Manicure Tips

Manicure Tips

Getting a manicure these days seems to be common practice for a lot of people. Some men do receive regular manicures; however, it seems that is type of pampering is usually dominated by women. I went to the nail salon this morning and was amazed at how many women were there. There were mother daughter duos in the nail salon. There were people like myself that were at the salon because of being in a wedding party. There were also women that were just there for a little much needed pampering.

I am not one of those lucky women that have the money or let's face it the time to get regular salon manicures. I am thrilled with the way that my nails look now, but I know that in just a few hours the polish will start to chip. Unfortunately, I am just not that graceful. Because of my lack of funds, I have mastered some tips to do my own at home manicures.

The first step to doing an at home manicure, is to put the kids to bed. Well, not really, but it helps to get the polish on evenly if I am left alone to fully attend to my nails, without having to wipe a runny nose, or change a diaper wile filing my nails. All joking aside though, I use one of those one minute manicure products to scrub my hands. My favorite product is by Beauty Control. It's a great exfoliate, but it also has essential oils in it. The oils keep my hands feeling smooth and silky for hours, even after repeated hand washing. Also the oils really help to moisturize not only my hands, but also my cuticles. This eliminates that time consuming step of having to soak your hands in a bowl of water. Really, who has time for that? Incidentally, while your cuticles are soft you should push them back. If you have time you can use either an orange stick or a cuticle pusher. If I am in a hurry, I will just use my finger nail. It's not perfect, but it will do in a pinch.

Sometimes, that's the extent of my at home manicure. If, however, I am lucky and have a little more time on my hands, I will proceed with shaping my nails. Shaping can be tricky. I have read that you should stroke the emery board in the same direction, rather than back and forth. This supposedly prevents damage to the nail. However, yesterday, I had to file my nails while driving down the highway on my way to a rehearsal dinner. I didn't care too much about going in one direction. At least not with the emery board anyway. Also, I noticed that when I got a salon manicure, she didn't bother to follow that piece of advice either.

The last and most important step in an at home manicure, is of course the polish. I have also read that you should try to put the polish on in thin even coats. Three brush strokes is supposedly the best method, one stroke for each side, and one stroke right down the middle of the nail. Realistically, the best tip I can give you is to get a good polish.

Manicure Stations

Manicure Stations

Nail art has achieved more fashion sense today than any other beauty treatments. Unlike the earlier times where there were more beauty salons today nail salons have opened up . These nail salons have given new dimension to the nail art. One should realize the importance of Manicure station in such nail salon. These manicure stations are going to become the identity of your salon so its important to design these manicure stations very carefully. In order to make your nail salon very elegant one needs to invest in some top line manicure stations.

Manicure station can be better explained as “An area reserved for performing manicures. It includes a base with a pair of pivot arms upwardly extending from the base. A stage extends between pivot arms and a magnifying assembly is pivot.” Aesthetic manicure stations can be plumped up with the help of trendy furniture that relates to it. To start with one should spend on wisely on chairs. These chairs should be brought in to add comfort to the customer. So it’s important to give extra attention while bringing in the chairs because not only for the comfort of the customers but also for the height of the manicure station. Next focus on the design of the chairs. Chairs with leather backs are very much preferred for the Manicure station. It’s your choice whether to bring in high backed chairs or chairs with star quotient potential.

One can have more basic or very trendy type of nail salon depending on their capability of investment. More trendy nail salons you are going to establish will make the clients to pay more trendy prices for your services. So keeping your manicure station basic as possible will save your money and will also help your clients to save their money. But that does not mean compromise with the comforts that you want to give to your customers.

1. Comfort quotient: Keeping the manicure station trendy or basic is ones choice but some things will never change that is the comfort quotient which you are providing to your client. It is very important to keep in mind the comfort quotient of the client and manicurist. Stacking the manicure station with needful supplies is also as important as adding a style and comfort. Manicure supplies should be refreshed and updated from time to time.

2. Independent quota of supplies: Each station should be equipped with its own set of manicure tools like cutical creams, creams, lotions etc. There should be ample space to stock the supplies in each manicure station. Each station should have adequate lighting.

3. Sinks are important for manicure stations. One can have shared sinks or independent sinks at each station. Mirrors are added facility which is not the necessity.

