Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Nail Diseases and Disorders

 Nail Diseases and Disorders

Diseases and disorders of the nails are a problem that has afflicted us all at some time.

This could be the consequence of some bad habit acquired.
Some signals that our body sends to monitor our health, and also by some chemical agent or external stimulus that has been contacted.

- Nail Diseases and Disorders And Nail Art Accessories

If this annoyance is not addressed in time, it can cause major damage to our skin and nails, to the point of losing the nail in its entirety.

Even affecting the toenails and vice versa.

  • We as manicurists and nail applicators, it is important that we have knowledge about this health-related topic.
  • Only in this way will we be giving good customer service, which goes beyond having beautiful hands, but also healthy ones.


This also helps us to take special care in the hygiene of our nail application utensils, as well as our material.

  • Being able to recognize some pathologies and diseases of the nails. We can decide if it is feasible to provide the requested service.
  • Or if it is necessary to recommend the consultation of a medical specialist, before any aesthetic service in the hands, that the client requests.


Let's see the following list below

Most common nail diseases
Unguesla - buried nail .- When the nail is buried by a bad cut or a flush cut between the nail and the skin.
Onycholysis .- Thin, brittle and weak nails, they break easily, this is produced by an attack on the matrix or nail bed of the nail.
Coilonychia.- Better known as «nail of a spoon or spoon nail».
The nail is extremely thin, losing its thickness, the natural convexity of the nail is absent, growing concavely.

The absence of iron is one of the points to consider among others.

Leukonychia.- White spots on the nails, as a result of wounds or blows to the nail matrix.
Nigronychia.- Black nails due to a blow, bruise or bruise of the nail.
Onychophagia.- Habit of biting nails due to stress, or by learned habit, perhaps you know children who bite their nails when they learn that action from another person.
Acropaquia.- Abnormal rounded shape of the nail bed, the nail tends to curve downwards, with a distorted angle with respect to the nail bed.

It is related to a health disorder, where medical consultation is recommended.
Contact dermatitis.- Inflammatory skin disease, produced by contact with solvents and chemicals.
On the blog I have an article about it, I invite you to read it.

Allergy to mononero of acrylic nails.

Stepfathers.- Chips on the skin of the cuticle or lateral edges of the nails.
Onychomycosis.- Fungus in the nails of the hands and feet, being a contagious pathology, only a professional doctor should treat it, therefore the application of acrylic nails should be avoided.


I hope this article serves as a guide for you to learn more about the subject, do your own research and it never hurts to consult the opinion of a specialist or podiatrist if necessary.

And although this topic is quite extensive, I wanted to cover for the moment the most common nail diseases that we can find, in our nail salon.

This article is a good complement to the previous one where we saw the parts of the natural nail in detail, you can find it here on the blog.

Monday, October 19, 2020

How to mix Nail Acrylics easy and cheap

 How to mix Nail Acrylics easy and cheap

How to mix acrylics for nails? Before getting into the subject, let's first see what acrylics are.

Acrylics for nails are polymers (powders) that in contact with the monomeric liquid form the acrylic pearl.
We find them in different colors, the most important being the base tones, which are white / white, nude / cover, and transparent / clear.

- How to mix Nail Acrylics easy and cheap and nail art accessories

From there, we have more options to choose from, since each brand for nail products is responsible for bringing out their acrylic collections, according to the season and fashion trends.

In this way, acrylics for nails are a key piece for the realization of acrylic nails, being the best known way in beauty centers.

In addition to acrylic nails, we also find gel nails and fiberglass nails.

Moving on to the central theme of this article, mixing your own nail acrylics is a very simple and fast task.
This helps us to economize, when acquiring the material for acrylic nails that we need.

The fun of making our own acrylics is that you can customize them to your liking, achieving original nail applications and with the colors and brightness of your choice.
Best of all, you can do it with the nail decoration material that you have among your products.

Well then get to work.

How to make acrylic nail blends

To start I give you the list of colors that we will occupy, to create various combinations of acrylics.

Material:

✔ Base acrylics.- They are acrylics with neutral colors, where you are going to work the different tones to be made, so you need white acrylic (white) and transparent acrylic (crystal, clear) the amount of ounces will depend on the mixtures that want to create.

✔ Cuticle pusher.- It will help you measure the amounts you are adding little by little.

✔Godete.- Or small glass or ceramic container to work in your combinations.

