STYLE - Articles

The Great Pumpkins

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:00:00 PST

Step-by-step by Kimberly Harr, La Nail Beautician, Everett, Pa.

25 Business-Building Tips for Booth Renters

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:00:00 PST

Being your own boss is a rewarding choice, but it takes commitment and perseverance. Seasoned techs offer tips to help you succeed.

11 Ways to Spruce Up Your Salon

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:00:00 PST

Attention-getting design and visual merchandising — the art of placing retail products in a way that increases sales — can give you a major advantage over your competition. Even if you don’t have a hefty visual merchandising budget, remember that creativity, initiative, and a sense of humor don’t carry a price tag. A visual strategist at Chute Gerdeman Retail shares 11 Dos (and a few Don’ts) to help you prepare for a successful holiday season.

Bright Mind in Bridgetown

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:00:00 PST

The success of Barbados-based Summa Nails is evidence of owner Christine Hinds’ many years of experience as a nail tech and constant dedication to education.

You Can Benefit From Her Success

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:00:00 PST

Not only is Megan DiMartino the creator of the Novita Clinicals line of skin care and spa manicure/pedicure products, she’s the proud owner of Georgetown, Texas-based Novita Spa on the Square, a thriving day spa.

Brush Stroke of Genius

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:00:00 PST

Disappointed that hairstylists have an abundance of edgy, beautiful tools (like tatted up blow dryers and flat irons), while nail techs have fewer choices when it comes to stylish implements, Anna Cobinsky, salon owner and operator of Salon Designs in Glendale, Ariz., decided to give her nail brushes an edgy twist.

Bling the Ring (Finger)

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:00:00 PST

Embellishments are all the rage right now, and a popular trend called “Blackberry Bling” is all about beautifying your clients’ dialing digit. Named by celebrity manicurist Dawn Sterling of The Back Room Hand & Foot Spa at Carol’s Daughter in Harlem, N.Y., the trend features a basic manicure in one color and special embellishments or a different shade of polish just on the thumb and/or ring finger.

Trend Watch: Asymmetry

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:00:00 PST

Single-sleeve gowns, diagonally cut hemlines, and one-side-only embellishments prove that style doesn’t necessarily have to be balanced to have a cohesive look.

ELLEgirls Discover NailEZZE

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 12:00:00 PST

The ELLEGirl Model Search (ellegirlmodelsearch.com), an online photo-based contest, began in 2007 to empower women ages 13 to 25 to follow their modeling dreams while instilling the importance of self-confidence in an industry that’s often clouded by self-doubt.

Backscratchers Wrap System

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 PST

Backscratchers’ Fiberglass & Silk Wrap System makes it easy to offer a signature wrap service in your salon. This premium service helps you stand out by offering clients a feminine, natural-looking enhancement that reinforces the nail.

Nubar Infinity UV Gel Kit

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 PST

Nubar’s Infinity UV Gel Kit contains everything you need to get started using gels. It has six colored gels, a clear builder, brush, prep, prime, and more. Infinity Traditional Gels are high-shine gels that can replace nail polish in a spectrum of colors.

Behind-the-Scnenes: Leaving on a Jet Plane

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 PST

Elaine Watson, global education director for Star Nail International, sculpted this month’s autumn leaves for the cover. Because the nails were leaf-shaped at the free edge, she didn’t have to do any file-finish work, so the application was actually remarkably quick.

Feve’s Manicure Affair

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 PST

If there was ever a nail salon out there working to improve the public perception of what a nail salon is all about, it’s Feve’s. This brand new salon was created under the vision of owner Feve Collins, who came up with the idea.

Play Me a Mood

Thu, 7 Oct 2010 12:00:00 PST

You’ve just thought of an awesome new signature service you want to add to your spa menu. So why not go that little extra mile and make a nice music playlist to go along with it?

Design #15: Purple Passion

Fri, 1 Oct 2010 12:00:00 PST

Build a full structure nail with your choice of Young Nails’ acrylic powder. Smear Speed White, Tickle Me Purple, and Rainbow Purple as your background.

Design #14: Tiger Stripes

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:00:00 PST

Build a full structure nail with your choice of Young Nails’ acrylic powder. Smear a pearl of Rainbow Yellow from corner to corner creating a diagonal stripe down the center.

