Digits and Derma by Kym Blog

Not all gel polish services are the same

2012-01-25T09:34:00.000-08:00

How many of you have experienced Shellac? Or Gelish? Gel polish manicures are becoming increasing popular. In fact, it has been two years since I have used traditional polish for a manicure! When done properly, a gel manicure can last up to 4 weeks! Of course this depends mostly on the wearer; however I just had a client that went 3 months!

Here are a few things that can prohibit you from getting the most out of your gel manicure, and most of them are not in your control. They are in the control of your manicurists, and probably not much you can do about it, except find someone who knows what they are doing!

First thing you should find out is if a LED lamp is being used. Yes, a traditional UV lamp works and will give you the same results, but is the product being cured for the full 2 minutes? And do you really want to sit there longer than you have to? A LED lamp will give you a strong and fast cure, in most cases, 30 seconds. Yes, seconds!

Another common problem is not properly preparing the nail plate. Again, this is not in your control and without training it is difficult to know what exactly is being done to the nail plate. Just know that if you are experiencing "lifting" ( where the products seems to just peel off the nail) that this means the nail plate was not correctly prepared for the product. Also, when the nail is not prepped right, this can lead to bacterial infections commonly known as the "greenies".

Something that is in your control and is a common problem is hand placement in the lamp. Be sure that your fingers are flat, and remain flat during the curing process. Make sure that all the fingers are in direct exposure of the light, especially the thumbs. Depending on the lamp model, it is generally better to sure the thumbs separately from the other fingers.

Lastly, the best deal in town may not be providing you with the best quality service. The right products play a large role in the final results. Here at Digits and Derma, I have over 30 colors of Gelish, and 18 colors of the new OPI gel colors! I personally prefer OPI to any other brand. I have different brands to choose from, and OPI is by far my favorite.

Hope this helps and as always I look forward to your phone call!

See you soon,

-Kym

Ringing in the New Year

2011-12-28T11:34:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a joyous Holiday! I wanted to start ringing in the New Year with some skin care specials. All body sugaring hair removal services are 20% off. Also, all facials are 20% off too! Just mention you saw the special on my blog!!

A few things to look forward to in the New Year. I will have the ENTIRE collection of the OPI gel lacquer when it gets released! Probably in January. Also, I will be taking the permanent make up courses in the spring. So if you are wanting permanent make up, I will have specials so keep checking back and I will keep you posted!!

Happy New Year!
-Kym

Spooky October Specials

2011-10-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

The weather is starting to cool down, and in an effort to help your skin adjust to the cooler weather, I am offering a 15% discount on ANY facial for this month. Just mention my spooky special. Also, you are cordially invited to my Dermalogica Event on Friday October 21st at 5:00! There will be wine, cheese, and appetizers. There will be a live demonstration to help with your at home regime and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Door prizes will also be given away! Also, all products, including Clarisonic will be discounted 15%! Hope you can make it, we will be upstairs in room 206, see you then!

New OPI Gel Color!

2011-08-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

I am pleased and excited to announce that OPI has finally boarded the band wagon and created a gel polish that features all the popular OPI colors that you have grown accustom to over the years! I don't have an exact release date, but you can rest assured that I will get it as soon as it becomes available! Some of the popular favorites include: I'm not really a waitress, bogota blackberry,lincoln park after dark, just to name a few.

Also, until August 31, you can get a new set of eyelash extensions for $100! If your schedule is too busy to book an appointment now, you can purchase a gift certificate to lock that price, and redeem it at your convenience. Call me for more information.

Thanks!
-Kym

Back to School

2011-08-12T06:51:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year again, and it is hard to believe that the year is more than half over. Next, the weather will cool down and the leaves will begin to change color. I am offering for the month of August, a special on eyelash extensions. You can get a new set of silk lashes for $130 (plus tax). This offer is only good for appointments that are paid for during the month of August. If your schedule is busy this month, then you are welcome to purchase a gift certificate at this price and redeem it at a later date. As you may know, I have been doing lashes for 6 years, continuously. I have a large selection of sizes and colors to choose from. I serve long standing clients that travel from Santa Fe, Espanola, and Taos. So, if you are looking for an excuse to try the lashes out, now is the time! This offer will save you $25 and you can have someone with experience do them. Please feel free to call me with any questions you may have, or to book your appointment. See you next month.

