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Most of the businesses nowadays have expanded digitally to establish more connections and closeness with their customers. It's the era of digitalization, and people love to talk about the companies or the services on the social platforms. Recently, influence marketing has taken full control over the primary marketing strategies, and it has been fortified that customers receive the real-time reviews or the recommendations more earnestly.

When we talk about the business, ratings, and reviews, it feels a little sketchy if we do not include the very famous locator and supportive giant- Yelp. Yelp serves the people to see the real reviews and the feedback from the actual customers. It helps the local businesses to settle down and bring a level of trust in the mind of the potential customers. Notably, for the service providers like beauty salons, real feedbacks and ratings play a significant role in attracting the further clientele. If you are one of the salon-owners who wish to spark the name and fame of his/her salon to the maximum height of success, indeed, good Yelp reviews can make your dream come true. In this piece of content, we are going to cover the major points that will explain how you can get good Yelp reviews for your salon.

1.      Make It Easy

Do not hide if you are using Yelp to bring your services on, add yelp logo on the visiting cards, brochures or the billing desks and make it easy for the customers to remember and rate you. People are busy these days, and if you don't remind them for the rating/reviews, probably they will get it skipped.

Additionally, you can also use:

Yelp badge on your website to show up the recent reviews,

“Find us on Yelp” sign at the header or footer of the main page

“Check us out on Yelp” sign below the email signature

2.      Ensure Your Services Meet Standards

You just can't think to get the excellent Yelp reviews if you have not set the standards. Be classy with the services and make sure you are using the high-quality products and equipment. Customers love the extra comfort and the ease you provide to them and admire to speak and spread the appreciation through words.

3.      Reach Out The Brand Evangelists

If you have the regular customers who trust your services and love to get it repeatedly, asking them for the reviews is not at all the wrong idea. Request them to write some kind feedback regarding the services and make your overall rating as good.

4.      Don't Push

While good reviews can help you to attract some more clients, don't ever push your customers to review your products and services. Ask them once and allow them to come up naturally. Remember, genuine feedbacks produce a genuine impact.

5.      Make Reviews Count

As a business strategy, you can reward your customers for the review they provide to you. Each time they describe your brand, offer them some points to make their presence and marketability as permanent. Giving reward points not only attract the customers to fill the reviews but also help businesses to come at the top of the Yelp recommendations.

6.      Always Say Thank You

Reach out to say thank you every time you receive a positive review about your services. Acknowledge that you care about the appreciation and feel more than satisfying to win it.

7.      Learn To Apologize

Often people fear about getting the negative reviews and feel uncomfortable in dealing with them. But If taken correctly, even the bad reviews can attract you a lot of customers making them feel your positive intent and honesty to take a lesson from- what went wrong .Learn the fact, the customer is king and apologize whenever you feel like. It not only impresses the customers but also defines the maturity of your business.

8.      Try to Make the Things Right

For every negative review, be prompt to apologize and try to get into the customer's shoes. Make them feel you as a business care for them and wish to improve the things. Offer them the free services or the discount coupons and request for a chance of improvement. Undoubtedly, it would be a great victory if you with your efforts manage to mold the negative review into a positive conclusion.

9.      Be Present

Don't be lost and try to be present as soon as someone reviews your products and services. Your promptness matters a lot to the customers, and before writing anything, they think about it.

Considerably, Yelp not only help the customers to find the out the real experiences and reviews, but it also encourages the businesses to widen their scope with the help of the Yelp recommendations. Think what it would be like if every third person in your area gets your salon as a recommendation from the Yelp! Well, it's not that simple. Yelp recommendation software considers many factors like reliability, activity, and quality before shooting the business name to the top list.

We counsel you not to worry about getting directly into the recommendation part. Instead, try your best in lifting up your salon services and make the people automatically fill the reviews and spread the words of appreciation to others. It inevitably takes time but believe us; it's not impossible.

Further, Yelp reviews can also be used in marketing material as people have their trust in them. When doing so, always try to be faithful and never promote with the word substitutions or deletions.

Most of the ladies love to visit the salon frequently; especially when it comes to the pedicure process, they mark their calendar in advance for the next visit. Obviously, who doesn't want to enjoy the heated massage experience sitting on a big comfy chair that too with the closed eyes? With the advancement in the beautification industry, salons nowadays try to make their customer experience as the awesome one by providing next level comfort and the hygienic environment. Though professionals make good care to cut down the scope of infections, self-care is always essential, and as a customer, one has all the rights to know about the things that directly or indirectly may produce the adverse health effects. Even a little ignorance can lead the way of viruses and infections that may pass through via tools, air, and even the soaking tub.

