FAQ - lovesoul Beauty Therapy & Holistic Skin Care
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FAQ

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Your Appointment

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Do I have to make an appointment, or can I just turn up?
Unfortunately it is very unlikely that we would be able to fit you in, should you just turn up. Please book online, email or call us to make an appointment to avoid disappointment. On the very rare occasion, yes, we have taken in "Walk-In" appointments; but on average this happens only a handful of times a year!
How far in advance should I book my appointment?
To ensure that you get an appointment when it suits you, and with the beauty therapist you want, please book at least 2 or 3 weeks in advance – the earlier the better. For the same reason, we recommend that you schedule your next appointment before you leave. We do have a cancellation list for last minute changes so you can always give us a call and we’ll try our best to fit you in.
I need to change my appointment, what should I do?
Call us asap! Unfortunately bookings cannot be edited online, once they are made. We ask that you give us at least 24 hours notice if you need to change your appointment. Cancellations made after this will incur a charge.
What time should I arrive?
If you arrive 5 minutes before your appointment you will have some time to unwind. If it is your first visit, please allow about 10 minutes to complete your consultation form.
What happens if I'm running late?
If you are running late or cannot keep an appointment, please call or answer to let us know as soon as possible. We schedule appointments based on adequate time to complete each service or treatment. If you are running 15 minutes or more late, you may be required to re-schedule. No shows and last minute cancellations may result in a charge. If you are late your appointment will still end on time so that our next client is not delayed. For the time you have remaining, we will prioritize your booked treatments so you are sure to get the most important things done first.
What are my payment options?
We accept EFTPOS for your payments and all major credit cards. Using some credit cards may incur a surcharge. Unfortunately we do not accept cheques. Receipts are available via email, on request.
Can I bring my child/children with me to my appointment?
We do not mind if you bring your children with you to your appointments, (and we always love to meet them!) though for your own space and relaxation, and for the relaxation of our other clients, we would prefer you didn’t. Under your responsibility, they may wait in the waiting room or come into the treatment room with you. However, it is your responsibility as parent/guardian to ensure that they are quiet and respectful. Please also ensure there is no touching of any equipment in our treatment rooms. It is tempting to do all sorts of things when mummy’s eyes are closed. A book, or an iPad with headphones can be a good idea. Sitting there quietly can get very boring very quickly. Please be aware of how long your treatment is expected to take, and think of our other customers who may be enjoying a relaxing facial in the next room! Then decide if your children can cope in a relaxed, quiet environment for this timeframe. Please also understand this is a quiet space, and is a “Me-Time” or “Time-Out” for many of our clients. If children are disrupting any treatments (your own or not), distracting your therapist, or causing the treatment to run over time, we may need to end your treatment early.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear whatever is comfortable for you; we will provide a robe for specific treatments. For a spray tan we advise you to wear loose, dark clothing. Some treatments we require you to remove clothes down to your underwear; make it easy on yourself and wear clothes that are easy to change in and out of. This usually includes jewelry so it is best if you leave most of it at home or you may cut into your treatment time if there is too much to take off! For facial, topless is most common, or a bra and singlet with the straps tucked under your armpits! We always respect a client’s modesty during all treatments.
Do you have treatments for men?
Yes. Almost ANY of our treatments can be catered for men whether its a pampering facial or waxing maintenance. The only treatments we don’t do for men are all forms of bikini waxing or boyzilian/manzilian (male version of a Brazilian). Leg, back & chest waxes are all fine. If unsure, flick us an email.
Which treatments are safe for pregnancy?
Our skin care ranges are safe for you and your baby and our treatments provide some rewarding time out and relief from the stress pregnancy can have on your body. While we can have ladies coming in for all treatments during pregnancy, we don’t recommend first time tinting during pregnancy (especially during the first trimester). The pharmacy and Doctors downstairs will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. It is always best to speak with your own Doctor before booking.
I'm getting married! Which treatments should I have?
Congratulations! We have many treatment options to help you look radiant on your big day. Ask your therapist to design a home and in-salon programme just for you. We can also assist the guys on grooming for your special day

