Extensions - what are they?

Noticed in Singapore that acrylic extensions is catching on, as some of the bigger salons are doing it -- like Dashing Diva in Suntec. The prices they charge usually range from $100 to $180 (depending on how posh your nail salon is, and also, the SKILLS of the nail technician).

For me, I choose to offer my acrylic extensions at $75, not cos my skills are bad (any manicurists who graduated from a $4k Japanese recognised diploma course in The Pink Room Int'l Nail Academy are very good...and I'm not blowing my own trumpet).

The reason why I price it low is cos I'm operating a home salon, and I don't have overheads. Moreover, I frankly think the pricings for extensions is over-priced in Singapore, cos not many manicurists know how to do it well.

So, what are extensions?

Currently in the market, we have Acrylic, UV Gel and Fiberglass/Silkwrap extensions.

There are 2 main approaches to creating acrylic extensions. They are:

• Extension tips
• Acrylic forms

Extension tips: they are made of lightweight plastic, shaped in the form of a nail tip. These tips are glued onto nails, then acrylic is applied over the remaining nail plate to "fix" and hold the tip in place. Usually nail tips (cos they are so soft) snaps easily, and if you are not careful, it won't last a week.) Example of extension tips application

Acrylic forms: the forms are fitted under the fingers/nails and acrylic is applied over and beyond the length of the natural nail. After 30-40 secs, the acrylic hardens and the form is removed from the fingers. Example of acrylic extensions using forms

Another type of extensions is Gel Extension. The approach is similar to acrylic forms extension. Instead of acrylic powder, a UV Gel is used. Previously, gel extensions cannot be removed by soaking, but now, we have gel soak-offs. (Prior to gel soak offs, gel extensions would have to be "grown out" from the nail or filed off, the latter is pretty damaging to the nail).

The last two types of extensions are Fibreglass Wraps or Silk Wraps. A piece of fibreglass/ silk fabric is cut out to fit the surface of the nail then held in place with resin/ glue.

Fibreglass/ silk wraps are the most impermanent. But, they are suitable for those who are allergic to Acrylic/ UV Gel.

Mani/ pedi and pregnancy

Recently, I've received quite a number of moms and moms-to-be requesting for mani/pedi services.

Well, you may like to read these articles before considering whether you want your nails done...

1. Toxic Nail Polish
2. Toxic Nail Polish Removers
3. and a very insightful discussion (with pro-mani-for-moms and against-mani-for moms article)

The bottom line is: although most nail polish companies have replaced the deemed "toxic ingredients" with safer ingredients, we haven't really tested how "safe" these replacements are.

Interesting Foot Facts

1. More than 70% of people in the world will experience painful foot problems during their lifetime. (However, foot pain is NOT normal)
2. An average person engaging in a non-strenuous activity will walk about 115,000 miles in his whole lifetime
3. On any typical day, your poor feet actually bear a cumulative force of several hundred tonnes
4. Out of the body's 206 bones, 26 of them are located in 1 foot (which is close to 13% for one foot, and 25% (or a quarter) for both feet)
5. Leonardo Di Vinci once proclaimed the human feet to be "a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art"

If your feet are so important, isn't it high time you take good care of them?

The Origins of Foot Problems

80% of foot problems occur in women. And no prizes for guessing why. Yes, the problems are usually caused by high heels. In fact, the modern high heels damage the feet as much as the tiny bound feet of women in ancient China!

However, men are not spared from foot problems as well. Obese guys, beware! The extra pounds you put on will put extra pressure on your feet. Guys who choose improper shoes will also end up having foot problems.

Some common foot problems:

• Ankle sprains - caused by ankles that "rolled over", causing swelling and pain. Mild sprains can be treated with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation). Most atheletes and dancers are well familiar with this easy, yet effective, treatment.
• Bunions - you sometimes see this women (and men), who loves to wear narrow pointy toes shoes when their feet are broad. The improper footwear will cause the bones in the toes to tilt outwards, creating a hard bump (also painful). Can be treated with cold compresses and most importantly, the proper footwear
• Corns and Calluses - both are hardened skin layers. Corns appear at the toes, and calluses at the bottom of feet. Usually caused by improper footwear. Can be removed corns/calluses removers and daily foot scrub
• Ingrown toenail and nail fungus - Ingrowns occur most commonly in the big toe, where daily pressure causes nail to grow into flesh. When you have thickened and discoloured toe nails, it may be a symptom of nail fungus, which can be treated with over the counter anti-fungal cream. For ingrown, proper trimming of nails and soaking of feet before trimming toe nails may help.

