Third Time's A Charm?

So I realize it's been One Year since my last blog entry.  Let that sink in.  

Three Covid-19 lockdowns later, personal care services are allowed to reopen in Stage 2 today in Ontario. 

Not gonna lie, it's been a bit of a shit show for the past 15 months, with my studio able to be open for 7 of them.  My friends in Toronto and Peel?  Not so lucky, they've been shut down for the last 7 months in a row.  They get to reopen today, too.  Capacity limits, of course.  No services that require the face mask to be removed.  But we all get to breathe just a little easier today.

So friends, wherever you are, be the perfect guest when you're finally able to book your long-overdue appointment to pamper yourself.   Your service provider might be the tiniest bit nervous but hopes it doesn't show.  Opening day jitters might result in delays, overbooking, underbooking and maybe things not running as smoothly as you remember.  Relax and know it will all work itself out by your next visit.  

We want to wow you with our expertise when you come back.  We also want to remind you we haven't had a paycheque in months, while many of our clients have not had to experience this kind of stress.  Be kind.  Be patient.  Be gracious.  Be understanding.  But most of all, be as excited to see us as we are to see you!

Covid-19 Protocols in the Studio

In preparation for reopening, I'm scouring my industry and public health websites daily for guidance  on how Personal Services Settings are going to proceed with Covid-19 protocols and best practices in place.  I'm excited to write this post and share with you, dear reader, because it means that I'm one step closer to opening!

Here's what I do know.  It's going to be a little different going forward in the studio, but rest assured you're still going to leave with the gorgeous nails you've come to know and love!!   Here are some of the protocols that are going to be in place for awhile (hopefully not too long, but as long as it takes).    Keep in mind my business is in my home therefore I need to be very protective of my family.  

• Masks will be required to be worn by both clients and myself.  If you arrive without one I have a limited supply of one-use disposable masks available at a cost of $5 each.  I strongly recommend you bring your own as I don't have unlimited resources of masks or funds to purchase them. 
• A travel and health screening will be conducted at each appointment (a series of questions with yes/no answers)
• Cell-phone use will be strictly limited to emergencies only.  Cell phones should remain in your purse or pocket and not on the nail desk.  
• Beverages will not be allowed in the studio; bottled water is the exception. 
• Cashless payments will be encouraged.  Cash will continue to be accepted but must be exact-change only.  Let me know if you are paying with cash before you reach into your wallet.  
• Clients need to arrive at exactly their appointment time in order to accommodate additional sanitation and disinfection procedures that will be mandatory between clients.  If you arrive early please remain in your vehicle.
• Appointments will be spaced further apart to allow for additional sanitation and disinfection.  This will result in fewer appointments available per day.   
• Nail appointments will be scheduled first.  Once all clients cycle through their first nail appointment, pedicure appointments may be scheduled.  At this time, double appointments (manicures and pedicures) are not being considered due to the longer length of appointment and the requirement to wear a mask the entire time. 
• Clients who are ill with cold or flu-like symptoms or who have traveled (as long as travel restrictions are still in place) and not self-isolated for 14 days will be asked to cancel or reschedule their appointments.  No exceptions.  There will be no penalties for late cancellations if you are unwell.  

Here are some things I'm doing in the studio and elsewhere to ensure our mutual protection and safety:  

• Wear PPE for each appointment as per best practices/OSHA, Province of Ontario, Durham Region Health Department.  This includes such items as masks, gloves, face shields, safety glasses, and aprons which are changed and/or discarded after each appointment. 
• Sanitize and disinfect all  high-touch surfaces, work surfaces, chairs, LED lights, washroom, doorknobs, Point of Sale equipment between clients and the end of each work day.
• Guest client chairs will have decorative coverings removed in order to completely sanitize and disinfect between clients.
• Powder room will be off-limits to my family, available for clients only, and high-touch surfaces will be sanitized and disinfected between clients.
• Remove all unnecessary salon decorations, decor, magazines, and displays to reduce contact points. 
• High-touch items such as colour swatches will be available to view only.  I will hold them for you to make a selection.
• HEPA air filter to remove 99% of pollen, bacteria and viruses.
• No new clients at this time.  I know and trust all of you, and I also know I can count on all of you to protect each other.
• If I or anybody in my family is feeling unwell, or show any symptoms of Covid-19 I'll clearly be cancelling all upcoming appointments.  
• I'll do my part to stay home, social distance, and stay healthy.  I limit my outside exposure to a trip to get groceries at Longo's (where they make everyone wear a mask) 3 times a month.    

