Happy September Curlfriends!
This month I wanted to highlight your natural nails and the services I offer to care for them. Check out the September Happy Hour Menu here.
Like most other industries there are varying opinions on techniques within the nail industry. I'm not here to dispute that type of information however I do want you to have the facts and understand what's happening in the industry as far as how it effects you as a consumer.
I am a licensed cosmetologist
This licensure allows me to perform natural nail care services including gel polish manicures. I am NOT licensed to do gel overlays, acrylic (including dip) or any type of nail enhancement. Stickers yes, 3D charms no.
The manicurist license is required to perform nail extensions and enhancements and while I was considering going back to get that licensure for a while I don't think that is the right choice for me. I want to focus on being excellent at the basics. Including the natural nail manicure and pedicure.
Natural nail care is vastly under-rated and simply overlooked in preference for something faster and fancier. You can even get DIY nail stuff off Amazon, but is it really good deal if it's causing damage and sensitization?
Most people do not take the time to seek out knowledgeable technicians for nails or otherwise. They go to the most conveniently located and priced place they see because nail shops are very common.
Common Doesn't Equal Correct
This is what I tell my students every quarter. I teach the nails and skin portion of the Cosmetology program at Clover Park and we have lots of conversations about the experiences they've had in fast food nail shops in comparison with the information they are learning in school.
Demographics matter. The nail industry is 70% Vietnamese. Why does this matter? Culture. How and why we do what we do. In this free documentary you can learn more about how this happened. By no means do I feel it's bad, I do think it is key in understanding how we got here though. You have been taught to think that the service you receive in fast food nail shops is correct because it's happening everywhere. It's not. It's common and that is the problem. Not all Vietnamese nail shops are a fast food experience, but most of them are because they make up most of the industry and are functioning on the same type of business model that they came to the States with. Watch the doc.
Everyone and anyone is not a good candidate for every service, but how often have you ever heard of a nail tech saying no I'm sorry your nails aren't healthy enough for gels or acrylic. Let's do a natural manicure instead. It's not different than coloring hair that is too fragile to withstand the process.
Slow Down, Do Your Homework
This can be easier said than done. How do you even know what questions to ask? I get it but if you want a different experience you are going to have to intentionally seek it out.
- What is your personal desired end result? Get clear on that first. Are you doing what's best for you or are you following a trend that could result in damage?
- Next find a technician who listens to your goals and works with you to achieve them over time.
Again, no different than coloring hair. Sometimes it takes more than one visit to get there safely but because it isn't common practice to tell nail clients they must wait nail clients don't understand your words when you say things like no or not today.
Here is a video I like to share with my students about the causes of nail damage. I'm sure you have heard of, seen or even done some of these things.
Gel Polish Manicures
I am growing the nail side of my business slowly. Mainly because nails are so hot right now and people are over simplifying the science to these chemicals they are using. I want to be sure I'm doing everything as safely as I can. That said I am looking at two companies for my gel polish CND and Light Elegance.
Gel polish can cause sensitization that leads to sometimes permanent allergies. This is largely because of the product not being cured properly or other misuse. In this video Anna does a good job showing photos and offering her professional opinion on the different photos that people have sent in to her.
Dry Services
Please look out for dry pedicures on the menu in the near future. I am presently offering a dry manicure but I am still practicing my set up for the dry pedicure.
A dry pedicure offers a safer environment with the same great results. The pedicure water is a great place to spread infection from one foot to the other. Also, the nail is a porous surface and takes time to completely dry after soaking in the water. This is why we are seeing an increase in greenies (local bacterial infections) with people using an occlusive product like gel polish on a still semi-wet nail.
Well that's it for this time. Let me know how you like the documentary and the other videos see you soon!
Ehrin
