Updating......

Wow I haven't post anything since November 11.  It has been a real rollercoster with the opening of the salon, my nail specialty written test, and the clients.

First, I took my test on November 21 but didn't pass it.  Need to take it again in January.

The opening was awesome.  Full of really nice people, family and friend.  I received awesome gifts and the best wishes.  A local newspaper published a small note about the opening.

The newspaper picture featured the Valentino Beauty Pure dust collector, and because of that they giving my a new bling out machine.

How exciting is all that? 

And the client? Unbelievable! They so many and growing.  A month have not passed since the opening, and I hiring a nail tech and a manicurist.

Uffff yes and many more things I will tell you in my next blog. <3

Johnny Depp wears nail polish

Yep, I can not believe it either.  No cause Johnny Depp but because a man is wearing nail polish.  But this remind me that men where the first ones to paint their nails.  In 3000 bc on the Egyptian and Romans culture military commanders stain their nails and lips in matching colors before important battles.  Yes for battle no for cosmetic or beautifying purposes.  So why is so weird for us that men use nail polish in this times since it was their idea from the beginning.

Nail polish is very related to men.  Is made some of the same components from car paint (and they love cars), the creator of the first nail polish was Charles Revson (Owner of Revlon brand), the creator of French manicures was Jeff Pink (I love Pink), come one again, why is so weird for us seen a men wearing nail polish. 



There you have it.  It look cool, it looks manly and messy just like must of men.

From: http://www.refinery29.com/johnny-depp-accessories

Wednesday Clients

I usually do not do nails on wednesdays afternoons because I go to church.  But yesterday was the exception.  This days the money flow is slower but the bills keep coming.

I did Rosa Maravilla Nails.  She removed her old material and got a new full set with forms.  Inside silver and purple glitter with little flowers and iridescent glitter.  She loved it!!!

Then it was Mirna who first well did not like the yellow and hot-pink I was doing.  The true was that those are summer color.  We laught about it and then she picked a beauty lilac from Essie named Nice is Nice and i did this peacock feathers design.  Beautifull and elegant.

Texting your clients

In a-blink-of-an-eye i realized is Monday, no money came-in in the weekend, I need to do something.  Ding!!! Let me use my old technique: texting my clients.  What I did is just say hi to the ones I have not hear from them for a while and to the ones recently got their nails done, then I started reminding the ones that need a fill-in this week.  It only took me 10 minutes to text all of them because I have a group set-up of my clients on my cellphone.  The result: 2 fill-ins tomorrow and 2 fill-ins on Saturday.

Back in Puerto Rico I used the texting and it gives you very good results.  Most of them call back for an appointment and thank me because they tend to forget.  They like: "Oh please do not stop doing that you don't know what a great help is that" or "I was thinking about you but i didn't have your phone number."

Text messaging not only works for reminders is great for those slow days.  In my old job Wednesdays used to be the slowest day ever.  To the point that sometimes we were there 8:30am to 5:30pm to make NOTHING.  So I decided to text my clients and offer the things like:  "Only today wednesdays free 10 finger desing"  or  "Today only fill-ins $3.00 off."  Right away up to 3 appointment.  After several week texting my clients with different offers every wednesday my coworker saw the results and started to do the same.  After 2 months for this type of marketing wednesdays turned on a busy day and we did not even have to send offers any more.

Lesson:  Use your resources, specially if there is no extra costs.

License

This couple of day were unbelieveble.  I been stressing so much with the fact that I didn't get any news to get my written and practice exam and get my Nail Specialty license.  I was specially concern because I need the license, or at least the temporary license, to open my nail salon Pink Nails & More on December 3th.

I called the state but they did not found my papers or any records in their system.  I got crazy!!! They told me I studied in Puerto Rico and, since in PR they do not give licenses, my only choice was to study again.  I called Manhattan Nails and Esthetics School and they say, the receptionist, "you need to come, we have to evaluate your hours and we may give you a certification for a charge."  I drove an hour to manhattan, and when I sat down with the lady she started telling me that they do not do that.  What????? Well, then she starts talking lower and told me: "listen, i like you, the enrollment fee ($1,100.00) fill the Nail Specialist application, and I will put it together with the other ones and the school will sign it.  Then I will separate it from the group, you come and pick it up and send it to the state."  Wait, wait, What??? So I am enrolling, do i need to come to class? " No, no, no is just to sign and seal your application."  I am like let me think about it.  She noticed I did not like it so again she is like:  "I like you, call me at 4:00pm.  I will ask my boss to lower the price".  I went home, called at 4:00pm just to heard her say he say $800.00.  This lady has some guts because this sound pretty illegal to me,

