Do you ever read the directions on nail products? Maybe a glimpse to be sure you’re using it properly or just full steam ahead because how hard could it really be anyway? Sometimes you can get away with doing just that and no one is any worse for the wear. Sometimes your client pays the price, or even you might pay the price. I have some photos that I have taken in the last month of people that attended my class. I promised not to name names or even locations so don’t even bother to ask ;o) Just think to yourself, do I use everything properly or am I putting myself or my clients at risk?

These nails were done with a used file bit and the eponychium was cut off. The cuticle and eponychium work together to protect the nail matrix, it is a good idea to know what each of them are and how to take care of them. (Editor's Note: Here's a great story about the understanding the cuticle.) You should also be aware of proper sanitation AND disinfection of everything you use in the salon. (Editor's Note: You can find everything you want to know about sanitation and disinfection here.)

This thumb is used to rub in a product, which is meant to be applied with something other than your skin (like a cotton pad, ball, or gloved hand), then removed/deactivated with water. I can’t even count the number of times I have mentioned removal of this product with water in my class as being important, only to find that techs are using everything but water to take it off.

We are smart people, right? You are all brilliant in so many ways, so let’s not have the old joke about men not reading directions take on new meaning. Read directions, use products properly, have MSDS sheets handy, and be the best and most informed professional you can be!

— Holly