March 1, 2010
When it comes to that happiest part of the nail we all know and love, there’s no one right way to make it perfect. Smile lines can adapt to the nail to complement the shape and design of the nail. Akzentz educator Gina Silvestro of Gel Essentials in Cranston, R.I., shows her ideal smile lines for several different nail shapes.
March 1, 2010
OPI’s Axxium Soak Off Gel Lacquers come in a number of fan-favorite OPI polish colors and are easily applied and soaked off. The gels are perfect for busy women that demand long-lasting color, and best of all, toes can go straight into shoes immediately.
March 1, 2010
Cuccio Naturalé’s Deep Dermal Transforming Wrap has a new intense formula that brings moisture to the deeper levels of the dermis.
March 1, 2010
Jessica Vartoughian has a few tricks up her sleeve thanks to the last three decades of taking care of Hollywood’s elite fingers and toes.
March 1, 2010
North Point Nail Spa, San Francisco, shares the step-by-steps for an energizing pedicure.
March 1, 2010
Step-by-step by Vito Mazza Salon & Day Spa, Woodbridge, N.J.
March 1, 2010
Nails by Brenda Skermont, AbFab Salon and Spa, Rockford, Ill.
March 1, 2010
Nails by Natalie Wolfe Wargo, Shear Innocence, Johnstown, Pa.
March 1, 2010
Nails by Michelle Ward, Toe-tal Tranquility, Columbus, Ga.
March 1, 2010
Nails by Cassie Fero, Eugene, Ore.
March 1, 2010
Nails by Joanne Truitt, Boca Nail Depot, Boca Raton, Fla.
March 1, 2010
Nails by Michelle Conde, Nails by Michelle, Miami
March 1, 2010
In September, Mexican nail techs gathered to compete at the Puerta Vallarta Nail Art Contest. Competitors had two hours to create a full set of decorated nails working solely by hand.
March 1, 2010
Big. Bold. Bright. Color. That’s what we thought when we opened the 2010 spring polish collections. This season’s new nail colors are the brightest, boldest, most vibrant hues we’ve seen in years. So instead of showing you a few colors from each collection (which frankly wouldn’t do them justice), we decided to showcase the collections in full so you can get the same dramatic effect. For once, we have no props, no gimmicks, no stories — we’re simply letting the colors speak for themselves.
March 1, 2010
Pioneering the latest trend in nail polish, CND’s new Colour and Effects line allows you to create endless combinations of unique polish blends by combining rich nail colors with an assortment of shimmering effects that will change the look and gloss of the finished nail.
March 1, 2010
When Shauni Kelly was creating Hot Heads Barbershop and Cool Claws Nails in Albuquerque, N.M., she wanted to take the “rock star pedicure” service to the extreme — by tying the entire pedicure room decor into the “rock star” theme.
March 1, 2010
It’s an open secret that many salons owe their interior design to their neighborhood IKEA store. The home furnishings giant — known for its affordable prices, streamlined modern design esthetic, do-it-yourself assembly, and store layouts that mimic individual room layouts — is the perfect design playground for the money-wise entrepreneur.
March 1, 2010
Designers bring splashes of sunshine to the runway for spring 2010.
March 1, 2010
Nail artists compete in a challenge to win a trip to New York City Fall Fashion Week.
January 1, 2011
For those of you who work in full-service salons, how would you characterize the relationship between nail techs and hairstylists?
March 1, 2010
Surprise! It’s often said that school does little to prepare techs for the salon environment. And it’s not only the technical challenges that may come as a surprise to the newly minted nail tech.
March 1, 2010
As with all things in life, you only get one chance to make a good first impression. The same applies to your business cards.
March 1, 2010
When was the last time you cleaned out your desk or manicure table drawers, your storage room, your client fi les? I urge you all to do a little spring cleaning.
March 1, 2010
Conservative wisdom reminds us to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Create a plan now that prepares you and your staff for the day when a minor disaster strikes.
March 1, 2010
From cafés to pharmacies, customer loyalty programs are earning people points that translate into savings. Some salons have taken advantage of these programs as a creative way to expand their customer base. “Loyalty programs open an opportunity to develop relationships with your clients, and they create repeat business because there is an incentive to return to your salon,” says Nicole Leinbach Reyhle, founder of Retail Minded in Chicago.
March 1, 2010
Recently, Groupon’s New York City website featured a $25 Hot Lavender Cream Manicure at Sweet Lily Natural Nail Spa for just $12. When the day was over, Sweet Lily had sold 1,661 Groupons, far surpassing its 200-purchase minimum.
