French manicures are hard to get the hang of, even when just using polish. When you are trying to do them with shellac or gel polish; it gets even harder! I found this video made by CND explaining the best way to do a French Manicure using shellac - I thought I would share because it has some very good information and breaks it down from start to finish!
Enjoy!
Monday, October 20, 2014
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Exciting news!
I am absolutely dying with excitement! I finally have the opportunity to sell, yes SELL if not link-to-sell/share some of my absolute favorite products, as well as deals (or should I call them steals) you will not get in any of the stores! If you are interested in some of my favorite supplies - check out and keep tabs on my store. You can get there by CLICKING HERE! Or, by navigating your way to the right side of the page; I decided to separate them by category, so much more to come! I can not express the excitement I am feeling by being able to not only share my favorite products, but to be able to provide the opportunity for others to buy them! Yay!
XoXo - feeling so excited!!
XoXo - feeling so excited!!
Monday, September 29, 2014
Pink plaid
She adored this set so much, we had to do matching shellac toes a week after her acrylics! So much fun!
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Nail disorders
NAIL DISORDERS
A nail disorder is a condition caused by injury or disease. Most, if not all, of you/your clients have experienced one or more types of common nail disorder(s) at sometime in their lives. The technician should recognize normal and abnormal nail conditions, and understand what to do. The technician may be able to help you/your client in one of two ways.
- They can let the client know they may have a disorder and refer them to a physician, if required.
- They can cosmetically improve certain nail plate conditions if the problem is cosmetic and not a medical disorder.
It is the nail technician's responsibility and a requirement of their license to know which option to choose. A client whose nail or skin is infected, inflamed, broken, or swollen should not receive services. Instead, the client should be referred to a physician, if an appropriate recommendation, based on the condition.
DISORDERS INCLUDE
Bruised nails are a condition in which a blood clot forms under the nails plate, forming a dark purplish spot. These discolorations are usually due to small injuries to the nail bed. The dried blood absorbs into the bed epithelium on the underside of the nail plate and grows out with it. Bruised nails should be treated gently and client's should be advised to be more careful with their nails if they want to avoid this problem in the future. "Treat your nails like jewels not tools!"
Ridges running vertically down the length of the natural nail plate are caused by uneven growth of the nails, usually the result of age. Older clients are more likely to have these ridges, and unless they become very deep and weaken the nail plate, they are perfectly normal. If you or your client has ridges you can carefully buff the nail plate to minimize the appearance of these ridges, but great care must be taken not to overly thin the nail plate, which could lead to nail plate weakness and additional damage. Ridge filler is less damaging to the natural nail plate, and can be used with colored polish to give a smooth appearance to the plate while keeping it strong and healthy. You can find ridge filler at any local nail supply, walmart or sally's beauty supply.
Eggshell nails are noticeably thin, white nail plates that are much more flexible than normal. Eggshell nails are normally weaker and can curve over the free edge. The condition is usually caused by improper diet, hereditary factors, internal disease, or medication. These nails are very fragile and easily broken.
Beau's lines are visible depressions running across the width of the natural nail plate. They usually result from major illness or injury that has traumatized the body, such as pneumonia, adverse drug reaction, surgery, heart failure, massive injury, and high fever. Beau's lines occur because the matrix slows down in producing nail cells for an extended period of time, say a week or a month. This causes the nail plate to grown thinner for a period of time. The nail plate thickness usually returns to normal after the illness or condition is resolved.
Hangnail or agnail is a condition in which the living skin splits around the nail. Dryness of the skin or cutting this living tissue can result in hangnails. Proper nail care, such as hot oil manicures, will aid in correcting the condition. In addition, the living skin around the nail plate should never be cut.
Leukonychia spots, or white spots, are a whitish discoloration of the nails, usually caused by an injury to the nail matrix. They are not a symptom of any vitamin or mineral deficiency. Instead, they are results of minor damage to the matrix. As the nail continues to grow, the white spots will eventually disappear.
Melanonychia is the darkening of the fingernails or toenails. It may be seen as a black band within the nail plate, extending from the base to the free edge. In some cases, it may affect the entire nail plate. A localized area of increased pigment cells (melanocytes), cells form the nail plate, melanin is laid down within the plate by the melanocytes. This is a fairly common occurrence and considered normal in African Americans, but could be indicative of a disease condition in Caucasians.
Onychophagy, or bitten nails is the result of a habit that prompts the individual to chew the nail or the hardened, damaged skin surrounding the nail plate. Frequent manicures and care of the hardened eponychium can often help to overcome this habit, while improving the health and appearance of the hands. sometimes, the application of nail enhancements can beautify deformed nails and discourage biting of the nails.
Onychorrhexis refers to split or brittle nails that also have a series of lengthwise ridges giving a rough appearance to the surface of the nail plate. This condition is usually caused by injury to the matrix, excessive use of cuticle removers, aggressive filing techniques, or hereditary causes. Nail services can be performed as long as the nail is not split and exposing the nail bed. This condition may be corrected by softening the nails with a conditioning treatment, that is, hot oil manicures, and discontinuing the use of harsh detergents, cleaners, polish removers, or improper filing. These nails often lack sufficient moisture, so twice daily treatments with a high-quality, penetrating nail oil can be very beneficial.