I'll continue to update this page as new requirements are announced or I think of something else.  

Stay safe and I am so looking forward to seeing everyone soon!  

Laura

June 2020  

Durham Region:  Community Reopening Toolkit:  https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/community-reopening-toolkit.aspx#Personals-service-settings-PSS-

How a Virus is Destroying the Beauty Industry

I totally realize it's been THREE years !! since my last blog post.  Wow.  I've been busy teaching, mentoring and designing beautiful nails for my clients.  I was living the life, creating the perfect balance between business and leisure.  All was good.

And then Covid-19 happened.  

My income plummeted to zero in a matter of days.  I shut down my studio before the Durham Region public health order was issued.  All of my education classes from March through to May were cancelled.    I am relying on CERB to get me through to the other side.  My business does not qualify for any other government program, I don't have enough expenses to warrant CEBA, and I don't pay commercial rent.  

As if that weren't enough, my father-in-law passed away from lung cancer the end of March.  I was petrified of passing Covid-19 on to him.  He did not contract it thankfully.  

I'm one of the fortunate ones.   I'm home-based, my business expenses are very low, and I can get by.  There are many other beauty service providers who won't be so lucky.  

Consider the salon who has chair rentals - with no rent coming in from the stylists who rent those chairs to pay for their commercial rental space.  Or the estheticians who rent a room, or the nail techs who rent a table.  Zero, zilch, nada.   Do the salon owners keep paying their rent?  What about utilities, business insurance?  Will their landlords help them out with the federal rent subsidy?  How long do you throw good money after bad, when there is no end in sight? 

All of those lash artists, brow specialists, microbladers, permanent makeup artists, the waxers, nail artists, hairdressers, makeup artists,  aren't working right now because the Ontario government has told us to shut down (rightly so) and to do our part to flatten the curve.  Stay home.  Wear a mask.  Stay 6 feet apart.  How long do you think we can survive without an income?  Much of this employment is considered precarious.  Some of it is considered gig work.  Many are not actually employees at all, but "independent contractors" which is a whole other kettle of worms.  No EI deductions (therefore no EI eligibility).  Stuck between a rock and a hard place is an understatement.  Fallen through the cracks more like it.  Many of these artists will also rely on childcare in order to return to work, and that hasn't been addressed yet either.  

For those of you reading this far, I will be fine.  I'm sourcing PPE, additional disinfectant, and putting plans in place to be ready to reopen once I'm told I can.  It will be different in my studio, for sure.  Things will look....different.  The nails will be the same, same products, same process and hopefully same happy times with my lovely guests.   Am I nervous?  Yes.  My business is in my home, of course I'm nervous.  But I'm smart and I'm resourceful and I will take every precaution to keep myself, my family and my guests safe.  

But I wonder about many of my colleagues in the beauty industry, who have decided the stress of it all is just not worth going back to something they love.  They are torn between wanting to continue with something they are so passionate about, but nervous and wary based on their own personal circumstances.  The longer we are unable to work, the longer we have to worry and fret about everything.  Some will be forced to quit and find other work to pay their bills.  Some will lose their businesses.  Some will be unable to work at all due to the stress of everything.  

So to anybody who is a client, a future client, a wanna-be client or a client of somebody else's - please be understanding, patient and kind to your service providers once we can reopen.  We feel abandoned, misunderstood, and maligned.  We don't understand why some businesses have been allowed to reopen and we can't.  We understand the nature of our work brings us face-to-face with our clients, or in some cases within that magic 6-feet radius.  We get that.  But we are also well-trained in sanitation, disinfection and best practices within our industry.  We will be well-prepared with PPE (what little there is, has skyrocketed in price since the pandemic began).  Don't be surprised if there are price increases, or a PPE surcharge.  Don't be surprised when you are required to bring your own mask to your service, or pay for a disposable one-use mask to wear at the salon.  We are going to be required to do more to keep everyone safe, and that's not going to be free.   Most service providers will have no choice but to see fewer people per day to ensure the premises are well disinfected between clients.   Hair stylists for example, can stack clients in their salon (basically working on two people at a time - doing a cut on one client while a colour is processing on another).  This will be pretty much impossible now, because a stylist would need to change their PPE every time they approach a different client.  There will also be empty stations to ensure physical distancing can take place.  (I'm not a hair stylist nor do I play one on TV, I am just thinking about how salons are typically run).  So all that to say, everyone who makes it through, is going to be making a lot less money. So be kind.  

