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I recently came across an interesting article on nail salon hygiene while thumbing through a magazine at my local beauty salon.
In this study, a group of 15 nail salon shadow shoppers was asked to visit professional nail salons and report on their hygiene levels. (Naturally, I imagined myself being one of these lucky shadow shoppers and told to "go for it" at the nail parlor and to spare no expense - can you imagine? I'll take a french manicure, no ... wait! Make that a natural nail manicure, definitely a pedicure, gimme the latest nail fashion and make sure you use the best fingernail polish money can buy. Or maybe I'll just go crazy and add Hollywood nails, no ... acrylic nails, no, wait ... how about some nail tattoos, or some airbrushed nail art ... oh I know! give me some of those fabulous Tammy Taylor nails ... my, how lovely it is to daydream!)
Anyway, over 50 nail salons were visited and, according to the study, more than a third of the salons visited were found to be unsatisfactory, with their main complaints being bad hygiene standards, poor customer service and shoddily done manicures.
Upon entering the salon, the participants were instructed to ask for a complete manicure, tell the nail technician that they had never had a professional manicure done before, then ask the salon professional to describe what the process entailed. After the session was over, each of the participants were asked to fill a questionnaire, reporting on various aspects of their experience - levels of hygiene observed, how long the manicure took and how much it cost and whether the experience was satisfactory or not.
According to the report, 92% of the technicians who attempted to use metal cuticle clippers on the shadow shoppers didn't put on gloves. Even worse, they did not use an implement that was package-sealed, even though half of the nail technicians claimed the instrument had been autoclaved (an autoclave is a pressurized device that uses steam and high water pressure to sterilize equipment). The shoppers also reported several hygiene breaches on equipment such as nail files and buffers, which should either be disposable or cleaned between clients. A few salons had surfaces that weren't cleaned between clients and were covered in dust, or even pieces of skin. In one salon, a technician kept her dirty implements in the cash drawer.
Some of the actual comments from the survey participants regarding the low hygiene levels they experienced were as follows:
"The technician picked up the metal scissors ... used on someone else's feet ... she used them to cut some skin from around her own nail. She then went to use them on me." "This salon had an overpowering smell that burnt my throat and made me feel ill." "The technicians washed the handtowels in the foot spas." "Counters and floors were dirty, instruments reused and technicians did not wash their hands at all." "The technician had open wounds on her hands. I asked her to put gloves on."
If a salon has overpowering fumes, it may be a sign of poor ventilation, especially where a salon engages in a lot of acrylic nail work. The preferred substance for making acrylic nails, ethyl methacrylate, can be hazardous if used in a salon without proper ventilation. A strong, unpleasant odour could also mean they're using dangerous substances, such as Methyl Methacrylate (MMA).
What To Look For In A Nail Salon
Here are some of the things you look for when visiting a nail salon:
- Use only accredited salons and technicians and look for certifications of competency, which should be displayed prominently in the salon. - The salon should be clean and tidy, with linen and towels changed between clients. - All chemicals should be in clearly marked containers. - Metal tools that could penetrate the skin should be sterilized in an autoclave. - Non-disposable nail implements should be rinsed, scrubbed in tepid water and detergent and dried, or wiped with 70% alcohol between clients. - Some nail salons keep implements especially set aside for each regular client. You should ask your nail technician to do this for you, if you are a regular client of a nail salon. - Nail implements need to be clean and dry. Don't let anyone use an implement on you that's been left sitting in water, even if the water contains disinfectant. - Don't use a foot spa if you've shaved your legs the night before or on the day of the pedicure, of if you have any cuts on your legs, as this makes you more vulnerable to infection. - If you are having acrylic nails put on, ask your nail artist to explain the procedure, what products they're going to use and how to care for the nails at home. - Don't be shy to ask questions about the manicure, the chemicals being used and how the implements have been cleaned.
