Earn Certificates of Achievement as you test your skills with NAILPRO’s Professional Participation Program. In each issue, you’ll find a multiple-choice test that will allow you to demonstrate what you’ve learned from Nail Clinic. Read July 2018’s Nail Clinic, “Uncomfortably Numb” in our July 2018 digital edition – it has all the info you’ll need to pass this quiz!

When you earn 80% or higher on this quiz about client pain, you’ll be awarded a framable Certificate of Achievement. A perfect score earns a Certificate of Achievement With Honors.

[Photo:Getty Images]

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If you’ve ever drooled over some of the awe-inspiring nail work that’s come out of New York Fashion Week, then you’re no doubt familiar with dynamic duo Shelena Robinson and Heather Reynosa. The pair of CND education ambassadors take an almost scientific approach to nail design artistry: They weigh the length of the nail bed; measure the influence of the design across all 10 nails; and think about color, composition and style before diving in. To create our cover look, the pros started by extending the model’s already glorious nail plates with acrylic just for some added length. Then, they utilized the brand-new addition to the CND product family: Shellac Luxe. The newest iteration is a two-step system (no base coat needed!) that provides not only luminous shine and 60-second removal (what?!), but it can also be used to create nail art—as seen in the 3-D pebble design running the length of a few tips. From the hot pink hue to the various art techniques (loving the sugared white accents), Reynosa and Robinson proved to be true creative masters. But if you think that means behind-the-scenes was all business, think again. These artists were all smiles and big laughs, from their music selection (’90s rap, anyone?) to their interview (which had the entire crew in hysterics)—a winning combination for this summer cover for sure.

Be sure to pick up your copy of the July 2018 issue if NAILPRO or view the digital edition here.

The post Creating the July 2018 Cover of <span class="search-everything-highlight-color" style="background-color:orange">NAILPRO</span> Magazine with CND appeared first on Nailpro.

Seasoned pros and top educators share their favorite tricks for creating unforgettable gel services.

With all of the new innovations in the nail world, we don’t seem to talk about gel polish as much as we used to—but that doesn’t mean the service doesn’t deserve some love! After all, gel polish brought women back to the salon and remains one of the most-requested services out there. So we’ve tapped a slew of gel polishing pros for their best, most used and, in some cases, secret tips to ensure long-lasting results and damage-free removal. Plus, check out the hottest colors of the season that your clients are going to want now!

ibd Pinkies n Cream

Orly GelFX After Glow

CND Shellac Gypsy

1.Stick to a System: Make sure that you use the same manufacturer’s primer, base, color and top coat. If you mix and match products, you can face a number of issues, including product breakdown, premature lifting and difficult removal, which can cause damage to the nail. —Genesis Ward, educator, EzFlow

2. Know Your Client: The ideal client for gel polish is one who has nice natural nails and wants the color to stay on for two weeks. However, gel polish isn’t suited for everyone; some clients are too hard on their nails and others will pick it off. For those clients, I recommend a soft or hard gel service. —Vicki Ornellas, global educator, ibd

3. Don’t Rush: Take your time with each step, from cuticle care to nail prep to application. This will save time overall because you won’t have to fix mistakes later. —Mary O’Brien, nail enhancement specialist, Studio Twenty Nail Stylists, Broomfield, CO

4. First Hand First: Perform your prep and primer on one hand at a time. Instead of dehydrating and priming both hands at once, dehydrate, prime and gel base on one hand, then repeat on the other hand while the first is curing. This ensures maximum adhesion, as you don’t run the risk of oils resurfacing in the nail or your clients touching something. —Ashley Thornton, instructor/educator, Cuccio Pro

5.Go Waterless: Dry manicures (i.e., avoiding water, oils or lotion prior to the gel application) are the best way to prep the nails for a long-lasting gel manicure. —Elaine Jones, educator, Orly

OPI GelColor Pink Ladies Rule the School

Evo2 Pippa

Young Nails Go Time Love Is Love

6. Pro Primer: I always use a bonder on my gel manicures before applying base coat in order to make sure that the gel will last on my toughest clients. —Reina Santos, owner, Luxe Nailscape, Fairfield, CA

7. Turn, Roll, Twirl!: I start my gel manicure by prepping the color: First, I turn the bottle upside down and roll it between my hands for about 30 seconds. Then, I turn it back over, open the cap and twirl the brush in the bottle for more pigment mixing. —Kelly Bannon, educator, Orly

8. Thin Is In: It shouldn’t look like the client is wearing a coating on her nails! Don’t attempt full coverage application on the first layer; this can lead to thick-looking polish that may not fully cure, only to peel off in sheets a few days later. —Roxanne Valinoti, education manager, CND

9. Load, Wiggle and Pull: I like to load up my brush, then wiggle it up to the cuticle area. I let it rest there for a couple of seconds to let the gel flow down. Once I’m happy with the cuticle area shape, I wipe off the excess gel from my brush and pull any remaining gel down toward the free edge. —Leah Palhegyi, founder, Luxapolish

10. More Is More: When using light or sheer colors, I find that applying three thin coats of gel is better than fixing two thick coats that can run into the sidewalls. —Terry Nguyen, global educator, Kiara Sky

Gel II Fish Lips

Gelish Flip Flops and Tube Tops

Entity Gel Little Pink Romper

11. Shortened Return: If you find your gel polish shrinking, try applying color to two fingers at a time, and then flash-cure it to set the gel polish in place. —Michelle Dao, educator, Gel II and La Palm

12. Brush Up: When layering colors, use a gel brush to apply the second color. You’ll get more even coverage, a thinner application and a perfect finish. —Heather Reynosa, education ambassador, CND

13. Artist at Work: Using gel polish as an art element is very forgiving. When adding details to a design, remember that any mistakes can be wiped away and given a second chance until the nail is cured. This is very helpful, as things don’t always go as planned! —Kesha Scales, owner, Spoil Me … Nail Bar, Memphis, TN

14. Acrylic Add-On: When applying gel polish to acrylic nails, skip the base coat and only cap the free edge once with the color and top coat. This will keep you from losing your shape and making the nail appear too bulky. —Janelle Akers, owner, Nailed by Nell Salon and Gift Shop, Lake Silkworth, PA

15. Bright Idea: Good workspace lighting is key. Rotate the nail between your fingers under a bright light, side to side and up and down, to see any bubbles, lint or spots you may have missed. This will help you see any imperfections so you can fix them before curing. —Emily Oakley, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Gelaze Chalk Me Up

