It's no surprise that we love nails and get excited about all the designs our clients are for. We've put together some of our favourite looks from the season.  

To say we're a bit obsessed with the new Gelish Rocketman collection would be the understatement of the century. We love these bright babies in Put On Your Dancin' Shoes! ❤️

We're so so happy that our clients are loving the Rocketman collection as much as we are. 🌈

Scrap mellow yellow, we want sunshine yellow! Gelish is giving us all the summer feels with their Glow Like A Star from the new Rocketman collection. 💛

Holiday ready nails! ☀️ White is the best colour to compliment a tan.

MoYou stamping had to make the cut. We love the gold stamp against these glittery nails! ✨

Pink to make the boys wink! 💖 This lovely lady is rocking her new nails. 

All that glitters is not gold. We love making our clients sparkle! ✨

Purple Haze. 💜 Sometimes all you need is a purple mani. 

These nails prove that more is definitely more. We love the combo of MoYou stamping and gems. ♥️

Feeling inspired to hit the salon for a new set of nails? Book your next appointment online. 

So, you’re thinking of heading to the salon to get your first wax. We know the thought of waxing can be quite nerve-wracking, so we’ve put together the questions we get asked the most to help put your mind at ease.
Does it hurt?
 
The first question we’re always asked is, does it hurt?

We’re not going to lie, it does hurt, but less than you’d expect. In fact, after their first wax people tell us how much worse they thought it would be. The first time is always the most painful and after that, you get used to it. Sensitive areas like your bikini hurt more than less sensitive areas like your legs, but don’t let it put you off, the thought of it is much worse, we promise!

Is it better than shaving?
 
Shaving removes hair by cutting it off at the skin's surface with a razor, waxing actually removes hair from the root. With shaving, you will often feel stubble soon afterwards, with waxing the results last far longer. It’s all down to personal preference really but if you feel like you’re always shaving just for it to grow back days later, waxing may be for you.

I’ve heard that over time your hair gets thinner, is this true and how long does it take for it to happen?
 
Waxing pulls the hair out from the root. Doing this over a long period of time damages the hair bulb - sounds gross but it means your hair grows back less dense and finer which is a win, win if you ask us! It takes months of regular waxing for this to happen and it is important you don’t shave between appointments as this will interrupt the process.

How often do you need to get waxed?
 
We usually recommend getting waxed every four weeks. Over time, with regular waxing, the hair follicle will have less of a grip on the hair so it will come out more easily meaning it will be less painful.

What happens during the treatment?
 
During the treatment, warm wax will be applied to your skin following the direction that the hair grows. A thin strip of muslin fabric is pressed on the wax and is then pulled away in the opposite direction the hair grows. A calming moisturiser is then applied to help remove traces of the wax residue.  

What happens during a bikini wax? Is it awkward? Do I have to take my knickers off?
 
It’s the same process as above but using a different type of wax. Lots of people think it might be awkward, but we have fully trained staff carrying out intimate waxes and they’ve seen it all before. Our members of staff will put you at ease and ensure you do not feel uncomfortable. Taking your knickers off varies on the salon but we provide you with disposable knickers to wear during the treatment.
 
Will I get ingrown hairs?
 
It’s possible to get ingrown hairs from waxing because the treatment removes hair from the root. After a wax, your skin will naturally harden and thicken, which could prevent hair from breaking through that layer of skin and become ingrown. To prevent ingrowing hairs, we advise you gently exfoliate a few days after the treatment and continue to do so once or twice a week. Remember, we said gently.

What do I do after I leave the salon?

• Try to wear loose fitting clothes after the treatment to give your skin time to breathe.
• Try to avoid heavy exercise that will cause you to sweat 24-48 hours after getting a wax.
• You can use a mixture of tea tree and lavender oil to prevent irritation as these are antimicrobial and antibacterial. Aloe vera gel is also great as it is cooling and calming.
• Gently exfoliate a few days afterwards and continue to do so once or twice a week.
• Avoid scented lotions that could cause irritation.
• Get your legs out and enjoy!

Does my hair have to be a certain length to get waxed?
 
We recommend that the hair is a quarter to half an inch long as this gives enough length for best results. Once the hair becomes thinner after regular waxing, it can be waxed at a shorter length.

Can I shave between appointments?
 
It’s important to avoid shaving between waxing appointments, as this will interrupt the process and stimulate hair growth.

