Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/78523
Create a Comfort Zone Transitions run through the entire client experience and involve more than what you are doing with your hands and product. Considering all the senses, here are some points at which you can ensure the client's sense of flow is not disrupted. • Sight: Place water-moistened cotton pads on the client's eyes, with or without small flat stones over the pads, to avoid the chance of discomfort from bright lights or the distraction of watching you work. Before services, sit in the chair or lie on the table and look around. What does the client see? • Sound: Make sure the music is maintained, that your voice is in check, and that the other people in the facility know your treatment area is a quiet zone. • Taste: Offer cucumber water or lemon water before the service. (To avoid interruptions later, ask if the client needs to visit the bathroom before you get started.) • Touch: When shaking your client's hand during your greeting, cup your other hand lightly on top. A two-hand greeting feels extra sincere and caring. A light hug is fine, if (and only if) you know the client well enough to know this will be welcome. • Smell: Prepare in advance with a breath mint, but don't chew one in the client's presence. Brush your tongue when you brush your teeth. Be careful with aromas, as they are subjective and can easily be overdone. Clean odors like a cut lemon or orange are the safest bets, and fresh air is key. Aromatherapy should never be used to cover up, only to enhance. • Mood: At the start of a service, tell your client to shake his or her arms, stretch up to the sky, and take a deep breath. You can do this short routine with the client. Get connected to your peers @ www.skincareprofessionals.com 19 6 Transitions and Time Fillers Between parts of the service, or while waiting for a mask to set, there is no reason to limit yourself to the usual hand, foot, or shoulder massage. Ear or head massage are also client pleasers, but ask the client at the beginning of the service if they mind you touching their hair or ears. Here are six alternatives. 1. Peapod Wrap: Wrap the sheet tightly around the client, tucking it under her body, twisting the sheet at the feet, and pulling it taut. Carefully lift the legs a few inches and gently shake. Repeat this a few times. Be sure to ask first before doing a compression wrap, as claustrophobic clients will find it more stressful than relaxing. 2. Rocking: Place your hands on the sides of the body and gently rock the client, using your knuckles or palms, and moving from your core. Do this while walking your hands down or up the body. Don't break contact when you move from one side to the other. 3. Pulling: Gently lift a leg or arm. Slide a hand under the ankle or wrist and place your other hand on top. Gently tug. Do not yank; use a growing, smooth pull for a few seconds. Be very conservative. You can do the same, lightly, for fingers and toes. 4. Pressing: Gently cup and press the occipital region of the skull. Use your fingertips on the scalp, pressing and releasing gently. Use the palms of the hands in a heel-toe movement. Press the eyebrows in the same manner. Press and roll on the temples or ears. 5. Sensory Items: Use a dry brush, a soft towel, or your hands. Stroke the skin gently to stimulate goosebumps. Do not tickle; just be light as a feather. 6. Overburdening: Use stones or heavy bags/pillows to weigh down the body. On completion of the service, remove the items and the client will feel suddenly lighter with a new perception of weight.