WINTER 2016/17
Canada’s spa connection
Canadian
spa&wellness awards2016
presented by
WINNERS
from coast to
coast
Meet Canada’s Award-Winning Spas & Spa Partners
Report from the 2016 Global Wellness Summit insight into the male www.spainc.ca Publications Mail NO. 40026342
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contents
14
spa news
News from the spa industry
6
in the know
Caring for spa clients' well-being in winter
22
spa light
Meet the winners of the 2016 Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards
8
fresh & new
Looking forward to Spring: New products, tools and equipment
24
17
spa elements
A glimpse into the future from the 2016 Global Wellness Summit
14
spa star
Bearded barber and Instagram star, Matty Conrad
27
Rosewater and skin care
17 Making space for the male client
20
20
24
Cover Photo: Scandinave Spa Whistler
www. s p a inc .c a
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between us winter 2016/17
Looking
ahead to 2017 I’
m so excited to introduce you to our 2016 Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards winners! I was lucky enough to be a judge for this year’s awards, presented by this magazine in partnership with the Spa Industry Association of Canada (SIAC). Being a part of our second annual spa awards has been an incredible experience. We were able to put a lot of the lessons we learned during last year’s awards into practice this year and reach out to even more spas than before. We have big dreams for the Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards and I hope you will all join us again in 2017! As is tradition, we are looking ahead in this issue to spring and the change it will bring. Spa business consultant Vivienne O’Keeffe attended the Global Wellness Summit in Austria in October 2016 and brought us back a report on Hermione Wilson where she sees the spa and wellness assistant Editor industry heading. Monique Joustra of Sweetgrass Spa tells us about the surprising skin care benefits of rosewater and I’ve tried to uncover what the key is to attracting male clientele to the spa. Come with us as we ring in the New Year!
ISSN 1710 -1727 – Volume 13, Number 4
Publisher Susan A. Browne sbrowne@dvtail.com
Editorial Theresa Rogers Director trogers@dvtail.com
Assistant Hermione Wilson Editor hwilson@dvtail.com
Staff Writer Kelly Townsend ktownsend@dvtail.com
Art Katrina Teimo Director kteimo@dvtail.com
Contributors Morag Currin Monique Joustra Vivienne O'Keeffe
Advertising Beth Kukkonen Manager bkukkonen@dvtail.com
Advertising Jennifer DiIorio jdiiorio@dvtail.com 905-707-3509 Lynne LeBlanc lleblanc@dvtail.com 905-707-3521
Marketing Stephanie Wilson Manager swilson@dvtail.com
VP of Roberta Dick Production robertad@dvtail.com
Production Crystal Himes Manager chimes@dvtail.com
Published four times a year by: Dovetail Communications Inc. President: Susan A. Browne Tel: 905-886-6640 Fax: 905-886-6615 Email: general@dvtail.com SUBSCRIPTIONS AND RETURNS 30 East Beaver Creek Rd, Suite 202 Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1J2 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40026342 Legal Deposit – National Library of Canada. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, in all or in part, without the written permission of the publisher. Dovetail Communications Inc. cannot be held responsible for any losses or other damages incurred by readers in reliance on information appearing in Spa Inc. Spa Inc. and Dovetail Communications Inc. do not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement and any and all representations or warranties made in such advertising. Spa Inc. will review unsolicited submissions (hard copy or digital texts, photos or illustrations) for editorial consideration but does not guarantee their publication. The submitted material may be used without consent or payment. One-year subscription: Canada $25, U.S. $39. Single copies: $6. Please add GST/HST where applicable. PRINTED IN CANADA
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spa news
New Spa Coming to Elora Mill, Ontario
A new hotel and spa is slated to be built in 2018 as part of a restoration of an historic grist mill in Elora, Ontario. An official groundbreaking ceremony took place in December 2016 to kick off the development project, which will be compromised of two phases: the heritage restoration of the original Elora Mill and its neighbouring buildings, and the development of the south side of Grand River. Phase One of the development project will involve the construction of the Elora Mill Hotel & Spa, which will include 30 luxurious suites and stunning views over the Grand River. The spa will be situated along the cliff of the picturesque Elora Gorge and offer a wide range of custom treatments dedicated to health, wellness and relaxation. Also overlooking the river will be a restaurant and bar, enclosed in glass and cantilevered over the rushing river below. The Elora Mill Hotel & Spa will uphold a standard of authenticity in its design by embracing local elements like curated art and finely crafted furnishings, as well as classically inspired restaurant dishes from selectively sourced local
Artist’s rendering of Elora Mill Hotel. Courtesy of Pearle Hospitality. ingredients. The restoration project will be mindful of environmental sustainability by using a brand new hydro turbine that will harness the current of the Grand River to create one mega-watt of electricity, enough to power the entire development upon completion. Both phases of the Elora Mill project will take five years and $120 million to complete.
