All About Manicures

"Manicure" is a word that is typically familiar among women. However, it is
actually quite common for men to indulge in manicures too, especially before an
important event such as a wedding or business opportunity. People often get or
give themselves manicures for various reasons. Sometimes it's to simply be
pampered, as getting a professional manicure is often a very relaxing
experience. Other times it's to get ready for special events, or to simply look
one's best on a daily basis.

Manicures can be done at the home or in a salon, with most people choosing to
head to a salon. This is because salons provide several options for the
ultimate manicure. For example, you can choose from hundreds of shades of nail
polish or choose a customized manicure. French manicures are often a popular
choice among women obtaining a professional manicure. Other popular options
include American manicures, diamond nails, gel nails, and having cute, trendy
designs painted on your nails. If you don't know the difference between these
types of manicures, this article will help you choose which on is right for you.

An American manicure closely resembles the French manicure. It's beautiful,
subtle, and classy all at the same time. The major difference is that the
American manicure is thought by many women to look more natural than the French
look. American manicures usually do not contain a color base, but are painted
clear or an opaque white prior to painting the tips. The tips are still painted
white, but don't appear as bright as French manicures. Diamond nail manicures
are a slightly more expensive form of manicure, but for very good reason. The
concept formed from creating a base coat made from real diamonds, which bond to
form a hard, protective coating over the actual fingernail. This provides a
glamorous look while helping the nails to grow rapidly. Some places may not use
a base coat containing actual diamonds, but the concept and look remains the
same. Gel nail manicures are done using an acrylic base over the top of the
actual nail, providing strength to enhance the growth of the nails. It should
be known that eventually this layer begins to break off, but some women prefer
to keep up this form of manicure to keep their nails hard and strong.

For those opting to do their manicures at home, it's possible to achieve the
same professional look for a lot less. Look for professional manicure kits. You
can choose from a French, American, or classic (a color is applied to your
entire nail) manicure kit. If your nails are long enough, you can purchase the
kits with adhesive strips to help you perfect the white line that is painted
over the tips. If you have short nails but wish to make them look longer, you
will need to purchase artificial tips and the supplies needed for these
manicures -- acrylic powder, bonding solution, professional nail cutting
scissors, and a buffer. Sometimes you can purchase the acrylic kits already
containing these items. However, be careful when choosing an acrylic kit.
Choose one from a reputable manufacturer, or visit a beauty supply store where
the kits are the same ones used in nail salons.

Manicures -- Why We Love Them So Much

Getting a manicure is just about one of the best things that a woman (or man!)
can receive. Not only is it an opportunity to improve your looks, but it's also
a chance to escape from the realities of the world and step into a state of
relaxation. While the ultimate goal of the manicure is to improve the looks of
the nails, it's also become common practice to incorporate massage and various
relaxation techniques while getting your nails done.

Most manicures done at salons are performed by technicians who are also trained
in the art of massage. While they are usually not licensed therapists, they have
acquired the skills to apply just the right pressure to the hands and feet that
leave us in a total state of bliss. It's also very typical of nail salons to
have their clients sit in a relaxing massage chair while having their nails and
feet worked on. These chairs provide a deep back massage at just the push of a
button, adding the finishing touches on a perfect spa experience. (Getting a
manicure is a cheaper and often more convenient experience than a massage at a
full-service spa.)

Another great aspect of receiving a manicure is the "heat therapy". Applying
gentle heat to the body is known to have a calming and relaxing effect, so many
nail technicians will place your hands in warming mitts to help soften the skin
as well as relax the muscles in the hands. Many people also opt to receive a
pedicure along with their manicure. These are also quite a relaxing experience,
as the feet are placed into a warm and bubbling footbath and followed by a
complete foot and leg massage.

However, as wonderful as receiving a manicure at a salon can be, the reality
still exists that not everyone can afford to have these luxurious treatments --
or perhaps they simply don't have the time. While it's hard to duplicate the
total experience available at nail salons, an equally satisfying manicure can
be done at home. Here are a few tips on giving a great manicure at home.

1. Have the right tools available. For example, you will need a nail file,
clippers, a cuticle stick, nail scissors, and if applicable, bottles of nail
polish. You may also want to have items such as cuticle softener, lotion,
warming mitts, paraffin wax machine, and a footbath. (If you don't have a
footbath, a tub filled with warm water works just as great!)

2. Carefully go through your nails with a cuticle stick and scissors, gently
removing any hangnails or outgrown cuticles. Then file and clip your nails to
the desired length and shape.

3. If you're going to provide a massage, do it before you paint the nails. Use
your thumbs to apply gentle pressure to the palms of the hands and rub in a
circular motion. Follow up massaging each individual finger while working your
way outward.

4. Be sure to rinse off any massage lotion using a wet washcloth before
applying polish. Coat the nails twice, followed by a clear top coat.

What's an American Manicure?

Most women today prefer the French manicure -- an elegant look with a pale pink
or nude base color and the whitest-white nail tips. This is always a popular
choice due to its versatility. It looks great with almost any outfit for any
occasion, from a casual night on the town to a black-tie wedding. As classy and
sophisticated as this manicure looks, sometimes it can be a bit overpowering. If
you're looking for a more toned-down look that's still pretty and simple, then
consider getting an American manicure.

American manicures tend to resemble the French manicure but have a few slight
differences. French manicures are very bold; as mentioned earlier, they are
noted for their bright white tips. (Many compare this shade of white to that of
white-out.) American manicures also start by using a pale shade of pink or a
soft neutral color, but are finished by using an opaque white to paint the
tips. Sometimes the tips are painted first in an American manicure, followed by
the application of the pink or neutral shade over the top. The end result is a
soft look that's every bit of glamorous as it is simple.

American manicures can be done professionally at a salon or spa or at home
without the help of a professional. Professional American manicures typically
cost around $10 without the application of acrylic tips, and around $30 if you
plan to receive the tips. In addition to a beautiful set of nails, most
American manicures also come with a wonderful hand massage if done
professionally.

You can purchase American manicure kits at most drug stores or department
stores if you plan to do it yourself at home. While these kits are usually
pretty reputable, you may want to consider purchasing your supplies for an
American manicure through a beauty supply retailer. These supplies are
typically the exact same ones used in your local salons and spas. To give
yourself an American manicure, you will need the following items:

- Non-acetone based polish remover - Cotton Balls - Basic manicure tools, such
as clippers, a file, and nail scissors - A light pink, beige, or neutral polish
color - An opaque or soft white polish color - Manicure adhesive strips or
stencil to paint your white tips - Clear top coat to add protection to your
manicure

First, make sure your nails are thoroughly cleansed and free of any previous
polish. Remove any hangnails using nail scissors and follow-up by filing your
nails to your desired length and shape. Next, apply a thin coat of your base
color evenly and allow to dry. Then using your adhesive strips or stencil,
paint your tips white and be sure they are dry before removing the strips or
stencil. Paint a thin coat of clear polish over the entire nail and allow to
dry. You should now have a beautiful American manicure!

Whether you choose to have your American manicure done by a professional or you
do it yourself, you can never go wrong with this soft and simple look!

