Over the past month, I have trained over 50 Technicians. Introducing them to their new brands and Educating them on the safety of pedicuring their clients beginning with the consultation, what the products do for them and their clients and the importance of using the proper tools.

In light of this reminder, and seeing many newcomers in our Beauty World, I wanted to repurpose this article on the "Dangers of Foot Files".  Although that may not be the title....it should be.

Now that you have read the above article (I hope), let me help you make the decision to "come to the other side".

1. I truly understand how difficult it is to go from a satans grater or a sandpaper file to something you are not use to using.  However, this one you just have to trust me on.  It is better for your client, and it is better for you.  It may take an adjustment, but it will be worth your while.
2. If you think you might have challenges with that client who wants you to cut off her/his entire callus. This article is not for you. It simply takes confidence and education. Believe what you do and know what you know.
3. Our file buy back program.  HAPPENING NOW!

Centre For Beauty is adamant about getting those crappy files (yes, I said it) off our streets, out of our Technicians hands and out of our clients hands.  Therefore,

Beginning now, our File Buy Back program is in effect

October 1st through October 31st.

Please understand....there is a deadline

Here's how it works

• Send in any and all of your crappy files....any brand....any make
• • Centre For Beauty Salon Supply
  • 9985 82nd Way
  • Seminole, Fl.
• Inside the package
• • Write youR name
  • Email address
  • Contact phone #
• Upon receipt
• • Cj will personally call you
  • You decide how many ANGELlFeet files you want
  • Payment authorized

No minimum.

 Only requirement is they reach our door no later than October 31st, 2019

This is true in any situation where there is a team. There is a team leader and players on the team. In our Salons, it’s our salon owners, the management team (which could be the same people) and the Technicians and stylist who fill the rest of the team. We so often use the word “team” when we talk about our Staff. However, do we actually treat our team members…….as a team? 

I hope this resonates with someone. Because out there in our Salon world, I have seen and witnessed the exact opposite. I have seen Salons never make it to the goal point….and I understand why! 

You don’t have to cross the goal line everyday.  In fact, this would be virtually impossible.  However, it should be expected, as with all great teams that you practice, strategize, assess your strengths and weaknesses, retool, reinforce a foundation and/or huddle.  It’s all about laying solid groundwork for the future.  

So, as I was discussing my next article with my husband, I was staring at our precious Maddie and thinking about what would have happened if we weren't quick thinking in our actions to save our dog whom, we had no idea at first......what was wrong.

What’s interesting about the referrals I received is, both Salon owners are looking to take the next step up in their Pedicure service. They are realizing the change in our Industry as it relates to Pedicures and they understand the value of making a change within their own service arena.

This is so exciting to me since i’ve seen this change, i’ve recognized this value as far back as 2008. It’s exciting because there is a definite turn in the way our Salon owners, our Technicians are starting to think. Realize, the Nail Technician has always been the low man on the totem pole. We are now beginning to be more recognized, we are being taking more seriously and we are definitely moving up on the totem pole. Which, for me is AWESOME. Read my mission statement...“Provide the Nail Technician the Education, the Attention and the Support they need to safely and properly service their clients”.

When we talk about changing the image of our Industry and charging higher prices than the sub-standard Salons. EVERYTHING should be taken into consideration.....including the tools you choose to use in your service(s).

How do we properly clean our tools?

• This is a 3 step process;  First we clean, we disinfect and then sterilize!
• There are 2 ways to clean:  Scrub with antibacterial soap at the sink or use an Ultrasonic cleaner
  • Scrubbing at the sink has been proven to cause nasal problems which can lead to headaches, sore throats and stuffy nose.  The warm water constantly being run through the drain, causes the collected BioFilm to cause fumes which are coming out of our drains.  If using this process, be sure to rinse thoroughly
  • Using an Ultrasonic cleaner not only becomes a safety step, it also saves time.
• The 2nd step - disinfection, most likely a liquid.  All disinfection products are NOT created equal.
  • Look for products which have rust inhibitors.  However, even with RI....you MUST wipe your implements dry upon removal from your solution AND you must NOT place them in your disinfection solution with any tools which is NOT 100% stainless steel.  Doing this will cause rust to "deposit" on your tools.
  • I want to re-interate this.  All tools must be wiped completely dry when taking them out of the solution.  And do NOT place them in the same solution at the same time with NON stainless tools and implements.
  • Know what your disinfection contact time is.  Contact time is the amount of time you must leave your implements soaking, in order for the disinfection to kill the fungi and bacteria it claims it kills.
  • Know your replacement time.  How often do you need to replace your solution?  Many are daily....this is something you need to know and should follow per the Mfg;s directions.
• 3rd step is Autoclave.  This is not a requirement anywhere in the US that states you HAVE to use an AC.  However, if you are trying to up your standards...using an AC is your next step.
  • There are 2 types of AC.  Dry heat or not.  Some of the autoclaves do not require sanitizing pouches to be used.  This is because it has no drying cycle and therefore the pouches would remain wet which is not good for your tools.
  • Watch for your guarantee.  I know many have purchased AC on Amazon.  This would scare me.  Where is my guarantee.  Who do I call with questions and how much of a hassle would it be to find out?  Mechanics are just that....mechanics.  Things can happen even with new equipment.  Remember though, it's not what happens to you, it's how it's handled.

Look, there's a lot of choices out there, some very good choices.  Whatever you choose, research and set your criteria;

• Make sure are getting what you think you are getting
• Are you going for cuteness or quality
• Are you purchasing the right tools for your needs
  • Don't purchase a cuticle nipper to cut nails with
• Don't let price scare you away
• Keep your clients safety in mind

Finally, one thing most people Dom't realize, and quite truthfully neither did I until recently.  Your tools should be oiled 1-2x per week.  Use proper oil for your tools and set a schedule.  Oil when you start the week, oil when you end the week.