So, are you the one who had noted out some infections after your last salon visit? In many of the cases, ladies often ignore the fact their pedicure may be one of the reasons for the spread of infections and allergies; instead, they take their suffering as the natural one and remain unknown with the actual cause. Precaution is always better than the cure; hence in this article, we are going to share some of the points which will help you to avoid infections when taking the pedicure.

•         Check for the Tools

Repetition of the tools may be one of the reasons to spread the growth of fungus, viruses, and bacteria. Ask your nail techie for the cleaning of the tools and the precautions they take to cut the way for infections. A hospital grade sanitizer is always recommended to soak the tools for a specified period to get rid of the bacteria. An autoclave can also do the part, but due to its high cost, it's less popular between the salons. Most of the professional salons these days prefer the use of disposable tools which they use and throw between the clients. For better control in this, you can ask your nail techie to tear out the packaging in front of you.

•         Check for the Soaking Tub

It's a mind-blowing experience to soak the legs in the warm water and enjoy the nail techie rubbing the ankles and the toes. But have you ever imagined, if not cleaned properly, this soaking water can be a pool for various bacteria and infections? Ask your nail techie how frequently they wash the tubs and what measure they take to disinfect the base/walls. If on the grounds of doubt, you can also ask for the cleaning logs and check them with the salon owner. Don't hesitate, it’s something related to your safety and believe us, it's completely okay.

•         Avoid Shaving your Legs

Always try to keep a gap of at least two days before planning the pedicure. Some ladies shave their legs just before going to the salon and think they will get an extra smooth result by doing so. It is completely wrong; shaving makes the pores prominent and produces some light rashes which we can't see with the normal eyes. Infections use these pores and the rashes to enter inside your body, and the further story, you know very well. You may feel redness, irritation or even the allergy for which you will need to consult the doctor and would follow proper medications.

•         The Pumice Stone

Majority of the ladies usually make a mistake at this point. They check for the tools, the soaking tub and the other things to satisfy their mind but forget about the pumice stone, the repetition of which is a complete NO. As this stone is porous, it acts as headquarter for the bacteria, infections which just see their way to attack your body. The rubbing and cleaning experience with pumice is ultra-awesome, but you should never compromise your health against the 15 minutes of deadly exchange. Do remember to always ask for a new pumice stone and if possible, check the packaging tearing out in front.

•         The Workstation Hygiene

Obviously, you will not love to sit on a pile of junk where the remains from the previous jobs are evident. Cleanliness is godliness, and you should stick to that. In any case, if you find any unwanted thing or the unhygienic elements, simply ask for the cleaning. Also, check for the dustbins, they should be properly closed and not as wide open displaying the trash they hold inside them.

•         Proper Ventilation

Often people don't take it seriously and focus only on the other things. It is not a part of the pedicure process, but the absence of this can make you come across with many of the serious diseases and infections. The toxic fumes and dust from the chemical products have some adverse effects on health, and that's why proper ventilation and a good quality air purifier are always recommended for the salons. If you feel any suffocation and pungent smells surrounding the area, don't ignore and ask for the ventilation ducts and air purifier fitment. Remember, your simple query can alert the salon owner and safeguard the health of many.

Considerably, now you must be having enough knowledge about the points that you need to ask and observe this time visiting for the pedicure session. So, surprise your nail techie in the next meeting and make her realize you are concerned about your health and know everything related. Enjoy the course and be safe and healthy!

Quite a large number of people want to venture into the beauty and cosmetic industry. Regardless of the fact that it is a profitable business, there are a number of things one has to consider before owning a nail salon. A well-groomed nail salon is likely to attract savvy women.

Since it is an ever-growing business, the requirements of starting a nail salon need to be carefully looked into. More so, most areas are bounded by zoning laws about home businesses. This will also determine the possibility of owning a nail salon. When setting up a nail salon, you have to consider your budget. This will determine how big or small your beauty parlor will be.

With the right resources, a salon business can make over 40,000USD a year. This, however, depends on the types, the equipment, the rental fee and utility bills, apparatus, space, and some other factors.

MAJOR THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU START A NAIL SALON

1.      Services

Before opening your new business, you need to get an idea of this kind of business operates. What kind of services you will be offering to your clients. Are you going to offer additional services such as pedicures, manicures, gels, wraps, nail art, tanning, waxing, massage, and fiberglass? What kinds of nail will you use to attend to your clients? Are you going to satisfy women of all ages? Some men like to be groomed as well, are you going to attend to men or is it gonna be just for females?