All about Products and Supplies for Nail Manicures

There are many things to consider when going into business to give professional
manicures, in addition to the proper licensing and insurance; there are also
some products and supplies that you are going to need. First you will need a
store front. Choose a place that will have some visual appeal. You want a place
that will be easily accessible, as well as easy to find. You will also need to
have some sort of manicure station or table. Whether you are planning to have
an entire salon devoted to manicures and pedicures, or to just have one station
within an existing salon, it is imperative to have a comfortable manicure
station.

The table could be anything from just a basic table, to station made
specifically for giving manicures, to an attractive looking antique. It is
important that it be comfortable for not only the customer, but also the
manicurist. The station should provide adequate space for all of the products
necessary to give a manicure.

Each table should have a place for products such as, lotions, polishes, nail
files, tweezers, cuticle pushers etc. There should also be storage space for
tools necessary for doing acrylic tips, such as gels. Each station should also
have adequate lighting. It can be hard to see tiny cuticles without enough
light. Some salons can be very elaborate, while others remain fairly basic.

At a fancy upscale salon, the client can usually expect to be offered something
to drink upon arrival. Then they will be taken to a station that is usually
elegantly decorated. These types of places usually use either antique furniture
or expensive manicure tables as their manicure station. The tables usually have
leather hand rests for the clients to rest their wrists on during the manicure.
Sometimes, they will also provide jewelry cleaner for the clients to have their
rings cleaned during the manicure.

At a more basic nail salon. The price usually reflects the absence of these
frills. There are usually several stations, and the tables are usually pretty
basic.

Surprisingly, however, while the prices of these two different salons may vary
greatly, the products usually do not. Any time you get a manicure, they will
need to use the same basic supplies and tools, a basic soaking solution, a nail
file, or emery board, a cuticle pusher, a cuticle clipper, nail scissors,
tweezers and an assortment of polishes. Some salons will use a base coat polish
followed by a coat of color and a top coat for shine protection and drying.
Other salons will just do a layer of color and let your nails dry under a dryer.

If a salon is also going to give pedicures, which is basically essential these
days, there are a few more supplies that will be needed. Most salons have a
massage chair for the client to sit in while receiving a pedicure. Pedicure
stations also require a miniature tub for soaking. Some of the fancier salons
mentioned above, provide cute separators for your toes. Other salons use
cotton, and some salons use nothing at all.

Manicure Tips

Getting a manicure these days seems to be common practice for a lot of people.
Some men do receive regular manicures; however, it seems that is type of
pampering is usually dominated by women. I went to the nail salon this morning
and was amazed at how many women were there. There were mother daughter duos in
the nail salon. There were people like myself that were at the salon because of
being in a wedding party. There were also women that were just there for a
little much needed pampering.

I am not one of those lucky women that have the money or let's face it the time
to get regular salon manicures. I am thrilled with the way that my nails look
now, but I know that in just a few hours the polish will start to chip.
Unfortunately, I am just not that graceful. Because of my lack of funds, I have
mastered some tips to do my own at home manicures.

The first step to doing an at home manicure, is to put the kids to bed. Well,
not really, but it helps to get the polish on evenly if I am left alone to
fully attend to my nails, without having to wipe a runny nose, or change a
diaper wile filing my nails. All joking aside though, I use one of those one
minute manicure products to scrub my hands. My favorite product is by Beauty
Control. It's a great exfoliate, but it also has essential oils in it. The oils
keep my hands feeling smooth and silky for hours, even after repeated hand
washing. Also the oils really help to moisturize not only my hands, but also my
cuticles. This eliminates that time consuming step of having to soak your hands
in a bowl of water. Really, who has time for that? Incidentally, while your
cuticles are soft you should push them back. If you have time you can use
either an orange stick or a cuticle pusher. If I am in a hurry, I will just use
my finger nail. It's not perfect, but it will do in a pinch.

Sometimes, that's the extent of my at home manicure. If, however, I am lucky
and have a little more time on my hands, I will proceed with shaping my nails.
Shaping can be tricky. I have read that you should stroke the emery board in
the same direction, rather than back and forth. This supposedly prevents damage
to the nail. However, yesterday, I had to file my nails while driving down the
highway on my way to a rehearsal dinner. I didn't care too much about going in
one direction. At least not with the emery board anyway. Also, I noticed that
when I got a salon manicure, she didn't bother to follow that piece of advice
either.

The last and most important step in an at home manicure, is of course the
polish. I have also read that you should try to put the polish on in thin even
coats. Three brush strokes is supposedly the best method, one stroke for each
side, and one stroke right down the middle of the nail. Realistically, the best
tip I can give you is to get a good polish.

Manicure Sets - Why they are Handy

Manicure Sets can be as simple or as complicated as you want them to be. You
can purchase a basic manicure set at the drug store or your local discount
store. A basic manicure set will probably consist of a nail file, tweezers,
nail clippers, fingernail scissors and a cuticle pusher. I remember the kind
that my grandmother used to have. It was a leather case and each item had its
own little elastic compartment that held it in place. The case could be closed
with a zipper. She always had it handy in case of an emergency hang nail or
broken fingernail. It was basic, and absent of any frills, but in a pinch it
did the trick.

Well, nowadays the manicure kits can be a lot more complicated than that. Mine
for example is probably the most elaborate of its types. I use a small silver
train case as my manicure kit. I have all of the basics mentioned above, except
a cuticle pusher. I never much enjoyed that part of an at home manicure anyway.
I did replace the cuticle pusher with an orange stick which accomplishes the
same basic thing. I also have some cotton, fingernail polish remover (I have
both the bottle and the jar that you stick your fingers into), sticky tapes for
fool proof at home French manicures, tons of different polishes, and of course
one of those cute little toe separator thingies. Mine is hot pink and has palm
trees on the end. This is a manicure kit that would make my Grandma proud.

In addition to the old fashioned manicure sets you can purchase all kinds of
kits at all different kinds of stores. Some kits will have cute little carrying
cases like mine (well not as cute as mine, but cute nonetheless). There are kits
aimed at the target market of teenagers and small children. You can even
purchase a manicure kit with Dora the Explorer on it. There are also more
sophisticated kits that cater to an older more sophisticated target market.
These can be compact for the frequent traveler or huge and strictly home bound
like mine.

If in doubt, you can purchase one of these preassembled kits and then gradually
add to it. You can get all of the basics in the beginning, and add new pieces as
you need them. After all, who doesn't need one of those cute little toe
separator thingies.

It is a good idea to go through your manicure set periodically and purge any
old and outdated manicure supplies. You should replace the orange sticks and
emery boards pretty regularly in order to avoid spreading fungus and bacteria
that live under our nails. In addition, you should throw out polishes after
about a year. I am guilty of adding fingernail polish remover to that last
favorite bottle of discontinued perfect red. You know this particular beauty
sin; the polish is real thick so you thin it out using remover. Well stop doing
it, its ridiculous. Buy a new color already!

Manicure Warmers - Why They are Handy

Why would you need a warmer in order to give a manicure? Well, that's a very
good question. The warmer isn't really for the manicure, and it's not really
used in an everyday basic manicure. A manicure warmer is saved for the purpose
of giving a very special type of manicure. This special type of manicure is a
spa manicure. A spa manicure, is a little pricier than its basic counterpart,
but it is worth the splurge every once in a while.

