WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF HAIR EXTENSIONS?

 Hair extensions are strands of hair which are fixed to your natural hair to add length and volume. You have seen actresses often altering hairstyles. They weave attachments to improve their look as well as to add highlights and various styles to their hair.

Forms of hair extensions

There are two kinds - natural and artificial. Natural extensions are made from human hair. These would be rather pricey than man made but are perfect if you wish to weave them to make them look natural.

Asian hair is coarse and is consequently more economical. European hair often is the priciest due to its fine texture. It is usually handled and looked after much like your own. This is the ideal variety if you choose to use hair attachments frequently. Nevertheless, they have a tendency to stick together and thus require professional treatments. You need to use high quality shampoos and conditioners as well.

Artificial extensions are cheaper. Nevertheless, it is not easy to make them completely match the texture of one's genuine hair. Additionally, they tend to get matted especially during shampooing. Furthermore, you can't style them using a dryer. Then again, they are a fantastic alternative if you have to frequently alter your looks without shelling out too much money.

Methods of hair extensions

If you wish to weave attachments, it is possible to select from various methods.

Clip on extensions are the type that damage your hair the least and therefore are the easiest to apply. Separate your hair starting right at the nape of the neck and work upwards. Clip on the hair strands according to the desired volume. Open up the clips and snap them onto your head. You can also utilize clip on to add highlight to your hair.

Weaves are tiny braids which are weaved directly into your own natural braid. There are strings that creates a track along which the hair extensions are braided. You must have medium to thick natural hair, because your own hair will be required for the weave to be attached to. Weaves can be uncomfortable simply because they create tension on the head too. You might also need to be cautious while bathing or swimming.

Sealed hair extensions are sealed on the hair. The hair will be sectioned and extensions are plaited in. A binding agent is then applied to seal in the extension. These extensions can last for approximately 4 months before they need to be redone. You require a specialist with this option, as it is impossible to do it yourself.

Fusion is an additional approach to weave hair extensions. Strands of hair are covered with warmed protein glue after which it is connected to the natural hair. There's a plastic template that separates sections of the hair. After sticking each of those strands together, the hair extension is pulled via the gap in the template. This can be a long procedure.

There are many forms of hair attachments available for sale. Weave hair extensions based on your mood and choice. Once done take care of the hair attachments properly in order to preserve their look and sheen.

HAIR TREATMENT - OIL AND NORMAL HAIR TREATMENT

HAIR TREATMENT

Every person in this world wants beautiful, strong and shiny hair. They are that thing on the body which changes the look and personality of a person to the great extent. Excess usage of shampoos, conditioners, dyes and gels etc. cause alot of damage to hair. So every woman and men young or adult want to keep their hair strong and shiny. Treatments according to hair types of hair fall solutions and damaged hair can be adapted. Following are some of the treatments of oily and normal hair types:

OIL HAIR TREATMENT

They are very oily. Ladies are not able to give them the desired style because they are sticky. A thin and long face will look more odd with oily hair. They also keep the head dirty.

They have to be washed atleast thrice a week.More regular wash keep them clean. Due to them the face also start looking oily and bad, so keep removing oilness from hair regularly.Lemon shampoo is good for oily hair,it removes stickness. Shampoo your hair and use conditioner.They will be cleansed and will be healthy.

The food you eat directly effects the hair.STOP eating oily things in food, if you have oily hair.Increase quantity of eggs, meat, fish, cheese, salad, fruits and green vegetables in your food.

NORMAL HAIR TREATMENT

This kind of hair are shiny but not oily. They can be styled easily. They can remain clean for a week without a wash. They can be washed once a week with light shampoo, a glycerin soap or with soap-nut (REETHA) and Shikakai. Choose a good shampoo once and don't change it, if not compelled to. It is generally thought that a shampoo giving more lathers is a good one but it may not clean your hair properly and the natural development of the hair stops or slows down. If you comb them before shampooing them, they will not break. Take shampoo in your palm and put it at one place on the head and rub it with the tips of your fingers on the roots first and then on hair. Don't press fingers hard. Pour a little water on the head. It will give lather and can be applied easily, wait for a few minutes and wash them.

