MENU
SEARCH
A few days after ISSE Long Beach, Lisa came to our studio to do the nails for this month’s cover.
Lisa Wong has been a nail tech for more than 20 years and a CND Education Ambassador for just over half that time. She’s made it her mission to teach, guide, and motivate students to become successful in the nail industry. She even went back to school to get her instructor’s license and she’s taught several graduating classes. “There is nothing I enjoy more than teaching students the craft that has been my life’s passion,” says Wong, who lives in Vista, Calif. “This is what encouraged me to receive my instructor’s license and further a career in teaching. My hope is to instill the drive and passion into those I teach as they go out and make a lifelong career.”
Nail tech Lisa Wong instructs trade show attendees in the CND booth — this is where you’ll find her most often.
You can often find Lisa at CND’s booth at trade shows all over the country, doing demos and teaching classes on the company’s latest technologies. Her favorite subject to teach? Liquid-and-powder enhancements. When she’s not traveling to shows or teaching classes you can find Lisa at home with her 16-year-old daughter, (which is a “full-time job on its own,” she says), or filling in for instructors at a local cosmetology school. She’s hoping to eventually parlay that into a part-time job.
We asked Lisa to come up with a subtle French Twist design (you know, a spin-off of the traditional pink-and-white look), and we loved this swirling pattern she came up with. (She even sculpted moons!) We think this design could look great on brides and create a more unique pink-and-white feel.
Here’s how you can do these nails:
1. Prep nails.
2. Apply Performance Tips in natural.
3. Mix Soft White and Silver Shimmer for the tip. To achieve the smile line with a twist, use the tip of a size 10 brush to get the detail of the little twist. Sculpt it high enough so that when you apply the pink over the top, you can file down and it won’t file into the white.
4. Sculpt the lunula (moon) with the same Soft White mixture.
5. Apply the body of the nail with a mixture of Neutral Opaque, Perfect Pink, Metro Brown, and a hint of Copper and Silver Shimmer over the twist. Do not bring the pink up over the tip of the nail.
[PAGEBREAK]
6. File the nails to the desired shape with a Blizzard. Apply Solar Oil and buff with a Boomerang padded board to a high shine.
7. (optional) Apply a small silver bead in the middle of the silver swirl with top coat.
SECOND CALLING
You might recognize our makeup artist as nail tech and salon owner Maisie Dunbar. She got her makeup license in 2005 and launched her own line of cosmetics, Bluffa Jo Cosmetics (www.bluffajo.com) last fall. So what does the name mean? “A Bluffa Jo is a local Liberian (West Africa) term that describes a fashion-conscious person who possesses style, class, and exudes confidence,” Maisie says on her website. “She never leaves home without looking her absolute best. A Bluffa Jo constantly invests in items or events that celebrate and embrace her inner and outer beauty.”
For more information on CND products, visit their website at www.cnd.com. For more information on Bluffa Jo products, visit www.bluffajo.com.
Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.
Sponsored by Amex
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.
Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.
The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.
Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.
Sponsored by Amex
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.
Sponsored by Vagaro
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.
This list of watch-outs from @jodydoesjels prompted us to reach out to her and learn more. We had already fallen for her hand-painted designs and now we wanted to know more about this list she created to help clients decide if she was the nail tech for them.
Education is necessary for beauty professionals to maintain their cosmetology licenses, and paying for that education can be burdensome, but it doesn't have to be. Understand which education tax credits can help you offset those costs.
