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Selecting a Reputable
Salon
The California Department of Consumer Affairs suggests that you
consider the following health and safety rules when selecting a
salon:
The establishment and all service providers must display valid
licenses issued by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. The
Health and Safety poster must also be displayed in the reception
area.
The salon must have clean equipment and work areas. All tools
must be sanitized and disinfected before and after being used on
a client. Any item that cannot be disinfected (e.g., nail files,
buff blocks, toe separators and birchwood sticks) must be
discarded immediately after use. Clean towels must be provided
for each client.
Service providers are required to wash their hands between
clients. Clients receiving hand services should also wash their
hands.
The use of certain instruments is illegal; thus, blade-like
instruments (razors, shavers, scalpels, graters, etc.) cannot be
used to remove calluses.
Other factors to consider when selecting a salon include the
experience and training of the service providers, the quality of
products used and the atmosphere of the salon. Remember that
receiving a salon service should be a safe and pleasant
experience. If anything about a salon makes you uncomfortable,
you should ask questions and be prepared to refuse the service
if necessary.
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Salon Sanitation
The California Code of Regulations specifies the minimum
standards for salon sanitation in its
Health and Safety rules (Article 12) for the Board of
Barbering and Cosmetology. Precision Nails protects your safety,
as well as our nail technicians’ safety, by meeting and often
exceeding these standards.
Before your service begins, we prepare for you
with clean towels, a new nail brush, a new disposable nail file
and/or abrasives, sterilized implements and pre-portioned
products, when applicable. Our nail technicians thoroughly clean
their hands with soap and hot water. For any hand service, we
require that you also clean your hands. For a foot service, our
nail technicians will clean your feet with moist, warm towels.
During your service, our nail technicians wear
disposable gloves to minimize chemical overexposure, the
transmission of germs and the risk of injury.
To eliminate cross-contamination, we dispense our products from
special packaging and utilize innovative procedures. For
example, our nail technicians portion the moisturizing paraffin
from the warmer with disposable cups rather than allow clients
to submerge their hands or feet into the warmer.
After your service, we dispose of any items
that cannot be disinfected (e.g., nail files, buff blocks, toe
separators and birchwood sticks). Thus, these items are used
only once. We process our stainless-steel implements by cleaning
with soap and hot water (sanitation) and sterilizing in an
autoclave, exceeding state requirements.
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Book Smart
If time is money, how do we make the most of it? By managing
ours and valuing yours. Precision Nails relies on effective
appointment policies to maximize time, our most precious
resource.
Salon Hours
Precision Nails provides nail services from 10 am to 6 pm,
Monday through Saturday, excluding major holidays (New Year's
Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas).
Need early morning or late evening appointments? You'll need
to find another salon whose hours accommodate your schedule.
Appointment Reservations
Our clients may reserve appointments in advance online (www.precisionnails.com),
by phone or at the salon. Any appointment reserved for a new
client or within 24 hours must be prepaid; all others must be
secured with a credit card or Client Card. If you need to cancel
or change an existing reservation, we require 24-hours notice to
avoid being charged the full service price. Your pets, children
and/or other guests are not permitted during your service.
Unlike airlines, we do not overbook; we cannot promise the
same time to more than one client. Moreover, we expect you to be
on time so that we can stay on schedule. If you arrive late, the
full service price will be charged though the service may be
modified. Any client who complains about paying the full service
price for a missed or shortened appointment will not be
rescheduled.
Preferred Clients
By invitation only, Precision Nails offers standing appointments
in one-, two-, three- or four-week intervals to its best
clients. Our Preferred Clients receive scheduling priority and
other valuable benefits.
We owe our success to the Preferred Clients who dominate our
schedule. In May of each year, we start scheduling standing
appointments for the next calendar year. Most Preferred Clients
continue with their existing schedules, while others might
request changes in time and/or services. By July, standing
appointments fill nearly 75% of our schedule through the
following December.
Client Cards
A Client Card works like a gift certificate that never expires.
