Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1498691
62 indie stylist Volume 4 Issue 1 the responsibility this region holds, and be aware of how massaging this region alone can have a ripple effect throughout the entire body and mind. Be present with the work you are performing without distraction and watch the tension melt away. HOW IT'S DONE Following is a step-by-step protocol that can be performed in 2–3 minutes. Of course, if there is more time available, feel free to extend it! I'm pretty sure your guest won't mind at all. This is meant to be performed in the final few minutes at the shampoo bowl as a finishing touch. Of course, if you are applying a conditioning treatment that is left on for several minutes, it can also be added at that time so your guest can spend additional time relaxing while the product absorbs. Add an eye pillow if you want to encourage an even deeper state of restfulness and bliss. Step 1 Using your finger pads, apply large, slow circles to the temporalis area (sides of the head) simultaneously (both sides at once). Begin by outlining a large circle and then slowly filling in the large circle with smaller circles as if you are drawing a spiral. Step 2 Once you start using smaller circles, move your finger pads to the region just in front of the upper ear. Slowly keep the circles going while tracing an arch from front of ear, over the top portion of the ear, to behind the ear. End just behind the earlobe. Continue these small circles toward the back of the head and base of the skull. Step 3 Step to one side of the guest's head. Use the hand closest to the guest's shoulder to cradle the side of the head (this is meant as a stabilizer) while using the free hand (the one furthest away from the guest) to make large circles to massage the entire opposite side of the head from the base of the skull to the temple. Be sure to include the top and side of the head, covering as much surface area as possible. Transition back to the top and center of the guest's head and make large, simultaneous circles with both hands on each side of the head. Then move to the opposite side and repeat this step. Step 4 Return to the top and center of the guest's head. Reach under the base of their head with one hand and cradle it. From there, slowly and gently lift the guest's head while reaching your other hand under their neck. Using your thumb on one side of their cervical (neck) spine and your fingers on the other in a slight pinching grip, apply small circles from the base of the skull down to the bottom of the neck near where it meets the shoulders. Avoid gliding up and down in long lines from top to bottom because too often you might grab and pull the hair or drag the skin uncomfortably. After 2–3 passes, gently return the guest's head to where it started. Step 5 Place all your fingers across the forehead and apply small circles starting from the center of the forehead and working out to the temples. You can repeat this 2–3 times or do it once. After reaching the temples, begin to draw your work back to the sides of the head, creating larger circles once again, just as you began. Step 6 End by holding the guest's head in both hands in stillness for 10 seconds. WHAT TO AVOID While this protocol sounds simple (and it is), there are a few fumbles to avoid during the massage application. I'll say it again—even 2–3 minutes of intentional, caring touch affects the response of these overused/ improperly used muscles. And, let's face it, massage feels oh-so good! The Three Ps For massage to feel the most luxurious for your guest, use pressure, pace, and purpose (the "Three Ps") as a guide. • Pressure: When applying massage to the scalp, it is best to use just enough pressure to engage the layer of the skin and the connective tissue that lies beneath it without diving too far into the deeper tissues. You will naturally contact the muscles that were previously discussed by sinking your fingers into the skin and moving with small circles over the top of these underlying muscles. With practice, you'll be able to distinguish the skin layer and fascia from the muscles as you glide over them. Keep in mind that the scalp can be sensitive, and too much pressure can trigger a headache or other not-so-positive response (like a lack of enjoyment). Of course, people are different, so feel free to ask your guest, "Would you like me to use a deeper or lighter pressure as I massage your scalp?" so you can get to the right "oh-so good" depth. • Pace: Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to scalp massage. In fact, there is no race at all! A fast pace will induce a stimulating response. On the contrary, a slow pace will induce a relaxing, calming, and meditative response. The aim here is bliss, a retreat from everyday life. So, take it slow and massage in your products with a nurturing pace. • Purpose: Every task you perform should have a purpose. When there is purpose behind your actions, the possibility of positive and intended outcomes increases exponentially. Your guest will feel the difference between a mindlessly performed task and one performed with intent. So, as you massage the scalp, hold a vision of what is beneath your hands, remember all