At that point I could not take it any more.   I called my school in Puerto Rico to complaint for the fact that they do not give licenses.  I almost called the State Department of Puerto Rico to complain too. I was thinking and thinking what to do. I send like ten papers to the State.  Diploma (High Honors), transcriptions, hours certification (in Puerto Rico we study 780 hours, 8 months), OPI Workshop Diploma, Nail Pro Test Me Certificates (like 6) pictures of my nails, picture of me in my graduation, copy of my article in Nails Magazine.  Come on that is prove enough that I study, and a lot.

It was almost 5:00pm and I realized I have a client at 6:00pm.  Said to myself:  "You know what God, do what you have to do, I give up." I walk out of my room and there is the mail in the table.  My name is in the center of the envelope and Department of State Division of Licensing Services in the left top corner.  I almost faint!!! OMG.  God your fast!!!  There it was, my temporary license!!!!  But it does not stop there because since I realized that God make your dreams come true, specially if is His will and the right time, I started to say in my mind:  "Tomorrow I am going to receive the green card with the written exam date."  Yes!!!!!!!! Today I got it in the mail!!! How crazy is that.

Lesson learn.  Do not fall for the people that is trying to get you to do something ilegal to get things done.  Have patience and trust in God.  He will make a way where other people thinks, No Way!!

Hidden camera investigation finds nail salons advertising Shellac but applying a different product

By: Jenn Strathman, newsnet5.com
CLEVELAND - A 5 On Your Side hidden camera investigation found stores advertising Shellac but offering consumers another product. See how to make sure you're getting the manicure you paid for.
Shellac is advertised as the manicure miracle. It's a polish that promises to last two weeks without chipping and smudging. We had 10 women test the product to see if it works. Even though our testers always asked for Shellac, our investigation found that wasn't always the product that was used.
"I've had manicures last longer than the Shellac process," Carrie Nagorka said.
Nagorka is one of 10 testers we sent to five Northeast Ohio salons. While she wasn't happy, other testers were thrilled with the results.
"They stayed wonderful looking for the full two weeks," Claudia Fleming said.
Shellac mixed with other products in our test
So, what makes the difference? First, look past the price on daily deal sites.
"It's a coupon for Shellac. What else would you need to know? Who would think to go in and say maybe I need to do my research on this place?" college student and tester Ellen Kopy said.
Kopy said she's seen Shellac on her friend’s hands, and didn't expect the experience she got at a Northeast Ohio salon.
"I really like this color. Is that Shellac?" Kopy asked.
"Yeah," the nail professional responded.
Kopy went with tester and NewsChannel5 producer Tara Sutton to the same salon. Both women made it clear they wanted Shellac.
"So this is our first time we're getting Shellac," Sutton said.
However, they got a mix of Shellac and other products. We know this because the bottles used on their hands did not always say Creative Nail Design, or CND. Shellac is a product by CND.
On CND’s website, it says mixing and layering the brands will compromise quality. The front page of the site even warns consumers, "Don't Be Fooled By Shellac Pretenders."
CND shows consumers the tools to look for at a salon so they know they're getting the service they paid for.
Kopy’s polish did not say CND, and her results weren’t what she expected.
"It's wearing down just like a normal nail polish would. If it's going to do that then 3 bucks at the drugstore versus 30 bucks at the nail salon, I might as well go with the drugstore," Kopy said of her manicure.
At the same salon, Sutton’s French manicure was a mix of polishes.
"The white part of mine is CND, but the rest of it was this Gelish brand," Sutton said. "She called it Shellac the whole time."
Unlike Kopy, Sutton's nails held up despite the mixing.
Another salon also said it mixes brands.
"You can use Gelish along with Shellac. Like I can use this Gelish polish but the Shellac light. They have way more colors," the nail tech told our tester.
We questioned the salon management about this, and the owner admitted brands should not be mixed.
"Application is paramount to get the polish to stay on," Licensed Cosmetology Instructor Barbara Brussee said.
Barbara Brussee has been a cosmetology instructor for 36 years and currently teaches at Inner State Beauty School.
While formal training is not required, some nail techs have taken classes. Brussee said licensed professionals can also download instructions online with their license number.
The instructions for Shellac and Gelish are slightly different.

