I am a current licensed Nail Technician in Florida. I specialize in natural nail care, but have knowledge in artificial enhancements as well. I currently work in an upscale spa. Ask away!
I researched this when first going to school to be a Nail Technician (since I didn't want to ask the question in class because it felt awkward) and stumbled across an article online. The article link I posted below is from a very reputable trade magazine for Nail Technicians (NAILS magazine) - my favorite trade reading material! This should answer your question:
http://www.nailsmag.com/article/40699/the-asian-influence
I'm assuming you are talking about polish thinner - it is specifically formulated to restore nail polish to it's original state! If the polish is thick, it is going to chip easier. That's why we thin the polish out - two thin coats help sustain the life of your manicure or pedicure :) I'm sure you can ask them to not put any thinner in the polish their using, but you shouldn't hold them responsible for the life of your polished digits since they were not able to do what they professionally believe is right -by their client's request.
Tricky.
Not all women like getting their nails done. I find for the most part women like to be pampered. During a manicure or pedicure they receive a massage as one of the steps in their service -- it's all about them during their appointment. For example, a lot of Moms come in that don't have time for themselves otherwise and like to spend that time relaxing while sipping on wine (at least, we serve wine complimentary at my spa) while getting a pretty polish on their toes or hands. For most women, getting a manicure or pedicure makes them feel beautiful, just like when getting their hair done or putting on makeup.
But, it's also a trendy thing to do. Women who love fashion or are creative like to come in to get their nails done (the latest fashion magazine will have the hottest trends on what color polish is in for this season and what celebrity is wearing the most trendy nail art) and have 'girl talk'. It can kind of be like a therapy session - a lot of clients end up feeling more like old friends at the end of their appointment to me.
Last, it is really for our (and your!) health. Manicures keep nails at a healthy length, clean and hydrated while de-stressing you (the massage also increases circulation in the matrix area which in turn helps nails grow, for people who may have trouble with that). Pedicures do the same as manicures but also help with built up dead skin and ingrown toenails that make it painful for people to walk. Also, it helps with foot odor.
I certainly have more female than male clients and if we are talking numbers -- in a month I'd say I might have 3 male clients total. In the two years I've been in the nail industry I have noticed men coming in with their girlfriend, spouse, partner, etc. to get manicures and pedicures done rather than coming alone. Most men that I've done nail services on prefer pedicures for the foot massage! I think it also helps that my spa has a men's changing lounge for massages and our pedicure room is semi-private. All in all, males are coming in more without shame!
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I'm not quite sure if this question means males to females receiving nail services or working in the industry, so I'll answer in two parts.
1. If you meant the ratio of males to females receiving nail services:
Please refer to the very first question posted here.
2. If you meant ratio of males to females who work in the nail industry:
I can't answer for the whole industry as a fact, but what I have observed going into trade shows and visiting many different spa/salons is that there are about 85% of female Technicians and 15% male Technicians. I do not work with a male Nail Technician at my spa/salon, but there are males that work there that have different titles. It's a shame, because I feel we would definitely have more male client presence if we did have more male Technicians.
I'm not going to lie to you for the Nail Industry's sake. Pedicure basins are as clean as the technician makes it. There are a strict set of sanitation rules by law salons/spas have to go by in every state - if we don't follow them and get caught, the establishment may be fined heavily (sometimes even the technician can get fined or lose their license!). I can only speak for Florida's laws: You should make sure your Nail Technician is scrubbing the basins and running the water through with bleach or germicide for at least ten minutes (assuming it's a whirlpool basin). I would ask any new (or your current) Nail Technician what their cleaning practice is and what products they use to clean with. If they get offended by you asking then leave! I make sure I follow the rules by law and am very open and honest with clients - having groomed nails is not just cosmetic; it's about health too.
1. How I first took this question: The time of your nail service varies from every spa/salon, but is usually according to what type of manicure you want.
For example, a dry manicure at my spa is inclusive of nail trimming/shaping/buffing, cuticle care and polish (15-20 minutes). A spa manicure is inclusive of everything a dry manicure includes AND you also get a soak, scrub, massage, mask and paraffin (60 minutes). You can even choose to get a hot stone massage as an additional charge.
With that said, the only way to prolong your manicure is to add extra services (you could possibly ask to pay more for extra massage time). You can definitely spa/salon shop as well to see who offers more for their prices... But are they giving you QUALITY service/products with proper sanitation? That counts!
2. This is how I think the question was meant: How long do manicures last after leaving the salon?
Manicures can last up to two weeks. However, most manicures end up lasting 2-3 days for most people. First, make sure to use cuticle oil daily to condition your nails and cuticles. Put a thin layer of top coat (purchase from your Nail Technician for the best protection) every other day to sustain the life of your manicure OR the best option - get gel polish instead of regular lacquer! It cures under a UV or LED light and will truly last up to two weeks. Also, any manicure is most likely not going to last two weeks if your hands are continuously in water as it expands your nail plate.
Not a dumb question at all!
