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A Real Stress-Buster ; A First Visit for a Beauty Treatment Can Be a Daunting Experience, so Emma Johnson Gets the Low-Down on Salon Etiquette

Posted on: Thursday, 17 February 2005, 15:00 CST

THEY used to be the sole preserve of the ladies who lunch set but these days everybody is taking time in the spa. Whether it's for a stress-busting massage or a feel-good facial it is an unbeatable way to relax.

But if you have never visited a beauty therapist in your life the idea of being half-naked in front of a total stranger or letting someone get up close and personal with your blackheads can be truly terrifying.

This spa terror is something Carole Rosenblatt sees regularly.

"Often people do not know what to expect when they go for a beauty treatment for the first time. It is supposed to be an enjoyable experience but I have literally seen people come in cowering, " says Carole , the franchisee at Saks Hair and Beauty at David Lloyd Leisure Club, in Speke, Liverpool.

"It can be quite frightening for some, but then you notice as people come more regularly they become more relaxed and begin to get the most out of the experience. "

To get the most out of your pampering sessions here Carole gives her tips on what to do and expect from some of the most popular beauty treatments: MASSAGE MUSTS: "When anyone comes in for the first time we ask them to fill out a lengthy record card to check first of all whether or not they can have the treatment, " says Carole . "We have to have quite a lot of medical information because the oils used in massage therapies can be very active and there may be reasons why some clients should not undergo certain treatments.

"We expect all clients to shower before a massage and, if it is a full-body massage then women need to remove their bras. You can leave your underwear on or if you are worried about getting the oils on your pants we provide disposable knickers. We insist that all men leave their underwear on or use the disposable pants.

"Afterwards you can shower but we advise that you don't immediately to let the essentials oils penetrate the skin. "

WAXING WORRIES: If you haven ever had any part of your body waxed before it can be very daunting. You don't need to turn up like the wolf man though, insists Carole . "There needs to be just enough hair for the wax to be able to get hold of. If it is too short the hair won't grip. Again the client will go through a full consultation with our therapist beforehand, " she explains.

"The area people find most difficult is bikini waxing as some find it rather embarrassing.

"You don't always have to take your underwear off for this you can wear your own knickers or the disposable pants we provide.

"We are seeing a lot of women come in now asking for Hollywood and Brazilian waxes which are rather more intimate and in those cases you may need to remove your underwear. "

FACIAL FACTS: For the novice, beauty facials can seem terrifying especially if your skin is usually hidden away under layers of cosmetics but Carole says you don't have to brave being bare-faced to enjoy them.

"It is not always necessary to come in make-up free as the therapist will thoroughly cleanse your skin before they begin, " she says.

"Facials are very skin-type specific so we advise people to come in beforehand and have a full consultation with a therapist before they book.

"That way we can assess your skin and look at the concerns you have to tailor-make the facial for you.

"During a facial the therapist should explain absolutely everything they are going to do to make it as relaxing as possible. "BROW BEAUTY: "Eyebrow shaping has become very popular now, " says Carole . "It is a good idea to talk through what you want to achieve with your therapist.

"They will look at your face shape and suggest what brow would suit you. You can have mirror throughout and the therapist will tweeze a little bit away at a time so you can decide how far you want to go.

"If you are having your eyebrows waxed (not off completely!) you should never have a facial on the same day because your skin will be particularly sensitive.

Salon Secretsp IF YOU are having a massage, shave or wax your legs first as it will allow the oils to penetrate better and more effectively.

p BEFORE you go for a tanning treatment such as St Tropez it helps to shower, shave and moisturise first.

p IF you have had your eyebrows plucked before but want a shape change then let them grow back as long as you can stand before booking in for a reshape as this gives the therapist more scope. p REGARDLESS of what you are having done, if you have any concerns arrange to have a full consultation with the therapist in advance so you are at ease when it comes to having the treatment.

Source: Daily Post; Liverpool

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