Gente Bella Salon Spa

Have a beauty or style question for Chus? Feedback or suggestions you’d like to share? E-mail us at info@gentebella.com. We’ll post new questions and answers regularly!

Your opinion matters to us! If you provide us with your full name and contact information, we’ll let you know if your question or suggestion is posted. If we do use your idea, we’ll reward you with a FREE Service of the Month!

For Men

(With thanks to Preston Taylor, website consultant, who asked the questions.)

Why should I use a salon/spa instead of my barber?
In our salon/spa, you have the advantage of a wide range of services available at the same location, a relaxing, enjoyable ambience, and an immaculately clean environment. We offer well trained service providers, with services tailored to each individual. We feature the latest technology, products, and treatments.

Why should a man worry about detailed grooming?
Like it or not, we are all judged by our appearance, both in the workplace and the social world. Grooming makes an incredible difference to your appearance, and lets you present your best face to the world. If you want to look refreshed and younger, more appealing to potential partners, and more polished in your career, grooming will help. And being pampered feels good!
Try it and see.

I am a professional on my way up. I need to fit into an elite set of peers. Can you keep me on the cutting edge of fashion?
We know what the latest looks and treatments are, and that is what we offer. We have the technology, the training, and the knowledge to make you look your best, and to show you how to keep yourself looking sharp.

Why would a mature man consider having a manicure or pedicure?
Caring for skin and nails on your hands and feet promotes health. Smooth skin and nails feel better, and please your partner. In business, you will make a stronger impression with well groomed hands. After all, business starts with a handshake.

I hate frou-frou.* How can I be comfortable in a salon/spa?
Gente Bella has worked to create an environment that is relaxing and comfortable to both men and women. Our clean lines, décor, and color scheme were created with your comfort in mind. Our technicians are matter-of-fact and make our male clients feel at home. From the time you walk in the door, everything contributes to make you feel comfortable and relaxed right away.

I don’t like massage oils. Can I get a massage without smelling like a bowl of flowers or feeling like a greased pig?
We can provide massage with unscented oils, or without any oil at all depending on the type of massage you request. A Thai massage, for example, is oil-free and fully clothed. Lotions can also be used in place of oils, for a less sticky feel and quick absorption into the skin.

I don’t want to be conspicuously fashion conscious. Can you update my look and retain my conservative, professional demeanor?
We are in the business of enhancing your appearance, whatever your individual taste and style. We are always striving to get you positive reactions from others. In making our recommendations, we consider your job, fashion preferences, personal style, social group, and physical features.

Okay, I admit it. I am a bit shy, especially about personal grooming. When I walk into a salon, I feel like I am invading a woman’s bath. Salons are hot, stuffy, and perfumed. They are filled with chattering women. I like privacy, cool, clean air, and a quiet relaxing space. Can you provide a comfortable place for me?
We place great importance on serenity. Our salon is not overcrowded, and our music is kept at a low level. We do cater to both genders, and conversation naturally stays at a level where men are comfortable. To further enhance your comfort, we provide separate spaces for our different services. For example, our manicure bar eliminates much of the back-and-forth conversation you hear in a nail salon, and our pedicure area is in a private part of the spa. Coloring is done in the shampoo area, not in the main salon. We also invite you to come in with your partner to enjoy private services: couples massages, manicures, and pedicures. Men are often more comfortable receiving these services together with their partners.

Aren’t facials for women? My face is weather worn, battered by sports, and dirtied with grease from my passion for hotrod cars. Why would I want a facial? Oh, and I have a beard.
A man’s facial will refresh your skin and make you look younger, and will help protect your skin from damage down the road. Men also tell us they find facials pampering and relaxing.

