Nails: Shelena Robinson, Crooked River, Ore.
Polish Shown: CND Shellac Black Pool and Zillionaire
Photographer: Vu Ong
Model: Jenna Chong, Body Parts Models
October 4, 2011
Learn how to do October's fun cover with Shellac.
September 23, 2011
Before she was a nail tech, Ena Rodriguez was a tarot-reading gypsy at Universal Studios Orlando. That’s where she first came across the art of henna tattooing.
September 16, 2011
CND’s Retention Starter Pack is an excellent acrylic kit for new nail techs, providing all the essential products needed to start offering Retention enhancements in the salon.
September 16, 2011
The Nail Superstore’s Artisan Acrylic Professional System was developed to exceed the expectations of nails techs regardless of their experience level.
September 16, 2011
Princess Nails has reissued its Original Acrylic Deluxe Kit, bringing a convenient and easy-to-use kit for acrylic newbies.
September 16, 2011
Dip It from Parley Innovative Solutions is a new acrylic dipping system that uses nanotechnology to maximize product performance.
September 16, 2011
There are many gel nail salons around where I live, meaning there are many people with gel nails. I do acrylic nails and I’m wondering if there is a special removal method to follow for gels because I know they don’t soak off like acrylic. I have a lot of people coming to me with their gel nails still on. Do I just thin them down as good as I can and apply the acrylic as usual? Will the acrylic still adhere with that thin layer of gel on? Or do I need to completely get rid of the gel and get to the natural nail to be able to apply the acrylic?
September 16, 2011
I need advice on how to get dried acrylic off my nail brush. I did my first set of fills today but now I am wondering how to clean my brush. My friend said soak it in acetone and then wash it really well. Could this affect my brush or is it OK to clean it?
September 16, 2011
Baby Foot Easy Packs are unique callus softening bags that use gel to help remove dead skin cells.
September 16, 2011
These two unique patented products remove callus with a curved surface to work around the contours of the feet.
September 16, 2011
Bio Creative has a new line of Mandarin and Mango spa products.
September 16, 2011
The Nano Series by Kinetics is made of four expert formulas that provide therapy for every nail type.
September 16, 2011
LaVaque has new Crystal Nail Files that can be used on both real and artificial nails.
September 15, 2011
Angel Love Nails is an organic, protein-based gel formula that creates lovely looking enhancements that are healthy for the natural nail.
September 15, 2011
Barefoot by LCN is a light-curing pedicure resin designed to restore the toenail partially or completely while providing an attractive result.
September 15, 2011
Made to be used in the salon or retailed as a high-end salon item, the new ANSR: Sole can tackle any foot problem — from simple calluses to extremely dry and cracked feet, according to the company.
September 15, 2011
Yep, you heard right. Though not a licensed nail tech, Cy Tymony, author of the new book Super Sneaky Uses for Everyday Things, has created an innovative way to use simple, small, and inexpensive electronics to make a fun and interactive nail art design that really shakes things up.
September 9, 2011
Keldara Salon & Spa, Dedham, Mass., has a pedicure that will really get your clients in the mood for fall.
September 23, 2011
In June, celebrity nail stylist Zoe Vokis Minxed Miley Cyrus for the Australian leg of her Gypsy Heart tour.
September 23, 2011
Virgin Atlantic named CND’s Shellac shade “Wildfire” the official nail color for its flight attendants.
September 22, 2011
Do most salons that have their employees purchase matching uniforms have each employee buy just one uniform, or do they buy multiple ones? Most of my techs work in the salon five days in a row.
September 21, 2011
I’ve noticed that nail ridges can show through Minx nail coatings. Are there certain styles of Minx that I should use (or not use) on clients who have very ridged nails?
September 17, 2011
We love this fun take on a jack-o-lantern by Tanya Arcuri-Gout.
September 16, 2011
We recommend For Your Nails Only, Painted Lady Fingers, Hey, Nice Nails!, Burgers and Nails, and 365 Days of Nail Art as worthy of an Internet bookmark. Find out why.
September 16, 2011
Duri’s Wine Tasting Party Collection features everything from a warm plum to a shimmery violet.
September 16, 2011
Tuff Scent Polishes offer a unique nail experience in that they give off a scent after they’ve dried.
September 16, 2011
Essie has a brand new bag for fall 2011.
September 16, 2011
Celebrate the scariest day of the year with OPI’s Halloween-inspired nail lacquers.
September 16, 2011
China Glaze’s new Haunting Collection will have Halloween fans glowing and crackling with delight.
