#nofilter

My client was in earlier and is a professional photographer, discussing how filters is on everything and how it is affecting society’s expectations and the next generation. I mean everyone loves to have nice photographs but with the increase in social media, brilliant cameras on smartphones, photographs are being filtered unashamedly.

Her portfolio has amazing work but her clients are requesting filtering on everything. Not just people but on props and products. Do you know almost everything you see is ‘enhanced’ with a filter? To the point I suggested showing her original photography and then the filtered version side by side, stating what the client has requested. We agreed a blemish removal is fair especially it is for a portrait but trimming the jawline, wrinkles, waistline is not real and why people become obsessed with sugical and no-surgical procedures.

Original filters on snapchat were used for laughs (remember the bunny ears and the flying cupids arrows?|) and these were obvious and amusing. Now, its to the extent that people genuinely believe that’s only way they will look attractive and actually ask cosmetic surgeons to adopt their look for surgery.

Now I see a lot of naked people with my job and I am constantly being apologised to for their appearance - sorry I’ve got cellulite, sorry you’ve got to see my awful bum, sorry I’ve got wrinkles, sorry my breast tissues droopy and it really concerns me so next time you apply a filter think about the message you are giving to everyone but in particular the next generation. With a rise in mental health including body dysmorphia and eating disorders, it is our responsibility as parents, aunts, uncles, cousins etc to encourage natural looks and remembering that beauty is only skin deep. Extreme vanity is not always attractive and no-one is perfect. Now I am not staying not to wear make up (I adore my skincare and makeup products) but I am saying living your life for the ‘gram and social media is unhealthy and unrealistic. By all means dream, have goals and aspirations but let it be for ‘real’ people and live your life for you. Not for to impress others.

The best parts of my life is never placed on social media. It’s private and it is rare you’ll find photo’s of me on it. They’re usually shared with my nearest and dearest to keep as a keepsake not craving likes.

I always say this - Imperfection is perfection.

GLOWDRY™

I have always looked towards Australia when it comes to suncare & safe tanning. They’ve been ahead of the game for years so I’ve found a great product to compliment my SiennaX Spray Tans…GLOWDRY™

GlowDry is an illuminised drying powder for sunless tanning, formulated specially with self tanning and spray tanning babes in mind. Inspired by Australian beaches, the picturesque sunshine and beautiful beach babes, GlowDry contains natural and organic highly absorbing powders, a boat load of shimmering minerals with fresh fragrance. It even uses a clay Ingredient sourced directly from Western Australia and to top it all its Vegan, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Talc-Free, Titanium Dioxide-Free, Paraben-Free and Nut Free then applied with synthetic haired luxurious fluffy brush.

Ask to add it to your next spray tan for £5.00…it really is special


Social Media - personal and business

I’m a master tanner as well as a professional waxer but I don’t often take photos of my work as I’m there to make client’s feel better in themselves but almost every person who gets naked for a treatment apologise. Apologise because they’ve put on weight, have cellulite, not shaved/waxed their legs, not polished their nails etc. Everything they apologise for is because their confidence is knocked by what the media portray as perfection. The plain and simple truth is nobody is perfect. Constantly striving for perfection can be counter-productive and unattainable. As one persons version of perfection is not another. The age old saying os true - Beauty (and perfection) is in the eye of the beholder. There is always someone smarter, more attractive, and funnier than us. Perfection gives us a false sense that there is a ceiling to achieve, some level of the ‘right’ way to be. Just be yourself and accept your imperfection...that's what makes you, you.

