Extra Sparkle / Less Effort: The Northern Lights Glitter Hologram Top Coat!

Are your customers looking to add some sparkle to their nails, but unwilling to commit to an actual glitter polish? A client of mine recently introduced me to one of my favorite new products: INTERNATONAL NAIL MANUFACTURERS Northern Lights Hologram Top Coat!

Both Shiny and Quick-Dry, this Top Coat contains just the right amount of extra-fine silver or gold holographic glitter to give a glimmer to your clients' nails without a gaudy appearance. Not only does it do 2 steps in 1, it is also super easy to remove, unlike standard glitter polishes.

Perfect for the holiday season to add that extra shimmer, the Northern Lights Hologram Top Coat can be offered as a small up-sell from your standard Top Coat, or as gratis option for greater client satisfaction.

Which Top Coats do you find to be your favorite? What colors do your customers typically choose during the holiday season?

Spa Know-How: How to Clean your Hot Towel Cabi

As far as equipment goes, your hot towel cabi probably gets some of the highest mileage in your spa. Hot towels are great for use in a wide variety of treatments, and are probably top of the list when it comes to the "Ahhhh factor." But what is the best way to keep your hot towel cabinet clean and ready for use?

Daily Cleaning

• First, always empty the hot towel cabi and the drip tray each and every night. Hot towel cabi's are like a playground for mold: warm, dark, and damp. At the end of each day, turn the hot towel cabi off, unplug it, and empty all of the towels out of it.
• Using a clean towel, wipe down all surfaces. Remove the rack (if present) and thoroughly wipe it down.
• Be sure to clean the rubber gaskets around the opening (on both the cabi side, and around the door)! Pull it forward and gently clean behind it, as well as in the cracks and crevices. You never know what might be lurking in there!
• If your cabi has one, pull out the drip tray, empty it, clean it thoroughly with soap and water, and make sure it is completely dry before replacing it. Some spas and salons like to prop the tray in front of the cabi as an indicator that the cabi has been cleaned. This is a great technique to ensure the tray is completely dry before replacing it.
• Finally, wipe down the outside of the cabi, and disinfect all surfaces. It is a good practice to leave the cabi door open at night, to allow the cabi to air out, and again to ensure it completely dries.

By maintaining your hot towel cabi, you will be able to offer your clients hot towels in so many of your treatments, and it will certainly help keep your "Ahhh factor" rating high with your clients!

Compressed Sponges

I never really gave much thought to sponges. I just thought it was something my mother used to clean the dishes! However, I am a changed man. These compressed sponges are the coolest. They come dry and as they meet water, they expand. Sounds silly, but it's fun to watch. They come in a natural and a white color and 2 different sizes. These sponges are for facials, do not waste them on dishes. ... why? I have no idea... I'm just a shipping guy! See our great Compressed Sponge selection HERE!

Old School Cool: Dr. Bronner's Multi-Use Soap

When performing aesthetic services, you go out of your way to ensure that you use the only the finest and most effective products on your clients. The goal is not only to provide an excellent service, but also immediate gratification with smoother skin, finer lines, and reduced puffiness. Unfortunately, you cannot always be there to ensure that your clients are taking care of their skin at home to the same degree that you do in your aesthetic services.

A fantastic product line to retail to your clients and help guide them towards taking care of their skin is the Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap Skin Care Line. Unlike most of the commercial brands of soaps that you clients will find in their local drug stores, all of the Dr. Bronner's soaps are formulated with pure and organic ingredients. Plus, they are completely devoid of all of the harsh chemicals, parabens, preservatives and dyes that most products contain today.

As a personal testimonial, I am completely obsessed with Dr. Bronner's Organic Castile Liquid Lavender Soap. I have always been on a constant quest to find the best shower gel, shampoo, soap etc. The search has been fun but it is no longer possible for me to use any other soap out there. I use the liquid lavender as a shower gel - the lather is completely luxurious - shampoo, shaving cream and even laundry detergent. The Peppermint Liquid Soap is also fantastic to use as a toothpaste!

