InStyle’s May 2013 issue features the color prism wheel as a tool to select complementary color combinations for your client’s mani-pedi.

Create dynamic duos for spring by pairing reds (like Essie's Hip-anema) with greens, oranges with blues or yellows with purple.  

Pantone’s Lee Eiseman says “shades that sit on the opposite sides of the wheel enhance one another’s true tones.”

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

It may seem odd that in the jumble of appointments that befall a woman with cancer — from radiation to chemotherapy to pharmacy medication pick-up — that she would want to add another appointment to her vast to-do list. But, in many cases, an appointment at the nail salon may be just what the doctor ordered.

“We are an ear to listen and chat and laugh. Hand care particularly is soothing and provides a sense of connectedness,” says licensed manicurist Sheila Fredriksen, who developed a class called  Oncology Manicuring 101 and is CEO/founder of natural beauty brand Nontoxique. “Studies have shown that hand holding is the number-one form of intimacy and, for someone going through a challenge such as cancer, the touch alone can be very comforting.”

Indeed, 75% of oncologists consider the non-medical aspects of cancer care to be very important. This is according to a survey commissioned by the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, a charitable organization established by the Personal Care Products Council, the founder of Look Good Feel Better, a public service program that teaches beauty techniques to cancer patients. In that study, 82% of oncologists who have had female patients participate in a support program believe they are extremely or very effective. And nine out of every 10 female cancer patients who have participated in a support program feel that the program lived up to or exceeded their expectations.

Plus, manicures and pedicures can help clients observe abnormalities related to the cancer or its treatment, which may be appearing in the hands or feet and that may otherwise have gone unnoticed. “We can be a set of eyes for change they might not otherwise pay attention to or share with their doctor,” Fredriksen says.

Due to some special circumstances such as a compromised immune system (see “5 Common Conditions” on page 3), the bodies of clients with cancer should be treated with special care. But when it comes to caring for your client’s mind and spirit, you should know that your client with cancer most likely just wants to be treated like any other client. The nail salon may be her one moment of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic time. “If a client is an established client, you will know to what degree you can discuss her journey [with cancer], or not.” Fredriksen says. “Maybe she is very spirited and life goes on as usual. If a client is new to you, the best way to determine what you will talk about is to use a client intake form. This is a great way to lead into your educating her about specific needs and finding out what her hobbies and regular activities are that have nothing to do with the cancer. This can help direct conversation toward positive things she loves. This is something that will go far in creating a relaxing experience for her and building a relationship.”

Fredriksen adds that you don’t need to worry about clients with cancer missing their scheduled appointments due to being sick and certainly not more than you worry about that with any other client. “Unless a client is coming in close to treatment administration and it’s understandable she might not be feeling well, I personally recommend treating cancellations as you would for any other client. It’s unlikely that a licensee will see a client after chemo or radiation as she is more likely to be somewhat tired and not feeling well enough, not to mention not approved by her doctor to be coming back in just yet,” Fredriksen says.

Missy Malone is the founder of SPAtaneity LLC in Fort Worth, Texas, a mobile salon that works with patients in hospital oncology and rehab wards including at Baylor Medical Center at McKinney and the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Fort Worth. Malone also opened a SPAtaneity location in the city’s medical district, where she deals with many at-risk clients, many of whom she met in the hospitals. “Prior to working within the medical community, I always knew I wanted to offer natural nail care in an eco-friendly manner. However, it wasn’t until I got the opportunity to render services in the hospital’s oncology ward that I knew I wanted to do more to make these clients’ time with me as relaxing, enjoyable, and memorable as possible,” Malone says

The mission is simple. Malone says, “I know I’m not performing rocket science by any means, but if I’m able to restore my client’s femininity or give someone a sense of normalcy for an hour or so, mission accomplished.”

Next page: Client Information Questionnaire and What Services to Offer

[PAGEBREAK]

Client Information Questionnaire

You should already have a questionnaire for all new clients, as it’s a great way to find out what each specific client is expecting from her services, what problems and preferences she has for her nails, and even what her birthday is (in case you want to send her a card or offer a discount). Make sure to add these questions from the International Pedicure Association (IPA) client questionnaire so you get a heads-up on clients with cancer and other relevant conditions:

> Do you have any current medical or health conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, skin conditions, infections, or contagious disease, or are you undergoing kidney dialysis?

> Do you have any known problems or conditions with your feet or legs? If yes, please provide details including the site of the problem or condition.

> Have you suffered from any recent injuries or illnesses? If yes, please give details.

> Are you taking any medications, whether prescribed by a doctor or over the counter? If yes, please provide details.

> Do you have any allergies to medications or products? If yes, please provide details.

Offer This, Not That

Next page: 5 common conditions and how to handle them

[PAGEBREAK]

5 Common Conditions

Whether caused by the cancer itself or by the side ­effects of chemotherapy and other treatments, clients with cancer may showcase some of these special conditions. Here’s how to handle them.

1. Lymphedema (swelling caused by lymph accumulating in the tissues)
Get a doctor’s permission before massaging a client with lymphedema. You don’t want to move the lymph around in a way that causes negative effects. Massage requires modification in both techniques and pressure, so a ­special class on lymphatic massage (which generally involves very light effleurage stroking up the leg toward the heart only) is recommended. Janet McCormick, vice president of education and managing partner at the ­MediNail ­Learning Center, adds that clients with ­lymphedema should not be soaked during a pedicure.

2. Dryness and sensitivity of the skin
Many physicians treating cancer recommend specific prescription or over-the-counter moisturizing and healing ­lotions and other treatments. “If there are no recommendations, the tech needs to seek out unscented and gentle products with highly humectant ingredients,” McCormick says.

3. Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage)
Clients suffering from peripheral neuropathy may not be able to tell you if you are hurting them or even if you knick them. If you use hot towels for treatments, Fredriksen recommends letting towels cool down a bit or using cool towels altogether. She also cautions you to be gentle with your touch. “Surprisingly what doesn’t seem painful to you might be painful to them,” Fredriksen says.

4. Dry or brittle nails
Perform a waterless service. Use a file with a gentle grit. Use a gentle cuticle oil on the nails. If you notice other abnormalities of the nails, have the client check with her doctor if polish is OK for her nails and what prep work (if any) is acceptable.

5. Compromised immune system
Go above and beyond with your cleanliness standards. Don’t use any invasive techniques such as trimming cuticles or cutting calluses. Sterilize all implements using an autoclave or throw them away after one use. Wipe down with disinfectant all surfaces the client may come into contact with from the desk to the chairs to the reception desk to the light switches.

A Note on Doctors’ Notes
Many doctors will inform clients when beauty services are off limits during cancer treatments and will give them the green light when hand and foot services are OK. But that’s not always the case. If a client tells you she’s going through treatment and is unsure if her doctor OK with her having a service, Fredriksen offers this advice: Explain to the client it’s your policy to have a doctor’s note on file to verify that treatments are allowed. If a client has to bring a note, offer her an upgrade on her next visit or a gift card she can use toward another spa service, such as a facial, especially if you have staff trained in oncology esthetics.

What If a Client Loses Her Battle?

Sam Rivenbark, a nail tech at East Coast Acrylic in Edenton, N.C., provides mani-pedi house calls to ­clients with cancer as part of a community service program called The Mani-Cure Project. Even if a ­client loses her battle with cancer, you can still ­offer one more nail service. “Not only should you go to the funeral but I would also offer my services to the ­family,” Rivenbark says. “Some techs may not be able to due to clients’ families’ beliefs, but others will give you the name of the funeral director and home so you can make sure even in their final resting that their nails are as amazing as they were.”

Next page: Continuing education classes

[PAGEBREAK]

Continuing Education Classes

Want to learn more? These classes geared toward beauty professionals will help you safely service clients with cancer.

Oncology Manicuring 101
Run by: beauty brand Nontoxique
You’ll learn: A foundational introduction to working with ­clients with cancer, including knowledge, modules, products, home care, business integration, and a ready-to-go hospital to spa “Cancer Care Package” to start outreach immediately.
More information: www.nontoxique.com

The Advanced Nail Technician Certificate Program (ANT-C)
Run by: MediNail Learning Center
You’ll learn: How to work safely, especially on clients such as those with cancer and other chronic conditions, including ­service precautions. The class also discusses how to convince podiatrists and other physicians to refer their patients to ­salons. The learning center also offers a Medical Nail ­Technician Program, which instructs you on how to work in a podiatry office.
More information: www.medinails.com

Monthly Educational Webinars
Run by: International Pedicure Association (IPA)
You’ll learn: IPA webinars on infection control will help you properly handle at-risk clients such as those with cancer. The IPA also plans to offer a webinar specifically on servicing ­clients with cancer. The current webinar is always highlighted on www.pedicureassociation.org.
More information: E-mail info@pedicureassociation.org for a webinar invitation.

Certified Master Pedicurist (CMP) 4-Day Program; Infection ­Control 1-Day Program
Run by: North American School of Podology
You’ll learn: The CMP program includes information on the ­implications of chronic illnesses on pedicures, diseases and disorders of the skin and nails, and sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization. The Infection Control class covers proper ­cleaning and disinfecting of foot baths, disinfectant ingredients, microbiology, and personal protective equipment. ­Higher-level classes are also offered: Comprehensive Foot and Leg Evaluation; Advanced Skin and Nail Pathology, ­Diabetic Foot Syndrome; Residence Practicum; and Enhance Your Massage Techniques.
More information: www.northamericanschoolofpodology.com

Next page: Volunteer Organizations

[PAGEBREAK]

Volunteer Organizations

Look Good, Feel Better
What it is: A non-medical, brand-neutral public service program that teaches beauty techniques to cancer patients to help them manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. All volunteer ­beauty professionals are trained and certified by the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the Professional Beauty Association | National Cosmetology Association at local, statewide, and national workshops.
Service area: across the United States, plus available in many other countries (for a complete list, visit www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org/programs/international-programs)
More information: www.lookgoodfeelbetter.org

Beauty Bus Foundation
What it is: Its mission is to deliver dignity, hope, and respite to chronically or terminally ill men, women, and children and their caregivers through beauty and grooming services and pampering products. Volunteer training sessions cover Beauty Bus policy and history, the ­diseases the foundation services, and information on what to expect as a volunteer. Other recent educational events have included a session with nail tech and esthetician Karen Hodges, a cancer “thriver” who spoke about her research and experience from the perspective of both a beauty professional and patient.
Service area: in-home services in California’s Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura Counties; one-time “pop-up salons” for 2013 will include ­Chicago, New York, Las Vegas, and Massachusetts.
More information: www.beautybus.org

Polished Girlz
What it is: It brings sparkle to the lives of girls with special needs or frequent hospitalizations by bringing the trendiest nail art parties to them, while teaching them the importance of hand washing to reduce infection rates and repeated hospital admissions. Volunteers as young as 8-years-old are accepted. Training in four modules — ­etiquette, hand washing, compassionate care, and how to polish — is provided to volunteers.
Service area: across the United States, plus Canada, Australia, Kuwait, and South Africa (additional volunteers especially needed in Atlanta and Kansas City, Mo.)
More information: www.polishedgirlz.org

The Mani-Cure Project
What it is: Started by a nail tech with a family history of cancer, it ­provides in-home nail services to women with cancer.
Service area: Chowan County, N.C.
More information: manicureproject@yahoo.com; www.facebook.com (search “East Coast Acrylic,” the name of founder Sam Rivenbark’s nail business) 

You Might Also Find These Articles Helpful:

The Diabetic Discussion: How to Service Clients with Diabetes

Seven Ways to Market to Seniors

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Many beauty schools are closing their nail programs, according to the American Association of Cosmetology Schools. In an article in its member magazine BeautyLink, the AACS says a top reason is the lack of federal funding. "Currently, the Pell Grant program requires a course to be at least 600 clock hours and 15 weeks in length for a student to be eligible....The majority fall short of the 600-hour minimum."