The manicure warmer is actually used to warm wax used to give a spa manicure.
The warmer will heat and melt a paraffin wax. The wax is then smothered onto
the hands of the lucky recipient. The wax acts as a moisturizer. It replaces
essential oils and moisture that we loose through every day life, especially
through hand washing. The wax will help to smooth rough hands and temporarily
reduce fine lines leaving hands looking younger and softer. With regular spa
manicures hands will continue to look younger, due to the softening of the skin.

Once the wax has been applied the client is left to relax and wait for the wax
to harden. The wax doesn't actually harden into a complete solid form. It's not
like the wax will be as hard as a crayon or a candle. It's also a very thin
layer of wax, so it will come off with a gentle rubbing motion. Once the wax
has been heated and applied the manicure warmer is no longer needed. There are
many different types of manicure warmers. Some warmers come with disposable
cups that allow for ease of clean up, while others have to be emptied and
cleaned daily. For anyone who has ever had to clean up dried candle wax, you
know that this can be an unpleasant task to say the least.

Some manicure warmers also can be used for other beauty shop purposes. For
example, some salons may use their manicure warmer to warm the wax used for
waxing procedures, like leg and eyebrow waxing. These waxes are usually
stickier and heated to a higher temperature than the wax used for a spa
manicure or pedicure.

These manicure warmers can be used to give spa pedicures as well as manicures.
Why should hands have all of the fun? A spa pedicure can be a great treat for
dry and rough or cracked feet. I know that I treated myself to a spa pedicure
after I ran the marathon, and it was just what the doctor should have ordered.
My feet felt rested, refreshed and most importantly moisturized. It is
important for distance runners to take good care of their feet. I have seen
some pretty ugly toes after marathon training. I wouldn't say that I get
regular pedicures, but the few that I have gotten have helped to keep my toes
looking good.

So that being said, I am thankful for the invention of manicure warmers.
Without them, we wouldn't have the greatest hand pampering known as the spa
manicure.

Manicure Procedure

People have been getting manicures for hundreds of years. The word is derived
from the Latin word for hand and the Latin word for care, which basically means
that a manicure is caring for ones hands. That sounds simple enough right?

Back in the early days of manicures only the very wealthy and pampered
celebrities bothered getting a manicure. The process was expensive and time
consuming. And it was basically a waste of time for the common laborer. Why
bother to get your hands manicured it you were going to be picking cotton the
next day?

Well today things are very different. Lots of people get manicures. Men and
women included. If they don't get regular manicures, then they certainly get
them for special occasions like weddings, prom, special dates, etc.

There are also many different types of manicures. There is the spa manicure in
which your hands are dipped in hot wax and the wax is allowed to harden. There
is a basic manicure, a French manicure, and an at home manicure. Not only do
the manicures themselves have different types, but the places that perform
manicures may differ greatly as well.

Some fancy salons may charge as much as forty dollars for a basic manicure.
Cruise ships and resorts are notorious for have exorbitant rates for manicures.
Then on the other end of the spectrum, there are inexpensive nail salons that
can cost as little as eight or ten dollars. This is surprising to me because
the manicure procedure is basically the same at just about every place that I
have ever had a manicure (trust me it's a lot of different places).

Basically, the procedure is this. I come into the salon, sometimes I'm offered
a glass of wine, (this usually doesn't happen at the ten dollar place) then I
soak my hands in some sort of concoction. I am told that it is a nail cleanser,
but for all I know it could be dish washing liquid. Then after my fingers have
pruned, they start poking and prodding my cuticles. This is my least favorite
part of a manicure. Can't they just put the polish on already? Anyway, next
they cut my nails evenly and shape them. Lastly the polish is applied. Then I
am ushered to another table. Sometimes, they will put me in a spot that has a
drier for me to put my hands under. Other times I am left alone to let me nails
dry naturally.

Basically it's the same thing regardless if I am paying thirty dollars or eight
dollars. I do have to say however, that a spa manicure is worth the splurge
every once in a while. The wax really is refreshing and it rejuvenates my rough
and tired hands. The spa manicure procedure really does leave my hands feeling
smooth for a few days after I get one. But then in a week, my hands are rough
and cracked again. Maybe that is their way of telling me it's time for another
manicure.

Manicure Implements

There are many tools needed to give a manicure. Whether doing an at home
manicure or actually being a manicurist, the supplies can be as endless as you
want them to be. If you are to be an actual manicurist, the first thing you
need is some training and a license. Thankfully, this type of skill does
require licensing. It is a huge relief to know that the girl scraping that
razor blade over my foot is actually certified and licensed for doing so.

I am amazed at how many people actually get regular manicures and pedicures. It
can be a treat, I must admit. However, unfortunately it is one of those things
that rarely make it onto my calendar.

When going to the nail salon, I noticed, how many supplies were actually
necessary. They had several pedicure stations. These were nice leather massage
chairs. They had tiny little Jacuzzi tubs in the bottom of each chair. These
were for feet soaking, and felt great. The manicurist had a little stool at the
end of the pedicure station. In between each of the pedicure chairs was a little
storage bin. These bins held everything from polish to razor blades. The
manicurist needed cotton and some sort of acetone to take off my old polish.
She needed scissors and clippers for trimming my fingernails and toenails. She
also had a huge variety of buffers and shapers, scrubbers and boards. All of
these tools seemed confusing to me, but I think that she used every tool in
that bin on my feet. After a thorough cleaning and shaping, she applied lotion
to my legs and massaged my feet. It felt great and was much needed.

Now it was time for the polish. The salon had those little foam things that
they stick in between your toes to keep them separated while painting. They
also had these cute little disposable flip flops for me to wear home. This way
my toes could dry and I wouldn't have to worry about smudging the polish when I
put my shoes on. After my toes were polished, I was taken to another station
entirely for the manicure.

At this station there was this funny little dryer thing for me to rest my feet
on. This was also supposed to help in the drying process and prevent smudging.
At the nail station there were even more tools than at the pedicures station.
The process was basically the same. First I had to soak my hands. The purpose
of this is to soften the cuticles to make it easier to trim them. If was kind
of awkward though. Every time I put one hand in, she would take the other hand
and either trim or shape my nail. Then she would put that hand back in the
water and take my other hand. Half the time, I had no idea what to do with what
hand and my arms were overlapping each other all over the place. Anyway, I was
surprised at just exactly how many supplies and tools were used during the
manicure process.

Inexpensive Manicure Sets

With the hustle and bustle of today's crazy lifestyle, it isn't always possible
to make it to the nail salon or spa to have our nails done professionally.
Sometimes we find ourselves primping our nails on the go, like when we're
driving to that all-important business meeting or flying out to the annual
family reunion. While you certainly shouldn't attempt to give yourself a
manicure while battling four lanes of 80 mph traffic, you can give yourself a
great manicure if you know how and where to find good manicure sets.