Men and Baby Boomers Becoming More ImageConscious
Although image-consciousness is a trait traditionally associated with women and young adults, men and older generations are becoming more susceptible to its influence as their desire to impress peers and colleagues is growing, according to consumer insight firm Canadean. The company’s report that states our increasingly visually oriented society often means consumers associate image with success. While women are 1.3 times more likely to feel pressured to look good than men, both genders associate appearance with success in personal and professional lives, with 66 per cent of women and 61 per cent of men subscribing to this belief. There has been an increase in the number of occasions men use skin care products. For example, among major global economies, men used skin care products on 453 billion occasions in 2011, which shot up to 557 billion occasions in 2015. This marks a narrowing of the age and gender disparities in the beauty market, says Veronika Zhupanova, an analyst for Canadean. “With image-consciousness becoming ever-more pervasive among aging populations in developed economies and the pension age rising, competition to look good among this demographic will drive demand in categories such as anti-aging skincare and make-up, as consumers seek to impress employers and appear as dynamic as younger colleagues,” Zhupanova says. 6 S p a Inc. | Winte r 2 016/ 17 101⁄2 103⁄4
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Canadian
spa&wellness awards2016
presented by
WINNERS
from coast to
coast Canada is home to an incredible spa industry, as youÂ’ll soon discover. From British Columbia in the west to Nova Scotia in the east, spas and related businesses of all shapes and sizes are endeavouring to deliver world-class service to their clients. The 2016 Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards provided a taste of what the Canadian spa industry has to offer. Some of the spas and businesses featured here will be familiar faces, while others are brand new. They all have something different to offer and they have all earned their place in on this list.
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Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards 2016
Top Day Spa
HAMMAM SPA Toronto, ON “We definitely bring something different to the table, to the spa industry, and I think in a city that’s dynamic like Toronto, that’s very welcome.” – Paula Aveling, Spa Manager
Top Destination Spa
STE ANNE'S SPA Grafton, ON “We’ve been around for 25 years and to continually be chosen... as Canada’s Top Destination Spa, it’s truly meaningful.” – Wanda Hoehn, Spa Manager
www. s pa inc .c a
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from coast to coast
Top Medi Spa VICTORIA PARK MEDI SPA Westmount, QC Victoria Park Medi Spa is one of the few that is supervised by a medical team of leading plastic surgeons, dermatologists and oculoplastic surgeons.
Consumer s Choice Award
REDWOOD MEDI SPA Toronto, ON “It’s such a great honour. It raises the bar even higher. We take such pride in what we do.” – Maggie Guo, Director of Operations
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Top New Spa
SPA ST. JAMES AT THE RITZ-CARLTON MONTREAL Montreal, QC “This new location has permitted us to really create the environment from scratch that we really wanted to create from the beginning.” – Jordan St. James, Spa Manager
Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards 2016
Top Sanitas Spa SCANDINAVE SPA BLUE MOUNTAIN Blue Mountain, ON The spa celebrated its 10th anniversary on December 13, 2016. Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain has become a wellness destination in the south Georgian Bay area, says Mylisa Henderson, Co-owner and Director of Marketing and Sales.
Education Award
Top Spa Partner
JANICE COLATRUGLIO, RIVERSTONE SPA
SPA ADDICTION
Winnipeg, MB
“It's definitely been an exciting year of growth. We have nearly 40 stockists in Canada now, from coast to coast.”
Colatruglio helped usher Riverstone Spa through SIAC's Quality Assurance program, making it the first Canadian spa to do so.
Huntsville, ON
– Nicole Fisico, Managing Director
www. s pa inc .c a
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from coast to coast
Canadian
spa&wellness awards2016
presented by
This new award category recognizes individuals who have contributed to the growth, betterment and recognition of
siac chair award
the Canadian spa industry.
Lori Robertson
Leslie Lyon
Lori Robertson has 25 years of experience in the spa industry, including her time as the Executive Director of the Spa Industry Association of Canada (SIAC) and the Spa Director at Temple Gardens Hotel and Spa in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
“It is such an honour to be recognized for something I’ve dedicated my entire career to.” Leslie Lyon, President of Spas2b Inc.
