moisturizer.
• Let us know if you have any concerns or questions – we’re always happy to help!

DON’T

• Do not play with or pick at your lashes or rub your eyes roughly. If you are a picker, it can really damage your natural lashes
• Do not use oily products on your eyes or face
• Do not use waterproof or oil based eyeliner
• Do not use any mascara 
• Do not use baby wipes/makeup wipes/cotton pads to wipe makeup off them
• Do not try to remove them yourself – as it may damage your natural lashes. We can remove them for you if you wish
• Do not use cleansing oils, coconut oil etc. on your face if you want the lashes to last
• Do not put strip lashes on top of them 
• Do not try to light a cigarette on your toaster or stove-top (good life advice generally – but will also stop your lashes getting singed and frazzled on the ends!)

What is normal

• Immediately after the lash application, some individuals with sensitivities can experience minor redness and dry eye.  In most cases, this disappears within an hour or so and there’s no need to worry. Of course, call us if you are concerned.
• It’s normal to lose a couple of lashes every day (1-5). Don’t be alarmed if you notice them from time to time (as they are much larger than your natural lashes). The extension falls out attached to the natural lash when it is ready to come out, and a new baby lash takes its place. Some days you won’t lose any, other days you might lose 3 or 4. It’s completely normal and does not mean your eyelashes are all going to fall out!
• Some lash growth cycles are faster than others. You may find every few months, your lashes shed faster than other times. It usually means that you have a lot of new growth, and when you come in we will see a lot more lashes we can lash! Other times they might still look great at 4 or 5 weeks, as they have not shed much.
• No two sets of lashes are identical. We customize the styling, sizes, weights and curls to every individuals eye shape, natural lash condition and tastes. Each style looks different depending on how own eye shape. So please be aware that your lashes will not look identical to your friends, even if you request the same thing.
• Expect between 2 – 4 weeks before you need an infill. On average, our clients come back every 3 weeks.  Sets consisting of more lashes (glam and volume) will usually last longer than those will less (full, lite).  Shorter lashes usually last longer too.

What’s not normal

• If you experience intense itching and or red/swollen eyelids in the first few days after the application. This could be an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, these are largely unavoidable – but luckily they are rare, and can be treated. Please contact us if you are worried.
• Excessive shedding of extensions off the natural lashes in the first few days. This is uncommon – but please contact us if you feel they are shedding rapidly within the first 3 days of application so we can troubleshoot and/or assess your lashes.
• If (after wearing extensions for a while) you find your eyes sometimes feel gritty and sandy – this can mean that you really need to clean your lashes more frequently/properly. Your technician can assess your lash line and give advice on the best way to clean your lashes.

Infills

If you wish to maintain your lashes, usually between 2-4 weeks, you will require infills. Timing depends on factors such as:  

• Generally, the more lashes we apply, the longer they last (more to lose)
• How you treat them
• Your lash cycle and how fast you are shedding/growing lashes
• Your skin type (oilier complexions usually shed lashes faster)

Before you come for your next infill:

• It’s wise to book in advance – particularly for evening bookings – these times are most popular and can book out months in advance.
• Let us know if you would like anything changed, for example if you would like to upgrade to a thicker set, or try volume instead of classic. As we do need more time for different types of lashes
• Avoid coming in with heavy makeup that you will need to wash off that evening (as you will need to keep them dry)
• Make sure you aren’t wearing any eye makeup, that your eyes are perfectly clean. Unclean lids and lashes (particularly things we can’t see like lash mites – they thrive when lashes are never cleaned!) will prevent extensions from bonding well, and they may not last long.

