Must-Have Manicures!

Going for manicures and having properly groomed nails is a larger trend than ever! The act of getting your nails done can be pure pleasure – a relaxing pampering practice and uncovering attractive hands and fashionable nails, all in one.

With the introduction of several new nail services into the beauty mix, we are here to educate you on some of the various choices to indulge your hands.

Also, we are going to talk about an important issue too – the uses of UV lights in nail salons!

Classic Manicure

This is the one that started it all! The Classic Manicure that you can find in every nail salon consists of the following steps: Old polish removal, cutting and filing of the nail to create the desired shape, soaking the hands to soften the cuticles, removing excess cuticles, relaxing the hands with a gentle massage of lotions and nutritious oils and finally, finishing off the look with application of nail polish of your choice.

These steps are usually practices in other types of manicures, so if you go for the classic, you can most likely expect these steps in glamming up your hands and nails.

Spa Manicure

The Spa Manicure combines the classic mani steps with a few additional treatments to take your hands to the next level. It provides all necessary nail and hand care and incorporates unique things in such as an aromatic salt rub, a longer deep tissue hand massage or a hydrating hand mask, where your hands are covered with a mask and wrapped up for 15 minutes – deeply cleansing and smoothing the hands.

Paraffin Wax Manicure

The Paraffin Wax Manicure is still seen as one of the most advanced treatments available for your hands and nails. It is a MUST for anyone who has extremely dry or overworked hands! After your nails are cut, shaped and cuticles are cleaned up, warm wax is applied from your wrists to finger tips. Once the wax is applied, your hands are wrapped up and remain wrapped for 20 to 30 minutes. This practice is meant to improve the moisture condition of your hands and leave a silky soft and smooth surface behind.

OPI Soak-Off Gel Manicure

OPI soak-off gel is a natural nail care gel product. It is used in most nail salons for advanced nail care. This gel is applied to the nail tip and it lasts for as long as almost 2 weeks without any crack or chip.

Shellac Manicure

The Shellac Manicure is one of the newest innovations in nail treatments. It combines the technology of special polish and UV light to create a manicure that will last a minimum of 14 days without those pesky chips, scratches or smudges.

Shellac has been a debatable beauty practice since it was introduced to nail salons. Yes, it does offer a picture perfect manicure for two weeks. However, with the growing concern about skin damage and skin cancer, the use of UV light is up for concern.

Here are a few important tips about Shellac – WEAR SPF on your hands when you get it, try to switch it up with classic manicures so your nails stay as healthy as possible and your hands won’t face the UV as often and make sure you get it done by professionals who know how to carefully remove it. Otherwise, top layers of your nails could be easily scraped off in the process.

Solar Nail Manicure

This is the new brain child of Creative Nail Design – the inventors of the Shellac Manicure. The Solar Nail Manicure involves the shaping, buffing and cleaning of a classic manicure and adds the innovative use of powder to give you perfect and strong nails. Also, there is no use of UV lights in the drying process.

Here are some important tips to keeping beautiful, healthy nails…

• Keep your nails hydrated – Use cuticle oil and lotion at least three times per week

• Wear rubber gloves whenever you are doing housework, washing dishes or gardening

• Push back your cuticles gently after every shower – this prevents damaged cuticles

• Dry your hands for at least two minutes – Leaving them damp increases risk of fungal infection

• Polish your nails – Even if it is a clear polish, it will help protect your nails

• Use polish removers that are acetone or formaldehyde FREE

Here are some important tips to keeping gorgeous, youthful looking hands…

• Moisturize your hands on a daily basis AT LEAST

• Make sure to incorporate SPF into your hand care routine – the skin on your hands age VERY easily

• Air dry your nail polish or use a nail fan without a UV light