Ever notice how the tools and equipment at professional nail salons look so
expensive and hard to get? The truth is they really aren't hard to come by and
don't cost a fortune. (In fact, you will find that the expense of your
professional tools pays for itself when you add up all the visits to have your
nails done at a salon!) If you're looking to purchase manicure tools and sets
that will last for years to come, then scout out where the beauty retail stores
are in your area. These can easily be located through a search on the internet
or by simply thumbing through your yellow pages. Beauty retailers will
typically have the words "professional beauty supply" or something similar in
their title. These are the places that sell the exact same tools and equipment
to salons and spas, and while you may pay a little more money to shop here, the
quality of the product is superior. These stores sell complete manicure sets, or
you can choose to customize your needs by purchasing individual tools. If you're
really looking for top-notch tools and equipment, they sell the fancy airbrush
machines and electric nail buffers, too.

Don't forget to pick out your favorite color of polish while you're there --
the brands of nail polish available at these stores are high quality and won't
chip as fast as that bottle purchased from the department store.

If by chance you aren't able to locate a professional beauty retailer, then
purchasing your manicure set from a department store is perfectly acceptable if
you know what to look for. You'll find a wide variety of manicure sets ranging
in prices from a couple bucks all the way $20 and over. If you're looking for
something to just keep stashed away in your purse or car, then go for the
lower-priced sets. You'll normally get a small set of nail clippers, nail
scissors, a small file, and a cuticle stick. These are great for taking care of
those annoying hangnails or filing down a broken nail at the office. If you plan
to do your own manicures at home on a regular basis, then consider purchasing a
manicure set that's a little more expensive. You'll get all the tools found in
the cheaper kits, plus a few extras such as nail polish, cuticle and hand
cream, and nail designs.

Finding a good manicure set is easy and with proper care, can last for years.
Imagine all of the time and money you'll save by doing manicures yourself!

Images and the manicure

Why go through all of the trouble of getting a manicure you may ask. Well
manicures are one of women's many secret weapons. One of my friends says that
she gets manicures because they are cheaper than therapy. A manicure can be a
nice quick pick me up when I am feeling blue. They also instantly make me feel
prettier (or at least a little fancier). There are pictures everywhere of women
with perfectly manicured fingers.

You can't open a magazine or turn on the television without seeing a set of
perfectly manicured digits these days. Maybe it's the ease of which we can now
get manicures. There are nail salons popping up everywhere. They are so
competitive that some salons offer a first time free manicure, while others
have half price days.

You see pictures of different types of manicures in magazines and catalogs.
Lately, I have seen a lot of different images put on the tops of people's nails
and toenails. The last time I got a pedicure, the manicurist asked me if I
wanted a picture of a flower on my big toe for a
special occasion. I thought about it for a minute before answering no. I guess
it would have been cool to have a picture of a butterfly or a flower on my toe,
but in the end I decided that this must be her way of getting me to spend more
money. After all, I'm not the trendiest person in the world and I'm not exactly
a teenager either, so I would have probably looked ridiculous with a picture on
my nail or toenail. That being said, I think that pictures or images have their
place in the manicure world. I've seen a lot of other people with these images,
and it looks great on them.

Every time I open a magazine I see a picture or an ad for a new type of polish.
Some polishes promise to be chip proof, while others advertise long lasting
shine. I even saw a picture of a dog with its nails polished. I though it was
pretty cute, as a dog lover myself. The product they were advertising was
called dog pawlish. Get it? Like, polish for the paws. Anyway, I thought it was
really cute and would have bought some, but my dog is a boy. Dogs aside,
manicures are important to all women at some point and time in their lives,
even if they won't admit it.

One time when every woman considers a manicure to be of the utmost importance
is when she first receives an engagement ring. I remember getting more
manicures that first month, of being an engaged woman, than I did in the past
year. It's always fun to have freshly painted nails when you are going to be
heavily photographed. Manicure and pedicure parties are becoming a staple of
all bridal parties. Even if you aren't the bride everyone wants to compare
rings with the other married women, so it's a good idea to have those digits
polished.

How to Give a Manicure

If you are interested in learning how to give a professional manicure, then you
should enroll in classes, as this type of profession does require a license. If
however you just want to learn how to give an at home manicure, then I have
some great tips for you.

First, when giving a manicure, you should start by removing any existing
polish. You will need cotton and fingernail polish remover. Some heavy duty
salon polishes have acetone in them, and will require a heavier type of
remover, most polishes, however, can be removed with a basic non- acetone
remover. If you happen to have an aversion to cotton (some people do) you can
use those plastic jars that contain finger nail polish remover. Most cosmetic
companies have there own version of them, like Sally Hansen or Revlon for
example.

Next you should soak your hands in water. You may add some oils or cleaning
solution to the water, or you could simply use tap water. Allow your fingers to
soak for at least five minutes. The purpose of this soaking is to allow your
cuticles to soften in order to make it easier to push them back.

Once your fingers have soaked, you should dry them thoroughly before trimming
and shaping your nails. Some people like to use a buffer on the nail to smooth
it, before shaping. Next, while your cuticles are still soft, use an orange
stick to gently press your cuticles back. This will not only give your nails a
more groomed appearance, but will also allow your nails to grow longer. Also
use the orange stick to clean any remaining debris from under nails.

The next step in giving a manicure is to shape the nails. You may shape your
nails any way that you like. Some people prefer to round their finger nails,
while others prefer a more squared off look. Whichever you choose, be careful
to only use the emery board in one direction. If you go back and forth with the
board, it may damage the nail. This may take a little longer, but the results
will be worth your patience. Now, you should apply a moisturizer to your hands.
There are tons of different moisturizers to choose from. Just pick one that
works well for you.

Now you are ready to polish those digits. I would recommend at this point if
you are going to polish your toes as well, do the toes first. This way it
lessens the chance of you damaging your freshly polished fingers. Before using
color, you should first apply a base coat to the nail. This will smooth out any
imperfections and help the color bond better to the nail. Wait a few minutes for
the base coat to dry, and then apply one layer of color. When applying color,
less is more. You don't want to put it on too thick. You can always come back
and apply another coat later. Lastly, you may want to apply a clear coat to
prevent chipping and add extra shine. Try to sit still and touch nothing for
about an hour in order to keep your nails from smudging.

French Manicures

Mention the words "French Manicure" around nearly any woman, and you'll
immediately see their face light up like a kid on Christmas morning. This is
because many women regularly indulge themselves in this classic beauty routine,
whether they go out to a salon or do it themselves at home. It has become known
as a common form of manicure in the United States, as it most resembles a
"natural" look for fingernails. It's very universal in that the look is ideal
for day-to-day life, weddings, proms, special events, or nights out on the
town.

The history of the French Manicure is thought to go back to the mid 1970's when
a man named Jeff Pink, president of the popular manicure company Orly, attended
a fashion show where he noticed several of the models were using a white pencil
to whiten the tips of their fingernails. He immediately realized this could be
major fashion trend and brainstormed a way to recreate the look. The result was
a kit that contained two shades of polish; a light pink base and white polish to
paint the tips of the fingernails. He also included adhesive strips to place at
the baseline of the nail so that women could effortlessly create a stunning,
perfect look when applying the white paint.

