Innovative new treatments are all the rage for this year’s spa connoisseurs. SpaFinder’s Spa Trend Report shares that though the economic climate has made experimental treatments a bit of a risk, spa and salon managers have embraced the challenge with unique ideas that have spa-goers coming back for more.

Pampering the Peds
As more and more people spend increasing amounts of time standing on their feet, spas are beginning to address the problems of foot pain, swelling and underdeveloped muscles. Not longer merely beautifying feet with fun and relaxing pedicures, spas and salons have stepped it up a notch. Troubled tootsies can now receive some TLC with a more holistic and healthy approach.

Some spas offer gait assessment to determine how everyday walking might be causing foot pain and discomfort. Suggestions are then made to improve a client’s stride. Pedicures are given in anti-gravity chairs to offer relief and promote lymphatic flow. Several spas have started offering boot camps that improve posture and emphasize strengthening underused foot muscles.

Chilling Effects
Taking a lesson from the cooling effects of cucumbers, cold treatments, such as icy massages, snow showers and ice chambers, are used to enhance blood circulation, as well as reduce inflammation. Alternating between hot spots, including steam rooms, spas and saunas, has been shown to help with both joint and muscle pain.

Lasting Results
Take the spa benefits home with a personal coach. Health, beauty and wellness coaches are available post-treatment to help clients stay on track with their goals. Everything from sleep to eyebrow coaching is offered via phone calls, text messages, emails or even Skype.

Living in Luxury
For pampering that feels good all over, clients can now opt for packages that include regular spa treatments combined with healthy wining and dining. From high-quality wines bursting with antioxidants to locally grown, organic produce in some locations, spa-goers may be required to cook their own delicious dishes. Other spas serve meals during the pampering process. Biggest challenge: not chipping nail polish while noshing on tasty treats.

Multisensory Experiences
Coming at pampering through a more multidimensional approach, various treatments are being infused with lights, sounds, colors, vibration, and music to engage all five senses. The idea is to correct imbalances and restore proper energy flow. Many of the sessions have Eastern elements of holistic healing woven throughout. Look for these treatments on massage tables, lounge chairs, hot tubs, saunas and steam capsules.

Beauty Bling
Glitz and glamour are in, whether it is via nails adorned with crystals or hair extensions woven with feathers. Flashy fashions deliver the red carpet look through a wide variety of creative elements.

Beauty On-the-Go
For the time-crunched, walk-in makeovers, blow-dry bars and 10-minute mani/pedis provide fast and affordable beauty blitzes in travel hubs, including airports and train stations.

Fun for the Whole Family
No longer targeted at ladies of a certain age, spas are increasingly reaching out to the whole family. Kid-friendly options are growing in popularity, including everything from Disney princess themes to baby massage classes. Expect to see more spa birthday party offerings alongside the bride-to-be pampering packages.

Amusing Beauty
Everything from amusement parks to luxury getaways is popping up in this year’s spa offerings. Innovation is the name of the game.

Just like in any business, spa and salon managers have to innovate in order to keep up with the times, and the new spa treatments we’re watching develop for 2012 prove to us that it’s an industry that knows how to adapt to demand.

Straight down the middle is anything but average with the center part, and it is trending up for 2012. This flattering part shows off the symmetry of the face and, when executed right, makes it appear longer and slimmer. It’s perfect for disguising chubby cheeks but putting our best faces forward. Who doesn’t love slimming? This look can appeal to anyone, and it works well with a variety of styles, including partial up-dos, straight locks and soft waves.

The side part has been dominating today’s styles, so there’s something fresh and striking about the re-emergence of the center part. Hairstyles without bangs show off the center part most fully, but long or choppy fringed bangs also take well to this 2012 hair trend.

