Burping Cloth and Bibs

I decided to make my own set of bibs and burping cloths. Here is what I came up with:

A Lot Going on!

There are plenty of things going on in my life right now:

***Two new websites:
(1) www.hairandnailsbyNaomi.com
(2) www.sew-what-online.com


*** I am currently on maternity leave til mid January 2012

*** Still pregnant. Had contractions, but my cervix is still closed. No actual labor.

*** Will be working for The Lice Treatment Center in 2012, can't wait!

*** Pursuing my RN license. It's gonna take a few years, but I am completing my first prerequisite right now (Sociology 101).

*** Started "extreme couponing". Not sure how extreme I can be, but I am definitely saving money on my grocery bill. It really works!

*** Completing the decor in my kids' room. Just finished making the curtains.....lovely. Pictures will be posted soon!

Maternity Leave

My last day of work is Saturday, November 5th, 2011. Doctor's orders. (SOON!!..... the end of this week!)

Appointment slots available this week:

Thursday, November 3rd

10am - 2pm and 7pm

Friday, November 4th

12noon - 3pm

I am currently 8 months and 2 days pregnant. I will go on maternity leave for a minimum of 8 to 10 weeks, possibly more, depending on the outcome of the birth of my child. I will notify all of you a few weeks before I return to work so you have time to schedule your appointments. I will give referrals, if needed, by request. Feel free to contact me anytime if you have any questions or concerns.

In 2012, I will be offering two new services:

Formaldehyde free Keratin Treatments (by California Smooth) and

Lice Treatments (through the Lice Treatment Center www.licetreatmentcenter.net)

In the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

--

Naomi Reed

310-940-3442

Hair and Nail website: www.hairandnailsbynaomi.com

Blog: www.naomireed.blogspot.com

New Websites!

I now have a new online shopping website dedicated to all the handmade items I have created and sewn. It's called Sew What? www.sew-what-online.com . It will consist of hair styling accessories (styling capes and shampoo capes, silk scarves and pillow cases), home decor (pillows and table runners) and baby gear (blankets, burping cloths). Items are slowly being added to the website. Once I purchase my embroidery machine I will offer personalization services for some of the products I create.

I have also created a separate website for myself as a hairstylist and manicurist: www.hairandnailsbyNaomi.com .

Hair, nails and sewing and taking care of a 3 year old and soon to be newborn baby girl should keep me busy for quite some time; just have to stay focused. So far, so good. Wish me luck!

HOT Product Picks!

NSI Acrylic

NSI Colored Acrylic..... 45+ colors!

New Service Added to the Menu!

Now Offering

 Acrylic Nail Enhancements

Prices

Acrylic Fill                                          $15

Acrylic Full Set                                  $25

Acrylic Pink & Whites (P&W) Fill      $25

Acrylic P&W Full Set                         $35

Color acrylic powders coming in 2 weeks!

Book an appointment!

 310-940-3442

Naomi.e.reed@gmail.com

Mani-Pedi Special for $25 in July

Receive a manicure and pedicure for only $25 for the month of JULY!
Refer a friend and receive $5 off your next regular priced service.
Services include natural nail manicures and pedicures, moisturizing paraffin treatments, exfoliation scrubs, soak-off gel nails by OPI AXXIUM and nail art.

COMING SOON!: ORDERLESS/Low oder acrylics and sculpting gel nail enhancement services. (Sculpting gel and soak-off gels are not the same.)

Effects of Over-Drilling/Filing on the Nail Plate

A lot of the damage comes from a common malpractice in some nail salons - aggressive filing or drilling on the natural nail plate.

We’ve heard it all so many times before; women complaining about their damaged natural nails “caused by acrylic nails.” As educated nail techs, you know that acrylic (or gel for that matter) is not the issue. A lot of the damage comes from a common malpractice in some nail salons - aggressive filing or drilling on the natural nail plate.

Why Do Some Nail Techs Do It?

The nail plate is made up about 100 densely packed sheets of flattened cells. It’s a super-tough, non-living structure primarily made up of keratin. It’s also a smooth surface, which is why light filing (to remove the shine) is necessary during prep to ensure adhesion. This light filing only removes 3-5 layers of the nail plate, which is safe and non-damaging.

