Although, your whole body deserves special care during the harsh winter months, your hands require extra special treatment to keep them healthy.  Your hands are one of the most exposed and used parts of the body.  Direct exposure to water, sunrays and chemicals that exist in soaps, dish-cleaners and detergents also takes a toll on hands not to mention the hundreds of things we touch unconsciously daily, your hands respond by becoming dry and lifeless very quickly.

Soft and beautiful hands add the charm in an individual’s personality, while dull and unappealing hands demote it.

Here are some tips to keep your hands beautiful and sexy during the winter season – Like a Vixen®

1. Regular Manicures
   Show your hands some love on a regular basis and they will reward you with a healthier and beautiful look. Little things like well-shaped nails and hydrated cuticles not only look good but protect your hands in the harsh winter
2. Wear gloves every time you go outside
   The frosty air and cold winds can dry out hands. The easiest way to protect your hands is to wear gloves. Keep a few pairs of gloves, in your car, by the front door, etc. so you always have a pair handy.
3. Invest in some good hand cream or moisturizer
   Even if you have normal or oily skin you should go for the moisturizer that is for dry skin. That will take care of dryness and simultaneously prepare your hands for colder conditions, because you never know when the temperature is going to plummet. We have a variety of hand care products online and at the spa.
4. Don’t use hot water to wash your hands
   Hot water soaks all the moisture and makes hands dry and dull, so go for luke-warm water rather hot water
5. Stay hydrated
   Moisturizers alone cannot help in protecting your hands from dryness so you need to drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated. Drink 3 – 4 litres a day is ideal
6. Use rubber gloves when doing housework
   Housework isn’t just done in the winter so this tip is really for all seasons. Use gloves when cleaning with chemicals and washing dishes. Overexposure to hot water and chemicals can strip your skin of its natural oils making them look dry and chapped.
7. Add humidity to your home
   Using a humidifier or simply putting a bowl of water near your heaters can add moisture to the air in your house. Your skin will thank you!

Shellac Alert!

As Shellac manicures become more popular, so do knock-off products and shady application techniques.  It’s not unusual now to hear that someone’s gone in for a Shellac gel manicure only to find out later that what’s on their nails isn’t Shellac, or any reputable gel for that matter.

The above brands are examples of Shellac impostors. The issue with fake Shellac is that some salons try to cut corners by using cheap copy-cat products and equipment that haven’t been purchased from the authorised distributors but still advertise their treatments as genuine CND Shellac.

Some clients tell us that they have had Shellac before but had problems such as it not lasting beyond a couple of days, the colour faded, it took half an hour to remove or it left their natural nails damaged.

To help consumers avoid nail damage and the risk of having weird chemicals affixed to their nails, CND Shellac has come out with its own salon certification system, and we’ve assembled tips for discerning whether your salon uses authentic application and removal methods. See the guidelines below.

1. Filing or Drilling is a huge red flag
No one should ever abrade your nails while applying or removing gel polish.  If they pull out a file, scissors, drill or any other cutting tool, you should get out of there immediately.

2.  Look for labels
Ask to see the gel colours your salon has available and look at the labels. If the polish bottle does not say CND Shellac, it’s not the real thing, which means they are compromising your service with polishes that have unknown components that have sub par results, just say no.

3. One brand should rule them all
Don’t let anyone mix systems on you, so if someone just used a Shellac base coat on you, they shouldn’t try to put some other brand polish on over it.  They aren’t meant to be used together, and it’s not clear what the effects on quality and removal might be.

4. Gels don’t “soak off”
When you’re having your gels removed, your esthetician should never try to soak your hands in a bowl of acetone. Gel polish comes off with specific gel remover wraps or by using acetone-dipped cotton balls and tin foil to wrap nails. It’s gentler and it’s what gel-trained esthetician know they’re supposed to do.

5. Seek out the seal
If you’re on the hunt for Shellac, look for the CND seal of approval on the window of your salon. CND actually sends brand ambassadors to salons to ensure that they’re using the right methods.

At Vixen Nails•Salon•Spa  we only use top of the line industry standard products to give you optimal results! Other gel polish brands such as Gelish, Gelicure, Gellac, Geiify or Geleze are just some of the other brands that do not provide you the reputable quality that CND Shellac is well-renowned for.

At Vixen Nails•Salon•Spa we only use industry leading products so our customers get the best results.  Therefore if you are not using Olaplex you are not using the best.  An Olaplex treatment can be done at our salon and after your treatment you can take home Olaplex Hair Perfector N03 for home maintenance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most products do have beneficial ingredients for moisture and protein, but none that are capable of changing the structure of the hair or repairing it. Olaplex is the only product capable of cross linking disulfide bonds and rebuilds them to eliminate breakage from chemical services.

Only go with the best because you deserve it!

 

 

At Vixen Nails & Spa we have focused on delivering high end quality services at an affordable price.
The combination of using genuine authentic products combined with stringent sanitization practices has sets us apart from our competition.  Unfortunately Canada’s Spa and Nail Salon industry is unregulated creating the opportunity for most spa and salons to cut corners on using authentic products and most importantly sanitization procedures.  Providing our clients with a healthy, safe and memorable expereineces has been our motto.