2.      Salon Equipment

The type of salon equipment you will use is another crucial aspect of starting a nail salon. First, you must make sure you get the basic equipment used in all nail salons. The basic equipment used in every nail salon includes styling chair, trolleys, hair dryers, washing basin, sets, and aprons. Additional equipment will be dependent on the services that would be offered by your new salon. If you wish to sell beauty and cosmetic products, then add those to your expenses and invest wisely. You can get beauty equipment for a great deal.

3.      Licenses

Remember that licenses are required by the health agencies in most countries and cities. In order to be a reputable nail tech, you have to be licensed and certified by the state. If you have no certification and license yet, you may have to hire a nail technician, one who is certified to work for you. Besides the license, you will require other permits by your city or state.

4.      Space for the Salon

Getting a space for your salon means you will need to either rent or lease a commercial property. Ideally, it should be located in a busy environment where you can get a lot of customers. The size of commercial building you choose will be based on your expenses and how big you want your business to be established.

5.      Pricing

It is best for you to have a set menu and stick to it. This might be very difficult but you have to set it straight and let your customers get used to your pricing. Setting an irregular price menu will only have you clients confused and may cause troubles and even arguments in the future. New customers are the easiest to start this with; implement good practice and stick to it. In the long term, you will discover how easy it will be for you and your clients. On your price menu make it clear and bold what each service costs. If there will be additional services such as nail arts, specify the cost per nail/per set on your price menu. This will prevent confusion when it comes to payment.

Other basic things to consider before starting your own salon business include:

•         Creating a business plan for your new business
•         Source out ways to finance your new project
•         Building staff
•         The name of your salon
•         Building a customer base
•         Salon equipment

The general look of a saloon plays an integral role in how customers will value your business. More so, the type of services that you offer as well as the apparatus and equipment used will determine a lot of things in the progress of your new business. For a start, you could propose discounts on some saloon services in order to expand your clientele.

Communication is key to success in any business. It is very important that you and your employees satisfy customers various needs and make them feel comfortable as well.  Establishing a bond with your clients will profit you in the long term. The more you relate to them, the more they get attracted to you and your business. And, the more customers you have, the more money you get to make. An increase in clients means an increase in profit, which in turn will lead to the expansion of your business. Also, the more the working area, the more services you offer and more skilled employees will be compelled to work with you. This accounts to how successful you will become within a short time frame. Just learn more on customer communication and see your new establishment become a success.

As your business grows, you will discover that the fixed expenses remain relatively constant. This means your profit margin will grow significantly and mind you, there are several ways to improve cash flow in any business. By adding extra services such as massages and nail arts, you get more customers to your salon. Most people are willing to pay for any form of nail maintenance; feel free to incorporate these services and get more profit for your business. Remember, additional services mean additional expenses. But who cares, we spend money to get more money. I wish you great success in your new establishment!

Nail biting begins when most people are young and eventually grow up with them into adulthood. It is considered a redundant behavior that shows different levels of intensity because most people just can’t get away from their nail-biting habit. As strange as it is, the habit of biting nails is one of the most difficult habits to let go of.

Almost as though there is flavor on the nail, some nail biters just nibble a little on their fingernails. Then, there are other nail biters who not only go to the market on their fingers but also bite their nails as well as the cuticles. Whatever kind of nail-biter you appear to be, your main goal is to stop nail biting.

Deep within the subconscious minds of some people, nail biting is rather enjoyable. It takes a lot of conscious decision, self-discipline, and monitoring to stop biting your nails. Some of the basic steps to prevent your nail biting habit may seem funny; however, these medications have proven to be effective.

CAUSES OF NAIL BITING

There are several reasons why people bite their nails. It is believed that the cause of nail biting comes from the environment. Some surmise that there is a biological connection to this behavior too – it could be passed on from parents to children and even spread among other children.

Also, nail biting is not just a habit; it is considered an impulse control problem. It is thought that nail biting is most likely instinctual and that these instincts come out against our will when we are stressed.

Trying to be professional is another reason for nail biting as well. Most individuals try to straighten out irregularly shaped nails by biting them into shape. As a result, this causes more problems on the nails.

HOW TO STOP NAIL BITING

1.      Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy

A lot of individuals are skeptical whenever they hear hypnosis. However, there is countless success stories associated with this method of treatment. Nail biting hypnosis speeds up the process quite fast. Many people have successfully stopped nail biting after series of intense sessions of oblivious reprogramming.

Hypnosis has been used to help people lose weight, get over their phobia, quit smoking, and it has also had success in stopping nail biting. It is quite simple and painless; yet, it should only be done under intense supervision by highly trained medical professionals.

