what to know about our Redmond, wa spa

Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. This means we don’t take shortcuts in maintaining a clean and sanitary environment. Most salons use a UV light, which is often not effective enough to destroy microorganisms. At Once Upon a Spa we use a medical-grade autoclave and hospital-grade disinfectants to make sure all of our implements, including all those customized facials, 100% natural body sugaring, manicures and pedicures are completely sterilized. Anything that cannot be sterilized, including files and  foot files, are brand new for every client.

We do not use pedicure tubs or foot spas because most types circulate water which often becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria with a high risk of causing pedicure infections. Since the water has to be passed through tubing and passageways, every inch of this journey leaves possible spots for bacteria to deposit and develop. Instead, we use pedicure bowls that we can completely clean and disinfect.  There is nowhere for bacteria to hide and accumulate.  

Our linens are thoroughly cleaned in a washer and dryer certified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). Each wash and dry sanitation cycle takes about 70 minutes (140 minutes total), to ensure the highest standard of cleanliness. Finally, we have installed medical-grade air purifiers in each room to increase the level of protection we can provide to our clients. 

• What is it and how does it work? 
  • 100% natural body sugaring is the ancient art of hair removal dating back to ancient Egyptians and is performed using a thick paste of sugar, lemon and water. The ball of paste is applied by hand and molded against the natural direction of hair growth. Then, with a quick flick of the wrist, the sugar is removed in the direction of growth, taking the entire hair and root with it. The same ball of sugar paste is used over and over again until the undesired hair has been removed.

• What is it and how does it work? 
  • Pure and natural. Sugar. Lemon. Water. That’s it. So pure and simple it’s safe enough to eat. Wax contains resin and other chemicals you might not want to touch, much less allow near your sensitive parts. Waxing also requires chemical solvents for clean-up, whereas sugar comes off with plain water. 
  • More sanitary. The sugar paste itself is hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic. Plus, a fresh ball of sugar paste is used for every client, so there is zero risk of cross-contamination. With waxing a single pot of wax is used for multiple clients, upping the risk of bacterial growth and contamination. 
  • Less painful. While wax adheres to live skin cells, while not completely painless, sugaring removes only dead skin cells. This cuts down on pain and the risk of abrasions and redness. Sugar paste is also applied lukewarm, whereas wax is kept hot to remain fluid and may burn the clients skin. 
  • More effective, longer lasting. Sugaring removes hair along the natural direction of growth, but waxing does just the opposite. By working against the grain, waxing can not only be more painful, but also presents greater risk for hair breakage, ingrown hairs, and unsightly bumps. 
  • Both gentle and thorough. Sugaring works on hair that is only 1/8-inch long, or roughly 7-10 days growth for most people. Waxing, on the other hand, requires at least 2-3 weeks growth. Sugaring is also gentle enough to work on the tiny vellus hairs that grow on some women’s faces, whereas waxing can be too abrasive.

• Can I sugar if I’m using Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, or Differin? 
  • These topical products can make skin more susceptible to tearing and  irritation, so sugaring or waxing the treated areas is not advised.  Wait at least three months after discontinuation to sugar

• Can I sugar if I’m using Accutane? 
  • Unfortunately we cannot. Since these medications can cause severe  drying and thinning of the skin, there is a high risk of permanent skin  damage if you wax or sugar while taking them. Wait at least six months  after discontinuation to sugar.
  • To prepare for an appointment we recommend the following:• Avoid shaving for at least 7-10 days.
    • Avoid tanning for 24 hours (we cannot sugar on sunburns).
    • Rinse or take a shower if you have had a rigorous work-out.
    • Do not exfoliate the area the day before and day of your service.  Avoid moisturizing the area to be sugared, especially the legs.
    • Come with clean, dry, skin. Do not apply lotions, creams, etc, beforehand.
    • Do not drink alcohol before your appointment.
    • We suggest you wait 24 hours after a bikini/Brazilian appointment  before participating in any rigorous activity. When follicles are  dilated, sweat and bacteria may irritate newly sugared areas.

• What are the benefits of a facial? 
  • Customized facials are a great way to treat your skin. Some of the benefits:
    • Helps improve your complexion
    • Evens out skin tone
    • Removes dead skin
    • Hydrates and/or detoxifies
    • Increases circulation and stimulates the skin
    • Slows down premature aging
    • Prevents wrinkles before they occur
    • Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
    • Relaxing and soothing

• Can I get a reaction from a facial? 
  • In most cases you should not have a reaction to a facial. It is  possible that an allergic reaction may occur if a product is used that  contains an ingredient that you may be allergic to. Sometimes you may  develop an allergy to an ingredient that you have been using for a  while. This happens very rarely. Please inform your aesthetician of all  possible allergies you may have so that we can make your experience the  best possible.