Activation requires a $25 minimum purchase; additional value can
be purchased at any time. Earn greater value for a $250 purchase
($275 value) or $500 purchase ($575 value). Redeemable for
services and/or products only; no cash value. Replaceable if
lost or stolen.
Payment
Precision Nails accepts our Client Cards, Visa, MasterCard,
American Express, Discover, local checks and/or cash.
If these policies seem reasonable, then you understand our
professional commitment. But if they seem unreasonable, you need
to find another salon.
And now for some frequently asked questions:
Do you take walk-ins?
We strongly recommend that clients reserve appointments in
advance; in fact, our Preferred Clients reserve their standing
appointments more than a year in advance. Walk-in appointments
are only available when time allows.
Do you keep a waiting list?
Precision Nails does keep a waiting list; let us know what
service(s) you want and when, and we'll contact you if an
appointment becomes available. Preferred Clients and existing
clients have scheduling priority on the waiting list.
How many stations/technicians do you have?
Precision Nails emphasizes the quality of its services, not the
quantity of clients served. Thus, our salon accommodates only
two clients at a time in private, individual rooms.
Can my friend(s) and I have our nails done at the same
time?
Unless scheduled far in advance, simultaneous appointments for
you and a friend are not very likely.
Can my hands and feet be done at the same time?
When we have two licensed manicurists available, your hands and
feet can be done simultaneously.
Can you recommend another salon?
We'd be happy to recommend other nail salons that meet our
standards for quality and cleanliness. Because we don't know
any, we suggest that you choose carefully.
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The Ideal Client
We believe that receiving a salon service should be a safe and
pleasant experience for the consumer. Conversely, we believe
that the beauty professional providing the service also deserves
a safe and pleasant experience. Our salon does not suit every
consumer, nor does every consumer suit us. To be blunt, we will
refuse service to those who do not.
After 15 years of providing nail services, we have more than
enough experience to know who best suits us. Our ideal client
exhibits these qualities:
insists on trained and licensed professionals;
respects our time;
expects a clean, organized salon environment;
appreciates quality more than convenience;
enjoys our salon experience;
schedules in advance;
values our professional opinions;
encourages our efforts to improve our skills;
supports our commitment to the beauty industry;
and refers family and friends.
Within an industry that treats consumers and professionals as
disposable, Precision Nails thrives because we respect ourselves
and value our clients, particularly our Preferred Clients (those
with standing appointments).
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Doing Your Part
As good as our nail technicians are, we can only do so much at
Precision Nails. We expect you to do your part to improve the
health and beauty of your nails. After all, you spend more time
with them than we do. Between your salon appointments, please
follow these instructions:
Be aware of any damaging habits. Do you bite
your nails or pick your cuticles? In addition to being
distasteful, these activities can cause permanent damage to your
nails and skin. When a nail needs to be shortened or smoothed,
use a fine-grit nail file.
Carefully remove hangnails with cuticle nippers,
not your teeth. Using your teeth is not sanitary and removes
more skin than necessary. Ouch!
Be kind to your nails; do not use them as
tools. In fact, your nails are not the proper tool for most
jobs. Nails should not replace staple removers, razor blades,
letter openers or screwdrivers.
Avoid prolonged exposure to water; wear gloves
when washing dishes, using cleaning products, gardening,
crafting, etc. Nails are particularly vulnerable when wet.
Moisturize your cuticles every day. Your
efforts will improve the condition of your nails and skin, and
make your nail technician proud.
Wear polish to protect your nails if they are
weak. Apply topcoat every fifth day to restore the shine.
Remove polish with acetone; do not peel it off.
While peeling may be more fun, using pure acetone is a gentler
and more efficient way to remove polish.
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Pedicure Safety
Despite being one of the most popular beauty services, pedicures
have received a great deal of negative press recently. In 2000,
an outbreak of bacterial infections linked to a nail salon in
Watsonville, Calif. raised legitimate concerns about pedicure
safety and cleanliness. To protect the consumers, the Board of
Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) responded in Spring 2001 with
strict new regulations for cleaning whirlpool pedicure spas.