The Nail salon which needs to have many pedicure and manicure stations need to have ample of space. The Nail salons with around 500-600 square feet in length can have maximum pedicure and manicure stations. Generally Manicure station occupies the space of 30 square feet area in any salon. The manicure stations should be better separated than each other. Now days many of the manicure stations are produced as such to have high pillars so that they are neatly separated from the next station. The crampy space not only gives the insecurity to the clients also this will pose a problem for manicurist who may be attending the clients simultaneously.

Importance of Manicures

Importance of Manicures

Women consider their digits the weapon. One may ask why these women need to go through the trouble of maintaining beautiful digits. Manicure is nice when one feels out of place. Women with beautifully presented digits are everywhere. Everywhere there are pictures of women with perfectly manicured fingers trying to advertise food items, to cosmetics to health messages. Everyone have their own version of why they want to go for a manicure? Many women feel nicely manicured nails will enhance their appearance and some go for it just for it because costs less than therapy. Every one wants to look presentable. Be it a model, a working woman or homemaker they desire to present themselves smart.

Print Media and Ad media both are ruled by women with set of perfectly manicured digits these days. Such glamorous extravaganza of manicured digits has paved way for nail salons. We can now get our manicures very easily because every manicurist now hopes to open a nail salon of their own. These salons are very competitive amongst each other to grab the regular customers so some may float first time free manicure options or half price days or some festival offers like 20% off on services etc.

Age is quickly defied on hands. Unlike other parts of the body like face hands age very quickly. But a regular manicure will keep nails tidy and hands clean. Each feature of hand is treated separately like specific nail type. Cuticles are cared with creams and oils. The importance of manicures is not only about the glam quotient associated with it but also with the purpose associated with it. Nails are manicured to prevent them from chipping and cracking. Women have to deal with the household chores where in continuous interaction with water their nails tend to chip of or crack. So going for initial manicure will protect their nails from chipping and cracking. Also the nails may chip of due to deficiency of calcium in body.

Nowadays pictures of nails with different images are in fashion. Manicures with stones, thematic designs are much in demands. Some designs can be permanently embedded into the nails some can be temporarily. A coat of polish will ensure that the tattoos or stones will stay there longer. Manicure is important in life of women at some point or the other. Like other facial beauty products ads are also designed to highlight the fashion quotient and importance of Manicure. Newspapers and glamor magazines lay prominence on the importance of manicures commercially by displaying advertisements of nail polishes.

One time when every woman considers manicure seriously is when she is going to be in focus after her engagement. They like to showcase their heavily decorated nails. Although manicure and pedicure parties are slowly gaining their acknowledgment in wedding season. So if you are thinking of comparing the rings on your friends’ finger with yours then next time be sure of presenting nicely polished digits the next time.

All About Manicures

All About Manicures

"Manicure" is a word that is typically familiar among women. However, it is actually quite common for men to indulge in manicures too, especially before an important event such as a wedding or business opportunity. People often get or give themselves manicures for various reasons. Sometimes it's to simply be pampered, as getting a professional manicure is often a very relaxing experience. Other times it's to get ready for special events, or to simply look one's best on a daily basis.

Manicures can be done at the home or in a salon, with most people choosing to head to a salon. This is because salons provide several options for the ultimate manicure. For example, you can choose from hundreds of shades of nail polish or choose a customized manicure. French manicures are often a popular choice among women obtaining a professional manicure. Other popular options include American manicures, diamond nails, gel nails, and having cute, trendy designs painted on your nails. If you don't know the difference between these types of manicures, this article will help you choose which on is right for you.

An American manicure closely resembles the French manicure. It's beautiful, subtle, and classy all at the same time. The major difference is that the American manicure is thought by many women to look more natural than the French look. American manicures usually do not contain a color base, but are painted clear or an opaque white prior to painting the tips. The tips are still painted white, but don't appear as bright as French manicures. Diamond nail manicures are a slightly more expensive form of manicure, but for very good reason. The concept formed from creating a base coat made from real diamonds, which bond to form a hard, protective coating over the actual fingernail. This provides a glamorous look while helping the nails to grow rapidly. Some places may not use a base coat containing actual diamonds, but the concept and look remains the same. Gel nail manicures are done using an acrylic base over the top of the actual nail, providing strength to enhance the growth of the nails. It should be known that eventually this layer begins to break off, but some women prefer to keep up this form of manicure to keep their nails hard and strong.

