Archive for February, 2009

How to do a French Manicure

Sunday, February 15th, 2009

Got all the latest trends in clothes, bags and shoes…from Gucci to Chanel? And you always want to be stylish and walk with an aura of confidence? But hold that thought; have you looked at your hands and feet? Will they pass the stylish test? Are they well kept, clean and neat? Why not indulge in French Pedicure and Manicure…

tips+french manicure nails, french manicure toes

Most people do not bother about doing up their hands and feet, as they are more bothered about matching their shoes to their bags and about perfectly styled hair. But if your feet and hand are not up to mark, you aren’t so stylish. No body is saying you need to visit a spa or salon for fancy manicures and pedicures, today there are Do-It-Yourself or DIY kits available to make the job that much simpler.

French Pedicure
Feet deserve as much attention as your hair and face; after all it is your feet that carry you around everywhere don’t they? So they truly deserve some pampering and the best way to do that is by giving yourself a pedicure and not just any pedicure, but a French Pedicure, which gives the feet a classic makeover. Here are some DIY tips for French Pedicure:

  • For a French Pedicure, cut your nails straight and smoothen them out with a nail file. The square nail with a rounded edge is perfect for a French pedicure.
  • Remove your old varnish with a nail polish remover, and not acetone.
  • Soak your feet in a tub of warm water to which you can add bath salts or olive oil. Consider adding Epsom salts to clean and disinfect your feet. Add aromatic oils for soothing and a relaxing if you want a true spa feel.
  • Use a foot scrubber or a pumice stone to exfoliate and remove deal cells from the heel. Add a dollop of exfoliating scrub on to the scrubber or pumice stone while doing so.
  • Clean and push back the cuticles with a cuticle oil or cream. And if necessary use a cuticle cutter.
  • Dry your feet and apply a moisturizing cream. Massage your feet and calves while doing so for a relaxing effect. Do not forget to rub between toes and on the toenails as well.
  • Remove all traces of oil or cream before you start applying any nail varnish. Use a toe separator for easy application.
  • Apply a sheer pink, natural or peach nail varnish on the entire nail. This is the first step of the French pedicure.
  • If you have a French pedicure kit, this will come with nail guides, which can be put on the nail for easy application. Stick it on along the natural nail line for an au natural effect.
  • Paint the exposed nail tip with a matt white nail varnish. Do not worry about going over the edge; this can be cleaned at the end by dipping a ear bud in nail polish remover.
  • After the nail polish has dried completely, remove the nail guide.
  • Seal the nail color with a clear topcoat.

French Manicure
A beautifully adorned hand is a pleasure to look at, but what makes the hand more beautiful is the classic French Manicure. Here are some easy DIY tips for French Manicure:

  • Cut and file your nails in a square shape with the edges slightly rounded.
  • Remove all old nail varnish before soaking your hands in warm soapy water.
  • Push back and cut your cuticles.
  • Clean and dry your hands completely before applying some moisturizing hand cream.
  • Make sure nails are not oily or creamy before applying nail varnish.
  • Apply a natural sheer color all over your nail. A pale pink or peach is perfect for the natural French manicure.
  • After the base coat has dried completely, affix the nail guide strips along the tip of the nails following its natural shape.
  • Apply the matt white nail color on the nail tips. If any extra nail color gets on the edge of the nail, it can be removed later by dipping a cotton swab in nail polish remover.
  • After the nail tips have dried completely, remove the nail guide strips. Follow this by applying a clear topcoat to seal the color.

Your hands and feet are beautiful and elegant. Show off your French pedicure in some pretty sandals and let your hands sparkle with the gleam of your French manicure and diamond rings.

 By Khushnuma Irani     Published: 12/5/2007

French Manicure - How to Do a French Manicure 

Save yourself a load of cash and time by learning to give yourself a French manicure

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French manicure is common in almost all parts of the world especially among women.

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For a quick fake French manicure, first massage cuticle oil into your nails as this will make them shine.

 
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Avoid Fungal Nail Infections

Friday, February 13th, 2009

Easy Ways To Avoid Fungal Nail Infections

‘Be kind to your feet; they outnumber people two to one,’ so goes the slogan used by the popular Happy Feet sandals back in the ’70s. Unfortunately, not everyone follows this simple advice. Despite their usefulness, feet often take the lowest priority when it comes to health. This makes them prone to a host of disorders like fungal nail infections that commonly affect the elderly.

fungus nails and nail fungus treatment Onychomycosis is the medical term for this serious malady that turns nails into monsters, making them dull, discolored, disfigured, distorted, and deformed. As the disease progresses, it can spread to your fingernails and make day to day activities like walking, typing, and writing painful and difficult.