Aggressive filing or drilling can quickly move through 25-35 layers of nail plate or more! Now, you are applying product to the, spongy porous layers of nail plate. Enhancements will grab the porous layers, like pouring Elmers glue into shag carpet. Pretty difficult to remove Elmers glue from shag carpet, but it comes off linoleum easier. Most filing is done in zone three; the regrowth area with younger, softer cells that have not completely flattened. The cost is the health of the natural nail. Proper preparation of the natural nail includes a number of steps to ensure adhesion. Pitting, etching or drilling on the nail plate is an outdated, damaging, unnecessary step to natural nail prep.

What Are the Effects?

Here are a few symptoms of aggressive filing or drilling on the nail plate:

#1) Onycholysis: This is the loosening of the nail plate without shedding and it usually starts at the free edge and can continue to the lunula. The nail plate is held to the dermis (or skin) by a groove and rail structure. That is how it stays on track as it moves or grows. Aggressive filing or drilling can dislodge the plate from the groove and rail structure, leading to Onycholysis. Onycholysis can lead to secondary infection and in severe cases, lead to nail bed scarring.

#2) Splinter Hemorrhage: This is caused by physical trauma, which can include aggressive filing or drilling on the natural nail. Under the nail plate, the nail bed contains blood vessels which carry nutrients and oxygen to the nail bed, as well as remove toxins. When the nail plate is damaged (in this case by aggressive filing or drilling) the blood vessels can leak blood into the nail bed - staining the nail bed in a vertical direction. The blood stain may last long after the trauma has healed.

#3) Rings of Fire: These are red, painful patches that develop on the nail plate from aggressive filing or drilling on the natural nail. Rings of fire are more commonly found in zone 3 (around the cuticle) when caused by drilling. When used at an angle in the cuticle area, the edge of the barrel bits cuts into the natural nail – ouch!

Rules to Live By

NEVER use a drill (aka electric file) on the natural nail. Even with a light abrasive, they are simply to powerful and run at high RPMs. File on the natural nail with a light hand using a 180-grit file or higher. A lower grit is too abrasive for the natural nail and should only be used to shape or remove acrylic or gel product. Educate your clients as you are prepping their nails and explain why you are doing what you do – to maintain the health of the natural nail.

Gels vs. Acrylics

Q: What is the difference between gel enhancements and acrylic enhancements? Which one is healthier?

Regardless of the system you use, the main source of natural nail damage is not the product, but the technician. Over-filing, rough abrasives and nipping loose product are all ways to break down the integrity of the natural nail. Either option is equally healthy for the natural nail.



Q: Which one is stronger?

UV Gels are slightly more flexible than acrylics, and acrylics are slightly harder than gels. What makes an enhancement tough is a combination of strength and flexibility, which is achieved with proper design and apex placement.



Q: Which service costs more?

Gel products generally are slightly more expensive than acrylic products.



Q. How long do they last and how often do I need to come back for maintenance?

A general rule of thumb is to maintain acrylics every two weeks and gels every three weeks. Of course this will vary from region to region, technical ability, client’s lifestyle and length of enhancements.

Another Bun in the Oven

I am 8 weeks pregnant; due December 6th, 2011. There is only ONE gestational sack, so thank goodness it's not twins. So far this pregnancy is a lot different than the first one. I'm very sleepy and I have never had this many cravings before-- Top Ramen, Claim Jumper's Apple Crumb Pie, cucumber and tomato salads....

I hope this one is a boy so the family can be complete. If not, we still need to search for baby girl names.

Going mobile!

I am now offering mobile manicures in Los Angeles and surrounding areas! Check back for more details!

Hair Styling Accessories

Here I go again! My new found love for sewing has brought me to a new niche hobby which is taking off rather well. I'm making hair styling accessories for salon professionals and clients.

Products:
Silk Scarves
Silk Pillow Cases
Styling Capes/Cutting Capes
Aprons
Pressing Pads

Coming soon... Shampoo capes and heated neck pillows!