Many different kinds of conditioners are available in the market. Wash them with a shampoo and apply conditioner on them, leave it their for five minutes and then wash them thoroughly. Then your hair will be clean and shiny.

THE DAILY HAIR TREATMENT TO PERFECT YOUR PERFORMANCE

Many people want to have the beautiful hair to support their perfect appearance. But, some of them never realize that the daily hair treatment is the most important thing to consider. Commonly, people will perfect their hair only when they will go to certain occasions and require them to go to a salon first. In this case, you can use natural ingredients as your natural treatments. The following explanation will tell you more about it.

Basically, people can make use of several different ingredients to beautify their hair. Definitely, it should be based on the types of their hair. They can use egg, celery, avocado, tea, aloe vera, and so on. Those things will help them to enjoy the normal hair. In this case, the use of hair mask is important to keep the great shining hair and never let it dry and awful anymore.

By paying attention to the right way of treating your hair, you will get nothing but the real amazing hair to perfect your beauty. There are many different brands are available out there to fulfill your needs of daily hair treatment. Definitely, the presence of such various brands are due to the various needs of many people. The various types of hair will require various solutions as well.

The important thing you need to understand before buying certain products is to know about your hair type. And then, the shopping for daily hair treatment solution can be done soon. By getting the right treatment for your hair, you will see that the money you would have done will be the worthy expense you will never regret of doing that step.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF HAIR STYLES FOR WOMEN

Most women are particular with their physical appearances, and many of them want to look their best at all times. This is the reason they want to take care of their hair and visit the hair salon for hair treatments and help with their hair style. Indeed, a good and most suitable hairstyle would allow an individual to look different and more attractive.

The great news is that many hair stylists are becoming creative when it comes to hairstyles and more talented. There are various choices of hairstyles available for women, and there would be one hairstyle that would certainly best suit your own personality. When you find the right hair style for you, you will definitely look stunning.

Here are the different hair styles for women that you can choose from:

• CURLY HAIRSTYLE- This hairstyle is in demand amongst women because this hairstyle would allow them to look sexy. This hairstyle gives a flirty look to women, which is opposite to a simple long and straight hairstyle. There are different accessories to utilize in order to achieve a curly hairstyle. There are pins, curling iron, curlers or permanent curling done in a salon.

• MESSY HAIRSTYLE- This hairstyle is perfect for teenage girls because this will suit their age and bubbly personalities. The essential feature of this hairstyle is that the hair can be styled with the use of hands and gel. Secure the messy hairstyle with a hairspray or gel.

• PONYTAIL HAIR STYLE- Ponytail hairstyle is suitable for women with long hair. This is also perfect for women who are sporty and want to show their facial features. This hairstyle can be worn high or low, depending on a woman's preference.

• SHORT HAIR STYLE- One of the most popular hairstyles is short hair just above the shoulder. Short hairstyle allows women to look younger in appearance, yet fashionable.

• LONG AND STRAIGHT HAIR STYLE- One of the most common and sought after hairstyle is long and straight hair. Most guys love to see women with long, straight and shiny hair because they seemed to look so gorgeous and lady-like. There are many hair treatment products to apply, in order to achieve a straight and soft hair.

• SUPER SHORT HAIRSTYLE- Another hairstyle that most women love to have is the super short hairstyle, which allows them to look different. This hairstyle is perfect during the summer because they would feel so comfortable without their long hair. This type of hairstyle is also maintained easily, just wash and wear.

These are some of the most popular and different hair styles available for women. If you are interested to change or enhance your appearance, start making over your hair. If you have long hair, cut it short so that you would look totally different. Do not fear because your hair will just grow eventually.

If you are not sure with the most suitable hair style, just visit a salon and get a recommendation from hair stylists. They are expert when it comes to the perfect hair style that would work for you, and they would certainly help you achieve the excellent look.