Our hand picked certified estheticians go through extensive training combined with continuous improvement training keeping our skill sets top notch for the continuously demanding and evolving spa industry.  See our gallery below of satisfied returning clients and the skillful services we have rendered!

The benefits of operating this way has put us in a favourable position.  For the past 3 years we have been voted the best Spa/Nail Salon/Beauty Bar in our respective locations. We would like to thank our valued clients for voting for us.  It is an honour and it is our duty to continue to be the best!

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In today’s fast pace lifestyle what is said the most by everyone is that there is not enough hours in a day.  What come next are the whispers in your head saying “I will do it later,”  “I will do it tomorrow,”  ” I will do it next week.”

Procrastination happens when you put off a task because you really don’t want to do it, don’t know where to start or just takes too much of your time.  A lot of times we avoid tasks to feel temporary relief but what is actually happening is you are creating more stress.  The task you are putting off will linger in your awareness until it is completed.

There is no reason to create stress from prolonged procrastination when there are some simple tips you can implement to break you out of this horrible habit.

Face It Fearlessly

You can’t address a task unless you are aware of it.  The shear discomfort alone should be a signal you have problem to solve.  Being present in the moment without judging yourself.  Allow yourself to perceive the insight as a breakthrough not a breakdown.  This opportunity will give you a chance and change your thought process sparking resolution.

Take the First Step

When you start to look too far into the future any task or project can seem close to impossible. And so you shut down because you become overwhelmed.  Focus on taking the first step today that is all you need to focus on, nothing else. By taking the first step you change you mental state from resistant to positive which brings on the second step and third and so on.  Before you know it you are on your way to completing your task.

Create A List

Make yourself an old fashion To Do List, list everything from biggest to smallest then break up the biggest hardest task into smaller ones. Try to set time frames for every little task for example “walk the dog at 12:30” no just “walk the dog.”  You will find that small tweak makes a huge difference.  Continue to re-evaluate your list as you go, update your list accordingly and don’t look back at the small easy task that promote procrastination.

Just Make a Decision

As quoted by Theodore Roosevelt “In a moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing to do, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”  We feel bad when we sit on our hands and don’t take action because it’s unnatural. The natural thing is to be a decisive human and take action.  Taking the confident actions you want to take over and over again is what really builds your self confidence and a self-image of you being a confident person.

Finish the Task

An incomplete task can be very fatiguing and stressful.  Therefore always follow through even if you get off to a flying start, if you fail to finish or “close the deal,” all the hard work will be done in vain.  Everything you start does not always have to be completed however, using this as an excuse to quit something that feels hard or unfamiliar is not a good idea.  You must use your judgement and  how you feel will dictate you decision.

In our Vixen spotlight, we are proud to introduce Jessica L.

Jessica is an experienced esthetician that is an expert in all spa esthetic services we provide.  Over the years she has established herself one of the city’s top estheticians in both Milton and Mississauga.

Nickname:  Jess

Position:  Spa Supervisor/Esthetician

Vixen Location: Vixen Mississauga

Education: Sheridan College Esthetics Graduate

Why did you choose to be a Vixen?

I chose to be a Vixen® for a couple of reasons. It was a company that stood for strong, independent beautiful women that made other women feel amazing through providing esthetic services. I get such fulfillment making other women feel better about themselves, whether by giving them manicures or giving them beautiful skin with one of our facials. Being a Vixen lets me do these things on a regular basis and provide services that I love to do!

What is your favourite spa service to perform?

My favourite service to perform would definitely be manicures. Whether it’s one of our Classic Manicures or our Shellac Manicures, I love seeing the joy on women’s faces when they see the full potential of how beautiful their nails can be and that there are no nails that with a little TLC, can’t be saved!

What guidance or tips would you give clients about your favourite spa service?

My biggest tip in regards to manicures would be, always remember your cuticle oil! It’s a must have for all women, to grow beautiful healthy strong nails! It penetrates better than any hand creams and elongates the life of your mani! (I suggest our CND solar oil, its the best product out there and you’ll see a nail transformation in very little time)

Your favourite nail polish colour is?

Hands down; Fedora by CND shellac

What is your dream travel destination?

I have always dreamed of going to Italy, experiencing the culture, eating great food and learning more about my heritage.

What is your prize possession?

Most of the girls at Vixen® and my clients will know the answer to this one is my dog Ziggy. I am a HUGE animal lover and my dog means the absolute world to me! He’s an english bulldog/sharpei mix and he is by far my prized possession.

What is the first thing you would do if you won the lottery?

I would pick up the phone call my boyfriend/parents and brother, probably cry tears of joy for a good while and then tell them I’ve bought them houses, cars and a vacation. I would give back to them all of the amazing things that they have given me, and of course, go on the biggest shopping spree of my life!

What simple things that make you smile?

