FAQ's Nail Services
Caring for your hands and feet not only benefits their
overall health, it can also be a relaxing and enjoyable
experience. To help you achieve the maximum benefit
from your manicure and/or pedicure service, we have
prepared this short handout describing the treatments
and what you may expect when receiving them. We hope
you find this information useful, whether this is your
first manicure/pedicure, or you schedule them regularly.
All of our nail services are performed by licensed
nail technicians, and InSpa uses only state-of-the-art
equipment. All tools, equipment and instruments are
medically sterilized between uses, and delivered to
your appointment in a specially designed sterilization
pouch for your verification. InSpa's sterilization method
ensures that our instruments will be 100% free of HIV,
fungus, bacteria, viruses and spores.
What happens during a
manicure?
How often should I have
a manicure?
How will the manicurist
treat my cuticles?
What is the purpose of
the hand and arm massage that follows a manicure?
What is the purpose of
a pedicure?
How long will a pedicure
take, and what happens during a pedicure?
What if I am shy about
having a pedicure?
How often should I have
a pedicure?
Can I get a pedicure if
I have ingrown toenails?
Is there ever a time
I shouldn't have a pedicure?
What is nail fungus?
Where are fungi found?
How do I know if my nail is infected with fungus?
What causes the infection?
How can I prevent it?
Is there a health threat?
How do I treat it?
What happens during a manicure?
A manicure includes shaping and trimming of the nails,
as well as pushing back the cuticles. A brief hand and
arm massage concludes the service. You can then choose
to have your nails polished or buffed.
How often should I have a manicure?
Manicures can be scheduled as often as you like. Some
people receive them as often as once per week. Depending
upon how you use your hands in your daily life, you
may want to come in for an Express Manicure between
regular manicures.
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How will the manicurist treat my cuticles?
The cuticle, the thin piece of skin that overlaps the
nail at its base, sometimes adheres to the nail - causing
splits or tears in the skin that can turn into hangnails.
Keeping the cuticles soft and pushed back may prevent
this occurrence. During your manicure, the nail technician
will soften the cuticle and gently push it back, trimming
only when needed or requested. Hangnails will be trimmed
to prevent further tearing.
What is the purpose of the hand and arm massage
that follows a manicure?
The massage helps to relax the hand and arm muscles,
softens and smoothes the skin, and increases blood circulation.
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What is the purpose of a pedicure?
Pedicuring is the art of caring for the feet and toenails.
It can increase the comfort level of your feet, as well
as enhance the way they look. Plus, many people find
receiving a pedicure to be exceptionally relaxing.
How long will a pedicure take, and what happens during
a pedicure?
A pedicure takes about 45 minutes, and includes removal
of old polish (if needed), filing of toenails, treatment
of cuticles, removal of calluses and massage of the
lower leg and foot. Polish is then applied, if desired
- plan to bring sandals to allow painted toenails to
dry fully. For your convenience, InSpa also offers light,
inexpensive post-pedicure sandals. Feel free to ask
your nail technician for more information about these
sandals, which may be used several times before needing
to be replaced.
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What if I am shy about having a pedicure?
You’re not alone. It’s not uncommon to feel
a bit shy about having your feet treated — it
may help to remember that Nail Technicians are licensed
professionals who enjoy their work. They realize that
you may feel uncomfortable and will make every effort
to put you at ease.
How often should I have a pedicure?
Pedicures can be scheduled as often as you like. During
the summer months, when your feet may be exposed on
a more regular basis, you may want to enjoy a pedicure
weekly.
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Can I get a pedicure if I have ingrown toenails?
Of course! Ingrown toenails are commonly associated
with improper filing or ill-fitting shoes. Your Nail
Technician can help correct the problem, and advise
you about how to avoid it in the future.
Is there ever a time I shouldn't have a pedicure?
Pedicures are designed to help maintain the health and
attractiveness of the feet and toenails. Because athlete's
foot and foot fungus are extremely contagious, your
feet should be completely clear of these problems before
receiving a pedicure.
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What is nail fungus?
Nail fungus, or otherwise known as onychomycosis, is a contagious
infection of the nail bed and plate caused by several types of fungi,
and sometimes yeast. Fungi are simple parasitic plant organisms
that lack of chlorophyll and therefore do not require sunlight to
grow. It can easily attach to the nail and thrive off keratin, nail’s
protein substance.
Where are fungi found?
Fungi are ubiquitous, meaning that they can be found everywhere.
More common areas to contact them are bathrooms, locker rooms, gyms
and unsanitary nail implements. Some people are simply more prone
to becoming infected with fungi, often due to hereditary lack of
immunity.
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How do I know if my nail is infected with fungus?
When infected with fungus, nail becomes thicker, yellowish-brown
or darker color and has a specific odor when filed. The biggest
problem with nail fungus is that it’s extremely contagious
and can easily spread to other nails or skin.
What causes the infection?
Nail fungus is usually caused by a trauma to the nail. If the nail
is just slightly elevated of the nail bed, a space develops under
the nail where water and microbes accumulate. This creates a perfect
warm and damp environment for their growth. Exposing hand and feet
to water will increase the risk of getting fungal infection. People
with artificial nails are at higher risk due to the microscopic
damage to the nail that causing it to rise.
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How can I prevent it?
Wearing properly fitted shoes, drying feet thoroughly after shower
or bath, wearing shower shoes when in public showers and properly
disinfecting home implements are some of the ways to protect the
nail from getting infected. Most importantly notify your nail technician
if you notice any changes on your nails and consult your physician.
Is There a health threat?
Fungal infection will weaken the nail over a period of time, and
can cause it to ultimately fall off for not being anchored to the
nail bed. A prolonged infection can permit a bacterial infection
to begin in the foot, which may result in foot or ankle ulcers and
lead to blood poisoning.
How do I treat it?
There are several of internal and topical medications available
on the market. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of
each case. It can be lengthy due to the slow growth of the fingernail
and especially toenail, anywhere from 4 to 12 months.
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