Since nail biting is generally a response to the stress in one’s life, the use of NLP in conjunction with hypnotherapy and hypnosis will realize major results quickly. Almost immediately after applying this method, you will begin to notice that you no longer feel the urge to bite your nails no matter how much anxiety you feel for longer sessions. Hypnotherapy can be used in a number of ways besides nail biting; it can help you overcome anxiety and other impulsive behaviors that you feel you are a victim to.

2.      Aversion Training

This is done by putting a bitter/sour tasting chemical on your fingernails daily. Doing this will make you less inclined to bite your nails. It will also train you to stay away from this habit. There are many brands available, each with their assurance of guaranteed results. Regardless of their effective results, if it is not practiced daily, there will be slow process or even no result at all. If your job or occupation makes you wash your hands often, you may need to repeat the treatment all through the day.

3.      Nail Polish

This kind of nail polish is quite different from others. It is a transparent type of nail polish that is meant to be used on men and women to help them stop their nail biting habit. This polish has a bitter taste and helps you become more aware of the habit and force you to stop.

4.      Habit Reversal

This is perhaps the most valid, successful, and effective therapy for nail biting. It uses a step-by-step program that seeks to make the victim aware of his/her behavior and then provide a competing response to disrupt it. For example, replacing the habit of nail biting by chewing gum has proven to be effective on some people. This can help the individual to overcome their nail biting habit. However, the victim needs to be determined to break the habit.

5.      Medication

Doctors tend to prescribe antidepressants as a remedy for nail biting. These antidepressants come in various forms and some are administered in combination with antipsychotics just to increase the effect of the antidepressants been used. This kind of medication may be quite expensive and there is a tendency of continuing this habit as soon as you quit. Obviously, medication is an excellent temporary solution; yet, it should not be thought of as a permanent one. With medication, one could go for behavioral therapy and also combine other methods to stop nail biting.

Like most habits, nail biting is a redundant one. Victims who try to stop it find themselves in the habit again. To completely overcome this habit, you need a strong will to break years of reliance on this crutch. This makes the procedure somewhat more troublesome than a few tasteless nail polishes you apply on your skin. Truly, this habit is anything from easy to break. It doesn’t really matter why you are trying to break through, as soon as you are committed to the process, you will overcome.

Nail fungus which is also known as onychomycosis is caused by a fungus which digests keratin (the protective outer layer of the hair, skin, and nails). The keratin gets produced in excess, and an over-produced keratin forces the nail to separate from the nail bed.

This reduces the growth of fingernails and even makes toenails grow more slowly. Once a fungus has attacked the nail, the infected area must grow out before all signs of infection will disappear. When infected, the nails become brittle, dull, and thick. The nail color also becomes dark due to the presence of dirt and debris under the nail.

This causes the infected nail to separate out from the nail bed. This condition is almost painless; however, there are times when the patient may feel some pain in the fingertips and toenails. In some cases, bad odor from the infiltrated nail may be given out. There is no fast remedy for nail fungus; you have to be patient with the treatment recommended to you.

CAUSES OF NAIL FUNGUS

Nail parasite originates from the collection of fungi named “dermatophytes”. This type of fungus finds it impossible to penetrate through the top layer of skin because they are not equipped to overpower the immune system of the host. They thrive in moist and dark areas, which is why toenails are the most common area of infection.

SYMPTOMS

A nail infection carries any of the following symptoms:

•         Thickening and roughness
•         Constant itch under nail
•         Crumbling nail edges
•         An odorous nail
•         Discoloration of the nail
•         Separation of the nail from the bed
•         Pain on the affected toe

TREATMENT

1.      Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has all the natural ingredients needed to defeat this fungus. Use a clean cotton ball in applying the oil into the nail’s surface and the surrounding area daily. Lavender oil can also be combined with tea tree oil to help speed up recovery. These essential oils sink deep into the cell membrane of the fungi and cause separation and defragmentation.

2.      Hydrogen Peroxide

Use a cotton ball to apply hydrogen peroxide to your infected nails. After applying, make sure your nail dry thoroughly before even putting your socks and shoes. You can also try using vapor rub. Just make sure to apply an adequate amount to your nail fungus and cover with a cotton socks to prevent the vapor rub from damaging your furniture or clothing. Sleep with this treatment and wash in the morning.