DIFFERENT TYPE OF SKIN TREATMENTS

Caring of skin shows your health consciousness. As we all know that the skin is divided in to three type 1) oily skin 2)dry skin 3) normal skin as the skin is divided then its treatments are also divided because someone believe in home treatment, someone like Herbal treatment, or Laser treatment and many more so let get some know leg about all this treatment.

NATURAL SKIN CARE TREATMENT FROM YOUR KITCHEN: In natural skin care treatment you can use the things of kitchen. Before taking skin treatment the first thing to know is the type of skin we have. Because the different skin has different treatments. In our body we fist care of our face because it is a first thing note in a person. Drink a lot of water a day it make your skin fresh all time, and also make your digestion fit. A bad digestion also cases skin problem. Do exercise regularly, it glow your skin. Cleansing of body is also important regularly. It is necessary to wash the face three times in a day with herbs. Lemon with milk acts as a good cleanser for skin. Egg protector is used for smooth skin and glow. Radish is also used for skin care. Mix radish with 3 spoon of vinegar, two spoon of lemon juice and a spoon of honey mix it well and then apply on your skin. You skin looks fresh and clear. Having a healthy digit is also useful for skin.

HERBAL SKIN CARE: The safe way to care skin is herbal skin care. The people are now a day's preparing herbal products, because they do not adverse effect on body. In herbal product we use herb and shurb the herbal product are more effective and not costly as compare to allopathic product. Indians mostly prefer ayurved herbal products. There are so much herbal products available in market like face pack, hair care, facial and many more. Some of homemade herbal products are like a mixture of curd with lemon is good for acne care. Honey with cucumber is use to avoid sunburn. Turmeric and saffron is good for skin black spot and whitening care. The herbal skin care results glowing and younger look, and do not give side effect. Now a day's doctor also as suggest the use of herbal product. It is also good for the people having a sensitive skin.

LASER SKIN CARE: This is a time of fast life. Now a day's technologies are grown up, and people are be live in fast treatment so they use laser treatment. Now a day it is demanding in laser in many skin problems such as permanent hair removal, skin pigmentation, wrinkles, hair transplantation, skin firming, acne and many more. As we all know that hair treatment is so expensive but it give a best result, This is permanent for a long period. No one on the earth is perfect every one want some change in them, such as in as nose, lips, ears etc and only laser made all this change possible. After the surgery person can't go out for two month. The person does not go in direct contact of sun light. Only special doctors can do this treatment. Now a day there is a trend of permanent tattoos. In which laser treatment is used. Laser is success in urban areas.

THE 10 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT EYELASH EXTENSIONS

For approximately 6,000 years women have utilized artificial means to enhance the appearance of their eyes. Throughout the Victorian Era using Mascara became fashionable, and in 1916 false eyelashes were developed. A current improvement in the actual enhancement of the woman's eyelashes is the invention of eyelash extension.

What's The Difference Between False Eyelashes And Eyelash Extensions?

A false eyelash is a reproduction of a complete eyelash on a base that is glued to the eye lid around the bottom of the eyelashes. They can easily be removed and are only a short-term enhancement to improve the appearance of eyelashes.

An eyelash extension is a series of individual eyelashes that are glued to current eyelashes and will last for around 4 weeks before a touch up is needed.

How Weighty Are Eyelash Extensions?

Eyelash extensions weigh virtually nothing and therefore there is little likelihood of the eye lid getting exhausted.

What On Earth Is An Eyelash Extension Made From?

Eyelash extensions can be created of organic real human hair, man made fiber, synthetic fiber or mink hair. The most commonly available eyelash extensions tend to be of man made fiber or even mink hair.

How Is An This Put on?

A good beautician will look at your eyelashes carefully to select those that are most likely to provide a stable foundation for the extension. Each individual eyelash extension is applied to an existing eyelash hair with a special glue. Each eyelid will require around 50 to 100 extensions to create a real looking eyelash.