OPI GelColor Was It All Just a Dream

Akzentz Luxio Brazen

16. Long Wear for Tough Tips: Try sealing the free edge with only base coat and top coat, no color. I find that on some clients, this technique makes gel polish manicures last longer. —Yuliya Normand, lead educator, Entity Beauty

17. Precise Clean-Up: If I get gel polish on the cuticle, I use a walnut picker to clean it out. It’s a metal tool with a perfectly shaped tip for the job! —Danielle Candido, master educator, Gelish

18. Choose Your Potion: I prefer using gel polish remover over acetone. It breaks down the gel faster and doesn’t evaporate like acetone. —Vicki Ornellas, global educator, ibd

19. The Heat Is On: Removal goes faster when heat is applied. After wrapping nails in removal solution foils, wrap each hand in a warm, wet washcloth and then cover both hands with a dry towel. The gel polish will start flaking off in no time! —Alisha Rimando, executive vice president and creative director, Artistic Nail Design

20. Double Down: Instead of having my clients soak off their gel polish in acetone, I apply two coats of base gel with every service. By doing this, I can file off the gel polish without damaging the natural nail. I leave a thin coat of the base gel on the nail and do all of the prep work and filing, then go in with a new coat of base and gel color. I’ve found that my clients’ nails stay healthy and strong without the constant use of acetone. —Lisa Silveous, Lisa’s Nail Nook, Centerburg, OH

Gelaze Casual Friday

Artistic Electric Daisy Girl

Gelish Limonade in the Shade

[This article was originally posted in the July 2018 issue of NAILPRO]

The post 20 Tips for Achieving Flawless Gel Manicures appeared first on Nailpro.

Zaza Nail and Wine Lounge

It’s not uncommon for upscale salons to offer their clients a complimentary glass of wine with services, especially in California, where the recent passage of the “Drybar bill” made the practice legal. ZaZa Nail and Wine Lounge in San Francisco, however, has taken the concept to a whole new level, offering guests the opportunity to purchase a glass, or even a bottle, from a sommelier-selected menu of white, red, rosé and bubbly wines. “We offered complimentary wine after the bill passed, but we couldn’t really offer quality selections,” says ZaZa owner Rachel Cheng, who opened her salon in 2005.

ZaZa Owner Rachel Cheng

Recognizing that many of her clients were interested in drinking wine during services and when they booked parties at the salon, Cheng decided to apply for a liquor license in 2016. Around the same time, she met sommelier Allegra Angelo, who created a curated wine list especially for ZaZa. After completing a renovation that included the addition of a chic wine lounge at the front of the salon, Cheng officially launched the new concept and branding in January of 2017, aptly summed up by the salon’s hashtag, #GetPolishedDrinkWine. “Our motto is low-sugar, natural, no headache wines,” says Cheng, adding that the focus complements the salon’s emphasis on nontoxic beauty and nail services featuring natural and eco-friendly products, many of them made in-house. “Most of them are from France or Italy, though we do have some local wines as well.” Wine menus are displayed at every station, and selections are updated every few months.

Zaza Nail and Wine Lounge

ZaZa holds tasting events every other month, where guests can purchase packages that include a manicure or pedicure. The salon also introduced happy hour pricing ($5 for a glass of wine) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, when business is typically slower. Parties have been popular as well. “We stay busy during the week with many back-to-back company functions,” she says. “They blow away bridal showers and bachelorette parties for us.”Cheng’s hybrid business model has helped her establish a new revenue stream—essential in the salon’s high-rent neighborhood that’s home to tech titans like Dropbox and Strava—as well as attract new clients. “Nail salons are a dime a dozen; you come in here and it’s a little more of an experience,” she says. “I think this concept would also do great somewhere else where rent is less expensive.”

How would you like some wine with your mani/pedi? Let us know in the comments below!

[This article was originally published in the July 2018 issue of NAILPRO]

The post ZaZa <span class="search-everything-highlight-color" style="background-color:orange">Nail</span> and Wine Lounge is the Toast of the Town appeared first on Nailpro.

NAILPRO Competition Floor

You see them at shows, in magazines and online, but what’s the draw? Here, four competition sponsors explain why they matter.

Gina Silvestro

Gina Silvestro, Lead Educator-Crystal Beauty Academy

“Swarovski Crystal Beauty Academy is delighted to sponsor the NAILPRO Nail Competitions for many reasons. For one, we’re focused on education and helping nail techs achieve their ultimate goals, whatever they may be. Competitions are a great way for nail professionals to showcase their talents and network with top nail pros, major companies and trade magazines that otherwise may be difficult to reach. Helping nail techs step outside of their comfort zones and compete can lead them to new careers, help them earn extra income and start their own businesses and, of course, it introduces them to new products. Another reason Swarovski Crystal Beauty Academy supports competitions is because nail artists who compete are so artistic; it’s always exciting to see the incredible designs they create using Swarovski crystals. Supporting artists in their quest to create and compete to be the best they can be is always a goal for us.”

Henry Pham

Henry Pham, Brand Ambassador-LeChat

“The NAILPRO Nail Competitions are important to me, personally, because with them, I can challenge myself, see at what level I’m working and figure out where I need to improve. Plus, I learn so much from the other competitors and meet so many pros from all over the world. LeChat supports the NAILPRO Competitions as a sponsor because they’re very important for the nail industry—it’s a place where so much creativity comes to life and where the industry will continue to grow. By taking part in NAILPRO Competitions, you have everything to gain and nothing to lose—even if you don’t place, it’s still a personal win.”

Natalie Zolotnik

Natalie Zolotnik, Co-owner-Belava

“A competition like that of NAILPRO’s level creates, adds to and maintains a pool of avid nail professionals who are keen to improve their trade skills. Those who compete in nail competitions are driven to possess the highest standards of this profession, and we’re very supportive of this. We also very much respect what Creative Age does for nail competitions, so we feel as though we’re joining a good cause by supporting it financially. Nail competitors are, overall, made up of highly motivated individuals who are prepared to challenge themselves, and by doing this, it raises the bar for this profession. It has never been our goal to make money on our sponsorship of the competitions; rather, this is the way that we can help boost the industry.”

Lezlie McConnell

Lezlie McConnell,Co-owner-Light Elegance

“Techs who compete in nail competitions are great role models—and all industries need role models, not only for the newcomers entering the profession in the future, but also for the techs who have been in the business for years. Nail competitions are a great way for techs to push themselves to the next level. We should all be trying to achieve higher standards within our careers by taking place in activities that educate us and invigorate the industry. Competitions can also provide the opportunity for techs to get worldwide recognition, and taking part in competitions almost always guarantees new opportunities with manufactures and distributors—to become an educator, a brand advocate and an industry leader. Not to mention, competitions are a lot of fun, and they add excitement to the industry!”