READ MORE 

Advanced Design Course

Advanced Design Course

 

Manhattan Nail & Esthetics School

312 w. 36th st 5th Floor

New York, NY 10018

Tuesday, NOV. 24th
2 ~ 5pm

Cost: $150 (materials included)

Call 212-563-8300 or visit to register. 

Manhattan Nail & Esthetics School 

 

 

 

13 Helpful Tips for E-file Users from NAILS Magazine

I am always very interested on topics related to the use of the electric files.  Why? Because many times the sensibility on our client nails, the red spots, the ridges, are because of a wrong way to use the e-files.  And I found this article at NAILS Magazine and decided to share it.

13 Helpful Tips for E-file Users

Maravilla girls

4 clients in one house, how cool is that.  Specially when their last name is "Maravilla" which in English means is wonderful.  Rosa, Mirna and Rossy, and they really are wonderful.  From coffee, to fruits, water, you name it, they always treat me very well. 

And about the nails they always tell me do what ever you want.  So this is what i have came up with.

Last week clients

I have 2 clients i meet through facebook, twins.  One love colors, "bling, bling", designs etc, the other one nice and simple stuff.   I had been to their house (several times) and this is what they got.

Did my own nails

Many people constantly ask my how can you do your own nails.  First thing that comes to my mind is "why not" but I always answer to promote myself.  Imaging me been a Nail Specialist and when people ask me: "oh i love your nails.  Where you got them done?" and I answer "the Vietnamese from the corner" :O sikeeee.  Exactly, if I am a Nails Specialist I have to do my own nails and use them as my business card.

So I did my own nails.  And here the material i used.  Pink acrylic, pink glitter, gold glitter, hexagons, pink dry flowers and clear acrylic.  I used the reverse technique to then place the art on the tips.   Hope you like.

Nail Tricks

Here some videos with tricks to make easy the hardest task when you dealing with your clients:

Glitter Removal

Perfect French

Mosaic Nails

Artificial Nails

Tips to keep longer your artificial nails

1. Your nails are NOT tools.  Use anything but your nails to open, rip, etc.  Example:  To open a soda can you can use your car keys, scissors, anything but your artificial nails.  They may crack or lift, plus with the time you my cause a damage on your nail matrix.
2. Keep them dry.  Avoid washing dishes, if you have to use gloves or dry them right away. 
3. Do not bite them. 80% of my clients tend to bite the nails, the skin around or just have them in their mouth.  This again may cause lifting but also you will be bringing bacteria to your mouth and viceversa.
4. Apply daily lotion and/or cuticle oil to keep your skin and cuticles hydratated.
5. Do your filling every 2 weeks to avoid accidents, lifting and to always have them pretty.

Nicky Minaj Colletion OPI 2012

OMG one of my favorites artist is having here own nail polishes collection by OPI.  The color are beautiful, bright and bold just like her.  She use the names of her song to name this amazing colors:  Did it On Em, Fly, Pink Friday, Save Me, Metal for Life and Super Bass.  Six amazing color that I can wait to use.

Bettinna Cosmetics Video Review

Check this short review on Puertorican Cosmetic line Bettina my MakeUpChicaMUA

Pink Nails & More Grand Opening

Finally is going to happen.  Pink Nails & More is opening its doors in Freeport NY the 1st week of December.  Many thing are going on in the planification of the busines opening event, the decoration of the place, flight tickets for my family, invitations, marketing etc.

Soon adding some of my salon decoration ideas, logos, promotional materials and more nails. Stay tune.  Comments welcome!!

Rip ma nails Off

Thursday October 13, 2011

I can't believe it.  I woke up today with the only idea of taking my nails off.  And i always recommend my clients to soak-off the gel or the acrylic to avoid damaging the nails plates but guess what  I did.  Rip them off one by one with my mouth during my 15 minutes walk to work. So now my nails are naked.

Two hours had pass since I rip my nails off and now I'm thinking what kind of nails im doing.  Is not easy been a nails tech trust me.  You have to have your nails always pretty.  How people is going to trust in your work if you do your nails with other people, specially vietnamis -_-.

