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What are your nails saying about you?

Jan26

 Healthy nails . . .

What Are Your Nails Trying to Tell You?Manicured hands

Photo: Getty Images

They say, “The eyes are the window to the soul”.  But as it turns out, the nails may give us a glimpse of our inside and overall health.  “Fingernails should be a healthy, pinkish color,” says Dr. Jeannette Graf, a clinical and research dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center. “But significant changes to the entire nail could represent something going on in the body.”

Of course, slight variations are normal and no reason for panic, but here’s a guide to what specific issues could mean.

Pitting – “Pitting of the nails could be psoriasis,” says Dr. Graf, adding that in some cases, it could be a symptom of a connective tissue disorder.  If you see small depressions or irregular contours in your nail bed, it’s time to visit a dermatologist.

Clubbing – Surprisingly, the tips of your nails hold hints about your lungs. “Clubbing of the end of the fingers can be suggestive of pulmonary disease,” Dr. Graf explains. Colloquially known as Hippocratic fingers, this condition is easy to identify due to its “inflated” appearance. “If you look at the end of the nail and it’s thick and round, that’s clubbing,” Dr. Graf adds.  Other signs of possible lung problems?  Longitudinal, linear lesions in the nail bed or blood splinters.

Spoon-shaped nails – Koilonychia—indented or concave nails with ridges—could be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia, according to Dr. Graf. It may also suggest hemochromatosis, a liver disease caused by too much iron buildup. Uneven nails, she says, should also grab your attention: “In the absence of trauma or psoriasis, when the nail is uneven, it could also be a sign of thyroid problems.”

To be continued . . .

If you have any questions about your nails, skin or hair, please consult a dermatologist.

 

Think About It:  Take time to write out your goals.  Writing out your goals makes you more decisive.

 

Holiday Glam

Dec23
cracked heels

Don’t let these be yours?!

Are you ready for those office parties and out of town guests?  How are you looking?  Skin?  Hair?  Nails?  Heels?

These feet and heels are saying, ‘I’m tied and I’m redta go!’  Don’t put off your services(mani and pedi) til the last minute and act surprised when those feet turn out to be yours.  No amount of lotion or vaseline will hide the much needed overhaul.   Time is short and schedules are full.  Your time is precious. So plan some time for your Holiday Glam.  If not, wear enclosed shoes, please.

By appointment, you are next at  Dew Drop Nails where . . . natural nail-care is the specialty. 

 

Some Holiday Glam Choices

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handandfoot-russia daysofnailartnl_348908_lnailedbystacy_348490_lChristmas colors!

 

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nailedbystacy_386742_m These would have to be done after you’ve cooked all the goodies.

 

Business Showcase & Holiday Shopping Bazaar

Nov18

BROWN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH

980 STATELINE ROAD

SUPPORTS SMALL BUSINESSES

 

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Dew Drop Nails will offer natural shea butter, cuticle oils, skin moisturizers, nail strengtheners, OPI nail polishes, oils for dry skin and scalp and much, much more!!

 

 

*Get early gifts for your loved ONES!!

NailTips: Natural Nails

Sep8

What does it mean to have natural nails?  Natural nails are those happy, healthy nails with free edges that are not split(vertically) or peeling(layers of the nail lifts).  The most important part of healthy happy nails are the free edges without any problems.  If the free edges are in good condition, polishes has a tendency to last longer.  Polished nails only lasts on natural nails for three to four days at most. 

The fact is that natural nails are not living tissue but do take on water, they expand.  The polish does not expand with the natural nail, therefore, the polish chips or peels.  Gel nails, Shellac(CND), gelcolor(OPI), etc. will react the same way as nail polishes on damaged, peeling, short and split natural nails.

Peeling Nail

Peeling Nail

Healthy, happy nails

Healthy, happy nails

Split Nail

Split Nail

“I don’t feel that I need a pedicure.” WHAT!?

May20

When and how often should one get a pedicure?  Some people feel that summer is the best time to get a pedicure.  They think because the feet are out and therefore the feet need to look good.  Actually, winter is the most important time to get a pedicure.  The feet are taken through steep temperature changes during the course of a day.  Also, during these temp changes,  the feet are placed in tight, sweaty shoes, socks and/or boots.  The weather is not conducive for pretty feet during the cold months of winter.   The feet may go from dry to wet several times during a day.  All of these changes cause drying of the skin.  Cold winter floors further pull the much-needed moisture from the feet.  Here is an example of putting off  much-needed foot care.

"I feel I might need a pedi."

“I feel I might need a pedi.”

 

After assessment of the feet, a thorough pedicure was performed with special care and attention given to the reduction of thicken nails and overgrown cuticles, also the hard and misshapen calluses were reduced and smoothed.  Dew Drop Crystals were applied to exfoliate and lighten the skin.   Finally, a light massage was given to increase circulation.

"Tote me to my car, cause I don't w to walk on my new feets."

“Tote me to my car, cause I don’t want to walk on my new feets.”

 

This  is the season for looking and feeling your best.  Get those tootsies looking their best , starting this Memorial Day weekend!

 

 

Think2Day:  Do you value yourself by what you do or by what you are?  You do have a choice.  Whose opinion count any?

Pedicure Season

May13

Spring is here!  And we want to show off our toes with beautiful colors that compliment our skin tones.  Even men get in on the act of showing off their feet and toes.  But just like some men, some women, shouldn’t show off their feet without first getting a proper pedicure.