To learn more about NAILPRO Competitions click here.

What do you think of NAILPRO Competitions? Let us know in the comments below!

[This article was originally published in the July 2018 issue of NAILPRO]

The post Tech Support: Why Are <span class="search-everything-highlight-color" style="background-color:orange">Nail</span> Competitions Important? appeared first on Nailpro.

Nail techs are particularly prone to developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Here’s how to stop it in its tracks.

A cover shoot with Heidi Klum for Cosmopolitan Germany should’ve been an exciting experience for celebrity nail artist Destinee Handly, but instead she found herself crying in her car at the day’s end, overcome by pain in her hand. “It hurt so bad,” she recalls. “My thumb wouldn’t move. It was just burning and felt numb.”The cause of Handly’s pain that day was carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a condition where the median nerve in the hand becomes compressed. It caused her so much pain that it took a half-hour of hand massage to relieve the discomfort enough to allow her to drive home. Doing nails had triggered pain in Handly’s hands before, but never to such a severe degree. Only 23 at the time, Handly took a nearly two-year break from doing nails after that shoot to recharge. Although CTS only affects around 5 percent of the population, women are three times more likely than men to develop the condition, and the physical demands of certain occupations, including nail technician, can exacerbate it. Here’s why doing nails might be putting you at risk for developing CTS, and what you can do to prevent and treat it.

Woman suffering from an articular pain in the hand.

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
At the root of CTS is the median nerve, one of the three major nerves that supplies sensation and motor activity to the hand, explains Mark Elzik, MD, a hand and upper-extremity surgeon at South Orange County Orthopaedics in Mission Viejo, California. When it’s compressed, it can cause numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger. The median nerve also helps power the muscle that enables the movement of the thumb, and can become weakened with severe carpal tunnel syndrome.Many people are aware of CTS, particularly people who work on computers all day, but nevertheless, the condition is often misunderstood, Dr. Elzik says. “Frequently in my office, I have patients come in thinking they have carpal tunnel syndrome simply because they have wrist pain,” he says. “But that’s not a typical symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s a nerve condition.” What causes the compression of the nerve is a ligament that lies on top of the nerve in the wrist and can thicken with time and age, Dr. Elzik explains. “We think what’s really happening is that the nerve is losing its blood supply,” says Rachel S. Rohde, MD, associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine and spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. A ligament and several bones form a “tunnel” through which the median nerve and all of the tendons that flex our fingers travel, Dr. Rohde explains. Any swelling of the tendon, thickening of the ligament or position that reduces the space in the tunnel can press on the blood supply to that nerve and cause numbness, tingling and pain.

Who Is at Risk?
People who are obese or pregnant or have diabetes, arthritis or thyroid disease are at higher risk for developing CTS, and some people seem to be genetically prone to it. It’s also more commonly experienced by individuals with certain jobs. Quarry and rock drillers, forestry workers using saws, jackhammer operators, dentists and jewelry makers using vibrating tools, factory and assembly workers, and nail techs all have a higher incidence of CTS, Dr. Elzik says. The thing they all have in common? People in these professions perform specific physical tasks over and over again. Anyone who spends a lot of time forcefully gripping, pinching or pounding with their hands, for example, is at greater risk of experiencing CTS.
“It’s the repetitive and prolonged time spent with the wrist in [certain] positions that can really serve as a risk factor,” Dr. Elzik says. “Some studies have shown that you need to have your wrist in extreme positions for at least 20 hours a week in order to have a significant increase in the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.” “Poor wrist position and extremes of motion certainly can contribute,” Dr. Rohde agrees. “I’ve seen nail techs grip the instruments and polish bottles pretty forcefully, so it’s very much like working on jewelry or other objects with instruments.” Handly has found this to be true in her own situation. “It’s not the hand that I paint with [causing the pain], but the one I hold people’s hands with—holding each finger individually and pinching the polish bottle for two hours,” she says. Sitting in one position for a long time, which restricts circulation, doesn’t help either.Gripping a polish bottle, using an e-file and pushing back cuticles require using the thumbs and many of the same muscles repeatedly. Ruth Kallens, owner of Van Court Studio in New York City, says her CTS pain is so bad that she can’t do nails nearly as often as she used to, adding that writing and typing on a computer hurt as well.

Woman suffering from an articular pain in the hand.

Signs and Symptoms
At first, CTS symptoms might be mild and come and go. Usually, the first symptoms of carpal tunnel are numbness, tingling or a “pins-and-needles” sensation in those fingers, Dr. Rohde says. “Often, people experience this at night because we tend to sleep with our wrists bent, which presses on the nerve more,” she says. A telltale sign that CTS is progressing occurs when people start feeling pain or numbness during the day as well. CTS sufferers might also experience a burning sensation or pain particularly in the thumb and index, middle and ring fingers, and hose sensations sometimes travel up the forearms to the shoulders. “If that continues, over time permanent nerve damage can occur,” Dr. Rohde says. “That might be numbness, weakness and loss of dexterity, which nail techs need. And it can lead to dropping objects, having trouble with buttons and zippers, and having difficulty with other minor tasks we take for granted.” Dr. Elzik concurs, “If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause permanent loss of sensation in the thumb and index, middle and ring fingers, and can also cause permanent atrophy of one of the thumb muscles.”

Prevention and Treatment
Because CTS is often hereditary, there isn’t a lot you can do to completely prevent it, other than address controllable risk factors such as diabetes and obesity. But being proactive can help you reduce its impact, should you start to see signs of it developing. If you experience symptoms of numbness and tingling in the hands on a regular basis, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible, Dr. Elzik says. Doctors can evaluate how well your median nerve is working, as well as the strength of the muscles around your thumb. “The earlier we catch carpal tunnel syndrome, the easier it is to treat and the better the outcome,” he says. A common treatment for early-stage carpal tunnel syndrome is a wrist brace that keeps the median nerve in a “comfortable” position. A brace can keep the wrist straight, maximizing the space for the nerve inside the wrist, Dr. Elzik explains. To temporarily reduce the inflammation that exacerbates CTS, doctors may prescribe ibuprofen or cortisone shots as well, or refer patients to a therapist who can demonstrate “nerve gliding” exercises that might help.
If none of that helps, surgery is an option, Dr. Elzik says. “In general, people recover very well,” he says. “I’ve had patients who are nail techs undergo carpal tunnel surgery and return to work within a week or two, but it very much depends on the patient.” Although Drs. Elzik and Rohde say they haven’t yet seen scientific evidence that alternative therapies are effective at alleviating CTS pain, Handly and Kallens have found some relief using natural remedies. Handly also credits her recovery in large part to the “yoga for surfers” classes she discovered. She stays off her wrists, doing some poses on her forearms or standing instead. The National Institutes of Health notes on its website, in fact, that yoga has been shown to help relieve pain and increase grip strength in people with CTS. Likewise, Kallens has found stretching, acupuncture and massage helpful. “All the muscles in the forearm that techs use are all connected to the elbow and then the shoulder blade, and a really good masseuse can help alleviate that pressure and pain,” she says.