What are the different types of bikini waxing?
 
Bikini wax
The removal of the hair on the area that would normally be outside of your bikini line.
 
High bikini wax
The same as a standard bikini but a little deeper on the sides and top.
 
Brazilian
The removal of most of the pubic hair, leaving a small shape - this could be a strip of hair or something more fun.
 
Hollywood
A Brazilian without the shape. Everything goes.

If you have any more questions, feel free to give us a call. You can also see our prices here and online booking is available. 

Massages can do far more than help you relax (though they do that very well indeed). Here are six healthy reasons to book an appointment today.
 
Catch those Zzzzz’s
 
Ever felt the urge to doze off during a relaxing massage? And ever noticed how you sleep so much better at night after having one? Well, massage has been shown to reduce sleep disturbance and cause deeper sleep.
 
Eases pain and muscle soreness
 
This might be an obvious one but it’s well worth mentioning. Massage can help loosen knots in muscles and encourage blood flow. It can improve flexibility and help prevent injuries - gym bunnies we’re looking at you!
 
Back pain is so common now and a good ol’ massage can really help relieve your pain, make you more comfortable and ultimately help you sleep better at night. Win, win we think.
 
Suffer from headaches? Research has found that massage therapy can reduce tension headaches and migraines.
 
Boosts your mood and soothes anxiety
 
Massages are relaxing and if they help you sleep better and cause fewer headaches, it makes perfect sense that they will boost your mood, but it goes a bit further than that. Massage can also soothe anxiety and depression. Massages can reduce levels of that pesky stress hormone, cortisol, and boost your happy hormones, serotonin and dopamine, resulting in a better mood and lower blood pressure.
 
Immunity booster
 
Massage therapy has been linked to boosting your immune system. In 2010 researchers found that a 45-minute massage can increase the number of white blood cells that help defend the body from disease.
 
For the love of hair and skin
 
Better sleep, less illness, and better moods are bound to make you feel better. And what happens when you feel better? You look better.
 
Massage increases your blood flow, which plumps up your skin, and encourages lymphatic drainage (flushes toxins out of your cells to allow more nutrients in), so regular massages can add vitality to your complexion and your locks. We want in!
 
No more slouching
 
It’s no surprise that most of us don’t have great postures and a lot of people end up carrying a lot of stress in their shoulders and neck. Lucky for us then that massage can help counteract this and improve your posture.
 
Excuse us, we’re just off to book a massage.

One of the most popular beauty treatments we offer at the salon is gel manicures. There’s nothing better than the feeling of new nails, we get them done for events, nights out, dates, and just to look even more fab than we usually do.

To make sure your nails look as fresh as possible, for as long as possible, we’ve put together our top tips for looking after your gel nails.

1. Choose a comfortable nail length

Choose a nail length you can maintain. Gels are meant to be stronger than normal polish but the longer your nails, the more prone to damage they will be. We hear ya, we love long nails too so if you want to go long, just bear in mind that they are not indestructible - our nails are jewels not tools ladies.

2. Cover up

Some products and chemicals can damage and lift gel so just be wary of this when cleaning and washing up. Pop some gloves on to help protect your nails from damage.

3. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!

Keeping your hands and nails moisturised with hand cream and nail oil will nourish the root of your nails, allowing them to grow stronger and healthier and stops the product on them from going brittle.

4. Go light

We’re all for bright colours and dark shades but by choosing a lighter shade you’ll extend the life of your gels. All gels will last 2-4 weeks but light shades won’t show growth or marks as easily as dark colours.

5. Regular appointments

We advise you visit the salon every 2-4 weeks to keep your nails looking their best. Any longer and nails start to become weak as the product grows out.

6. Don’t pick!

Ladies if you take anything away from this, do not pick your gel off! We know it can be tempting but it damages your nails. Come to the salon and we’ll soak it off instead.

You can book your nails online using our online booking system.

Making your nails look fab keeps us going so we're taking the time to look back on some of our favourite designs from last year. 

We started the year on a high with these gorgeous green cat eye gels. We still love these just as much as we did last January. 

Nude will forever be a favourite of ours, add some glitter to the mix and we're completely in love. 

Throwback to March when the new CND Shellac Nude Collection arrived and we added a bit of sparkle. Can you tell we love glitter?

