Massage: Hot Stones to Reflexology
There are a variety of massage styles and techniques, some are more therapeutic while others are just pure relaxation. Here’s how to figure out with massage will give you the experience you desire! Here are some descriptions, methods, and benefits of specific massages.

Swedish Massage: the purpose of Swedish Massage is to increase the oxygen flow in blood and to release toxins from the muscles. This is achieved through different techniques designed to relax muscles by applying pressure against the deeper muscles and bones while rubbing in the same direction of the flow of blood. However, this is not deep tissue massage! It’s great for first time massage recipients at a hair and nail spa.

Deep Tissue Massage: Deep tissue massage is a type of massage that focuses on relaxing deeper layers of muscles. It is helpful for chronically tense areas such as stiff necks, lower backs, and sore shoulders. Deep tissue massage is therapeutic and not necessarily for relaxation. It can sometimes be a little uncomfortable, and is mainly used as a means to reduce pain or stress.

Hot Stone Massage: Hot stone massage is a variation on classic massage therapy. Heated smooth, flat stones are placed on specific points on the body. The stones may be placed at specific points on the back, in the palms of the hand, or between the toes.

The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure. The warmth of the hot stones also improves circulation and calms the nervous system.

Reflexology: Reflexology is a system of massage that works primarily on the feet. The theory behind reflexology is that certain pressures applied to the feet can affect other parts of the body as well. It is meant to be therapeutic and relaxing.

Facial Treatments: Seaweed or Paraffin?
It’s hard not to love a facial. But there are so many options, and they can differ wildly between each hair and nail spa. You might not think you want seaweed or wax on your face, but let these facts help you decide!

Paraffin Facial: You’ve maybe had a paraffin treatment done on your hands or feet, and this pretty similar! Don’t worry about the wax being sticky or hurting, it all comes off in one piece and removes toxins, smoothes wrinkles, and brightens skin all in one treatment!

Seaweed Facial: This isn’t seaweed from your local beach! It is specially harvested for facials, and goes through special processing before being applied to your skin. Seaweed facials improve sun damage, heal sunburns, sooth inflammation, and has anti-aging benefits.

Massage Therapy

Massages are a staple of any spa visit and are a frequent treat and personal indulgence for many women. Included in this indulgence are a myriad of health benefits that are often overlooked. Massages not only provide stress relief, they can also help with the following:

• manage anxiety and depression
• help regulate blood pressure
• boost immunity
• manage pain
• treat specific sports injuries

In some cases, massage has even been used as part of cancer treatment! Eastern medicine also uses massage very frequently as an important tool in health care and wellness, and is even believed to increase your life span.

Facials and Skin Care

A facial at a hair and nail spa is used to achieve radiant skin, but the additional and unexpected health benefits of facials will definitely surprise you! Facials, like massages, can increase circulation and reduce stress and high blood pressure.

Did you know that facials can also help treat minor congestion? The combination of steam and massage used in many facials can help open nasal passages and relieve sinus pressure! So the next time you have a cold, drop that nasty cold medicine and go pamper yourself instead!

Body Wrap Treatments

Body wraps are meant to reduce cellulite and slim excess skin and fat. However, what is very unique about body wraps are their detoxifying nature. The exfoliation and loofah part of the treatment removes extra toxins from your epidermis, leaving your skin healthy and refreshed. The minerals used in body wraps also help you lose excess water weight in the course of only one treatment. In addition, body wraps can help individuals with joint pain and inflammation!

Clearly, the hair and nail spa isn’t just for rest and relaxation anymore. While you’re getting pampered, you’re also doing amazing things for your health and wellness!

1. Sunscreen isn’t just for your body anymore!

We’ve all been told about the dangers of skin cancer and the effect the sun has on our skin, but conditioners with SPF can protect your hair as well! If you forget to use conditioner with SPF, you can dab normal sunscreen in your hair for a similar effect.

2. Beat the Heat

We all know every girl loves straight hair, but your hair can’t handle all the natural heat PLUS the extreme temperatures of your straightener and hair dryer. It’ll sap all the moisture from your hair!

3. Stay hydrated: body and hair both need it!

All doctors tell you to stay super hydrated to avoid heatstroke, but your hair needs that moisture just as much as your body does! Double up on your water intake over the summer; it benefits your whole body.

4. Lay off the daily shampooing.

Hair care for summer relies on preserving that precious moisture! Shampooing everyday can strip your hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.

5. Your Stylist is Your Friend!

Beat split ends before they start by getting your hair trimmed twice a month. Also ask your stylist to recommend products that will help your specific hair texture in the summer months.

6. Drench Those Tresses

Buy a deep conditioning rinse out treatment and schedule a time to do it at least weekly. We’re keeping with the theme for hair care for summer: moisture, moisture, and more moisture!

7. Accessorize!

This one’s pretty simple: a hat or scarf over your hair can block unnecessary UV and sun damage. Doesn’t hurt to look cute at the beach or pool either!

8. Stop split ends in their tracks.

As soon as your ends become damaged, treat them with jojoba oil or another leave-in.

9. Protect from chlorine.

Always wet your hair with tap or spring water before jumping in a pool. It seals your hair membrane and protects it.

10. Wind In Your Hair!

Beachy waves are a staple of summer hair, but wind can actually damage your hair! It’s best to wear your hair up at the beach.

Photo credit: by jeffpiatt