Nail myth busting

For some women, their nails are their ultimate accessory to finish off that perfect outfit. There is no doubt that after any manicure, or general pampering treatment, a woman will feel glamorous.

It is important to take care of our nails as they require the correct care and nourishment to keep them in a healthy condition. There are a variety of advances we use on our nails which are mostly to beautify them as well as creams we apply to our nails that take care of them.

There are also myths circulating regarding nails that we’re set on busting. Below, you can find some common myths relating to nails.

A general manicure cream can treat a nail infection

Nail infections are common problems that many people will have to deal with. It is important to not use any recommended creams or ointments from anybody but your dermatologist. Improper application and the incorrect formulas could worsen the condition.

The appearance of the nail can tell you about your health

Many believe this is the reliable way to judge ones health. This can fall in the ‘truth’ category for some problems, however, the majority of health problems cannot be detected by the appearance of the nail.

Small white patches on the nail are an indicator of vitamin deficiency

Among the most common nail myth of today that many of us still follow. White patches that occur on the nails could be the cause of a recent hit they have taken, or have been through a rough manicure - this result can take up to 6 weeks to occur, and by then, it has crossed our mind as to why they are there and the link to vitamin deficiency.

Cosmetics used on nails can cause them to deteriorate

This is also a very common myth – the application of any nail cosmetics will not damage the nails. Essentially, our nails are made up of dead cells and applied nail cosmetics will not harm your nails. The damage that our nails receive is often from improper applications and removal techniques.

Fake nails are suitable for those with nail problems

There are many people that believe using artificial nails to mask nail problems is the right thing to do. While some say the nails are pretty to look at, if your nails are in a bad condition artificial applications can worsen that problem, though this in no way represents the

Nails need to breathe

It is an old belief that we need to give our nails some break from any sort of application as they need oxygen to breathe. As mentioned earlier nails are made up dead cells therefore do not have the ability to get oxygen from the outside world. Any oxygen that they need is obtained from the blood stream. Therefore do not think that you are doing your nails any sort of favour by giving them break from cosmetic application.

Nail polish with hardener strengthens the nails

It is common belief that using nail polish with hardeners strengthens the nails which is totally incorrect. Nails obtain nutrition from the food that we eat and our blood stream. Therefore for making the nails strong it is important to eat a nutritious diet rather than using specialised nail polishes.

• UV Nails

How to remove gel polish without damaging the nails

Soak-off gel polish is great for many reasons, but its one downfall is the fact that improper removal can damage the nail underneath the manicure.

Remember that gel nail polish should come away with ease, without the need for scraping. The improper removal of gel polish can cause cracks, pits, and scrapes on the nails which can show up as white spots on the nail surface. These occurrences are often a result of not allowing the gel to soak long enough in the product to break the bond from the natural nail.

From this, there would need to be force applied to remove them which can actually take away a thin layer of the nail plate. Sometimes, clients will notice these imperfections on their nails and query the technician and would receive a reply about how it is a natural reaction from the acetone the nail is soaked in when this is not the case.

This could be misleading to the client as acetone can remove oils from the nails, however, the nail plate itself does not receive any damage.

In order to save the nails from acquiring any chips, pits and cracks, they will need to be left to soak off for a long time.

UV GelNailsPolish

Simple trick can make your gel manicure last longer

Gel Nail Polish

You’re finished your gel manicure and you’re feeling pretty good now that you’ve pampered yourself.

Naturally, you’ll want to keep your gel manicure on for as long as possible before going in for a refill. The entire process of paint, cure, repeat, can take a little longer than other manicures, however, gel manicures is the closest resemblance to a natural nail that we can receive, especially a French manicure!

There’s a simple step you can do to make your nail gels last longer than the given time period of approximately 2-3 weeks, and it’s this: leaving your nails under the UV lamp a little longer.

When polish isn’t cured long enough, it hasn’t received enough UV light which leaves the polish weak and not as firm as it should be. Getting the most out of the amount of money you spend on your manicure is spending more time under the UV lamp to ensure that the gel cures and is more durable.

However, there is a downside to over exposure of the UV lamp. The extra time under the lamp may cure the polymers in the polish, but it does pose as a risk for your skin because of the exposure to UV light. There shouldn’t be too much worry over this matter as the area at risk is a small part of your skin and can be prevented through wearing sun screen.

Visit our site for a great collection of UV Gel Nail Polish and more tricks about Professional Gel Nail Polish

How are trophies manufactured?

Trophies are synonymous with accomplishments, but do they come to be?

Trophies are built of numerous different parts, all of which are produced in varying ways. Each component are moulded through the processes of steel dies, or using both pressure and high levels of heat. Many of the parts, with the inclusion of the base, risers and its own figurine, are all injection moulded. In order to mould a plastic part, a system feeder is fed a stream of continuous plastic pellets, a process which is automatic. All parts of the trophy are moulded using extraordinary pressure, which is put against a die in a process known as extrusion. This includes the bases, rises and figure parts of the trophies.

Machines are loaded with millions of pounds of plastic pellets year on year, in order to make the various parts of the trophies.

Moulding machines are fitted with incredibly expensive steel dies that are specially designed for the given machines. These machines all melt the number of pellets into a liquid, using extraordinary pressure against the expensive dies, forming the trophies’ base, riser and figure. The dies will eventually form up to 12 components of a single design (this number can vary, depending on the size of the components and the end product). Workers will operate the machines, overseeing the general aspects of the production. A metal stud is carefully inserted into the body of each individual figure, ensuring strength of the components. Each part of the figure (the ankle, the wrist and the neck) may all be a level of thin plastic, which is subject to breakage.