A man’s facial at Gente Bella is not about being rubbed with flowery lotion. We offer deep pore cleansing, gentle exfoliation, and moisturizing, removal of impurities, and extractions, using products specially formulated for men. We focus on soothing and hydrating environmentally damaged skin, the most common men’s skincare problem. We will explain the services beforehand, so all you have to do is relax. After your facial, we will educate you about better shaving techniques and skincare. In short, whatever your individual skincare needs are, we have the training and experience to meet them.

About beards: The rest of your face is not protected, and is exposed to the elements. Even the area where you have a beard will benefit from relaxing massage, minimize ingrowths, and treat your skin. That area will have had no regular skincare, and is in fact often quite neglected.

Waxing! You’ve got to be kidding! How does waxing fit into a man’s grooming regime? We are supposed to be hairy.
Men can choose to be hairy, and still be neat and trimmed. Hair can be trimmed, or waxed at a level where it is more even and attractive. Many men prefer waxing only certain areas of the body, where hair can be uncomfortable. You will experience less sweating if you wax back hair. However, the main reason most men wax or trim their body hair is to be more attractive to their partners.

I have had salon massages. Usually, a masseuse rubs me with their hands in long, smooth (supposedly relaxing) strokes. I don’t want to be petted. I need someone with strength (knowledge of anatomy wouldn’t hurt either) to work out all the kinks, stretch the muscles, and relieve built up tensions. Do you perform such muscle/body work?
Our massage is a professional therapeutic treatment. We start out by asking you about your needs and any preexisting conditions. After that, we base the massage on the needs of the client. We will ask you about the level of pressure you prefer. We believe it is vital to have continuous communication between therapist and guest in order to adjust and give massage suited to that guest. The popularity of our massage services with our male guests (this is by far the most popular spa service we provide) attests to our training and technique. For our most intense deep-tissue massage, we recommend you try our
Bamboo-Fusion Massage.

What if I am older than dirt? Believe me. It’s not pretty. I want grooming and treatments that promote good health. I am not interested in style and fashion. I gave up on current trends years ago. Is a salon the right place for me? Shouldn’t I just visit a barber?
Every individual is different. We don’t want to make every man look the same. The first thing we do at the salon is a consultation. Our primary concern is to match your look and services to your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. Our relationship with you is important, so we need to know you. If you let us know what you want, we will use our professional knowledge to guide you to the best look for you.

Unlike a woman, I sweat. My skin is already lubricated. Lotions and oils leave me feeling slippery, sticky, or suffocated. What kind of skin care could I possibly need?
An average man needs more skincare than soap and shaving cream, but you are right, products should be formulated for men’s needs. The essentials include a great shaving gel, a cleanser for the oily or combination skin most men have, sometimes a scrub enzyme for exfoliation, an aftershave conditioner, and a night lotion, as well as the fastest-growing category, an eye gel or cream.

Let me give you an example: a man should be using an aftershave conditioner that leaves the skin feeling soft and moist, with an outdoorsy feel and smell, and protection from environmental damage with SPF 15.

*Frou frou: Originally a French term, “frou frou” is a synonym for frilly finery, and supposedly comes from the soft frou frou noise a woman would make when walking in long silk dresses. As time went on, the term came to mean anything feminine and frilly.

For Women

I’ve read a lot about waxing and the dangers of unsanitary treatment. What questions should I ask to ensure that a salon is clean and sanitary?
Unfortunately, many technicians are not aware of the dangers of “double-dipping”—putting the applicator back into the wax container after applying it to the skin. They mistakenly believe that the heat of the wax will kill bacteria. In fact, this is not true—heating the wax to the extent necessary would burn your skin. Some infectious diseases can be transmitted by double-dipping, such as herpes, thrush, and warts. Before making an appointment, ask the receptionist about double-dipping policies. If they have no policy, or if they don’t know what you’re talking about, go elsewhere.

As a frequent user of tanning beds, or when I have a spray tan, should I wax before or after a tanning session?
Nothing looks better than waxed, evenly tanned skin. Whether you wax before or after tanning doesn’t matter. But do allow 24 hours between each service. This will allow the pH balance to return to normal, and allow any inflammation to subside.