Design #13: Leopard Prints

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 12:00:00 PST

Before using reverse application, sculpt a thin transparent free edge with Speed Clear flush to the natural nail. Build body with Cover Peach.

Fusion Comes to the Nail Salon

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:00:00 PST

By combining the efficiency of Vietnamese craftsmanship with the American expectation of a luxurious experience, owner Samantha Hanby finds a way to offer customers the best of both worlds.

Stunning Stilettos and More

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:00:00 PST

Intricate floral stiletto nails won the NSI Free-hand Nail Art Competition, an online photo competition that invited nail techs from around the globe to use NSI acrylic or gel to create nail art designs. The entries were judged by Vicki Peters, Denise Wright, and Debbie Doerrlamm, who looked for difficulty of design, use of color, originality, overall enhancement design, and first impression (or the “wow” factor).

Trend Watch: Menswear for Women

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:00:00 PST

Inspired by the polished looks of the opposite sex, women are donning softer versions of men’s staples like fitted blazers, pinstripes, and button-down shirts.

Hand and Nail Harmony Reveal Gel

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:00:00 PST

Reveal by Hand and Nail Harmony are UV- or LED-cured gels that bond to the natural nail using a fused keratin bonding system without the use of harsh acids for retention. With whites, clears, and pinks, these gels can define any look, and with the faster cure times of LED lights techs can save up to 20 minutes on total service time.

Files, Buffers, and Grits, Oh My!

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:00:00 PST

Top nail competitor Lynn Lammers offers an excellent description of filing grits, and how best to use them in this excerpt from her online NAILS blog, Competition Insider.

On the Road: Head to Toe Salon & Day Spa

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 12:00:00 PST

“It’s all about you at Head to Toe Salon & Day Spa. May I have your first name?” Wow. I was taken off guard by such a pleasant phone greeting. All about me, I thought. Who doesn’t want that?

French Twist

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 12:00:00 PST

Sure, a classy pink-and-white French is always in season, but why not switch it up this fall with a dose of trendy color? Dashing Diva Professional offers an easy alternative French look that combines the company’s French Wrap Plus with its polish colors.

On the Road: Southcentral Alaska

Wed, 1 Sep 2010 12:00:00 PST

The noteworthy salons and spas in Southcentral Alaska are proof that top-notch services aren't always hard to find.

Cookies & Cream Manicure

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:00:00 PST

My'Amour Salon & Spa explains how to do a fun Cookies & Cream manicure for clients.

Catch the Momentum

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:00:00 PST

With social networking, manufacturers’ advertising, and insider support, techs can be in the perfect position to catch the momentum when a wave of national attention sweeps over our industry. Are you poised to harness the power of the consumer press the next time there’s big news in our industry?

The Salon Owner as Brand

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:00:00 PST

Prompted by the advice of a beauty business consultant, nail tech and wellness expert Maisie Dunbar moved from her old salon to the new branded Maisie Dunbar Spa Lounge.

All the Marbles

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:00:00 PST

Andrea Stacey, a nail tech at Cassims Hair Design in Hervey Bay, Queensland, Australia, literally followed her dreams. About seven years ago, Stacey dreamt about marbleizing colored acrylic on nails. "When I woke up, it was just so clear," Stacey says. "How I do it today is exactly how I did it in my dream."

Take A Tip From...Celebrity Manicurist Kimmie Kyees

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:00:00 PST

A quick tip from celebrity manicurist Kimmie Kyees is to apply two coats of white polish over natural nails before applying any neon polish. "Neons especially have spaces and gaps where they are see-through and they can look watery on the nail. Putting on a solid white really makes those neons pop so they look just like they do in the bottle."

How do you come up with ideas for new nail polish collections?

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:00:00 PST

How do you come up with ideas for new nail polish collections? And how in the world do you come up with the names of the polish colors? In my head, I see everyone sitting around, possibly at happy hour, yelling out fun names.

What Are... The Fall Color Trends?

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:00:00 PST

Designers continue to exhibit a degree of caution for fall 2010, yet offer a palette of beauty and excitement with a blending of colors, some with similar undertones, in surprising and intriguing combinations.

