Gain the Upper Hand on the Competition with the Perfect Hand Soap!

Oftentimes, the first and last impression your clients have of your business occurs in one very particular room - the Restroom!  Clients notice all the little details and touches that you have put thought into, right down to the hand soap.

One of our fabulous clients in Washington State differentiates herself from the competition by offering French Lavender Liquid Hand Soap by EO Products.  She chose it not only for lovely scent, but also because it is a sulphate-free product formulated with a multitude of organic extracts.

Some other excellent brands to choose from for your clients are Kiss My Face, Pure & Basic, Jason and Nature's Gate.  If you are a fan of the stand-by originals, we also carry Lysol, Micrell, Method, GOJO, Dial and SoftSoap.

A personal favorite, due to scent, texture and overall aesthetic appeal are the hand soaps by Bathhouse Blends.  What products do you like to include in your restroom to add a special touch?

Medical Massage On the Rise

When people think of getting a massage most think of it as a luxury, not a medical necessity. A new study sponsored by the American MassageTherapy Association shows a rise in people seeking out massage therapy for aid in medical conditions and prevention.

According to the study:

• 75% of individuals claim their primary reason for receiving a massage in the past 12 months was medical (43%) and stress (32%) related. Medical reasons include pain relief, soreness, stiffness or spasms, injury recovery, migraines, prevention, and general well-being.

• 87% of individuals view massage as being beneficial to overall health and wellness.

• 89% of consumers surveyed believe that massage can be effective in reducing pain; with 29% of respondents admitting they have used massage therapy for pain relief.

What is even more exciting is that traditional medical care providers are recommending massage therapy as a viable care option for many health related issues!!!

According to the study

• 50% of respondents indicated that they were encouraged by their doctor to receive a massage.

• 61% of respondents said their physician has recommended they get a massage.

Products such as the Thumper Maxi Pro Massager are helping massage therapists to effectively enhance an already beneficial massage by increasing circulation and releasing muscle tension.

The industry has come a long way in gaining respect and legitimacy from both medical professionals and the general public.

Scholarships & Support for Hairdressers - Wella Debuts new Opportunities in 2013

On November 13, 2012 Wella announced it's pioneering an exciting new venture called, "Hairdressers at Heart". This program focuses on four key phases of a hairdresser’s career, and offers up valuable support and resources through Wella Professional and parent company P&G. 

Wella is committed to promoting
excellence in the craft of hairdressing.

According to the Hairdressersatheart.com website, "Hairdressers at Heart strives to elevate the hairdressing industry by providing stylists with tools to grow and succeed in their careers.  Hairdressers at Heart enables stylists to go to the next level by providing educational and monetary assistance in the form of scholarships, artistic competitions, assisted childcare and tuition discounts, and grants for community service." 

From stylist beginners all the way through established stylists, Wella's goal is designed to advocate programs and opportunities that support stylists at four critical stages of their career:

The Four Pillars of Hairdressers at Heart & Their Ambassadors 

1. Prospective Students / Stephen Moody
2. Assisting Young Talent / Katy-Bug Browne
3. The Working Stylist- Family First / Alexandra Mariz
4. Established Stylist / Salon owner / Diane Cole Stevens

The official launch of the Hairdressers at Heart Scholarship program is on January 1, 2013. A 1.5 million dollar student scholarship program will be available through Hairdressers at Heart.  

For more information about this exciting program visit www.hairdresssersatheart.com. To read a complete article about Wella's announcement, visit Modern Salon's Website by clicking here:

http://www.modernsalon.com/hair-video-tv/editorial/Wella-Announces-Hairdressers-at-Heart-Designed-to-CHANGE-Lives-179228921.html

How To: Holiday Manicures

Seasonal updates to your service offerings are a great way to "keep it fresh" and make your existing patrons return and make new clients want to visit your nail salon.  Well, now that Thanksgiving is done and gone, it is time for Christmas!  Christmas nail designs can range from simple candy cane stripes, to Santa hats, to holiday wrapped gifts and more.  Check out these videos to see how easy and how cute Christmas nail designs can be:



From nail lacquer to UV Polish like Shellac or Gelish to nail art brushes, dotting tools, crystals and more... Pure Spa Direct has it all for nail professionals.

Keyano Peppermint!