French manicures are still sold in this form today, but have varied slightly
since their beginning. Today you can choose from a classic light pink shade, a
nude base, or you could even choose a pearl-based shade to add a bit of glamour
to this classic manicure. Several kits contain jewels or other accents to add to
your newly manicured nails if you are looking to "kick it up" a notch or two. Of
course these kits are meant to be applied at home, but if you'd rather head to a
salon, you'll find French Manicures to be a popular choice among salon clients.

Sometimes nail technicians at salons will use acrylic tips when providing a
French Manicure. This is usually done when the actual nails are not long enough
to get the stunning white tip look. The technician will place long tips on your
fingernails, cut them down to your requested size, and sand them down so that
tip blends with your actual nail. They will then apply an acrylic foundation
that hardens your nails to make it smooth and even, then proceed with the
French Manicure techniques. After painting your nails with a base shade, the
technician will then add the white paint to your faux tips and finish them off
with a drying spray.

For a French Manicure without acrylic tips, prices usually range from $10-$15.
You can expect to pay around $30 at a salon for a French Manicure using the
tips. The kits to do it yourself at home are sold at any drug or department
store for around $8. If you decide to go to a salon, you can rest assured that
nearly any nail salon will be trained in the French Manicure application.

All About French Manicures

A French manicure is a nice way to have polished nails without drawing too much
attention to your hands. The absence of color makes for easy outfit changes,
without having to think too much about clashing colors. French manicures also
last longer than traditional manicures with colored polish because you cannot
see chips as easily. They are also easier to touch up without being too
noticeable.

What is the purpose of having a manicure, if you are just going to put clear
polish on top of your nails? Why bother to go through all that time and
trouble, to look natural? Well, we women do tons of crazy things, and spend
countless hours in the salon trying to make ourselves appear naturally
beautiful. Why should manicures be any different? Besides, the polish is not
actually clear. The polish is two different colors. A very thin white or off
white coat is applied to the tips of your nails and allowed to dry. Then the
entire nail is painted with a soft beige or pink color, making the nails very
clean and polished looking, but not quite as dramatic as red or pink polish.

While French manicures may look almost natural, they are the most difficult
type of manicure to have done to your nails. Most salons charge more money for
a French manicure, than a regular manicure with one solid color. Some salons
use an actual paint brush, with very fine bristles to apply the thin white coat
to the tips of the nails. Other salons will very quickly apply the white coat
without much attention to detail. Then they will come back before the polish
has dried and remove the excess color with an orange stick wrapped in cotton.
This is interesting to watch. I always get nervous when the manicurist paints
half of my fingernail white. I'm thinking to myself, great, I could do a better
job at home blindfolded and I'm paying her my hard earned money to make a huge
mess. But then, she is always redeemed when she had cleaned off the excess and
my nails look great. Watching her perfect this skill with ease, I was enticed
to try this process at home. I made a huge mess; I think that next time I will
leave this skill to the professional.

The popularity of having a French manicure started around the seventies, and is
just as popular today. People have been getting French manicures for years. You
can see these types of manicures just about anywhere from magazines, to moms at
the grocery store. One thing that is kind of interesting about French manicures
is that they really don't have any target age range. Anyone from teenagers, to
grandmothers can be seen sporting a French manicure, that is something that
cannot be said of most fashion trends.

In recent years, there has been a new addition to the French manicure family.
It's the French pedicure. They have all of the flexibility and versatility of
the French manicure. I love that I can wear pink shoes, red shoes, or black
shoes without having to rethink my toenail polish.

Handy Tips for French Manicures

The popularity of the French manicure is undeniable. Maybe it's because of the
versatility that is offered by a French manicure. They allow you to have
groomed and polished looking hands without having to worry about picking a
color. Picking a color is one of my least favorite things about getting a
manicure, especially at a nail salon. I always end up picking a color that I
don't like once it's on my nails. Then I either have to live with the
unfortunate color or embarrassedly ask the manicurist to change the color.
That's the beauty of a French manicure. There really aren't that many decisions
to be made. Sure you may have to choose between white and off white for your
tips, or possibly have to choose between blush and beige for the base color;
compared to having to choose between wild orchid or pink palm, that decision is
for amateurs.

Another great think about the French manicure is that it usually lasts longer
than a traditional manicure with color, if only because it shows fewer chips
and imperfections. Also, I like that I don't have to think too much about the
color of my nail polish when choosing my outfits. Nothing is worse than having
someone point out that my hot pink polish clashes with coral dress.

Now that I've sold you on the great art of French manicures, I will have to
tell you that it is more difficult to give yourself a French manicure than it
is to just paint your fingernails one solid color. I do have a quick fix as an
alternative. If I am in a hurry, but still want my nails to look great. I will
dig my fingernails into a bar of dove or ivory soap. Really and white soap will
do just fine. Then, I wash my hands thoroughly. The soap really helps to whiten
the tips of my nails. Lastly, I will quickly apply a clear coat of polish. The
affects are not quite the same as taking the time to do an actual French
manicure, but it works in a pinch.

Now if I have more time on my hands, I will give myself an at home French
manicure. It's not as great as getting one in a salon, but still a treat
nonetheless. First I will soak my hands and scrub them well with an exfoliating
scrub. Next I will trim and shape the nails. Then I will apply a base coat of
polish to my nails.

When attempting to paint the tip of my nails, I have tried a couple of
different things. In the past I have used those tape strips that you can buy in
a French manicure kit. They don't seem to work for me. When I peel the tape off,
half the time the polish comes off with it. The other half of the time I find
out that I have managed to paint underneath the tape. I've found that the thing
that works best is to use a super thin brush, like an eyeliner brush. Next, I
just take my time and apply a very light thin strip to the tips of my nail.
After allowing the tips to dry, it's time to apply the pink or beige top coat.
Lastly, I apply a clear chip proof top coat to my new French manicure.

Popular French Manicure Designs

French manicures are a popular trend among women in America today. And for very
good reason -- the French manicure is very universal, and is just as appropriate
for jeans and t-shirts as it is a wedding or prom dress. The classic French
manicure has a light pink or nude base coat, with the tips of the fingernails
painted bright white. Nearly every nail salon in America is familiar with this
manicure and provides them to clients on a daily basis. But sometimes women
like to add a bit of glamour to the French manicure, and this is easily
accomplished by incorporating designs to their nails.

French manicure designs are normally done in nail salons. This is because
salons carry all the equipment (and talent) to create some amazing designs. A
popular method of applying a French manicure is through an airbrush machine,
which gives the nails a smooth, even line when painting the tips white. Often
manicurists will use the airbrush machine to create stunning designs. For
example, instead of airbrushing a classic white line on the tips, you can use a
stencil to create upward points (resembling triangles). This gives you the
classic look of a French manicure while providing a special and unique touch.
If you prefer to add color to your French manicure, you could have the
manicurist draw or airbrush a small design on your fingernail. Popular designs
include symbolic holiday designs, such as Christmas trees for the winter,
pumpkins for the fall, or hearts for Valentine's Day. Other designs frequently
used for French manicures are flowers, palm trees, or letter initials.

