A hot stone massage is a popular treatment that offers tranquility and serenity. It uses warm basalt stones, and works on energy points located on the body, helping us to rebalance. The heat from the basalt stones permeates through the clients skin, aiding in relaxation.
Beauty Training
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All about Reflexology
Updated 8th April 2025
Derived from Eastern medicine practices, Holistic treatments are non-invasive therapies which aim to treat underlying issues. They work on creating harmony within in the body through connection with energy points or meridian lines to work on overall health and well being. They compliment the western approach of medicine by offering an additional method for relaxation and stress relief which can benefit a variety of clients. One of the most popular Holistic treatments is Reflexology. In today’s blog we’re going to put a spotlight on this ancient treatment giving you and insights into the benefits and practices.
What is Reflexology and how does it work?
Reflexology is an In-depth foot treatment designed to relieve stress, relax and rebalance the body. The treatment focusses on reflex areas on foot which correspond to all of the glands, organs and parts of body. Pressure is applied using thumbs/fingers to reflex points on feet to stimulate these specific parts of the body encouraging a balance affect.
Reflexology uses zone therapy which was developed by Dr William Fitzgerald. Dr Fitzgerald believed the body could be divided into longitudinal zones running from the top of the head to the tips of the toes, he found that those parts of the body in each zone are linked by a flow of energy and that the parts of the body in each zone can have an effect on each other.
The body systems are represented on the feet a good way to learn this areas is to see the two feet together as a mirror for the body. For example, the brain reflex is found on the top of the big toe, the spine runs from the big toe down to the heel on each foot. The right foot governs right-hand side of body, left foot governs left-hand side of the body. The image below details the organs and where they are found.
What are the benefits of Reflexology?
- Stress relief – stress is responsible for 75-85% of illness
- Improves circulation – body relaxes during reflexology – tension that restrictsblood flow is reduced enabling the blood to flow more freely
- Helps eliminate toxins from the body (improves the function of the lymphaticsystem and stimulates the excretory system)
- Balancing – improves the balance between the systems of the body so boostingthe immune system.
What is the role of the Reflexologist?
Reflexologists should never medically diagnose during a session with a client, the treatment is merely to focus on rebalancing the body and its systems. This is done by providing a relaxing treatment using pressure with fingers and thumbs to the reflex points not he client’s feet in order to stimulate various parts of the body. Reflexology is best completed In a series of treatments, most clients start to notice a difference after 3-6 weekly treatments. In general it’s recommended that a client have 4-6 treatments in a course.
How much can I charge for Reflexology?
How much you can charge for a reflexology can vary depending on where you are practicing. On average in the UK the treatment can currently cost between £25-£60 a session. It’s worth doing your market research to see what other practitioners are charging in your local area.
How do I become a Reflexologist?
Our two day intensive Reflexology course will provide you will all of the information, techniques and hands on practice you need to get started with your Reflexology. Over the two days you will learn:
- Health, safety & hygiene
- Consultation techniques
- Contraindications
- Theory of reflexology
- Reflexology massage movements and modifications
- Treatment procedure for working on the feet
- Massage mediums
- Practical tuition on performing a reflexology treatment on the feet
- Aftercare advice
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How to maximise profit within your beauty business
Running a profitable beauty business can be a rewarding yet daunting task! there are so many things to think about when running your own business. This can be challenging when the majority of your day is focussed on delivering treatments. If you’re struggling to find the time to generate new ideas for boosting income you’ve come to the right place! We’ve collated some of our best advice for therapists to maximise profits.
Increase your client base
Whether you are just starting up or have been going a while there may be opportunities to grow your client base. There’s the obvious promotional platforms such as social media/ local magazines, however many marketing experts agree that the networking is an avenue that can be the most beneficial when targeting new clients. For example, there may be the option to have a mutually beneficial partnership with local businesses in your area that compliment the work you do such as Bridal shops or Hairdressers. A ‘you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours’ scenario of promoting each others businesses can boost both businesses profits. If you already have a loyal client base, you can also enrol the support of these clients to grow. Offering refer a friend rewards or hosting launch events within the salon whereby clients can bring a friend/family member along. These events work well along side the launch of a new treatment or product where you can offer taster treatments/demonstrations/product trials or spread out at various times of the year to mark events i.e Valentines day/Christmas.
Increase spend per visit
If you’re serious about increasing your profit then one clear winning strategy is to encourage your client to spend more when they are with you. Use each treatment booking to your advantage to promote the add on services and retail that you offer within the salon. This doesn’t have to be a hard sell as remember your client is there for a reason, they may have come in to get amazing lashes.. their lashes will stay amazing for longer if they use a lash shampoo between infills! If you’re not retailing product in your salon you’re not only limiting your revenue but you may also be disadvantaging your client by not providing them with a full service which includes education and aftercare on how to maintain their treatment at home.
When up-selling services, consider the treatments that compliment each other the most. This could be adding additional massage onto treatments, adding additional LED therapy onto facials or tinting with Lash extension services. Also consider the benefits of courses of treatments, offering incentives can be an easy way to reward clients for booking courses such as by 6 get one free.