The salon I normally go to is very professional and clean, the technicians are highly competent and certified and all procedures are explained in great detail when asked. So, I went ahead and pampered myself for almost an hour and got myself some beautiful nails (included in the manicure was a nail bath, filing and buffing and cuticle work) and a massage. Maybe next time I'll go for nail tattoos or those Tammy Taylor nails!
Read the full article at: http://www.beauty-info-resources.com/nail-salon-hygiene.html
About The Author
Lisa Curiel is the editor of http://beauty-info-resources.com/, a site that provides articles, resources, news and information about beauty, skin care, hair care, nail care, weight loss and more. Visit her website at: http://www.beauty-info-resources.com/ for more information.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Acrylic Nails: A New Trend In Nail CareRachel Lynn
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Acrylic nails are made in many shapes and colors. The designs are catered to the customer�s taste. The acrylic nails are applied especially for special occasions, but there are also many women using acrylic nails daily, like a part of their regular beauty routine. Short, brittle nails are often a disadvantage and applying new long and strength nails is sometimes a good initiative.
Some people are biting their nails; it is a habit difficult to break. Applying acrylic nails make this habit harmless; many people can forget about biting nails then. Those artificial nails pasted onto the real nails are improving the hand�s aspect and are protecting the owner from biting. Your new nails will even compliment your hand jewelry.The materials are hard enough and impossible to chew. It is easy to split or break natural nails; artificial acrylic nails, pasted on the real ones, can protect the natural nails. Maintaining natural nails can be, for many people, difficult enough. The artificial nails must be maintained bi-weekly; it is a more comfortable and quick way to have beautiful nails all the time.
Nail technicians are recommending caring artificial nails like the natural ones. This means to not expose the acrylic nails to water for long time. The water can seep in between the natural and acrylic nails, causing problems and maybe infections. If the nails are applied using high quality materials, the user can go about their usual routines without worry, but they must wear rubber gloves when they are washing dishes,
Most nail technicians do believe that any damage caused due to the fixture of acrylic mails could lead to unwanted problems for natural growth of nails.
Acrylic nails are made mixing a powder and a liquid. Nail technicians shape into place and paint the nails using this mixture. Here is a nice beauty related site http://www.beautycap.com. The liquid recommended by the best professionals� artificial nails technicians is Ethyl Methacrilate, or EMA. It is more expensive than Methyl Metacrylate, or MMA, commonly used because it is cost-effective. MMA is connected to series of harmful side effects, like skin irritation, or irregular nail growth. Most nails artists urge the clients to use EMA, because its quality is superior. Some excellent materials, proper pasted nails and appropriate care insure the women that their nails will enhance their hands with elegance, style and safety.
Once care and maintenance are in place, the problem is to have an appropriate nail color, design and trend. French manicure is a very popular design: a simply natural nail color and white tips. The color complements any out fir, so this combination is very popular. Some clients are daring to play with color, so the nail artists are creating a plethora from designs, from stars to teddy bears.
Some clients prefer to add a little sparkle in addition to the color, design and trends. There are inserts that can be imbedded right into the acrylic. Tiny gems and stickers� that come in a large range of shapes, design and colors are the most common. There is also another current: the nail piercing. The nail is pierced by a nail technician with jewelry. This procedure is impossible on natural nails.
A nail application service takes about an hour. To realize the acrylic nail maintenance to the nails salon takes usually about twenty minutes. The visit must be done bi-weekly. the maintenance being cost-effective and brief.
About The Author
Rachel Lynn enjoys working with: http://www.ourmelateam.com http://www.mywebsharing.com
Acrylic nails are made in many shapes and colors. The designs are catered to the customer�s taste. The acrylic nails are applied especially for special occasions, but there are also many women using acrylic nails daily, like a part of their regular beauty routine. Short, brittle nails are often a disadvantage and applying new long and strength nails is sometimes a good initiative.