Other designs popular among French manicures include the application of tiny
gems or stones. These add a small touch of "sparkle" to your manicure. The
stones can be applied singly or with a painted design to complete your desired
look. The manicurist applies them using small tweezers and a bit of nail glue,
then coats them using a clear top coat. This helps to seal the stones and
prevent them from chipping off. You can choose to add these to one fingernail
on each hand, or apply them to all ten nails for extra special glamour.

Another popular design used on the French manicure is known as "nail tattoos."
These are transfers rubbed onto your nail directly from printed paper. They are
very similar to the application of faux tattoos, and are then covered with a top
coat to help maintain longevity. These come in a wide variety of designs, and
the salon should be able to provide you with a selection of available nail
tattoos.

Finally, for those looking for a more extreme approach to nail designs, a
popular trend called nail piercing is now available at several nail salons.
Nail piercing is usually done on acrylic nails rather than actual nails. This
is because once a real fingernail is pierced, it is nearly impossible to repair
the nail later without having to cut it down. Using a small ear piercing gun,
the manicurist pierces the nail with a tiny earring. These are usually studs or
small gems. This procedure costs about $10 extra to your manicure.

With so many options available for French manicure designs, women now have the
ability to customize their manicure and go beyond the classic look. Ask your
manicurist for ideas on different nail designs.

Amber Manicure Heater

For a basic manicure you need some basic supplies like, an emery board or nail
file, tweezers, an orange stick, nail polish remover, and last but not least
the nail polish itself.

These all seem simple and basic enough, but if you are giving a spa manicure,
the whole simplicity thing is out the window.

A spa manicure is not entirely different from a regular manicure in that you
will still receive all of the basic cleaning, massaging, shaping and painting,
but you will also receive a paraffin wax in addition to the basics. It's
awesome. A spa manicure really is the total luxury in pampering. Because of the
wax, you will need a couple more products than are necessary to give a basic
manicure. The products are a little pricier, but most clients will be willing
to pay the difference in order to experience this extra pampering. If they are
not willing to pay the difference every time they get a manicure, it's
guaranteed that this can be used as an enticing bonus for special occasions.

The wax must be melted in order to apply to the client's hands. The most
commonly used heater is the Amber manicure heater. It comes with refill cups
for ease of cleaning and additional cups may be purchased separately. There is
no need to clean the sticky mess, simply throw the plastic cup away and wipe
the surface clean. We all know what a mess wax can make when it dries and
hardens.

Once the wax is heated and melted the clients hand is dipped into the wax and
then it is spread evenly onto the entire hand. Then a plastic cover is inserted
over the hand. This protects the terry cloth mitts that are then put on top of
the plastic cover. The next step for you and the client is to wait. Sometimes
this quiet relaxation and waiting is the best part of the spa manicure. Once
the wax has hardened, it is time to continue with the manicure.

At this point continue with the manicure as you ordinarily would. You can skip
the first step of soaking the hands since the wax will have already softened
the cuticles. The nails may also be a little softer due to the intense moisture
that the wax provides. They should strengthen once they are polished. The wax
will leave the hands feeling soft and smooth for days.

Incidentally, you can you the Amber manicure heater to heat wax for a spa
pedicure as well. Amber also makes special booties that go on top of the
client's feet during the spa pedicure. They have thought of everything. These
little extras like the booties and the disposable wax cups really help to make
clean up a lot easier.

Sometimes our feet get so rough and dry that the wax is really the best way to
make them smooth again, so a spa pedicure can be just the medicine. I think
that you will be pleased with the results.

All About Manicure Tables

There are many different types of manicure tables. Some tables are fairly
basic. These tables usually have a metal frame with a laminate top. They
sometimes have wheels on the bottom to make room redecorating a little easier.
There are also plastic manicure tables, complete with attached chairs. I've
even seen some plastic manicure tables made to look antiqued like faux stone.
These types of tables are similar to those huge faux concrete flower pots.
You've seen the ones that look really heavy, but then you go to pick them up
and they are plastic and very lightweight.

In some fancier nail salons, I have seen the use of antique furniture as
manicure tables. The furniture could have been a desk, or perhaps a dresser of
some sort. Sometimes the top has been refinished with a stain. I have also seen
these types of manicure tables with stone on the top, such as marble or granite.

Another type of manicure table is similar to a desk in that it has drawers for
storage. These types of tables are usually made of wood or some combination of
wood and laminate. I have also seen some manicure tables with a glass top. The
tables with glass tops would probably be the most difficult to keep clean.
Glass tables show every speck of dirt and every finger print smudge there is.

Whichever type of table you choose; you should have some sort of space for
storage. While a manicure table should be visually attractive if at all
possible, it's more important that it is functional.

Prices vary greatly for manicure tables. These types of tables can be purchased
locally at beauty supply shops, through catalogs, and of course through the
internet. It is also a good idea to check your local paper for used manicure
tables. You could save a great deal of money by purchasing a used table.
Sometimes, they are so gently used that you would never know that it wasn't
brand new. The internet is also another good source for purchasing used beauty
supply equipment. There are many different online suppliers. EBay could also be
a good source for finding used manicure tables.

Try to buy all of your manicure tables at one time in order to save on
shipping. With the rising price of gas these days, it's possible that the
shipping charges could actually be more than the price of the actual supplies.
This is especially true if you are only purchasing a few tables and they happen
to be located on the other side of the country.

Whatever you decide, I suggest that you do some serious shopping around before
you purchase. The manicure table is the most important part of the nail salon.
The manicure table will dictate the entire theme of the salon. Do you want
something basic, or perhaps a little more upscale? Do you want something
lightweight and easy to move or something more stationary? Whatever the answer,
I wish you good luck and happy shopping.

All About Manicure Stations

When opening a nail salon, perhaps your most important investment is the
manicure station. The station is going to dictate the entire theme of your
salon. Do you want to have an upscale, fancy type of salon? Then you will need
to purchase top of the line manicure stations. Or perhaps you could use antique
furniture for your manicure stations. This will also give the salon an elegant
feel. You will also need to pay particular attention when ordering chairs for
your stations. They could be leather, made specifically for the purpose of
having ones nails manicured, or they could be elegant high backed antique
chairs, or you could even have a chair representing some sort of theme, like
the Caribbean or Europe for example. Whichever type you choose, comfort is of
the utmost importance.

If you want to have a more basic type of nail salon with the cost conscientious
client in mind, then you should keep your manicure stations a little more basic.
The basic tables will give the appearance that your prices are going to
represent the absence of frills, and the lower cost of the basic tables will
allow you to save money and possibly pass that savings on to your clients.
While I do recommend a basic table, I wouldn't recommend scrimping on the
chairs.

Whatever type of manicure station you decide to use, there are some basic
things that the different types will have in common. For example, all stations
should be comfortable and include comfortable seating, for not only the client
but also the manicurist. A comfortable employee is a happy employee. After all,
she will be spending a lot of time at that manicure station, and if she is going
to keep the clients coming back, she will need to be happy. You will also need
to keep some supplies at the manicure station.

Each station should have its own set of manicure tools, everything from emery
boards to cuticle creams and lotions, to the actual polishes. The station
should provide adequate storage for all of these necessary tools. There should
be plenty of drawers and shelving. Each station will need a flat counter top
space for manicuring. There should also be adequate lighting at each manicure
station.