Canadian
spa&wellness awards2016
presented by
top 25 spas
100 Fountain Spa Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON Spa My Blend by Clarins at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto, ON Dol-ás Spa Wallace, NS Sweetgrass Spa Toronto, ON
Ste. Anne’s Spa Grafton, ON iwa Spa Blue Mountain, ON Spa St. James at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal, QC Ten Spa Winnipeg, MB
BALNEA réserve thermale Bromont, QC Hammam Spa Toronto, ON Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Empress Victoria, BC
Grail Springs Wellness Retreat & Spa Bancroft, ON Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara Parksville, BC Elmwood Spa Toronto, ON The Spa at Langdon Hall Cambridge, ON Spa du Manoir Saint-Sauveur Saint-Sauveur, QC
Holtz Spa Ottawa, ON Spa 901 Fernie, BC Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain Blue Mountain, ON Scandinave Spa Whistler Whistler, BC Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudelie Paris Toronto, ON
Riverstone Spa Winnipeg, MB
The L Spa and Wellness Centre Grande Prairie, AB
Sante Spa Victoria Victoria, BC
Glow Medi Spa Toronto, ON
But wait, there’s more! Go to our website for more from our conversations with the 2016 Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards winners. 12 S pa Inc. | Winte r 2 016/ 17
spa elements
The Dawning Age of
Wellness By Vivienne O’Keeffe
I
recently attended the most impressive 2016 Global Wellness Summit in Kitzbuhel, Austria, an international gathering of wellness industry providers. I was privileged to come away with what I believe is a glimpse at the future of the spa industry, one that today’s businesses can choose to either ignore or embrace. The modern spa is about to get a giant makeover. Once a place to merely relax and be nurtured, it will become a refuge from the noise and stress of technology, traffic and crammed schedules. Riding a wave of new evidence linking general wellness to improved disease prevention, happiness, and longevity – brought about by factors including healthier eating, better sleep, meditation and spirituality – the spa could also play a larger role in personal well-being than the traditional gym, doctor’s office or drugstore. As we have all seen recently, quantum change can occur in the blink of an eye. In the wellness industry, it has already begun. Just look at the numbers: according to the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), while the world economy shrank by 3.6% in the years 2013-2015, the wellness industry in all its forms grew an astounding 10.6%. The most active areas, in order, were: 1) Preventative/personalized medicine and public health (+23.5%) 2) Fitness and mind-body (+21.4%) 3) Wellness lifestyle real estate (+18.6%) 4) Wellness tourism (+14%) 5) Healthy eating, nutrition and weight loss (+12.8%) What we are seeing is a paradigm shift from the concept of the spa as a location where a traditional skin care or massage experience is delivered to a department store stocked with a panoply of wellness products and services. As researchers continue to unlock the secrets of well-being, a continued metamorphosis seems inevitable. The scientific evidence for the need for wellness is irrefutable and mounting. In his hour-long keynote speech at last year’s GWI summit in Mexico City, internationally acclaimed physician, guru and prolific bestselling author Deepak Chopra talked about the incredible power of epigenetics: the ability of the body’s genes to literally respond and adapt to external forces in a way that strengthens the body against disease and degeneration. “We can prevent most chronic illnesses and even reverse a lot of diseases,” Chopra told a rapt audience. 14 S pa Inc. | Win te r 2 016/ 17
spa elements
I believe educated and evolving consumers will inevitably cast aside the many culprits in our disease-ridden society – chemicallaced processed food, sedentary lifestyles, sleep deprivation and addictions to devices, to name a few – in favour of a new commitment to healthier physical and spiritual living. The GWI agrees. “We predict that consumers, governments and employers will continue to spend big on wellness because of these megatrends: an emerging global middle class, a rapidly aging world population, a chronic disease and stress epidemic, the failure of the ‘sick-care’ medical model (resulting in uncontrollable healthcare costs), and a growing subset of (more affluent, educated) consumers seeking experiences rooted in meaning, purpose, authenticity and nature,” says GWI’s senior research fellow Ophelia Yeung. An example of wellness making inroads into the conventional workplace is in downtown Toronto, where TD Bank’s newly renovated offices are the first in the world to be WELL Certified by the International WELL Building Institute (under the WELL Building Standard as applied to new and existing interiors). This new workplace promotes health and wellness by including Riding a wave of new evidence linking general wellness to more than 60 WELL features in its design: improved disease prevention, happiness, and longevity – optimal lighting; enhanced water and air filtration; nourishing vending machine brought about by factors including healthier eating, better items; custom-designed, more ergonomic sleep, meditation and spirituality – the spa could also play a chairs and desks; and even a tranquility lounge. larger role in personal well-being than the traditional gym, “As people around the world suffer from doctor’s office or drugstore. higher stress and chronic disease, they are turning to wellness approaches to maintain and improve their health,” says Yeung. “Wellness is the active pursuit of activities, choices, and lifestyles As Yeung implies, there’s a lot that people can do on their own, that lead to a state of holistic health, encompassing multiple but also a huge role for spas to fill. I believe it is imperative for us dimensions – physical, mental, emotional, social, spiritual, and as an industry to attract talented individuals who can take up the environmental. Wellness aims higher than freedom from disease torch and walk forward to enlighten and empower themselves and or infirmity. Wellness is preventive; it relies on individual our valued spa clients with the knowledge of the power we hold responsibility to integrate a holistic health paradigm into within ourselves. everyday life – how we live, eat, work, play, travel, maintain Customers will be looking for services far beyond traditional vitality, deal with stress, and respond to the first signs of illness.” skin care and massage treatments. And they’ll go where they have With wellness sectors already representing a $3.7 trillion to, to get to them. Will that place be your spa? economy, the demand for services is outpacing their supply. JeanGuy de Gabriac, founder of Tip Touch and Chairman of GWI’s Global Career Development initiative, says spas will require an additional 400,000 trained therapists and 70,000 experienced managers/directors by 2020. Vivienne O’Keeffe is President of Spa Profits Consulting Inc. and an expert in designing successful spa concepts. She is “The staffing crisis gets bigger every year, making it harder to also an international consultant in developing product lines, recruit and retain qualified, motivated spa managers and treatment plans and training programs, a member of ISPA directors,” says de Gabriac. “As savvy clients request more and Spa Industry Association of Canada (for which she won therapists trained in high touch and wellness modalities, we need an Outstanding Achievement Award in 2012), and a member to attract more talents and offer careers, not simply 9 to 5 jobs.” of International Management Consultants Inc. www. s p a inc .c a
