Nails I've Done

Some of the work I've done...all of my pictures are available on www.nailsbymelinda.com  Check them out!

Hearts and 3D Bows

               


                   
                                     Squoval Acrylics painted
                                                  (very natural)

Black and Silver Fade

Angled Smile Line w/ 3D Flowers

Hot Pink with Black Circles

Chunky Pink Glitter w/ Black Fade

Mardi Gras Themed Nails

Polka Dot Minx

Want to see something new...let me know! 

Paraffin Wax Treatments...Get them!

Paraffin Wax Treatments are a luxourious spa treatments meant to add moisture to and soften the skin.  Paraffin is usually used in Manicure and Pedicure treatments.  It is recommended to have Paraffin treatments throughtout the winter months because that is when our skin is the driest.  When receiving a Paraffin treatment be aware that it is hot.  Paraffin is generally applied after the massage portion of the manicure/pedicure and before the polish.  Paraffin is an awesome product!  I love having clients who have never had a pedicure get the Paraffin, its just a nice bonus.  


How to use Paraffin:
You will be asked to dip your foot or hand into the Paraffin three to four times, letting the wax dry inbetween dips.  After dipping, your Nail Technician will wrap your foot or hand in plastic and cover with a towel, booties or gloves.  I like leaving the Paraffin on for about 10-15 minutes.  That just allows the moisture to penetrate deeper into the skin.  Once the 10-15 minutes are up the Nail Technician will pull the wax off.   Now, feel how soft your feet or hands are and how moisturized you feel!


In my Pedicures I always have the Paraffin as part of the service....it's just so nice to have your skin feel so soft.  So, next time you schedule an appointment for a Pedicure ask to add on a Paraffin treatment....I promise it is SO worth it!!!

Credo Blades

The Credo Blade is typically used in Chop Shops.  These tools are illegal I think in pretty much every state!  They actually can cause a lot more damage than they do good.  The Credo Blade is used for the removal of calluses...well, you have a callus for a reason so NEVER EVER let someone use a Credo Blade to remove yours.  Essentially, the Credo Blade is just a razor blade and is most likely not disinfected properly after use.  I have seen a few injuries from these blades and let me tell you it looks like it hurts!  Yikes!  Deep wounds that take forever to heal...no thanks!  If a Nail Technician pulls out a Credo Blade tell them kindly to put it away...don't risk the health of your feet.  I suggest getting a pumice stone or a foot file to work on your callus's at home also a nice scrub would help get the dry, dead skin off your feet. 

This is a Credo Blade

 This is a Pumice Stone

This is a foot file

My Worst Salon Experience Ever!!! And a friendly competition...

Before I was educated on where to go to get my nails done (when I was in my late teens/early twenties) I used to go to the "Chop Shops" that I've referred to before.  I had them put on a full set,  which was done quickly and poorly.  Well, it had been a few weeks and I decided to go get a regular fill from the same place.  I walked in and took my number...like Beetlejuice in the Afterlife (I love 80's movies, so I may refer to them often) I waited and waited...and waited.  Finally, it was my turn to get my nails done.  I sat down and the lady said , "Your nails are lifting, you need a new set." Well, before I knew what was even happening she was ripping my nails OFF!!!  I asked franticly why she was tearing them off.  She replied because they are lifting.  I then asked her, "Do you take checks?"  She responded with, "No!"  Now I was in a bind because she was tearing off my nails and all I had was enough cash for a fill and a tip...not a NEW full set and a tip!  So, I proceeded to tell her I didn't have enough money for a full set and since she had pulled some of my nails off without asking me if it was okay if she was going to just eat the extra money that I owed...since I didn't ask for a new set...all I wanted was a fill!  She told me no and said to go get more cash.  I politely said no, I won't be back.  I went to another salon right after I left there and had that woman take the rest off and put on a new set. 


I was so upset!  I couldn't get over the other first lady just tearing my nails off without asking me. 


I am of course over that now and I have learned just because your nails are lifting doesn't mean you can't get a fill or even a backfill.  You don't have to take off your nails everytime you want a new acrylic color. 