Tuesday October 18, 2011

Ok, another unbelivable thing.  I still have no nails.  This weekend was a very busy one but also an amazin one.  I am part of JZ Creations, a Party Planing Company, and as part of their grand opening i did the nails of 4 of their models together with more than 20 dancers.  Having a full time job in an office 9 to 6 to go home to only pack your nails material and hit the road to all of your clients houses is no a easy task.  One hour drives to different parts of Long Island, some of them for free for promotional purpose only, is stressfull but i'm it all pays off.

After 4 days, friday to monday, of 4 or 5 hours of sleep, late meals, dust everywhere and a car smelling like acrylic, the show is over, i have to go back to my full time job, still with no nails.

San Juan Beauty Show

This November 6-7 Puerto Rico will be celebrating their San Juan Beauty Show. 

San Juan Beauty Show Inc. Is an international company established in San Juan Puerto Rico, in 1997.  They have been recognized by costemologist and barbers of Europe, United States, Latin America and the Caribbean.  Their events bring together more than 50,000 visitors.  They are also recognized as one of the most important and sucessful beauty conventions in all Latin America.

The celebrate competitions on Hair and nails with $1,000 in prizes.

http://www.sanjuanbeautyshow.com/

Here some pictures of their event last year 2010

Trending for Spring 2012!

Belive it or not winter have not started yet and they already know what is coming for Spring 2012.  Here a video:

As usual, I had the most amazing time this season in New York at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. From new nail trends, to pony tails, to beautiful, bright colors, the new trends for Spring 2012 hit the runway, and I was there to capture it all! Check it out!




For more information please visit the following sites:

Pamella Roland, www.pamellaroland.com

Custo Barcelona, www.custobarcelona.com

Maybelline, www.maybelline.com

CND, www.cnd.com

Revlon, www.revlon.com

Rebecca Taylor, www.rebeccataylor.com



And for more stories on fashion for Spring straight from the runway, visit www.MalPearson.com!

Essie's "Bling it on" 2011 Winter Collection

The newest color collection from essie is all about Cocktail Bling! Inspired by the previous stones and metals that make perfect accessories at holiday parties (Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds), the winter 2011 collection consists of six festive, luminous shades. Available in salons and beauty destinations in October 2011.

From the left: School of Hard Rocks, Brooch the Subject, Bangle Jangle, Bobbing for Baubles, Cocktail Bling and Size Matters.

Arrancando en Long Island NY

Ya son nueve meses (9) desde que me mude de Puerto Rico a Long Island NY y he estado estudiando la industria de la uñas aca.  No es fácil ser tecnica de uñas en los Estados Unidos debido a los requisitos y licencias, procedimientos, etc.  Ademas, es una industria que esta muy dominada por los orientales o viednamitas que hacen este trabajo por muy bajos precios (pero tambien baja calidad). Tambien cabe mencionar que sin las debidas licensia no podras comprar tus materiales.

Pero, tambien hay ventajas para las puertorriqueñas que nos ha tocado emigar a los Estados Unidos

Primero que nada, nadie estudia más de 250 horas.  Para obtener tu licencia de Nail Specialist, como le llaman aca, solo se requieren 250 horas de estudio que equivalen como a 2 meses de estudio.  Con tan pocas horas sabemos que no cubren tantas materias como nosotras en Puerto Rico.  Por esto saca tu licencia sin ningun temor.  Los examenes se dan en ingles y español asi que chicas no hay excusas.

Y si de diseño se trata somos la mejores.  Comenzando con diseños de flores y rayas, continuando con relieve (3d), y finalizando con encapsulados de todo tipo de materiales como: escarcha, cintas, alambre, aluminio, plasticina, polimers, rhinestones, botones y mas.  Tambien uñas en forma de tornillo, con bola giratoria, con pecera, etc.  Creaciones en las que podemos dar catedra en esta industria en los Estados Unidos.

Recientemente recibi mi diploma y transcripción de crédito por haber completado el curso de Técnica de Uñas en el Instituto de Banca y Comercio http://www.ibanca.net/.  Debo decirles que las puertorriqueñas, o cualquier chica que estudie en Puerto Rico este curso, esta más que capacitada para trabajar igual o mejor que las técnicas de uñas en los Estados Unidos.  Este curso cubre 780 horas de estudio y practica.  Indiscutiblemente Puerto Rico lo Hace Mejor.

