Did you ever wondered how the polishes get their names that are printed on the bottom. Bahama Mama, Shocked 0, Fairy Dust and so on.... Here is a video from Nail Pro letting you know how Essy names every bottle herself!
http://www.nailpro.com/watch-how-essie-nail-polishes-get-their-names
Monday, July 30, 2012
MINX Live Webcast Minxy Mondays For Nail Technicians
As you all know I am a person who absorbs knowledge where ever I can grasp it. Being in the middle of the country, with no real city to depend on, continueing my education usually ends in me driving a ways away to get education. I cannot afford the fees, and gas is outragious! So therefore I look to webinars, nail pros test yourself, and other things. Well Minx Nails has done it!
Minx Nails offers a weekly free live web broadcast that is available to nail technicians worldwide with the purpose of supporting them as they learn and perfect their Minx nail design applications.
Minxy Mondays, a live Web broadcast which takes place at www.justin.tv/Minxinc most Monday mornings, 8am to 10am Pacific Time, helps manicurists who are just getting started to support them through the learning process. It also guides them through problems they might have come across in their experience applying Minx. Minxy Mondays is live and includes a full chat feature, which allows manicurists to bring their questions to the table in real time and get their answers in real time. Not only are questions answered verbally, but the problem and solution demonstrated.
I did not find this till today. I will repost after I have attended a web broadcast. Until then keep learning!
Minx Nails offers a weekly free live web broadcast that is available to nail technicians worldwide with the purpose of supporting them as they learn and perfect their Minx nail design applications.
Minxy Mondays, a live Web broadcast which takes place at www.justin.tv/Minxinc most Monday mornings, 8am to 10am Pacific Time, helps manicurists who are just getting started to support them through the learning process. It also guides them through problems they might have come across in their experience applying Minx. Minxy Mondays is live and includes a full chat feature, which allows manicurists to bring their questions to the table in real time and get their answers in real time. Not only are questions answered verbally, but the problem and solution demonstrated.
I did not find this till today. I will repost after I have attended a web broadcast. Until then keep learning!
Friday, July 27, 2012
The Secret Recipe Callus Softners What?!
Callus softeners are potent liquid formulas applied to heavy callus areas to soften them for more effective pedicure filing. So what exactly is in these softeners? Here’s a generic low down of three of the most common active ingredients in callus softeners today. . The softeners are typically left on the callus for about five minutes, though this varies from brand to brand, and care is advised to limit skin exposure to only heavy callus. Techs are advised to wear gloves during applications and to make sure healthy skin does not come into contact with the softeners. So what exactly is in these softeners that make it so volitile? Here’s a profile of three of the most common active ingredients in callus softeners today.
Urine! But wait not the kind of pee we are thinking of, read on...Urea is an organic compound that has a super-hydrating effect on skin cells. Its function within callus softeners is to over-moisturize and hydrate the tough, thick callus so that it becomes soft and supple for the pedicure file to have a greater effect at filing it down. It is a naturally occurring chemical that is produced within many organisms. In humans, the liver produces urea as a nitrogen waste carrier in the metabolic process to take waste out of the body in urine. Most industrial urea is synthetic and produced from carbon dioxide and ammonia. (It’s also used in animal feed and fertilizer as a relatively cheap source of nitrogen.)
Salicylic acid is an organic acid that derives originally from the bark of willow trees. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which has made its source compound, salicin, a model for aspirin. It also has the ability to break down fats and lipids. As of now, it is the only chemical the FDA has approved to be marketed as a callus “remover,” and acts to lift the dead skin cells off of callus for enhanced filing results. (It is also used to treat plantar warts and for exfoliating treatments for acne and psoriasis.)
Potassium hydroxide is an inorganic compound that makes for a strong callus softener depending on the amount in the formula. It degrades the protein in the callus cells and works quickly to soften even the toughest of callus in preparation for filing. Cuticle removers often contain a small amount of potassium hydroxide to help clean nail plates. (It is used in many industries including in the production of soap, fertilizer, and biodiesel and can even be used as a disinfectant and cleaning agent on surfaces that can withstand its corrosive properties.)
Now that you have the low down on callus softners, you will understand why gloves are needed. I am one of those that sees something and says why the heck do we need gloves?!? So I feel I should share my ah ha! moment!
Urine! But wait not the kind of pee we are thinking of, read on...Urea is an organic compound that has a super-hydrating effect on skin cells. Its function within callus softeners is to over-moisturize and hydrate the tough, thick callus so that it becomes soft and supple for the pedicure file to have a greater effect at filing it down. It is a naturally occurring chemical that is produced within many organisms. In humans, the liver produces urea as a nitrogen waste carrier in the metabolic process to take waste out of the body in urine. Most industrial urea is synthetic and produced from carbon dioxide and ammonia. (It’s also used in animal feed and fertilizer as a relatively cheap source of nitrogen.)
Salicylic acid is an organic acid that derives originally from the bark of willow trees. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which has made its source compound, salicin, a model for aspirin. It also has the ability to break down fats and lipids. As of now, it is the only chemical the FDA has approved to be marketed as a callus “remover,” and acts to lift the dead skin cells off of callus for enhanced filing results. (It is also used to treat plantar warts and for exfoliating treatments for acne and psoriasis.)
Potassium hydroxide is an inorganic compound that makes for a strong callus softener depending on the amount in the formula. It degrades the protein in the callus cells and works quickly to soften even the toughest of callus in preparation for filing. Cuticle removers often contain a small amount of potassium hydroxide to help clean nail plates. (It is used in many industries including in the production of soap, fertilizer, and biodiesel and can even be used as a disinfectant and cleaning agent on surfaces that can withstand its corrosive properties.)
Now that you have the low down on callus softners, you will understand why gloves are needed. I am one of those that sees something and says why the heck do we need gloves?!? So I feel I should share my ah ha! moment!
My DIRTY Secret, 5 Star Lotions For $2 Find Out How I Do It
There is a secret I have not told anyone other than my hubby. My hubby actually is a great help with this secret. I believe to give the best service possible when it comes to a manicure or pedicure is the scrub your use as well as the lotion to message. I have a few places I find these items, and these items are cheaper than going to Sally's, Cosmo Prof, or State Beauty Supply.
My hubby and I LOVE flea markets. Where we live there are markets upon markets upon markets. It's ENDLESS! This is my secret.
I have found Beauty Control Margarita lotion (which smells like your covered in tequila and mixer), I have found Bath and Body Works, I have found Victoria's Secret, and more. Never have I paid more than $2.00 on any item.
Also the Dollar Tree, where everything is a dollar, I get a foot lotion that is infused with Tea Tree Oil Grape Seed Extract and smells so good! It comes in a little blue squeeze tube. You will know it when you see it.
To use good product is a good way to keep a customer because they think you are using the best, but little do they know you bought that wonderful smelling lotion discounted somewhere. They don't have to know, only you. I get more tips because I give them huge options on what lotion they want to smell like.
I hope this feed gives you some ideas of you own!
My hubby and I LOVE flea markets. Where we live there are markets upon markets upon markets. It's ENDLESS! This is my secret.
I have found Beauty Control Margarita lotion (which smells like your covered in tequila and mixer), I have found Bath and Body Works, I have found Victoria's Secret, and more. Never have I paid more than $2.00 on any item.
Also the Dollar Tree, where everything is a dollar, I get a foot lotion that is infused with Tea Tree Oil Grape Seed Extract and smells so good! It comes in a little blue squeeze tube. You will know it when you see it.
To use good product is a good way to keep a customer because they think you are using the best, but little do they know you bought that wonderful smelling lotion discounted somewhere. They don't have to know, only you. I get more tips because I give them huge options on what lotion they want to smell like.
I hope this feed gives you some ideas of you own!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
The Perfect Consult, Can It Happen YES!
I know I have touched on client consultation in one other feed on this blog. The reasons for me posting so many feeds on consults is because I feel it is one of the most important things a nail technician can do. In nail technician school they didn't touch on the client consult card as much as I feel they should have. I figured for every 1 of me there are 100 more out there. I strive to teach myself as well as other fellow nail techs as much as I can. Foolproof tips on keeping client retention, customer satisfaction, and the bottom line!
That first meeting between your client and yourself is the very first impression. I know you have heard this before, but first impressions are a must! It can make or break you! The client consult is when the client will either decided to use your services at the salon or simply break for the door and never be seen again! It sets the stage for your relationship to your client for years to come if all goes well, and a rebooking client is set cash flow!
Client consultations help maintain their clientel and deliver satisfaction. It is far easier to keep the clients you have than to try to get all new clients, so in that aspect client consults should make you more eager to go out and get that info. Clients do not like to be treated like a dollar sign, they like to be treated as if they were the queen of England.
Every answer a client puts down is an answer that can help better you on giving the best service possible and to know what products to use.
With sites like Angies List now out on the internet, it makes giving the absolute perfect service manditory or you will sink like the Titanic! There are two reasons a client is searching for services: to feel good, or to solve a problem. Most of the time clients are there as an escape to the normal hustle and bustle of every day life (a retreat). I have witnessed many girls at school when having clients talking about personal stuff to the client or to another tech. This only leaves the client wondering am I being talked about ten minutes after I leave. Not only does it make a client wonder if they are being talked about, but it doesn't set such a tranquil setting to relax, now does it????
You need to sit down and think about what it is you want on your client consultation card. Medical information is a must (not knowing if they are on chemo or something else), personal (how hard are they on their nails), and services.
That first meeting between your client and yourself is the very first impression. I know you have heard this before, but first impressions are a must! It can make or break you! The client consult is when the client will either decided to use your services at the salon or simply break for the door and never be seen again! It sets the stage for your relationship to your client for years to come if all goes well, and a rebooking client is set cash flow!
Client consultations help maintain their clientel and deliver satisfaction. It is far easier to keep the clients you have than to try to get all new clients, so in that aspect client consults should make you more eager to go out and get that info. Clients do not like to be treated like a dollar sign, they like to be treated as if they were the queen of England.
Every answer a client puts down is an answer that can help better you on giving the best service possible and to know what products to use.
With sites like Angies List now out on the internet, it makes giving the absolute perfect service manditory or you will sink like the Titanic! There are two reasons a client is searching for services: to feel good, or to solve a problem. Most of the time clients are there as an escape to the normal hustle and bustle of every day life (a retreat). I have witnessed many girls at school when having clients talking about personal stuff to the client or to another tech. This only leaves the client wondering am I being talked about ten minutes after I leave. Not only does it make a client wonder if they are being talked about, but it doesn't set such a tranquil setting to relax, now does it????
You need to sit down and think about what it is you want on your client consultation card. Medical information is a must (not knowing if they are on chemo or something else), personal (how hard are they on their nails), and services.
Beau's Lines Last Installment With Picture
I hope this helps break down what Beau's Lines are. I found it interesting. I realize it isn't as fun or exciting as my other feeds but I thought this to be informative for a few nail techs.
Beau's Lines installment 3 Treatment
How To Treat Beau’s LinesDespite the long list of causes, there are a few things you can do to help a client with Beau’s lines, and a few things your client can do to help herself. The first step in preventing this condition from coming back is to refer your client to her doctor. In many cases, she may have a history of the above conditions. As a nail technician, you are not able to diagnose or treat her condition, but her doctor will be able to give her instructions on how to proceed.
