Impressions Hair Care and Spa Serene's Blog

Bring Life to Thin Hair

March 31st, 2013 • Posted by Email Marketing • Permalink

In a culture where a thick and lustrous head of hair is considered a sign of robust health, thin, fine hair can leave you feeling well....a little less than your best. Instead of focusing on the expectations and standards of others, make the most of the strands you do have. And on occasions when you need to simulate a fuller look, rely on styling aids and tools to give you a leg up.

Start with basic care. As attractive as moisturizing shampoos and conditioners may sound, many of them are too heavy for thin, fine hair. Products chock full of emollients will coat the hair and make each strand heavier, which only increases limpness. Look for cleansing and conditioning products that are oil-free or nearly so. All hair needs an adequate balance of moisture and protein so you don't want to avoid humectants altogether. Just look for lightweight products that infuse moisture without weighing hair down.

If your fine hair is accompanied by an oily scalp, washing at least every day or two helps prevent natural oils from building up and slicking down your thin tresses and should help freshen the appearance of your strands.

If your fine hair becomes damaged, indulge in deep-conditioning overnight treatments. A clay mask, for example, is a good choice to impart nutrients without incorporating heavy emollients. Take special care to wash out all the product with your morning shampoo. On a day-to-day basis, for flyaways, use an oil-free serum/smoothing product.

The right cut and color can be the salvation of fine hair. Layered cuts add volume. Layers also help to frame the face, deflecting attention from the thinness of your mane. We will consult with you closely, however, as too many layers can make the bottom of your hair look even thinner. The pixie cut is an especially striking look, if it suits your personality and self-image. Otherwise, stick with cuts that are no more than about shoulder length. Long, limp hair is beyond the reach of most attempts to add volume.

When you do go for a fuller look, take advantage of volumizing mousses and gels. Heat styling can also add pouf. Large, heated rollers or a wide-barrel curling iron add volume that can be maintained with skillfully applied holding spray. And on occasions when an updo suits, teasing your tresses pumps up your look.

Thin, fine hair doesn't have to be lifeless and depressing. The right tools and products can elevate your look to a whole new level.


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Spring into Nails of the Season

March 24th, 2013 • Posted by Email Marketing • Permalink

As spring arrives you may have noticed your nails are in need of a little attention. Winter zaps moisture from your cuticles and leaves nails dry and brittle. With nice weather around the corner, it's time to revive those nails. We've got some tips and tricks for you to get your nails back in tip-top shape. Plus, check out our list of hot nail colors for spring.

Use moisturizer on cuticles. Your cuticles can benefit from a little moisturizer, just as your hands do. When you're applying hand cream, put a dab on each cuticle and work it in. When cuticles get dry they stick to the nail give your nail a crusty look. Eliminate this problem with a lotion containing vitamin E, or you can buy specific cuticle cream at most department stores for $15 or less.

Wear a protective layer of polish. A coat of polish is an easy way to spice up your look and adding a protective layer of polish has several benefits. For starters, adding a topcoat prevents the color from chipping, but many protective paints also have nutrients that make nails stronger. Look for a product that has "protective" in its name to get the best results.

Ditch the acetone-based remover. When it comes time to remove the paint from your nails, use a non-acetone based remover. Most products say ‘acetone based' or ‘non-acetone based' on the front label. Acetone uses harsh chemicals to remove the paint. While it removes the color in just a few swipes, it also takes natural oils with it. Non-acetone based remover still uses a solvent to get rid of the paint, but it's gentler on your nails. It will take a little more elbow grease to strip the paint, but it's better for the health of your nails in the long run.

Pick the perfect spring color. This year pastels are in. Ditch the dark reds and deep purples and break out the lighter colors. Coral, light blue, teal, lilac and almond are all in fashion. Of course, a traditional French manicure hasn't gone out of style, but if you're looking to add some kick to your nail color try adding a few gems. Use a manicure stick to drop a small dot of clear polish on your already painted nails and then add a gem.

With a little maintenance and a dash of pastel paint, you'll have your nails ready for nice weather in no time.


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A Better You through Massage

March 4th, 2013 • Posted by Email Marketing • Permalink

Do you suffer from pain? Have you had a sports injury that bothers you? Are you full of stress in your life? All of these conditions, along with so many more, can be helped with massage. We love to help bring you back into balance and a state of health. As massage therapists, this is our mission and we have plenty of tools and tricks to get you to feeling your best.

Depending on your needs and our training, we use different massage techniques. Swedish massage concentrates on long strokes and gliding technique over your entire body. Shiatsu is like a massage version of acupuncture, where we concentrate our efforts on specific points on your body. Deep tissue massage uses a combination of slow strokes and friction to relieve muscular tension.

Scientific evidence shows that massage is more than just a feel-good thing. A massage from a trained therapist can increase blood flow and circulation to the muscles, increasing oxygen supply and pushing out toxins and other metabolic wastes. Massage also triggers the parasympathetic nervous system that reduces tension and makes it easier for you to fall asleep. A study conducted at the Ohio State University researched the effect of massage on sports injuries. The study showed that massage done immediately after exercise reduced muscle damage and swelling in animals.

If you're pregnant, you may think that you can't have a massage because you can't lie face down. Even lying on your back may be uncomfortable. However, we can accommodate you with special tables that can allow you to lie face down without pressing your stomach into the table. Or you can lie on your side with a full body pillow for support. Massage is great for relieving back pain or swelling in your ankles. Depending on your insurance provider, your policy may even pay for it.

Let's be straight up about this. A massage probably won't completely eliminate chronic pain or the need for medication. And in certain cases, like if you've had blood clots, you may need to avoid deep tissue massage.

But for most people, massage only has an upside. Massage helps your body perform its own functions better and more efficiently. With regular massage treatments for joint pain, insomnia, even irregularity, you may be able to take fewer pills, and take them less often. Most of all, a massage will help you feel relaxed and ready to face the world.


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