After additional outbreaks in 2004 and 2005, the Department of
Consumer Affairs deemed the regulations inadequate (though it’s
likely more a failure of compliance and enforcement!), prompting
the BBC to implement even stricter emergency regulations.
The
new regulations (Article 12, 980.1 - 980.3) require ALL
pedicure equipment that holds water, whether it’s a whirlpool
spa or a plastic bucket, undergo a thorough cleaning after EVERY
pedicure. Furthermore, salons must keep records
(“pedicure-cleaning log”) of the date and time of EVERY
cleaning. RIDICULOUS!
These are the required steps:
Drain all the water;
Remove any removable parts, including screens;
Scrub the inside surfaces and all parts with a clean brush,
liquid soap and water;
Rinse with clean water;
Reinsert cleaned parts;
Refill with clean water and the correct amount of an
“EPA-registered hospital-liquid disinfectant;”
Circulate the disinfectant solution for at least 10 minutes;
Drain, rinse and wipe dry with a clean paper towel;
Record in a pedicure-cleaning log.
If the pedicure equipment is electrical and circulates water,
there’s even more to do. At the end of each day, the cleaning
described above must be repeated AND the following steps
performed:
Fill with warm water and detergent;
Circulate detergent solution for at least 10 minutes;
Drain and rinse;
Refill with clean water and disinfectant;
Circulate for at least 10 minutes;
Drain, rinse and wipe dry with a clean paper towel;
Record in a pedicure-cleaning log.
At least once a week, the disinfectant solution must remain for
6 to 10 hours with the power off.
Any salon that services one customer after another without
properly cleaning the pedicure equipment should be avoided.
Consumers should also avoid salons that violate state
regulations by using blade-like instruments (razors, shavers,
graters, etc.) to remove calluses and reusing items that cannot
be disinfected (pumice stones, emery boards, buff blocks, toe
separators, birchwood sticks, etc.). Receiving a pedicure should
be a safe and pleasant experience. If anything about a salon
makes you uncomfortable, you should ask questions and be
prepared refuse the service if necessary.
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Waterless Spa Pedicures
Pedicure services are hot, but so is the controversy surrounding
the use of whirlpool pedicure spas. Between April and October
2000, more than 100 clients of Fancy Nails, a Watsonville,
Calif. salon, developed large, painful boils on their legs. An
investigation revealed that the boils were caused by a bacterial
infection (mycobacterium fortuitum) whose source was the
accumulated debris (skin, hair, etc.) trapped behind the screens
of the salon’s whirlpool pedicure spas. The intense media
attention that followed alerted consumers, beauty professionals
and equipment manufacturers to the potential dangers of
pedicures. To protect the consumers of California, the Board of
Barbering and Cosmetology responded in Spring 2001 with new
regulations for cleaning whirlpool pedicure spas, and even
stricter regulations have been implemented more recently.
To protect their business interests, equipment manufacturers
developed new technology that eliminates the circulation of
water through pipes. For example, European Touch, the industry’s
leading manufacturer of pedicure spas, introduced a pipe-less
system in 2003 that circulates water with an impellor inside the
basin. Innovations such as these were designed to provide
clients with a safer and more sanitary pedicure experience. Thus
far, however, even the most advanced and expensive pedicure spa
($13,000!) has not overcome the challenge of time-consuming and
labor-intensive cleaning.
More recent and widespread cases of pedicure-related infections
indicate that efforts to educate consumers, improve pedicure
equipment and further regulate nail technicians have not been
effective. Therefore, pedicure safety remains a top priority of
the California legislature, the Department of Consumer Affairs
and the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.