-Kym

July Announcements

2011-07-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

I recently attended training in Las Vegas, NV, and I was fortunate to bring home some amazing goodies! I brought back a heavy duty facial steamer. It more than gets the job done. I also got a BT Analyzer, which allows me to measure the hydration levels in your skin, so that I can better prescribe products to suit your skin's needs. Now available are: Kiss Me mascara by Blinc, glitter body art, glitter eyeliner applications, and glitter eyeliner for at home use soon to follow, new LED gel lamp, 9 new Gelish colors, a dozen new nail candies for imbedding, and The entire Clean Start line by Dermalogica!

Kiss Me mascara by Blinc is by far the best mascara I have ever used. It is a water based mascara that acts like a waterproof one. It does not smear or smudge, and you can say good-bye to those raccoon eyes! It comes off with warm water and gently roll between your fingers and voila! Off it comes in little tubes. I have also found that this mascara will hold the curl that you spend all morning trying to get perfect. Since this mascara is a water based it is safe to use with your eyelash extensions.

Keep cool and have a safe fun summer!
-Kym

New colors, new policy, new products

2011-05-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

I have 15 new colors of gel polish! This is an addition to the 30 colors already available. I have Shellac, Gelish, and GP Cacee lines available. These are great for those of you tired of wasting your money on polish that just doesn't last on your fingers. The gel polish will last 2-3 weeks depending on your level of activity.

Also, Clarisonic Opal is now available. This is a great way to get serums and eye products deeper into the skin for better results. The Opal also helps stimulate the skin and increase circulation around the eye area.

*** I am sad to say that due to an increasing number of individuals not showing up and not contacting me to cancel their appointments, I am forced to REQUIRE a credit card deposit on all services for NEW CLIENTS. I understand that circumstances sometimes create a situation where one is unable to keep an appointment; however, too many have failed to notify me BEFORE their appointment and I end up wasting my time. This is inconsiderate and prohibits others from booking appointments. Hopefully, those of you that are serious about coming in for your scheduled appointment time, will not think of this policy as an inconvenience, but more of a good faith gesture that you will be there at the scheduled time. Thank you for your understanding.****

-Kym

M is for May and for Mom

2011-05-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is Sunday May 8th! Come in and get a gift certificate for Mom. Receive a complimentary $25 gift certificate when you purchase $100 gift certificate. This is a great way to take care of the different Moms in your life, hard part will be to decide who gets the $100 gift!

A Clarisonic facial brush would also be a great gift for Mom. Her skin will look and feel amazing, and she will have you to thank for it!

The gift certificate special is available for the month of May, call me for moRe info.
-Kym

Clean, really clean skin

2011-04-27T19:43:00.000-07:00

Clarisonic is now available at Digits and Derma! Clarisonic is an ultrasonic facial brush that will get your skin up to 6x cleaner than before. If you have ever use a sonic care toothbrush, then you know what I am talking about, except the brushes are extremely gentle. I have been using one for more than 2 weeks and it has significantly reduced my acne breakouts. Also, a cleaner skin allows for better penetration of those expensive treatment and serums.

Silver shatter is also now in stock, you can get yours too for only $7.50. I also have several new colors of Shellac and Gelish gel polishes.

For the month of May, come in and get a braziallian for only $30 ( heavy hair density may cost a few dollars extra for product), this will help you get ready for summer! Applies for new clients only! Call (505)480-9334 for your appointment.
-Kym

MicroZone Treatments

2011-03-08T18:58:00.000-08:00

MicroZone treatments are now being offered! What are microZone treatments? They are focused zone treatments designed to help you achieve your skin care goals. Each treatment takes 20 minutes. This is a great way to get a series of them done without breaking your bank. These treatments do not have any frills or fluff. These are focused treatments with no massage or relaxation touch therapies. You do not undress and some treatments do not remove your make-up. They are customized for the particular zone that you that you would like to see improvements in your skin. All treatments utilize Dermalogica products.