Nail lacquer/polish is all about being creative and expressing yourself. Having a different color on each finger may be a trend at the time, each color may mean something to the individual, or it simply doesn't have a meaning other than they were feeling creative in that moment and wanted something fun on their nails!
Nails that are painted a solid color or have designs serve the same purpose as having a tattoo or wearing certain style clothes to express who you are :)
Emma,
I'm assuming you are asking if you don't wear nail glue, will the nail continue breaking (?)
The answer is yes your nail will continue to break, because you don't have anything bonding the nail plate together or protecting it (you can ask your Nail Technician about doing a nail wrap to save the nail, if you're doctor allows that before your operation - I'm guessing doctor disapproval is why you can't keep applying the nail glue to begin with).
If I was in your situation and couldn't receive a nail wrap, I would just trim the nail and all the others to the same length (unless you want to let that one grow to the other's length). After your operation you don't want to worry about your nail. After all, you want to focus on healing. I think there is only so much you can do for a cracked nail until it is time to let go of wanting the length and start fresh by trimming it. It's unfortunate, I know! Good luck to you and hope you feel better as soon as possible after your operation!
Ha! If I had a penny for every time I've been asked this question.
Sometimes I have clients ask me how I cope with touching other people's feet all day, especially if they are 'more gross than normal'. The more my client's feet need 'love' the more I enjoy it because I have a passion for what I do - you could ask my coworkers! I love helping people feel better through the service I give and the end result. I am fully aware that not everyone has the money to go get a pedicure every 4-6 weeks - but there is home maintenance you can do between pedicures, which I enjoy educating clients on.
To answer your question bluntly - No, I do not believe I can say there were a set of nails that were the grossest simply because I don't recall a single client that has walked out the door that didn't have better groomed nails then when they walked in!
I understand how frustrating callus removal can be. If you have tried many different removal procedures with no luck, I would recommend that you see a physician. However, if you feel that is unnecessary at this time, try this method:
1. Purchase a liquid callus remover (can purchase at Sally Beauty Supply) and apply ON THE CALLUS ONLY.
2. After the callus remover is applied, wrap your hand in a warm towel for ten minutes.
3. Wipe off callus remover with towel that you wrapped your hand in. Using a sand-paper like file, gently remove some of the callus (do not file too much and do not use a grate-like file, as both of these methods could cause the callus to grow back thicker).
4. Repeat every three weeks. Make sure to keep your hands moisturized just like you would your feet to prevent more callus.
It's important to remember that since the callus has been building over time, it isn't going to come off in a day; be sure to keep doing the removal process unless your skin becomes irritated. Best of luck to you!
I haven't had a problem with my rhinestones getting cloudy unless I am using nail glue to apply them first and accidentally get some on top of the rhinestone. If that is what you are doing: you should apply the nail glue to the nail in a very SMALL amount along with using tweezers to carefully place the rhinestone.Other than that, I would try switching top coats because maybe you have color polish residue in your top coat (is the top coat cloudy?) or change the top coat you are using.
Yes, they do. I have posted a link below from my favorite trade magazine to give you insight on what salon inspectors look for:
http://www.nailsmag.com/article/91579/the-secret-life-of-a-salon-inspector
Ardelle,
I have to admit that I don't have experience with the Orly gel polish system but I can tell you what I know based on experience:
My recommendation would be NOT to combine gel systems. The simple reason being that gel polish is not like regular polish. Each brand is scientifically formulated to be used with their special base and top coat cured under light to give you the desired results you would expect (you would also need to make sure the different gel polish you are using cures with the kind of light you have; LED/UV). Also, I have noticed there can be a slight difference in the removal of different gel brands.
I have mixed gel polishes before and the results were not great. The gel polish either didn't last as long, had shrinking, or the coats looked streaky. There is a chance someone out there has mixed other gel systems with Orly FX and it works for them, so you could experiment. However with my experience, I would rather stick to one product line that has been giving me the results I want.
Emerson,
The youngest girl I've ever gave a child's manicure/pedicure on was less than 8 years old. I can't say that I've been noticing mothers bringing in their daughters at younger ages because my younger clients have always varied in age range.
For the past two years at the spa I work at, we have had a elementary school that pays for a group of girls who scored the highest on our state test to receive express manicures and pedicures. I think that is the only time doing a manicure or pedicure on a child has ever stuck out to me, because a school was paying for it. I wish my school did that when I was that age!
Ellen,
Service providers choose to wear masks because they are exposed continuously all day to that environment. As the client, you are not exposed as much as they are by one visit. Nail Technicians aren't just exposed to the fumes from nail products, but also the excessive nail dust while doing such services as acrylics many times a day. They (I say 'they' because I specialize in natural nail care only) wear masks for both reasons.
However, if you feel you need to wear a mask when getting your nail service then by all means, go for it! It shouldn't offend any of the Nail Technicians, as they understand the reasons behind doing so. I certainly wouldn't mind if my client decided she/he wanted to be protected as well.
Interesting question! I am very focused on my work and can't say I think about anything else while on the job because I am very detail oriented... unless I am talking with a client about other subjects such as restaurants, movies, etc!
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