For those opting to do their manicures at home, it's possible to achieve the same professional look for a lot less. Look for professional manicure kits. You can choose from a French, American, or classic (a color is applied to your entire nail) manicure kit. If your nails are long enough, you can purchase the kits with adhesive strips to help you perfect the white line that is painted over the tips. If you have short nails but wish to make them look longer, you will need to purchase artificial tips and the supplies needed for these manicures - acrylic powder, bonding solution, professional nail cutting scissors, and a buffer. Sometimes you can purchase the acrylic kits already containing these items. However, be careful when choosing an acrylic kit. Choose one from a reputable manufacturer, or visit a beauty supply store where the kits are the same ones used in nail salons.

How to do a manicure?

How to do a manicure?

First step towards opening a nail saloon is equipping oneself with the art of manicure. Unlike any other profession this art doesn't require any license but it requires great understanding of the techniques.

1. Remove the existing nail polish on fingers by applying nail paint remover. Generally Acetone is used to remove the nail polish. Some nail paints have dabs of acetone in them which will require nail paint removers of heavier type. Apply acetone on nails with the help of small piece of cotton. Move the cotton from base of the nail to the tip. Make it sure that all the nail paint is erased. Some people experiment with finger nail polish removing brushes. Most of the cosmetic companies which are producing the nail paint remover have their own version of material used to remove the nail paint. Like Sally Hansen, Revlon, Estee Lauder they have their own version of nail paint remover.

2. Shape the nail using the nail cutter or b file. File the corner of the nail to the center.

3. Soak your hands in water. You can add some cleaning solutions if you wish to. Soak the fingers in the solution for at least 10 min or so that the cuticles become soft and they can be easily pushed back.

4. Clean the edges of the nail with the orange wood stick. Gently press the cuticles back. This will give the nails more groomed appearance, allowing them to grow longer.

5. Paint your nails with the clear nail polish. Allow it to dry. Apply a coat of color polish.

6. Apply moisturizer to your hands. Although there are many options just select the one which responds with your skin well. Moisturizer is to be applied to stop the hands and cuticles from splitting.

Tips for nail care:

1. Indulge in Manicure after you wrap up with household chores or after the bath to stay away fro the dirt from accumulating in the corners of nails.

2. If you are using thick nail paint then make it thinner by using the nail paint thinner.

3. Use nail polish remover once a week.

4. Use top coat above nails which will protect the nails from chipping or cracking.

Keep your hands free for the next half an hour or so to view the best results. If the above steps are followed precisely then end results will be beautiful hands and nails.

Step-By-Step Easy Manicure

Here are a few tips and hints for setting up your first home manicure. Take some time and

look over your nails. If this is the first time for you doing a manicure then you need to know a little about the

condition your nails are in. Are your nails dry? That could be because you have been changing nail polish often. The acetone in the nail polish remover is one of the biggest reasons your nails will be dry. Do they have lines or ridges? That tells you will be a base coat that fills in ridges. Are the nails peeling or brittle? Sorry ladies thats something that can be hereditary. If your mother has brittle nails there is a good chance so will you.

Make sure you have everything you need and let's get started

Your favorite polish,

file

polish remover

base coat/ridge filler

top coat

Cotton balls

orange stick

bowl for the warm water

towels

Remove any old polish on your nails. If pressed for time and can't give yourself a manicure, then

having no polish on your fingernails in better than having them chipped.It shows you take care of your nails. Another tip when removing your old polish

don't use a polish remover that requires you to stick your entire finger into a jar. If you

remember polish remover isn't very good for your nails. Avoid those that contain acetone or chemical

relatives of acetone, even if they say they have conditioners. It doesn't matter the acetone and alcohol in polish remover is just bad for your nails. Its a simple as that.

You will want to rinse your nails in warm water immediately after using polish remover. Then scrub them

cleanly with a soft-bristle nail brush. The night before your manicure, give your nails a hot oil treatment. They will love it! Its great for your cuticles!

A super easy recipe to do at home if you want to do hot oil treatment for your nails is

1/4 cup olive oil

oil from one vitamin E capsule

Just heat the oil in a saucepan and let cool until just warm. Add the vitamin E to the oil then rub it into

your cuticles and nails, massaging any extra oils into your hands, put on your gloves and your hands and nails will just be wonderful the next day.



Filing to shape and buff your nails. Just don't file unless your nails are dry and free of any creams. Soft nails with may peel, tear chipped or even split. It really doesn't matter which way you file just do it softly. You may want to keep your nails even length and find the shape best for your hands. Some fingers look good with square nails and others with oval tips.



Soak your nails for a few minutes in warm water. If your nails are stained here is a real easy recipe to whiten your nails.

