Author: Claire Taylor

In an ever increasing competitive market, we are constantly looking at ways to increase our revenue as beauty therapists.

Nail services are, and always have been, a very profitable service.  In recent years, gel polish has set our nail world alight and is, without a doubt, one of the most popular nail services we offer today.

The gel polish market has now introduced the ‘builder in a bottle’ gels which are the perfect natural nail overlay, alongside our gel polish treatments.

But nail extensions are still sought after.  Many of us have removed the service due to the ‘non standard salons’ taking over the market.  But, we all know, these clients are being left with ‘butchered’ nails, nail infections and sometimes, permanent nail damage.

Acrylic nails are an art.  In my opinion, nothing beats a gorgeous set of beautifully sculpted acrylic nails.

The downside, this can take a technician years to perfect, acrylic has an odour that many salons, home-based salons and mobile technicians dislike, and it can be a lengthy process to apply.

The answer?  Welcome to the new era of nail extension products in the form of Tip and Dip Nails.

This is not new, I hear you say, and yes, you are right.  I have used a tip and dip powder/resin system for many years.  I loved it.  But luckily for us, our nail manufacturers move on and over the last year I have been trialing and using the NSI Simplicite Polydip system and I am in love!!

I know a few of my students are already using and loving the system too.

NSI Polydip uses a combination of acrylic and gel products.  It uses light cured technology as is faster than a traditional dip system.  I have found that the nails are stronger, the natural nails are healthier and, with good application, requires minimal filing.

There is also a lovely range of coloured dipping powders and glitters which mean you can use the coloured powders instead of a gel polish, or use your artistic skills to produce lovely glitter fades or ombre finishes.

It also soaks off incredibly easily.

I have finally got the NEW Tip and Dip Course fully accredited with ABT.  NSI have custom built me a fabulous student kit which is discounted for my students.

Pop over to the page and take a look.    Tip and Dip Nail Extensions

The course is suitable for a complete beginner with no previous nail experience, or for a nail technician looking to update their skills.

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I’m sure many of you can’t have missed this cool little beauty tool that seems to be popping up on social media these days.

I have actually had mine for quite a while and it’s such a lovely little device to use.

What is it?

The jade roller is an age-old tool that has been an integral part of Chinese beauty regimes since, at least, the 7th century.   There are actually jade rollers in the museums in China dating back centuries.

What are the benefits of using it?

The jade roller is a massaging tool and will increase lymphatic drainage and eliminate build up of toxins. This helps to reduce both redness and puffiness. The roller is made from a smooth piece of jade which is cool to the touch and allows you to roll over your face, with ease and relax tension from the muscles and tissues of your face caused by day to day stress.

Plus, if you believe in the power of crystals you will be aware that jade also has its own healing powers – as a stone it is believed to promote balance and peace.

How should it be used?

I gently roll it back and forth with more pressure placed on the upward motion and working around the facial contours. I try to move from the centre of my face to the outside of the face to help lymphatic drainage.  You can take your time and repeat as many times as you like and I always finish off with my neck and roll towards the lymph nodes at the base of my neck.

Cool Summer Vibes!

In this hot weather it is so relaxing, particularly if you pop it in the fridge before you use it as it works so well to de-puff the skin.  The smaller end is so good for under the eye area to help reduce eye bags.

I also love popping a nice facial treatment oil on before going to bed and use the roller to massage it in.  It definitely is a lovely bed time ritual.

Hayfever and stuffed up noses!

Any hayfever suffers out there?  This is so good to cool those burning itching eyes and the cold jade is lovely to reduce sinus congestion.

Roll your way to younger skin

It can be a lovely anti ageing device.  We often spend days squinting at lashes and nails, phones and computer screens and our faces really can carry a lot of tension.  By using the roller daily, you help to release the tension.  It can help boost circulation, improve the elasticity of your skin and also helps promote cell turnover for a brighter, healthier looking complexion.

Take time for self care

As beauty therapists we spend our days pampering others, whilst most of us are last on our list!  This little, inexpensive, beauty tool is an easy and quick way to relieve the tensions away from our working day!

If you want to try one, they are easy to find on Amazon and really reasonably priced.

I’d love to hear your experiences.

