A Walk Down Blog Avenue
Blogs can be a wonderful outlet for personal creativity, as well as powerful business tools to help build a loyal clientele. Here are some things to remember if you decide to start your own blog.
by Tim Crowley
Tim Crowley
Senior Editor
A Tip by Any Other Name
Though many technicians prefer to sculpt, a pre-made nail tip that can be adhered to the natural nail can give newbie nail techs a nice runway to learn the delicate craft of gel and acrylic sculpting, while providing great-looking results.
by Tim Crowley
Airbrush Basics
Using an airbrush is a great way to expand your nail art creativity if you’re hesitant about your handpainting skills. Airbrush kits typically consist of stencils and paints that are used to quickly and easily spray intricate designs onto nails, and airguns typically come in single-action and dual-action.
by Tim Crowley
On the Road: Saffore's, Hollywood, Calif.
Check out a salon that specifically caters to men, including an NBA star or two.
by Tim Crowley
Chemicals Most Wanted: Bad Rap or Due Justice?
We’ve all heard of them by now. The big three: formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (aka DBP). But what exactly are these chemicals and why have they been systematically eliminated from cosmetics?
by Tim Crowley
The Big Dip: Paraffin Waxes
Paraffin waxes are renowned for their healing and pain-relieving properties. The wax was first used by doctors to help relieve arthritis pain but has since become a standard in nail salon services. Here’s a quick dip into the world of paraffin, from different warmers to proper cleaning procedures, as well as a wax roundup.
by Tim Crowley
Color Captivated
Ever notice how certain colors can brighten up skin tones and complement them perfectly, while others ones just fall flat? There is a long history of color theory and cosmetics, and once you learn a little about how colors work, you can make chic polish recommendations and get clients color-captivated.
by Tim Crowley
A Little Time (Line) for Pink-and-Whites
Feel like you could stand to sharpen up on your liquid-and-powder application times? Then check out the timeline breakdowns from four experienced pros, and compare your own personal bests (and maybe find a new technique or two along the way).
by Tim Crowley
Survival Tips:Staying Afloat in a Sinking Economy
Nail salons are one of the more resilient businesses in stagnating economies, but the current downturn has reached everyone to some extent. Many salons are still thriving despite the slowdown — so what’s their secret? Seven techs share their experiences on how they’re beating the odds to stay afloat.
by Tim Crowley
Take a Tip from ... OPI’s Christy Graham
Educator and guest nail artist for OPI, Christy Graham knows what it’s like for an acrylic tech to switch to using gels.
by Tim Crowley
They Wear Gels in Germany, Don’t They?
That was about the only thing I knew before heading to the Beauty International Show in Dusseldorf, Germany, this past March. I had never been to Europe before and spoke no German, but I was eager to learn everything I could about the German nail industry. Unearthing stiletto styles, licensing loop-holes, the economic recession and more, the German nail industry proved to be a fascinating player in the worldwide nail market.
by Tim Crowley
10 Money Wasters (and how to stop the waste)
In tough times, little things count, and small efforts to save a bit of money here and there can add up over time. Every day there are opportunities to save, and it’s really easy to do once you identify where the waste is happening. From buying bulk sizes to shopping for furniture at a swap meet, these little things can make a difference in your budget.
by Tim Crowley
On the Road: Alessandro Intl. Nail and Foot Spa, Dusseldorf, Germany
Germany in March can be a bit colder than my native Southern California, so it was with pleasure that I ducked into a local salon to warm up and get a quick manicure. Alessandro International Nail and Foot Spa is located in a quiet suburban city just southeast of Dusseldorf.
by Tim Crowley
Take a Tip From ... Color Club’s Mare Horak
Getting a good product application can be tough enough just using acrylics or gels, but when you start adding nail art embellishments like glass beads, crushed flowers, small rhinestones, or tiny seashells, you have to take extra care to prevent lifting. Art Club educator Mare Horak explains how she uses embellishments without compromising enhancement quality.
by Tim Crowley
Nailtural Natural Nail Treatment
Nailtural Botanical nail care and nail treatment system specializes in natural plant extracts with organic ingredients. These products help create a healthier salon/ spa environment and fulfill greener product demands.
by Tim Crowley
Silicon and the Salon: A Match Made In Heaven
From client bookings to reports on product usage, find out what's going on inside the latest silicon chips for salons.
by Tim Crowley
Nailing the Perfect Smile Line
Having a crisp, deep smile line can set your work apart from other nail techs in your area. It’s one of the easiest ways to advertise yourself as an above-average tech who puts extra effort into her services. CND educator Kimberly Jones, of Patrick’s of Atlanta in Buford, Ga., explains how she gets these great-looking smile lines.
by Tim Crowley