Gift Vouchers

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Do you offer gift vouchers and do they have an expiry date?
Yes, we do offer gift vouchers and they have an expiry date of 12 months from the date of their issue.
Can I purchase a gift voucher online?
Yes, you can purchase an instant gift e-voucher online, or order a handwritten voucher to be collected or couriered. BUY INSTANT ONLINE GIFT E-VOUCHER | ORDER HANDWRITTEN VOUCHER

Waxing

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How often should I wax?
Everyone’s hair growth is different but we recommend you visit us every 4 weeks to maintain smooth skin.
How long should I let my hair grow to get the best results for waxing?
For best results hair should be 0.5cm to 1cm long. If hair is any longer than 2cm it can increase the discomfort of the wax and cause hair breakage so it is advisable to trim before your appointment. Everyone has a different growth cycle but we are generally able to wax areas that have been shaved three to four weeks earlier. However, with larger parts of the body like arms and legs, we suggest leaving at least 4 weeks before waxing.
What is the difference between hot wax and strip wax?
Hot wax is spread thickly onto the skin and allowed to dry slightly before it is gently peeled away. This method is far less painful than most and pulls hair directly from the roots. The benefits include fewer in-grown hairs, less breakage and therefore longer re-growth periods. This wax also promotes skin hydration and is highly recommended for sensitive areas. Strip wax is recommended for thicker/less sensitive skin, like legs, arms, back, chest and shoulders. A thin layer of wax is applied to the skin and is then removed using a paper or fabric strip.
Will waxing hurt?
Every person has different pain thresholds and experience waxing differently. Some people do find it becomes easier with regular waxing as the hairs become thinner, lighter and sparser. Our specialised waxes and expertly trained therapists make the waxing experience as pain free as possible. Many things can influence the discomfort of a wax, including fatigue, menstrual cycle and medication. Your therapist will discuss with you at your appointment.
I’m pregnant, can I still wax?
Waxing during pregnancy is very popular and our therapists are trained to ensure all parts of the body are waxed comfortably and safely. The Brazilian and extended bikini waxes are very popular treatments up to one week before the due date and cause no problems or issues related to your pregnancy, you may however experience a slight degree more pain than usual.
What is the etiquette for the various types of waxing on offer?
Basic bikini: you will be given the option to wear our paper knickers or your own knickers. Brazilian: is a ‘no underwear’ affair, however the utmost discretion is used and you will be covered with a towel.
Will a Brazilian be uncomfortable afterwards?
Our treatments should leave you with minimal discomfort because we use a very high quality wax and have highly skilled therapists. When the treatment is finished, the therapist will ensure no wax or residue has been left on the skin. Since we use hot wax, skin will not be sticky (which can happen with strip wax). We highly recommend the use of our Bump eRaiser products for aftercare of all waxing treatments.
Whats the different between bikini, extended bikini & brazilian?
A bikini wax is the hair removed outside your knicker line. An extended bikini is slightly narrower than bikini wax A Brazilian is either a strip down the centre and all the hair underneath removed, or every thing off. To have the back done is optional, but part of a brazilian not bikini wax. Here is an example diagram below of what could be waxed at each treatment. Please note this is a guideline, and it's best to speak to your therapist.
I suffer from ingrown hairs, what can I do?
Exfoliation and moisturising between waxing treatments helps reduce in growing hairs. We also sell Bump eRaiser after wax home care products which you use daily. It’s brilliant.
Once I start waxing, do I have to continue forever?
Waxing does not stimulate hair growth. So no. We assume you are talking about lip & chin waxing? Still no. We also use (and retail) Janesce Erodair; our favourite hair retardant. Certain factors can cause new future hair growth but waxing is not one of them - hormonal changes, especially during puberty, pregnancy or menopause, as well as use of certain medications.
When should I start waxing my upper lip or chin?
When you see fit. Everybody is different. Facial waxing (excluding brows) in combination with our Janesce Erodair Concentrate is a very effective way to reduce hair growth.

