Glam Jam

Q: Can pregnant women receive massages and is it safe?

Melissa — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:48:02 +0000

A: Yes, expectant mothers can safely receive massages AFTER the first trimester. During the first 12 weeks of gestation, the embryo is attaching to the uteran wall and experiencing the greatest changes. It’s highly advisable to wait until you enter the first week of the second trimester before receiving any form of massage therapy.

One of the chief benefits of massage during pregnancy is an increase in circulation of blood, oxygen and nutrients through the mother’s body and into the baby’s. Special techniques are incorporated into the “prenatal massage” protocol to ensure the mother’s comfort up through the final weeks of the 40-week gestation period.

It is important to seek care from a massage therapist that specializes in prenatal massage therapy. Therapists who are trained in this specific protocol know how to address the sensitive needs of expectant mothers.

As a general rule, prenatal massage is uniquely beneficial during the last two trimesters of pregnancy. However massage is NEVER RECOMMENDED for HIGH-RISK PREGNANCIES. Please consult your physician to find out if “Prenatal Massage” is right for you.

3S Celebrity Blogger:

Rita Muilenburg – Plymouth Massage Therapist and Advanced Massage Educator

Q: Tips to keep your hair from getting overly dry in the winter

Melissa — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:24:50 +0000

A: Whether it’s holiday parties, Christmas or even weddings – winter months bring along exciting opportunities to dress up and look your best, which often means we are thermally abusing our locks with excessive heat-styling tools paired with a drier environment, you have dry frazzled hair. Winter takes it’s toll on our hair and inhibits us from looking our best. Dry hair is a minor irritation of the season but it is completely preventable. Here are a few tips to keep your hair healthy, radiant and hydrated during the winter months:

Moisturizing Shampoo/Conditioner: Winter is the time to switch your regimen to a more moisturizing formula. We recommend trying UNITE Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner. Together these noursish your moisture starved hair and radiate your natural health and shine without weighing your hair down.
Thermal Protector: If you’re using a curling iron or flat iron, be sure to use a thermal protector like GHD Thermal Protector. The heat-deflecting ingredients in GHD form a protective coating around the strands of normal to fine hair. Each formulation provides added control for unruly hair while adding sustained moisture when used with heat styling tools.

Leave in Conditioner: For your own at-home use, use a leave in conditioner every time you wash your hair. UNITE 7-Seconds Conditioner is great for fine to medium hair and AG FastFood works wonders on course, dry hair.

Deep Conditioner: If you can do one thing, treat yourself to a deep conditioning treatment once a week. A great option is Keratin Vanilla Bean. This weekly deep conditioning treatment is amazing for improving moisture-loss. Keratin Complex Infusion is another deep conditioner option that is reconstructive and weightless, particularly good for those who need to manage curl or have fine hair.

To maintain a gorgeous shine while reconditioning your hair, try MoroccanOil before or after you blow-dry. You’ll never guess it’s the middle of winter by the looks of your hair! We guarantee you’ll love it.

Simonson’s also offers two different deep conditioning treatments in our salons, Keratin Complex Infusion and Keratin Intense Rx. Your stylist will know which one is best for you by analyzing what your hair treatment needs are. These treatments add moisture and shine while strengthening and restoring your hair to a healthier condition.

3S Celebrity Bloggers:

Kerry P. – Anoka Stylist
Joanna H. – Plymouth Stylist
Jennifer F. – Anoka Stylist
Katelyn K. – Anoka Stylist
Ann Z. – Anoka Stylist
Susie K. – Anoka Stylist
Susan W. – Plymouth Stylist
Cassandra T. – Color Educator & Plymouth Stylist
Laura M. – Advanced Haircutting Educator & Anoka Stylist
Melissa A. – Marketing & Media Coordinator

Q: What colors blend well with my gray hair?

Melissa — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:54:36 +0000

A: That would depend on what your goal is. Are you trying to simply cover your gray hair? Do you want to blend and keep some of your gray hair as a highlight? Do you want to grow out your gray hair?

The most beautiful and polished gray coverage is not total coverage. This form allows one to have a lot of “shimmer” within a solid color. The gray is NOT gray, but a lighter shade of the color used all over.

Some people have light/white grey while others have dark gray. If you are looking to blend in your gray hair, a general rule of thumb is to go slightly warmer and lighter than the overall appearance of your natural color. It blends better and grows out more gracefully. In addition, gray hair is so ‘icy’ and ‘drab’. As we age, our skin also looses color, so this is why a slightly warmer and lighter approach is best.

Picking the colors that are best for you will depend on how much gray you have, what is left of your natural color and how that looks with the gray, how often you want to maintain it, and the natural coloring of your skin tone. To find the colors that would best suit you, we recommend you come in for a free consultation! And bring pictures of colors you love, that will help your stylist determine what you find attractive and appealing.

