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Anything & Everything You Didn't Even Know You W anted To Know! Also
check out the FAQ page (frequently asked questions) for more information Click
on a subject link to go directly to that subject More
Hints & Tips about anything and everything! You
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Top
Tech Tips from Barb@nailsplash.com
Hints
on applying the "smile line": Hold
your loaded polish brush HORIZONTALLY, OTHER
FM OPTIONS As
for other choices, put them on a wheel (I have a wheel of 20
OK, I PROMISE TO MAKE THESE TIPS SHORTER! Back to Top Tip
#5) FRENCH MANICURE TIPS (as in white plastic extension tips)
#6) Appointment planning; dealing with chronic no shows or late comers. Always tell them that their appt. is 15 mins before it really is (especially a first-time client too!). This way, after 10 mins have gone by, you still have 5 mins before they would officially be late to call them and find out where they are. If they just forgot, you may have time to get them in your chair in time or fill the appt. with someone else. At the very least, as soon as you are done with the previous client you can get away from the table immediately go to do something else (clean, eat, run errands)and not sit and waste 15 more mins wondering if they will show up! I actually book ALL my people for 10-15 mins before their actual appt. so that they have time to "do" everything; like remove polish, wash up, pick their polish color, get snacks, and write their check! I always CALL no shows at 10 mins past their appt time to find out what happened. Sometimes they just forget or had the date wrong. I don't want to end up with 2 peolpe who think they have the 6:15's tomorrow nite! Most of the time clients are running in breathlessly as I am leaving a message on their answering machine. But that message serves as a nice reminder later on when they get home again to BE ON TIME! Back to Top 7) Client cards: File them by their FIRST NAME, then by last names! Also choose how to file Cathy's and Kathy's (etc), either ALL in C or ALL in K regardless of how the client spells it (of course spell it correctly on the card!). This makes it much easier to find cards based on the appt book notations. (We rarely ask for last names when taking the appt) A combo of the first name and the phone # usually clears up just what Kathy it is! Back to Top 8) Primer: How to decide if a client needs 1 or 2 coats of primer (the methacrylic acid type that is).... If the primer dries chalky realitively quickly, then the client only needs one coat! If it takes FOREVER to chalk up, then she need 2 coats!!! This is all relative of course! If "drying" time is in the middle, then opt for 1 coat in the winter, and 2 coats in the summer (or according to your local climate!) Back to Top 9)Hand Protection: I use goat skin gloves to protect my hands when hand filing or using the drill. They keeps the files from "filing" through my skin, and also keeps the DUST off my skin! I find tht goat skin to be very breathable and not hot, also very flexible and light weight, a very natural feel, and easy to take on and off. I store them with my files so they are always there to put on when I start filing, and take off and put away when done filing. I take them off for actual product application. I put them back on to do finish work, then off again to polish! A real hand saver! When I see the holes in the fingers of those gloves (so then I have to replace them). I'm glad it's the gloves and not my poor fingers getting all that abuse! Back to Top 10) Lint free wipes... I like Marathon or Martex cocktail napkins. Completely lint-free and less than 1/4 of 1 cent each! Easily folded to make thicker or to get "new" fresh wiping surfasces to work with (especially important with GEL NAILS). Back to Top 11) Gel nail brushes.... No need to EVER clean them. Simply store in a folded towel in a drawer. I never clean out the gel between clients or at the end of the day or even end of the week... Not even before a vacation. No need to remove the gel from them, simply wipe off excess on side of gel jar and keep them out of the light and dust...forever! Back to Top 12) Gel nail containers. Loose the sticky lids. Keep containers OPEN all the time, simply keep covered with a towel to protect from light and dust is all that is needed! Mine NEVER see their lids! 8 years with no lids and no problems! Back to Top #13)MSDS: When "reading" an MSDS and you come across a chemical name that is completely foreign to you, look at the CAS# (chemical abstract service number). Companies may use different or obscure names when listing their