Menu
The Acid Test
If the previous year has taught us anything, it's that acids have become a major buzzword in the beauty industry. With so many of them doing so many different things, it's easy to become overwhelmed. Here's our no-nonsense guide to the ones making the biggest impact on skin.The Basics
Our skin has a thin, protective layer on its surface, referred to as the acid mantle. The pH level of our skin refers to how acidic or alkaline it is. On a scale of 1 - 14, with 1 being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline, 7 would be considered neutral for your skin. When it comes to acid-bases products, they will be working at levels closer to 3 and 3.5, so it's important to do your research.
Ascorbic Acid (aka vitamin C)
Vitamin C is not made in the body, so it's something that can only be taken in by the body, or applied topically. It's huge news in the beauty community right now, because it literally helps form our tissues, bones, blood vessels and of course, skin. It's also a powerful antioxidant, making it a winner in serums and creams that can be layered during the day or night. Soon after adding Vitamin C to a skincare regime, skin is brighter, more even and feels firmer.
Capital Buy
Pharmagel Eye Firmé Eye Gel. Give the delicate under-eye area a firming Collagen boost while keeping it protected with soothing Allantoin and anti-inflammatory Echinacea.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid molecules are able to carry 1,000 times their weight in water - which is why products containing the 'miracle' ingredient have bombarded the high street over the past five years. There are numerous Hyaluronic serums on the market, and they are most often used after cleansing, and before moisturising, so as to boost the moisturisers' hydrating properties and keep skin softer and smoother for longer. Often described as a 'smart' nutrient, Hyaluronic Acid adjusts its moisture absorption rate based on humidity, resulting in perfectly balanced and hydrated skin, wherever you are.
Capital Buy
BeautyPro Thermotherapy Warming Goil Foil Mask with Hyaluronic Acid & Q10. Use this when a major boost of hydration is needed. The self-warming properties of this 20-minute mask enable the ingredients to penetrate more easily into the skin, leaving it hydrated and smooth. Also, a very similar, man-friendly version is Barber Pro's Skin Renewing Foil Mask.
Retinol (aka vitamin A)
Retinol is what keeps skin looking youthful and plump and comes highly recommended by cosmetic doctors. Put simply, if you were to recommend one addition to your clients' skincare, it would be Retinol.
Increasing the production of collagen - the primary component of the body's connective tissue - and elastin - the component that literally allows our skin to stretch and bounce - Retinol is also brilliant at fighting signs of ageing and sun damage. Known for being very fast-acting, it's important to look at the strength of the Retinol in the products you're recommending. It's definitely something that will require a layer of moisture on top when applied overnight, as it can cause dramatic dryness all over the face, particularly in already dry areas.
Capital Buy
HOF Retinol Vitamin A Night Cream. It's light, non-greasy and penetrates immediately. Or, add a few drops of HOF Retinol Anti-Aging Facial Oil to your existing moisturiser to boost it's effectiveness.
No clue about the differences between Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)? Read on.
The most common AHAs?
Glycolic Acid: Celebrity facialist Caroline Hirons calls Glycolic 'a beast of an acid' and it's easy to understand why. The molecules are tine, meaning the ingredient can penetrate far deeper - which also means it can cause more irritation if you overdo it. Glycolic Acid gets right into the pores, decongesting them, getting rid of dead skin cells and repairing the look of skin that has been affected by ageing and sun damage. However, Glycolic Acid isn't always recommended when treating darker skins - instead you might be better working with Mandelic or Lactic Acid-based products.
Lactic Acid: A milk-derived acid, and a bigger molecule, Lactic Acid is more gentle as it sits on the surface of the skin. It's known for leaving skin feeling smoother, softer, refreshed and ready to absorb any products that follow. Great for those with rosacea or sensitive skin.
Mandelic Acid: This is the one to recommend for those with acne because it's anti-bacterial and anti-viral. It has the largest molecule of all the AHAs, meaning it's ideal for using over a longer period.
So, what's the fuss with BHAs?
When it comes to skincare, if you see BHA on a product, it will be Salicylic Acid, something that has long been a go-to for those with problem skin, thanks to its ability to exfoliate without causing irritation, redness or dryness. It's a great ingredient to use little and often, as its effects build up over time. While AHAs loosen the bonds that hold debris in your skin, BHAs actively penetrate the pores to remove whatever junk is there. In short, BHAs are often recommended for oily and acne-prone skin as they are oil-soluble, while AHAs are water-soluble and recommended for those with dry and sensitive skin. When it comes to applying either, they always come after cleansing and toning but before serums and moisturisers.
