Raechel Cunningham – Aesthetician / spa owner – NY

The Beauty Agenda
Aesthetician and Spa Owner, Raechel Cunningham of New York Laser

Raechel Cunningham is a licensed aesthetician and the director at New York Laser & Aesthetics, located in the center of Manhattan. Raechel is a highly motivated aesthetician with extensive knowledge in the Skin Care industry. She is a graduate of Florida College of Natural Health, where she received an A.S. in Natural Health and obtained courses in both Aesthetics and Massage Therapy. Raechel has extensive experience in various Laser Treatments such as IPL, Laser Hair Removal, Laser Vascular Treatments, and Photo Facials. Raechel’s non-laser experience includes facial treatments, microdermabrasions, enzyme and acid peels, pre-/post-operative skin care, hair removal, camouflage make-up, anatomy and physiology, and nutrition of the skin.

“New York Laser & Aesthetics is a skin spa. We provide skin care solutions to our clients that serve to aid in the promotion and preservation of a healthy, beautiful skin appearance by using well-researched skin care products and treatments. Since not all skin care treatments work the same on people, we offer our clients an assortment of the most up-to-date skincare practices for the best possible results. “

—Raechel Cunningham—

Tell me about your spa.

We’re right off 5th Avenue, next to the Plaza. And when you walk into the spa, you’re greeted like you’re in a home/waiting room with a nice couch, flat screen TV, and music playing. We wanted to create a very comforting environment. We sell skin care products here with our organic skin care products called Imminent. I like to combine laser treatment with organic skincare.

What kind of laser treatments do you provide?

Laser hair removal (FDA approved machine); we also do photo facials for sun damage, hyper pigmentation due to hormones or the sun; we do skin tightening, and one of my fortes is laser vascular therapy.

What does laser skin tightening entail?

You come in and show us the areas that are bothering you. I come up with these things called vector points. The laser’s going to focus on tightening. The laser puts out an infrared heat source, which heats up collagen on the dermal layer. Collagen is lying on the surface under your skin in little coils. This treatment creates those coils to tighten up, and it almost kills them; but you’re not having any burns on the surface of your skin. You have nothing that looks like you had anything that was done. In 3-4 weeks when the dead collagen cells reach the surface, they come off; and your body senses that you have a wound, so it starts promoting new collagen at a very quick rate. After the second treatment, you really start to see results and a fifty percent improvement. So someone who’s not ready for plastic surgery, if you have a lot of fatty tissues under the skin like somebody’s neck or jaw line, skin tightening isn’t going to work as well as it would with somebody with hanging or crappy skin. When somebody also has spider veins, the laser also targets the spider veins, like legs, red vessels on their face, nose, cheeks….

Do you know what causes spider veins?

It’s basically a lot of pressure on the legs. And the veins that are responsible for moving the blood along have so much pressure that they start forming all these little veins that help search for new channels so they can handle the pressure more effectively. Sometimes we treat the veins, and they might come back in other areas. Somebody would probably need to see a doctor if that happened.

The treatments last for how long?

With the vein treatments, if they go away and your body doesn’t produce more veins, it can be permanent; or they may come back in the same area. It just depends on once we close those little channels, your veins still have those pressures, so it may form new ones. People get great results here. People we did a year ago still don’t have new veins. It can last for quite a few years. The same thing with all the hyper pigmentation, all the treatments I do here take a few treatments; but once they’re gone, the only way they’ll come back is if you’re doing things to cause them to return.

Laser hair removal, is it a better method than electrolysis?