After your client has seen her physician and gets the green light for a nail service, you then have a couple of options. Offer her a set of enhancements, especially if she considers the lines unappealing. But do not apply enhancements if the client has yet to see a doctor to evaluate the cause of the Beau’s lines. You can also provide your client with a natural nail manicure and polish the nails with her favorite color. But be careful; the grooves on the nail mean there isn’t as much nail growth, so you don’t want to file the ridges in an attempt to smooth the nail, as this will cause further damage by making the nail very thin and fragile.
Beau’s lines are caused by a variety of conditions. As with every set of nails at your station that seems out-of-the-ordinary, you need to proceed with caution. The good news for you and your client is that these grooves won’t put an end to her nail services—it’s just a bit of a pause on the road to beautiful nails!
After your client has seen her physician and gets the green light for a nail service, you then have a couple of options. Offer her a set of enhancements, especially if she considers the lines unappealing. But do not apply enhancements if the client has yet to see a doctor to evaluate the cause of the Beau’s lines. You can also provide your client with a natural nail manicure and polish the nails with her favorite color. But be careful; the grooves on the nail mean there isn’t as much nail growth, so you don’t want to file the ridges in an attempt to smooth the nail, as this will cause further damage by making the nail very thin and fragile.
Beau’s lines are caused by a variety of conditions. As with every set of nails at your station that seems out-of-the-ordinary, you need to proceed with caution. The good news for you and your client is that these grooves won’t put an end to her nail services—it’s just a bit of a pause on the road to beautiful nails!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Beau's Lines Review Article Installment 2: Causes
Welcome to the second session of Beau's Lines . The Article listed these causes as to what causes Beau's Lines.
CausesBeau’s lines are a result of a variety of conditions, ranging from minor to severe. The most common causes are local injury or exposure to severe cold, both of which decrease the blood flow to the nail matrix. Any kind of injury to the nail matrix (also called a microtrauma) slows cell division in the matrix, causing transverse ridges to appear. An excellent example of this is with athletes who do a lot of jogging or long-distance running—they often find Beau’s lines on their toenails from the repeated smashing of the distal edge into the front of the shoe when running or kicking. But not all injuries are from playing sports; other examples of local traumas include:
Eczema The inflammation in the skin around the nail (the proximal fold) associated with eczema can prevent normal cell division in the nail matrix.
Habit-tic deformity (HTD) A source of repeated, habitual trauma to the nail matrix, HTD occurs when a person habitually picks at or rubs the central cuticle with a neighboring finger, most commonly seen on the thumb.
Subungual hematoma The hematoma can press into the nail matrix affecting nail cell production.
Paronychia Inflammation of the tissue adjacent to the nail, usually accompanied by infection and pus formation.
Onychia Inflammation of the matrix often leading to suppuration—or pus formation—and loss of the nail.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome A condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, which can affect nail growth.
Another cause of Beau’s lines is congenital disease. For example, acrodermatitis enteropathica (technical jargon for zinc deficiency) causes changes in the skin and sometimes skin infections around the fingernail, which may result in ridges on the nail.
Beau’s lines are also caused by systemic illnesses, which include extreme fevers, measles, mumps, myocardial infarction and exposure to chemotherapy and radiation. Yes, this is a long list to remember, but there is good news—you don’t need to memorize all of these causes in order to help your clients.
CausesBeau’s lines are a result of a variety of conditions, ranging from minor to severe. The most common causes are local injury or exposure to severe cold, both of which decrease the blood flow to the nail matrix. Any kind of injury to the nail matrix (also called a microtrauma) slows cell division in the matrix, causing transverse ridges to appear. An excellent example of this is with athletes who do a lot of jogging or long-distance running—they often find Beau’s lines on their toenails from the repeated smashing of the distal edge into the front of the shoe when running or kicking. But not all injuries are from playing sports; other examples of local traumas include:
Eczema The inflammation in the skin around the nail (the proximal fold) associated with eczema can prevent normal cell division in the nail matrix.
Habit-tic deformity (HTD) A source of repeated, habitual trauma to the nail matrix, HTD occurs when a person habitually picks at or rubs the central cuticle with a neighboring finger, most commonly seen on the thumb.
Subungual hematoma The hematoma can press into the nail matrix affecting nail cell production.
Paronychia Inflammation of the tissue adjacent to the nail, usually accompanied by infection and pus formation.
Onychia Inflammation of the matrix often leading to suppuration—or pus formation—and loss of the nail.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome A condition caused by compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, which can affect nail growth.
Another cause of Beau’s lines is congenital disease. For example, acrodermatitis enteropathica (technical jargon for zinc deficiency) causes changes in the skin and sometimes skin infections around the fingernail, which may result in ridges on the nail.
Beau’s lines are also caused by systemic illnesses, which include extreme fevers, measles, mumps, myocardial infarction and exposure to chemotherapy and radiation. Yes, this is a long list to remember, but there is good news—you don’t need to memorize all of these causes in order to help your clients.
Joesph Simon Beau Review Article In Nail Pro's Newsletter For Subscribers ONLY
Today's Nail Pro Newsletter, there's an article titled "Nail Clinic: Beau's Lines" written by an author unknown. I am going to do a series of feeds over this article. I am going to be breaking it down into mini books. This installment of the blog will be the introduction. The blog starts in "1846 when French physician Joseph Honoré Simon Beau first described horizontal grooves on the nail, or transverse ridges. Beau was best known for his research on the heart and lungs, but the nail community remembers him for noticing this condition. Beau’s lines, as they have come to be known, occur when the nail matrix is injured and the growth of the nail is slowed. This eventually causes grooves in the surface of the nail plate. Affecting finger- and toenails, this condition is most commonly caused by an injury such as slamming a finger in the door or dropping a heavy object on a toe. Transverse ridges can also be a sign of a systemic illness—an illness that affects the entire body rather than just one organ—or of a congenital disease, which means it was acquired during the body’s development in the uterus.
Whatever the reason for the slowing or halting of nail growth, it will result in transverse ridges on the nails, which look like pale bands lying horizontally across the nail plate. They first appear at the moon (lunula) and then progress with the growth of the nail. In cases where the ridges are not caused by a systemic illness or congenital disease, Beau’s lines will grow out with the nail and disappear. Fingernails take approximately nine months—about one millimeter per week—to grow out completely, with the middle fingernail growing most rapidly, and toenails take approximately 18 months to grow out. With this in mind, by measuring the distance from the transverse groove to the cuticle, you can sometimes estimate the date of the injury or illness."
The next installment book 2 will be the causes of this illness. It's rather interesting so be looking forward to telling you about it!
Whatever the reason for the slowing or halting of nail growth, it will result in transverse ridges on the nails, which look like pale bands lying horizontally across the nail plate. They first appear at the moon (lunula) and then progress with the growth of the nail. In cases where the ridges are not caused by a systemic illness or congenital disease, Beau’s lines will grow out with the nail and disappear. Fingernails take approximately nine months—about one millimeter per week—to grow out completely, with the middle fingernail growing most rapidly, and toenails take approximately 18 months to grow out. With this in mind, by measuring the distance from the transverse groove to the cuticle, you can sometimes estimate the date of the injury or illness."
The next installment book 2 will be the causes of this illness. It's rather interesting so be looking forward to telling you about it!
How To Get Rid of Those Nasty Germs!
As I wrote in the last feed to my blog, germs are everywhere. The three steps to assure yourself that your salon is clean as it can be will be layed out right here in simple easy to read instructions:
1. The picture at the top should be your best friend. If you do not know what you are looking at, and are in the salon industry, you're already going to be having issues. The pic is of Citrus II. It is a hospital germicidal deodorizing cleaner. It kills: virucidal, bactericidal, TB, mildewstat (on hard inanimate surfaces), & fungicidal (against pathogenic fungi). It contains no abrasives or bleach, and contains no phosphates or phosphorous. This meets OSHA bloodborne pathogen standard for HIV, HBV, and HCV. It is guaranteed to kill 99.9% of all germs. It's a ready to use spray, and is allowed in the Arkansas State Boards. I am unsure about other states so check, but I am guessing it is allowed also. It also kills pandemic 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus (swine flu).
2. Barbicide: Hospital germicide, pseudomonacide, fungicide, and viruscide. This particular barbicide is the Anti-rust formula. This is a dangerous liquid so no children should be any where around it. If you leave an item in your barbacide jar over night (comb) when you get it the next morning it is jelly. Which it being jelly is a good thing, you know darn well that those germs melted off your implements. You mix one capfull to a barbacide jar and fill it up with tap water.
These are two of my main defenses against germs. Yellow is for surfaces and the blue is for my implements. You really do have to be careful being in the salon industry, we are no better or lower than any nurse. We have the same standards as hospitals. We can cause injuries that can kill someone, and we can spread germs of all sorts all over the place if we aren't careful. Dust carries germs. I did not know that till earlier this week when I was told. I honestly did not know that, and now that I do my house will be cleaner than normal, which is hard to believe. Also the use of antibacterial soaps as well as the gel stuff are a must have at your station, and I also use antiseptic spray to clean feet and hands before I touch them. I am such a germophobe I use ONYX black vinyl gloves most of the time so I do not have to touch other peoples hands, plus the gloves are nice looking. They are made of thick vinyl, the kind used by tattoo artist. When in doubt about what to use to sanatize or disinfect simply google your state's state board website to reference what you need and what you need to do.
AND REMEMBER TO DOUBLE BAG ANY BLOODSPILL!
Germophobe The Germs Are Everywhere RUN!
Germs! They live everywhere. My senior year in highschool I did a science fair project over the dirties most infected places we touch. At the top of my project's list was keyboards, cell phones, door knobs, steering wheels, purses, and I could go on, but if I do you wouldn't want to leave your house at all....
But what exactly are germs? And what do you do when infectious germs appear in the salon? Here, we take an in-depth look at germs, uncover where they may be hiding (i.e., at your nail station, on your client's skin, etc.), discuss how they arrive in your salon, grow and thrive, and most importantly, how to fight them.
In terms of bacteria, many of us have heard that there are good bacteria and bad bacteria. However, Doug Schoon, chief scientific advisor for CND(one of my favorite companies), based in Vista, California, explains, "I don't know that any bacteria are bad. Some are infectious, and I think we classify any kind of an organism that's infectious as bad. But the vast majority of microscopic organisms on the planet are not infectious at all." He explains further, "Most either do nothing for us or many are positive and beneficial. For example, we wouldn't have bread, beer, yogurt and many things without these microorganisms."
While the vast majority of bacteria do not cause any harm or injury to people, the few that do are called pathogens. "Human pathogens are capable of causing infections in humans," he says. These are the types of germs that you do not want cropping up in your salon.
Bacteria can be transmitted from one surface to another by touch and also by indirect contact via dust particles. That's why it's so important to keep the salon dust free. "Dust particles can be colonized by bacteria," says Schoon. "The dust blows around, it lands someplace and the bacteria get a free ride to that new place. And if they like it there, they'll start to grow."