Some people are biting their nails; it is a habit difficult to break. Applying acrylic nails make this habit harmless; many people can forget about biting nails then. Those artificial nails pasted onto the real nails are improving the hand�s aspect and are protecting the owner from biting. Your new nails will even compliment your hand jewelry.The materials are hard enough and impossible to chew. It is easy to split or break natural nails; artificial acrylic nails, pasted on the real ones, can protect the natural nails. Maintaining natural nails can be, for many people, difficult enough. The artificial nails must be maintained bi-weekly; it is a more comfortable and quick way to have beautiful nails all the time.
Nail technicians are recommending caring artificial nails like the natural ones. This means to not expose the acrylic nails to water for long time. The water can seep in between the natural and acrylic nails, causing problems and maybe infections. If the nails are applied using high quality materials, the user can go about their usual routines without worry, but they must wear rubber gloves when they are washing dishes,
Most nail technicians do believe that any damage caused due to the fixture of acrylic mails could lead to unwanted problems for natural growth of nails.
Acrylic nails are made mixing a powder and a liquid. Nail technicians shape into place and paint the nails using this mixture. Here is a nice beauty related site http://www.beautycap.com. The liquid recommended by the best professionals� artificial nails technicians is Ethyl Methacrilate, or EMA. It is more expensive than Methyl Metacrylate, or MMA, commonly used because it is cost-effective. MMA is connected to series of harmful side effects, like skin irritation, or irregular nail growth. Most nails artists urge the clients to use EMA, because its quality is superior. Some excellent materials, proper pasted nails and appropriate care insure the women that their nails will enhance their hands with elegance, style and safety.
Once care and maintenance are in place, the problem is to have an appropriate nail color, design and trend. French manicure is a very popular design: a simply natural nail color and white tips. The color complements any out fir, so this combination is very popular. Some clients are daring to play with color, so the nail artists are creating a plethora from designs, from stars to teddy bears.
Some clients prefer to add a little sparkle in addition to the color, design and trends. There are inserts that can be imbedded right into the acrylic. Tiny gems and stickers� that come in a large range of shapes, design and colors are the most common. There is also another current: the nail piercing. The nail is pierced by a nail technician with jewelry. This procedure is impossible on natural nails.
A nail application service takes about an hour. To realize the acrylic nail maintenance to the nails salon takes usually about twenty minutes. The visit must be done bi-weekly. the maintenance being cost-effective and brief.
About The Author
Rachel Lynn enjoys working with: http://www.ourmelateam.com http://www.mywebsharing.com
Starting On A Career As A Nail Technician
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Career opportunities in the beauty industry are becoming more and more widespread, and one of the most popular choices is becoming a Nail Technician.
Nice nails are ‘cool’ and beginning on a career as a Nail Technician can be highly interesting and enjoyable. It can even lead to you owning and managing your own nail salon. So if you enjoy working with people, are creative and artistic, have a patient manner and like to keep up with the latest fashion trends, a nail technician could be the career for you.
Nail Technicians usually work in a salon with beauticians, hairdressers and so on. Some prefer to start up their own mobile Nail Technician business by providing a service for clients in their own homes. As you can imagine, whatever route you choose, it’s a great way to make friends!
But you don’t just walk into a nail salon and get a job. The only way to get practical training is to go to college or go through a private training provider. (The Association of Nail Technicians can advise you on this. Their web address is: ant.uk.net). In some cases, you may be able to take an apprenticeship scheme. However, by undertaking a Nail Technician distance learning course, you can learn all the theory involved and gain a huge amount of knowledge on nail care and nail art. (Some distance learning, or ‘home study’, courses offer as a supplement to the course, a special Nail Hand Trainer Kit which gives you the benefit of being able to practice before working on ‘real’ people).
On a Nail Technician distance learning course you will study topics such as manicuring nails; applying false nails or extensions; decorating nails with coloured varnish, glitter, gems or false designs; cleaning nails; how to check for signs of nail disease and the importance of following strict hygiene procedures. You will also learn all about how to conduct yourself in a professional manner in a nail salon, health and safety issues, advising on aftercare, nail art, the skin and its disorders, anatomy and physiology, manicure and pedicure, and the use of aromatherapy.
