Nail News

by Tamatha Pope

Hi! I’m Tamatha Pope, lead nail therapist at Suraj Spa Salon. I love to learn all I can about this exciting and ever changing industry, and you like so many others including myself are a very curious bunch, here are some fun facts I thought you may like to know about.

Did you know?

Beginning in Spring 2006, OPI eliminated DBP (dibutyl phthalate) from all Nail Lacquers, Nail Treatments, and Nail Hardeners that it manufactures. Beginning in January 2007, OPI eliminated toluene from all Nail Lacquers it manufactures. Toluene-free formulas have been approved for all OPI Nail Treatment and Nail Hardener products! Boy is that great news! Knowledge is power ladies, so expose those toes!! BTW, Suraj has a fantastic special; purchase a signature pedicure (that’s the one with paraffin, it’s $50.00 pedicure) and receive a FREE manicure!!

More great news from OPI

OPI products are not tested on animals (thank goodness)

Ever wonder what nails are made up of?

A fingernail or toenail is made primarily of a protein called “keratin.” It is the same protein (plus or minus a few slight alterations) that makes up your hair, as well as fur, hooves, horns, claws, and even feathers. Even your skin has substantial amounts of keratin. The keratin in nails is much more crosslinked than that of the skin or hair, which is why the nails are so much harder.

Some people would like to know what the difference between gels and acrylics are..Well. here is a little info just for starters.

Gels and acrylics are similar in that they both can be used to extend the length of the nails,they are both forms of acrylic however, they have different molecular structures, bigger molecules with gels, smaller molecules with traditional acrylic (when curing gels under a uv lamp, the molecules are shrinking and that’s what causes the friction or heat sensations that sometime occur with gels.). Suraj uses Brisa gels as well as acrylic products from Creative Nail Design, a wonderful product line known for its natural looking results and long wear and durability.
Two advantages of gel services is that they are odorless and have an absolutely beautiful and permanent shine. Like acrylic, gels can be applied over the natural nail or over artificial nail tips.

A few words about sanitation..

While each state’s board of barbering and cosmetology have different regulations pertaining to salon sanitation procedures, it just makes good sense for a salon to do the most, not the least, when it comes to preventing the spread of contagious diseases.
At Suraj as well as all the ism companies, we believe that technicians should thoroughly disinfect all implements and surfaces prior to each client’s appointment.
Technicians should also practice a thorough hand sanitation regimen to prevent the spread of germs and fungus. Professional Salon Sanitation and Disinfection is designed to fight germs at two important levels in the salon: effective sanitation of the skin and nails, and hard surface and implement disinfection. Any salon that doesn’t follow conscientious sanitation practices is probably not a good choice for a nail service.

Guess what?

OPI’s new spring collection will be coming out soon! The colors are beautiful, I cannot wait to try them! Here’s the names, it’s a South Beach Theme!! Ay, Ay, AY!!

Done Out In Deco –a great for easter Lilac (cool tone)
Clubbing Til Sunrise – a gorgeous golden coral (neutral)
Suzi & The Lifeguard –a subtle, beautiful Pink (cool neutral)
Conga-Line Coral – a soft warm coral (warm to neutral tone)
Overexposed In South Beach – beautiful deeper tone plum (cool tone)
Bronzed To Perfection – beautiful bronze (good for warm tones)
Party In My Cabana – pretty Pinky coral (neutral)
Sand In My Suit – I LOVE Nudes!! (neutral)
Paint My Moji-Toes Red – a soft Red (warm tone)
Miami Beet – OMG, were gonna love this one, this is my “hot” forecast this season.a reddish Violet (cool tone, but if you love it. Hey!)
OPI On Collins Ave. – a classic coral (neutral)
Feelin’ Hot-Hot-Hot! – a pretty Flamingo Pink (cool tones)

Well that’s all for now, but check back soon for updates, or feel free to write me back or contact me at the salon. Until next time!! Yours Truly,

Tamatha