While we're covered with hundreds, if not billions, of kinds of bacteria all the time they generally cause no problems—that is, unless there’s a break in the skin. "If a break in the skin occurs, then the bacteria can enter into that break and start a colony growing and that's what we call an infection," says Schoon. And when clients come into the salon, he says, "Our job is to prevent [bacteria] from getting in the wrong place at the wrong time."
There are countless types of infectious bacteria that effect nails, hands and feet. Oftentimes, the most common bacteria to surface at the salon are staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa. "Those are the ones that are most often cultured when we look at fingernail infections," says Schoon. In regard to viruses and fungi, there are dozens that could appear in the salon setting. "There are wart viruses that cause warts and there are fungal organisms that cause fungal infections of the hands or feet," he says.
One such bacteria that seems to thrive in the salon setting is pseudomonas aeruginosa, also commonly referred to as greenies, located on the nail plate. A greenie is usually found in the center of an enhancement, where there is lifting. Sometimes it is also found under lifting at the cuticle areas. "It is clear and if the nail tech does not prep the nail properly, the bacteria will age and the green will be visible during their next fill," says Vicki Peters, president of Henderson, Nevada-based Vicki Peters nail products. "The green color is caused from the waste products of these bacteria. When the green is visible it means the bacteria has been there for a while," she explains. "Due to the green color, it's often mistaken for mold, but it's really a bacteria."
"On rare occasions pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause serious infections, particularly of the eyes, so good sanitation and disinfection practices are important for more than just cosmetic reasons," says Peters. "An untreated greenie can turn into a black/brown nail and can cause the client permanent [nail] damage."
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Sanitation, disinfection, and sterylization are the three steps to kill bacteria and viruses. But as stated above dusting is a big deal. I have been to salons that apparently do not know how to clean. The school I graduated from always had sanatation at 4pm every day we were in school. Now, realize I am way older than some of those girls. So I am a mother, wife, friend, nail tech, and house maid. I dust, clean my dishes, sanatize the floor daily, and so on and so on. These girls at school didn't know the first thing about cleaning. Sometimes the kiddos need to be taught how to clean, and I am sure you will come across those types of co-workers at some point. I am the kind of person that just took up the slack and did it anyways. I figured you want it done right do it yourself. This is how I look at it, would you keep your house in such a disaray? NO?! Ok then, clean your station. I watch Tabitha's Salon Takeover religiously (I love her). She is a neat freak as am I, so if you ever need an idea on how to run a clean salon watch her show!
But what exactly are germs? And what do you do when infectious germs appear in the salon? Here, we take an in-depth look at germs, uncover where they may be hiding (i.e., at your nail station, on your client's skin, etc.), discuss how they arrive in your salon, grow and thrive, and most importantly, how to fight them.
Good vs. Bad Germs
So, what exactly are germs? While the word "germ" seems to have many meanings, it’s essentially any kind of infectious organism. In regards to hands, feet and nails, germs can be divided into the three basic categories: bacteria, viruses and fungi.In terms of bacteria, many of us have heard that there are good bacteria and bad bacteria. However, Doug Schoon, chief scientific advisor for CND(one of my favorite companies), based in Vista, California, explains, "I don't know that any bacteria are bad. Some are infectious, and I think we classify any kind of an organism that's infectious as bad. But the vast majority of microscopic organisms on the planet are not infectious at all." He explains further, "Most either do nothing for us or many are positive and beneficial. For example, we wouldn't have bread, beer, yogurt and many things without these microorganisms."
While the vast majority of bacteria do not cause any harm or injury to people, the few that do are called pathogens. "Human pathogens are capable of causing infections in humans," he says. These are the types of germs that you do not want cropping up in your salon.
An Open Invite
You don't need to hang a welcome sign at the front door for bacteria to enter your salon. They arrive whether invited or not. "They're all over us," explains Schoon. "We typically carry hundreds of species of bacteria on our skin at any time, depending on what we're in contact with."Bacteria can be transmitted from one surface to another by touch and also by indirect contact via dust particles. That's why it's so important to keep the salon dust free. "Dust particles can be colonized by bacteria," says Schoon. "The dust blows around, it lands someplace and the bacteria get a free ride to that new place. And if they like it there, they'll start to grow."
While we're covered with hundreds, if not billions, of kinds of bacteria all the time they generally cause no problems—that is, unless there’s a break in the skin. "If a break in the skin occurs, then the bacteria can enter into that break and start a colony growing and that's what we call an infection," says Schoon. And when clients come into the salon, he says, "Our job is to prevent [bacteria] from getting in the wrong place at the wrong time."
There are countless types of infectious bacteria that effect nails, hands and feet. Oftentimes, the most common bacteria to surface at the salon are staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa. "Those are the ones that are most often cultured when we look at fingernail infections," says Schoon. In regard to viruses and fungi, there are dozens that could appear in the salon setting. "There are wart viruses that cause warts and there are fungal organisms that cause fungal infections of the hands or feet," he says.
A Hospitable Host
While bacteria naturally exist in our body, certain parts of the body are more likely to grow microbes than others. For example, a lot of bacteria grow underneath fingernails or between the webs of fingers. However, few bacteria grow between the webs of toes. Schoon explains, "A lot of it is how hospitable an environment is for that particular bacteria: Do they like to grow in that area? Is there plenty of food or moisture there for them? Are they protected?"One such bacteria that seems to thrive in the salon setting is pseudomonas aeruginosa, also commonly referred to as greenies, located on the nail plate. A greenie is usually found in the center of an enhancement, where there is lifting. Sometimes it is also found under lifting at the cuticle areas. "It is clear and if the nail tech does not prep the nail properly, the bacteria will age and the green will be visible during their next fill," says Vicki Peters, president of Henderson, Nevada-based Vicki Peters nail products. "The green color is caused from the waste products of these bacteria. When the green is visible it means the bacteria has been there for a while," she explains. "Due to the green color, it's often mistaken for mold, but it's really a bacteria."
"On rare occasions pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause serious infections, particularly of the eyes, so good sanitation and disinfection practices are important for more than just cosmetic reasons," says Peters. "An untreated greenie can turn into a black/brown nail and can cause the client permanent [nail] damage."
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Sanitation, disinfection, and sterylization are the three steps to kill bacteria and viruses. But as stated above dusting is a big deal. I have been to salons that apparently do not know how to clean. The school I graduated from always had sanatation at 4pm every day we were in school. Now, realize I am way older than some of those girls. So I am a mother, wife, friend, nail tech, and house maid. I dust, clean my dishes, sanatize the floor daily, and so on and so on. These girls at school didn't know the first thing about cleaning. Sometimes the kiddos need to be taught how to clean, and I am sure you will come across those types of co-workers at some point. I am the kind of person that just took up the slack and did it anyways. I figured you want it done right do it yourself. This is how I look at it, would you keep your house in such a disaray? NO?! Ok then, clean your station. I watch Tabitha's Salon Takeover religiously (I love her). She is a neat freak as am I, so if you ever need an idea on how to run a clean salon watch her show!
GERMS GERMS EVERYWHERE GERMOPHOBE!!!!
Germs! They live everywhere. My senior year in highschool I did a science fair project over the dirties most infected places we touch. At the top of my project's list was keyboards, cell phones, door knobs, steering wheels, purses, and I could go on, but if I do you wouldn't want to leave your house at all....
But what exactly are germs? And what do you do when infectious germs appear in the salon? Here, we take an in-depth look at germs, uncover where they may be hiding (i.e., at your nail station, on your client's skin, etc.), discuss how they arrive in your salon, grow and thrive, and most importantly, how to fight them.
In terms of bacteria, many of us have heard that there are good bacteria and bad bacteria. However, Doug Schoon, chief scientific advisor for CND(one of my favorite companies), based in Vista, California, explains, "I don't know that any bacteria are bad. Some are infectious, and I think we classify any kind of an organism that's infectious as bad. But the vast majority of microscopic organisms on the planet are not infectious at all." He explains further, "Most either do nothing for us or many are positive and beneficial. For example, we wouldn't have bread, beer, yogurt and many things without these microorganisms."
While the vast majority of bacteria do not cause any harm or injury to people, the few that do are called pathogens. "Human pathogens are capable of causing infections in humans," he says. These are the types of germs that you do not want cropping up in your salon.
Bacteria can be transmitted from one surface to another by touch and also by indirect contact via dust particles. That's why it's so important to keep the salon dust free. "Dust particles can be colonized by bacteria," says Schoon. "The dust blows around, it lands someplace and the bacteria get a free ride to that new place. And if they like it there, they'll start to grow."
While we're covered with hundreds, if not billions, of kinds of bacteria all the time they generally cause no problems—that is, unless there’s a break in the skin. "If a break in the skin occurs, then the bacteria can enter into that break and start a colony growing and that's what we call an infection," says Schoon. And when clients come into the salon, he says, "Our job is to prevent [bacteria] from getting in the wrong place at the wrong time."
There are countless types of infectious bacteria that effect nails, hands and feet. Oftentimes, the most common bacteria to surface at the salon are staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa. "Those are the ones that are most often cultured when we look at fingernail infections," says Schoon. In regard to viruses and fungi, there are dozens that could appear in the salon setting. "There are wart viruses that cause warts and there are fungal organisms that cause fungal infections of the hands or feet," he says.
One such bacteria that seems to thrive in the salon setting is pseudomonas aeruginosa, also commonly referred to as greenies, located on the nail plate. A greenie is usually found in the center of an enhancement, where there is lifting. Sometimes it is also found under lifting at the cuticle areas. "It is clear and if the nail tech does not prep the nail properly, the bacteria will age and the green will be visible during their next fill," says Vicki Peters, president of Henderson, Nevada-based Vicki Peters nail products. "The green color is caused from the waste products of these bacteria. When the green is visible it means the bacteria has been there for a while," she explains. "Due to the green color, it's often mistaken for mold, but it's really a bacteria."
"On rare occasions pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause serious infections, particularly of the eyes, so good sanitation and disinfection practices are important for more than just cosmetic reasons," says Peters. "An untreated greenie can turn into a black/brown nail and can cause the client permanent [nail] damage."
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Sanitation, disinfection, and sterylization are the three steps to kill bacteria and viruses. But as stated above dusting is a big deal. I have been to salons that apparently do not know how to clean. The school I graduated from always had sanatation at 4pm every day we were in school. Now, realize I am way older than some of those girls. So I am a mother, wife, friend, nail tech, and house maid. I dust, clean my dishes, sanatize the floor daily, and so on and so on. These girls at school didn't know the first thing about cleaning. Sometimes the kiddos need to be taught how to clean, and I am sure you will come across those types of co-workers at some point. I am the kind of person that just took up the slack and did it anyways. I figured you want it done right do it yourself. This is how I look at it, would you keep your house in such a disaray? NO?! Ok then, clean your station. I watch Tabitha's Salon Takeover religiously (I love her). She is a neat freak as am I, so if you ever need an idea on how to run a clean salon watch her show!
But what exactly are germs? And what do you do when infectious germs appear in the salon? Here, we take an in-depth look at germs, uncover where they may be hiding (i.e., at your nail station, on your client's skin, etc.), discuss how they arrive in your salon, grow and thrive, and most importantly, how to fight them.