How Do You Care For This?

In the first 24 hours it is necessary to prevent contact with water as the glue bond the extension on your natural eyelash has got to set properly. After that do not use oil based eye make up or even removers because the oil will weaken the glue.

How Frequently Do Eyelash Extensions Need To Be Renewed?

The lash extensions can last as long as the person's hairs that they're attached to stay in your eyelid. Natural eyelashes last normally for around 40 days. As eyelash extensions are attached to individual hairs in your eyelashes they're not going to last forever. It is suggested by beauty experts that a touch up is performed every three to four days.

Can A Person Go Swimming While Wearing Them?

 The easy answer is of course, however it is best to avoid exposure to water for the initial Twenty four hours after they have been applied to allow the glue utilized to bond correctly to your natural eyelash.

How Are These Removed?

These lashes can be taken off by a trained beautician. You'll be able to remove them in your own home, but this can be a time consuming process and may demand a number of attempts before they are all removed.

Will These Affect My Eyes Or Natural Eyelashes?

Unless of course a person is allergic to the fibre used to manufacture these extensions or even the glue used to bond these to the eyelash, there will be no side effects.

Where there is certainly a known allergy to certain fibres or solvents, this should be mentioned prior to any kind of lash extensions are applied.

Could Mascara Be Utilized With These?

Usually you don't have to make use of mascara with the eyelash will be longer and appear fuller compared to natural eyelash. In the event that mascara is used it shouldn't be oil based because this can affect the glue utilized to bond the actual extension to the natural eyelash.

INFORMATION ABOUT EYELASH TREATMENTS

Having eyelash extensions done is not something that should be done without some research if you have never had them done before, as there are a number of things that could go wrong. No treatment is anything you should worry yourself about too much less you have bad skin allergies as the solution used to apply the extensions that may annoy it. I am sure that if you have been unable to decide whether you want to get eyelash extensions, that if you want someone who's been put off due to an allergy, you're the type of person that gets told a lot you need to try new things; this is one of those new things. If you are inquisitive about how the eyelash treatment works and what other treatments are available from people who might not be too keen on getting their extensions done continue reading and we will reveal all.

If you haven't heard about eyelash tinting before but you are quite keen to get your extensions done due to certain reasons you have been holding back eyelash tinting could be a way for you to go. Eyelash tinting is essentially the same as Tinting your hair except it is done on the eyelashes. It must be noted that eyelash tinting is not something that will work for everyone as people's needs of different and so are hair colours; somebody with naturally dark eyelashes is not likely to gain efficiently from getting eyelashes tinted. Eyelash tinting should be the first step for anyone with light colour hair who has been holding out on getting their extensions done for whatever reason.

You will be made to lie on the technician's bed as she thinks your eyelashes are colour that is natural world is trying to make them look as full as possible. If you have light eyelashes and you are going to get just one eyelash treatment if you make eyelash tinting that choice. Now I think will go straight into it with section about eyelash extensions as that's what you really want to know about isn't it. The beauty of the new eyelash extension products is that there are many different looks that can be achieved, compared to the old false eyelashes there is so much room to create a style that is artistic with such glamour or if you would prefer a nice set of eyelashes, it's really up to you there is so much stuff you can do. Since the old technique of false eyelashes that came in pairs in one style and were attached in one go the beauty industry world over as been swarmed upon by celebrities with their eyelashes enhanced we have brought into every eye fad there is when there is only one that is really going to give you the feeling of longer eyelashes, and that's eyelash extensions!

Some of the idea of the process that you have to go through to get eyelash extensions and have two dark collar eyelashes to warrant getting your eyelashes tinted then eyelash perming is something you should probably try. Eyelash perming is again not something that is going to be a useful treatment to everybody, people are different. To get your eyelashes permed you will need your eyelashes to be a suitable length to start with because if they are not they may be too small for the perm to have any effect. If you are already in short you will understand the buzz eyelash extensions have around them at the moment and why this information could be very useful.

