Paradise is proud to announce that Starr Nixdorf has completed and been certified by the Aquatic Exercise Association's AFP (Aquatic Fitness Professional) Practical & Skills Application Course in Visalia, CA, on June 1st, 2014. Starr also attended courses for Upper Body, Core & More which expands on her Pilates and Yoga instructor background, and the Aquabata Shallow program.

AquaBata takes the latest trend in fitness, Tabata, to the water. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), including the specialized Tabata format, transitions into the water with high-powered results. According to the AEA, "Dr Izumi Tabata conducted a study to determine if very short, very high intensity bouts of training, followed by even shorter rest periods, could benefit the elite athletes of the Japanese speed skating team. Results were published in Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, and showed that the subjects improved VO2 max, this in turn translated into improved performance on the ice. The other interesting finding was the Tabata Protocol improved both the anaerobic energy system (responsible for short, high intensity exercise, such as sprints) and the aerobic energy system (used for endurance exercise, such as distance running). Results from this 1996 study showed a 28 percent increase in anaerobic capacity and a 14 percent increase in VO2 max in six weeks."

Water therapy isn’t new; it’s a method which has been used for thousands of years all over the world. Bathing in spring water was known to help Romans and Greeks to treat illness, thermal waters in Sweden were used to treat their ill and elderly, Japanese early on recognized the mental and physical benefits of their hot springs (referred to as onsen) and in Germany physicians widely prescribed a variety of water therapies. Aquatic exercise is often used as a remedy for sore joints and muscles, is a great way to improve muscle tone, and is incredibly low impact. The resistance provided by water means that you can get a great workout without having to bother about using weights or suffering further injury by misjudging your ability. Exercise done in a pool, lake or ocean can improve your flexibility, balance, and coordination. It can also help build up your endurance, assist with proper gait and maintain or improve mobility. You’ll probably also notice that your exercises performed in water allow you to reduce your stress level and is a wonderful way to promote relaxation. Your natural buoyancy means that you can go through your motions with a decreased gravitational pull, lessening compression and making exercises easier to do than if you were on land.

If you’ve suffered an injury, stroke, or some other type of condition and have completed your physical therapy, aquatic exercise can be a wonderful next step. There are several benefits to exercise in your local pool or body of water;

Your body has an incredible number of nerve endings in both your muscles and your skin. The pressure from being submerged in water creates constant stimulus, and your brain will be inclined to dull the part of the nervous system that is responsible for managing tactile sensory neurons so as to not feel overwhelmed. This allows you to stretch and move with less pain that you may otherwise be experiencing. Even those sensitive or averse to being touched often feel more at ease while exercising in a pool as their physical senses are dulled.

Your heart and lungs work harder under water than on land because your chest cavity is under constant increased pressure from being submerged in water. (This means that one workout can have further reaching benefits than the same workout on land.) Think of the pool as a compression bandage for your entire body, which helps to alleviate some of the chronic pain you may be feeling, allowing you to reach further and work harder. The increased blood flow from the compression on your heart and lungs will help to pump oxygen rich blood to your extremities, something that can go great lengths with the healing process.

You won’t need to have exercise equipment to get a fantastic workout that touches every muscle in your body and allows you a wide range of movement. Your muscles will recover faster in less pain, and you don’t have to worry about falling as the water helps you to maintain balance. You’re forced to move a lot more slowly while submerged in water, and this means that your brain and muscles have more time to process each and every movement, building a far better muscle memory as you go along. You’re also more likely to perform each movement with more precision, and have time to focus on form.

With many exercises, you tend to focus on one or another muscle or part of your body instead of using your entire body at once. Being in the water helps you to locate and make use of your core, and generally the movements allow for your entire body or many more groups of muscles to be addressed at once.

One of the pleasant side effects of being in water is the massage that water can give. Even a gentle flow or waves being produced from exercising bodies can give enough of a current that feels nice and can help relax tired or sore muscles. Buoyancy also helps relieve pressure on the feet, ankles and legs.