The manufacture of trophies are very intricate

The process continues with the base of all trophies being filled with gypsum, adding a high amount of weight to the plastic. Figurines that don’t essentially have a silver or gold tone finish are effectively now done, being pushed through the machine and out to the other side. This allows for the assembly to be continued at the retailers.

Figures which are set to receive a metallic finish will now be operated on the stamp foil machine. These plastic figures are washed with first a top coat, then a metallic foil. It is then heated and pressed onto the each individual component. The parts are set to be coloured, as well as their metallic decoration. This will be decorated in a similar fashion. Each figures is now moved away from the machine, with the preparation to be boxed and shipped to the specific assemblers.

The columns of the trophies are formed from plastic pellets, which go into a machine. These will then be melted, extruded and formed through a die. As they go through the die, they will be cut to a required length. These are then moved away from the machine, ready for the boxing part of the construction. This will be made from extruded plastic.

Each component will now be bagged through an automatic process, then boxed by a machine, ready for shipment to the assemblers.

For more on trophies, please visit our website.

Entrance mats: Use the best entrance mats

Did you know that on average 70-80% of all dirt inside a building has been brought in from the outside on people’s footwear?

Think about the cost of removing all this dirt. The associated cleaning costs, labour, cleaning equipment, electricity and chemicals involved. Think about the cost of replacing worn carpets and damaged hard flooring that has been caused by this dirt.

When all added together the costs are truly staggering, yet much of this cost can be prevented as long as your building has effective entrance mats put in place. So when you come to purchase your next entrance mat, do not base your decision on the initial cost of the mat, think about how effective the mat is and over what time period will it continue to perform. You would be better buying a rubber mat for £100 which lasted 5 years, than a mat costing £50 and lasting 2.

You should check your existing entrance mats, because if they have worn down or if they have not been cleaned sufficiently, they will no longer be stopping dirt and moisture from entering your building. In which case you need to replace them to prevent your money going down the drain.

Below we’ve put together a guide to help you choose the best entrance mats.

 

What an effective entrance mat must do:

1. Stop dirt and moisture from getting into your building

Choose a mat which scrapes and wipes footwear to remove dirt and moisture. Ensure the rubber matting is big enough so that people make a number of steps on the mat in whichever direction they are travelling.

 

2. Hold onto dirt and moisture until cleaned

An effective mat collects and stores dirt and moisture until it can be safely cleaned away at an appropriate time. Check that your mat says it will actually do this and explains how it does this.

3. Minimise tracking of dirt and moisture off the mat

Dirt and moisture should fall to the bottom of the pile where it will not be walked on directly and taken further off the mat. A mat that is bi-level (a scraper surface and lower well for dirt to fall into) will do this most effectively.

4. Ensure a safe walking surface

The mat should not be a slip, trip or fall hazard. It should allow the smooth transition of footfall and wheelchair traffic. Coir mats and very deep pile mats which stop wheelchairs from turning will fall foul of this rule.

 

Which entrance mats should I buy?:

We recommend you purchase an entrance matting system for the most effective way of preventing dirt from entering your building. If you only have enough budget to buy one mat, then at the very least purchase a good interior wiper / scraper entrance mat. Otherwise go for an entrance matting system comprising of:

1. An Exterior Scraper Mat

This is your first line of defence. The outdoor mat is used to scrape heavy mud, snow, sand and soil off footwear. It needs to be weather proof and durable. See the Mats4U outdoor mats range for examples of suitable mats.

2. An Interior Scraper / Wiper Mat

This is the one you need if you only buy one entrance mat, so make sure you get the most effective. The mat scrapes dirt from footwear as well as wiping off moisture to leave feet dryer and minimise slip hazards. See the entrance mats section on Mats4U for our recommendations of what to buy.

3. An Interior Finishing / Wiper Mat

The final line of defence. This mat’s main job is to finish off the drying process and remove any fine dirt particles that may still remain on the footwear. These mats can also be placed throughout the building in strategic places such as high traffic areas (receptions, lifts, corridors, vending etc) to protect flooring. See the indoor mats section on Mats4U for these rubber mats.

If you need specific advice on choosing mats suitable for your premises, then give us a call on 0121 351 4444 or post a message here and we will point you in the right direction.

Top 6 benefits of working in hospitality

The hospitality industry is acquiring lots of attention, and rightly so.

Hospitality jobs

Many people are considering starting a career in the industry, despite the tough hours that will need to be put in, so to succeed.
Hospitality is a worthy industry to get into, it comes along with a lot of beneficial attributes, enjoyment excluded.

Opportunities

Working in the hospitality industry is a great career for those who love variety and thrive off lively atmospheres.
It's never dull with the opportunity to travel to new places and experience different cultures - waking up in the morning has never been easier.

Appreciation

There are many job roles out there that don't receive any appreciation and aren't thanked for their work.
The amazing thing about working in hospitality is being acknowledged constantly by patrons for the work that is being done for them.

Meritocracy

Hospitality jobs are for those who value the quality of work speaking for themself.
By using initiative and following through on actions, honing a positive attitude will help you soar in your career.

Perks

The perks of working in this particular field, ensuring other people are happy and satisfied with their service, brings along a satisfying feeling to yourself.
Other people's happiness will affect you in a positive way.

Stability

After surviving a financial meltdown in 2008/9, the hospitality industry is flourishing and thriving once again.
That situation shows how stable and robust the industry is.

Creative

Little do many know, hospitality requires a creative mind: there will be times when you are hit with constant unique challenges that will need to be faced with a strong mind and strong ideas.
Creativity and critical thinking will be needed and put to good use in this industry.

There are many more benefits to the hospitality industry than mentioned above making this field of work an exciting one!
Please visit our website for further details about hospitality jobs and hospitality recruitment.