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Canadian
spa&wellness awards2016
meet the
wınners Top 25 Spas
100 Fountain Spa BALNEA réserve thermale Elmwood Spa Dol-ás Spa Glow Medi Spa Grail Springs Wellness Retreat & Spa Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara Hammam Spa Holtz Spa Iwa Spa The L Spa and Wellness Centre Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudelie Paris Riverstone Spa Sante Spa Victoria Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain Scandinave Spa Whistler Spa 901 The Spa at Langdon Hall Spa du Manoir Saint-Sauveur Spa My Blend by Clarins at the Ritz-Carlton Spa St. James at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal Ste. Anne’s Spa Sweetgrass Spa Ten Spa Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Empress
Top Destination Spa Ste. Anne’s Spa
Top New Spa
Spa St. James at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal
Top Day Spa Hammam Spa
Top Medi Spa
Victoria Park Medi Spa
Top Sanitas Spa
Scandinave Spa Blue Mountain
Education Award
Janice Colatruglio - Riverstone Spa
Top Spa Partner Spa Addiction
Consumer’s Choice Award Redwood Medi Spa
SIAC Chair Award Lori Robertson Leslie Lyon
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Congratulations to our winners! Thank you for exemplifying the best of Canada’s spa and wellness industry.
Rose
spa elements
Confidential By Monique Joustra
R
oses are having their moment right now – and for good reason. With a high oil content and strong, soothing fragrance, rose-based products are finding their way into many spas and households. Rosewater is undoubtedly beauty’s magic potion, and it is remarkably versatile. Whether a spa client has oily, dry or combination skin, rosewater can easily be added to their beauty regimen. The natural properties of rosewater work to slow the production of oil and eliminate excess from the skin while helping to maintain its natural pH balance. This is good news for anyone prone to clogged pores, acne, rosacea, dermatitis or eczema. Due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, rosewater also helps to strengthen skin cells and regenerate skin tissues, which aids in healing scars, cuts and wounds. Better yet, this powerful potion will also diminish fine lines and wrinkles while toning, lifting and improving skin’s overall texture. It helps to hydrate, revitalise and moisturise skin, giving it a youthful and refreshed look. But rosewater doesn’t just benefit the skin. The natural scent of roses is said to be a powerful mood enhancer and can help remedy anxiety, depression and stress. Its calming fragrance will promote overall relaxation and well-being – what’s not to love about that? How and when should spa clients use rosewater? Toning: Because of its astringent-like properties, rosewater will help cleanse pores and tone the skin. Spa clients can wet a soft cotton ball with chilled rosewater and dab it on clean skin or use a spray bottle to spritz rosewater on their face. Using rosewater as a facial toner at night is effective in clearing any impurities the skin has collected throughout the day. Applying rosewater to the skin after steaming will tighten capillaries, reducing blotchiness and redness. Eye treatment: If a client has tired, inflamed eyes, you can suggest that they soak cotton pads in chilled rosewater and apply them directly to the eyes or the skin directly under the eyes. This will help reduce puffiness under the eyes and get rid of redness. Makeup remover: Rosewater is a natural makeup remover. Add a few drops of coconut oil to rosewater on a cotton pad and cleanse
The natural properties of rosewater work to slow the production of oil and eliminate excess from the skin while helping to maintain its natural pH balance.
the face. The mixture will wipe away makeup while nourishing the skin. Another tip: Rosewater can also be sprayed over makeup to work as a makeup-setting product and the mist will leave the face radiant and refreshed. Pampering: Mix rosewater with coconut oil or any regular lotion for a luxurious body moisturiser. Rosewater can also be added to a bath for a soothing aromatherapy treatment. Now, add ice You know that rosy-cheeked glow you get on a chilly day? Well, that healthy, out-of-the-cold look is exactly what your spa client will see after they try icing, a beauty technique that can alleviate skin issues like enlarged pores, wrinkles, acne, tired eyes, and excess oil. Spa clients can try icing at home by using a soft cloth with two ice cubes tied up in it and massaging their face until the ice completely melts. This will immediately tighten up the skin and reduce the size of enlarged pores. Ice can be added to a daily beauty regimen to increase the circulation of blood to the face. Better www. s pa inc .c a
17
spa elements
blood circulation will help to achieve that natural and healthy glow, as well as prevent premature aging and wrinkles. You might want to recommend that a client tries icing before heading out on the town. Icing before makeup application will help it last longer. It’s also a great way to revive tired skin. When a client is looking or feeling tired, placing two ice cubes over the eyelids soothes and relieves puffy eyes. This method is more effective than cucumber slices and will fade dark under eye circles significantly. If a client tends to pick at their skin, icing can be a great way to curb this bad habit and offers an alternative solution for acne, blackheads and stubborn blemishes. Placing an ice cube over the affected area will reduce redness and swelling, providing some relief. If a client is pressed for time in the morning or on their way out, they can grab an ice cube before they leave the house. Gliding it gently over the face will produce a dewy, radiant look in an instant, even without any makeup.