We want to get back to work, doing what we love, while we still can.  Nobody knows when this will end.  We're all in this together and we feel the love from everyone who appreciates us.  We can't wait to welcome our guests back safely!  

Stay safe,

Laura 

The Downside of Success

It's been far too long since my last blog post, and life has been busy and hectic as it is for everyone these days.  We're impatiently waiting for summer to arrive, and everyone is getting ready for sandal season.   My phone is ringing off the hook with new clients anxious to book an appointment.

And there's the thing.  My availability is running out.  The one thing that every personal services provider yearns for and dreads at the same time.  A full book.   I am running out of room.  Yes, its' a great problem to have, and I have the best long-term clients a girl could ask for (yes, every one of you!).  But I simply have no more room for new clients on evenings and weekends at the moment.    

If you are a potential new client and you are reading this, I do have room for you if you are able to come Tuesday - Friday during the day.   So feel free to hit the Book Now button and check out my calendar to see if something works for you.  If you are looking to become a long-term client and you need a regular evening or weekend appointment, please click here to go to the Contact page and send me a message.  I can include you on my waiting list and contact you when I have an opening that works with your schedule.  

If this situation changes, I'll be back to edit this post.  Thank you to everyone who has made my business everything I could have hoped for :) 

Warm Regards,

Laura 

From Fear......To Here!

Today's blog post brings such exciting news!  I've recently travelled to beautiful Gatlinburg Tennessee to attend an LCN Barefoot Corrective Toenail Reconstruction class.  What exactly does that mean?

It means you no longer have to suffer with missing or unsightly toenails!  I've been doing the odd toenail reconstruction with acrylic for years.  The problem with acrylic is that it is just too hard a material to be placing on toenails because it's not flexible enough to bend and flex with your foot as you walk.  

LCN Barefoot is a product developed specifically for toenails (as it's name implies). "Barefoot contains the ingredient Piroctone Olimine, a proven anti-mykotic substance that is time-released to keep working, even after the product is cured.  Due to the flexibility of Barefoot the product adjusts to the movements of the nails and feet, thus feeling completely comfortable and natural."   

This is the same product used in doctors' offices under the name Keryflex (Google it).   I am charging a fraction of the price to provide you with safe, beautiful toenail extensions, done in the privacy of my studio AND with the option of a beautiful pedicure to show off your stunning new toenails.  

But don't just take my word for it - here is a recent transformation I did in on this client's big toenails in the studio just two days after returning from my class. 

If you'd like to book an appointment for this service, first please email me a clear photo of your toenail(s) so that I can determine whether you are a candidate for the service or whether you should see a doctor for clearance first.  Once you receive the go-ahead from me,  you may book the Corrective Toenail Reconstruction service online under the Book Now button on my website.  

Ongoing maintenance appointments will be required and the frequency will depend on how fast the nail grows (some nails do not grow at all).  Please note this is a temporary cosmetic solution and is not meant to permanently replace the nail.  

I'm always dedicated to enhancing your natural beauty and I'm excited to be able to offer this option for your feet!  

Laura

July 2016

100 Years of Fashion: Nails ★ Mode.com

I thought it might be interesting to post this quick visual trip through the last 100 years of nail trends.  Notice how they've come back around over the years.....some great, some, well, not so flattering (that 80's square nail!)

There's a reason nails are meant to be shaped to flatter your hands.  Nail professionals like myself are trained to offer options that enhance your natural beauty.  Next time you're in the salon, try a new shape like a rounded square, or even an oval or almond nail.  I send you home with your file anyway, so if you find you absolutely can't handle it, you know what to do!  

Post your comments and let me know which decade speaks to you!

Till next time,
Laura

Know Before You Go!

Did you know that on June 1st, 2016, Durham Region Health Department will launch the new Personal Services Settings Inspection Disclosure Program called Know Before You Go Durham.  

As personal services establishments come up for annual inspection in 2016, they will be issued one of these signs which must be displayed at the entrance to the business, clearly visible to members of the public.  During the second phase of the Disclosure Program, inspection results will also be posted online for viewing by the general public.