• What do I do if I have a reaction from a facial? 
  • If you should experience a reaction after a facial, depending on how  severe it is, you may want to take an OTC allergy medication to reduce  symptoms. It is important to notify your aesthetician as soon as  possible if you experience any negative reactions. If necessary, your  aesthetician can take a look at your skin and give you further  instruction as well as try to identify allergens. It is extremely  important that your aesthetician knows about this, so that when you come  in for your next facial, those products can be avoided

• Can I use makeup after a facial? 
  • The answer is most likely “yes”, but ask your esthetician. At the  very least, especially if you undergo a peel be sure to wear a high  quality sun screen to ward off sun damage. Also, some mineral makeup  bases are considered an extension of your skin care (example: Glo  Minerals is one))

• Does a facial help with acne? 
  • Facials can treat the symptoms of acne, but are unlikely to prevent  new acne from forming. Our spa offers acne facials that involve deep  cleansing and extraction of whiteheads and blackheads.)

• How often should I get a facial? 
  • We recommend monthly facials along with occasional intense, deep  cleansing facials. Your skin condition and how your skin responds to  each facial will dictate how often you get a treatment.

• What can I expect during a facial treatment? 
  • When you arrive, you will be asked to fill out a consultation form.  You may view, print, and fill out a facial consultation card ahead of  time directly below. Most facials consist of a double cleanse with  steam, exfoliation, extractions with a skin analysis, facial and upper  body massage, facial mask, and hydration. Depending on the facial and  your skincare history, the exfoliation performed will vary. Different  facial “add-ons” can be added to your treatment for a small additional  fee. All facials are uniquely customized to target your specific  skincare needs. Please see the Menu for more information on these  add-ons and specific facials offered.

• Can I receive a facial sugaring such as an eyebrow or lip sugar on the same day as my facial? 
  • For most facials, yes!  Sugaring is always done first, prior to your  facial, for the upmost comfort and safety of your skin. Any areas  sugared will be carefully avoided during your facial exfoliation so as  not to further irritate the skin.  If however, you have opted for a  facial consisting of a heavy peel, such as a multivitamin or glycolic,  we recommend scheduling your sugaring for a different day.

• Do men get facials too? 
  • Absolutly! Facials are very benificial for men too, and can help  reduce skin sensitivity from shaving as well as other concerns from lack  of proper at home skincare. If you do suffer from sensitivity after  shaving, it is recommended that you do not shave immediatley before your  facial, as this can lead to further irritation.

• Why don’t you use the razor/credo blades when doing a pedicure? 
  • It is illegal in the state of Washington for Nail Tech’s to use  them. A Podiatrist is trained in using these blades. They also damage  your skin and can transmit disease if not properly sanitized.

• Can I shave my legs right before I get a pedicure? 
  • It is best not to shave your legs right before a pedicure. The  scrubs used can cause an irritation and sometimes burn. When we shave,  we open up the pores on our skin making them more vulnerable to bacteria  so if you are at a salon that you aren’t 100% sure about the way they  clean the pedicure tub you could be introducing bacteria into your  system. It is best that you shave AFTER you pedicure, but if you insist  on shaving before, do it at least 24 hours prior.

• Why don’t you use a pedicure tub with jets? 
  • Any type of pedicure tub or foot spa that circulates water can  potentially become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and at high  risk of causing pedicure infections. Since the water has to be passed  through tubing and passageways, every inch of this journey leaves  possible spots for bacteria to deposit and develop. We use Pedicure  bowls that we can completely clean and disinfect. There is nowhere for  bacteria to hide and accumulate.

• How do you clean the pedicure bowl? 
  • After Every Pedicure
    • Debris is removed
    • Tub scrubbed with hot water and soap
    • Spray tub and chair with Hospital Grade EPA Disinfectant
    • Dry

• How often should I get manicures and pedicures? 
  • We recommend manicures every 1-2 weeks
  • We recommend pedicures every 2-4 weeks

• Do you cut cuticles? 
  • No.Your cuticles are a barrier for your hands and protect them from  bacteria entering your body. Cutting or biting your cuticles can  increase your chance of inflammation and infection. In addition, cutting  your cuticles can cause the overall condition of your fingers and hands  to deteriorate. Some people develop acute or chronic infections at the  base of their nails that require medical treatment. Those who experience  repeated infections may end up with distorted, warped and ridged  fingernails. We use our nippers to clip away any hangnails or dead skin  and nothing else.

