The new Shellac Manicure has arrived

Okay.  So anyone who knows me at the Wingate KNOWS I am not good about having nails.  At all.  I bite.  I am not nearly as bad as I used to be, but it continues to a lesser degree.  They have tried to give me acrylic or gel nails.  They look beautiful and last for at least two weeks on most people.  Not me.  I bite them off.  Can you imagine?  They have even tried giving me nail polish that has a horrible taste to it so I will not bite...and that doesn't even work.

Last week one of our lovely nail technicians came downstairs to my desk and said - "Do you want to try this new Shellac Manicure?"  Being that I am a very dedicated Wingate employee, I said no because I had a million and one things to do at the time.  About twenty minutes later another staff member came down to show me her lovely nails and went on and on about how fabulous they were.  I took one look at them and ran up the stairs.  "Yes Yes!  I just saw it...I want one now!”  A mere half-hour later my hands look star quality and ready for action!  No dry time, I love that.  My nails are really beautiful and lasting...lasting...lasting!

This service is new to the Wingate and has been developed over the years by Creative Nail Design (CND).  We are thrilled to now be offering it here at the spa - clients have been asking for months.  Last year we attempted the Indestructible Manicures and found that they did not hold up like we wanted them too.  So we wanted to be really careful before beginning this service to make sure it lived up to the "hype".  The immediate feedback has been amazing and clients and staff are both loving the service.  A Wingate client said last week - "Had my first shellac mani - I may be hooked and do it regularly. It is amazing and only took 30 minutes."


This service is perfect for busy women, special occasions, extended vacations and any occasion that demands long-lasting color.  Strong, beautiful, all-one length natural nails can be difficult to grow and maintain. However, CND Shellac act as a weightless and invisible layer of protection for your nails, keeping them strong so that they can grow without breaking. Shellac is perfect for anyone who demands long-lasting, flawless color with incredible shine. Our service includes nail preparation, cuticle maintenance, hand massage and the Shellac application. We offer a variety of colors which are easily applied, then cured under a light for results that are nothing short of brilliant! Better still, there is no dry time and they can last up to 14 days! 

Call our front desk or visit us online for more information about the service.  You will NOT be disappointed!!

Now Offering...INOA AMMONIA-FREE HAIR COLOR

When you say something is ammonia-free, doesn't that sound good?  Doesn't that immediately make it sound BETTER for your hair?  I think so.  Now the Wingate is one of the few salons on the seacoast of New Hampshire that has been selected to offer this exclusive hair color line.  

L'Oreal says the Highly anticipated colour line is set to revolutionize the hair colour industry. L'Oreal Professionnel debuted Inoa, named for Innovation No Ammonia, an ammonia-free professional hair colorant. Described by the brand as "revolutionary," Inoa is not only ammonia-free (and therefore free from the ammonia-induced effects like a burning, itchy scalp) but also lifts color up to three shades, covers gray, and has true-to-tone results. By replacing ammonia with monoethanolamine, which typically has failed to cover gray or lighten hair as much as traditional ammonia-laden products, and by adding an oil-based gel and a cream developer, Inoa's creators have after years of research developed a formula that delivers optimum results sans ammonia. 

Late last year it was highlighted in "New Beauty Magazine" where they praised the hair color as a "true breakthrough in beauty".  You can check-out that article here -  New Beauty Magazine.  Enjoy!  And don't forget to ask your stylist about INOA.

Alternative to rowdy bachelorette party: Makeovers for everyone! - New Hampshire Sunday News (Manchester, NH)

Union Leader, The/New Hampshire Sunday News (Manchester, NH)

January 16, 2011 - By BARBARA LEECH

Special to the Sunday News

STRATHAM -- For the bride-to-be, coming up with ideas for a suitable pre-wedding party for her attendants and guests has gotten a little easier.Rather than a rowdy celebration, some brides are settling down to a little pampering instead.  The Wingate Salon and Spa in Stratham has been a popular pick, serving as party headquarters for more than 45 bridal and bachelorette parties during the past year.  The Wingate has been offering a private bridal and events suite since 2008, said Jennifer Woodside, marketing and events manager. She noted that the private spa party trend seems to be growing.

