Frequently Asked Questions

Since our facials are designed to work on your skin from the neck up, you are to do nothing; we do it all. Cosmetics can be reapplied after the service; feel free to bring them with you, or ask about our make-up application services. Men should shave 12 hours before, if possible, unless bearded. Other than these few easy steps, simply be ready to relax and enjoy yourself in our private, comfortable facial room.

You should never feel irritation, burning, or discomfort during your facial. All products we use are created to be non-irritating, and your esthetician is trained to use the best products for your skin type. If for some reason you should feel discomfort, please tell your esthetician immediately.

Generally, facials are recommended seasonally. However, you can discuss your specific needs, desired outcomes, and schedule with your esthetician.

No, but talk to your esthetician about what products you are using. Many products from drug stores or beauty counters contain ingredients that cause or contribute to skin issues such as dryness, oiliness, and redness.

A regular facial routine is more about skin health and maintenance than it is about luxury or pampering, although many do find it to be a relaxing, enjoyable experience. Facial services help increase circulation and stimulate the skin, strengthen the elastin and collagen, hydrate, and decrease fine lines and wrinkles. They can also help slow down premature aging and drastically improve conditions such as acne, redness, and rosacea. Facials are a great preventative treatment to help you beat wrinkles before they occur, and can also help you achieve lighter, brighter, younger-looking skin. In addition to healthier skin, many men enjoy regular facials to help minimize irritation, redness, ingrown hairs, and razor burn associated with shaving.

For the same reason doctor and dentist check-ups are necessary: for better health! Skin is a living part of your body (your largest organ, in fact), that defends against environmental assaults and extreme temperatures. It helps eliminate toxins from the body, and it is continually renewing and protecting. To look and feel its best, your skin needs personal attention from a professional. We feature licensed estheticians, who are intensely educated skin-health experts. They have the answers to your most pressing skin-care concerns. They know how to deliver real, visible results. They are trained to deliver the specific professional skin treatments that will target your specific needs, and prescribe the products that will help maintain your optimum skin health at home in between facials.

Some people see results immediately, and your skin should feel different right away. The skin feels clean, smooth, and hydrated, and reflects a new level of health that’s visibly noticeable. If the skin has more advanced, long-term needs, such as treatment of skin aging, acne, or hyper-pigmentation caused by hormonal fluctuations, lifestyle choices, supplements and medications, or sun damage, results may not be immediately visible; however, skin health will continue to improve as you follow the advice of your professional skin therapist, and continue your home-care regimen.

Plain and simple: healthy skin! And healthy skin is better-looking skin. The products used are designed to help keep skin at an optimal level, not just cover up with cosmetic results. In addition, when skin is at an optimal level, your professional skin therapist can more effectively address issues that may arise from time to time, as your skin’s needs are constantly changing.

Similar to the seasons, skin goes through its own fluctuations. Combine nature’s weather cycle with air conditioning and forced-air heating, and you have skin that’s constantly under assault. Cold winds and low temperatures can dry out skin, depriving it of balanced levels of waters and oils, contributing to dryness, dehydration, sensitivity, and premature aging. Prolonged exposure to the sun causes water to evaporate from skin, which is why skin that has recently been burned or tanned requires more moisturization and hydration than unexposed areas. Any heated air also dries out skin; warm, dry air acts like a sponge, soaking up water from everything it touches. To help skin stay healthy with the seasons, speak with your esthetician about modifying your skin care regimen accordingly. Chances are that with a few product updates seasonally, you can keep skin healthy year-round.

 

The wax can be used on almost any part of the body as needed.  It is wise to test a small area first for sensitivity.  Some frequently waxed areas for women are legs, underarms, bikini line, eyebrows, and face. Men most often wax the chest, legs, arms, and back.  The exceptions for waxing are beards and inside the ears.

Many clients use a topical anesthetic lotion to ease the pain/discomfort up to 80%.  Lotions like these absorb into the skin and will not interfere with your waxing service.  Apply 30 to 45 minutes prior to your waxing and relax. It is not messy or greasy, nor will it harm your clothing.  Once you try it, you will never want to be waxed again without it!