My new name card (with a discount behind) and my new Office Galz stamp!

My name card:

My stamp:

Facial and Spa services with every purchase of mani or pedi!

Hello!

I have linked up with Splendior, a facial/spa centre at The Body Clinic, Malacca Centre (Raffles Pl) to offer discounted facial/ spa services for customers who purchase any mani/ pedi services from me.

Ms. Wendy Low, the Director of Splendior and an ex-SIA stewardess, has more than 20 years experience doing facial/ spa as well as makeup services. She also conducts regular beauty workshops at organisations such as NUH.

The facial/ spa e-voucher will be emailed to my clients.

Enjoy!

FashBash and Killerheels

Something irrelevant to nails...

NAFA (Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts) will be hosting FashBash again this year. Details as follow:

WHEN: 18 - 19 August 07
WHERE: Curiocity Gallery, NAFA Campus II (10 mins on foot either from City Hall/ Bugis/ Dhoby Ghaut MRT Stations)
WHAT: FashBash is an annual event held by NAFA that celebrates, markets and showcases local designers and their products

The official site of FashBash.

My Killerheels will also be participating in this year's Fashbash. You will be able to purchase hand made and unique trinkets and jewellery at good discounts.

If you enjoy owning bracelets or necklaces that are not your run of the mill designs, Killerheels' products are what you'd like. :) Killerheels will be located at STALL 12.

Do come and support them!

New colours to my OPI range!

Exciting new shades added this week...

DIY hand massage

Office galz have to battle keyboards daily with their fingers (and nails). Carpal tunnel syndrome (temporary paralysis of hand/ fingers from wrist up) is one of the most common problems. Here's a simple hand massage technique which you can do on your hands anytime, anywhere. Remember to take deep breaths to relax and flush out the toxins when you are massaging your hands!

1. Start by applying either massage oil (or hand cream) over both hands. Use smoothing/stroking motions (pic 1)
2. Stretch your fingers on one hand by pulling them using the other hand (pic 2)
3. Squeeze and rub the fingers in small circular motions (pic 3)
4. Use your thumb to gently press and hold the lymphatic point below your thumb (pic 4)
5. Gently squeeze the small fold of skin (the "web") between each fingers (pic 5)
6. With palms facing up, grasp hold of fingers and gently pull them down (pic 6)
7. Ball your fist and cup the other hand over it (pic 7)
8. End by gently squeezing your arm (pic 8)

How to preserve your manicure

Scraped your newly polished nails? Made a bad dent on one of them? Went to sleep and woke up with imprints of your bedsheet all over your nails? These are common complaints from customers. And usually, these are what deter them from paying for a manicure/pedicure in the first place -- why bother to spend so much to only damage it half an hour later? (right?) Here's some tips on "preserving" that polished look:

• Unless you are able to sleep without tossing/turning around, do NOT paint 2h before bed time. (2h is the time needed for polish to dry from base to top coat)
• Apply a dab of cuticle oil (or any type of body oil -- olive oil, baby oil, etc) to the cuticle after applying the top coat (wait for 2-3 mins for top coat to dry a bit). Massage the oil gently over entire nail -- the oil will help to prevent most scrapes
• Apply thin coats of polish. The thicker the coats, the more easier it is to dent it -- even after a few DAYS...
• Dry the polish under cool air/ soak nails in ice water. Warm air will cause bubbles to surface from polish (so never ever use a hair dryer)
• Let each layer of polish dry for 1-2 mins after application

Have fun applying the nail polishes!