However, the article also notes that there are many reasons to add a nail program to a beauty school, including that there are many new opportunities for nail techs (such as working as mass-market retailers) and plenty of job openings in traditional locations in salons.

Read the entire article — "The Professional Nail Industry & Schools" — online. NAILS Magazine's own Sree Roy is cited as dicussing the many opportunities for nail tech graduates.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

LVX debuts its stunning Gemstone Collection for Spring 2013. Emerald was named Color of the Year for 2013 by Pantone, and LVX’s adaptation of this amazing color is vivacious and will intensify any outfit. The luxury vegan brand’s distinct and bold seasonal colors include Viridian, Indigo Bleu, Citrine, Fantom, Cerulean, and Azalea.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

After getting a ton of requests from other nail artists asking where she gets her supplies, nail tech Tashina “Poochie” Green decided to open an online nail art supply shop. Within the first few months of launching the site — dubbed The Nail Art Boutique — Green has sold her carefully sourced supplies, which include spikes, mini-mirrors, and chains, to nail artists in all 50 states. She finds many of her supplies online and occasionally when she’s out shopping. “I search and search and search,” she says. “Some people only use the keyword ‘nail art’ when searching for nail products online, but there are so many other keywords that I use. Anything that is small enough to put on a nail, I can pretty much make happen,” Green says. The venture has effectively turned the den in her home into a mini-warehouse. Green generally works all day at Poochiez Paws Nail Studio in Atlanta, then comes home at night and fulfills orders. Check out The Nail Art Boutique at www.poochieznails.com/nail_art_boutique.html.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Combine these two classics in eye-catching and frequently geometric designs to make them a modern favorite.

Nails by (left to right) Becky Carter, Salon 1, Phoenix; Tiffany Torres, D’Infinity Salon, Santa Maria, Calif.; Nicole Prince, Shimmer Just Nails, Rohnert Park, Calif.

You  Might Also Like:

Monochromatic Nail Art: Holiday Red-dy

The French (Manicure) Dictionary

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

About three years ago, school instructor Madelyn Johnson of Royal Beauty Careers in South Houston, Texas, was at a tradeshow and happened to mention to a Graham Beauty educator that her students sometimes don’t have the disposable income to purchase school supplies. "Starting nail school can be quite costly in the beginning, with the cost of the course, books, and uniforms," Johnson says she relayed to the educator. That educator, Debbie Schlise, then approached her boss at Graham Beauty, Dave Elder, who authorized ongoing donations of the company’s products to the school.

“We want to say thank you to Graham Beauty for their continued support,” Johnson says. The donated products have included orangewood sticks, gloves, lint-free wraps, cotton pads, and HandsDown Soak-Off Gel Nail Wraps (which Johnson describes as a “must-have” with the popularity of gel-polish). Johnson takes Graham Beauty’s donations, along with any other donations she is able to gather for that semester, and packages them into “welcome kits” for the students.

“Their faces just light right up when they get their packets with all the goodies,” Johnson says.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Inglot Cosmetics’ new “nightlife collection” offers three new colors offered in blue, pale pink, and yellow, and each with the perfect amount of sparkle. Each color is long-wearing and provides perfect application with durability and sparkle. They do not include toluene, formaldehyde, DBP, or camphor. Use with Inglot’s Fast Drying Top Coat for quicker drying time and remove with Inglot’s Nail Polish Remover. 

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Nail Rock Designer Nail Wraps give clients up to 10 days of wear and come in a variety of designs. Simply apply the Nail Rock adhesive wraps onto nails that have been buffed and cleansed, and then shape with a file to fit perfectly to the free edge. The Spring 2013 Collection features bright bases with red, black, and yellow spots of sass.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Nail art should express your and your client’s individuality, so we love the look of every nail sporting a different design. But it can be difficult to create a look that comes across as put-together, and not like you were randomly swatching your entire summer polish arrivals onto your client’s digits. Los Angeles-based nail tech Britney Tokyo (www.britneytokyo.com) shares her tips for making 10 different nails look like one solid masterpiece.

COLOR: You don’t have to use the exact same colors on every nail but you have to use the same type of color. For instance, all pastels, all brights, all neons, or simply black and white.
IMAGES: Don’t use too strong of images. Those are better left for clients who want one accent nail. “I draw out all 10 designs first, then move them around like puzzle pieces to decide on which nail the design will match the best. And if everything is too unique of an image, it wouldn’t fit well on all 10 nails,” Tokyo says.
THEME: “Deciding on a theme is the best way to make great designs,” Tokyo says. “For instance a tropical theme, American theme, or any other theme you wish may help your imagination grow.”

You Might Also Like These Other Nail Art Stories:

5 Tips for Glamorizing Nails

3 Fun Textures for Spring

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Lucky recommends using CND’s Marshmallow Rose and Super Shiney Top Coat with craft glitter to achieve the look:

1. Apply sheer pink as the base layer.

 2. In a small bowl, combine equal parts of each glitter.

3. Dip the top coat brush into the glitter mixture and apply glitter at the tip of the nail, brushing down toward the cuticle.