Flash exfoliation microZone is a great way to firm, resurface, tone and brighten skin with maximum strength exfoliation. Rapid spot clearing microZone is an expedited clearing process of those pesky breakouts with extensive cleansing and ingredients that are ideal for clearing sebum and impactions. Blackhead relief microZone will help you get control of blackheads before they manifest into breakout. Eye rescue microZone will firm, tone and brighten tired eyes with Dermalogica's unique blend of peptides. Lip renewal microZone can help you remember the fuller, plumper, healthier smile that was once yours. Men's skin fitness microZone will help men's skin expedite the skin recovery from current damage (such as irritation, redness and ingrown hairs) while treating their specific skin condition.

From now until the end of April, I am offering the microZone treatment of your choice for $20. After this introductory offer, microZone treatments will be $25. Please call me with any questions. I will also be giving away a voucher for a microZone treatment at the FITE event on Friday, March 25th from 4pm-7pm. Hope you can stop by, say "hi" and eat some ice cream!
-Kym

FITE Event, Great Skin and a Great Cause!!!

2011-03-01T18:36:00.000-08:00

March Madness has begun! Spring is around the corner and the weather is starting to warm up. If you haven't gotten a facial, now is a good time to get one done. Why? A facial will help with the dryness and build up of dead skin that you have accumulated over the winter. When the seasons change, a facial helps your skin acclimate to the changing weather. If you need more incentive, well here you go. I am having a FITE event on Friday, March 25th from 4pm to 7pm. I will give you a $10 off coupon good towards your next facial, just for showing up! What can you expect at the event? I will have a Skin Bar, where I will serve up products for you to try, giving yourself a mini treatment. I will also have face mapping. What is face mapping? A zone by zone analysis of what your skin type is and the condition that it is in. Also, I will be available for consultation to help you reach your skin care goals (all of these will be complimentary). I will also have door prizes, and a couple of flavors of Blue Bell Ice Cream. The ice cream alone should get you in the door. It will be a great time, and it is for a great cause. Dermalogica has partnered with Kiva to extend micro loans to women across the globe, who do not qualify for bank loans. Financial Independence Through Entrepreneurship, FITE. Selected products include $1 voucher that you can redeem online and choose the woman of your choice to help out. You also get to follow up with this woman and check her progress. It is your opportunity to help out the less fortunate women of the world, with your purchase. Please come join us for some fun and you are more than welcome to bring friends and family. The more the merrier! Call me if you need further information!
-Kym 505-480-9334

Shellac & Gelish Updates

2011-02-27T17:12:00.001-08:00

I just got the new LED lamp for Shellac and Gelish applications. What this means for you?? Instead of a 45 min to 1 hour appointment time, it will be more like 25-35 minutes appointment time. Now you will have time to eat a real lunch, instead of the coke and candy bar. I will be testing it out this week, I am really excited!

Katy Perry Collection available

2011-02-17T09:48:00.000-08:00

The Katy Perry OPI polish collection is now in stock, while supplies last! $7.50 each. Call or text before stopping by.

Skin Health vs Beauty Regimen

2011-02-04T20:59:00.000-08:00

I was able to go to the International Dermal Institute last month and learn a massive of amount about skin health, Dermalogica products (applications and active ingredients) electrical modalities, and most of all, what I can do as your therapist to help you achieve healthy skin.

For too long, Americans have viewed skin care as a beauty regimen instead of a necessity. I probably don't have to tell you, but instead let me remind you that our skin is the largest organ of our bodies. It is not vain to want healthy skin. It is important for us to want to look and feel healthy, and the way to start that process is with the first thing that we see in the mirror. Too many of us are time crunched, hurried, overworked, and too tired to properly take care of our skin, trust me, I am guilty. However, if we don't take the time to take care of our skin now, then we have no one else to blame but ourselves when we look 10, 20 even 30 years older than we actually are! When this happens, it is much harder to get back what you lost! The old saying goes: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I think that the biggest problem we have is no one has really taught us all the steps we need to take to care for our skin properly. I was taught how to brush my hair and teeth, but not how to properly cleanse my face!

So here goes some of the important basics that I can share with you, and I will boil it down to the essentials.

