Want a Summer Safe Pedicure and Manicure?

With today's economy, we all know how hard it is to keep those Spa appointments without feeling guilty or tapping in to your savings. Spa's can be expensive, although personally, I feel they are worth the money, not everyone can continue the cost of a Spa treatment. Spa's are generally a safe place to get your nails done and have a great serene atmosphere, but it does come at a price, so if you are tight on cash but need your nails done, here is a way to still get your hands and feet looking great, with little money and little worry of getting an unsafe Pedicure. You may not get the Spa atmosphere, but you'll still come out having a fresh Pedicure or Manicure for a fraction of the cost. Being a Nail Technician I know the worry some of us have with going to a "quickie" nail salon, so here is a safe way to get your nails done without the worry of infection or fungus.

First, I recommend bringing your own implements. Sally's Beauty Supply sells kits with all the amenities you'll need. For around 10.00$ you can buy a Pedicure/Manicure set with Nippers, Cuticle Pushers, Clippers and sometimes they will include a file. If not, pick a file off the shelf. Try to get a 100/180 grit. Those last and aren't too abrasive for natural nails.

Second, because many salons aren't great about sanitizing their tubs due to the quick turn over of clients, it is best to ask that the jets in your tub be left OFF. This is to stop any dirty bacteria from getting into your water. If the jets are not cleaned with bleach and ran for at least an 8 minute cycle, then whatever dirty water was in the tub before you, can be flushed right back into your water once the jets are turned back on. The bacteria from the pervious pedicure, stays in the tubes of the jets until it is flushed out.  Trust me when I say that you need not feel embarrassed to ask a nail technician to use your own implements. If they care about your health and safety, they will be happy to serve you with or without your own implements. This is your health, so don't be afraid to protect it. Carry your implements in a baggie and remember to take them with you after your treatment.When you get home, wash them with hot soapy water and an old toothbrush and let them air dry. Once they are dry, put them in the fresh baggie for future use. Files should never be shared but can be washed for your own use. It is recommended you disinfect your implements for 5 minutes in a disinfectant solution like Barbisol, ( also available at Sally's Beauty) with a 1 to 10 ratio of solution and H20.

No establishment in California within the Nail industry can EVER re-use any nail file on more than one person. They are not sanitizable by the laws of state board. If you ever do get your nails done without bringing your own implements, you must ask for a new file and avoid getting your cuticles nipped to prevent infection incase they are cut too close. Following these easy steps will assure you a safe and worry free salon visit.

Have a great Pedicure and Manicure experience and have a Happy Summer!

DIY Manicures

Love getting a manicure only to have it chip hours after its done? By knowing how to give yourself a manicure, and with the right tools and products, your nails can look just as great as the one's you pay weekly for. Believe it or not, nails are important in one's appearance and are often the focal point when dealing with customers! With six simple steps, learn how to maintain great looking nails without the salon cost.

When starting a home manicure, remove any old polish from the nail bed. After the polish is removed, clip the nails straight across, slightly above the skin. Don't cut the nails into points or try and shape them with cutters, it will only make them more prone to breakage.

Next, file nails straight across, rounding slightly on the corners. The correct term for this shape used in all the salons is called 'squoval', square on the top, corners rounded like ovals. File from the outside to the center of the nail to prevent tearing and grinding away at the nail.

After filing, apply cuticle remover on the cuticles, and then soak fingers in warm soapy water for a few minutes. Avoid letting them soak long because if the nail is too saturated, it can make the nail soft, making it harder to apply polish. If nails are yellow or stained from constant use of polish, add a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice to the water.

When the nails are done soaking, use an orangewood stick wrapped in cotton to gently push back cuticles from the nails. With cuticle nippers, trim hangnails and avoid cutting the cuticle to prevent infection. Massage hands with a hand or body scrub, and then rinse and apply hand cream. Add cuticle oil to the cuticles and massage to allow the oil to soak in. After moisturizing, clean the nails of oil by using a cotton ball with polish remover to prepare nails for paint.

The Spa Code of Conduct

The Spa Code of Conduct spells our you rights and responsibilities as a spa guest so you have a more satisfying spa experience.

Here is the Spa Code of Conduct:

As a Spa Guest, it is your responsibility to:

• Communicate your preferences, expectations and concerns
• Communicate complete and accurate health information and reasons for your visit
• Treat staff and other guests with courtesy and respect
• Use products, equipment and therapies as directed
• Engage in efforts to preserve the environment
• Adhere to the spa's published policies and procedures

As a Spa Guest, you have the right to:

• A clean, safe and comfortable environment
• Stop a treatment at any time, for any reason
• Be treated with consideration, dignity and respect
• Confidential treatment of your disclosed health information
• Trained staff who respectfully conduct treatments according to treatment protocols and the spa's policies and procedures
• Ask questions about your spa experience
• Information regarding staff training, licensing and certification