Use this twice a week till stain is gone

1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide

1 cup warm water

Soak for 15 minutes twice a week. Pat dry

Or try a lemon, do it the same way. Even household bleach used in place of hydrogen peroxide. Some summer bright polishes have been known to stain, and winter dark polishes can do it sometimes too.

Now you need to push back your cuticles but never cut them or push them back hard. It has been said not to push the cuticle back at all. The reason is they are what protects the root of the nail. Gently push back the cuticle, use a soft moist towel or orange stick. The dead skin you can trim off but leave living skin alone, just not a good idea to do.

Clean under your nails but be careful if you are too vigorous you may create a space under your nails for fungi or bacteria to grow. If there is any discoloration, you can cheat and use a white nail pencil to conceal

it which gives it a cleaner look. To get maximum benefit from your white pencil is to wet the tip and gently rub it underneath the nail tip.



Now its time to paint your nails. Start with a base coat. There is a difference between a base coat and a top coat. The base coat usually thicker and sticker, which helps the nail polish adhere better, and they contain more resins to give the nail added strength. Topcoats on the other hand, are thinner and contain more ingredients that create a durable surface on the nail, they are made to add strength, dry quickly and protect the polish from daily wear and tear. Just a fun facts about the differences.

First step: Apply your base coat.

Second step: The best way to apply polish is to start at up the center, then up both sides from the base to the tip.

You really should only need three strokes.A good idea is to avoid quick-dry polishes for some contain formaldehyde which is not good for the health of your nails or your health. It is better to try a thicker, slower drying polish it will hold moisture plus give your nails more flexibility. No matter what you use it will take at least three hours for your nails to be totally dry.

Go over your nails with only two coats of polish letting each coat dry about 3 minutes

Third step: Brush on your top coat cause it will seal the polish and help protect it from chipping. If you want to get creative there are books that teach you how to do nail art.

There you go, you just gave yourself your first home manicure saving yourself money. I do hope you will try at least once doing it yourself. If not alone, why ask your friends over? Have a mini-nail party, do each others nails, and gossp. What more fun does a girl need?

Copyright 2005 Kim Snyder Owner of Overallbeauty.com Great lover of beauty care and products, never happy

without trying to make the world a little prettier for all. Visit Overallbeauty.com to see the latest in

beauty products and skin care. Attn Ezine editors / site owners. Feel free to reprint this article in its entirety in your ezine or on your website as

long as you leave the links in place, do not modify the content and include our resource box as listed above.

10 Easy Steps For French Manicure And Loving It

by Kitkat

Nails Manicure Trusted Sponsors:

French manicure is popular all around the world. You can spot it instantly when you see white nail tips and have a very natural looking pinkish base. They are commonly short in length and polished with ivory or off white nail polish on the tips.

French manicure has been around for a very long time. It was even popularized during the 1900s by most celebrities and fashion icons! And until now, people all across the globe are still raving about it. This just shows how a simple and natural look can be so timeless and elegant.

And French Manicures don’t just look simple, it’s actually very easy to get one. Here are some time tested steps for getting a French Manicure.

Dip nails in warm water
When doing French manicure, people often forget to start with this all too important step. Aside from cleaning your hands, you must always dip your hands in warm water first so your cuticles are softer. Make sure to dry off your nails though so your manicure will last longer.

Eliminate Traces of Previous Nail Polish
Use an acetone remover to remove your past nail polish and push your cuticles back with a cuticle remover.

Trim Your Nails
Make sure you take time and trim your nails to your desired length and shape.

Apply Moisturizer
Put some cream on your hands and nails to pamper and make them supple. Wipe off the excess cream.

Apply the Base Coat
Proceed to apply the first coating. This base coat will act as a primer for your nails so the nails manicure will last longer and prevent chipping for a longer period. Use a tip guide and follow the nail tip’s white color.

Apply White Polish
You can also use a clear polish to the tips. Make sure it is thin so your French manicure will actually look like a French manicure. Wait for it to dry and remove the tip guides.

Apply Beige Polish
Your French manicure is almost done! After drying, use the beige polish on the full nail.

Apply the Top Coat
This will prolong the lifespan of your French manicure. This will prevent and maintain the look of your nails.

Dry Your Nails
Make sure your nails are dry. About an hour will do to make it completely dry.

Voila! There’s your new French manicure! As for maintenance, make sure to put the top coat every other day. You can opt to do it everyday if you see fit. Don’t be afraid to try it out because nowadays, there are already set kits for you to do this at home.