Sunday, 29 November 2020
Friday, 20 November 2020
Nail bites - diy nails
We’re about halfway through lockdown two ... although much seems quite normal. Except the pubs and restaurants are closed, along with all beauty services including mobile..
The roads are busy, kids are at school, work goes on as usual, the shops are pretty normal.
But you can’t get your nails treated! So what do you do if you have a fast-growing manicure? well, for gel if you can wait please do.
Otherwise, don’t be tempted to pick the gel off, keep using the cuticle oil. You c an get acetone solutions from online stores - use with caution as it is a strong chemical!
- Gently break the surface of the gel polish with a nail file - but don’t file it to the nail surface!
- Place an acetone-soaked cotton ball over the nail surface and secure with foil
- Leave for 15-20 minutes, and then have a look tsee if you can gently push the polish off. If it doesn’t come away easily, soak the cotton wool again and repeat.
- Once all the gel is removed, gently file your nails
- Treat with cuticle oil, and keep using the oil at least twice daily.
- Your nails will be ready for their Christmas manicure!
Proud to be a Nail Tech
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07727 110413
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Sunday, 1 November 2020
We’ve been here before ...
So from early Thursday 5th November we enter lockdown once again to cover England. Not as restricted as earlier this year, but bad enough. Only shops selling essentials will be able to open. Beauty services including nail salons/mobiles are not essential and we therefore cannot operate.
Ever since the first lockdown ended, business for all nail and beauty salons has been slow. People have managed for so long and now they are not quite so dependant on us. And with many holidays out of the question, family events being restricted to small numbers of guests, we haven’t got the occasions to go to that we normally look forward to and enjoy. It’s great to be able to treat ourselves, but then a lot of people are facing jobloss if they haven’t already lost their jobs.
With the uncertainty of the immediate future, I didn’t advertise as much as pre-lockdown. This was because I wanted to guarantee my clients’ and my own safety so for now I don’t offer back-to-back appointments, and no parties. I have a steady flow of clients, both regular and occasional. Luckily I also have my ‘day job’ so this is not my only source of income, like many of my colleagues. At the moment my mobile nail business is more pleasure for me!
So when Thursday arrives, there will be for now minimal impact to my clients.I have been able to bring forward some appointments so precious clients can enjoy their treatment pre-lockdown, and hopefully we can get back to normal after a successful period of lockdown.
While in lockdown, I will be able to experiment again with different techniques, colours and designs - and of course my own nails! Along with baking, reading, walking ... all the things we were able to rediscover earlier this year.
So don’t despair, this is all for the greater good - and we will be back!
Proud to be a Nail Tech
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Info@nailstoyou.uk
07727 110413
Monday, 26 October 2020
Nail Bites - smooth or not so smooth?
Preparation is key in everything we do, and a manicure is no different.
Many nail techs will do a great job of filing and shaping your nails, much better than you can do yourself. We are used to shaping your nail efficiently and evenly, and we have the tools to be able to do this.
So after filing your nails you might think that they are ready for the gel polish application.
But as we file your nails, we are also assessing their condition and looking for signs of breakage or splitting, or anything else that could compromise the quality of your manicure.
Any rogue cuticles can be pushed back at this point, giving a good nail surface to work with.
E-files (electric files) can be used at his stage, although I prefer to use a manicure file. Some nail techs will also file the surface of the nail - this is something I won’t do!
I have had a few manicures where the filing of my nail surface has made my nails incredibly sensitive, but it also weakened my nails to an extent where I had to let them grow out over a period of several months to allow them to recover.
I gave this step a lot of consideration before removing it from my process. I don’t want to hurt my clients!
But I also found out that not every nail is the same, in the same way as no face is the same.
But I also found out that:
Nails have wrinkles!
Yes, just like our skin nails can become wrinkled with age. Although please don’t assume that your bumpy nails are just wrinkled as there are other reasons that can cause imperfections in the nail, so if in doubt always consult a medical professional. Your nail tech will not continue your manicure if there is any doubt regarding the good health of your nails.
But if your nails have wrinkles there is really no need to file them out! The products I use - base coat, colour, top coat - are all self-levelling, meaning they will smooth out any bumps on the nail.