In 2005, Precision Nails introduced the Foot Detail, an
innovative “waterless spa pedicure” that eliminates the risks
associated with traditional pedicures. This new service expands
upon basic pedicure procedures (shaping the nails, conditioning
the cuticles, smoothing calluses and moisturizing the skin) by
incorporating advanced procedures such as gentle exfoliation,
moisturizing paraffin and extended massage. The Foot Detail
appeals to both men and women, produces noticeable improvement
and provides a safe and pleasant experience.
Jaime Schrabeck, the owner of Precision Nails, travels
extensively to teach classes on this procedure. For a list of
upcoming classes, please click here.
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Caring for Your Feet
How well do you know your feet? Do you treat them with kindness,
or do you neglect and abuse them? According to the American
Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), ailments of the foot are
among the most common, and most neglected, health problems.
Seventy-five percent of Americans will experience foot problems;
and women have about four times as many foot problems as men
have.
It is important to consider the relationship between foot health
and overall health. Your feet may be the first part of your body
to show symptoms of arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease
and other serious medical conditions.
The APMA offers practical suggestions for the care of your feet:
wear properly-fitted, protective footwear;
avoid going barefoot;
use ice (cold) to treat an injury and reduce swelling and pain;
and
seek medical treatment at the first sign of injury or infection.
If your feet require medical treatment, Precision Nails
recommends that you consult with a licensed podiatrist.
Podiatrists, also known as podiatric physicians, specialize in
the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of foot disorders
resulting from injury or disease.
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Callus Reduction
One of the greatest challenges in caring for your feet is
dealing with calluses. Calluses form when continual friction or
pressure forces the skin to produce more keratin, and thus
become thicker. At best, calluses can be unattractive and
annoying; at their worst, calluses can fissure, resulting in
deep, painful cracks that may become infected.
Callus reduction must be performed carefully. Shaving or cutting
calluses is a potentially dangerous medical procedure and should
be performed by a podiatrist. As nail technicians, we are able
to gently reduce your calluses only by exfoliating and
moisturizing your feet. To do any invasive procedures would
violate the rules governing our scope of practice.
Between appointments, you can manage calluses in four easy
steps:
1. Soften your skin by soaking in warm water or applying a skin
softening product.
2. Reduce calluses with an abrasive tool. The best tool for this
purpose is our sturdy, stainless-steel callus file that uses
disposable abrasives to quickly and safely to remove excess dry
skin.
3. Use a moisturizing exfoliant to further smooth and moisturize
your feet. Rinse completely.
4. Apply moisturizer.
Plan to do this routine once a week, more often if your calluses
require it.
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Basic Nail Anatomy
The nail is a transparent plate composed primarily of the
protein keratin. The nail plate generates from the matrix, the
most important part of the nail’s structure. Located at the base
of each nail, the matrix produces the keratin cells that form
the nail plate. As these cells mature, they move from the matrix
toward the end of the nail, or free edge. Any damage to the
matrix may permanently affect its ability to generate the nail
plate.
The shape and strength of a nail is determined primarily by the
shape of its matrix. For example, a flat and wide matrix
produces a flat and wide nail. Moreover, the length of the
matrix determines the thickness of the nail: the longer the
matrix, the thicker and stronger the nail.
While many factors affect nail growth, the average nail plate
grows about 1/8" per month; toenails grow more slowly. Nail
growth increases during the summer, adolescence and pregnancy.
In general, men’s nails grow faster than women’s do.
Contrary to popular belief, nails will not grow faster or
stronger by consuming or applying certain products like calcium,
gelatin or vitamins. (Such claims have not been scientifically
proven.) In fact, your nails will lose strength and flexibility
with overuse of nail hardeners, excessive filing and
overexposure to water. What you do with and to your nails on a
daily basis can damage even the nicest nails; so treat your
nails with kindness and respect.
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Nail Infections
Nail technicians are not trained to diagnose or treat nail
infections. However, we do understand the difference between
bacterial and fungal infections in order to use the appropriate
terminology.