Hmm, where to begin…
1. Having clients tell me how amazing I have made them feel through my esthetic services
2.Teaching our newer Vixens skills/tricks
3.Coming home to my dog waiting by the door for me
4. I get total joy out of baking! There is nothing better than the smell of fresh baked goodies!

Book with Jessica Today

Avoid walk in disappointments, Manage Your Time, Book Online!

The word “manicure/pedicure” derives from Latin: manus for “hand”, “Pedis” which means “of the foot” and cura for “care.”  Manicures have been around for over 4000 years, and for good reason. The history of pedicures dates back to ancient Egypt. A carving of a pharaoh’s official was noted as representing pedicures and manicures.

Manicures and Pedicures have become a staple of beauty and expression.  What you don’t know is that Manicures and Pedicures do have numerous health benefits as well.
Having a professional manicure and pedicure performed regularly is necessary for maintaining your overall nail health.

Here are some known benefits of Manicures & Pedicures

• Prevention of nail diseases and disorders
• Ingrown nail prevention, especially toenails
• Prevention of nail fungus growth
• Nail thickening & brittle nails
• Promote growth of short bitten nails
• Improves the overall look of your hands & feet

Here are some unknown benefits of Manicures & Pedicures

• Foot Massage – The foot massage that comes with most pedicure services helps to stimulate circulation in the feet, which is important for your overall foot health.  This can reduce pain and help your body distribute heat during cold months.
• Callus Removal – The removal of calluses on the feet can prevent the formation of pressure points from uneven weight distribution.  This will prevent future shoulder and back problems caused by misalignment.
• Relaxation – Manicures & Pedicures are mainly utilized for appearance purposes but equally as important is the relaxation aspect.  The 1 – 2 hour time out produce unseen benefits similar to mini vacation.  See our Spa Packages.
• Mental Health – It is a known fact that manicures and pedicures are proven de-stressors, therefore improving mental cognitive thinking and awareness.

Maintenance is key; although access to personal care is so easy these days because of discount nail salons, you must be aware of sanitization.  It makes no sense trying to maintain the health benefits and to end up with health risks.  At Vixen Nails & Spa we use hospital grade sanitization products ensuring a safe environment for our clients.  For more questions see our FAQ’s.

Our hands and our feet are the parts of our body we use everyday for movement and human interaction, therefore it only makes sense to maintain and enhance them for optimal health.

At Vixen® Nails & Spa we believe when you take care of yourself you will take care of everything else.  Self-care isn’t just about looking good it’s feeling good too.

Manage Your Time, Book Online!

Does your mind wander? During a class or meeting, do you find yourself staring out the window and thinking about what you’ll do tomorrow or next week?  Daydreaming gets a pretty bad rap.  Unfortunately, history hasn’t been so kind to daydreaming.  In the 1960’s, psychology textbooks warned teachers that students who daydreamed were headed for psychosis.

The truth is we spend 50% of our walking lives daydreaming.

Psychological research is beginning to reveal that daydreaming is a strong indicator of an active and well-equipped brain.  A new study, published in Psychological Science by researchers from the University of Wisconsin and the Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Science, suggests that a wandering mind correlates with higher degrees of what is referred to as working memory. Cognitive scientists define this type of memory as the brain’s ability to retain and recall information in the face of distractions.

When you daydream you are actually giving your mind a workout. An area of the brain called the “default network,” is this area that is often considered accountable for daydreaming.  It becomes more active as the stimulus level diminishes. During a daydream the mind is very active. Marcus Raichle, a neurologist at Washington University, illustrates this concept;  “When you don’t use a muscle, that muscle isn’t doing much, but when your brain is supposedly doing nothing and daydreaming, it’s doing a tremendous amount of work. Scientists call it a resting state, but the brain is not at rest at all.”  Mind wandering isn’t free—it takes resources

Daydreaming is part of a healthy mind—studies show people with autism or Alzheimer’s disease have problems with daydreaming.

Below are some benefits of daydreaming.

Enhanced Memory

According to the American Psychological Association, imagining something from a personal perspective can be an effective way to recall specific information on command. As a result,imagination could help in memory rehabilitation for those who may have suffered from impairments due to a brain injury.

Creativity

 
Non-directed thinking might lead you to concrete, creative outcomes. Daydreaming leads to intangible forms of creativity. It is useful for your work life.  In 2011, neuroscientists found that daydreaming involves the same brain processes associated with imagination and creativity.

Empathy

Research published in Psychological Bulletin indicates that people who daydream are more likely to have empathy. Studying Israeli high school students, researchers observed that students with high scores on the Daydreaming Scale of the IPI demonstrated more empathy than students who scored low on the scale. Spend more time daydreaming, and you just might become a more compassionate person.

Self Discovery

Since the time of Socrates it has been thought that coming to know ourselves is both a major goal and the foundation of all truly successful learning. We can think about daydreaming as carrying out a dialogue with ourselves and self discovery.

Better Mood

You find serenity by reliving pleasant experiences. You can imagine yourself engaging in virtually any enjoyable endeavour. This type of mental escape allows you to recharge and improve your mood.