It is important to cleanse your face, neck and decolete (upper chest area) 2 times a day. Yes, TWICE a day. Why? Before bed, many of us are wearing make-up. Make-up tends to attract pollutants and dirt. Do you really want that all over your pillow case? Whether you shower before bed, or in the morning, that other cleanse can take place in your shower/bath time. If you are not cleansing properly or often enough, you will not receive maximum results from those expensive treatments, eye creams, and moisturizers. These products have a hard time penetrating through build up of dirt, skin, and pollutants. Notice I said cleanse and not wash. By saying cleanse, I am referring to a facial cleanser, and not a soap!

Secondly, after cleansing, you should be using a toner. Do not skip this step. A toner does just that, it tones and brings the pH of the skin back to an acidic level. If your toner has alcohol and leaves you dry, try a Dermalogica toner, you will love it. Cleansers tend to leave our skin more alkaline and our skin is happiest being around 4.5 on the pH scale, acidic. Tightness does not mean less wrinkles in this case.

Third, we need a moisturizer. For those of you with oily skin, you too need moisturizers! As the name suggests, moisture, not necessarily oil. If your moisturizer is too oily, then you need to find one that is more appropriate for your skin type. During the day, we all need SPF. Under ideal circumstances, we should be re-applying SPF every 2 hours; however that is pushing the limit to what I am willing to do. So, in the very least, apply it before you leave the house, and many moisturizers contain SPF built into them, one less step for you in the morning. Sun damage is the number one extrinsic factor to pre-mature aging. Why moisturize? Remember, we live in the desert, and chances are you are dehydrated. Fully hydrated skin, has a nice healthy glow; however for NM, it is elusive, because not only do you need to moisturize properly, you need to drink lots of water, and not take blazing hot showers.

Hope this is the beginning to a healthy start for your skin health. I hope that I didn't overwhelm you, and if you need any clarification or have questions, please let me know!

Thanks for reading, and I will see you next month!
-Kym

Ringing in the New Year

2011-01-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a safe and joyous holiday! I know that I did! I wanted to share with you a few things that are happening for the month of January. First, I am adding 3 new facials to my line of services. You can now get a mediBac facial, which is ideal for any adult with acne breakouts. This facial will help with any excess oil/sebum production, and help clear and reduce any lesions. ChromaWhite TRX is also a new facial service that I have added, which is great for someone who is concerned about hyperpigmentation, including melasma, or sunspots. Another new addition is the Ultra Claming facial, this is specifically for someone with skin sensitivity, roseaca or tendency toward redness/irritation. This facial is very soothing and gentle. You can experience any of these new facials for only $50 for an hour of treatment. All the above facials include, steaming, deep cleansing, manipulations, massage, and mask with the appropriate products for the specific facial. This price is only for the month of January, next month will be regular price of $65. I am attending 4 more Dermalogica training sessions this month in San Francisco. Can't wait to share with you all the new techniques and information.

Also something to look forward to is the new OPI polish line that features Katy Perry! This is an amazing set of glittery polishes with an additional "shatter" polish that will kick it up a notch. You can get two looks from every color. All I can say is WOW, leave it up to OPI to keep everything innovating. Look for it on uTube. I will have these polishes in stock for only $7.50 each, I think that is the best price in town, if not, let me know!

Hope this New Year brings you more prosperity than the last one!

-Kym

December Special

2010-11-30T19:33:00.000-08:00

I am offering a sweet deal for December. When you purchase $50 in Dermalogica products you get a customized facial for half price! This is a great time to stock up on products that may be running low. Also if you want to give the facial as a gift to someone else, I am happy to write it out as a gift certificate. If you have never had a facial before, or have not used Dermalogica, now is a great time to give it a try. Dermalogica is an American company, and the products are made in California. These products provide amazing results, come in and see for yourself! Remember, I will also stamp your Dermalogica rewards card for every $15 you spend on products so that you can get that extra $15 off your next purchase, once it is full. As always, call me with questions, concerns, and/or appointments!
-Kym

Thanks for November!