This issue I believe started in the media and has now spread to social media. I separate my social media accounts - work, blog, vlog and a personal one as I only want my nearest and dearest to see me as I truly am and what I am up to. Too many people analyse to look at the negative whereas I’m always a ‘half glass full, lets top it up’ kinda gal. As soon as I get ‘I’m sorry but I have put on so much weight’ comment, I always say ‘haven’t we all at some point’. I like to ask ‘what parts do you like?’ Let’s balance the negatives with positives. A lot of people are now more body conscious than ever because of the pressures of photographs in all media formats. I have clients of all shapes and sizes that make references to every part of their body they dislike and Social Media appears to be flooded with the perfect face, perfect body, perfect hair and perfect life but in actual fact, the people who post the most about these aren’t that happy - they are following the trend, brain washed as to what is perfect which is mostly filtered. Why were filters designed? to hide flaws and imperfections. Most photographs in social media are filtered and I’ve a client who edited models photographs for papers and magazines since the 80’s.m I have also been reading a lot where plastic surgeons are being requested to operate so that the client looks like their filtered photo. The world has seriously gone crazy.

Unlike hairdressing, makeup artists, designers etc Social Media is so difficult when you are in the wax game. I mean, even if I wanted to ask (and get a client to agree and sign GPDR form) to a discreet ‘before and after’ photo of their intimate area, would you really want to see it? I see some worldwide waxers post this onto their Social Media. I’m used to working with intimate areas but it still amazes me; surely seeing an area of skin with removed hair isn’t going to make you book in like having an amazing transformation of balayage photo. Maybe I’m prudish or old fashioned (which considering what I specialise in seems odd) but what goes on in the wax room, should stay in the wax room and that includes photos.

Currently, Social Media is about the perfect face, perfect body, perfect hair and portraying the perfect life but in actual fact, the people who post the most about these items are more than likely brainwashed into the trend. I made a vow that as of 2019, I was removing all personal photos from my work social media and no more reviews screens hotted onto social media, I’m leaving them on Google or my website. My way of thinking is, if you’ re a potential client looking at having a treatment with me, I have either been recommended by a client or you’ve found me on Google - either way you’ve been told or will have read it there. My client’s do not need to know what they already know so no more flaunting it. However, I do love the #kittysanddickyshalloffame. This is always a funny text or WhatsApp from a client that shows what lovely clients I have and hopefully you can see what a great and funny relationship we have. Find out for yourself. Saying that, the stories I could tell you would make you cry, sometimes with laughter and sometimes with sadness. I hear it all. Now that’s something you can’t put on Social Media. I do put it on my anonymous blog and I have a podcast coming soon, thanks to a tv producer asking, so watch this space!

#smearforsmear

Cervical Cancer Screening is on the decrease and we need to ensure

This week is Cervical Cancer Awareness Week and I’m proud to be supporting @joscervicalcancertrust.


Cervical Cancer screening is on the decline so like a lot of great waxers, I’m offering 50% off your intimate wax if you’ve booked your smear test...not just for this week - this is ongoing.


Cancer affects all of us with friends and family and if my little offering helps raise awareness and get people having their smear, I’ll be one happy bunny so if you’ve had your reminder, get booked in & bring in confirmation of your test to get the 50% discount & spread the word .

For more information, about Cervical Screening & Cervical Cancer, visit https://www.jostrust.org.uk


#cervicalscreening#cervicalscreeningawarenessweek #cancer#cheersforsmears #smearsforsmears#cervicalsmear #smearcampaign #smear#smear #hpvvaccination #london#newcross #deptford #cotswolds #kent#intimatewax #brazilian #brazilianwax#bikini #highlegbikini #thong#kimlawlesstrained#kimlawlesstrainedlondon #hotwax#nodoubledipping #girlpower





New Year

Well Happy New Year! To start off, I’m not going to sprout on about New Year, New me because lets face it come February it’s all forgotten about.

I am however going to blog more for Kittys and Dickys as I manage my others blogs and vlogs and seem to start a draft then get waylaid with work and life!

I’m also making more conscious decisions on what’s important to me. Plastic has been huge for me for a long time (yes I’ve had my 4ocean bracelet since they first started) and try to use filtered water from indoors whenever possible and take a large glass bottle with me). There’s no way I am going to turn Vegan (totally in awe of dedication Vegans apply to their life) but I am going to try to have one vegan and two vegetarian days per week. Planning about what I eat, not just because it’s convenient or it’s all I have time for and that will help the environment too.