Nail polish ingredients

As I've said in my website, I only use OPI colours, because they do not have the following toxic ingredients:

1. Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP): a plasticizer found in most nail polish/ paint. Can cause birth defects and impotency (in males).
2. Toulene: commonly found in paint thinners. Inhalation can cause nauseau and confusion (much like sniffing glue). Constant high level of inhalation of toulene can cause damage to kidneys.
3. Formaldehyde: used in embalming/ preservation of tissues. Inhalation of fumes will cause headache, difficulties in breathing. Formaldehyde is also a probable carcinogen.

How to protect yourself:

1. When applying polishes, you can wear mask (it helps. That's why most manicurists wear mask while applying polish).
2. Do NOT go for manicure/ pedicure (especially if the session involves nail polish) if you are pregnant or lactacting.

My Namecard!!

New NEWS!

Hello! Some updates on my services...I will be tying up with a facial/spa salon located in The Body Clinic, Malacca Centre (near Raffles Place interchange) for discounted facials/ massages with every purchase of a mani/pedi service or package. Do look out for more info in The Office Galz homepage!

How to stop biting my nails...

Onycho (Greek: for finger/toe nail) phagia (Greek: to eat)...put together, onychophagia (or nail biting) literally means "to eat your finger/toe nails".

Why do I bite my nails?

There are many explanations, ranging from stress, boredom, low self-esteem or even genetics. However, no one knows for sure why nail biters like to consume their nails.

In medical terms, nail biting belongs to a class of disorder termed as "stereotypic movement disorder" -- a set of repetitive movements that cause physical harm or interfere with normal activities (some scientists see nail biting as a form of self-mutilation).

Freud would see nail biters as someone who has an "oral fixation".

Some scientific researches done on onychophagia show that:

1. Kids are most susceptible (admit it, we all bit our nails sometime in the past.)
2. Commonly seen in intellectuals
3. More common in males

What are the damages from nail biting?

Obviously, ugly ragged nails and sometimes, bleeding cuticles. Also, nail biters expose themselves to all sorts of nail infections. Lastly, the front teeth of nail biters will also be affected due to the constant friction against the hard nail plate.

How do I stop biting my nails?

Two methods: by medication or behavioural therapy.

Medication:

• Certain bitter nail solutions that are painted over nails will deter biters from putting their fingers into their mouth (e.g. Mavala's "Stop", Orly's "No Bite")
• Anti-psychotic medication -- for those who bite due to neurological/ psychological stresses

Behavioural therapy:

• Habit Reversal Training (a 4-step process which seeks to make you recognise the habit, to relax yourself, perform an opposing habit that replaces nail biting with another activity)
• Stimulus control (identification of stressors and controlling these stressors so that the nail biting habit is removed)
• Hypnotherapy

Some tips

1. Keep nails short
2. Occupy your hands
3. See a doctor
4. Wait and hope that your efforts will pay off :P

Some fun stuff after all the heavy info...=)

Hello!
After all the heavy (and gory) stuff on nails and nail diseases, here's a short quiz for you.
Wanna find out what nail colour best fits your personality?
Take this test now!

My results:
"Your nail polish color is Red. How you're unique: You have an incredible eye for style and art.
Why your style rocks: You are classic and classy - and that's hot!
What this color says about you: "I'm smart, sassy, and sexy. And I know it."

True? That's for you to judge.
=^.^=

Nail problems - the commonly seen types

Hello there!

Today's topic will be gory - commonly seen nail problems. As I've said, the condition of your nails will usually give some insight to your current state of health.

The nail problems highlighted in this post are pretty common and thankfully, recoverable, in most cases.

