Freaquently Asked Questions:   1. Can I get fungus from wearing acrylics?   Fungus is not caused by wearing acrylics. Occasionally, when lifting occurs and is neglected, moisture gets trapped in between the acrylics and the nail plate, creating "water moles" (green or tan in color). This is often mistakenly called "fungus". Water mole is not a disease or a serious condition if recognized and treated properly. The color stain can usually be buffed away, disinfected and will eventually grow out along with your nails. If left untreated, this can potentially turn into a more serious infection. Water moles should not occur if enhancements are done properly with regular maintenance.   2. Should I let my nails breathe or take my acrylics off every so often?   Nails, like hair are dead, they do not breathe. By keeping the nails trauma free, the healthy conditions of the nails should not be affected with regular fill maintenance.   3. How often should I get a new set of acrylics?   This depends on each individual's daily activities and maintenance of their nails. A new set is usually recommended when there are air pockets (cloudy looking) in the acrylics or when the natural nails pull away from the acrylics underside. Air pockets indicate that the acrylic is not adhering to the nails bed. For an average person, a new set is usually needed every 6 to 12 months.   4. I used to go to one particular nail technician but would like to try someone else in the same shop. Is this alright with the technicians?   Yes. All of our nail technicians are encouraged to work on each other's clients in order to learn from each other's work, as well as critique and improve each other's work. All of our technicians follow the same guidelines and standards, however, each do boast their own unique personalities and styles of work.   5. My cuticles are so dry and parched year-round... What do you recommend for improving this condition?   Dry, chapped cuticles are the most common problems around. Chemicals, the environment, cold weather, or simply picking at them due to stress can all contribute to this problem. Besides being unattractive, this can also lead to hangnail. The greatest damage to cuticles simply comes from lack of attention. Most people don't consider at-home maintenance important and figure that a trip to the salon will be the ultimate cure.   Here's a few easy suggestions you might want try at home:   Use gloves when washing dishes Apply lotion after bath or when skin is still damp Leave cuticle-oil by your night stand and apply nightly Salt scrubs with essential oils are also great if used regularly at home (included with every hot-oil manicure we offer). Parafin treatments for intensive skin penetration. SOURCE: Nails Magazine (Feb 2002 vol)   6. What are your SANITATION measures and procedures?   Ensuring the health and safety of our employees and the public is our #1 priority. Every single employee at Urbane Beauty Care understands the vitality of this issue and must practice the same standards of sanitation guidelines as the State Board of Cosmetology. We also developed a system called "Spy Program" ( click on Program" for more informations) to go one step further in ensuring the consistencies of our sanitation standards as well as service level.   1. All metal implements are stirilized after every client in Barbicide Disinfectant (bactericidal, fugicidal, virucidal) 2. Clients are supplied with personal kits of files and buffers (please remember to bring with you for every visits. Refills areautomatically replaced) 3. Foot Spas: Thoroughly flushed after every client ( usually while client's being polished ). Spray down with "Sani-mint" disinfectant, wipe dry. Once a day, ( every morning ) all foot spas are flushed for 10 to 15 minutes with bleach and detergent. Once a week, it is flushed and left overnight. 4. Management does a once a week "inspections" of all stations, products, and disinfectants to ensure all guidelines are followed. If you are uncertain about these procedures being met during your visits at our salons, please email us at the email address provided.   7. I love the french manicure look or the light sheer colors, but my nails are so YELLOW , any at-home suggestions?   According to Elle, manicurist for the Mark Edward Agency, NY city, you can try the following: 1. Squeeze lemon juice on your nails ( the citric acid helps lighten stains). 2. Add efferuescent denture cleanser to warm water and soak nails for 5 to 10 minutes. 3. Protect nails with a base coat that's formaldehyde free. SOURCE: LHJ Jan, 2002   8. Why do I still get SOFT, PEELING NAILS even though I've always use good strengtheners?   According to Olivia Pop, manicurist at the Peter Coppola Salon, NY city, the culprit could be your facial moisturizer if it contains glycolic acid. This ingredient, though effective at exfoliating dead skin on your face, can get under nails causing them to split.   Solution: Wash hands immediately after applying your cream; Also, use hand products with gentle ingredients like aloe vera. SOURCE: LHJ Nov, 2001