Bacterial: Despite terms such as fungus or
mold, the appearance of a greenish discoloration on or under the
nail plate suggests a bacterial infection. Bacterial infections
can result from moisture trapped between the natural nail and a
nail enhancement. The green pigment is a byproduct. If allowed
to persist, the discoloration will darken and the nail will
become noticeably soft in the affected area. Fortunately, a
bacterial infection in its early stages can be easily treated
with an alcohol-based antiseptic, and the discoloration will
fade as the nail grows. Note that nail enhancements do not cause
infections, bacteria do. This is why regular maintenance and
salon sanitation are so important!
Fungal: A fungal infection appears very
different from a bacterial infection: the nail, particularly at
the free edge, may be yellowish, thickened and somewhat crumbly.
Fungus can develop after injury to the nail plate or surrounding
tissue. Subungal debris, the moist, odiferous matter that can
accumulate under an affected nail, may be cultured to determine
the source of infection. Because fungal infections can cause
permanent damage, it is important to seek medical treatment.
Most fungal infections require oral medications, and might take
six months or longer to clear completely.
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Nail Disorders
Abnormal nail conditions and simple irregularities are described
as nail disorders. Unlike nail diseases, they do not necessarily
require medical treatment. It is important, however, to be aware
of any significant changes in your nails. Common nail disorders
include:
Ridges - vertical ridges increase with age, whereas horizontal
ridges indicate uneven growth rate and can result from cuticle
picking or illness;
Leuconychia - white spots in the nail plate indicate trauma to
the nail matrix;
Splinter hemmorhages - dried blood trapped in the ridges on the
underside of the nail indicate injury;
Onychorrhexis - split or brittle nails result from damage,
excessive dryness or chemical overexposure;
Onychauxis (hypertrophy) - overgrowth of the nail in thickness
can result from infection or pressure on the nail;
Onychatrophia (atrophy) - wasting away of the nail results from
illness or injury;
Blue nails - a bluish or purplish tint to the nail plate
indicates poor circulation;
Eggshell nails - thin, flat nails that curve over the tip of the
finger may indicate systemic illness;
Onychophagy - the habit of biting the nail or cuticle can lead
to infection and/or permanent damage;
Hangnail - a split or tear in the skin immediately surrounding
the nail plate, can be caused by dryness, neglect or abuse.
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Nail Diseases
Nail technicians are not trained to diagnose or treat nail
diseases. When an abnormal nail condition exists, Precision
Nails encourages you to seek advice from your family doctor,
dermatologist or podiatrist. Nail diseases may result from
external and local causes, or internal causes such as drugs and
systemic diseases. Thus, nail abnormalities can often provide
clues to common medical problems. The following terms describe
nail diseases or related conditions:
Onychosis - the general term for any nail disease;
Onychomycosis - a fungal infection of the nail plate is more
common in toenails than fingernails;
Paronychia - a bacterial infection of the skin surrounding the
nail;
Onychocryptosis - a nail that grows into the lateral nail
fold(s) can cause pain and infection;
Onycholysis - separation of the nail plate from the nail bed may
lead to fungal infection;
Onychoptosis - the shedding of the nail plate usually result
from injury;
Koilonychia - fragile nail plates characterized by curling at
the sides and end;
Onychogryposis - excessive growth of the nail resulting in
increased curvature and thickness.
Other conditions that may be present in or around the nails
include: warts, ulcers, eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis,
benign or cancerous tumors and athlete’s foot (a fungal
infection of the skin).
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Product Chemistry
Nail technicians use specially formulated products to enhance
natural nails. For example, we use advanced nail adhesives, not
glue. Glue is an adhesive made from animal protein; it does not
adhere well to the nail plate and dissolves easily in water.
Therefore, true glue proves ineffective for use as a nail
product.
Nail enhancement products share similar chemistry; they all
belong to the acrylic family of chemicals. Nail adhesives and
resins (used in silk and fiberglass wraps) contain
cyanoacrylates; gels combine acrylates and methacrylates; and
liquid and powder systems consist of methacrylates.