Which types of facial and body soaps do you recommend your clients use at home?

Dress Your Clients in Luxury with the Boca Terry Spa Collection!

From the consumer perspective, I think I can speak for everyone by saying that we all enjoy being pampered and getting dressing up in nice and comfortable clothing.

As a service provider, making your clients feel comfortable and relaxed should be the ultimate goal. For that reason, when it comes to spa apparel and accessories you should choose Boca Terry. Known for quality, comfort, and durability at great prices, their wide collection includes an assortment of luxurious Bathrobes, Organic Bathrobes, Wraps, Slippers, Towels, Blankets, Lounge Chair Covers, and Spa Headbands.

When I went to get a massage recently they handed me a microfiber wrap that I fell in love with. I immediately checked the tag and it was the Women's Microfiber Spa Wrap in Ecru by Boca Terry. I have now purchased one for myself, and absolutely adore it!

I highly recommend checking out the Bathrobe Collection for the up-coming Winter months. Having to get undressed can be uncomfortable and chilly, especially if you are like me, and are always cold. If I must remove my clothes, please give me something to snuggle in, and to keep me warm and cozy throughout my entire treatment.

Please remember when purchasing Spa Apparel, to consider purchasing multiple sizes to comfort all body shapes. Check out Adrienne’s blog "One Size Fits All" - The Misconception About Spa and Salon Apparel, which is very helpful on the topic.

*Bonus: Boca Terry items can personalized with your own company logo.

New EXTRA-THICK Pedicure Slippers Make Feet Happy!

Offering your clients disposable slippers to wear for their pedicure is a smart business move. In the clients' eye, your business values their clients and their clients' comfort. By offering our new EXTRA-THICK Pedicure Slippers, your clients will never want to go anywhere else!

These new slippers truly bring style, elegance, and comfort to your salon. These slippers are 4 times as thick as traditional disposable pedicure slippers, so your clients can comfortably walk out of the salon and head home without having to put their socks back on and risk smudging their toes! Lined in soft fabric, these slippers do not feel like the usual disposable pedicure slipper, and they feature a non-slip sole to set your mind at ease!

At $0.97 per pair, these slippers are economical enough to offer quality and comfort to every client without compromising your bottom line. Available in both black and beige to match most spa apparel.

Professional "C" Shaped Neck Wraps

Get ya Neck Wraps Here! Where? Pure Spa Direct of course! The Professional "C" Shaped Neck Wrap has been a very popular item this week. These wraps smell awesome and feel even better. My father uses one for his neck and upper back and he loves it. Maybe its the changing of the seasons or the scent of herbs that makes this neck wrap very attractive.... why? I have no idea... I'm just a shipping guy! See our great Professional "C" Shaped Neck Wrap HERE!

How to? Sunless Spray Tanning Application....

At Pure Spa Direct, we are a MAJOR advocate for anything sunless! We have the LARGEST selection of SPA & SALON supplies, and the MOST LUXURIOUS sunless tanning solutions and body care on the market (in my opinion and our clients). What also sets us apart is our Customer Service. When you call us (as long as we are open), you will be greeted by a live person that cares and actually wants to help you. If you have a question that we don’t immediately know the answer to, we will do our best to find out and will call you back. Our goal is to serve you, so you can service and pamper others.

A universal goal of the spa and salon industry is to BEAUTIFY! One way to drastically enhance the appearance of all your clients is through Sunless Spray Tanning. People are increasingly becoming afraid of the sun, and and are searching for alternatives. Spray Tanning is the fastest growing sector in the industry, and is just going to continue growing at an astronomical rate. Not to mention... the IMMENSE profit potential!