ingredients, but the CAS# is always the same! Compare this # to other MSDS sheets to find another with the same # (easily done!), to find out what your "mystery" ingredient is. This trick has come in very handy in uncovering formaldehyde and toluene in formulations that used obscure names for these ingredients, so at first glance many would mistakenly assume these products did not contain those ingredients, when in fact they did. I have counted at one point 17 different names being used to describe these chemicals. Personally I feel both ingredients are safe when used properly, but it makes one wonder why some companies go to so much "trouble" to hide them? Back to Top #14) Pricing nail services: First, pricing of nail services in relation to each other. The following ratios are approximate and based on "basic" services, without "add-ons" or deluxe treatments. One Fill-In (2 wk) on Acrylic Nails is equal in price to 2 Manicures. 1 Pedicure = 2 1/2 Manicures. 1 Full-Set acrylics = 2 acrylic Fill-Ins (range of 1 1/2 to 2 1/2) or 4 manicures (range of 3 to 5 manicures). 1 spa manicure and/or pedicure = 1 1/2 to 2 times basic manicure and/or pedicure. If you charge a la carte add these charges accordingly: Paraffin Wax adds about 20% to 33% to a service. Broken nails at a fill (if not already included) = 10 to 20% of the fill price each nail in addition to the fill. Broken nails between fill appts = 15-20% of a full-set. (Do not do 10% because you figure it's only 1 nail, that repair appt takes up more TIME than only 10% of a full-set does!) Polish change between fill appt. = 25% to 33% (1/4 to 1/3)of fill-in charge. Most add-on services are charged at about $1 per minute of time and/or a mark-up of 3 to 10 times the cost of supplies. Retail sales should never be less than double your price (personally I like triple or more). When doing add-on or other services you should make MORE per minute than you do doing a regular fill or manicure! Back to Top Pricing of nail services compared to hair services in a salon: Full-Set = Hi end Perm or Foil Highlights. Fill-In = Cut and Style. Manicure = weekly Wash and Style. #15)Blending Tips: Preview how well you have blended a tip by putting a drop of dehydrator or pH balancer on the seam. This will show you what the nail will look like with the overlay on it! And so allow you to keep blending if needed, especially for "newbies". Back to Top #16) My best education tip: Teach someone else how to do nails! Thinking about and verbalizing the how-to's and whys, as well as correcting someone else as they make mistakes will make you re-analyze and examine every step of your own technique. This "self-realization" is usually "subliminal" but it pays off with better technique and faster service times! Use this technique for even the most basic of procedures like polishing and see dramatic results! Back to Top #17)Basecoat/topcoat: Can't remember which is your base coat and which is top coat? base coats should dry MATTE (dull) and TACKY (sticky)and FAST! Top coats should dry GLOSSY (shiny), SMOOTH (like glass) and SLOWER! So do I think "all in one" products work? en-oh, NO! It simply defies logic and CHEMISTRY! Back to Top #18) Obsessive Clients: What to do with clients who "obsessively" watch you do their nails and constantly critique and "direct" your work, and basically fight you for control of their hands because they want to "see", making it difficult both physically and emotionally to DO their nails..... This has worked for me in the past: I politely say, "If you can see your nails, then I can't. And you are paying me right now to look at them!!!" Back to Top #19)Children! I use a similar ploy as above, with clients with children. I work it into the conversation that when children are present I can't help but devote a good 50% of my attention to the child (and the child's safety in the salon environment). Whether I want to or not I just cannot devote 100% attention to their nails. That really makes them think! I always thought of putting up a sign that said, "When you come alone I devote 100% of my energies and attention to you and your nails. When you bring a child with, then I devote 50% to keeping an eye on the child and only 50% to your nails." Fortunately, I never had to put up that sign! Back to Top #20) The 100 Full-Set rule.... That's about exactly how long it takes before a new tech finally "gets" it when it comes to doing nail enhancements. There are no instant answers, no "magical" product brands or techniques that will turn them into a proficient nail tech overnight. Time and time again, I have seen that 100th full-set mark as the time when a tech discovers her