To keep your nails happy and fungus free, here are some practical tips from the Mayo Clinic and WebMD:

1) Keep your hands and feet clean. Dry them thoroughly after washing or bathing and use a good foot powder.

2) Don’t walk barefoot around public pools, showers, and locker rooms.

3) Choose your footwear carefully. Wear socks that absorb moisture and change them as often as necessary, especially if you have sweaty feet. Avoid tight, enclosed shoes.

4) Don’t wear the same shoes daily. Have at least two pairs that you can wear alternately. Take your shoes off from time to time during the day. Disinfect your shoes with a good antifungal spray.

5) Use rubber gloves if you come in contact with water often. Dry the gloves afterwards.

6) Don’t bite your nails and keep them short.

7) Choose a clean nail salon if you intend to get a manicure or pedicure. Bring your own instruments if possible and don’t share them with others. Avoid harsh nail products, nail polish, and artificial nails.

8) Don’t cut your nails too short to avoid injury.

9) Control chronic conditions like diabetes.

10) Stop smoking.

If you’re a victim of onychomycosis, choose your medicine carefully. Most topical antifungal creams are ineffective and a waste of money while oral antifungal drugs are expensive and have many serious side effects. To protect your pocket and your health, switch to Somasin AFS, the practical herbal alternative that’s safe to use. Somasin’s unique dual action formula helps strengthen your immune system and penetrates the nail to eliminate fungal nail infections in just seven days.

By: Janet Martin

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine www.thearticleinsiders.com. For more information on Somasin, visit www.somasin.com.

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Works Over Time – Even standard treatments for nail fungus take a long time to show results. You should expect some home remedies to equally take some time.

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You can no longer hide your feet by covering them with shoes as summer is coming. Shoes were the best excuse to hide your yellow nails.

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Artificial Nails and Nail Care

Friday, February 13th, 2009

If you have a very rocking party to attend at the weekend and you have just realized you have bitten off your gorgeous nails in frenzy over your work problems, then fret not! Here are some ways in which artificial nails can definitely come to your rescue.

Artificial Nails, acrylic nails care

If you call yourself really fashion conscious, have you had a good look at your nails? Well, most women as well as men, go all out to look gorgeous for that very important date or plan the right formal attire for that important business meeting. One thing that is often overlooked is the nail care and the basic hygiene that needs to be followed to have your nails looking good at all times. Imagine a well-dressed woman with ugly, unclean nails. I am sure that can be a huge turnoff for most people around her and one would really prefer to be a few steps away!

Well, growing your own nails can be time consuming and also requires care and maintenance. Besides, if you have to attend that very important party at the weekend, only a magic wand would probably help you get long and beautiful nails. Well, I don’t know whether magic wands are easily available, but you can definitely opt for artificial nails that will help you get beautiful and manicured hands, in a short time. Artificial nails prove to be very useful and are also available in different types of artificial materials to suit the needs of different women. When you have that all-important modeling assignment or need to cover up badly bitten nails, fake nails can truly help you out of any embarrassing situation.

What are the various types of Artificial Nails available?
Artificial nails are can give you a sophisticated look instantly and can spice up your day. These are available in various types such as acrylic nails, gel nails, wrap nails, press on nails etc. Always remember, fake nails require good care and maintenance. There is also the cost factor to be taken into consideration. You can buy them off the shelf or get it done at a professional beauty salon. If time is not the issue, then seek advice from a professional nail artist before applying fake nails over your natural ones.

Acrylic Nails:
These are the most common and popular types of artificial nails available. They are also one of the longest lasting and most durable kinds. Acrylic nails are creatnail art supplies, artificial nailed with the combination of two products-the polymer and the monomer. This mixture is then applied with the help of an acrylic brush over the natural fingernails of a person. After the application, one has to let it dry. Once dried, this forms an elongated shape. This can be further shaped as per your requirements. You have to make sure that you maintain these properly to avoid any infections.