both these beauty methods with a visit to the spa. With so many compelling reasons to use rosewater and ice, Sweetgrass Spa was inspired to launch the Rosewater Ice Facial. It begins with a double cleanse, an exfoliation and extractions followed by a rosewater mist and a relaxing scalp massage. The soothing scent of roses will act as a powerful stress-reliever, while hydrating and healing the skin. Next up, a customized face mask and massage using the surface of an ice globe containing cool, magnetized water will calm the skin, reduce swelling and irritation, and promote collagen production. And just like that, the secret to fabulous skin is revealed!
Monique Joustra is the Spa Director at Sweetgrass Spa in Toronto and has nearly two decades of successful spa management experience at luxury spas, fine hotels and medical spas. She has studied and worked throughout North America, beginning with her undergraduate education in Business Administration and Kinesiology in Hawaii. With a range of massage and esthetic certifications to her credit, Monique has created an outstanding customer service experience with extremely qualified teams of spa therapists.
How do you bring rosewater and ice together? Simply put: cleanse the face, spritz with rosewater and ice away! Alternatively, spa clients can combine the healing properties of
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spa elements
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Men in Robes By Hermione Wilson
L
est you should think that spas are still the exclusive domain of women, a 2013 report commissioned by the International SPA Association Foundation (ISPA) found that men make up 47 per cent of spa-goers (defined as persons who have visited the spa at least once in the past 12 months) in the U.S. Understanding the male spa-goer is one thing; retaining their loyalty is quite another. Here are some tips and tactics I’ve gleaned from the experts about how to get men into the spa and keep them there:
The New Normal
It’s all about normalizing the spa for male clients, says Laura Oleksow, Co-Owner of Spa 901 in Fernie, B.C. “I think in a lot of men’s minds the spa is a place for women... because typically it’s been marketed in that way, always very heavy on the esthetic side.” Part of the process of normalizing the spa for men involves adapting to their needs and desires. For example, Executive Vice-President of Cosmecor, Alain Leclerc, suggests masculinising areas of the spa designated for male clients. “I would say the Nordic spas in Quebec have done a good job of creating a locker room environment that sits well [with male clients],” Leclerc says. “They know they get a lot of traffic, so their locker room is well developed so that the men can relax before they get to their treatments.” Leclerc says there aren’t many spas that have been designed with men in mind. He points to two examples in Montreal: Midtown Athletic Club, which has successfully combined the gym, a very masculine space, with the benefits of the spa. The other is Mantelier, which brings spa services like manicures, pedicures and facials (under titles like The Black Leather Shoe and The Handshake) into the traditional setting of the barbershop.
The Packaging
When it comes to marketing spa services and products to male clients, it helps to frame them in terms of masculine traits and activities. Sometimes that means giving spa treatments masculine-sounding names. Instead of using words like beauty to describe spa treatments, Leclerc suggests using words like sports and grooming. For example, Spa 901 recently updated its spa menu to include a male section, which highlighted services like the Sports Pedicure, the Masculine Manicure, and Manscaping. These treatments are specially tailored for the spa’s male clientele, Oleksow says, especially the Miner’s Tune-Up Facial, 20 S pa Inc. | Winte r 2 016/ 17
which was inspired by Fernie’s mining town identity and involves a charcoal mask. “We decided to put a male section on our menu because we wanted to build that side of our services,” Oleksow says. Before Spa 901 added the male section to its menu, men primarily came in for massages; now Oleksow says there has been an increase in men coming in for pedicures and manscaping. “It’s almost like putting it on the menu gave them validation that it was OK to come to the spa for other services other than massage,” she says. “I think men in general, they want to take care of their skin and they know that it’s important, but I think relating it to shaving is always sort of a good starting point,” says Nicole Fisico, Managing Director of Spa Addiction and skin care brand Face Addiction. “For men that don’t necessarily consider using anything but soap on their skin, even to just suggest something as an aftershave balm definitely can make a huge difference.” When developing treatment menus with spas specifically for men, Fisico says Spa Addiction will often repackage a facial as a pre-shave treatment and recommend that men come into the spa with a little stubble. “After your facial, the hair on the face will be nice and soft,” Fisico says. “It will give you a closer shave and prevent ingrown hairs.”
