Amerispa does it again!

Winner of numerous Consumer Choice awards, Amerispa adds a new Health and Beauty Centre to its family of Hotel and Resort Spas, in Esterel just a short hour away from Montreal. Recently rebuilt, this iconic Laurentian retreat brings you the best hotel and resort experiences with a magnificent view of Lake Dupuis.

You can expect the same quality of services from this chain that now counts 10 Health & Beauty Centres throughout the province of Quebec. Since opening this past December, it has already began to enchant spa goers with 40 different types of massage therapy, aesthetic services and signature body treatments. Prices range from: manicure, $50; pedicure, $65; Swedish relaxation massage, $80 to $115; Elixir ice cider regeneration, $125.

While at the Amerispa in Esterel, also enjoy the well-being of thermotherapy as access to the hot tubs, Finish sauna and lake are included with the purchase of any package or two hour treatment.

I can’t think of a better way to experience the natural beauty of the Laurentians!

Maggie Richardson

Findsalonspa.com Blogger

- Planning a weekend road trip up to the Laurentians!

Avanti Caribbean Cruise Contest

by Maggie Richardson

Montreal is cold. Very cold.

The Caribbean is hot. Very hot.

Lucky for us, Avanti Le Spa on Decarie Blvd. is giving us all the chance to escape the cold, ice and snow of Montreal for some fun in the sun. But only one Avanti client can win the prized Caribbean cruise: A value of $2,000!

How? Your name will automatically be entered in a draw every time you purchase a $100 gift certificate from Avanti Le Spa. It’s as simple as that. You buy a gift certificate, you get entered in the draw. There is no maximum amount of times your name can be entered so increase your chances by buying more certificates!

The contest is on as we speak and will be running until February 14, 2011 at midnight. The draw will be held on February 26th. Good luck to all and HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Maggie Richardson
Findsalonspa.com Blogger

- Crossing my fingers to be the lucky winner of the Avanti Caribbean Cruise Giveaway!

Clinique du corps Photoderma in Downtown Montreal gets a facelift! Under a new name, Clinique du corps Lipoderma makes an appearance worthy of WOW. After renovations, they have expanded their aesthetic clinic to include a Hammam.

Right in the heart of Downtown Montreal, surrounded by the business sector and only two steps from the shopping district, busy professionals and shopoholics alike can benefit from the same quality of cosmetic treatments but now also have a therapeutic haven with the new Hammam.

What is an aesthetic clinic? Aesthetic clinics offers beauty enhancing services such as injections, laser hair removal, vein therapy, anti-aging and skin rejuvenation treatments with the help of qualified doctors and technicians. These clinics go a step further than a salon by offering lasting beauty results by licensed medical professionals.

What is a Hammam? Hammams, also known as Turkish baths originated in the Ottoman Empire and can be descried as a variant of the steam bath. The Hammam tradition has lasted throughout centuries because it’s cleansing and relaxation properties.

What is Lipoderma? According to its owner, Clinique du corps Lipoderma is a perfect blend of clinical and therapeutic services.

On the clinical side: A qualified, competent team of doctors and technicians perform aesthetic treatments with care and diligence while guiding patients through each step of the process, answering their questions and concerns along the way. Services include, among others, permanent hair removal, skin treatments, Lipomassage, vein therapy, and facial fillers.

On the therapeutic side: Enjoy the cleansing properties of the Hammam, followed by a massage, scrub or body wrap. A relaxation room and robe are also at your disposal.

Science and ritual well-being have coexisted for centuries, the success of Lipoderma is bringing this winning combination together in a luxurious, state-of-the-art setting.

Want to try it out for yourself? Or better yet, offer a heartfelt gift to a friend or family member? Why not take advantage of our 50% off gift certificates? Visit our online boutique for complete details (while supplies last).

Maggie Richardson
Findsalonspa.com Blogger

- Looking forward to chilling in the Turkish Bath.

I love having my hair straight, especially when someone other than myself blow dries it for me so beautifully, my hair then looks so shiny and smooth. I suddenly have no flyaways and of course you see the fresh cut I’ve just had. As I live in Paris, the one new thing that has people raging about in all magazines is the new Brazilian Hair Straightening product. At first glance I thought it was amazing since it’s less dangerous than the Japanese Hair straightening technique. But… before trying it for myself I got down to the nitty gritty and did my research to see what all the fuss was about.