own style and technique and it just starts to come "naturally". The same can usually be said for an experienced tech starting to use a new product or brand; for her to build back up to her previous speed and expertise level! That's why it is so hard to teach an old dog new tricks..... "old" dogs tend to like their "old" tricks. You know, "If it isn't broken, don't fix it." It is for these same reasons above that so many techs "discredit" or blame a particular product line for all their problems (like lifting, etc), and just as quickly "credit" a product (the "miracle" product) when they start doing well (they finally "get it"), when really it is THEM and not the product. They could be using papier mache now and get good results. Well I exaggerate a little..... But you get my point! Back to Top #21)"How long can I wear "fake" or artificial nails?" is a common question heard in our idustry. My first reply is that they are "Nail Enhancements", not fake nails. Just as make-up or haircolor is an enhancement and not described by the word "fake". If they don't "get it", I ask them how long they intend to keep wearing make-up or getting their hair done. They usually understand it then; the answer is FOREVER! For more on this subject see my "Rants and Raves" page. Back to Top
THE NAILITE POLISH COLOR LIST Barb's picks for Nailite polish starter colors: In each category they start with the "most important" or most used by my clients, and even these lists make up only a small percentage of the total # in my collection...it is very hard to choose as seasons and trends change... but here is my best shot, then you can get their color chart to order more (and you'll see that the color chart is a little off...but at least you'll have an idea) See my links and resources page for their web site link and 800 phone number. Basic Reds...124,19,50 Dark reds and burgundies.....75,236,106,97,192 Shimmer reds...(red with gold shimmer)46,(slight orange-gold shimmer hint) 47,and Calypso Punch(no # yet) Dark shimmers... 252,221,27,28,250,98,235 Light shimmers...(mauvish pearlized)220,(light pearlized pink)109,(white opal pearlized)29 Pinks.....100,224,211,208,217 Beiges....230,231,(65,193,219 these three I personally don't like, but they are their lightest beiges, yuck!) Orange/peach....95,116,181,179 Mauves...51,85,157 Browns....77,233,151 French Manicure Whites (for free edge): #200 and #39 Black: #42 (for art, mixing etc....) If this is more colors than you want to start with then ask the nailite representative to help you narrow it down, that's how I started! I like them all, I just can't narrow it down any further than this. Back to Top
Barb's polish color picks (nailite) for spring/summer 1999! 226,119,222,46,227,56,187,178,207,179,116,255,41,224,147,135,158,162,31,211,29,108,109. Lot's of pinks and peaches and shimmers! Have fun! Back to Top
Barb's FALL/WINTER 1998-99 polish picks from Nailite selection 221,46,235,236,198,192,98,197,158,27,151,28,252,250,257,256,36,17,257,44 I like to put out 20 "new" polish colors each season(Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer)...even if the colors aren't new, they do represent what is in style and the current fashion trend! It helps to let my customers know that they can count on me to keep them up to date on the trends.... and only costs me the price of a new polish wheel! Back to Top
ACRYLIC LIFTING PROBLEMS........ Everybody's always talking about lifting of acrylic nails. Following, are my opinions on some possible fixes or remedies. Of course you should also try contacting the manufacturer of the brand you use for their advice (highly recomended 1st step!). This is my GENERIC advice about how to stop and prevent lifting and every hint may not apply to your situation. .......................................... First, consider altering your prep steps! See additional references to prep steps in Rants and Raves, Opinions, and Acrylic nails pages, and others. Most lifting problems can be traced to inadequate preparation of the nail plate and the old acrylic material!!!!!!! I cannot stress proper prep enough!!!!!! You could also try experimenting with other prep methods such as a stone cuticle pusher (since they are porous, these can't be sanitized properly, so you would need separate ones for each client) and/or pterygium remover (I like the new pusher from OPI), then strong dusting w/ surgical scrub brush or similar....not a fluuffy barber brush! More about this subject in other sections of this site. OK, next step, wipe with some type of dehydrant, such as 99% alcohol (DO NOT USE 70% TOO MUCH WATER content!) on a lint free wipe, pull from cuticle to off the free edge (like marathon cocktail napkins or generic paper towels), then brush on a pH balancer or dehydrator like Bond-aid (or any of the others, I use the one from Nailite), then prime if you decide to w/ MAP (methacrylic acid primer) or BX (bondex or other similar adhesion promoters) and let dry, then continue as usual. Back to Top