3.      Antiseptic Mouthwash

This is another effective way to take care of nail fungus. Antiseptic mouthwash works the same way as the hydrogen peroxide or bleach would, but with no dangerous side effects. All you have to do is to soak your nails in antiseptic mouthwash after bathing. Leave there for about 30 minutes or even more. Repeat this process every day after bathing. The germ killing property of the antiseptic mouthwash will kill the fungus. Make sure you rinse your nails and dry them thoroughly after each treatment.

4.      Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a universally used antioxidant that prevents free radical damage from penetrating the toenail and causing damage on it. The use of vitamin E can disrupt the growth of the fungus by hindering it from causing further damage to the keratin. This means vitamin E should be an integral ingredient for all anti-fungal creams. Free radicals exacerbate a toenail fungus.

5.      Vinegar

Soak your nails in a solution of natural vinegar and warm water for around twenty minutes in the morning as soon as you wake or in the evening before you sleep. This is an easy practice and can be done even while you are watching a movie.

6.      Laser Treatment

Laser treatment has proven to be very effective to treat nail fungus. Lasers target the infected tissue in the nail without touching the healthy tissue. The advancement of technology has made this treatment very precise and much faster than the others.

DOs and DONTs

•         Always keep your feet dry and use a clean towel to dry them immediately after swimming or bathing.

•         Wear absorbent socks and avoid non-porous shoes made of synthetic material.

•         Wear water-sandals when in showers.

•         Ensure that you clean your socks in warm soapy water and try to change them regularly.

•         Always keep your nails short.

•         Do not borrow or lend a nail file, nail clipper, emery board, and the likes.

•         Be sure of the hygiene whenever you visit a salon for a manicure or pedicure.

•         Do not fix artificial nails if you have a fungal infection; they prevent the medication from reaching the nail bed.

•         Use clean water and soap to wash your hands after touching your nails.

•         Do not walk barefooted in public places.

•         Do not trim your nails while you are treating nail fungus. Trimming your nails during any of these treatments means you risk cutting your skin. Indeed, the slightest cut allows another passage for the fungus to infiltrate and this could allow more infections.

Allow your nails to grow normally and use a clean file on them when they become too long or sharp. This will help the essential oils have a great impact on the fungus. Truly, those hiding their nail fungus are at risk of making it grow worse. You can try to hide the problem by trying to eliminate it.

It is very important to take several preventive measures in order not to allow the fungi spread and get any worse. Wearing absorbable socks, breathable, good-fitting shoes are good practices to be maintained. Once it is contained, it will be very easy to treat nail fungus.

People have been manicuring their nails for more than 4,000 years. In southern Babylonia, noblemen used solid gold tools to give themselves manicures and pedicures. The use of fingernail polish can be traced back even further. Originating in China in 3,000 BC, nail color indicated one’s social status, according to a Ming Dynasty manuscript; royal fingernails were painted black and red. Ancient Egyptians have been manicuring date all the way back to 2300 BC. A depiction of early manicures and pedicures was found on a carving from a pharaoh’s tomb, and the Egyptians were known for paying special attention to their feet and legs. The Egyptians also colored their nails, using red to show the highest social class. It is said that Cleopatra’s nails were painted a deep red, whereas Queen Nefertiti went with a flashier ruby shade. In ancient Egypt and Rome, military commanders also painted their nails to match their lips before they went off to battle.

These days, pedicures and manicures are main sources of living for the Vietnamese American community. Nearly 80 percent of the nail salons in the United States employ Vietnamese technicians or are Vietnamese owned, 10 percent is belonged to Korean American community, largely located in New York, and the remain is belonged to other communities.

In 2000, the pedicure industry was just beginning to blossom. There were approximately 50,000 nail salons located through out the US then, compared to nearly 100,000 nail salons today. Pedicures were popping up on every corner, driven largely by the full-service salon. Pedicure has high growth rates compared to other industries: From 2000 to 2009, GDP grew 2 billions to 6 billions.

According to the US Department of Labor, www.bls.gov, manicure and pedicure specialists earned a median income of around $24,000 in 2006. Most professionals earn an hourly wage or salary which can be augmented through customer tips. Independent nail techs depend on repeat business and consistent business to earn their livings. The most successful independent manicure technicians may earn salaries of over $50,000 per year. Similar salaries can be earned by skilled pedicure techs working in exclusive and high end spas and salons.

In China

It began around 3, 000 B.C. in ancient China. There were records of men and women of royalty given manicures and pedicures with nail polishes. Chinese nail polish was made from beeswax. This was to indicate their higher class with red and black reserved for only the royal families. Both men and women kept long polished nails (usually up to 13 cm long) as a symbol that they were not meant to use their hands or feet for manual labor. The ancient Chinese women preferred metallic gold and silver colors for their nails.