March 1, 2010
Here are 10 simple but powerful tools to get off to a good start and build on a positive first impression.
March 1, 2010
In the world of salon and spa brochures, what separates the good from the great? While there is no one-size-fits-all formula, here are nine tips for better brochures to get you going in the right direction.
March 1, 2010
From colorful bottles and brushes to sophisticated gift baskets, it’s hard to tell whether these grooming products are for your pet, or for you! Stock your salon with these novel items that are ideal for pet lovers.
March 1, 2010
Part art, part science, pricing your services is one of the most important and delicate tasks you’ll undertake in the salon. And no two salon owners approach it quite the same. We asked readers: How do you decide how much to charge for a particular service?
March 1, 2010
Debra Rowlands, nail tech. In her other life: family/community partnership specialist.
March 1, 2010
The reassignment of a spouse or fiancé in the military is difficult enough on a personal and emotional level, but it can also be tough professionally for nail techs who depend on loyal clientele.
March 1, 2010
It’s sometimes instructive to take a look at the nail salon industry from the other side of the chair: the client’s side. That’s why it can be especially insightful to chat with a select breed of nail salon owner: the client-turned-salon entrepreneur.
March 1, 2010
In opening Tierra Mia Organic Nail Spa, Justin Mitchell and Karina Restrepo bring water-based polish, Latin flair, and a designer’s keen eye to the Philadelphia nail world.
March 1, 2010
A well-known presence at every Young Nails tradeshow booth, G Elizondo has come a long way in her four-year nail career. The prolific artist posts her work regularly on BeautyTech.com and NailsMag.com forums, and has a knack for staying on top of the latest crazes in nail designs and pop culture. NAILS got a chance to talk to Elizondo about how she stays inspired.
March 1, 2010
Nail techs play an important role in protecting clients. The three Cs — cuticles, colors, and contours — can be early indicators of larger health problems.
March 1, 2010
Painful and often persistent, plantar fasciitis can be troublesome to treat because what is necessary seems nearly impossible.
March 1, 2010
Irritation and sensitivity are possible with the use of almost any essential oil.
March 1, 2010
Chamomile has been used for centuries in Europe as a popular herbal treatment for numerous ailments, and chamomile tea is said to have mildly sedating effects.
March 8, 2010
May Queene’s new rose-scented nail tips are sure to be a hit this spring season.
March 8, 2010
Zoya’s new Reverie collection of polish for spring has six new, dreamy metallic shades.
March 8, 2010
Footlogix Pediceuticals uses a new science called Dermal Integration Technology to improve the effectiveness of its foot care products so they can penetrate quickly into the skin.
March 8, 2010
Superstar Nail Lacquers offer great color, fast dry times, and a wide variety of shades to choose from.
March 8, 2010
CHI introduces its new Ceramic Clothing Iron that heats up extra fast to lessen ironing time.
March 8, 2010
Pixi’s environmentally friendly nail polish collection is formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP-free, and comes in over 30 shades.
March 8, 2010
Shake up your average manicure with Xtreme Nail’s new Manicure Shakers. Shake in a little for a touch of fizz or shake in a lot for a refreshing experience.
March 8, 2010
Essie’s Exfoliating Foot Scrub is specially formulated to remove dry and flaking skin effectively.
March 8, 2010
The Depilar System uses the latest in advanced scientific research to offer effective and affordable body hair removal for all sexes, races, hair colors, and types.
March 8, 2010
Antoine De Paris’ #14 Cuticle Nippers has a box joint, comes in single or double spring, and is made of cobalt stainless steel.
March 8, 2010
Popping with optimistic brights and sweet pastels, China Glaze’s Up and Away Spring Collection provides seamless and even coverage in a rich crème formulation.
March 8, 2010
California Mango’s Mango Extreme Hand and Body Crème is a long-lasting and luxurious solution for extra dry skin.
March 5, 2010
Orly’s Foil FX Collection of polish puts a unique texturized foil effect on nails.
March 5, 2010
Get dolled up with ArtClub’s Technicolor Doll polish collection. The collection is ideal for making highly-styled nail art.
March 5, 2010
NSI has new Illusion Soak-Off Gel colors for the spring, bringing metallics, creams, brights, and neutrals to complement the festive season.
March 5, 2010
Robanda International’s PumiceSpa pumice bar comes in an easy-to-hold shape and works wonders on smoothing both hands and feet.