10 Best Nail Polishes By Molly Roemer

Like a killer scarf or a one-of-a-kind necklace, your nail color can be a key accessory. Whether you get your nails done at a beauty salon or do them yourself at home, the key to a perfect-looking manicure and pedicure is polish, polish, polish. And there's really nothing like the feeling of freshly-lacquered nails (that is unless you fish through your purse too soon after painting your nails and ding one of them … don't you just hate that?)

Because we live in an instant gratification, want-it-all age, we expect a lot from our polish. For starters, color choice is of the utmost importance because it has to speak to you, be in vogue for the season and fitting for the special event or vacation you might be heading off to. Beyond that, the color in the bottle has to be true to the way it will look on your nails (especially because you can't always test them in the store), be a good value (read: you want a polish that's not too expensive and lasts a long time), and since we're always looking for ways to shave time off our beauty routines, we also want our polish to dry super fast (so you don't run into the aforementioned issue of dings). Finally, it must be chip-resistant.

Think our standards are too high? Or can one polish really be all of these things? Well, our readers tried and tested many-o-polishes to weed out the not so great ones from the gems, and here we deliver their top 10 best nail polish list.

No. 10: Wet n Wild Rock Solid Nail Lacquer, $2.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.2*
Why: Readers gush about this polish calling it a "hidden gem," because it dries "super fast," "looks great" and "the color in the bottle is very true to the color on your nails." One reader loves "the bottle with the crystal on top!" While another says it has "pretty colors, pretty packaging, pretty price, [and is a] pretty good deal." Another reader demands, "Save your money and buy more shades."

No. 9: Avon Nailwear Nail Enamel, $3.49

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.4*
Why: Readers love how this polish "lasts and lasts!" and it "won't chip or come off if my hand is in water." Another reader says it stays on "up to 10 days." People also love the "really cute colors" saying, "this nail polish is excellent," because "it’s long lasting." One reader likes how "this nail polish delivers and it's at a reasonable price." As a nail tech, one reader thinks "this polish is just as good as any professional one. I have many different brands and colors of nail polish, but Avon I have found is the best. I tell all my friends that this is the best nail polish especially for the price, you can't beat it."

No. 8: Maybelline New York Express Finish 60 Second Nail Color, $3.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.6*
Why: One reader likes this polish because "1) yes, it dries quickly, 2) they have colors that I like, 3) I can find them at almost every grocery store/pharmacy, and 4) great price." Readers enjoy the colors saying it has "good pigmentation," "great color selection," and they "got lots of compliments." One woman digs the quick-drying feature saying, "I love this nail polish so much. I used to hate painting my nails because I could never sit still long enough to let them dry smudge-free. But once I found this product I was hooked!"

No. 7: Revlon Nail Enamel, $4.49

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.6*
Why: People who love Revlon products also love the nail polish because "Revlon polish is rich, the color is vibrant and I really like how sheer they are." Many love the red color especially because "it’s rich and passionate." One reader says, "The colors are pretty and no testing on animals. What else can you ask for?" Another likes how there is "no yellowing either," saying that it's her "all-time fave." Another color favorite of many is Autumn Berry because it is "warm, sexy and rich," and "is a particularly great winter color -- everyone asks what it is."

No. 6: CoverGirl CG Boundless Color Nail Polish, $4

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.8*
Why: One reader who has "always been a fan of bright standout nails" says, "I have like 50 hot pink shades and this is the one I normally grab when wanting hot pink. Beautiful!" Readers love how this is "an inexpensive nail polish that lasts just as long as the costly alternatives." Another agrees saying, "the polish is as good as what you would find in a nail salon." People also love the "gorgeous colors," saying they have a "fabulous color selection" that is "much more lasting and shiny than most other nail polish brands." One reader professes, "I love to use this on my toes."

No. 5: Lippmann Collection Nail Lacquer, $15

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.8*
Why: Readers agree that Lippman's nail lacquers are "polishes to pine for." Their favorite attributes? The formula, which "allows it to be applied thinly (no goop!) and the bottle/ brush design, [which] prevents the application process from getting messy". One reader agreed saying, "each bottle ‘keeps’ for a long time without getting thick or gloopy." Another loves it because it "doesn't have formaldehyde in it, which is great for the environment" and "it has anti-fungal qualities to it so I can share with my friends or at the nail salon." Another user assures us, "If you can get past the sticker shock, you'll be treated to high-quality nail polish housed in a beautiful regency-style bottle." Speaking of the bottle, "my other polishes live in a drawer in my bathroom, but these babies are on display," says a reader.