Keyano has done it again -- they had products flying off the shelf last week! This time with a new scent - Peppermint. With Thanksgiving over everyone is getting in the Christmas spirit. Who doesn't love Christmas and the holidays? Now its even better with Keyano Peppermint Sticks... Why? I have no idea... I'm just a shipping guy! See our great Keyano Peppermint Stick selection HERE!

Empowering the Beauty Industry: SPAevidence.com

With a stronger focus on the medical benefits of visiting the spa in recent years, now is time to EMPOWER medical, wellness, and spa professionals, as well as consumers, with the knowledge of benefits. In July of 2011, the first online resource dedicated to achieving just that launched: SPAevidence.com.

According to SPAevidence.com, the majority of the public at large typically assumes that scientific evidence always supports traditional medicine over alternative therapies. However, "many more doctors now agree that there is actually more hard evidence for many integrative/alternative therapies and mind-body approaches than there is for much of conventional medicine. And almost all agree that lifestyle, stress-reduction and attitude changes have an enormous impact on health." And as a result, medical studies related to the spa and wellness industry are growing. That's where SPAevidence.com comes in: This portal provides access to evidence-based science behind the spa.

With a large list of categorie, and easy-to use navigation, SPAevidence.com can become a virtual library for all spa owners looking to expand their services and effectively advertise the science behind them. There is even a section for Studies-In-Progress for each category, which provides information about clinical trials that are currently underway, and information about how to get involved!

Once you have done your research, and decided which science-based services you would like to learn more about, our friendly and knowledgeable staff at Pure Spa Direct is here to help! We offer thousands of products for your spa, whether is is Ayurveda, Cellulite Treatments, or Reflexology you are interested in adding to your menu!

Teeth Whitening Retail: Easy Sales to a Massive Market

No matter the month,day or season a majority of people are looking to make their teeth whiter.  According to a study performed by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 99.7% of adults 'believe a smile is a social asset,' while 96% 'believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to members of the opposite sex.'  Lastly, 'whiter and brighter teeth' was listed as the most desired change among participants.

The perfect tooth whitening product line to introduce to your clients is Whiter Image.  Just a few simple, cost-effective items can deliver serious results to your clientele while putting some major cash back in your pocket.  Among the items in the line are the White Blitz Teeth Whitening Pen, White Blitz Chic Flic Teeth Whitening and Lip Gloss Plumper Pen and sample size Mini White Blitz Teeth Whitening Pen.

Not only are the products effective, they also come with everything you will need to sell them to your clients.  All Whiter Image purchases include an attractive display, DVD for your lobby, promotional table tents, trifold brochures and buttons for your staff.

Important Information:

• Whitening Gel Strength - Equivalent to 12% Hydrogen Peroxide
• The teeth whitening gel contains a special addition of the desensitizing agent Potassium Nitrate.
• Both the Chic Flic Pen and the Whiter Image Pen contain approximately 60+ applications.
• The Lip Gloss Plumper contains 80+ applications depending upon the amount applied.
• The Lip Gloss Plumper contains a blue base that applies clear, yet helps your teeth look their whitest.

As it stands, there is a huge market to capture and a massive profit potential for you as a business owner.  Your clients may be able to purchase whitening products at most drug stores, however, having your licensed professionals recommending these would give a huge leg up on the competition.

Warmth & Relaxation: Hot Stone Massage!

I don't know about you, but its starting to get pretty chilly here in New York! Massages are a great service all year round, but just the idea of a Hot Stone Massages when it's this cold out, makes me want to run right over to the spa! Hot stones in massages are great for removing stress and promoting relaxation and well-being. People are exceptionally stressed during the holiday season, so this is a great time to offer up Hot Stone Massages. All your clients will be thinking is warm relaxation! Sounds good to me.!


Here at Pure Spa, we offer all the supplies and tools you would need to offer this service. We also offer kits if your just starting out with Hot Stone Massages. The kits include stones, a stone warmer, a manual, and some accessories. We also have stones sets, stone massage books, stone massage DVDs, etc. Like I said...everything you will need to offer Hot Stone Massages!

Check out all these great items for Hot Stone Massage:

• Stone Sets
• Massage Stone Packages
• Stone Warmer
• Hot Stone Massage Books
• Hot Stone Massage DVDs

Breathe Easier This Winter: Benefits of Eucalyptus Oil

With the colder weather upon us, many people are beginning to suffering from facial issues such as dry skin and sinus problems. This is a perfect time to offer some wonderful winter relief treatments!!! 

