Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
To Gel or not to Gel
To Gel or Not to Gel?
A Gel vs. Acrylic Primer
By: Amber Edwards
As a nail tech and educator for the past 20 years, I can safely say I have seen it all. One of the most disturbing trends I’ve seen recently in my industry is that customers are being misled into believing they are getting gel nails when, in actuality, they are getting acrylic nails applied. As a client, you are entitled to know the truth about what is being applied to your body, so I have written this primer to empower you to understand the difference.
As a client, you are entitled to know the truth about what is being applied to your body, so I have written this primer to empower you to understand the difference.
For decades, acrylic nails were the hottest nail trend. Acrylic consists of two components: monomer and polymer. Monomer is the liquid that gets mixed with polymer powder, which is then applied to your nails to transform them into the beautiful nails you know and love. Some salons apply a sealer that gives the acrylic a high gloss shine; this has a similar look to gel. Hence, this is where the confusion comes in for the client!
When a nail technician tells you they are applying gel, you have no choice but to believe them…they’re the professional, right? Wrong! Here are some things you should know going in:
Acrylic and Gel both have their advantages. Both can be used to sculpt or apply to a tip. Both need maintenance and can be filed with a drill. Both can also have a permanent French manicure look.
Between Gel and Acrylic, the differences tend to outweigh the similarities. One of the main differences between the two is the consistency.
Gel is in one jar and has a gel consistency when applied. It almost looks like rubber cement but without the odor until it is cured under the UV lamp. When getting Gel nails, you would have to cure every layer which means going under the UV lamp at least 3-4 times during a full set or fill, and maybe more, depending on the Gel system being used.
Gels are easy to file and have a heavy dust that tends to rest on your hands during the process. Most will not get any allergic reaction because the product is much gentler, with little to no odor. Gels don’t yellow and show no lines of demarcation if done properly. Gel nails use an acid-free primer with no odor and no burn.
A trademark of Acrylic is its distinctive odor. Acrylic nails will yellow and show lines of demarcation after time, or after a few fills. Acrylic nails need a high acid primer, which has a strong, bitter smell and can burn if applied too liberally.
Low-cost salons have been giving the experienced techs a bad rap. Low cost salons run clients through as if in a mill, normally don’t spend the extra money on carrying a gel product, and have no incentive to invest in the expense or time of training. URGENT FOREWARNING: Some of these salons are still using the FDA-banned product MMA. How can you tell? If the salon has an odor that you can hardly stomach, or if they nail technicians are wearing masks, they are likely using MMA.
Why is MMA outlawed? The FDA outlawed MMA for its danger when applied to natural nails. It has been proven to cause:
Blood poisoning
Liver damage
A link to miscarriages
Acrylic or Gel…it’s your choice, but you are entitled to know what you are getting. And remember:
Go to a reputable clean salon. You’ll get what you pay for!
If you do not feel uncomfortable in a salon LEAVE!! You are paying them! You’re the boss and this is your body and your safety. Be an advocate for your own safety.
Stay informed on new products and procedures.
And remember Powder and liquid is not gel in any way shape or form. Gel is, as the word implies Gel!
A true gel has this look.
A Gel vs. Acrylic Primer
By: Amber Edwards
As a nail tech and educator for the past 20 years, I can safely say I have seen it all. One of the most disturbing trends I’ve seen recently in my industry is that customers are being misled into believing they are getting gel nails when, in actuality, they are getting acrylic nails applied. As a client, you are entitled to know the truth about what is being applied to your body, so I have written this primer to empower you to understand the difference.
As a client, you are entitled to know the truth about what is being applied to your body, so I have written this primer to empower you to understand the difference.
For decades, acrylic nails were the hottest nail trend. Acrylic consists of two components: monomer and polymer. Monomer is the liquid that gets mixed with polymer powder, which is then applied to your nails to transform them into the beautiful nails you know and love. Some salons apply a sealer that gives the acrylic a high gloss shine; this has a similar look to gel. Hence, this is where the confusion comes in for the client!
When a nail technician tells you they are applying gel, you have no choice but to believe them…they’re the professional, right? Wrong! Here are some things you should know going in:
Acrylic and Gel both have their advantages. Both can be used to sculpt or apply to a tip. Both need maintenance and can be filed with a drill. Both can also have a permanent French manicure look.
Between Gel and Acrylic, the differences tend to outweigh the similarities. One of the main differences between the two is the consistency.