Since we are a premier sunless distributor, we receive calls all the time wondering if we provide training on the application. While, we are more than happy to answer any questions, and provide guidance, we leave the training up to you. Spray Tanning, like an art, can become mastery with practice and experience. If you are new to this, I found an excellent video that shows how a salon in New York City applies the basic principles of performing a tanning service to help jump start your training. Enjoy! ;-)

Do you have any tips to share on Spray Tanning Application?

"One Size Fits All" - The Misconception About Spa and Salon Apparel

Whether you are a salon owner, a spa owner or an independent contractor, the one aspect of working in the beauty industry that unites all of you is that the essence of what you do is ensuring the comfort of your client. You make sure that the surroundings are attractive, smell good, feel comfortable and invite your clients to relax and enjoy their treatment or service.

You have done everything possible to make sure that your client is content, but the one hitch you may not have even thought of is that your spa or salon apparel does not fit all of your clients.

I can speak from personal experience about how mortifying it is to go for a treatment, only to find that the the cape, slippers, robe or wrap does not fit. Emotions go from excited and enthusiastic to dread and embarrassment. I cannot wait for the service to just be over and done with.

Whether it is due to personal choices, health issues, or any other reasons for that matter, the fact is that we do not live in a world of "One Size Fits All." Instead, One Size Fits Most, and for the sake of your clients, business and brand, you cannot forget those who are not included.

The size and shape of your standard clientele can help you determine what sizes you will need to have available. If you have a client base that is mainly athletic or toned, it would be good to have a few backup XXL Capes, Robes and Wraps. If your clients are already the Average American size (16) or larger, you can reverse your sizes and have mainly XXL-4XL and keep a few One Size Fits Most items available. Boca Terry has a plethora of robes in these sizes!

Another aspect to consider is height, as clients can range from under 5 feet to over 6 feet. A robe or wrap that would fit the average American can dwarf or smother someone of a smaller stature, making him or her feel uncomfortable as well. A great option available from Boca Terry are the Kimono Robes, which are a full 4 inches shorter than the rest of their selection.

Client satisfaction is the driving force behind succesful businesses in the beauty industry. That success is created by making sure that you client are comfortable in ALL areas possible. What have you found can help put your clients at ease?

Mix it Up a Bit and Have FUN With Fall Nail Colors!

Okay, let's be realistic....Mondays can be a drag.

But let's crush that "2:30 feeling" and pep things up, shall we?

When seasons change, so do we. For Spring, we like to brighten up with pastel nails and pretty pink blush, and bring out those bleach blonde streaks paired with a sexy French manicure for Summer. Those seasons are great times to shine, and so are Fall and Winter! So get out your pens, take down notes, and get ready to look hot when the temperatures cool down.

My favorite season is Fall: apple picking, carving pumpkins, breathtaking foliage...it's a beautiful time of year! Think of those foliage colors: reds, yellows, oranges, purples, and browns. You bring those colors out with your clothes, so why not bring them out with your nails, too? I have some very pretty nail color suggestions for Fall.

If you're looking for something:

Red or Pink:

- Essie® Clutch Me If You Can

- Essie® Be Right Bag

- Gelish Color Coat in Tutti Frutti

Purple or Grey:

- CND Shellac in Rock Royalty

- Essie® Loophole

- Essie® Sexy Divide

Brown or Beige:

- Essie® Antique Rose

- CND Colour in Desert Suede

- CND Colour in Raisin In The Sun

Orange or Yellow:

- CND Colour in Copper Chrome

- Essie® Chubby Cheeks

- Essie® Bags to Riches

Fun and Funky:

- Essie® Sew Psyched

- Gelish Color Coat in Jet Set

- CND Colour in Asphalt

Fall is a beautiful time of year, and it's a great time to show off your fun nails (and your fabulous fall fashion knowledge!).

SAVE THE TA-TAs! New Retail Products to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

Good afternoon Ladies (and Gents of course)! Pure Spa Direct is offering some exciting new retail products, and 25% of all proceeds from the sale of these items will be donated to Breast Cancer Awareness Initiatives! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so what better time to stock up on these adorable products to retail to all of your clients?