 

A very popular and effective remedy for many sinus issues is the use of eucalyptus oil.

Here are a few ways to incorporate the benefits of eucalyptus:

• Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil like ESS Globulus Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil / 10 ml to lotion. Massage the face, making sure to hit all the sinus pressure points.
• Use an oil warmer or eucalyptus scented items such as the Aromatherapy Sticks Purifying Eucalyptus around the rooms.
• A personal favorite of mine for use in rooms is the Eucalyptus Steam Room Oil 

Another great item for easing sinus pain is a facial steamer. The Profiles Spa Facial Sauna is a great way to add moisture, clean pores and relieve sinus pain. You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to increase the benefit!

However you choose to incorporate it into your services, eucalyptus products will make you clients happy and breathing easier this winter season!

Peppermint Stick Spa Treatments by Keyano Aromatics

Celebrate the Season.
Peppermint Treatments by Keyano

Mouth watering peppermint and a muscle melting massage... ahhhhhhh.  I am in love with Keyano's new Peppermint Stick spa products.  What a great way to introduce some new holiday inspired spa services!

My favorite pick is the Peppermint Stick Pedicure!  A decadent delight for tired tootsies using:

• Peppermint Stick Butter Cream
• Peppermint Stick Scrub
• Peppermint Stick Mineral Bath
• Peppermint Stick Massage Oil
• Peppermint Stick Moisture Mask

Peppermint Stick Butter Cream is an excellent retail item for clients as well. It is a refreshing and hydrating treatment for hands, feet & body, and it is rich with Shea Butter. Sun damaged and dehydrated skin is particularly suited for this butter cream - it's like a moisturizing blanket for dry skin during winter!

Elevate Your Service TIP: 
Offer clients a warm cup of Peppermint Tea during their treatment. Or Peppermint candy! Also available at Purespa.com

See The Keyano Peppermint Stick Collection Here:
http://www.purespadirect.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=peppermint+keyano

Knotties!

The newest craze to hit Pure Spa Direct is Knotties! These are pretty cool and come in a bunch of colors.  Apparently, they make a great retail item... your clients can wear em in their hair, on their wrists, or anywhere else. It's gonna make a good stocking stuffer for my girlfriend this year... why? I have no idea... I'm just a shipping guy! See our great Knotties Hair Ties selection HERE!

Overstock Sale... 40% Off Select Colors of Noel Asmar Uniforms!

Noel Asmar Uniforms are normally reasonably priced for their amazing style and quality. Reasonable as the may be, they are still a little pricey for some... well, GOOD NEWS.. now, for the first time, Pure Spa Direct is offering a massive Noel Asmar 40% Off Sale on dozens of styles in a wide assortment of color and sizes. Over 20,000 units are available at spectacular  savings.  The only catch... when the overstock is gone, it's gone and all prices go back to normal.

Noel Asmar Uniforms can be seen at such elite hotels and spas as Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Fairmont, Mandarin Oriental, Rosewood, Canyon Ranch, Red Door Spas, CityCenter – Las Vegas, Bellagio, Hilton, Starwood Corporation, Westin Heavenly Spas, Kohler Spas, Hershey Spa, to name a few.

Step up your staff's look now while the price are red hot... or, if you ALREADY adorn your staff in these fantastic uniforms, stock up... even top quality uniforms wear out eventually!

CLICK & SEE ALL OVERSTOCK SALE PRODUCTS BY Noel Asmar Uniforms
CLICK & SEE THE ENTIRE COLLECTION BY Noel Asmar Uniforms

Cozy up with the Herbal Warming Scarf!

 Not only is the Eco-Fin Herbal Fleece-n-Minky Scarf with Mitts a great item to offer to your clients, it is also a great item to keep around for when you need a little warmth while performing your services! It's perfect for this time of year to offer to clients if they are feeling a bit chilly. The neck and pockets of the Herbal Warming Scarf are lined with 12 natural herbs and grains. The entire scarf can be heated in the microwave for long-lasting warmth and comfort! It’s made of ultra soft fabric and features two extra deep pockets to keep hands cozy. This warming scarf will help relive stress and tension while keeping you warm and toasty! This is definitely an item I would love to keep around during the winter months!

Aveda Neo Goth Color Collection

Hair Trend Alert!  Aveda has announced the release of the new Fall/Winter 2012 Neo Goth Color Collection!  