Carpals tunnel syndrome hand with a wrist support

Was this article helpful in understanding CTS? Let us know in the comments below!

-Virginia Pelley is a freelance journalist and editor based in Tampa, FL.

[Images courtesy of Getty]

This article was first published in the July 2018 issue of NAILPRO

The post Uncomfortably Numb appeared first on Nailpro.

The road to flawless nail art can be riddled with barricades. avoid roadblocks with these expert troubleshooting tips.

Being able to execute nail art designs takes time and skill, which is why you can charge more for these services. But what happens if something goes wrong? No one wants to take time away from new clients to deal with someone who comes back to the salon with botched nail art needing a fix. To help combat some of the more common service breakdowns, we’ve enlisted a few seasoned nail artists to provide their best application advice. With these techniques, your nail art looks will last long after your clients leave the salon.

The Problem: Imprecise Line Art

The Solution: Hand-painted nail art is definitely the most time-consuming nail art service—particularly when it involves painting fine lines—but it can also be the most rewarding. For one, you get to show off your creative chops. For another, you can charge accordingly depending on what your client is asking for. Like most skills, practice makes perfect, and when it comes to painting fine lines, practicing hand-painting techniques allows you to streamline your services because you’ve worked out all of the kinks before the client sits in your chair.

1: Place gel paint on a tile or work surface. Drag a striping brush through the paint, leaving a small bead at the end of the brush.

2: Continue dragging the brush through the gel paint until the tip of the brush comes to a point.

3: Practice painting lines on the tile, applying different amounts of pressure to each stroke. Test opacity, line size and fading techniques.

The Problem: Lifting Striping Tape

The Solution: Striping tape can be used to create a multitude of geometric shapes and designs, but your hard work will be all for naught if it lifts off of the nail. Giving your striping tape an extra bit of security is a good way to ensure that it doesn’t lose its adhesive. “When working with striping tape, make sure you leave a small gap around the edge of the nail,” advises nail tech Bel Townsend (@sohotrightnail). “That way you can fully encapsulate the tape.”

1: Before removing the striping tape from the roll, measure the tape alongside the nail so you know how much to cut.

2: Place the tape on the nail and use a silicone brush to press it down securely.

3: To encapsulate the striping tape, apply one coat of builder gel and cure. Finish with gel top coat.

The Problem: Chipping Chrome

 The Solution: The technique for applying chrome can look easy enough, but when chrome chips, the process to fix it is anything but simple. Laying down a good foundation makes all the difference for long-term wear. “Chrome is very sensitive,” explains Los Angeles-based nail artist Sabella Snyder (@sweetbcreations). “Make sure your top coat application is even and smooth. If you apply chrome on top of a lumpy surface, it’s more likely to chip than when applied to a smooth nail plate.”

1: Apply a thin application of no-wipe top coat and cure.

2: Apply chrome pigment to the nail using an eye shadow applicator or silicone brush that holds very little chrome pigment. This will help you avoid lumpy application, which can result in chipping. Apply another coat of no-wipe gel top coat and cure to seal the chrome.

3: Finish with a layer of traditional gel top coat and cure.

Bonus Tip! Have foil that doesn’t transfer? Try wiping the back of the foil with alcohol for better adhesion!

Recreate the look with these must-have products!

CinaPro Eclectic Lines Nail Art

Light Elegance Color Gel in Longboard

OPI Chrome Effects in Blue “Plate” Special

SNS Gel Star

Cuccio Pro Silicone Tip Non-Bristled Brush Set

LeChat Dotting & Liner Brush

Wildflowers 100 Eye Shadow Applicators

Are these nail art tips helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

-Dina Ciccarelli

This article was first published in the July 2018 issue of NAILPRO

The post Workshop: Tips and Tricks for Flawless <span class="search-everything-highlight-color" style="background-color:orange">Nail</span> Art appeared first on Nailpro.

Revel Nail Dip Powder is a nontoxic and odor-free dip system that produces lightweight, flexible and chip-resistant results. Available in more than 200 colors, the system can be used on natural nails without needing a primer for quick and easy application. Here we show you how to get full coverage using the Revel Nail Dip System:

Step 1: Prep the nail by buffing away any shine. Apply a thin coat of Pro Base to the entire nail using even strokes.

Step 2: Use a scooping motion to dip the finger into a tray containing the dipping powder; tap off any excess powder from the finger. Apply a second coat of Pro Base to the entire nail and dip the finger into the powder a second time.

Step 3: Apply a generous amount of Activator to the nail, making sure to cap the free edge. Allow the nail to dry for 1 minute.

Step 4: Shape and buff the nail using a 240-grit buffer and have the client rinse her hands with warm water (no soap).

Step 5: Apply a second coat of Activator to the nail. Wait 15 seconds, and then gently wipe the nail dry with a paper towel.

Step 6: Apply Finish Gel to the nail using two to three quick brush strokes. Allow the nail to dry for 15 seconds and apply a second coat of Finish Gel; this application can be applied more slowly and precisely. After the nails have dried completely, finish with cuticle oil. 

How do you feel about Dip Powder services? Let us know in the comments below!

-Dina Ciccarelli

This article was first published in the July 2018 of NAILPRO

The post Full Color Coverage from Revel <span class="search-everything-highlight-color" style="background-color:orange">Nail</span> Dip Powder appeared first on Nailpro.

Join OPI on their most exciting journey to date as they visit one of the seven wonders of the world this fall with the Peru Collection by OPI. Seeking natural beauty with a bohemian vibe, inspiration was everywhere, from stunning geological sites like Rainbow Mountain to the magnificent Incan ruins of Machu Picchu. With deep roots in ancient culture visible across the country’s architecture, food and fashion, Peru offers visitors a transcendent, spiritual experience. They’re thrilled to share a look at this extraordinary country with women across the globe for Fall 2018.

