Hybrid Products: Get your skin, nail & haircare to work harder for you!

At a time when we're all looking to work more efficiently, saving time and costs, we need to get the most out of every product we invest in. An increasing number of brands are recognising the need for their products to go the extra mile and perform more than one function whilst still delivering the high quality results that as a professional you demand for your clients. 

Whilst it could be easy for a brand to simply market unexpected secondary results from a product, it's important that for professional use you're choosing multi-purpose products that are specifically formulated to carry out more than one job. It could be a cleanser that also removes make-up eradicating a two-step cleanse, products the perform just as well on lashes as they do on brows , or a lacquer specifically formulated to strengthen natural nails.

There are several reasons why choosing a multi-use product may be a good option for your treatments. 

There's no hiding from the rise in costs we're all experiencing, whether it's utilities, rent or mortgage payments or increases that your product supplier has no choice but to pass onto you. If you find you need to cut some spending, investing in products that you can use for more than one job may help to reduce your costs without comprising on the quality of your treatments. You're also not holding up capital by stocking more products than you need. 

Many salons are down-sizing or creating more space in their existing premises to rent out rooms, and now simply don't have the space to store a huge range of products. Plus, you may have a small treatment room with a limited working area. 

When you're using a product that has a multi-action, it can shorten a step within a treatment that then enables you to add in something extra to give your client a more luxurious experience. For example, if you usually carry out a double cleanse at the start of facial, switching to a cleanser that requires just one application could free up some time for you to add in a longer facial massage.

Alternatively, ‘time is money' as they say, so reducing the time it takes to perform your treatments may mean you can fit more appointments into your daily column. Use the time saved to benefit your business as you need it to.

To help you choose the right products for your treatments, some of the leading professional brands share their latest multi-use formulations in our product round-up…

Dermalogica's Oil to Foam Total Cleanser is a make-up remover and skin cleanser. Initially the Sea Buckthorn Oil infused gel-oil melts away make-up, followed by a splash of water which transforms the formulation into a foam that washes away sunscreen, excess sebum and pollutants.

Bomb Duo by Beautiful Brows and Lashes was specifically created to enable you to use the same products for brow lamination, tinting and lash lifting treatments. In addition, the Duo Brow and Lash Toxx Aftercare System features a serum to condition both brows and lashes after treatments.

Juliette Armand's Vitality Cream Mask can be used as a quick 15-minute fix to restore a glow to the skin, or as an intensive overnight moisturising treatment. It's formulation of Avocado oil, Amino acids, Spirulina extract, Vitamins E, C, F, Provitamin A and essential fatty acids increases skin hydration by 19%.

Storyderm Ultra Essence Aqua

Storyderm's Ultra Essence Aqua acts as a toner as well as a liquid serum, forming a barrier to prevent moisture evaporation. It is formulated with 25% Sodium Hyaluronate to plump and hydrate the skin, Peptide Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) to reduce facial muscle contraction and Liquorice extract which evens out skin tone. In line with the brand's Korean heritage and the 7 skin's method of application, apply seven layers of toner between cleanser and moisturiser to enable the skin to absorb more ingredients one layer at a time. 

Brow Code Hybrid Dye has been developed for Professional Brow Stylists to stain the brow hair and skin with the intensity and long-lasting results of Henna but with the ease of a tint. It's natural ingredients include Henna, Rose Extract, Saffron, Aloe Vera and Lemon Essential Oil. Available in nine shades, each is formulated with a warm undertone to deliver longer lasting results; up to 10 days on the skin and up for six weeks on brow hairs. 

Morphe's Sunsetter SPF 30 High-Protection Broad-Spectrum Setting Spray sets and improves make-up wear whilst also protecting skin against UVA and UVB rays, blue light and daily environmental stressors. This new micro-fine mist has a sheer finish with no white residue and is oil-free and non-comedogenic, and can be reapplied throughout the day for constant protection. 

OPI has reformulated its best-selling Nail Envy Treatment and now it not only strengthens nails but also delivers intense colour without the need for an additional layer of polish. Infused with biotin, calcium and vitamins A, C and E, the latest generation of OPI Nail Envy® also includes Tri-Flex Technology™ with layer-building strength to protect and reinforce natural nails.  Nine new shades have been added to the collection. 

Hive Solutions has created a dual use cleanser and make-up remover created to streamline facial treatments. Used on dry or damp skin as the first step in a facial, Hive^® 1 Step Cleansing Gel initially removes make-up including waterproof mascara, and then efficiently eliminates dirt and impurities.