faq’S - SKINCARE AND BEAUTY

General

Am I guaranteed results?

In extremely rare circumstances some skin treatments yield little to no result or longevity, this can be down to a multitude of reasons, if you need further information on this please ask your therapist before signing and undergoing treatment.

What should I do if I am unwell?

In the event of you feeling ill on the day of treatment we strongly advise against treatments that involve breaking the skin and you may be turned away depending on the symptoms you are experiencing

Why do I need a patch test?

A patch test is required to ensure, you do not experience any adverse reactions to the products we use or the services we offer. Unfortunately, without a patch test, some services can not be performed, this decision is made to protect you, the client.

How often will I need a patch test:

·         All new clients must have a patch test for all services requiring this.

·         If there has been a change in your medical history, or if you have been pregnant and have gone through the menopause.

·         There's been a change in the product we are using.

·         It's been more than 6 months since your last treatment.

·         COVID – 19 Vaccine wait 2 weeks for any symptoms to show/clear before having any test patch and patch test.

1 Vaccine = 1 Patch Test. (Classed as change in medical history)

·         Positive COVID-19 Test – Wait 2 weeks after first positive test for any patch testing (Classed as change in medical history)

Patch tests are not 100% accurate and may not show a reaction on patch test area but during treatment.

I’ve had a patch test but have experienced a reaction, what should I do?

On rare occasions, reactions to products may occur, even if a successful patch test has been carried out. Please contact us directly in the event of this and we will recommend what protocol to follow.

Tinting, Lash/Brow Treatments

What is a Lash Lift?

A lash lift is a semi-permanent treatment that lifts the lashes in much the same way a hair perm does. Using safe silicone lifting guards, your Novum therapist will lift your natural lashes, no extensions necessary.

How long will a Lash Lift last?

 A lash lift may last up to eight weeks. However, this will vary based on your eyelashes. Your therapist will work with you to determine a maintenance schedule that works for you.

Can I wear mascara after a Lash Lift?

Absolutely. You can continue to wear your favourite eye makeup and lash products after the required 24-hour waiting period after your lash lift.

Will a Lash Lift damage my eyelashes?

A professional lash lift is safe and painless. We do not recommend DIY lifting or perming. 

What is Threading? 

Threading is a traditional method of hair removal where cotton threads are used to carefully remove hair from the body. Eyebrow threading is a popular method of custom eyebrow grooming. Completed by a skilled stylist, threading is a safe, effective, and very precise method of hair removal. 

Does Threading hurt? 

Most clients report that eyebrow threading is less painful than plucking or waxing.  

How often should I be Threaded? 

This recommendation will depend on your personal rate of hair growth, but we recommend having your eyebrows threaded every four weeks. 

What is Tinting? 

Eyelash and eyebrow tinting is the process of dyeing the lashes and eyebrow hairs. We use a 100%-safe dye that is specifically formulated for use on sensitive areas of the face. Your therapist will work with you to choose the dye colour perfect for you.

How long does Tint last?

On average, eyelash and eyebrow tinting will last upto four weeks.

Your results may vary based on your lifestyle, so your stylist will work with you to build a maintenance schedule to suit your needs.  

What are the benefits of Tinting? 

Without extensions, eyelash tinting is the easiest way to draw attention to your eyes, providing affordable and long-lasting results.

Eyelash tinting gives a bold but natural appearance to your lashes without mascara or extensions.

If you're looking for fuller, bolder, more youthful-looking eyebrows, eyebrow tinting is the best way to achieve your goals.

Novum provides a tinting service that requires very little maintenance. 

Waxing

Which wax do you use?  

We use Perron Rigot. Perron Rigot is a French manufactory of depilatory waxes used by elite waxers all over the world.

Rigot is constantly developing new formulas that meet the evolving needs of therapists and their clients.

What makes Perron different is the use of elastomers within their wax, something that is patented especially to them. This means that it keeps the wax ultra flexible. It will not stick to the skin, instead ‘shrink wrapping’ around each hair, ensuring that it is fully removed. This means a more comfortable and long-lasting wax. Also, we are able to remove much shorter hairs than previously, as short as 2mm-4mm. 

How long do my hairs have to be? 

You will need to allow your hairs to grow for around 3 to 4 weeks in order to get the best waxing results possible.

