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Massage
Why should you get regular massages?
If you’ve had a massage, you’ve most likely heard your therapist make a recommendation, at the end of your session, of when to return. Once a month is the most common recommendation, but you may need to return as often as once a week in some cases. Why? Honestly, because we all abuse our body and rarely treat it to the regular wellness maintenance it deserves.
We take our cars for a tune-up every 30,000-40,000 miles of driving. We change the car oil every 3,000-4,000 miles. We check the tire pressure, coolant, etc, on a regular basis and do not wait until the car breaks down to do the necessary maintenance. Unlike a car, our bodies are on the go 24/7. Now think about everything your body has been through since you were born. Consider every booboo as a child, the many hours you spent sitting during school, any car accidents you might have been in, the purse you have been carrying on your shoulder, any repetitive work you do at work, any physical activity you do, and even your birth itself. All of these things are stored in the neuromuscular system: the link between your brain and spinal cord to your muscles, which results in imbalances in this system.
Massage is our wellness maintenance! It relaxes muscles, which in turn help align your skeletal structure. Massage increases blood circulation, bringing oxygen to damaged, stiff, tired muscles helping them to heal. Massage triggers the lymphatic system to function better, as lymph fluid carries metabolic waste away from our internal organs and muscles, lowering blood pressure. Massage increases the production of “happy endorphins”, it helps relax the mind. Massage reduces stress, boosts energy levels and emotional wellness. Massage improves posture and relives chronic pain.
The best way to treat an injury is to prevent it by regular maintenance. Salon Greco offers Relaxation Massage, Therapy Massage and a Spa Membership for those who take their regular wellness seriously.
What is the difference between deep tissue and Swedish massage?
Of all the massage modalities, Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage are the most common and well-known, as you can receive them at just about any location where massage is offered. Though they are the most common of the massage services offered, they aren’t well understood.
Swedish massage was invented in the 1800’s, and got its name from the man credited as the “Father of Massage,” Per Henrik Ling, who was a Swedish educator and medical pioneer in physical therapy. The purpose of Swedish massage is what most people think of when they hear the word “massage,” which is relaxation. Its use of long, gliding strokes activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the calming system). Healing occurs when the body is in a relaxed state, so Swedish massage is necessary because it helps to undo the damage of stress. Swedish strokes are not only used to relax the mind and body, they also relax tightened, overworked muscles.
Deep Tissue Massage addresses the tissues that are deeper than the superficial ones. Deep tissue massage incorporates a lot of different techniques to reach & treat these deeper muscles. For Deep Tissue Massage to be performed correctly, the therapists must first relax the superficial muscles with Relaxation Massage, and then gently work into the deeper tissues as tension in those above melts away. The muscles deeper in the body can be sensitive and feel tender, so the gentler the touch, the better. Firm pressure is not required to access the deeper tissues, and deep tissue massage should never hurt. Deep Pressure massage on someone who does not get weekly massages, can tear muscles and tissue, or bruise the body.
At Salon Greco we refer to Swedish Massage as Relaxation Massage, and Deep Tissue Massage as Therapy Massage. Try a relaxation massage at Salon Greco and feel the stress peel off.
What are sports massages?
Sports massage is a specialized type of massage that improves performance and reduces the likelihood of injury during physical activity. Everybody is out of balance, and performing repetitive motions while things are out of place is a common cause for sports-related injuries.
Sports massage originated in Greece and Rome thousands of years ago. One of the earliest records found, of what we know to be sports massage, was in the time of Gladiators. They were prescribed massage before and after exercising, thus birthing pre and post event massage. If you’ve ever been to an event such as a marathon or triathlon, you’ve likely seen therapists working with the athletes before and after the event.
The purpose of pre-event massage is to warm up the tissue and correct any malalignments that may result in injury during the activity, while potentially improving performance. Quick strokes are used to increase circulation and get much needed oxygen in the red blood cells to the muscles.
Post-event massage is just the opposite. After a sports event, the muscles that have worked very hard, now need to be calmed down and released. Longer, slower strokes are now used to induce a calming effect to the tissues along with stretching, which will prevent potential cramping and future imbalances of the muscles.