Let’s not forget that being in a pool is just plain fun. The enjoyment that can be had during an exercise class; either as part of a group or solo, can be a part of the day that you’ll look most forward to. The fact that you feel better and better after each session will give you the motivation you need to go back and make further progress. Almost any exercise that you can do in a gym has an alternate under the water. The more pleasant and enjoyable your exercise is, the more likely it will be that you’ll stick with it on your road back to good health and well-being.

This article was written by Nina Wells from Vidalux. She has over 10 years’ experience in writing health related topics and specializes in the health benefits of saunas and hydrotherapy.

When the world looks for a way to find an exercise that gives outer strength, inner strength, and spiritual well-being, we often look east towards Asia. The Indian practice of yoga has become so popular that even non-practitioners know the nomenclature (“Namaste”) and wear the outfits. But yoga is very popular and no longer just among Indians or women looking for a new way to stretch out. Both sexes use it and both women and men say that it makes their body lither and clears their heads. Yoga is very popular, but not the only way for a person to get their mind and body in order. Ai Chi moves are similar to Tai Chi moves and it uses breathing and exercise in the water for the individual. Is Ai Chi a substitute for yoga? Is it the new yoga?

Ai Chi was started in back in the mid-1980s by a Japanese man named Jun Kunno. Kunno was looking for a water-based therapy that could give the benefits of a massage-based therapy without the touching. The key to therapy was to get the practitioner to relax while at the same time working the muscles. Just like Tai Chi and many other Asian exercise programs, Ai Chi focuses on moving continuously. Doing this underwater gives it a relaxing aspect which can make the therapy to people of a wide age range, up to and including the very elderly.

Comparison

How does Ai Chi compare to Yoga? Both use breathing as one of the keys to the exercise. Both also use movement. This is where the differences really begin. Yoga uses movement to get into position and which the person than holds. This is how yoga gives its full potential to create the positive energy. This energy helps gives the Yoga student his or her spiritual fulfillment. Ai Chi, on the other hand, creates energy and relaxation through continuous movement.

The spiritual side of both yoga and Ai Chi both are both buttressed by their meditative aspects. While one is doing these routines, they are also meditating, clearing the mind of those everyday problems that are adding to the stress in their lives. The goal of each is to walk away at peace with one’s self that will carry on from this session to the next.

What about the long term benefits? Both have proven as treatments for some of the more common and chronic medical conditions. Ai Chi can help lower blood pressure and the symptoms of arthritis. It’s even given Parkinson’s disease sufferers relief. Yoga is also known to help relieve blood pressure, relieve chronic muscle pain, and give relief to those sufferings from depression. It also helps give some pain relief to those suffering from heart disease and cancer. Therefore, in this respect, both Ai Chi and Yoga can give you similar benefits.

Aside from the movements, there is a huge difference. Ai Chi is done in a pool, where the session begins as students stand in water up to their shoulders. Someone who practices Yoga (a yogi) will be seen walking around with a mat to their local ashram or Yoga studio, which could be anywhere. So Ai Chi has some disadvantage in that the user must have the access to a pool. On the other hand, this gives Ai Chi more universal appeal to a larger crowd. Founder Kuonno intended that his new program using the relaxing powers of water to make his therapy work. Anyone who has been in a pool knows how relaxing the water can be, and this goes for people of all ages. Therefore Ai Chi has an appeal for octogenarians who might find the poses of Yoga a bit of stretch.

Benefits of an Ai Chi Regime

As we have stated above, Ai Chi uses the holistic approach to health combining movement, spiritual, and mental. How does it accomplish these benefits? Well, water gives resistance, so as one is moving in it, the action gives the muscles an additional workout. Yet, while one is the water, one is able to position oneself in positions not as easily achieved through yoga.

There are 19 movements to Ai Chi. They are done in progression, starting with the upper torso while the body remains static. When these are completed, the pupil moves to exercises that simulate the land-based Tai Chi, moving the body around. Because one is in the water as these movements progress, balance can be easily maintained. The soothing aspects of being in the water are also an advantage.

