Nail Care

We now have a new Nail Technician, Alison, who will provide expert nail care, this can include applying acrylic nails and nail art. Alison uses "Young Nails".

Alison will also be able to apply eyelashes. She can also undertake eyebrow and eyelash tinting!

MANICURES.

A manicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and hands. A manicure can treat just the hands, just the nails, or both. A standard manicure usually includes filing and shaping of the nails and the application of polish. Treatments for hands usually include soaking in a softening substance and application of hand lotion.

Manicure tools and supplies
Bowl of warm water or finger bath
Cuticle pusher/Hoof stick
Nail file/emery board, buffer, scissors and brush
Cuticle remover, oil and cream
Nail polish / Base coat polish
Topcoat or sealant

French Manicure
A natural pink base nail with white tips characterizes French manicures. It resembles a natural nail. The tips of the nail are painted white while the rest of the nail is polished in a pink or a suitable nude shade.

Hot oil manicure
A hot oil manicure is a specific type of manicure that cleans the cuticles and softens them with oil. This style of manicure is popular with male clients.

Paraffin treatments
This is meant to impart heat to the hand for the purposes of relaxing the skin and making it better able to absorb lotion, which is sometimes rubbed on the hand before submersion into the paraffin. The hand is usually dipped more than once to allow a thicker wax coat to form, making the coating stay warm for longer and less likely to break or tear prematurely. They are wrapped, and then covered with cloth to retain warmth.

ARTIFICIAL NAILS

There are two main approaches to creating artificial nailstips and forms. Tips are made of lightweight plastic plates that are "nail" shaped. They are glued on the end of the natural nail and acrylic is then applied over the entire nail. Forms are fit under the nail and then an artificial nail is moulded out of acrylic and the form is removed and then properly shaped and buffed to a shine. There are several popular techniques that can be used to create longer more perfect looking nail enhancements.

Acrylics
A mixture of a polymer powder and a liquid monomer. The mixture starts to harden in 3040 seconds after application and continues to cure to final hardness typically for more than an hour. Powder and liquid acrylics can be removed in 20 minutes using a variety of solvents. Acrylic nail powders are available in a variety of colours and can use "special effects" such as contours, sparkles and the very popular French Manicure.

UV Gel
Another material, commonly called "UV gel", under ultraviolet light. Depending on brand these can show a broader variety of quality and properties (flexibility, strength, etc.) but may be but more expensive. They generally cannot be removed by organic solvents, but only be removed by filing (or left to grow out with the natural nail).

Silk Wraps
Another popular alternative to acrylic or gel preparations are Fiberglass or Silk wraps. They are done by cutting pieces of actual fiberglass or silk fabric to fit on the surface of the nail or tip and then it is sealed down with a resin or glue. These are a possible alternative for those who are allergic to chemicals used in the acrylic or gel process. Other materials can be used, as well as combinations of them. There are also temporary, cheaper flexible tips that can be quickly glued at home without help from a professional.

PEDICURES

A pedicure is a way to improve the appearance of the feet, and their nails. It basically is a manicure for the feet. The word pedicure comes form the Latin words pes, which means foot, and cura, which means care. It also means the care of the feet and toenails. A pedicure can be helpful because it can prevent nail diseases and nail disorders.

Foot Massage
Feet, leg, hand, and arm massages are an important part of pedicures and manicures. This technique helps to relax the person having the treatment. Foot reflexology has been widely used while giving the foot massage. Practitioners may also massage with hot stones in their hands, and use special creams that have menthol in them and which are said to help rejuvenate the foot.