It’s been a few days since my last posting but I hope you have been utilizing some of the information, tips, and pointers that I have shared with you thus far. Remember, I encourage you to comment to my postings. Also, you may ask questions in the form of a comment. No question is simple or dumb so please ask. You’d be surprised by the amount of people who have the same inquiries as you.
Now as I promised postings ago, I am going to explain the steps of a manicure.
1) Wash your hands with antibacterial soap. This minimizes the transference of germs/bacteria.Your nail technician may then give you and themselves hand sanitizers. This also minimizes the transference of germs/bacteria.
2) Any polish that is on your nails should now be removed with cotton.
3) Your cuticles should then be softened. This is done by soaking nails in a fingerbowl filled with soapy water. Some nail techs apply cuticle remover/softener to your cuticles before placing them in the finger bath.
4) After soaking fingers for a minute or so, the nail tech will then loosen the cuticle off of the nail plate by using a cuticle pusher or an orangewood stick.
5) They will then clean under the free edges to remove any dirt or debris.
6) Now they should nip only the cuticle that has been lifted and pushed back off of the nail plate.Removal of the entire cuticle is not recommended. The purpose of the cuticle is to protect and nourish the nail. Nipping of the entire cuticle can cause hang nails and I’m sure you already know that it’s dangerous because you can get hurt and bleed if your skin is cut. This now makes you susceptible to infection.
7) Some nail technicians will then buff your nails to a smooth finish. Some use cuticle oil and some don’t.
8) You should now receive a lotioned hand massage .The massage is meant to be relaxing so if you are feeling uncomfortable because the nail tech is applying too much pressure, don’t be afraid to let them know.
9) After the massage, your nail plate should be cleaned with lint free cotton to remove traces of oil. This helps to assure that the polish will adhere to the nail plate.
10) If you are getting polish, a base coat should be applied which is then followed by one or two applications of color. The polish is then sealed with a topcoat.
11)Now all you need to do is let your nails dry before attempting to go about the rest of your day.
Also there are add-on services that you can purchase a-la-carte to enhance your manicure experience. Some of the following add-ons are included in a spa manicure or other specialty manicures your nail spa/shop offer. Some add-ons include: exfoliation, aromatherapy, paraffin, or a longer message.
So if you haven’t been receiving the basic steps outlined above as part of your weekly or biweekly manicure service, have a talk with your technician or ask a friend for a referral...ASAP!
Simply Yours,
Leah
soleelegance@gmail.com
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Ashley asks…
"I use shea butter to keep my hands from getting extremely dry. However, the cracks of my hand are sometimes still a bit ashy. Is there anything that I can use that will prevent my hands from becoming dry?"
Great question Ashley! Many people have this problem and there are a number of ways in which you can treat and prevent dry hands.
1. You should get a manicure and ask for a spa manicure. Spa manicures include an exfoliation treatment that a standard manicure does not. Exfoliation helps to remove dry dead skin, and softens the hands.
2. I also recommend that you get a paraffin wax treatment. This is often an add-on service. A paraffin wax treatment increases blood circulation, softens and moisturizes the skin, and rejuvenates dry skin. If you have impaired circulation, or skin irritations such as cuts, burns, rashes, warts, eczema, or swollen veins, you may want to avoid getting the paraffin wax treatment.
3. At home before bedtime, you can apply shea butter, Vaseline, or a rich -moisturizer of your choice and immediately slip on cotton gloves to lock in moisture over night. If you are interested in purchasing some cotton gloves, please email me.
4. Olive Oil can also be used as a moisturizer. More than likely you have it in your pantry and it’s all-natural. Just massage into skin and BAM!
5. You can also exfoliate at home. One product I suggest is the Satin Hands pampering set by Mary Kay. The Satin Hands kit includes the Satin Smoothie Scrub, which cleanses and exfoliates; the Extra Emollient Night Cream; and the Satin Hands Hand Cream, which conditions and moisturizes. If you are interested in purchasing this product, feel free to contact me - I am also a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant :)
Be consistent with your moisturizing routine and be sure to get in between the fingers and toes when doing so.
Don’t forget to post your comments or questions to the blog posts.
Great question Ashley! Many people have this problem and there are a number of ways in which you can treat and prevent dry hands.
1. You should get a manicure and ask for a spa manicure. Spa manicures include an exfoliation treatment that a standard manicure does not. Exfoliation helps to remove dry dead skin, and softens the hands.
2. I also recommend that you get a paraffin wax treatment. This is often an add-on service. A paraffin wax treatment increases blood circulation, softens and moisturizes the skin, and rejuvenates dry skin. If you have impaired circulation, or skin irritations such as cuts, burns, rashes, warts, eczema, or swollen veins, you may want to avoid getting the paraffin wax treatment.
3. At home before bedtime, you can apply shea butter, Vaseline, or a rich -moisturizer of your choice and immediately slip on cotton gloves to lock in moisture over night. If you are interested in purchasing some cotton gloves, please email me.
4. Olive Oil can also be used as a moisturizer. More than likely you have it in your pantry and it’s all-natural. Just massage into skin and BAM!
