by William McAllister | Nov 13, 2019 | News
We are weeks away from the holiday season & our schedule in the nail salon and hair salon are booking up quickly. Our nail technicians perform the best manicures in Miami Beach “hands down” (pun totally intended!). Whether you are on the every-other-week schedule for classic manicures, the once every three-week booking for Gelish! gel polish pedicures or you’ve fallen in love with our SNS powder dip manicures, you should definitely book through New Year’s Eve this year. Thanksgiving won’t be nearly as sweet without a perfect cranberry-colored mani, Hanukah will flail without that “opulently-ombre’d” navy to baby blue powder dip mani, you won’t crush that office Christmas party without some holiday nail art and whatever will you do come NYE without a flawless & festive pedicure to compliment the “perfect” pair of high heels. =)
And if nails are the essential detail, fresh haircuts, flawless hair color and perfect styles are a must. Nothing makes gray hair grow in faster than in-laws “visiting”, right? If that’s your regular beauty fix, your favorite hair colorists here at McAllister still have some availability in coming weeks (…but it’s filling up fast!) and you should DEFINITELY book your next couple of appointments now. If you are looking to freshen up highlights or create a whole new look to WOW your friends before the holiday parties start, let’s get to work. Text us to book your appointment (link below) and send along a few pictures of your hair today and inspiration shots to work toward.
As for New Year’s Eve, we are once again operating on a limited service menu and the prices are different (higher) than those charged the other 364 days of the year. For our locals, we will be fully staffed on 12/27-12/30 to accommodate our regulars’ usual needs. Please book on these days prior to December 31 to avoid the absolute craziness and our special event pricing…all of Miami Beach’s visitors seemed to descend on us in those last hours to look their absolute best as we welcome in 2020.
To text message us and book your next appointments with the assistance of Ksenia, Brandy, Sandra & the gang, click HERE. Don’t worry if it’s after hours, it’s our first priority when we open the following day. If email works better for you, click HERE or on any orange-colored link in the top right hand corner of the website. And if nothing else, the good old-fashioned telephone still works, so give us a ring and we will be happy to talk it over with you!
More than a decade ago, William McAllister hatched an idea to disrupt the beauty salon industry in Miami Beach. He contemplated what salons once were in years gone by. He yearned to recapture their unique contributions to both personal beauty & community. In the past 10 years, he’s forever changed the industry, and according to him, he’s just getting started! He draws from a unique background – encompassing everything from neurophysiology, business to firefighting- and built South Beach’s busiest & most reviewed beauty concept in South Florida.
by William McAllister | Nov 14, 2016 | massage, News
The Hidden Health Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massages are more than just occasional indulgences. Sure, they are staples while you relax while on vacation, but massage therapy is also a proven health and mood treatment found to remedy a host of chronic health problems, from blood pressure to PMS and everything in between. Take a moment to consider read these six additional hidden health benefits, which are bound to motivate you to book a massage today. The best part? When you’re ready, McAllister Spa can book most massage requests within an hour.
Massage Soothes Anxiety & Depression
Feeling less than your usual spunky self? A relaxing Swedish massage, characterized by long, soothing strokes, has been clinically proven to trigger the release of feel-good chemicals oxytocin and serotonin in the brain, giving your mood an instant boost.
Bonus benefits: massage also decreases production of stress hormone cortisol, lowers blood pressure and slows an overactive heart rate to encourage lasting effects.
Massage Improves Sleep Quality
Turns out resting easy is as simple as booking a massage. If you’ve ever dozed off on a massage table, you don’t need convincing that regular sessions have been proven to regulate a less than perfect sleep cycle. Recent studies examining this link credit massages’ effect with significantly and positively enhancing the quality and duration of delta waves, AKA the ones most responsible for your deep sleep.
Massage Boosts Immunity
We know you have much better things to do than nurse a cold in bed. Turns out a good old-fashioned rubdown is just what the doctor ordered. A 2010 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found people who received a 45-minute massage saw an increase in white blood cells, which play a large role in defending the body from disease.
Massage Counteracts All That Sitting Around
Desk jockeys- this one’s for you. With a majority of the day spent slumped over a keyboard, sedentary desk workers are the most susceptible to postural stress. This condition manifests itself in the form of pain and weakness in the low back and behind, as well as tension in the shoulders and neck, and massage can help remedy the negative effects of office work. Luckily, (because hunchbacks aren’t a good look for anyone) targeted massage therapy can help you regain structural alignment and have been shown to counteract the imbalance caused by #DeskLife.