In developing the Peru Collection, OPI drew inspiration from earthy, sandy landscapes with dusty mauve undertones (Machu Peach-u, Somewhere Over the Rainbow Mountains, Suzi Will Quechua Later!, Seven Wonders of OPI) and beautifully crafted textiles with vibrant statement hues (Lima Tell You About This Color!, Alpaca My Bags, Don’t Toot My Flute, Grandma Kissed a Gaucho). Seductive deep reds and burgundies (My Solar Clock is Ticking, I Love You Just Be-Cusco, Como se Llama?, Yes My Condor Can-do!) inspired by red sand beaches, colorful historic buildings and the Peruvian flag round out the collection. “Peru is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous places in the world,” declares OPI Co-Founder and Brand Ambassador Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. “The country is rich inculture and beauty. The food scene is booming, with Lima – the capital of Peru – boasting three of The World’s Best 50 Restaurants. The fashion scene is equally exciting, highlighting stunning textiles, artisan techniques and fine detailing.”

Peruvian fashion model Juana Burga, the face of the Peru Collection, joined OPI in travelling the country, showing off its incredible landscapes and history. “With Juana, we met with artisans from the Peruvian highlands, where we learned so much about the country’s iconic handmade, sustainable fashion and textiles created using techniques that have been passed down for hundreds of years,” explains Weiss-Fischmann. “These women and their craft inspired many of the collection’s colors. In exchange, we shared with them our own love of color through nail lacquer. Color is truly a universal language, serving as a visual cue that connects us with our environment and emotions. As simple as it is, sharing a laugh over manicures, picking out favorite colors and showing off our perfectly polished nails was an empowering experience that connected us across cultures.” All 12 Peru Collection shades will be available in GelColor, Infinite Shine Long- Wear and Nail Lacquer formulas, offering consumers and professionals a variety of choices for the best products to fit their needs. GelColor provides performance with up to 3 weeks of shine-intense wear and stay-true color., while Infinite Shine offers a high-shine finish with up to 11 days of wear and traditional lacquer application. Nail Lacquer features a highly-pigmented, rich formula for even application without streaking.

The post OPI Peru Collection Fall Winter 2018 appeared first on Nailpro.

India’s grand spice bazaars open the senses and spark creativity.

Step 1: Apply two coats of orange gel polish.

Step 2: Use a detail brush to create an hourglass shape at the base of the nail with black gel paint. Then, paint a crown at the bottom of the hourglass shape with teal gel paint. From the center of the crown, paint a black leaf.

Step 3: Use a liner brush to paint pink lines on the hourglass shape. Outline the leaf and create veins at the center with white gel paint. Use a dotting tool to apply yellow gel paint to the top and bottom of the hourglass shape. Then outline the top of the hourglass with white. Seal with top coat.

Step 1: Apply two thin coats of black gel polish. Then, use a detail brush to paint a thin, curved line up the nail with green gel paint. Use pink, orange and yellow gel paint to create an imperfect circle at the tip of the green stem.

Step 2: Paint yellow hearts coming out from the center of the flower, blending them together at the base to create petals. Then, use a dotting tool to create tiny dots to the right side of the flower.

Step 3: Outline the flower petals with pink gel paint. Then create a floral pattern with pink gel paint to the left of the flower. Use a detail brush to create teardrop shapes inside the petals with black gel paint. Apply teal gel paint to the right side of the tip.

Step 4: Use a tiny detail brush to create two thin black lines coming from the top of the teardrop shape to the inside of the petals. Accent the pink floral pattern with green gel paint. Use a liner brush to paint small lines with pink gel paint over the teal color at the free edge.

Step 5: Add subtle details to the design with teal, yellow and pink gel paint. Seal with gel top coat.

Step 1: Apply one coat of teal gel polish.

Step 2: Create an ombré effect by applying a thin layer of mint green gel paint to the free edge and blending the color up the nail. Go back in with the green gel paint, placing an emphasis on the free edge to create more saturation and achieve the desired gradient effect.

Step 3: Use a detail brush to create scale shapes with black gel paint from the base of the nail to the middle, ending with a point.

Step 4: Use a thin brush to create leaf shapes inside of the black scales with green gel paint. Continue with the same brush to create small black teardrop shapes at the free edge.

Step 5: Fill in the teardrop shapes with orange gel paint. On a palette, mix together white and pink gel paint. Use a dotting tool to apply the mixture to the inside of the scales. Finish with gel top coat.

Guest Artist:

Sabella Snyder (@sweetbcreations) is a Los Angeles-based nail artist.

“I was inspired by the intricate, bright designs of the tapestries and fabrics.”

What do you think of this spice-inspired nail art? Let us know in the comments below!

[Market images courtesy of Getty Images]

This article was first published in the July 2018 of NAILPRO

The post <span class="search-everything-highlight-color" style="background-color:orange">Nail</span> Art Inspired by India’s Spice Markets appeared first on Nailpro.

Summer’s favorite snack is now your favorite nail art with this adorable negative space nail art from Editorial manicurist, Alicia Torello using essie nail polish.

Here Torello breaks down the look and products used so you can have this look ready for the weekend!

Step 1: Prep nails and apply one coat of here to stay base coat

Step 2: Use a striping brush and paint the shade watermelon in a moon shape at the cuticle. Then use a clean brush to paint the edge of the moon with mojito madness to create the rind of the watermelon.

Step 3: Use a dotting tool and the shade licorice to add a few random seeds on top of the watermelon shade.

Step 4: Seal design with speed.setter top coat!

What do you think of this summer nail look? Let us know in the comments below!

For more nail art looks by essie visit their website here

[Images and Steps Courtesy of essie]

The post Watermelon Wednesday from Essie appeared first on Nailpro.

Mastering Acrylic

The post Young <span class="search-everything-highlight-color" style="background-color:orange">Nails</span> Class appeared first on Nailpro.

Need for Speed

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Earn Certificates of Achievement as you test your skills with Nailpro’s Professional Participation Program. In each issue, you’ll find a multiple-choice test that will allow you to demonstrate what you’ve learned from Nail Clinic. Read August 2018’s Nail Clinic, “Nailing Down Cancer” in our August 2018 digital edition – it has all the info you’ll need to pass this quiz!

When you earn 80% or higher on this quiz about client pain, you’ll be awarded a framable Certificate of Achievement. A perfect score earns a Certificate of Achievement With Honors.

The post Quiz: <span class="search-everything-highlight-color" style="background-color:orange">Nailing</span> Down Cancer appeared first on Nailpro.

Securing your ideal nail salon isn’t always easy, but you can stay ahead of the game with these key tips.