DO

• Drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated
• Exfoliate weekly to prevent build up
• Use a Vitamin C serum to protect skin from free radicals
• Follow the advice we gave you during your facial
• Skip heavy make up and skin care products for 24 hours
• Reschedule your work out for 24 hours
• Book your next appointment! We recommend 4 weekly

DON’T

• Visit a sauna or steam room for a day or two
• Wax, shave or have laser hair removal for a week
• Spend time in the sun without SPF protection
• Pick and prod at pimples (hands off!!)
• Apply harsh and potentially irritating at-home peels or retinol treatments

All products used on you today are from the OrganicSpa range

You can read more about OrganicSpa at www.organicspa.com.au

All home care products are available for you to purchase in salon

Pre Peel:  

• No facial waxing for 7 days prior to treatment. 
• If you are using Retinol products, stop the use of Retin-A (retinol) products or applications for 7-10 days prior to a chemical peel. High percentage alpha hydroxy (AHA) and beta hydroxy (BHA) products should be stopped five days before treatment. 
• Always apply a broad spectrum sunscreen daily (at least SPF 30 or higher) and avoid the gym 24 hours prior to a chemical peel. 

Post Chemical Peel  

Once you have undergone your chemical peel, expect to see some changes with your skin prior to getting your final results.

• There can be dryness and tightness of the skin. Our peels have little to no downtime, so you may not experience shedding. 
• You may develop small whiteheads, but please note that this IS NOT A BREAKOUT. 
• If you have a lighter skin complexion, you may notice mild redness after a chemical peel. 
• For the first 48 hours after your chemical peel, do not participate in activities that increase body heat and sweat, such as drinking alcohol, exercise/working out, hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, hot shower spray, swimming or directing a hair dryer to the treatment area. Internal heating can cause hyperpigmentation. 
• Golden Rule: Make sure that you are also avoiding direct sun exposure and excessive heat. Continue to use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher just as you were prior to your peel. 
• Make sure to keep your skin well hydrated with a protective moisturizer. Apply it twice daily or more often if needed to reduce the appearance of flaking. 
• For five days after your chemical peel, do not have electrolysis, facial waxing or use depilatories. 
• Avoid using retinols and glycolic acids for 10 days post peel.  
• Do not use scrubs, loofahs, exfoliating sponges or other means of mechanical exfoliation on your face for 7-10 days. 
• It is fine to resume using a vitamin C serum five days after your treatment. 

What is Microdermabrasion?

Microdermabrasion is a minimally invasive procedure used to renew overall skin tone and texture. It can improve the appearance of sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, acne scarring, melasma, and other skin-related concerns and conditions.  The procedure uses a special applicator with an abrasive surface to gently sand and vacuum away the thick outer layer of the skin to rejuvenate it.

Pre - Microdermabrasion Instructions:

• Do not use Retin-A or other exfoliating creams 24 to 72 hours (1 to 3 days) prior to your treatment.
• Avoid sun tanning or tanning creams/sprays for at least a week before treatment
• You must NOT have recently had laser surgery or used Accutane
• Candidates who have had a recent skin procedure, such as skin needling or collagen induction therapy, should wait two to three weeks before undergoing microdermabrasion.
• Refrain from waxing or tanning the skin to be treated for a few weeks prior to microdermabrasion treatment.

Post - Microdermabrasion Instructions

To maximize microdermabrasion recovery time and results, it is important to follow all post-procedure instruction below:

• Keep the new skin clean and moisturised
• Use a gentle cleanser
• Trauma such as scratching or picking the treated area should be avoided
• It is important to avoid irritating the treated skin with harsh chemicals, rubbing or tanning for one week
• Although unlikely, some peeling may occur in the treated areas, moisturiser should help minimise this effect.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Do not use glycolic, alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy, retinol, benzyl peroxide or topical acne medicatios for 24-48 hours following treatment.
• You may resume retinoid products 3 - 7 days after last microdermabrasion treatment 

What is Microcurrent?

Microcurrent is known to be the most effective non-surgical method to take years off of your face. When used with our organic skin care products, the treatment is quite effective and you can achieve dramatic results. Since Microcurrent is sub-sensory and extremely relaxing, most clients fall asleep during treatments.

