Each stage of a manicure or pedicure is basically the same, with a few adjustments made depending on whether it is the hand or foot being treated. The nails are filed, cuticle work is performed, a hand or foot massage is included, and the nail plate is either enamelled or buffed. Pedicures differ slightly in that hard skin removal is included if necessary. A professional manicure takes 30 minutes and a professional pedicure takes 45 minutes. Any extra services or treatments are charged for separately with an allocated time attached to it.
Providing an add-on service allows you to further your recommendations within treatments or use them to make treatment plans with your client. You can use these as monthly specials or promotions and target various times of the year.
A luxurious addition targeting dry skin and cuticles, and helping to add some moisture to dry, flaking or peeling nails. Improves circulation and lymphatic flow, heat soothes aching joints and muscles.
There are a few options to include hot oil as a treatment
- The hands or feet are totally immersed into a container with warm oil, and left to soak for 5 – 10 minutes, (oil can be heated in the microwave, in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking the temperature until it is warm, not hot.
- Oil is put into a bottle you can squeeze, place the bottle in the hot towel cabby at least 1 hour before treatment, the oil is applied liberally to the nail and hands, then wrapped, (either in a warm towel or Clingfilm, then a warm towel), for 5-10 minutes.
Usually this is added after the cuticle work is complete, however you can always adapt treatments to fit your client.
Routine
- Firstly, decide how you will apply the oil, soak hands/feet, or apply and wrap.
- After your cuticle work is complete, apply your hot oil treatment.
- Excess oil can be used as a massage medium, or compressed off before massaging and completing your treatment.
- Just like in a facial, masks are added for specific purposes. They can range from hydrating, to cleansing to cooling.
- Specific ingredients are included to target the concern.
- Warmed towels are wrapped around the hand or foot to help infuse the mask into the skin.
Routine
- Usually applied after exfoliant and hot oil or before paraffin and massage.
- Depending on the ingredients, excess mask can also be used as the massage medium.
Hard skin develops on the feet as a form of protection, either from friction, footwear or from standing for long periods of time. Removing some of this to prevent an excess build up is often included in your pedicure routine, to improve or maintain the appearance of the feet. Hard skin builds up that causes pain or discomfort should be referred to a chiropodist/podiatrist for treatment.
Excess hard skin may be removed from damp feet after the filing has been completed using the pedicure paddle, alternatively an abrasive paste can be used.
After removing apply a nourishing moisturising cream or perform massage.
Paraffin used in beauty treatments is like melted candle wax, but specifically prepared for our services. It is melted in a paraffin heater, like wax, this heater can be turned on in the morning and left on until the end of your working day. The heaters are thermostat regulated, meaning you can keep the paraffin at a constant temperature all day.
This treatment is wonderful for clients who suffer sore or painful joints, e.g. arthritis, the heat from the paraffin is very soothing and increases joint mobility.
It is very nourishing and moisturising, especially if a treatment cream or mask is applied before the paraffin. The heat encourages the skin to ‘sweat’ releasing natural moisturising factors.
As circulation and lymphatic systems are stimulated, an increase of cellular activity improves skin tone and colour and helps improve dry/dehydrated flaking nails.
Paraffin can be applied in a few different ways
- Melted paraffin can be scooped into a bowl, and applied with a brush to the hands or feet, wrapped and left for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Gauze is cut to size and soaked in paraffin, then applied directly to the hands or feet, wrapped and left on for 5 – 10 minutes.
- After cuticle work is complete, a treatment cream or mask can be applied to the skin, paraffin is applied over this.
- Wrap the hands or feet, (either paper towel, then towel or Clingfilm, then towel).
- To remove, simply unwrap the towel, firmly but carefully peel the paraffin off, it usually comes away in once piece, ensure skin is free from paraffin, then continue with your treatment.
There are many types of exfoliators on the market today, from cream with granules, to enzyme active products, (AHA) targeting specific concerns, e.g. build-up of hard skin on the heel.
They are deep cleansing, softening to dry, rough skin and aid the removal of callouses.
- Exfoliants can be applied before or after cuticle work and in conjunction with other additions; i.e. before paraffin or a mask.
- Follow the manufacturers and trainer instructions according to the type of exfoliant you have.
- Compress the hands or feet after the allocated application time.
- Continue with treatment.
These are specially designed and work much like an electric blanket. They have an inbuilt thermostat which controls their temperature and can be used with other treatments such as paraffin wax and masks or they can be used on their own over moisturising products. Incorporating theses into your treatments can increase circulation, improving skin colour, increase lymph flow to remove waste products, soothe aching joints increasing their mobility and nourishing and hydrating the skin.