Which in turn means that I can offer a gentle experience to your nails, while also giving you a great manicure!
If you have any questions concerning any part of your manicure, please do ask.
Proud to be a Nail Tech
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Info@nailstoyou.uk
07727 110413
Thursday, 15 October 2020
Nail Bites - anyone for Lilac?
I have so many wonderful colours. Each one is chosen because I like it and I would be very happy to wear it. But there are just not enough days in the yea to wear every single colour and combination! The next best thing is to create a gorgeous manicure in these colours for my clients.
I am always happy with the choice each client makes - there has never been a time when I have doubted a client’s choice.
So this particular manicure, for a very special person, was an absolute pleasure to do. She initially chose a very pale lilac, which was delicate and pretty, but together we decided to go for a little more depth. And a dainty white flower decal on the ring fingers to make it even more special.
So this lady was ready for work, play, and a well-deserved treat for herself. Sometimes you need that me-time!
Sunday, 4 October 2020
October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Autumn has finally arrived after a long and luxuriously sunny Summer. With Autumn comes conkers, hibernation, chillier evenings, and brisker winds. Thoughts of Winter are ever closer now!
October brings Halloween, Stoptober where we can pledge to quit a habit such a smoking, or take a break from drinking alcohol.
October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month - raising awareness of this terrible cancer which can affect anyone, whether you know someone who is fighting it or you are fighting it yourself, or you are involved in research, or raising funds fo that important research, or you are treating a patient with this disease .... it affects every person, regardless of age, gender, religion, wealth, beliefs, likes, dislikes ... every person can and will be affected in some way by this.
23rd October is Wear it Pink - when you can join in and have some fun too! If you know me then you will also know that pink is favourite colour of mine ... in heraldic terms it signifies romance, love and friendship; and denotes feminine qualities and passiveness. But this can be no time for being passive in this fight against cancer! We all have part to play, no matter how small you feel that part is we are all involved this together. I pledge to donate 20% of each extra item sold from my Love Your| goodies. So whether for your self or someone you care about, have a look at my website where you will find plenty of salon quality spa treats at very affordable prices.
I look forward to lots of pink this month!
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Proud to be a Nail Tech
Wednesday, 23 September 2020
Nail bites - Pink sparkles
I have so many colours I daren’t even begin to count them. I have chosen each of them because I would be very happy to wear them - there are not nearly enough days in the year for me to try each and every colour! Plus as many of you will know I like to mix it up a bit with a design or mix of colours - I have never had the same combination more than once! I love a bit of sparkle, even just a hint of a sparkle to catch the light. And a sparkle with a colour, well that is just perfect!
One of my clients chose the Pink Sparkle - beautiful champagne pink overflowing with gorgeous pink sparkling bubbles ... on every nail it look absolutely stunning. Just like wearing your most precious jewels every day. Because your manicure is an accessory you should be proud to wear! Even on the dullest day when I look at my manicure I smile and feel os much brighter.
Tuesday, 8 September 2020
Nail bites - Behind the mask
I’m loving being able to see all my lovely clients once again. The one question the have each asked me: am I busy?
Well, I’m not cramming appointments in as I did before the pandemic.
This is out of a mixture of not wanting to over-commit my time, a need for extra time to manage the extra precautions we now all have to take, and having had so much free time during lockdown I have an absolute desire to enjoy my life taking time for myself.
And so the clients I am seeing enjoy an unhurried appointment with total focus on their needs. We have all been through a lot, and we all deserve this, my clients are no exception!
With gifts of extra advice and expert knowledge, or a mini treat to use between appointments, I want each client to enjoy a very special experience. Under that mask we have to wear it is impossible to see a nice smile so this has to be translated in other ways!
And when I leave my client feels relaxed, special, and in possession of a beautiful treat they can wear everyday!
Proud to be a Nail Tech
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07727 110413
Wednesday, 26 August 2020
Just like Granny’s!
I was very fortunate if a little reluctant to be gifted some windfall apples recently.
I haven’t baked anything for years, my reason being that if I bake it I have to eat it ... and I can do without the calories!