IBD Gelac

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:00:00 PST

IBD’s Gelac is a light-weight gel polish that provides gorgeous color and cover and UV cures in just minutes. Two weeks later, nails still look salon perfect. When it’s time to remove Gelac, soak off in just 10 minutes and brush-on a fabulous new color.

A Totally Unique Nail Boutique

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:00:00 PST

We first met salon owner Heather Goodwin in 2007 when she entered (and won 1st runner-up in) our Nail Tech of the Year program. She didn’t have her own salon yet, but the plans were in motion. The next time I was in Orlando for the Premiere Show was 2008 and Heather was moving into her salon that very weekend. I promised her next time I was in central Florida, I would visit her salon. In June, publisher Cyndy Drummey and I made the visit.

What Is...Rorschach Inkblot-inspired?

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 12:00:00 PST

Designers express their personalities with patterns resembling the bilaterally symmetrical inkblots of the osychological Rorschach test.

Crafty Deals

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:00:00 PST

Etsy.com, the ever-growing online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of handmade goods, is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind items for your salon.

Nowhere to Go But Up

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:00:00 PST

Orchard Nails opened in Corona, Calif., when the economy was at its worst, but co-owner Thomas Irwin says this meant the salon had “nowhere to go but up.”

What is…Fruit-inspired Fashion?

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:00:00 PST

Fruit-inspired colors and patterns brighten up summer styles, as the noted look of Carmen Miranda moves to the next level.

My Fashion Week Diary

Mon, 2 Aug 2010 12:00:00 PST

When I went online to check out the winners of the CND Nail Style Competition, I had to doublecheck the name of the first-place winner. When I confirmed that it was really my name, I just started jumping and screaming — I’d just won an all-expense-paid trip to New York Fashion Week!

The $100,000 Manicure

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:00:00 PST

Nail tech Deborah Lippmann recently created an extravagantly embellished manicure out of $100,000 worth of real diamonds.

What is…Sailor Chic?

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:00:00 PST

Nautical stripes, calming blues, and elements like anchors say bon voyage to the confines of the boating world and hello to the mainstream.

Taking Over Knoxville

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:00:00 PST

Starting as a single hair salon, Visage has expanded to four locations with nail and hair services. With the goal of being “more things to more people,” it looks like Visage is on its way to a Knoxville takeover.

On The Road: Nailcessity

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:00:00 PST

Managing Editor Sree Roy heads to Chicago to check out Nailcessity in the heart of the big city.

Mixing Gel Like a Mason

Fri, 9 Jul 2010 12:00:00 PST

Looking to add a little more pop to your gels? Try mixing in some glitter. It’s fun to do in front of a client and it will show her you have skills beyond the mere limits of the jar.

Polish Preview Fall 2010: Back to School

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 12:00:00 PST

Nothing quite rings in the fall season like the toll of school bells indicating that class is back in session. So pull out your trusty highlighter and be sure to take notes during this lesson on the new fall colors. (Your clients might surprise you with a pop quiz later.) With reds, blues, purples, and grays all on the syllabus, you’ll want to keep these polishes on your supply list until at least winter break.

Making Rome Her Home

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:00:00 PST

A 15-year resident of Rome, Stephanie Alliman owns Ari’s Nails, which caters to English-speaking tourists who flock to see the city’s ancient ruins, expatriates who have decided to stay, and Italians looking for some nail pampering.

Enhance Your Customer Service With A La Carte Offerings

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 12:00:00 PST

A good way to up your income without actually raising prices is to have a list of a la carte options in your service arsenal, says Kelley Killop-Marble of Opalized Designs Studio Salon in Shelby Township, Mich. “I’m not talking about having a bare-bones menu and nickel and diming folks ... that is just plain aggravating,” she says. What she is talking about is differentiating yourself by giving true personal services.

Akzéntz Gel Art Stiletto

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:00:00 PST

Akzéntz Classic Gels are high-performance gels that can be combined with the Options Soak-Off Color Gels and Options Aurora Sparkle Gels to produce vibrant nail art designs and structurally sound enhancements.

Boutique: Bridal Items

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:00:00 PST

Nail salons and spas see plenty of brides and bridal parties. Bridal items ranging from how-to books to rhinestone-embellished clothing are great gift ideas.