While many spas offer massage, only a few offer sports massage with properly trained and experienced therapists. At Salon Greco you get a thorough consultation and an individualized sports session addressing your unique issues. Increase your sports performance by scheduling a sports massage session prior to the event and check the results for yourself.
What are prenatal massages?
A prenatal massage is a specialized treatment performed by a trained, licensed therapist in order to alleviate discomfort during pregnancy. A pregnant woman experiences fast changes in her body and as her center of gravity change. Prenatal massage can be an effective wellness management during these 9 months.
A prenatal massage targets areas of discomfort that are typical during pregnancy such as swollen joints, lower back pain, hip misalignment, cramps, sore muscles, headaches, poor blood circulation, lack of sleep, unstable hormones and more. The massage therapist will position pillows and towels around the body, to make the client as comfortable as possible during the prenatal session. Aromatherapy or hot towels are often used to achieve a deeper sense of relaxation and muscle release.
Prenatal massage is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy, unless otherwise directed by the client’s physician. A client who is on bed rest or has placenta previa should not consider prenatal massage, but should consult with the physician on alternative stress relief options.
A prenatal massage makes a great gift for an expectant mother. Couples massage is also a great way for both expectant parents to share in the experience. Salon Greco offers both pre-natal and couple’s massages. Try a massage session as you get ready to welcome your little one!
Skin Care and Body Treatments
As we grow older, our cell energy decreases, cell functions slow down and skin loses elasticity as our body produces less and less elastin and collagen. The muscles underneath the skin also loose volume and tone causing sagging and deeper facial folds. Facials help the antiaging process by treating the surface of the skin but have no effect on the muscles responsible for deep wrinkles.
What is Neurotris Facial Rejuvenation?
Neurotris Facial Rejuvenation is a noninvasive face lift and muscle toning performed with specific bioelectric energy signatures (microcurrent) to target not only the surface of the skin, but the connective tissue and the layers of muscles underneath that are responsible for the deeper facial folds. No skin care products can have an effect on these areas of the face since they are not designed to penetrate to such levels.
So how does Neurotris Facial Rejuvenation work? Simply by increasing cell energy and toning underlying muscles. Our cells are plumped, active, full of energy and function at peak performance when we are young. The aging process slows down cell energy, regeneration and performance, causing less and less collagen production. Underlying muscles also become less firm and toned creating the sagging effect of droopy eye lids, jowls and nasal folds.
The specific bioelectric energy signatures we use during a Neurotris Facial Rejuvenation treatment increases cell energy and jump start the functions of each cell, maximizing their performance. Different bioelectric energy signatures are used to stimulate different cells and maximize their functions as well as tone and lift muscles in the underlying facial areas.
The treatment increases ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), or cell energy, by 500%, tones & lifts neck, jaw, cheeks, eye area & forehead, reduces & eliminates fine lines, increases Collagen & Elastin, stimulates blood circulation, oxygenation, and lymphatic drainage, reduces inflammation & dark circles under eyes, improves hydration, and improves sun damage, rosacea, acne, melasma & more.
The treatment can be added to any facial as part of both antiaging and age reversal. It takes 30 to 45 minutes, it feels relaxing and has no down time.
If you are looking for facial rejuvenation, toning and firming of the face, neck and décolleté, try the Neurotris Facial Rejuvenation at Salon Greco and experience youthful, glowing skin.
What is microdermabrasion treatment?
A noninvasive procedure used to remove the top layer of dry skin and smooth the texture of the skin. Microdermabrasion can be performed with an ultrasound scraper, diamond tip wand or the most common, crystals. It can dramatically reduce the appearance of pores, sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, acne scarring, melasma, and other skin related conditions and concerns.
What does it feel like?
Some would describe it as a cat tongue licking your face and others would describe it as a gritty facial massage. The Aesthetician can control the pressure of the microdermabrasion wand to accommodate the client’s comfort level.
What to expect afterwards?