Center parts can complement a variety of looks that are always hot. Bohemian looks can be created by creating a center part, then partially pulling up the hair and pinning it back loosely. Pair it with a pale lip to keep it retro. A dramatic look can be created with the center part when the hair is parted and worn straight and glossy. Add a bright lipstick to this look to pump up the drama even more. Loose waves or even all-out curls combined with a center part create soft, voluminous looks that wow.

A straight center part can look perfectly polished, but it can also look casual and fun. Departing from the sleek and smooth by adding messy texture or some wild waves can create a sexy bed-head look that’s anything but a snooze. A crooked center part also has its place, softening the look of the center part and adding a bit of whimsy.

As the year comes to an end, most of us are wondering how we will transition the favorite trends of 2011 into something new for 2012. This year reintroduced the public to edgier fashions, eclectic hairstyling options, and both innovative and creative beauty trends. Women enjoyed a return to vintage hair and beauty trends – from 1930-inspired buns and twists to edgier 1980-esque fashions like angular hair cuts, bright lipsticks and bold nail designs. 2011 brought on new nail trends like ombre nail art and textured polishes, as well as embellished nail design. If you’re wondering which of this year’s best beauty trends will get left behind and which ones will carry over to the New Year, check out our 2011 beauty recap and 2012 style outlook.

From the Salon to the Kitchen Table
One trend that is predicted to continue into 2012 is the recession’s impact on personal spending. As most consumers have been forced into conservative spending habits, fashionistas have taken creative measures to maintain their skin care and beauty regimens. Rather than spending cold hard cash on medi/pedi treatments at the salon, women have taken on the challenge of maintaining their nails at home – and they’re loving the results! A recent article in Women’s Wear Daily reported nail polish sales were up 59 percent and were one of the year’s best-selling beauty products.

And women are keeping it professional at home, topping off their DIY manicures with top and base coats. The Women’s Wear Daily piece reports that the sales of colored lacquer, basecoats and topcoats were up 50 percent this year.

2011 nail design trends like crackle topcoats, nail decals and magnetic nail polish have allowed women to become more creative with their manicures. Some artistically inclined women are even taking on DIY nail design. Even considering consumer’s frugal spending, beauty industry reports show that women still see nail polish as a luxury – especially considering the wide variety of celebrity-indorsed nail polish products. Within the last year, celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj and even the Kardashian Klan have launched their own branded nail polishes.

New trends in fashion have re-introduced bold, bright colors onto the fashion and beauty scene and woman have not been shy about adopting these styles and colors in their repertoire. Both pre-teens and career professionals have been seen sporting the new neutrals in nail color: navy and royal blues, ombre design and gray. Another major trend expected to carry over from 2011 are Shellac techniques. These super durable topcoats were not only a 2011 trend, but are also a functional necessity for women on the go. Shellac techniques will surely be used in 2012 and will be especially needed for nail art such as ombre, striped or hand-painted designs.

While it is difficult to forecast what will be popular in the upcoming year, beauty insiders predict that women will continue to invest in life’s small luxuries like nail art and nail design trend in 2012 to give a fresh boost to their look and make them feel fabulous and confident.

The fashionable hair trends for the spring and summer of 2012? Streaks of color throughout slightly tousled hair. The color of the streaks depends on the individual’s overall hair color, but popular shades include peaches, light pinks, bright blondes and even some muted orange.

These streaks of color have been popular with celebrities for some time. It is now infiltrating into the fashion industry as demonstrated in Peter Som’s most recent fashion show.

Colored streaks can be added to pencil straight hair or hair with wonderfully flowing waves. The addition of these highlights will give any hairstyle an edge. At Peter Som’s show, the darker hair was enhanced with lighter color streaks, and the lighter hair was adorned with light pink and peach strands.

Amazingly, this fashion statement can be achieved without ever dying your hair. Colorful extensions are available that can be placed on one side of the front section of your hair. These extensions can be worn effortlessly with almost any hairstyle. However, hair that is a tad disheveled adds even more edge to this look.

