Pedicures

A pedicure is a cosmetic service performed on the feet by a licensed cosmetologist or a nail technician. Pedicures can include exfoliating the skin, reducing calluses, trimming, shaping and polishing the toenail. Often they include a wonderful foot and leg massage. Pedicures are not exactly manicures on the feet. Although they are similar treatment, pedicures require specific skills and more knowledge of chronic diseases. Cosmetologists study pedicures because it will enable them to add this very desirable service to their service offerings. It is important to know how to perform a pedicure safe and correctly. A pedicure station includes a comfortable chair with an armrest and footrest for the client and an ergonomic chair for the cosmetologist.  Pedicure stool is usually low to make it ergonomically easier for the pedicurist to work on the client's feet. The pedicure foot bath varies in design from the basic stainless steel basin to an automatic whirlpool that warms and massages the client’s feet. The soak bath is filled with warm water and a product to soak the client’s feet in. There are many wonderful different techniques used in a pedicure. There is the terry cloth mitts. They are mitts you place over the client’s feet after a conditioning product and a plastic cover have been applied. Paraffin bath is dipping the client’s foot into a wax 3 times, then letting it harden and sit on the foot. Hot stones are stones that are smooth and warm. They move across your feet smoothly and enough pressure to push into your feet, providing a deep penetrating feeling. There are many implements used while during a pedicure. Toenail clippers are larger than fingernail clippers, with curved or straight jaws specifically designed for shortening toenails. A curette is an implement with a small, scoop-shaped end that, if carefully used, allows for more efficient removal of debris from the nail. A nail rasp is a metal implement with a grooved edge used for filing and smoothing the edges of the nail plate. Foot files are designed to reduce and smooth thicker foot calluses. Some unique materials used in a pedicure is toe separators and pedicure slippers. These help the paint not smear and helps them dry more efficiently. Products for pedicure services include: soaks, scrubs, masks, pedicure lotions and creams, and callus softeners. Foot soaks are products that are put into the water in the pedicure bath to soften the skin on the feet. Exfoliating scrubs are lotions that contain an abrasive as the exfoliating agent. Masks are concentrated treatment products that lather the foot. They are a thicker substance that hydrates and nourishes the skin. Lotions and creams are important because they condition and moisturize the skin. This softens calluses and makes it easier to massage the foot. Massage is a key thing in pedicures, make sure to master that and give your client a great foot massage. Many people get pedicures much more than they get their hair done. This is why it is important to get them perfected. Interaction during the service is also a key point, keep the conversation going and make sure they feel welcomed.

Facial Makeup

The field of makeup artistry is a very rewarding segment of cosmetology. The service produces results that alter how clients view themselves. Makeup does so much to a person and gains self esteem by a lot. Clients rely on cosmetologists for advice on how to look their best. There are many different types of makeups, I would like to define a few. Foundation is a flesh-toned cosmetic used to minimize the appearance of skin imperfections. Concealers are used to hide dark eye circles, hyperpigmentation, and other imperfections. Face powder is used to create a matte or non-shiny finish. Eye shadows are cosmetics used to accentuate the eye shape and compliment eye color. Eyeliner is a cosmetic used to define the eyes and make the lash line appear fuller. Eyebrow pencils are used to add color and shape to the eyebrow. Blush is used to add color to the cheeks. Lipstick is a waxy cosmetic used to enhance the lips. Lip liner is generally applied before the lip color to define the shape of the lips and keep the color from bleeding. Mascara is a cosmetic preparation used to darken, define, and thicken the eyelashes. There are brushes used for every different type of makeup. The right brushes can make all the difference in the way your makeup appears. You need to rinse brushes thoroughly after cleansing and let brushes lay flat to dry. There is also single-use implements. These are disposable and should be discarded after one use. They include the following items: sponges, powder puffs, mascara wands, spatulas, lip brushes, sponge-tipped shadow applicators, cotton swabs and cotton pads. A thorough understanding of color is imperative to becoming an effective makeup artist. As you look at the color wheel, think of it as a tool in determining color choice. There are three main factors to consider when choosing colors for a client: skin color, eye color, and hair color. Orange is the complementary color to blue. Because orange contains yellow and red, shadows with any of these colors in them will make eyes look bluer. Red is the complementary color to green. Because red shadows tend to make the eyes look tired or bloodshot, pure red tons are not recommended. Red-orange, red-violet, and violet look very good with green eyes. Brown eyes are neutral and can wear any color. The primary goal of makeup application is to emphasize the client’s most attractive features, while minimizing those that are less appealing. Learning to objectively identify the face shapes and its features takes practice. There is oval-shaped face, round face, square-shaped face, triangular face, heart-shaped, diamond-shaped, oblong face. Here is the order of a basic professional makeup application: you start with the client consultation, lighting, apply foundation, apply concealer, apply powder, apply eyebrow pencil, apply eyebrow powder, apply eyeshadow, apply eyeliner,  apply blush, apply lip color, apply mascara. Makeup is a very good skill to have as a cosmetologist. It will give you more clientele. It is good to be good at more than just hair in this industry.  

