OPI Nail Bar

More pedicure tips

2008-02-20T18:52:00.000-08:00

When it comes to nail care, it is fingernails that first will come to our mind. Some people say that the fingernails should need more ‘attention’ as compared to toenails care. The reason is, toenails can be covered with shoes. But how bout at the time when you want to wear sandals or slippers? Your toenails will be noticeable. So it is also important to take care of your toenails. The below is some tips for your nails care, specifically for your toenails care.

“When most people think of nail care, it's fingernails that come to mind. Regardless of the reason, however, urban sophisticates have gorgeous toes: smooth, moisturized, and dressed with subtle nude, classic red, or some seasonal shade of nail colour. You too, can have lovely feet - in fact, good-looking toenails are easier to create and maintain than attractive, well-cared-for fingernails. That's because your toenails need in-depth attention only every 2 to 3 weeks, while fingernails need a fresh manicure every week or week-and-a-half.

Assembling your tools

Your pedicure access ones should include nail polish remover and cotton balls; hand and cuticle cream' a buffer buffer; an orangewood or birchwood stick; a nail brush; nail clippers; and nail antiseptic. Have a bowl of warm, soapy water with a few drops of lemon juice and a few drops of olive all to hand. An antimicrobial base coat is a smart option for those of you worried about fungal infections, while a foot pumice, nail mask, nail colour, and top coat are optional extras for your pedicure. Now that you have got all the equipment together, you can get to work on your toenails.

Preparing your toes

With nail-polish remover and a cotton ball, remove any traces of old polish. If you have any thick, ridged toenails, or calluses on your toes, use a buffer to gently smooth these. Work gently and conservatively! Too little buffing is safer and healthier than too much.

Soak your feet for 2 or 3 minutes in a basin of warm, soapy water to help clean under your nails and to soften nails and cuticles. Use a nailbrush to dislodge dirt and exfoliate any dry skin, and dry thoroughly. Using an orangewood or birchwood stick, GENTLY clean away any remaining dirt under nails. Now would be a good moment to treat your feet to a gentle exfoliation with a foot pumice.

Trim your nails with nail dippers, taking care not to dip them too short, or to curve nails in at the corners.

Moisturizing your feet and toes

Dry, cracked feet steal attention from well-tended toenails. Moisturize feet with a 2- or 3-minute massage using your favorite hand or body cream. If using a nail mask, apply it now and allow it to remain on for an hour. Not everyone has heavy cuticles on their toenails. If you do, massage a bit of cuticle cream into cuticles and gently nudge back overgrown skin with an orangewood stick; if you are particularly sensitive, wrap the end of the stick in cotton.

To remove any oily residue, swipe nails with nail antiseptic. Prime nails for polish with a base coat. To apply, place your foot flat on a level surface and spread your toes out - if your toes are particularly bunched, separate them with cotton balls. Paint a thin coat of base coat on each toenail. Those who prefer a natural look can end the pedicure here.

You should apply polish in the same way that you applied the base coat. When the polish is dry, apply a second coat. Remove any stray traces of nail colour with an orangewood stick wrapped in cotton and dipped in nail-polish remover.

When nail colour has dried, apply a top coat. Do nothing, touch nothing, put on nothing, until your toenails are dry.”
Credit to: Ashu, author of article
Article Source: http://www.positivearticles.com

Well, apart from doing pedicures on your own, you should at least get the service from the professionals pedicurists once in a while. To my knowledge, OPI nail salons always provide the best service to the customers. Besides that, you can also get the advice from our well trained pedicurists and manicurists regarding nail care and nail treatment. For more info about us, feel free to visit www.colourculture.com.my or www.opi.com.my.

Practice a good hygiene for your nails care

2008-02-19T19:44:00.000-08:00

It is always a good to practice good foot hygiene and toenail care. It will always make your toenails looks healthy and stronger. I have read one good article about toenails care and nails health generally. Here is what I’ve read.

“To ensure a safe and effective pedicure, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society suggests the following:
1. Soak your feet in warm soapy water for approximately 10 minutes. This helps soften and clean skin and nails.
2. After the foot soaking, gently remove calluses with a pumice stone, Hindu stone or emery board. This gets rid of dead skin cells as well as calluses. Some body scrub products can help exfoliate dead skin between pedicures. Many pedicurists will cut or shave calluses with razors. However, it is not legal or safe for an unlicensed practitioner to cut the skin and definitely not recommended.
3. Push back the cuticles with an orange stick or a Hindu stone. A normal part of the nail, cuticles offer protection from bacteria and infection. Cuticles clearly overhanging the nail margins should be trimmed carefully. Any trimming which goes further than the nail margin or draws blood is unsafe.
4. Trim toenails straight across rather than in a curved pattern. This helps prevent ingrown toenails, allowing the straight edge of the nail to advance as one unit. Cutting the toenails in a curved pattern allows the recessed edges to grow into the skin. The pedicurist should take care not to trim the nails too short since this also can promote ingrown toenails. The toenails should be trimmed just enough so that you can see a few millimeters of skin just beyond the nail margin. Nails should not overhang the edge of the toe.
5. Refine the nail edge with an emery board, maintaining the straight edge.
6. Apply cream and moisturizing lotion to the skin and nail margins. You can find several creams and foot masks on the market specially formulated for the feet.
7. Massage the cream or lotion into the feet. A foot message can help relieve tension and tired, aching feet. You can get a good massage at home by rolling your feet back and forth over a rolling pin. Reflexologists believe that points on the foot correspond to other body parts and ailments can be relieved through reflexology. They believe the ball of the foot has a connection to the lungs, the heel to the lower back, and the great toe to the head. Although no scientific research exists to back up these claims, reflexology does seem to produce positive results in some people. People with significant medical problems should consult with a medical doctor.
8. Apply nail polish remover to the nails to gently remove excess lotion. This allows nail polish to adhere better to the nail. A pedicurist usually will apply polish as a base coat, then one or two coats of color, and finally a clear topcoat.
9. Space your pedicures apart by approximately eight weeks.
After applying the finishing touches, relax and put your feet up. They look good. And if, you've followed these guidelines, your feet will feel good, too.
Source of Article: www.aofas.org

Sometimes, it is also good to get a service from the professionals. So for that reasons, feel free to come and visit our nearest nail slons. You can also get some more tips for your nail care from our well-tarined beautician. For more about our service, visit www.opi.com.my or www.colourculture.com.my.

More tips for your nails care

2008-02-17T18:27:00.000-08:00

Even though I have discussed a lot of things about manicure, but sometimes the info is not completed. As additional here is some other info about manicure that you might never know about it.

“Manicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for fingernails and hands. A manicure can treat just the hands, just the nails, or both. A manicure is the treatment and care of hands and nails. A pedicure is the care of the feet and toenails. Many steps in nail and foot care involve only the intact skin and represent a minimal risk of disease transmission.Manicures generally include the following components:

the nail is filed and the cuticle softened;
cuticle nippers are used as needed, cuticle oil rubbed in, and the nail buffed;
the hand is massaged; and,
oil is removed from the nail and polish applied.

A standard manicure usually includes filing and shaping of the nails and the application of polish. Treatments for hands usually include soaking in a softening substance and application of hand lotion. A similar treatment performed on the feet is a pedicure.Some mistakes commonly committed when manicure is carried out at home.

1. Most people cut the nails back and forth using an emery board and deeply cut the nail from the left and right corner. So the nails are most likely to get split and worn out.

2. Do not neglect the cuticular part of the nail as it can cause the problem of hangnails.

3. Gently push the cuticles with a cloth and do not nip away at the cuticles, as it can cause nail infections.

4. Before you apply a polish to your nail you should first lace it with a base coat.

5. Replace the nail polish after every five days because too many coats will dehydrate the nails and therefore remove the top layer of the nail.”
Source of Article: www.pedicurecenter.com/manicure_pedicure.htm

Well for best manicure service, I can guarantee that you can get it from OPI nail salons. Here, at our nail salons, we provide the best services for our customers. Apart from that, you can also get advices and some good tips for your nails care from our beautician. For more info about us, feel free to visit www.opi.com.my or www.colourculture.com.my.