Of course, speaking from my professional experience as a hairstylist, people who have curly hair want it straight, they want to tame those outrageous curls and flatten them out.  But are chemical Hair Straightening products the way to go, to get our hair straight for a few months and for so expensive?

Ceramic flat irons are great and so are our blow-dryers but  ladies does that mean you can put those back in the shelf and have wash and gorgeous hair ready to go out with the Brazilian Hair Straightening Product? The answer is actually yes, it really does work and makes your hair shiny and looking healthy, but after all the research I’ve done, I strongly do NOT suggest this product. I’m usually very positive and optimistic about anything that makes hair look great and shiny, making our hair looking like a Barbie doll’s hair, but when health risks are involved, yes health risks, I opt for OUT! But let’s be realistic, I’ve separated the pros and cons and I’ll let you decide for yourself.

How does it work?  Inside the formula is Keratin. Keratin is protein and this is a key structural material making up the outer layer of human skin but it is also the key structural component of nails, teeth and hair. Sticking to the hair part it, this formula also includes something called ‘Formaldehyde’ which together is quite toxic. Health Canada advises those to know what is inside this product and what the risks are before getting it done.  The reason being is the Brazilian Blowout Solution contains 12% formaldehyde, containing 6000% more formaldehyde than what is allowable by law! That’s quite scary. Some illness results have been nose bleeds, difficulty in breathing (that is why a mask is necessary when being applied, both on the hairdresser and the client.) Formaldehyde is also known to be a carcinogen and ‘is easily absorbed by the body when inhaled, ingested, or comes into contact with the skin and eyes. Exposure to formaldehyde can lead to death, blindness, eye and skin irritation or burns, respiratory problems, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and cancer.  It is also known to cause birth defects.’ (Taken from the Medical Encyclopedia)

Now that we have that out of the way let’s revert to finding the positive aspect about this Hair Straightening Product.

What are the Results?  This keratin treatment originated in Brazil, where it was first invented to tailor to curly hair and cut back from the fuzz and the telephone wire curls. The results are spectacular and I’ve seen them for myself since the salon I worked at uses it as well. The Procedure takes up to 3-4 hours, depending on the length of your hair, but the smell is what gets to you. It’s great for those who cannot blow dry their own hair, since this cut’s their timing in half. The hair texture changes and looks instantly healthy and shiny. The BEST PART is that it works on all types of hair. WOW! That means even chemically treated hair, permed hair, highlighted hair, or colored hair without causing any damage.

The stylist will use a flat iron heating up to 450-degree, a solution made with active keratin is sealed onto the outer layer of the hair cuticle and therefore sticks to the cuticle’s naturally rough edges. The formula then locks itself in the moisture, hydrating the hair, and adds a glossy finish.

Now that you have the Good and the Bad, I still suggest you get all the information needed to make your final decision if you truly want to spend the big bucks or save your health (which is free). Whatever you choose, the results of your looks will still come to one conclusion: You are amazing just the way you are! (Sorry Bruno Mars, I stole your lines there lol)Â

Click here for more information on the recent response from the Official Brazilian Hair Treatment site.

Peace, Love and HEALTH

Jennifer N. Mancini
Professional Hair Stylist, Montreal
Findsalonspa.com Blogger

Feeling stressed? Who’s not? The best part of going to the hair salon is when you get your hair washed! What an amazing feeling, you sit back, relax and let someone else do the job. Then suddenly, two hands delicately touch your scalp and slowly start to massage your head. One word: Awesome! But does a head massage really de-stress and why does it feel so good? (Pardon to those who don’t like it)

To begin with, some of our most sensitive nerve endings are around the scalp and head areas that’s why when someone else is slowly massaging our scalp, certain zones of our head will directly release feel-good endorphins, this then blocks the stress hormone cortisol, and boosts circulation, blood flow, and in turn helps feed the hair follicle. It helps reverse the damaging effects of stress by slowing heart rate, respiration and metabolism and lowering raised blood pressure.