4. Add top coat for a smooth, shiny finish.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Dermelect Cosmeceuticals’ new ME Core Collection is designed for women who desire to grow out long, strong, natural nails without compromising fashionable fingertips. ME’s technologically advanced, salon-strength forumlations are three-free and contain ProSina, a pure protein extract derived from New Zealand sheep’s wool that strengthens the nails and nourishes the skin. The collection comes in 12 colors named to evoke the esteem of the person who uses it.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

OPI’s Matte Top Coat instantly transforms glossy nail lacquer to a matte finish when applied over any OPI hue. It provides sealing protection without shine and protects nails from chipping, making manicures last longer. With a matte, transparent finish, Matte Top Coat is designed to leave nails velvety smooth while creating a touchable texture for an edgy appearance.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Take your summer manicure out of this world with China Glaze’s new Hologlam 12-piece collection of shimmering holographic nail lacquers. Using reflective, holographic particles to capture light and transform nails into amazing, ever-changing visual effects, the polish bends and changes to create an illuminated three-dimensional, traveling color effect across the nail.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Developed for the makers of Gelish gel-polish, Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer's palette launches with 100 gorgeous shades, created from specialty raw ingredients to enhance finish, coverage, and wear. This collection is first and foremost created for the nail artist, delivering the most exclusive quality experience for specialists and their clientele. Colors shown are Let Them Eat Cake, I’m Charmed, P.S. I Love You, No Way Rosé, and All White Now.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Artist Barbara Black’s salon series depicts whimsical, colorful images of women getting services. The high-quality art prints are available in multiple sizes and perfect for your salon or home. Each is hand-signed by Black.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

You gave your students a solid start in their nail careers. Now give their careers an additional boost by ordering copies of NAILS Career Handbook — it’s free (even shipping is included for U.S.-based schools) and contains valuable information on how to grow their new businesses.

The annual magazine, published by the makers of NAILS Magazine, includes feature stories about how to fill your chair in six months, 10 common causes of nail service breakdown, the ABCs of sanitation, and advice on getting over your fear of selling salon retail products. The 2013 issue contains a special section of quizzes, letting students test their knowledge on a wide array of topics from pedicure spa sanitation to gel-polish application.

The NAILS Career Handbook is published once a year, so be sure to order enough copies to get your school through the middle of 2014.

Simply fill out the order form on http://forms.nailsmag.com/nails-magazines-career-handbook, then expect your copies to arrive at the beginning of July.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Be sure to set your DVR to record WEtv’s reality show L.A. Hair. For its second season, the show — which focuses on celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble’s West Hollywood, Calif., based salon — adds a nail tech into the mix. Celebrity manicurist Naja Rickette (www.najanailguru.com) joins the show, telling NAILS she enjoyed the experience and was even able to ignore the cameras after the first few days. “I am usually the one on the glam squad preparing people for their on-camera appearances. This time the tables were turned and I was the one on camera,” Rickette says. The second season starts June 6, and Rickette will be seeing the finished episodes for the first time then. “I do not have any control over the editing process and have no clue how I will actually be portrayed, but I tried my best to give the public a no nonsense approach to the nail game,” she says. “I wanted to show the general public I am more than the average ‘nail lady’ and in fact am not the ‘nail lady’ at all. I am a business woman and an artist. I wanted to portray nails as a profession and a career path.”

Want more nail reality TV? Check out our article on Katie Cazorla, star of TV Guide Network's Nail Files.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

My career has been focused both in education and in beauty trend forecasting. Over the past 16 years, I’ve been fortunate my forecasting has been on point. Having a sense of what is coming next isn’t the easiest thing to predict.

In a beauty world that is all about customization, when it comes to women’s daily beauty regimes, it’s no surprise to me that national mass retailers are emerging as direct competitors to beauty salons. Beauty boutiques are popping up in mass retail markets all over the U.S.

This trend was at the forefront of the 80th Annual Meeting of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) last month. The buzz was all about nails, growth in the category, and projected gains over the next several years, as well as the need for professional licensed nail techs.

Of the more than 2,200 attending the NACDS meeting were beauty’s top brass from Walgreens, CVS, Wal-Mart, HEB, Wegmans, Rite Aid, Ulta, and Duane Reade. My participation at the meeting as Coty’s global beauty expert for Sally Hansen let me speak directly with the vice presidents of beauty and personal care categories of the largest mass retailers in the U.S. My conversations were all dominated by the growth of the nail category and the need for standardization throughout the U.S. for mass retailers to employ licensed nail techs.

As Sally Hansen’s global beauty expert I’m pleased that Sally Hansen represents a 31% market share in the nail category and is driving the nail business in mass retail, not only sales but through educating mass retailers as to the importance of having licensed nail techs to service and educate their consumers.

Many successful graduates of the Long Island Nail & Skin Care Institute’s nail program have gone on to become gainfully employed with mass retailers such as Sephora and Duane Reade.

Duane Reade’s location at 40 Wall Street in downtown Manhattan offers a “Look Boutique”. This store-within-a-store offers consumers the experience of virtual makeovers, nail salon services, and a fragrance bar. New York licensed nail techs offer nail salon services to consumers with an emphasis on red carpet styles, celebrity trends, French manicures, nail art designs, manicures, gel/polish, hand massages, polish changes, nail shaping, cuticle care, cleansing, and beautifying hands. Walgreens, which purchased Duane Reade in 2010, has since opened Look Boutiques in many of its stores.

These mass retailers offer promising beauty career opportunities. The beauty boutique positions are the backbone to the stores’ success. The fast-paced, hands-on retail environment provides opportunities for beauty advisors to grow into management positions. I know personally that Duane Reade and Sephora are committed to hiring and developing top beauty talent all over the U.S. They invite and encourage salon professionals to experience this up-and-coming career opportunity.

As this career sector for nail techs is building, it’s clear that all other top U.S. mass retailers will soon be part of this trend.