	For Men For Women Have a beauty or style question for Chus? Feedback or suggestions you’d like to share? E-mail us at info@gentebella.com. We’ll post new questions and answers regularly! Your opinion matters to us! If you provide us with your full name and contact information, we’ll let you know if your question or suggestion is posted. If we do use your idea, we’ll reward you with a FREE Service of the Month! For Men (With thanks to Preston Taylor, website consultant, who asked the questions.) Why should I use a salon/spa instead of my barber? In our salon/spa, you have the advantage of a wide range of services available at the same location, a relaxing, enjoyable ambience, and an immaculately clean environment. We offer well trained service providers, with services tailored to each individual. We feature the latest technology, products, and treatments. Why should a man worry about detailed grooming? Like it or not, we are all judged by our appearance, both in the workplace and the social world. Grooming makes an incredible difference to your appearance, and lets you present your best face to the world. If you want to look refreshed and younger, more appealing to potential partners, and more polished in your career, grooming will help. And being pampered feels good! Try it and see. I am a professional on my way up. I need to fit into an elite set of peers. Can you keep me on the cutting edge of fashion? We know what the latest looks and treatments are, and that is what we offer. We have the technology, the training, and the knowledge to make you look your best, and to show you how to keep yourself looking sharp. Why would a mature man consider having a manicure or pedicure? Caring for skin and nails on your hands and feet promotes health. Smooth skin and nails feel better, and please your partner. In business, you will make a stronger impression with well groomed hands. After all, business starts with a handshake. *I hate frou-frou. How can I be comfortable in a salon/spa? Gente Bella has worked to create an environment that is relaxing and comfortable to both men and women. Our clean lines, décor, and color scheme were created with your comfort in mind. Our technicians are matter-of-fact and make our male clients feel at home. From the time you walk in the door, everything contributes to make you feel comfortable and relaxed right away. I don’t like massage oils. Can I get a massage without smelling like a bowl of flowers or feeling like a greased pig? We can provide massage with unscented oils, or without any oil at all depending on the type of massage you request. A Thai massage, for example, is oil-free and fully clothed. Lotions can also be used in place of oils, for a less sticky feel and quick absorption into the skin. I don’t want to be conspicuously fashion conscious. Can you update my look and retain my conservative, professional demeanor? We are in the business of enhancing your appearance, whatever your individual taste and style. We are always striving to get you positive reactions from others. In making our recommendations, we consider your job, fashion preferences, personal style, social group, and physical features. Okay, I admit it. I am a bit shy, especially about personal grooming. When I walk into a salon, I feel like I am invading a woman’s bath. Salons are hot, stuffy, and perfumed. They are filled with chattering women. I like privacy, cool, clean air, and a quiet relaxing space. Can you provide a comfortable place for me? We place great importance on serenity. Our salon is not overcrowded, and our music is kept at a low level. We do cater to both genders, and conversation naturally stays at a level where men are comfortable. To further enhance your comfort, we provide separate spaces for our different services. For example, our manicure bar eliminates much of the back-and-forth conversation you hear in a nail salon, and our pedicure area is in a private part of the spa. Coloring is done in the shampoo area, not in the main salon. We also invite you to come in with your partner to enjoy private services: couples massages, manicures, and pedicures. Men are often more comfortable receiving these services together with their partners. Aren’t facials for women? My face is weather worn, battered by sports, and dirtied with grease from my passion for hotrod cars. Why would I want a facial? Oh, and I have a beard. A man’s facial will refresh your skin and make you look younger, and will help protect your skin from damage down the road. Men also tell us they find facials pampering and relaxing. A man’s facial at Gente Bella is not about being rubbed with flowery lotion. We offer deep pore cleansing, gentle exfoliation, and moisturizing, removal of impurities, and extractions, using products specially formulated for men. We focus on soothing and hydrating environmentally damaged skin, the most common