We hope we have given the people what they are looking for in terms of information about eyelash treatments. You can train to become an eyelash technician very easily, its only a days worth of training and once you have completed that to a decent standard you will be qualified to provide eyelash treatments like the ones listed.

MAINTAIN THE HEALTH OF YOUR EYELASHES

Eyelashes are somewhat of an understatement when it comes to the amount of time and effort that women put into making themselves beautiful. Women pull, rub, curl, pluck and apply mascara to their eyelashes daily. And yet unlike our hair we don't really take care of our eyelashes. In addition our eyelashes are exposed to environmental irritants, pollution and smoke. All of this exposure will lead to thinner and fewer eyelashes.

Eyelashes develop relatively early after conception, about 7-8 weeks on an embryo. This is also the length of time that an eyelash will take to regrow if one falls out or is plucked out. Eyelashes like eyebrows are designed to protect the eye from debris. Because of their sensitivity, if something touches the eyelashes, they provide a warning that something is very close to the eye itself. Instinctively once something touches the eyelashes the eye will close to prevent harm from coming to the eye. Although, the purpose of eyelashes is to protect the eye, the eyelashes are viewed as a beauty accessory more than anything.

Although everyone has them, women more than men care about how their eyelashes look, how long they are and how thick they are. Men could care less about their own eyelashes unless they are causing them pain or they have an eyelash disorder. It is rare to hear about eyelash disorders or diseases unless you have one, know someone who has one or work in the medical field. Eyelash disorders or diseases can arise from irritation, cosmetics, inflammation, drugs or toxins, mites or system disorders. 

The most common eyelash disorders include madarosis the loss of eyelashes, distichiasis an abnormal growth of lashes, trichiasis ingrown eyelashes, or demodex folliculorum a mite that lives harmlessly in the eyelash and other hair follicles. Dermatologists, ophthalmologists and endocrinologists are the doctors who can diagnose and treat eyelash disorders.

Although eyelashes are small in their size and appearance, the amount of time cleaning, cleansing or conditioning eyelashes is minuscule compared to other parts of the body. Alternatively, when it comes time to beautify it is the eyelashes that are used to accentuate the eyes and the face. Thicker, longer lashes are one of many criteria that women use to determine their femininity and beauty. Eyelash size and thickness is determined genetically, however throughout the years cosmetic and beauty companies have been manufacturing products to enhance the eyelash appearance.

Mascara, eyeliner, eye putty, and eye shadow are just some of the essential cosmetic products that women use on a daily basis to enhance their appearance. Eyelash extensions are also available to increase the thickness and length of your eyelashes. False eyelashes were invented in the early twentieth century and gained popularity in the 1960's. Now false eyelashes are available in all shapes, sizes, colors and quality. However, false eyelashes can only enhance your appearance for short periods of time. Permanent eyelash extensions and transplants have been gaining in popularity since the early 90's but can be quite costly depending upon the area and location of where you live. Allergan, a pharmaceutical company created the first eyelash growth solution in 2009 called Latisse. This product must be prescribed by a doctor and can cause discoloration of the pigments in your eyes. Even though, Latisse has already had a great number of users with testimonials that confirm and praise the product. However due to its immaturity in the market it is hard to tell whether this product will work consistently to increase the length, thickness and color of eyelashes.

Even if you choose not to wear false eyelashes, get eyelash extensions or use Latisse to grow your eyelashes, proper lash maintenance should be considered. Even if you don't wear make up, your eyelashes are exposed to the external environment. It is important to protect your lashes from the damage of overheating, over drying, free radicals and environment stresses. Providing your body and eyelashes with the proper nutrition can reduce the signs of breakage and nourish the follicles. Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that replenishes and nourishes the skin and hair. Vitamin E treatments can be used to enhance the strength of eyelashes. Also primers and conditioners should be used in conjunction with your makeup regimen. Avoid lash primers that have dyes, fumes or fragrances that can irritate the eye. Look for products that include healing agents such as anti-inflammatories that can sooth and strengthen your eyelashes.