Plicatured nail figuratively means "folded nail", and is a type of highly curved nail plate often caused by injury to the matrix, but may be inherited. This condition often leads to ingrown nails.
Nail pterygium is an abnormal condition that occurs when skin is stretched by the nail plate. This disorder is usually caused by serious injury, such as burns or an adverse skin reaction to chemical products.
Crosses and skulls
This set was one of my first attempts at sugar skulls. I wish I could have gotten a better picture of how cute and detailed the little skulls (on the middle fingers) were! All art was hand painted, except for the thumbs. I used my colored rhinestones to make the 3d crosses.
Saturday, September 13, 2014
How to get the most out of your next appointment
This has been on my mind since I started in the beauty industry, so here goes. As a cosmetologist, whether you specialize in hair or nails, there is absolutely nothing more disappointing and heart wrenching than an unsatisfied client. We all wish we had magical powers but, unfortunately none of us do. There are so many amazing stylists around for hair and nails that have serious talent, and truthfully even the most amazing hair stylist or nail tech around might not be for you, shocking right? None of us want our clients to be unsatisfied, we are all going to work as hard as we can to give you exactly what you want, but sadly there are a lot of factors that go into giving you "that look" or "that exact set in the picture" and it is not always naturally attainable.
The good news? There are some things you can do as a client to make sure you find the right person for all your beauty needs. I have made a few suggestions below on how you, as the client, can get the most out of your next appointment.
1. Do your research: Ugh, research right? You are the one paying to be pampered, you already worked for that money you are going to spend, why should you do more work? Well, if you want to walk out of that salon happy; yes do some research! There are a few things you should look into:
-The Style: Wow, everyone is raving about this nail tech and the nails she does, awesome! Schedule an appointment right away! No, you need to ask yourself a few things first. Does she do the particular style that you like? If it looks like colors, nail art, and bling are her thing and you are looking for just white tips, maybe look for someone else. Personally, I don't mind doing things out of my "norm", but I do prefer the clients that love my particular "style", this is what has fueled me for years, gave me my passion, and supported me in building and expanding my style. The same goes for hair.
-The Price: This is a given, most ask this first, which you should, but don't forget about looking for those additional charges. Some salons and stylists charge per foil if you are getting highlights, after the base cost. There are some nail artists that charge X amount of dollars per nail, for nail art. Ask questions about these! That way there will be no shocking surprises of how much you are going to pay.
-Sanitation Status: I have had clients that previously went to places and got a nail fungus, ew! This is so important! Don't get a service from somewhere that is even rumored to have had sanitation issues arise, unless they have been properly addressed! That hour of pampering is not worth what you could walk out of some places with. There have even been staph infections, in the past, spreading from pedicure baths. That is pure laziness on behalf of the salon, but definitely something you should look into.
-Professionalism: You are going to have to spend an hour or more with this person; will you be able to relate to them? Or, are you going to sit there and think "Why won't this freaking woman shut up so I can relax?" As hard as I try to respect the client in my chair, and test the waters on subjects, I can guarantee you I have offended more than a few people, at times it is, inevitable.
-Last but not least, Quality and guarantee: The finished product (nails, hair color etc.,) might look awesome but, what is going to happen when you wash your hair? What if you hit your nail gently and it pops right of? Does this stylist have a guarantee and how long does it last? Ask them! I would say at least 75% of the time, if there is a guarantee you are going to automatically get quality. An average guarantee would be about two weeks on nails and 4-6 weeks on hair.
2. Pictures: This is a personal one for me, so it depends on the stylist for sure, but, I absolutely love it when my clients send me pictures of hair styles they are considering or nail sets they like. I love to have the time before the appointment to think about how I can do the look, what personal spin I can put on it to customize what I am going to do and to make sure it is attainable.
P.S. I also love it when clients sit down and say "Just go for it!", that's when magic happens.
3. Don't be afraid to speak up and be "picky": But, on the other side of this, DON'T TELL YOUR STYLIST HOW TO DO HER JOB, nor question how she does it. We do want to know what you are thinking, and if something is bothering you; even if it does offend us a little.
4. In most cases, you get what you pay for:
5. Tips are definitely appreciated and encouraged: Yes, this is an argument I see a lot. People think they are paying for the service, why tip? Well, there are a lot of cost factors that go into that service like booth rent, the supplies used, products etc., and if you didn't know tips secretly say, "Wow, you did an awesome job, I am so happy with the results, thank you for putting all of this time and effort into making me feel beautiful, I appreciate it and I look forward to our next appointment knowing that you will put the same amount of effort, if not more into making me look this great. Buh-Bye!"
6. Show up to your appointment and on time: There is nothing worse than a no call, no show. We book out those hours for YOU and a lot of the time end up missing out on other appointments (hence: money) when you don't let us know before hand. It is so hard when your client shows up even 15 minutes late, as well - if we are busy, it is going to push our whole day back and we are going to be rushed.