PRICING
PEDICURES
Cut the wells short on the tips....cut out a V if needed...customize the tips well so they fit perfectly....blend the tips (especially the corners) religiously (biters become PICKERS!)...keep the extensions short....have her come in for WEEKLY maintenance for up to 3 months or so as needed...use forms to help "shore-up" the sidewalls as the tips are growing out at fills....make her commit to get a broken (chewed!) nail immediately repaired (otherwise she will become VERY tempted to devoure the other 9 as well!)...sometimes with nailbiters the exact opposite of logical thinking is what is required (keeping their nails a little longer--rather than short as recommended--to "disable" her)...French Manicure polish helps dissuade biting/picking as sometimes problems aren't as noticeable to them and they'll leave them alone, and if one does break it isn't as obviuos to others as a colored polish would be when 1 is broken...but here too sometimes bright red works better w/ some offenders....offer free repairs as long as the free repairs are "redeemed" only one at a time to make her come in right away for repairs--if she needs 2 repairs then she pays for 2 repairs, because she did not come in immediately or ASAP thereafter when she broke/bit/picked the first....This policy also allows you to check the integrity of the other 9 and see if you can find any structural defects and repair them BEFORE they fall victim too....do not leave her ANY rough spots, jagged spots, unbeveled spots to pick at---because she will find them...how do I know this....I was (and sometimes---the horror of it to admit---still am a nailbiter---there, my secret is out.....I am most probably the ONLY nail biting professional nail tech in the world!) Back to Top
NAIL CRACKS AND BREAKS STEP-BY-STEP REPAIR OF A PAINFUL CRACK THROUGH THE ENHANCEMENT AND INTO THE NAIL ON THE NAILBED What we should do as professionals is to first stabilize the cracked area by : #1) Sanitize with alcohol or peroxide (yes this will hurt!) #2)Put a small amount of high quality nail glue or resin into and on the crack....(contray to popular belief, cyano acrylate, when used properly is not harmful...it was developed for soldiers in the Vietnam war to carry with them so that they could stop a small cut or wound from becoming infected out in the jungle, and then killing them before they could reach a medic! So they would "SEAL" the wound with "crazy glue" to save their lives. Medical grade cyanoacrylate is used by surgeons every day for internal, self dissolving stitches......) #3) Hold the crack shut untill it dries and is now stable..... #4) Shorten the nail as short as possible to prevent further damage. #5) Buff (file, thin) down the break area as much as possible without causing pain (or reopening the crack). This nail will not be beautiful, and will most likely need to be completely redone in 2-3 weeks anyway. #6) If it is a complete break all the way off, then apply a tip that covers the cracked area on the nail bed to stop air from hitting the nerves, cut the tip fairly short, and continue w/ product application... #7 If it is a crack down into the "meat" of the nailbed but the nail has not come off, then follow steps above with glue and shortening and buffing, and re-apply product or fiberglass patch..... By the time of her next appt. the break should be pain free and grown out enough for you to fix more properly and more esthetically pleasing...The temp. fix may not be "pretty" or perfect, but the pain will stop...and that alone will make the client happy.... Back to Top
NAIL BED LIFT QUESTION: I have a client in a lot of pain from catching her nail extension on her car door handle and ripping the natural nail off of the nail bed, as well as cracking the nail further down the nail bed. What should I do for her? .............................................. ANSWER: Sounds like that really hurts...and yes it will be a while before the nail reattaches to the bed. What you are describing is referred to as a MECHANICAL LIFT; meaning it was done by outside force rather than a disease or infectious process. (But the possibility of a "disease" process taking advantage of the compromised nail always exists, so always direct cleints to ssk proper medical attention when necessary.) Keep the nail clean, dry, and