Tag Archive | bacteria

MONDAY MANI

To Wash or Not to Wash?

 

Whenever possible use soapy soap (really lather up) with warm water instead of any type hand sanitizer…Why?

LEVELS OF CLEAN

~~Cleaning surfaces:  removes visible dirt, stains or debris with soap and water

~~Hand sanitizer:  does not, visibly, clean the skin but kills germs and bacteria(label directions — wet time, approx. 30 sec)?

~~Sanitize:  removes germs or bacteria microbes by a chemical aide(Lysol, bleach, etc.)

~~Disinfect:  kills 99.99% of germs, bacteria and fungus but not spores(follow label directions — wet time)

~~Sterilize:  kills “ALL” contaminants and spores(Autoclave)

Always start with cleaning, using a general-purpose cleaner.  A surface should be clear of dirt and debris before sanitizing or applying a disinfectant. By itself, a general-purpose cleaner won’t kill bacteria or viruses but you should always start with this step.  After the surface is properly cleaned, it’s then important to decide whether to sanitize or disinfect.  The best way to clean skin is with soap and water.

 

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MONDAY MANI

Protecting Yourself and The Client

 

 

Will the client entering the salon be at ease by what they see?  All things neat and clean, in their place and dust-free?  A sense of confidence is offered when cleanliness is what is seen first upon entering the manicure or pedicure area.  At some point, the method of sanitation may be discussed.

Where do germs live?  How do we protect ourselves from them?  Germs are everywhere.  Some we need and some we don’t.  The number one and most effective way to protect ourselves and others from the spread of any type of germ or bacteria is thorough hand washing.  We have left the soak and water days and gone to the pocket hand sanitizer to answer the call of convenience and not necessarily full protection.  We have relegated our protection to drying and harsh chemicals.  It is much safer and better for our skin if we would just take a little time and wash with warm soapy water.  As Mother Dear use to say, ‘Put some elbow grease into it.’  We don’t have time nor the elbow grease.

The Nail Technician is responsible for the protection of each and every client that he/she may touch and perform any type of beautification.  The porous and non-porous items used must be washed, dried and sanitized/disinfected wet and dry) according to the state law.

Happy Pampering!

 

MONDAY MANI

CUTICLES!   CUTICLES!   CUTICLES!

 

Not one left any where!  The Russian Manicure.  That’s the nouveau wave of cuticle damage, in my opinion, that is hitting our industry with the potential of thousands of run around victims in the future.  Damaged cuticles.

That’s the look of this new type manicure.  Remove ALL cuticle!  Cuticles are not to be cut or E-filed for beautification.

I’m talking about the Russian Manicure.  Some claim the manicure/polish lasts longer.  One professional even said, ‘…the gels/acrylics last longer cause you can get right up under the cuticle.’  What!?  When did putting product under the cuticle become ok for the well-being of the client’s skin and nails and possibly overall health.  If the product can be placed underneath the cuticle, so can germs and bacteria.

What Is It?

Some people around the globe are teaching a highly risky technique that goes by several different names including, the “Russian” or “Equipment”  or “Dry” or “E-File” manicure. 

The process is to use an electronic file with very fine bits to file off the dead/dry skin or cuticle around the nail plate. Tissue is also filed from the nail plate.

This isn’t a new look.  It resulted in the condition called “run around” when we didn’t know of the long-term effects of cutting off live tissue/cuticle.  The result was the  cuticles are then permanently puffy and tender because the nail techs took off the living tissue(cuticle)the proximal fold or the eponychium during the manicure.

The  proximal fold, lateral side walls, and the hyponychium create the 4 required guardian seals to protect the nail bed and matrix from harmful germs and bacteria.  We never want to cut or sand down live skin!  ~~Nail Care HQ

To be continued…