Technique

Polka-Dotted French Mani

April Wynne, a Tampa, Fla.-based nail technician of 13 years, created this cute and simple manicure and it became an instant summer hit.

Take the Sting Out of Waxing

Because, let’s face it, waxing can hurt, GiGi No Sting Wax ultra-gentle wax incorporates kava kava within the wax formula.

Gelish's Matte French Mani

MaeLing Parrish, Gelish's U.S. Dean of Education, uses Matte Top It Off to create a sleek matte French manicure.

Swarovski Crystal Nail Design Kits Step-by-Step

Gina Silvestro shows how to use a new Swarovski Crystal Nail Design Kit to create a stunning embellished look.

Dry But Fly

Wow your clients with waterless pedicures that go above and beyond what’s expected — with iPods, heating pads, and new products — to create a more luxurious service.

Pink Berry Lemonade Pedicure

Nails by Kari in Covington, Va., has created a Pink Berry Lemonade Pedicure for clients.

Lavender Sparkle Spa Pedicure

Andre's East Hairstyling of Sewall's Point, Fla., offers a Lavender Sparkle Spa Pedicure to clients.

Hygienails Kit's Hydrating Boots and Gloves

The ladies of Hygienails Kit demonstrate how to use the company's disposable packs of boots and gloves that are specifically designed to protect and soften skin and cuticles. Each pack includes a sterile pair of gloves or boots filled with a special cream, a nail file, and a wooden stick. To use, put the gloves/boots on your client, massage for three minutes, remove the gloves/boots, and wipe skin with a wet towel. 

Chill Out: Cooling Pedicures

Summer is prime time for nail care as more people wear open-toed shoes and take off their gloves. Sometimes a service in 100-degree temps is more about escaping the heat than it is about getting glammed up. Consider offering your clients cool-down services this season that combine relaxation and nail sophistication.

Aria Sonic Skin Cleansing Device

Clarisonic’s new Aria Sonic Skin Cleansing device for facials makes a great secondary service at any salon.

Kickstarter-funded Nail Wraps

Independent nail wraps brand Scratch needed $6,000 to do a run of three of its latest styles. Founder Chelsea Kent, a web designer with a love of the arts, put the project on crowdfunding site Kickstarter.com. She received a whopping $36,865 in donations.

Look for Inspiration Everywhere

Nail art ideas can come from real-life (and fantasy) places.

A Decal Declaration: Nail Art Appliques

Declare yourself a nail artist after using these embellishments intended to inspire creativity. With advanced technology, the decals’ ultra-thin quality allows for product layering, and you can even incorporate them into your own designs. They’re easy to use and a great way to give your clients exciting nail art with reduced service time. Ranging from full-coverage to subtle trimmings, there’s a decal out there for everyone.

Erica's E-File Pedicure Service

Backscratchers Stainless Steel Implements

Backscratchers’ Septifile Stainless Steel Files and Cuticle Nippers are made of surgical-grade metal that is durable and ergonomically designed for precision handling.

Take a Tip From...CND's Roxanne Valinoti

CND's Roxanne Valinoti suggests using Brisa Lite Smoothing Gel as a stand-alone correction service for clients whose nails are slightly less than perfect.

GiGi's New No Sting Wax

GiGi just released its No Sting Wax, which is infused with kava kava (a natural numbing agent) to help relieve pain and discomfort.