Examples of Personal Services Settings include:

• hairdressing and barbering
• manicures and pedicures
• tattooing and micropigmentation
• body piercing and ear lobe piercing
• massage and tanning
• electrolysis and laser hair removal
• various esthetic services

To briefly summarize what each colour-coded sign means:

• Green means there is significant compliance with Ontario's Infection Prevention and Control Best Practices for Personal Services Settings as of the inspection date noted on the sign.  
• Yellow means there is significant non-compliance with Ontario's Infection Prevention and Control Best Practices for Personal Services Settings as of the inspection date noted on the sign.  
• Red means the premises are CLOSED and that the Public Health Inspector is of the opinion that an immediate health hazard exists. 

For more detailed information on this program please visit the Durham Region Health website.  

All persons in Durham Region who regularly obtain the services listed above should be aware of the new signage which will become mandatory June 1, 2016 (once the 2016 premises inspection takes place) in all Personal Services Settings, including home-based businesses.  

Laura

Paying It Forward, 2016 Style

Once again it was my pleasure to participate in my third "Pay It Forward" Pamper Event at the City Of Pickering offices recently.  This year their charity of choice was St. Paul's On The Hill Food Bank.  

Participants received a manicure in either Shellac or polish (Vinylux or the new Creative Play) and one lucky winner won a gift basket of CND products worth over $75.  Proceeds were donated to the charity.

I look forward to this day of giving back to our community every year.  And on that note, please donate to your local food bank.  This time of year their inventory is running low but the need is still there.

Until next time,

Laura

Creative Playing

It's been awhile since my last post, but it's time to catch up with the latest products from CND!  Recently launched, Creative Play is CND's new regular polish line, available in 80 glorious colours.  

This is regular, normal-dry polish that comes with a base and top coat.  It doesn't replace Vinylux nor does it compete with it.  Vinylux shades are fashion-forward and trendy.  Creative Play will bring your nails to the next level of fun!   If bling is your thing, this line has plenty of it.  Big chunky glitters that look lovely over solid shades.  Soft shimmers and bold bright shades with lots of pigment. 

Book a manicure or pedicure appointment to see these up close and we promise you'll fall in love with your nails again!  

Until next time,

Laura 

Top Choice for Durham Region

I recently found out that Scratch My Back Nail Studio won the Top Choice Award for Best Nail Salon in Durham Region.  I want to thank all my valued clients for this wonderful honour.

The fact is, I couldn't have done this without your votes.  I value and appreciate each and every one of you and the fact that you trust me to take care of your nails is how I measure my success.  

So from the bottom of my heart, I will simply say thank you very much!  

Until next time.

Laura

2014 - The Year In Review

I can't believe it's been half a year since my last entry!  Time surely flies when you're having fun and keeping busy!

The last few months have seen me cross the country (literally) and back.  In October I flew to Bathurst NB to teach a CND Master Painter class.  Then in early December  I travelled to Vancouver to help launch our newest collection for Spring 2015 called Flora & Fauna.   The months in between saw an absolute flurry of activity as I attended many CND Canada events including several charity functions.  I truly enjoy my association with this highly-respected brand and the support they give to me and countless other Education Ambassadors is second to none in this industry.

Flora & Faunch Collection Launch - Hotel Vancouver

November saw the 26th Annual Contessa Awards, which recognizes Canadian beauty professionals across the country.  The Gala event was held on November 9th at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto.  CND sponsored the Gala webcast as well as the Manicam and we worked hard on all the stunning sets of nails for the Revlon Professional Canada stage performance.  I was a part of the CND Canada team backstage where all the magic happens prior to the performances!  

Contessa Awards

November 12th was the Greta Constantine S/S 2015 show where CND Canada provided nail looks for the models.  Our team scored a huge hit with the media.

Greta Constantine S/S 2015

I am truly grateful for my wonderful clients who support my career, not only in-studio but who encourage my participation in these events and love to hear the details.  In return, they are thrilled to experience "Runway to Real Way" at every appointment, which is only made possible by my involvement with CND.  Let's see what 2015 brings!  

Would YOU Give An Arm and a Leg?

Recently a series of disturbing photos crossed my Facebook page and they've prompted me to write this post and share this information.  Now that the summer is finally here, many of you are looking forward to your next pedicure.  There is nothing better than prettying up your toes with some fun summer colours, am I right?  Armed with the information I'm about to share, hopefully that's all you go home with.  