In Babylonia

In southern Babylonia, the two men and women used metallic gold tools to give manicures and pedicures. To them, it serves as a symbol of wealth and status. Normally, only noblemen and women could afford such tools, giving them access to nail treatments. Actually, the introduction of pedicure was an integral part of the class system of the Babylonians.

In Egypt

Though pedicure was popular among the ancient Chinese and southern Babylonians; yet, in Egypt lies the true origin of the pedicure. Royal families and nobles in Egypt paid special attention to their nails, feet, and legs as a part of their culture and religion. Their nail color was used to indicate social class, with red being reserved as a symbol of royalty. More so, long nails were a symbol of wisdom in ancient Egypt. They were believed to be used for communication with divinities. Egyptian nobles and royal families wore their long nails with bright colors whereas members of lower classes and slaves kept their nails short and could only use light colors to paint them.

Even Queen Cleopatra herself wore deep red nail polish while Queen Nefertiti wore a bright ruby shade. Indeed, Egyptian men wore colored nail polish, especially during war. In the history books, it has been written that the Egyptian commanders would paint their lips and nails in the same color as a terrorizing strategy for the war. The Egyptians paid special care to their nails even after death. It is very common to find dead soldiers with remnants of painted toenails and fingernails as a final act of indicating their social status.

In Rome

The Romans also have their own form of caring for their nails and bodies. During the time of the Roman Empire, Cleopatra painted her nails deep red, apart from other different cosmetic treatments that she apparently received to preserve and enhance her beauty. Among the above-mentioned civilizations, the Romans stand out for taking care of the body, mind, and spirit. They built great buildings for spa centers and places where people can relax while discussing arts, politics, and philosophy. These spa rooms were specifically used for meeting and training, while others for libraries and saunas.

In France

The French appreciate well-groomed feet much the same as the English in aristocratic circles. A French pedicure is the most popular type of pedicure treatment, especially among women. It's clean, simple, elegant, and classic and this is the reason for its popularity. French pedicure includes scrubbing of the foot with a pumice stone, massaging, moisturizing, and nail paint application. It can be distinguished from other processes by its distinct nail paint application. The French apply white color and neutral translucent color on the tip of the nail with different shapes such as square, round shape or oval. When the process is done, your feet and hands will be moisturized to maintain its health. More often, a quick massage will also be included in the treatment.

Getting pedicures regularly keeps the feet and nails healthy, clean, and well-trimmed. They also help to prevent nail fungus and other nail diseases. Nonetheless, when pedicure is done in an unclean spa or salon, they may lead to fungal infections. More so, using sharp instruments to remove calluses can lead to open wound, infection, and skin irritation.

Nowadays, fish therapy can also be an option for a pedicure. In this process, fish chew away the dead skin, thereby cleaning your feet. Doctor fish or Garra Rufa is used in this procedure. These fishes are toothless, meaning they cannot bite the live skin. Our feet often need rest and attention, and pedicure is the best way to help your feet relax and rejuvenate. It is a way of relaxing that has several health benefits as well.

The combination of the old work tradition with the modern techniques, pedicure has become the ideal blend of relaxation and healing. These days, the demand for manicure and pedicure has become more in demand. The varieties of services have also attracted so many people to spas or salons. Spas now provide treatments like massages, detoxification, facials, aromatherapy, body scrubs, ayurvedic, manicures, pedicures and much more.

Although most salons are perfectly sanitary, pedicures do carry the risk of infection, especially if the tools used after each visit are not thrown away. During a pedicure small breaks in the skin can occur. When nail tools such as cuticle pushers or nippers are used on these breaks, or on paper cuts and other open areas in the skin, they can transfer blood and/or bacteria from one customer to another, if the tools are not properly sterilized between appointments. The following health risks are associated with pedicures: fungal infections such as athlete’s foot and yellow fungal nails, bacterial infections such as staphylococcus and other organisms mandating oral antibiotic treatment, viral infections including plantar warts and even hepatitis B and C.

In 2006, Kimberly Jackson’s heel was cut with a pumice stone during a July pedicure; she developed an oozing wound that wouldn’t heal despite repeated rounds of antibiotics. She died in February of a heart attack triggered by a staph infection. Her death was an outbreak and was the cause of state boards’ new safety laws and the board’s rules of regulations. This year, thousands of nail salons throughout California have been inspected and cited hundreds and thousands of dollars, according to nail salon owner’s accounts. Inspectors usually appear unexpectedly at salons every two to three years, according to Department of Consumer Affairs spokeswoman Kim Brown, although she said salons could be inspected at a higher rate due to consumer complaints.