Graduated with a BA in exercise science and have worked in the medical field since. My focus is alternative medicine however all aspects of health interest me. Check out my health website!

PEDICURE INFECTIONS

Pedicure infections are surprisingly very easy to pick up, if proper disinfection guidelines are not followed. Usually occurring in salons and spas that cater to numerous individuals, pedicure infections have been known to get as serious as amputations and even death. The major problem lies in not so much the cleanliness of the pedicure spas as many would assume, but in the necessary disinfectant guidelines.

Most pedicure-related infections have been linked to contaminated footbaths used in the pedicures. When pedicure spa chairs aren't cleaned and disinfected properly, hair and skin can gather in the tub basin; and bacteria can grow to unusually high levels. The traditional pedicure spas use circulation systems that trap the bacteria in pipes of pedicure spa chairs. The modern pedicure spa chairs are equipped with a new system, called pipeless whirlpool, which doesn't keep contaminated water and bacteria in the pedicure spa chairs.

One pedicure infection that can result is called atypical mycobacterium, which is often misdiagnosed and treated as a common staph infection of the skin. The first symptom is usually a pimple that becomes larger, like an infected cyst or furuncle. To treat the infection successfully, a culture must be taken to look specifically for the mycobacterium organism. This can require several weeks to complete, with the appropriate treatment being multiple rounds of antibiotics lasting up to several months.

What is staph infection? How do people get staph infections through pedicures? Staph is the shortened name for staphylococcus, a type of bacteria. These bacteria can live harmlessly on many skin surfaces. When the skin is punctured or broken for any reason, staph bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection. Staph infections normally cause a red, swollen, and painful area on the skin. Other symptoms include: a skin abscess, fever, and warmth around the infected area.

In other types of infections such as in the case of MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) infections, it will start with a small red bump and would grow by accumulating pus inside. It can be very painful and would extend deep in to the tissues as well. At the same time, it is possible for these persons to develop fever and rashes along with a MRSA pedicure infection. 

This bacterium is extremely difficult to treat in humans since it is very resilient to antibiotics including the penicillins and as the name suggests namely Methicillin and oxacillin. This bacterium has normally cause outbreaks in hospitals and health care settings since it's so hard to treat and very easy to transmit from patient to patient (HA-MSRA or Health Care Associated MSRA). Recently though, it has been found causing outbreaks outside of hospitals and clinics and in communities amongst healthier people like in salons and spas (CA-MSRA or Community Associated MSRA).

Pedicure Infection can also lead to a nail fungus. A nail fungus or a fungal infection of the nails is the most common type of infection that you can get in and around your nails.

The signs of a nail fungus are usually a yellow, discolored, thickened nail and for most people it is just a cosmetic issue. However, for a select few, for those people who do not have an intact immune system or people who do not have good sensation in their feet, it can cause some pain and can be a health problem if not treated.

According to United States Environmental Protected Agency, regular cleaning is just not enough to avoid pedicure infections as serious germs can with standard ordinary cleaners. To avoid harmful bacteria from building to high levels, disinfection is necessary. To kill harmful bacteria, viruses and fungus, the cleaning agent used must an EPA registered hospital or medical grade bactericide, parricide and fungicide.

                      
HOW TO DO THE PERFECT PEDICURE AT HOME

A pedicure is one of life's great pleasures. There's nothing like relaxing and pampering yourself after a long day, and a pedicure is the perfect way to unwind while taking care of your health and beauty. When a trip to the spa isn't possible or is out of the budget, it's time for the perfect pedicure at home.

