Best Foot Forward Feet Treats

Best Foot Forward

So we are in the throws of summer and you have probably done your fair share of pedicures already, perhaps they are not the most favourite thing to do, but educating our clients and giving them some more information on the wonders of our bodies and the benefit treatments such as pedicures can have a two fold effect.  You will gain a loyal and interested client base, but that you will increase cash flow and profit and you will see your appointment book filling up as they start to learn about the benefits.  

So let me tell you, my new client, why having a pedicure is so important.

Close your eyes and remember the feel of cool grass caressing yours soles, or sinking your feet into a luxurious thick carpet.  Think about the times you used your toes to turn on the hot tap in the bath, or tip toed around your children’s bedroom on Christmas Eve.  When was the last time you let your foot find the cool spot at the end of the bed?  How can we enjoy these things and not look after our feet?

Summer is here, and we are exchanging heavy boots for delicate sandals, but there is no sense in making your toe nails look pretty, if people run away when you remove your shoes. How can you enjoy the sand between your toes if you can’t feel it, because of the hard skin?

Become enlightened to the wonders of your feet, and to realise just why you should appreciate these truly remarkable creations. 

Pity your poor feet and all the pressures and stresses they face every day. Attention to your toes will bring better and longer-lasting benefits, to body and mind. Like most people, feet are neglected and yet they deserve as much attention as you pay to the rest of your body. Feet that don't function correctly affect your body's delicate balance. They upset the alignment and function of the knees, hips, spines and shoulders, causing backache and poor posture. Over time this can lead to fatigue and irritability. The feet are a sophisticated and delicate part of our body, containing a total of 52 bones, 66 joints, 38 muscles and 214 ligaments all working in harmony to provide movement and stability. Although seemingly fragile our feet are inherently robust and resilient. Made up of a delicate arrangement of nerves, blood vessels, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments, with each part of the foot working in synchronised perfection

It is well known that the foot reflects the physical attributes of the body. But did you know that it could also show personality characteristics and individual needs, reflecting on the potential for self-development. For example, Hard skin can show how we are trying to protect our emotions. Shapes, lines, and colour speak to us about our soul. 

Feet can also take part in some of our most positive experiences you can’t help but love them for that.

It is never too late to start looking after your feet,  Making an effort to take care of our most used, but undervalued part of our body will help vitality, improve ill health, and maintain stamina and vigour. 

Now you know some more about your feet, how do we get this information to our  our clients,  the easiest way is to create and send out a newsletter, when I had a salon I used to do this through snail mail, however now with the wonders of the internet, you can include information like this on your face book page, website or blog, or through email newsletters, creating a date base couldn’t be easier through various different online softwares  like mail chimp.  It is not just a case of being a nail technician, we have a responsibility to teach and  educate our clients, giving them more information and sharing your knowledge is a great way to improve your business.

Along with treating those feet, we also need to consider how we can incorporate the growing trend for nail art onto toes.  Obviously we have a smaller working area and have intricate designs are not necessarily appreciated as with nails. Using various wraps and textured effects on the toes can be interesting, but perhaps going back to basics with regular nail polish and gel polish to create a beautiful look will be enough. 

The tutti fruit pedicure from original sugar - designed by Original Sugar’s artistry team member Jess Marks  for the Daily Express is a fabulous pedicure which brings a combination of polish colours we might not think of putting together, seem from a distance it is very striking and gives a great splash of colour to any outfit or your new flip flop. By simply using the sponging technique and combining strawberries and cream polish from Toma with Tangerine dream.  Placing white under the orange to make it pop out. 

Summer polish collections, like this club nights from Toma are perfect for toes, making sure you a range of rich and vibrant colours and giving you a host of ideas to combine them and  enhance your tan.  Using them with glitters will give that additional wow factor and gets the party started.

Texture and Trends

Texture and Trends.

As a professional nail technician we need to keep our eye on the nail trends and make sure we are the first to offer the new hues and different highlights of this seasons colours to our customers.    But it seems for 2012 we are starting to see a little more variation, it is not just about colour anymore  and I am not talking nail art either.  Whilst there is little argument to say the classic nail looks will always be in the top ten,  now we are starting to see a growing phenomenon take shape. I think this is largely due to the availability of the different nail applications on the high street. 

Nails are taking center stage and they are  no longer just about shape, patterns and colours, we are seeing a growth in  textured nails, which are giving our delighted pinkies an added twist.  From the crackle glaze effects, to the magnetic polishes,  the high gloss nail wraps like minx verses the Matt finish, my personal favorite is Orlys matt finish top coat. Whats exciting is that we are starting to see new ways of adding texture to the nails which I am very pleased to say are still very wearable. Original Sugar  have just launched their new Velvet manicure system, a very soft and velvet effect for the added luxury verses Ciates Caviar manicure a 3D texture like tiny hundred and thousands added to the nails.  I think nails have just taken a giant leap into a new dimension.  