Hairstyling

The art of hairstyling or dressing the hair has always changed in direct relation to the fashion, art, and life of the times.  Hairstyling is an huge thing in the cosmetology world. It is an important, foundational skill that allows the professional to articulate creativity. The client looks to you for that special style desired. It is up to you to make them look the best. You need to start with a consultation. Have your client find styles that she likes. FInger waving is the process of shaping and directing the hair into an S pattern through the use of the fingers, combs and finger waving lotion. This was the rage in the 1920s, which is why you may wonder why you need to learn this as a cosmetologist. It is because women today are influenced by the movie stars and celebrities they see wearing finger waves. Pin curls serve as the basis for waves and curls that are used in a wide range of hairstyles. This helps the curl to stay in longer and it makes beautiful curls. There is also roller curls, hot rollers, and velcro rollers. Many hairstyles require a lot of volume. A way to get volume is by backcombing. Backcombing, also known as teasing and ratting, involves combing small sections of hair from the ends toward the scalp causing shorter hair to mat and form a cushion. Hair wrapping is a technique used to keep curly hair smooth and straight while retaining a beautiful shape. Blowdry styling is the technique of drying and styling damp hair in one operation and it has revolutionized the hairstyling world. Never hold the blowdryer too long in one place. Move in a consistent back and forth motion. When choosing a styling brush, take into notice the texture, length, and styling needs of the hair you are working on. Styling products are very important when styling someone's hair. They give a style more hold, and the can be used to either increase or decrease the amount of curl. They can add shide and they enhance a style. Be cautious of the different types of product you use on the different types of hair. There are many products you can use: foam, gel, volumizers, pomade, hairspray, thermal protectant, etc. Thermal irons are tools used to curl dry hair. Flat irons have two hot plates. They are used to create smooth, straight styles. It is important to analyze the condition and texture of hair before you set the heat. Hair can break off or melt due to too much heat if not cautious.  An updo, is a hairstyle with the hair arranged up and off the shoulders and secured with hairpins, bobby pins, and elastics. A half updo is designed for long hair, and it is where half of the hair is pulled back. You need to focus on your sectioning, pinning, balance, and texture with updos. These are styles used for weddings, prom, etc. It is important to know how to do many different styles so you can give your client exactly what they want and make them leave happy.