September 16, 2011
If you want to stand out in the dark, go with Republic Nail’s new Glow In The Dark Polish line.
September 16, 2011
If you’re bored with just applying one coat of color gel and curing, try Entity’s One Color Couture Gels and its custom-mix combinations.
September 15, 2011
If you’re looking to let loose with your nail art skills, think about trying to tame Danalynn Stockwood’s fun zebra nail designs.
September 15, 2011
This alternative French by Jade Sewell is perfect for Halloween.
September 14, 2011
Try this nail art design on your client's for Halloween, or switch up the colors for a versatile design.
September 13, 2011
Clients who are known for nicking or smudging their polish within minutes of a manicure may benefit from Nails in Motion’s Tip Tops.
September 12, 2011
Brenda Rodrigues adds a bit of animal print flair to this bronze nail.
September 12, 2011
If my clients want their Minx to last longer, can I seal it with a gel top coat? And will this ruin the shiny chrome effect of the Minx?
September 12, 2011
Definition: The 90-degree angle shows up creatively in fall designs.
September 10, 2011
Brandy Williams supports her local sports team.
September 9, 2011
What brand of acrylic paint is used for One-Stroke painting?
September 9, 2011
Hanh Lisa Doan envisions a butterfly-filled flower field with her nail art design.
September 9, 2011
When G Elizondo couldn’t find a manicure table to meet all of her specifications, she designed her own. We love how she built up, not out, adding an extra horizontal tier to get the clean workspace she desired.
September 9, 2011
As an esthetically pleasing alternative to the boring paper towel, use new Toddy Cloths from Toddy Gear to do a quick clean-up of nail tables or salon reception desks in between clients.
October 5, 2011
Many of you tell us you lead with a compliment. When you meet someone who is a potential client, what do you say in a minute or less to introduce yourself as a nail tech? In other words — what’s your elevator speech?
October 5, 2011
Talk about bragging rights. Amy Becker has earned a spot on NAILS’ Top 25 Competitors list more times than anyone else in its history. And finally, for our 2010-2011 competition year, she’s snagged the top spot.
October 4, 2011
We asked nail techs to finish this sentence: Nail techs don’t let nail techs…
October 4, 2011
Retail can be intimidating — if you think it makes you look like a salesperson. Rather than thinking of retail as “making the sale,” consider it a way of offering your professional opinion.
October 4, 2011
Open for less than a year, this urban chic salon has a cool vibe that meshes well in its up-and-coming Brooklyn neighborhood.
September 30, 2011
Forget the hair dye and get natural versatility for your clients’ hair with feathers. Removable and easy to apply, feather hair extensions give highlighted texture and personality to their locks.
September 30, 2011
Angelica Chavez, a nail tech at Hot Heads and Cool Claws in Albuquerque, N.M., is also a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter.
September 28, 2011
With style and dedication to “no-chip” services, Gloss Nail Spa was the first business to open in a newly developed Milwaukee neighborhood, and it has no plans to leave.
September 23, 2011
Set for October 14-17, 2011, this year’s Nailtechs Networking Retreat is jam-packed with education, seminars, and lots of fun at a beautiful waterfront retreat center outside Seattle.
September 23, 2011
Virtually doubling in size from the previous year, the fourth annual Nail Tech Networking Event of the Smokies, held on June 26-27 at the River Terrace Resort in Gatlinburg, Tenn., saw 150 attendees enjoy the 23 nail booths and 50+ educators who demonstrated cutting edge techniques, with many debuting new nail products.
September 16, 2011
Salon Iris salon software is partnering directly with Dell to offer customized hardware and computer packages.
September 15, 2011
Other than money, what would motivate you to work harder at your current salon?
September 14, 2011
Industry trainer Steve Gomez is hosting a series of complimentary Milady webinars designed for salon and spa professionals.
September 14, 2011
Adrienne Schodtler may be too busy at the salon to reach out personally to each of her new neighbors in the town of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., but Schodtler, owner of Nails by Adrienne, employs a service called New Neighbor to do just that.
September 14, 2011
Don’t forget the fundamentals of making a good first impression on new clients.
September 14, 2011
The dog-lovers among your clients will be thrilled to find Puppy Paint on your retail shelves.
September 9, 2011
I’m getting kind of tired of all these consumer bloggers online who are just infatuated with nail polish and post endlessly about polish and doing their own nails. I mean, sure, they probably help increase the awareness of nail care and new products (mostly polish), but I think it’s time for those of us on the professional side of the nail world to take back our place in the pecking order.