So I perused the Internet searching for a suitable recipe that didn’t require ingredients that I will never use again, and didn’t require too much effort. There are so many recipes out there, tried and tasted apparently by their creators. I wanted something a little more challenging than an apple crumble, which I rediscovered in my trusty old Be-Ro book. I was side-tracked for a while as I carefully turned the remains of the pages, remembering all the dishes I have made using this book, handed to me by my Granny many many years ago. It was always my reliable go-to for basic cakes that could be made special enough for Sunday teas and even birthday cakes. Enough daydreaming, and back to my search!
I happened upon a promising recipe which called for very few ingredients and was an easy rubbed-in method so required no special equipment! The only thing I needed to buy was a loaf tin - perfect!
And so my Apple Loaf was born, emerging from the oven with the most delicious aroma ... and now I am sitting with a cup of Earl Grey tea and a slice of my cake.
Thinking about all the cakes and cookies I can bake ... mmm!
Saturday, 22 August 2020
Nail bites - sheer sophistication!
It has been a busy week with one thing and another.
Trying to plan a camping holiday when everything is already fully booked is not much fun! But we have managed to get some time in later in the year to some exciting places that we have never visited before.
I had the pleasure of creating a beautiful gel manicure which glimmers and shines, yet is cool and understated. Using Halo gels with Butterscotch as a base colour overlaid with a very beautiful Rose Gold.
There is nothing loud or brash about this combination; it is pure chic, beautifully stylish.
And yet, when it catches the light .... wow watch out!
This is a magical beauty, sheer sophisticated elegance!
Thursday, 13 August 2020
Nail bites - Gel or not?
I offer gel polish because of its versatility, durability, flexibility ... I have an impressive range of colours, from three systems - each with their own advantages. And of course most of the products I use are vegan and cruelty free.
Through Lockdown I have been using Orly Breathables for my own nails, a lot!
A single product that includes base coat, colour, top coat, and lots of goodies to treat the nail with - and the nail really does benefit!
It isn’t an easy product to use as a rule, but I have found that I can use it very successfully, even including some abstract nail art - I have shared some of my designs.
It is the perfect choice for some clients.
An allergy to any part of the gel manicure is nasty, but this range offers the client a pretty and affordable alternative to gel polish.
And there is also the versatility for the client of being able to remove the polish at home! This is great, because quite often a manicure is for a special occasion. The client might prefer to be able to remove the polish easily at home, maybe their job doesn’t allow them to wear it at work - for anyone with a role within a clinical profession you will know that only too well.
So it is always nice to be able to treat yourself or someone close to you to a lovely luxurious manicure, safe in the knowledge that the product can be removed at home before going back to work.
And I am discovering new colours within the range all the time!
Proud to be a Nail Tech
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Info@nailstoyou.uk
07727 110413
Sunday, 9 August 2020
Nail bites - Astral Flip?!
If you have been reading my blog - and a massive thank you if you have! - you will know that I have been using Orly Breathables -the perfect mix of base coat, top coat, added nutrient goodies, and a beautiful colour - for some time over lockdown.
Proud to be a Nail Tech
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Info@nailstoyou.uk
07727 110413
Wednesday, 5 August 2020
Nail Bites - Frankincense and Sun

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Info@nailstoyou.uk
07727 110413
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Info@nailstoyou.uk
07727 110413
Saturday, 1 August 2020
Nail bites - First week back!
Saturday, 25 July 2020
A weekend away
Saturday, 18 July 2020
Nail bites - A Mermaid’s Tale
Thursday, 16 July 2020
Nail bites - prepare for your appointment
Wednesday, 15 July 2020
Nails to You ... and You, and You and You!
Sunday, 12 July 2020
Nails to You - Mobile Manicures to Your Home!
It seems like we were in lockdown for absolutely ages, and lots of changes have happened in between.
The COVID19 situation has forced a lot of change upon all of us, from the way we go about our daily lives, to the way in which businesses can safely operate.
I have thought long and hard about what I need to put in place, in line with government guidance. I have produced a document detailing what to expect from your experience with me - you can download and read it in full on my website.
