Unfair Labor Practices at Salons, Drives Many to DIY Manicures

If you are still grappling with guilt and possible confusion after reading The New York Times' article on labor practices and working conditions at many urban nail salons, you are not alone. The alarming exposition points to a select few getting rich off an ever-growing, luxurious past time.

Once an indulgence reserved for special occasions, manicures have become a grooming staple for women across the economic spectrum.

Working conditions and lack of fair compensation for salon workers may drive you and many other consumers to opt for a do-it-yourself break from the ambiguity of nail salon operations. 

If you're opting for a break from the salon, here are some tips to get started as well as tips on nail care safety.

CLIPPER CONUNDRUM

When at home, simply file those nails. Clipping is harsh on the nails and cuticles. Shape and reduce length by filing. Start filing from either corner of the nail and pull the file in one direction, instead of back and forth.
  
If you chose to go to a salon...
Bring your own nail clippers and files as these are often used multiple times in a day by many customers', says Dr. Cirlincione, Co-Founder of Dr.'s REMEDY

CUTICLES: TO CUT OR NOT TO CUT

After a good soak, use a quality Enriched Cuticle Oil. Dr.’s REMEDY recommends CARESS Cuticle Oil, infused with vitamins, wheat protein and the organic ingredient Pentavitin. Just push back those newly soften cuticles, only trim if absolutely necessary, and your nail bed is soon ready to paint. ‘Cuticles help ward off nail infections, save them if you can’, warns Dr. Cirlincione. Straggly cuticles and wiry nails are tempting to pick and break, learn How to stop hangnails and save yourself from painful nail beds.
SHOP CARESS Cuticle Oil Treatment




MANICURE BASICS

Make sure the nails are free of any dirt and oil. Use household rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball to cleanse the nails well. Then, apply a clear coat base coat to your newly refined nails. Dr.’s REMEDY saves you time with brand new TOTAL Two-in-One which functions as a base coat plus a top coat!

SHOP TOTAL Two-In-One

FANCY NAIL FINISHES

Choose from a rainbow of shades from Dr.’s REMEDY to make those nails pop with color. Start by painting in the middle of the nail, push up under the cuticle and pull down with long, and a limited number, of strokes. Always allow 60 seconds between coats.

Grab that bottle of TOTAL Two-In-One once more for a clear clean final coat to add shine and protect your color from premature chipping. Then, clean any polish that landed in the wrong place by using your cuticle pusher wrapped in cotton and then dipped in remover. SHOP NAIL COLOR