Deciding to lease your own salon space is an exciting step, but finding the perfect spot involves more than the old “location, location, location” adage would lead you to believe. That gorgeous space you fell in love with might not have the neighbors or amenities that are essential to your salon’s success. Worse, if the lease terms for that “perfect” spot don’t mesh with the projected needs or growth of your business, your dream location might turn into a nightmare. Salon owner Lisa Tep learned this the hard way. “Our first space was beautiful in a brand-new building, but the rent and costs were crushing over the long-term,” says Tep of her business Sensen Spa in Vienna, Virginia, which specializes in natural nail care. Six years into her lease, she made the difficult decision to move the business to a smaller locale in the same area. The move paid off: “We cut facility costs by 80 percent, but maintained the same level of business.” If you’re ready to make the move into a new salon space, save yourself some headaches by considering these key factors before signing on the dotted line.

Determine Your Budget
Setting a budget isn’t the most fun part of the process—but it is the most important. Your costs will include not only rent for the space, but associated costs, including taxes and insurance, and operating costs, such as utilities and maintenance fees. “The larger your space is, the more expensive those costs are,” says Tep. “I would say your total facility cost should never exceed 30 percent of your gross revenue. So for every dollar you generate in revenue, your facility costs should not exceed 30 cents.” Jeff Rohde, real estate specialist and founder of J Scott Digital, an investment real estate firm, says that salon owners should also account for increases in fees and charges every year, unless they’re able to negotiate a fixed rate.

Consider Your Clientele
Once your budget is set, start envisioning the location and space that will draw your dream clients. Who are the people who live and work in the area? Will they want what you offer? “Think about what your strongest service areas are and who you want to cater to,” recommends Vivian Xue Rahey, owner of Pamper Nail Gallery in Fremont, California. Rahey’s challenge was to find a location that could attract a young, urban crowd interested in her salon’s specialty, nail art, but who could also afford her prices. “We didn’t want our product offering to be dictated by the market around us,” she says. “Affluent areas weren’t interested in nail art. We chose a newly developed area that was central to both of the metropolitan areas in the Bay Area. It’s great. … Young people are willing to make the drive.” It’s also important to consider practicalities that your clients must face, such as parking or public transportation. “How clients come to see you is important,” says Tep. If parking is scarce or the location is difficult to get to, you may lose out on customers. “Our first location was beautiful, but I can’t tell you how many clients said ‘I can’t come because parking is such a pain.’”

Know Your Neighbors
Good neighbors can be a boon to your business, just as bad neighbors can drive people away. Scout locations that have nearby businesses that are complementary to yours. This might be a beauty-related business, such as a hair salon or day spa, but might also be an entirely different enterprise. Ultimately, you’re looking for businesses that attract a similar clientele or can be used for cross-promotion. “We’re located next to a dessert shop that sells pastries. It turned out to be a great complementary business,” says Rahey. The dessert shop delivers orders to Pamper clients, who are usually there upwards of two hours having their nails done.

Make Sure to Negotiate
When it comes to negotiating the lease, it’s a good idea to work with an experienced commercial real estate broker. Nonetheless, keep these several considerations in mind:

Shorter is better: “I find tenants want a long-term lease to protect their location, but it’s better to negotiate a shorter lease with a series of extensions,” says realtor and attorney Bruce Ailion from Re/Max. The benefit is that if default occurs, there’s less liability for the remaining payments on the lease. Of course, the downside is that you may pay a higher amount in rent. Still, the extra cost may be worth it if you turn out to be unhappy with the space or contract and want to get out.

Negotiate build-out costs: If you’re responsible for improvements to the property, be prepared to negotiate a few months of low or waived rent, advises Bethell. In some cases, you may be able to obtain a “tenant improvement allowance,” which is an amount the landlord agrees to spend to renovate the space for the tenant’s needs and is usually based on square footage. “A strong business financial history, other successful business locations, a long lease term, a large deposit and a good negotiator are all factors that can positively influence the negotiations in the tenant’s favor,” she says.

Understand your responsibilities: Your lease should make tenant and landlord responsibilities absolutely clear, otherwise you may find yourself embroiled in a legal dispute. Most commercial leases are “triple net leases,” where, in addition to rent, the tenant is responsible for taxes, utilities and operating costs, for example. Discuss the allocation of responsibilities with your real estate broker and the extent to which your responsibilities are negotiable.

Get a noncompete clause: Rohde advises salon owners seeking a spot in a commercial plaza or strip mall to obtain a noncompete clause in the lease. This addition would prevent the landlord from renting space to any other nail salons. Getting the landlord to agree to such a clause might be a long shot for a new nail salon without a strong brand, but why not give it a try—after all, who needs extra competition?

When you take the time to determine your budget, consider your business’s needs and negotiate your lease terms, you’re sure to find the right space where your nail salon can grow and prosper.

Do you have any tips for new salon owners looking for a space? Let us know in the comments below!

-Barbara Diggs is a freelance writer and copywriter based in Paris.

[Images courtesy of Getty Images]

This article was first published in the July 2018 issue of NAILPRO

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Every gel client knows of them and fears them. Here, three scientists and one veteran nail tech explain what they are, why they happen and what to do about them.

Jim McConnell, President McConnell Labs/Light Elegance

“Heat spikes are scientifically called exothermic reactions. (Exothermic literally means ‘to give off heat.’) The total amount of heat that’s generated is directly related to the number of bonds that are formed during the polymerization reaction. Each bond that is formed will generate a specific amount of heat. The more bonds that are formed, the more heat is generated. Here are a few tricks to reduce clients’ discomfort: Use less gel. The more gel that’s applied to the nail, the more heat is generated and thus an increase in the heat experienced by your client. A thinner layer of gel will result in less heat.
Use an LED lamp that has a setting for hard gels. These lamps have less output and will reduce the amount of heat experienced by your client. Use a gel that generates less heat. This is achieved by altering the resins and photoinitiators in the gel so that less heat is experienced. These gels are often softer and more flexible.”

Doug Schoon, President Schoon Scientific

“Heat spikes are often caused when nail techs use the incorrect nail lamp to cure their UV gels. A small amount of warming is normal, but if so much heat is generated that it burns the client’s nail beds, then something is wrong. Using the wrong lamp can cause heat spikes, potentially leading to onycholysis and nail infections. This is why it’s so important to use a nail lamp that has been tested, verified and recommended for use by the manufacturer of the UV gel. There’s no such thing as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ nail lamp that will properly cure all UV gels.”