This recent (June, 2014) video from a New Zealand TV show should make you sit up and take notice.  At the very least, it should get you asking the right kinds of questions when you decide to pop in to that nail bar in your local shopping mall for a quick pedicure.  

Remember that in Durham Region, it is illegal to reuse one-use items on clients, even if they are only used on the same person.  The salon cannot reuse, nor store items on its premises.   One-use items are anything that is porous, so that includes files (other than metal files), pumice stones, toe separators.  Basically it's anything made out of paper or porous plastic.  It may say Sanitizable or Disinfectable on the item, but if it's porous, it doesn't pass the high standards of our local health unit.  

A good practice is to use disposable pedi liners in the pedicure bowls, the service provider should wear gloves, and cuticles should never be cut unless something like a hangnail is obvious (that goes for hands too). Never wear used pedicure slippers the nail bar offers you while your polish is drying.  

Credo Blade

Although the use of a Credo blade is not illegal in Durham Region, it is a dangerous weapon when put in untrained hands!  I have not been trained in its use and I do not use one.  I would hazard a guess that most nail bars have not received proper training either.  This tool can easily cut too deeply into your foot, causing bleeding, pain and if you're not lucky, a real infection.  Calluses are on your feet for a reason; they protect the soles of your feet.   Built up over years, calluses are based on the way you walk, the weight you carry and the shoes you wear.  Remove them by cutting them off, and they will grow back just as thick, if not thicker because you haven't changed the way you walk, the shoes you wear, or the weight you carry.  There are other, less invasive ways to smooth and reduce calluses.  Any properly trained nail professional will know how to do so.  

Please be assured that I follow every health requirement to the letter at Scratch My Back Nail Studio.  You will always be able to take your file home with you (please don't bring it back!) and you can always ask me about the steps I take to ensure the safety of my guests.  My studio is annually inspected by the Durham Region Board of Health.  

Yes, I Do!

Part of my role as a CND Education Ambassador is to provide support for events such as the recent Yes, I Do! Bridal Bar hosted by Revlon Professional at the TIFF Bell Lightbox in downtown Toronto on June 4th, 2014.

The event showcased Revlon Professional's bridal hair collection with five glorious model brides.

The Runway Show

Each model was fitted with beautifully adorned nail tips to complete her look.  

Attendees were treated to mini-manicures featuring CND Vinylux weekly polish.

Attendee's nails manicured entirely with CND Vinylux weekly nail polish (even the artwork!)

CND Vinylux weekly nail polish is available for retail purchase at Trade Secrets, Chatters and some salons.  Ask for it by name!

It is better to give....

Even though I am crazy busy this time of year, I was delighted to be asked to participate in a fund-raiser at the Pickering Town Hall on Wednesday, April 16th. Their 'Pay It Forward' events generate donations for various needy causes, and that day the Grandview Children's Centre was the chosen recipient.

Staff members donated a minimum of $15 to have a manicure with CND Vinylux polish and I was able to make 12 sets of hands pretty during the day!

I was asked to donate fifty percent of the proceeds but I actually donated the entire $210 that I raised to this worthy cause.  It was such a great day, and I can't wait to do it again!

How Much Help Do Your Nails Need?

Are you mystified by all the options for your nails?  There's gel, and acrylic and Shellac, not to mention that timeless warrior, plain regular nail polish.  How do you know what's the best product for your nails?  Better yet, how does your nail professional know?

Finally, there's an online quiz that can help you to determine the best services and products for your nails.  It's quick, fun and easy and best of all, you'll gain a better understanding of the recommended nail treatments that are prescribed especially for you!

Ready?  Let's go!  And when you're done, call me to book in for an appointment.  I am fully experienced with all of these products and services, and ready to transform your nails a little, or a lot!

 Go from this......           

 

                                 

...To This!



  

TAKE THE QUIZ

Why No-Shows Are Nasty

Any of you who've booked my time and services through my 'Book Now' button know that in order to secure an appointment with me, you will need to input your credit card details into my secure Genbook appointment scheduler.   I really hate that it's come to this.  I don't like being the bad guy, but let me share why this is so.

 

Before I had this wonderful automatic appointment scheduling system, I would schedule any client who called or emailed me into my old-school appointment book, take down their name and phone number and pray to the Nail Gods that they would show up when they were supposed to.