Dana Caruso is the executive director of the Long Island Nail & Skin Care Institute as well as Sally Hansen’s global beauty expert.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Check out Essie's Come Here! and OPI's Feelin' Hot-Hot-Hot!

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Artistic Nail Design introduces a new line of hard gel products, Rock Hard Nails, that can be used as either a hard gel, acrylic, or both. The new formulation helps answer the question of whether to use an acrylic or hard gel. With Rock Hard Nails you don’t have to choose one over the other. Featuring a formulation of monomers chemically altered to form two products, techs now have two options for perfect nails every time.  Whether you love liquid-and-powder or hard gel, Artistic Nail Design has created a product with integrated technology that brings you the best of both worlds.

With its new technology Artistic is launching an education tour to make sure techs know how to get the best results out of this new product.

The Rock Hard World Tour offers two days of intensive training that fill you in on the chemistry behind the technology of Rock Hard Nails, plus teaches you application tips and tricks, art techniques, and more to turn your clients into Rock Hard groupies.

For more information, go to www.artisticnaildesign.com. 

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Light Elegance, long a well-known leader in gel nail products, announces its first foray into acrylics. The Light Elegance Acrylic line will feature the same quality that the company’s gels are known for.

The line consists of a crystal clear powder, a competition pink, a cover pink that is opaque to cover up blemishes, a competition white for the perfect French, AirBond, and acrylic liquid. Light Elegance is also introducing a line of acrylic brushes.

Heading up the education and sales team is industry veteran and educator John Hauk, who joins the company as international acrylic sales director.

“We’re adding acrylics to our product family because our nail techs and educators have long asked for them and we believe that gels and acrylics can work side by side to create even more dynamic nail art,” says Jim McConnell, co-owner and head chemist at Light Elegance. “Professional nail techs don’t have to choose just one or the other.”

Lezlie McConnell, co-owner and sales director adds, “Techs can combine the use of both acrylic and gels with Light Elegance Pretties, Poppies, gel paints, neons, polishes, loose glitter — whatever a tech wants to make that art really pop. We’re here to create the tools techs need to make more money.”

For more information, go to www.lightelegance.com.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Lisa Katchur of Lakeside, Mont., makes her own high-quality decals designed specifically for her nail art techniques. She makes the decals using a wax substrate ink for brighter colors with a fixative spray over the printed image to prevent the ink from separating. The decals come on a clear background so they can be layered.

1. Prepare the client’s nails as you would for a fill. Remove old product, clean up the cuticles, and trim the free edge.

2. Create the look you want under the decal with gel. Light colors work the best. (But you can always change the color after you top coat over the decal by painting gel around the decal and using a small brush to get in close around the design.)

3. Cut the decal out as close to the design as possible, and use tweezers to place it in cool or room temperature water for about 20 seconds. Take it out and blot off the extra water on the paper towel, and place it flat on the paper towel. Begin lightly poking at the center of the image with the tweezers and it will release from the backing.

4. Use tweezers to grab the released part on the edge and place it on the nail in the desired position. Push your finger down in the center of the decal and roll it off in all directions. This secures the decal and removes any leftover water. You can paint around the decal with gel to change the background color of the nail, or put more gel top coat around the design and push glitter into the gel. Finish with top coat. You have instant art in less time and more money for your work.

For more information, visit www.nailaddictusa.com.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Footlogix Pediceuticals has redesigned its branding and packaging to feature bold, holographic labels. The foot care product line revitalized its look with the new premium packaging. The shimmering- holographic foil labels also feature updated product names and segmentation into five distinct categories.

The new Footlogix packaging presents a more informative and highly efficacious look, and features a super-sized foot icon with a bold and simplified color coding system that now clearly identifies each product based on usage and application.

Whether in the back-bar or displayed on shelves in key retail areas, the distinctive new look of Footlogix Pediceuticals  will create an even stronger shelf-impact and will heighten customer interest as it continues to roll-out to spas and salons.

For more information, go to www.footlogix.com.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

For you or your clients, Aculief provides wearable pressure to the LI4 acupressure point located between the thumb and forefinger in order to promote well-being, relieve tension, and restore the body’s natural energy flow. Aculief is all-natural, fast-acting, and can easily be worn anytime by pain sufferers or people with active lifestyles. “Our goal at Aculief is to provide a drug-free remedy for tension and pain relief,” says Janey Junker, Aculief’s spokesperson.

For more information, go to http://www.aculief.com/.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Create perfect gel nails with Alfalfa’s Geluv Soak Off Gel- Polish. The fast curing gels apply like nail polish and stay on for almost two weeks. Clients will love the high-gloss finish and Geluv comes in a wide range of colors to match any client’s style.

1. Sanitize the client’s hands and nail beds. Push back cuticles and shape the nails. Buff the nail bed with a buffing band or fine buffing file, and dust with a manicure brush and clean the nails with alcohol and lint-free wipes.

2. Apply Geluv Soak Off Base Gel in a thin application and seal the edges and cure under the Geluv Hi-Power LED light for 10 seconds.  

3. Apply your choice of Geluv Soak Off Color Gel-Polish in a thin application and seal the edges and cure for 10 seconds. Repeat for darker coverage.

4. Apply Geluv Soak Off Top Gel in a thin application and seal the edges of the nail and cure for 10 seconds. Wipe off the tacky residue with alcohol and lint-free wipes to achieve a high-gloss finish.

5. To remove, gently file the surface of the gel top coat to break the seal.

6. Place a cotton ball saturated with Remover over the nail, and secure with Gel-Off remover clips.

7. Leave on for 10 minutes.

8. Take off the clips and cotton ball and gently remove the gel with a manicure stick. Use the Geluv buffer and lightly buff the surface of the nail to remove any remaining residue. Sanitize the nails with alcohol using lint-free wipes and finish with cuticle oil.