We may be able to remove the hairs after 2 weeks, but you will notice regrowth very quickly as only around 60% of hairs will be on the surface of the skin. Allowing your hairs to grow means we are able catch more hairs within the wax, giving you a smooth feeling that will last much longer. 

How long will the results last? 

Everyone is different, but as a general rule most people see minimal re-growth over the first 3 weeks, therefore, most clients get waxed every 4 to 6 weeks. It’s also worth remembering that regular waxing will slow the rate of hair growth.  

How do I prepare for my first bikini wax?

It is advised to shower before you come for an intimate wax as you will not be able to shower for 24-48 afterwards.

Most importantly do not shave before waxing, in order for your first wax to be a success your hair needs to be about half a centimetre long – about the length of a grain of rice, any hairs shorter than this will not be removed. Once shaved leave at least three weeks growth before booking an appointment.

If your hair is longer than the half a centimetre, please trim the area to the length required.

To prepare your skin you should exfoliate 3 times a week (an exfoliating glove works fine) in light circular motions and keep the area moisturised daily.

If you are having bikini line wax, you can wear your own underwear or disposable knickers.

For intimate waxing – Hollywood/Brazilian it is preferred by some to wear no underwear to get the best result. At Novum Clinic we offer a very professional and private waxing service. 

Can I get waxed during my period? 

Yes, as long as you are aware you could be more sensitive. Please use a clean tampon. 

How often should I get waxed? 

To keep that smooth and clean feeling it is recommend that you come in every 4-6 weeks. 

I have sensitive skin, will this be an issue? 

At Novum, we offer a hypo allergenic wax which is fragrance and rosin free so suitable for clients with sensitive skin or who have had previous reactions to wax. Although the wax used for intimate waxing is not hypo allergenic it is also fragrance free and heats at a lower temperature than other waxes so is much gentler on the skin.

If you are concerned or have any further questions, please contact Novum  who will carry out a patch test on the area you would like waxing for your peace of mind. 

What is the difference between hot wax and warm wax?

Warm wax is used at a lower temperature and is slightly stickier when applied, warm wax is generally used when waxing larger less delicate areas. Warm wax is removed with a waxing strip.

Hot wax, whilst used at a higher temperature, is applied in a thicker consistency, left to dry and removed by hand. Hot wax is recommended for use on more delicate areas or shorter hairs.

Your therapist will always discuss and recommend the wax best suited to your skin type and treatment area.

Can I wax if I'm pregnant? 

Waxing while you are pregnant may mean you are a little more sensitive, but you can still be waxed. 

Microneedling 

Are there any risks involved in Microneedling?

Needle stick injuries can occur, and we have protocol to handle this.  

What does Microneedling do?

Microneedling is a cosmeceutical procedure (a procedure that achieves cosmetic results using medical-grade devices, at Novum. We use Rejuvapen).

When Microneedling, tiny needles from the Microneedling pen are used to make microscopic punctures in the skin.  . 

What skin conditions can Microneedling help improve?

Microneedling is helpful for the treatment of fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, stretch marks and dryness/dullness, making it an ideal anti-ageing wonder treatment.

Who is Microneedling recommended for?

Microneedling is wonderful for anyone who wishes to restore vitality to their complexion, anyone who wishes to look younger and anyone who wishes to heal skin imperfections and fight the visible signs of ageing.

CACI

Are there different types of CACI?

Yes, Caci offers many different technologies, five in fact.

They offer:

The Classic – boasting the original innovative technology now referred to as the ‘non-surgical face lift.

The Quantum – adds body toning to The Classic’s offering.

The Ultra – its handset buzzes at 27,000 vibrations per second to exfoliate and deep cleanse,

The Ultimate – combines all the above, as well as crystal-free microdermabrasion.

The Synergy – The Synergy offer all of the above as well as the latest microcurrent LED technology, for more visible, long-lasting results.

​At Novum, we want our clients to achieve maximum results, so we offer the CACI Synergy in our clinics.

What does CACI mean?

CACI stands for Computer Aided Cosmetology Instrument. It’s a microcurrent machine that transmits tiny electrical signals through the skin – it works to boost skin texture, tone and shape.

How does CACI work?