According to Antoinette Beenders, the Global Creative Director of Aveda, "We were inspired by the Gothic darkness on the runways, but took it in a direction of our own. We added fragility to the look, and romance — also drew upon the graphic futurism of Japanese manga and anime. The look is Goth…and much more."

So what, exactly, can you expect from this new line?  Ian Michael Black, Aveda Hair Color Artistic Director, says the full spectrum of red tones, Orange to Copper and even Violet.  These bold colors can look gorgeous on virtually any client, but most especially those well defined cuts.

Need supplies and ideas for hair services?  Pure Spa Direct has everything you need!

Tis the Season To Grow Your Clientele!!!

With the holidays coming up people are going to be looking for that perfect gift for family and friends. This can be an excellent time to push gift certificate sales and gain new clients. There are various ways to do this to fit the type of office and services you offer.

One great way to say thank you to existing clients who purchase gift certificates is to offer them a gift as well. Many salons, spas and massage therapy offices have found giving a gift bag with products they retail is a great way to boost sales while making the client feel appreciated.

Pure Spa Direct offers great options such as:

• Purse Style Gift Certificate Holder with Ribbon 
• Keyano Aromatherapy Massage Oils / 2 oz.
• Harmony Gift Certificate / 25 Pack
• CND Black Cherry & Nutmeg Creative Scentsations Hand & Body Lotion / 2 fl. oz.
• Gold Bow Design Bags 
• IncentiveReferral Cards

By being able to try a product first, people are more likely to fall in love with a product and purchase it in the future!!!

Another great method is to offer a holiday promotion for existing clients. Try giving out referral cards where the client can fill in their name and give to a friend or family member. Let them know that for every card with their name on it that gets brought back in, they can choose a free service they haven’t tried yet. This way you potentially have a new client and your existing client will be able to try out something they may not have otherwise tried.

By simply tweaking or adding to what you have done in the past you open the door to generate new business and increase sales!!!!

2012 Glitter Gel Nails - Troubleshooting the Trend with Confidence

The season is here - clients are really craving a little extra glamour and glitz for their holiday manicures. Make sure you know how to create the look with confidence and durability for your clientele! This troubleshooting tutorial from Thao Nguyen and Nail TV (Nails Magazine), has some great tips on creating exceptional glittery, glam looks that you can feel confident about. PureSpaDirect.com has all your professional nail supply needs including the Gelish clear gel used in this video (jar), and the top coat sealer.  Be sure to check out our sparkling selection of rocking nail glitters and metallics for your professional nail art needs.

What do Aromatherapy, Positive Affirmations, and Retail Sales Have in Common?

What do Aromatherapy, Positive Affirmations, and Retail Sales Have in Common? ESS Aromatherapeutic Roll-On's! Read on... I'll get to it! ESS has added portable essential oil roll-ons that offer aromatherapeutic benefits anywhere, anytime! They are great for retailing at your spa/salon.

 There are 7 AMAZING blends:

1. Pure Love: Key Notes... Cedarwood, Orange, Lavender, Patchouli, Ylang Ylang, Spearmint, Sandalwood Jasmine
2. Inspiration: Key Notes... Orange, Cedarwood, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lime, Peppermint, Frankincense, Cardamomum, Spearmint
3. Good Karma: Key Notes... Orange, Lavender, Cedarwood, Lemon, Clove, Ylang Ylang, Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood
4. Enchantment: Key Notes... Bergamot, Orange, Cardamomum, Clove, Jasmine
5. Energize: Key Notes... Orange, Bergamot, Cedarwood, Grapefruit, Lime, Peppermint, Frankincense, Elemi, Cardamomum, Spearmint <- ENERGIZE IS MY FAVORITE!
6. Peace: Key Notes... Lavender, Orange, Ylang Ylang, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Patchouli, Geranium, Frankincense
7. Relaxation: Key Notes... Lavender, Tangerine, Patchouli, Eucalyptus, Litsea Cubeba, Petitgrain, Sandalwood

They sound pretty cool, right? But now you are wondering... where do the "Positive Affirmations" come in? I'll explain...

After using the corresponding professional use ESS Essential Oil Blend during your treatments... in a diffuser  added to massage oil, added to hot towels, misted on linens, on a towel under a face cradle, etc., you can offer the roll-on version of the same blend to your customers for a memorable add-on retail sale.  Explain to your client that a popular use of the 0.33 oz portable roll-on is to use them to write a positive affirmation word of their forearms in the morning.  The affirmation can be anything positive and then as they move during the day and catch an alluring whiff of the blend, the will be reminded of their own secret positive note... no one else will know but the user!  It is fun and it works great and the scents are amazing.