The station should have a bowl for soaking hands at the initial phase of the
manicure. It may also include some sort of hand rest for the client to rest
their wrists on during the manicure. It is not necessary to have a separate
sink for each manicure station. You can have a shared sink for all stations, or
even the one in the restroom will do just fine.

Whether you plan to have many stations within a nail only salon, or simply one
manicure station within an existing salon, spacing is also an important thing
to consider. The stations should have plenty of space between them and other
beauty shop paraphernalia. Nothing is more unattractive or uncomfortable than a
cramped space.

Where to Find Manicure Tables

When visiting a nail salon, you've probably noticed the workstations
surrounding the nail technicians. Or perhaps you are about to open a salon or
spa of your own and you need to know where to find the best deals on the
equipment needed to get things started. Whether you're looking for a manicure
table for your home or to place in your new business, there are places to find
them at really amazing deals.

One of the most popular places to find great deals on almost anything is eBay
-- this includes everything you need to set up shop in the manicure business! A
simple search of "manicure tables" on eBay produces a long list of several new
and used manicure tables. You can find several new ones for less than $100 plus
shipping and handling. There are pictures of the manicure tables for you to look
at, and you will see that most of them look exactly like what you're probably
used to seeing when you visit your favorite nail salon or spa. At eBay, you
have the option of placing a bid for the table or you can choose to buy it
directly by clicking the "Buy it Now" icon located next to the picture. While
you're there, check out all of the other deals on great professional manicure
products, such as drying lights, fans, and acrylic containers.

Another excellent place to look for manicure tables is salons going out of
business. Most spas or salons going out of business will be glad to sell you
their equipment at a reasonable price, and may even be willing to throw in a
few extras for free. You'll be able to purchase all matching equipment that
your customers will never suspect came from a closed-down salon.

However, sometimes you may need to purchase your manicure tables brand new from
a retailer. It can be confusing deciding on which one to go with, but always
look at prices and don't be afraid to compare them. Retailers like Minerva and
PediSpa sell new manicure and pedicure equipment and tools at wholesale prices.
Sometimes they have monthly online specials, so be sure to check out the
internet to take advantage of these deals. A popular manicure table available
through these retailers is the 7701a manicure station. This table has a modern
appeal and is available in three different colors. You'll love the look as well
as the power supply this table provides. With three different outlets, you'll be
able to hook up all of your tools effortlessly. This table is available for
around $179, but you'll also find others that more or less expensive to suit
your needs and budget.

Purchasing a good manicure table should not be a rush decision. Take your time
and explore all of your options, including new and used tables. You definitely
want to make sure that your table is in good condition before you pay any
amount. If you shop wisely, you are sure to grab some great deals on good
manicure tables!

Where to Find Manicure Supplies

While it's nice to go out once in awhile to have your nails done by a
professional, sometimes it isn't always an option. This could be due to time
constraints, lack of extra spending money, or a drive to the salon is just too
far. However, this doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself of great looking
nails. With the right supplies, you can easily give yourself an awesome
manicure at home. And if you're on a budget, then those supplies need to be
affordable and last for a long time. Here's some great tips on how and where to
find great deals on manicure supplies.

Let's start with the basics. What do you need to give yourself a manicure? To
start with, you need a good nail polish remover, cotton balls (never use toilet
paper or paper towels -- you will go throw a lot more than using a couple of
cotton balls.), and quality nail polish. You should also purchase a small
manicure set if you don't already have one. If you plan to go on the glamorous
side, you'll need professional manicure kits such as ones containing French
manicures, or acrylic supplies if you plan to add tips to your existing nails.

You can purchase the basic items at any local drug store or discount department
store. Choose a nail polish remover that says "salon quality" on the label. You
may want to consider using a non-acetone based remover, as this causes less
damage to your real nail. There are several polish removers available that are
low-odor or odor-free, and these are highly recommended if you have children or
pets in your home. When choosing a nail polish, choose a brand that is common
and avoid generic or store-labeled brands. Cheaper nail polishes tend to chip
much faster than the name brands. You can even find professional quality nail
polish at the local grocery store. One bag of cotton balls cost less than $2
and will last you a long time when doing manicures yourself.

Most grocery or local department stores also carry small manicure sets. These
contain essential items such as nail clippers, nail files, nail scissors, and
cuticle sticks. A good manicure set is usually found for less than $3 and with
proper care, can last for several years to come. You can also find items at
these stores for the more complicated manicure, but those items should be
purchased at a beauty supply retailer. For example, when giving yourself a
manicure that involves the application of acrylic tips, you should find those
items at professional beauty stores rather than your local grocery store. These
products are much better quality when coming from a professional retailer, as
they are usually the same products used in nail salons. You may pay more for
these items, but you will find that you'll be much happier with the result.

To find a professional beauty retailer in your area, simply look in the yellow
pages or perform an online search. Nearly every major city has at least one of
these types of shops. Some places will require you to have a cosmetology
license in order to purchase from them, so call ahead to see if there are any
such restrictions.

The Lurking Dangers of Manicures and Pedicures

Manicures and pedicures have become a common luxury among Americans. Not just
for women either; it isn't surprising to see a male having his feet pampered at
the local nail salon. It's a treat available even to those on a budget, as it's
easy to create your own makeshift spa in the comfort of your own home and
create amazing manicures and pedicures. However, if you plan to head out to
your favorite salon or spa for your next manicure and pedicure, there are a few
things you should be aware of before dipping your feet into the pedicure
whirlpool.

First and foremost, it's a fact that not all nail salons and spas are created
equal. They may look the same on the inside or outside, have employees with the
same salary, and charge the same prices, but there are major differences. Think
of the restaurants in your town -- at least one of them probably has (or has
had) a failing health inspection score that you're blissfully unaware of as you
scarf down that plate of spaghetti you've eaten many times before. Well, the
same holds true with nails salons and spas. You won't catch salmonella or see a
health inspection score posted when you walk in, but there are standards that
these places must hold up in order to safely serve their clients.

When going to a salon for a manicure or pedicure, be observant of the staff and
your surroundings. After the completion of a pedicure, make sure the foot bath
was drained and thoroughly cleaned using an anti-bacterial solution. Watch the
employee to ensure that the bath was not just effortlessly wiped down, but
scrubbed with a brush and cleaner. As luxurious and comforting as those warm
foot baths may seem, they are an ideal residence for many types of bacteria
when not cleaned properly. Not only do these footbaths harbor such infectious
bacteria, but they also contain hair and skin pieces from previous clients. One
reputable salon in California was shut down when women began experiencing large,
painful boils on their legs after receiving a pedicure. This was found to be due
to improper sanitation of the footbaths. With manicures, the instruments used
(tweezers, nail files, cuticle sticks, etc.) should be soaked in a sanitizer to
prevent the spread of germs from one client to the next. If a client is nicked
during a manicure, it provides an entry for harmful bacteria and can be very
dangerous if the salon fails to properly sanitize their equipment.

In addition to thoroughly cleaning their tools, manicurists should also ensure
their workstation is properly cleaned between clients. This means that clean
paper towels and a cleaning solution (such as Lysol or Clorox) should be used
to wipe down the work area to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.

