A manicure is a cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and hands. A manicure treatment can be just for the hands or nails, or can be for both. A common manicure found is the filing, shaping of the nails and the application of polish. There are also manicure services that are specialties for the hands and feet. For the hands, the soaking of a softening substance and the application of a lotion is a common specialty. Another common specialty is applying this similar treatment of lotion to the feet, called pedicure. The word “manicure” derives from Latin: manus for hand, cura for “care”.
Manicures often include the filing, polishing, and painting of fingernails. A manicure may also include the application of artificial nail tips, acrylics or artificial nail gels. Some manicures can include the painting of pictures or designs on the nails or applying small decals or imitation jewels.
In many areas, manicurists are licensed and follow regulation. Since skin is manipulated and is sometimes trimmed, there is a certain risk of spreading infection when tools are used across many people and therefore sanitation is a serious issue.
History
Manicures began 5000 years ago. In India, henna was used for manicure. The term mehendi, used synonymously for henna, derives from the Sanskrit mehandika.[1] Much of the modern revival of henna derives from its popularity in India.
Cixi, dowager empress of China, was said to wear very long artificial nails.[2]
Fashion nails
In the late 20th century, artificial nails for women became widely popular. The artificial nails are not a replacement, but an extension for natural nails. There are two main approaches to creating artificial nails—tips and forms. Tips are made of lightweight plastic plates that are “nail” shaped. They are glued on the end of the natural nail and acrylic is then applied over the entire nail. Forms are fit over the nail and then an artificial nail is molded out of acrylic and the form is removed and then properly shaped and buffed to a shine. There are several popular techniques that can be used to create longer better looking nail enhancements. One popular material commonly called “acrylics” is a mixture of a polymer powder and a liquid monomer (e.g.ethylmethacrylate). The mixture starts to harden in 30–40 seconds after application and continues to cure to final hardness typically for more than an hour. Powder and liquid acrylics can be removed in 20 minutes using a variety of solvents (usually acetone is used). Another material, commonly called “UV gel”, (in correct chemical terms a polymer resin) hardens under ultraviolet light. Depending on brand these can show a broader variety of quality and properties (flexibility, strength, etc.) but may be more expensive. They generally cannot be removed by organic solvents, but only be removed by filing (or left to grow out with the natural nail). Another popular alternative to acrylic or gel preparations are Fiberglass or Silk wraps. They are done by cutting pieces of actual fiberglass or silk fabric to fit on the surface of the nail or tip and then it is sealed down with a resin or glue. These are a possible alternative for those who are allergic to chemicals used in the acrylic or gel process. Other materials can be used, as well as combinations of them. There are also temporary, cheaper flexible tips that can be quickly glued at home without help from a professional. Acrylic nail powders are available in a variety of colours and can use “special effects” such as contours, sparkles and the very popular French Manicure (pink and white appearance).
These fashion trends are not without risks, as residues of acrylic resins have been known to lead to redness, swelling, pain and even severe allergic reactions. The nail can separate from the nail bed, and if the nail root becomes damaged, the replacement can be permanently deformed. As well, nail glue is poisonous if accidentally swallowed and a few nail polishes and removers contain toxic formaldehyde or acetone<ref>Scratching the surface of fingernails.</ref>.
Paraffin treatments
The hands can be dipped in melted paraffin or wax. This is meant to impart heat to the hand for the purposes of relaxing the skin and making it better able to absorb lotion, which is sometimes rubbed on the hand before submersion into the paraffin. The hand is usually dipped more than once to allow a thicker wax coat to form, making the coating stay warm for longer and less likely to break or tear prematurely. After the hands have been dipped in the wax, they are wrapped in either plastic or tin foil, then covered with cloth to retain warmth.
The hands are left for a few minutes before the paraffin, cooled and dried.
Paraffin wax can be infused with various botanical ingredients such as Aloe vera, chamomile, tea tree oil, and azulene. Fruit waxes such as peach, apple and strawberry are often used in salons.
Hot oil manicure
A hot oil manicure is a specific type of manicure that cleans the cuticles and softens them with oil. It works well for dry skin and nails that are brittle as it improves both by leaving them soft and pliable. Types of oils that can be used are mineral oil, olive oil or commercial preparation in an
electric heater.[3]
The Standard Manicure Process
A manicurist prepares for a customer by ensuring that the working area and tools are sanitized and conveniently located and there is proper lighting.
Common manicure tools and supplies
Tools
- Bowl of warm water or fingerbath
- Nail clippers
- Cuticle knife and clippers
- Cuticle pusher/Hoof stick
- Nail file/emery board, buffer, scissors and brush
- Orange Stick
Supplies
- Cuticle remover * this is caustic and MUST be rinsed off the skin after use, oil and cream
- Massage lotion
- Nail polish
- Base coat polish & ridge filler polish
- Color varnish
- Top coat or sealant
- Nail polish remover or nail polish remover wipes
- Hand cream
- Sanitizing spray/towels
- Cotton balls/pads
- Hand towels
Speciality manicures
- French Manicure
See also
- Pedicure
External links
Manicure No.1
LNG Nails E-zine
- Manicure Spanish link
- Manicure French link
References
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