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Air Quality in Nail Salons

November 8, 2011 | No Comments »

Have you ever noticed that you can smell a nail salon before you even see the salon?  That’s because most nails salons in the United States perform artificial nail services (i.e. acrylics / fills) that require the use of harmful chemicals.  These chemicals include methacrylates, formaldehyde, benzoyl peroxide and phthalates.  These vapors are so strong that they can travel and affect neighboring businesses.  

Signs of irritation include:                     

• redness of skin
• dry skin
• cracked skin
• coughing
• shortness of breath

 Long term risks include:

• asthma
• chronic headaches
• ability to concentrate / learn
• reproductive harm
• cancer

Is your favorite nail salon harmful to your health?  Take this short little quiz and find out.  If you answer yes to any of these questions, consider finding a healthy alternative. 

 1)      Does the salon offer acrylics?

2)      Does the salon have artificial plants and flowers? Real plants and flowers can’t survive in the toxic nail salon environment.

3)      Do some of the manicurist use masks?

4)      Take a deep breath before you enter the salon and see if it smells inside

5)      Does the salon use acetone?

6)      Does the salon use drills? The used in artificial services spreads and can irritate the skin of all customers, not just the one receiving the service. 

Look for a natural, healthy nail salon that is committed to your health and safety.  A healthy salon does not offer artificial services – acrylics.  Not only are acrylics prone to collecting bacteria, but the process of applying and removing acrylics is dangerous to everyone who visits the salon. 

At Bellemani we use only natural products and strive to use organic whenever possible.  We do not do artificial services as we are committed to providing a fume free environment.  When you walk into our salon you’ll smell soothing scents of lavender and vanilla.  You will not smell harsh chemicals.  In fact most of our guests don’t rush out after receiving their services because they enjoy being in a clean, health and relaxing environment.   Keep that in mind when looking for a new nail salon, find one that you enjoy being in.

Threading vs. Waxing

October 18, 2011 | No Comments »

What is the difference between waxing and threading?

Threading is a hair removal technique that originated from the Middle East, specifically India and growing in popularity.   Threading involves twisting a piece of cotton thread into a double strand.  The technician then wraps a part of the strand around their neck and uses the opposite end to pick up hair.  The technician will use the movement of their own body to control the pressure and speed.

Hair can be removed quickly and with minimal pain.  Other benefits include:

• Gentler than waxing, especially works well for people with sensitive skin or those who have had cosmetic procedures
• Easier to create a clean line – ideal for eyebrows
• Preferred method for those using Retin-A, Accutane, Renova or any prescription treatments
• Will not promote sagging as it does not pull on the skin like waxing
• Less irritation – redness, welts

Wax is another hair removal alternative that is popular because it is readily available and it’s also quick.  Wax can be hot or cold.  It can be applied and then removed with a muslin strip (strip wax) or it can be applied and removed by lifting on the edge of the wax as it cools (hard wax).

New hair typically takes 2 to 8 weeks to grow back.  Other benefits of waxing includes:

• Efficient – great for larger areas like legs
• Hair growth can slow down after continuous waxing
• Leaves skin feeling soft as the top layer of dead skin is removed when muslin is pulled

Note – if you are looking for a more gentle waxing experience, request hard wax.  Since the wax is removed after it’s cooled and hardened, there is less skin irritation.

Bellemani uses and recommends using hard wax for sensitive areas like eyebrows and bikini line.   If you do use strip wax be sure to use sunscreen before spending time outside.  Strip wax will remove the top layer of dead skin, so the newly exposed skin is delicate and can easily burn.

Lost in Sterilization?

June 17, 2011 | No Comments »

Next time you get your nails done ask your salon some simple, but very important questions:

 -  How do you sterlize your implements?

- How often do you sterlize your implements?

- Are you in compliance with the Board of Cosmetology’s requirements?  Meaning do you throw away your buffers, files and any other tools that can not be sterilized.

Here is what the answers should be:

 -  All non-disposable implements are sterilized in an medical grade sterlizer or autoclave machine.

-  All non-disposable implements are sterilized after each customer.

 - Yes, anything that can be sterlized is sterilized using the autoclave.  Everything else is immediately thrown away after one use.  This includes buffers, brushes, files and anything else that comes in contact with customer’s skin.

Some nail salons are still using barbicide to sterilize their tools.  This is the blue solution you see in the glass containers.  Barbacide  kills spores and bacteria, but only if the tools are sterilized for 24 hours.   That is a long time and even 24 hours of sterilization can not guarantee proper sterilization.  There are still other factors to consider, such as the concentration and age of the barbicide solution.  Your best bet, is to find a salon that puts cleanliness first, by investing in a medical grade sterilizer, like an autoclave.  The machines are pricey, so finding a salon that has one and uses it properly might be a challenge, but it is definitely worth finding.

• Distilled water is used to sterilize the tools, not tap water!  We replace the Water in the autoclave before each sterilization process.
• It takes the autoclave 20 minutes to sterilize tools.  The temperature in the chamber will reach  273 F at a pressure of 30 psi.
• Second part of sterilization is the dry processthat takes 20 minutes.
• Once completed the  tools have been sterlized and are ready to use.
• The pouch is opened in front of the customer and used once!

Natural Trend in Nails!

June 7, 2011 | No Comments »

Scotch Naturals is a line of water-based, non-toxic polish that is free of the harsh chemicals found in most solvent-based polishes. Designed to nourish and strengthen nails with repeated use, it is non-yellowing, and requires no base or top coat.

Scotch Naturals is a safe and eco-friendly alternative to conventional solvent-based polish. Is a revolutionary water-based formula nourishes and conditions nails, delivering long lasting, salon-quality color. Polish contains none of the chemicals found in typical nail polish: toluene, dibutyl phthelate, formaldehyde, acetone, and heavy metals.

At Bellemani we proudly carry the entire Scotch collection, including Hopscotch, a line designed especially for kids.