As we’ve said before, a career in the beauty industry is both interesting and enjoyable. Being a Nail Technician is a highly sociable experience. You are using your talent and creativity to improve the look and the condition of your client’s nails. You will make excellent contacts, and could even end up working with fashion designers or photographers on glamorous model photo shoots!
Shaun Birdhttp://www.uk-open-learning.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shaun_Bird
Career opportunities in the beauty industry are becoming more and more widespread, and one of the most popular choices is becoming a Nail Technician.
Nice nails are ‘cool’ and beginning on a career as a Nail Technician can be highly interesting and enjoyable. It can even lead to you owning and managing your own nail salon. So if you enjoy working with people, are creative and artistic, have a patient manner and like to keep up with the latest fashion trends, a nail technician could be the career for you.
Nail Technicians usually work in a salon with beauticians, hairdressers and so on. Some prefer to start up their own mobile Nail Technician business by providing a service for clients in their own homes. As you can imagine, whatever route you choose, it’s a great way to make friends!
But you don’t just walk into a nail salon and get a job. The only way to get practical training is to go to college or go through a private training provider. (The Association of Nail Technicians can advise you on this. Their web address is: ant.uk.net). In some cases, you may be able to take an apprenticeship scheme. However, by undertaking a Nail Technician distance learning course, you can learn all the theory involved and gain a huge amount of knowledge on nail care and nail art. (Some distance learning, or ‘home study’, courses offer as a supplement to the course, a special Nail Hand Trainer Kit which gives you the benefit of being able to practice before working on ‘real’ people).
On a Nail Technician distance learning course you will study topics such as manicuring nails; applying false nails or extensions; decorating nails with coloured varnish, glitter, gems or false designs; cleaning nails; how to check for signs of nail disease and the importance of following strict hygiene procedures. You will also learn all about how to conduct yourself in a professional manner in a nail salon, health and safety issues, advising on aftercare, nail art, the skin and its disorders, anatomy and physiology, manicure and pedicure, and the use of aromatherapy.
As we’ve said before, a career in the beauty industry is both interesting and enjoyable. Being a Nail Technician is a highly sociable experience. You are using your talent and creativity to improve the look and the condition of your client’s nails. You will make excellent contacts, and could even end up working with fashion designers or photographers on glamorous model photo shoots!
Shaun Birdhttp://www.uk-open-learning.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shaun_Bird
Nail Art
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Manicures generally include shaping the nails, cuticle care, hand massage and polishing and giving a glossy finish to the nails. Professionally manicured nails look neat and very attractive. Nail art is an artistic process, which involves special care of the nails. The nails can later be decorated with designs and colors that can range from plain prints and glitter to crystal and abstracts. The nail is the canvas on which people can also use fragile dried flowers or even smiley stickers or diamantes.
A nail stylist uses various techniques in order to attain the preferred effect. Acrylic nails are stuck on the nails in order to extended them. This works best for people who do not have long nails or chipped nails. The nails can then be polished with any color and smoothened to give it a natural look. Nail art is an imaginative process and people can get their nails painted or stick different gems or water based decals.
Hand painted nail art involves painting innovative designs on the nails. Sharp brushes are used in order to paint fine dots. People apply several coats of clear nail polish. After that, they use a toothpick to make stripes or patterns. When the paint is partially dry, people fix hearts or stars on it. Airbrushing involves the use of an air gun that lets out a fine spray. Bridal nail art involves delicate patterns and designs, on a French manicure base.
There are nail art galleries that provide a selection of nail designs to choose from. Sometimes they come with easy to follow directions to aid the readers. Some web sites also offer nail art pictures, which are created by nail stylists and are put up at nail art galleries. People can also search for online sites that display such galleries.
Nails provides detailed information on Nails, Nail Salons, Nail Care, Nail Art and more. Nails is affiliated with Make Up Tips.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Morgan
Manicures generally include shaping the nails, cuticle care, hand massage and polishing and giving a glossy finish to the nails. Professionally manicured nails look neat and very attractive. Nail art is an artistic process, which involves special care of the nails. The nails can later be decorated with designs and colors that can range from plain prints and glitter to crystal and abstracts. The nail is the canvas on which people can also use fragile dried flowers or even smiley stickers or diamantes.
