Beverly Braisdell talks to industry colleague & friend Bev Higham – who she calls the ‘virtuoso of aromatherapy’.

The Power of the Flower…

Does Aromatherapy have a place in nail spas and can it be of benefit in the current climate?

The answer is ‘Absolutely!’

With a career spanning over 40 years in the beauty industry, Bev Higham, a phenomenal woman, has inspired countless students, written books, articles, industry standards, resources, while blending and mixing her way to the top of this fascinating side of the industry.

Bev Higham’s interest in aromatherapy was inspired during childhood where she became fascinated with the differing smells from the fresh flowers in her grandad’s garden. She would create perfume from rose petals and water and was often found outside among the flowers. After lecturing in both FE & HE for over 30 years in the beauty and holistic sector, Bev specialised in aromatherapy and became a leading industry figure. This also led to her developing a passion for product development and manufacturing using the finest natural ingredients incorporating the power of the plant via aromatherapy.

Q: How does aromatherapy fit into the nail industry?

Bev notes: In these uncertain and worrying times, aromatherapy can be utilised more than ever before in ways you might not have thought about. The nail spa has always been a place of relaxation and a time out of our busy lives, as well as almost a necessity for those of us who love to feel well-groomed and pampered. However, with recent events, for some, the prospect of stepping into the salon with its almost ‘space-age’ feel with social distancing, plastic screens, face mask coverings and visors, it can feel a daunting prospect. The new ever-changing regulations are keeping us all on our toes and it could be argued that this has stirred up some fear and anxiety among clients.

Q: What can we do to help our clientele & our staff to feel at ease?

Bev notes: Hand sanitising has always played a key part of the salon’s hygienic practice as nail professionals and lately this has become something of a ritual, which has left many hard working hands dry, cracked, irritated and just downright sore. Therefore, during lockdown I was busy making hand cream to soothe those dry, sore hands. Whilst sanitising is essential, it can strip the natural oils from our delicate skin. Therefore, using natural and organic ingredients helps us in the restoration of this lost moisture.

Q: Did your natural flair for mixing & blending aromatherapy oils naturally lead you into developing skin, hand and footcare products?

Bev notes: Being in the industry myself, I’m aware of what is important to both client and therapist. These staple skincare products are part of everyone’s grooming schedule, so it seemed  natural to develop products that would address the current issues utilising my knowledge of aromatherapy.

Q: Why do you think aromatherapy is important in hand, nail & skin care products?

Bev notes: Often, it’s the aroma that stirs us. Smells connects us to pleasant feelings, emotions, memories and this locks in the memory of the pampering experience we’ve at the salon. Every time we apply the product, its aroma propels us back to the salon, spa or nail bar and reminds us of feeling relaxed, we feel valued for just applying the product.

Self-care is the new health-care and we owe it to ourselves to self-nurture.

I’ve been a regular visitor to a salon and spa myself, and it always strikes me how the whole experience engages the senses; so it seems natural to diffuse the air with safe and pleasant aromas to calm, soothe, uplift and thelp welcome our guests.

 

Bev’s Top 3 aromas to help introduce the Power of the Flower to nail bars, salons & spas to sniff our way back to balance!

 

Top tips for vaporising – buy a vaporiser that very subtly infuses the air. A fan-based system is cheap and effective.

 

Top tips for skin hydration – drink plenty of water to help from the inside, but hydrate the skin, cuticles and even the nails after every hand wash or sanitisation. Use plant-based products, as plant and man are part of the same programme ‘life’. Non-living ingredients don’t always suit our bodies as well as plant derived natural ingredients.

 

Top tips for natural nailcare – hempseed oil with a little almond (check for nut allergies) and jojoba makes a beautiful cuticle oil to nourish and condition. Massage into the nail root and use over polished nails to keep the nail and surrounding area hydrated and in tip top condition.

 

Do it yourself hand wash – aloe vera gel 25% and organic castile 70% soap with a 5% dash of sweet almond oil. Bottle up in a pump dispenser and add a few drops of your chosen essential oil. Give it a shake and it’s ready to go. Add to a soap pump bottle and give it a shake. Use for an uplifting hand wash experience while you count to 20!

Always patch test before use. Being natural does not mean that it cannot cause sensitivity in some people!

 

Mandarin & Sweet Orange

Uplifting and joyful, these two citrus fruits calm anxiety and nervous tension. Infusing the air with childlike joy and uplifting the spirit. Ideal for times of low mood. The techs/therapists will also benefit from the extra spring in their step that these oils bring. They are both aromas found in the peel of the fruit, gentle yet stimulating; they are safe to vaporise.

 

Lavender & Lemon

Reducing tension, easing the mood and providing an antibacterial, clean soothing atmosphere will help make any client feel like they have had a relaxing treatment. These oils really help the body to release its ‘feel-good’ hormones. Nice calm breathing and reduced tension is a fabulous benefit with this blend.

 

 

Spearmint & Lemongrass

To add zest and an upbeat atmosphere while providing a bug-busting environment, this blend will clear the mind and sharpen the intellect. Great for early afternoon slumps. It’s a great pick me up blend.

Always remember that less is more and the subtle use of essential oils in diffusers has a great effect. The oils mentioned here are safe for most people, but always check with clients and staff for allergies.

 

In the world of aromatherapy we also like to soak up our plant oils.

Bev’s top oils for hands & nails…

Hemp seed oil – can reduce fine lines and signs of ageing, but it is also good for oxygenating the nail and aiding repair of dry torn cuticles. It’s a deeply nourishing oil, easy to massage into the nail plate and surrounding skin tissue. You can combine it with the other oils mentioned below.

 

Sweet almond oil – a beautiful emollient for the hands and nails, but check for any nut allergy first! You can massage a few drops into the hands before applying lotion for extra hydration, especially with all the washing and sanitising that is part of the new normal. It can even be used as a nail soak for really dry damaged nails. It will nurse them back to health in no time.

 

Jojoba oil – not really an oil, but liquid wax. This is a must-have beauty treatment for hair, nails and skin. It’s similar in make-up to sebum, the skin’s natural oil, so it suits us perfectly. It will produce lovely shiney nail plates if used regularly. It’s the perfect conditioner for hands and nails.

Use these oils individually or make up your own combination and apply a drop or two to cuticles before bed.

 

Safety Warning – Aromatherapy oils should only be mixed by a qualified aromatherapist. Always seek advice from a professional aromatherapist before following the information provided. If on medication or receiving medical treatment, check with your GP before using essential oils.

 

For further information read Bev’s book ‘Inspirational Aromatherapy’: The Writings of Beverley Higham.

Http://Beverley Higham.co.uk