So will yogis turn in their mats for a trip to the pool? Both are great ways to improve your life without resorting to traditional medicine or pharmaceuticals. Both use a holistic approach to change the adopter’s outlook on life as well as limber up the body.

The difference may come down to demographics. When someone thinks of yoga, they think of a young woman with a Yoga mat heading to a workout in her yoga pants. On the other hand, any sort of pool exercise is linked to an older bunch in the local pool. Putting aside which one has more health benefits, as long as an exercise is linked to the retirement crowd, the advantage will go to yoga. But stay tuned, utility sometimes wins.

This article was written by Nina Wells from Steamshowerstore. She has over 10 years’ experience in writing health related topics and specializes in the health benefits of saunas and hydrotherapy.

Love your hair every day of the year.

Whether you want a subtle or bold change, when your hair is fantastic, you feel good, and it shows in your everyday attitude! Loving yourself and how you look, can only add inner confidence. We know that hair color has a huge impact how you present yourself to the world and how it responds to you.
Did you know we do complimentary color consultations?

If you aren't sure whether your color is right for your image, or you know that your color isn't right but don't know which color might be better suited to your image, start with a complimentary color consultation at Paradise. Each associate can and will listen to your ideas and make suggestions. Perhaps you just want to brighten your look with a few highlights, or you’re ready to be the standout redhead you’ve secretly yearned for. Either way, our associates will give you the very best Carson City has to offer.

We always recommend reviewing you color choices every visit to see whether seasonal changes are in order or if the color is performing as expected for you.

Being a stylist comes with expectations from you, our clients. We understand that you want us to know what’s new in the hair industry, which can include haircuts as well as the latest color techniques. We aren't shy about this. You will find each associate willing and eager to share tips and ideas on how you might want to wear your hair. If you are looking for someone to just follow your instructions to a tee, we may not be the place for you. Of course, that is not to say we aren't listening to your needs.

Some of the things we will discuss during your complimentary consultation include:

~ The time you need or have to maintain your cut and style. 
~ How often you need to schedule your hair color appointments. 
~ Budget is important, and we can work that out together. 
~ Timing is everything for maintaining a style.

We recommend that you always pre-book your next color appointment; you can always reschedule if necessary. Dedicate yourself to your hair colorist, and she/he will be dedicated to you!

Book your complimentary hair consultation by calling the associate directly, or make an appointment online. If you decide to go for your new look, you may want to tell them so they can book a little extra time for you.

Are you complaining about the lack of shine your hair has, the poor texture of it, or the overall poor health of our hair? Well you are not alone. We invite you and see us here at Paradise and see the new ultra premium line of TIGI hair care products - "Hair Reborn" and experience the ultimate product line to make all your complaints go away!

Hair Reborn is a creative force that is both elemental and celestial. It is a new source of energy for your hair, is totally visionary and very luminous, lustrous, radiating, shimmering, and shining.
Here at paradise we have all found that we have fallen in love with this line of products. It truly leaves your hair feeling like it has sprouted out of the old shell it was in and into a new, healthier, and more beautiful head of hair.

The Journey Of Resurgence takes your hair on a trip from dry and dull to hydrated and healthy with the hyper-distillation technology that TIGI uses, they have found a way to rebirth your hair back to the way it was once before.

The Journey Of Serenity takes frizzy, unmanageable, and tangled hair and tames it down to be sleek, shinny, healthier, and more manageable. 

A Journey Of Awakening takes your hair that is less supple, weak, and damaged and transforms it to luscious, hydrated, and healthy hair once again. 

Come on down to Paradise and let us help you embark on the Journey of Hair Reborn. See for yourself what we are raving about by letting us use it on you during your next service or come in and purchase a generous sample for only $2.00!!! 

