The Great Cuticle Debate: Is It Better to Trim or Push?

Next time your manicurist asks you which one you prefer, you'll be ready with a definitive answer.

To trim or not to trim… that is the question.

Okay, it may not be exactly what Hamlet said, but if you’re the type who gets regular manicures, you’ve definitely wondered whether to enthusiastically affirm or politely demure when your manicurist asks if you'd like your cuticles trimmed.

The answer is (excuse the pun) pretty cut-and-dry.

“In general, you shouldn't trim cuticles,” says New Orleans dermatologist Mary Lupo, M.D. “If they’re too short or lifted away from the nail, it allows bacteria, yeast and fungus to infect the nail bed.” What’s more, too much trimming actually makes cuticles look worse in the long run. “If you cut off too much of the cuticle, they’ll look good for one or two days, but then they’ll peel and get ragged again,” says New York City manicurist Jin Soon Choi.

No trimming is all well and good—hey, we’re all about healthy beauty—but let’s face it, everyone’s cuticles can look a little rough from time to time. And if you’re splurging on a mani, you don’t want janky cuticles ruining the effect, right? “The most important part of a manicure is making sure the nail plate is clean,” notes Elissa Schell, a manicurist at Paintbox in New York City. “Polish and gel won’t adhere to the nail unless it’s completely free of any oils or dead skin.”

Fortunately, it’s possible to get cuticles mani-ready sans trimming. Follow these three easy steps to neaten up cuticles and get rid of any annoying dead skin safely:
One more thing to note: Unlike cuticles, hangnails should always be nipped in the bud. “A hangnail is really just a loose or already-torn cuticle,” says Dr. Lupo. “They should always be trimmed to prevent from being torn further and causing bleeding or infection.”

Of course, it’s even better to prevent hangnails in the first place—and you can do that by applying oil or hand lotion regularly. “I know manicurists say it all the time, but that's because it's true!” says Schell. “Along with helping prevent dry cuticles, it helps tremendously with hangnails.” Try keeping a bottle of oil on your desk and rubbing it onto cuticles every once in a while.

You’ll love the instantly-neatened-up effect it has on your mani—and your cuticles will thank you.

Call and schedule your manicure today!  831.373.2273 or book on line at www.montereydayspa.com


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Nail Care for Great Looking Nails

Nail Care: Keeping your nails looking young, healthy and shapely.

The shape of your nails can have an effect on your self-esteem, believe it or not. In fact, when you look at your nails you can tell whether or not they are healthy.

How to tell if your nails are healthy:
One way to know if your nails are healthy is whether or not they break easily or not.

Furthermore, the healthiest nails do not have any ridges, lines, or white spots on them (however harmless this slight blemish would be).

More importantly, healthy nails do not appear to have any type of yellow or green discoloration in any way. If your nails appear this way it could be a sign that something else is not right with your body, or a symptom of another condition such as chronic bronchitis or lymph edema (swelling of the hands).

The effect of a poor diet on the nails:
Unhealthy nails could also be a sign that the body is deficient in certain nutrients such as Vitamin E or Calcium. It is very important for you to watch your diet in order to ensure that you have the best-looking nails as possible.

Eating a variety of vegetables and/or dairy that contain calcium in them will help, along with eating certain types of fish. The body also needs plenty of fruits and vegetables daily.

Proper nail care:
Besides dieting correctly, a person needs to use the proper nail care tools for shaping and caring for the nails. If you want healthier-looking nails you will want to invest in a few different products that will help you.

For example a buffer that has three or four different sides would be very helpful. The function of this particular tool is to file, buff, and shine your nails. When you are done using this nail tool your nails will typically look as though you have applied a clear coat of nail sealant to them.

While using a nail file and/or buffer you will usually use each side of the nail buffer on the top and the tips of your nails. While applying each step to the tip of your nails you will want to make sure to stroke the buffer across the tip of your nail in one direction always-not back and forth.

Furthermore, while applying each step of the nail buffer to the top of your nail it is best to work from the inside of your nail to the outside. You may want to read other newsletters like this which may provide you additional nail car tips in the future. You can also research on your own how to properly take care of your nails.

You can also acquire complete manicure sets for either the fingernails or the toenails that include a variety of tools. For instance, the foot manicure set (pedicure) usually will include items such as a micro file which is used for removing rough food callous.

These nail manicure sets also will often come equipped with a tool which helps you properly clean underneath your nails as well. For instance, some sets will include a nail scrubber or a pick device used for digging out dirt.

Don't bite your nails:
You are advised that if you want healthy nails not to bite them. You also should not bit your cuticles because this could cause infection. You can do research to find out healthy ways to treat your nail cuticles. There are hand held tools and creams that can help your properly remove them.

Nail care cleansing and forming products:
In addition to some of the simple procedures for filing the nails above, you also may make use of a variety of different nail cleansers, conditioners, or moisturizers which will help you keep your nails soft and fresh-looking. You may also want to find products to help you keep your nail cuticles under control as well to promote proper growth.

The more you read about nail care the more you will be educated. You will be further informed regarding other useful nail products as you visit our site or read future newsletters. You are welcome to search for the information you need at your own convenience.