Top tips for retailing product:
- Only recommend products that you genuinely believe will benefit the client, link these back to their main concerns or objectives. For example you may have a facial client concerned with acne so share why you think a spot treatment would work best for them or a Gel polish client who always has dry cuticles, why would this nail oil help?
- Let the client explore the product. Give them the chance to try the product on their skin as most people prefer to try before they buy!
Review your treatment menu
A lot can be said for less is more, its important to focus on what you do and do it well vs offering too many services. Think about your niche and what makes you different, why should your clients come to you? It’s these unique differences that you should be promoting at every available opportunity. It may also be time to consider your pricing, when was the last time you increased your prices? Complete some market research into your local area to ensure you remain competitive and avoid underselling your skills!
Looking to start your own beauty business this year? Call our team on freephone 0800 999 2277 (option 1) to tailor a beauty training package for your business start-up. Already trained in beauty and need more business know-how? Our Online Starting a Business in Beauty Course is the ideal starting point to plan, market, brand and launch your own beauty business.
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Are all Online Beauty Courses accredited & insurable?
With lockdown restrictions in place, many aspiring beauty therapists are turning to online training courses. And why not? They offer flexible, affordable training that can be completed safely and conveniently from home. But are all beauty courses equal with so many new beauty training companies popping up online? We discuss what you should look out before before you take the leap…
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Which lash shield size should I use for Lash Lift treatments?
Lash Lift is certainly one of our most popular courses and highly lucrative earning you around £30-£45 per treatment. Many clients are moving away from the continued maintenance cost of lash extensions seeking a more natural option as the minimalism trend comes into make up and skincare this year. Lots of students complete our Accredited Courses to learn Lash Lift Skills but one tricky aspect to master is selecting the correct lash shield size and how to correctly fit the lash shield as it certainly takes time and practise to do this with confidence. Our blog covers best practice on selecting the correct size shield plus top tips for a successful lash shield application…
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How to choose which beauty treatments to learn?
We get so many calls from prospective students excited at the idea of jumping into a new career in beauty but totally unsure where to start – which treatments should they learn and which to offer first? Our wonderful team of Course Advisors are all fully qualified, experienced beauty professionals and have experienced the beauty sector first hand whether that was previously through working in salons, running their own beauty businesses or as beauty training professionals so they certainly know a thing or two about what sells to clients, what is in demand right now and how best to get started. Our blog this week focuses on how to decide which beauty treatments to learn, based on what is most in-demand with beauty clients right now…
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Can I achieve a VTCT qualification through distance learning?
The Beauty Academy offer a full range of VTCT Qualifications in all aspects of beauty therapy ranging from single units for those looking to specialise in one professional skill such as Facial Skincare to a full diploma at level 2 or 3 suitable for those looking to gain full time employment in the industry. Our VTCT qualifications are delivered on a ‘blended’ learning basis giving you optimum flexibility with your learning, while still providing full support and expert face to face tuition on a fast track basis.
Much of the study is completed on a distance learning basis, online from home including your theory coursework. Students have access to a wealth of learning resources on our online portal including training videos, manuals and support documents. Attend for 1-5 training days (depending on qualification) to learn your practical skills at one of our 10 conveniently located training centres, across England. Practice your treatments to build a portfolio and then once ready, book your assessments.
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Can you really achieve a beauty qualification with only online courses?
Absolutely, yes! You can definitely achieve an accredited beauty qualification through only online training. Our courses are accredited by IPHM and recognised for insurance internationally giving you the best chance of success in a beauty career wherever you live and work. As our courses are completed entirely online, there are no distance barriers to overcome. Online training options give you full flexibility of studying anywhere in the world, even the comfort of home. They also allow you to study at your own pace, whether that is fast track or more slowly to fit around other commitments.
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How to Make Brows Fuller & Less Unruly
If windows are the eyes to the soul then surely brows are the frames? A great pair of eyebrows can really give a face structure. They can also help correct an unbalanced face shape or give the appearance of a more desireable face shape. When so many clients are investing in lash extensions right now, it would be wrong not to have the know-how to create flawless brows to finish the look. We give you the top 10 ways to make brows look fuller and groomed…
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Sculpting your Dreams
Once you’ve mastered the basics of working with acrylic to create tip and overlay nail extensions, you will soon want to progress your skills to ensure you are offering the best possible nail service to your clients. Not only will it ensure your clients are dazzled by the results you achieve and bring new clients in through word of mouth, but you will save yourself time and stand miles ahead of the competition. All simply though learning to sculpt and use an electric nail file. We give you the lowdown on what they are and why you’ll benefit…
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The Magic of E-Filing
Once nail salons are able to reopen (hopefully in August), we’re certain you wonderful nail techs will be packed out with clients wanting to restore their nails to former glory. We can imagine some of the nail extension horrors you may encounter and clever client scheduling will be key to fitting everyone in. But what else can you do to speed up your nail treatments to maximise your earning potential while additional safety measures are in place? Our blog this week looks at E-Filing…
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Know your lashes, know your options…
With so many lash treatment options now pinging up in the beauty sector, it’s hard to keep up with what the differences are. But having a good understanding will ensure you can give the best advice to your clients and maximise your treatment sales…