Thousands of men and women visit nail salons each year to get manicures and pedicures. Billions of dollars are spent on having nails beautified, and many people look forward to the pampering they get at salons. Although the majority of procedures done at salons are safe, there are still concerns that arise among consumers. At-home nail art sets are rising in popularity as many would-be nail artists find they can achieve professional looks at home for far less than they would pay at salons.
If not properly sanitized, tools and equipment used by the salon can lead to infection. Nail procedures can spread both bacterial and viral nail infections, including herpes.
Cost is another factor. Depending on services rendered, such as acrylic overlays or special wraps, salon services can cost up to $100 per visit.
But many different products enable nail enthusiasts to replicate salon looks at home. Some of these can be purchased at the drug store, others through a direct-sale model or online. All of these nail products are relatively easy to use and can make doing home manicures and pedicures fun.
Visit the pharmacy or your favourite chain store and you're likely to find nail polish strips that can easily be applied without the mess or fuss of using polish and a brush. They are easily pressed into place with an orange manicure stick and the excess is filed off. There's no need to wait for dry time and your look can last up to 10 days. These sheets are made from nail polish, so they will have an odour. They are also removed much in the same way as traditional nail polish.
Turn on the television and you just may see an infomercial for a nail art stamping set called Salon Express. Individuals use templates and a special applicator to stamp a nail art design onto the nail. With this system, you use nail polish and have to do all of the things traditional nail polish application requires. That includes a drying wait time as well as applying a clear coat to seal in the results. It may take a few practice sessions with the stamp and plates to achieve the look you desire on your nails. More information is available at www.getsalonexpress.com.
Another innovative product now on the market is vinyl nail shields, that come in an array of artistic colours and eye-catching designs. The nail shields are safer than conventional products, with no harsh chemicals. Because they are heat- and pressure-applied, they're durable and last approximately two to three weeks on fingers and six to eight weeks on toes.
Costing anywhere from $9 to $15, these nail art products enable consumers to create professional results at home for a fraction of salon costs.
– Metro Creative Services