 

Many clients forgot about their appointments.  Many simply decided they didn't want to keep their appointment and that it wasn't necessary to let me know they weren't coming.

 

 

 

The problem with both scenarios is that it directly impacts my ability to continue to offer the premium nail services that my loyal clients depend on.  Without an income, I can't afford to stay in business.  This income pays my bills.  This is not my pocket change.  I don't do this as a hobby.

 

So I searched long and hard to figure out a way to eliminate both situations and I settled on Genbook.  My clients receive reminder emails 24 hours in advance of their appointments which they love.   And new clients (who are not referrals from existing clients) who book online will need to input their credit card information in order to secure an appointment.  Problem solved, right?

 

 

Well not exactly.  I have been known in the past to waver on my policy of requiring first-time clients who book with me by phone or email a credit card number in order to secure their appointment. 

 

Let me share with you a recent example of why I will no longer be so accommodating.

 

A lovely girl booked a set of extensions with me.  She was getting married in a month and wanted to get them done, then get them freshened up a few days prior to her wedding.  She called me on the phone and I took her booking without taking her credit card information.

 

The morning of her appointment, a busy Saturday mind you, she emailed me a few hours prior at 5 am, to let me know there had been a death in the family and that she wasn't coming, but she would be in touch to reschedule.

 

I emailed her back my condolences and that was that.

 

Several days later, she called to reschedule.  So we rescheduled her appointment.  Again, I did not ask for any credit card information to secure the appointment.  I figured the fact she called to rebook meant it was a sincere effort to make up for the missed appointment.

 

So, you all know where this is going, right?  She did not show up for the second appointment, nor did I get a phone call or email to advise she wasn't coming.  She would have received her reminder email 24 hours in advance. 

 

I normally wait until 15 minutes have passed then I call the contact number, which I did in this case.  A pleasant young man answered the phone - I am assuming this was her fiancé - and I mentioned that she had missed her nail appointment and that I would not be able to accommodate her in the time remaining if she were still coming.  He didn't seem at all concerned  (I know, it's not HIS nails) so my reaction was that she never had any intention of coming, or letting me know.  For all I know this could have been a back-up appointment she made just in case her first option didn't work.  This is the part I don't like - left to my own devices I can pretty much conclude that you are a huge time-waster and that you are a horrible person. 

 

The problem with all this is that it affected my income, twice.  I have people who are waiting for appointments at certain times and I could have accommodated them if I'd had enough notice. 

 

So my point in this long drawn out saga is this:  All first time clients will be required to secure their appointment with a credit card (unless you are a referral from an existing client and then I know your friend or family member will kick your ass if you no-show me).   The majority of my first time clients have absolutely no issue with this.  Genbook is a secure website.  I will never see your information unless you don't show up and don't let me know you aren't coming.  You can book your appointment online yourself.  Or if you choose to call to book an appointment, I will be asking you for your credit card information which I will then input into Genbook to create your appointment.  If you don't want to provide it, that's your choice and there will be no hard feelings.  There are many walk-in nail salons around who will gladly accommodate you without an appointment. 

 

I really, really hate having to be the bad guy.  It's not in my character.  But I need to protect my income source.  After all, it's what buys all those neat colours, glitters, designs and products that you need and want on your nails ;) 

 

 

 

 

Nail Polish - Not Just For Chipping Anymore.

Have you heard the exciting news about CND Vinylux?  This new weekly nail polish is taking the nail world by storm!   Achieve 7, that's right, SEVEN glorious days of chip-free, long lasting colour on your fingernails.

 

How is this possible you ask?  CND Vinylux provides week-long wear when used with the CND Vinylux Top Coat.   It dramatically improves adhesion to the natural nail, and lasts up to 4 times longer than traditional polishes.  Adhesion promoters completely eliminate the need for base coat!   The Top Coat is perfectly dry in 8.5 minutes AND with the Pro-Light technology,  it becomes more durable with exposure to ambient, natural light (as opposed to UV light - this product does not 'cure' in a lamp).  It completely removes with regular nail polish remover, so there is never any soaking. 

 

 

 

Want more?  As of this writing, CND Vinylux matches 47 CND Shellac Colours.  Yes my babies, this means you can have a matching shade of polish on your toes to go with your CND Shellac on your fingertips.  You can also use it to touch up the regrowth area of your CND Shellac Manicure.  Or for those of you who love the CND Shellac range of colours and have healthy natural nails, but wish to change up your mani on a more regular basis, Vinylux will satisfy that need!

