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!

Men Manicures Pedicures The New Trend

     The picture above is a photo of my hubby and myself.  I started with this photo so eveyone can see my hubby is a muscled up man, that's tall, tattooed up, pierced up, and a complete manly man.  My hubby likes getting pedicures.  Long before I ever even considered being a nail technician and thought about going to beauty schoool, my hubby would go get his pedicure with me.
     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!

    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!

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...

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!