Paul Bryson, Principal Scientist OPI

“The curing reaction that hardens gels and liquid-and-powder acrylics always releases some heat. (Technically, this is called the ‘heat of polymerization.’) If the cure is slow and controlled, the heat has time to dissipate, and the client will feel little or no warming. However, if the cure is very fast, the heat is released all at once, and the client will feel a heat spike. Nail chemists work hard to avoid heat spiking—after all, the product often goes on our own nails first! To avoid heat spiking, be sure to use a lamp that’s matched to your product, and don’t apply gel too thick, especially on clients with thin or damaged nails, as their fingertips are less protected. If necessary, you can spread out the curing process by partially curing the gel with short flashes of UV light before doing the final full cure.”

Yvette Holt, International Educator LeChat

“Clients will most likely experience a heat spike when there is a large amount of gel applied to the nail. To avoid this reaction, I recommend using a smaller amount of gel at a time, putting it on in layers. I also tell my clients that if they do experience any heat to pull their hand out of the light and push down on the top of the lamp with their fingertips. This will relieve the burning sensation and they can then go ahead and put their hands back in the light.”

How do you help clients that suffer from heat spikes? Let us know in the comments below!

[Gel Lamp image courtesy of Getty Images]

This article was first published in the July 2018 issue of NAILPRO

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Learning how to spot nail-related malignancies could save a life.

Thanks to widespread public awareness campaigns by organizations like the Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology, most people know about the three main forms of skin cancer: basal carcinoma; squamous carcinoma; and the least common, but by far the most serious, melanoma. However, far fewer realize that skin cancer can show up in and around the nails as well, and can be just as dangerous, especially when left undiagnosed for too long.
As a nail professional, you’re in a unique position to not only spot cancers of the nail during a service, but also to help spread the word about this potentially life-threatening disease. “Just as nail techs are on the front lines in spotting nail infections … they’re also on the front lines in the detection of malignancies,” says Chris Adigun, MD, a Chapel Hill, North Carolina-based dermatologist and nail specialist.

Here’s what you need to know to protect your clients, yourself and your loved ones against the threat of nail-related cancers.

When Cells Go Rogue
All forms of skin cancer develop in cells, which, when activated, proliferate, ultimately forming tumors that may appear under the nail plate (ungual), in the nail matrix (subungual) or more generally under or around the nail (periungual). The cells themselves determine the malignancy type: There are basal cells, squamous cells and, in the case of melanoma, melanocytes. When caught in time, nail cancers are usually relatively simple to treat and cure. However, if diagnosis occurs too late and the rogue cells have been allowed become more aggressive and/or spread to lymph nodes or other organs, the prognosis worsens. This is especially true in the case of melanoma, which is expected to cause an estimated 9,320 deaths in the United States in 2018.  Although the physiology of cell proliferation and tumor formation is the same regardless of where cancer appears on the body, their causes vary. Medical science has identified specific genes that contribute to certain cancers but, “Far and away, most skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet (UV) exposure [from the sun],” says Dr. Adigun. Subungual cancers are a key exception, however. “The majority of nail matrix tissue is located underneath the skin, and that area gets zero UV exposure,” she says. “With nail bed melanoma there may be a history of trauma to the nail. We do know that nail melanomas tend to happen more often in people ages 50 and older, and occur most often in the first digits of the hands and feet. We also know that nail melanomas have the same rate of occurrence across all ethnicities.”

Spotting the Signs
The signs and symptoms of nail-related cancers vary depending upon their location. Basal or squamous cell carcinoma often appears as a malformation, nodule or ulcer on or around the nail that doesn’t resolve. Melanoma that begins produces a telltale sign: a band of dark pigment that runs vertically down the nail. This band is a direct result of the melanocytes, which deposit pigment as they proliferate. “People can have bands in their nails for all sorts of reasons—they can be just freckles on the nail,” says Dr. Adigun. “In fact, the lion’s share of these bands are benign, but it’s really hard to make that
call if you’re not comfortable with nail anatomy and how to monitor and evaluate this type of pigmentation.” For that reason, nail techs who notice a dark band on the nail should always recommend a visit to the doctor.This symptom received widespread attention recently when a nail technician based in the United Kingdom posted on Facebook that she spotted a band on the fingernail of one of her clients, recognized it as subungual melanoma and urged her to see a doctor immediately. Previous manicurists had told this client that the band was caused by “heredity or a blood blister” and, according to the manicurist, by the time her client sought proper medical attention, the melanoma had already spread to her lymph nodes. Had this client seen her doctor at the first sign of melanoma, she would have received a conclusive diagnosis via biopsy and the confined cancer cells could have been removed and replaced with a skin graft. Once the cancer becomes invasive, “things get more complicated,” says Dr. Adigun. “Many nail techs know nothing about melanomas in the nail and may easily consider the symptom a simple bruise,” reports Janet McCormick, MS, educator, author and co-owner of Nailcare Academy. “They absolutely should know more than they do. I’ve had nail techs say to me, ‘That’s not my job!’ But I disagree; it is their job.”

On the Front Lines
Cancer detection might not have been what you had in mind when you signed up for cosmetology school, but the reality is that in many cases, you’re more familiar with your clients’ hands and feet than they are. They come in for their appointment, their nail enhancement is removed and replaced, and they never really look at their own nails.
“Nail techs play a bigger role in this arena than they think,” says Dr. Adigun. “I can’t tell you how many patients I’ve asked, ‘How long has your nail been like this?’ and they answer, ‘I honestly have no idea, I haven’t seen my nails in so long.’”
McCormick urges techs to take a preventive and proactive approach in order to protect clients. “They must do a consultation before any service and during that time, look for any abnormal conditions,” she says. “Even under a gel or acrylic nail, they’ll still see a melanoma symptom under the free edge as a discoloration, and in the regrowth as a shadow. When that’s the case, they must remove the nail for a better look. It can always be replaced!” McCormick also recommends developing a relationship with a podiatrist and a dermatologist who, like Dr. Adigun, have positive attitudes toward nail techs. “Nail professionals need to be empowered,” affirms Dr. Adigun. “Just as hairstylists are the No. 1 detectors of melanoma on the scalp, nail techs play a key role. They can notice discolorations or a malformed nail that’s not coming together quite right. This is an opportunity for them to refer clients to their dermatologists.”

Are you confident in spotting nail-related malignancies? Let us know in the comments below!

-Linda Kossoff is a health and beauty writer based in Los Angeles.

[Image courtesy of DermZNet]

This article was first published in the August 2018 issue of NAILPRO

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In this arid climate, color and inspiration are bright and bountiful.

Top view of Green agave victoriae-reginae succulents plant background texture.

Step 1: Apply two thin coats of light green polish. Once completely dry, use a detail brush to paint thin, curved dark green lines down the nail.
Step 2: Use a medium-size dotting tool to paint white dots between each
dark green line.
Step 3: Use a detail brush to paint a thin gold “X” through each of the white dots. Seal with top coat.