Facts about nail salons service

2008-02-14T17:38:00.000-08:00

In the previous entry, I have discussed a few tips before you get a nail treatment or service at any nail salons. Here are another tips regarding the issue which important for your nails care.

“Health Tips
· Before receiving any nail care service, you should inform the licensee if you are diabetic, have a peripheral vascular disease (such as arteriosclerosis), or are taking any blood-thinning medication, including daily doses of aspirin. This will alert your manicurist or cosmetologist to take special precautions.
· Cracks or fissues in the nail could cause infection or gangrene, or even result in the amputation of a finger or toe.

Warning Signs
· If the skin around the nail becomes painful, red, or inflamed, seek medical attention.
· If any part of the nail appears green or black, it could indicate an air bubble under the artificial nail where dirt or bacteria has accumulated. You should have the artificial nail removed if this occurs.
· Manicures and pedicures should never be painful.

Are Artificial Nails for You?
· Whether you will be happy with artificial nails depends on several factors, including your lifestyle and the type and length of nails you choose. In addition, you may discover that you have an allergic reaction to the chemicals in artificial nail products.
· Different types of artificial nails may be applied to natural nails to enhance their length and make them stronger. The most common are acrylic and fiberglass applications.
· Some people are hard on their nails and hands because of their jobs or lifestyles, and are not good candidates for artificial nails.
· Speak to your manicurist or cosmetologist.
· Discuss what your hands go through in a normal day, and ask for suggestions.
· You may decide that a plain manicure is the best service for you.

Nail Lifting, Fungus
· Sometimes an artificial nail begins to lift around the edges, allowing moisture to get trapped under it. Left untreated, mold or fungus (causing a green or brown discoloration) may begin to grow.
· If this occurs, your manicurist or cosmetologist should immediately remove the artificial nails and refer you to your doctor.
· Do not have the nails reapplied until your natural nails are completely healthy. Without proper treatment, these conditions could result in a permanent deformity of the nail. It should not be painful to have artificial nails removed. If the process causes you any pain or discomfort, tell your operator.

Electric Nail Drills
· Electric nail drills are often used to file artificial nails. A licensed manicurist or cosmetologist may also use a drill on natural nails, but only if the drill is designed for use on natural nails and the operator follows the manufacturer’s directions.
· The drill bits on these devices must be disinfected before use. Sandpapertype drill bit coverings, if used, must be thrown away after use on each client.

Pedicure Concerns
· The Board’s laws and regulations prohibit licensees and students from working on a person with an infection or communicable disease.
· It also prohibits them from massaging any person’s skin if it is inflamed or infected, or where an eruption is present. Thus, if a client has athlete’s foot, eczema, or other similar conditions, the manicurist must, by law, refuse the service in order to protect other customers.
· Your operator should never use illegal tools like Razor Callous Shavers (Credo Blades) and metal scrapers or graters. Used improperly, these devices can cause injuries that require medical attention.”

Source of Article: www.cchealth.org/topics/warnings/pdf/manicure_factsheet.pdf

Again, if you want to get a good service, don’t hesitate to come to our OPI nail salons nearby you. We extremely pay attention on the above issues as our customers’ safety and health are our main priority. We definitely provide the best nail treatment and service for our customers. For ore info about us, feel free to visit www.colourculture.com.my and www.opi.com.my. You may find some info and good tips as well for your nail care in our websites.

Latest promotions from OPI nail salon

2008-02-13T18:52:00.000-08:00

As one of the way to appreciate our loyal customer, we would like to announce our latest promotions at our nail salons. Here are the latest promotions from OPI nail salons:

Love & Envy

Purchase :

1 - 15 mL - .5 Fl. Oz.

(Original Nail Envy Natural Nail Strengthener)

1 - 15 mL - .5 Fl. Oz.

(Soft & Thin Nail Envy Natural Nail Strengthener)

Get free:1 - 15 mL - .5 Fl. Oz.

(Matte Nail Envy Natural Nail Strengthener)

Kiss & Make-up!
Purchase :

1 - 15 mL - 1/2 Fl. Oz.

(OPI Nail Lacquer in Princesses Rule!)

1 - 15 mL - 1/2 Fl. Oz.

(OPI Nail Lacquer in Strawberry Margarita)

Get free:

Make-up Bag

Sheer Mini

Includes 3 Mini Nail Lacquer:

Alpine Snow 3.75ml

Bubble Bath 3.75ml

Passion 3.75ml

1 Mini Rapidry Top Coat 3.75 ml

1 PVC Bag

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Special Price :

1 - 15 mL - 1/2 Fl. Oz.

Avoplex Nail & Cuticle Replenishing Oil

1 - 7.5 mL - .25 Fl. Oz.

Avoplex Cuticle Oil to Go

Promotions (1st of Feb until 29th Feb 2008)

Joint Promotion
A) Spend RM40 at Colour Culture to receive RMK Eyebrow Trimming Voucher (worth RM50)B) Spend RM70 at Colour Culture to receive RMK Makeover Voucher (worth RM150)+ Fruit Barrier Cream 5g (worth RM40) (1st 20 customers per counter)

Package Promotion

Spend above RM 250, FREE product worth RM99

Special Promotion

Purchase Super Lift Manicure or Pedicure FREE Nail Buffing (worth RM20)

Well the above promotions will only valid until February 2008. For more info about the promotions and our services, feel free to visit our websites at www.colourculture.com.my and www.opi.com.my. You can also simply visit our nail salons nearby you and get the advice from our beauticians and other staff.

Manicure and Nail Salon Services

2008-02-12T19:01:00.000-08:00

Do you know any tips before you get any nail treatments such as manicure or pedicure at any nail salons or nail spas? Well I have read some good tips about it from a website. Here is what I’ve read.

“Manicure and Nail Salon Services

Consumer Tips
· Before you accept any manicure or nail services, check out the salon first.

- Make sure:
· The establishment license is posted prominently in the reception area
· Each operator's license is posted in plain view at his or her work station
· The Board’s Health and Safety poster is displayed in the reception area
· There is adequate ventilation for release of fumes created by artificial nail products, nail polish, or other chemicals.

- Use your senses
· The salon must have clean working equipment and a clean work area. Licensees must wash and disinfect all tools and instruments before they can be used on customers.
· Make sure the operator never uses the same tools on you that were just used on someone else without first disinfecting them. If an item cannot be disinfected (such as a nail buffer block or an emery board),it must be thrown away immediately after use.
· Don’t allow an operator to perform a service on you if they don’t use a clean set of tools. The improper disinfecting of tools and equipment can spread disease and bacteria from one person to another. A prime example would be the spread of nail fungus during a manicure or pedicure.
· You have every right to ask the operator to explain the disinfection procedures before a service begins. Various viruses can be transmitted through the use of dirty instruments, including HIV and Hepatitis B.
· In addition to disinfecting tools and instruments, operators are required to wash their hands before their next client. Before an operator begins nail care services, they should also ask their clients to wash their hands.
· Don’t risk your health. If the disinfection procedure doesn’t sound adequate, you should refuse the service.”

Source of Article: www.cchealth.org/topics/warnings/pdf/manicure_factsheet.pdf

Well if you are planning to come and visit our OPI nail salons, please put your hesitation away. At OPI nail salons, I can assure you that we only provide the best quality and service to our customers. In fact you can get a good nail care tips from our experience beautician. For more info about us and our services, feel free to visit www.colourculture.com.my and www.opi.com.my.

Toenails care, tips and prevention

2008-02-12T01:32:00.000-08:00

I have recently read some other tips for toenails care. Here are some other tips for nail care, especially for toenails tips and care that I’ve read from a few articles.