Why do we love Microcurrent?
Microcurrent is natural to your body; it mimics your body's own electrical current, which is responsible for your involuntary muscles (breathing, heartbeat, etc.). Your body welcomes Microcurrent treatment because the body is familiar with the Microcurrent process. 

Microcurrent is a low level of electricity that triggers chemical reactions at a cellular level in order to enhance the production of natural collagen and elastin, provide circulatory benefits, and re-educate the muscles of the face. The result is immediate firming, smoothing, and re-hydration of the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Microcurrent lifts, sculpts and tightens, provides immediate results, and has no downtime. Microcurrent can relax and smooth wrinkles and lift sagging facial muscles. It is also a secret weapon for alleviating acne. It's like yoga for your face.

By adding a Microcurrent series to your facial regimen you will achieve tighter, clearer, happier, healthier, hydrated, and more youthful skin.

What does Microcurrent feel like?
You know, everyone is different. Some people feel absolutely nothing while others may feel a slight tingling sensation. Some can feel lots of warmth (circulation) in their face, but believe that where there is warmth, there is healing. Some may feel a bit sleepy afterward and would love a quick nap - it can be very relaxing! I always start the Microcurrent machine on low and increase the energy as the client gets more comfortable with the process and as the sessions continue.

What are the benefits of Microcurrent treatment?

• Diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Improved muscle tone in face and neck
• Improved circulation
• Clearer skin or reduced acne
• Lift of jowls and eyebrows
• Lymphatic drainage / detoxification
• Stimulates endocrine system
• Sun damage treatment
• Improved skin pigmentation
• Improved product penetration
• Smoother, firmer skin
• Hydrated and revitalized skin
• Improved elasticity
• 
  

How long is the microcurrent  facial?
45 minutes to one hour. You need to think of this facial as an exercise program for your face. Like any exercise program nothing happens overnight; you must commit to the program and be patient. To achieve the best results, follow post-treatment maintenance instructions. Microcurrent is the best choice for healthy skin on your face and body.

What are the side effects of Microcurrent?
Most companies state that there are no side effects and they are correct that there are no true negative side effects. But, from my experience, you may feel a little different after your treatment. Microcurrent changes muscle tissue, softens scar tissue, and increases circulation by removing stored waste products and increasing cellular metabolism. This happens so quickly that there is often a detoxification reaction after the treatment. Some people have a similar reaction after a deep tissue massage, but the reaction after Microcurrent is stronger because so much is accomplished in such a short period of time. The side effects are very rare but can include nausea, fatigue, and drowsiness. The side effects usually start during or about 90 minutes after treatment, and may last from 4 to 24 hours post-treatment. There have been no lasting adverse reactions reported. Microcurrent has a long history of being very safe. 

What should I do if I experience these side effects?
You should drink at least a litre of water in the two hours following your treatment, as you would after any massage or detox treatment. If you feel the side effects return, drink more water and it should pass within about 20 minutes.

Are there individuals who should not receive Microcurrent treatment?
Individuals with the following should avoid this type of treatment:

• Pregnancy
• Thrombosis
• Phlebitis
• Epilepsy
• Cancer
• Pacemaker or any electrical device implant
• Metal plates or implants in skull (dental implants shouldn't be a problem, but is based by the individuals sensitivity level)

Post Microcurrent Instructions

• Drink water before and after. Well-hydrated clients will have the best results.
• Don't smoke. Nicotine destroys collagen and elastin and contributes greatly to aging.
• Use a sunscreen with SPF and UV ray protection and avoid tanning beds that break down collagen and elastin.
• Maintenance: keep treatments on your calendar at about every 4-8 weeks (depending on age/condition of skin/muscle).

What is Collagen Induction Therapy? 

