Affordability is a huge benefit to apprentice programs and, in some states, you can actually get paid while working as an apprentice.   However, if you are pressed for time, the apprenticeship program may not be for you.  In most states that allow this type of program, the number of required hours for apprenticeship is double those for school enrollment.  If you do elect to go this route, make sure you choose the right salon as the person teaching you is responsible for both hands-on experience and theory – a requirement to take your licensing exam.   If you are fortunate enough to find the right licensed nail tech to apprentice under, the transition from apprentice to licensed tech can be quite smooth as you have already formed a working relationship with your “teacher” who can help your career further down the road.

If your state does not presently have a nail tech apprentice program, you can petition your state board or legislature.  This seems like a daunting task; but, it may not be as impossible as you think.  A business owner constituent (possibly your potential teacher), speaking to her/his elected official, can be very powerful.  He/she can be asked to be added as an agenda item for the next meeting as board meetings are always open.  A 10-minute Power-Point presentation may be all that’s needed to cultivate the next generation of nail techs in your particular state.

States that presently have a nail tech apprenticeship program are:  Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

-Thanks to Sree Roy for her article in the April Issue of NAILS MAGAZINE entitled “The Apprentice” which served as a springboard for this post.

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Helena Rubenstein, Polish born, came to America in 1915.  She was already a business success with her main product being a beauty cream made from lanolin and special herbs that she perfected while living in Australia.  She was a gifted entrepreneur and a pioneer in women’s beauty products understanding the immense value in elegant packaging, celebrity endorsements, crisp uniforms, and a “created” perception of science as it related to beauty.   Today, her products still remain among the most elite and expensive offered.

Although I’m sure Ms. Rubenstein honestly believed her theory, it didn’t hurt company sales either.   At the time, skin care and cosmetics were just beginning to come on strong and there were few competitors.  The choices available were nowhere near what they are today, not to mention the avenues in which to advertise them.   Ms. Rubenstein was known for her snappy one-liners and this one was a bit of marketing genius.   How better could she have encouraged women to buy her products?   Striving for that ever illusive beauty (which should obviously include her line), would insure that women everywhere were taking all the necessary steps to be presentable while increasing her bottom line.

There is something to be said for making the best of what God gave you but one has to be realistic.  Most of us don’t have $180 to spend on the latest moisturizer or wrinkle serum; but, there’s usually a drug store nearby – probably within walking distance.   There’s always a sale on cosmetics and, if you walked there, you’re killing two birds with one stone.  You are definitely not being lazy and, like any responsible American woman, you’re adding to that ever growing beauty enhancing arsenal.   It may not be Helena Rubenstein products; but, still, I think she would be proud.   Her point, I think, is to put your best foot forward even if it’s Jimmy Choo-less.  Take the time to be sublime even if it’s on a dime.

(Visit our shop for  UV protection accessories specializing in face, hair, manicure, and pedicure preservation.)

The exact origin of the French Manicure is unknown but Jeff Pink, the founder of Orly nail products is credited with the name when he used it on one of his manicure kits in the late 70′s.   Max Factor claims he invented the French Manicure back in the 1930′s for the fashionistas and runways of Paris.  Shortly after, the look was adopted in Hollywood as a chic and classy way to alleviate continual nail color changes on actresses to match their wardrobe.

Even though there is a consensus, particularly among the younger crowd, that the the French Manicure is boring, looks the same on everyone, and should really go away, the clean natural look is still very appealing to women accross the board.   There’s no arguing that it can be worn with blue jeans and sneakers as well as the most elegant wedding gown.

Nail techs are continually coming up with new variations on the old theme providing clients with different colored tips, such as black or glitter, as well as intricate additions of nail art and textures.  Additionally, the French Manicure is the established treatment to camaflouge certain fingernail flaws such as short nailbeds, nail brittleness, and nail discoloration.  Every nail tech should be more than  familier with the application and be able to give their clients a beautiful finished product if they want a thriving business.