Acrylics cure through a reaction known as polymerization in
which single molecules, or monomers, link together to form
multiple molecule chains, or polymers. Polymerization begins
when an initiator molecule absorbs energy from heat or light.
Liquid and powder systems utilize body heat to cure, whereas
gels require UV light. (Nail adhesives and resins polymerize in
a unique way: they react to moisture.)
The strength and flexibility of a nail enhancement depends upon
its molecular structure. Nail adhesives and resins form simple
polymer chains; gels and liquid and powder systems contain
cross-linkers that form complex, three-dimensional structures.
Thus, they’re stronger, more durable and more resistant to
solvents such as acetone and water.
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Nail Enhancement Myths
Myths about nail enhancements deserve your careful
consideration:
Artificial nails will damage your natural nails.
Artificial nails, or enhancements, do not destroy your nails;
but the potential for damage exists when nail technicians file
too much, clients neglect and/or abuse their enhancements, and
enhancements are removed improperly. Most damage related to
enhancements can be attributed to nail technicians who file too
much. Excessive filing, whether done by hand or with an electric
file, weakens the nail plate and can be very painful.
Clients who wear enhancements must be willing to care for their
nails, not neglect or abuse them. Precision Nails recommends
regular (biweekly) services to maintain the strength and beauty
of the enhancements. Precision Nails also cautions clients
against wearing their nails at an unreasonable length, using
them as tools and doing any nail repairs on themselves.
Improper removal of enhancements can do additional damage;
prying them off can remove layers of natural nail. Certain
enhancement products can be “soaked off” with solvents while
others must be gently filed away.
Silk and fiberglass wraps are more natural-looking
than acrylics.
A skilled nail technician can create natural-looking nails with
any enhancement product (wraps, gels or acrylics). The thickness
and shape of the enhancements depend upon how the product is
applied. A thicker application makes thicker nails, not
necessarily stronger ones.
Artificial nails cause allergies.
Improper handling of nail products can overexpose both the nail
technician and client. For example, the primer (methylacrylic
acid) used to prepare the nail plate for acrylic must be applied
carefully and very sparingly; contact with the skin will cause
an immediate burning sensation. Repeated or prolonged contact
may sensitize the skin and produce an allergic reaction.
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False
Advertising of Artificial Nail Services
Consumers contact our salon everyday requesting artificial nails
advertised elsewhere: gel, solar, crystal, porcelain, diamond,
etc. We know consumers want the best nails available: the
safest, the strongest, the most natural, etc. However, the fact
remains that all artificial nails, even wraps, are made from
acrylic-based products, despite any claims to the contrary.
Salons that falsely advertise artificial nails as "better than
acrylics" reveal how ignorant and gullible they expect consumers
to be. Consider this description of diamond nails: "They are
strong and durable like acrylic, except with less odor. They are
applied by brushing a resin glue on to the nails and then
dipping the nail in to diamond powder." Wrong! "Diamond powder"
does not exist! This procedure amounts to nothing more than an
"acrylic dip:" an adhesive (cyanoacrylate) replaces the pungent
acrylic monomer liquid (ethyl methacrylate), but still uses
acrylic polymer powder (ethyl and methyl methacrylates).
Other falsely advertised services include:
Gel nails should consist entirely of acrylic oligomer gel (acrylates)
cured with a UV light, not just a layer over liquid/powder
acrylic.
Solar, a misleading name for any French-style (pink and white)
nails, exploits a brand trademark.
Crystal is a fancy name for clear tips covered with acrylic
monomer liquid and clear polymer powder.
Porcelain clay heated to 1200°F cannot possibly be used for
nails, yet this ridiculous name persists.
Precision Nails gives consumers the facts about artificial
nails:
all utilize products based on the acrylic family of chemicals;
a skilled nail professional can make any product look "natural;"
product can be applied directly to your natural nails for
support and protection;
nail length can be extended by first applying tips with
adhesive, or sculpting with forms;
polish applied over product lasts much longer;
all artificial nails must be maintained on a regular basis;
artificial nails SHOULD break when enough force is applied;
product itself does not damage your nails like a professional
can;
excessive filing, especially with a drill, weakens nails and is
both dangerous and unnecessary;
improper use and handling of product can cause chemical
sensitivity, and much worse damage.