Massage Relieves Headache
When life’s got your brain in a death grip you just can’t seem to shake, science says a spa session is in order. Recent research from Granada University found that a single session of massage therapy had an immediate effect on perceived pain in people with chronic tension headaches and has also been proven to decrease the frequency and severity of episodes.
Massage Beats PMS
This health benefit is just for the ladies (and probably the lucky gentleman by your side as well)! A recent study conducted by the University of Miami found that regular massage sessions effectively wiped away common culprits of PMS. Say buh-bye to mood swings, bloating, headaches and menstrual-related weight gain for good.
More than a decade ago, William McAllister hatched an idea to disrupt the beauty salon industry in Miami Beach. He contemplated what salons once were in years gone by. He yearned to recapture their unique contributions to both personal beauty & community. In the past 10 years, he’s forever changed the industry, and according to him, he’s just getting started! He draws from a unique background – encompassing everything from neurophysiology, business to firefighting- and built South Beach’s busiest & most reviewed beauty concept in South Florida.
by William McAllister | Oct 17, 2016 | massage, News
So often Breast Cancer Awareness overwhelms our health consciousness in October, but National Massage Therapy Awareness Week shouldn’t be ignored this October 23-29. Take a moment to listen to what your body is telling you. Is there a frustrating kink in the muscles of your neck that you just cannot massage away? Do you feel pain between your shoulder blades that you physically can’t reach no matter how you stretch? Is your lower back stiff, making it difficult to move left and right or to go about your daily activities? Are your legs super sore after your latest weekend warrior sports activities? Massage may be the way to alleviate much of the stress, tension and pain that accompanies your usual routine.
While some may see massage as a luxury treat while on vacation, or a spa service that you indulge in when someone gifts it to you, it can be an invaluable part of your routine – just as sleeping nightly, working out daily and eating healthy foods and drinking adequate amounts of water throughout the day.
Whereas 20 years ago, massages were relegated to luxury South Beach hotels and to the homes of the wealthy; these days, massage therapists are all around you – in the gyms you frequent, in the terminals of the airports you traverse and even in day spas like McAllister Spa. Take a moment to consider the many health benefits that have been well-established by everyone from the medical professionals in the hallways in hospitals at the Mayo Clinic to the comfy couches of Oprah.
Top Four Health Benefits of Massage
Massage Relieves Stress & Encourages Relaxation
Body massage has been scientifically shown relax a chaotic mind. It has been repeatedly shown to induce the body’s relaxation response, which occurs when the nervous system directs the body to “rest and digest.” This mentally rejuvenating period of time lasts LONG after the massage session is over, and the mind finds a greater sense of calm through the lens of an improved mental state. This typically leads to a happier mindset while inspiring creativity and an improved ability to manage the challenges of every day living.
Massage Improves Flexibility & Relaxes Muscles
Therapeutic massage is known to maintain and improve range of motion and flexibility. Regular working and manipulation of muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints also makes bodily movements more fluid and much less prone to injuries. The natural outcome of making the body more limber and less prone to strains and sprains is enhancements in athletic performance and the encouragement of active lifestyles.
Massage Strengthens the Immune System & Encourages Bodily Repair
One of the most beneficial effects of massage therapy is its profound effects upon the body’s defenses. The most obvious and immediate improvement noted by many massage clients is the reduction in fatigue and the consequent increase in energy. This is one of the results of more restful sleep. Over a longer term, scientific studies demonstrate that massages increase white blood cell count and lymphocyte activity. This, in combination with stimulation of the body’s lymphatic system, aid in the fight against bacteria and infection.
Promotes Long-Term Health & Wellness
Regular massage therapy sessions have a wide variety health effects. Neurologically, regular sessions have been shown to increase serotonin levels (the “feel good” neurotransmitter!) and modulate the release of dopamine within the brain. Massage also is noted to have a profound effect on cardiovascular health, including reductions in average blood pressure readings, a lessening of the stress hormone, cortisol and positive changes in cholesterol levels and ratios.
Ready, Set, Massage
The team at McAllister Spa typically can fulfill most massage requests within an hour. Our licensed massage therapists are among the best on South Beach, and our treatment room is without parallel. We are the only day spa on Miami Beach (outside of the luxury hotels, that is) that has a shower right in the room. …It’s perfect to stop in, shower off a day’s sweat and massage away a day’s stress. Sound like a plan? Just fill out the form to the right and we will respond within 24 hours! If you are requesting the same day, to receive an immediate response, just give us a ring by calling us directly at 305-604-0550.