I’m a huge animal lover (if you’ve ever met me I’m sure you will have found that out within the first appointment) so I try to buy products that are amazing and Vegan friendly too when possible so my shampoo and conditioner is vegan (Maria Nila), anti-bac spray (Marks and Spencers), make-up brushes (hourglass - I’ve used these daily for at least 3 years and they look like new so worth every penny ) etc but I cannot compromise on spatulas inside the salon and unfortunately if someone can come up on a more environmentally friendly and hygiene effective way of replacing spatulas you will earn an absolute fortune and make me one happy lady. I know a lot of great waxers are constantly seeking ways to cut waste and want to be more environmentally friendly but there is no other way yet so all you entrepreneurs get thinking!

Tanning Preparation...WAXING V SHAVING

WAXING V SHAVING

If you are a regular tanner, try to regularly wax. Not only is it better for your skin but each time the razor hits your skin, it is also aggravating your skin and sloughing it off too, shortening the length and quality of your tan.

I have sensitive skin and I used to use conditioner as a shaving balm. It would feel wonderful for a day then it would feel spiky the next day when re-growth came through but when I started waxing I realised how tough it was on my skin. Now If you don’t believe me, just get your underarms waxed once. As soon as its done, the skin will immediately feel baby smooth (just like behind your knees) and you’ll realise exactly how aggressive shaving is on the skin and how damaging it is, let along how much time you will save over a month as the regrowth is slow. Then think of waxing your legs and even an intimate wax - you’ll never turn back.

90% of my Brazilan clients never had their underarms waxed prior to coming to me and now have their underarms waxed at the same time and agree…it’s life changing and so worth the extra £12 per month

#smoothasaneel

How to tan in Autumn

I always tan according to the result a client expects, if it’s an occasion, their lifestyle and what they are wearing but I also take into account the time of year. We are now hitting the autumn season when we have less chance of catching the natural sun (unless we go abroad) so I recommend trying going down a shade.

I started advising this as soon as the wonderful weather we have had took a turn and resorted to typical British weather again. One of my weekly man-tan who has been a devout Sienna X 10% tried 8% last week and this week might try 6%. He’s reserved a 1hr self tan mist to top up his face and hands (should he need it during the week as he shaves daily and we all know how harsh shaving is) but has agreed dropping that shade isn’t as bad at all and gives a more natural result for the time of year. He works in the city where he said ‘we all fake it but we do not want to make it obvious we fake it’. He rocks a man-tan 👊🏻

Waxing Protocol

#hygiene

There is no compromise on hygiene - no to double dipping, couch must be cleaned with disinfectant after each client and fresh couch roll laid out for the next client, clean gloves and anti-bacterial gel for each client and fresh bin liner after each wax. I clean my pots in-between clients too and my trolley is fully cleaned at the end of each day, restocked and floor is washed and disinfected. If you go to a salon that doesn’t have high standards then that is also reflected in your treatment and the quality of the products used.

#preparebeforeyoubare

To achieve the best results from your wax, its best to prepare for it. It doesn’t take long and should become part of your regime. Gently exfoliate and moisturise a week or two before your appointment. This helps the hairs break through, and be easier to be pulled out from the root. You don't need to use anything expensive, just a soft dry body brush or a good exfoliating scrub like Ruff Stuff Daily Scrub (vegan-friendly, micro-bead free sugar scrub with coconut oil - it truly is perfect). The key is gentle exfoliation - going to mad at it can not only cause discomfort but can create ingrown hairs. 

#shavingistheenemy

Remember, shaving is the enemy. I know it is difficult to let your hair grow, especially if you are a daily shaver, but you really do need to let the hair grow for about three weeks before getting waxed. That means NO shaving in between – if you don't let it grow long enough then not only you risk it being a painful when you're being waxed, you won't get a smooth finish. I take a pride in my work (ask my clients) and I must have the best wax…at every appointment.

#leaveittoaprofessional

Don't try to wax yourself at home. You may end up in agony, end up with broken hairs plus it makes the most awful mess. I have had clients that have tried to do it themselves and state never again. I’ve also had clients that before coming to me, have left a wax strip on their intimate area and waited days for it to come off as they found it too painful to remove. By the time you pay out for the home waxing kits (and get wax all over the bedroom), it's really not worth it.