Good vs. Bad Germs
So, what exactly are germs? While the word "germ" seems to have many meanings, it’s essentially any kind of infectious organism. In regards to hands, feet and nails, germs can be divided into the three basic categories: bacteria, viruses and fungi.In terms of bacteria, many of us have heard that there are good bacteria and bad bacteria. However, Doug Schoon, chief scientific advisor for CND(one of my favorite companies), based in Vista, California, explains, "I don't know that any bacteria are bad. Some are infectious, and I think we classify any kind of an organism that's infectious as bad. But the vast majority of microscopic organisms on the planet are not infectious at all." He explains further, "Most either do nothing for us or many are positive and beneficial. For example, we wouldn't have bread, beer, yogurt and many things without these microorganisms."
While the vast majority of bacteria do not cause any harm or injury to people, the few that do are called pathogens. "Human pathogens are capable of causing infections in humans," he says. These are the types of germs that you do not want cropping up in your salon.
An Open Invite
You don't need to hang a welcome sign at the front door for bacteria to enter your salon. They arrive whether invited or not. "They're all over us," explains Schoon. "We typically carry hundreds of species of bacteria on our skin at any time, depending on what we're in contact with."Bacteria can be transmitted from one surface to another by touch and also by indirect contact via dust particles. That's why it's so important to keep the salon dust free. "Dust particles can be colonized by bacteria," says Schoon. "The dust blows around, it lands someplace and the bacteria get a free ride to that new place. And if they like it there, they'll start to grow."
While we're covered with hundreds, if not billions, of kinds of bacteria all the time they generally cause no problems—that is, unless there’s a break in the skin. "If a break in the skin occurs, then the bacteria can enter into that break and start a colony growing and that's what we call an infection," says Schoon. And when clients come into the salon, he says, "Our job is to prevent [bacteria] from getting in the wrong place at the wrong time."
There are countless types of infectious bacteria that effect nails, hands and feet. Oftentimes, the most common bacteria to surface at the salon are staphylococcus aureus and pseudomonas aeruginosa. "Those are the ones that are most often cultured when we look at fingernail infections," says Schoon. In regard to viruses and fungi, there are dozens that could appear in the salon setting. "There are wart viruses that cause warts and there are fungal organisms that cause fungal infections of the hands or feet," he says.
A Hospitable Host
While bacteria naturally exist in our body, certain parts of the body are more likely to grow microbes than others. For example, a lot of bacteria grow underneath fingernails or between the webs of fingers. However, few bacteria grow between the webs of toes. Schoon explains, "A lot of it is how hospitable an environment is for that particular bacteria: Do they like to grow in that area? Is there plenty of food or moisture there for them? Are they protected?"One such bacteria that seems to thrive in the salon setting is pseudomonas aeruginosa, also commonly referred to as greenies, located on the nail plate. A greenie is usually found in the center of an enhancement, where there is lifting. Sometimes it is also found under lifting at the cuticle areas. "It is clear and if the nail tech does not prep the nail properly, the bacteria will age and the green will be visible during their next fill," says Vicki Peters, president of Henderson, Nevada-based Vicki Peters nail products. "The green color is caused from the waste products of these bacteria. When the green is visible it means the bacteria has been there for a while," she explains. "Due to the green color, it's often mistaken for mold, but it's really a bacteria."
"On rare occasions pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause serious infections, particularly of the eyes, so good sanitation and disinfection practices are important for more than just cosmetic reasons," says Peters. "An untreated greenie can turn into a black/brown nail and can cause the client permanent [nail] damage."
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Sanitation, disinfection, and sterylization are the three steps to kill bacteria and viruses. But as stated above dusting is a big deal. I have been to salons that apparently do not know how to clean. The school I graduated from always had sanatation at 4pm every day we were in school. Now, realize I am way older than some of those girls. So I am a mother, wife, friend, nail tech, and house maid. I dust, clean my dishes, sanatize the floor daily, and so on and so on. These girls at school didn't know the first thing about cleaning. Sometimes the kiddos need to be taught how to clean, and I am sure you will come across those types of co-workers at some point. I am the kind of person that just took up the slack and did it anyways. I figured you want it done right do it yourself. This is how I look at it, would you keep your house in such a disaray? NO?! Ok then, clean your station. I watch Tabitha's Salon Takeover religiously (I love her). She is a neat freak as am I, so if you ever need an idea on how to run a clean salon watch her show!
Carpel Tunnel A Nail Tech's Worst Nightmare
In the human body, the carpal tunnel or carpal canal is the passageway on the palmer side of the wrist that connects the forearm to the middle compartment of the deep plane of the palm. The tunnel consists of bones and connective tissue. Several tendons and a nerve pass through it.
The canal is narrow and when any of the nine long flexor tendons passing through it swells or degenerates, the narrowing of the canal often results in the median nerve becoming entrapped or compressed, a medical condition known as carpel tunnel syndrome. Movements in the wrist affects the shape and width of the carpal tunnel. The width decreases considerably during normal range of motion in the wrist and because the carpal bones move in relation to each other with every motion of the hand the bony walls of the tunnel are not rigid. Both flexion and extension increase compression in the carpal tunnel:
Flexing the wrist causes the flexor retinaculum to move closer to the radius which considerably decreases the cross section of the proximal opening of the tunnel. Additionally, the distal end of the capitate presses into the opening.
In extreme extension. the lunate constricts the passage as it is pressed toward the interior of the tunnel.
Gina Malson, owner of The Nail Buff in FonDuLac, Wisconsin, talks about the symptoms she experienced, the route her recovery took and what steps she takes now to prevent future injury:
Gina's Story
“I had numbness and tingling so severe it would wake me up at night. On a doctor's recommendation, I wore a splint-type immobilizer for two years, but I was still in pain. The more I worked, the worse it got until I had surgery--that’s when I realized just how much pain I had been in.“I had surgery on my left hand in April 2006, and the right wasn't done until August 2006. My right wrist took longer to recover, which is was difficult because I'm right-handed. It took about eight weeks after surgery before the incision didn't hurt. The surgeons used a laser to do it, so my scars are only about an inch long and virtually invisible.
“Recovering from the surgery is all about regaining that muscle memory. Any time it occurred to me, I would squeeze a latex covered Nerf ball. The hardest things to do were writing checks and turning pages. Since my recovery, I do physical therapy exercises throughout the work day, stretching out my fingers and wrists by placing my hands at a 90-degree angle from my wrists and gently pulling my fingers back toward me with my other hand. I stretch out both hands and then spread my fingers wide apart. Rotating my wrists also feels good.
“I've made some changes to my techniques since my surgeries; I don't think I would go back to hand filing now. I use the e-file on all nail enhancements and only use a file during a manicure. With all the different bits available, I can use the e-file for the entire service. The hand piece is so lightweight and has no vibration. I work a 12-hour day of 45-minute to 1-hour appointments with no fatigue or pain in my wrists, hand or arms.
"Working with gels has also taken the strain of doing nails off my wrists. There is less filing with no need to bring up a shine on the surface. And less filing equals less strain. Using the e-file has allowed me to continue doing nails for far longer than I would have been able to, even with the surgery.”
Preventing the Strain
It’s true: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to carpal tunnel syndrome. Monica Van Niel, occupational therapist at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, sees hundreds of patients each month, and about 50% of the complaints come from chronic issues, including repetitive stress. To combat these injuries, she recommends exercises to help with hand strength and flexibility. The easiest exercise can be performed between clients, right at your nail station: gently squeezing a stress ball or tennis ball. "This is really the only way to build hand strength," advises Van Neil. “And it’s important that you have strength in your hands.”Along with strengthening your hands, flexibility is very important, especially in the wrist. To combat carpal tunnel, Van Neil suggests doing simple wrist rotations and stretching your fingers between appointments. She notes that maintaining proper hand position is also beneficial; Van Neil recommends keeping the wrist in line with the forearm instead of bent in an extreme angle.
Of course, you can’t ignore the rest of your body; stretching is important since we tend to be hunched over most of the day. Van Neil recommends reducing tension in your shoulders by squeezing the shoulder blades together and holding this position for five seconds, and then stretching arms forward. Repeat this easy stretch between clients.
As a final note, Van Neil points to a bad habit that many of us should kick: smoking! Studies show that decreased blood flow to the nerves as a result of smoking also affects the nerves that run though the wrist, contributing to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Many of us truly love what we do, it’s a shame that we might have to cut short an otherwise long-term career. Chart a plan to implement a few of suggestions into your day and you will soon be on the road to a healthier future loving what you do--nails!
And by the way, I am NOT quitting smoking!
Reference: nailpro.com
Aromatherapy THIS I KNOW YOU HAVE OVERLOOKED
My mother always told me that I had the most sensitive sniffer there was. It's true, if you burp I will smell what you ate. Kinda disgusting, but it has its pros, for example, when my hubby wears his cologna it smells so good that it turns me on. Weird right? or is it? Did you know our noses can distinguish up to 10,000 smells that enter through the fine hairs that line the nose and on to the limbic system of the brain, the part of the brain that controls our moods, emotions, memory and learning. Research shows that when a person smells a fragrance, brainwaves are affected. When lavender is inhaled, alpha waves increase and promote relaxation. When jasmine is smelled, beta waves are spiked and produce alertness.
According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, "Aromatherapy can be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit." Essential oils for aromatherapy may be applied directly on the skin (after being diluted), burned in an oil diffuser or used in numerous professional products.
There are several different essential oils. Educating yourself on the different plant and health benefits they provide should be your first step in discovering what aromatherapy can do for you. Buying an aromatherapy book is good investment. Here's a few aromas and what they actually do:
Lemon - Lemon is an energizer also helping as a disinfectant. It also has natural bleaching qualities.
Lavender - Lavender is a great stress reliever, promoting peace and well-being.
Hyssop - Hyssop has been around for centuries. It has healing properties that have been used by many throughout the years. It helps with cold and flu. It can also be used as a skin-improving agent, helping fight against blemishes.
Jasmine - Relaxing and soothing properties. Sometimes used as an aphrodisiac.
Basil - Helps with concentration. Also used in a wide variety of health conditions such as, upset stomach, headaches and flatulence.
Chamomile - Used to promote sleep, relaxation and meditation.
Sandalwood - This is still burned in many homes today in incense form.A very sweet woody scent helping promote relaxation and spiritual harmony. Also, help with dry hair and skin.
Rose - There are many different types of roses. They all have some differences in healing properties. Rose is known for its soothing and calming abilities. It can also help with various skin problems.
Peppermint - A true energizer. Often used to combat fatigue and muscle aches and pains.
Eucalyptus - Powerful decongestant. Used for centuries to help with cold symptoms. It also has antiseptic qualities.
Ginger - An energizing scent, ginger is widely used to help with nausea.
Nutmeg - Used by some to help with sleep and indigestion.
Aromatherapy has been used for centuries in different countries around the world. Many people have used aromatherapy to improve their mood, health and overall will being. Many people in our face-paced society are rediscovering the natural benefits of aromatherapy in their everyday lives.