Hair Chalking with Wax Pastels or Traditional Chalk Another way to obtain color streaks without the commitment is by chalking your hair. This is a relatively new technique, and it works very well. You can wet small sections of your hair or soak the colored piece of chalk you want to use. All you do is rub the chalk on the sections of hair that you want to streak. If you are using a traditional chalk, you need to apply hairspray prior to beginning this process. If using wax pastels, set it by using heat.

You have the option of just coloring your bangs or the tips of your hair. With very little effort, you can color your luscious locks from top to bottom.

The nice thing about these techniques is that they are not permanent. You can go crazy at your bachelorette party with rainbow streaks in your hair and still be the sophisticated bride with the up-do the next day!

It’s the same question we always ask right around this time of year: What do I get So-and-So? You comb through catalogs and websites, amble past store shelves, and maybe even straight up ask them what they want. If you’re looking, maybe they’ll tell you. Sweet! Pressure is off! If not, you’re back to square one: coming up with great holiday gift ideas for your loved ones.

Well, if you have someone on your list who’s a beauty lover, we’ve got a solution for you: A new online Zazzle store that features unique beauty-centric designs that you can put on everything from tote bags to T-shirts, hoodies to iPhone cases.

For fashionistas, trendsetters and those who love to stand out, check out the #TrendsFollowMe design. A sassy and clever play off the Twitter hashtag, the T-shit comes in 11 different styles and colors – including long sleeve, basic and with a layered look. If you know someone going to or considering beauty school, it comes in black, which makes it perfect for many cosmetology school environments.

For an edgier look, check out the Life on the Edge design, which features a straight razor nod to barbering and an amazing vintage tattoo style. You can get this design in over a dozen different T-shirt styles, as a hoodie, or even as an iPad case or sticker.

All of the options are under $50, which means you don’t have to break the bank to find unique holiday gift ideas for beauty fans or barbering or beauty school students that tick off both the fun and functional checkboxes.

Get fashion gurus and divas and other important people in your life crossed off your Christmas gift lift by visiting the Cosmetology Clothes Zazzle store.

The holiday season is officially in full swing and that can only mean one thing: holiday parties! We know, looking fab at all off those functions can seem overwhelming but don’t worry, we are here to help. We have compiled some of the best styles out there so you will be ready to hit every party looking your best.

Likely you’ll be hitting up a company Christmas party. Just about every company throws one, and it’s the best opportunity to show off your feistier side. For any company soiree you will be better off sticking to a knee-length number which a little sheerness in the sleeves, but don’t feel like you have to limit yourself to boring black. Go for red or green to jazz things up – just try to steer clear of any major cleavage when you’re hanging lose with your coworkers.

What if you’re going to meet the in-laws for the first time or maybe just attending a party with the family? Either way, you want to look your best, and a tea-length frock with a square-cut or asymmetrical neckline in your favorite festive color will help you do just that. Pair it off with a piece of statement jewelry and your favorite cardigan, and even your more conservative grandma will be squealing with delight!

Okay, so you have got the company dinner down and dinner with the ‘rents, but what about that night out on the town with the gals? A shimmery long sleeve tunic dress, paired with your favorite booties and opaque tights, will keep you toasty warm and comfy, while getting some much needed girl time with your pals. And you can trade the booties and tights for a bare leg and some peep toe pumps for when the girls decide they would rather dance the night away.

Sequins are so much fun that they should be an everyday staple, and the holiday season is the perfect time to bring out that sequined cocktail dress you have been storing in the back of your closet. Pair it off with some platform heels, a matching clutch, and you will have a look that is worthy of ringing in the new year.

The holiday season is the one time a year when you don’t have to worry about playing it safe when it comes to fashion. And no matter what kind of gala you are attending, these ideas for holiday party dresses will have you looking your absolute best. Top it off with a fun-loving attitude and a beautiful smile, and you will be the center of attention wherever you end up.