#kimlawlesstrained

Not all therapists specialise in intimate wqxing. An intimate wax should be a pleasant experience and not daunting. You are baring your most intimate and private area/s and feel most vulnerable so don’t be afraid to ask where your therapist has trained, what wax and products they use and technique they apply. A good therapist will not be offended - I am proud to have been Kim Lawless trained in male and female intimate waxing and smart waxing and love it when a client enquires -  It shows me that that they want the best treatment not the cheapest treatment. - a huge difference. You get what you pay for in life. I have clients that used to pay £22 for a Brazilian and come to me at almost twice the price because of the quality of my waxing skills.

Also, you shouldn’t have any hairs left after your wax - this is standard practice for a specialist waxer.

#hotwax

Check that your salon uses only HOT wax on intimate and sensitive areas such as the intimate waxing, underarms,  face and inner thigh. I personally use Kim Lawless' Cockney Rebel Hot Wax. (Hot wax is a thick wax that they apply and then remove with just their hand. Strip wax is great for leg and forearm waxing but shouldn't be used on the areas mentioned as it's not as gentle, and can leave you feeling sore)

 If they don't use hot wax on sensitive areas or intimate waxing go elsewhere…pronto.

#nodoubledipping

No specialist waxer double dips (dipping the same spatula thats been used to apply wax and then placed back into the pot of wax again and again to apply more wax). This is poor hygiene and should not be tolerated.

#nogymorswim

Don't swim or sweat at the gym for 24 hours…waxers orders. Always ensure that you moisturise, especially if on holiday - chlorine from the pool and seawater can be very drying on the skin. 

#sunbathing

Avoid exposing the waxed body parts to the sun until 24-48 hours after your waxing as your skin is at its most sensitive - it can easily burn and you could be left with permanent pigmentation marks. If you start to feel your waxed areas tingle whilst sunbathing, then apply a higher sun factor and again ensure its a good quality lotion or spray. Our skin is our largest organ - love and cherish it.

#ingrownhairs

Red lumps under the skin may indicate ingrown hairs. Some people are prone to them despite how good their aftercare plan is adhered to or it can happen as a result of poor aftercare. So apply gentle exfoliation using a dry brush or exfoliation. If you still are getting ingrown hairs even though you are following aftercare advice, ask your waxer if they have Aloe Clear in stock. I have asked my clients to trial it (I don’t get ingrown hairs) and feedback was 100% positive so  recommend Aloe Clear roll-on as a brilliant product.

#leaveittoaprofessional

Don't try to wax yourself at home. You may end up in agony, end up with broken hairs plus it makes the most awful mess. I have had clients that have tried to do it themselves and state never again. I’ve also had clients that before coming to me, have left a wax strip on their intimate area and waited days for it to come off as they found it too painful to remove. By the time you pay out for the home waxing kits (and get wax all over the bedroom), it's really not worth it plus your waxer will become a friend. My clients and I have a great catch up and each appointment, share tips and family news and look forward to seeing each other - its a pamper time.

Tanday Thursday

Thursdays are always manic. Between waxing, I have Spray Tans to do as everyone wants one ready for the weekend so I have to brace myself as between 31/10/17 - 07/11/17, I am working with Closer Magazine #siennaxcloser and offering 20% off SiennaX spray tans in Salon #siennaxcloser

 

I love waxing & tanning equally & enjoy switching & seeing my regulars. I really love to see new clients who have had previous bad tans then get one of mine using Sienna X. As I explain to all new clients, I only use products that I use myself & provide treatments that I have done. That way I know how you feel as you are having the treatment and how it will look, wear off etc. Basically, I always put my money where my mouth is. I have had bad spray tans (to the point that I don't trust anyone to tan me...apart from a fellow SiennaX therapist but she lives in Southend!) and I have had a bad wax...strip wax for a Brazilian (OUCH!) it was so bad I didn't get waxed for 6 years, glad to say I got back on track and have never looked back.