No. 4: Essie Nail Polish, $8

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.8*
Why: One reader says, "As a high school student I usually found it difficult to part with my allowance, but Essie was a coveted product for which I would scrimp and save." One reader says, "The best part of Essie is the super shiny finish that you achieve without a top coat. The long wear is a bonus." Another reader thinks it is "perfect for office wear," because it "lasts through hours of typing." After discovering Essie, readers say, "OPI isn’t the only game in town." And one even says, "I just bought my first bottle of Essie a few weeks ago, and had just said goodbye to OPI."

No. 3: Rimmel London 60 Seconds Vinyl Stars, $1.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.1*
Why: People love how this nail polish "really does dry in 60 seconds. WOW." Another says that the nail polish is "pretty, and did dry by the time I started painting the other hand." One reader says that this polish is the "total package," because it "comes in a variety of colors ... dries fast ... and only costs $1.99! I love it." Readers also love how it "stays on a long time," and assert that you "can’t beat this price."

No. 2: OPI Nail Lacquer Classics, $5.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.6*
Why: Readers think "OPI has it nailed!" One person says, "I'm a polish whore ... and own about 50 bottles (that's after clearing out a bunch). That said, I am an OPI fan." Readers swear this polish is "unlike any other type" because the "color goes on smoothly," "is vibrant," and "rich and deep and lasts forever." Even a reader's "dad complimented the color." Tons of our readers love the OPI Designer Series, because "I love glitter. I love OPI. OPI + glitter = more to love." Another reader says, "they are dazzling when under lights" and even give a "holographic-like effect." One reader says, "Generally, anything sparkly wins me over instantly, and OPI really outdid themselves with the Designer Series. Every color is rich [and] sparkly." "When I wear this polish people constantly ask where I got my nails done and can't believe I did them myself," says a reader.

No. 1: China Glaze Nail Lacquer with Hardeners, $5.00

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.6*
Why: Readers love how China Glaze "comes in a kagillion different, beautiful colors and effects." One "self professed nail polish addict" says, "this is my absolute favorite brand of polish" because "they last, are bright and beautiful and unique." The fave color among many readers is the coveted, For Audrey, "a Tiffany (robin's egg) blue," saying "it's the prettiest color I've ever owned, and the only way I can wear blue on my nails without feeling silly."




Taken from: totalbeauty.com

6 Things Your Nail Salon Doesn't Want You to Know

Whenever I get a manicure, I'm always on the lookout for the telltale signs of a clean nail salon. Is there pre-existing white residue on the "clean" emery board? Did the manicurist wash her hands before touching mine?
Coming from a girl who witnessed a Los Angeles nail technician hide her tools in her purse when the salon got word that a health inspector was on their way in, I have a right to be wary. And guess what? You should be too. Especially after reading the secrets that nails salons don't want you to know, which both nail technicians and doctors advised me on. Check them out:
 

You are always at risk

Podiatrist Dr. Robert Spalding, author of "Death by Pedicure," states that "at this time, an estimated one million unsuspecting clients walk out of their chosen salon with infections -- bacterial, viral and fungal." And no matter which salon you go to, there is always a risk of infection. He claims that in his research "75 percent of salons in the United States are not following their own state protocols for disinfections," which includes not mixing their disinfectant solutions properly on a daily basis, not soaking their instruments appropriately, and using counterfeit products to reduce costs (for example Windex substituted for Barbicide), says the doctor. And the problem is that there is no way to really "verify an instrument has been properly soaked and sterilized" without watching the process.
See alternatives to beauty salon treatments here.

They don't turn customers away

Like most businesses, most nail salons won't turn away paying customers. Which means that people who are sick, have nail infections or foot fungus are being worked on next to you instead of being referred to an appropriate medical professional.

Dr. Spalding says that the greatest danger of the nail salon is "The transmission of infection from one client to another." And, with "millions of people whose immune systems are compromised by diabetes, HIV, cancer, hepatitis and other infective organisms" booking services offered in nail salons, many are dangerously susceptible to infection, warns the doctor.