It is a better method, but whether you’re doing electrolysis or whether you’re doing laser hair removal, there are three phases of hair growth. These are things as a consumer you wouldn’t know. It’s very easy to misunderstand or get talked into buying something. So what I’m trying to do is explain that there’s the one phase of hair growth. It’s called antegin and that’s when the actual hair is attached to the pila. That’s what develops the hair. So when you do electrology or laser or anything that delivers heat into the pore, it has to conduct to the follicle so that it damages it, [keeping it] from making any new hair. You’re only in this phase for a short period of time. You can be receiving the treatment, your hair may fall out, but you’re still going to have hair grow in. So that’s why with laser hair removal, we try to promote it in packages of six. That’ll give me enough time to get all the hairs that are in that “right” phase. With laser you can do a larger surface area in quicker amounts of time and you’re not risking inserting a needle and probing into a hair follicle, putting too much heat in that follicle and creating a dark spot—I see it happen a lot. I also went to school for electrology so I am very familiar with how that works, and I definitely think laser hair removal is a better way to go.

In your professional opinion, is the laser hair removal actually permanent?

It is permanent, but if I did it to you and you were in that phase of antegin, which is the growth phase, your hair’s going to fall out and not grow for a month; and then it’s going to start to grow. So it is permanent, but you have to have the right amount of treatments.

How long have you been doing this?

I’ve been doing this for over eleven years. 1996, I started doing manicures and pedicures. I was working in a spa where they gave facials, and I was interested, so I went to school to learn that. And I had been a licensed aesthetician for almost eight years. I am originally from Florida. I’ve been working for a dermatologist most of my career, so I have a lot of experience in corrective skin care. I moved to NY about a year and a half ago. I worked for a large laser company chain. I decided to quit and work for a plastic surgeon who was really adamant about being partners with me and opening up a spa. So I pretty much did, and here I am. I have a partner who owns the place, and I pretty much run it and have a small share of the business myself. I was very lucky. It’s not like a regular spa. I wanted to run it like a doctor’s office, so far as the treatments that I offer, but still very relaxing, like you’re at somebody’s home. I have two rooms: a laser room where I do all the treatments (looks like a doctor’s office), clean and sterile; the other room is where I do all my facials. It’s very personable here.

What are your prices?

Titan Skin Tightening, full face $1,100;Laser Spider Vein Treatment, 30 minutes $400; Laser Hair Removal, Brazilian, $340 per treatment;Cranberry Pomegranate Treatment, $250.

Of all the skin care treatments that claim to do what the laser treatments do, you chose the laser. Why is this the better way to do it?

I chose laser because of all the treatments that I do, the laser is more aggressive (hair removal). It’s kind of a tool of the future. There’s no other tool that lets you do hair removal in a timely manner. I feel like laser is going to be very popular in the future, more so than it is now. As long as you have an FDA approved machine, and you’re trained on it, I think it’s safe as long as the user is licensed and educated in the laser.

Have you ever had a client where there was nothing corrective you could do?

On my level, I have had clients on an aesthetic and cosmetic level where I couldn’t help them. I refer them to a plastic surgeon on staff. I have a dermatologist I refer to.

So in other words, you’re a skin care specialist, not a magician. Any tips you’d like to give to your average female on taking care of her skin?

I reference to laser. If anybody’s contemplating doing laser, they should really do their homework and make sure that where they go is licensed, the people are licensed, and that they have an FDA approved laser to prevent burns or things that could happen that they don’t want to happen. And maintaining at home with a good skin care line that’s good for their skin.

What about acne? Is there a laser that can help that?

There are certain treatments that are called LED lights. They come in different colors. The blue LED light helps to kill the bacteria that’s responsible for causing acne. It’s a temporary treatment. How I handle acne here would be a series of chemical peels and then a laser treatment called laser genesis. It helps kill the bacteria as well.

Can any age do this?

I usually start treating kids from 12-13. I do a mild chemical peel or laser treatment. Hair removal, I like to do it starting from age 16 and up. Do your homework, make sure whoever you go to is really licensed and knowledgeable. I’ve seen a lot of burns and bad things happen to people, and I don’t want that to be something people think about when they think of laser.

You said earlier that you see laser as the treatment of the future. Not that you’re a psychic, but in five years where do you think laser might be?

The technology will be much more advanced. Currently, the FDA regulates how deep the wave lengths go into the skin. I think in the future, maybe the lasers will be able to penetrate a little bit more. I also think that they will be regulated a lot more. Some states are not regulated, and anybody can do them. I think it will be something that will be taken more seriously, but I definitely think the effects of laser will keep improving.

