MY NEW NAILS

Hello There!

Ok, girls..I am trying something different theses days. MANICURES! Ok, thinking about that--it sounds like i never got my nails done before, let me clarify! I use to wear tips all the time and loved the look--but lately i haven't really been feeling that look on me anymore. So im trying my own nails now! It takes some getting use to --but i really like the look. After i soaked off my tips--my nails were jacked. So i have been trying use whatever i can to restore them to good healthy nails. So i decided that my skills as a "nail tech" are totally limited so i decided to go get a professional manicure from my girl Rita. She is a Professional Nail Tech and hooked my nails up!

Rita gave me the best hot oil manicure. I've never had one before, but i will be going back for more. She cleaned up my cuticles -shaped and buffed and everything else under the sun to make my nails look great. I must say the end resort was fabulous! My hands were so soft--and i chose one of Ritas signature mani's, "Rita's Jazzy Duo"! Check my nails out! You like? I love! : ) I'm wearing "Finger Paints-shadow of dark(its a really dark purple) and on my ring fingers(Sally Hansen-Crystal Chrome-lilac crystal)

I decided to ask Ms. Rita some questions on what us ladies need to know about manicures and nail care! If you're interested read on...

What can we do to keep our nails and hands healthy in the winter months?

Rita says " its a must t use cuticle oil(it helps to lock in moisture and keeps the cuticles soft to prevent cracks and hang nails. I also recommend parrafin treatments for nice supple hands.

So what is the difference between Gel vs. Acrylic?

Rita says " just that- a gel is a gel. There should be no powder used when getting a gel overlay. Gel is gel substance applied to the nail.So when you are at the salon-if your nail tech is using a powder and you requested gel--ask why?"

Yikes, i hate that drill--it always leaves ridges and damages my nails bed. What is the deal with that?

Rita says " Professional nail techs should be trained to use a drill properly-because it can lead to damaging affects, such as ridges and burning on the nail bed."

We all want to go to clean salons to get our nails done--but are there any other specific things that we ladies should look for?

Rita says " its important to have a safe, clean work area. Your nail tech should show the client that their own hands have been santized before touching the clients(a light spray of alcohol or hand sanitizer is good).The instruments should be disinfected thoroughly as well. Some things that should not be reused are : orange wood sticks (cuticle sticks)

pumice stones(if a pumice stone is used during a pedicure-it should

only be used for that client. Unless is is one that can be sanitzed prior

using it before another client. However, the regular(rock like pumice

stone)-should not be used on more than one client.

New towels should be used for both mani's and pedi's.

Ok, enough of my tips! I know i learned quite a bit from my lesson in nail care with Miss. Rita...and i hope you did too! Don't forget girls--if you see something at your nails salon that doesn't look right--question it, request better, or find a new salon that is going to take care of the prettiness and healthiness of your nails!

LATERS,

STACY