Call today to schedule your manicure appointment at 831-373-2273 or book online at www.montereydayspa.com

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repost from chixrx

Nail News: OPI Joins Forces with Gwen Stefani for New Lacquer Line

Recently, world-renowned professional nail care company, OPI teamed up with celebrity partner and international superstar, Gwen Stefani in announcing seven all new, limited edition nail lacquers for 2014. The new line, "Gwen Stefani by OPI," will feature a host of standout color in breakthrough finishes. Highlights from the collection include a bold red lacquer that pays homage to Gwen’s signature lipstick of choice, a new semi-matte satin finish in shades of gold and black, and a mirrored chrome paired with its own special base coat.

Inspired by the 2013 Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala that featured the theme “Punk: Chaos to Couture,” OPI Executive VP and Artistic Director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann decided to create a collection of lacquers celebrating the role of music as a major influence in fashion. Weiss-Fischmann was drawn to Gwen Stefani's “expertise as a singer, songwriter and designer,” as well as the singer's ability to "use beauty to accessorize her style.”

Gwen’s signature red OPI hue, Over & Over A-Gwen, is available in a boxed set that also includes Swarovski black crystals and silver, gold and pewter studs in bar, square, diamond and circle shapes to help in creating unique nail designs. The set also come with nail glue for easy application. Two Stefani-inspired shades, "Love.Angel.Music.Baby." and "4 in the Morning," feature a new, semi-matte satin finish designed to be worn without top coat. "Push and Shove," a bold chrome hue, is also intended to be worn without top coat, but requires a special complimentary base coat called "Lay Down that Base." One thin coat of "Lay Down that Base" topped with two thin coats of "Push and Shove" yields an intense, mirrored finish. The collection is rounded out with two glossy crème lacquers and one sparkly glitter shade: "Hey Baby, I Sing in Color," and "In True Stefani Fashion."

With this new line, Weiss-Fischmann hopes to create “a collection as dramatic, diverse and glamorous as its namesake." Furthermore, she relates how, “with crème and glitter hues, new satin matte texture, a mirrored chrome and Swarovski Elements, Gwen Stefani by OPI presents the latest in pigments and finishes, while combining elements of haute couture and street fashion.”

Gwen Stefani by OPI includes the following seven limited edition nail lacquers: "Love.Angel.Music.Baby.," "4 in the Morning," "In True Stefani Fashion," "Hey Baby, I Sing in Color," "Push and Shove," and "Over & Over A-Gwen."

 Will you buy this line??

To schedule an appointment, give us a call at 831-373-2273.  You can also book online at www.montereydayspa.com

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Article source: dayspamagazine.com 

Summer Hair

Summer's Hottest Haircut: Is It Right for You?

Even though we don't do hair here at Monterey Day Spa, we know how it is an important part of your beauty routine!  We found this article, and thought you might be interested about Summer's Hottest Hair!  Take a look.  

From the runway to the red carpet, it seems like some of the most stylish girls around are chopping off their hair for summer. Top model Karlie Kloss debuted a short bob backstage at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in November, and just weeks after her win for Best Actress at the Oscars, America’s sweetheart Jennifer Lawrence decided to do away with her long locks in favor of a layered shag. Sure, shorter strands might seem like the easiest way to lighten up your look for the season, but beware: this look isn’t for everyone. We chatted with Bumble and bumble stylist Roz Murray who gave us some key things to consider before you make the cut.

It won’t necessarily keep you cool. Roz gets tons of requests for this crop at Bumble, varying in length from the chin to the collarbone. People tend to think that this cut is a lighter and cooler option for summer, but they often lose sight of the fact that you can’t simply put it up. “A lot of girls are used to pulling their hair into a topknot when they get too warm, but with a bob you don’t have that luxury,” Roz explained.

Be sure to pick the right length for your face shape and hair texture. "You need to have a realistic expectation of your style, depending on what kind of hair and texture you have," Roz said. "If you have curly hair, remember curls jump when you cut them, so your style will look shorter once you leave the salon. You should talk to your stylist about appropriate weight removal — not necessarily layers — when going shorter. With a one-length bob, it's a matter of getting in there and removing the appropriate amount of weight with a razor or texturing tool so it doesn’t go into a triangle shape." The key to keeping this style youthful and current is making sure it's shattered and broken up at the ends, which gives you a piecey, bedhead-like look. 

Your personality plays a big role. Short hair means different things — and different feelings — to different people. “Some women feel less girly when they cut their hair because they imagine long "mermaid hair" as the feminine ideal," Roz said. "But others feel really sexy and empowered!”

It’s not as easy to maintain as it looks. Because you can't just pull your hair back into a ponytail, when you commit to a crop, you commit to actually doing your hair everyday. Plus, it requires more frequent cuts it to keep it at at the desired length.

Less is more. When it comes to styling a short cut, it's best to play up your natural texture. "I think the Beachwaver or a wide curling iron is great for styling this look," Roz told us. "It gives you that slightly undone, wavy look that's so sought after." 

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Article source: MarieClaire.com