Ask the experts

Our beauty experts answer your questions about every aspect of running a salon or spa business

1 What is the best way to treat milia using electrolysis?

A milium is a small, pearly-white bump just under the surface of the skin. These harmless cysts are less than 3mm in diameter, and they usually come in multiples, when they are known as milia.

Milia are common in all ages and genders, and they form when keratin is trapped beneath the epidermis. While they can form on other anatomical areas, they are more commonly found on the face, and are particularly prominent in areas of fine skin.

Electrolysis, or more specifically thermolysis AC/RF/HF (alternating current, radiofrequency, high frequency), is an effective way to treat milia. The thermolysis current is directed into the milia via a very fine, sterile probe (needle). The current generates heat energy, which cauterises or coagulates the milia, causing it to dry and immediately shrink, and any remaining treated tissue is sloughed away over the following few days.

It is vital that the machine manufacturer or company trainers direct the practitioner to the most efficient and safe settings for electrolysis device. Immediately post-treatment, and for the first 48 hours, it is important for clients to use gentle products, ideally with soothing, healing and antibacterial properties. The treatment area should be kept clean, and it is important that the client does not touch or pick the area, avoids heat and uses sun protection.

To help prevent reoccurrence, the client’s diet, skincare and general health must be considered. Professional peeling treatments are recommended, as well as regular home exfoliation and hydrating products.

The most common challenge practitioners might face is confusing whiteheads, which contain sebum, with milia, which contain keratin. Another common issue is using overly high current levels. In both cases, good education specific to your equipment type is paramount.

Milia removal with electrolysis is a hugely satisfying treatment to offer, with fabulous client satisfaction. Since the treatment cost is low, it is also a profitable treatment to have on your menu.

2 How can I encourage my staff to become better retailers?

Encouraging your team to become skilled retailers not only enhances client experience, but significantly boosts business success. To effectively motivate your team, it’s essential to communicate clearly why retailing matters, provide practical training and reward exceptional performance.

Firstly, education and clarity are paramount. Therapists often perceive retailing as purely sales-oriented, neglecting the intrinsic value it adds to client care. Many therapists feel reserved or shy about selling products due to fear of rejection or seeming pushy. Reframe retailing as an extension of their professional advice and client wellness journey. Demonstrate how recommending appropriate products completes the treatment experience, maintains results, and ensures clients feel cared for beyond the salon visit.

Practical training is equally vital. Confidence in product knowledge directly correlates with successful selling. Offer regular workshops or training sessions, focusing on the benefits, active ingredients and ideal uses of each product.

Incentivising staff can greatly boost enthusiasm for retailing. Develop a rewarding incentive programme that recognises both individual and team achievements. Rewards don't always have to be monetary – consider acknowledging achievements through staff recognition, extra training opportunities, spa days or product discounts. Regular feedback and celebrating small wins help maintain motivation and continual improvement.

The impact of improved retailing skills within your team is multifaceted. Financially, increased product sales provide higher profit margins and boost overall revenue, allowing reinvestment in staff training, business expansion and facility improvements.

Operationally, a retail-focused team creates a comprehensive client experience, significantly enhancing retention rates. Clients appreciate personalised advice, which then builds loyalty and increases the frequency of visits and referrals.

3 What’s the difference between sugaring and strip sugaring?

Over the past three decades, the introduction of traditional sugaring and strip sugaring has significantly transformed the waxing industry. What was once a quite a niche technique rooted in ancient practices has become a much more mainstream and growing trend, largely due to its numerous benefits.

Therapists frequently ask about the difference between sugaring and strip sugaring. It is very important that professionals looking to offer these treatments to clients understand the key differences between these techniques.

Traditional sugaring is formulated to be used without strips. The paste is applied by hand against the hair growth, which allows it to penetrate the hair follicle deeply, and is then flicked along the direction of hair growth to pull the hairs out.

Strip sugaring, on the other hand, is formulated for use with strips. It can be used as an alternative to a wax-based product as the technique is similar. The product is thinly applied along the hair growth, and removed against it – the same way as wax.

Strip sugaring has numerous benefits, including:

• Accessibility and ease of learning – it is a technique can be learned and applied quickly, making it an ideal choice for therapists with all different levels of experience.

• Hygienic and cost-effective – strip sugar is applied with a spatula, which prevents direct contact between the therapist’s hands and the product. This enhances hygiene, while also reducing product waste, as less is needed per treatment.

• Hypoallergenic – strip sugar adheres only to the hair, not the live skin, minimising irritation and discomfort for clients. It’s also water-soluble, biodegradable and free from synthetic resins, making it a responsible choice for ecoconscious salons.

With the demand for accessible and sustainable hair removal techniques on the rise, accredited training programmes can provide beauty therapists and educators with the skills to add strip sugaring to their services. Training academies and colleges can benefit from integrating strip sugaring into their curriculum, ensuring that students graduate with the ability to offer an in-demand, environmentally friendly treatment.

4 How do I take better before-and-after lash photos?

In the beauty industry, clients buy with their eyes – so showcasing lash results with high-quality photos is essential. A good photo instantly shows professionalism and builds trust.

I use my smartphone for all my photos as it is easy to edit quickly, stay organised and post on social media.

I have found that a few key things make all the difference when capturing before-and-after lash shots. Good lighting on the face is crucial – natural daylight if possible – and always use a clean background. Keeping your angles consistent is also important. I like using a slight tilt when taking close-ups of the face and eyes, and for lashes, it’s essential to get shots with both the eyes open and closed.

For lighting, I use a ring light – specifically a dimmable elf ring light. I either position it directly over the client’s face or angle it slightly. Natural light is great too, but I avoid direct sunlight because it can create harsh highlights and shadows.

When it comes to angles, my go-to for closed-eye images is the overhead shot. It gives a symmetrical view of the lashes. But my favourite overall is a 45-degree tilt from the side; this brings out the cheekbones and temples, and it is very flattering.

I ask clients to lie flat on the bed with their head centred and tilted slightly downward. I adjust my camera to the right angle rather than moving their face, so I’m not capturing the nose and jaw by accident. I also use gridlines on my phone to frame the eyes the same way every time, and I keep the lighting set-up identical for both the before shot and the after shots.

Editing is minimal for me; I might brighten a dull image or sharpen it to highlight the lashes, but I never alter the results. If I’m not happy with a photo, I just don’t use it. I don’t add filters or change skin tone.

I always get consent before taking and sharing photos. Every client gets a form before their treatment, and if they don’t want their full face online, I’ll crop the image and let them approve it first. I also try to make them feel at ease by guiding them gently through the process and showing them how beautiful they look. Finally, when posting on social media, I try to keep a clean, consistent layout. I tell the story behind the look – what the client asked for and how I achieved it. Sharing before-and-after photos is key because clients want to see the transformation, and not just the end result.