October 4, 2011
Achy shoulders, numb thumbs, sore muscles, and persistent exhaustion. Sometimes aches and pain seem like an unavoidable by-product of doing nails. One nail tech disagrees.
September 30, 2011
Sometimes called onychorrhexis or onychoschizia, brittle nails peel, split, and break easily.
September 30, 2011
Wondering what else you can do to help? Here’s how some of your colleagues are raising funds and raising awareness at the salon.
September 16, 2011
This nail strengthening and growth treatment uses a natural mineral complex to reverse nail damage.
September 16, 2011
The proverbial bread in the polish sandwich, base and top coats help polish adhere to nails and prevents nails from chipping and breaking.
September 15, 2011
I am a long-time nail enthusiast who finally found the time to go to nail school. I am enjoying my decision thus far, but I have found that acrylics (including odorless) bother my allergies and asthma. I was wondering what advice you might have. And could I be successful offering little to no acrylic services?
September 15, 2011
By becoming a member of the International Pedicure Association (IPA), nail techs can demonstrate to clients and peers their commitment to providing safe, professional pedicuring services.
September 15, 2011
At Spa Gregorie's, a small Southern California-based chain of salons and day spas, they make it easy for their clients to raise money for their favorite causes.
October 27, 2011
PNI Worlwide introduces LightSpeed, a new UV Soak-Off Gel Polish system.
October 27, 2011
Yoga Sandals’ Velvet Comfys position your feet naturally as if you were bare foot, enabling your feet and lower legs to exercise as you walk.
October 27, 2011
En Vogue’s new collection of Extender Modeling Resins, Sealers, and Colour Gels are available in a beautiful assortment of shades for creating perfectly pretty nails for clients.
October 27, 2011
LcB Nail Lacquers were developed by LaKhiva Blann to build self-esteem among women and encourage empowerment, self-value, and inspiring individuals to give back to charities and organizations that are dear to the heart.
October 26, 2011
Young Nails has come out with a new winter collection for its ManiQ gels.
October 26, 2011
Kupa Incorporated offers the nail technician an ultrasonic vibrating machine that is the latest trend in salon disinfection.
October 26, 2011
Light Elegance's new Glitter Gel will make clients stand out during the cold with all kinds of shimmer and shine.
October 26, 2011
The Soi Company has a collection of hand-crafted candles that are eco-friendly and produce a healthy environment through their beautiful fragrances.
October 26, 2011
Bring out your inner Mrs. Claus with these Christmas-inspired decals.
October 26, 2011
Nubar’s Infinity Pastels Collection of colored acrylics offer a nice range of softer shades for you to blend and create new batches of client-color favorites.
October 26, 2011
Sheba Nails’ new Sologel Soak-Off Gel Polishes come in 23 shades that give excellent color saturation and nail coverage, apply easily like polish, and soak off in 10 minutes or less.
October 26, 2011
Wet Paint’s new Bitten Collection will help clients feed their inner vampire.
October 26, 2011
BB Cosmetics has a new collection for its Couture for Men Color Polish line called Eye Candy.
October 26, 2011
Alfalfa Nail Supply’s Botanical Escapes Renewing Rose line of skin care products will hydrate parched skin while leaving a fresh scent of rose.
October 26, 2011
Bellissima International has a special color gel kit for this holiday season, Glitz Candy Cane Nails.
October 26, 2011
Touring America by OPI defines the look of nails for fall and winter, with twelve shades that revive classic, iconic colors — from cool gray, khaki, and chocolate to warm rose, peach, and red.
October 26, 2011
Republic Nail’s Moon Collection of acrylics give you eight color powders that can be custom blended, and they actually glow in the dark once set on the nails.
October 26, 2011
The new Naro Cordless Nail Dryer can effectively dry nails on even the smallest of workstations, and with its cordless functionality and low weight it can quickly be transported anywhere in the salon.
October 26, 2011
Antoine de Paris nippers are available in many jaw sizes, single or double spring, as well as gold or satin finish for a more individualized look.
October 26, 2011
Whether you use them in the salon or retail them, clients will enjoy the more than 30 scents of The Soi Company’s eco-friendly, hand-poured soy candles.
October 14, 2011
Developed by Julep Nail Parlor, a Seattle-based nail salon chain, Julep Nail Vernis is a professional-quality line of runway-inspired nail colors and finishes.
October 7, 2011
Excalibur Nail Crystals by Republic Nail are stunning embellishments for your clients’ nails.
October 31, 2011
Deck your salons with the latest and greatest holiday-themed products, and celebrate the holiday season in style.
