We chat to the team from Glow Spa & Salon in Hong Kong about three beauty treatments to take you into autumn. From eyelash extensions and lifts for eyes, colouring treatments for hair, and manis and pedis for nails, these treatments will have you looking your best!
1 EYES – eyelash lifts and extensions
When it comes to lash treatments, what’s the difference between eyelash extensions and a lift?
Eyelash extensions are cosmetic applications that enhance the length, curl, fullness, and thickness of natural eyelashes. The lashes are applied strand by strand using a medical grade hypoallergenic adhesive. The client can specify the length or fullness of the lashes, the desired curl and the application shape. Lash extensions tend to produce a more dramatic look.
An eyelash lift and tint, sometimes referred to as an eyelash perm, uses a gentle solution applied to the lashes that will relax the internal structure of the lash hair, and allow the lash to be reshaped. Using this technique, the lash can be lifted, straightened or curled, reshaped, and redirected; it creates the illusion of longer-looking lashes. The lash lift solution is formaldehyde-free and gentle on the lashes. The final step is the application of a tint, that will give the lash a thicker and fuller appearance.
What’s involved in the two treatments?
Each treatment involves a consultation and a discussion with your therapist about the desired final appearance: whether it’s a dramatic or natural appearance that’s preferred, the curl shape, the desired length, the risks and complications of the treatment, and required after-care.
Typically, between 60 and 120 artificial lashes will be applied in an eyelash extension treatment session – the number that can be applied depends on how many natural lashes you have. The treatment usually takes 60 to 90 minutes.
During an eyelash lift session, a roller is selected (based on the consultation) and then applied to the eyelid using a medical-grade hypoallergenic adhesive. A solution is used to relax the lashes, then they’re smoothed, redirected and curled into the desired shape over the roller. The lashes are then set into this shape, the solution is removed and a tint is applied.
We highly recommend adding an eyebrow shape and possibly an eyebrow tint to an eyelash extension or lash lift appointment, to refine the look of the eyebrow and accentuate the finished look of the lashes.
How long do they last?
Both treatments typically last four to six weeks, sometimes as long as eight. Lashes naturally fall out and are replaced over a six-to-eight week cycle; as this occurs, the lash extensions will naturally fall away. With a lash lift, the lashes will naturally relax and fall away over the same six-toeight week period.
Are they easy to maintain?
Both treatments are relatively easy to maintain. Avoiding rubbing the eyes and pulling the eyelashes is essential. It’s very important to avoid getting the lashes wet for the first 48 hours; after that, avoid putting your lashes in the direct stream of the shower. Chlorine and salt water are likely to promote the disintegration of the adhesive in the lash extensions, and likely to relax the lash lift, so it’s recommended to avoid excessive exposure of the lashes to these things.
We recommend you use a lash serum – for example, Nutraluxe Lash MD – while wearing extensions as this will promote healthy new growth of the underlying lashes.
A keratin lash conditioner is highly recommended for use after a lash lift to improve the longevity of the lift, keep the lashes moisturised and healthy, and rebuild the internal structure of the lash.
#2 HAIR – colouring treatment
What’s involved in a hair colouring treatment at Glow?
We start with an in-depth consultation prior to the commencement of the service. This includes not only a discussion about the desired colour, but also about intensity, depth, definition, dimension and overall look. Bring along an “inspiration photo” to ensure that you and your stylist are on the same track.
Most colour appointments take between two to three hours, and possibly slightly longer if the desired colour outcome is complex or multi-phased, if you have very long or thick hair, or if you haven’t had a colour treatment in some time or have previously used a home dye or box dye on your hair.
What products do you use?
We have an extensive range of colours at Glow. Our primary professional ranges are Weller and Goldwell. We also have a wide selection of colour treatments from Davines. For bright, crazy colours we use Ellumen and Guy Tang. What’s the most common colour you’re doing at the moment? In summer, we were doing a lot of lightening – getting that sun-kissed look for the holiday. As we move into the autumn, we’re beginning to see requests for more muted tones, auburns, golden low-lights, and deeper chocolatey colours. Most people couple their colouring appointment with a keratin smoothing treatment. This is an absolute game changer in Hong Kong to help manage frizzy hair in the high humidity.
What’s a tip for making colour last?
It’s worth spending the money on a salon professional shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for colour treated hair; your stylist can recommend one that’s suitable for your hair type. This is essential for the longevity of your colour. As with the lashes, it’s best to avoid exposure to too much chlorine and salt water.
#3 NAILS – mani-pedis
What are some of the mani and pedi options at Glow?
We offer a full range of nail services, from a quick express manicure or pedicure through to a full set of hard gel extensions and everything in between. The most popular treatment is soft gel nails, sometimes referred to as shellac or soak-off gel.
What’s popular at the moment in terms of colours/patterns?
The most popular colours recently have been summer colours, bright corals, bright red, sky blue; white is also very popular, and goes exceptionally well with a tan. Generally, people have been keeping it simple lately, and minimising the nail art.
The primary ranges used at Glow are CND Shellac and Bandi – both brands are internationally recognised, and have an extensive range of colours. Our primary range for polish colour is OPI.
Glow invests in new colours every season, from each range and the autumn range has just been released – it will be available from early September.
How long do your mani-pedis take?
A standard appointment is usually 60 minutes, however if you’re in a hurry, we have an express manicure and pedicure service so you can more quickly top up your nail colour or clean up your manicure.
What about mani-pedis for kids?
Children and young adults are welcome at Glow, and a manicure or pedicure is a great first introduction to self-care. We have mums and dads who bring in their daughters and sons for manicures and pedicures; it’s a lovely way to spend some time together. Plus, kids under seven go free at Glow! Little ones love a bit of colour or sparkle, so if your young child is with you while you’re in the salon, they’re welcome to a complimentary polish.
Girlfriend Catch-up! Glow has a special manipedi offer for two people that includes two soft gel mani-pedis, plus a bottle of Prosecco, a selection of teas and coffee, and a tea set with sweet treats and seasonal fruit and nuts, all for $1,980.
Glow Spa & Salon Hong Kong is at 8/F, Silver Fortune Plaza, 1 Wellington Street, Central. For more information, call 2525 5198 or go to glowspa.hk.
This article first appeared in the Autumn 2022 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