spa elements Plain Talk
When discussing the benefits of a particular spa treatment or product with male clients, it helps to be direct, Leclerc says. “[Men] need the comfort of understanding,” Leclerc says. “They need factual information.” When talking to male clients, one should use simple words and tell it like it is, so they don’t have to wonder what it is you are saying. Men are also very results-oriented, he says, so it helps to present them with solutions to any skin care issues they may have and to tell them plainly what a given product or spa treatment will do for them. Leclerc says modern male spa-goers are more open than ever to anti-aging treatments if they can be convinced of their benefits, especially if they are in the 40 years and older cohort. “They won’t be afraid to spend $140 or $150 for treatment,” Leclerc says of this age group, especially, he adds, if they believe the treatment will deliver the desired results. Sometimes it helps to get men talking to other men about the benefits of the spa. Spa 901 employed that tactic when it invited Kevin Barnum to try out their new and improved malefocused treatments. Barnum later wrote a post on Facebook about his experiences and was able to recommend treatments for women looking to book their boyfriends and husbands into the spa. The ISPA report on male spa-goers lists the expertise and credentials of spa therapists and staff as a factor in a man’s decision to visit a spa. Ultimately, the more information a male spa client is provided about spa treatments and products, the more likely he is to respond favourably. “I think it’s all about education,” Oleksow says. “The more they’re educated and the more they’re aware of the benefits, the more men we’ll ultimately see in the spa for those esthetic treatments.” Getting men to see going to the spa and using spa products as a normal part of their lives takes time and depends on their level of comfort in the spa environment. When men start going to the spa, Leclerc says, the services they use will be quite limited. They may initially start with a massage, and then graduate to a body treatment and a facial. Once they get to that point, Leclerc says, men should follow the same trajectory as women. Once a spa has hooked a male client, it should be careful not to take him for granted, Leclerc cautions. “Once they have them, they need to nurture them very efficiently or else they will shop somewhere else,” he says. Unlike women, men are more likely to return to one or two spas where they felt comfortable, rather than shopping around, Leclerc says. “If you treat them well, they will come back, but if they feel something is not right, they will not come back.”
Photo credit: Spa 901
The Male Spa-goer
According PwC’s 2013 “Consumer Snapshot – Volume IV: Male Consumer Insights” report, commissioned by the ISPA Foundation, the average male spa-goer is 25 to 44 years of age, has high levels of stress, and earns more than US$50,000. Male spa-goers are more likely than their non-spa attending counterparts to be physically active and healthconscious. They are particularly interested in spa treatments that are designed to relieve sore muscles and their most purchased retail items are shaving products, the report states. When male spa-goers were asked to identify factors that influenced their decision to visit a spa, the top three spa features they pointed to were 1) the cleanliness of the spa, 2) spa amenities, and 3) ambiance.
Photo credit: Balnea réserve thermal
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in the know
By Morag Currin
W
ith the winter season comes unique challenges to the health and well-being of our spa clients, especially those who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment. During the winter, the body is exposed to the extremes of heating systems indoors, and cold, dry conditions outside, and the risk of catching colds and infections increases. It is imperative that spas are aware of these winter challenges and are able to respond to problems that arise and, better yet, put preventive measures in place that will hopefully eliminate them before they occur.
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in the know
Dryness High body temperature Because wintertime humidity is so low, the little moisture that is Any increase in a client’s temperature to 38 C or higher may be an present is quickly sucked up into the air. Over time, exposure to indication of an infection. A fever is particularly concerning if it low humidity can dry out and inflame the mucous membrane that occurs at a time when the white blood count level is known or lines the respiratory tract. When this natural barrier of the mucous expected to be low (at the nadir). During this time, the body’s membrane is compromised, the risk of colds, flu and other normal defenses against infections are down, and the fever needs infections increases. Some viruses in this low humidity to be evaluated immediately. environment may even be able to survive longer. A fever can also be a sign of a flu-like syndrome (FLS) that is a During the winter, the cold dry air that seeps into your spa from side effect of cancer treatments like chemotherapy and biological the outside has a lower humidity and carries very little moisture. If therapy. The fevers associated with FLS usually peak at 40 C or the heat inside your spa is turned up, it adds warmth but doesn’t 104 F and often spike after a severe chill. This can mimic the increase the amount of moisture in the air. An essential oil blend clinical picture of sepsis (an infection in the blood), so it is dispersed throughout the spa using a humidifier can add much important that patients who are receiving biologic therapy are needed moisture into the air and soothe symptoms of colds and aware of the usual course of fever after treatment. Always have a infections. One such blend contains Tunisian rosemary, minty thermometer available for your spa client to check their eucalyptus, French alpine