Professional Manicure and Pedicure

The Complete Guide to Professional Results

Rosie Watson

• Publisher: IMM Lifestyle Books
• eBook ISBN:
  9781607654339
• Year: 2016

Aimed at those who are thinking of doing a course on the subject or starting up their own business, this book offers expert advice on all aspects of being a nail technician. An introduction to the structure of the nail and identifying different types of nail offers solid, practical information to get you started. Next is a chapter on the equipment needed followed by step-by-step demonstrations on how to carry out the perfect manicure or pedicure on both men and women. Massage routines, exfoliation, buffing, general nail care, grooming and varnish application are all covered. This is followed by a section on artificial nails, looking at the three systems used in nail bars: acrylic, gel and fiberglass and silk. The Art chapter introduces the wonderful world of nail art, providing inspirational ideas on how to adorn painted nails with gems, rhinestones, foil leaf, stick-ons and transfers. Embossed designs, marbling, freehand drawing and nail jewelery are also covered. This book offers invaluable advice on how to achieve a professional look, whether you're seeking to improve your own style or wishing to become a professional nail technician.

08 the pedicure

The Pedicure

Pedicures are just as popular as manicures and are no longer only reserved for the summer months. Smooth, well-groomed feet are very attractive and with the fashions in footwear becoming increasingly bare we find ourselves exposing our feet more than ever.

Both men and women are taking steps to improve the appearance of their feet. A professional pedicure involves far more than simply cutting toenails. A de-stress massage and vital exfoliation are performed to prevent ankles swelling and to improve the look and feel of unsightly rough skin. Looking after feet is very important as they carry the weight of the body every day for many hours.

A pedicure treatment in a nail bar will take approximately 45 minutes with additional drying time. A home pedicure should take around 30 minutes and should be performed every two weeks.

how to...

THE HOME PEDICURE

Performing a self-pedicure not only improves the appearance of feet but is very relaxing and give you vital pamper time!

Start by sterilising your tools and placing them on tissue paper. Wash your hands and relax in a chair that allows you to comfortably reach your feet. If your toes are varnished, dampen a cotton pad with non-acetone nail varnish remover and hold over the nails for 10 seconds before wiping off the free edge to cleanly remove all excess varnish on the nail plate. Use a cotton bud dipped in varnish remover to get into the nail wall and under the free edge if necessary.

Apply a pea size amount of cuticle cream to the cuticles and rub in before soaking the feet in a bowl or spa of warm water. Because the skin on the soles of the feet is particularly rough, the longer the feet soak in water the softer the hard skin becomes and therefore easier to remove. For added benefit, add a tablespoonful coarse sea salt, a teaspoon of milk and three drops of essential oil of peppermint, eucalyptus or geranium to the warm foot spa to create a fresh and balancing environment.

Remove the feet from the spa and pat dry. Using a metal foot rasp, gently remove the hard skin from areas on the heels, toes and balls of the feet. Do not rub too vigorously as this will remove too much skin and possibly cause breaks in the skin which will leave it open to infection. Instead keep checking the area until you can no longer feel the build up of hard skin. The rasp will remove the hard skin but will also leave it feeling rough so buff to a smooth finish. Use the fine foot buff or pumice to remove any excess rough surfaces.

Use a cuticle knife or orange wood stick to push back the cuticles and remove any surface cuticle cells from the nail plate.

Excess cuticle may need to be trimmed off with cuticle nippers but be sure to leave a little amount to protect the matrix from damage. Removing too much cuticle may contribute to nail damage.

Next, trim the free edge and file the nails into shape. The best shape for toenails is square as they look fantastic and also he...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Contents
• The Philosophy
• The Structure
• Nail Identification
• The Challenges
• The Tools
• Anti-Mature
• The Manicure
• Artificial Nails
• The Pedicure
• The Art
• The Looks
• The Spa
• Index
• Acknowledgements
• Copyright