Check Them Out Here:
http://www.purespadirect.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=ESS+Aromatherapeutic+Roll-On

P.S. I'd love to take credit for the brilliant affirmations on the forearms idea, but alas, that credit goes to my wife.  Kudos to you wife!

Ginger Lily Farms

Nourishing Body Wash by Ginger Lily Farms was a popular item this week. With the cold already here in NY you gotta keep your client's skin soft and crack free. The farmers at Ginger Lily Farms must really know what they're doing. Why? I have no idea... I'm just a shipping guy! See our great Ginger Lily Farms Nourishing Body Wash selection HERE!

We've Got Crushes on Some Beauty Brushes!

During the holiday season, your clients will be busy with lots of things, and won't have time to get ready for all their holiday parties and get togethers. This is when they will be coming to you, requesting makeovers. This is a great time to update and replace your make up brushes! We all know, these brushes don't last forever and with all new brushes, you will be ready for all your makeover requests. We carry a bunch of different brush sets here at Pure Spa Direct. Whether your looking for a full set, a small set, or even individual brushes, we have them! Also, brush sets are a great gift idea for retailing to your clients!

A great set that has all the brushes you need is the Fantasea 20 Piece Cosmetic Brush Set With Pouch. It comes with 20 professional brushes along with a pouch that is ideal to keep your brushes close by while working no your clients. (so convenient!)

Brushes included in this set:

• Powder Brush - Goat Hair
• Blush Brush - Goat Hair
• Contouring Brush - Goat Hair
• Fan Brush - Badger
• Large Angled Brow Brush - Sable
• Medium Angled Brow Brush - Sable
• Small Angled Brow Brush - Sable
• Large Shadow Brush - Sable
• Medium Shadow Brush - Sable
• Small Shadow Brush - Sable
• Large Concealer Brush - Sable
• Small Concealer Brush - Sable
• Crease Brush - Sable
• Eye Shadow Applicator
• Smudger
• Thin Liner Brush - Sable
• Eye Liner Brush - Sable
• Eyelash Comb / Eyebrow Brush
• Mascara Brush
• Lip Brush - Sable

Check out some of the sets that are great for gifts!

• FantaSea - 10 Piece Synthetic Cosmetic Brush Set (FSC423)
• 10 Piece Cosmetic Brush Set by Denman
• Bamboo Cosmetic Brush Set / 5 Brushes

Happy Holiday Season! =)

Tips for Retail Success

We are barely past Halloween, and yet the time has officially come for all spas, salons, wellness centers and medi-spas to stock up on the holiday retail.  While retail products should be an integral part of your business plan year round, the holidays provide an additional impetus for your clients to browse, shop and buy.

We always advise our clients to retail, but the question is How? How do you transition from having products on display to constantly needing restock your shelves?  Well, here is a handy little guide:

Tips for Retail Success:

1. EDUCATION.  Become THE source for information for all things retail by educating you staff.  Hold multiple training workshops and dispense reading materials so that your employees are able to comfortably and knowledgeably explain the following for all products.
• Purpose
• Ingredients
• Features
• Benefits
• Application Procedure
• Potential Reactions
• Brand History
2. TESTERS.  One is much more likely to purchase a product when he or she can touch it, smell it, taste it, etc.  When you shop at stores such as Sephora or Ulta, there are samples for virtually every single product.  By investing in at least 1 tester per retail item, your clients will be significantly more likely to invest themselves into the product.
3. INCENTIVE PROGRAMS.  As a Salon or Spa owner, your main focus is increasing your business profit.  One of the main focuses for your employees, however, is increasing their personal income.  Have your goals meet in the middle by providing incentive programs and contests for selling retail products.  Just as your clients need a little push to invest in retail, your employees need motivation for selling products and boosting business. By offering bonuses or a rewards program for top sellers, you can boost sales, profits and company morale! In addition, certain manufacturers have their own rewards program in place.  By selling their products, you receive samples and complimentary items.  These free gifts can then be passed on to your victorious employees, at no expense to you. A total Win-Win-Win!
4. INTEL. The easiest way to decide what products to retail is to get the information directly from the source: your clients!  Train your employees to be engaging and asking key questions, including the following:
• What hair/facial/nail products are being used at home.
• Opinions about said products.
• Upcoming plans and events, such as vacations, weddings, graduation etc.
• Personal cosmetic and aesthetic concerns.