Gel Nails:
Gel nails are considered to be natural in their appearance. These have a clear and shiny look. The gel consists of pre-mixed polymers and monomers. This is applied on the nails and then is set under the UV light. The non UV gels are also gaining popularity. Here, a gel activator is applied over the nails. Gel nails although natural in their appearance are not as durable as the acrylic nails. These also cannot be removed easily; you need to let them grow out.

Press-On Nails:
This is the most common and easily available kind of artificial nails that you can even try to fix at home. Browse through local beauty stores and you can a variety of sizes and shapes, whichcan be glued over your natural nails. These are ideal for those women who are probably unable to go to the beauty parlor and are hard pressed for time. These come with step-by-step instructions and are good for a short time use.

Wrap Nails (Fiber, silk and linen):
Wrap nails are considered to be the most natural of all artificial nails. These are also the softest kinds that are available today. Here, the pieces of fiber, silk or linen are cut as per the shape that is required and are glued to the natural nail. It is also known that wrap nails are used to strengthen the tips of the nails. The materials have their own plus points such as silk offers more flexibility and linen, is stronger but thick in its appearance. Fiber nails combine the qualities of both. You will have to grow them out for their removal. Being low on maintenance, these are also often popular amongst women.

Care and Maintenance tips for Artificial Nails:

  • Sometimes, these artificial nails tend to lift off from the natural nails. In such cases, consult a professional immediately.
  • Avoid using acetone nail polish on your fake nails. Look for other options that do not have the acetone content.
  • Always moisture the cuticles to avoid any nail infections.
  • Stick to reputed glues and products that belong to a good brand.
  • Once you have your fake nails, use rubber gloves for kitchen work or any work that involves contact with chemicals.
  • Always consult a professional before you try any of these artificial nails.

You can even jazz up the fake nails with some stick on designs. These may prove to be a bit messy, but the options are aplenty! So, the next time you party, don’t hide your hands behind your back-flaunt them with great style!

 By Kashmira Lad    Published: 12/30/2007

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After sticking them on, you could apply nail polish, so that your nails look shining.

 
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Healthy Nails and Nail Growth

Thursday, February 12th, 2009

Looking after your body by eating a balanced diet containing all the essential nutrients and vitamins will ensure that you have strong and healthy nails.

Nails have no colour and are transparent. Because of the abundance of blood vessels under the skin, nails appear pink when healthy. The tissue of the nail is called the matrix and the white half-moon (lunula) is at the top of this. Below the matrix is the nail bed, where the nail attaches to the finger. The cuticle, which is the skin that grows over the nail bed, grows towards the tip of the nail and forms a watertight seal protecting the matrix. The cuticle should never be cut away as this increases the chance of getting a nail infection.

 
Massagingnail healthy, hand and nail care product your cuticles with oils, which include primrose, camellia or almond, can soften the skin, which helps when pushing back the cuticle when manicuring your nails. Rosehip oil is another good oil that can be used, this oil contains prostaglandin, which strengthens the nail cells and increases circulation – it can also stimulate growth. The fatty acids it contains will replenish moisture and the vitamin C content helps to fend off germs.

Nail Problems

Brittle, discoloured nails, or nails with lines may be symptoms of changes within the body. Thyroid, kidney or problems with circulation could be the cause of brittle nails; even the fact that there is not enough Vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids or calcium in your diet may also be a contributing factor.

Vertical lines may be caused by a shortage of iron, while lines that are horizontal indicate stress levels are raised. Also, both of these symptoms may indicate none or little absorption of nutrients. Tell-tale signs of fasting/poor diet are white spots on the nail. Introducing a zinc supplement to your diet may help to restore this to a normal level. Nails, which peel, crack or chip easily, may be caused by lack of minerals being absorbed – a mineral supplement may help with this.

Common Nail Problems and Possible Causes

– Spoon-shaped nails (lack of iron in the diet)
– Square, wide nails (hormonal imbalances)
– Very thick nails (the onset of vascular degeneration or thyroid conditions)
– End of nail curves down (lack of vitamin B12)

Looking After Your Nails

To ensure healthy nails, a diet should include plenty of fruit and vegetables to make sure that vitamins and minerals are absorbed properly. Silica is essential for the formation of healthy and strong nails – a silica supplement in the diet would be most beneficial.