“Are your toes pretty and straight or lumpy and misshapen? The problem could be due to faulty footwear. See to it that there is ample room across the toes and firm arch support while choosing your footwear. Move about barefoot in your garden to exercise your feet and toes. Tip-toeing as you go about your household work is a marvelous exercise for toes and arches.
Toe-nail care:

Trim your toenails straight across. They should be no longer than the tip of your toe.
File the nails smooth with an emery board but don’t round off corners as this will encourage ingrown toe-nails.
Soak your feet for 5 minutes in warm water, then smooth rough areas with pumice stone or abrasive cream. Rinse and dry, then massage the moisturizer of body cream.
For brittle nails use lanolin or petroleum jelly daily
Before applying nail polish, put cotton wool in between the toes to keep them apart.
Use a base coat, two coats of an enamel and a sealer, letting nails dry between each coat.
Paint the nails in the same shade as the finger nails.”
Source of Article: myblogonbeauty.blogspot.com/2007/01/toe-nail-care.html

“Ingrown Toe Nail: Find the solution
The simplest way to make sure you don’t become inflicted with an ingrown toe nail is to be extra careful when trimming your toenails. Here are some trimming and maintenance guidelines to help prevent an ingrown toe nail:

If you want to avoid an ingrown toe nail, it’s important to keep your toe nails short – but not too short. Your toe nails should be slightly longer than the tips of your toes, as recommended by The Podiatry Institute.
When trimming your toe nails, pay attention to the natural line of the nail if you want to prevent an ingrown toenails. Clip the nails carefully and straight across that natural line to make sure you don’t end up with an ingrown toe nail.
You may want to use specially designed toe nail clippers to help prevent an ingrown toe nail. These clippers will help make sure you do not gouge into the corners of your toe nails when cutting.
When trimming your nails, never dig down into the corners of the nail if you want to avoid an ingrown toe nail.

Here are some other tips for helping prevent and treat an ingrown toe nail:

Wear appropriate fitting shoes with plenty of room in the toe box (especially if you already have an ingrown toe nail).
If you have an ingrown toe nail, soak your feet to keep them – particularly the toe area – clean and antiseptic.
Apply a mild antiseptic to an ingrown toe nail to ease pain.
Do not cut away the extended nail to treat an ingrown toe nail. That will only make your ingrown toe nail feel worse.
If you continue to have problems with an ingrown toe nail, see a podiatrist to have the offending edges removed. Your regular doctor may also be able to help.”
Source of Article: www.footsmart.com/Skin-Nail-Care-Ingrown-Toe-Nail.aspx

As usual, I would like to recommend for you, for best pedicure and manicure services, feel free to visit OPI nail salons. For more info about our services, feel free to visit www.colourculture.com.my and www.opi.com.my.

Toenails problems and tips

2008-02-10T18:55:00.000-08:00

Do you have any problem with your toenails? Or are you having these problems for example, overgrown, sweaty and neglected toenails. Well I have read a few nail care tips from an article. Here is what I’ve read.

“Step one
Wash feet with mild soap and warm water, then dry with a clean towel. Using a cotton ball dipped in tea tree oil (or a mild antiseptic) gently swap around your manky toenails to annihilate bacteria responsible for nasty niffs.

Step two
Deal with dodgy cuticles by dipping a cotton bud in olive oil and gently massaging until they're soft enough for you to push back into place.

Step three
Only use toenail clippers or nail scissors for cutting. Fingernail clippers are designed for smaller nails, and you risk taking 'bites' out of each nail, rather than trimming each one squarely. A square cut is recommended as it reduces the risk of ingrown nails, and don't cut the nail so far back that it exposes the skin underneath (or you'll be hobbling for days).

Step four
Don't ignore toenails that are green/black/discoloured or crumbly/thickened and warped beyond recognition - because it's usually a sign of a fungal infection. If left to fester, some infections can spread to other nails and even cause damage to the toe bones. See your GP for treatment, and help yourself while you wait for the appointment by soaking feet in warm salty water.

Step five
Wear fresh, cotton socks and be sure your footwear is fitted properly. That way you can kick it all off without fear of causing offence or distress.”
Source of Article: www.thesite.org/healthandwellbeing/appearance/nailcare/toenailcare

“Who doesn't want more attractive toes and beautiful toenails? Toenails, however, often serve as barometers of our health. Pitted nails, ingrown nails, discolored, infected nails can be an embarrassment when wearing sandals, flip-flops and open toe shoes. These conditions, often painful and uncomfortable, should be evaluated and treated by a podiatrist who can diagnose the ailment, and then provide appropriate treatment or prescribe medication.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Don't apply polish to discolored nails if you suspect an infection. Wear shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe. Clean and dry feet resist disease. Shoe, socks, and hosiery should be changed more than once daily. Clip toenails straight across, and disinfect instruments used to cut nails, including home pedicure tools.”
Source of Article: www.healthyfeetstore.com/toenailcare.html

As been recommended, you are advised to get a professional service from pedicurists at least once a month. For the best service, fell free to visit to OPI nail salons nearby you. for more info and nail care tips, feel free to visit www.opi.com.my and www.colourculture.com.my.

Choosing your nail salons

2008-02-05T18:35:00.000-08:00

Do you have any idea what are the things that you should consider before getting a manicure at nail salons? Well here are some tips for you that I’ve read from a website.

“For many women, a manicure is a luxurious treat. Having someone else take care of your nails is quick and inexpensive, but you still feel as if you're being pampered. While you may be looking forward to your thirty minutes at the nail salon, be sure to choose your venue wisely. If the manicure salon doesn't follow certain safety guidelines, you can end up with an infection.

Check the requirements for your state. In many cases, manicurists must be licensed by the state Board of Health or Department of Cosmetology, with licenses displayed at each manicure station. In addition, a representative from the Board of Health must make periodic visits to the manicure salon. A certificate from the Board of Health must be prominently displayed on the walls of your manicure salon stating that it has met all the proper guidelines. If you don't see a certificate, ask the manager where it is located. If the manicure salon hasn't been inspected by the Board of Health, it will be in your best interest to choose a different salon.

When choosing a manicure salon, you want to be sure the tools they use are disposable, disinfected or sterile. Nail clippers, nail files and cuticle tools should either be sterilized in an autoclave or sprayed with disinfectant between each customer. If your manicure salon doesn't use disposable, disinfected or sterile tools, find another, cleaner shop, or bring your own manicure tools. Many manicure salons will include the price of new manicure tools in the cost of your first visit. These tools will go in a file marked with your name and will be used every time you return. It is probably best if you bring your own nail polish as well.

The manicure salon should be clean and brightly lit. The floors should be swept and washed and the surfaces should be dusted and washed. In fact, the whole salon should look as close to sterile as possible. The manicure salon you choose should be popular. If there never seem to be any clients, you should ask yourself why.

Each manicurist should wear surgical gloves when administering a manicure. If she doesn't, she should wash her hands with anti-bacterial soap and spray them with disinfectant between each customer. Each manicurist should also make sure patrons wash their hands with antibacterial soap before receiving a manicure.

It may sound paranoid, but you can never be too safe. Most manicure salons follow all safety guidelines. The only thing left for you to do is relax and enjoy the pampering.”
Source of article: www.wisegeek.com

Well, if you are not very sure which nail salons that you want to go, I recommended the best nail salons ever OPI nail salons. Please visit our nail salons nearby you. You can also get some nail care tips from our nail technicians. For more info about our services, feel free to visit www.opi.com.my or www.colourculture.com.my.

Pedicure and Manicure

2008-02-03T20:06:00.000-08:00

I have recently read one article that talks about men’s pedicure. It provides a good nail care tips especially the one that relates to pedicure tips and info. Even though some of the tips are specifically for people who live in the four season countries, but I guess we still can use the tips and try to suit it to our country’s climate. Here is what I’ve read form the article.

“Sometimes referred to as racer or sport pedicures, men's spa pedicures usually includes nail clipping, foot exfoliation, and filing and buffing of the nails. Foot and calf massage, natural looking protective polish, whirlpool soaks, and other treatments are also available for men.

When to Get a Pedicure
Pedicures can be enjoyed anytime of the year, but are especially popular during spring and summer months when your feet and toes are more likely to be shown in public. Winter is a good time for spa pedicures including hydrating treatments since winter weather tends to dry out the skin.