Capital Buy
Pharmagel Beta-C Dual Action Moisturiser. Perfect for normal/oily skin this is a luxe cream formulated with Salicylic Acid (BHA) and Vitamin C to erase and repair sun damage and signs of ageing.
For a full range of skincare: https://www.capitalhairandbeauty.co.uk/beauty/skincare
Freelance Focus
Freelance Focus, is a one stop resource for anyone working as a freelancer or thinking of going freelance in the hair & beauty industry, which includes a FREE downloadable guide filled with advice, useful insights, experiences and tips (from experienced freelancers) to help you understand the steps needed to make the right choices for you.
Top trending
OFFER
VEGAN
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
4 FOR THE PRICE OF 3
VEGAN
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
OFFER
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
SAVE 25%
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
OFFER
VEGAN
Delivery
Collection
Please login to your account to check stock in your local store.
BUY 3 FOR THE PRICE OF 2
Back to Posts
Tags
- acne
- advice
- allergy
- apps
- autumn
- awards
- balayage
- barbering
- beauty industry
- blonde
- braids
- bridal
- brows
- business
- capital & i
- career
- christmas
- client loyalty
- color wow
- covid-19
- curls
- eyelash
- facial
- fanola
- festive
- finance
- freelance
- gellux
- hair
- hair care
- hair colour
- hair salon
- hair styles
- hair styling
- hair trends
- hairdressing
- hairstyle
- hairstyles
- halloween
- healthy
- how to
- hygiene
- ideas
- indola
- industry
- inspiration
- interview
- k18
- l’oréal
- lashes
- lockdown
- macadamia
- make up
- makeup
- manicure
- marketing
- mens
- mental health
- microblading
- nail art
- nail industry
- nail inspiration
- nail technician
- nail trends
- nails
- new years
- nioxin
- nxt
- olaplex
- opi
- party
- pedicure
- ponytail
- products
- professional
- professionals
- pulp riot
- redken
- reopening
- retail
- reviews
- revlon
- salon
- salon finance
- salon furniture
- salon management
- salon owner
- salon refit
- salon services
- salon system
- salons
- schwarzkopf
- self care
- self-care
- self-employed
- skills
- skincare
- skincare regime
- skincare steps
- social
- social media
- spa
- spring
- step by step
- style
- styling
- stylist
- summer
- sun damage
- suncream
- sustainable
- tanning
- technique
- the manicure company
- tigi
- tiktok
- time to improve
- tips
- toner
- toning
- top knot
- training
- treatment
- trending products
- trends
- tutorial
- updo
- upskills
- valentines
- vegan
- vegan beauty
- veganuary
- wahl
- waxing
- wedding
- wella
- wellbeing
- wellness
- winter
- winter nails
Latest Posts
- Chantelle: Capital & Me, my self-employed journey & the importance of networking
- Meet Sophie, owner of ‘Sophie’s Lashes & Beauty’ which she has been running now for over 7 years!
- K18 Biomimetic Hair Science vs. Bond Builders
- K18 & Your Salon Services - How to incorporate K18 Services for Ultimate Hair Restoration
- What is K18 and how does it work?
- From Money Worries to Family Drama: What's Stressing Your Skin & Hair the Most?
- Something Old - Something New
- Skin Cycling 101
- Vegan and Cruelty-Free Hair and Beauty: Simple Swaps and Recommendations for Veganuary
- The Greatest Night in British Hairdressing!
Related Posts
Chantelle: Capital & Me, my self-employed journey & the importance of networking
Introducing Chantelle, a talented beautician, hair extension specialist and proud owner of ‘Chantelle’s Beautique’. We sit down with Chantelle as she tells us how she started out in the industry, her top tips for becoming self-employed, struggles she faced and overcame along the way and her favourite products that she can’t live without!
My treatment room is based in my garden at home and I offer a full range of Hair and Beauty treatments specialising in skin care, brows & hair extensions. My clients love my set up and really appreciate the little touches like being able to park with ease and having more of a cosy experience away from the hustle and bustle of a busy salon. As well as running my own business at home, I also enjoy teaching others on their journey starting out in the trade with my own accredited courses at home as another branch of my business called ‘The Hair and Beauty Training Beautique’. You may also see me in your local Capital Hair & Beauty as I also tutor for one of their training providers ‘Face Forward’ offering brow lamination and lash lift and tint courses.