A nail stylist uses various techniques in order to attain the preferred effect. Acrylic nails are stuck on the nails in order to extended them. This works best for people who do not have long nails or chipped nails. The nails can then be polished with any color and smoothened to give it a natural look. Nail art is an imaginative process and people can get their nails painted or stick different gems or water based decals.
Hand painted nail art involves painting innovative designs on the nails. Sharp brushes are used in order to paint fine dots. People apply several coats of clear nail polish. After that, they use a toothpick to make stripes or patterns. When the paint is partially dry, people fix hearts or stars on it. Airbrushing involves the use of an air gun that lets out a fine spray. Bridal nail art involves delicate patterns and designs, on a French manicure base.
There are nail art galleries that provide a selection of nail designs to choose from. Sometimes they come with easy to follow directions to aid the readers. Some web sites also offer nail art pictures, which are created by nail stylists and are put up at nail art galleries. People can also search for online sites that display such galleries.
Nails provides detailed information on Nails, Nail Salons, Nail Care, Nail Art and more. Nails is affiliated with Make Up Tips.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Morgan
Digital Nail Art Painter Paints Toe Nails
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Digital Nail Art Painter Paints Toe Nails by: Robert Geoghegan
After developing the nail art machine to print fingernails, then the next logical question would be 'how to print onto toe nails?'. At first you may think "aah this is easy, just put your foot in the machine instead of your hand". No, is the answer to that thought as the foot is inherantly different to the hand. Many problems were thus encountered.
Sandra Dean of 'Nail Art Study' remarked "A truly amazing thing would be, if the machine could print onto toe nails"
So, after months of development, a special cradle was developed to hold the foot and the toes in order to keep the toe nails steady whilst printing. Adaption to the software was also required to compensate for the uneven nature of different toe nails. Although everyones foot is different, and the differences can be more dramatic than with hands, the special cradle compensates for the idiosyncrases and adapts.
Fashion now goes a step further, and the world of design and art is now available for your toes.
"This enables our machine to be even better than before, with a world beating design and the option of toe nail printing - superb" Robert Geoghegan director Digi Printers ltd, acclaimed
To find out more visit http://www.diginailart.com/ or telephone 0870 766 2455
About The Author
Robert Geoghegan
Operations director of Digi Printers ltd, based in the UK. An electrical engineer by trade, but happened upon nail art technology through his wifes beauty business. Now has an indepth knowledge of these types of machines.
http://www.digi-printers.com/
rob@digi-printers.com
Digital Nail Art Painter Paints Toe Nails by: Robert Geoghegan
After developing the nail art machine to print fingernails, then the next logical question would be 'how to print onto toe nails?'. At first you may think "aah this is easy, just put your foot in the machine instead of your hand". No, is the answer to that thought as the foot is inherantly different to the hand. Many problems were thus encountered.
Sandra Dean of 'Nail Art Study' remarked "A truly amazing thing would be, if the machine could print onto toe nails"
So, after months of development, a special cradle was developed to hold the foot and the toes in order to keep the toe nails steady whilst printing. Adaption to the software was also required to compensate for the uneven nature of different toe nails. Although everyones foot is different, and the differences can be more dramatic than with hands, the special cradle compensates for the idiosyncrases and adapts.
Fashion now goes a step further, and the world of design and art is now available for your toes.
"This enables our machine to be even better than before, with a world beating design and the option of toe nail printing - superb" Robert Geoghegan director Digi Printers ltd, acclaimed
To find out more visit http://www.diginailart.com/ or telephone 0870 766 2455
About The Author
Robert Geoghegan
Operations director of Digi Printers ltd, based in the UK. An electrical engineer by trade, but happened upon nail art technology through his wifes beauty business. Now has an indepth knowledge of these types of machines.
http://www.digi-printers.com/
rob@digi-printers.com
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