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!