 "It all started because we had so many bridal parties already coming to the spa that it made sense to renovate and create a private space for just that sort of celebration," Woodside said. "But, I think there is a huge emphasis on weddings and all that leads up to the event now. It just keeps getting bigger and better. Bachelorette parties have become more elaborate, and more family is getting involved in the pre-wedding preparations."

This means the stress of planning that perfect day for everyone involved has also stepped up a notch. With a handful of reality shows about planning the perfect wedding, finding the perfect dress and bridal beauty makeovers, the pressure for today's bride to make everything memorable and unique is greater than ever before. But some brides are finding that a spa party is a perfect way to take away the tension and make everyone happy.

 "We are seeing groups of all sizes in our bridal and event suite. The trend seems to have brought more aunts and mothers into the party to make it a really nice family celebration," Woodside said. "The suite also allows us to provide the perfect setting for the wedding party to get ready in private, together before the ceremony or a bachelorette party to get pampered and celebrate."

In 2003 the renovated Wingate Tea room began offering tea and scones, fruit and cheese as an add-on option to spa groups looking for a little extra pampering.  Woodside said so many bridal parties were booking group treatments and choosing time in the tea room that it was the logical next step to renovate yet again and create the bridal and event suite in 2006.  The suite offers a lounge area with sofas and chairs and stations around the perimeter for hair and makeup with a separate changing room for brides to get dressed right at the spa if they choose. From pre-wedding day pampering, to bachelorette, to wedding-day beauty for everyone, the suite has served parties up to 22 people.

 "We are seeing larger groups, and more and more brides get dressed here, which is so nice because we get to see them start to finish," Woodside said. "The photographer shows up and captures all the preparation, and we have beautiful grounds for photographs once everyone is ready."

The Wingate Spa offers several packages to choose from and a menu of services and food and beverage options to create a personalized party. Bachelorette party packages typically range from $130 to $162 per person and include a pedicure, French manicure, a 30-minute or classic massage and a brunch of tea, quiche, seasonal fruit salad and freshly baked scones.  Other items on the menu include champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, mimosa and scones, an appetizer buffet and deli wrap sandwiches offered in partnership from "On the Vine," a fresh-food market in Exeter.

"Partnering up with 'On the Vine' lets us offer high-end deli selections catered by those who do it best," Woodside said. "We do scones very well, but we let professionals provide the rest."

As for the pampering, the spa has a staff of 45 to insure that the party experience moves at the speed that the bride and guests desire. Furniture in the bridal and events suite is movable to accommodate group hair, makeup and pedicures in one private setting.  One of the offerings the Wingate is most proud of is its bridal hair styling, which twice won the spa a reader's poll at New Hampshire Magazine's Bride, naming them "Best Wedding Day Hair Stylists" for 2009 and 2010.

 "Our staff receives continued training on all the latest in up-style trends," Woodside said. "We are very proud of the recognition this award brings and I think we are getting better known for what we offer as things like this get noticed."

Bridal up-styles start at $85, and bridal party up-styling starts at $65 per person. But Woodside said that along with all the packages the staff can work with the bride to create a package that is right for her budget and choices. Each package includes the popular Wingate Tea Time, which provides a wide selection of teas, fresh-baked scones with whipped butter and fruit and cheese. Basic prices and packages are available on the spa's website at www.wingatespa.com.  Brides and bachelorette party planners need to be thinking ahead, according to Woodside. Most parties are booked months before an event though the spa will try to accommodate those who wait until the last minute.

"We go to bridal shows in January and February, and the results fill our scheduling book pretty quickly," she said. "We already have 10 weddings scheduled for 2011, so it looks like this will be a very busy year."