lavender, ravensara, and Madagascan temperature. palmarosa. Skin will also be affected by the dryer air. For the client Low body temperature undergoing chemotherapy treatment, certain active drugs can kill A lot of emphasis is usually placed upon feverish conditions, the healthy skin cells during mitosis, or during other phases of the however, a low body temperature can be a sign of a much more cell cycle, causing the skin to become even drier and more sensitive sinister condition. Where a fever can be viewed as an active than usual. developmental and corrective process of the An ideal moisturiser for the skin healthy body, a low body temperature can never would be one that supports the skin be viewed as a normal or healthy condition. During the winter, the barrier by including lipids such as A low body temperature creates a happy cold dry air that seeps ceramides, cholesterol, and Omega-3s. home for viruses and chronic infections, and is a However, if the enzymes are dysregulated sign of degeneration and gradual cellular death. into your spa from the or upregulated, there is no effect. When As the body’s core temperature decreases, outside has a lower the skin’s barrier is disrupted, it is no cellular energy also decreases. As a result, humidity and carries longer protected from environmental cellular functions decrease. There is a decrease stressors and pollution, and loses its in the production of all hormones, very little moisture. ability to protect and defend itself. It may neurotransmitters and other body chemicals be best to avoid skin care products with necessary for normal healthy regulation. added fragrance, emulsifiers and mineral oils, as they can further In this mild hypothermia condition there is an increased compromise the skin. susceptibility to infectious disease. As temperature drops, the acidity of the body increases and the normally predominantly Hot flashes negative polarity of the cells become more positively charged. Despite the cold winter temperatures, clients undergoing hormone Let’s be aware of our clients’ state of health and how they may therapy can experience hot flashes. It is thought that the respond to the seasonal temperatures. There are things we can do hypothalamus, which controls the production of many hormones, to make our clients more comfortable at the spa and ensure that also controls our body temperature. It may be that the chemical the dangers associated with either a high or low body temperature messengers (neurotransmitters) the hypothalamus produces can are avoided. cause hot flashes. Hot flashes can be difficult to live with even if this ‘power surge’ only temporarily heats up the body. For your client that experiences hot flashes, keep your spa cool, even if you use a fan. Spraying the client’s face with a cool water atomiser can be helpful, as is allowing them to remove any warm Morag Currin is the company owner and educational professional blankets. Offering them cold or iced water or drinks can also help of Oncology Training International (OTI) whose innovative them cool down. If your client is prone to sweating, they are also concepts were designed to provide more advanced comforting prone to dry skin, which can be remedied by using a vital lipid modalities of esthetic treatments and care for patients undergoing cancer treatments. lotion underneath a moisturiser.
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fresh & new
SABON
Body Scrub Lavender Apple
GHARIENI
MLX Quartz Gharieni’s MLX Quartz wellness bed provides a multisensory experience. The bed is filled with Alpha quartz sand (a mixture of quartz and salt) that can be warmed using the bed’s adjustable heating system. The MLX Quartz also has four integrated scent chambers controlled by a userfriendly display. More than one essential oil can be combined in this system to create an array of diverse fragrances. The wellness bed’s Dynamic Flow System uses integrated air chambers that are pre-programmed to inflate and deflate for a 360-degree treatment. The quartz sand moves against the client’s back in the absence of the therapist, providing a relaxing back massage while activating lymph circulation. www.gharieni.com
This fresh creation by Sabon is a unique blend of a fresh green apple fragrance and the scent of lavender flowers. Body Scrub Lavender Apple is enriched with vitamin E and a number of natural oils, including almond, jojoba and borage oil, as well as additional oils sourced from the Amazon rainforest. The scrub contains Dead Sea salt that removes dead cells and renews skin, leaving it silky and smooth. Minerals from the salt penetrate the skin and treat impurities. www.sabonnyc.com
PHYTOMER
OLIGOPUR Flawless Skin Mask Phytomer’s OLIGOPUR Flawless Skin Mask cleanses the skin, regulates sebum levels, neutralizes pimples and blackheads, and matifies and tightens the pores. The mask contains EPS AMM, a natural marine sugar that is particularly effective in purifying combination to oily skin. The product also contains antibacterial algae and absorbent white clay and is noncomedogenic and non-drying. www.phytomer.com
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BEAUTY THROUGH BALANCE
Ocean Elements Raw Bar
Beauty Through Balance’s new therapeutic grade raw bar is made from raw Pacific seaweed, Canadian glacial clay and sea salts handharvested from the northern coast of British Columbia. Nourishing plant oils and essential oils combined with the raw ocean elements of the bar provide a deep cleanse and re-mineralization, protecting the skin from environmental factors, promoting more even skin tone and texture, and gently exfoliating. The bar generates a gentle lather that leaves skin feeling silky and highly moisturized. www.beautythroughbalance.ca
fresh & new
BIOPHOTAS