Pedicures should be done no more than once a week. While weekly manicures are often suggested, you can actually go several weeks between pedicures since the toenails have a slower growth rate than fingernails. Wear or bring sandals to your appointment to allow your nails to dry thoroughly afterwards.

When to Avoid
Whenever any disorder or fungus, including athlete's foot, is suspected, you should avoid getting a pedicure from a spa or salon. Wait until the condition clears completely before resuming pedicures and other foot treatments.
Source of Article: skincare.lovetoknow.com

Apart from that I have also read an article about spa pedicure and manicure. Just for your info, at our nail salons, we also provide this kind of service. The below is some fact about the spa pedicure and manicure.

“Manicure and pedicure at the spa is generally more expensive than what you get at the local nail salon.

Why Is The Spa Manicure and Pedicure More Expensive?
You are paying in part for a more luxurious atmosphere. Instead of flourescant lights and noxious fumes from airbrushed nails, you have pretty light fixtures, good design, and a handsome pedicure chair in a quiet corner.

You probably won't get the full robe and slipper treatment if you are only purchasing nail services. But spa owners do go to great lengths to find technicians who can give you a special experience. They can give you beautifully shaped nails and suggest the perfect color for your skin and the season.

Their work lasts, no chips or bubbles. And they should have a very nice manner.

A spa manicure and pedicure usually has a few extra steps -an aromatic salt rub, or hydrating mask or paraffin dip -- that can make it last longer and feel more luxurious.

If you need to save, get a spa manicure or pedicure as a special treat and do you regular maintenance at home or with your corner nail or beauty salon.”
Source of Article: spas.about.com/od/massage/a/nailcare.htm

Based on the above info, obviously that you can get all the pedicure and manicure done at home or at nail salons. However, it is advised that you get the service from the professional nail technician once in a while at nail salons. For that reasons, feel free to visit our OPI nail salons nearby you. For more info about our services, feel free to visit our websites at www.opi.com.my or www.colourculture.com.my.

Tips and tricks for pedicure

2008-01-31T23:06:00.000-08:00

In this entry, I would like to share some more tips and tricks for your pedicure. All this tips and tricks should be helpful for you if you want to try to give yourself a pedicure at home. Here is what I’ve read from the website.

“How to give pretty simple pedicure
1. Use cotton or gauze to remove old nail polish.
2. File nails straight across to avoid hangnails.
3. Soak feet for 10 minutes in a tub of warm water, adding your favorite soak or milk.
4. Towel dry feet.
5. Gently push back cuticles with an orange stick
6. File and buff away ridges and discoloration
7. Apply base coat to give a smooth surface
8. Apply two thin coats of polish
9. Seal with top coat
10. Stay still for 30 minutes so polish doesn't smudge

Fake French: Save time and money by indulging your soles in a two minute French manicure. After rubbing cuticle oil around nails, use a white nail pencil under each tip.

Two-tone Tips: Extend the life of your manicure with this smart look. Brush a sheer color nail polish in a color like silver onto the tips of nude nails. Make sure your colors subtly contrast.

Toe Nail Clipping: A straight-edge clipper will ensure that your nails do not become curved and become ingrown.

Mend a Nail: Try the teabag method to fix a broken nail. Carefully remove polish from nail by putting nail directly in polish remover. Tear off a tiny piece of tea bag paper off a tea bag. Jagged edges blend more easily. Put tea bag paper on crack in nail using two coats of krazy glue - one on top and one on the bottom. Lightly file and cover with two coats of polish.

Nail Files: Nail files are porous and can trap germs and bacteria, so bring your own if your nail salon doesn't use new tools for each pedicure. Replace your nail file every few months.

Moisturizing: Hydrate soles by massaging in lotion right after showering when feet are softest. For super-hydration cover feet with cotton socks overnight.”
Source of Article: www.footcandy.com

If you follow all the steps, you can do your perfect pedicure at home. But it’s good if you get some services from the professional pedicurists once in a while, at least once in a month. Then feel free to come to our nail salons nearby you. for more info about our service, visit www.colourculture.com.my and www.opi.com.my. You can also get some useful tips about nail care from our professional pedicurists and manicurists.

What is paraffin pedicure

2008-01-30T23:27:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of paraffin pedicure treatments? Well I have recently read an article about this type of pedicure from a website. Here is what I’ve read.

“The difference with paraffin pedicure treatments is that your feet are covered with layers of moisturizing paraffin wax to moisturize your feet. I find this is one of the best and most relaxing ways to moisturize your feet.

The first step naturally is to wash your feet thoroughly in a basin with hot-ish water. The idea to put your feet in the “hot as you can bare” water is to open up your pores so that all the moisturizing effects of the paraffin treatment can be readily absorbed into the skin. The washing will also remove any debris that may have been accumulated, freshening up the skin ready for the paraffin treatment.

After the wash, most salons that offer the treatment will offer you a pair of plastic boots in which you must place your feet in and where the paraffin wax will be poured into. Always insist on having the classic paraffin treatment where the wax is melted into a bowl (normally earthen-ware) and your feet are dangled above the bowl where the melted (quite hot) wax is scooped up and slowly drizzled on your feet. This treatment is much better as it gives the wax time to work on your feet while simultaneously cooling and heating up the wax again that is already on the feet which effectively “milks” out the moisturizing elements and does wonders for your skin.

Your feet should be completely covered in paraffin way and left to dry over a couple of minutes. When the paraffin wax is about 60% hard, the best way to get the most out of the treatment is to actually bathe your feet along with the wax in some icy cold water to harden the wax 100% which has a double benefit. It will harden the wax hard enough that it will be very easy to remove and it will also impart more moisturizing elements on the skin effectively squeezing out all the moisturizing goodness from the wax to the feet.

After the paraffin wax is removed, your feet should feel rejuvenated with the skin feeling very soft and moisturized. You can then proceed to the treatment of the nails. After the paraffin treatment your nails will also be slightly softer because of the moisturizing element of the wax so you need to be aware of that before you cut your nail. It will be more susceptible to tearing than normal.

Now, cut your toe nails flat leaving nail on the sides to avoid the in-grown nail problem. Next you should file the toe nails especially at the sides to form a rounded nail that follows the contour of the toe; this is also to reduce the risk of accidentally kicking up the nail if you accidentally kick something.

After the cutting and filing you can either proceed to buff your nails or apply nail polish. Personally I always prefer buffing the toe nails as nail polish wares too easily on the toes and after 1-2 days it either needs a touch up of to be completely removed, which is quite troublesome.”
Source of Article: www.pedicure-tips.com/Pedicure-Treatments-Paraffin-Pedicure-Treatments.html

Well if you are not sure about this paraffin pedicure, you can try other types of pedicures. At OPI nail salons. We have essential pedicure, super lift pedicure, spa pedicure and French pedicure. You can get all these services from our nail technicians and pedicurists. For more info about our services and nail care tips, feel free to visit www.colourculture.com.my and www.opi.com.my.

Artificial nails

2008-01-29T21:34:00.000-08:00

What do you know about artificial nails? Well I have recently read a few articles about artificial nails from a website. Here is what I’ve read.

“Artificial nails are moving south. Artificial toe nails are the new nail care trend. Artificial nails are generally made of acrylic, and their popularity is growing among people who have missing toenails or those who want to make their nails longer, smoother or cover the yellow. In April 2005, Nails Magazine said "Americans spent $6.43 billion in nail salons."

Fake toe nails began in California about 5 years ago, but the trend hasn't hit every nail salon across the country. Just as with fingernails, acrylic or a "newer gel substance" is used and applied to the entire nail, or the tips, needing filled in as they grow out. Nails may become "weaker and uglier" after the nails have been used for a while. That just keeps fake toenail wearers coming back to keep their toes covered.

If you don't have the $40 for a set from a salon, Wal-Mart sells temporary ones and the glue to set them. The downside of artificial toenails is that any covering for a nail, including polish, causes it to retain moisture which makes them more likely to get infected or have a fungal growth. They can also separate the toenail from the bed leaving room for these and other problems. Wearing closed toe shoes may also be a problem.