In April we painted the town red with these incredible acrylics. 

Summer was coming and these nails took us straight to the water park. 

June was the month that we really fell in love with nail stamping. 

July was one of our favourite months last year. The Make A Splash Gelish collection arrived and we instantly fell in love with all of the colours. If these nails don't scream summer, we don't know what does. 

August saw lots of our favourite nail transformations, from classic french manis to statement nail stamping, but these unicorn nails had to make the cut as favourite, just look at them! 

September was an incredible month for us with three new beauticians joining the team. With lots of new ladies, came lots of new nail designs. 

We absolutely loved doing all of your spooky nails for Halloween. Here is one of our favourite designs. 

It wouldn't be a top 12 without a classic nude. The perfect colour all year long. 

December had to feature a Christmas nail design. We love how creative you all got and can't wait to see all the designs you come up with this year! 

We're looking forward to all the nails we get to paint this year, from statement designs to classic colours. If you'd like to book a nail appointment, you can do so using our online booking system. 

You may have seen that we've been running a competition over on Facebook and Instagram. 

We'll be picking two people to win three amazing Dermalogica products just in time for Christmas. You need to like our page, like the picture and tag three friends in the post. The Closing Date is 15th December and the winner will be announced on 17th December. The prize will be posted if you can't get to salon and the competition is open to the UK only.

Here's what you'll be getting your hands on if you win the giveaway and why you should enter.

Special cleansing gel 

Dermalogica's special cleansing gel gently rinses away toxins and debris to leave your skin feeling smooth and clean. It is lightweight and mild enough to use every day and features calming agents like mint and lavender extract to soothe and purify your skin. 

Daily microfoliant

The daily microfoliant is a gentle exfoliating powder suitable for everyday use that will help you achieve brighter, smoother skin. The rice-based powder activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes to polish your skin. A brightening complex of Phytic Acid from Rice Bran, White Tea and Licorice helps balance uneven skin tone while a soothing blend of Colloidal Oatmeal and Allantoin calms skin. 

Skin smoothing cream

This is a best-seller from Dermalogica's amazing range. The skin smoothing cream is a moisturiser with Active HydraMesh Technology that infuses skin with hydration for up to 48 hours and helps to protect against environmental stress and damage.  A dynamic Hyaluronic Acid Complex with Mallow, Cucumber and Arnica hydrates your skin and helps to lock in moisture for lasting hydration. It is formulated with naturally-antioxidant Grape Seed Extract, Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

Even better, all three products contain no artificial colour or fragrances and they are cruelty-free.

What are you waiting for? Enter today!

If you've visited the salon recently you may have seen some new faces. We've recently had three amazing ladies join us and we couldn't be more excited, so we wanted to introduce you to them. 

Ciara

The first to join us on the 16th August. She has only been with us two months but we couldn’t imagine the salon without her. We love having her bubbly personality around. Ciara has been doing beauty professionally for three years and her favourite treatment is nail art.

Maddie

Next to join the team on the 4th September and what a month it has been. She has been doing beauty professionally for six years but has been interested in it since she can remember. When she was little she always went with her mum to get their nails done and used to say that it’s what she wanted to do when she grew up – and we’re so glad because she’s amazing! Maddie’s favourite treatment is high impact/HD brows.

Claire

Our latest starter, having joined us on the 10th September. She has been doing beauty for 12 years but, like Maddie, has been interested since she was a little girl. Claire’s favourite treatment is nails but facials are a close second.

We hope you love our new girls as much as we do! With all members of the secrets team, you will receive a friendly service with people who really do know their stuff.

You can book in with any of the team using our online booking system

How often do I need to get the treatment?

​We recommend that you get treated every four weeks. Clients usually start to notice a difference after eight weeks, or two treatments.
 
What's the difference between IPL and laser hair removal technology?
 
Unlike laser hair removal, IPL does not use a laser light source but instead uses a broad spectrum high-intensity light that emits light at multiple wavelengths. While laser devices emit one single focused wavelength to maximize follicle absorption, IPL covers larger patches of hair.
 
Does it hurt?
 
Although not painless, IPL is considered less painful than other hair removal methods like epilating and waxing.
 
What areas can you treat?
 
We can treat most areas – legs, bikini, underarms and face. You can find a full list with prices on our website.
 
For more information on IPL Hair Removal, contact the salon or pop in.