Meet Sophie, owner of ‘Sophie’s Lashes & Beauty’ which she has been running now for over 7 years!
Sophie gained a wealth of experience working in the industry from her background working in prestigious 5 hotel & spa and salon settings which lead her up to starting a business of her own. We talk about all things beauty and the curved tweezers that she can’t live without!
Hi Sophie, tell us a little bit about your journey and how you go into the industry and what lead up to starting out on your own?
I gained a lot of knowledge from working in different settings from working with a big teams in a 5 star hotels and spas to smaller beauty salon environments. I gained so much knowledge from working in both settings and although it was hard work and long hours.
I started out by working in a few different 5 star hotels with spas and a salons where I gained all my knowledges and experiences from each one to put together for my own business! It was hard work and long hours all the practice paid off. It was actually one of my clients I saw regularly in the salon I worked at that said I should set up on my own and gave me the confidence to go self-employed and I’ve not looked back since!
K18 Biomimetic Hair Science vs. Bond Builders
As professionals in the hairdressing industry, we're well aware of the constant innovation occurring in our field. Our clients love to dramatically alter their look with the ever-changing trends and we do everything we can to prioritise the health of their hair. Bond-building treatments have long been a staple in salons to address this need. However, allow us to present the latest advancement: biomimetic hair science and K18!
Understanding the Future of Haircare: From Bond Builders to Biomimetic Hair Science
For centuries, the haircare industry relied on cosmetic chemistry to conceal damage. Historical solutions like oils and conditioners were designed to sit on the surface of the hair, providing a temporary fix by improving its appearance and manageability. However, these solutions fell short of addressing hair's health at its core.
K18 & Your Salon Services - How to incorporate K18 Services for Ultimate Hair Restoration
Learn how to leverage K18 products in your salon services to reverse damage, fortify hair and enhance salon results all whilst boosting your salon profits. Discover our step-by-step instructions for every treatment, from lightening to styling in our handy salon go-to guide!
What is K18 and how does it work?
Following the natural structure of hair, the biologically active peptide is considered natural. Unlike traditional bonding agents, it is not rinsed away by water or shampoo, making K18 a genuine and enduring remedy for damaged hair. Healthy hair originates in the salon, and K18 believes its influence starts at the salon chair and radiates outward. While K18 is suitable for all hair types and services, the most significant improvements are seen in damaged hair.
From Money Worries to Family Drama: What's Stressing Your Skin & Hair the Most?
Have you ever noticed how closely linked your mind and body are? It's like they're always communicating, even when we're not tuned in.
And when stress creeps in, it's not just your mind that feels the burden – your skin and hair can take a hit too. Stress, whether it's a short-term or a long-term problem, can be detrimental to your body's health.
In fact, a recent survey by the UK’s largest independent supplier to hair and beauty professionals, Capital Hair and Beauty, revealed nearly half (42%) of the nation believe that stress has had a negative impact on their skin and hair health!
Last year, Brits faced their fair share of hair and skin woes.Topping the list was the recurring issue of dry skin, affecting a significant 29% of the population. Not too far behind was hair thinning/loss, troubling over a fifth (22%) of us, while acne and breakouts are also a cause for concern, affecting 19% of survey respondents. And let's not forget about skin inflammation (12%) and eczema (11%).
Something Old - Something New
Does the bob ever go out of style? Short answer: No. The reason for the evergreen appeal of the bob is because, depending on the length, it’s a look that can suit any face shape or hair texture. Right now, it can be anything from a short and swingy French girl bob, a luxurious long bob, or a razor-cut curly bob. For Tori Kiff, it’s about keeping things fresh with the addition of a fringe.
“I love updating a classic curly bob with a fringe, especially as so many of my curly clients seem to think it’s a style they shouldn’t have. I’ve managed to show so many clients that it’s all down to fear and that actually, a curly bob is so flattering and easy to style; I advise them to use their fingers to curl their fringes or to use a brush when styling,” shares Tori.
Of course, the most modern way to wear a bob is the Bixie, a hybrid of the bob and pixie; think classic bob updated with a fringe or micro bangs, or you could play with the Butterfly Bob. RUSH Creative Director Andy Heasman’s a fan.
Skin Cycling 101
If you ever spend time on social media, then you'll definitely have heard about skin cycling, or skin fasting. During the pandemic, this three-step regime rose to popularity as many of us had more time to spend on pursuing our 'perfect' skin. Read on to find out the what and why of skin cycling and how you can build it into your beauty therapy menu.