Nail Bites - Tortoiseshell isn’t just for cats!

I have had plenty of time to explore new designs.
Not only to explore, but also to have the confidence to try them out. It is quite daunting when a client asks for some nail art that they might have seen somewhere - the nail tech has to work out how best to translate it to the client’s own nail.
This takes time, patience, and artistry. It helps if a client can mention their desire for a piece of nail art when booking their appointment - creating something bespoke can add ten minutes or more to the nail - imagine a set of ten nails, and creating a piece of artwork for each nail!
Inspired by the markings of a beautiful, haughty cat I had seen when out walking, I decided to try a tortoiseshell design, carefully applying the markings, then helping them to ‘blur’ into each other. I excitedly added the top coat, which revealed a gorgeous deeply marbled design! Wow! To prove this wasn’t a one-off, I repeated the design. The very nature of the design means that each one is unique, and so my second one was slightly different, although it would still sit nicely next to my original design.
Imagine this as a feature nail, sitting regally next to maybe a Mocha coloured set ... or a Cinnamon coloured set...?
Inspired? I am!

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Nail bites - Springtime tortoiseshell

I really enjoyed creating the pretty tortoiseshell, in marbled browns over a black background.

At the end of a design session I had a spare nail swatch with The Manicure Company’s Mint to Be ... wondering what to do with it. Looking at the colours I had out: yellow, black, purple ...
I thought I’d try another tortoiseshell but this time using different colours; unexpected colours. I thrive on the unexpected!
My design took shape gradually, I was creating it as I went along!

But the result? Well, I am very excited about this one! I have put it next to black, but it will be an excellent feature nail alongside the base colour - Mint to Be - or why not shake it up a bit and place it next to a bright sunshine yellow?

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Nail bites - Jewels not Tools!

Our hands are hard working and deserve and demand TLC!

It’s so easy to neglect them though.
And with a lot of us spending more time at home, unable to get to your regular nail tech for your treatment, it is very important that you continue to appreciate and nurture your hands and nails. When you are finally able to get to the salon, or the salon can visit you at home, all of that care for you nails will be apparent.

Keep your nails filed, and not too long - remember that bacteria and nasties can lurk behind the nail so don’t leave too much space for them to play!

I talk a lot about cuticle oil which is vital nourishment for your nails. Handcream is just as important though - take the time to give your hands a luxurious long massage.

Make sure you treat them well as you make your way through your day:

Always wear washing up gloves:

• When washing up(!)
• When cleaning and using any kind of detergent or chemical
• When sorting your washing basket
• When gardening
• When washing the car .. or bicycle 

... you get what I mean!

Remember:
Your nails - whether treated with pretty coloured gel or polish or kept natural - are Jewels not Tools!




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Nail bites - spots spots and more spots!

Finding some time to experiment, I have been playing with colours, designs, and effects.
It’s Spring, so bright colours are the special order of the day!

Black of course contrasts with any colour, with yellow it is adds such a potent vibrancy I can feel my feet itching to dance in the sunshine! I have positioned  it next to some carefully placed stripes add a more serious feel to it ... but either design could hold its head up high on its own, or as a feature nail!
Red with black polka dots is an absolute classic, adding a sophisticated sense of fun and daring to your every day.
Let’s try The Manicure Company’s Mint to Be against a start black background ... and we have an elegant, refined design that can hold its head up high accompanying you to any garden party!

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Nail bites - snake bites!

Inspired by watching Steve Backshall in his quest for the 60 most deadly creatures on our planet, I recreated one of those creatures in nail art.
I am fascinated with the skin of reptiles and snakes. First look and it isn’t anything special. But look closer ... to reveal the dry scales ... and look even closer for the beautiful and individual patterns and colours. Some are more intricate than others, but each is magnificent!
I have used iridescent greens on a black background here. Watch for the subtle sparkle, almost a glow. One has a matte finish - which still displays that sparkle - and the other I finished with a shiny top coat.
Perhaps not for every nail, but This will be quite a show stopper of an accent nail! Maybe I will try some different colours .... 

 

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Nail bites - designs and decals

Ok so it is relatively easy to apply a decal, or sticker, to your nail and have a ready-made design. Or is it?

I have plenty of stickers and decals to choose from. They are impressive! They can also be fiddly and awkward to apply.
For a start, you have to remove the decal from the safety of its background - it’s a tiny piece of artwork embedded in a sea of stickiness - apparently all designed to keep its condition pristine.
Once removed, in the firm hold of my tweezers, it then has to be placed in exactly the right position on the nail.
To explain a bit more, the gel polish  always has an inhibition layer, the slightly sticky finish which at the end of the manicure we remove with solution to reveal a beautiful shiny surface to accentuate  your manicure.
This sticky inhibition layer works so well with any addition to the surface, including gemstones, design materials, and of course our decal - it gently holds the addition in place, ready for the final holding top coat.
But it can also work against us! As I wave the pretty little decal, firmly restrained by my trusty tweezers, can I contort myself to a favourable position to allow me to position this tiny tiny decal in just the right spot of that sticky nail?? All that without accidentally stabbing those trusted tweezers into the nail!
Well, with a lot of patience, and a steady hand, I have it. In just the right position. Yes, I like it! Gently smooth it down, and its ready for the top coat.
The result? Have a look, see what you think. There are 100s, 1000s, an infinite number of designs out there, and I have quite a collection!

 

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Scratch!

After being in isolation for so long I almost pulled the postman’s hand through my letterbox as I spotted my favourite monthly mag casually slide into my home! 
I have been very restrained and pulled myself back from instantly reading it from cover to cover. 
I have cleaned my windows, dusted my nick nacks, done my ironing ... staving off the temptation to read every single page of that glossy treasure and instantly regretting not saving it! 
Now, glass of well-deserved wine in hand, The Chase on TV ... now I shall peel back the cover and delicately and tenderly start to read my mag. Not too much though, I need to save some for tomorrow. 
Sshhh .... enjoy your evening, stay safe and healthy. 

Proud to be a Nail tech

www.nailstoyou.uk 
Info@nailstoyou.uk
07727 110413