 



CND Vinylux is available through your CND nail professional as a retail item or as part of your professional manicure or pedicure service.    There are 62 colours awaiting you, and for those of you who like your nail styles and statement nails, CND Additives work beautifully with Vinylux for many additional nail art options!

 

From left to right:  Forbidden Fantasy,

Lux Luv, and Your Name In Lights

 

I was pleased to participate in the official CND Vinylux launch for the Toronto Media at the Four Seasons Hotel on September 4th, 2013.  We showcased all 62 colours plus the 3 gorgeous 'looks' (above) and our guests were delighted. 

Please contact me to book your CND Vinylux manicure or pedicure today! 
 

Brisa Lite - the Power Partner to Shellac!

Many clients have been enjoying the benefits of Shellac power polish for the past 3 years.  On like polish, wears like gel, off in minutes!   Shellac has boosted the staying power of polished nails like nothing else.  But Shellac works best on healthy natural nails. 

 

Some clients with naturally weak, peeling nails have not exactly enjoyed the same results as those who are blessed with naturally strong nails.  So CND has brilliantly launched Brisa Lite - the new power partner to Shellac.

 

Brisa Lite Smoothing Gel is a very thin layer of removable (soakable) clear gel that is applied on your natural nail under Shellac.  It adds no bulk to your nails.  What it does is provide a solution to the weak, bendy, peely nail situation by adding thin, flexible protection to perfect and smooth the surface of the natural nail.  Brisa Lite is easy on, easy off, exceptional wear! 

 

Best of all, there is no filing on the natural nail.  Nope - none!  No buffing allowed!  And it removes in the same way and about just as fast as Shellac does with the CND Remover Wraps and Nourishing Remover. 

 

Here are some before and after pictures of one of my actual clients who is wearing Brisa Lite Smoothing Gel under her Shellac power polish.  You can see for yourself how well her nails are doing after 14 days with this breakthrough combination treatment from CND.  She has been struggling for several months with her nails and we have finally found a solution that helps her continue to wear Shellac with the best results possible! 

 

Ring and pinky finger unwrapped after 10 minutes

 

 

 Middle finger unwrapped after 10 minutes

Index finger unwrapped and cleaned after 10 minutes

 

 

So if you are someone who has worn Shellac in the past but it just didn't work for you, now is the time to revisit it!  Shellac + Brisa Lite Smoothing gel is a service on my menu that takes an extra 2 minutes and ensures your manicure lasts the full 14 days as expected.  And for those of you who can wear Shellac with no problems, a layer of Brisa Lite Smoothing Gel can extend YOUR manicure to 3 weeks!

 



 



Thank You Dr. Oz :)

That wascally wabbit, Dr. Oz is back at it again.  Recently his show did another 'expose' on gel manicures, and how they are to be avoided like the plague.  This time he co-hosted the segment with an expert dermatologist.  We all remember last year when he used that popular nail goddess, Tabatha Coffey, to expound on the dangers of UV lamps.

 

Sad to say, he is more interested in creating fear in his audience, which I suspect strongly increases his ratings.  You know how the newsroom says "if it bleeds, it leads".  That apple doesn't fall far from the tree, here.

 

If you didn't see the episode I'm talking about, I'm not going to provide a link to it - you can find it at your leisure.   I'm not even going to tell you all the gory details because I'm over it.  But because some of my clients will have seen this shoddy excuse for journalism, I feel compelled to provide some balance here. 

 

First and foremost, there is no scientific evidence that using a UV light to cure gel manicures can cause cancer.  This issue has been reported to death and the studies are conclusive.  Dr. Sayre, the man who helped invent the SPF system  (Sun Protection Factor, anyone?) even says the amount of UV-A that your hands would be exposed to during a gel manicure is equivalent to 1 or 2 minutes of exposure to the sun daily.  You'll get more UV exposure driving in your car every day.  Funny, I've never seen Dr. Oz do a show about how driving your automobile is going to give you cancer, have you?    

 

So to continue on in this vein, the dermatologist suggests that if you are going to get a gel manicure, you need to find a salon that uses LED lights to cure the gel polishes, and if the salon doesn't have them then you need to leave.  Hello - LED lights emit UV-A as well.  Ooops. 