October 31, 2011
Industry icon Tom Holcomb passed away on Friday, October 28, 2011. We've gathered photos from over the years to help remember this amazing man.
October 13, 2011
It’s rough out there these days, and we’re not even talking the economy. It’s those craggy and cracked patches of dead skin that pop up from toes to heel and can become debilitating to a client’s sole if left untreated. Here’s a sampling of callus products to help keep feet soft and smooth this winter.
October 30, 2011
Pink is pretty on its own, but mix in metallic shimmer and the shade takes on a sexy edge.
October 29, 2011
Industry legend, competitor, innovator Tom Holcomb passes away.
October 29, 2011
Just a reminder that OPI is still selling its I Love DKMS Nail Lacquer, in which OPI will donate $20,000 from sales directly to DKMS, the world's largest bone marrow donor center.
October 28, 2011
With its clean design, the new Poshé website (www.poshe.com) reflects classic Poshé branding.
October 28, 2011
The CND Shellac Salon Certification program will assure salon customers across the U.S. that their Shellac services are authentic and of the highest quality.
October 28, 2011
Essence magazine gives readers tips this month on how to keep their nails staying fresh in between manicures.
October 28, 2011
What are the happening hues for fall? Olives, blues, and mixed fruit.
October 27, 2011
The Color Me Fierce package at the St. Giles Hotel New York - The Court includes manicure services and nail art designs from the talented hands of nail tech Lisa Logan.
October 27, 2011
This holiday season, OPI pays homage to America’s favorite Muppet friends as they hit the big screen in Disney’s “The Muppets.”
October 27, 2011
The October 2011 issue of Vogue featured a two-page spread about fall's magnetic manicure, calling it "hard to resist."
October 26, 2011
Forever French appears in ABC Family movie "Teen Spirit."
October 26, 2011
After 25 years in one location, Tammy Taylor Nails has moved and expanded, doubling its space.
October 26, 2011
Called Nailphilia, London’s first-ever nail art exhibition took place in September at the DegreeArt.com Execution Room.
October 26, 2011
In Cosmopolitan's October 2011 issue, stylists recommended trying dotted nails.
October 25, 2011
Glamour magazine told us the top 10 things they love in the nail universe.
October 24, 2011
Is it good to trim between bikini wax appointments? Why or why not? Bliss spa director Wendy Allred shares her advice.
October 21, 2011
Actress Britt Robertson told Teen Vogue this month that Essie's sophisticated purple polish called Smooth Sailing is one of her eight beauty essentials.
October 21, 2011
While everyone else is spending their money on this season's new nail polish shades, Lisa Logan, Beyoncé’s manicurist, is mixing last year's hues to make new ones.
October 20, 2011
Kenneth Reiner who, with his wife Dottie, co-founded salon furnishings and accessories manufacturer Kayline Enterprises, died on September 21.
October 20, 2011
Jim George of W.I.N.B.A., Nail Emporium, and INM passed away. Industry veteran Vicki Peters shares a memory of him.
October 20, 2011
Every year, beauty magazines such as SELF, Glamour, and Elle round up the latest pink beauty products to benefit breast cancer causes. Spread awareness this month by using or selling them in your salon.
October 19, 2011
The October 2011 issue of SELF Magazine features 2011's best nail trends and gives readers tips on how to create the two-toned manicures making an impact this season.
October 17, 2011
An October 2011 InStyle Reader Poll revealed surprising statistics on women's eyebrow and bikini-line maintenance habits
October 14, 2011
Katy Perry was featured on the cover for InStyle's October 2011 issue donning CND's Rock Royalty shellac polish.
October 13, 2011
Designer Pamela Love deemed "crazy nail polish" as her favorite accessory in an October 2011 interview with InStyle magazine.
October 11, 2011
Decorative Asian-inspired nails and '70s glam polishes were spotted on the runway this fall, according to Marie Claire magazine.
October 9, 2011
This season, it's all about the finishing touch. And according to a Harper's Bazaar stylist, a perfectly polished manicure in a sophisticated color achieves this put-together look, and goes a long way.
October 7, 2011
Use pastel polish shades to create a preppy, Tommy Hilfiger-esque look this fall.
October 5, 2011
For fall 2011, OPI takes to the open road with 12 stunning new shades that bring a fresh spirit of classic American style to life.
October 3, 2011
Allure's Best of Beauty Hall of Fame, featured in their October 2011 special issue, features 11 exceptional products that have racked up more awards than imaginable.