A manicure is a
cosmetic beauty treatment for the fingernails and hands by a
professional. A manicure treatment can be just for the hands or
nails, or can be for both. A common manicure found is the
filing, shaping of the nails and the application of polish.
There are also manicure services that are specialties for the
hands and feet. For the hands, the soaking of a softening
substance and the application of a lotion is a common specialty.
Another common specialty is applying this similar treatment of
lotion to the feet, called pedicure. The word "manicure" derives
from Latin: manus for hand, cura for "care".
Manicures often include
the filing, polishing, and painting of fingernails. A manicure
may also include the application of artificial nail tips,
acrylics or artificial nail gels. Some manicures can include the
painting of pictures or designs on the nails or applying small
decals or imitation jewels.
In many areas,
manicurists are licensed and follow regulation. Since skin is
manipulated and is sometimes trimmed, there is a certain risk of
spreading infection when tools are used across many people and
therefore sanitation is a serious issue.
History of Manicure
Believe it or not, people
have been manicuring their nails for more than 4,000 years. In southern
Babylonia, noblemen used solid gold tools to give themselves
manicures and pedicures. The use of fingernail polish can be traced back even
further. Originating in China in 3,000 BC, nail color indicated one's social
status -- according to a Ming dynasty manuscript, royal fingernails were painted
black and red. The Egyptians also colored their nails, using red to show the
highest social class. It is said that Cleopatra's nails were painted a deep red,
whereas Queen Nefertiti went with a flashier ruby shade. In ancient Egypt and
Rome, military commanders also painted their nails to match their lips before
they went off to battle.
Paraffin treatments
The hands can be dipped in
melted paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is used because it can be
heated to temperatures of over 100 degrees, without burning or
injuring the hand. The intense heat allows for deeper absorption
of emollients and essential oils. The wax is usually infused
with various botanical ingredients such as Aloe Vera, chamomile,
tea tree oil, and azulene. Fruit waxes such as peach, apple and
strawberry are often used in salons.
Occasionally, lotion is
rubbed on the hand before submersion into the paraffin bath. The
hand is usually dipped more than once to allow a thicker wax
coat to form, making the coating stay warm for longer and less
likely to break or tear prematurely. After the hands have been
dipped in the wax, they are wrapped in either plastic or tin
foil, then covered with cloth to retain warmth. The hands are
left for a few minutes before the paraffin is cooled and dried.
Hand &
Feet Paraffin Treatments
Paraffin hand
& foot soak
Paraffin has proven to be
an effective treatment for extremely dry and cracked
skin. Your hands or/ and feet are covered with a rich,
nourishing cream pack and dipped into the paraffin
several times. The paraffin coats your skin and works
the cream pack deeper into it. It leaves your skin
smooth and repaired. I need to disinfect your hands
and/or feet before I put them in the paraffin. So in
case you are allergic to disinfectants, this might not
be a suitable treatment for you.
Duration of
treatment
The paraffin soak takes
about 20 minutes and can be easily combined with a
facial, manicure, or pedicure.
Hot Oil Manicure
Hot oil manicure is a
specific type of manicure that cleans the cuticles and softens them with oil. It
works well for dry skin and nails that are brittle as it improves both by
leaving them soft and pliable. Types of oils that can be used are mineral oil,
olive oil or commercial preparation in an electric heater.
This treatment includes an luxurious hand soak in a olive oil
hand bath that moisturizes and nourishes your fingers and nails.
Then giving a deep exfoliation and a hand mask then moisturize.
Your finger nails are clipped, filling and shaping of the nails,
cuticle tidy and nail buff, then an invigorating hand and lower
arm massage and finishing off with nail polish of your choice,
optional.
Common manicure tools and supplies.
Tools:
Bowl of warm water
or finger bath
Nail clippers
Cuticle knife and
clippers
Cuticle
pusher/Hoof stick
Nail file/emery
board, buffer, scissors and brush
Orange Stick
Supplies:
Cuticle remover *
this is caustic and MUST be rinsed off the skin after use,
oil and cream
.gif){kind=small}