On the Road: Be Beauty

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 12:00:00 PST

I found Be Beauty by posting a message on the NAILS Facebook page (www.facebook.com/nailsmag) that I was looking for a salon in San Diego. Nail tech Brian Garces messaged me back to come to the salon where he works. When I looked it up online and saw it was in a cute little 1920s-era bungalow, I was sold.

Party Crashers

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:00:00 PST

About two weeks before her wedding, Anne Silvey, now Mrs. Anne Franscioni, was putting the finishing touches on the plans for her big day. She’d had the color palette picked out long ago — navy, cream, and wine — and her six bridesmaids were prepared with their navy dresses. Wanting everything to be perfect to the last detail, she of course wanted a perfectly matched look for the group’s fingernails and toenails.

Dare to Wear Stiletto Nails

Tue, 25 May 2010 12:00:00 PST

If your clients are afraid of this pointy shape, offer up this advice from nail techs who do their best to ensure that beauty doesn’t have to equal pain.

What is…Sportswear?

Tue, 25 May 2010 12:00:00 PST

Sport the latest trend as team stripes, padded football shoulders, and utilitarian touches like snap closures turn athletic-inspired apparel into streetwear.

Not a Princess Salon

Tue, 4 May 2010 12:00:00 PST

Chicago-based Pure Rain Nail Spa’s success is a result of owner Ulzii Tsogtbaatar’s experience in business management and years of being a nail tech. The salon attracts young professionals and a larger-than-average base of male clients.

Grab-and-Go Furniture

Tue, 4 May 2010 12:00:00 PST

Manufacturer LeChat, known for its nail enhancement systems, polishes, and embellishments, is on the move with a new product line: portable salon furnishings.

Body Shoppe Spa

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:00:00 PST

Java is my friend, so it’s a good sign when I head into a salon and they have a coffee bar. Food too? Even better. I can grab a bite to eat and be pampered at the same time. That’s what I found at the Body Shoppe Spa in Yorktown, Va.

Uniting the Young, Urban, and Artistic Crowd

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:00:00 PST

Sharmadean Reid, salon owner, magazine founder, blogger, and stylist, brings nail art to London with the trendy WAH Nails salon, gathering a following of young, creative women.

Picture Perfect

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:00:00 PST

You don’t have to live in a fashion mecca like New York City to find opportunities to have your best nail styles featured in a professional photo shoot. Take a page from the (ever-growing) book of Joy Yavenue, who enhances her nail art print and web portfolios by partnering with area entrepreneurs.

What is... Splattered Color?

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:00:00 PST

Speckles and drips make fashion pop this spring.

Behind the Scenes: Out of the Bubble

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:00:00 PST

Gina Silvestro is constantly thinking outside of the standard nail “bubble” and strives to stay on the cusp of trends, while sharing and instilling innovative thinking and techniques with her peers. For this month’s cover we asked her to create something fun and bubbly.

Ombre Effect with Dashing Diva Gelife Soak-Off System

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:00:00 PST

Dashing Diva’s Gelife Soak-Off UV Gel System can be used to make standard pink-and-whites as well as more fashion-forward nail designs such as the “ombre effect,” in which the nails gradate from one shade of color to the next.

Wet Paint Nail Glaze System

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:00:00 PST

The Wet Paint Nail Glaze System offers flexibility and individuality by letting techs create custom polish colors by layering base colors and topcoat glazes together.

The Painted Nail

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 12:00:00 PST

The Painted Nail — a cozy, shabby chic-style space with white-washed wood floors, big comfy white armchairs, vintage-inspired chandeliers, and pretty purple walls. Clients (including many celebrities) come in to get their nails done, but stay for the camaraderie.

Fashionable Nails, Fashion Week Win

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:00:00 PST

Nail artists compete in a challenge to win a trip to New York City Fall Fashion Week.

Pedi Like a Rock Star

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:00:00 PST

When Shauni Kelly was creating Hot Heads Barbershop and Cool Claws Nails in Albuquerque, N.M., she wanted to take the “rock star pedicure” service to the extreme — by tying the entire pedicure room decor into the “rock star” theme.

On the Road: Color Me Green, Manhattan Beach, Calif.

