MANICURE / PEDICURE
Hand and foot care
Nails are an extension of the skin. They are made of keratin, the same tough, fibrous protein found in horns and claws. If you lose a nail, it will take more than six months to regenerate completely. Interestingly, nails grow faster in summer, during pregnancy and immediately after an illness.
Your diet can have a major influence on your nails. Malnutrition, crash diets and eating disorders affect nails, as do hormonal imbalance and aging. With age, nails retain less moisture, which makes them thinner and more fragile.
A manicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for the nails and hands, or feet in the case of a pedicure. A treatment may also be performed for the hands only or the nails only. The most common treatment consists of filing, shaping and polishing the nails. Other treatments are specific to the hands or feet. For the hands, soaking in a softening substance and applying lotion is also common. A similar treatment is available for the feet and is called a pedicure.
A manicure almost always involves filing, buffing and polishing the nails. It may also include the application of artificial nails, acrylics or gel nail enhancements. Some manicures may include painting pictures or designs on the nails, or applying small stickers or imitation jewellery.
Usually, manicure technicians follow defined hygiene regulations. Since skin is handled and sometimes cut, there is some risk of spreading bacteria or infection when tools are used on many people; therefore, sanitization is a serious concern.
A proper manicure treatment should:
• clean, shape, strengthen and even “dress” your nails
• address any skin problems you may have around the nail, such as dry or sensitive skin
• use acupressure or other massage techniques to stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic flow to improve the health of your skin
• use oils, creams and waxes to exfoliate, cleanse and improve the texture of your nails and the skin on your hands or feet
Common manicures
French:
A classic manicure uses clear or ivory polish on the body of the nail and whitens the tip. The nail is cut fairly square.
Paraffin wax:
A manicure using hot wax rubbed on the nails, hands and wrists to moisturize and soften the skin and nails.
American:
Gives a natural look to the nail and cuts it even with the fingertip.
Luxury:
This full treatment includes massage, paraffin wax and a hot wax wrap that warms and soothes the hands and softens and moisturizes the nails.
Hot stones:
A manicure that includes a hot stone massage to soothe and relax the skin.
Hot oil:
A hot oil manicure is a particular type that cleanses and softens cuticles using oil. It is effective for dry skin and fragile nails by making them soft and supple. Types of oil that may be used include mineral oil, olive oil or a commercial preparation.
Residue from acrylic resins can cause redness, swelling and pain in the nail bed. In severe allergic reactions, nails may separate from the bed. If the nail root is damaged, regrowth may be permanently altered. Nail glue is toxic if swallowed, and most polishes and removers contain toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and acetone, respectively.
Fungal infections can also occur when moisture is trapped between artificial nails and natural nails. A recent study showed that nurses with artificial nails had twice as many bacteria on their hands as those with natural nails.
If you have a hand injury, a joint problem or muscle fatigue, or a skin rash or break in the skin, it is recommended that you wait until you have recovered, or make sure your technician is aware of your limitations.