Proper Use of Hair cutting Tools

How do you choose and use the right tools for the job? To find the answer, you need to understand the function and characteristics of your tools, how to use them in a way that is safe, and how to position your body. There are several tools that you will need for haircutting.  Understanding all of these implements is necessary for creating a great haircut. Haircutting shears are also known as scissors. They are mainly used to cut blunt or straight lines in hair. They may also be used to point cut. Texturizing shears are mainly used to remove bulk from the hair. They are thinning shears and tapering shears. Many types of texturizing shears are used today, with amounts of teeth in the blades. Razors are mainly used when a softer effect on the ends of the hair is desired. Razors can be used to create and entire haircut, to thin hair out or to texturize in certain areas. Clippers are mainly used when creating short haircuts, short tapers, fades and flat tops. They may be used without a guard to shave hair right to the scalp, with cutting guards of various lengths, and for clipper-over-comb technique. Trimmers are a smaller version of clippers. They are used to remove excess or unwanted hair at the neckline and around the ears and to create crisp outlines. Sectioning clips come in variety of shapes and sizes that help hold the hair up. A Wide-tooth comb is mainly used to detangle the hair. Tail comb is used to section the hair off. Barber comb is mainly used for close tapers on the nape and sides when using the scissor-over-comb technique. A cutting comb is used for most haircutting procedures. Your haircutting shears will be one of the most important tools in your career as a cosmetologist. All professional haircutting shears are made of steel.  To keep your shears in excellent shape, it is important to clean and maintain your shears on a regular basis. You need to use a soft cloth or towel saturated with scissor oil, and thoroughly wipe the inside of the blades of your shear after every client. Adjusting the blade tension everyday is important to make sure your shears are functioning correctly. Once a week, open shears to a 90 degree angle and loosen the adjustment knob to that the blades allow a paper towel to fit between the pivot point, and then push out any hair particles. Clean shear with soap and water and disinfectant. Only sharpen your shears as needed. Holding your tools properly is very important. A proper hold gives you the most control and the best results when cutting hair. It also helps you avoid muscle strain in your hands, arms, neck, and back. Not only should you be cautious of where your weight is, but you need to position your client in a way that is comfortable for you.  It is the most important that you are comfortable and positioned correctly.

Understanding the Basic Principles of Haircutting

Good haircuts begin with an understanding of the shape of the head. Hair responds differently on various areas of the head depending on the length and the cutting technique used. Being aware of all of this  will help you achieve the look that you and your client want. The different areas of the head are the top, front, sides, crown, nape, back, and bang area. A section is the working area that the hair is separated into prior to cutting. An angle is created when the space between two lines or surfaces intersects at a given point. You either are cutting vertically, diagonally, and horizontally. Horizontal lines are parallel from the floor and relative to the horizon. Vertical lines are up and down and opposite of horizontal. Diagonal lines are between horizontal and vertical and they have a slanting or sloping direction. A part or parting is a line dividing the hair, separating one section of hair from another. Elevation is also an important thing while doing different haircuts. Elevation is the degree at which a subsection of hair is held from the head while cutting. When cutting, you must follow your guide. A guideline is a subsection of hair that determines the length the hair will be cut. A stationary guideline does not move and is used for one length cuts. A traveling guideline moves and is used when creating layered or graduated cuts. A great haircut always starts with a great consultation. A consultation is a conversation between you and your client when you find out what the client is looking for. You can help them decide what looks will best fit them. You have a great responsibility to make your client look the best. You need to analyze the face shape during the consultation. You look for the widest part of the face and the narrowest areas. Determine if it is wide or long and look for the features that you want to bring out. Also look for the features you want to de-emphasize. Consider the profile of their face. There are four characteristics that determine the behavior of the hair: growth pattern, texture, density, and elasticity. The growth pattern is the direction in which the hair grows from the scalp. Hair density is the number of individual hair strands on 1 square inch of scalp. It is described as thin, medium, or thick. Hair texture is based on the thickness or diameter of each hair strand, classified as coarse, medium, and fine. It is important to notice the differences in everyone's hair. This will help you know which treatment and cut best suits everyone. It will help you make them look the best by bringing out their best features. It is very important as a stylist to make your clients look the best as they can. You need to be a smart stylist and know every thing that will make your client look the very best.