Celluma PRO The award-winning Celluma PRO is FDA-cleared to treat acne, wrinkles and pain. The device has a hands-free panel that is flexible and shape-taking, allowing it to conform closely to the area of treatment. Sized perfectly for facial treatments, the Celluma PRO is easy-touse. The treatment can be offered as a powerful standalone modality or as an add-on to most spa services, including facials, massage and waxing. It is also ideal for use following laser, microdermabrasion, microneedling, peels, injections, and much more. Three Celluma models are available. www.biophotas.com
BIO SCULPTURE CANADA
Nude Collection by Evo Oxygenating Gel
EMERGINC
Aromatic Cream Tea Cleanser emerginC’s Aromatic Cream Tea Cleanser not only soothes skin, it is made with three aromatic tea extracts that soothe the mind as well. The cleanser is ideal for sensitive skin and is formulated with mactricaria extract and green, red, and white tea. Aromatic Cream Tea Cleanser is high in antioxidants that will reduce inflammation and irritation while combating the signs of aging. It also contains hibiscus which calms the skin and can help with microcirculation. www.emerginc.com
Bio Sculpture Canada’s latest nude shades were designed to complement the Evo Colour Collection. The nudes come in four shades: Peach Blushing Nude, Natural Taupe Nude, Baby Doll Pink Nude, and Majestic Cameo Nude. Evo Oxgenating Gel is a medical grade formulation infused with vitamin A and E. It cures with a smooth, glossy finish that requires no surface refining and has a durable, flexible end result. All Bio Sculpture products are vegan, cruelty-free and five-free (free from dibutyl phthalate, toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, and camphor). www.biosculpturenails.com
DERMALOGICA
Phyto Replenish Oil Dermalogica’s new facial oil strengthens and restores the skin’s natural protective barrier, shields against environmental stressors, smooths visible lines, and locks in critical moisture. The product contains plant-based ingredients such as camellia japonica, tamanu oil, chia seed oil, orchid flower extract, sunflower seed oil, and rice bran oil. Phyto Replenish Oil can also be mixed with an SPF for daily sun protection or a primer for the perfect make-up base. www.buy.dermalogica.ca
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E X F O L I AT I O N G L O V E
Benefits # 93073
# 93072
Beneficial to all clients pre and post waxing Removes dead, dull, and damaged skin cells Prevents ingrown hair bumps and helps to unclog pores Leaves the skin feeling soft and supple
# 93070
.COM
Allows wax to adhere to hair more easily and reduces discomfort
189-600, AVENUE LABROSSE, POINTE-CLAIRE, QC, H9R 1A3 • 514-697-4100 • 1-866-647-4100
spa star
A
s a boy, grooming expert Matty Conrad looked up to his sharp dressing, well groomed grandfather. It got Conrad into the hair styling business and later inspired his transition to a hard core heritage barber. Conrad opened his first barbershop, Victory Barber & Brand, in 2010, and has since been named “Coolest Barber on Instagram” by Details and GQ magazine, and was recognized as a top Canadian men’s hairstylist several years in a row. We caught up with Conrad at a Schwarzkopf Professional hair care product event to ask him about the evolution of the male market.
Matty Conrad How can spas better market to a male clientele? I’ve seen people do things really well where they have man-specific spas, they focus very much on men’s services, things like that. As much as those things are obviously very successful, the barbershop for me is kind of like the men’s spa. When it started, it was about getting a shoe shine and a manicure and a haircut and shaves – and shaves are very much like getting an exfoliating facial. As much as I’m sure a facial is probably the loveliest experience ever, if I have one done and I walk out into the streets and my friends say, “Wow, you’re glowing! What happened?” I’m probably not going to tell them what I’ve been doing. But if I’ve just come from a cutthroat shave, there’s an element of danger there that makes it so cool and masculine. What trends do you see in men’s hair care and skin care products? We’re going into an age now where people want craft, people want smaller things, but people want specifics. I think guys are not looking to use their girlfriends’ moisturizer; they want something that smells very masculine, that is specifically for them. The market is exploding with men’s care products – brilliant skin care lines, brilliant hair care lines. We’re really seeing people focus and specialize on certain things, and I think that guys have always been really receptive to that.
You mentioned that your grandfather was part of an era where men really took pride in their appearance and took time to cultivate it. Do you see that coming back? Men’s grooming is back. Guys are spending more time, they’re buying more products than ever before. Men’s grooming is having its moment. It really came in on the backs of the early adopters, you know, the hipster kids got really into this old classic look and then it became mainstream. I think the best thing about men’s grooming right now is that it’s about highlighting the strongest and best features of a man and letting him play to his strengths, rather than dressing him up to look like something else. What do you do to treat yourself? I love to get a haircut. I travel an enormous amount, I’m on the road 36 weeks out of the year... teaching hairdressers, teaching barbers onstage, all these kinds of things. So when I’m in different cities, when I have an opportunity, I try to go somewhere for a haircut. I love going to barbershops around the world and feeling the vibe and letting people do their art and do what they do and working with different craftsmen. It’s deeply inspiring to do that for me, but also, it feels great to just get somebody to take care of you like that. Have you been to the spa? For me, the barbershop is my indulgence... but when [I’m] on the road, massage is a big thing. Going for a massage is great, I love that. When you get to be an old man and you’ve been doing this for 20 years... massages are a necessity. www. s pa inc .c a
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