Nailing the Details

Manicures and pedicures are a luxury that date back thousands of years and were typically performed for royalty and nobility to indicate social status. Today this special treatment is still a luxury for many and is often saved for special occasions and or when someone else is footing the bill. For your wedding, whether you decide to do it yourself or hire a professional, pampering your fingers and toes to look their princess best is a must.

If you are going to hire someone, choose your manicurist early because you should leave time for a test run – just as you would for your hair style for the big day. Here are a few things that you should know about your manicurist and nail salon:

• Make sure your technician practices in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations. Most states require technicians to be licensed and to follow certain sanitation method.
• Make sure sanitary methods are strictly followed. All of the tools should be properly washed and sanitized for the required amount of time after each client. This would require each tech to have more than one set of tools. Be sure the salon changes the towels between clients, too
• If you have brittle nails, you might want to avoid products that contain drying agents, such as ones that contain too much formaldehyde. Many products are available today that will not dry out the nails making them brittle
• Never allow the technician to use a razor type tool on your feet. There are many topical products available to help remove calluses and dry skin. A very good one is Callus Eliminator from Pro Linc. Ask your tech if she uses it. It is probably the best on the market! The use of razor implements is illegal in most states.

Great services require great products. Here are some of WBM’s favorite companies:

Barielle is the company that introduced us to the “Total Foot Care Cream.” Try their Hand and Body Exfoliating Lotion

and the Ultra Soft Hand Crème with SPF 15.

Orly is another great company that introduced us to the French Manicure kit. Also check out their SpaRitual collection.

Essie is great for colors that can accommodate the palest to the darkest of skin tones.

Revlon has it all from a complete set of quality tools to polish.

~Myrdith Leon-McCormack