Collagen Induction Therapy (or CIT) is a treatment that uses micro needles to puncture the upper layer of your skin creating micro channels for a skin plumping solution of plant based hyaluronic acid to be readily absorbed. CIT uses the skin’s natural ability to repair itself by producing collagen when it suffers physical damage such as cuts, burns, abrasions or other injuries.  Immediately after an injury to the skin, our body begins the healing process, triggering new collagen to form. CIT creates very superficial “micro-injuries” to the outermost layer of the skin to induce the healing process that includes new collagen production. 

Micro-needling has been shown to reduce the visibility of acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles; diminish hyper-pigmentation; and improve skin tone and texture, resulting in smoother, firmer, younger looking skin.  

Immediately following treatment you may experience redness with mild swelling and/or bruising, and it might feel tight and sensitive to the touch. Although these symptoms may take 1-2 days to resolve completely, they will diminish significantly within a few hours after treatment.

Pre-Treatment Instructions 

• Discontinue use of Vitamin A and Retinol 2 weeks prior to treatment.  
• Do not have anti wrinkle or dermal fillers 2 weeks before of after treatment  
• Active rosacea, inflamed acne or inflammatory disorders need to have healed or calmed prior to treatment.  
• Cold sores must not be present for 3 days prior to treatment  
• Discontinue use of roaccutane 6-12 months prior to treatment  
• Avoid waxing and laser treatments for 2 weeks pre and post treatment  
• Fake tanning must be avoided for 2 weeks before and after treatmentAvoid Accutane for the past 6 months  
• Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, Motrin or Advil for 3 days prior to treatment. These agents will interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical and responsible for your skin rejuvenation  
• Moles, warts or actinic (solar) keratosis cannot be treated. 
• If you are prone to cold sores, take antiviral agent for 2 days prior to and day of treatment. 
• Avoid blood thinning agents (aspirin, fish oil, Omega-3, Vitamin E) for 1 week prior. May resume day after treatment.  

CONTRAINDICATIONS Pregnancy, actively infected or actively inflamed skin, skin irritation, cystic acne to area being treated, keloid scars, allergies to topical lidocaine and sunburn. 

Post Treatment Instructions 

• Do not take any anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen for 1 week. 
• DO NOT ice face or use arnica or bromelain. These agents may interfere with the natural inflammatory process that is critical and responsible for your skin rejuvenation.  
• Avoid sun tanning and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight for 2 weeks. 
• After 24 hours, always use a full spectrum sun screen SPF30 or above. When exposed to sun, wear a hat and apply sunscreen every 2 hours.  

• Optional dietary recommendations: Eat fresh pineapple, tart cherry juice (no sugar), salmon (omega-3 fish oil), bone broth based soups, collagen supplements to optimize healing. Avoid dairy, wheat and sugar! 

DAY 1-3 

• A sunburn -like effect is normal. The skin will feel tight, dry, sensitive to touch. Treat skin gently washing with a gentle cleanser, cool water, using hands only and pat dry no earlier than 4 hours after treatment. 
• Redness or sensitivity might well be present. Plan your social calendar accordingly!  
• Avoid strenuous exercises that cause sweating, jacuzzi, sauna or steam baths for 24 hours due to open pores, or up to 48 hours if inflammation exists. 
• You may use mineral makeup after 24 hours. 
• Make sure you are using a clean pillowcase. 

DAY 2-7 

• 'Peeling' may start 3-5 days after treatment. You may notice skin dryness and mild flaking. This is due to an increased turnover of skin cells. Do not pick, scratch or scrub at treated skin! 
• Allow old skin to flake off naturally and keep moisturized AT ALL TIMES with biohydra serum and Moisture Rich . Ensure you apply an SPF every day! 

DAY 5-7

•  You may restart your regular skin care products and Retin-A once your skin is no longer irritated.  
• Many clients  have noticed continued skin improvement for months following the last treatment.  
• For best results, we recommend follow up and repeat treatments in 4-6 weeks and a series of 3-5 treatments. 6 monthly maintenance is then recommended.