So today I’m going to talk about makeup coverage, and the ability to control it. What I intend to teach you is some of the basics of understanding how coverage affects makeup looks and the different makeup products you can use to achieve a look. Once you learn how to manipulate coverage through proper product selection, you can achieve and create any desired makeup look.

    To start you'll need a basic understanding of translucency. Translucency is the ability for light to pass through the makeup and see an amount of skin beneath it. Something that is transparent does not have the ability to block visually and has nothing at all covering the skin. This means there is no coverage. An example of this would be moisturizer. Something that is completely opaque blocks anything from showing through. This means there is full coverage and you can’t see any of the skin. An example of this would be liquid black eyeliner. Translucency, or opacity, is anything between transparent and opaque. This is where the majority of makeup fits in. It ranges anywhere from a low coverage tinted moisturizer to a high coverage concealer.

    All makeup is a medium with pigment in it. The solution of the makeup, without the pigment, is how the makeup applies, feels on the skin, and its staying power. The amount of pigment in the solution is how much coverage the product has. The formulation of makeup should have the right amount of pigment ratio to product solution to have the right amount of coverage you need. Kryolan’s philosophy is the right amount of coverage in one thin layer of makeup. You should never build coverage. Layering and layering is never the way to go. You don’t want your makeup to ever feel heavy or thick. If you are ever feeling like you need to put more makeup on, then you don’t have the right coverage of makeup and need a different product. It is important to choose the right coverage for the look you are trying to accomplish, when you don’t pick the right amount of coverage you can never achieve the same look.

    Let’s start with the coverage of foundation, and say you are trying to copy a photo you have. Sometimes it’s hard to tell what kind of foundation coverage someone is wearing. Something like a tinted moisturizer has a low pigment concentration and shows a lot of skin. You can sometimes tell if someone is wearing a low coverage foundation when you see the person’s freckles or natural skin through the makeup. But some people just don’t have many skin imperfections or freckles; therefore only need a low coverage foundation to achieve a super flawless look. This is where you assess your own skin. If you want your skin to look completely flawless and you have freckles, discolorations, or blemishes; then you will need something with enough coverage to cover the darkest imperfections on your face in one thin layer of makeup. If you don't mind your freckles or anything showing, then a lower coverage foundation is all you need. If you are mixing your foundation with moisturizer to dilute it down to feel less heavy and look like less makeup on the skin, you have too high of a coverage and you should probably switch to a tinted moisturizer. Although that trick can be handy if you are only doing that on an occasion you don’t feel like being as made up as usual.

    You don’t normally think of eye shadows, blushes, or lipsticks when you think of coverage, but it is absolutely just as important with these products as well. You don’t want to keep layering your eye shadow to get a higher opacity or blend it out forever to make it more translucent. Choose an eye shadow that goes on with the amount coverage you need in one brush stroke. The higher the pigment concentration the more vibrant and true-to-color it is. If you are blending out the color because it is too dark, then you need to buy a new shade of eye shadow. Same goes if you are layering because the color itself is too light.

    The same exact concept applies to blush. You don’t want to buy a blush that you are having to apply a couple of times to be enough, or to spend forever blending it out because it goes on too heavily. Although cream blush has a much higher pigment load, it can have the same amount of translucency as the powder blush. This is because you use so much less of the product to achieve the same look.

    As far as lip colors, figure out how much coverage you want on your lips. If a tinted chap-stick is enough for you, don’t buy something as bold and opaque as a lipstick. If you want something between the two there are lip stains and lip glosses. Now most lipsticks are pretty high in opacity but do vary a bit in the higher ranges of pigment. Since all these things have different qualities, sometimes you have to combine a couple of different lip products. An example would be, you want the full coverage of a lipstick and the shiny effect of a lip gloss. If you are only patting on some lipstick and then spreading it across your lips to make it less opaque, the pigment load is too high. If you are spreading it out because the color is too dark of a shade and you would actually like it more opaque, then you just need to buy a different color of lipstick. Same goes putting on a lipstick or gloss and you feel it isn’t covering enough, then you need to buy something with a higher coverage.