 

WHAT IS A PEDICURE?

Pedicure is derived from the Latin words pedis, which means “of the foot”, and cura, which means “care”.  It can be the second best thing you will ever feel.  This is a typical Dew Drop Nails pedicure:  feet are soaked in warm water and aromatic foot softening flakes.  Calluses are discussed, reduced and smoothed.  Toenails are shaped, smoothed and reduced, if needed.  A cuticle softener is applied then feet are placed back into the warm water.  Unwanted cuticle is removed using a nipper.  Nails are then buffed smooth removing ridges, stains and/or imperfections.  Dew Drop Nails exfoliating crystals are applied to feet, ankles and lower legs.   Light leg and foot massage follows using Dew Drops Shea Butter Creme.  Finally, color of your choice is applied to the toenails.

 

Josphine Baker getting a pedi

Josephine Baker 1950’s getting a pedicure

HISTORY

People have been pedicuring their nails for more than 4,000 years.  In southern Babylonia, noblemen used solid gold tools to give themselves manicures and pedicures.  The use of fingernail polish can be traced back even further.  Originating in China in 3000 BC, nail color indicated one’s social status, according to a Ming Dynasty manuscript; royal fingernails were painted black and red.   Ancient Egyptians have been manicuring all the way back to 2300 BC.

A depiction of early manicures and pedicures was found on a carving from a pharaoh’s tomb, and the Egyptians were known for paying special attention to their feet and legs.  The Egyptians also colored their nails, using red to show the highest social class.   It is said that Cleopatra’s nails were painted a deep red, whereas Queen Nefertiti went with a flashier ruby shade.   In ancient Egypt and Rome, military commanders also painted their nails to match their lips before they went off to battle.

 

BENEFITS

You will feel warm, relaxed and maybe in need a little nap after experiencing  the above pampering pedicure at Dew Drop Nails, where natural nail-care is the specialty.  Because I’m in the beauty industry, concentration in nail technology of hands and feet and their beautification, I believe the benefits of a pedicure is unparalleled.  Not only will it rejuvenate and beautify but improve circulation and appearance of the skin of the legs and feet.  A pedicure can be quite relaxing if done in a calm, private atmosphere.  Lastly, there will be an overall feeling of well-being.

 

Think About It:  Schedule your pedicure today!

 

 

Dry, Brittle and Breaking Nails

Apr8

ImageThere are many reasons fingernails break.  The reasons I find at Dew Drop Nails are:  nails are used as tools(that’s number one), wearing the nails too long, age, cold and dry weather, and over-exposure to chemicals.  Therefore, these nails cannot stand the harsh treatment and when the nails can’t take any more, they break!

Almost daily, I’m asked by the guests that come to Dew Drop Nails what can they do about their dry, brittle nails and how to keep them from breaking?  First of all, you would want your nails to break?  If not, the pain could be unbearable because of the nail bed involvement.

THE PROBLEM:

Your nails dry out as you age, losing their natural oils which act as a glue to hold the nail layers together.  If you have thin fingernails and dry skin to begin with you can expect this to happen to you ‘sooner rather than later’.  Exposing your hands to harsh soaps, cleaning products, solvents and rough work makes things worse.  At first your nails begin to ‘fray’ on the edges, becoming brittle. Eventually the layers split.  Nail hardeners make this worse because the alcohols, formaldehyde and other chemicals in the nail hardeners really dry out your natural oils. (Crazy fact: Nail hardeners actually contain more of these chemicals than nail polishes!  It’s these chemicals that make the nails feel harder at first, but- whammo– after a few weeks the splitting is worse than ever.) —Dr. C. Bailey

There may also be underlining health factors which may affect the nails, hair and skin not just the above factors.

THE CURE

Regular manicures, moisturize(water, not oils or vaseline), and use oils to keep the cuticles and nail beds supple and pliable.  Some of my favorite hydrating ingredients for nails are Shea Butter, Jojoba oil, avocado oil, or other rich natural oils that come from plants.  These natural oils have a tendency not to rub off but to penetrate the skin to lock in the moisture.  These oils are applied after the skin has been wet.

If you file these brittle and dry nails, use a high grit file(240 grit) to keep the nails from breaking, fraying and/or cracking any further.

Finally, use a nail-strengthener not a nail hardener, Nailtiques in a great strengthener.  This particular strengthener binds with the proteins in the nail plate.  This will not happen over night, 3-6 months of daily use.  The results will depend upon how fast your nails grow and if you honor the regimen.  One could easily see positive results in 30 days.   It will work!  If used.

Think About It:   Give yourself time to achieve your goal.  Good things take effort and time.

 

 

 

Skin and Nail Care in Winter

Mar25

Hello Cutie:

How are you protecting those cuticles and natural nails?  The answer is warmth and oil, not vaseline.  Oils are and should be an essential part of your daily regimen.  It’s a quick lubricant that seals in moisture to keep the cuticles and nail plate soft and flexible.  Therefore, it will help eliminate dry, cracked and split cuticles and dry, brittle and breaking nails.   Cuticle oil promotes healthy nail growth and preserves resilience to the skin and nails while wearing your natural nails or nail enhancements:  gels or acrylic overlay or just plain polish(considered an overlay) in the nail care industry.