Entries from August 2007 ↓

Interestingly enough, I’d thought to put this discussion here today as we’d had a few men who had recently been to our salon to get their nails cared for (some even asked for a very hot pink polish on their toes. Good on you, you brave souls!!!). We also have our own regulars of course.

Anyway, a few came on their own accord, while few others were accompanying their female partners (willingly or not we were not sure :)). But it is a good sign whether we’re labeling these men metrosexual or whatever. Men needs their usual TLC for their nails just as much as anyone. My man always get his good dose of manicures regularly and I always tell him to use hand lotion to keep his hands well moiturised. There is absolutely nothing wrong with looking after yourself from tips to toes, whether you are a men or a women, in our view.

See below for a few definitions of the “metrosexual” definitions that are being coined around.

Metrosexual - Modern enlightened, sort of rennasance man. Secure and confident, capable and cool, typically well educated and stylish. Heterosexual with a twist, not gay by any means, but he probally has a few gay friends, and can easily be mistaken for gay by rednecks and jock types. The only straight guy in a fabric store or antique shop who is not being dragged there by a woman.

Metrosexual - An urban straight male ranging in age from late teens to mid 30’s who is: good looking, stylish, fashionable, trendy, cultured, & well groomed. A metro sexual is very conscious about his image and looks in public. A metro sexual is often associated with getting manicures, facials, & massages, as well as using “products” and shopping at nice clothing stores. However, metro sexuals don’t necessarily engage in each of these activities.

Some people do have a very dried and severely dehydrated skin on their palms, around the edges and crevices of their fingers. The skin shows redness and appears peely and very dry to touch. The aging process combined with the daily exposure to chemicals play a part in causing these conditions for many people.

The best way to alleviate such a problem is the usual bit of TLC for your hands on a daily basis. Keeping your hands moisturised are important and it should be a daily ritual for everyone. It is a very simple non-time-consuming habit to adopt for keeping your skin well hydrated and looking younger for longer.

That being said, not all moisturisers are alike. Beside, your skin chemical reaction may not suite some off-the-shell products. So choose wisely and if something works for you, keep using it!

An infection of nail fungus (onychomycosis) occurs when fungi infect one or more of your nails. Onychomycosis (on-i-ko-mi-KO-sis) usually begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges — an unsightly and potentially painful problem.

Infections of nail fungus account for about half of all nail disorders. These infections usually develop on nails continually exposed to warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes or shower floors. Nail fungus isn’t the same as athlete’s foot, which primarily affects the skin of the feet, but at times the two may coexist and can be caused by the same type of fungus.

An infection with nail fungus may be difficult to treat, and infections may recur. But medications are available to help clear up nail fungus permanently.

Just remember that a combination of hygenic problem and continual moisture exposure will encourage nail problems whether one wears nail enhancement such as acrylic nails or natural nails.

Think Back To The Basic, which  we’d learnt at school when we were younger. Clean your hands and keep them dry!

There is one nail color out there that is famous for it’s perfect color. Perhaps the most popular — & most universally beloved — nail polish color is OPI’s ‘I’m Not Really a Waitress’ . You, too, can have it on at a nails salon such as Manhattan Nails or purchase one while at a salon visit.

For any enquiry or if you would like to get your nails groomed, give us a call or visit our salon! Our details can be found on this web page - Manhattan Nails Contact Page

Not that this will help with your nail biting problem, but I thought that I would share this little bit of information out of interest if nothing else… Apparently biting your nails makes them grow faster. You don’t realize this obviously as the biting seems to ruin the effect…

A Few Things That Will Help

*Short Nail Beds

We are born with the nails that we have, there is nothing you can do about it… to a point. I happen to have short nail beds and the best colors for my nails are soft colors. Lavender makes them look longer, so be sure to stock up on this gorgeous color.

*Removing Polish

First of all, look for an acetone-free polish remover, which by the way, will not dry out your nails. Saturate a cotton pad and then press onto the polished nail.

Wait several seconds and then draw the pad to the tip of the nail. Polish should come off with one stroke. The few seconds we give the polish remover is long enough to dissolve the polish and you are done in half the time.

*Saving The Nails

It is really easy to pick up some bad beauty habits and some of them might be costing you pretty nails. For a day, keep track of how often you use your nails as tools. Chances are you do so more often than you realize. Keep your list in front of you so that you will slowly begin to break the habits. It can be done… but you have to know about them first.

*Is This What Your Nails Are Craving?

If your nails are weak, splitting, fragile etc, the problem could be traced back to an inadequate water intake. Most people don’t drink nearly enough. How much water do you really drink over the course of a day?

For any enquiry or if you would like to get your nails groomed, give us a call or visit our salon! Our details can be found on this web page - Manhattan Nails Contact Page

Stronger nails need care. Just like the need to look after your health and appearances, so do your nails. It’s a holistic, well rounded approach to giving yourself a regular TLC.

Avenue You Tip: Nail hardener is a good investment for any nail - long, short, painted or unpainted. But the look of your nail is completely up to you. Your personal style will dictate how you dress your nails. Just remember that it doesn’t cost a lot to have beautiful hands. And who wouldn’t want beautiful hands?

A a few coffees worth of tools including nail hardener and moisturiser is all you need.