A close shave…
IMAGE CAPTION © Amy Johnstone Photography
Award winning skin expert and celebrity facialist Nicola Russell is a self-confessed geek whose perfectionism and obsession with all things skin-related has led her around the world!
When Nicola trained in Dermaplaning over three years ago in America to bring it over to the UK, she had no idea it would lead her to a wealth of celebrity clients from pop stars, soap stars to virtually the entire cast of TV’s TOWIE.
With the rise of High Definition appearances on TV, celebrities are looking for skin treatments that give a flawless look to their skin… and this is where Dermaplaning comes in very handy!
She’s Dermaplaned a whopping 5,000+ faces in just three years; that’s a lot of fuzz-free faces, ready for their close-ups, from TV stars to brides.
Nicola has travelled from her Central Scotland base, being jetted around from Dubai to Gibraltar to train and teach other professionals her HD-ready Dermaplaning techniques.
We catch up with Nicola to find out more about her system and techniques.
What exactly is Dermaplaning?
It’s basically an amazing exfoliation! Using a specially designed scalpel, it is gently removing the top dead layer of skin and peach fuzz. It can be carried out every 3 to 4 weeks, and clients love it.
What are the benefits to the skin?
First of all, exfoliation is considered one of the most crucial steps in your professional facial treatments. It rejuvenates the skin, leaves it brighter, smoother and gives an instant radiant complexion.
Because we are also removing the peach fuzz, it makes applying makeup a dream! Your makeup sits flawlessly and this is one of the benefits clients love most about it.
My favourite benefit is the absorption of skin care products. Your lotions and potions absorb so much more effectively – meaning they work harder in your skin and you get better results from them.
Dermaplaning is also an amazing prep for other treatments that you do, it’s a great add-on to facials that you offer already.
You offer a technique called Oilaplane, can you tell us more about this?
Yes! It’s an amazing balm adapted for Dermaplaning. Using the balm will hydrate, protect, reduce inflammation and soften the skin and vellus hair, and allow the blade to glide smoothly over the face, and for certain clients resulting in much less irritation.
As a Dermaplaning professional you have the choice of how you can do the treatment – dry or with the balm, and your clients will have a much better experience with you because of this.
I brought this balm out a couple of years ago and my students love it, it’s a massive seller in my Dermaplaning supplies store.
Are you planning on bringing more products out?
I already have! I have two peels specifically designed for use after Dermaplaning. A barrier repair serum, a barrier repair mask, a pre-cleanser, and a skin prep.
What can professionals expect from your Dermaplaning course?
They can expect a wealth of knowledge and experience in Dermaplaning.
I am very particular in who trains for me, and it’s the reason I have only one other trainer who helps me train across the UK, Nicola Ley from London. She was one of the first people I trained and she carries out Dermaplaning day in day out in her skin clinic in Kent, like myself. I feel this is so important… to learn from someone that actively carries out the skill every day.
The course is full of theory and practical demonstrations as well as close observation of you carrying out the treatment.
You also receive a fantastic kit to get you started; Dermaplaning blades and handle, the Skin Geek Dermaplaning cleanser, Skin Prep, Oilaplane Balm, marketing material, the Renew+Repair peel, facial consumables and ongoing help in our support group. The course is £495+vat.
What’s next for the Skin Geek Training Academy?
More training – lots more! We also have conversion courses which are becoming more and more popular. These are £350+vat.
How can professionals get in touch?
They can email us at training@skingeek.co.uk, visit skingeek.co.uk, or call us on 01324 306018 and we will happily send over the information on upcoming courses, locations, supplies and prerequisites.