Antique Effect.

China glaze are just one of the polishes that create a crazy crackled glazed effect on the nails. By simple applying a base colour and then the crackle glaze over the dry under layer, you just need to sit back and watch the magic happen. You can also create this effect by simply adding water based paint onto the inhibition layer (sticky surface) of gel polish topcoat.  This way you can actually achieve a more detailed effect and it seems to be thinner.  once you have the desired antiquing you simple reapply another layer of topcoat and cure. 

Leather Effect.

Using actual  leather or snake skin to create a texture on the nails is a brilliant way to get this effect.  It does require more effort on your part but gives stunning results.  By simply using resign to apply re cut pieces of leather onto the nails you can achieve this result. Alternatively use snake skin and cap with gel.  Another more consumer friendly  option is to use nail polishes with a rubberized texture like The Theatre of the Nameless collection from Illamasqua’s which goes on as normal but then dries to a slightly waxy/rubber finish. 

Matt v Gloss.


This is not a new effect, but very simple to achieve.  It is very subtile and works better with darker colours like, blacks, blues and greens. Apply your base colour and then a matt top coat, leave to dry.  Using a fine detail brush size 0 or 00 dip this into your gloss top coat and apply a pattern on the matt surface.  it creates an embossed effect on the surface of the nails, which catches the light, however subtle. 

Magnetic Polish.

 This is a unique formula which has been specially developed with metallic particles to create a pattern on the nail using magnetic forces. As the magnet is held over the nail, the iron powder in the formulation gravitates toward the magnet forming the pattern/design secretly hidden in the magnet for an astonishing finish. Nails Inc, the consumer  have hidden their magnets in the lid of the polish bottles, but what is more exciting is that Harmony are the first to launch this application with gel polish. 

Caviar Manicure.

A great idea for at-home nail art Ciate have just launched their caviar manicure, in kit form you apply small caviar like beads onto wet varnish. Nail technicians will know these as bouillon beads and they have been around for a while, however the idea of offering this out to clients to apply at home is marvelous.  Certainly means that this growing trend will be utilized by the masses who don’t attend salons every other week. Check out www.ciate.co.uk for more information.

The Velvet Manicure.

Another launch set to rock the nail world is the velvet manicure. Sported by lady gaga, Velveteen is now available to the professional nail technician and consumer alike.  I can see this effect being quite addictive,  I just couldn’t stop stroking it, it is like carrying 10 tiny comfort blankets around with you. Completely wearable and applied over regular polish or gel polish. by simply sprinkling it onto the wet surface and either curing it or leaving it to dry.  Velveteen is available to the nail technician through Be creative at www.sambiddle.co.uk or the consumer through www.originalsugar.com.

Swarovski Crystal Manicure.

Adding a little or a lot of bling to your nails however long or shot is sure to have people crossing the room in order to grab your hands and gasp.  It is the next best thing to wearing a rock on your ring finger. Don’t be shy pile it on, and only use only the best crystals to ensure added sparkle.  You can keep it to just one finger or go all out and adorn all the nails. Applied over nail polish or enhancement.  Swarovski crystals are now available to the consumer at www.originalsugar.com.  as nail art is becoming more popular in the main stream it seems original sugar is the one stop online shop for all nail art supplies for the high street. 

Textured Metallic.

Adding gold leaf into gold polish gives a brilliant textured metallic effect, which is always a winner at any event.  applied directly over wet gel polish or regular polish, it will create shades and shadows on the nails, especially teamed with black, using gold leaf will create a show stopping red carpet look. Gold leaf is available from crafting stores like hobby crafts however www.originalsugar.com provide you with a nail friendly option. 

Nail Wraps.

Technically these are a textured effect, probably one of the first on the market....it is very very very glossy and smooth, especially if you opt for the silver or gold.  Minx is probably one of those names which pop up in everyones minds as soon as you mention nail wraps . Having attended most red carpets on the fingers and toes of celeb world.  The single plastic layer is applied to a customer after heating and voilà! perfect nails without the multiple steps of a base coat, two color coats, drying time and possible smudging. Giving us a large array of designs and patterns, and you don’t always have to use heat to apply like Trendy nail wraps and Kooky nail wraps.  Rebel Nails the consumer alternatives to this super smooth application. www.rebelnails.co.uk. Minx is available from www.sweetsquared.com.

Create your own Texture.