The highlights and main changes that you will see are:
- I will be wearing a visor when I come to your home, and I will expect you to wear a face mask
- I will also wear single-use clinical gloves for your treatment
- I will continue to use my usual nail files which I like, but they will become specific to each client and stored safely between appointments
- Card payment will be preferred, and my card reader supports contactless payment.
I can’t wait to see you all again; I have lots of new colours for you to try!
Proud to be a Nail Tech
Thursday, 9 July 2020
Nail bites - a quick tidy up!
I enjoy creating something which is unique to each client, and I know that I have never had exactly the same design more than once!
When I am doing my own nails I have a vague idea of what I am aiming for, but invariably I create as I go along. Often the client will have a definite idea of what they want, but this often evolves as the design takes shape.
Today I used Orly Breathables, starting with TLC - a pale purple, tipped with Pick Me Up - a deeper purple, blending the two colours wth You’re A Gem - giving a beautiful shimmer.
And an enchanted design now adorns my fingernails!
Orly Breathables are a range of nail polish that contains base coat, colour, and top coat all in one - oh and lots of other goodies are packed in to nourish the nails while giving a beautiful colour. It is easily and quickly removed with regular nail polish remover, revealing nicely conditioned, healthy nails.
Perfect if you don’t want the commitment of a gel polish, or your nails have been suffering, or you just want a break from gel polish. It isn’t as durable as gel polish, but expect around a week’s wear if you treat it well.
Monday, 6 July 2020
Super weekend!
On Saturday, hospitality including pubs, and our lovely hairdressers were allowed to open their doors again and welcome us in.
A very happy moment, more for the sense of increasing freedom!
After a busy day yesterday - well it would have been such a shame not to pop into a pub after all this time - I decided to try my new body scrub.
It is made of coffee, with sea salt and manuka honey amongst other things. It’s something that is dry, and needs to be rubbed into wet skin.
It was just like dried filter coffee, and smelt the same! It rubbed in nicely, with the satisfying aroma of delicious coffee. Luckily I had stood in the bath while doing this because it was impossible not to lose some to the floor - so I was standing in what looked like a watery drink of coffee!
The time soon came to rinse it off ... to reveal beautifully soft skin with a delicate hint of coffee.
I can recommend it!
Friday, 3 July 2020
Nail bites - more freedom!
- The pubs are opening! - with certain restrictions
- The hairdressers are opening - which I am very excited about! I even have a much sought-after appointment which I am looking forward to!
Sadly the beauty salons, including nail bars, and of course mobile technicians, are not among this latest phase of lockdown release. Which is not entirely a bad thing; this means we can take advice from our sister profession and learn from them as to what will work and what will become best practice.
In the meantime we will continue to look after our own nails, and prepare for opening day.
So I gave my hands and nails a luxurious treatment which included a luscious soak, collagen gloves (which I absolutely adore), treat for my nails, and a gel manicure. I chose Sail Away by Cuccio, a deliciously pale and delicate pink which goes perfectly with denim, linen, a floral tea dress - and compliments any work outfit too.
So wile you are maintaining your nails at home, lavishing them with cuticle oil and hand cream, have a think about what you would like for your next manicure with me ... I can’t wait to see you again!
Saturday, 20 June 2020
Summer Solstice 2020
Tuesday, 16 June 2020
Monday, 15 June 2020
Nail bites - Dry nails?
I have noticed that my nails have ridges and various imperfections. When I have been to a beauty salon for a manicure, the technician has always buffed the nail plate until it was perfectly smooth, in spite of me asking them not to! This is fine up to a point - a gel manicure will not ‘stick’ to an oily nail. But I have found that there are other ways which are kinder to the nail.
I never buff the nail plate. The products I use are self-levelling and any bumps or ridges are usually ‘lost’ with application of the product. But for a deeply ridged nail - I would still advise against buffing the nail plate, embrace the different texture!Maybe even incorporate it into a design.
But in the meantime, as we wait for the lockdown to allow us to work on beautifying your nails once more, please please keep using that cuticle oil and look after those nails as best as you can!