Gel is in one jar and has a gel consistency when applied. It almost looks like rubber cement but without the odor until it is cured under the UV lamp. When getting Gel nails, you would have to cure every layer which means going under the UV lamp at least 3-4 times during a full set or fill, and maybe more, depending on the Gel system being used.
Gels are easy to file and have a heavy dust that tends to rest on your hands during the process. Most will not get any allergic reaction because the product is much gentler, with little to no odor. Gels don’t yellow and show no lines of demarcation if done properly. Gel nails use an acid-free primer with no odor and no burn.
A trademark of Acrylic is its distinctive odor. Acrylic nails will yellow and show lines of demarcation after time, or after a few fills. Acrylic nails need a high acid primer, which has a strong, bitter smell and can burn if applied too liberally.
Low-cost salons have been giving the experienced techs a bad rap. Low cost salons run clients through as if in a mill, normally don’t spend the extra money on carrying a gel product, and have no incentive to invest in the expense or time of training. URGENT FOREWARNING: Some of these salons are still using the FDA-banned product MMA. How can you tell? If the salon has an odor that you can hardly stomach, or if they nail technicians are wearing masks, they are likely using MMA.
Why is MMA outlawed? The FDA outlawed MMA for its danger when applied to natural nails. It has been proven to cause:
Blood poisoning
Liver damage
A link to miscarriages
Acrylic or Gel…it’s your choice, but you are entitled to know what you are getting. And remember:
Go to a reputable clean salon. You’ll get what you pay for!
If you do not feel uncomfortable in a salon LEAVE!! You are paying them! You’re the boss and this is your body and your safety. Be an advocate for your own safety.
Stay informed on new products and procedures.
And remember Powder and liquid is not gel in any way shape or form. Gel is, as the word implies Gel!
A true gel has this look.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Have you heard of the newest product on the market? Shellac it is a hybrid polish.
Now your manicure can last 3 times longer! Up to 3 weeks! All of this with no damage to your natural nails. This process can also be used in the aid of strengthening your nails so they can grow. You might have heard the buzz about a no chip manicure as some call it.
Now you can still have great nails without having to put on fake nails.
Call now and try out this great revolutionary product. Finally a nail polishes that wont chip!
Call today: Located in West Chicago
House Calls are available upon request!
Amber-847-826-0561
Friday, August 27, 2010
2010 International Beauty Systems, Inc.
Nail Technician Class Schedule
CLASS SCHEDULE
June 14, 2010 9am-12pm (enVogueAdvanced class)
IBS Schaumburg IL
July 12, 2010 9am-1pm (enVogue Class)
IBS Schaumburg IL
October 25 , 2010 1hour increments (CND SHELLAC)
IBS Schaumburg IL
September 20, 2010 9am-1pm (enVogue class)
IBS Schaumburg IL
October 4, 2010 1 hour increments (CND SHELLAC)
IBS Downers Grove
October 18 , 2010 9am-1pm (enVogue Class)
IBS Schaumburg IL
November 15, 2010 9am-1pm (enVogue Advanced Class)
IBS Schaumburg IL
December 6, 2010 9am-1pm (enVogue Class)
IBS Schaumburg IL
Please call to reserve your seat as space is limited:
International Beauty Systems, Inc.
185 E. Commerce Drive
Schaumburg, Illinois 6017 4
Nail Technician Class Schedule
CLASS SCHEDULE
June 14, 2010 9am-12pm (enVogueAdvanced class)
IBS Schaumburg IL
July 12, 2010 9am-1pm (enVogue Class)
IBS Schaumburg IL
October 25 , 2010 1hour increments (CND SHELLAC)
IBS Schaumburg IL
September 20, 2010 9am-1pm (enVogue class)
IBS Schaumburg IL
October 4, 2010 1 hour increments (CND SHELLAC)
IBS Downers Grove
October 18 , 2010 9am-1pm (enVogue Class)
IBS Schaumburg IL
November 15, 2010 9am-1pm (enVogue Advanced Class)
IBS Schaumburg IL
December 6, 2010 9am-1pm (enVogue Class)
IBS Schaumburg IL
Please call to reserve your seat as space is limited:
International Beauty Systems, Inc.