5. You can also exfoliate at home. One product I suggest is the Satin Hands pampering set by Mary Kay. The Satin Hands kit includes the Satin Smoothie Scrub, which cleanses and exfoliates; the Extra Emollient Night Cream; and the Satin Hands Hand Cream, which conditions and moisturizes. If you are interested in purchasing this product, feel free to contact me - I am also a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant :)
Be consistent with your moisturizing routine and be sure to get in between the fingers and toes when doing so.
Don’t forget to post your comments or questions to the blog posts.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
KaiG. asks...
“My GirlFriend has offered to cut my nails but has yet to do so. Are there any tips that you can give me to make the likelihood of this increase?”
Well KaiG, first let me ask you a question: “Do you think that your girlfriend appreciates you putting your personal issues out in cyberspace?” lol
Secondly, maybe you need to put your foot down and demand that your nails get cut.
don’t even try it…lol
Thirdly, I can assure you that she will cut your nails this evening. She also apologizes for the delay! :)
Fourthly, don’t forget to tip her ;)
Well KaiG, first let me ask you a question: “Do you think that your girlfriend appreciates you putting your personal issues out in cyberspace?” lol
Secondly, maybe you need to put your foot down and demand that your nails get cut.
don’t even try it…lol
Thirdly, I can assure you that she will cut your nails this evening. She also apologizes for the delay! :)
Fourthly, don’t forget to tip her ;)
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Blog Updates
If you would like for me to send you blog updates via email, please send me an email from the address in which you would like the updates to be delivered (soleelegance@gmail.com).
Kerri asks...
"What can be done to combat the damage that flip flops do to my poor feet?"
Well for starters, I know we all tend to gravitate towards wearing flip-flops because they are convenient, somewhat comfortable, and they come in a variety of colors. The only problem with flip-flops is that they lack arch support, therefore, your feet begin to hurt after a certain amount of time, and if worn frequently, they can cause long-term health problems. (http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Springtime/story?id=5013448&page=1) It is best to wear shoes that are comfortable, support your arch, and keep your body in proper alignment. I’m sure by now many of you have heard about fit flops but they aren’t that great either. At first I thought they were the greatest most comfortable flip-flop in the world but after some time, my feet didn’t think so. Recently, 20/20 produced a segment on fit-flops and tested whether or not they give you the support and work your muscles like the company says they do. The article is not available online yet but the results of the report were “No they do not!”
Now to answer Kerri’s initial question…
Our heels really take a beating in the summer due to the fact that we wear flip-flops, mules, sling backs, and other shoes that cause a flopping motion against our feet. In response to this constant pounding, the skin on the soles of our feet begin to thicken. This thickened skin is our body’s defense and serves as protection for the feet. Also, the soles tend to become dry and even scaly or cracked. This is why it is important to get a pedicure from a licensed professional every two weeks. To maintain your pedicure at home, you could use a foot file in the shower to file away and soften the dry-hard-dead skin. At night, apply Vaseline to your feet and wear cotton socks. If you want to intensify the moisture therapy, you could wrap your feet in saran wrap and then put on cotton socks. I don’t suggest you sleep with the saran wrap on because your body temperature will rise and your feet will begin to sweat, thus making your sleeping experience uncomfortable and leave your feet sweaty and your toes shriveled up. I also like pure shea butter and this can be used in the morning.
Remember at home maintenance is just that and it does not replace the job of a licensed professional nail technician. There are products that we use during a pedicure that are not available for purchase by the general public. I will get more into the types of products that can be used to solve some of your most common foot problems when I discuss the purpose and steps of a pedicure.
Well for starters, I know we all tend to gravitate towards wearing flip-flops because they are convenient, somewhat comfortable, and they come in a variety of colors. The only problem with flip-flops is that they lack arch support, therefore, your feet begin to hurt after a certain amount of time, and if worn frequently, they can cause long-term health problems. (http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Springtime/story?id=5013448&page=1) It is best to wear shoes that are comfortable, support your arch, and keep your body in proper alignment. I’m sure by now many of you have heard about fit flops but they aren’t that great either. At first I thought they were the greatest most comfortable flip-flop in the world but after some time, my feet didn’t think so. Recently, 20/20 produced a segment on fit-flops and tested whether or not they give you the support and work your muscles like the company says they do. The article is not available online yet but the results of the report were “No they do not!”
Now to answer Kerri’s initial question…
Our heels really take a beating in the summer due to the fact that we wear flip-flops, mules, sling backs, and other shoes that cause a flopping motion against our feet. In response to this constant pounding, the skin on the soles of our feet begin to thicken. This thickened skin is our body’s defense and serves as protection for the feet. Also, the soles tend to become dry and even scaly or cracked. This is why it is important to get a pedicure from a licensed professional every two weeks. To maintain your pedicure at home, you could use a foot file in the shower to file away and soften the dry-hard-dead skin. At night, apply Vaseline to your feet and wear cotton socks. If you want to intensify the moisture therapy, you could wrap your feet in saran wrap and then put on cotton socks. I don’t suggest you sleep with the saran wrap on because your body temperature will rise and your feet will begin to sweat, thus making your sleeping experience uncomfortable and leave your feet sweaty and your toes shriveled up. I also like pure shea butter and this can be used in the morning.