short. According to Dr.s quoted in our trade journals YOU CAN keep an artificial covering on the nail while it grows out (fiber, acrylic, or gel)to help protect it from further injury, and strengthen it enough to withstand the rigors of growing out NOT ATTATCHED to the nail bed....that will take 6 mos or more to accomplish. So no EXTENSIONS to lengthen the nail (too much weight and pressure on the injured nail, and the length would only act as a lever to BREAK it again). The nail covering will keep oxygen away from the sensitive nail bed nerves...which is what causes the pain...but no bandaids---that only traps moisture in darkness which will lead to secondary infections (bacteria, mold or fungus) settling into the mechanically lifted area which could then lead to disease related nail bed lifting..... So artificial nails are not to blame...but they did not help....the length you describe was quite extreme...you should never start out w/ extensions that long...it is one thing to GROW out to that length GRADUALLY under the acrylic...but quite another to just go to that length overnite....it's just a disater waiting to happen which is what happened to you. So yes, in my opinion and experience, you can have nails...but start w/ a reasonable length (such as a 25% extension, meaning that the white FREE EDGE is equal in length to only 25% or 1/4 of the pink nail bed length (the part that is SUPPOSSED to be attatched)) and then gradually go to a 50% extension. 50 to 100% extensions and beyond, just are not practical and as you found out are painful and dangerous. But, I would alow NO EXTENSION on the cracked/broken nail, until it grows out and reattatches!!!!! Keep the affected nail short, clean, dry. You can use a professionally applied nail covering for strength, provided that it is maintained and re-shortened regularly. Steer clear of gluing it yourself as glue can trap germs and moisture in , and glue is only a temporary fix that could cause more damage than good if not done properly. If a client is "hell-bent" on doing it herself with glue then instruct her to PLEASE completely DRY the area first...w/ a blowdryer if possible, then sanitize w/ 91% or higher alcihol, let dehydrate till dry again, then use glue on the end of a clean cuticle stick, a little at a time,use LESS than you think you need, letting layers dry in between coats if applying multiple coats. Then buff lightly w/ white buffer block, and coat w/ clear polish....(This is in addition to SHORTENING the nail.) This is not the recommended way to handle this situation, but a better alternative than......? They also make something called "crack attackers" that clients can use in place (preferred) of the glue....check your local nail salon or supply house. They are thin, clear, oval nail crack "band-aids" designed specifically for nail cracks....but they are intended to be a temporary fix only, till the client can seek prof. help for a professional repair!.... I advise no polish, or ONLY French Manicure polish (white free edge w/ clear topcoat only) to allow sunlight in (darkness breeds germs and humidity---your enemies right now) and to be able to watch progress of nail bed re-attatchment diligently. Daily wiping w/alcohol or peroxide may be necessary to kill bacteria in the beginning...do not pick at ugly, yellow, crusty stuff under the nail...that is the scab forming to protect your nail bed..."cleaning" this out will lead to permanent scarring and callousing of the nail bed and the nail will never reattatch ....if you have any questions or concerns though you should call or see or consult your Dr. for further medical advice...especislyy if you see redness or swellin or extreme pain, or elevated body temp...all sings od more serious infection! Also, nail bed and cuticle skin may need to be moisturized daily too, (especially after disinfecting on a daily basis to clean out germs w/ alcohol)so that nail bed stays supple and non-scarred (use VITAMIN E OIL PRFERABLY, right out of the little capsules for sanitary reasons if possible..if not than atleast some sort of natural, non-scented or non-colored (ie edible )oil, such as sesame or rice bran oil.... Please remember that all the above information is anectdotal in nature and not intended to replace professional advice from a doctor. Back to Top
COMPETITION
TIPS 1)
Pick a model with the best looking hands/nail beds you can find! Practice
putting full-sets on her a minimum of 20 times before the competition
(this also requires you to remove the full-sets...so...see #2).
2)Invest
in a LAQUER WACKER for removing practice sets! It has a spinning cup
that removes each hand of acrylics in about 10 minutes...