So, whether you believe in aromatherapy or not, science proves that it does affect a person's mood. Knowing that aromatherapy may increase your clients' moods should motivate you to at least try incorporating some aromatherapy into your menu since clients tend to tip more and request additional services when they are happy. Not to mention, the affect the fragrance will have on the client remembering the service you provided.
There are multiple ways to include scents:
• Provide three to five oils to choose from as an aromatherapy add-on.
• Try themed holiday services including; chocolate, pomegranate, cinnamon, vanilla spice, gingerbread, peppermint or cranberry.
• Use organic candles throughout your salon to give it it's signature scent.
• Use an oil diffuser in your space.
According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, "Aromatherapy can be defined as the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit." Essential oils for aromatherapy may be applied directly on the skin (after being diluted), burned in an oil diffuser or used in numerous professional products.
There are several different essential oils. Educating yourself on the different plant and health benefits they provide should be your first step in discovering what aromatherapy can do for you. Buying an aromatherapy book is good investment. Here's a few aromas and what they actually do:
Lemon - Lemon is an energizer also helping as a disinfectant. It also has natural bleaching qualities.
Lavender - Lavender is a great stress reliever, promoting peace and well-being.
Hyssop - Hyssop has been around for centuries. It has healing properties that have been used by many throughout the years. It helps with cold and flu. It can also be used as a skin-improving agent, helping fight against blemishes.
Jasmine - Relaxing and soothing properties. Sometimes used as an aphrodisiac.
Basil - Helps with concentration. Also used in a wide variety of health conditions such as, upset stomach, headaches and flatulence.
Chamomile - Used to promote sleep, relaxation and meditation.
Sandalwood - This is still burned in many homes today in incense form.A very sweet woody scent helping promote relaxation and spiritual harmony. Also, help with dry hair and skin.
Rose - There are many different types of roses. They all have some differences in healing properties. Rose is known for its soothing and calming abilities. It can also help with various skin problems.
Peppermint - A true energizer. Often used to combat fatigue and muscle aches and pains.
Eucalyptus - Powerful decongestant. Used for centuries to help with cold symptoms. It also has antiseptic qualities.
Ginger - An energizing scent, ginger is widely used to help with nausea.
Nutmeg - Used by some to help with sleep and indigestion.
Aromatherapy has been used for centuries in different countries around the world. Many people have used aromatherapy to improve their mood, health and overall will being. Many people in our face-paced society are rediscovering the natural benefits of aromatherapy in their everyday lives.
So, whether you believe in aromatherapy or not, science proves that it does affect a person's mood. Knowing that aromatherapy may increase your clients' moods should motivate you to at least try incorporating some aromatherapy into your menu since clients tend to tip more and request additional services when they are happy. Not to mention, the affect the fragrance will have on the client remembering the service you provided.
There are multiple ways to include scents:
• Provide three to five oils to choose from as an aromatherapy add-on.
• Try themed holiday services including; chocolate, pomegranate, cinnamon, vanilla spice, gingerbread, peppermint or cranberry.
• Use organic candles throughout your salon to give it it's signature scent.
• Use an oil diffuser in your space.
FOR RENT or for hire? It's my business right!?!?!?
Once you have graduated beauty school, the next question is where am I going to work? I realize I have touched on this topic a little here and there, but this thread is about what to look for and what to realize when finding that right little salon just for you. Booth renting can be an enticing option when you are craving flexibility without the responsibility of an employer dictating your schedule. Some of the perks of booth renting include taking charge of your hours, choosing your products and keeping all your earnings. On the other hand, if you are looking for an environment that provides mentorship and education, booth renting may not be the right choice for you.
One important factor to consider before booth renting is the location of the salon. Is it in a good location? Notice the streets around, what businesses are around, and what type of clientel do you think will come in based on where you are located? A salon that is located in a busy shopping area can be beneficial because your customers already frequent the area and will be more likely to swing by your salon. In addition, it offers the opportunity to network with nearby businesses who can send new clients your way. There may also be the possibility for more walk-ins. If there is another person providing the same services, find out the salon's policy for how walk-ins are assigned.
Another aspect I tend to look for is parking. Be sure to take a look at the parking situation. This is critical. If parking is difficult to come by, you may lose clients who do not want to deal with the hassle. I have been to salons that had the most badass hair dressers and nail techs. Those salons also had a good reputation, the only thing holding them back from a 5 star rating was their parking. Older clients do not want to walk, that is if they can. It can be hot here in the bootheel of Missouri so to think of walking on those hot days are simply not an option for myyself as well as others.
Consider how well you interact with the demographic that frequents the location. Do you vibe well with pampered princesses or do you bond better with "everyday people?" Do you like children? I can tell you what I DON'T deal well when it comes to client's children: I hate kids (I have a 5 year old of my own, love her to death), but other peoples kids I can't stand. I got a job as a nail tech not a baby sitting nail tech. I love my older clients, but there are a few that tend to be bossy I hate those clients. You cannot please everyone, but you can find a place of employment that will make you happy.
One HUGE factor in where I will be working is the enviornment itself. I am a team player, I am trustowrthy, and friendly. I've found others aren't the same. Working in a miserable environment takes a terrible a toll on your business and psychological state. I went to school with a good attitude, little did I know what I was walking into. The horrible enviornment took its toll on me. If it had not been for my amazing husband I don't know if I would have even made it (I would have probably quit). Beauty school is THE hardest thing I have ever done in my 28 years of living. Choose a salon with a pleasant atmosphere where you will feel comfortable. Ask how many other people are renting the same type of booth as you. Things could get competitive if there are several people with the same type of business. Are there any thieves among them? Having your stuff messed with is frustrating, and if you mess with my stuff it's a sure fire way to have it out with me and it ends by your head being ripped off.
Consider the price of the booth rental and how many clients you will need to service to make it worthwhile. Review all your expenses for the tools of the trade. Ask yourself if you are good at record keeping. You will need this information when paying your taxes. You should also be informed what the rental includes. Will you have to pay extra for laundry? Is there a secure area for your equipment?
The length of the salon owner's lease can also affect your decision. If a new owner takes over there could be many changes implemented including a rent increase. A written contract insures there are no misunderstandings between you and the owner. Everything that each side agrees to should be included in the contract.
Now I am going to let you in on a secret of mine. When scoping out a booth rental location, test out the salon for yourself as a secret shopper. People may be on their best behavior if they know you are a perspective renter. You will be able to see the dynamics of the salon from the customer's point of view. Do the people working at the salon appear happy or can you feel tension between them? Test the salon twice by having a savvy friend make an appointment for a service at another date and critique the shop for you. Make sure to let you secret shopper friend know your criteria.
Getting a job is stressful, but putting in the right work to find the exact match for you is well worth it. I enjoy doing nails, and I enjoy the art of it. I can do this every day for the rest of my life and be happy, but only if there is no immature salon drama. So it's like buying a house, take your time to find your home. A home that speaks you, and at the same time you are so happy you can't stand it.
One important factor to consider before booth renting is the location of the salon. Is it in a good location? Notice the streets around, what businesses are around, and what type of clientel do you think will come in based on where you are located? A salon that is located in a busy shopping area can be beneficial because your customers already frequent the area and will be more likely to swing by your salon. In addition, it offers the opportunity to network with nearby businesses who can send new clients your way. There may also be the possibility for more walk-ins. If there is another person providing the same services, find out the salon's policy for how walk-ins are assigned.
Another aspect I tend to look for is parking. Be sure to take a look at the parking situation. This is critical. If parking is difficult to come by, you may lose clients who do not want to deal with the hassle. I have been to salons that had the most badass hair dressers and nail techs. Those salons also had a good reputation, the only thing holding them back from a 5 star rating was their parking. Older clients do not want to walk, that is if they can. It can be hot here in the bootheel of Missouri so to think of walking on those hot days are simply not an option for myyself as well as others.
Consider how well you interact with the demographic that frequents the location. Do you vibe well with pampered princesses or do you bond better with "everyday people?" Do you like children? I can tell you what I DON'T deal well when it comes to client's children: I hate kids (I have a 5 year old of my own, love her to death), but other peoples kids I can't stand. I got a job as a nail tech not a baby sitting nail tech. I love my older clients, but there are a few that tend to be bossy I hate those clients. You cannot please everyone, but you can find a place of employment that will make you happy.
One HUGE factor in where I will be working is the enviornment itself. I am a team player, I am trustowrthy, and friendly. I've found others aren't the same. Working in a miserable environment takes a terrible a toll on your business and psychological state. I went to school with a good attitude, little did I know what I was walking into. The horrible enviornment took its toll on me. If it had not been for my amazing husband I don't know if I would have even made it (I would have probably quit). Beauty school is THE hardest thing I have ever done in my 28 years of living. Choose a salon with a pleasant atmosphere where you will feel comfortable. Ask how many other people are renting the same type of booth as you. Things could get competitive if there are several people with the same type of business. Are there any thieves among them? Having your stuff messed with is frustrating, and if you mess with my stuff it's a sure fire way to have it out with me and it ends by your head being ripped off.
Consider the price of the booth rental and how many clients you will need to service to make it worthwhile. Review all your expenses for the tools of the trade. Ask yourself if you are good at record keeping. You will need this information when paying your taxes. You should also be informed what the rental includes. Will you have to pay extra for laundry? Is there a secure area for your equipment?
The length of the salon owner's lease can also affect your decision. If a new owner takes over there could be many changes implemented including a rent increase. A written contract insures there are no misunderstandings between you and the owner. Everything that each side agrees to should be included in the contract.
Now I am going to let you in on a secret of mine. When scoping out a booth rental location, test out the salon for yourself as a secret shopper. People may be on their best behavior if they know you are a perspective renter. You will be able to see the dynamics of the salon from the customer's point of view. Do the people working at the salon appear happy or can you feel tension between them? Test the salon twice by having a savvy friend make an appointment for a service at another date and critique the shop for you. Make sure to let you secret shopper friend know your criteria.
Getting a job is stressful, but putting in the right work to find the exact match for you is well worth it. I enjoy doing nails, and I enjoy the art of it. I can do this every day for the rest of my life and be happy, but only if there is no immature salon drama. So it's like buying a house, take your time to find your home. A home that speaks you, and at the same time you are so happy you can't stand it.
Reduce Reuse Recycle Nail TIPS!!
We hear about recycling plastic and glass bottles, alluminum cans, copper wire, and much more. In a world where everyone is trying to go green, as well as save a few pennies. Most people will say going green costs more. You can go green without changing your entire salon. We are just talking about nail tips here....
Any good nail technician will practice nail art in her spare time. We usually use full well nail tips to practice our art on. One of the ways I have found to reuse the nail tips is to make a piece of art out of it. I buy myself a piece of canvas from Wal-Mart that measures anywhere from 2 feet x 2 feet or 2 feet by 4 feet or 3 feet by 4 feet. I save my nail art in a simple plastic baggie. If I just practice on one nail it goes in there, or if I make a while set of nails for myself the nails that pop off go into that baggie. The bagging is simply a collection over time. Now the recycleing comes in when I turn that baggie of polished nails into an amazing work of art.