For more information or to book an event, contact the Wingate Spa at 772-8400 or visit online atwww.wingatespa.com.

Copyright, 2011, Union Leader Corp.

Record Number: mandc5-5xxd312f0l5125su9p38

All I Want For Christmas...

I remember before I worked here my husband would purchase me a Wingate Spa beauty package each year.  It was his "thing".  And it was easy.  I am sure that was the motivating factor.  1.  Drive up to Wingate Spa.  2. Walk to front desk.  3. Ask nice lady for a spa package.  4.  She wraps it up nicely.  5.  Pay and leave.  6. See happy wife on Christmas Day.

Now that I work at the Wingate he says I can get those services all the time so I am  back to getting things like scarves, electronics and other items to clutter my home.  You would actually be suprised.  Just like you out there, we don't take enough time to pamper ourselves.  Sometimes it takes Jo saying to me...."Jenn, your roots, really" or Maria leading me upstairs for a little stress relief.  It is funny because when the staff does take the time to treat themselves to a Wingate service as we slink out of the room fully relaxed we always say "Now I remember why people love coming here".

I can remember those good old days.  Finding the perfect day to come was not always easy, but scheduling it seemed simple.  Then the big day would arrive and relaxation could begin!  My mother always says the minute you walk in to the Wingate you begin to relax.  I think it is true.You walk through the door and that warm smell of the Wingate signature scent takes you in.   When I first started working here, I remember thinking I was going to be able to take in that great smell every day of work.  Now it is something taken for granted, I will have to take it all in again.

My spa days always consisted of facials, massage, manicures and pedicures.  Checking in a familiar face is always ready to greet you and send you on your day.  The pure sense of having your stress level go down to zero is worth it all.

Facials have always been a favorite of mine and until I went somewhere else I did not realize how special the Wingate services were.  The facials are definitely beyond a typical experience combining both a massage of your face, head, neck and shoulders with some great skin care.  Of course you leave glowing.  The massage is always therapeutic along with relaxing with the therapists reaching out to learn more about your specific aches and pains.  Don't we all have them.  Then on to the pure relaxation of pedicures in big puffy chairs...really not the typical pedicure chair at all!   Finally, the manicure.  This one always made me nervous because I bite my nails.  I bite my nails while stressed...so being nervous and stressed about getting a manicure is kind of funny.  My  nails are too short, I am worried about them being long enough for a  manicure, don't bite them...don't bite them.  But really I found those nail technicians can work with almost anything and they made my nails look pretty in the end and the hand massage was always well worth that initial panic attack.

Did I forget to mention the tea?  How could that happened.  The popular and legendary Wingate Tea.  Yummo.  Those scones are to die for and they come presented so nicely with the cheese and fruit and cute little tea pot.  That was one of my favorite parts.  Having that break in between appointments to enjoy the delicious snack and unwind even more before heading to another luxurious treatment was perfect.

Of course once you experience this 3-4 hour day of bliss, you want to share it with someone.  The year after I enjoyed this treat by myself I called my friend Jamie and convinced him to buy a spa package for his wife and my best friend Stephanie.  The whole day is even better experience alongside someone you know and love.  I highly recommend it.  Pedicure, Manicures and Tea side by side are such a treat.  And you still get your alone time during the facial and/or massage.

I wondering if this year my husband is really buying me the Shark Steam Mop?  Or can I convince him to go back to our old ways?  Maybe I can make pretend I'm not a loyal Wingate employee for one day and see that spa through your eyes?

Lucky for you it is a no brainer.  Tell your husband it is tops on your list.  Or log on to the website and order one for you wife - have it shipped for free or pick it up at the spa.  We even have wish lists in our waiting room that you can fill out and conveniently drop in front of your husband, wife, family member, friend or boss.  Drop a major hint!

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday season!  See you next time...

Hmmm....You are "Liking" us on Facebook, but are you "Following" us on Twitter?