The success of the artificial toenail seems surprising to some, but people with unsightly nail conditions, no toenail, or just someone wanting beautiful looking toes, are buying and using them more and more. Check out your local salon for a set, but remember to take good care of them to avoid problems.”
Credit to: Angela S.Young

“Artificial toenails are a fairly new development They can applied at home, or by a nail technician and are an amazing innovation for anyone who is embarrassed by the state of their toenails.

Wouldn't it be great to have perfectly manicured toenails when you wear sandals and flip flops in the summer? Imagine walking down the beach with perfect toenails. Fake toenails are now available. Some people may want to go down this route because their nails are missing and others are covering up yellow toenails that have become unattractive.

This new trend is moving fast. Finger nails have gone through the stages of vinyl stick ons, nylon overlays, and acrylics overlays. They have been painted bright colors, had intricate designs painted onto them and now toenails follow that trend.Watch out for this, it's the next big trend.”
Credit to: Louie Jerome

Source of Article: www.helium.com/tm/380083/artificial-toenails-fairly-developmen

Whatever it is, we have to take care of our nails first before we try to make it looks more beautiful. The bottom line is nails care still should be our first priority when we talk about nails health and beauty. Well, for nails treatment, feel free to visit our nail salons nearby you. For more info about our services, feel free to visit www.opi.com.my and www.colourculture.com.my

Practice Good Foot Hygiene and Toenail Care

2008-01-27T20:48:00.000-08:00

In this entry, I would like to share more info about toenail care. As we know, toenails also need a good care, just how we are taking care of our fingernails care. Just because you can cover your toenails with shoes, it does it mean you can simply ignore the health and cleanliness aspect for your toenails. Here is what I’ve read about the basic nail care.

“Having your nails done used to mean paying a visit to your local manicurist. Today, as often as not, it means seeing a pedicurist. Salons now do one pedicure for every three manicures. As little as 15 years ago, manicures outsold pedicures 10 to one.

Concerns about feeling good probably contribute as much to this trend as concerns about looking good. Tired and sore feet have become more commonplace and so has the concern with healthy feet. That's why, in addition to traditional enamels, pedicures now include reflexology massages to relieve tension throughout the body, warm paraffin wax to moisturize, and exfoliation (or scaling) techniques to smooth skin. Salons and cosmetic companies even offer masks to smooth, moisturize and refresh the foot.

As with any other treatment, you should take proper precautions. Not all pedicures are safe, nor do they all give good results. To ensure a safe and effective pedicure, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society suggests the following:
1. Soak your feet in warm soapy water for approximately 10 minutes. This helps soften and clean skin and nails.
2. After the foot soaking, gently remove calluses with a pumice stone, Hindu stone or emery board. This gets rid of dead skin cells as well as calluses. Some body scrub products can help exfoliate dead skin between pedicures. Many pedicurists will cut or shave calluses with razors. However, it is not legal or safe for an unlicensed practitioner to cut the skin and definitely not recommended.
3. Push back the cuticles with an orange stick or a Hindu stone. A normal part of the nail, cuticles offer protection from bacteria and infection. Cuticles clearly overhanging the nail margins should be trimmed carefully. Any trimming which goes further than the nail margin or draws blood is unsafe.
4. Trim toenails straight across rather than in a curved pattern. This helps prevent ingrown toenails, allowing the straight edge of the nail to advance as one unit. Cutting the toenails in a curved pattern allows the recessed edges to grow into the skin. The pedicurist should take care not to trim the nails too short since this also can promote ingrown toenails. The toenails should be trimmed just enough so that you can see a few millimeters of skin just beyond the nail margin. Nails should not overhang the edge of the toe.
5. Refine the nail edge with an emery board, maintaining the straight edge.
6. Apply cream and moisturizing lotion to the skin and nail margins. You can find several creams and foot masks on the market specially formulated for the feet.
7. Massage the cream or lotion into the feet. A foot message can help relieve tension and tired, aching feet. You can get a good massage at home by rolling your feet back and forth over a rolling pin. Reflexologists believe that points on the foot correspond to other body parts and ailments can be relieved through reflexology. They believe the ball of the foot has a connection to the lungs, the heel to the lower back, and the great toe to the head. Although no scientific research exists to back up these claims, reflexology does seem to produce positive results in some people. People with significant medical problems should consult with a medical doctor.
8. Apply nail polish remover to the nails to gently remove excess lotion. This allows nail polish to adhere better to the nail. A pedicurist usually will apply polish as a base coat, then one or two coats of color, and finally a clear topcoat.
9. Space your pedicures apart by approximately eight weeks.”
Source of Article: www.aofas.org

For best service and treatment for your nails, you are welcomed to our nail salons, OPI Nail Salons nearby you. At our nail salons, you can also get some tips and info about nail care. For more info about us, feel free to visit www.opi.com.my or www.colourculture.com.my.

French pedicure tips

2008-01-24T18:41:00.000-08:00

If in the previous entry, we discussed about some tips for pedicure and toenails care, here in this entry we will still talk about some nail care tips. But this time we will specifically talk about french pedicure and the tips to do french pedicure at home. Here is what I’ve read from the website.
“Learn how to get the perfect salon-styled pedicure without paying a ton.

Soak feet in hot water (not too hot!) with epsom salts which soften feet.
Use a pumice stone to rub off rough spots to make feet nice and soft.
Use a cuticle trimmer to cut off dead skin around toe nails. Be careful not to cut too deep; you're just cutting off the dead skin!
Rise feet and apply a rich lotion to feet and give it a few minutes to soak in.
Use a cotton ball with nail polish remover to remove lotion and/or nail polish from toenails.
Use a white nail polish and paint the tips of each toe nail. Let dry and apply a second coat so that the white doesn't look splotchy. Don't worry if it looks messy, youll fix it in the next step!
Take a make-up concealer brush and dip it in preferably 100% acetone. Remove excess acetone on a paper towel.
Use the brush,and remove excess white nail polish until you create a thin, straight line. You will have to take it slow and be carefull not to make it crooked but eventually youll be a pro!”

Apart from that, I also have read some tips for conditioning your beautiful nails. May be you can try this tips to get more beautiful nails and hands. “Here are some useful tips for conditioning your beautiful nails.

Brittle and splitting nails are usually caused by excessive dryness, which increases with aging and is exacerbated by exposure to detergents and chemicals. Soaking the fingers in water and then applying a moisturizing hand cream or a conditioner formulated for nails can restore lost moisture and also prevent moisture loss.
Application of nail hardeners may also help seal in moisture and provide hard surface over the nails.Dermatologists usually recommend protein hardeners or products that contain nylon rather than that ones made with formaldehyde,which causes reactions in certain people.
Contrary to some promotional claims,however protein and other substances applied to the surfaces do not sink into or "feed" the nails.

Tips: Do not use cheap nail conditioners ,these can cause serious irritations and allergies”

Source of Articles: www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Perfect-French-Pedicure

So, if you think the nail care tips above for french pedicure and conditioning your hands are useful, don’t hesitate to try it at home. But it is advised that in once a month you should get your nails done from the professionals manicurists and pedicurists from nail salons. For that reason, feel free to come to OPI nail salons nearby you. You can also get some tips and help regarding nail care issue. For more info about us feel free to visit www.opi.com.my and www.colourculture.com.my.

Toenails care and tips

2008-01-23T17:54:00.000-08:00

Toenails care is as important as fingernails care. The point is it is all fell under nail care topics. You can see the beauty of other people’s toes by looking at their toenails appearance. At the same time, as mentioned in the previous entry the appearance of your toenails will reflect your overall health. It will also tell the other people what type of a person you are. So, fingernails care is very important. Here is what I’ve read about fingernails care and tips.

“Ingrown, discolored, infected or pitted nails restrict us from wearing open toe shoes, flip-flops or sandals causing a huge embarrassment in public. Often uncomfortable, embarrassing and extremely painful, these problems need proper treatment and medication once the ailment has been diagnosed by a podiatrist. A little bit of time spent regularly in toenail care can make a huge difference in eliminating these problems and keeping your toenails healthy and trendy.