After a client’s first waxing, the results can last 3 to 6 weeks, depending on the individual’s hair re-growth. In most cases, hair growth is minimal during the first week or two, and noticeably increases in the third and fourth week. Heat stimulates hair growth, therefore hair grows quicker in the summer than in the winter. With regular waxing, the length of time between treatments will increase. Continued waxing results in sparse hair re-growth.

Absolutely not. It might seem so because you will be accustomed to a hairless zone, and new hair will be intolerable. Usually, regrowth will be finer, thinner, and slower. Eventually, hair growth may stop altogether.

VERY IMPORTANT: Some physicians do not recommend waxing for persons suffering from diabetes or who have varicose veins or poor circulation, as they are more susceptible to infection. Waxing is never done on clients taking Accutane and is not recommended for clients using Retin A, Renova, Differin, or other types of skin-thinning acne medications. Please read the label carefully and consult your dermatologist if you are taking any medication or using any topical cream that contains these medications. Individuals do react differently to these medications and sometimes waxing can be done if proper patch testing is completed. Also, please advise your esthetician if you are allergic to any foods – because if you can’t eat it, you shouldn’t put the extracts on your skin. Please be completely honest with your skin care therapist about all allergies and medications you are taking – it is for your protection.

Although we cannot predict or guarantee who may react, most clients do not experience reactions beyond redness and minor irritation. Hair may break at the root during waxing, causing some hairs to grow out faster. Please follow these guidelines to minimize irritation and possible break outs:

• Avoid the sun immediately after waxing and please wear sun screen; recently waxed areas are prone to hyperpigmentation (permanent darkening of the skin) if exposed to the sun.
• Avoid heavy exercise for at least 10 hours after waxing.
• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, and other heated sources for at least 48 hours.
• Do not use exfoliating products (AHAs, scrubs, etc) and loofas until at least 24 hours after waxing.
• Avoid tight clothing after waxing, especially in the waxed areas. Tight clothing may result in irritation and ingrown hairs.
• No shower or oral sex for 10 hours after a Brazilian waxing.
• Regular exfoliation may be helpful, especially on leg and arm areas.
• Routine waxing helps the skin get accustomed to the procedure and may minimize irritation.

Products are available that can be applied topically to avoid in-grown hairs and condition the skin for better waxing results.

Depending on the body part and the density of the hair growth, your waxing appointment will take between fifteen minutes and one hour.

A standard bikini wax is more conservative and generally involves removing hair to just inside the panty or swimsuit line. Hair removal is limited to the front of your body only and does not include the legs or abdomen. The Brazilian technique has gained in popularity and involves hair removal around the anus, perineum, and vagina, leaving only a small strip of hair or no hair at all. This is a very intimate type of waxing and will only be performed after careful consultation. Another option is to gradually remove more hair after each appointment until a Brazilian look is achieved. How closely you trim, shave, or wax your pubic hair is a personal preference. You should do whatever makes you comfortable, whether it’s a bare look or a more natural look.

Eyelash tinting will benefit people that are sensitive to make-up, people who are active in sports (especially swimming), and people who have no time to apply make-up daily. This process is also ideal for people who wear contact lenses, because they don’t have to suffer putting on mascara any longer.

The process involves a quick and non-surgical procedure using vegetable dye as tint. Compared to putting on mascara, the effects of eyelash tinting are very natural.

This is the most common question among clients interested in tinting their eyelashes. Since eyelashes are close to the eyes, it is important to ensure that every procedure done around the eyes are safe.

A typical eyelash tinting takes around fifteen minutes. Because of this, tinting your eyelash can fit into the busiest of schedules. Once you arrive at the salon, the therapist will place cotton under your closed eyes and then apply a small amount of vegetable dye onto your eyelashes. After ten minutes, the dye is removed with water. The results could last around four to six weeks.

Eyebrow tinting is a great option if you have radically changed your hair color, you have noticed gray hairs in your eyebrows, you want thicker-looking eyebrows, or you want to add definition to your face. Luckily, our professional will be able to recommend the most suitable shade for your eyebrows, while taking your own preferences into account. If you want to achieve as natural a look as possible, you are advised to only every lighten or darken your eyebrows by one or two shades.