More than a decade ago, William McAllister hatched an idea to disrupt the beauty salon industry in Miami Beach. He contemplated what salons once were in years gone by. He yearned to recapture their unique contributions to both personal beauty & community. In the past 10 years, he’s forever changed the industry, and according to him, he’s just getting started! He draws from a unique background – encompassing everything from neurophysiology, business to firefighting- and built South Beach’s busiest & most reviewed beauty concept in South Florida.
by William McAllister | Oct 9, 2016 | massage
Read on to Get the Lowdown Before Your Next Rubdown
With so many techniques and so little time, choosing the massage style to suit your needs can be a challenge. From stress-melting to tension-busting and everything in between, the art of massage therapy has long been revered for its ability to keep the body and mind at peak performance. Variations in pressure, technique, areas of focus and desired outcome set the various massage styles apart, but which one is right for you? We’ve put together a quick guide help you figure out which massage style best suits your needs.
Read on to get the lowdown before your next rubdown.
Swedish Massage
Best for: Relaxation, stress relief, first massage
The most common form of massage therapy, the Swedish massage is designed to warm up the muscle tissue to release toxins, tension and general soreness. The therapist will use hands, fingers and sometimes forearms to perform long, gentle, soothing strokes with light to medium pressure.
The Swedish massage is revered for its ability to kickstart circulation and eliminate lymph and metabolic waste often stored deep within the muscle tissue. This technique is ideal for those seeking relaxation and first time spa-goers.
Deep Tissue Massage
Best for: Relieving acute tension
A deep tissue massage is much like the Swedish with an increased level of pressure. This technique hyper-targets deeper layers of muscles and tendons to eliminate toxic waste, blockages and tension in the body. Expect muscle-melting movements utilizing friction to generate heat and stimulate blood flow and deep kneading and muscle manipulation to release chronic muscle tension and knots.
Aromatherapy
Best for: Improving energy blockages
Feeling drained, lazy or grumpy? Improve your flow of energy while detoxifying the body by treating yourself to an aromatherapy massage custom built to cater to your mood. Aromatherapists interview each guest to determine goals for the session and craft a unique blend of essential oils accordingly to help relieve stress, ease anxiety or eliminate toxins.
Reflexology
Best for: Boosting immune function, stress relief, detoxifying
Reflexology is the ancient art of applying pressure to reflex points on the soles of the feet, hands and ears as an alternative health treatment, utilizing the body’s natural capacity to heal itself. Each pressure point corresponds with an organ and system of the body and can be manipulated to promote overall well being and release blocked energy throughout the body.
Sports massage
Best for: Preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance
Whether you’re sore from beach yoga, biking the MacArthur Causeway or jogging the sandy shores of South Beach, a muscle-melting sports massage pinpoints your most painful parts with deep muscle work to target problem areas causing pain and inhibiting performance training.
McAllister’s professionally trained therapists identify the exact location and intensity of discomfort and employ a variety of firm stroking techniques to break down scar tissue and improve elasticity to effectively increase mobility, stimulate blood flow and relieve chronic pain. Sports massages can be performed prior to a bout of heavy exertion to prime muscle tissue or after to flush the system after a race or sporting event.
More than a decade ago, William McAllister hatched an idea to disrupt the beauty salon industry in Miami Beach. He contemplated what salons once were in years gone by. He yearned to recapture their unique contributions to both personal beauty & community. In the past 10 years, he’s forever changed the industry, and according to him, he’s just getting started! He draws from a unique background – encompassing everything from neurophysiology, business to firefighting- and built South Beach’s busiest & most reviewed beauty concept in South Florida.
by William McAllister | Sep 26, 2016 | hair
Ever wonder how your favorite celebs mix up the color, style and length of their hair so frequently? It’s no magical, star-powered secret reserved for the elite – Hollywood’s leading ladies have hair extensions (and some fabulous stylists) to thank for their lengthy locks.
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More than a decade ago, William McAllister hatched an idea to disrupt the beauty salon industry in Miami Beach. He contemplated what salons once were in years gone by. He yearned to recapture their unique contributions to both personal beauty & community. In the past 10 years, he’s forever changed the industry, and according to him, he’s just getting started! He draws from a unique background – encompassing everything from neurophysiology, business to firefighting- and built South Beach’s busiest & most reviewed beauty concept in South Florida.