The proper term for head massage is known as Champissage, which is a form of Indian head massage. Many hair salons and spas provide a kind of scalp massage as part of a hair treatment or styling appointment. It’s recommended that even a regular head massage has positive benefits. Anyone seeking scalp massages to improve issues with hair should do so once a week for the greatest benefits. This allows the practitioner to gently spread the natural and special hair massage oils each week to improve strength, flexibility, and what we all love; shine. So not only does it feel great but it helps the hair as well. Next time you hit the salon, ask for a head massage, where they can gently work the scalp with warm oils and let the tension be relieved. It’s a beneficial because sometimes the tight muscles in the temple and neck can lead to tension headaches and pain.

Much tension in the body finds its way to the head and neck. By massaging your temples, neck along with your nose and forehead can quickly de-stress you in a few minutes. A scalp massage is a more direct attack on the pain, so it serves as a quick fix rather than using medication in some instances. The natural tendency to rub or massage areas of pain is instinctively correct, and scalp massage is definitely something to be explored for anyone who suffers from headaches. It’s fast and effective, proven fact! The only hard part is finding someone to do it for you! Clients are most content when they get up from the chair and thank you, simply because you got rid of their head ache. So when you’re at work and have a throbbing head ache, bribe a friend, give them chocolate and have them save your head, literally, with a 5 minute massage.

So now that you know all the technicalities as to why our brain sends off a positive feeling and that your body and mind are relaxed, why not learn a few quick methods to improve your own way of giving a head massage?

Start off by the top of the head, near the forehead, gently using your thumbs and fingers going in circular movements and then moving downwards. The main point is to slowly but firmly apply pressure and keep moving in circular patterns. You can then work your way down towards the neck area and apply pressure in 3 different points, by continually massaging the area of pain. Sometimes holding a pressure point too for a few seconds can undo the stress point.

It’s easier being said, but practice is definitely needed sometimes, so you don’t hurt anyone.

On that note, keep it simple and soft and your friends will be thanking you since you’ve taken on the new role of Dr. De-stress.

For the love of well-being; relax, let go, and enjoy!

Jennifer N. Mancini
Professional Hair Stylist, Montreal
Findsalonspa.com Blogger

Yes, it is time to reveal of little secrets and defend our guilty pleasures. A sinful chocolate brownie, Asian buffets, a terrible pop tune, romantic-comedies or the reality show Jersey Shore, are all certifiable guilty pleasures. A guilty pleasure is something one enjoys and considers pleasurable despite feeling guilty for enjoying it. If every Monday night you have your television programmed to tape The Bachelor or every time in the car you find yourself belting out a cheesy 80s song, don’t feel embarrassed.

A recent conversation with my boyfriend got me questioning why I love reality television so much. He had trouble understanding why I revelled in the drama of others and despite my efforts at trying to explain it to him, all I could really say is “it’s so bad, it’s good”. It sounds absurd but in fact is so true.

I firmly believe that the juicy drama on television these days can help get your mind off the little dramas in your own life. I admit that much of what is on television is outrageously ridiculous but it is undoubtedly entertaining. If it is pleasurable and gets your mind off the stresses in your life for a moment, be it the three minutes of a song, the delectable bites of a piece of pie or the hour of drama on television, then so be it. You are entitled to some pleasures, no matter how embarrassing they may be.

After a long day, feeding our little guilty pleasures can be the best thing we can do for ourselves as they help us laugh and unwind. People flooded with their busy lives tend to turn to prescriptions and pills to help manage high stress levels, which is where guilty pleasures can swoop in and act as your best friend. We need to take care of ourselves and despite how shameful our pleasures may be, it is how they make us feel that is of priority. It seems so easy to get lost in the anxieties of a job, school, family and friends but we must make a conscious effort to take a little time to do indulge in our pleasures, even though we may feel a wee-bit embarrassed. The reward of feeling good is like no other.

Sabrina Giancioppi
Concordia University Student
Findsalonspa.com Blogger

Most of the time we hear about amazing places through word of mouth, we’re tempted; we go and test it out for ourselves, we end up loving it so much we then try to keep it to ourselves, but not this time, the secret is out! Nasta, my restaurant manager could simply not stop talking to me about her hair salon; ‘I heard it from a friend, who heard it from another friend, so I called, I made an appointment and I was impressed with the results.’ She then counselled me to go there and see it for myself and so I did just that!