Diva Tweeze Angels Collection

The Diva Tweezers are great tweezers, but give them wings and a pink ribbon, and they are a total hit! These high-quality precision tweezers feature surgical-grade stainless steel tips and work as hard as they are cute! This display will be sure to catch everyone's eye!

Suggested Retail Price: $9.99

Detangle for the Cure - WET Brush & Diva Tweeze Combo

This eye-catching display features the HOT-SELLING Limited Edition Pink Breast Cancer Awareness WET Brush, with a bonus Diva Tweeze Angel, all in one adorable package. The WET Brush is an incredible brush, and paired with an adorable Angel, who can pass it up?

Suggested Retail Price: $12.99

Style for the Cure - Luxor Pro 10-piece Comb Set

This adorable roll-up case features 10 of Luxor's most popular combs - in pink! - plus a bonus pop-up brush with mirror. This kit is perfect for any stylist - style in style!

Suggested Retail Price: $10.99

The Maxim Pedi-Redi Sample Kit: Try All Available Scents Today!

One of the trickiest aspects of purchasing scented products is the fact that you do not know what it will smell like until you receive it. An item that sounds lovely on paper can sometimes turn out to be quite unappealing. When offering pedicure soaks as a part of your services, the scent of your soaking salts is an essential part of the experience for your clients. Making a commitment to salts that do not smell as you wish they would is costly and frustrating.

If you are currently looking for a new, old and/or seasonal scent, I recommend purchasing the MAXIM Pedi-Redi® Sample Kit. This kit includes 1 Application of all the scents currently available, including French Lavender, Green Tea & Lemongrass, Mango Coconut, Lemon Lime and Peppermint. Also, Maxim Pedi Redi is unique in that it does 3 services at once:

1. Softens Cuticles and Calluses
2. Removes Dead Skin
3. Significantly Reduces Scrubbing Time

What type of foot soaking products do you use in your spa?

Looking for Wax Strips that are not a Strip Tease? Try Flexi-Pil "New Pelon" by Epillyss

Strips or rolls, from muslin to pellon….Waxing strips come in a wide variety of materials, shapes, and sizes. As a spa owner you may go through purchasing many different types before you find the most cost effective and preferred option by the estheticians and cosmetologists using them. This process can be tiresome and costly. At Pure Spa Direct, we sell so many different types of waxing strips each day, to so many different clients, all with different preferences. (Personally, I prefer hard wax and recommend ditching the strips all together, but...) if you prefer to use strip wax, and are not sure which strips to buy, I am here to help by sharing our best sellers….

#1: Most Popular

* Try--> INTRINSICS Pellon Wax Strips / 3" x 9" / 100 Pack/ $6.89

* More Economical --> 3" X 9" Pellon Strips/ 100 Pack /Case of 10 Packs by Intrinsics / $66.90

**pre-cut strips are great, and save the time and energy of cutting them.

#2 Most Cost Effective

*Pellon Roll / 300' Roll / Case of 10 Rolls by Intrinsics / $233.91

**Especially efficient for high volume salons, offering a wide variety of waxing services.

#3: Best Performance

* Epillyss Flexi-Pil "New Pelon"

**Flexi-Pil is preferred over Pelon, because it is more flexible. The material is like a paper-cloth and molds well to the contours of the body. The Flexi-Pil makes for supreme results and induces less pain on the client.

French Manicure Clean-Up Brush

What's leaving the warehouse this week? DL Professional French Manicure Clean-Up Brushes. It must be French Manicure season or somethin' because we've never shipped SO MANY of these brushes. They're cost effective, aesthetically appealing, and are ideal when working with Gel Polishes. So get yours today! When will they invent an Irish Manicure?... why? I have no idea... I'm just a shipping guy! See our great DL Professional French Manicure Clean-Up Brush HERE!