✔Decoration for nails.- All nail decoration works for you, it can be angel wings, confetti, mermaid tail, glitters.

Nail's decoration

✔Eye shadows.- They are ideal to have the color of your favorite shadows on your nails, don't worry, you don't have to get rid of your shadow palette.

Now I leave you with the following videos so you can see the procedure step by step.

How to make a Sampler of Decorated Nails

 How to make a Sampler of Decorated Nails

A sampler of decorated nails is a good alternative for you to show your clients your nail designs, and help them make a decision for their acrylic nail applications or gel designs.

If you like making your own nail samples as much as I do, this article is for you.

Searching the net we can find quite a few ideas of nail mockups that you can create yourself.

- How to make a Sampler of Decorated Nails And Nail Art Accessories

And although we already have nail samples of different designs. When it comes to having our own nail display, it's best to do it yourself.

I hope that these ideas that I share with you, are useful and encourage you to create your homemade nail display.

The images that I show are taken from the web and from pinterest. Take them as a reference  and add your personal touch.

How to make a homemade nail swatch


decorated nails sampler
Leaning on wooden sticks, you can achieve a wide and varied nail display, I recommend you use the nail tips that you do not use, for example those of large sizes such as number 0.


nail designs mockup

To make a nail art mockup, you will need a sturdy surface such as thin wood, peel paper, or plastic.
Then you can add a nice frame and a fulcrum to stand on its own.


fan shaped nail display
A fan is a very original way to have a nail display, as you can see in the sample photo, it can fit quite a few nail decoration designs, I love this idea.


nail decoration album.
In dollar stores, you can still find photo albums at very cheap prices, it is perfect for displaying various designs, and classifying them by color on each page.

If you use the 3d technique, these samples are great to show your creations.

Friday, October 16, 2020

Structure of Acrylic Nails in Detail

 Structure of Acrylic Nails in Detail

Knowing the structure of acrylic nails, or the parts of the acrylic nail, is essential when doing nail applications.

In this way, we can identify how to work with acrylic beads according to each particular area.

  • To know the parts that make up the acrylic nail.
  • It is important to know the structure of the natural nail, here on the blog you will find the article.
  • I recommend that you read it before continuing


- Structure of Acrylic Nails in Detail And Nail Art Accessories

Let's see.
To shape the acrylic nail, we have 2 ways to do it: the first is by using tips, which will serve as a support and guide for the application of acrylic.
And the second is through sculptural forms, where we will create the acrylic nail from scratch.

Both techniques are just as important to learn, if you are a beginner, I recommend starting with nail applications with tips.

We are going to see in detail the structure of acrylic nails and the importance it has when making our applications.

Parts that make up the Acrylic Nails
Cant / Apex: Located just between the free edge area and the natural nail. It is one of the areas of the acrylic nail that will receive more impact from the outside.
Also known as Apex, apex or Zone of tension.
Depending on the length of the nail, it will be the size of the cant:

  • Acrylic nail apex
  • Sculptural Nail Cant


Long sculptural nail
It will correspond to a high superelevation, these nails are generally nails that go from number 5 onwards.

Short sculptural nail
This type of nail corresponds to a low cant, they are mostly known as salon nails, since the length of these artificial nails ranges between number 2 and 4.

Tension Anchors: We find them right where the sides of the natural nail end and where the free edge begins, we must place special emphasis on this area, when applying the acrylic to prevent the artificial nail from breaking and breaking.
Tension anchors will need to match from side to side, we will imagine a quadrant on the acrylic nail bed.

They are indicated on the red arrow.


artificial nail tension anchors
Side skirts: Followed by tension anchors, accompanied by the free edge.
We will file continuously and evenly so that both skirts are at the same level.
Always taking into account the design of the chosen tip (almond point, oval point, square point, coffin point etc.)

A balance must be established between the surface of the nail and the flaps, the image shows in more detail the harmony between the apex, free edge and flaps.


acrylic nail side skirts
Curve C of the artificial nail. In curve C of acrylic nails we have some parameters to consider.
It is necessary to emphasize the following points:

Curve C is found in the application of sculptural nails as opposed to tip nails.
Currently, tips with curve C are for sale.
The circumference of the curve will depend on the length of the nail, the curvature of a length of # 2, which will be minimal, will never be the same as an application of sculptural nails of length # 4 onwards, where it is usually more marked.
Apart from sculpted nails, we also find curve C in gel nails.
Among the previous points, it is necessary to highlight what is its main function, which goes beyond something only aesthetic.