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:00:00 PST

It’s sometimes instructive to take a look at the nail salon industry from the other side of the chair: the client’s side. That’s why it can be especially insightful to chat with a select breed of nail salon owner: the client-turned-salon entrepreneur.

What are…the spring color trends?

Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:00:00 PST

Designers bring splashes of sunshine to the runway for spring 2010.

This Land Is ‘My Land’

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 12:00:00 PST

In opening Tierra Mia Organic Nail Spa, Justin Mitchell and Karina Restrepo bring water-based polish, Latin flair, and a designer’s keen eye to the Philadelphia nail world.

Smiles Come in All Shapes and Sizes

Thu, 4 Mar 2010 12:00:00 PST

When it comes to that happiest part of the nail we all know and love, there’s no one right way to make it perfect. Smile lines can adapt to the nail to complement the shape and design of the nail. Akzentz educator Gina Silvestro of Gel Essentials in Cranston, R.I., shows her ideal smile lines for several different nail shapes.

I loved Lynn Lammers’ October 2009 NAILS cover nails, but what are the “color drops” mentioned in Step 4 of the Behind the Scenes?

Thu, 4 Mar 2010 12:00:00 PST

I loved Lynn Lammers’ October 2009 NAILS cover nails, but what are the “color drops” mentioned in Step 4 of the Behind the Scenes? And where can I get them?

Special Effects with CND's Colour and Effects

Wed, 3 Mar 2010 12:00:00 PST

Pioneering the latest trend in nail polish, CND’s new Colour and Effects line allows you to create endless combinations of unique polish blends by combining rich nail colors with an assortment of shimmering effects that will change the look and gloss of the finished nail.

If You Don’t Have an Enticing Service Brochure, You’ll Hate Yourself Later

Wed, 3 Mar 2010 12:00:00 PST

In the world of salon and spa brochures, what separates the good from the great? While there is no one-size-fits-all formula, here are nine tips for better brochures to get you going in the right direction.

A Bright Ikea

Tue, 2 Mar 2010 12:00:00 PST

It’s an open secret that many salons owe their interior design to their neighborhood IKEA store. The home furnishings giant — known for its affordable prices, streamlined modern design esthetic, do-it-yourself assembly, and store layouts that mimic individual room layouts — is the perfect design playground for the money-wise entrepreneur.

A Conversation with the 2009 Contessa Winners

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:00:00 PST

The Contessas are an annual beauty award program that shows off the best Canada’s salon professionals have to offer.

Just Right, the Second Time Around

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:00:00 PST

Prompted by the desire to create her ideal salon, esthetician and nail tech Victoria Vo sold her nails-only business and opened up a full-service location just two miles away. Decorating it herself and offering the services she’s always wanted, Ku’tur Nail Lounge and Salon has ended up being just right, the second time around.

It’s a [Play] Date

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:00:00 PST

Less formal than a class or networking event, “practice parties” provide an opportunity for nail techs to experiment with new products and techniques, build friendships and professional bonds, and remember how much they love doing nails.

Boutique: Lip Balm

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:00:00 PST

Many women can’t go a day without their lip balms. Small sizing, adorable designs, and affordable prices make these tubs and tubes of lip balm an easy retail item that’s perfect for a last-minute impulse buy.

What is…Military Couture?

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 12:00:00 PST

Civilian versions of military apparel — from gold buttons and tassels to military jackets (a la Michael Jackson) and camouflage — are a timely trend.

On The Road: Michael’s School of Beauty, Augusta, Ga.

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:00:00 PST

Passion is contagious, and at least several students at Michael’s School of Beauty can testify to this fact.

Strutting in Style

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 12:00:00 PST

The ninth-annual Strut Your Stuff Nail Art & Enhancement Contest, sponsored by WWWeb Services and BeautyTech.com, received 60 entries from 20 countries.

Product Trend: Polish-like Gels

Thu, 4 Feb 2010 12:00:00 PST

More and more manufacturers are creating soak-off gels, including ones that look and feel similar to nail polish. New company Hand & Nail Harmony demonstrates how to use its product Gelish Color Gels.