The CACI Synergy system uses LED light therapy (warm coloured light) to penetrate the skin. This, combined with microcurrent facial toning, regenerates skin tissue, and helps to repair collagen. It's stellar combo of lymphatic drainage, peeling, cleansing and toning gets to work on deep lines too. Yep, it’s heroic.

Peels

What is a chemical peel?

A chemical peel is a non-surgical aesthetic procedure in which an acidic solution is applied to the skin, breaking the bonds between old skin cells and effectively sloughing off the outermost layer of old, dead skin.

This removal of dead skin cells reveals new, fresh skin, encourages new skin cell development and boosts collagen production.

Peels improve a number of conditions including, but not limited to: wrinkles, acne scarring, scarring, uneven pigment, and sunspots. There are a variety of solutions intended to address specific conditions and degrees of damage. Depending on the extent of correction needed, the depth and intensity of the chemical peel can be adjusted, addressing mild to severe cases. Not all peels are the same so each peel carried out is prescribed and bespoke to each individual. 

You’re going to put acid on my face?

Chemical peels are composed of an acidic solution, but the acids used in skin treatments are not the same as the acids used in industrial practices. The acids used in skin treatments are what are known as alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). AHAs are water-soluble acids derived from sugary fruits, and BHAs are oil-soluble acids made from the bark of willow and sweet birch trees.

The type of acid used in your chemical peel will depend on the specific condition you are wishing to treat. While both AHAs and BHAs have exfoliating properties, each one is more efficient at tackling different skin maladies than the other.

What conditions do chemical peels treat?

As previously mentioned, chemical peels are effective in treating a whole host of skin concerns from active acne, to acne scarring, uneven pigment to sun damage and fine lines to severe wrinkles. They are also good for rejuvenating rough and aged skin.

Do chemical peels hurt? 

You may feel some slight tingling whilst the peel does it’s work but most patients do not report severe discomfort. Your therapist will be with you, assessing your comfort consistently throughout the treatment and will remove the peel when they feel it has reached the comfort level suitable for your skin.

How long does the procedure take and when can I expect to see results?

A chemical peel does not have a set time, as mentioned above, the peel timing will be based on you and your skin.

Depending on your treatment, new skin will begin to develop anywhere from one to two weeks post treatment.

What can I expect during recovery?

The recovery time post peel will vary depending on the treatment and the individual.

Some clients experience redness for a longer period than others, however, most patients can usually wear makeup the next day to cover any redness.

Your therapist will recommend using a post peel aftercare regime to aid your skins recovery and to maximise results.

In all cases, your skin will be more sun-sensitive post treatment and it is extremely important to wear sunscreen and sun protection.

It is also recommended that you use emollients and fragrance-free products, and that you avoid retinol, acids and downtime exercise. 

Nails 

What is the difference between Gel Polish brands and Bio Sculpture Gel?

Gel polish is a combination of gel and traditional polish.

Gel polish is brushed on similarly to nail varnish, then cured under UV lights, leaving it sturdy and less likely to chip, letting you enjoy beautiful nails for upto two to three weeks without chipping, making it a great choice for anyone not looking for a weekly touch-up. 

It’s not quite as hard as gel but it does require a soak off to remove.

It is always advised, to get your gel polish removed in salon to avoid damage and breakage to your nails.

Bio Sculpture Gel is a type of nail treatment that uses a pure gel formula to create durable, chip-resistant, and glossy nails.

It is always advised, to get your gel polish removed in salon to avoid damage and breakage to your nails.

Should I remove my nails myself?

It is not recommended to try DIY removal as this can cause damage to the natural nails. At Novum we offer and recommend a professional removal service. 

How do I know which nail service to choose?

If you are unsure what treatment is suitable for your nails, your Novum therapist would be more than happy to assess your nails and requirements to ensure you get the right service for your needs.

Caflon Ear Piercing

Are Caflon earrings safe? 

Yes. All Caflon ear piercing studs are nickel-free, hypoallergenic, packaged and sterilised to meet European regulations. 

Does ear piercing hurt?  

The Caflon ear piercing system is designed to pierce ears virtually pain-free. 

What are Caflon earrings sterilised with?

All studs are supplied in validated pre-sterilised blister packs using 'Ethylene Oxide' gas and gas permeating paper. 

What age do I have to be, to get my ears pierced?

At Novum, we offer ear piercing for anyone aged eight years or over (Parental consent and attendance is required)