I met with Mr. Georges Bacon, owner of one of Paris’ most distinguished hair salon Coiffure et Nature. This salon has had so much success it’s had people talking about it for the past decade. Not only Parisians, but stars that have gone through Georges’ magic hands have been simply astonished with his artistic touches to detail in his famous hair cuts but also about the product he sells.

The briefing
Mr. Georges Bacon who has a fine background in hairdressing worked hard to get to where he is today. He proudly bares his title of having won ‘Champion du Monde de Coiffure’ in Netherlands, but apart from having won different international prizes from Bruxelles, New York , Milan and other renowned parts of the world, he also collaborated with L’OREAL to help launch new products. Today Georges would agree that his main achievement was making known what Henna and ‘couleur vegetale’ is all about. This means protecting the planet and your hair by going green with natural hair dyes. These advanced hair coloring methods (although ancient, the Egyptians were among the first to discover natural hair dying) is having people talking; peroxide is out, natural is in!

Georges Bacon

Salon View

Salon View

Coiffure et Nature opened its doors in 1999 specializing in organic beauty, the goal was to cut back and avoid any aggressive chemicals that can eventually damage the hair and hair follicle taking away its healthy look and shine. Natural hair dye is extracted from plants and vegetables. It does not contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, which are found in commercial hair dyes. Being non-toxic it does not pose a health or environmental hazard or does not harm the hair structure, in fact it can even help with conditioning and hair moisturizing.

The concept is brilliant; it also includes the wonderful different smells of aromatherapy using pure essential oils for hair treatments, although lavender is one of the only essential oils Sally, the main technician would add to her recipe. Sally’s past 20 years of experience in hair color brings her to one conclusion; less chemicals, the better! Behind her are 10 bowls of powdered colors. Different names were given to distinguish color and add a touch of ‘spice’ to the mix: Cacao, Cinnamon, Saffron, Curry, Chamomile, Tandoori, Ginger, Muscade, Red Pepper and Black Pepper. Her color recipes vary from different hair colors to different objective hair colors that a person may want, but remembering that there are rules to be applied.  For example, you cannot lighten a brunette to a blonde unless you are light enough to begin with. If you are a brunette and you have persistent white or gray hair, these colors will cover them although the outcome leaves you with a natural streaked look. The whites will capture the color less than the greys. However, the advantage is that when your hair starts growing it doesn’t leave you with an obvious re-growth or demarcation.  These products can be used on any type of hair and the results are great! Come visit and see for yourself, why not try a ‘couleur vegetale’ as they say?

Fire Red

Funky Brunette

Blond Beauty

The staff makes you feel so at home in this comfortable wooden, green, and zen atmosphere. Georges who works side  by side with his wife Martine, the manager, will defiantly take care of you along with their expert hair stylists; Virginie, Perinne and Azedine. As for hair color you are in the caring hands of Sally or Anne-Laure who can concoct a perfect mix to get you the right hair color or streaks. Feel free to also pamper yourself in their Institute de Beauté that provides everything from massages, pedicures, manicures and spa treatments! As for me I treated myself to a wonderful pedicure, le top! I not only came out with great looking feet, but with new streaks and a cut!

Thanks Guys!
Voila! Great hair and a hot nail polish to finish off the summer.

Jennifer N. Mancini
Professional Hair Stylist
Findsalonspa.com Blogger

Overall it was great (rain wasn’t so bad)! The festival was bigger than ever with activities set up on McGill College from de Maisonneuve all the way to Cathcart as well as on Place Ville-Marie. There were 2 runways and a really cool VIP stage. I walked about Friday evening and enjoyed some of the music, fashion, design and cool booths set up for our viewing pleasure.

The Festival’s website shares a lot of very cool information about the festival as well as the activities that where held so I won’t bore you with my interpretations of it but I will share with you just a few pics that I managed to snag while it was still light outside. Thank God for my impromptu Blackberry camera phone!

Fashion & Design Festival Boxes: Branded boxes decorate the streets and substitute for seating arrangement

Fashion Photography: Cool fashion pics on display

VIP Stage: The VIP stage pays hommage to the 10 years of awesome fashion and design

Cool Graffiti Design: If done correctly, graffiti can be art...and how cool is that?