Sometimes I will spend 8 whole hours on one nail, and I put so much work and detail into just one nail it almost seems like a tiny work of art. Sometimes I will make a collaborative of several nails with one unified look, whereas other days I just pop the ones I have on off and put them in the bag (gross I know). All of those nails go onto a blank canvas spaced out an inch a part. This is one way to not only have a craft project to do (that turns out badass!), but your recycling as well.
Hope you enjoyed this wonderful recycling craft project, it looks great in the salon. You can even put a price on it and it will sell like you wouldn't believe.
Any good nail technician will practice nail art in her spare time. We usually use full well nail tips to practice our art on. One of the ways I have found to reuse the nail tips is to make a piece of art out of it. I buy myself a piece of canvas from Wal-Mart that measures anywhere from 2 feet x 2 feet or 2 feet by 4 feet or 3 feet by 4 feet. I save my nail art in a simple plastic baggie. If I just practice on one nail it goes in there, or if I make a while set of nails for myself the nails that pop off go into that baggie. The bagging is simply a collection over time. Now the recycleing comes in when I turn that baggie of polished nails into an amazing work of art.
Sometimes I will spend 8 whole hours on one nail, and I put so much work and detail into just one nail it almost seems like a tiny work of art. Sometimes I will make a collaborative of several nails with one unified look, whereas other days I just pop the ones I have on off and put them in the bag (gross I know). All of those nails go onto a blank canvas spaced out an inch a part. This is one way to not only have a craft project to do (that turns out badass!), but your recycling as well.
Hope you enjoyed this wonderful recycling craft project, it looks great in the salon. You can even put a price on it and it will sell like you wouldn't believe.
Men Manicures Pedicures The New Trend
When asked why he likes it so much this is what he said, "It's helps soothe my aching feet after a long days work. I like getting pampered as much as anyone else. I love the attention that is given, it's totally me all the time while I am getting the pedicure. It also has some medicinal purposes, I have horrible feet issues."
So since I have become a nail technician, I have become more sensitive to his needs. I have only done 3 pedicures in the past 6 months on him. When asked how he liked having a nail tech in the family he responded, "It has its benefits as far as her knowledge in podiatry, and my abused feet (a working man's feet). She can give me the same attention, only it's a little better because I love her and know she has my best interest at heart."
Not all men would be open to having a pedicure. My dad has never and never will step foot in a nail salon. In my list of services there is a men's manicure and a men's pedicure. I use men's scented lotions and other items. I rub a little longer, most men rub women's feet at night (my hubby does) and don't get theirs rubbed. Also a man is a lot harder on his feet than most women. I take all of that into consideration when planning on what to do to my male client.
Male clients are a given on rebooking. More and more men are becoming metro. Being metro isn't a bad thing either, I find metro to be sexy. I need a man who takes as good care of himself as I do myself (that's some big shoes to fill lol). Double the pleasure double the fun get male and female clients in for more cash flow!
Pomegranate & Fig Mani Pedi Soak Fabulous
Cuccio Naturale has done it again! I bought Cuccio Naturale's pomegranate and fig manicure or pedicure soak. I found that these are best used as manicure soaks, just because of their size. Perfect for manicure bowl. These soak balls are antioxidents enriched with pomegranate and fig extracts. This soak will whiten nails,revitalizes skin and cuticles, and replentishes the exact amount of moisture your feet or hands will need.
I use this product on my friend as well as me yesterday for our pedicures. I had already added Heel to Toe rock salt to the soak, so I couldn't smell it very well. The rock salt was over powering. That's why I am suggesting you use these great lil balls for just manicures. I will be giving my mom her manicure today, and will use these. If it does better for manicures I will comment on my own blog later to update. I think in a smaller bowl it will have more of a pomagranate and fig smell.
I bought the 24 count fizz balls not hte 100 count. If you have a high clientel base you will want to get more than the 24 count. I could tell by looking at the tube that I had already taken 2 out. 24 count isn't going to last that long, so for me it may be an addon for paying customers. I am satisfied with my purchase, however, I cannot give it 5 stars. I am going to give this a 4 goddess stars for now. If the manicure goes well it could get bumped up to 5 star status.
CND High Gloss High Shine EXCELLENT BUY
I bought this Saturday at Sally's. I used this, this evening. I love it. The odor is low and didn't bother my nose. I love the bottle it comes in. My bottle is quite large at 68 ml or 2.3 fl oz. This top coat also dried fairly fast, and when it says high shine, it means high shine. It was worth every penny! It offers a durable shine while sealing and protecting nail color, provides a scratch-resistant shine, seals and protects the nail color, UV absorber guards against fading and discoloration, 3-free formula does not contain Formaldehyde, Toluene or Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP). DBP can create hormone-production problems in a fetus. Tolulene can cause reproductive issues, headaches, itchy eyes, and much more. Formaldahyde can cause breathing problems and even cancer. So this polish is safe for mommy and baby!
As I do with all my reviews, I give a rating on a 5 star rating. 5 being the bomb, and 1 being trash. This item gets a 5, and I am satisfied and will rebuy when the time comes.
Heel to Toe Spa Collection Sea Salt Glow Scrub was designed to be used individually or as part of a regimen. A natural way to reduce stress, focus energy, uplift your spirits, reduce anxiety or just relax. Gently polishes and conditions the skin. Great for feet legs or any where on the body.
I used this today. Absolutely wonderful product. Heel to Toe never ceases to amaze me with their products. Let me tell you! My feet are so soft and smooth it is unreal! I figure I cannot write a review or use this on clients unless I take the job of being the guinea pig. I was glad I tried it. The scrub comes in this gorgeous deep purple color. The grains of salt were the perfect size, not to big but not to small. I used my foot file to rub the salt grains in. I scrubbed for maybe 3-5 minutes.
Overall I am happy with my purchase, and I am excited to use on my clients. I give this 5 goddess stars!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Nail Pro: Survival of The Fittest Article
In the Feburary 2012, issue there is an article written by Melisa Wells entitled "Survival of The Fittest". It discusses many facts and issues revolving around the recession of the United States. The recession has tweaked the way salons look at how to retain customers, how they plan for the fututre, how salons can attract new clients, and how the salon is ran.
Wells says, "Nail technicians and salon owners alike should, no mater how well they are doing, reassess their businesses to not only survive during the recession, but also thrive." We can start by taking a closer look at our expenses. One of the things Wells says that is a major factor is surviving the recession is "staff members who don't pull their weight when the salon is hurting for business should have their schedules altered or if necessary, let the employee go." I realize staffing issues and discisions can be the toughest discisions to make.
Well also says the backbar is another hole that lots of money will go right down the drain on. Supply costs can be much larger than necessary if staff isn't careful to use only what they absolutely need for each service. Wells says, "Consider a staff training session with a supply refresher to get everyone on board with proper usage amounts." If staff uses to much supplies, one idea is to get those little cups from Sams Club and prepare the set amounts so that the staff can simply come in get the cup and not over pour product. This idea also gives the perception that it is a cleaner and more prepared salon.
These are just two of the many ideas Wells put in this article. I recomment that you get the Feb. issue of Nail Pro and read it. There are other articles in the magazine that month that are on how to retain services during the recession.
Wells says, "Nail technicians and salon owners alike should, no mater how well they are doing, reassess their businesses to not only survive during the recession, but also thrive." We can start by taking a closer look at our expenses. One of the things Wells says that is a major factor is surviving the recession is "staff members who don't pull their weight when the salon is hurting for business should have their schedules altered or if necessary, let the employee go." I realize staffing issues and discisions can be the toughest discisions to make.
Well also says the backbar is another hole that lots of money will go right down the drain on. Supply costs can be much larger than necessary if staff isn't careful to use only what they absolutely need for each service. Wells says, "Consider a staff training session with a supply refresher to get everyone on board with proper usage amounts." If staff uses to much supplies, one idea is to get those little cups from Sams Club and prepare the set amounts so that the staff can simply come in get the cup and not over pour product. This idea also gives the perception that it is a cleaner and more prepared salon.
These are just two of the many ideas Wells put in this article. I recomment that you get the Feb. issue of Nail Pro and read it. There are other articles in the magazine that month that are on how to retain services during the recession.
2 Rules You Can Break
There are many rules that one is to follow in the salon setting. Theses cliches, misconceptions, when followed an actually lead to disaster. Here are two of my top ten. These two rules are what I find that will kill a business!
Rule 1: The customer is always right! It's sad to say but no matter how good you are and how polite you may be, you will always have clients that push you. There are flakes that conveniently forget their appointment time. You always have the person wanting something for free. You even have enemies that want nothing more than to trash your reputation. Thinking the customer is always right can more than likely send you straight to bankruptcy.
Rule 2: The nice girls always finish last. Nice techs actually build good clientel. Some nail technicians will cut corners like skimpping on the message, using inferior products, and treating customers like a number (one in one out). Clients can sense this bad behavior and most of the time will not come back. You should refine your servies and strive to give the best possible session you can.
Rule 1: The customer is always right! It's sad to say but no matter how good you are and how polite you may be, you will always have clients that push you. There are flakes that conveniently forget their appointment time. You always have the person wanting something for free. You even have enemies that want nothing more than to trash your reputation. Thinking the customer is always right can more than likely send you straight to bankruptcy.
Rule 2: The nice girls always finish last. Nice techs actually build good clientel. Some nail technicians will cut corners like skimpping on the message, using inferior products, and treating customers like a number (one in one out). Clients can sense this bad behavior and most of the time will not come back. You should refine your servies and strive to give the best possible session you can.
Onychomycosis precise podiatry
Have you ever had a client with onychomycosis? Onychomycosis is a nail fungal infection. Which client should you refer to a doctor? There's a new treatment for onychomycosis. PinPointe FootLaser, which has been cleared as a safe and effective treatment . The in-office procedure takes less than ten minutes per foot or per hand with none of the side effects of the oral anti-fungal meds!
Dr. Daniel L Waldman, owner and medical director of Blue Ridge Foot Centers in Asheville, NC explains that the treatment success largely depends on 3 factors: The extent of the infection, how long the patient has had the infections, and the individual's ability to follow through with the after home care. Dr. Waldman's informative website is www.blueridgefoot.com
Check it out...
Dr. Daniel L Waldman, owner and medical director of Blue Ridge Foot Centers in Asheville, NC explains that the treatment success largely depends on 3 factors: The extent of the infection, how long the patient has had the infections, and the individual's ability to follow through with the after home care. Dr. Waldman's informative website is www.blueridgefoot.com
Check it out...
Sation Giving Back Campaign Amazing
There is one company that is making phianthropy a part of every day normal business. Miss Professional Nail has launched a campaign to connect distributors with charities. These charities are specified by their geographical areas to donate the popular nail polish Sation. Miss also recently partnered with Working Wardrobes, a nonprofit that empowers men, women, and yoiung adults to enter the workforce by providing career development and wardrobing services.
You know I am all about giving back, volunteer work, as well as donations. I support any business that does those things, as well as make sure I buy more of the products that give back in some way.