To learn more about New York Laser, visit www.nylaskin.com for before and after shots. If you’re in the New York area, make an appointment with Raechel Cunningham, Director of Operations:

New York Laser & Aesthetics
21 W. 58th Street #1C/D
New York, NY 10019
212-753-SKIN
www.nylaskin.com

Interviewed by Kaylene Peoples

Xtreme Lashes™ – Made for the Low Maintenance Beauty Junkie

The Beauty Agenda

Xtreme Lashes™ – Made for the Low Maintenance Beauty Junkie

As I lay on the table in the stark white room, the skillful technician placed one eyelash at a time on my lids. I closed my eyes and imagined just how lovely I would be in the tropical islands that I would be visiting on my trip to the Caribbean. Some people thought that what I was doing was indulgent, but I saw it as self-preservation. After all, I wouldn’t have the time to apply false eyelashes after a long day’s excursion in Key West, Cozumel, or the Caymen Islands. I had to look glamorous. Why? Because I was on a cruise! I had to dress up for dinner and be elegant for at least half of my meals.

You might think that spending $250.00 for eyelash extensions is extravagant. But it reallypaid off big when I received compliment after compliment, and stare after stare. A couple of people even commented on how gorgeous my eyes were. I am not an unattractive female, but never before have I received so many comments directed at my eyes. What made the eyelash extensions so wonderful was the fact that I could go scuba diving, disco dancing, jet skiing, and sunbathing, and never once did I have to worry about my eyelashes. My makeup might have worn off a time or two, but my eyelashes lasted the entire trip. The only problem I encountered was the extreme humidity of the Caribbean. Instead of my lashes lasting two months, they only lasted three weeks. They started to fall off shortly after I returned home from my vacation.

Xtreme Lashes™ is the product that I used. This was an experiment to see if I could go without those cumbersome false eyelashes and enjoy the freedom of “naturally” long eyelashes.

Xtreme Lashes™ is a relatively new product that lengthens and thickens eyelashes. They are semi-permanent eyelash extensions that are individual synthetic lashes designed to replicate a natural eyelash, and are applied one eyelash extension at a time. They not only extend the length of your original eyelashes, but they also thicken at the same time.

To apply one set of eyelash extensions, the procedure takes anywhere from 90 to 150 minutes. When I got my eyelashes extended, I was comfortable—I had my iPod for entertainment, and it was over before I knew it. Touch-ups can be done in as little as 15-45 minutes.

Xtreme Lashes™ uses HP-3 high performance bonding agents. It has all the key featuresneeded in superior eyelash extension glue. It is odorless and bonds stronger, dries faster and lasts longer. The primary agent of HP-3 is the same substance used for closing wounds without stitches. And to remove these lashes, you use the Xtreme Lashes™ Specialty Formulated Bonding Agent Remover. This is a gentle remover that quickly and gently removes the bonding agent without harming your natural eyelashes. It is a medical grade that smells great and contains antibiotic agents.

If you are not into high maintenance, then eyelash extensions could be the answer. I highly recommend this product for brides. Imagine looking gorgeous with your semi-permanent lashes. And after you remove the elegant bridal makeup and gown after your special day, you still have those long luscious lashes. And when you board that plane, that ship, or that bus for your romantic honeymoon, you will be the envy of all women. No matter how extreme the temperature, your lashes will last. I don’t know about you, but I am one of those people whose eyes seem to disappear when they’re not wearing any eye makeup. Xtreme Lashes™ takes care of that problem completely.

I know this is starting to sound like an advertisement, and I am by no means being paid to endorse this product, but I can assure you, it is worth every dollar. Try it once, and you will be amazed. You just might get hooked as I did.

Xtreme Lashes™ has been featured in Redbook, Hairstyles, Hairdo Ideas, Spa Review, Inside Edition, Jane, Teen Vogue, OK Weekly; and has been worn by celebrities Diedre Hall, Bai Ling, Regina King, Cathy Hickland, Shannon Doherty, Miss Texas 2007, and Allison Janney.

