Tag Archive for: nail salon Aurora

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How to Remove Artificial Nails at Home

remove artificial nails

During this time of self isolation and physical distancing,  we are unable to go to the salon to keep up with our esthetic services. Many of our clients have been inquiring about how to remove artificial nails, maintain them, and remove shellac polish. As we have no definite return date for non-essential businesses to reopen, these services will have be done, by you, at home.

Remove Artificial Nails at Home: What You Will Need

  • You will need:
  • glass/ceramic bowl
  • acetone ( purchased at hardware store or drug store)
  • a medium grit file
  • a block buffer
  • 2 hand towels
  • orangewood stick
  • cuticle oil
  • nail hardener (or clear polish).

Directions

Place one towel on the table with the bowl on top. Pour a shallow amount of acetone in the bowl, enough to cover the nails. Put your fingers in the bowl and cover your hands with the other towel. Let the acrylic melt. This process will take up to an hour but will ensure you properly remove artificial nails and shellac.

Gently file off the acrylic with your medium grit file. If there is still some acrylic left on the nails, repeat the process for another 10-15 mins. For shellac, the same process is applied but should only take 10-15 mins to remove.

Once the acrylic or shellac is completely removed, file the length of your natural nail down to just about finger tip level. Take your buffer and gently smooth out the top of your nails. Then, take your orangewood stick and softly push back your cuticles as this will promote regrowth of your nail.  Apply cuticle oil to both the nails and cuticles and massage each nail. Once massaged, wash and dry your hands and apply 1-2 coats of hardener to each nail.

For gel nails, the same process is performed, provided you have gel remover from an esthetic supplier. If you do not have gel remover, you will have to take the medium grit file and file the nails off.

Health officials are encouraging us to be diligent in taking care of our hands to prevent the spread of the Covid 19 virus.  If we do this then we are hopefully one step closer to returning to the salon and providing the services that you have come to enjoy.  Stay healthy, stay safe and we hope to see you soon!

Til next time,

A Perfect Pinky Team

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Maintaining your Weight During Menopause

maintaining weight during menopause

Maintaining your usual weight during menopause can be difficult. Hormonal changes contribute to abdominal weight gain, and aging in itself can cause those pounds to creep up. As we age, muscle mass typically diminishes, while our fat stores increase which in turn, prompts our metabolism to become sluggish. Some studies even suggest that genetics can play a role in the Battle of the Bulge. While we can’t fight either of these “weight gainers”, we can do our best to combat them by a few factors.

Exercise

Physical activity can aid in maintaining your weight throughout menopause. Brisk walking, jogging and strength training all burn calories which make it easier to control those pounds from creeping up. Exercise can aid in promoting fat loss, while preventing muscle loss which normally occurs in menopause. In addition, exercise in general is beneficial for our overall health.

Sleep

Getting proper amounts and good quality sleep is a common problem in menopause. Hot flashes, stress, night sweats and other physical symptoms of estrogen depletion all contribute to poor sleep quality and quantity. And too little sleep prompts higher levels of ghrelin, which is considered the hunger hormone, thus we eat too much. Getting proper sleep and consistent physical activity can help sustain our appropriate weight. Talking to your doctor regarding your estrogen levels is also a good idea.

Eating and Drinking

What we consume has a direct link to how we feel physically and mentally. When we eat and drink properly, it is hugely beneficial in menopause or at any age. Eating proper amounts of protein, high-fiber foods and drinking enough water and green tea all help to burn fat, retain muscle mass and reduce appetite to promote weight stability in menopause. And of course, limiting sugar and alcohol is a must during this or any time in our life. Excess calories from these two things contribute to weight gain and other health problems.

Support

We all need a support system! Surrounding ourselves with people who we can turn to for support in our lifestyle changes help keep us focused. Grab a workout buddy and get moving!

It is common knowledge that gaining too much weight in menopause or any age can be damaging to our overall health. Excess weight increases the risk of acquiring heart & lung ailments as well as various types of cancer including breast and colon. It may be trying and some days super difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle but keep pushing on. Your body and mind will thank you for it!

Let’s Connect

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone. And as always, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers!

Till next time,

Phyllis

 

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4 Fool-Proof Ways to Reduce Wrinkles and Fine Lines

a perfect pinky reduce wrinkles and fine lines

The aging process can sometimes seem unfair. We can develop new troubles with our skin that we didn’t have in our younger years. But sometimes we can prevent or eliminate some issues altogether. One such issue is fine lines and wrinkles. Although it’s been said that we need to just accept our aging skin as it is, since wrinkles are said to be inevitable – that’s simply not true. Yes our metabolism slows as we age, and in turn the formation of collagen and elastin that we need for a plump complexion, slowly lessens. Let’s take a look at these 4 fool-proof ways we can help revive our glow.

