Professional Beauty meets Clare Anderson, founder of Shared Beauty Secrets, the exclusive UK and Europe Lava Shells distributor and international trainer, to catch up on the massage benefits of Lava Shells and the plans for Professional Beauty North.

Founded in 2009, the company supplies the UK’s spas, salons and mobile therapists and some of the world’s most exclusive spa resorts.

PB:  Tell us about the popularity of Lava Shells

CA: Lava Shells are by far our most popular product. Since launching them into the market in 2009 we have trained over 1,500 leading Salon’s and Spa’s in our Lava Shell Massage. The Shells have been dubbed “the new hot stones” by Vogue and have received extensive TV coverage and over 200 press reviews.  The Lava Shells are innovative, eco and a portable solution to traditional hot massage treatments, as they take only seconds to prepare and once activated, they stay heated for over an hour, allowing the therapist to deliver a seamless massage of heat and touch without breaking contact with the client.

PB:  How does Lava Shells massage differentiate from the other massage treatments on the market?

CA: They are unique in the market and provide an alternative to other hot massage treatments such as hot stones. The shape of the shell enables the therapist to deliver a deep massage treatment using the different angles of the shell to mimic the therapist’s hands. This allows the therapist to protect her hands as the shell can deliver a very deep massage.  As they are self heating, the Lava Shells are easily portable without the need for any cumbersome heating equipment. They are also non porous so they do not absorb bacteria or oil, making them very easy to clean and extremely hygienic. As recycled shells, they are also a natural tool which has additional energy benefits to the holistic therapist.

PB: What would be the cost to professionals looking to start using Lava Shells?

CA: They are extremely attractive to salons as they cost 10% of sale so there is a 90% profit margin. Although they are very cost effective, it is the repeat business that is helping increase revenue within the salons and spas.

PB:  What support do you offer professionals who use your products?

We provide a full programme of training across the face and body plus additional courses for our Glacial Shells.  Anyone taking on Lava Shells has to complete at least a one day’s course and we provide the highest level of training.  We are also continually updating and introducing new massage skills to our training schedule.

In addition we provide full marketing support to our spas and salons in the form of visuals, posters, point of sale material, strutcards and PR.

PB: Why should salon owners visit your stand at the show?

We’re the only company in the UK who can supply Lava Shells.  At this year’s show we will be launching a new Lava Sports Massage specifically for physiotherapists and professional sports therapists.  We will also be introducing a Lava Shells massage aimed at men.  Throughout the show we will be offering demonstrations of the treatments and have staff on hand to discuss training and individual requirements. There will also be a chance for visitors to our stand to win £350 worth of Lava Shells training.

PB:  What tips would you give salon owners looking to introduce a new line into their salon?

Look for something that is cost effective but would appeal to all ages and for all symptons. Find something which makes you stand out from other salons in your area and which isn’t just a fad.

Lava Shell courses are available throughout the UK when the brand will be visiting key areas to assist salons and spas with their marketing and promotion of Lava Shells.

See them on stand A18 at Professional Beauty North. Register today for your FREE ticket and avoid £20 entry fee on the door.