To learn more about Xtreme Lashes, or to set an appointment for eyelash extensions, visit their website at www.xtremelashes.com.

Written by Kaylene Peoples

Enjoy a Spa Treatment from Your Own Kitchen!

The Beauty Agenda

Enjoy a Spa Treatment from Your Own Kitchen!

that time of year when winter weather leads to dry skin and dry hair. Don’t have time or money for the spa treatment? Not to fear. You can treat yourself to the spa treatment right in your own home. Your kitchen has just what you need!

Banana Facial

This one is good for wrinkles as well as providing a mild sloughing effect. It acts as a peel and a scrub. Mash an overripe banana and mix with a little salt. Smear on your face and neck. Let it dry. Take a washcloth and scrub it off. Makes an excellent exfoliater, and a mild peel that will polish the surface of your skin. The salt acts as a mild scrub. It’s not too harsh on the skin because the salt dissolves, as you wash off the masque.

Avocado Masque

Works as an excellent skin moisturizer! Just mash a ripe avocado and slather on your face and neck. Leave on for 20 minutes and then wash off with warm water.

Papaya Facial Peel

Don’t pay hundreds of dollars to your dermatologist for a chemical peel! Papaya works just as well at a fraction of the cost.

The papaya contains an enzyme that dissolves dead skin cells and facial oils.

First remove the seeds from the papaya. Then mash a little. About one tablespoon should do it! Smooth it on your skin for about 20 minutes and then rinse off. You will feel a mild tingling sensation. Follow up with a mild moisturizer.

Olive Oil Hair Treatment

This helps repair split ends, gets rid of dandruff, and makes your hair shiny, silky, and lustrous. Massage a few tablespoons of olive oil into scalp and hair. Cover hair with a plastic cap and leave on for 30 minutes or more. Then shampoo as usual.

Mayonnaise Hair Moisturizer

Makes an excellent Hair moisturizer and scalp cleanse.

Take about 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and slather on hair, wrap hair in plastic and cover with a towel for 1 hour. After one hour rinse off with warm water and wash hair with a good conditioning shampoo.

The following facial sauna will not only moisturize and hydrate the skin, but will also dissolve away stress.

Bowl of boiling water

Sage

Green tea bags

Dry towel

Put on some relaxing music. Add tea bags and dried sage to the bowl of boiling water. Make a tent with your towel and head over the mixture. Enjoy a few minutes of the best moisturizer and pore cleanser money didn’t buy!

Written by Lisa Trimarchi

Beautician or the Beast – When Friendly Stylists Become Dangerous Foes

The Beauty Agenda

Beautician or the Beast – When Friendly Stylists Become Dangerous Foes

A Jerry Seinfeld episode sums this article up perfectly. Seinfeld had a barber who never cut his hair to his satisfaction. One day, while in his barber’s chair, he saw a new barber who was much better—hisbarber’s nephew. Jerry was always too scared to complain about his hair. So one day, after yet another bad haircut, he snuck off to get his hair done by the new guy—he crossed enemy lines. What happened next? His main barber found out and went ballistic. Sometimes the fear to confront a less than adequate stylist is not always unfounded.

I have been going to my beautician for years and have learned to trust her. I sit in the swivel chair while she applies all sorts of chemicals to my hair. She has dyed my hair and advised me against over processing. Over the years, I have learned that my beautician knows best… or does she?

I was casually having coffee with a dear friend of mine, and noticed her hairstyle. I complimented her and she half-heartedly thanked me. I asked her what was wrong, and she proceeded to complain about her, our beautician. You see, we both go to the same salon and have been for over a decade.

Charlotte cut my hair too short. I was just getting used to the look and she chopped it off before I ever knew what hit me. I didn’t even ask her to cut it. She just started cutting and before I knew it, my hair was 2 inches shorter.