1. Limit Your Sugar Intake

Processed sugar can increase collagen breakdown. It creates dehydration and therefore sucks moisture out of the skin. And really, is just plain bad for you. Eating fruits and vegetables, rich in vitamin C especially, is vital to help build collagen in the skin and restore your glowing complexion.

2. Always Use Sunscreen

Sun protection cannot be stressed enough in the prevention of wrinkles and other skin ailments. It’s essential to wear an SPF of 30 or higher with broad-spectrum protection. SPF prevents wrinkles people! But you must use it everyday even when it’s cloudy.

3. Quit Smoking

Obviously smoking is bad for your health for a multitude of reasons, in addition to aging your skin prematurely. Smoking affects the blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin and entire body. Depriving the skin of these vital nutrients, such as Vitamin C, creates a pale, uneven skin tone and wrinkles. There are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco that deplete your skin’s collagen and elastin, therefore creating wrinkly, sagging faces. So the sooner you quit, the better – or better yet, don’t start at all!

4. Consume Foods Rich in Antioxidants

Your skin is your largest organ and it suffers the most oxidative stress throughout your daily routine. Antioxidants help fight that stress and damage. The best way to boost your antioxidants is to consume foods rich in them. Kale, blueberries or kidney beans are examples of great foods that help with this. Get the wrinkle free skin you want from the inside out.

There are so many creams and procedures that can help prevent and eliminate aging skin. But realistically, if you just start practicing the recommendations in this short list, you will notice a significant difference. Some say the best overall help to your skin is to eat properly, exercise and stay hydrated. Think about it… while you’re putting on your sunscreen. 😉

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers! 

Till next time, 

Phyllis 

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New Year, New Habits

good habits a perfect pinky aurora spa

Another year is upon us. And for some, we are facing the “new year, new you” mentality with trepidation. Getting back into a routine after the crazy schedule of the holiday season can definitely be daunting. We, as humans, are naturally creatures of habit. If we can form some good ones then we can hopefully maintain them for the duration of our life. Let’s form some good habits together by learning what steps we need to take to achieve our best self!

Exercise

Lack of exercise can contribute to many diseases and issues. So it’s extremely important to get active everyday. Not only does regular exercise improve brain function and help our mood, it allows us to stave off many chronic illnesses. Something as simple as a 30-minute brisk walk can hugely reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and many forms of cancer. Partnered with a healthy diet, exercise can also help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity, which is dramatically affecting our world today. So get moving!

Healthy Diet

We all know that a balanced diet includes a good amount of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and protein like lean meats and nuts. But it’s hard to be good all the time, especially over the holidays. Now that the holidays have wrapped up for another year, it’s time to create a good diet for ourselves, limiting refined sugars and saturated fats. Minimizing these types of foods is necessary to maintain optimal health and keep excess calories at bay.

Sleep

Your body needs rest just as much as it needs good food and exercise. A solid 7 to 9 hours per night should keep you mentally alert and ready to exercise. Rest can also be achieved through other methods throughout the day. Take a few minutes and do some deep breathing, meditate, or even take a hot bath with an essential oil like lavender to promote relaxation. Poor sleep is linked to weight gain, hormone fluctuation, poor mood, and chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. So unplug those devices, turn off the TV and head to bed.

Hydration

Put down that soda, and grab a bottle of water instead. Water contributes to the proper function of our organs and tissues and maintenance of bodily functions. Our muscles receive essential nutrients from water, helping us to move efficiently. Water aids in digestion, especially helping those suffering from constipation, IBS, or other abdominal issues. Water flushes toxins from our body, and is the best defense against wrinkles and the aging process of our skin. Seriously, it’s literally a life-saver!

Joy

Honestly, enjoy your life! Surround yourself with positivity. We all need and enjoy the support of friends and family. Contentment gives you a good night sleep, which in turn gives you a positive outlook on your day and attracts people to you. Socialization helps with depression, anxiety and stress. For some, it can be difficult to find joy, but you must remember that your mind and emotional state are so tremendously important in helping you achieve your goals and feeling good.

Hopefully these steps will guide you to be your best you. In addition to these tips, an annual physical with your doctor is always a good idea to make sure you are at your most optimal performance. Remember to spend time with those you love, those who make you laugh, and those who support you and your life! Happiest of New Year’s to you!

We welcome your questions and feedback. You can connect with us via email or telephone. And don’t forgot to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest trends and special offers!

Til next time,

Phyllis

 

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