If you are looking to grow out your gray hair, our stylists would recommend starting the process by lightening your all over base color. Your stylist can add blended highlights to help camouflage the gray which will minimize the outgrowth, but know, there is no easy way to grow out color, or to make ‘gray hair’.
3S Celebrity Bloggers:

Marilyn A. – Anoka Stylist
Susie K. – Anoka Stylist
Ann Z. – Anoka Stylist
Katelyn K. – Anoka Stylist
Jennifer F. – Anoka Stylist
Emily H. – Plymouth Stylist
Melissa A. – Marketing & Media Coordinator

Q: I don’t have the time to wash and style my hair every day. Is there an alternative to the time-consuming styling?

Melissa — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:35:47 +0000

A: You must be talking about the dreaded hat or headband day… been there, done that! Have you ever heard about dry shampoos? They are the hottest and most loved asset in the beauty tool box. Dry shampoos allow anyone to have lovely locks, regardless if it has been one, two or even three days since you last washed your hair.

Dry shampoos break up oil and dirt delivering a fresh revitalized style to ‘day old hair’. It is a perfect item to have in your beauty arsenal to save time (along with wear and tear) on your hair. Your locks will be fresh and look polished with very little effort. Here are some prime examples of when using a dry shampoo is your best option:

• After a long day of work to refresh your look before an evening out
• After the gym (there’s never enough time to redo your hair)
• If you wear extensions
• If your hair is thick and time-consuming to style. Make a dry shampoo part of your weekly regimen. Shampoo every second or third day.

Dry shampoos are easy to use: lift hair at the roots and spray lightly through the hair. Repeat as necessary until you get the desired effect.

Keep one in your desk, car, gym bag and at the cabin – don’t forget to bring it on your trip….!

There are many different types of dry shampoos. Take a look at the dry shampoos Simonson’s has to offer, click here. Ask your stylist which would be best for your tresses needs.

3S Celebrity Bloggers:

Marilyn A. – Anoka Stylist/Education & Sales Director
Rebecca S. – Marketing & Media Coordinator

Q: What causes muscle pain and soreness during and after a massage?

Melissa — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:31:42 +0000

A: With many of our lifestyles comes stress, tension and repetitive motion. Right now, you’re using your mouse and probably have been clicking away all day (if not at work, then you may have been on Facebook, looking at your friends’ pictures from the weekend).

Tension, stress, overuse, repetitive motion or a lack there of, and injury can all cause myofasical pain; pain and inflammation to soft tissues of the body. When left untreated, you become susceptible to even more pain. These muscle fibers can tighten so much that they begin to stick together, causing you to have bad body posture and in turn restricts the muscles’ normal range of motion. Trigger points (small nodules of muscle) may also form creating widespread pain.

Given the state and stress that most bodies are under, some discomfort during and after a massage is normal depending on what kind of massage you receive. A more therapeutic massage is needed to help correct many of the problems listed above. Be aware that applying pressure to an area that is already irritated is going to create pain. The level of pain that is experienced will depend on the condition of the muscle and how it is being manipulated during the massage.

If the pain is ever out of your comfort zone, tell your massage therapist and they can address the problem areas another time when you’re ready. Just remember, the sooner you are treated for your problem areas, the sooner your muscles will repair and pain will decrease.

Muscle soreness after a massage can be caused by the tight muscles having been stretched and realigned or muscle adhesions that have broken apart. Therapeutic inflammation can also be brought on by the friction of strokes during a massage. Soreness may last up to three days.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing, stress-relieving massage, try a Hot Stone Therapy Massage. Always explain what you’re looking to accomplish with your massage appointment and your massage therapist will tailor the massage to match your needs.

3S Celebrity Blogger:

Lanier – Plymouth Massage Therapist

Q: I want to try Shellac, but I currently have gel nails. How would the transition work for someone like me?

Melissa — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:13:14 +0000

A: In your particular situation, you have two different ways to go about your transition.

One option is to slowly work off the gel nails by filing them until they eventually have been filed off. In the meantime, Shellac can be applied over your gel nails. This way you can keep the length of your (gel) nails.

Your second option would be to remove the gel nails entirely and start using Shellac. Really, it is up to you. Do you prefer to keep the length of your gel nails or not?

Keep in mind that after the removal of artificial nails, the nails are thin and more susceptible to breaks and splits. Shellac won’t be as durable as your gel nails but will improve the healthiness of your nails as they grow, improving their overall strength. Shellac offers instant protection and durable color options or a French polish look so you can be assured your nails will still look as beautiful on day 14 when you are ready for a reapplication. If you are still wary about removing your gels entirely, then we would suggest the first option, a slower progression.

FYI: The average amount of time to grow a new nail is 4 to 6 months. When used regularly, OPI’s Nail Envy, paired with Solar oil or Qtica cuticle balm will improve the strength and flexibility of your nails and improve the quality of the weakened nail during the grow out period.