The good news? There are some things you can do as a client to make sure you find the right person for all your beauty needs. I have made a few suggestions below on how you, as the client, can get the most out of your next appointment.
1. Do your research: Ugh, research right? You are the one paying to be pampered, you already worked for that money you are going to spend, why should you do more work? Well, if you want to walk out of that salon happy; yes do some research! There are a few things you should look into:
-The Style: Wow, everyone is raving about this nail tech and the nails she does, awesome! Schedule an appointment right away! No, you need to ask yourself a few things first. Does she do the particular style that you like? If it looks like colors, nail art, and bling are her thing and you are looking for just white tips, maybe look for someone else. Personally, I don't mind doing things out of my "norm", but I do prefer the clients that love my particular "style", this is what has fueled me for years, gave me my passion, and supported me in building and expanding my style. The same goes for hair.
-The Price: This is a given, most ask this first, which you should, but don't forget about looking for those additional charges. Some salons and stylists charge per foil if you are getting highlights, after the base cost. There are some nail artists that charge X amount of dollars per nail, for nail art. Ask questions about these! That way there will be no shocking surprises of how much you are going to pay.
-Sanitation Status: I have had clients that previously went to places and got a nail fungus, ew! This is so important! Don't get a service from somewhere that is even rumored to have had sanitation issues arise, unless they have been properly addressed! That hour of pampering is not worth what you could walk out of some places with. There have even been staph infections, in the past, spreading from pedicure baths. That is pure laziness on behalf of the salon, but definitely something you should look into.
-Professionalism: You are going to have to spend an hour or more with this person; will you be able to relate to them? Or, are you going to sit there and think "Why won't this freaking woman shut up so I can relax?" As hard as I try to respect the client in my chair, and test the waters on subjects, I can guarantee you I have offended more than a few people, at times it is, inevitable.
-Last but not least, Quality and guarantee: The finished product (nails, hair color etc.,) might look awesome but, what is going to happen when you wash your hair? What if you hit your nail gently and it pops right of? Does this stylist have a guarantee and how long does it last? Ask them! I would say at least 75% of the time, if there is a guarantee you are going to automatically get quality. An average guarantee would be about two weeks on nails and 4-6 weeks on hair.
2. Pictures: This is a personal one for me, so it depends on the stylist for sure, but, I absolutely love it when my clients send me pictures of hair styles they are considering or nail sets they like. I love to have the time before the appointment to think about how I can do the look, what personal spin I can put on it to customize what I am going to do and to make sure it is attainable.
P.S. I also love it when clients sit down and say "Just go for it!", that's when magic happens.
3. Don't be afraid to speak up and be "picky": But, on the other side of this, DON'T TELL YOUR STYLIST HOW TO DO HER JOB, nor question how she does it. We do want to know what you are thinking, and if something is bothering you; even if it does offend us a little.
4. In most cases, you get what you pay for:
5. Tips are definitely appreciated and encouraged: Yes, this is an argument I see a lot. People think they are paying for the service, why tip? Well, there are a lot of cost factors that go into that service like booth rent, the supplies used, products etc., and if you didn't know tips secretly say, "Wow, you did an awesome job, I am so happy with the results, thank you for putting all of this time and effort into making me feel beautiful, I appreciate it and I look forward to our next appointment knowing that you will put the same amount of effort, if not more into making me look this great. Buh-Bye!"
6. Show up to your appointment and on time: There is nothing worse than a no call, no show. We book out those hours for YOU and a lot of the time end up missing out on other appointments (hence: money) when you don't let us know before hand. It is so hard when your client shows up even 15 minutes late, as well - if we are busy, it is going to push our whole day back and we are going to be rushed.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Relatable quote of the day
Yet another reason to love Zooey Deschanel. I completely agree with this, don't get me wrong, I will do plain nails - but if they are on my hands, they always have to have a little something different, everytime I look down at them it's like a little bit of happiness.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
Abstract Geometical
This set was so much fun, we used a shimmery light purple, faded into a black sparkle acrylic - then for the lines I used three different line paints. They kind of reminded me of Pink Floid!
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Geometric + Cheetah
On this set we did nude acryic then topped it with grey and mint shellac. Then I hand painted the geometric designs and cheetah - with an extra shellac top coat once the decorations were dry.
Gold, black and a pop of coral!
I love the pop of coral we decided to add on the thumb! Plus, you can never go wrong with gold, if you ask me ;)
More of the 3d skulls!
This time we added cheetah print and an anchor made out of little circle studs! I love them!
A little Geometrical
As I am catching up on posting all of these sets, I realize I am in love with way too many. This being yet another set that I look back on, pat myself on the back, and fall in love all over again. #nailtechprobs
Gold, silver... and pearls?
Yes, there is a question mark, because at first thought of the three of these colors/things working together - one may definitely question how they would turn out, but wow! I was impressed myself at how amazing these looked! Check out that rock too ;)
Epic Galaxy set
On this set I used black, a blue sparkle acrylic and a purple sparkle acrylic in the actual nail. Then I used the "blotting method" for the sparkles to add to the galaxy effect!
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