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Digital Skills: D.I.Y. Manicures and Pedicures

Whether or not you’re grappling with guilt after reading recent articles in The New York Times on labor practices and working conditions at nail salons, knowing how to do your own manicure and pedicure is a useful skill.

It’s one that many top beauty editors practice (despite having their pick of the best services in the city) from the comfort of their couches while watching, say, “Game of Thrones.” But if you’re anxious about the process (feet, gaw!), Madeline Poole, global color ambassador and editorial manicurist at Sally Hansen, and Jenna Hipp, an eco-minded manicurist to celebrities like Miley Cyrus, walk you through the steps.

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Featured

 From ancient Egypt to Cardi B: a cultural history of the manicure

Nail art dates back millennia, taking in complex social codes, cultural appropriation, modern slavery and the sexism of lockdown rules for beauty salons

 Perfect Nails, Poisoned Workers

A growing body of medical research shows a link between the chemicals that make nail and beauty products useful — the ingredients that make them chip-resistant and pliable, quick to dry and brightly colored, for example — and serious health problems. Whatever the threat the typical customer enjoying her weekly French tips might face, it is a different order of magnitude, advocates say, for manicurists who handle the chemicals and breathe their fumes for hours on end, day after day.

 UV nail dryers may pose cancer risks, a study says. Here are precautions you can take

They found that chronic use of the machines can damage DNA and cause mutations in human cells that could increase the risk of skin cancer. But, they caution, more data is needed before being able to state that conclusively.

 What You Need to Know Before You Get Your Nails Done

Learning what ingredients you should stay away from is like learning a new language. And once you open Pandora’s box, you realize these damaging ingredients are basically the backbone of today’s beauty industry—even products specifically labeled for children and newborns. The main culprit, however, is formaldehyde. Even in small doses, it can cause serious side effects over time, such as thyroid dysfunction, breathing problems, and asthma.

Articles of Interest

A History of the Pedicure

The word “pedicure” comes from the Latin words “pedis,” meaning foot, and “cura,” which means care. Pedicures are among the most popular modern day nail treatments for both men and women and it has been that way for thousands of years. Although it is traditionally used as a method of beautifying nails and feet, it does bring with it the medical benefits of preventing nail diseases and disorders, too.

Are Gel Manicures Going to Give Me Skin Cancer?

This not to say that gel manicures are entirely without risk — they’re unquestionably hard on your nails, especially if you pick them off — but probably, the health risk they pose is no greater than their radiation-less sister, the normal manicure.

How a poor gel manicure can lead to lifelong health issues

Although rare, a gel manicure allergy is a problem that goes beyond nail care: it can trigger reactions to veneers, surgical glues, and even hair and eyelash extensions.

Is the Best Pedicure in New York Worth $85?

Is there anything easier to sell than a pedicure to a sweaty New Yorker? Plop down, let someone soak and exfoliate and massage and moisturize your feet, and all that is asked of you is to stare into space, read that week’s tabloid or, in my case, gently stalk your high school crush’s wife on Instagram. It’s a respite, a meditation, a way for me to incorporate some color into my wardrobe.

Is the Natural Nail Shaping Up to Be Winter’s Chicest New Anti-Manicure? Reasons to Go Buff This Month

Of her own decisions to forgo the polish, Vogue.com Fashion News Editor Alessandra Codinha says this: “Buff nails feel fresh. Less uptight. It’s just the right amount of natural. And if you have a nice bit of shine to your nail, it’s kind of the dressiest way to do nothing.”

The Manny Pedi

Once they get past the initial awkward feeling, men discover the rewards of this pampering treatment. Hey, LeBron James does it!

Thinking Of Getting A Pedicure? Beware The Health Risks First

When you walk into a salon, look for tools soaking in that blue liquid disinfectant (a common brand is Barbicide). This effectively kills most microbial life that can lead to infection, in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines. Of course, some salons are better than others about cleaning, so make sure your pedicurist is using freshly sanitized metal tools on you.

Resources

17 Tips to Make Your At-Home Manicure and Pedicure Look Professional

As relaxing as it can be to escape real life (and screaming 2-year-olds, in my case) to head to the nail salon, that hour can be very hard to find each week. Over the years, I’ve found a lot of great manicure and pedicure tips that have made the process faster and easier, and the results look more professional. I’ve also asked a few of my favorite beauty bloggers for their best tips!

5 Dangers Awaiting You At The Nail Salon

I look forward to my Saturday afternoons in the pedicure chair. However, an unforeseeable prick with cuticle clippers or bruising from a foot file can turn my relaxing moment into a beauty nightmare. And there’s only so much antibiotic ointment and designer Band-Aids a girl can cover up with.

These 4 Chemicals May Pose the Most Risk for Nail Salon Workers

Besides the questionable labor practices that surround the shops, glues, lacquers and dust in the workplace create their own risks for nail technicians.

Top 5 Benefits of Getting a Pedicure

There shouldn’t be too much of a need to convince anyone to get a pedicure, we all know they feel great! However it’s way more than just a nice day at the salon treating yourself.

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