Downtown Festival: Just being in downton Montreal is amazing, having free festivals there is such a great bonus!

Lasalle College Fashion Display: Lasalle College exhibits some of their own!

Oh and one last thing: Fashion is all about looking good and feeling good and nothing is more appealing that being comfortable with who you are. That’s why I was very impressed that representatives for the Quebec Charter for a Healthy and Diverse Body Image were present, sharing information and getting people involved. Check out their website and if you support the initiative, sign the Charter! The more people get involved, the sooner we can start changing society’s twig like vision of beauty.

Cheerio!

Maggie Richardson
Findsalonspa.com Blogger

- Lovin’ festival season in Montreal!

Apparently some studies have shown that running barefoot is better than running with shoes. Why is that? When running without shoes people land on their feet in a way that generates less impact. In contrast, people tend to  land on their heels when using running shoes and that causes a lot of impact on your knees as well as the rest of your body (i.e. back, neck …) .

I do not know if theses studies can be taken seriously, but I will let you do your own research and let you decide for yourselves. All I know is that walking barefoot at home feels a lot better than walking around in fluffy warm bunny shoes.

If you are interested in running barefoot, there are shoes that you can purchase specifically for barefoot running.  So you can prevent cutting yourself on broken glass and sharp pebbles. In fact, they are the most minimal type of shoe you can buy for running and/or jogging and it’s the new craze among marathon runners. The company that makes them is Vibram. You can check out their website for more information: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/ . I believe the company is from Italy. Crazy Italians.

The only concern that I have with these shoes is that you don’t where sox with them. Aren’t they going to smell? Let me know if you’ve tried them.

Alistar Francis
Technology Enthusiast
Findsalonspa.com Blogger

- Technology can help your mind, body and soul

Since I am a hostess by night in a cute touristic restaurant in Montmartre, I also occasionally fall upon Parisians as well. I met Carla one evening as she stepped outside to have a smoke. Small chit chat lead me to an ironic blog, she happened to be the perfect Jet setting beauty I needed to write my August blog on. Her name is Carla Toussaint, age 28, lives in Paris and loves to travel!

She has beauty, she has style and she has money to make her smile. She considers herself part of the VIPs, an invitation that is widely spread out globally, all you have to do to  attend these ‘social gatherings’ from one country to another is make sure you have the right hair, clothes and attitude to go with it. I welcome you to the fabulous life of the Jet setter. To most of us this life is unreachable, but hey, this jet setting beauty’s tips on French boutiques and exclusive hair salons is free to all!

An ordinary Saturday for La Mademoiselle.

5pm, Carla heads off to the cocktail party by the pool at her cousin’s villa, 8pm she’s fashionably late for dinner at the Fairmount Hotel in Monte Carlo, 11 pm to the Casino to play her luck, by 1:30 am she’s welcomed by old friends at the Beach Party. 1pm Sunday morning she awakes by the sun’s rays breaking through the cracks of her yachts curtains. She draws them open and the scenery speaks for itself, ’today I’m in Saint Tropez!’

She continues, telling me about her favourite hair salon and trendy boutique she loves on this very famous French Riviera everyone talks about.

Her favourite spot; Château de la Messardière situated in the hillside of Saint Tropez providing her with a lavish delight of heaven; pool, spa and hair salon. Here she has the basic necessities of what a woman needs. She mentions the price, but they are better to go unspoken of. ‘Here in Saint Trope I have my friends and favourite boutiques too’ she says with a cocky smile, it’s a shopping paradise for me, I go directly to ‘Kiwi’ affordable for all and classy, it’s the must have bikini’s for the summer! Not to mention Nikki Beach Bar.’ St-Tropez will never loose its glamorous edge, and who knows you might even bump into Bridgette Bardot

She also suggested a chain of hair salons widely known around France as well: Sometimes it’s not just about a price but trusting the skills and techniques of those professionals working there.

Camille  Albane

Franck Provost

Jacques Dessange

Jean Claude Biguine

Sergio Bossi

Bonnes Vacances!

Jennifer N. Mancini

Professional Hair Stylist
Findsalonspa.com Blogger