    Playing with enough products, while paying attention to the coverage rather than the other qualities of the makeup, will help you hone this skill. Once you have this down, you will never waist money on products that aren’t right for you again. Remember that you want the right amount of coverage in one thin layer of makeup. You will then have the ability to accurately create any desired look you are trying to accomplish and will have the power to manipulate coverage.

Whether they’re feathered, arched, or bold and bushy, eyebrows are possibly the most important feature on your face. Because they provide so many of the visual cues we need to read expressions, eyebrows also communicate a lot of important information. In fact, your eyebrows can either work as a help or a hindrance when you’re trying to make a solid first impression.

If your eyebrows are looking a little lackluster, there are some things you can do to perk them up – penciling them in a little darker, using brow gel to define them better, or even having eyebrows tattooed onto your face. However, there’s a more natural option that provide semi-permanent brows that don’t look like someone drew them on.

The technique involves using a special pen to draw on individual strokes one at a time – a very painstaking process that can take up to two hours. But this procedure can provide a ton of benefits to almost everyone.

SHORTENS YOUR MORNING ROUTINE

When you roll out of bed already knowing that your eyebrows look great, you don’t have to put in quite as much effort to put on your face and get yourself ready to face the world. Microblading can last for up to three years before it starts to fade, meaning you’ve got three years of stress-free mornings where you don’t need to worry about plucking, tweezing, or filling in sparse brows with a pencil.

DOESN’T SMUDGE OR SMEAR

Even when you’re sweating on a treadmill, in the sun, or at the spa, you don’t have to worry about your eyebrows smearing or looking strange. Pigment is implanted into the top three layers of skin, so it doesn’t matter how active your lifestyle is – microbladed brows can handle anything you throw at them.

ALMOST PAINLESS

If you’re the kind of person who panics at the sight of a needle, there’s no need to worry. One of the first things a microblading professional will do is apply a strong numbing cream to the eyebrow area before they even begin working. This makes the entire process almost completely painless, but you may still feel the pigment being pushed into your skin. It’s not painful, just a bit of a different kind of sensation.

STAY ON TREND

Since microblading isn’t a permanent eyebrow application, you’ll be able to keep up with new eyebrow styles as they change. You can reshape your brows to accommodate trends and always feel confident that your eyebrows are on point and looking sharp. However, this semi-permanent result does also mean you’ll need to visit the salon in one to three years’ time for a touch-up, even if you plan to keep the same style.

COLOR STAYS CONSISTENT

Unlike with tattoos, where colors can somehow shift from black to hues of bluish-green, microblading uses all organic pigments – specifically made so that they never change color. Instead, these pigments will slowly fade over time, while maintaining their original color. You’ll know when it’s time for a touch up, but your brows will never look strange.

RESTORES CONFIDENCE

Anyone who experiences hair loss or a lack of hair growth can end up with sparse, weak-looking brows. Cancer patients, or people who suffer from skin diseases like alopecia, won’t have to worry about looking out of place with their lack of brows. In fact, microblading was originally founded in Asia as a way to help people who had undergone chemotherapy treatments and lost significant amounts of hair.

It’s not only helpful for people suffering from skin or hair conditions, though – microblading can give anyone a boost of confidence by helping your face make the right statement. It’s much easier to feel good about yourself when you know you’re looking your best, and healthy, beautiful, natural-looking eyebrows are a strong step in that direction.

If you’ve never considered any kind of cosmetic enhancement before, microblading is a great place to start. It’s minimally invasive, very safe, and virtually painless. This hot new trend is becoming one of the best ways to get the look of fuller brows without having to put on makeup every morning. If you’re sick of your sparse brows, see what microblading can do for you.

This article was written by Nina Wells from Steam Shower Store. She has over 10 years’ experience in writing health related topics and specializes in the health benefits of saunas and hydrotherapy.