Your skin will be refreshed and renewed as the top layer is resurfaced by microdermabrasion. The skin will be sensitive to sun exposure and aggressive facial creams after the microdermabrasion. Use facial creams for sensitive skin and sunscreens for the following two weeks after your microdermabrasion session. Microdermabrasion exposes newer skin cells that stay moisturized and energized, giving you a more youthful, glowing look.
At Salon Greco we use three different types of Microdermabrasion
Crystal Microdermabrasion
Crystal Microdermabrasion uses a handheld wand that spreads loose aluminum oxide or organic sodium bicarbonate crystals over the face to exfoliate and a vacuum wand that sucks up the dead skin and loose crystals as they abrade the face. Crystal microdermabrasion is the most popular type of exfoliation and is suited for all types of skins.
Diamond Tip Microdermabrasion
Diamond tip also uses a hand held wand with a diamond coated tip to abrade the skin and a suction to dispose of dead cells. As the diamond tip wand glides on the skin, the diamond surface abrades and lifts dead cells achieving deep exfoliation. This type of microdermabrasion is best suited for clients with thicker, drier skin.
Ultra-Sonic Microdermabrasion
Ultra-sonic Microdermabrasion is an electronic device that uses sound waves (about 28,000 vibrations per second) to loosen the skin’s surface and remove dead skin cells. The ultra-sonic scrubber glides on the surface of the skin causing the skin to vibrate, skin loosens up and dead cells are removed, leaving behind moist, youthful looking skin. This type of exfoliation is best suited for clients with sensitive skin, or prone to reaction after a facial.
Consult with your Aesthetician to see which Microdermabrasion is best for you!
Hair Removal and Waxing
What is the difference between Bikini Wax, French Wax and Brazilian Wax?
Bikini Wax
A Bikini Wax is the basic removal of hair around the bikini line. Think of removing any hair that would stick out from your bathing suit. A bikini wax would be great for a first time waxing, especially if you are shy. This wax session doesn’t require you to strip down fully nude. You can leave your bathing suit on and the esthetician will just wax your inner thighs and top of the underwear line. Our estheticians use hard wax that leave no residue on the skin. The process is fast and effective.
French Wax
French Wax removes more hair than Bikini Wax but not the entire pubic area. French Wax involves the removal of all hair leaving a strip running down the center of the pubic area. It allows you to wear even the skimpiest of bathing suits. This wax session requires you to strip down fully nude but is still less invasive than the Brazilian wax. Our estheticians will make you comfortable and cover you as much as possible during this procedure.
Brazilian Wax
The Brazilian wax is not for the faint of heart, but is the most popular. Brazilian Wax completely removes all pubic and anus hair. For this wax session you are required to remove all undergarments. The waxing process starts at the front and ends at the back. This wax is definitely not suitable for someone that is shy.
Tips
As with all waxes you have to have clean skin prior to receive the service. The best time to get waxed is when your hair is no longer or shorter than ¼ of an inch. If hair is too long, he service will more uncomfortable and on the flipside, if it is too short it will not be removed by the wax.
Do not plan on sweating after your wax session (exercise, run, swim, etc), but let the skin rest for less irritation.
Avoid waxing right before or after your period. At this time your body is still extra sensitive from hormonal changes.
Ibuprofen, taken 30 minutes prior to waxing, helps minimize the swelling and discomfort.
What are the potential side effects of waxing?
Before you schedule an appointment for waxing of any type, consider the following side effects.
– Be prepared to experience some discomfort. Do not let anyone fool you… There’s absolutely going to be some discomfort involved since hair is being disconnected from its root and removed from the skin… – Redness and irritation may occur, if the skin is not prepped accordingly and after care instructions are not followed. Some waxing agents are harsher than others. Know what type of wax is been used.
– If your skin is sensitive and you suffer from allergies, you may develop a rash or an allergic reaction, from some types of wax, that could take a couple of days to subside.
– Temporary bumps can also develop immediately after your first waxing.
– If your natural hair is curly you might experience ingrown hairs when the hair starts to grow back.
– In rare occasions a person can develop an infection if the waxed area is not kept cleaned. When you are waxing, you are removing hair out of the follicle, leaving an empty space between the surface of your skin and the hair root. An infection can occur if that ‘empty space’ is not kept clean.