For more information, go to buynailsdirect.com.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Jessica Cosmetics’ GELeration is a brush-on gel-polish that the company says can last for more than three weeks with no chipping, peeling, smudging, or fading. GELeration works great for both manicures and pedicures, cures quickly in LED and UV lights, and goes on easily. The brush-on gel-polish can also be purchased in a starter kit with buffers and files to help you get started.

1. Sanitize hands and nails with Jessica Sanitizer Spray and gently push back cuticles and clean the nail plate. Shape the natural nail using the Prepping File in 100/180 grit.

2. Remove the shine using the 100-grit side of the Gentle Foam Buffer in 100/180 grit. Remove dust. Wipe the nail clean using a ProTouch Lint-Free Wipe and Clarify Nail Cleanser. Apply Prep Nail Primer to the nail plate.

3. Apply a thin layer of Start Base Gel, sealing all free edges of the nail. Place the hand in the Pro LED 30 Lamp for 10 seconds (1 minute for UV lamps).

4. Apply GELeration Soak-Off gel-polish of choice in a thin layer from the cuticle to the free edge. Be sure to seal the edges of the nail. Place the hand in the Pro LED 30 Lamp and cure for 30 seconds (1 minute in UV Lamps).

5. Repeat step 4 for the second coat. Apply Finish Gel Sealer from the cuticle to the free edge in a thin, light layer. Be sure to seal the edge of the nail.

6. Place the hand in the Pro LED 30 Lamp and cure for 30 seconds (2 minutes in UV lamps).

7. Remove gel residue from the nail using a ProTouch Lint-Free Wipe and Clarify Nail Cleanser. Apply Jessica Phenomen Oil to the cuticle and skin surrounding the nail.

8. Massage Jessica Hand & Body Emulsion into the hands to add necessary moisture and complete the perfect GELeration manicure.

For more information, go to www.jessicacosmetics.com.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

As a nail technician and nail artist you understand the importance of a good brush as much as having the right brush for the right job. You most likely have an arsenal of brushes ranging in size, shape, and hair — specifically for acrylics, gels, nail art, etc.

Whether you are a painter of canvas, fingernails, or a sculptor of acrylic enhancements, it’s important to take the best care you can of your brushes so they can have a long shelf life. Here are some tips to help keep your brushes in the best possible condition.

Sable and Kolinsky Acrylic Brushes

Sable and kolinsky are small forest animals related to badgers, weasels, ferrets, wolverines, and minks — and they are valued for their fur.
> They have been favored amongst artists for hundreds of years, most notably for their superior strength and resilience. But to ensure a prolonged life and optimal performance, proper care and maintenance must be observed.
> Avoid skin contact with the bristles whenever possible. Oils from the body can deteriorate the bristles over time.
> Use monomer for cleaning sable and kolinsky acrylic brushes whenever possible.
> Do not use acetone. Even just one washing in acetone can dehydrate the bristles enough to affect their performance. Acetone strips the brush of its natural moisture. Once the bristles become dehydrated, they will be unable to hold liquids, rendering the brush useless. Acetone will also dissolve the glue that holds the bristles into the ferrule (the metal band that holds the bristles and attaches them to the handle).
> Keep a separate bottle of monomer that’s used only for cleaning brushes — not for nail services.

Gel Brushes

Synthetic bristles are a favored choice for working with gel. They are durable and hold up well to commercial cleaners. They also don’t have to be cleaned as thoroughly as a sable acrylic brush. Alcohol can actually be used to remove most of the gel from the bristles, and the brushes can always be stored upright as alcohol evaporates much more quickly than monomer. To clean a gel brush, simply swish it back and forth in cleaner or alcohol and press dry between two pieces of paper towel.

Nail Art Brushes

Nail art brushes are usually thinner for more detailed work. Some are as tiny as four or five hairs thick. Extreme care must be given to these types of brushes. Some cannot afford to even have one or two bristles mangled. How you clean these brushes depends on what they’re used for. For example if you’re using detail brushes with nail polish, it’s recommended that you purchase a set of inexpensive ones, as the only way to remove nail polish is with polish remover or acetone. This will of course deteriorate the bristles. If you’re using the brush with a water-based medium, swish it slightly in soapy lukewarm water, rinse in cool water, and reshape with a dry paper towel.      

How To Remove Hardened Acrylic From Sable/Kolinsky Bristles

1. Swish the bristles back and forth in brush cleaner for one to two minutes to soften the acrylic. Then lightly press the brush onto a flat surface and allow the bristles to fan out naturally. You want a flat surface to keep the brush cleaner pooled around the bristles.

2. Use a wooden tool (orangewood or popsicle sticks work best) to very gently scrape off the softened acrylic. Repeat this until all traces of acrylic have been removed from the bristles. Scraping too hard or using a metal tool can cause the flags (tips of the bristles) to become flared.

3. Once you have removed all traces of acrylic, press the bristles in their natural direction between two paper towels to remove the cleaner. Dip the brush in monomer and use a paper towel to reshape the bristles. Store the brush flat until the monomer has evaporated, then store upright. Storing brushes upright before the monomer has evaporated will cause the ferrule to fill with monomer, which won’t let it evaporate and can contaminate your brush and dappen dish. 

Cleaning Nail Art Brushes

Never clean or submerge brushes in scalding or boiling water — the ferrule can expand and cause the bristles to fall out. Never leave any brush resting on its bristles in cleaner or not.

1. Clean your brush in a small dish with cold water after each stroke while you’re working.

2. Pat or wipe the brush on a clean paper towel and pull the bristles together between your thumb and index finger to take out excess water and reform the original shape of the brush.