Remember at home maintenance is just that and it does not replace the job of a licensed professional nail technician. There are products that we use during a pedicure that are not available for purchase by the general public. I will get more into the types of products that can be used to solve some of your most common foot problems when I discuss the purpose and steps of a pedicure.
Friday, July 18, 2008
This weekend you are going to....
It’s Friday!!!! And what are you going to do this weekend, if you haven’t done so already? If you said make time to get a mani and pedi, you are right. Please take some time and find a nice, SANITARY nail salon or spa, and treat yourself to a manicure and/or pedicure. My plan was to give you pertinent information about manicures and pedicures but I am going to wait until next week. I am waiting because I want to hear about your experiences so please type your experience in the form of a comment under this blog entry. Next week, I will discuss the most common steps of a manicure and pedicure so you know what type of service you should be receiving. In addition, I will respond to your comments. Have a Simply Beautiful weekend!
Note: My Clients…please call me if you are due for a pedicure and/or manicure. If you would like to refer someone to me, you can do so as well. :)
Note: My Clients…please call me if you are due for a pedicure and/or manicure. If you would like to refer someone to me, you can do so as well. :)
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Why should I care about keeping my nails, hands and feet groomed?
Have you ever paid attention to someone’s hands or feet and thought something like “How could they have the audacity to walk around looking like that?” It’s the truth right? But the main reason why many individuals walk around with issues like dry hands, skin build-up on their feet, and long discolored thickened toenails, is because they are not educated on the importance of nail and skin care.
Keeping well-groomed nails, hands, and feet, should be a part of your daily hygiene regimen. This goes for both men and women. Frequent manicures, pedicures, moisturizing, exfoliation, and a well balanced diet, will help keep your nails and skin healthy and simply beautiful. You know how good you feel when you get your hair done or cut, when you have on a new outfit, pair of shoes, perfume or cologne? Well having and maintaining nicely manicured hands and pedicured feet will make you feel good as well because it enhances your personal appearance.
Nails are also a prime source for the transmission of macro and microscopic organisms, toxins, and irritants, as well. In addition to bathing, washing your hands periodically throughout the day with antibacterial soap, using hand sanitizer, and even using antibacterial lotion are ways in which you can limit the amount of bacteria your nails harbor and transmit. When washing your hands, you need to make sure to wash under your nails free-edge and around the cuticle area. These are places where bacteria like to camp out. If you have a nailbrush handy, or even an extra toothbrush, you could use it to scrub around and under your nails when washing. When bathing, be sure to wash in between toes and under toenails and make sure your feet are completely dry before placing them in slippers or closed toe shoes. Fungi like to grow in dark, damp and moist places.
I hope today’s entry helps you to understand why it is important to keep your nails, hands, and feet well groomed!
Keeping well-groomed nails, hands, and feet, should be a part of your daily hygiene regimen. This goes for both men and women. Frequent manicures, pedicures, moisturizing, exfoliation, and a well balanced diet, will help keep your nails and skin healthy and simply beautiful. You know how good you feel when you get your hair done or cut, when you have on a new outfit, pair of shoes, perfume or cologne? Well having and maintaining nicely manicured hands and pedicured feet will make you feel good as well because it enhances your personal appearance.
Nails are also a prime source for the transmission of macro and microscopic organisms, toxins, and irritants, as well. In addition to bathing, washing your hands periodically throughout the day with antibacterial soap, using hand sanitizer, and even using antibacterial lotion are ways in which you can limit the amount of bacteria your nails harbor and transmit. When washing your hands, you need to make sure to wash under your nails free-edge and around the cuticle area. These are places where bacteria like to camp out. If you have a nailbrush handy, or even an extra toothbrush, you could use it to scrub around and under your nails when washing. When bathing, be sure to wash in between toes and under toenails and make sure your feet are completely dry before placing them in slippers or closed toe shoes. Fungi like to grow in dark, damp and moist places.
I hope today’s entry helps you to understand why it is important to keep your nails, hands, and feet well groomed!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Welcome
Welcome ladies and gentlemen to my blog!
Throughout the week, I will share tips about how you can maintain your manicured hands and pedicured feet. I will also share why it is imperative to take care of your hands and feet and some possible effects on your health if you don’t. In addition, I’ll share information about products that can be used in order to keep your hands and feet healthy and looking good. I am by no means a doctor, but I am a licensed professional nail technician, who has years of education and experience.
Elegantly Yours, Leah
Throughout the week, I will share tips about how you can maintain your manicured hands and pedicured feet. I will also share why it is imperative to take care of your hands and feet and some possible effects on your health if you don’t. In addition, I’ll share information about products that can be used in order to keep your hands and feet healthy and looking good. I am by no means a doctor, but I am a licensed professional nail technician, who has years of education and experience.
Elegantly Yours, Leah
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