I’m honestly, writing this blog post as a lesson for myself.  It is something that I am constantly striving to achieve (somewhat unsuccessfully).

When you love what you do, it can really take over your life but everyone needs a break.  Over recent years there has been a huge shift in attitudes to work.  There seems to be no cut off time and no structured work hours. This may work for some but I feel the line is easily blurred between work life and home life.

My life has been super crazy over the last few months.  I have new trainers who are working with me now and many more coming on board soon plus I have recently been delving into the world of product development (that is a whole other blog post – but coming shortly) and sometimes I feel it is impossible to switch off!

So I decided to sit down and write myself a list of ‘rules’ that will, not only help me achieve what I want, but hopefully will give you some ideas to achieve the same.

1. Have a cut off time! 

Oh this one is the hardest for me!  There are so many platforms for clients to contact us on these days.  Website, Messenger, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp.  I am a massive advocate of using social medial to assist your business, but I have also realised (perhaps a little late) how important it is to set boundaries!  No one should expect a reply at 10 pm at night!  If you let your clients think it is OK to call or text you, then they will.  If you set firm boundaries around when you are available, it will help you relax when you are ‘off the clock’ and avoid feel burned out.

So what if you have an open door policy and you want to make the shift?  You should notify your clients in a professional manner with your schedule changes and enforcing that this will improve your ability to meet their needs more effectively.  I guarantee if I have ever forgotten to order a kit, or book a course – its because I have answered a message out of my working hours, when I’ve been out, or not had my diary next to me, and its slipped my mind.  This is not professional and causes us more stress.  In the long term you will be more organised and less mistakes will happen.

2. Turn off technology

Take control of your smart phone, not your phone controlling you!  When you want to spend time with your loved ones, turn the phone off.  They are such a distraction and so easy to waste valuable time on!

3. Time Management

Work smarter not harder!  Try to create a schedule and stick to it.  I love my ‘to do’ lists!  They really help keep me on track when I have lots of tasks to organise.  Seeing the list written down and then crossed off makes me more relaxed and less stressed.  If you have a big list, order it in priorities.

4. Try not to get distracted by Social Media (another failing I have).

Set a timer and try and get as much done in a 30 minute window – I always find that helps me get down to it, rather than fluffing about with other stuff.  We all know how easy it is to waste 20 minutes scrolling through mindless posts on Facebook!!

5. Schedule important personal activities

You need time for yourself too.  It could be coffee with a friend, date night, play dates with your kids, a Pilates or Yoga class.  Sometimes just that first cup of coffee in the morning before you start work just to give yourself a mind reset and prepared yourself for the day ahead.

6. Make sure you eat lunch

A huge one in our industry!  How many of us skip lunch and work all day living on coffee and sugary snacks!  Meal planning and making yourself a healthy lunch the night before can be helpful.  A vegetable soup that can easily be re-heated, a nice fresh salad with some fruit! Something that can store well in a container and is easy to bring to work.

You owe it to yourself and it is vital for your energy and wellbeing.

7. Take a holiday

It is so hard when you are self employed, especially when you are starting out your business, but if you are working flat out building your business, you can burn out very quickly.  It doesn’t have to be a 2 week vacation (ideal of course), but a long weekend can be a great way to re-charge your batteries.  Sometimes just a day off can leave you feeling re-freshed and re-focused.

8. Learn to say no!

You cannot please everyone.  You cannot be available to everyone all the time.  Clients can place huge demands on us, along with friends, family and staff.  Putting yourself first every now and again is not selfish!

9. Don’t try to be perfect

Being a working mum can be hugely stressful.  You can totally feel like you are being pulled in so many directions.  Learn to delegate!  Get your partner, kids on board to help you with the household chores and don’t beat yourself up if things are not ‘perfect’!  Give yourself a break!

10. Make the changes!

Try to implement some of the ideas above.  Or make your own rules!  Put yourself first once in a while and treat yourself as you would hope a boss would treat you.  Not only will be you a happier and less stressed person, but you will enjoy your job more!  Being self employed is so rewarding, we sometimes just need to be a better boss to ourselves!!

I’d love to hear your thoughts and if you have any great ideas on how to achieve the work/life balance I would love to hear them!!

Claire x