2010-10-31T09:30:00.001-07:00

It is official! Fall is here! Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner! If you are like me, then you are not quite ready for the holidays. I am grateful for all my wonderful clients, without you, I would not be here! In anticipation for the holidays, I am offering a 25% discount on Gift Certificate purchases! These gift certificates are for services only, and are great gift ideas for your friends and family. If you decide to keep it for yourself, your secret is safe with me! So that means, a $100 gift certificate will cost only $75! Thank you again for being loyal clients!

Fall is here!

2010-10-02T18:08:00.000-07:00

There has been a few new products introduced this fall, and I would like to take the time to introduce them to you! The latest and greatest by Dermalogica is: Age Reversal Eye Complex. This treatment will help you say good bye to those unsightly crows feet. It contains 0.1% of Retinol to reverse UV damage and trigger new cell growth. Since it is a member of the AGE Smart line, it too also contains the polypeptide that is known as the "sugar-trap" to help prevent wrinkles. These are just 2 of the amazing things that this revolutionary product can do!! A lot of technology in a little tube. This product retails for $75, call me or text me for a free sample, you will LOVE IT!.

Also new to the Dermalogica line is: Ultra Calming. This line provides much needed relief to those of us who are over-exposed to the elements, super sensitive to products, or experience redness. Studies show that Ultra Calming does just that, it calms down red, irritated skin, FAST. The new Ultra Calming Mist is great for post hair removal. You have to see it to believe it. The kit is $40 and has a great selection of the product line with enough product to last at least 30 days. You will love it with just one use. No artificial fragrances or colors, as always.

Last but not least, I am offering a Halloween treat this month: New set of Eyelash Extensions for $125! That is a $75 savings. I probably won't offer a special on lashes for the rest of the year, so if you want them, now is the time to get them, or get a gift certificate so you can save them for a special occasion. Hope these tidbits will help fill your Halloween goody bag, if not, stop by and trick or treat me and I will hook you up with some samples.

Happy Halloween!!
-Kym

September Special!

2010-09-05T12:03:00.000-07:00

The weather is starting to cool down, and fall is right around the corner. I am offering a customized deep cleansing Dermalogica facial for only $35 for September. This is a 1 hour treatment that includes: steaming, cleansing, exfoliation, extractions (if needed) manipulation for increased circulation, mask and hydration. It is a great price since regular price is $55. This is a terrific way to get your skin ready for the drying affect that the cold winter weather has upon your skin. Call me to book your appointment.
505-480-9334

Get your gorgeous Eyelashes!

2010-08-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

Until August 31st, I am offering a new set of custom eyelash extensions for only $100!! This is the lowest price that I have ever offered them, and get yours before my offer expires! If you can not make an appointment before the 31st, you can still get the low price if you purchase a gift certificate to use for a later date, or special occasion. Call me for more info: 505-480-9334

New Products!

2010-07-27T09:08:00.001-07:00

There are a couple of new products available that I wanted to share with you. I just got in a new eyelash extension glue. I have been using the same glue for about 3 years now, and don't get me wrong, it does work well. However, new break throughs have been made with adhesives and they work better than ever. The newer adhesives are more water resistant, and more flexible. This new adhesive has a quicker drying time, and is suppose to last up to 10 weeks. I am quite excited about using it.

Another new product that is taking the beauty industry by storm is Shellac, by CND. This product has the look of fresh nail polish, and is applied similarly. It is a gel hybrid, so it has to be cured by a UV light, and has the durability of a gel. What makes it so great, is that it is easily removed with acetone, and does not require to be "soaked off". That means your hands are not sitting in a bowl of acetone, but rather, band-aid like strips are applied to the nails and the polish comes off in 10 minutes! No chipping, no peeling, no wear marks at the tips for up to 2 weeks! Only problem, this product is sold out nationwide. I am still trying to get all the components together so that I can try it out. Hopefully I will have all the components necessary by the end of next week to give it a whirl. Call me with any questions 505-480-9334

-Kym

Cuticles

2010-07-03T11:02:00.001-07:00

How many of you get your cuticles conditioned, removed and gently pushed back during your nail enhancement service? This is one of the basic fundamental steps to prepping the nail plate and getting it ready for the product application. If this crucial step is skipped, the product may not adhere to the nail plate well. Skipping this step is often the #1 cause for lifting problems!