3. After a couple of weeks your brushes should be cleaned in isopropyl alcohol, which removes dry paint that may remain either on the bristles or paint that seeped into the ferrule. After cleaning with alcohol, you must rinse out your brushes with cold water to make sure all the alcohol is removed. After removing all the water from your brushes you may place them in a brush roll-up, leaving the cover open, so your brushes can dry. Never put your brushes away wet. 

Thank you to Patrice “Tracie” McNeal of WildSide Nailz in Los Angeles and Tina Panariello of Brooklyn, N.Y. (www.tinapanariello.com) for contributing to this story.

For more information about brushes, go to www.nailsmag.com/list/topic/brushes.

You Might Also Like:

The Right Brush for Nail Art

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

By signing up at www.terracycle.com, salons can help keep disposable pedicure flip-flops out of local landfills and earn Old Navy coupons to share with customers. Instead of throwing them away, employees and customers simply drop the flip-flips in a designated box in the salon. When the box is full, an employee can download and print a prepaid UPS shipping label from the TerraCycle website and send the waste to TerraCycle. When the box is processed, a packet of $10-off Old Navy coupons will be mailed to the salon.
“The salon’s participation in the program can be part of a larger sustainability movement and becomes a marketable element of the business,” says Tom Szaky, CEO of TerraCycle, an international upcycling and recycling company. “Participants have access to flyers and signs that explain and inform customers about the initiative.” The used flip-flops will be recycled into innovative products such as playgrounds, park benches, and bike racks.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Bling your tips and toes with 450 pieces of round, marquis, square, half-moon, triangle, baguette and tear-drop shaped acrylic rhinestones in the It’s So Easy Rhinestone Collections. With two different collections and the convenient PICKerr-UPerr rhinestone placing tool it’s never been easier to channel your inner glamazon.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

The new launched Light Elegance Trial Kit is the perfect way to try a little bit of everything. This kit comes with Cover Pink, Comp Pink, Comp White, and Clear powder, plus Acrylic Liquid and an Air Dry Primer. Light Elegance Acrylic, developed in conjunction with nail competitor John Hauk, is fast setting, strong, and durable.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

Wrist tendonitis is often confused with carpal tunnel syndrome because the two conditions share many of the same symptoms: tingling, stiffness, pain, restricted movement, weakness, and even swelling. Those who suffer with it often rub their wrist or shake out and clench their hands. The condition differs from carpal tunnel syndrome in that tendonitis is the result of inflamed tendons, either from damage or overuse, while carpal tunnel syndrome is the result of a compressed nerve.

Causes

Repetitive work, such as doing nails, can overuse certain muscles and prevent them from fully flexing and extending. Over time, muscles tire. In their weakened state, the muscles work incorrectly, which places strain on the tendons. This can cause small tears to the tendon, but even if the tendons aren’t damaged through tearing, the continued strain aggravates them, which triggers the body to send blood to the distressed site. The area becomes inflamed, worsening the pain. Removing the inflammation (the body’s protective system) through anti-inflammatory drugs may ease the pain, but it doesn’t cure the problem (the strained tendons). To address the problem, you must increase the range of motion, improve mobility of the muscles, and relieve the strain on the tendons.

At-home prevention/management

Practice the RICE method at home: Rest the wrist, use Ice to reduce swelling (heat brings more blood to the area, exactly the opposite of what we need), use a wristband to Compress the area and support the tendons, and Elevate the wrists to move blood away from the site. Stretch multiple times a day, especially in the morning to warm up the muscles, and after extended use to relieve strained muscles. Finally, holistic solutions, such as massage and trigger point release, can improve mobility and range of motion of the muscle, and reduce strain on the tendon.

Medical interventions

It’s important to treat the problem, not the pain, but nobody wants to feel the pain. So, while you treat tendonitis with stretching and resting, you can reduce swelling with anti-inflammatory medication, such as Aleve or Advil, or get relief from pain with aspirin. Treatment for tendonitis is not found in medicine, but in rest, stretching, and the other “at-home” solutions.

This article is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

You Might Also Like:

Independence Day Acrylic nail art tutorial

Pure Patriot nail art tutorial

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

You Might Also Like:
NAILS Brings Home Two More Maggie Awards! (That brings the total to 30!)

NAILS Has the Best Website and Best Social Media Presence, WPA Says (From the Editors blog)

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

The Maggie Awards are given out to the best magazines published west of the Mississippi but you could probably have heard the whooping and hollering even east of the Mississipi on Friday night, April 26, as NAILS took home two Maggie awards: one for Best Publication Website and Best Use of Social Media. The awards have been going on for over 60 years and are highly coveted among publishing professionals.

Accepting the award for the NAILS team, editor Hannah Lee said, "It's awesome to be honored for our online efforts especially since it truly takes every single one of us to make our sites and social media platforms so successful and, even more importantly, THE places to be if you want to know anything about nails." Hannah was joined onstage by lead software developer Miljan Mihajlovic, who has been leading the web team to develop a site that is setting records for performance.

Hannah called out Beth Livesay, NAILS' new web editor, in accepting the award for best use of social media. Beth was hired last year to focus on NAILS' social media efforts and to edit our newest publication, the all-digital Nail Art Gallery Magazine. Hannah was accompanied on stage by David Broyles, who the team affectionately calls "the Pinterest Master" because of his efforts to build NAILS Pinterest boards, focusing extensively on Nail Art Gallery. The social media award honored the full social media efforts of NAILS, including its extensive Facebook community and Twitter followers.

To see a photo gallery of our evening at the 2013 awards, click here.

"The awards are amazing," said Hannah, "but it's the readers of NAILS and the visitors to NAILSMag.com who are the real winners. We stay on our toes and continually innovate for the sole purpose of serving the professional nail industry."