Acrylic: Durability Meets Style

The Time-Tested Choice for Lasting Beauty

Acrylic nail enhancements have long been a cornerstone in the world of nail care – and for good reason. Known for their durability and ease of maintenance, these enhancements are a favorite for those who seek long-lasting beauty with minimal fuss. Perfect for active lifestyles, acrylic nails withstand the rigors of daily life, keeping your hands looking polished and professional.

Quick, Cost-Effective, and Customizable

Our salon offers quick and efficient application of acrylic nails, making them a time-saving and cost-effective option. These enhancements are not just practical; they offer a canvas for creativity, allowing you to choose from a variety of shapes, lengths, and colors that reflect your personal style.

Balancing Comfort with Durability

While the application process may involve some fumes, the result is a sturdy and resilient set of nails. If you're tough on your nails and need a solution that keeps up with your pace, acrylic enhancements could be the ideal choice.

Expert Advice for Your Perfect Nails

Not sure if acrylic nails are right for you? Our skilled nail technicians are here to consult with you, providing expert advice tailored to your needs and lifestyle. Together, we'll find the perfect nail solution to keep your hands looking effortlessly elegant.

Smoothness from Head to Toe

Expert Hair Removal for Total Body Confidence

Experience the freedom of silky-smooth skin with our comprehensive full body waxing services, expertly provided by cosmetologists and estheticians at our salon. We understand the importance of feeling confident in your own skin, which is why we offer specialized hair removal solutions that cater to your entire body, from head to toe.

Tailored Techniques for Your Comfort and Satisfaction

Our approach to body waxing goes beyond mere hair removal; it's about providing a comfortable, effective, and tailored experience. We utilize a variety of waxing methods, each chosen to suit different skin types and hair textures. Their personalized approach ensures not only optimal results but also a more pleasant and less stressful waxing experience.

Safe and Efficient Hair Removal for Every Area

Whether you're looking to remove unwanted hair from specific areas or seeking a complete full-body wax, our skilled professionals are equipped to handle all your needs with precision and care. We use high-quality waxes, like Lycon resin wax and Cerepil, and follow strict hygienic practices to ensure safe and efficient hair removal, leaving your skin feeling smooth and rejuvenated.

Join Us for a Transformative Waxing Experience

Say goodbye to the hassle of regular shaving and embrace the long-lasting smoothness that comes with professional waxing. Trust in the expertise of our people to provide a waxing experience that is both thorough and comforting. Book your appointment today and step into a world of smooth, flawless skin.

Discover a World of Expertise at Paradise: Meet Our Independent Associates

A Gathering of Carson City's Finest

At Paradise, we take pride in assembling a team of exceptional individuals, all dedicated to providing you with a top-notch experience. Our associates, handpicked for their expertise and commitment to excellence, are at the heart of our mission to enhance your life in meaningful ways.

Explore Our Diverse Range of Services

Our associates offer a wide array of services, each bringing their unique skills and specialties. To find the perfect match for your needs, simply use the menu on the left to sort through our list based on your specific interests.

Personalized Service, Tailored to You

Each service provider at Paradise operates as an independent contractor, giving them the freedom to personally tailor their services, prices, and schedules. This approach ensures that you receive a personalized experience, directly aligned with your preferences. For detailed information about each provider, including their individual terms and services, please click on the "Details" button on their page.

Convenient Scheduling Options

Scheduling your service is easy and flexible. You can contact most of our associates directly via their personal cell phones to arrange your appointment. Alternatively, for a more comprehensive experience like a "Day of Beauty," feel free to call Paradise directly. Our concierge is always ready to assist you in coordinating appointments with multiple providers.

Join Our Team of Associates

Are you interested in becoming part of our dynamic team at Paradise? We're always eager to welcome new talent. Simply click on the "employment" link at the bottom of our website and submit your resumé. We look forward to exploring the possibility of you joining our vision of making life better for our clients.

Join us at Paradise and immerse yourself in a world where expert care and personalized service come together to create unforgettable experiences.