One of the basic aspects of toenail care involves keeping them clean, dry and soft. Also, the material and the fitting of the shoes affect the breathing of the feet, reflecting the health of the toenails. Changing shoes, socks and other hosiery regularly is necessary which resist feet diseases and toenail infections. Home pedicure tools and instruments used for cutting toenails need to be disinfected every time before using. Once you have implemented all these principles
in your daily routine, you may then complete your toenail care by following these simple steps:

Dip your feet in warm water for ten minutes. Then wash them with a mild soap, which would help in cleaning and softening the toenails and the skin around. After drying them with a clean towel use a cotton ball to soak it in a mild antiseptic, olive oil or tea-tree oil and gently move it around the toenails. This will help in eliminating the bacteria, causing toenail infections.
Use an orange stick or a Hindu stone to push back the cuticles, which protect the nails from infection and bacteria. Trim the cuticles overhanging beyond the nail margins carefully to avoid drawing blood.
Avoid trimming toenails in a curved pattern and instead trim them straight across. This will help the straight edge of the nail to grow as one unit whereas trimming in curved patterns would support the growth of the recessed edges into the skin. Instead of making the nails too short, which might lead to ingrown nails, trim them just enough to see a few millimeters of skin beyond the margin of the nails. Once trimmed, the nail edges require refining with an emery board.
Apply a moisturizing lotion or a cream on the nail margins and the skin around. It is advisable to stick to foot care products instead of opting for a general cream or lotion.”
Source of Article: nailcare.ygoy.com/nailcare/toe.php

It is no doubt that toenailscare is very important and should be taken care of very well. For that reason, it is a good practice if you get a professional pedicure service once a month. I recommended for best pedicure service, feel free to come to our nail salons. At OPI nails salons, you can also get some nail care tips from our pedicurists or manicurists. For more info about us, feel free to visit our websites www.colourculture.com.my or www.opi.com.my.

GIve yourself a pedicure

2008-01-22T20:54:00.000-08:00

Most of us will prefer to give more attention on fingernails beauty. Reason is, most people will tend to look at the hands and fingernails. Another reason is, our feet or toenails more specifically can be cover up by shoes. But, trust me, either manicure or pedicure, both of them are extremely important for you health. So, if you are still wondering how to give yourself a pedicure, check the below nail tips. It might be helpful for you if you want to try it at home.

“Giving yourself a professional looking pedicure at home is a snap if you follow some simple steps. Pedicures can be done alone of course, but they are so much more fun when you invite a group of girlfriends over for a pedicure party. Here are tips to help you achieve salon quality results without the expense.

You need the following materials, which you can find at drug or beauty supply stores.
· Pumice stone or dry skin buffer
· Toe separators or cotton balls/roll
· Emory board
· Cuticle remover
· Orangewood stick
· Color nail polish
· Base coat
· Top coat
· Nail polish remover
· Quick dry spray
· Nail clippers
· Dish pan
· Cotton balls
· Towels
· Cuticle nippers, if desired
· Lotion
· Nail buffer, if desired
· Paper pedicure slippers, if desired.

1. Thoroughly saturate a cotton ball with nail polish remover and use it to remove any old polish you may have on your toenails from you last pedicure. Gently pressing the cotton ball on the nail for a moment before wiping the nail with a circular motion will make it easier to remove the polish.

2. Fill the dishpan with enough warm soapy water to cover your feet. Soak for at least five minutes.
Note: Whenever you are working on one foot, the other foot should be soaking in the warm water.

3. Dry your foot and apply the cuticle remover at the base of each nail. Wait one minute for the remover to soften the cuticle. Use the wedged end of the orangewood stick to push the cuticle back. If desired, carefully snip off the excess cuticle. Repeat this procedure on the other foot.
Note: If you like, you may trim your cuticles with cuticle nippers. I don't recommend this if you aren't experienced at it. Once you start trimming cuticles you have to keep doing it every time you give yourself a pedicure. You may nick yourself in the process and bleed. This will not make for a relaxing pedicure experience!

4. Using the nail clippers, cut off any nails that are too long. Length is a personal preference, but make sure the nail is shorter than the toe. Be careful not to cut the nails too short as this can cause ingrown toenails and can be quite painful. With the emery board, file the nail into a square shape.

5. Use the nail buffer to smooth any roughness or ridges on the surface of the nails.

6. Wet the pumice stone in the dishpan. Rub any areas of dry or flaking skin gently with the pumice stone. Rinse the foot and dry. You may also use skin buffing sponge instead of the pumice stone.
Note: Do not ever use a filing tool that cuts your skin or allow one to be used on your feet. Not only is it unsanitary, but you may cut too deeply, causing pain or even drawing blood.

7. Apply a generous amount of lotion to the foot, massaging it in and taking care to cover all the foot, especially the dry and flaky parts. Massage the lotion up your legs to your knees. Close your eyes and relax for 10 minutes, allowing your skin to soak in the soothing lotion.

8. Saturate a cotton ball with nail polish remover and go back over your toenails, making sure that all lotion residue is removed. This is important, since the polish will not stick to any surface that still has lotion residue on it.

9. Press the toe separators between the toes, so that each toe is not rubbing on the next.
Note: If doing a group pedicure, make sure that each person has their own pair of toe separators, for the sake of hygiene. If toe separators are not available, use cotton balls or a roll of cotton. Be very careful to keep the cotton away from the nails themselves, as cotton fibers will ruin the look of the polish.

10. Brush 1 coat of the base coat over each nail. Allow it to dry for one minute.

11. Apply 2 coats of the nail color. Allow it to dry for 5 minutes.

12. Apply the top coat. Allow it to dry for 1 minute, then spray your nails with the quick dry spray.

If possible allow a half hour for the nails to dry completely. If you don't have that much time, carefully remove the toe separators and slip your feet into open toed shoes. Be very careful that the wet nails don't touch the shoes or other toes. You may want to use the paper "sandals" that are available at beauty supply stores to preserve your polish until it is dry.

This entire procedure should take about an hour. After your nails are dry, you can look down often and admire your handiwork. Your pedicure should last about 2 weeks, or even longer if you apply more coats of the topcoat.”
Source of Article: wvwv.essortment.com

But if you are looking for a professional pedicurist, then feel free to come to our nail salons. You can also get advice on how to do proper nail treatments at home from them. For more info about our services and nail care products, feel free to visit www.opi.com.my or www.colourculture.com.my

More Tips for your nails health and beauty

2008-01-21T23:25:00.000-08:00

In the previous entries, I have explained about some tips on how to give yourself a manicure as well as the other tips to keep your nails healthy. In this entry, I would like to share with you some other tips related to these topics. Here is what I’ve read from a website.

“Here’s a simple step-by-step list for how to do a manicure that also includes a hand soak recipe:

Remove all nail polish from your fingernails using nail polish remover.
Soak your fingers in a dish of warm soapy water for about 10 minutes. For a gentle hand soap soak, see recipe below.
Use a gentle nail brush and clean under your nails.
Massage your hands and cuticles with your favorite moisturizer.
Push back your cuticles with a cotton tipped nail stick.
File your fingernails into shape, keeping all nails the same length.
Polish fingernails with your favorite nail polish.

Hand Soak Recipe:

1/4 cup honey2
TBS liquid hand soap1
TBS olive oil

Directions:

Mix all ingredients well and store in an airtight container. Add half of mixture to a small bowl then add warm water, stirring until well mixed. Soak hands.
Makes enough for two manicures.

How to keep your fingernails healthy and strong
No nail care product alone can give you healthy nails. But following these simple guidelines can help you keep your nails looking their best:

Don't abuse your nails. To prevent nail damage, don't use your fingernails as tools to pick, poke or pry things.
Don't bite your nails or pick at your cuticles. These habits can damage the nail bed. Even a minor cut alongside your nail can allow bacteria or fungi to enter and cause an infection (paronychia). Because your nails grow slowly, an injured nail retains signs of an injury for several months.
Protect your nails. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when using soap and water for prolonged periods or when using harsh chemicals.
Perform routine nail maintenance. Trim fingernails and clean under the nails regularly. Use a sharp manicure scissors or clippers and an emery board to smooth nail edges. Never pull off hangnails — doing so almost always results in ripping living tissue. Instead clip hangnails off, leaving a slight angle outward.
Moisturize your nails frequently. Nails need moisture just like your skin does. Rub lotion into your nails when moisturizing your hands. Be sure to apply a moisturizer after removing fingernail polish.
Source of article: www.mayoclinic.com/health/nails/WO0002

Well, if you anot very confident to do all these tips by yourself, then let the beauty professionals or the manicurists do it for you. Feel free to come and visit our nail salons, OPI nail salons nearby you. You can also get more information about nails care and tips, as well as our services from our website:
www.opi.com.my and www.colourculture.com.my.