Look around you and see what materials can give you a brilliant texture, Rebecca Orme international educator for Ez Flow nail systems has supplied this great step by step which has been created over a gel polish.  By simply using a laundry bag, pressed into the wet surface, Rebecca has created a leather effect on the nails...without using leather.

Gel Paints - Step by step

The launch of the Gel Paints in the UK has been better than expected with massive interest in this exciting new product. There is nothing quite like it on the market at the moment, I do feel it will bring many nail technicians a different and more confident way of working with colour and nail art in the salon.

One of the applications you can use with the gel paints is one stroke.  And I am very pleased to present a new step by step to show you how. I hope you enjoy it. 

Not a paint or even a gel, the gel paint is very forgiving and really does make you into a master. with some simple rules and steps you can't go wrong. 

Gel Paint can also be both LED and UV cured.

• Apply like paint, not gel.  This is a gel which you paint on.
• The trick with any gel design is layer...layer...layer.
• Apply your design, and when your ready...just flash cure.
• you can blend, marble, create fine detail, highlight, outline ad one stroke with the gel paints...and more
• If using over a dark back ground apply white gel paint first, flash cure and then apply colour.
• Remember use this like paint with a fine detail brush.
• Gel paint blends faster and easier than paint, acrylic or gel.

VISIT www.sambiddle.co.uk to find out more,

A Little bit of fun!

My business partner Rebecca and I took a little trip down to Cornwall at the end of the summer, and spent some time with Blue Light Media.  We wanted to created something fun and 'different' to celebrate the launch of our new Brand Original Sugar.  With the Help of my most talented son Jorden who inspired me with this concept of finger tapping to some music, we created this short film. I hope you like it, and I hope you pass it on to your friends and family. 

SUGAR LOVE

The story;  Jamima is a young professional who likes to look good and have a good time.  She gets up as usual with her beautifully manicured nails goes about her day.  As she completes the different tasks her nails start to take shape as if by magic. The design growing and changing before our eyes. This is because Jamima owns a Sugar Styler and whilst she is waiting she is 'sugar coating her nails'  it is as easy as that, by the end of the day she has a brilliantly easy nail art design on her perfect pinkies. 


To find out how you can create the look Jamima has check out this short film too.

To find our more about the Sugar Styler and some of the other great nail art tools, visit www.originalsugar.com

http://www.originalsugar.com/

Falling in Love with Gel

Let me tell you why I fell in love with gel and shares with you some of my secrets to working with it.

 Nail technicians often ask me which I prefer gel or acrylic, for me in the past gel has had its limitations when it comes to design and wasn't my first choice.  However over the last few years I have had a chance to look at gel in a new way.   Producing my new gel DVD's-  Pure gel & Something Different with Gel  has helped me see its qualities, and I have developed some great designs to show you how to fall in love with gel too.

The main thing to remember with gel is don’t try to make it into something it is not… if I want to create complicated flowers I can use acrylic, but if I want movement and flow to show through my design…gel would be the best man for the job.  Instead of comparing the two against each other I prefer to use them together … and get the best of both worlds.  So in answer to this much asked question, I don’t prefer one from the other; they are both equally useful in their own way.

Let me share with you some of my top tips of ‘working smart’ with gel.

• Preparation is the key, make sure that the natural nails are completely dehydrated.  All the non living tissue is removed and you have a rough surface to apply your gel to.
• If you are using a tip, you need to take off the shiny surface, otherwise the gel will not be able to cling to the tip, and this will leave you with little shiny mirror pockets. This applies to white tips and clear or natural ones.
• To prevent lifting; When you apply gel for the first time, apply a very thin layer over the whole surface of your nail, ‘rub’ or ‘brush’ this into the surface of your nail..  when I say thin I am talking thinner than polish…..then you will need to freeze cure this for a few seconds, this first layer will shrink onto the nail and leave you with a tight hold, now continue to apply your gel as normal.
• Have you got the correct strength lamp bulbs, remember the bulbs have a shelf life, and if they are old they won’t be as effective.  You won’t get your gel to cure at the right speed, and this may cause lifting.
• Be gentle with gel, you have to guide it…not shove it with your brush, you should be able to apply gel using just a tooth pick……use your brush to ‘show your gel the way’.  Your gel (assuming it is a god quality, self levelling building gel) is intelligent enough to do most of your job for you….let it!
• The more you play with your gel, the thinner the viscosity….in other words it will get runnier and less controllable.