Adventures in OPI

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:00:00 PST

The Nail Station in Huntington, Ind., asked clients to create short stories using the names of the salon’s OPI nail polish colors. Here are the first, second, and third-place winning essays.

Ready for All This Gel-ly?

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:00:00 PST

The gelatinous texture of gels can prove difficult for newbie techs to control, and when it comes to textbook C-curves, techs can be lost as to how to get that perfect bend.

What is…’80s Glam?

Thu, 7 Jan 2010 12:00:00 PST

Go back to the 1980s with an updated take on the sparkly, brightly colored, ruffle-laden looks that were characteristic of a fashion decade.

Car Wraps: An Advertisement on Wheels

Wed, 6 Jan 2010 12:00:00 PST

To advertise his salon, Robbie Schaeffer, owner of ROB|B: An OPI Concept Salon, wrapped up a couple of Smart Cars with reflective graphics of OPI bottles and his salon logo.

Boutique: Nail-Related Shirts

Wed, 6 Jan 2010 12:00:00 PST

Whether worn as a salon uniform or retailed to clients, these unique shirts are modern and fun — and they can’t be found in just any store. Give them as a client appreciation gift or stock them in the retail area for clients who can’t get enough of all things nails.

Home Salons: All Polished Up!

Tue, 5 Jan 2010 12:00:00 PST

In honor of the reader-written issue, NAILS asked several nail techs to give us tours of their home salons. Marie Davis takes us to All Polished Up! in Dallas, Ore.

Home Salons: Tee’s Nail NV

Tue, 5 Jan 2010 12:00:00 PST

In honor of the reader-written issue, NAILS asked several nail techs to give us tours of their home salons. Teresa Shackleton gives us a tour of Tee's Nail NV in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.

Home Salons: Flip Flop Beauty Shop

Tue, 5 Jan 2010 12:00:00 PST

In honor of the reader-written issue, NAILS asked several nail techs to give us tours of their home salons. Shannon Arnold takes us to the Flip Flop Beauty Shop in Cooper Plains, N.Y.

NSI Balance Glitter Gels Rock Star Collection

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:00:00 PST

NSI’s Balance Glitter Color Gels offer exceptional strength and adhesion. The Rock Star Collection of Glitter Gels has a high concentration of glitter while still being easy to apply, and the gels cure in two minutes flat with the NSI Ultra Pro Full Hand Lamp.

Nail Polish Talks

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:00:00 PST

We all know the colors we choose to wear can affect us and the world around us. Colors often influence the respect we get at work, how people treat us, what they think of us, how our family treats us, and ultimately how we feel about ourselves.

Fabulous Fimo

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:00:00 PST

The popularity of fimo cane nail art extends around the globe, as evidenced by these creative entries in the Aussie Nail Tips Forum’s Fimo Nail Competition.

Vivian Gilbert Mani Pedi Plus

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:00:00 PST

Near the University of Oklahoma, tucked away among the bars and restaurants in an area known as Campus Corner, is Vivian Gilbert Mani Pedi Plus.

The Lacquer in the Dell

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:00:00 PST

Known in their respective industries for their fashion-forward thinking, Dell and OPI have joined together to create customized laptops in nail polish colors.

What is…Damask?

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:00:00 PST

Elaborate patterns, often geometric or botanical, that have their origins as a weaving style in the Middle Ages but today have expanded to curtains, wallpaper, apparel, and accessories.

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:00:00 PST

If you want to add some festive cheer to your acrylic repertoire, check out the Christmas nails of these two skilled techs.

A Sanctuary for One

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:00:00 PST

Cindi Rice’s philosophy of one-on-one attention at The Nail Sanctuary has ensured that the owner-designed-and-operated salon’s appointment book is filled up to a year in advance.

The Color of 2010: Turquoise

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:00:00 PST

Pantone: Turquoise transports us to a tropical paradise while offering a sense of protection in stressful times

She's All Lacquered Up

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:00:00 PST

Michelle Mismas loves nail polish. A former nail biter and editor of the popular All Lacquered Up blog, Mismas took her first step into the nail industry by visiting makeup message boards online to talk about her passion. She realized there was no one giving the scoop on nail news.

The Color Story: OPI Products' Swiss Collection

Thu, 1 Jan 2009 12:00:00 PST

Testing