3)After
removal always try to paraffin wax if you can, also massage, hydrate,
etc. 4)Set
up your practice stattion away from the salon...something that would
more realisticly mimic the "rustic" and transient settings of a nail
competition. Get yourself an 18" wide table, available in-stock or
special order from most office supply houses--they are used for lectures
when everyone will be facing in one direction---plus you'll love having
it later for use at home (OR THE SALON)---perfect as a buffet table
against a wall(takes up very little space) and also great for kids
parties, crafts etc because of it's width, comes in 5 and 8 ft lengths,
less than $100. 5)
Pack up everything you will need and then each time you practice pull
it all out and set up as if it is a real competition! This will help
you see what you forgot, what doesn't work, etc....you don't want
to get to competition to find out that your light isn't strong enough
or bothers your eyes, and flickers, and gets hot enough to burn your
model should she accidentally touch it trying to be helpful and reposition
it for you.....! This also helps you decide where to put things at
this make-shift station, and get used to finding them there! Set the
timer and GO. Practice each time as if it were the REAL thing!
6)
Take lots of before and after photos. If possible, video tape yourself
(use a tri-pod) during one of your practice run-throughs. Then watch
it to find errors or time wasting techniques! (Check for bad posture,
bad technique, notice how your monomer is right under the light so
no wonder it seems to be evapoating so fast and you seem so lightheaded.....)
7)
If using forms, put forms on and off your model a good 100 times or
so....If tips memorize her tip #s as well as refinement techniques
to be done to each. 8)Work
with whatever product you usualy work with, now is not the time to
experiment w/ differant brands.(Especially if you are new to competition.)
9)
Practice doing your full-sets in DIFFERANT CLIMATE SETTINGS...such
as make the room: too cold, too hot, too humid, too dry, too much
overhead light (heating up and activating your product), not enough
overhead light, throwing weird shadows, etc. 10)
Practice working with NOT ENOUGH SPACE because of space hog neighbors
(no matter how well, and how far in advance YOU are ready, there is
almost always 1 late arrival who will invariably end up next to you,
and all her unorganized stuff will start spilling into your neat,
organized section..... so practice working in cramped quarteres...
sometimes LITERALLY elbow to elbow w/ the tech next to you... but
if you are prepared and have practiced to accomodate this scenario,
you won't be flustered! 11)Do
not overpack (well you can, but don't un-pack it then)....points have
been marked off for a competitor having too many differant sculpture
brushes on the table among other things..... 12)
Pick an "attack plan" and stick with it---except for the unforseen---such
as: crystalyzing product because it feels as if it's minus 20 w/ the
wind chill in the competition arena...then go to your back up plans...because
you have already practiced this scenario. 13)
Do not allow your model to drink a lot of pop or coffee before competition
(sounds obvious I know). Also, be sure your model is WELL DRESSED
(comfortable, clean, and neat...no jeans or t-shirts, a theme to match
you is ALWAYS nice---in case you win, the 2 of you will look great
on stage---not like twins, but complimentary is good!) Also, no identifiable
jewelry, tatoos, etc, to distract the judges if possible!
14)DO
NOT LEAVE POLISH FOR THE LAST MINUTE....allow 10 minutes just for
perfect polish, and an additional 10 minutes left AFTER that for other
refinements and DRYING time......For the polished hand be sure to
use a THICK red so that you can NOT see the PINK and WHITES thru the
2 coats of polish (my personal judging pet peeve!). Buff the polished
hand as much as the non-polished hand (time permitting), the polish
will look GLOSSIER over the high shine nail! Try to polish the red
hand EARLY, unless you are SURE your model will have to wait at least
20 minutes in line to be judged....TRUTH: models (one of mine included!)
have complained of the first judge manhandling and smudging her polished
hand...sure, the judge IS required to make a note that they are responsible
for the smudges, but it ruins the first impression....and this is
all about image and first impressions! 15)
CONSISTENCY IS KEY! Everybody's idea of THE perfect nail is differant...if
yours is differant than mine (the judge) show me that difference with
purpose...ALL 10 NAILS MUST BE EXACTLY THE SAME!