• Inflammation of flesh around nail (onychia) resulting in pus and possible nail loss. This is usually caused by bacteria infecting a wound on the fingers (see picture bottom 1st row, left)
• Ingrown nails (unguis incarnatus) are more commonly found on toe nails (though there are rare cases of ingrown finger nails due to improper trimming). They are caused by constant pressure on toe and/or improper trimming of toe nails
• Ram's horn nail (onychogryposis) happens because previous trauma or constant neglect to the nail caused it to thicker and curve unnaturally. Usually accompanied with deep grooves on nail (see picture bottom 1st row, right)
• Bruising/ collection of blood under the nail (subungal hematoma) is caused due to severe trauma on the nail (i.e. you dropped something heavy on it or slammed a finger between your drawers or are wearing shoes with too tight fit). Usually painful, but fortunately, the collected blood will be pushed out together with nail growth (see picture bottom 2nd row left).
• Nail biting (chronic onychophagia) - VERY common and unfortunately, hard to break and will result in ugly and short nails (in some cases, biters will chew off the whole nail, leaving only a blackened skin to cover the nailbed). I will probably dedicate one post to this bad habit and the current treatments (medical and psychological) used to break this habit (see picture bottom 2nd row right).

Nails and your health

The Chinese believes that the nails, like the tongue, can give clues to a person's state of health. Commonly seen nail conditions include:

• Brittle nails: iron deficiency, thyroid problems, poor circulation
• Nails that split and fray at edges/ come off in layers: deficiency in Vitamin C, folic acid and protein
• Extremely thick nails: poor circulation

The shape and texture of your nail can also point to certain health problems, such as:

• Clubbing nails (er, not THAT type of clubbing, but nails that grow downwards with a bulge at nailbed) can imply heart/liver/lung diseases due to oxygen deprivation (most commonly caused by smoking)
• Spooning nails (don't think dirty...these are nails that curve upwards) imply an iron deficiency
• Nails that are too flat against the nail bed may mean you lack Vit B12
• Horizontal ridges on nails can mean previous trauma/ illness

Lastly, the colours and markings of your nail also determine your health, for example:

• Redness on the nail bed: heart diseases
• Yellowing of the nail: smoker or improper use of nail polish
• White patches on nail: localised injury or zinc/ calcium deficiency
• Receding half moons (lunalae): poor blood circulation, shallow breathing
• Large half moons (which cover more than 1/4 of the nail): high blood pressure

Physiology of nails

Ok, so what ARE nails? The answer is they are hairs at the end of your fingertips. Serious. Nails and hair are basically made up of the same protein structure called "keratin" (albeit the keratin in nails are tougher than hair). The nail is made up of the following parts:

• The nail plate -- aka the "nail" -- is the hard covering made up of keratin
• The whitish part that grows out of the finger - we call it the "free edge"
• The nail groove (or paronychium) is the flesh edges at the sides of the nail
• The hyponychium is the layer of skin under the nail which can be seen if you look down the underside of the free edge
• The cuticle (or eponychium) is the fold of the skin at base of nail
• Lunala (or what we commonly call the "half moon") is a cresent shaped whitish area at the base of the nail
• Nail bed is the flesh or connective tissues underneath the nail (MANY nerve endings are here. So it will hurt -- and bleed -- if your manicurist cuts too deep or pokes too deep)

So how fast do nails grow? Well, they only grow 1cm every 100 days (or 1mm everyday). For those unlucky fellas who lost their fingernails...expect full regrowth only after 4-6 months. Toenails take longer: about 1-1.5 YEAR. (So try not to lose them, ya?)

Why should you bother to do a mani(pedi)-cure?

Morning! First post today shall explain (or persuade) why you should have a manicure/ pedicure done. Well, most gals (and guys) want beautiful, well groomed nails. They can enhance your overall appearance (think how would dirty and grime filled nails look with your power suit). Of course, having a well done nail colour (with nail art maybe) will jazz up your outlook during that special occasion. Although trimming of nails is a simple task which most of us can complete at home, many of us do not take care of our cuticles (or are totally unaware of what it is). Having regular mani and pedi sessions will help your nails grow faster and stronger. In the following posts, I will be touching on the physiology of a nail, common nail problems and basic hand and feet care.

Hello!

Hi there! Welcome to The Office Galz' blog, sister-site to The Office Galz site. In this blog, I will share some useful tips for manicure and pedicure, as well as common extensions/enhancements such as acrylic and gel enhancements.

And why do I call the site "The Office Galz"? Cos it's dedicated to all of us out there who battle keyboards with our nails daily! =)

Do visit this blog more often for updated tips! =^.^=

~ Sab