– Last but not least, if your hair is thick or course, you can experience bleeding due to the hair disconnecting from the root. Such bleeding is minimal and temporary.
How to Avoid?
To avoid potential side effects and infections you are going to want to keep that area clean and dry afterwards. That means no touching the area immediately afterwards and keep it dry. So, no sweating after waxing, no gyms, tanning, pools, or sex (if you are getting a bikini wax. Above all follow the after care instructions of the professional performing the service.
What Are Different types of waxes?
Hard Wax
Hard wax is mostly used for sensitive areas like the bikini area, underarms, and upper lip, but can also be used in any waxing area. This type of wax is warm when applied directly but cools and hardens on the skin. It does not require the use of fabric to remove the hair and is more precise in application than any other type of wax. It is also hypoallergenic and easy to remove as it is peeled off the skin removing any hair under it. Due to its formulation, hard wax is gentler on the skin and does not leave any residue behind, unlike Sugaring and Bees’ wax.
This type of wax is generally less painful than soft wax and can be applied multiple times over the same area without damaging the skin.
Soft Wax
Soft wax is also known as strip wax. It is spread in a thin layer onto the skin and a strip of cloth (or specialized paper) is applied over the wax and rubbed firmly on top of the skin prior to removal. The need of the strip cloth makes for a less precise application and hair removal since it covers the wax making it hard to see its exact placement. The most common used soft wax is Bees’ wax and resins which can leave a sticky residue on the skin after the waxing process. Multiple applications on the same area of the skin can damage skin cells, cause scarring and on dark skin, dark spots. Soft wax on the other hand is less expensive and easily accessible.
Sugaring
Sugaring is a hair removal technique using a paste made of sugar, lemon juice and water. The paste can be used warm or room temperature and is rolled onto the skin then flicked off catching the hair underneath it. Unlike the soft wax, sugaring does not require strips to remove the sugaring. The professional will use the same sugaring paste for the entire waxing area trapping the removed hair into the paste. Clients report less discomfort with sugaring than other types of waxing.
What to expect & after care
An educated client makes not only the best client but also makes a great experience. Ask questions of the professional who will be performing the wax service. Ask what type of wax will be used. Ask what the post care they recommend. Let them know your skin history (are you sensitive, break out a lot, any allergies, etc).
Know that hair needs to be about a quarter of an inch to be able to be waxed.
Be prepared for some discomfort. When booking your appointment, ask for an experienced professional. They know how to perform the service fast and put pressure on the waxed area to lessen the discomfort.
Take an Ibuprofen or a over the counter pain killer to lessen the discomfort.
Do not apply any oils or lotions on area to be waxed.
Keep the area clean and keep your hands off the waxed area. Hands carry more bacteria than we think and can irritate the waxed area more than it is necessary.
Hair removal needs to be done every month.
At Salon Greco we use an import, hypoallergenic, Hard Wax for all of your waxing needs. With over 40 years of collective experience we guarantee you will love our waxing service.
Is waxing or threading better for eyebrows, lips etc?
Waxing
To wax or to thread? Here is our take on both hair removal methods.
Waxing is more beneficial for larger areas such as legs, arms, back and bikini whereas threading is better suited for the face or smaller, delicate surfaces such as eye brows, lip and chin. Waxing can be faster and less uncomfortable than threading, since all the hair is removed with one attempt. Unless you are using a hard wax, that does require the use of fabric to remove the hair, and the technician is experienced with precision application, threading is preferred simply because it allows for a more precise work on eyebrows and facial hair. While waxing removes large areas of hair, threading removes almost one hair at a time.
Threading
Threading is a method that originates from Iran, India, Central Asia, and China. Threading involves the twisting of thread (antibacterial treated) around hair so as to remove it from its place of origin. Some technicians hold the thread in their mouth, others around their neck. The twisting of the thread around each hair makes for a more precise hair removal compared to the bees’ wax that is covered in fabric prior to the hair removal. Also, since threading does not deposit any product on the skin it leaves less room for irritation to the skin. Clients with sensitive skin also like threading versus waxing.
At Salon Greco we offer both waxing and threading. Call us for a consultation.