Written by Mark Buckingham of Rentaccomspain.com   Published: 12/21/2007

 
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The Secret Of Perfect Hands

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009

Could Manicures Really Be The Secret Of Perfect Hands?

Although many of us do not constantly think about our hands, they are permanently on show and everyone can see their condition. Usually one of the most neglected parts of the body, the nails often suffer from being bitten, ripped off and they are rarely cleaned out.

So it is no wonder that they can often cause problems. So what is it that we should be doing? Besides a little general hygiene, there is something else we can do to keep our hands and nails spotless, and that is to have a manicure.

Why Manicures Are Not Just For the Rich and Famous:

When you mention the word manicure, often we think of rich, famous, fake or spoilt women. However, a manicure can really help to keep our hands clean and healthy.

Techniques which are used vary from salon to salon and a manicure can either treat your nails, your hands, or both together. A standard manicure generally consists of the nails being filed, shaped and colored. A French manicure may also be offered, and if you choose to treat your hands they will usually be soaked in a softening substance, followed by an application of hand lotion.

You can even have more luxurious hand manicures known as Paraffin Treatments. This includes dipping your hand into either melted paraffin or wax. The heat is supposed to relax the skin and make it easier for hand lotion to absorb into the skin which is sometimes applied before the hand is dipped into the paraffin.

Often the hand is dipped into the melted substance more than once in order to build up a thicker layer of wax which makes coating stay warmer for longer and less likely to tear or break. After the manicurist has finished dipping your hands into the melted substance, they will wrap your hand in either tin foil or plastic and then they are covered in cloth in order to keep the warmth in.

Manicures are not just for women either and many men get a hot oil manicure. This involves cleaning and neatening the cuticles, and softening them with oil.

Whilst manicures might be good for the hands, there is a chance that younail manicure, nail salon supplies, mens manicure could get an infection from the equipment used. This only usually happen if you have not had the treatment done at a professional salon by a qualified person. All manicurists have to be licensed as they are manipulating the hands and trimming them and the risk of infection is recognized.

So, in order to receive the best possible manicure, it is important that you choose a manicurist who is relevantly qualified.

How to Give Yourself a Home Manicure:

Giving yourself a manicure at home is fairly easy once you know how. However, you should ideally make sure that you give yourself plenty of time for one as the average manicure lasts around 45 minutes. If you have ensured that you have got enough time, here are some tips which will help you to give yourself the perfect home manicure:

First Prepare the Hands and Nails

It is essential that you prepare and clean the hands and nails before the manicure. To do this you should wash them thoroughly and then use a double sided emery board to file the nails down in gentle strokes. Try and avoid the corners of the nails as you could weaken them, and then once finished start on shaping them.

The most common shape used is the oval but you should choose whichever shape suits your hands better. Once you have finished that, to see how effectively you have done it try and run your nail over something such as pantyhose, and see if the nail snags. If not, you have done a good job!

Now Move to The Cuticles

After preparing the hands, you should now be ready to make a start on the cuticles. First, apply some softener to the cuticles and allow it to absorb for a couple of minutes. Next, place your hands in a bowl of warm water and soak them for another few minutes. Now it is time to push back the cuticles.

When you are pushing back the cuticles it should not hurt. If it does, try and soak them for a little while longer. If there are any hangnails visible, be sure to clip them off. Next it is time to apply hand lotion and start to massage the palm of your hand with your thumb on your opposite hand.

This really does help to circulate the blood. Be sure to continue doing this around the rest of the hand and then switch hands, making sure that you use the same amount of time on the opposite hand.

Clean and Polish the Nail

Before any color is applied to the nails, they first need to be cleaned. The easiest way to do this is to use an orange stick wrapped with cotton and dip it into nail polish remover before rubbing it over the surface of the nails.

Next use only a little color on the end of your brush, and paint one stroke down the centre of the nail. If done properly, the brush should have just had enough color to do this. Next brush the other two sides of the nail and you should be finished. It should never take more than three strokes to finish the nail.

Now make sure that the polish has a few minutes to set before applying a second coat. After the second coat has dried, apply a top coat which will help to seal the color and keep it looking good for longer.

After you have finished, it is important to sanitize all of the equipment to minimize the risk of infection the next time you use them.

Overall a manicure really can help you to relax, as well as keeping your hands really clean and healthy. Anybody can give themselves one at home as long as they follow the above steps.

By: Louise Forrest 

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

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