Also many of us have potential to lengthen our nail beds. This occurs from "gently" pushing back the eponichium and gently removing the cuticle that is attached to the nail plate. If the eponychium is not gently pushed back, it creeps down and covers more and more of the nail plate, resulting in a shortened nail plate. This is an additional benefit from receiving manicures, pedicures and nail enhancements.

The eponychium is the little flap of tissue that is often mistaken for the cuticle. The cuticle is a whitish, sometimes flaky or powdery, protein that is generally attached to the nail plate. Since it is a protein, it is not a living part of the tissue and it is "ok" to clip if it is stubborn and won't remove easily with cuticle removers. THe key is knowing the difference between the two, because clipping the eponychium is where nail techs encounter problems

New Diggs

2010-06-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

The new shop is coming along nicely. Just a few finishing touches and it will feel just like home. I am adding a 25 gallon fish tank to my nail room to help my clients pass the time while in the chair.

Any suggestions for fish? This will be a fresh water tank. Please let me know which fish you would enjoy watching while getting your nails done!

Expanding

2010-05-25T21:25:00.000-07:00

It is finally that time. I am moving into a larger space. I will have 2 treatment rooms and a lobby at my new location! 3636 Menaul NE Suite 108. Hope to see you soon!

Dermalogica Classes

2010-04-29T19:45:00.000-07:00

I will be attending a series of Dermalogica classes starting May 8th. These will give me additional skills and knowledge to better serve you and all your skin care needs. I will be back to work on May 18th. If you get my voicemail please leave me a message and I will return your call ASAP!

2010-04-07T19:16:00.000-07:00

Digital invitation personalized with Smilebox

Dermalogica Skin Care

2010-03-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

It is finally official! I have officially signed my contract with Dermalogica, and will have retail products available for purchase. I will update the website with available products and prices. The products should be here by the first of April. Dermalogica is a high quality skin care line that will give you excellent results in just one visit. Facial prices will increase slightly, but the results you get will be well worth the money. Let's start by putting your best face forward! After all, you can't hide your skin!

For now I will have two facials offered. A customized deep cleanse facial, with Dermalogica, and Age Smart facial.

Age Smart, is fantastic for mature/prematurely aging skin, "intelligent investment in your future skin". Age Smart, contains ingredients to help prevent and reverse extrinsic factors that accelerate the aging process. Both services include speed mapping.

Coming soon, ChromaWhite TRx and mediBac clearing facials.

New THICKER LASHES

2010-03-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

Great news! I just received thicker lashes for lash extensions. These beauties are twice as thick than the ones I am currently using. Added thickness also creates more surface area for bonding the lashes to, which means these lashes will last longer!! These thicker lashes are not for everyone. Some natural lashes are too thin to support these extensions and will fall over under the weight. These details are decided during your consultation.

Spring Fling!

2010-03-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

Time to get your tootsies ready for those cute sandals! One hour pedicure treatment only $36! You can add gel to your pedicure for only $10 more. Take a look at the popstar toes photo that I uploaded. They are fantastic! No chipping, no peeling, last up to 4 weeks, and best of all, a high shine that you can only get from gels! Gel toes are available in a variety of OPI colors, french or glitter.

Please mention gel toe enhancements at the time of booking, as more time is needed for application!
Thanks for looking!-Kym

Valentine's Day Special

2010-01-29T17:09:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and it is time to shed that winter fur! As an incentive to help you lose the hair and get ready for Valentine's Day, I am offering a free manicure with any sugaring services totaling $25 or more. Call me if you have questions or to book your appointment.

Everlasting Manicure

2010-01-05T20:18:00.000-08:00

The latest and greatest from the Nail World would have to be....... Soak off gel polish! The variety of colors is amazing! No chipping, no peeling, and no more smudging! These gel polishes, are a gel hybrid, and require a UV light to cure. They will last for up to 2 weeks with no maintenance! When you are ready for a new color these babies soak off in 5 minutes, and get a new set in 10 minutes or less. They are fantastic, think of pretty armor for your nails to protect them from your daily routines.

Add this option to your manicure for an additional $8 or to your pedicure for an additional $10. This price includes the removal when you are ready for a change! Call me with your questions or to book your appointment! Remember to ask for the Everlasting Manicure/Pedicure.