The curvature C provides resistance to the extension of the acrylic or gel nail, taking care of it from blows, preventing the nail from breaking, fracturing and affecting the natural nail bed.

In summary:
These are the most important parts of the structure of acrylic nails. The topic is much more extensive and goes beyond theory. Y
It is in practice where you learn and each person adds their own style by mastering this technique.

To create sculptural nails, more factors intervene, ranging from nail preparation, placement of sculptural shapes, having files of different numbers and of course all your material to apply acrylic nails.

Thursday, October 15, 2020

CHEAP AND GOOD Semi-Permanent Enamels

 CHEAP AND GOOD Semi-Permanent Enamels

Semi-permanent enamels are found in different prices and brands. Gelish being the best known and most popular brand in gel polishes.
To the extent that our clients ask us for an application of Gelish, instead of an application of gel polish.

And it is when we take on the task of looking for different brands that adapt to the prices we have in our beauty salon, and the competition.

- CHEAP AND GOOD Semi-Permanent Enamels And Nail Art Accessories

That is why I want to share with you, some semi-permanent enamels that although they are not from the Gelish brand, they have surprised me by the quality and above all the price.

To be honest, I bought them with a bit of suspicion, I was testing them, they passed the test and I stuck with those brands.

Later, when working with these gel polishes, I was able to add more variety of products to my services.

Economic Semi-permanent Enamels
Enamels JR, this brand is perhaps the one with the most variety in shades. I used it together with your base coat and top coat and they were very good.


JR gel polishes
Charm Limit, I really liked them for the color coverage, with 2 applications the tone was already very defined.
The presentation I purchased was 15 ml, and it exceeded my expectations.
They lasted more than a month on my nails and I had a touch-up when the growth of the nail was already beginning to be noticed.


Charm Limit gel polishes
Republic Nail, they look beautiful in my nail polish, van you are going to love them.
Their presentation of Swarovski crystals on the lid makes them look very beautiful.

Speaking of quality, in my opinion they don't ask for anything from the Gelish brand.
They are 1-step gel polishes, although I prefer to apply them as if they were 3-step, it is up to you.

At present they are the ones I use in my "gelish applications", and with the brand that for the moment I have stayed.


Republic Nail
These are the semi-permanent enamels that seem to me to be of good quality, and that can be given a trial chance.

It must be remembered that recognized brands such as Organic, Nail Factory, Fantasy Nails etc, etc, also have their own line of semi-permanent gel polishes.

If you have tried a brand that you liked, I would appreciate it if you share it in the comments, to try it.

Acrylic Nail Brushes prices and brands

 Acrylic Nail Brushes prices and brands

The brushes for acrylic nails are found in different brands, numbers and prices.
Another point to take into account is the material of which they are composed. Lately I've been leaning towards synthetic brushes.
I'm already preparing an article for you about synthetic bristle brushes.
(I invite you to subscribe to the blog to notify you when new articles are uploaded)

- Acrylic Nail Brushes prices and brands and nail art accessories

Returning to the subject of brushes for nail applications.
This time I am going to answer the most frequently asked questions on Instagram and YouTube.

What brand of nail brushes do I recommend?

The question I see the most in my networks is about the brand of nail brush that I like or recommend.
I will tell you that when I buy my brushes, I look first at the quality and then at the brand and price.

  • The brushes that I currently keep are from the Pana brand (this brush is my favorite), one from Organic and the other from a generic brand.
  • I like to use brushes that have a wooden handle, for example the Pana brush, I feel that I grip it with greater precision.
  • I remember that at one time I had a Mia Secret brush, it lasted for a long time, until I lost it.



What number of brush is used to make acrylic nails?

All acrylic nail brushes have different numbers, this number indicates the thickness of the acrylic pearl that is going to be formed.

For this reason, if you are a beginner, it is recommended to start with a # 6 nail brush. With this number of brush you will take pearls of a medium size, and it will be easier to mold the acrylic.

As you gain practice in handling acrylic, you can work with brushes with higher numbers.


What is the price of brushes to make acrylic nails?

  • The price varies, depending on the brand and quality of each brush.
  • There are Kolinsky quality brushes and others with synthetic bristles, from there the cost of each brush changes.
  • Here in Mexico the price ranges from $ 300 pesos to $ 1000 pesos onwards.


How to distinguish a Kolinsky quality brush from one that is not?