Before you go get your next manicure or pedicure, there are some tips to follow
to protect yourself. Ask around about the salon or spa you plan to visit and see
if there any complaints about the service. Once you're there, ask to see the
manicurist's license and look for disinfectant containers -- be sure the
solution is fresh and not old. It's perfectly acceptable to bring your own
manicure tools, just to stay on the safe side.

One Minute Manicure

Is it really possible to get a one minute manicure? The answer, surprisingly,
is yes. I too was a skeptic until I tried a few of the products out there that
promise a one minute manicure. These products are aimed at the target market of
busy women. Well, these days, what woman isn't busy? The suppliers of beauty
products know that the busy woman is a huge target audience. What with careers,
family, and fitness, who has time to keep those hands looking gorgeous?

Well, thanks to these new at home products on the market, we all have time to
pamper our digits. There are many products ranging in price from a few dollars
to well over thirty dollars. They vary in scents, as well. You can find
anything from sea salt to cucumber and melon. You can purchase these products
just about anywhere. You can check department stores, drug stores, and lastly
don't forget about the internet. You can buy that one minute manicure product
without leaving the comfort of your bedroom. There are even huge retail chains
devoted to helping us to keep our hands and bodies looking their best. Most of
these stores offer their own variation on the one minute manicure.

But do you really get a manicure in one minute? Well, not really. Minus the
polish and the salon, the results are similar to a professional manicure. I
have tried Sally Hansen one minute manicure and pedicure products. They are
available at a wide variety of stores from drug stores, to discount stores, and
even the local grocery stores. Basically, you just rub this product, which is an
exfoliating scrub, onto your hands. The tube says that you can either start with
dry or wet hands. I have found that if you start the process without water, the
treatment will result in a deeper exfoliation. For the few dollars that I spent
on the product, I would say that the results were satisfactory. I would not
compare this to an actual salon manicure, but, if you are looking for a quick
fix, it works nicely.

Another product that I have tried is by Beauty Control. Now, I don't know too
much about Beauty Control, I think that you have to buy the products through a
representative, similar to Avon. I have to tell you that I was thoroughly
impressed with the product. The "manicure" consisted of two steps. The first
step was similar to the Sally Hansen product, in that it was an exfoliator;
however, it also had some essential oils in it. The oils left my hands feeling
smooth, but not greasy. The next step in the one minute manicure is to put on a
lotion. I was amazed. In just a couple of minutes, my hands felt like I had just
had a salon manicure. My hands continued to feel great for the rest of the day.
Even after washing my hands several times, they still felt great. Unfortunately
for me, however, they don't offer a one minute polish.

Men and Manicures -- Not Just for Women Anymore!

When passing by a nail salon, typically all you see are women at first glance.
You'll see them having their nails painted or soaking their feet in the amazing
relaxation of a footbath. But sometimes if you take a second look, you'll see a
man in the middle of all the estrogen. And no, he isn't there waiting on his
wife to get her manicure. He's getting a manicure himself!

It's not totally uncommon anymore to see this type of thing at nail salons and
spas. And contrary to popular belief, it usually has nothing to do with the
man's sexual preference. Although it's not yet something every woman is
accustomed to seeing, it certainly doesn't make the man any "less of a man". If
women have the privilege of getting pampered through a manicure, why can't a man
have the same right of passage without being labeled or laughed at? Granted, a
man having his nails painted pink might just send out a snicker or two, but
this usually isn't the case when men get professional manicures. In fact, it
isn't uncommon for men not to have the actual manicure as a top priority when
visiting a nail salon.

If you were to ask any random guy if he would ever get a manicure, a good
majority of them would probably say no. Why would they risk that type of
judgement? But in the back of their mind, they're thinking, "sure, why not?"
Some men will even admit to having a manicure with no shame. Unlike women, they
don't visit their nail salon to have a French manicure or leave sporting the
latest shade of ruby red. They are there to relax, unwind, and perhaps even to
impress a lady for occasions like date nights or weddings. Everyone knows that
getting a professional manicure is fun and enjoyable. You get to sit in a big
chair that massages your back, sip on bottled water or tea, and enjoy the
temporary escape from the world by having your hands and arms massaged with
aromatherapy oil. Some nail salons even let you watch TV as you get pampered.
And although the home should be a haven, you can't get this kid of star
treatment when you've got kids and laundry piled up on the floor. It's the
perfect mini-getaway for males and females alike!

A typical manicure for a man includes all the pampering the ladies receive,
minus the nail painting and acrylic tips. Men are usually given a thorough
inspection to remove any hangnails and calluses, followed by their nails being
filed down and buffed to add a natural shine. Pedicures are usually performed
in the same manner, as men enjoy the deep relaxation a foot massage provides.
This is the real treat behind their visit to a once all-women escape place.
There's nothing wrong with this type of pampering, regardless if you're male or
female! Men experience stress just the same as women, and everyone has a desire
to look and feel their best. What better way to fulfill these needs?

Men's Manicures in Phoenix

The process of getting a manicure is something that is frequently done by
women. Women of all different types get manicures. Whether they are
professional women who get regular manicures, or perhaps teenage girls who get
manicures for special occasions, it is not uncommon for you to hear about a
woman getting a manicure.

Surprisingly, the same is becoming true of men. What was once considered to
only be for women is now becoming a little more gender neutral. I am not trying
to say that you will walk into a nail salon in Phoenix and see more men than
women in there receiving a manicure, but I am saying that it would not be
uncommon to see one man in the nail salon.

More and more men are receiving manicures. I wouldn't argue that is becoming
mainstream, by any means. However, men in professional positions like
management for example have been known to get a manicure on occasion. I think
it is a sign of strength to seen a man with nicely groomed hands. I am not
arguing that it would be nice for men to have pretty pink polish like we women,
but it wouldn't be so bad to have those jagged edges smoothed out once in a
while. It would also be nice to have those dry hands be a little smoother and
less cracked. It could only add to the value of a good strong hand shake, if
that hand shake was given by a smooth hand.

I think that men in Phoenix are more likely to give themselves an at home
manicure than they would be to go to an actual salon and receive a professional
manicure. It's sometimes easier for a man to pamper himself in the privacy of
his own home than in a public salon, especially one that is filled with a bunch
of women. Some men probably even solicit the help of their wives or girlfriends
in getting an at home manicure. I think that could make for a nice romantic
date night. You could have dinner, a bottle of wine and an at home manicure for
two. It's probably a good idea to skip the candlelight; however, you wouldn't
want to risk cutting your partner's finger in the dark.

That being said, I don't actually think that men in Phoenix are really more
likely to get manicures than men in any other city. Perhaps if some of the
stigma were removed from this traditionally female ritual, more men would be
likely to receive manicures. Maybe someone should open a nail salon that would
cater specifically to men. Instead of serving wine and water to its clientele,
they could serve beer and pretzels. Instead of playing soothing spa music, they
could have multiple televisions showing a variety of different sporting events.
Perhaps another good idea would be to have a salon service, where the
manicurist would come to the men. They could have a professional manicure in
the privacy of their own home.

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