The Wingate Salon & Spa Facebook page has been the place to be - with our "Likes" rising every day.  Hey, we like that!  We have offered some great deals on Facebook Fridays and also gave away some prizes to our loyal social media followers.  These included facials, pedicures, massages and more.  Who doesn't want a free spa service?  Right?  Right!  We have found that page is a great way to communicate with our clients on a daily basis.


Our Twitter page is a bit lonely.  I know there is something like 400 million more people on Facebook than on Twitter, so this makes sense.  But we would still love to see you there.  It is another great way to find out more about salon & spa specials - in 140 characters or less.  


Find us here Wingate Twitter Page and start following us today.  Thanks!

Wow...we are having an AMAZING year in the "honors" category!

You like us, you really like us!  It is nice to feel loved by our community and we absolutely appreciate the honors we have received this year.


The Wingate Salon & Spa has now been selected by the readers of New Hampshire Magazine's BRIDE as "Best of Bride 2010 for Bridal Party Spa AND Day of Wedding Hair Styling". This is the second year in a row that the Wingate has received both awards. The winners, who were selected in the online poll, were listed in the September, 2010 issue of BRIDE.


"It's the magazine's second annual poll," said Barbara Coles, editor of BRIDE. "We felt the poll was a way to recognize people in the New Hampshire's bridal industry who strive every day to provide great service for couples who are planning one of the most important days in their life. We also wanted to give those who benefit from the training, experience and expertise of wedding professionals a chance to express their satisfaction".

The poll, which was conducted from the beginning of February to the end of June 2010, had 45 categories. In addition, the members of the editorial staff were asked for their suggestions for an Editor's Pick and their choices of outstanding businesses were added to the winners list.

The Wingate Salon and Spa in Stratham has been a leader in the bridal industry for 10+ years. It has become the top destination on the seacoast for brides and their wedding parties.

BRIDE is a twice-yearly publication of New Hampshire Magazine, the state's largest lifestyle magazine. It is part of the McLean Communications of Manchester, a publishing company that also includes New Hampshire Business Review, New Hampshire Home, Parenting New Hampshire and Destination.

Have you tried it? Revolutionary Skin Care Line at the Wingate

For years we searched for the perfect combination of products to meet the dynamic needs of our skin care clients.  It isn't easy to find products that can do it all - and in the end we offered three different skin care lines in an attempt to cover the diverse skin types of the Wingate clients.  After trying some of these different combinations, the esthetics staff found they were happy with "this" product from "this" line and then would recommend "that" product from "that" line.  It all seemed very disconnected and not the right approach for our community.


The Wingate management along with the Esthetics team decided to take on the daunting task of creating our own skin care products.  In comes the fabulous Dr. Loretta Ciraldo!  Loretta Ciraldo, MD, FAAD is a nationally recognized expert in skin care and a Professor of Cosmetic Dermatology at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Her advice has been featured in many magazines including Allure, Shape, New Beauty and Oprah. Her skincare expertise has made her a recurring guest on Good Morning America, The Rachel Ray Show, the Today Show and on local Southern Florida stations. Dr. Loretta is the author of the book “6 Weeks to Sensational Skin” Our partnership with her was about to create an amazing line of products called Wingate Serious Skin Care.


In conjunction with Dr. Loretta, our skin care line was developed, clinically tested and formulated!  Dr. Ciraldo's dedication and knowledge is the culmination of 30 years of laboratory and clinical experience.

We distinguish our Wingate Serious Skin Care line by providing formulations that incorporate the ideal levels of the most advanced active and natural ingredients to produce clinically significant and often extraordinary results. Further, our formulations specifically avoid ingredients that can cause redness, flaking and other untoward reactions. Our products are non-prescription, medical grade, highly efficacious formulations. We excel at fine-tuning skincare regimens for every Wingate client.  These are now the top selling retail products within the spa after being introduced in late 2009.