Nail care for men

2008-01-20T19:39:00.000-08:00

Normally, when it comes to beauty aspect, it will only focus on women and not for men. However, most of men nowadays really pay attention on beauty aspects because that will picture how their personality looks like. One of the beauty aspects that is quite important to both men and women is the nails. Beautiful nails will assure that your hands will look beautiful too. To get beautiful nails, you have to give a good attention on the cleanliness aspect for your nails. The below are some information about nail care and tips for men. But, it can also be applied to anyone, doesn’t matter what the gender is. Here is what I’ve read from the website.

“Most often when literature speaks of healthy nail care, the intended audience is women, given that beautiful nails have long been considered a symbol of beauty and individuality. However, healthy nails are also important for men. One true sign of a well-groomed man is handsome hands, with freshly cut nails and clean, neat cuticles. It is important for all of our male readers to realize that your nails are a living part of your body and they require care.
· The nail has four components: the matrix, bed, plate, proximal nail fold, and cuticle.
· The nail plate is formed in the nail matrix which is located beneath the proximal nail fold
· The cuticle is a section of skin at the end of the proximal nail fold that protects the nail matrix
· The nail plate lies atop the nail bed which is the living portion of the nail with nerves and blood vessels

Basic Nail Care
In addition to maintaining a well-balanced diet, with adequate nutrients and vitamins, the following tips will help to ensure good nail health:
· Keep fingernails and toenails clipped short.
· Cut straight across the nail and file in one direction only, to create an even nail shape and to avoid nail splitting.
· Don’t forget to clean under the nail, but be careful not to poke anything underneath.
· Be sure to moisturize the nails on a regular basis in addition to the hands and feet
· It is also a good idea for men to have regular manicures and pedicures. Many men enjoy this service and find it an essential part of maintaining healthy-looking hands and feet.”
Source of Article: www.brownskin.net

If you need professional services from professional beauty, please don’t hesitate to come to our nail salons nearby you. For more info about our services, nail tips and techniques, please visit www.opi.com.my or www.colourculture.com.my.

Tips on applying nail polish

2008-01-17T23:29:00.000-08:00

While surfing the internet, I’ve read this one article about nail polish. I guess this would be helpful if you need more nail care tips or techniques. Here is what I’ve read from a website.

"Nail polish remover not only wipes off the old color but also the grease from the nails and makes the new color coat stay put for longer period of time. Apply thing coat of nail polish, let it dry and then apply another coat. Even if you want a glossier effect, go for more than two thin coats rather than a thick coat of polish as it dries sooner and lasts longer and do not chip off easily. It is advisable to use the remover and applying nail polish only once or twice a week to prevent your nails from drying. Even if you do this, be sure to use removers with built-in moisturizers to keep your nails healthy. There are some tricks to keep in mind while painting your nails or give them the perfect look:

For the flawless French Manicure, use a white nail pencil to line the nail tip from beneath for that pure white clean look instead of white nail polish.
Do not forget to a weekly hand massage to pamper yourself, increase your circulation and enhance nail growth.
To make the chip-resistant nail enamels last longer, submerge your freshly painted nails in a bowl of ice-cold water for 30 seconds.
While running for the car, you will just need five seconds to put a wide stripe of a quick-drying nail varnish down the center and you are ready to go!
If your nail polish has chipped to an extent that touchups are of no use, better use the remover rather than trying to hide it under a coat of nail paint that makes the texture of your nails took uneven.
You may sometimes even get away with cleaning the nails underneath, rubbing on the buffing cream and use chamois buffer for the healthy shine.
Remember never to file the corner of your nails as it weakens them amd make them brittle.
Get fashionable and funky by doing your nails in a solid color and allowing them to dry. Then use a toothpick to make a diagonal line across your nails in a different color. More skilled artists can go for more complicated patterns of their own.
For club night outs or hot dates, try metallic glints; nail piercing, nail tattoos and embellishments. If your nails are not as long as you desire, you can opt for fake nails too.
A hasty French manicure look can be achieved by using a neutral shade as the base paint and the white shade on the tips of your nails.
For shimmer and glitter, use a coat of clear gloss or sparkle on your dried nail polish. Silver glitter looks best on dark blue and black shades while gold glitter goes well with red shade. They are the best choices for bridal look or on weddings of near and dear ones and formal wear."
Source of Article: beauty.iloveindia.com

Before I forget, I would like to recommend to everyone who really wants a nice and beautiful nails, try to at least get the professional services from the manicurist at least once a month. For best services, visit our OPI nails salons nearby you. For more info about our services and other nail tips, feel free to visit www.colourculture.com.my or www.opi.com.my.

Nail Care Techniques

2008-01-16T17:35:00.000-08:00

Healthy nails make your hands look beautiful. Clean nails will show that you are a type of person who pays much attention on cleanliness. Well to me both of these aspects, healthy and clean are very important to all of us. Clean nails will absolutely make your nails stronger and healthier. Well to get clean and healthy nails, you should know some good nail care techniques. The below are some of the nail care tips and techniques that I’ve read from a website.

“Do's and Don'ts of Nail Care
1. Do's
" Leave your nails without nail polish once in a while atleast inorder to allow them to breathe.
" Keep a pack of hand lotion or cream near the kitchen sink and use it each time after washing your hands.
" Wear gloves while doing housework or gardening and rub some hand cream or lotion before putting on the gloves.
" Apply oil to your nails whenever possible inorder to strengthen them.
" Include ample quantities of calcium and vitamin A in your daily diet.
" Keep your manicure set clean inorder to prevent any infection.
" Have a professional manicure done atleast once a month.
" Prolonged exposure to the sun is not good for nails and a lot of swimming will dry them. This can be encountered by keeping the nails and cuticles well moisturised.
" Before doing chores like dusting or gardening, first dig the nails into a soap bar. This prevents dirt from getting embedded under them and also make them easier to clean later.
" To keep nail polish intact in the bath, smoothen a little skin cream on it before going for a bath.
" If a nail breaks, we can get, professional help in fixing 'false' nails. Otherwise, try to file them down. If the break is bad, remove all the polish from that nail and mend the break with a small piece of cello-tape, cut to fit. Then re-apply polish.
" If nails are brittle and break or split easily, keep them oiled.

2. Don'ts
" Don't use your nails on a job that can be done just as well with a pair of scissors, pliers or a hammer
" Don't file nails when they are damp.
" Don't cut cuticles" Don't wash clothes or dishes in very hot water
" Don't bite or chew your nails.
" Don't clean your nails with a sharp metal instrument - use a nail brush and orange stick instead.
" Don't be seen with chipped nail polish - it is a sign of careless grooming.
" Don't leave your hands in detergent for long.
" Don't peel-off your nail polish as you wish to - always use a nail-polish remover.”
Credit to: Susan Christy (Author)
Source of Article: www.freearticlesarchive.com

As been suggested, apart from taking the right dietary sources, you should also get a professional manicure done at least once a month. For that reason, don’t hesitate to come to our nail salons nearby you. We as usual will provide the best service to our customers. You can also get some tips on nail care and advice on types of nail treatments from our beauty professionals. For more info about us, feel free to visit www.opi.com.my or www.colourculture.com.my.

Biotin Banishes Brittle Nails

2008-01-15T17:24:00.000-08:00

Some of you might have wondered what are the good vitamins or minerals that are good for your nails health. Well while I’m doing a research about vitamins and minerals for nails, I’ve read this one article from a website. Here is what I’ve read.