You know I am all about giving back, volunteer work, as well as donations. I support any business that does those things, as well as make sure I buy more of the products that give back in some way.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Heel to Toe Sea Rocks Foot Soak
Heel to Toe has come out with one of the best foot soaks around! The sea rocks foot soak has also a covenient flip top jug, which mean less unscrewing and less strain on your wrists. The revitalizing sea salts with tea tree oil softens and hydrates leaving the feet feeling and looking soft, clean, and healthy.
Directions: Add a tablespoon full to a warm footbath. Immerse the clients feet , and let the sit back and relax for a while.
While this was rather expensive ,a tablespoon at a time will make it last, as long as you don't put more than is needed.
This product is one that I have client constantly asking if I had gotten more of it. I buy 3 or 4 tubs at a time so I don't have to make the 60 mile treck to Sally's or Cosmo. This is a must have for any manicurist or pedicurist.
BTW been putting my pic in so you can have a face behind this blog :)
ORLY Nail Armor Liquid Nail Wrap Review
Nailtrition By ORLY Girls Let's Grow These Nails
Directions: Week one- apply 1-2 coats daily.Remove at the end of that week. Week two- repeat. Repeat two week program as necessary, waiting one week before reapplication. Use with a cuticle therapy cream or I prefer cuticle oil.
This is just one product I got for her Monday mani booking. I will post on the other items I have aquired over the weekend shopping trip.
A Review of ORLY Basket Case (My friends polish)
My best friend purchased some gorgeous polish. The brand name is ORLY. First I want to start off by saying I LOVE the ORLY polish bottle's neck that has the brush on it. It is covered in a no slip grip. The color is Basket Case #40234. I love the color it is gorgeous. Very feminine in color and totally a hot color for the younger generation. I give this polish two thumbs up!
My Choice In Nail GLUE!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Apps Thank You Apple!
There are many apps out there, infact the words to say would be there are thousands upon thousands of apps. On my phone I have apps for games, navagation, photos, finances, music, and a whole lot more.There are personal assistant apps, beauty apps, and the options are endless really. I will break down a few of my favs!
OPI Application is an awesome app. This app allows you to preview over 200 OPI shades. Not only do you get to preview 200 shades but you can change the color of your skin right on the app, so you can asure yourself it is your color. Darker skin tones look different in pink than say pale skin tones.
Personal Assistant is another fantastic app. With the highest user rating since 2009 there's no wonder why it is a dead ringer on the list! This app includes tools to manage your clients, appointments, products, services, as well as point of sale.
Dress Up and Makeup: Manicure is another well respected app in the salon industry, that is awesome with an IPad if you have one for clients to use. Clients can make 100s of nail combinations with this game. Choose from dozens of polish colors, skin tones, nail art ideas, and more. Looks can even be accessorized with rings and stuff.
Nail Art Catalog offers thousands of different chinese nail arts .
The Nail App is my favorite nail art reference period! I can post my nail art and get feedback from other nail techs. Your nail art can be rated to see what fads are working. There is also nail art you can view to give yourself inspiration.
With technology as advanced as it is now it would be foolish not to use it! There's not a reason why if you have a smart phone you should not use it. The older generation, like my parents, see technology different than us youngens. I say screw it and use it! It's benefical in every aspect. The only downside to technology is that it can become addictive and become an issue. As long as the client is first all is well!
OPI Application is an awesome app. This app allows you to preview over 200 OPI shades. Not only do you get to preview 200 shades but you can change the color of your skin right on the app, so you can asure yourself it is your color. Darker skin tones look different in pink than say pale skin tones.
Personal Assistant is another fantastic app. With the highest user rating since 2009 there's no wonder why it is a dead ringer on the list! This app includes tools to manage your clients, appointments, products, services, as well as point of sale.
Dress Up and Makeup: Manicure is another well respected app in the salon industry, that is awesome with an IPad if you have one for clients to use. Clients can make 100s of nail combinations with this game. Choose from dozens of polish colors, skin tones, nail art ideas, and more. Looks can even be accessorized with rings and stuff.
Nail Art Catalog offers thousands of different chinese nail arts .
The Nail App is my favorite nail art reference period! I can post my nail art and get feedback from other nail techs. Your nail art can be rated to see what fads are working. There is also nail art you can view to give yourself inspiration.
With technology as advanced as it is now it would be foolish not to use it! There's not a reason why if you have a smart phone you should not use it. The older generation, like my parents, see technology different than us youngens. I say screw it and use it! It's benefical in every aspect. The only downside to technology is that it can become addictive and become an issue. As long as the client is first all is well!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Nailgasm The Nail Art Movie link included
There's a mini movie targeted at nail technicians. "Nail Art Movie: Nailgasm" explores the endless creativity and work that goes into nail art. This movie enbodies the global culture as well as its many fans. The movie shows the taboo aspects of nail art as well as the artistic avenue of the art form. Nail art is "an artform" that has morphed into many different areas in the past 20 years. Find out why nails are making the headlines by watching this 4 minute 35 second film. Here's the link to watch: http://www.nailpro.com/nail-art-movie-nailgasm
Enjoy I did!
Enjoy I did!
Webinars From Entity Beauty Be The Best You Can Be!
Previously I have posted a thread over taking Nail Pro Magazine's quiz they offer online and on the last page of every issue. I take these quizzes and always get a wonderful certificate. Today I have found another way to futher your education. I have yet to try it, so if anyone who reads this tries it please feel free to let us know. I will repost another thread once I have given it a try. I am talking about Webinars from Entity Beauty. These are online seminars given through power point. I believe whether or not the state you are working in doesn't require continueing education units, it is on you to be the best you can be by futhering your education on your own.
The links are: http://www.nailpro.com/entity-beauty-schedules-webinars
http://www.entitybeauty.com/app_public_relations.aspx
Hope you choose to further your education, the only people your hurting by not continueing your education is yourself and your client!
The links are: http://www.nailpro.com/entity-beauty-schedules-webinars
http://www.entitybeauty.com/app_public_relations.aspx
Hope you choose to further your education, the only people your hurting by not continueing your education is yourself and your client!
Two Pedicure Items That Are The Easiest To Upsell For You To Make More Cash
There are two things that are a no brainer when it comes to upselling to my client. They are two addon items that are easy to apply and they speak for themselves. The two items are paraffin dipping and pedi masks, and these two items can also be used on the hands. The items can be used in pedicures as well as manicures, a double whammy for any nail technician.
The only high cost from you as the technician for paraffin dipping is the actually dip system. I use a gorgeous crock pot to heat up the paraffin, but I also only currently offer it for hands. I do not have a dip system because they run $100-250. However, the blocks of paraffin are only $10.00 at Sallys and they have a multitude of choices. I got vanilla which smells heavenly, the school I just graduated from used peach and even though I hate peach it smelled good! Once you leave the paraffin on for 10-15 minutes you will peel it off like a glove. The skin gets lefted as soft and smooth and you can imagine. Once I have got the customer addicted those clients come in every month just for paraffin as an addon to their already good service! I mean it, it sells itself!
Another item that has been overlooked is pedicure masques. It's not just for pedis either! I rarely read about masques in magazines, and it seems to be overlooked. I am going to bring this other item into the light for you! Christine Ashley makes a masque called Barefeet, professional foot care pedi masque. It's a 8 oz tube, so you have enough to last you a good while. This masque is the perfect pampering treatment. It conditions and softens skins while soothing and energizing tired muscles. This masque leaves feet feeling cool and revitalized. This masque is simple to use as well, use after exfoliating the feet. (You can use this on hands too) Lightly coat each foot with the masque. Allow the masque to ry for five minutes then return feet to bath and rinse off. The task has been completed!
I promise you that these two items sell themselves as long as you get the client to try the items the first time. Just like pringles "once you pop you can't stop!" As my teach in nail technician school would say, "The best way to know about a product or service is to have it done to you". You need to try out anything new to explain it the best way you can. A little dulgance on your part can lead you to more cash flowwing days!
The only high cost from you as the technician for paraffin dipping is the actually dip system. I use a gorgeous crock pot to heat up the paraffin, but I also only currently offer it for hands. I do not have a dip system because they run $100-250. However, the blocks of paraffin are only $10.00 at Sallys and they have a multitude of choices. I got vanilla which smells heavenly, the school I just graduated from used peach and even though I hate peach it smelled good! Once you leave the paraffin on for 10-15 minutes you will peel it off like a glove. The skin gets lefted as soft and smooth and you can imagine. Once I have got the customer addicted those clients come in every month just for paraffin as an addon to their already good service! I mean it, it sells itself!
Another item that has been overlooked is pedicure masques. It's not just for pedis either! I rarely read about masques in magazines, and it seems to be overlooked. I am going to bring this other item into the light for you! Christine Ashley makes a masque called Barefeet, professional foot care pedi masque. It's a 8 oz tube, so you have enough to last you a good while. This masque is the perfect pampering treatment. It conditions and softens skins while soothing and energizing tired muscles. This masque leaves feet feeling cool and revitalized. This masque is simple to use as well, use after exfoliating the feet. (You can use this on hands too) Lightly coat each foot with the masque. Allow the masque to ry for five minutes then return feet to bath and rinse off. The task has been completed!
I promise you that these two items sell themselves as long as you get the client to try the items the first time. Just like pringles "once you pop you can't stop!" As my teach in nail technician school would say, "The best way to know about a product or service is to have it done to you". You need to try out anything new to explain it the best way you can. A little dulgance on your part can lead you to more cash flowwing days!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
The GODDESS of Nails...: China Glaze's Fast Freeze Personal Review two thum...
The GODDESS of Nails...: China Glaze's Fast Freeze Personal Review two thum...: One of the items that came in my kit when I started nail technician school was China Glaze's Fast Freeze Quick Dry. It's a super-fast drying agent that you put on once the top coat has dried for sixty second. It will completely make the tack go away. I realize it an expensive item for me to purchase with my beauty license so I can only imagine how much a customer must pay. Even though the item is expensive, this is one of the few items I will say it worth every penny. I have clients that come in for no more than a polish change or to have polish applied, and those clients will also ask specifically for the "green liquidy stuff". Those clients won't even have poish applied unless I have it. I try to tell them it isn't a make or break item, but they stand true to it. I deem this one of the cheaper best investments a nail technician can buy! More product reviews coming today!
China Glaze's Fast Freeze Personal Review two thumbs up
One of the items that came in my kit when I started nail technician school was China Glaze's Fast Freeze Quick Dry. It's a super-fast drying liquid. I started using it and was amazed at how it literally dried out the polish so quickly. I realize it isn't cheap, but if you use to dropper that comes in the box with the bottle, and only use a few drops, you can make it stretch out. I rate this a big thumbs up! I love this product! It is an item and I do not leave out of my kits. I suggest everyone needs a bottle if they paint their nails. You drop it on top coats that have been dry for 60 seconds and it literally dries it up instantly!