The health department’s final solution was to implement a cleaning procedure for all pedicure spas. They would have prohibited pedicure spas, if that was the problem. This shows, that the pedicure spa is not the problem, the sanitation protocol is! I like to think of a swimming pool in comparison to pedicure spas. Who’s at fault if a swimming pool is dirty? It is the pool’s fault or the people who maintain it?

Nail decoration has been around for centuries in various forms. The Babylonians applied kohl to the nails and was originally used as a decoration by men only. In around 3000 BC, a form of varnish was used by the Chinese which was made from a mixture of gelatin, egg whites, congealed tree sap, and beeswax. The ancient Egyptians even used henna to stain their fingernails brown or dark red.

History highlighted the use of different approaches to adding color to the fingernails. Many of these cultures used it as a way to specify between royalty and the commoners. This was valid for ancient Chinese and Egyptian societies. Since then, the coloring of the nails continued all through the centuries.

The Chinese used a colored lacquer along with a formula of orchid, petals, and mashed rose combined with alum to their nails and left it overnight. These colors ranged from red to pink, red and black were also popular colors that have been used for centuries. During the Chou Dynasty, Chinese Royalty used authentic gold and silver on their nails.

From that point, the progress of nail polish was not really known. However, there are portraits of people in the 17^th and 18^th centuries with polished fingernails. In the 19^th century, nails were painted with red scented oils, then buffed or polished to shine. Polishing through buffing was still the hottest trend amid those periods.

During the 1920s, nail polish started to gain popularity in Paris. At first, it wasn’t accepted by all and it was looked down upon by many. There were many stigmas attached to anyone wearing polish back then. Many people frowned upon women using nail polish. Yet, it was in Paris when nail polish began its rise in the public market. These unsatisfied individuals believed that the women using nail polish were trying to hide something. There were flaws discussed back then, such as flaws in the race and poor nails. No one wanted the results from dirty jobs.

The 1920s saw a lot of revolution in the cosmetic industry. Nails polish made with lacquer or synthetic were splashed with bright hues and this appearance made nail polish what it is today. It was seen on the runways of Paris. In fact, nail polish created fashion frenzy; however, not in a grand style. Several decades afterward, nail polish encountered a significant resistance, particularly from advocates for African-American rights.

While nail polish was on the rise, stylish women’s gloves were also gaining popularity. The Queen of England and other prominent women were often wearing gloves after using nail polish. The combination of these two phenomena’s was going on at the same time. But eventually, the cosmetic industry came on top and won the race.

The next revolution of nail polish came from the Revson brothers when they invented a new kind of nail enamel. This inspired the name of their company “Revlon”. A few years later, Charles Lachman, who happens to be the third partner, inspired the “L” in “Revlon”. The company used pigments instead of dye and this innovation changed the industry dramatically. This development allowed for new designs and colors to quickly be adapted. During the 1940s, the achievement instantly made Revlon an industry leader – this was so obvious that nail art was staying put.

In this modern era, various nail products that make nails colorful and beautiful are available. A variety of nail polish with sleek, flashy, and trendy shades produced with an array of textures and embellishments are taking over the Indian markets today. The Indian fashion market with creative arts and innovative nail accessories have created a niche in the cosmetic industry. The available nail accessories range from geometric patterns, tattoos, simple dots, abstracts, funky stickers, to the French manicure, swarovskis, portraits, stencil art, and other various options.

There are varieties of nail varnish that is available on the market today. There are those that are intended to make the fingernails longer and stronger. The different brands available in these polishes are now almost endless, and in the nearest future, we expect to see more innovation and development.

The most technologically advanced form of nail art is the use of computerized digital printers that print patterns and designs that would not be possible by hand. This technology is the future for nail art and will allow women to finally be able to afford any design of their choice. Like I said, this innovation is definitely the future for nail art and will allow women to be able to match their nails to their personality, sense of style, and even their wardrobes – this was never possible before.

The nail polish used today is a refined version of automobile paint. The original brittle formula was more suitable for the rigid surface of a car. However, with a slight modification of the chemical formula, nail polish is now more flexible on the surface of the fingernail and more suitable for the use any nail type. Further innovations and improvements have been made to the formula in order to improve its longevity and to make it more breathable when on the nails. It has also accounted for its resistance to chipping or scratching.

The innovations and improvements of the quality of nail polish have made it versatile. It makes the styles and possibilities available regardless of whatever it is being used for. In order to keep up with the modern day nail art, one must have skills and imagination on how to extend the usability and the users’ personality.