She was just introduced to her spa's new retail selections.

5. AN EXPERIENCE.  According to Jill Van Ausdal of The Spa at Stein Eriksen Lodge, you can increase retail sales by providing an all-encompassing experience instead, rather than just providing a single treatment for your client.  When the service is taken from a treatment to an experience, retail automatically becomes a part of the equation.

The team here at Pure Spa is literally chock-full of information, facts, figures, ideas and suggestions.  If you need help deciding what to retail or how to retail it, give us a call any time!

Just In Time to Stock Up for Holiday Retail: Cuccio Naturale Butter Babies Display Towers in 6 Delicious Scents!

Ah, the holidays. A time for giving - and receiving. This is a great time of year to rehaul your retail offerings, and add new, exciting, point-of-purchase items to sell to your clients. Small items under $10 each are great little buys for your clients - they work well as stocking stuffers and last-minute gift items.

The perfectly packaged, luxurious, and deliciously scented Cuccio Naturale Butter Babies, in their convenient display towers, are great retail options to add to your selection. The Display Towers are perfect to display on your reception counter to encourage those last-minute impulse purchases!

Cuccio Naturale Butter Babies

• Non-oily, intense hydrating treatment
• Moisturizes and adds vital nutrients
• Great to use after exfoliating

Available in 6 Great Scents:

• Papaya & Guava
• Pomegranate & Fig
• Tuscan Citrus Herb
• Vanilla Bean & Sugar
• Milk & Honey
• Lemongrass & Lavender

Nail Trend: Caviar Manicures, Doug Gets One!

MIA Caviar beads, just after a few hours.

Here at Pure Spa, we are are always looking into new trends in the Salon, Nail, Massage and Day Spa markets.  We are constantly seeking out new lines that can offer your business services and merchandise to help keep you on trend with what clients are looking for. Whether it's an awesome new pedicure, facial or Massage, we know that staying current is an important aspect to retaining and attracting clients.  So we were very intrigued to learn about the Caviar Manicure craze this summer and were considering bringing it on board to Pure Spa.

When our Caviar nail beads showed up for beta testing we ran into a glitch.  All of our usual test subjects just had Shellac manicures, so the only person with a clean nail was Doug Dema in our Marketing department...poor Doug, I had to send an apology note to his wife. We were all so eager to try out the process, Doug allowed me to test out a few of his nails to evaluate the application process and the quality of the wear.

So the Caviar Bead Manicure process begins like any other manicure:

1) Clean and prep nail
2) Base coat
3) 2 Polish coats - one nail at a time
4) Now sprinkle on Caviar beads while nail by nail while polish is wet.
5) Pat beads carefully into nail, taking care to make sure the edges are fully covered.
6) After 10-15 drying (we did not use a lamp or dryer), Apply a clear top coat.

Doug Does Caviar -
And Not Very Well.

Without the top coat, the beads are not going to stay on for more than a few hours.

After applying a thick top coat, it took about 30-40 minutes for the nail to fully dry and the beads to feel "locked in" - again, we did not use a lamp or dryer.

After all this drying time, the manicure and the Caviar beads did hold up through several hand washings and Doug's daily routine of banging stuff around, but after a few hours, beads starting falling off.

So what was the verdict? This is a cute trend but we felt it was a service that was too long to perform in light of it's temporary results. It is on trend for the younger age groups, and with the time involved in doing it well, and doing it right - the price point for this manicure would need to be in the $45 range, which we feel may be too much.  And at that price point, clients will want a manicure that lasts longer than a few days.

Alternatively, I have heard from some salons that are just adding the Caviar to one nail, like the ring finger.  That sounds a bit more practical.

Shellac and Gelish manicures are still the number one trend of choice for our salon and spa shoppers!

Ahhhhhhhh, 100% Turkish Cotton... Pure Spa Adds Turkish Towels, Turkish Robes and more!

Mmmmmmmm... nothing like soft premium towels and robes.  Towels and robes are just one more thing that clients subconsciously judge salons and spas on.  Nasty rough towels and robes... not a good impression. Fluffy soft luxurious towels and robes... dreamy impression.  Mmmmmmm... I love a nice soft towel.  OK, maybe I sound a little nutty, but deep down, we all draw conclusions based on our impressions.  100% Turkish Cotton towels and robes from The Turkish Towel Company will make the great impression you want to make.