Eyebrow tinting is a lot safer than attempting to dye your eyebrows at home with hair dye, which is something many women do. Putting any sort of chemical near the eyes is extremely hazardous and inadvisable. Visiting a qualified professional minimizes the risk of anything going wrong because they have to comply with certain safety measures.

Your beauty professional will rub the area around your eyebrows with petroleum jelly to prevent the dye from staining the skin. He or she will then comb the tint from the inside corners of the eyebrows to the out, using a disposable applicator. The tint will then need about 5-10 minutes to develop, after which it will be removed using a cotton wipe.

The tint is likely to stain the skin between the brow hairs initially, making them appear darker in the first day or so than they really are. Don’t panic if your brows look strange to you at first – the difference is bound to feel a little odd initially, but you’ll soon get used to it.

Eyebrow tint is described as semi-permanent dye, not because the color fades, but because eyebrow hairs have a very short growth cycle. Eyebrow hairs tend to fall out within 6-8 weeks, taking the tint with them.

Microneedling can be used on all parts of the body, including the face, neck, décolleté, arms, hands, legs, abdomen, and back.

A sterile cartridge containing twelve points is attached to a MicroPen. Your skincare professional will apply a thin layer of sterile saline to your skin and select the appropriate pen setting based on your unique needs. Next, in a single motion, the pen will be gently pressed against the skin while simultaneously gliding in one direction until the entire treatment area has been covered.

The feeling associated with the MicroPen is similar to light sandpaper being moved across the skin. While some areas are more sensitive than others, the speed of the reciprocating tip reduces discomfort while the applied hydrating gel also makes the treatment more tolerable.

The procedure takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.

Immediately after treatment, you will notice a bright redness to the skin.

The total healing time depends of the setting used and the number of overlapping passes your skincare professional performs. On average, clients are red up to two to four days. Many clients heal completely in as little as 24 hours.

Utilizing our quality skincare products, as recommended by your esthetician, can help to speed up the healing process.

Clients notice an immediate “glow” to their skin. Visible changes to the skin develop over the course of several days and weeks. Results can continue to improve up to six months.

Some clients only require a single treatment once per year to achieve optimal results. However, it is recommended for most clients to receive a series of two to three treatments spaced about six to eight weeks apart.

For clients with deep wrinkles, advanced photo-aging, stretch marks, or acne scars, it is recommended to receive six to eight sessions at six week intervals.

One of the advantages of microdermabrasion is that it has no downtime. You can return to your normal routine and apply cosmetics directly after the treatment.

Our medical-grade microdermabrasion equipment provides a gentle alternative in facial rejuvenation. It has proven to be effective in the treatment of the following conditions: fine lines, enlarged or clogged pores, mild acne and complexion issues, sun damage, superficial age spots, scaly skin lesions (also called keratoses), hyper-pigmentation, uneven skin tone, oily skin, dry/patchy skin, acne scarring, black/white heads, stretch marks, and dull, lifeless skin. In addition, most patients experience dramatic improvements in the color, tone, and texture of treated areas.

In general, microdermabrasion results in thicker, healthier, more youthful looking skin. Over the course of a full set of treatments, the body will produce new layers of skin containing higher levels of elastin and collagen. This, in turn, improves the complexion and gives the skin a more radiant, vibrant glow.

Microdermabrasion results are usually immediate and noticeable. Results improve with multiple treatments and vary depending on your individual skin quality.

Before your massage begins, you will have the room to yourself so that you may undress to your level of comfort and get situated on the massage table, covered by the sheet.  Seated chair massages are done while you are completely dressed. 30-minute back and leg massages are available fully dressed as well.

During a full body massage, we will work your back, shoulders, hips/glutes (through the sheet), and legs. You will then turn over on the table, under the sheet, so we can work the front of the legs, feet, hands, arms, shoulders, neck, head, and face.  We undrape only the area we are working at the time. All glute work will be completed through the sheet.