There’s no limit to the liveliness you feel observing the disco lights, isn’t it true? When you can add all the glamorous sparkly sequins and glittery laces to your dresses then why not have your nails equally bright? Entirely different from a typical French manicure, a sparkly manicure is all your fingernails would need! A basic yet glistening sparkly manicure is a perfect pick for making a statement at the wedding and for the brides themselves. Read on to find out how can you get your nails done with the enchanting sparkly manicure.

Full Sparkly Manicure:

If you’re a bridesmaid then make sure you match the nail color with the color of your dress. Since this nail art is wedding-look exclusive a very mellow hue is used that appears almost nude so that it goes with the pure white wedding dress of the bride.

STEPS:

1.       Start your glittery manicure with the application of base coat.
2.       While the base coat dries up, choose a soft hue like that of classic sheer pink.
3.       Apply sheer pink color on your fingernails and wait for it to dry.
4.       Once it dries, paint a french tip with the gorgeous gold glitter nail polish but no need to be careful of the neat straight tip.
5.       The more it looks like someone dusted the tip of nails with sparkles, the better your nails would appear.
6.       Finish the sparkly manicure with a top coat.

You can pick the gold, silver or dust gold colors in sequin glitter nail polish, it’s completely up to you.  Once you’ll be done you would see how the sparkly manicure nails complement the overall wedding look. From the decency of faint hue to the stunningness of glitzy nail polish, there’s all the gorgeousness enveloped in nails.

Are you a regular nail art trend follower? The trendiest design nowadays is of space nail art. Space here is about the ‘leaving colorless space in nails’, and not about the galaxy and milky way nail art. It sounds interesting, no? There is so much you could create a space nail art. You can paint a single dot, or punctuation marks on each nail and say there it is a perfect space nail art. This nail art is not about filling in too many colors or twisting and turning the nail art brushed to make intricate designs. It’s the simplest nail art one could ever think of! Check out the steps below:

Full Space Nail Art:

This a geometrical shape inspired space nail design. Just like a triangle made of this one, a horizontal rectangle, octagons, hexagons, and squares can be painted too. It’s all up to your brain’s mind boggling ideas!

STEPS:

1.       Start your space nail art by applying a clear base coat on your nails. It’s a space nail art of course but still need a glossy finish on your colorless nails otherwise.
2.       Whatever nail color you choose to use, it’d look good. A navy blue nail color is used in this nail art.
3.       With navy blue nail polish make small triangle shapes on the nail tips such that one corner of triangle points towards the nail cuticle. You can start by making a “V” first and then fill it in. (refer to picture)
4.       For an outline make use of stripper/thin nail art brush with shimmery gold nail color.
5.       Apply a top coat at the end and you’re all done.

No doubt, the color combination of blue and gold nail art looks absolutely stunning. It's an ideal nail art for the ones who adore simplicity and decency. What do you think of it?

What can be cuter than a sweater inspired nail art! Imagine you’re wearing a maroon knitted sweater and your nails looks just the same as your the very woollen thing you’re wearing, wouldn’t that be cool? Enough of the festive, Dotty and animal face designs. It’s time to try out something more creative like the patterns of a knitted sweater. Read on to find the simple steps on how to recreate sweater-inspired pattern on nails!

Full sweater inspired nail art

This nail art activity can be made more interesting if you match the nail colors with your most favorite cable-knit sweater. The design itself appears to be very detailed and convoluted but once you start making it with the help of the steps provided, there’d be no fear of messing it up.

STEPS:

1. Select a dark color for the base and a light one for painting the sweater-inspired design. Here, cocoa (chocolate creme) nail color is used.

2. Apply two coats of cocoa nail color on the nails and let them dry.

3. Right in the center of your index and ring finger nail, draw tiny "x's" in a column with white nail color. Use striper brush for that.

4. Put a straight vertical line on the sides of the "x's" column and dashes with space on the sides of your nail.

5. Right in the center of your thumb, middle finger and small finger nail, paint a wavy line.

6. Intersect the first drawn wavy line by painting another wavy line to create a nice chain that resembles knits.

7. Put a straight vertical line on the sides of the 'chain' and dashes on one side and crosses (x) on the other side.

8. Don't forget to apply top-coat at the very end after the sweater-inspired nail art dries up.

It is not at all a hard job to do if you’re thinking like that! On a cold winter day, nothing would be better than cozying up to get your nails done with a lovely sweater-inspired nail art. Once you’ll be done, it’s going to pass on warm vibes to you just like your favorite cable knit sweater.