Sunset in Saguaro National Park near Tucson, Arizona.

Step 1: Create a color gradient using yellow, orange, purple and navy polish. Begin at the cuticle with the yellow shade followed by orange and purple, and finish with navy at the free edge. Blend the colors together with a dry brush to create a gradient effect. Allow it to dry. Then, use a nail art brush to paint a light green line at the center of the nail.
Step 2: Paint two curved light green lines extending from the center line to create the cactus arms; be sure the extending lines offset each other.
Step 3: Paint dark green cactus veins with a detail brush. Seal with a top coat.

Opuntia, also known as nopales or paddle cactus, is a genus in the cactus family, Cactaceae.

Step 1: Apply two coats of navy polish. Allow them to dry completely. Then, use a detail brush to paint a gold “X” in the center of the nail.
Step 2: Create a gold border around the entire nail.
Step 3: Adhere gold crystals between each section of the X with top coat or resin. Finish with top coat.

Guest Artist:

Harli Hall (@nailsbyharlig)

“I was inspired by my home state of Utah and the rich colors that can be found in the rock formations, evening sunsets and
indigenous cacti and succulents.”

What do you think of these desert-inspired nail art? Let us know in the comments below!

[Desert images courtesy of Getty Images]

This article was first published in the August 2018 issue of NAILPRO

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Hit the beach no matter where you live with the bright colors in this summer’s Light Elegance Surf City Collection. The Color Gel Pack features six opaque shades (the Glitter Gel pack is all sparkles) that can be used alone for high-impact color or blended together for an ombré look, and they are pigmented enough for nail art. With colors like Sun Bum and Hunks in Trunks, you and your clients will be hanging 10 in no time.

Step 1: Prep the nail and apply two coats of Surf’s Up, curing after each application.

Step 2: Use a detail brush to create a hook shape for the flamingo’s body with Hunks in Trunks; cure.

Step 3: On a mixing tile, blend Hunks in Trunks with Surf’s Up to create light pink. Use a detail brush to paint highlights on the body; cure.

Step 4: Paint a beak with white gel*; cure.

Step 5: Paint black* details on the beak and add a dot to create an eye; cure.

Step 6: Use a dry detail brush and the blended light pink to add shadowing at the bottom of the beak. Add a dot of Sun Bum to the middle of the eye and one more dot with black. Seal with gel top coat to finish.

What do you think of this summer nail art? Let us know in the comments below

*Not included in collection

This article was first published in the August 2018 issue of NAILPRO

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Healthy nails are the best foundation for any nail look—and there’s a formula for every need.

Whether you’re applying polish or enhancements—or working au naturel—you’ll get the best results with healthy natural nails. “Any type of service always lasts better and longer with the use of treatments,” asserts Linda Nordstrom, CEO of Famous Names in Las Vegas. “We can take any nail and make it more beautiful, but treating the nail from the inside out takes our professionalism to the next level.” But what if your clients’ nails are less than stellar? Fear not; strong, healthy nails can be achieved by prescribing the proper treatment for each client’s needs—and ensuring that she keeps up with home maintenance (hello, retail opportunity!). Here’s what you need to know to keep your clients’ natural nails looking their best with nail treatments.

Booster Shots

There’s a wide variety of nail treatments available: vitamin- and keratin-infused, traditional hardeners, and new high-tech formulas that promise to penetrate the nail and heal from within. Determining the right product for your client should always be part of the initial consultation. “With so many choices, research is key,” says Melissa Pechey, CND education ambassador and owner of The Matrix Spa in Wareham, Massachusetts. “Knowing what they contain and how they perform allows you to use something that’s prescriptive for each client.” For example, she’ll choose CND RescueRXx, a keratin treatment, to heal damaged nails, while a ridge filler helps smooth surface imperfections.Wearing traditional acrylic or gel enhancements can compromise the natural nail’s integrity a bit, so MaeLing Parrish, dean of education for Hand & Nail Harmony, recommends bolstering nails with a treatment for 30 days before transitioning a client to gel polish or lacquer.

“Morgan Taylor Daily Elixir has a bio-complex of hydrolyzed peptides; the super tiny molecules easily penetrate the surface of the nail plate,” Parrish explains. Plus, it’s also a retail item the client can apply at home. “If nails need something more substantial, I apply VitaGel, a vitamin-infused gel, directly to the natural nail,” she adds. Even for those who specialize in natural nails, treatments are a must for optimal results. Lisa Ann Bowles, owner of New Nail Creations in Clovis, California, uses the Famous Names IBX System at her salon. “If a client’s nails are trashed or she can’t get them to grow, I can help,” says Bowles. “[The product] doesn’t just sit on the surface; it actually penetrates the nail plate and bonds to itself, creating a healthier nail from within.” And, by being certified in and personally using the product herself, she’s able to speak with confidence about its benefits to clients.

At Your Service

Establishing a solid foundation via treatments not only creates healthier nails and longer-lasting results, it can also boost your business thanks to add-on income, retail opportunities and improved client satisfaction and loyalty. But how do you successfully incorporate them into services? Bowles encourages clients to commit to a series, offering the first application for free when they book treatment manicures for the following three weeks. She also applies the product on one of her own hands, leaving the other nails untouched to demonstrate the difference. Nordstrom similarly advocates using the power of visuals to entice treatment trial.

“Frame a sheet in the salon showing before-and-afters, and post real-life results on social media,” she recommends. “You can charge $5 to $20 extra for a treatment or build it into the price of a manicure, and showing people those changes really helps build your business.”Pechey, who specializes in enhancements, creates customized services based on the client’s natural nail state, typical activities and level of commitment. Her RescueRXx Manicure includes a bottle of the treatment for clients to take home, and she also sells the product in her retail area. “They can apply it twice daily in seconds,” she notes. “Especially if clients don’t commit to a regular nail care regimen and professional enhancement removal, it helps to repair any damage that might occur.”

Don’t forget your toes with these pedi pointers!

Nail Treatments aren’t just for hands; they can also be used on toes year-round to promote nail health, especially if the client embraces the naked toes micro-trend or if she typically shuns pedicures outside of the summer season. “Neglect equals potential problems, so for damaged toenails, we recommend using products to repair between appointments,” explains Melissa Pechey, CND education ambassador and owner of The Matrix Spa in Wareham, Massachusetts. “We stress to clients the importance of year-round care, and now we’ve built a reputation on creating healthier toes and feet.”

-Tracy Morin

This article was first published in the August 2018 issue of NAILPRO

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