They swap and dilute bottles

In her long history as a nail technician, celebrity manicurist Jin Soon Choi, owner of Jin Soon Natural Hand and Foot Spas in New York City, says she has heard of many salons filling expensive lotion bottles with a cheap generic lotion. That way the salons can charge you more for the manicure by claiming to use prestige products, but in reality are just deceiving you.

Similarly, she says that some salons will dilute nail polish bottles that have become clumpy from old age or from too much air exposure with nail polish remover. This action compromises the quality of the polish, which will make the formula chip easier once on your nails. To ensure the life of your color and to protect any possible germ spreading, tote your own bottles.
See the highest rated nail polishes here.
Just because there is no blood, doesn't mean you haven't been cut

"Breaks in the skin can be microscopic or highly visible," says Dr. Spalding. They can either come in with the client via "cuts, scratches, hangnails, bitten nails, insect bites, paper cuts, split cuticles -- or be created in the salon," he says. "Nail techs using callus-cutting tools and nail nippers, files, cuticle pushers, and electric burrs and drills, can and do scratch and nick skin," sometimes drawing blood and sometimes not. But just because no blood is visible, doesn't mean these "portals of entry" aren't susceptible to infective organisms, the doctor advises.

If you've ever had your nails filed and it momentarily feels "too hot in the corner for even a second," then you've had the surface layer of your skin broken -- leaving it open for infection.

They aren't talking about you

Some narcissists or paranoid customers might think that nail technicians are talking about them when they speak to each other in other languages across the room, but they aren't. Apparently they don't care to share with each other how lovely your nail beds are or how gross your big toe is. "In general, they mostly gossip about their family and friends and the shows they watched last night," says Choi. Phew.

Not all disinfecting solutions are 100 percent effective

"Some infective microorganisms are easy to kill [and] some are not," says the doctor. And unfortunately, he has seen "industry-wide confusion about the definition of the term 'sterilize.'"

He says many nail techs think their instruments are sterilized, when, in fact, they "have no clue," because not all disinfectant solutions are powerful enough to kill all viruses. Therefore, when nail techs aren't informed of customers' pre-existing medical conditions, they don't know how to properly disinfect for particular viruses. "These are medical situations," says the doctor, which manicure and pedicure-licensed technicians aren't trained for -- it's not in their job description and isn't their fault as they are "neither schooled nor licensed to work in the presence of blood or to maintain a surgically sterile environment," says the doctor.

There are way more secrets they don't want you to know, so be sure to check them all out before heading out for you next mani/pedi appointment.

taken from: shine.com

Nicki Minaj Nails

About Your Nails

Nails

• Fingernails grow an average of only 0.1 millimeter (mm) each day, whereas toenails grow 1 mm per month. Individual nail growth rates depend on age, time of year, activity level, and heredity.
• Nails grow faster on fingers — especially on your dominant hand — than toes.
• Women's nails grow more slowly than men's, except possibly during pregnancy.
• Nails grow more rapidly in summer than in winter.
• Nail growth is affected by disease, nutrition, medications, trauma, chronic illness, fever, and the aging process.

Nail problems

• Nail problems make up about 10 percent of all dermatological conditions.
• Nail problems usually increase throughout life and affect a high number of senior citizens.
• Symptoms that could signal nail problems include color or shape changes, swelling of the skin around the nails, thinning or thickening of the nails, bleeding or discharge, and pain.
• Nails often reflect our general state of health. Changes in the nail, such as discoloration or thickening, can signal health problems, including liver and kidney diseases, heart and lung conditions, anemia and diabetes.
• Fungal infections cause about half of all nail disorders. They are more common in toenails because the toes often are confined to a warm, moist, weight-bearing environment within your shoes.
• Although rare, melanomas can grow under the nail. Such melanomas may be mistaken for an injury, so you should consult a dermatologist if a dark-colored streak appears within the nail plate, if the nail discoloration does not gradually improve, or if the size of the streak increases over time.
• Other common nail problems include:
  • White spots that appear after an injury to the nail.
  • Vertical lines, known as splinter hemorrhages, under the nails that are caused by nail injury or certain drugs or diseases.
  • Bacterial infections, which are most often due to injury, poor skin hygiene, nail biting, finger sucking, or frequent exposure to water.
  • Ingrown toenails, which are caused by improper nail trimming, poor stance, digestive problems, or tight shoes. 