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

From time to time it’s necessary for all nail salon owners to discharge someone. This is irrespective of whether this person is a salaried employee, a commissioned employee, or a booth renter. “Most poor performers phase themselves out,” says Kin Carey, owner of Pegasus Nail Designz in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada. “I’m grateful that firing someone does not happen too often.” When this person accepted a position within your salon both parties were optimistic. Still, you must always ask yourself the question, “Should this person have been hired in the first place? Does she have the qualifications and attitude to be a successful nail tech? Were the salon’s policies clearly laid out?” Melanie Martin of Nails by Mel, also in Lloydminster, says, “Some of the problems might be the salon’s fault, not the employee’s. Some could be quite correctable.”

Sometimes though, things just don’t work out as intended and there must be a parting of the ways. Some may go amicably, some will be fuming, while others threaten legal action for wrongful dismissal. No matter which, it always engenders intense emotions for all parties — the salon owner, the departing tech, and those who remain.

It’s easy to think that if ignored long enough, the problem will just disappear. This is wishful thinking. Usually it doesn’t and if anything, in most cases, it becomes exacerbated with time.

BE CAUTIOUS

Because of the potential for litigation this situation can be more difficult. If not handled with discretion it could generate a costly-to-defend lawsuit. This could also apply to “constructive dismissal,” which is where by tolerating, what is for her, an oppressive working environment the associate was forced to leave. All the tech needs to do is to claim that she was willfully, maliciously, and unlawfully terminated and you are in court. Although innocent of any wrongful action the cost to defend yourself could be horrendous. And you will be bad-mouthed by the discharged person who will gain much sympathy from her friends and contacts. Steps taken before and during the exit procedure could significantly affect both salon owner and departing worker.

TERMINATING FOR JUST CAUSE

“For just cause” means the employer has a valid reason to fire this person. The reasons are numerous. They include such infractions as incompetency, theft, stealing, using drugs, drinking on the job, being belligerent to clients, being disruptive, bad-mouthing the salon owner, personality problems, ethical concerns, and otherwise breaking the terms of employment. Termination justifications can usually be subdivided into two groups: Group one includes actions that should result in immediate discharge and group two includes actions that may result in a warning, yet if uncorrected are followed by termination.

WRONGFUL DISMISSAL

Today’s labor laws appear to be structured in favor of the employee. You only have to read the multitude of advertisements by law firms to see that none are for the benefit of the employers. However, this does not limit your right to discharge an employee or associate for a good reason, or for no specific reason at all, such as dissatisfaction or incompatibility. Just ensure that the discharge is not prejudicial or could not be classified as “wrongful dismissal.” This would include discrimination on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, nationality, or sexual orientation. You cannot fire someone who filed a discrimination claim, refused to commit an illegal act, or has a statutory right.

However, the law is not unfair. It provides the employer the opportunity to prove that the dismissal was not wrongful or prejudicial. It is imperative to methodically document the reasons and the steps you have taken in bringing about this action (see "Don’t Skip These Steps" below).

 [PAGEBREAK]

DOING THE DEED

Termination should never be a “shoot from the hip” reaction to a specific situation, rather it’s a well-thought-out yet timely process. Still, don’t delay it unnecessarily. Having concluded there is no alternative, plan the exit so it creates the minimum anguish for both you and the nail tech. Clarify why you are taking this action. Be clear about the reasons. Document those reasons. Avoid personal, degrading, or vague statements and don’t say anything that might suggest that the situation is reversible. Consider the possibility of an irrational, negative, or combative reaction and perhaps an appeal. Having reached this point, do it now, not tomorrow or next week. Never allow a tech or other employee a few days or weeks to get her things in order. This only permits this person to do nothing to further your salon but perhaps be more disruptive and bad-mouth you to others. Resolve the issues about confidentiality, ownership of clients, ongoing client retention, and her becoming a competitor. [Editor’s note: Read “When a Tech Leaves Your Team” in next month’s issue for more on this.]

If the problem is with a booth renter and you are little more than a supervising lessor, there is very little change in the procedures to be followed. In some cases, such with the Nails by Mel salon, where all techs are on month-to-month leases, the last month’s booth rent is prepaid. Martin suggests that if firing in mid-month you make a full refund of the unearned portion of the current month’s rent and the prepaid last month’s held on deposit. This way, you are rid of the problem — today.

AFTER THE TERMINATION

Some remaining associates may think you have acted too harshly and prematurely. Others will wonder what took you so long. Saying, “It’s not your concern” or something of this sort, may not cut it. You must gauge yourself as to how much explanation is required and what you are prepared to share. There is no definite rule as to how to deal with these situations. Make a judgment based on your personal salon situation.

If the fired employee asks for a reference, because of concern about being liable for defamation of character it is usually best to provide only the date of the termination and say nothing else.

Don’t Skip These Steps 

> Begin with a detailed investigation into the cause and probable action.

> Ensure that the problem or allegations are real and have been or can be substantiated.

> Have a sit-down with the associate and in an open, non-prejudicial manner discuss the problem or allegations.

> Give the associate every opportunity to respond.

> Seek an alternative solution to dismissal.

> Most importantly, when you are certain that the problem cannot be resolved do not sweep it under the rug. Act with discretion and candor.

> Where possible, convince the associate to quit. Get a signed resignation letter. This makes it better for both parties who can then avoid the potential pitfalls associated with termination.

Lloyd Manning is a semi-retired commercial real estate and business appraiser. He has had four business books and over 100 articles published in trade and consumer magazines and professional journals. His most recent book, “Winning With Commercial Real Estate,” is available from Booklocker Inc, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

You Might Also Like:

Melting Orangesicle Nail Art Tutorial

Happy Hibiscus Nail Art Tutorial

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter

You Might Also Like:

Purple Passion Nail Art Tutorial

Punctuated in Purple Nail Art Tutorial

Keywords

Follow @nailsmag on Twitter