I have been going to my hair salon for a couple of years now but my last 3 appointments they have been offering an add on service of a scalp and hair conditioning treatment that I have not done yet.  Do you think these types of services are worth the extra charge?

Jaci,  Fort Myers

Dear Jaci,

A scalp and hair conditioning treatment is worth every penny and needed by all!!  It is a wonderful conditioning treatment that makes hair healthy and shiny while the scalp massage improves head circulation and releases tension from the head, neck and shoulders.  Not only will you leave with beautiful hair but also refreshed and energized!

I have been going to the same massage therapist for three years.  I think she is absolutely wonderful and look forward to my appointments with her.  Recently my husband has been laid off and we are living off of just my income. I really need my massages but I was having trouble affording them so I looked elsewhere for a better deal.  I have been to a couple of new places over the past 2 months and although the therapists were very nice I really did not benefit from the treatment.  I really want to go back to my old therapist but feel awkward about calling the spa and discussing my situation.  What should I do?

Lynn

Dear Lynn,

I am sorry to hear about your husbands job!  You know you were taught that honesty is the best policy in all situations and that includes this one.  Your therapist is probably wondering why you have not come in and does not know how to approach you!  My husband has been a massage therapist for 17 years and we would love it if all of our clients were upfront and honest with us about their situations.  If you talk to your therapist I am sure the two of you will be able to figure out a solution that is a win win for both.  Therapists cherish long time clients like you and by the two of you working together you will be happy for many years to come!!  Enjoy your Massage!

I love scents and I use an aromatherapy diffuser in my home to dispense the scent of essential oils but also for aromatherapy benefits!!  I really want to use cinnamon for a scent in my home and I was wondering if cinnamon came in essential oil form and if so what are the aromatherapy benefits of it??

Wendy, Fort Myers Beach

Dear Wendy,

Cinnamon is a wonderful holiday scent and it is a very popular essential oil!  It has so many great benefits and here are just a few!  Research shows that by taking as little as 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon every day may reduce blood sugar and cholesterol it also can help stop the growth of bacteria and fungi.  Just smelling cinnamon has been found to enhance cognitive processing and also has a stimulating and warming effect.  This is what makes it such a popular holiday scent because when people smell the wonderful scent of cinnamon it warms the senses!!  Happy Holidays!

I am going to a special holiday gathering in just a couple of weeks and I have been thinking about just getting a couple of of highlights around my face.  That is the only place I want them.  If I go to a salon and request that will they do what I request or try and pressure me into more than I want?

Michelle, Fort Myers

Dear Michelle,

Remember, the client is always right.  If it is something that would be harmful to your hair or if the stylist has an idea that they want to share with you they might do that because that is their job, but in the end it is always your decision as to what you will have done to your hair.  Always stick to your guns when you have a definite idea in mind to guarantee you leave looking exactly the way you wanted!

I am down here for the season and need a good massage.  The other night I was doing dishes when all of a sudden I got the worst pain I have ever had in my lower back.  When I woke up the next morning it had not gotten any better and that was after a night of Advil, hot packs, and ice.  When I went to the doctor out of desperation that day in fear of something horrible like a kidney stone or something they told me what I needed was a good massage.  Does your spa do that type of therapeutic treatment?

Sherry, Cape Coral

Dear Sherry,

Absolutely!  Especially with your doctors OK there are so many different therapeutic massage modalities that would help you to feel better fast.  Many times when you are in need of this type of therapy more than one massage may be suggested depending on your progress from the first treatment.

I saw a commercial on TV about an at home hair color that will do high lites, low lites and add shine all in one application.  It was tempting because of the savings of doing it at home.  What are your feelings on at home hair color?

Lori, Fort Myers Beach

Dear Lori,

Not knowing exactly the product you are referring to I cant give you a specific opinion BUT my general opinion is to leave it to the professionals.  We do soooooo much corrective hair color in our salon that when you do have to get it corrected it costs so much more than if you would have had it professionally done in the first place.

I have been thinking about getting a massage because I really need to relax.  I know there are many different types of massages and I want to choose the right one.  I do not like anything that is going to hurt so what type of massage would be best for me?

Claire, Fort Myers

Dear Claire,

You are definitely on the right track to relaxation!!  Massage is the best spa service to help somebody to relax.  I would recommend either a Swedish massage which is a light relaxing massage or a hot stone massage which is also relaxing but with the added benefit of heated stones that will make your muscles melt!  Either one of these would be extremely relaxing and definitely guaranteed not to hurt!

I just got back to Fort Myers Beach for the winter season.  This will be my first winter here longer than the six weeks my husband and I normally stay.  I love my hair color and my hair stylist from up north did give me my color formula.  Would it be offensive to give this to my new hair stylist here?  I was also wondering if you use OPI nail polish for your manicures and pedicures?

Linda, Fort Myers Beach

Dear Linda,

Welcome back to Fort Myers Beach!  To answer your question,  NO it is NOT offensive to bring your new hair stylist your current color formula.  At the Esterra Spa and Salon we welcome your stylists color formula, that way we can guarantee you will be pleased with your color and it stays consistent with the color you are used to.  As for OPI nail polish YES we use that for all of our nail services

I was recently given an essential oil electric diffuser as a birthday gift.  I am excited to use it but am not very familiar with essential oils and their benefits.  Can you give me some suggestions on a couple oils and their uses.

Sandra, Fort Myers Beach

Dear Sandra,

What a nice gift!  I love using essential oils in my home with diffusers.  Some simple scents to start with are lavender for relaxing and it also aids in a good night sleep, peppermint for headaches and nausea, grapefruit for energy and eucalyptus for sinus relief.  A book on aromatherapy might be a good reference to answer any additional questions you have about the many uses for essential oils.  Enjoy!!

I have a very hairy back and I recently saw the ad for a product that you can use to rub off your body hair.  Have you heard of this gadget and have you had any feedback?

Harry, Fort Myers Beach

Dear Harry,

I am familiar with this hair removal tool and I do know somebody that used it. He said it absolutely took his back hair off and the best part is it did not even hurt.  This was important for him because he has had his back waxed and did not want to go through that discomfort again.  The only down side is that it grew back within a few days where the waxing actually lasted longer.