MONEY SAVING TIPS....Buy in bulk and at shows..... NAILITE SAVES YOU TONS OF MONEY YOU MUST TRY THEIR NAIL POLISH! (Note, call and order by phone, I recently their web ordering thru beautytech.com and it was very confusing...ended up having to do the whole order over the phone the next day anyway! So call the 800# (listed on links page). When someone has better luck with the online ordering let me know and I'll update my recommendation here! I like almost all of the brand-name knock offs from nailite: Love their line of no-name polishes (go back to top to see: A) the 50 colors to start out with (at least 2 or 3 of each to start, then you'll want 6 each of all 200 hundred coros) and: B) the 20 colors I picked from their line to be the trend colors for fall/winter 98 and spring summer 99. Absolutely LOVE their Thin U-V Gel Shield Topcoat (In my opinion even better than pro-finish). Also gotta love their paraffin wax prices, holiday decals, and diamond and carbide bits for nail drills (my fav they don't carry, the KUPA, but Nailites BITS do fit it perfectly), also like medicool for bits.... I like files from H & H, and some other knockoff brands from Dee Enterprises.(See links page for contact info) DeEnterprises---GET THEIR COMPARES TO...."BONDEX" PRODUCT (I actually first found tham at a show out of state....and here they have been all along, right in my own backyard!)They have a full catalog (it's easy for me, I can just drive there, but of course they ship too and they make knock-offs of EVERYTHING and ANY BRAND you can imagine. THEIR KNOCK OFF OF OPI BONDEX IS BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL THOUGH(in my humble opinion)! ...good prices on glues, acetone, tips, liquid/powder acrylics, empty polish bottles to fill*, etc phone # is on my links and resources page.... Try their BONDEX substitute or their MAP primer, they also make Aqua Nails, an odorless, water cured acrylic, not a favorite of mine, but some techs do use and like it...you sculpt as usual w/ the liquid and powder ---it's odorless---then client puts fingers in bowl of warm water for a minute or so to harden and cure, pat dry with towel, and then file and do finish work as usual. Back to Top
"PRIVATE
LABEL" LABELS FOR POLISH BOTTLES
Mixing
your own polish colors*
Cuticle
Oil Recipe*
Exfoliating Crystals (table SALT!) I keep my "exfoliating crystals" in beautiful cut glass (creamer) dispensers, clients pour out about a teaspoon worth and mix vigorously with their liquid handsoap for super exfoliation. The crystals are "mineral salts"...ie plain old table salt! Almost all US salt is mined from the salt mines in Utah, which is where the "Dead Sea" used to be! (nice marketing ploy though), all my clients know that it's not some gaurded mystery, that it's JUST table salt (I buy it in 25# bags for about $3). If any one tells you that their salts are more beneficial than table salts then have them send me the MSDS---because if they actually have some therapuetic value beyond salt (reducing swelling and exfoliating properties) then the "SPECIAL" added ingredient would be listed (either as PROPRIETARY OR BY CAS#) and they would also need FDA APPROVAL!!!!!!!!! Back to Top
CLIENT GIFT IDEAS Buy empty 1/2 or 1/4 oz. bottles to fill*, makes a great inexpensive x-mas gift filled with your oil with your LABEL on it (see my note at top about ordering from your printer)or fill those bottles w/ topcoat bought in bulk (32 oz bottle makes 64 1/2 oz bottles, again w/ your label and phone # on it---way cool! and not a fortune!) Add a magnet (your biz card stuck to a ready made biz card magnet, find these at shows or again at your local Printer!) and your salon file (mini) with your phone # (see ads in mags from those promo companies) and you are all set for the holidays. More ideas to come here soon. Back to Top
Comments
Insurance *Always check with your insurance provider before repackaging or "manufacturing" product! Some won't cover you if you don't get their approval first, or a separate "rider"......... and others won't cover it at all! Don't have malpractice insurance??? Check my links page and the link to NCA at http://www.nca-now.com for their links to beauty industry insurance providers!
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