To protect consumers, California's Board of Barbering and
Cosmetology (BBC) prohibits false advertising and the
misrepresentation of beauty services. Consumers should report
any negative experiences directly to the board through its
Consumer Complaint Process.
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Gel Nail Enhancements
The continuing trend toward "more natural" nail care has
generated renewed interest in gel nail enhancements. The
increased popularity of gels coincides with great improvements
in their technology and chemistry. While most enhancement
products contain acrylic, it’s the molecular structure of gel
that accounts for its gel-like consistency. When using
traditional acrylic, a nail technician must combine monomer
(liquid) with a polymer (solid powder) to form the nail
enhancements. Using gel eliminates the need for mixing because
the products contain pre-formed chains of monomers called
oligomers.
Precision Nails offers only gel nail enhancements because they:
are virtually odor-free, unlike traditional acrylic;
do not require excessive filing of the natural nail for
adhesion;
are available in a variety of colors, including shades of pink
and white;
can be combined with glitter for a custom look;
cure under a UV light to a shiny finish;
may be worn with or without polish.
While the durability of gel is comparable to that of traditional
acrylic, gel enhancements may not be suitable for you. In fact,
when contemplating any enhancements, factors to consider include
the health of your natural nails, your lifestyle, activities and
resources. It’s much easier to adapt your nails to your
circumstances than the other way around. Natural nail services
may be more appropriate.
In California, gel nails are not included in the curriculum for
nail care or the licensing examination. As a result, many nail
technicians who use gel products have not received adequate
training. Uncured gel products can be extremely irritating to
the skin, and when used improperly, these products can cause
chemical sensitivity and allergic reaction.
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Dangers of MMA
When acrylic nails were first introduced, the products used to
create them were obtained from the dental industry. Thus, they
were described as "porcelain nails" or "dental acrylics." Those
early products contained a particular type of liquid monomer,
methyl methacrylate (MMA). By the late 1970s, numerous
complaints of allergic reactions, nerve damage and permanent
nail deformities prompted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
to issue a strongly worded warning against the use of MMA in
nail products. While professional nail products now contain a
safer alternative (liquid ethyl methacrylate or LEMA), some
technicians continue to use MMA. In California, it is a "violation"
of Bureau of Barbering and Cosmetology regulations for MMA to be
used in a salon" (MMA Fact Sheet, 2002).
As a consumer, you are entitled to know about the products
applied to your nails. You should be aware of the following
signs of MMA: the acrylic liquid has a very strong odor and the
cured product is exceedingly hard, difficult to file and highly
resistant to solvents. You should be wary of any nail technician
who claims that his/her acrylic product will not break. In fact,
MMA’s hardness poses the greatest risk to the wearer. If the
nail becomes jammed or caught, the natural nail can be violently
torn from the nail bed, leading to a serious infection and
permanent deformity.
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Using Electric Files
To drill or not to drill? The use of electric files, or drills
as they are commonly called, continues to be one of the most
controversial issues in the nail industry. Many clients
associate electric files with "discount salons," and often
complain that electric files cause pain and produce poor
results.
California’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology does not
regulate the use of electric files by nail technicians, nor does
it require that beauty schools train students in their use. The
lack of regulation and education has damaged both clients and
the nail industry. Manufacturers have responded by forming the
Association of Electric File Manufacturers (AEFM) to advocate
the responsible use of electric files. The primary purpose of an
electric file is to replace hand filing. Certain tasks, like
maintaining French acrylics and cleaning under nail
enhancements, would be very difficult without an electric file.
Nail technicians can choose from different kinds of file bits;
the most popular are arbor bands, diamond bits, and carbide
bits. Arbor (sandpaper) bands generate a lot of heat and are not
sanitizable. In contrast, diamond and carbide bits are durable,
sanitizable, and available in a variety of shapes and grits.
