The Ed.
Well-Known Member
We love a gel manicure. The world loves gel manicures. Quite simply, the nail industry is a different beast since the invention of the gel manicure and all of that is a good thing. What isn't a good thing is getting some of these gel manicures off. There's no doubt that it's not an easy process; when done properly in a salon it's a breeze, but if you don't have time to get to a salon your options are pick it off (not a great idea), soak your fingertips in acetone (and even worse idea) or use makeshift foil wraps (your best bet but not always effective).
Now though, manicurist and owner of the Painted Nail salon in Hollywood, Katie Cazorla reckons she's hit the gel removal jackpot with the Steam Off. This mini-sauna like device for nails apparently removes gel manicure gently and while 'steam' sounds a little dangerous, Cazorla explains that it isn't actually steam, "It was better then saying 'damp off' or 'moist off,'" she joked to allure.com.
So, if it isn't steam, what is it? Well the device heats and mists your nails with a gentle acetone solution. Quite simply, you pour the kit's vitamin-infused acetone solution into the unit and plug it in. Once it warms up, simply put your fingertips into the silicone holes and position your hands as if your using a tennis ball. Steaming for five minutes (which is marked by two beeps) removes nail lacquers, Color Flash One Step Gel Polish, and Shellac. Ten minutes (which is noted by one long beep) is for traditional soak-off gels and acrylics. Once the timer sounds, remove your hand from the basin and push off the remaining color with an orange stick. "The best part is that your nails smell great and arent dried out," says Cazorla.
Right now, you can only get your gel-covered fingertips on the product at the Painted Nail Salon in the W Hotel Hollywood, Everything Nailz in Studio City, and online at everythingnailz.com for $99.99. But the word is quickly spreading amongst the coolest nail techs in town. Tom Bachik and Pattie Yankee already have one and the scoop is that this works, it's brilliant and it's great for nails.
If anything puts people off gel manicures, it's the removal. This is a product that could change all that and reinvigorate the market all over again.
Until then...geek on!
The Ed.
Now though, manicurist and owner of the Painted Nail salon in Hollywood, Katie Cazorla reckons she's hit the gel removal jackpot with the Steam Off. This mini-sauna like device for nails apparently removes gel manicure gently and while 'steam' sounds a little dangerous, Cazorla explains that it isn't actually steam, "It was better then saying 'damp off' or 'moist off,'" she joked to allure.com.
So, if it isn't steam, what is it? Well the device heats and mists your nails with a gentle acetone solution. Quite simply, you pour the kit's vitamin-infused acetone solution into the unit and plug it in. Once it warms up, simply put your fingertips into the silicone holes and position your hands as if your using a tennis ball. Steaming for five minutes (which is marked by two beeps) removes nail lacquers, Color Flash One Step Gel Polish, and Shellac. Ten minutes (which is noted by one long beep) is for traditional soak-off gels and acrylics. Once the timer sounds, remove your hand from the basin and push off the remaining color with an orange stick. "The best part is that your nails smell great and arent dried out," says Cazorla.
Right now, you can only get your gel-covered fingertips on the product at the Painted Nail Salon in the W Hotel Hollywood, Everything Nailz in Studio City, and online at everythingnailz.com for $99.99. But the word is quickly spreading amongst the coolest nail techs in town. Tom Bachik and Pattie Yankee already have one and the scoop is that this works, it's brilliant and it's great for nails.
If anything puts people off gel manicures, it's the removal. This is a product that could change all that and reinvigorate the market all over again.
Until then...geek on!
The Ed.