GODDESS APPROVED
GODDESS APPROVED
Nail Pro's Certificate of Achievement Program
Besides getting your license for doing nails, I am continueing education kinda person. I always feel theres nothing I wouldn't wanna learn. I love google on my IPhone. I also love Nail Pro Magazine. It's where I get a lot of my article ideas as well as nail art ideas, so Nail Pro is a must have for me personally. Nail Pro offers a certificate of achievement through their test yourself quiz. If you ace it you get an actual certificate of achievement that looks good as well as make you feel good. The quizzes are liget quizzes and the questions actually do teach you something. You can go to www.NailPro.com/testyourself good luck on getting an A ;I love getting my certificate in the mail. By the way, do not EVER stop learning, you will only limit yourself to what your cappable of.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Client consults, make more cash
One aspect of making more money that, for some reason, falls to the way side is client consultations. Every client deserves that client consultation before beginning services. It doesn't matter if the client has been a client of yours for 1 year or 10 years, everyone gets a consult at every service!
When greeting the client make a firm handshake and eye contact. This accepts your client and establishes a connection between you and them. Going along with the established connection, never send your client to the polish and say pick out a color. Rather, a nail technician should walk the client to the wall and help pick out a color. Last offering a drink is a plus. Whether it be wine and cocktails or coffee and water, client like feeling pampered.
When sanatizing hands, you can ask the client is they hae any medical conditions that you should know about, allergies, and what concerns the client may have. While explaining this, it is best to end with what the client will recieve in the booked service as well as the upgrade options.
If giving a pedicure to the client, when he/she sits down in the chair ask the same questions as you did with a manicure while sanatizing their hands. You can offer masks and other upsells during this phase. I find the best and easiest thing I can sell is a hot paraffin dip on hands and feet. I charge $5 a pair on paraffin dipping.
When greeting the client make a firm handshake and eye contact. This accepts your client and establishes a connection between you and them. Going along with the established connection, never send your client to the polish and say pick out a color. Rather, a nail technician should walk the client to the wall and help pick out a color. Last offering a drink is a plus. Whether it be wine and cocktails or coffee and water, client like feeling pampered.
When sanatizing hands, you can ask the client is they hae any medical conditions that you should know about, allergies, and what concerns the client may have. While explaining this, it is best to end with what the client will recieve in the booked service as well as the upgrade options.
If giving a pedicure to the client, when he/she sits down in the chair ask the same questions as you did with a manicure while sanatizing their hands. You can offer masks and other upsells during this phase. I find the best and easiest thing I can sell is a hot paraffin dip on hands and feet. I charge $5 a pair on paraffin dipping.
Job searching tips for nail technicians
There are several things that can stress out a nail tech, one of mine being where I am fixing to go work at. Do I want to work in one state or two? Where do I begin to look for work?, these are just two of my questions that I have been asking myself here in the past week. I felt it best to share what I have found. There are several ways to find work. One of the best ways to look for salon work is in the good ole country boys newspaper. If the school you attend is actually worth a hoot, you school (if good) will sometimes have a list of salons looking for new nail technicians. Craigslist also has job opportunity listings, and you can post your resume as well. A great idea for those of us to get our hair done, ask at the salon you frequent. Check Nail Pro has the Savvy Salon Column and sometimes the featured salon will also be hiring. Perform search engine searches for salons in your area to figure out where you might start asking at. Network network network, you can't imagine how with the web being so accessable, you can promote yourself! One last idea to get yourself into a good job is asking the local salon supplier like sally's, cosmo, or state beauty supply, if they know anyone hiring. These are the best tips I have to help you and me both land the job of a lifetime.
Airbrushing is making it's new debute
Airbrushing is an artform that many nail technicians have seemed to steer clear from. I personally love freehanding art onto nails, I feel it shows my true artistic talent. Not all nail technicians are excellent artists. I have found that many of my nail technician friends do not have that artistic thumb. Crazy, I know, but not everyone is nuts about art. With that being said airbrushing is a spray and paint with a nail art tool that is making it's way back into the nail art circut.
One of the newest and best items in the airbrush catagory is new and improved stencils. Tip: Use a CD case to keep the stencil in place. There are literally thousands of stencils out there with a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some stencils are made of paper, while others are made of plastic. Some stencils have sticky backing which makes those stencils one time use and disposable which can be more sanitary. You can get stencils at a salon supply store, a craft store, or wal-mart.
Another perk of airbrushing is the paint. Airbrushing paint seems to the thin, and thinner paint can flow more freely. So that your paint flows freely, cleaning your gun has to be the biggest and most important step. Without cleaning the gun you will not get free flowing paint. A few handy dandy cleaning helpers for cleaning the airbrush machine are: cotton swabs, squeeze top for better sanitation, a wire brush, detal proxy brushes in all sizes, and then a glass dish. Acetone will turn acrylics into gelly. Use the small dish to corral all the small parts to the airbrush gun and machine. DO NOT put whole gun in cleanser. Only soak parts of the brush for short periods of time, and then turn around and brush off the loose paint.
Just as polish gets more technologically advaced, so does airbrushing. Everything cycles around, and usually the second time around the medium will be more techologicaly advanced.
One of the newest and best items in the airbrush catagory is new and improved stencils. Tip: Use a CD case to keep the stencil in place. There are literally thousands of stencils out there with a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some stencils are made of paper, while others are made of plastic. Some stencils have sticky backing which makes those stencils one time use and disposable which can be more sanitary. You can get stencils at a salon supply store, a craft store, or wal-mart.
Another perk of airbrushing is the paint. Airbrushing paint seems to the thin, and thinner paint can flow more freely. So that your paint flows freely, cleaning your gun has to be the biggest and most important step. Without cleaning the gun you will not get free flowing paint. A few handy dandy cleaning helpers for cleaning the airbrush machine are: cotton swabs, squeeze top for better sanitation, a wire brush, detal proxy brushes in all sizes, and then a glass dish. Acetone will turn acrylics into gelly. Use the small dish to corral all the small parts to the airbrush gun and machine. DO NOT put whole gun in cleanser. Only soak parts of the brush for short periods of time, and then turn around and brush off the loose paint.
Just as polish gets more technologically advaced, so does airbrushing. Everything cycles around, and usually the second time around the medium will be more techologicaly advanced.
Your Questions Answered!!!
If anyone has any nail questions please feel free to comment your questions and I will answer them in a blog. I will make a whole blog just for your indivual questions. Hope I can help with any questions you may have...
Brittany
Brittany
Monday, July 16, 2012
SOIL Lacquer Duo Sparitual
Sparitual is a strong supporter of vegan & organic ingredients. Sparitual took the next step in their commitment to the enviornment, and did a lacquer duo called SOIL 2012, which made it's opening debute April 2012. This lacquer takes 20% of its profits from this set of polish and donate it to Sustainable (S) Organic (O) Integrated (I) Living (L). SOIL is a nonprofit organization addressing issues of poverty, public health, enviormental destruction, and much more.
The colors include a rich brown called "Back To Your Roots" and a creamy earthy tone called "Native Soil". Along with the wonderful brown hues, a packet of wild flower seeds are tucked inside each polish box.
Overall a gift that keeps giving in every aspect of the word. Wonderful earthy colors, seeds to make the earth more green, and giving back to the enviornment. Sparitual knocked this one out of the park!
The colors include a rich brown called "Back To Your Roots" and a creamy earthy tone called "Native Soil". Along with the wonderful brown hues, a packet of wild flower seeds are tucked inside each polish box.
Overall a gift that keeps giving in every aspect of the word. Wonderful earthy colors, seeds to make the earth more green, and giving back to the enviornment. Sparitual knocked this one out of the park!
MSRA, Amputations, and Sanitation
Kimberly Jackson is a young lady who contracted MSRA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) in 2006. She visited a nail salon she had been to many times in Fort Worth, TX. Kimberly contracted MSRA from that nail salon. She contracted MSRA from a pedicure. After contracting MSRA she later suffered a massive heart attack from this disease. Kimberly's ordeal happened in 2006, but in November 2009, a client in Alabama had been cut by an emery board several times in her visit. That Alabama client noticed swelling, soreness, and redness. The Alabama client had contracted MSRA, and because she sought medical attention immediately, she was able to avoid having 5 of her 10 fingers amputated. In 2008, 18,000 people died from MSRA. As nail technicians this can be a possibility, but we can also do the best we can to prevent such horrible ordeals.
What is MSRA you may ask? Well, let me explain it to you in short form...MSRA is a bacterium that caused skin infections and has become resistant to most forms of antibiotics. It is spread by a person who is infected by the bacteria (sometimes unknowingly), and then that person actively touched and contaminated the impliment, surface, or other. Infection most easily infects someone by a breach in the skin, ie. hangnail. Everyone carries the infection, but only a few exemplify symptoms. A person who colonizes MSRA will not show symptoms, but people with it show symptoms that look like red, swollen, and tender known as cellulitis, and there might also be pestules or boils as well.
There are three steps to help prevent MSRA. Sanitation, disinfection, and sterylization are the three steps to assure MSRA is prevented as much as possible, and don't your clients deserve such respect? We as nail technicians need to sanatize everything that can be sanatized and dispose of all non sanatizable items after used on every client. It does not matter if the client sitting across from you is your childhood friend you have known for years. That friend could very well be a carrier. One of the reasons I use a towel that can be washed on all communible surfaces, is because I am preventing the client from touching surfaces as such. It is your responsibility and no one elses to keep your clients healthy. With that being said, your salon owner should also give you enough time between clients to effectively sanatize and disinfect your station so that you do not spread this bacteria. Also certain clients may also have a disease that lowers their immune system, so also be aware of that. Lupus is a disease that lowers the body's immune system. Clients with a diease such as that will be 10 times more likely to catch the bacteria, so a client consult form would be a fantastic idea and document any disease under the medical background section.
I hope I have opened your eyes to a bacteria that I know was never discussed in cosmotology school. We covered Staph in our textbooks in school, but never did we discuss Kimberly's story or how infectious this bacteria is.
What is MSRA you may ask? Well, let me explain it to you in short form...MSRA is a bacterium that caused skin infections and has become resistant to most forms of antibiotics. It is spread by a person who is infected by the bacteria (sometimes unknowingly), and then that person actively touched and contaminated the impliment, surface, or other. Infection most easily infects someone by a breach in the skin, ie. hangnail. Everyone carries the infection, but only a few exemplify symptoms. A person who colonizes MSRA will not show symptoms, but people with it show symptoms that look like red, swollen, and tender known as cellulitis, and there might also be pestules or boils as well.
There are three steps to help prevent MSRA. Sanitation, disinfection, and sterylization are the three steps to assure MSRA is prevented as much as possible, and don't your clients deserve such respect? We as nail technicians need to sanatize everything that can be sanatized and dispose of all non sanatizable items after used on every client. It does not matter if the client sitting across from you is your childhood friend you have known for years. That friend could very well be a carrier. One of the reasons I use a towel that can be washed on all communible surfaces, is because I am preventing the client from touching surfaces as such. It is your responsibility and no one elses to keep your clients healthy. With that being said, your salon owner should also give you enough time between clients to effectively sanatize and disinfect your station so that you do not spread this bacteria. Also certain clients may also have a disease that lowers their immune system, so also be aware of that. Lupus is a disease that lowers the body's immune system. Clients with a diease such as that will be 10 times more likely to catch the bacteria, so a client consult form would be a fantastic idea and document any disease under the medical background section.
I hope I have opened your eyes to a bacteria that I know was never discussed in cosmotology school. We covered Staph in our textbooks in school, but never did we discuss Kimberly's story or how infectious this bacteria is.