men’s skincare problem. We will explain the services beforehand, so all you have to do is relax. After your facial, we will educate you about better shaving techniques and skincare. In short, whatever your individual skincare needs are, we have the training and experience to meet them. About beards: The rest of your face is not protected, and is exposed to the elements. Even the area where you have a beard will benefit from relaxing massage, minimize ingrowths, and treat your skin. That area will have had no regular skincare, and is in fact often quite neglected. Waxing! You’ve got to be kidding! How does waxing fit into a man’s grooming regime? We are supposed to be hairy. Men can choose to be hairy, and still be neat and trimmed. Hair can be trimmed, or waxed at a level where it is more even and attractive. Many men prefer waxing only certain areas of the body, where hair can be uncomfortable. You will experience less sweating if you wax back hair. However, the main reason most men wax or trim their body hair is to be more attractive to their partners. I have had salon massages. Usually, a masseuse rubs me with their hands in long, smooth (supposedly relaxing) strokes. I don’t want to be petted. I need someone with strength (knowledge of anatomy wouldn’t hurt either) to work out all the kinks, stretch the muscles, and relieve built up tensions. Do you perform such muscle/body work? Our massage is a professional therapeutic treatment. We start out by asking you about your needs and any preexisting conditions. After that, we base the massage on the needs of the client. We will ask you about the level of pressure you prefer. We believe it is vital to have continuous communication between therapist and guest in order to adjust and give massage suited to that guest. The popularity of our massage services with our male guests (this is by far the most popular spa service we provide) attests to our training and technique. For our most intense deep-tissue massage, we recommend you try our Bamboo-Fusion Massage. What if I am older than dirt? Believe me. It’s not pretty. I want grooming and treatments that promote good health. I am not interested in style and fashion. I gave up on current trends years ago. Is a salon the right place for me? Shouldn’t I just visit a barber? Every individual is different. We don’t want to make every man look the same. The first thing we do at the salon is a consultation. Our primary concern is to match your look and services to your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. Our relationship with you is important, so we need to know you. If you let us know what you want, we will use our professional knowledge to guide you to the best look for you. Unlike a woman, I sweat. My skin is already lubricated. Lotions and oils leave me feeling slippery, sticky, or suffocated. What kind of skin care could I possibly need? An average man needs more skincare than soap and shaving cream, but you are right, products should be formulated for men’s needs. The essentials include a great shaving gel, a cleanser for the oily or combination skin most men have, sometimes a scrub enzyme for exfoliation, an aftershave conditioner, and a night lotion, as well as the fastest-growing category, an eye gel or cream. Let me give you an example: a man should be using an aftershave conditioner that leaves the skin feeling soft and moist, with an outdoorsy feel and smell, and protection from environmental damage with SPF 15. Frou frou: Originally a French term, “frou frou” is a synonym for frilly finery, and supposedly comes from the soft frou frou noise a woman would make when walking in long silk dresses. As time went on, the term came to mean anything feminine and frilly. For Women* *I’ve read a lot about waxing and the dangers of unsanitary treatment. What questions should I ask to ensure that a salon is clean and sanitary?* Unfortunately, many technicians are not aware of the dangers of “double-dipping”—putting the applicator back into the wax container after applying it to the skin. They mistakenly believe that the heat of the wax will kill bacteria. In fact, this is not true—heating the wax to the extent necessary would burn your skin. Some infectious diseases can be transmitted by double-dipping, such as herpes, thrush, and warts. Before making an appointment, ask the receptionist about double-dipping policies. If they have no policy, or if they don’t know what you’re talking about, go elsewhere. *As a frequent user of tanning beds, or when I have a spray tan, should I wax before or after a tanning session?* Nothing looks better than waxed, evenly tanned skin. Whether you wax before or after tanning doesn’t matter. But do allow 24 hours between each service. This will allow the pH balance to return to normal, and allow any inflammation to subside.
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