Why Salon Work Makes Your Body Ache & What You Can Do to Feel Better
We learn some simple moves and strategies to keep the blood pumping through the muscles and limit posture problems from The Balanced Beauty Pro
by Anne Moratto
"Marble" Your Clients' Nails With This Technique
I just learned a very cool, and unique, nail technique and I’m so excited about it! I’m not sure if this is something just done at beauty schools like mine, or if “marbling” of nails is common at salons, also have heard it called “water colors”—but in my few years in the industry, I’ve certainly never heard of it! So while it may not be new to you, the professional, it's new to me and my class and we're really excited! It's perfect for teens or for those who like to theme their nails (red, white and blue for the 4th of July, anyone??!!)
July 10, 2011
2 min to read
I just learned a very cool, and unique, nail technique and I'm so excited about it!
I'm not sure if this is something just done at beauty schools like mine, or if "marbling" of nails is common at salons, also have heard it called "water colors"-but in my few years in the industry, I've certainly never heard of it! So while it may not be new to you, the professional, it's new to me and my class and we're really excited! It's perfect for teens or for those who like to theme their nails (red, white and blue for the 4th of July, anyone??!!)
Step one: Choose nail polish colors-usually three work best. A mixture of lights and darks tends to work well, too. Also, choose bottles that aren't almost empty, as you'll need to work fast.
Step two: Fill a cup with room temperature water. Styrofoam can also work, but if nail polish drops to bottom of cup, it can melt through the material. Plastic is a good choice, reuasable is great, too!
Step three: Unscrew each of the polish lids. This will help you to work faster.
Step four: Drip a drop of nail polish into the center of the water, it will float on top. Working quickly, drip another drop of the next color. Repeat with another color if desired. Bull's-eye style.
Step five: Use a toothpick and swirl the three colors together, quickly. Making any design you like.
Step six: Have client dip her nail into the area where the design looks the best. Dip nail on an angle, so the entire nail is covered. Polish will get on the skin, but will be removed later in steps.
Step seven: Blow lightly on the top of the water to dry polish (about 3 seconds). Use a Q-tip to swirl the remaining polish off the top of the water-Cotton Candy style. Remove finger from water.
Step eight: Continue in this manner until all nails are covered.
Step nine: Use nail polish remover to remove the polish from skin.
Step ten: Use a top coat to make color last and pop.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Career
Paying It Forward: What I Wish I’d Learned in Beauty School
Anny VanDriel, owner of Be Rosie Salon and creator of Pricing Isn’t Personal, volunteered to share a pricing presentation to beauty school students a year ago, and ended up learning more than she expected.
by Anne Moratto
Level Up Your Artistry
From the launch of the Ulta BeautyArtist Collective to the evolution of Trendspiration, celebrating stylists is what The Salon at Ulta Beauty does best.
Sponsored by Ulta Beauty
Challenging the Rules of Haircutting: An Interview with Nashville Artist Stan Newton
With more than four decades in the industry, hairdresser and MODE Education founder Stan Newton has built a career around the art and discipline of cutting hair, learning the rules so he can break them.
by Anne Moratto
How Beauty Professionals Can Evaluate and Expand Their Service Menus
Beauty professionals should evaluate each service based on its popularity, profitability, and alignment with current trends. Conducting client surveys and analyzing booking data can provide insights into which services are in demand and which might be phased out.
by Anne Moratto
How to Build a Sustainable Beauty Career Without Burning Out
LifeSpa leader Ali Yanez explains why strong mentorship, predictable income, meaningful recognition and the right work environment help beauty professionals build careers that last.
by Anne Moratto
Where Are Salon Suites Headed Next?
Whether a beauty professional chooses a commission salon, booth rental, salon suite or salon ownership, the common thread is having more choices than ever before.
by Anne Moratto
Sport Clips Haircuts Hosts First-Ever Virtual Education and Career Experience for Stylists
Sport Clips Haircuts will host its inaugural "Level Up Live," a first-of-its-kind virtual event that combines live haircutting education, career inspiration, product knowledge, and employment opportunities for licensed stylists and cosmetology students nationwide.
by Staff
Physical Therapist Shares Best Posture Tips for Hairdressers and Nail Technicians to Prevent Neck, Back and Shoulder Pain
Orthopedic PT reveals three daily exercises plus ergonomic advice that can help salon professionals avoid the aches and injuries caused by standing, bending and repetitive overhead work.
by Anne Moratto
The Beauty Pro Book Club: 4 Reads to Inspire Growth and Success
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
by Anne Moratto
How AI Can Help Independent Beauty Professionals Build Stronger, More Profitable Businesses
Salon suite pioneer Karen Kaminski argues that the next evolution of independent beauty businesses won't be defined by beautiful spaces alone, it will be driven by smarter systems that help professionals spend less time on administrative work and more time serving clients.
Pre-PRIDE: Finding Allies in the Beauty Salon
At a time when many LGBTQ+ people felt compelled to hide parts of themselves, Carlos Valenzuela found a career in beauty and a community that offered opportunity based on what you could do and how well you could do it.
by Anne Moratto
Chaz Dean Shares 5 Career Lessons for Hairstylists Building a Lasting Career
Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.
by Anne Moratto
The MODERN Artist Connective Edit: Jessica Domoney Says Success Starts with Boundaries
For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.
by Anne Moratto
Rodrick Samuels on The Silent Work, Modern Beauty Education and Why Empathy Wins
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
by Anne Moratto
AI Won't Replace Your Voice—Unless You Let It
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
by Anne Moratto
50 Smart Things Beauty Educators Have Told Us
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
by Anne Moratto