The Work Behind the Win: Road to NAHA Series Brings Artist Inside the Creative Process
A live education series explores the ideas, collaboration, creative decisions and processes behind the winning work.
by Anne Moratto
Lab: The Science of Scent
If essential oils are essential to your treatments, you're right on the nose in terms of helping clients look—and feel—better about themselves. Science tells us there are real benefits to be had through scent manipulation, and experts say adding essential oils to some body and face treatments provide
by Staff
September 28, 20122 min to read
If essential oils are essential to your treatments, you're right on the nose in terms of helping clients look—and feel—better about themselves. Science tells us there are real benefits to be had through scent manipulation, and experts say adding essential oils to some body and face treatments provide extra bang for your client's buck. That's because some of the most popular oils not only smell good, but can make the skin look and feel great.
essential sense
"Aromatherapy can help to set the mood in the spa whether it be energizing or relaxing," says Julie Andrews, director of marketing and PR for Kerstin Florian. When inhaled, oils such as lemon, grapefruit, eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree will stimulate the mood of a client, while bergamot, chamomile, lavender, neroli, rose, sandalwood and ylang-ylang will bring about restfulness. Some oils go a step further and can help relieve acne, sore muscles or aging skin. Their therapeutic components make them a perfectly natural source of quality skin care.
essential roots
Though aromatherapy was introduced into the treatment room only recently, plant essences have been used for thousands of years to treat sickness, maintain health and even for cosmetic purposes in the ancient civilizations of Egypt, China and India. Derived from flowers, roots, leaves, fruit and bark, these oily substances have the power to produce both psychological and physiological effects.
"Once absorbed by the skin, essential oils can be carried through the body's transport systems to various organs, glands, nerves and soft tissue where they help to stimulate the body's natural defense mechanism," explains Andrews.
Try adding them to your massage oil, body wraps, hydrotherapy treatments, facials and hand and foot services. Some manufacturers that feature essential oils include Kerstin Florian's Spa Face and Spa Body lines, Skin Blends' Aroma Blends, Glospa's bath and body products, and Lycon Precision Waxing, which integrates soothing oils in its waxes and pre- and post-care products.
essential safety
Though essential oils are derived from nature, precautions should always be taken when using them on your clients. If the oil is too highly concentrated, clients may experience skin irritation or asthma-like symptoms; likewise, an overpowering aroma can cause a headache. Always ask clients about potential allergens during your consultation, and consider doing a patch test beforehand. To really maximize aromatherapy's benefits, check with your manufacturer for training. When you can harness its power, you'll always come up smelling like a rose.
More In The Know
Reddit Releases Its First Beauty-Specific Report: Conversations Around Beauty, Hair, Nail, and Skincare
According to the report, people are moving away from copy-paste trends and toward community, using real experiences to develop a sense of taste and beauty that reflects who they are.
by Anne Moratto
Entries Are Open for Wella Professionals’ Trend Vision Awards 2026
Hairstylists and barbers can showcase their creative and technical vision in two global categories with cash prizes and a chance to represent in Portugal.
by Anne Moratto
Black Beauty Roster Hosts Beauty Expo Presented by SalonCentric in NYC
The BBR Beauty Show featured a prominent speaker lineup including Lacy Redway, Karrueche Tran, Danessa Myricks, Chelley B., Sabrina Elba, Jessica Harris-Dupart, and more.
by Staff
Pro Beauty Pulse: A Monthly View of Industry Confidence
The Professional Beauty Association and Pivot Point team up to develop an ongoing study that measures the confidence of salon owners, stylists, school owners, and students.
by Stacey Soble
ASCP, ISPA and PBA Receive 2026 Power of Associations Award for Esthetics Licensure Compact
This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.
by Stacey Soble
In Dubai, Clients Visit the Salon Every Week. Here’s What That Market Can Teach You
In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.
Sponsored by BeautyWorld Dubai
Wear Your Wellness: Wearable Patches for Energy, Sleep, Stress, and Recovery
The Good Patch is a leading wearable wellness patch brand, offering wellness and skincare patches that support everyday needs including energy, sleep, relaxation and more.
by Anne Moratto
The Beauty Pro Book Club: 4 Reads to Inspire Growth and Success
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
by Anne Moratto
Improving Texture Skills for All: Ulta Beauty and BBR Announce Pilot Launch of All Textures Certification (ATC) and Training
Ulta Beauty has announced its partnership with Black Beauty Roster to launch the pilot of All Textures Certification (ATC). The new program is aimed at addressing gaps in education within the beauty industry and raising the level of skills and guest satisfaction for all.
by Staff
Mireya Villarreal Announces From Chair to Boss Live, a New Business Education Event for Beauty Professionals
Mireya Villarreal, founder of From Chair to Boss™, is bringing together beauty industry leaders for a new one-day educational event designed to help salon professionals strengthen the business side of their careers. From Chair to Boss Live! will take place September 28 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in Oak Brook, Illinois.
by Anne Moratto
Universe Walker to Host The Art of Dry Cutting Workshop in Brooklyn on July 20
Salon owner, tech founder, and educator Universe Walker will bring her signature workshop, The Art of Dry Cutting, to Brooklyn on July 20, offering stylists a chance to deepen their understanding of shape, movement, texture, and dry cutting.
by Staff
Staying Informed: Why the Financial Conversation in Beauty Is Changing
As part of our ongoing commitment to sharing resources that help beauty professionals stay informed, we thought it was worth introducing our audience to The Chatter and the unique perspective it brings to industry conversations.
by Anne Moratto
Dippity-Do Celebrates 60 Years of Hair Styling Innovation with Girls with Curls Collection
Celebrating 60 years in haircare, Dippity-Do is honoring its styling heritage with its Girls with Curls collection, a reimagined Light Hold Gelée inspired by the brand's original 1965 styling gel.
by Anne Moratto
Covet & Mane Expands Hair Extension Color System with New Color Boost Drops
Covet & Mane has expanded its Pro Color System with the launch of Color Boost Drops, completing what the company says is the first professional color system engineered specifically for hair extensions.
by Staff
Sam Villa Receives the Beauty Changes Lives Legacy Award
The 2026 Beauty Changes Lives Legacy Award has been awarded to Sam Villa for his trailblazing contribution, advocacy and mentorship that has profoundly transformed and elevated the professional beauty industry.
by Staff
CND Relaunches SHELLAC with New Visible Light Lamp Technology
CND is relaunching its SHELLAC system with a new CND Visible Light Lamp, updated packaging, and an expanded shade offering.
by Staff