New Year, New Looks!

2010-01-03T09:18:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday! I have decided to help ease the pain from holiday spending to offer an incredible deal to get you relaxed and ready for the new year. For the month of January, I am offering a Manicure, Pedicure, and Facial for only $60.

So let me break it down for you, that is a one hour pedicure service with the works, normally $36.

A 30 minute classic manicure service, normally $14

A one hour deep cleanse facial (includes steaming and extractions) with professional products, normally $40
That is a savings of $30! All you have to do is call me and book your appointments! 505-480-9334

To Cut-icle or not

2009-10-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

Another misconception that is often misunderstood is whether or not to cut cuticles. The biggest problem with this notion is that not everyone, nail techs included, understand what a "cuticle" actually is. The flap of skin found in the cuticle area is often mistaken as the cuticle. This flap of skin is called the "proximal nail fold". Underneath the nail fold is called the "eponychium". Often this "living" tissue is wrongly clipped during nail services, and often when cut ends up bleeding, and in extreme cases infection.

The cuticle is shed from underneath the eponychium. The cuticle is a protein that adheres to the nail plate underneath the eponychium and in some cases is still attached to it. That is why we gently push along the nail fold to release and remove the cuticle. In some cases the cuticle will look white and powdery, other times it is not noticiable until a liquid remover is used. If you need more clarification try looking up nail images on google to get a better picture.

Gel vs Acrylic Nail Enhancements

2009-09-26T18:13:00.000-07:00

Gel versus Acrylic seems to be a hot topic lately. A common complaint that I hear is "Acrylics damaged my natural nails leaving them very thin.". I think that I need to set the record straight and address this "myth". Thinning of the nail plate occurs from over filing, or improper removal of enhancements, whether they be acrylic, gel or wraps. Acrylic does NOT damage nails. Improper application and improper removal of enhancements damages nails. Damage can also occur from misuse of electric files, or drills, again, it is not the drill or the electric file doing the damage, but the person behind the machine that causes the damage!

Improper removal of enhancements, generally mean that product (i.e. acrylic, gels, or wraps) were literally pried off the nail!! OUCH!! The weaker of the two is going to give and guess what,the weaker of the two is your natural nail!! Products (gel, acrylic, or other) are designed to adhere to the nail plate, so when you pull product off, it is going to pull half the layers of your natural nails with it!!

Over filing- that is another misconception that is among nail techs. Many years ago, when many nail techs first went to school to learn how to do nails, were taught to "rough up" the nail plate and make it look like a shag carpet. This is no longer necessary for enhancements. Products have come a long way and have improved over the years. If a nail tech is still using a product that requires "extreme roughing up" of the nail plate, maybe it is time to look for another product line. Many product lines just require that the nail tech remove shine from the nail plate, which is a big difference to making it look like a shag carpet.

There are a great many of the "bargain Nails only salons" out there, and it amazes me how little they charge for their services. In the end they rely mostly on volume. This leads to a rushed service. Acrylic is difficult to file, and soaking them off takes too long, that leaves the option of prying them off as a time saving solution. Unfortunately, this leaves the natural nail in a damaged condition, not to mention, OUCH!! I think that many of these types of salons, do NOT have their clients best interest in mind and only care about their bottom line. More clients in their chair, more money. Same strategy that Wal-mart uses, less expensive, more volume.

I feel that in my profession, I need to preserve the natural nail as much as possible and still create beautiful enhancements. If the natural nail is in a healthy condition, then the enhancements look that much better. Without the natural nail, I would have nothing to work on! Thanks for reading and call me with your questions!

-Kym 505-480-9334

Credo Blades/Razor Blades? NO NEVER!!

