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The Beauty Crew are on holiday:

December 18th 2023 - January 21st 2024

Salon Manicures - When to run a mile!

2 August, 2020 - 02:09pm by - First Lady | 9 Comments

Have you ever noticed you hold your newly manicured hands differently?  Not the "I'm not sure if my nails are wet" hold, rather the "every time I use my hands I must accencuate my mani" hold. There's nothing quite like having your nails done to give you a lift.

But do you know what you should expect from a salon manicure?

The Establishment.

1.  The salon should be spotless.  There's an unwritten rule of the industry - if you have nothing to do, you clean.  All tools should be disinfected between clients.  If the salon doesn't gleam, walk on by.

2.  As with any service that involves direct contact with a client, you should feel comfortable from the moment you walk in.  Check out our article The Role of a Beauty Therapist for more information on this.

3.  Prices for manicures vary dramatically from a regular Beauty Salon to a chain of nail bars.  You can expect to pay around $35 for the latter, and up to $70 for a salon offering a full range of services.  It really depends on the experience you will be happy with, but it is safe to say, you get what you pay for.

The Manicure.

A manicure can take anywhere from an hour to an hour and a half. 

1.  Your manicurist will wash her hands and apply sanitiser to yours.

2.  Any existing nail polish will be removed and your nails will be shaped with a file.  Decision 1 - what shape nail do you prefer?  Round, square, oval, squoval, points? If you're not sure your therapist will be able to help you decide what is best for you.

3.  Cuticle oil or cream will be applied and your cuticles will be gently pushed back.  Decision 2 - Do you want your cuticles trimmed?  It's generally recommended that you don't, unless there is a pressing need. Even the steadiest hand can accidently nick the skin, which will be sore and could lead to an infection.

4.  You will most likely be soaking one hand while the technician works on the other.  Some salons will exfolliate the skin before soaking it.  You shouldn't be soaking for more than 5 minutes, otherwise the nail bed will swell and any nail polish applied with crack as the nail bed dries and contracts.

5.  It's massage time!  Sit back and enjoy the hand massage, which will most likely include reflexology. 

6.  It's time for polish.  Decision 3 - What look do you want to rock?  You'll probably be overwhelmed by the choice of colours!  If you're nervous about a bright shade the French Manicure is the eternal classic - but again ask your Nail Technician for advise.  Many are very skilled and will be able to suggest a fun twist on a classic look, a feature nail or even a little bit of nail art.

7.  You'll probably end up sitting with your hands under a UV light.  UV light helps your nail polish to dry and harden.  You'll probably be under the spotlight for 5 minutes - but you'll want to be careful with your nails for the next few hours.  If you do get a chip in the hours after a manicure, don't be afraid to call the salon.  Many will offer to fix up the nail for you.

Do you treat yourself to regular salon manicures? What's your favourite part? And if you haven't taken the plunge - what's stopping you?

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Comments

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9th August, 2020

I don't think I've had a manicure done professionally!

9th August, 2020

I get IBX done regularly to help grow and strengthen my nails. It's a nice wee treat that doesn't cost the earth.

8th August, 2020

I think of all the salons I go to regularly for my nails . I never see them disinfect tools in between clients omg. I notice gloves but not being changed in between clients. You’ve really opened my eyes once again BR . Where shall I go now omg

6th August, 2020

I have never done a salon manicure. I really can't stand the smell in there, but I have been tempted to try it out.

4th August, 2020

My nails are shortish and tend to break and split easily. The few manicures I have had left me disappointed as they didn't do a good job and rushed through the process.

4th August, 2020

I haven't had a manicure in years but I could use one. Thanks for the tips.

3rd August, 2020

I’ve been to get my nails done once and never again! The lady didn’t speak English and it being my first time I didn’t get what she wanted me to do with my fingers, she started yanking my hand etc and was rough doing my nail beds, I just wanted to run out but this crappy place took my money before the session. Worst experience ever!

3rd August, 2020

I would love a manicure with beautiful polish but I work in the food industry - it’s a big fat NO for work, and the rare times I have a week off I seem to always have several freshly broken and very short nails. I need some diamond nail hardened and bubble wrap gloves on the lead up - otherwise it just seems wasted

2nd August, 2020

I often think about it but never have. Often the smell of some places put me off too

Susilia
3rd August, 2020

I’ve grown to love my short, tidy and always clean nails, I used to paint my nails all the time before getting into food hospitality and I don’t miss the stress of broken nails, chipped polish after one day etc! :)