Whether you prefer to visit a beauty shop for a relaxing pamper session or to get fit at home, Penny Oldham looks at what's on offer

3 salons to try …

Senses Skin Care Centre - Recently named Therapist of the Year at the Professional Beauty Awards, Suzie Bell is in the lucky position of owning a recently opened salon in Alfreton and one in Lagos, on Portugal’s Algarve, which has been open for four years. The Alfreton shop has been beautifully refurbished and boasts the latest equipment, and a wonderful range of products and treatments. One of the most popular in both countries is the Bio Ultimate Platinum, a non-surgical facelift which offers excellent results, particularly favoured in Portugal, although it’s one of Suzie’s favourites too. Here in Alfreton clients are singing the praises of its new nail technician Abbie Mills and her nail enhancements; there are two other members of the Senses team, Beverley Barnes, the salon manager and Megan Gibson, currently reaching the end of her training. Sun damage is of course much more prevalent in sunny Lagos, although all women have concerns about dehydration, pigmentation and ageing generally. Suzie believes that exceptional customer service, an unsurpassable level of professionalism and a commitment to aftercare and advice are just three of the most important qualities clients can be offered – qualities that are appreciated whatever the weather.

25, High St, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 7DR. Tel: 01773 835866

The Lounge hair & beauty - A great new product has arrived in Ashbourne. Part of L’Or�al’s Professionel range, INOA, a permanent 100 per cent ammoniafree hair colourant, is exclusively available at The Lounge Hair and Beauty. Top glossy Marie Claire has awarded the product the 2010 Prix d’Excellence de la Beaut� Award for its performance: not only does it offer a stunningly healthy and shiny appearance with great depth of colour, but it is odourless, comfortable on the scalp, and ensures the hair’s natural level of lipids is maintained. It also gives excellent coverage on white and grey hair. So if you feel like a late summer hair boost, take a trip to Ashbourne and the Lounge, where you’ll also find more delicious and effective treatments.

The Lounge Hair and Beauty, 1st Floor, 20 Market Place, Ashbourne. Tel: 01335 344588

Skin Solutions - With over twenty years of experience in nursing, with twelve years specialising in burns and plastic surgery Karen Burgess, owner and manager of Skin Solutions is perfectly placed to offer a wide range of skin-related treatments. Karen can deal with permanent hair reduction, including reduction and removal of white and grey hairs, microdermabrasion, pigment and red vein removal, skin rejuvention and acne, and administer muscle relaxing injections, Restylane and dermal fillers and give non-surgical facelifts. With high levels of customer service and conveniently situated for those in the north of the county, Skin Solutions offers the highest standards of care and professionalism.

For more information call Skin Solutions on 01298 815966

…and something a little more energetic - Everyone knows how important it is to keep fit and healthy, but today’s busy lifestyles mean it’s often difficult to fit in a gym visit. Or maybe gyms don’t appeal? Now you can exercise at your own pace in your own home. Hire Fitness offers a range of top quality equipment – cross trainers, treadmills, exercise bikes, rowers and vibration plates – fully computerised and differing from that used in commercial gyms only in that they’re lighter for portability around the home. Equipment is delivered and installed and instruction on use and maintenence given. If you’re not sure which piece would suit you best a no-obligation demo is available. Minimum rental is just four weeks, but longer periods attract discounts. Equipment swaps are available so you don’t get bored and if you decide to buy, there’s a further discount on the purchase price.

For more details contact Hire Fitness on tel: 08456 435105 or visit www.hirefitness.co.uk