  • Although the price of the brush is already indicative, this is not always the case.
  • Before investing in a good brush, research its quality with the supplier, this point will be key to making a good purchase.
  • You can also buy it directly in stores and official pages of the distributor or company.


Finally, I invite you to read the following article to have more extensive information on the subject.

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

5 Techniques to paint nails that you did not know

 5 Techniques to paint nails that you did not know

Hands are a part of the body that we use all the time, so keeping them clean and beautiful is a habit we must adopt. Painting the nails, in particular, has turned the hands into an aesthetic element that stands out.

The art of painting nails
You like to look beautiful all the time and reflect the most current trends in your clothes and accessories, so you cannot miss your nail polish.

That is why we dedicate these lines to show you some techniques to paint nails that you did not know.

- 5 Techniques to paint nails that you did not know and nail art accessories

The best techniques
With the development of the art of painting nails, many ways and styles have been born to give life to this part of the hand. Without a doubt, there are many designs and tools that can be used to paint them.

In order for your nails to always look what is trending, you must know various techniques; But keep in mind that the best way to paint your nails is usually the one that suits your creative ideas and skills.

The materials you use can be diverse, according to the design you want to make or the type of nail you decorate (natural, acrylic, gel, etc). Here we list some techniques that may work for you.

1 Apply a white base
Our nails have a natural color that, although we do not take it into account, modifies the way in which the polish looks.

That is why if we apply a layer of white glaze on them and then put another color on top, the glaze that covers the white will take on a look much more similar to the color of the bottle!

 painting the nails white first gives more depth to the color
This technique will be very useful when you want to highlight a color, as in the case of neon tones, which are better defined if you already have a previous base. Remember: most bright colors tend to look a lot more vivid when placed over white!

2 Technique for marble effect
Do you want to learn how to make other great designs? Sure, marble effect nails are the design you're looking for. Do them with this step by step:

  • You need two different colors of nail polish that stand out from each other, for example gray and carmine.
  • Get a plastic bag or some vitafilm.
  • Choose a fine bristle brush for the decoration.
  • You can not miss the cotton and acetone that will help you clean the nail in case of errors.
  •  Before decorating the nails, apply a nail strengthening base.
  • Apply one of the two polishes you chose and wait for it to dry.
  • With the brush, paint the plastic bag using the second polish you chose.
  • Rub the bag delicately over the nails so that the color is evenly distributed creating the natural stretch marks that give the appearance of marble.
  • Remove excess nail polish with the acetone-soaked cotton ball.


3 Accelerates the drying of nails.
One of the problems that you can face when decorating your nails is the time you have to wait for drying. Keep in mind that many techniques require the application of one or more colors, in layers that must be dried to finish the decoration.

To speed up the drying process, this technique can work for you, it is very simple.

  • Fill a bowl with ice and water.
  • Once your nails are polished, wait a few seconds and dip them in the liquid solution.
  • This technique is applied on regular enamelling.


4 Extends the duration of enamelling
Another technique to paint the nails that will be useful in decorating is to use a cooking oil spray on the recently enameled nails; This simple action will help you prevent stains and make the glaze more durable.

You can use this technique on regular paint, or cold gel.

5 Broken glass effect

The glass effect is a technique that will leave your nails ready for a night event, due to its elegant and iridescent view that will give you the best look for that special event. It doesn't matter if it's a big party or a gathering with friends, this technique will make your nails look amazing.

To achieve this effect litmus paper is used, which will serve to give the appearance of broken glass. Follow these steps:

  • To achieve the breaking effect, you must have previously cut the paper; what you will do is arrange it in such a way that it appears tears.
  • Cut off the excess paper with scissors.
  • Cover the nail with a clear protector.
  • You can see the complete tutorial of this technique by clicking here.


How to get the products to apply the techniques?
For any of the techniques described above, we recommend using a set of brushes, since they facilitate decoration. In the same way, when you let your imagination fly, you will need a series of utensils and products to decorate that will allow you to develop designs in a practical way.

You can find everything you require in specialized stores such as Cora Factory, which offers you everything you need to perform a number of techniques and even create others with which you will surprise everyone. You just have to let your imagination run wild.

Conclusions

The techniques of painting your nails that we recommend here can be combined with many other ideas that you may come up with. Decorating your nails can be a lot of fun! Dare to create your own designs, since if you talk about the art of decorating, the limits are only what you put on.