Turns out, physical appearance does matter when it comes to your ability to succeed in the work place. (We imagine that’s especially important if you’re trying to get a cosmetology job!) This infographic covers how the public believes physical attractiveness may provide an advantage in getting a job or promotion, and some people even believe that looks matter more than your sense of humor or even education. Wha?! So confidence, experience and a great resume are still important to getting a job, but don’t discount the importance of spending a little time and money on your personal appearance if you’re hitting the pavement to find work.

Copy and paste the code below to embed this infographic into your website or blog!

<a href="http://www.beautyschool.com/blog/beauty-jobs/looks-matter-when-job-hunting" title="Looks Matter When Applying for Jobs" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.beautyschool.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/looks-affect-job-prospects-infograph-625x1024.png" alt="Appearance Matters When Job Hunting Infographic"/></a><br /><em>Via <a href="http://www.beautyschool.com/articles/how-is-the-cosmetology-industry-really-doing" title="Beauty Jobs Outlook">BeautySchool.com Beauty Jobs Outlook</a></em>

Who doesn’t love free stuff – especially around the holiday season?

We are on the lookout for unique and fabulous holiday hairstyles, and we want you to submit yours to our Facebook photo contest. The winner will get a collection of amazing hair care items absolutely free!

The Prizes:

• A hydration kit from Design Essentials Salon System
• A Brazilian Heat ceramic brush set by Mega Hot
• Vitae and Volumax professional hairsprays
• A hair taming system from Global Keratin

The Rules:

• This contest is only for hairstyles, so any entries focusing on clothes, makeup, nails, etc. will not be considered.
• Photo must have been uploaded to Facebook on or after Monday, November 28th.
• Participants must tag BeautySchool.com in the photo.
• Only “likes” that are entered before noon on Wednesday, December 21st will be counted.
• BeautySchool.com agrees to immediately ship the prizes to the winner once we have the correct contact information but cannot guarantee an arrival date.

Want to get an extra like? Tagging BeautySchool.com in the photo is pretty much required if you want to enter, but any participants who tag BeautySchool.com in a status update as well will get an additional like from us.

So get into the holiday spirit and show us your creative hairstyling skills! We can’t wait to see what you got!

This week is “National Non-Traditional Student Week.” We took a look at the folks we’ve helped find beauty schools this year, and we found that the vast majority of our students are non-traditional students. So this week, we salute you, non-traditional cosmetology students!

What exactly is a non-traditional student? A non-traditional student may delay enrollment in their post-secondary school after graduating from high school, perhaps because the duties of parenthood or the need to have a full-time job had to come first. Or perhaps the student tried on a career that just wasn’t right for them, and found cosmetology later. A non-traditional student may work full-time while enrolled in cosmetology school. Many non-traditional cosmetology students have children or other dependents, and many are also single parents.

When we assessed our beauty school students, we found that as many as 70% don’t necessarily choose to go to cosmetology school right out of high school! 21- to 24-year-olds make up about a quarter of our students, and we even found that about 5% are Baby Boomers or older! It just goes to show that you’re never too old to start beauty school.

Here’s a great quote from one of our cosmetology scholarship applicants that reflected the feelings of many of our students who are parents. “I am a mom of three and I have devoted my life to being here for my daughters. Now that they are getting older, I am ready to pursue my dreams. I have put it off for so long and I am finally ready to get started.” Thank you, Yolanda B., for sharing your story with us!

Here’s another from Ruth H. about how nothing else fit her. “It has always been a thought in the back of my mind, and I’ve tried out other career choices, and decided they really didn’t fit me.” But then she found cosmetology, and she’s working on enrolling in beauty school now!

It takes a strong, smart, ambitious person to juggle the challenges of managing your life while also choosing to enroll in cosmetology school. We know you have families to support and jobs to hold while you go to beauty school. And for that, we salute you. We are so proud of all of you for taking that step to change your lives for the better, regardless of what path you take to get here. Kudos to all the non-traditional beauty students out there!