If the options and color choices are just too overwhelming, maybe the clean and natural look is the way to go.  There are still those of us who prefer subtleness and understated confidence which the French Manicure continues to exude.  It’s nice to know that chic, elegance, and style has impressive staying power…at least with respect to nail treatments.

The FDA’s proposal is open for public comment for 90 days.  Until approximately the first week in September, manufacturers and salon owners can express their views and opinions, at which time the period closes and the agency will review comments before final recommendations are issued.  Whatever the agency decides on, the industry will have one year to comply with the new requirements. Think of it!   Upcoming governmental regulations could seriously hinder the ability for tanning salons across the nation to deliver a consmetic tan to its clients.

Salons have already had to add on ancillary products and services to keep their doors open.  Many have closed due to the struggling economy, increased governmental regulations such as the tan tax and the under 18 ban, not to mention the  bad reputation consistently perpetuated by dematologist associations and cancer prevention organizations.  The Indoor Tanning Association has always supported safe tanning and has worked deligently to promote education and awareness to its members.  Health concerns  have  been addressed first and foremost even before business plans and stradegies.

The tendancy in these kinds of situations is to let others fight the battle.  Its hard enough to make our own little corners of the world work; however, we have to make our voices heard and take a stand.  As with so many other cases, once the government gets a foot in the door, there is no way to know how far it will go to enforce what it thinks is best for us.  It is really more about adding to the ever deminishing coffers any way possible.   The tanning industry is an easy target and has remained under attack for years.  It’s up to those who will be affected the most to join ranks and fight this Goliath.

Join the ITA (Indoor Tanning Association) in their efforts to protect your industry and business.

If wowing her husband to be, as well as her guests, is top priority; and, if she is wanting to present herself in a way that no one has ever seen, an updo may be the way to go.  Updos are generally worn on very formal occasions and it is understandable why many brides choose this option.   Ironically, this decision may be one of the few that the groom gets a say in and the bride is willing to consider.  As old fashioned as it sounds, most brides want to please their man and she will, most likely, go with what he wants.

Today there are almost as many ways to get married as there are those who are wanting to marry.  Different themes and venues abound as well as guest lists, budgets, and locations.   Traditional church weddings followed by elaborate receptions and sit downs may be more of an occasion for an updo.  Smaller, more intimate, gatherings in outdoor settings are probably more condusive to freer flowing downdos. Another factor she may want to consider is the events of the day and the maintenance, comfort and convenience of the do.  Will it hold up through all the activities and, if not,  does it even matter?  If she has a stylist she can trust, its always a good idea to ask his or her opinion.

Obviously there is no right or wrong decision here and, at the end of the day, the utter joy expressed by the glowing bride will far outshine whatever condition her hair may be in.  Regardless of up or down, it won’t really matter and will probably be the furthest thing from her mind.

In the 1920′s this mindset began to change thanks to Coco Chanel and her trips to the French Riviera.  Upon return from her excursions, her healthy glow and bronze skin caused quite a stir.  Being the fashion icon that she was, her look was eagerly imitated by the women of her time.  A tan began to take on quite a different meaning denoting wealth and the freedom to vacation in exotic locations and while away the hours lounging in the sun.

Today, even though we are more savvy to the hazards of over exposure to the sun, we still think of the tan as a result of carefree fun and frolic in the sun…healthy, active, youthful…playing, rather than working.  A new industry was born to embody this  image in the late 1970′s when Friedrich Wolff brought tanning bed technology to the United States.  If there was no time to bask in the sun, whether in trendy vacation spots or your own backyard, another option became available.  Even though it has undergone its share of criticism, indoor tanning still remains the default for that “just returned from Hawaii” look that still appeals to the public at large.  Regardless of whether we actually took a vacation, the ability of which still remains an ultimate status symbol, we can always look like we did.

I don’t see this image of the tan changing.  It is defintely here to stay.  Even though there are periodic trends invoking the pale or dewy look, the sun-kissed image always resurfaces.  The good news is, we can have our cake and eat it too with a little attention paid to ever improving sunscreens on the market and strict adherence to the correct use of tanning beds and spray tan applications.  The use of baby oil and sun reflectors are a thing of the past.  With the choices available today, we can easily achieve and maintain the illusion of just returning from the French Riviera even though we just spent 15 minutes at the local tanning salon.  Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.