Last week another female friend of mine was complaining about exactly the same thing. Even I had moments when I left the salon disappointed that my own hairdo had been compromised by those unwelcome scissors. If so many clients are unhappy with their stylists, then why doesn’t anybody do something about it, I wondered. I remember leaving an old beautician for the exact same reason. I didn’t want to go through another one without speaking up first.

I made a decision that the next time I sat in Charlotte’s chair, I would speak my mind, diplomatically of course. Charlotte did her normal routine with my hair, and after I emerged from under the dryer, my moment had come. I was sitting in the chair and Charlotte reached for the scissors. My heart was pounding. It was now or never.

Charlotte, do you think we really need to trim this time?

Charlotte looked at me and agreed not to cut this time. I felt power. I overcame! O. K., now I had the confidence to go all the way.

Charlotte, would you mind not cutting my hair for a while unless I ask you to? It’s just that I am trying to grow my hair long and you keep cutting off the new growth.

Charlotte got defensive and told me in no uncertain terms that I needed to trim my hair and that she wasn’t trying to sabotage my look. My hair just needed to be cut. I pleaded with her, re-emphasizing that it was my hair and if I didn’t want a trim, it should be my choice; but according to her, I had no say in the matter—she was the gatekeeper for my coif! She raised her voice, and I was humiliated by the stares of the other customers in the salon. Was I overreacting? Should I just let her cut at her whim? Do I have the right to ask her not to trim? After all, she took care of my hair for so many years. Was I out of line? Of course not! It is my hair, not hers. I was paying her for a service. By the time I escaped the salon, I had practically kissed Charlotte’s butt, stroked her ego, before she calmed down and finally agreed to wait until I asked her for a trim. I left her chair that day nervous and totally shocked that she reacted with such vehemence.

So what are women supposed to do when they are unhappy with their beauticians? There are really only three options:

1. Look for a new salon.

2. Express your grievances and hope for the best.

3. Learn to do your own hair.

Look for a New Salon

The easiest way to find a hair salon suited to your needs is to ask people with hair styles similar to what you want for a referral to their hair salon. These may be people you know or complete strangers that you see while you are out shopping. Do not be shy. If you see a cute style that you have been unsuccessfully trying to achieve, ask the person which hair salon they go to. You may never get a chance to do so again.

—Michael Barrow, Stylist—

I was at the Los Angeles courthouse one day and the clerk who helped me had the longest, healthiest hair I’d ever seen. I complimented her, and she told me she goes to the Long Hair Specialists in Pasadena. I called The Long Hair Specialists and they seemed like the perfect salon for me. They specialized in haircuts that compliment your hair while it’s growing out of a cut. Therefore, they are not a scissor-happy salon and rarely cut your hair at all. They focus on hair care and maintenance.

Express your grievances and hope for the best.

You should never leave the chair disappointed, but when it happens, here are a few tips to help you. Tell your stylist that the haircut or color isn’t what you had envisioned. If it’s a bad dye job, it can usually be fixed. It may not end up being what you wanted ultimately, but it most likely will at least be tolerable after she fixes it. If your haircut isn’t what you asked for, try to find a picture next time to show your stylist what you had in mind. After all, they are not mind readers. Many times, we envision one thing but don’t properly intimate that to our beautician. Many times we are too vague and leave too much to their imaginations. Just complaining about a bad hairdo isn’t enough. Keep in mind that cosmetology is an art, and you are dealing with an artist’s temperament. To express dislike is the equivalent of rejecting a painter’s painting.

Do it Yourself

Many people dye their own hair. There are so many consumer products like Loreal and Clairol. And I know a lot of women who have successfully dyed their own hair. If you’re trying to relax a curl, there are several do-it-yourself relaxers on the market like Dark and Lovely and Naturalizer Kit in a Jar. Some relaxers are even premixed and require very little effort. The same goes for perming (adding curl) like Wella Perm and J. Redding. As a precaution, always do the pretest to make sure there isn’t a skin reaction to the products.

Written by Kaylene Peoples