I want to hear about your salon horror stories!!!  The best one will recieve a FREE set of nails...I will choose the winner on February 16th.

Minx

I love Minx! 


Minx is a newer product that DOES NOT damage you natural nails!  It is applied with a heat lamp and it lasts anywhere from 1-2 weeks on your fingernails and 4 weeks and longer on your toenails (I had mine on my toenails for over two months!) I actually like them better than Glitter Toes...I know Glitter Toes are really pretty and everything but I like the idea of being able to remove Minx at home!  No filing is needed on the natural nails and no filing to remove Minx.  To remove you just apply heat and peel off.  Minx is a solid film with a sticky back that adheres to the nail by applying heat.  It takes about an hour to apply Minx.  They come in a variety of colors and patterns.  I recommend Minx to every lady out there and yes, little girls can wear this too!   I can specially order colors and patterns for you, there is a $15 pre-payment to do this.  Come and check out Minx! 

The Benefit of Cuticle Oil

Many of my clients ask about cuticle oil...they've never used it or had anyone put it on them.  I love cuticle oil!  It mosturizes and prevents hangnails.  I recently read in a magazine that just like you condition your hair you need to condition your cuticles.  Well, of course!  Cuticles get dry and cracked just like your hair dries and breaks off...personally, I don't want any of that to happen!  For those of you that aren't quite sure about why we have cuticles or what the cuticle is and its purpose let me tell you!

The Cuticle is the hardened skin at the base and sides of your fingernails.  It forms a seal over the nail and finger protecting any fungus or bacteria from getting in.  Pretty interesting!  


Cuticle Oil absorbs into the skin and helps prevent cracking, which I am sure quite a few of you have had happen if you live in Utah...it's SOOOO dry here!!!  My recommendation is to apply cuticle oil at night before bed so it decreases you having to wash your hands numerous times like if you were to apply it during the day...hands are washed so frequently in the daytime!  You only have to use a small amount of cuticle oil and then massage it into your cuticle and surrounding skin.  My favorite cuticle oil is Solar Oil.  If any of you would like to try out Solar Oil, let me know and I will get it for you!  If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment! 

See where the oil has been applied above the cuticle...and a very small amount?  That's all you need!  Then just massage into the cuticle!  It's very simple and why not do it to help your cuticles? 

Welcome! Never go into a Chop Shop!

Hi everyone! Thanks for checking out my blog...please be patient as I try to learn how to do this.
A little about me...well, I grew up in Salt Lake City and have lived here my entire life.  I always thought after high school I would end up in college with a degree in American Sign Language Interpreting...tried it out but it wasn't for me.  So, I was just living life but not really going anywhere with anything.  I had been thinking for a long time about learning how to do nails because I loved painting nails growing up and going with my mom to the nail salon when she would get hers done.  I thought it looked like so much fun!  After a few years of just floating through life I decided to check into Nail School (I thought you had to go through the entire Cosmetoloy course) nope!  I found a great school, signed up and attended everyday!  After graduating and taking all of the required state tests I worked in a salon for about a year.  What a great learning experience that was for me!  I have come to learn that I love working from home for myself...I like being in charge of my schedule! 


I really want to educate young girls about the importance of the salons they decide to go to.  There are many things to factor into going into a salon.  Please be aware of the illegal products that are out there. 


The first product is called MMA, which after prolonged use can eat your nail beds...YIKES!  The salons that use it will usually have it in an unmarked bottle and it is a liquid, similar to Monomer but has a fruity smell to it.  The salons that use MMA are in for the money and not the quality of your nails.  I can't tell you how many clients I've had that call me and say how they just went to some nail salon and their nails look horrible...those places don't care about your nails they just want the green!!!  My friends and I like to call these types of salons, "Chop Shops."  If the Nail Techs are wearing a mask and don't offer one to you...do you think that that is a safe product to be inhaling?  I mean, all they are doing are fullsets and not backfills, right?  hmmm....so, just think before going into some salons. 


Thanks for reading this blog...stay tuned for more!!!