185 E. Commerce Drive
Schaumburg, Illinois 6017 4
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
We're familiar with the dangers at nail salons -- allergic reactions, nailbed destruction and fungus, but nerve damage from a manicure? That's news to us! Girls are going gaga for the gel nail trend -- it's the longer-lasting manicure that uses a UV light. So, why would you get a regular manicure again? Oh, because the gel nail procedure can be harmful if not done properly. That's what happened to Jane Ubell-Meyer, reports ABC News. "I'm in terrible pain," she explains. "Anything that touched my thumb caused an electric shock… I would get an electric charge that went up my thumb, through my elbow and up to my shoulder." An Innocent Woman's Nail NightmareSo how'd this happen? Ubell-Meyer said an electric file scuffed up her skin. Then, her nail technician dipped her fingers into a pot of powdered chemicals, which seeped into the abrasion and migrated, causing nerve damage. Yikes! Looking back, Ubell-Meyer is certain she didn't get a true gel manicure at all. Expert Advice from a Nail GuruTo help you avoid this nail nightmare, we talked to Amber Edwards, a licensed nail technician, educator and author. She's been working in the nail industry for 18 years, testing products and teaching others about proper manicures and pedicures. "The first thing you need to know is if your manicurist is using a real gel product out of the jar. It's in a gel consistency until it cures under a UV light. It doesn't have an odor. If the product is in a powder and liquid form, then it's not a gel," she points out. How to Tell If It's a True Gel ManicureThe gel used will also never turn yellow, even if you tan or use chemicals to clean with. They'll last up to three weeks before a fill or maintenance is needed. Gel nails are non-porous, so you will never get a mold or fungus from the product. If these characteristics, don't check out, you don't have a gel manicure, so beware! Other chemicals, like the one Ubell-Meyer was exposed to, can be harmful. Read More http://www.ivillage.com/nail-nightmare-how-manicure-caused-nerve-damage/5-a-215429#ixzz0t0pY7NCl Sign up for iVillage Special Offers
Friday, July 2, 2010
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs071/1102937153390/archive/1103477165337.html
SHELLAC CLASS IN SCHAUMBURG & DOWNERS GROVE Il
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs071/1102937153390/archive/1103477165337.html
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs071/1102937153390/archive/1103477165337.html
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Tackling Ingrown Toenails:
The Podiatrist’s Perspective
By: Amber Edwards
When you hear the term word “ingrown toenail” do you immediately think of pain? Most pedicurists tend to avoid working on ingrown toenails because they’re not confident that they know the proper procedures for trimming or shaping. They often wonder, “Should you round the nails or square them? Angle them or leave them alone? Can I, as a pedicurist, help keep ingrowns under control with only a monthly pedicure visit?”
I found the answers to these questions and more by teaming up with Dr Marlene Reid, a Chicago area podiatrist seen on Oprah, ABC News and other Chicago news programs. Together, Dr. Marlene Reid and I are reaching our goal of educating pedicurists, one issue at a time. Below is our conversation on ingrown toenails:
Amber: Should a pedicurist try to cut ingrown toenails?
Dr. Reid: A recurring ingrown toenail occurs when the nail wants to curve inward. If the client relates that they are experiencing pain and the nail plate seems to be curving inward, as long as it is not infected , instead of cutting the nail straight across, it should be rounded, cutting the portion of the nail that is digging into the skin and causing the pain. If the client has a recurring problem, that’s when they need to be referred to a podiatrist. Occasional ingrown nails are usually caused by a nail spicule left in the corner when the nail was last cut.
Amber: Is soaking the feet first to soften the nails soft a good or bad idea?
Dr. Reid: Soaking is a personal preference. I don’t like cutting toe nails moist. I like them to be dry.
Amber: Can you share with our readers the signs of infection?
Dr. Reid: Swelling, which can occur on one whole side of the toe, or it just seems puffy where the ingrown toe nail curves in. Any redness or drainage is a strong indication. If you see signs of infection, it should be cleared up before a pedicure. The first thing a client can try at home is soaking their foot twice a day in warm water for twenty minutes and then applying a topical antibiotic cream or solution.
Amber: Any advice for the pedicurist to pass onto their clients about preventing ingrown toenails?
Dr. Reid: Nothing a pedicurist can do will prevent a recurring ingrown nail! The cell structure is telling the nail how to grow. The only preventative measure to keep the toe free of pain is cutting the nail on an angle as it grows in. A podiatrist can remove the cell structure to permanently treat the ingrown nail. In some people, the curved portion goes all the way to the back. This would be another time you would refer them to a podiatrist for further treatment. To prevent the ingrown resulting from a spicule, be sure to cut the nail plate all the way from side to side.