March 5, 2010
Entity’s Nudite Nail Sculpting Powders are corrective sculpting powders in shades of pink and white that are designed to hide flaws and enhance the natural look of nails.
March 5, 2010
Dazzle Dry has a new four-shade line of glitter colors called Jewels Effects.
March 5, 2010
One With Nature Lotions are Dead Sea Mineral Lotions that restore skin on the hands and body.
March 5, 2010
Give nails a jolt with Jessica’s Mega Watt Style polish. The unique bottles attract the client’s eye, and the bright color and high-gloss top coat seal them in for nail-shockage.
March 4, 2010
As the glitter gel toenails craze continues among clients, Light Elegance has released a gel line that makes life easier for the nail techs who do this popular service.
March 4, 2010
Rubis Switzerland’s Graffiti Tweezers feature four urban art-inspired designs.
March 10, 2010
Salon owners looking to go green can suffer from information overload and become paralyzed, says Tamara Jercha, president of the National Association of Eco-Friendly Salons & Spas (NAEFSS). “They do nothing because they don’t know where to start,” she says. Her solution: Begin with the Salon & Spa Sustainability Model, created by the NAEFSS.
March 10, 2010
Irritation and sensitivity are possible with the use of almost any essential oil, says Jimm Harrison, author of Milady’s Aromatherapy: Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils for Esthetics. This is one reason most aromatherapy experts recommend against using undiluted oils on the skin.
March 8, 2010
Among the 10 Most Wanted picks for March is Priti Nail Polish in Kingfisher Daisy--a shade reminiscent of a blue jay's distinct color.
March 8, 2010
Self's March issue highlights OPI's new Alice in Wonderland-themed nail colors, out in time for Tim Burton's movie.
March 8, 2010
According to Allure magazine, "new lacquers in colors such as mint and robin's-egg blue look tempting on short nails." Clients and nail techs have an array of new pastel colors to choose from.
March 8, 2010
Shape guest editors Kristin Cavallari of "The Hills" and Jennifer Garner, a star of "Valentine's Day," pick their favorite beauty products.
March 5, 2010
Jan Arnold, CND's trend expert, tells Redbook Magazine the new nail shape to have is a rounded oval on short- to medium-length nails, which results in a more feminine look.
March 5, 2010
Redbook Magazine says mint "gives all your fashion and beauty basics a refreshing twist."
March 5, 2010
Nail tech Myrdith Leon-McCormack, whose work has been seen on the runway for famous designers, created her own line of polishes, M2M DamoreJon Natural Nail Care.
March 5, 2010
The Essence glam squad gives advice on affordable beauty solutions under $20. Squad member Pam says, "Trend-charting colors and salonworthy tools make manis an affordable indulgence."
March 5, 2010
Elle's 'It List" for the spring include cool pastels, glitzy metallics and ombré neon. The list includes colors from Essie's The Art of Spring collection, in Pop Art Pink and Lilacism, which "give pastels a new cool."
March 5, 2010
For L.A.M.B.'s spring show, Gwen Stefani says style was "a modern twist on the 80's." This means quiffs, short white nails, and bright turquoise lids, according to Elle.
March 5, 2010
Elle's March issue includes a Spring photo shoot of new objects of desire. On the model's nails: OPI Nail Lacquer in You Don't Know Jacques!
March 5, 2010
Debroah Lippman used a hot melon shade on the nails of a Zac Posen model, while a white base coat under yellow polish brings out the fluorescence on a Rag & Bone model, as reported in Elle's March issue.
March 1, 2010
Irritation and sensitivity are possible with the use of almost any essential oil.
March 1, 2010
Vivienne Tam's eye-catching butterfly notebooks were seen on the runway, and OPI's Hong Kong colors are now available on Dell laptops.
March 1, 2010
According to Marie Claire, cosmetic companies are following the runway dance trend with ballet-pink palettes and feminine scents. One polish example: Essie in Prima Ballerina.
March 1, 2010
Marie Claire features futuristic silver accessories, ranging from makeup to purses to nail polish to sandals. Try CND in Silver Chrome for this matching effect.
March 1, 2010
According to InStyle, a mixture of warm gray, cappuccino brown, and mauve create "the newest neutral for nails," with undertones that are flattering on all skin tones.
March 1, 2010
Have clients coming in with stained nails? Instyle reveals the remedy for getting rid of nail stains that come from dark polish.