“It’s true that they are the perfect way to display the latest fashion colors. But don’t sell fingernails short. Besides protecting your sensitive fingertips from the abuses of daily life, they can tell you a lot about whether you’re eating right.

Like bone health, nail health depends on good nutrition. Brittle nails have been associated with deficiencies of calcium, zinc and iron and with too much selenium. And slow nail growth can result from general malnourishment.

But so far, only one nutrient—biotin, part of the B-complex—has been proven helpful for nail health in people who aren’t malnourished. You can thank veterinary science for that bit of information. Biotin has long been used to help harden horses’ hooves.

A study by Swiss researchers looked at people with apparently normal intakes of biotin: 28 to 42 micrograms a day. Researchers found that people in the study with thin, frail and split nails who took extra amounts of biotin—2.5 milligrams (2,500 micrograms), or roughly 70 times the average daily intake—experienced a 25 percent increase in nail thickness.

“Biotin is absorbed into the matrix of the nail, where it may help correct brittle nails,” explains Richard K. Scher, M.D., dermatologist and head of the nail section at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. (The matrix is the part embedded in the finger where nail cells are generated.) Dr. Scher recommends biotin supplements to his patients with weak nails. “It seems to help about two-thirds of them,” he says.

The amount of biotin used in the Swiss study is very high. This dose should not be taken except under medical supervision. Top dietary sources of biotin are egg yolks, soybean flour, cereals and yeast. Cauliflower, lentils, milk and peanut butter also provide decent amounts.”
Source of Article: www.mothernature.com

So, to maintain and improve your nails health, it’s better if you start practice the above nails tip. Apart from taking dietary sources of biotin, it’s also a good practice if you get nails treatment from the beauty professionals at the nail salons. As usual, we recommended OPI nails salons which always provide the best service to the customers. For more info about the services or nails care tips, fell free to visit www.colourculture.com.my or www.opi.com.my.

Nail care tips

2008-01-14T22:25:00.000-08:00

In the last entry, we have discussed about some basic nail care that should be done at least once in a week. In this entry, I will share some other information about nail care tips. Here is what I’ve read from a website.

“>> A good time to do your manicure is after you have taken a shower, bath or after washing the dishes. This is because these activities remove the dirt from under the nail.

>> Nail polish thinner can be used to thin out nail polish that has become too thick. Keep the polish in the refrigerator to make it last longer.

>> Try not to use nail polish remover more than once a week. Nail polish remover causes the nails to dry out. Dry nails crack and split more easily than nails that are well hydrated (well-moisturized).

>> A top coat or sealer is a liquid that is applied over the nail polish. Any clear nail polish can be used as a top coat or sealer. This will minimize chipping or cracking of the nail. On natural nails, a clear coat can be used every day for seven days to give the nail protection and keep the moisture in.

>> After washing your hands, apply a cream or lotion. Hands and nails tend to get dried out from soaps and cleansers. You should try to keep your hands and cuticles well lubricated, with a moisturizer such as Aquaphor, Moisturel, Vaseline. You should use an oil or moisturizer at bedtime every night.

>> Sometimes nail polish, dirt and bacteria can stain the nails. This can be removed by using a Q-tip or an orangewood stick with a cotton tip. Soak the cotton in 10 parts water mixed with 1 part bleach, then rub the nail where the stain is. This will remove most stains from the nails. Scrub under the nails with a nail brush or toothbrush with soap or bleach solution to remove stains under the nails.

>> A vitamin called biotin makes nails stronger in animals. Some studies suggest that it may help strengthen human nails. Biotin is available at health food stores.”
Source of Article: www.skinsite.com

Among all the tips above, there are some tips that you might have already known. However, for others, it could be some new tips. So, it’s better if you try it by yourself to see how the result is. Apart from all these tips, it’s a good practice if you get a professional service from a professional manicurist. As usual, our nail salons provide the best services to our customers. So, for more info about our nail salons, services, or even soma basic nail care tips, feel free to visit www.opi.com.my or www.colourculture.com.my.

Weekly Nail Care

2008-01-13T19:18:00.000-08:00

Some of you might be very busy during the weekdays. But don’t use that BUSY reason to just ignore about your nails health and care. It is because, to get healthy nails, it won’t take much time to do it. The most important thing is, you should spend some of your precious time to do weekly nail care. I just read an article about this good nail care tips. Here is what I’ve read from the website.

“The nail is made of a hard protein called keratin. A protein is one of the building blocks which make up the body. The nails help protect the ends of the fingers and toes from trauma and also help us pick up small objects. Over the last hundred years, the nails have become more important for cosmetic reasons and less important for protection. Manicuring is the care of the hands and nails. Basic manicuring should be done once a week. Every 4-6 weeks it is a good idea to seek the services of a professional manicurist. A professional manicurist best knows how to keep your nails looking healthy and beautiful.

Weekly Nail Care (15-20 minutes each week):
1. One of the most important parts of maintaining strong, healthy nails for life is making sure you have the vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients to maintain nail strength.
2. Remove any old nail polish. To remove the old polish, first moisten cotton with nail polish remover and press over the nail for a few seconds to soften the polish. Then with a firm movement, bring the cotton from the base of the nail to the tip. Repeat this process until all of the polish is gone.
3. Shape the nail, using a file or emery board. File each nail tip from corner to center; do not file in a see-saw motion with the emery board because doing so can cause ridges in the nail and nail splitting.
4. Soak the hands in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to remove dirt. Clean under free edge of nail with orangewood stick.
5. The cuticle is the skin that grows from the finger onto the base of the nail (nail root). We recommend that the cuticle not be pushed back. Leaving the cuticle intact helps to prevent infection of the nail growing tissue.
6. Now apply clear nail polish. There is no reason to waste money on several different kinds of clear polishes such as a ridgefiller, base coat, top coat or nail strengthener. They all do about the same job. After the clear polish dries, apply a color polish of your choice if you wish. Let dry. You may then reapply the clear polish as a top coat. This will help strengthen the nail and prevent chipping of the nail polish.
7. Finally, apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to the hands and cuticles. This will help prevent splitting of the nails.”
Source of Article: www.skinsite.com

You can do this basic manicure once a week. But as been suggested, it’s a good practice to look for services of a professional manicurist. For that reason, don’t hesitate to come and get the best services at out nail salons. For more info about our services or nail care tips, feel free to visit www.opi.com.my or www.colourculture.com.my.

Nail Care and Nail Disorders

2008-01-11T19:24:00.000-08:00

If you are curious about signs or symptoms of nail disorders, you may refer to the below information. Apart from that, there are some information about basic nail care.

“The nail, an appendage of the skin, is a horny, translucent plate that protects the tips of the fingers and toes. Onyx is the technical term for the nails. The condition of the nail, like that of the skin, reflects the general health of the body.

Nail Care Tips
Nails are produced by living skin cells in the fingers and toes. They are composed primarily of keratin, a hardened protein also found in skin and hair. A normal healthy nail is firm and flexible and appears to be slightly pink in color. Its surface is smooth, curved and unspotted, without any hollows or wavy ridges. Remember the following tips:

Keep nails clean and dry.
Keep your toenails cut short.
Nails should be cut straight across and rounded slightly at the tip for maximum strength.
Use sharp nail scissors or clippers. Filing the nails into points will weaken them.
Avoid biting fingernails, and do not remove your cuticle.
Avoid walking barefoot at public showers and swimming facilities.
Avoid "digging-out" ingrown toenails, especially if they are already infected and sore. Seek treatment from a dermatologist.
Make sure your shoes fit properly.
Report any nail irregularities to your dermatologist. Nail changes, swelling, and pain could signal a serious problem.

Signs and Symptoms of nail disorders
Nail disorders comprise about 10 percent of all skin conditions. Nail disorders are accompanied by the following signs and symptoms.Discoloration or spotting Painful, red swelling Pits, ridges, scars Lesions Brown-black band
Source of Article: www.vavasay.com

For more info about nails care and nails health, feel free to visit www.opi.com.my and www.colourculture.com.my. You are also welcomed to the OPI nail salons.