Nail Polish Organizing Racks... the simple, cost effective solution to some major issues!

Nail Polish Racks are the simple, cost effective key to some major issues!

1. Nail Polish Racks free up space in your salon/spa by getting all of your polishes, top coats, base coats, nail treatments. etc. out of the way
2. Nail Polish Racks make it easier for your nail techs to find what they are looking for... thereby speeding the service time which always more clients per hour
3. Organization in your business makes you look more professional and makes your clients trust you - remember, a sloppy mess in your business brings all aspects in to question... are your products fresh?, do you follow proper hygiene requirements?, are your staff members well trained?, etc.

Who would have thought simple Nail Polish Racks could solve so many issues for so little money! Pure Spa Direct has a nice selection of various sizes and styles (wall mounted, table top, wood, metal, Lucite and more) of Nail Polish Racks to fit any budget.

FUN FIND! Stool Caddy by Custom Craftworks

Hey all! I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend. To start off the four-day work week on the right foot, I have a really cool item to introduce you to. It is super helpful for massage therapists, pedicurists, and many other spa services!

The Stool Caddy by Custom Craftworks easily fits right onto your rolling or swivel stools for easy and immediate access to your lotions, oils, creams, and more! It gives you the ability to glide around your client smoothly without having to constantly get up to grab items that are all over the place. Not only does the stool caddy hold your lotions, but it also has a bar to hang a hand towel for added convenience.

The stool is easy to assemble and comes with a 1 year warranty. Give it a try - I bet you'll love it!

Wrap it Up!

Hello again. What's got all the guys rappin' this week? It's not Hot97's throwback hour from 12 - 1. Although that is good! It's Waffle Weave Wraps by Boca Terry!! What a great way to keep your clients cool and comfortable during their treatments. And if you read my blog last week these robes are a perfect match with the waffle headbands! They come in multiple sizes and colors and I heard you can even customize the wraps with your own logo!!!.... why? I have no idea... I'm just a shipping guy! See our great Waffle Wrap by Boca Terry SELECTION here!

How to Maintain and Extend the Life of Your Haircutting Shears with Proper Care

As a hairdresser, your most important tools are your shears. Shears can be expensive, and having them sharpened to extend their life can be even more expensive. Proper daily and weekly care of your shears is important to maintain them, so you do not have to go through the expense of replacing your shears often.

That being said, what is the proper daily and weekly care for your shears? Shark Fin, a leading manufacturer of hair cutting shears, recommends oiling the shears daily with scissor or clipper oil, and oiling the pivot point weekly to remove any hair or product build-up that has collected during the week. In the video below, Shark Fin demonstrates how easy it is to maintain your shears!

Click Here: Shark Fin Selection

Click Here: Cutting Shears Store

Click Here: Andis Clipper Oil

Facials for Sensitive Skin - The Groundbreaking New Treatment!

One cant help but notice that 2 of the most popular ingredients for facial and body treatments these days are Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid. While they truly are miracle products that can improve skin moisture and help reverse aging, they can also be harsh for certain skin types, especially men.

Unlike women, the majority of men take a sharp (or worse, dull!) blade to their face on a daily basis to shave. This process, done day in and day out for years on end, has a major impact on already delicate facial skin, causing it to become hyper-sensitive and easily inflamed. As a result, men typically need significantly gentler treatments so as to restore their skin.

Rather than collagen or hyaluronic acid, consider using a Ceramide Transdermal Mask on your clients with extra-sensitive skin. Formulated with Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil and Lavender Oil, this mask packs a major punch against dry and blotchy skin. Even though it is filled with a variety of oils, they are non-comedogenic and will not clog your clients' pores. It smells fantastic, feels soothing and helps repair broken capillaries in the skin! Lastly, each pack contains 6 masks, making them only $6.58 each for high quality ingredients - Effective on skin and cost effective on your wallet.

What other types of treatments do you like to provide for your clients with Sensitive Skin?