First gather up your tools and supplies, here's what you'll need:

• A wide glass bowl, basin or small tub.
• A couple of clean, bath towels
• Epsom salts, foot soak or bath salts
• Your favorite scented body oil
• Small brush
• Cotton pads
• Nail polish remover
• Nail file
• Exfoliating scrub
• Foot lotion
• Clippers
• Foot file/pumice stone
• Foam toe separator
• Cotton swabs
• Orangewood stick or cuticle stick
• Your favorite nail polish and top coat

Preparation:

• Fold a bath towel into a square and place it at the bottom of your bowl.
• Prep your feet by making sure they're clean and remove any old polish with a cotton pad and nail polish remover.
• File & Shape:
• Clip and file the nails to your preferred length and shape, usually best to shape square with rounded edges.
• Use a nail file to smooth the edges.
• Soak:
• Fill the bowl with hot water and position a chair behind it.
• Dissolve a half a cup of the salts in the water.
• Grab a book or put on some music, and slip your feet in and relax.
• Soak your feet for five to ten minutes.
• Take your feet out of the water one at a time, and pat them dry.

Smooth & Exfoliate:

• Use your foot file to smooth away rough skin on the heels, balls of the feet and outside of the pinkie toes.
• Use the small brush to gently buff each foot.
• Use the pumice stone to further eliminate any remaining rough spots.
• Push the cuticles back with the orangewood/cuticle stick, they will be nice and soft from soaking.
• Apply the exfoliating scrub to your feet, and rub them until they feel soft.
• Dip your feet again for a rinse, and then pat them dry again with a towel.

Moisturize:

• Now moisturize your feet and calves with a rich, scented lotion.
• Wash the lotion off your nails with soap and water to prep for polish, and let them dry.

Polish:

• Separate your toes with the foam separator, and apply one coat of base coat to fill in uneven areas, two coats of color (allowing to dry in between), and one clear top coat. Paint your nails carefully, working from the bed of the nail to the tip with long, even brush strokes.
  
• Use a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to erase any mistakes.
• Try to go barefoot now to avoid smearing.
• Reapply the top coat every three days or so after your pedicure to keep the nails from chipping. Some top coats come with SPF in them to keep the colors from fading.

Now it's time to show of your feet and enjoy your perfect pedicure!

GETTING YOUR FIRST PEDICURE

Mary's daughter was getting married. So as a last minute surprise she took her daughter and all of the bridesmaids out for an outing to get pampered at a nail salon. But just before the wedding, the bride and all her attendants developed big black draining sores all over their lower legs and ankles. So how can you make sure your nail salon is safe and avoid this sort of pedicure disaster?

As a podiatrist, I get lots of questions about the relationship between pedicures, foot fungus and infections. But the most passionate discussions seem to revolve around pedicures. I even remember one of my instructors in medical school telling all of us medical students to warn our patients to avoid salon pedicures. But we have to be realistic. Women love to be pampered and a pedicure is a great way to relax, and feel special. You just have to know the risks associated with nail salon infections and follow some simple rules to keep your pedicure experience safe.

If you don't think pedicures can be dangerous, you must not watch the news. In September of 2000, 110 people were infected during an outbreak in a nail salon in the San Francisco Bay Area. Within days of the soothing foot bath and pedicure, pimple-like bumps appeared. These little bumps got worse and turned into red or black pus-filled sores. Many of these women got permanent scarring on their legs as a result.

In 2004 there was another outbreak only miles south of San Francisco in which pedicure-related infections were identified in 143 pedicure customers linked to 33 different nail salons in Santa Clara County. In 2005 there was yet another outbreak of infections related to nail salons involving 17 people.

A pedicure lawsuit was born after a Mountain View California woman died after a bacterial infection allegedly contracted from a pedicure in 2004. A similar case in Fort Worth, TX involved a 46 year-old woman who allegedly contracted an antibiotic-resistant infection and eventually died from the staph infection. On shocking study conducted in Arizona in 2009 showed that 181 nail salon establishments agreed to pay fines to settle health code violations in the Tucson area alone.

Although the statistics and headlines can be alarming, you should know that not all pedicures lead to infections. There are laws and professional guidelines that help nail salon workers protect you from infections and the spread of disease during a pedicure.