 

Now, I appreciate a good prop just like the rest of you, and Dr. Oz didn't disappoint!  He trotted out that oversized fingernail and oversized pusher and demonstrated to the audience (insert horrified gasps here) how all nail techs proceed to scrape the gel polish off the nail, thus thinning the natural nail by 50 percent.  Perhaps that's what they do where he gets his manicures done.  *Cough*   But most of the nail professionals I know have received the proper training for application and removal of the systems they use.  Why?  Because they are invested in their careers, and they want to learn how to properly perform a service.   If someone is SCRAPING the product off your nails, you need to tell them to STOP, re-wrap your nails and allow the remover solution to work.  There is a big difference between scraping product off your nail, and lightly tickling it with the end of a metal pusher. 

By the way, feel free to stop right now and read my blog entry entitled "Can We Talk About Removal" to see how it should be done (and how I do it). 

 

Now let's get serious for a moment.  Part of the segment discussed using dirty implements and giving clients infections.  I will not argue this point.  This can happen, unfortunately.   The onus is on the client to thoroughly check out the salon before they make an appointment.  Many times this is not possible, and many clients simply don't know what they should be looking for, what questions they need to ask.  If you are a reader of my blog, or my website, by now I think you know enough to make some informed decisions.

 

Anyway, I kind of like how the segment ended.  They understood that women were still going to get gel manicures, regardless, and that's where I swoop in.   Not to save you, but to let you know that the majority of professional nail techs love their career and their clients and would never do anything to harm them.  We follow all strict sanitation and disinfection (and sterilization where required) protocols.  We are highly educated and you might have to look hard to find us; we likely won't be in the strip mall discount nail salon down the street.  You might have to ask your friends or your family to refer you to their nail tech.  I won't repeat all that I do because you can easily find it on my website and some of my other blog posts if you want to poke around. 

 

So thank you, Dr. Oz for sending lots of women who want safe, healthy gel manicures my way.  I really appreciate it! 

 

Bottom line:  you get what you pay for, and sometimes you even get a whole lot more :(

 

 

 

A New Year ... A New Beginning

It turns out I am just as restless in my professional life as I am in my personal one (I am Sagittarius - it is a trait I come by honestly ;)   I am drawn to lifelong learning, so it is only natural that I continue to expand my mind.  I learned to scuba dive 7 years ago, and I'm no spring chicken.  The older I get the more I realize there are so many things I want to do, see and experience.  The only thing getting in the way of that is me. 

So on that note, I'd like to share a tiny little accomplishment.  I recently completed CND Education Ambassador Boot Camp.  Yes I am being facetious - tiny it was not.  Lots of reading and testing all throughout the month of December.  Seven full days of technical information, nail practice & assessment, plus presentation and facilitation skills that began a mere two days after New Years Day.   Not for the faint of heart.   I did things I never thought I could do because I pushed myself out of my comfort zone.  That's when the learning happens! 

The opportunity arose so quickly, I really didn't have time to think about it, and that was probably for the best!   I tend to be a bit of an over-analyzer, so it was now or never!  Sink or swim!   I first learned of CND 10 years ago when I started my nail technology training.  I've used all their products and followed the company closely ever since.  I've attended many Master classes along the way and received Grand Master status a few years ago.  But none of that truly prepared me for the onslaught of information I was about to receive.  Never mind that I'll never look at nails the same way again :) 

Passionate.  Principled.  Professional. Polished.  Bold.  These are the five attributes used to describe a CND Education Ambassador.  Throughout our training, we would visit and revisit these five key words.  Now I understand why every single EA I've ever met in person, or networked with online, displays these traits.   They are fundamental to the delivery of CND's education programs, and represent the 'face' of CND.   

So what does this mean to my clients?  Business as usual.  No change in my availability for the most part (though I will be travelling more, that tends to happen on the days my salon is closed anyway).  It means you'll have access to new products and techniques that I will gladly share with you!  You have all come to know me as an innovator, and an early adopter, and I promise that will continue.  CND is about to launch a new soakable gel product, and the season's new Shellac colours and Additives are on their way soon.

I'll continue to network with my nail tech colleagues on line and in person and hope to see some of you at my classes soon! 

Five new Canadian CND Education Ambassadors

Mississauga, ON  January 2013