Cotton shmotton, it is all the same, right? Who cares if it is Turkish, Egyptian  or from Mars... right? WRONG!

What is in the collection? It is pretty complete: Wash cloths, hand towels, bath towels, bath sheets, Bath Mats, Salon Towels, Fitness Towels, Make-up Towels, Lounge Covers, Shower Wraps, Spa Slippers, Kimono Robes, Shawl Collar Robes... AND MORE... all in luxurious Turkish Cotton!

What is Turkish Cotton?

• Turkish Cotton is premium cotton that has extra long fibers. Using longer fiber cotton in spinning yarn means fewer joins. Fewer joins results in stronger and smoother cotton threads.
• Turkish Cotton is long fiber cotton and is grown in the small but productive Aegean Region.
• Turkish Cotton becomes even softer, fluffier, and more absorbent with successive washings.

How does Turkish Cotton compare to Egyptian Cotton?

• Egyptian Cotton is known for its absorbency, which is especially suited for apparel and sheets. However, in towels too much absorbency means that a towel remains wet long after use. Also, towels that are too absorbent tend to become wet in humid climates all by themselves.
• Turkish Cotton provides the perfect balance between absorbency and softness which makes it the best cotton to be used in towels.
• Turkish Cotton, when used in towels, provides maximum absorbency and efficient drying.
• Turkish Cotton becomes even softer, fluffier, and more absorbent with successive washings.

What makes The Turkish Towel Company's towels better than others?

• The Turkish Towel Company products are all made in the legendary towel producing town of Denizli, Turkey, the world’s largest center for woven terry production.
• All of The Turkish Towel Company s products are woven in our modern production facility by Swiss made computer controlled weaving equipment.
• Each and every towel we provide is inspected three times to ensure the perfect towel:
  1. After weaving
  2. After dyeing
  3. After stitching
• Particular attention is paid to the stitching and finishing of all products. All our towels are double-stitched along the lengths to avoid fraying and for added stability.
• While a Turkish towel may cost more initially, in the long run it costs a lot less as it will easily outlast towels of inferior quality.

What are the advantages to buying white towels versus color towels?

• Nothing provides the classic bathroom ambiance more than when it is fully stocked with fluffy white towels.
• White never goes out of style.
• White takes the strongest laundering.
• White never fades.
• White can be bleached.
• White can be washed with all other white linens.
• Do not have to keep away from bathroom cleaners that contain bleach.
• Matching dye lots when re-ordering is not a problem.
• Can easily be re-ordered and do not have to worry about being discontinued

What is the best way to care for towels?

• Washing:
  • Exposed to oil, soil, and germs; wash towels in cold water with laundry detergent. If the towels are white, they should occasionally be washed with chlorine bleach.
  • Cotton is a natural fiber and new towels will shed some loose fibers.
  • Avoid fabric softeners—they contain silicon that will make the towels water repellent.
• Drying:
  While tumble drying will make the towel fluffy, do not overdo, as the heat from the dryer can damage the integrity of the cotton. We recommend using a lower heat setting occasionally or alternate between air and heat drying.
• Absorbency:
  To maximize the absorbency of a towel, add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle, once a month, to restore the towel to full absorbency. The vinegar removes any excess detergent, which can affect the towels’ absorbency.
• Pulled Threads:
  As all our towels are woven, a pulled loop will not unravel the towel. If you catch the towel and pull a loop, cut off the pulled loop with a pair of scissors.

VIEW ALL PRODUCTS BY THE TURKISH TOWEL COMPANY at PureSpaDirect.com Here:
http://www.purespadirect.com/The-Turkish-Towel-Company-Luxury-Towels-Bathrobes-s/4936.htm

Wax Strips

Hurricane Sandy hit us hard this week, however, Pure Spa Direct endures. Popular this shortened week were the Large Non-Woven Body Strips by Fantasea. Nobody likes unwanted hair so get yours today... why? I have no idea... I'm just a shipping guy! See our great Fantasea Non-Woven Body Strips selection HERE!

New China Glaze Holiday Joy 2012 Collection & Gift Sets!