You can always explain the situation when you book your next appointment. That way, we are sure to book enough time for your appointment and your nail technician is alerted ahead of time.

3S Celebrity Bloggers:

Kim C. – Maple Grove Nail Technician
Kim N. – Plymouth Nail Technician
Marilyn A. – Sales & Education Director
Rebecca S. – Marketing & Media Coordinator

Q: I know massage has great benefits. But really how often should I get a massage?

Melissa — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:23:45 +0000

A: You’re right, massage offers tremendous benefits when used properly. The length of time between visits varies from person to person depending on your body’s needs. For example, if you want massage to alleviate any pain or symptoms of an injury, to aid in the healing process, you initially might need to have a massage once or twice per week. As the condition improves, you’ll be able to taper off; your massage therapist may recommend one time per week, then once every two weeks, winding down to one massage per month for total health maintenance.

If you are looking for stress relief or relaxation, your massage therapist can suggest a plan based on your needs in combination with the condition of your muscles and other tissue. After that, it is up to you to listen to your body; the human body does a good job with letting you know what its needs are. One massage a month is usually sufficient to keep you and your body healthy and happy.

3S Celebrity Blogger:

Darlene B. – Maple Grove Massage Therapist
Rebecca S. – Marketing & Media Coordinator

Q: My hair is thinning. Help! What can I do?

Melissa — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:12:34 +0000

A: You’re not alone, thinning hair is very common. We recommend the Nioxin system. It is not only a superb line for thinning or balding hair, it is also beneficial for your overall scalp health. Nioxin products have a great fresh scent, come in various sizes and are specialized for different hair types.

The Nioxin starter kit has special shampoo, conditioner, and scalp treatment to provide noticeable results. Nioxin shampoo and conditioner work together to prevent further hair loss. The Follicle Booster is key to promoting hair growth, it stimulates circulation and opens the hair follicle to promote growth. (Think of the Follicle Booster as “fertilizer”.)

It takes 6 to 12 months to see lasting results – even if you stop using it. Unlike other hair growth products you may have heard about, you don’t have to worry about it getting into the blood stream, there are no side effects.

Ask your stylist during your next visit if you still have questions or would like help picking out the best Nioxin products for your hair type.

You can always try the old-fashioned scalp massage to help increase blood circulation and promote hair growth.

3S Celebrity Bloggers:

Katie F. – Maple Grove Stylist
Katelyn K. – Anoka Stylist
Tina H. – Plymouth Stylist
Susie K. – Anoka Stylist
Ann Z. – Anoka Stylist
Susan W. – Plymouth Stylist
Dayna K. – Plymouth Stylist
Rebecca S. – Marketing & Media Coordinator

Q: What’s the big deal about Shellac? I’ve heard of other UV cured polish, so what makes Shellac so different?

Melissa — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:33:16 +0000

A: Shellac is a stellar service option to replace the traditional polish step in a manicure or pedicure. Let’s start with the wow factors of Shellac: 14-day wear, ZERO dry time, a mirror finish, removal in minutes, no nicks, chips or smudges, no filing and no drills. Really, need we say more? Shellac has stood the test of time and studies. The results have been unanimous – there’s nothing like it.

Shellac applies just like a polish, as a thin layer, in only 30 minutes. The results are 14 days of high-gloss shine. Unlike gel nails, Shellac is removed within just ten minutes. Along with being hypo-allergenic, Shellac is free of formaldehyde, toluene and DBP.

Try a Shellac Manicure or Shellac Pedicure; we know you’ll find it addicting. With a quick application and zero dry time, you’ll be on your way to that hot date or big event in minutes!

3S Celebrity Bloggers:

Rebecca S. – Marketing & Media Coordinator
Marilyn A. – Education & Sales Director

Q: I’ve heard of hard and soft wax. What’s the difference between the two waxes?

Melissa — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:21:23 +0000

A: That’s a great question and we’re asked it quite often. Another question we’re asked a lot is “does it hurt?” We assure guests that when the correct wax and the correct technique are used, waxing is very tolerable.

Soft wax is suitable for most individuals and almost all areas. A thin layer of soft wax is applied in the direction of the hair growth and is removed with a pellon or muslin strip that is pulled off in the opposite direction of the hair growth. Since it’s great for removing all of those fine hairs, we use soft wax for most facial and body hair waxing.

Hard wax has a thicker consistency and is great for hair that grows in multiple directions. It can be applied in any direction and is removed without using a fabric strip. It’s ideal for short, thicker, stubborn hair and sensitive areas. This is why we always use hard wax for Brazilian and nostril waxing.

3S Celebrity Bloggers:

Meredith H. – Elk River Aesthetician
January B. – Anoka Aesthetician & Aesthetics Educator
Rebecca S. – Marketing & Media Coordinator