(Visit our shop for  UV protection accessories specializing in face, hair, manicure, and pedicure preservation.)

• Expensive sunscreens are not necessarily better or stronger.  The standby brands such as Coppertone, Hawaiian Tropic and generic store brands from Walmart, Walgreens and Target have been proven to efficiently deliver the protection their labels advertise.

• According to experts, sunscreens claiming high SPFs such as 80 or 100 are making unrealistic claims.  Sunscreens claiming 15 and 30 SPFs are more in line and have more of a possibility of delivering the protection they offer.

• Even though your sunscreen says “waterproof” or “water-resistant,” you should reapply every hour or so as it does wash off or sweat off during outdoor activities.  This is where users get into trouble as we give ourselves a false sense of security with one application.  Regardless of whether we go near the water or not, re-application is a must.  One application of sunscreen at the beginning of a whole afternoon at the pool or beach just isn’t going to supply the protection needed to ward off those intense mid-day UV rays.

• Finally, sunscreens are only good for about two years so make sure you replenish your supply periodically.  A bottle of sunscreen that’s been sitting on the shelf for four years is completely useless.  It’s worth a new bottle to insure full protection but make sure you follow the instructions and reapply as needed.

(Visit our shop for  UV protection accessories specializing in face, hair, manicure, and pedicure preservation.)

Even though we are constantly bombarded with fatalistic warnings about tanning, there are some definite advantages to preparing our skin to the extra sun exposure which goes along with the upcoming months.  Tanning is not the enemy; however, irresponsible tanning is.  If you use the correct lotions and time exposures along with moderate visits for tan upkeep, the safety factor is definitely increased.  We are more likely to allow ourselves over exposure to UV rays at family barbecues, sporting events and trips to the water park, pool, or beach.   And, to date, these activities have not been assigned a sin tax nor is there written permission from parents required if you are under 18.

There are always those who don’t understand the definition of moderation and throw caution to the wind when it comes to tanning but you don’t have to be one of those people.  It is important to take care of your skin and get regular check ups from your dermatologist.  Know what skin type you have and whether it is especially sensitive to UV exposure. Be aware of the hereditary aspects and health histories of family members when it comes to  possible problems it may cause for you in particular.  This will help you make an educated decision on tanning and whether it is right f or you.   If it is, we wish you a wonderful Spring and Summer with your beautiful sun kissed look.  Just make sure its a gentle addition of color and not overdone for the sake of beauty if not for your health.  Less is almost always more particularly when it comes to tanning.

(Visit our shop for  UV protection accessories specializing in face, hair, manicure, and pedicure preservation.)

I can’t believe it’s been thirty years since my first son was born, his brother following three years later.  It seems like yesterday as I think about them running around on the playground or catching tadpoles in the neighborhood pond.  Back then, so many people warned me to cherish every minute as the times flies by.  I remember making light of the comments thinking I can’t wait till they start school.  But they were right and I find myself telling young mothers I meet the exact same thing.

People say there is no harder job than being a mother and that statement has been heavily debated.  Of course, there are harder jobs i.e. coal mining, bomb diffusing, performing brain surgery, building skyscrapers.  Maybe what’s meant by the phrase is the daunting and endless responsibility that comes with shaping and guiding a human being so that they may take their place in society and make their contribution.  The realization that this little one will depend on you from day one for all their needs, education, and sense of self-worth is enough to send any mother (or father) screaming into the night.  But the women (and men) who take this task to heart and remain present and consistent in their efforts will be rewarded beyond their expectations and the world will gain another solid citizen.

To all the mothers out there who struggle from day to day making life happen for these little newcomers; believe me, it’s all worth it.  And, at the risk of overstating once again those words we’ve all heard, cherish each moment because they will be gone in a blink of the eye and your little one will be grown with children of their own.   HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!