Its almost that time of year! Everyone is starting to think about gifts! I am SOO excited and this is a great time to start displaying retail items that are perfect for gifting! China glaze has come out with their Holiday Joy 2012 Collection along with a few super cute gift sets! The China Glaze Holiday Joy 2012 Collection Counter Display comes along with 2 each of the 12 new festive colors!  Each of the 3 holiday gift sets include two or three polish colors and a gift!

China Glaze New Colors For Holiday 2012:

• Merry Berry - Rich berry red crème
• Cranberry Splash - Ruby red shimmer
• Red Satin - Silky blue-based red crème
• Winter Holly - Gold-flecked dazzling green glitter 
• Glitter All the Way - Exciting multi-color glitter
• Angel Wings - Delicate gold dust glitter
• With Love - Classic red crème with a hint of orange undertones 
• Pure Joy - Fiery red glitter with gold particles
• Champagne Kisses - Bubbly rose gold glitter 
• Glistening Snow - Fine diamond-like silver glitter
• Blue Bells Ring - Icy blue shimmer 
• Pizzazz - Twinkling multi-dimensional glitter blend 

You can have your clients nails twinkling like holiday lights with pizzazz or they can be toasting on New Years with Champagne Kisses!

Fun Holiday Sets:

• Santa Paws
• Includes one Red Satin Polish, one Pure Joy polish and the puppy stuffed animal names Joy!
• Trimmin' The Tree
• Includes one With Love polish, one Glistening Snow polish, and a festive tree ornament!
• Keepin' Cozy
• Includes one Merry Berry, one Glistenng Snow, one Cranberry Splash, and a pair of cozy fingerless gloves!

Your clients will love these gift sets and I'm sure they will be a huge hit on your retail counter!! Who doesn't love super cute gift sets?? =)

Essential Paraffin Accesories

Cooling temperatures means that it is time to break out your paraffin unit, stock up on Eco-Fin and make sure you have plenty of liners for daily services.  It is also important to stock up on the nifty little extras that take this service from standard to extraordinary.

1.  Compostable Liners:  Fingerless paraffin liners that are the perfect size for hands and feet, plus they are good for the environment!

2. Muslin Mitt and Bootie Sleeves:  Soft and flexible, these sleeves are the perfect washable barrier between the liners and the heat source.

3.  Insulated Terry Velour Mitts and Booties:  These are super soft and help to retain the heat in the paraffin, thus making the service last longer and be more effective.  In addition, this product is washable.

 4.  Electric Mitts and Booties:  An essential product for paraffin, parafango, manicure and pedicure services, electric mitts and booties soothe aches and pains while also helping with product absorption.

 5.  Herbal Mitts and Booties:  These are similar to electric mitts and booties in that they provide additional warmth to services plus they have the added benefit of 12 fragrant herbs to soothe both the extremities and senses.

Don't forget about your paraffin wax, oil and warmers!

Disaster Relief for Spas, Salons, and Beauty Professionals in the Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy

Hello friends! I am so glad you are here to join me. What a week it has been! I hope this post finds you safe, warm, and well. On behalf of Pure Spa Direct, I would like to send out positive thoughts and prayers to the millions of people affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Here at our Pure Spa Direct headquarters, we were very lucky to sustain no damage to our building, and just a brief power outage. All of our employees are safe, albeit most without power. We were some of the lucky ones. The devastation across so much of the East Coast is almost beyond comprehension. This aptly nicknamed "Frankenstorm," according to Wikipedia, has caused at least $50 billion worth of damage, has affected 20 states, and left millions without power.

For a small business owner, the aftermath of a natural disaster of this magnitude can be crippling. The good news is that for the beauty industry, there is unique assistance available. Since 1955, the National Cosmetology Association's Disaster Relief Fund has assisted salons and spas rebuild following the devastation of a natural disaster. All donations made to the NCA Disaster Fund are tax deductible as charity contributions and 100% of all funds raised go directly to beauty industry professionals in need.

To Donate to the NCA Disaster Fund:

• Online credit card contributions can be made at the following link: http://www.probeauty.org/disaster-relief-fund/
• Check or money order donations, payable to NCA Disaster Relief Fund, may be mailed to:
  PBA
  15825 N. 71st Street, Suite 100
  Scottsdale, AZ 85254
• Phone donations may be made by calling Toll-Free: 800.468.2274

Need Assistance From the NCA Disaster Fund?

Click the following link, and fill out the Application for Aid Form:

https://probeauty.wufoo.com/forms/nca-disaster-relief-fund-application-for-aid/