The Podiatrist’s Perspective
By: Amber Edwards
When you hear the term word “ingrown toenail” do you immediately think of pain? Most pedicurists tend to avoid working on ingrown toenails because they’re not confident that they know the proper procedures for trimming or shaping. They often wonder, “Should you round the nails or square them? Angle them or leave them alone? Can I, as a pedicurist, help keep ingrowns under control with only a monthly pedicure visit?”
I found the answers to these questions and more by teaming up with Dr Marlene Reid, a Chicago area podiatrist seen on Oprah, ABC News and other Chicago news programs. Together, Dr. Marlene Reid and I are reaching our goal of educating pedicurists, one issue at a time. Below is our conversation on ingrown toenails:
Amber: Should a pedicurist try to cut ingrown toenails?
Dr. Reid: A recurring ingrown toenail occurs when the nail wants to curve inward. If the client relates that they are experiencing pain and the nail plate seems to be curving inward, as long as it is not infected , instead of cutting the nail straight across, it should be rounded, cutting the portion of the nail that is digging into the skin and causing the pain. If the client has a recurring problem, that’s when they need to be referred to a podiatrist. Occasional ingrown nails are usually caused by a nail spicule left in the corner when the nail was last cut.
Amber: Is soaking the feet first to soften the nails soft a good or bad idea?
Dr. Reid: Soaking is a personal preference. I don’t like cutting toe nails moist. I like them to be dry.
Amber: Can you share with our readers the signs of infection?
Dr. Reid: Swelling, which can occur on one whole side of the toe, or it just seems puffy where the ingrown toe nail curves in. Any redness or drainage is a strong indication. If you see signs of infection, it should be cleared up before a pedicure. The first thing a client can try at home is soaking their foot twice a day in warm water for twenty minutes and then applying a topical antibiotic cream or solution.
Amber: Any advice for the pedicurist to pass onto their clients about preventing ingrown toenails?
Dr. Reid: Nothing a pedicurist can do will prevent a recurring ingrown nail! The cell structure is telling the nail how to grow. The only preventative measure to keep the toe free of pain is cutting the nail on an angle as it grows in. A podiatrist can remove the cell structure to permanently treat the ingrown nail. In some people, the curved portion goes all the way to the back. This would be another time you would refer them to a podiatrist for further treatment. To prevent the ingrown resulting from a spicule, be sure to cut the nail plate all the way from side to side.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Step By step directions for shellac
P - Natural Nail Prep
a. shape and smooth the extention edge of the nail with a Kanga File
b.Remove true cuticle from the nail plate with cuticle away and a cuticle pusher
c. Have the client wash there hands with liquid soap and warm water. Towel Dry
d. double check for stubborn cuticle and debris by pulling back the lateral folds (sidewalls)
of the nail with your fingers and, useing a curette,gently remove any remaining cuticle.
E - Eliminate surface contaminates by scrubbing the nail with scrubfresh and a lint- free pad.
P- purify nail plate layers with scrubfresh, which will remove oil and debrisfrom the nail plate
Note: it is not necessary to remove shine from the natural nail plate with a file or buffer
SHELLAC UV BASE COAT APPLICATION
1. Shake the bottle to blend.
2. Apply a thin layer to each nail surface and extension edgeof all 5 nails on one hand.
a. Remove the applicator brush from the bottle and wipe it against the bottles neckto drain excess product from the brush.
b. Stay parrallel to the natural nail and place the brush in the center of the nail slightlyaway from the cuticle line.
c. Gently push the brush towards the cuticle line and then glide down theone side tothe extension edge of the nail.
d.Lift the brush and repeat on the opposite side of the nail, the same steps to coat the center.
e. Be sure to encase the extension edge sealing the free egde will help wearability.
3. Cure all 5 fingers together for ten seconds in the CND UV Lamp or a 36 watt lamp
4 repeat on other hand
SHALLAC UV COLOR APPLICATION
Solid color
1. Shake the bottle
2. Apply a very thin coat to each nail making sur to cap the free edge(this layer will be slightly transparent)
3.Follow steps 1-2 of base coat application
4 Cure for 2min
5. Repeat on second hand
6.apply a second thin coat
7. apply a second thin coat to second hand
cure second coats for 2 min
Top Coat Application
1.Shake Bottle
2.Follow same application steps as base coat
3.Cure for 2 minutes
4.Remove sticky film with a no lint wipe and 99%IPA or Isopropyl Alcohol
5.Apply solar oil
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
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