Nails

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I have weak nails, what can I do?
We can definitely offer some nail rehab treatments to help your nails grow and strengthen. We offer a treatment called IBX for healthier nails prior to a manicure or gel polishes, ask in salon for more details or read about it on our website.
What is gel polish?
Gel polish is applied like a polish set with UV or LED light, is completely dry when you leave, and needs to be soaked off to remove. The product is stronger than regular polish, and can last up to two weeks. We recommend using cuticle oil at home with all nail treatments. We soak the gel polish off with an acetone remover – and although this is a dehydrator, it will not “ruin” your nails, especially if you are using your cuticle oil and taking care of your skin and nails between appointments.
Do you offer acrylics or nail extensions to give them length?
No, sorry. We work with what you’ve given us
I heard that acrylics, gel polish and other nail enhancements ruin your nails?
Sorry, wrong. On a side note, we do not offer acrylic or other nail enhancements. Like any product, if applied or removed incorrectly – then of course some damage can occur. This is why it’s so important to see a nail technician who knows what they are doing.
How clean are your nail files and tools?

Very clean! The New Zealand Association of Registered Beauty Therapists (of which we are members) & the Auckland council have been working together on the rules and regulations of beauty therapy, which must be met in order to obtain a Health & Hygiene licence. As a member of NZARBTh, we are extremely excited to welcome these long awaited Health & Hygiene laws to the beauty industry.

This Health & Hygiene licence will guarantee your therapist is fully trained & qualified not only in your treatments, but also in sterilisation & sanitation. Ours is displayed on site.

Rest assured, we take our health & hygiene procedures very seriously and have strict hygiene practices in place. We use disposable equipment where possible, including the use of our nail files which (like all disposable equipment) we limit to using once per client. For equipment that is not disposable, we use hospital grade disinfectant and autoclave sterilisation. During our pedicure treatments, we do NOT use credo blades or similar.

Skin

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What is soaking, and why do you talk about it so much?

The Soaking Ritual is a conditioning step to rebalance and awaken your skin, encouraging direct skin hydration and deep absorption of herbal actives. Both morning and night, soak the skin to directly hydrate, then lock the water in with a mist and concentrated moisturiser. Soak longer if you are new to this soaking step or if your skin is especially dehydrated.

Hydrating your skin is one of the most beneficial steps you can take for your skin health. The top layer of your skin needs to reach its dew point to be completely hydrated. Maintaining the dew point, maintains hydration. This is one of the most anti ageing things you can do for your skin.

If you're not soaking, you're not hydrating. If you're not hydrating, you're not looking after your skin properly. It's as simple as that. Read more about Skin Care here..

Why do you need to know about my diet and lifestyle?

Lifestyle and eating habits are directly reflected in our skin's health and appearance. Often we do not consider that the food we choose to eat or the health of our bodies has any influence on the condition of our skin.

Besides caring for our skin from the outside, we can treat our skin as part of our body as it is essentially created and nourished from the inside. Learn more about Skin Nutrition

I have sensitive and/or problematic skin. Can you help me?
Yes, absolutely! As qualified professionals, we don't prescribe via online, as we prefer to see your skin in person and undergo a full skin consultation for a complete and accurate diagnosis. Read about our Skin Programmes on our website. Ideal for treating eczema, acne, and other skin conditions or disorders. Also ideal for anti-aging, energy boosts, beauty boosts (think wedding preparation!), to de-stress or detox, and to improve your skin lifestyle in a clean and healthy way, with long-term results.
Do you offer microdermabrasion or chemical peels?

No, we don't, nor will we add these treatments to our menu in the future.

We are proud to be a part of the Slow Beauty movement.

The Slow Beauty movement describes a fast growing sub-culture of beauty therapists who have lost faith in the 'quick-fix', often invasive products and procedures that abound in the beauty industry and are drawn to a holistic approach to skincare with a focus on dermo-nutrition, wellness and genuine skin health from the inside out.

The Slow Beauty movement is following a similar trajectory to the Slow Food movement and reflects a similar shift in values away from short-term convenience towards slower, deeper and truer ideals.

The tides of change are well underway and there is now a new generation of beauty therapists leading the way in holistic, 'slow' beauty.

How often should I have a facial?
As often as you can! We usually recommend one every 3-6 weeks.

Not found your question? Just ask us!

Send an email to [email protected] and we will answer your question as best we can.

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