Filing speed typically ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 RPM.
Nail technicians can avoid damaging the client’s natural nails
by using the right bit for the task, holding it at the proper
angle, and constantly moving it to reduce friction and minimize
any burning sensation.
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Male Clients
Now some of you might be thinking, “Why would men have their
nails done?” To that, we respond, “Why not? Men have nails.”
Granted, those nails may be neglected or abused, but their
condition only justifies their need for professional nail care.
At Precision Nails, we value our male clients for their
no-nonsense approach to nail care. In fact, that’s why our Hand
Detail and Foot Detail services treat and pamper, but do not
include polish application. Likewise, our Hand Express and Foot
Express services focus on the basics. Our male clients often opt
for a high-gloss shine achieved through buffing (the Buff
Enough? service), while most leave their toenails natural.
Based on our extensive experience, we can assure any potential
male client that receiving one of our nail services will not
compromise his masculinity. Instead, he will appreciate
receiving a quality service from a competent technician in
privacy. Moreover, the results may finally convince him that
there was never anything “masculine” about have having ragged
cuticles and rough, dry skin.
If you know a man, perhaps yourself, who bites his nails or
cuticles, trims them with a pocket knife, or wants someone else
to care for them, schedule an appointment with us instead. We’ll
be happy to do the work.
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Nail Competitions
At most major beauty shows, a select group of nail technicians
pays for the privilege of doing nails under very difficult
circumstances. Working alongside strangers, without the comforts
of their own salons, they come together to accept the ultimate
challenge: participating in a nail competition.
Inspired and influenced by past champions, nail competitors
strive to maintain the highest standards for workmanship while
pushing artistic boundaries. They create new styles, develop
innovative techniques and most important, change our perceptions
of what nails can be. The most successful competitors
distinguish themselves as nail stars.
The status of nail technicians continues to improve in part
because nail competitors have tremendous influence as educators,
mentors and consultants. Their work sparks trends, informs
manufacturers, and drives consumers into salons to experience
professional nail care.
Precision Nails supports nail competitions as part its
commitment to the beauty industry; salon owner Jaime Schrabeck
served as Competition Director for Nailpro, transformed the
competition process and organized competitions at 11 shows
within 18 months. She continues to travel internationally to
serve as a judge.
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Licensing Requirements
California’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology protects and
educates consumers by regulating beauty professionals, the
“largest professional licensee population in the United States”
(Fact Sheet, August 2004). That population includes more than
“206,000 cosmetologists, 83,500 manicurists, and 35,000
establishments.” The Board’s control of the beauty industry
extends from the curriculum at beauty schools to the licensing
of individuals and establishments to the enforcement of rules
and regulations.
To obtain a manicuring license, an individual must complete 400
hours of “technical instruction and practical operations” at an
approved school (Rules and Regulations, Board of Barbering and
Cosmetology, 2004). The curriculum for the nail care course
includes the following subjects and minimum hours of study:
Barbering and Cosmetology Act and Rules and Regulations (10);
Cosmetology chemistry (10);
Health and safety/hazardous substances (15);
Disinfection and sanitation (10);
Bacteriology, anatomy and physiology (10);
Manicures (15) and 40 services;
Pedicures (10) and 20 services;
Acrylic Nails (15) and 80 nails;
Nail tips (10) and 60 nails;
Nail wraps and repairs (5) and 40 nails.
To meet the requirements for practical operations, students
perform services on each other, mannequin hands and customers of
the beauty school.
After completing 400 hours, a student must pass a written and
practical examination to obtain a license. Contrary to most
testing situations, this examination does not measure the
quality of the applicant’s work (competence). Instead, its
stated purpose is to determine whether the applicant “has the
knowledge and skills required to protect the public's health and
safety.”
Unlike other states, California does not require continuing
education to maintain a valid license; the license must simply
be renewed every two years by paying a $40 fee.
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