The first thing you should do when you visit a nail salon is look around. Use a little common sense. If you go to a restaurant and see flies buzzing around the kitchen, would you still eat there? Does your nail salon look clean? Do you see health and safety rules posted in the waiting area? This is one of the most common reasons for citations in California nail salons during state inspections. Lets face it, if they can't follow the simple rules, would you really trust them to sterilize instruments or meticulously clean the massage chair or foot bath?

Next, ask some questions. Are all of your nail technicians licensed? If they are licensed you can be sure they have at least taken a test about ways to decrease the spread of nail infections. Unsanitary practices are common, but less likely in nail salons that follow the rules.

Ask them how they disinfect their instruments. Do they re-use any disposable instruments. This is a real no-no. Re-using disposable instruments is an easy way to spread fungus and bacteria from one foot to another.

How do they clean the foot bath? Most of the really contagious infections involved a germ called mycobacterium. It lives in water and can grown on the dead skin and hair that gets stuck in a little filter inside the foot bath motor. If the salon staff can't tell you quickly the exact protocol for cleaning the foot bath, you may be soaking your feet in an alphabet soup of infection causing bacteria.

Look for labels and covers on all containers. If you don't see clear labels such as "dirty," "clean," "water," "disinfectant," etc., don't expect the workers to always grab the clean ones when working on your feet. Lids on the containers may not seem like a big deal, but all of those infection causing fungal spores and bacteria can float through the air from that nasty yellow toenail in the chair next to you and then settle right on the cuticle pusher the nail tech is about to use on you.

Watch for hand washing. Doctors and nurses wash hands before and after every patient contact. Simply washing hands is one of the best ways to prevent a contagious infection from spreading. Your nail tech should do the same. While you are waiting for your turn in the pedicure chair, just watch and see if the nail technician washes her hands or just changes gloves between clients.

Ask them if they ever fix ingrown toenails. If the answer is yes, you may be putting yourself at risk. Ingrown toenails are often teeming with infection-causing bacteria. And you don't want to be sitting in the pedicure chair following a pus-filled ingrown nail. Only licensed podiatrists (foot doctors specializing in feet and toenail surgery) should be working on these. Just cutting out the corner or the ingrown nail has many risks and is illegal when performed during a nail salon pedicure. Once you have found a clean, reputable nail salon, don't shave your legs before you get a pedicure. The one risk factor that links pedicures to horrific infections is open wounds. If you shave less than 48 hours before your pedicure, you create invisible little cuts in the skin that allow bacteria to get in. If you shaved your legs the morning of your pedicure, you can still get your toenails done, but you should avoid the foot soak.

Keep in mind that there are lots of safe, comfortable places for you to get a pedicure. You just need to ask a few questions so that you can feel sure you will leave the salon with pretty, soft, pampered feet and not with an nasty infection.

 HOW TO AVOID A PEDICURE DISASTER

When I first decided that I wanted to get a pedicure I had no idea what to expect. I had never had a pedicure, and I didn't really know what they were like or what I should bring. What I did know was that was getting a pedicure done professionally will be a much better experience than if you were to try and give a pedicure at home with a pedicure set.

When you go into the beauty salon for your pedicure, you should make sure that you bring a pair of sandals or similar shoes with you and also some entertainment. I usually bring a magazine but you might want to bring a book or newspaper. You should also probably bring with you your own nail polish so that when you want to top up your pedicure in the future you will have exactly the same colour available to you.

If you do want to try and give yourself a pedicure at home, then it is a good idea to try and find a good pedicure set.  You can find these sets all over the place, but that doesn't necessarily mean that all of them are of a good quality. Take your time to try and find a pedicure set that is of a good quality so that you can give yourself and your nails are treatments that will compare to that you will get at a professional beauty salon.

When you're getting a pedicure at a professional beauty salon the treatment is only as good as the experience, so make sure you are in a place where you can relax and enjoy your pedicure. The equipment such as the pedicure chair is also important.