A scrub brush can be purchased anywhere from the local beauty
supply to the grocery store to the hardware store. The choice is your
preference, I have no specific recommendations here.
Archive for December 3rd, 2005
03
Dec
Scrub brush
03
Dec
Cuticle Pusher
With these, there is a fair variety in pricing, not nearly as extreme as with the nippers, and even the cheap ones will push your cuticles back for a lifetime. From my experience, the cheap ones are too flat and narrow to hold properly. I, again, would recommend the Tweezerman Pushy. It is stainless steel, not too expensive ($15.99 at Drugstore.com), and has more bulk in the center to hold on to (which is a big advantage when learning to be ambidextrous).
03
Dec
Cuticle Nippers
The use of nippers is an important part of achieving a spa quality manicure, and probably the item to cost you
the most. Nippers can range in price anywhere from $1.00 to $100.00, and their quality is relative. A cheap nipper will dull after the first use, and any subsequent use will tear your cuticles rather than cut them. Tweezerman makes a good nipper that is readily available, and even their least expensive nipper will last you 50 times longer than a drugstore brand. Some people recommend purchasing a quarter jaw (the actual part of the blade that cuts your cuticle is ¼ inch long), but I have always used and prefer a half jaw (1/2 in.). If you buy good ones, and take care that they are not used for cutting ANYTHING but skin, they will last a lifetime. This is my very favorite nipper, from Mehaz and Folica.com:
 |
Mehaz 999 - 4½" Long John Cuticle Nipper German made, stainless steel cobalt, lapjoint nipper with double spring design. Extra long handle for comfort. Available in 1/4 jaw and 1/2 jaw. |
o Small crock-pot or electric potpourri warmer, or paraffin
warmer from the beauty supply
o Soft 1-2 inch wide paintbrush
03
Dec
Bowl for Manicures
A glass or plastic cereal type bowl works well. You will be
soaking your fingertips of one hand at a time in this, so you can
judge the size for yourself. If you can find an insulated bowl, even
better. Some beauty supply houses and kitchen centers carry bowls
that have a chamber around them that can be filled with hot water to
keep the contents of the bowl warm.
o Everything listed for the Basic Spa Manicure except the bowl needs to be a good bit larger (enough for feet), or an electric pedicure tub
o Foot File or pumice stone
03
Dec
Manicuring tools
T ools and implements include the most basic items that you will
need to perform a manicure on yourself. These items are not
disposable and will probably be the most expensive things for you to
get, however you will have some, if not all, of these things at home
already. I have a few things on these lists that I consider optional,
but because this is a guide to a “spa” manicure, and not just a plain
manicure, I will include them all.
o Microwavable bowl with a 2 cup capacity
o Cuticle nippers
o Stainless steel cuticle pusher
o Large nail clippers (optional)
o Nail scrub brush
o Small pump spray bottle (2-4 oz is plenty-the size of a travel
pump hair spray bottle)
o Heated mitts or large sized heating pad
o Battery operated rotating facial brush
o Tupperware style container, with lid, large enough to hold your
nippers, cuticle pusher and scrub brush (for sanitation
purposes)
03
Dec
Manicuring is a Craft
I have had so many clients over the years tell me that they come
to me because they just can’t seem to make their nails look as
good as I can, and last as long as I can, and I always have told them
that yes, they can. Nail Technicians are not members of a secret society.
We have no secret potion that makes us better than you at doing
what we do. Nail Techs are no more intelligent than “regular folks.”
All we have is desire, experience and knowledge. This knowledge
has been closely held by Nail Techs, mostly because they don’t want
any other Nail Techs to learn their “tricks” and possibly be outdone
and lose their clientele.
Continue reading ‘Manicuring is a Craft’
03
Dec
Welcome!
Thanks for stopping by my little home on the www! If you are looking for information on how to perform manicures and pedicures like a professional, this blog, Nail Tech Secrets can definitely help you out.
This blog will benefit anyone who wants to learn how to take care of their nails themselves, saving you the hassles involved with finding a decent nail tech, making appointments, hanging around forever waiting on your nails to dry–taking precious time away from you and your family. People with suppressed immune systems would be wise to learn to do these things themselves as well, as there are many dangers in poorly cleaned and sanitized salons. Nail Tech Students will likely find this blog to be very beneficial as well, as it is chock full of things that are learned over time, real life experiences, from a veteran of the nail industry.
Welcome!