• Do you use shellac? 
  • Shellac is a brand name that we do not offer however we use a brand  of gel polish called Gelish. It is a two week chip free polish very  similar to Shellac, however we use an LED light instead of a UV light  which helps cut the time down from 2 minutes to 30 seconds for curing,  uses less energy, and is more eco-friendly since the mercury in UV lamps  are harmful to the environment and to the human skin.

• Are your polishes 3-free? 
  • Yes, both Essie and Gelish does NOT include Formaldehyde, Toluene, or DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate)

• How long does it take polish to dry? 
  • Drying times can vary depending on the brand.  Gelish will be dry as  soon as we finish your service.  Classic Essie polishes can take  anywhere between 30 mintes to 2 hours.

• Is there any odor to polish? 
  • A slight odor may be noticeable upon application but not as strong  as other polishes that would have formheldahyde or acrylic chemicals.  After the polish dries, residual odor does not remain.

• Will soaps or other personal grooming products affect the wearability of Gel polish? 
  • For everyday products, no, Gelish was developed and tested to  withstand the rigors of daily wear.  Heavy chemical cleaning products,  however, can affect the longevity.

• Are there any negative side effects of the frequency of removal with Gelish? 
  • As long as the application and removal are performed properly there  should not be any harm to the natural nail. We discourage peeling off  the polish as this can damage the nail by peeling on the top layer of  the nail as well. Everyone’s nails differ so depending on the condition  of your nails we do recommend occasionally taking a break from gel nails  to allow them to breath.

• Can pregnant women use SunFX? 
  • Though our tans use organic, natural and hypoallergenic ingredients,  SunFX still adopt the point of referring to your doctor before the use  of any spray tan during their pregnancy. 

• Do I still need to apply sunscreen? 
  • Yes you do. SunFX tanning solution does not provide any useful  protection against harmful UV rays. Sunfx recommends the use of an  approved SPF 30+ sunscreen 15 minutes prior to sun exposure.

• What should I do after my tan has been applied? 
  • The SunFX tan will start to develop straight away. For the best  possible results, you should avoid the following within the first 3-8  hours or 2-5 hours for the Rapid Tans after application:
    ·         Water
    ·         Saunas / spas
    ·         Physical exercise / sweating
    ·         Swimming
    ·         Tight fitting clothing

• What should I wear to the salon? 
  • It is recommended that you wear loose and comfortable dark clothing  after your spray tanning appointment. SunFX tanning solution, in most  cases, will not stain clothing and any slight rub-off should come out in  the wash. However, some staining may occur on some light colored  leather, acrylic or other sensitive fabrics.

• How do I prepare for my spray tan? 
  • SunFX recommends you cleanse and exfoliate your body. You may want to consider a 100% natural body sugaring treatment for optimal preparation. This will  ensure the best possible result from your spray tan by eliminating the  top layers of dry and dead skin. It is also best to avoid the use of  deodorants and moisturizers and any other products that may inhibit the  effectiveness of the Sunfx tanning solution the day of.

• How long will my SunFX tan last? 
  • Most people can expect their SunFX tan to last for up to 5 to 7 days  depending upon your skin type and preparation. Some may even keep their  tan for up to 10 days. Regular moisturizing will extend the tan’s life  greatly.

• Is SunFX safe to use? 
  • Our exclusive SunFX Solution is regarded the world over as one of  the finest. The unique combination of organic, natural and  hypoallergenic Ingredients along with highly purified water (aqua) and  the natural sugar derived approved cosmetic tanning agent DHA produce a  truly remarkable tanning result. Our product is unique and clients can  be assured that it contains no alcohol, oils, perfumes, parabens or  artificial preservatives.

• How good are the SunFX results? 
  • SunFX will, on nearly all skin types, provide an impressive and  natural looking tan. In fact in many instances, the result can be  superior to sun and solarium exposure.

• Why aren’t SunFX tanning solutions listed as Organic like many others claim? 
  • SunFX use a unique blend of organic, natural and hypoallergenic  ingredients. Though some tanning brands wish to list their solutions as  organic, it is widely known and documented that the main active tanning  ingredient DHA, though a natural product, can never be a organic  product.  To date no DHA company in the world has ever achieved a  organic certification for their product. Hence, SunFX believe we would  be misleading our precious customers into thinking that we actually have  a purely organic product where in fact we would not. Even if for  instance all our other ingredients were in fact organic this would still  not give us a 100% organic tanning solution. We believe in insuring  100% transparency in our ingredients listing and claims.

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