Generally speaking, yes. However, there are times that we are able to accommodate clients that walk-in without an appointment.  Most often, because of our full staff of therapists, you can make your appointment for the same day you call.

Yes, you may choose your therapist, but you may have to wait for an appointment, depending on the therapist’s schedule, availability, and popularity.  If you need an appointment that day, we can almost always find an opening on someone’s schedule. You may also request your preference in male or female therapist.  Our philosophy is to help you find your fit with the therapist and treatment style that best serves you.  You may choose to change therapists at any time during your treatment plan, establish a primary therapist, and/or utilize each therapist at different points in time. We understand the need for consistency, change, and spontaneity, and we can offer all of those things to you and more. We want you to feel welcome to try any of our wonderful staff members.

Tips are never expected, but always appreciated. If you have received exceptional service and would like to show your appreciation to your therapist, the average tip ranges between 10-25%. If you are paying with a credit card or check, the tip can be added to the total. Your therapist will receive 100% of their tip.

Typically, you do not need to bring anything to your session. However, there could be instances in which you are instructed by your therapist to bring shorts and/or a sports bra for the specific intention of including muscle activation, stretching, and/or joint mobilization in the pre-planned massage and bodywork session.

We require a 24-hour cancellation notice. If you would like to change your appointment, please call us at 484-833-1080 no later than 24 hours prior to your appointment in order to avoid being charged for your appointment.

We try, in every circumstance, to be understanding of how life can throw a curve ball. However, our revenue is directly tied to billable hours. A large part of our success is the committed, exceptional therapists we employ. What sets us apart from other practices and what gives us the ability to attract and retain great therapists is the way we compensate. If you do not show up for your appointment, our therapist is still paid their full hourly salary, but they miss out on maximizing their potential earnings.  Another client may miss out on that spot as well.

We like to use the analogy of food. When you book a massage appointment with us, it is like booking a catering event (without the deposit). The room is reserved, the food is ordered and prepared, and the staff is hired. When you don’t show up, the room was still reserved, but is not being used. The linen was ordered and paid for, but is not being used. The therapist was scheduled and paid, but is not working.

It is customary in the healthcare industry to enforce a 24-hour cancellation notice to avoid being charged for any service. All “no shows and last-minute cancellations are charged at full value. We believe we give you every opportunity to cancel your appointment in advance of 24 hours, including a reminder email of your appointment. In the event you are working from a massage package, a single session can be deducted from your account. With enough notice, we are able to release your room and your therapist, and rebook the time slot. If you miss an appointment without prior notification due to exceptional, emergency circumstances, feel free to discuss the matter with us. Likewise, we make a similar promise to you; if we aren’t able to give you at least 24 hour’s notice of our cancelling your appointment, you will not pay for the missed session and we will give you an additional free session.

Few structures have as much influence over the body’s ability to function properly as the brain and spinal cord that make up the central nervous system. The central nervous system, in turn, is heavily influenced by the craniosacral system – the membranes and fluid that surround, protect, and nourish the brain and spinal cord. Every day, your body endures stresses and strains that it must work to compensate for. Unfortunately, these changes often cause body tissues to tighten and distort the craniosacral system. These distortions can then cause tension to form around the brain and spinal cord, resulting in restrictions. This can create a barrier to the healthy performance of the central nervous system, and potentially every other system it interacts with.

Fortunately, such restrictions can be detected and corrected using simple methods of touch. With a light touch, the CST practitioner uses his or her hands to evaluate the craniosacral system by gently feeling various locations of the body to test for the ease of motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid pulsing around the brain and spinal cord. Soft-touch techniques are then used to release restrictions in any tissues influencing the craniosacral system.

By normalizing the environment around the brain and spinal cord, and enhancing the body’s ability to self-correct, CranioSacral Therapy is able to alleviate a wide variety of dysfunctions, from chronic pain and sports injuries to stroke and neurological impairment.

CranioSacral Therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of migraines and headaches, chronic neck and back pain, autism, stress and tension-related disorders, motor-coordination impairments, infant and childhood disorders, brain and spinal cord injuries, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, TMJ syndrome, scoliosis, central nervous system disorders, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, orthopedic problems, and many other conditions!