• After applying your final gel layer, place the finger into the lamp up side down for the first few seconds, gel will ‘relax’ when it goes under the light, and by drawing it down, it won’t settle on either side of the nails…making the nails look heavy and fat.
• When doing pink and whites, or creating detail with colour, it is easier if you have a second clean gel brush.  Wipe along the applied gel to give you a clean sharp line. It sometimes helps to dip this brush in some cleaner.
• Apply the brakes! If you don’t want your gel to go in a certain place on the nail, for example; the free edge if creating a reverse smile line, then don’t apply that first thin layer in this area.  The rough surface, will act like a natural stop sign for the gel.
• You can add anything to gel to colour it, bling it up or even tint it, from polish, pigments, acrylics, glass paints, glitter and foils.  Don’t be afraid to experiment.
• it is now even easier to apply gel design with the introduction of Gel paints, this is a thick viscosity gel which seems to hold its shape without self levelling, but forgive me for sounding un-professional, has a more slippy feel, so to use it is a pleasure. I have to admit I surprised my self with the flowers I created, which I could only have previously created with paint.  Check out the step by step of the Poppies I created using the new Gel paints now available from Be Creative. 

If you, like me want to fall in love with gel, and make the most of it visit my website www.sambiddle.co.uk for more inspiration, check out my blog for more step by steps and purchase my DVD's.  But better still why not join me, and let me show you why I love gel so much. Visit this page to find out which workshop might suit you. 

Covering a wide range of different techniques, such as extended nail bed, flowers, marbling, and encapsulation and using a range of different products I show you how far you can push gel. My classes promise to  takes Gel design application to the next level.  It brings you idea's and concepts which are outside the box, showing how you can work smart with your materials and produce amazing results, which are quick to apply in salon viable nails.

In January we have 2 workshops; 

10th January Birmingham - working with Gel polish design. this is ideal for those who just want to work with natural nail applications and incorporate some exciting techniques with gel polish. 

16th January - London - this is an exciting class jammed with NEW techniques perfect for your salon and clients. 

BECAUSE london

I found my self at TANK magazine HQ this year working with the fabulous make up artist Kay Montano and stylist Grace Timothey. Along with some other fabulous stylist Like Herman Ho....who worked the hair and I just love love love. What where we doing?
Kay was producing a range a brilliant make up tutorials and of course she wanted some pretty and funky nails to set them off.  From emulating icons like Diana Ross and France Gall, I was also very honoured to work with the amazing Erin O Conner the ultimate supermodel we re created  some of her favourite Spring/summer 2012 looks. This wasn't all done in one day, over a few months we working on a range of different looks and models and even the beautiful Caroline Issa, creative director of TANK Magazine.

  I thought I would also post how I created some of the Nail looks for the Erin OConner shoot.

want to see the tutorials? check out Because London here

for the latest look....perfect for the party season

there are many more on the website.

Gel Paint has arrived in the UK

 A flexible creative solution for the professional Nail technician

 GEL PAINT IS SET TO ROCK THE BRITISH NAIL INDUSTRY

The new Gel Paint is set to take the nail industry by storm and is considered one of a kind. 

This is not gel polish, gel colour or even regular paint, but a new generation of coloured gel that works like paint!

Gel Paints are opaque in consistency and are the perfect solution for creating show stopping nail art. Brand new to the UK, Be Creative is the first to launch this fantastic product.  The revolutionary Gel Paints create nail art with a bold look and fine touch. The Gel Paints can be striped and blended together to create unique designs and applied over any enhancement product.    Gel Paints ensure ease of application and guarantee you have more control over your artwork which means you can’t help but produce the most perfect nail designs.

Gel Paint can also be both LED and UV cured. The first Primary Kit is now available This pioneering kit includes 6x4 gram pots in Black, White, Yellow, Blue and Green, Red; costing £60. 

Now available in the UK  from Sam Biddle at Be inspired www.sambiddle.co.uk

The Gel paints helped me to create these beautiful poppies, and I have to say with relative ease.  The steps are pretty self explanatory, but some points to remember are.

1. I find the trick with any gel design is to Layer...layer...layer.  You can see I have formulated the flowers initially with white gel paint. Cure this for a few seconds.

2. The next step is to blend the red and black together before blending.  This is pretty effortless to be honest and will also give you shadows.

3. You can see I have used the same method for the leaves, placing the white gel paint down first.

4. A quick way to add the greens (by the way I have mixed these green colours, using the colours in the primary kit) is to double dip your brush, and roll is while you apply over your white.

5. Finally, don’t forget the pigment collections can be used to enhance your colours, or by simply mixing the gold with the yellow gel paint you can lift the centre of the poppies.

Give your nail art  a bold look and fine touch.

They can be striped and blended together.

Apply over any enhancement product.   

Super thin but colour dense

Allows intricate design which stays put

Cures only when your ready

Maximum control in creativity.

Ideal for the  beginner and advanced technician.