Tips for keeping nails healthy

• Keep your nails clean and dry to prevent bacteria from collecting under the nail.
• Cut your fingernails and toenails straight across and rounded slightly in the center. This keeps your nails strong and helps avoid ingrown toenails.
• Wear proper-fitting shoes and alternate shoes on a regular basis. Tight shoes can cause ingrown toenails.
• Do not try to self-treat ingrown toenails, especially if they are infected. See a dermatologist.
• Use an antifungal foot powder daily.
• Do not bite your fingernails. You can transfer infectious organisms between your fingers and mouth. Also, nail biting can damage the skin around your fingers, allowing infections to enter.
• Report any nail problems to your dermatologist. Nail changes such as redness, swelling, and pain could signal an infection or other serious problems.

Nail salon safety

• Most nail salons follow strict sanitation guidelines, but consumers should check to make sure that the salon, the manicure stations, and the implements are clean and that the technicians wash their hands between clients.
• Consumers who get frequent manicures and pedicures should bring their own implements to the salon.
• Don't let a nail technician cut or push back your cuticle. It might allow an infection to develop.
• If you have itching, burning, or any type of allergic reaction to a nail cosmetic, see a dermatologist.

See your dermatologist for successful diagnosis and treatment of nail problems.

Taken from: www.aad.org

Files, Buffers, and Grits, Oh My!

Top nail competitor Lynn Lammers offers an excellent description of filing grits, and how best to use them in this excerpt from her online NAILS blog, Competition Insider.
“I’ve been to hundreds of competitions and seen thousands of sets of competition nails, and one of the simplest mistakes I see competitors make (even seasoned ones) is to not use the file grits properly.
You see, acrylic is a form of plastic and we all know that plastics can be made in any shape or form with any texture or finish. That is why we (the nail industry) have an almost unlimited amount of abrasives (files and buffers) in probably 20 different grits and at least five different mediums: metal, glass, paper, cloth, and mylar, which is another plastic.
The way it goes is the higher the number, the finer the grit. 100 grit = coarse; 3,000 grit = high shine.
All artificial nail enhancements are one form or another of plastic, and all can be brought to a super shiny surface through different file grits with the exception of gels, which are shiny in their own right. But that’s a different story altogether.
When the grits are used properly, it is very easy to achieve a super high shine without wrecking your shoulder or elbow. The key is to use the grits in succession. Each file or buffer will put scratches in the surface of the nail and to remove the scratches you need to use the next highest grit.
So if you start filing the nail with a 180-grit file, your next file must be a higher grit, say a 220. Then a 280 and so on into the buffers. Buffers are finer grits, but still in the abrasives family, like 400-600. Then it moves into the high shiners like 1,000- to 3,000-grit. Be sure you go over the entire surface of the nail every time you change grits.
When you learn the succession of the file grits and learn to use them all, your filing and finishing will be easy-peasy and your finished nail will be so shiny it will seem as though you are looking in a mirror.”

Taken from: Nailsmag.com

The Waxing of the Toe

Toe waxing can be a great add-on for pedicures. It gives the client that little extra pampering so they know their entire foot will be smooth and clean for uninhibited bare feet flashing. Experienced pedicurist Cyndi Grohowski of Polished From Head to Toe in Haddon Heights, N.J., offers these five steps on how to do a flawless toe waxing.

1. Prep toes with your favorite cleanser to remove any lotion or oils from the toes and wipe them dry.

2. If toe hair is particularly long, trim with brow scissors, being sure not to trim too short. You want the wax to adhere to the hair not the skin.

3. Apply wax to one toe at a time in the direction of the hair growth. Then apply the wax strip to the wax.

4. At this point, use the “pat and pull” method. Just press for a few seconds and then pull. Continue to do this until the hair is completely removed. Grohowski prefers the “pat and pull” method because rubbing can cause the wax to become imbedded in the cracks of the toe, making it difficult to remove even when you pull the toe taut.

5. After removing hair from all the toes, apply a soothing cream.

Vamp it up with this decadent trio of night time shades

va

Vamp it up with this decadent trio of night time shades Eyeko Vampira Polish Dare to wear this lust-worthy glossy black lacquer dripping with blood red shimmer. Eyeko Saucy Polish It's a classic! One coat of this rich scarlet shade will turn your talons into hot stuff! Eyeko Cosmic Polish Unique midnight black shade loaded with multi-coloured glitters like fireworks in a night sky! BUY THEM HERE...