There are certain situations where the application of CranioSacral Therapy would not be recommended. These include conditions where a variation and/or slight increase in intracranial pressure would cause instability. Acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage, or other preexisting severe bleeding disorders are examples of conditions that could be affected by small intracranial pressure changes.

Response to CranioSacral Therapy varies from individual to individual and condition to condition. Your response is uniquely your own and can’t be compared to anyone else’s – even those cases that may appear to be similar to your own. The number of sessions needed varies widely, from just one, up to three or more per week over the course of several weeks.

Absolutely! There are lots of rumors out there that massage is to be avoided during the first trimester. The policies of some therapists and day spas actually restrict massage to the second and third trimesters, simply because of the high miscarriage risks (not massage-related) of the first trimester. This, however, is a restriction based on potential liability issues in an extremely litigious society, not on the safety of massage. Massage by a properly trained therapist can be extremely supportive to you and your developing baby throughout your entire pregnancy. For a woman who has a particularly high risk of miscarrying and/or has experienced previous miscarriages, she may want to be careful about adding lots of new activities, including massage. Others may want to add the relaxation and stress-relieving benefits of massage to their routines. If you are considering massage during your first trimester and are concerned about its safety during your specific situation, feel free to give us a call to learn more about exactly what might be involved, and then have a conversation with your doctor or midwife.

Not only is it okay, it is recommended! The end of the third trimester is likely the time that you will be the MOST uncomfortable and in need of a massage. It is perfectly safe to get a massage during this time, even in the early stages of labor! The techniques we use can help with your low back/sacrum pain and reduce swelling in your legs and feet. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, double check with your doctor before coming in for an appointment. If you have been put on bed rest, it will be best to wait to schedule a massage after you deliver, or wait until your condition changes and bed rest restrictions are lifted.

Accommodations can be made if you are experiencing any early pregnancy symptoms that might make you uncomfortable (such as breast tenderness or nausea). In that case, we may work on you from a side-lying position, or simply place a pillow under your stomach to take pressure off of the chest. Once you are into your second trimester, the safest way to be positioned is on your side, bolstered with pillows to make you more comfortable. This will be the position used throughout the rest of your pregnancy as well, as it is the safest way to get to your back and legs. We may also put you face up in a semi-reclined position. We will use pillows to keep you propped up, as you cannot lay flat on your back anymore. Some therapists use a special pad for the table with a hole cut out for the belly. We do NOT recommend this, as it places more strain on the uterine ligaments and, likely, the low back as well. Plus, bellies are not one size fits all, so it is hard to imagine a hole that would be comfortable for every woman!

In general, no. Massage done by a certified massage therapist is safe, and a doctor’s approval is not necessary. However, if you have been labeled as high-risk for any reason, or you have an underlying heart problem, uncontrolled or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, or gestational diabetes, we will need a green light from your doctor before proceeding with a massage.

As often as possible! In terms of coming in to our office, it really depends on your schedule and budget. Massage is intended as a support for you throughout and following your pregnancy, so you should aim to schedule appointments as you need them to help manage the stress and discomforts. Typically, if massage therapy is going to be an integral part of your prenatal care, you will probably benefit from sessions once or twice a month in the first trimester, and two to three times a month in the second and third, more frequently as you approach you due date. If you are experiencing intense discomforts, you may want to schedule more frequent or longer sessions. We now have shorter 30-minute massages on our schedule for those who have greater time and/or budget constraints.

It depends on where you are in your pregnancy. After discussing your situation, your therapist might recommend specialties like Reflexology, Swedish massage, or other techniques to meet your individual needs — and those of your baby.

You may experience headaches, upset stomach, excessive tiredness, frequent urination, or odor/color change in urine. These side effects can last 24-48 hours after treatment, so be sure to drink plenty of water before and after treatment.

Yes. If a client has been diagnosed with kidney, liver, or heart failure; DVT; malignant tumor(s); or kidney disease; or if they are experiencing infection, open wounds, fever, high-risk pregnancy or morning sickness, or acute inflammation; or if they are taking blood thinners, it is best to hold off on receiving an MLD treatment.