2009-08-06T20:24:00.000-07:00

I have just been made aware of how many Nail Technicians use blades in their pedicure services. OUCH!! I have never used these blades and will never start. Let me list the reasons: State Law forbids to use anything that contains an edge. Only a podiatrist is able to use these blades professionally. Also, we are not taught how to use these blades in school, so how does one go about learning? Someone was a guinea pig. OUCH!! Many "quickie nail salons" have "inexpensive" prices. Well, let's think about this, if their pedicures only cost $15, how are they making money to stay open? They are "cutting" corners, probably not throwing away blades, and re-using them on other clients, creating a cross contamination. YUCK!! Let's put an end to shaving our calluses. These calluses are there for a reason. Shaving them only perpetuates the growth, until it grows out of control. Calluses should be buffed down and smoothed out, not removed. There are many professional products available that smooth out calluses, providing great results in 3-5 minutes. The next time someone pulls out a blade on you, tell them "NO" and report them to the State Board: (505) 476-4690. Using a blade does NOT need to be tolerated any longer!!

It is finally official!!

2009-06-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

I am adding new services to my menu. Currently body sugaring will be available starting July 1st. Price list will be available on my web page soon. Hopefully I will get a steamer within a few weeks and I can add a variety of facials too! Body sugaring is a gentler method of hair removal. Body hair is removed by the root, and results can last up to 6 weeks. The sugar paste is warmed to body temp, which is significantly less than wax. Wax is heated as high as 130 degrees. Also, sugaring is a more green method with less waste. No muslin strips, fewer applicator sticks needed, and no petroleum by products. That means less chance of clogged pores. Sugar paste is made with sugar lemon and water. Please call me for more information or to book an appointment! (505)480-9334

New Room New Services

2009-05-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

I am officially in the larger room, and I am up and running! I have got new paint and new cabinets and everything is coming together nicely. I am adding new services to my menu starting mid to late June. These services are body sugaring and facials. I am eager to get started!

Nail Ink

2009-04-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

I had a great opprotunity to take a continuing education class on April 19th with Young Nails, Synergy Gel systems. My head is about to explode with the new techniques and new nail art that I learned!!

I am adding a new nail art to my service menu called "Nail Ink". Just as the name suggests, it is a tattoo on the nails! The effect is amazing, and now you can get "Ed Hardy" tattoos on your nails!! You have to see it to fully appreciate it. I have photos that will be posted soon. You can add this on to your gel nail service for only $4 per nail.........you gotta check it out! Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.

-Kym

Popstar Pedicures and Permanent Polish

2009-04-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of permanent polish? It is terrific. Doesn't chip, doesn't peel, and doesn't flake off. Permanent polish is a colored gel. It offers more protection to the natural nail than regular polish. There are more colors becoming available in permanent polish, including the newly released OPI soak off colors like Lincoln Park After Dark, and I'm Not Really A Waitress. Beautiful color that shines and lasts until you remove it!!

Spring time is here and it is time to get some rocking toes for those beautiful sandals. I am so happy that strap-like gladiator sandals are back! Popstar pedicures also incorporate gel on the natural nail creating a permanent base on the toes. Popstar is created using beautiful colors in Glitter that is encased within the gel. Bling, bling, and blinding when you step out into the sun!! Definately need your shades when you admire these toes!!

For the entire month of April you can add permanent polish or glitter to your pedicure for only an additional $10. Please mention when booking because more time is needed and the foot soak is after the application process. Once again thanks for checking back. See you again soon!!
-Kym

March Madness!!!

2009-03-02T18:20:00.000-08:00

The month of March is already here. For those of us not quite ready for the changes in weather, daylight savings time, and economy; we, at Before & After Body Care have the perfect remedy. For the month of March you can enjoy a 1 hour body massage for only $35. Just call 298-7181 and book one with Mike or our new therapist Mary. That's a great deal because massage at Crystal Mountain massage school is about $28, and performed by students. Our massage therapists are professionals that have been licensed for more than15 years combined.

Also, for the month of March call to book an appointment for detox foot baths for only $30 for a half hour treatment. Who doesn't need a nice hot foot soak?

Talking about foot soaks, don't forget that spring is around the corner, and let's get those footsies in shape for those spectacular sandals that you've been hiding in your closet. Call Kym at 480-9334 to book an appointment for a relaxing spa pedicure only $36 for an hour treatment.

I am over the hump at school, and have less than half a semester to complete.Yay! I graduate April 24 and take my cosmetologist state board exam in June. Once I complete and receive my new license, I will be able to expand my service menu to include facials and body sugaring.

Check back next week for an update! Thanks for logging in.
-Kym