5 Stages of Grief - Overcoming My Depression

One year ago today, I officially retired as a Nail Technician.  I feel as if I have gone through the “5 Stages of Grief”.  I had worked as a full time "manicurist" since 1982.  There were times when I would become burned out, discouraged and quit working in a salon or close my salon, but I would always find my way back.  It was my passion!  I would become more knowledgeable, learn the latest products and techniques.  I would define natural nail techniques successfully, through trial and error, for almost any natural nail type or type of client.  I would grow my business acumen and start a new salon, bigger and better than the last, even write a book on natural nail care.  But a year ago, things really changed.  Sever allergies, specifically contact dermatitis, and growing problems with arthritis took me away from the service side of the nail industry.  

At the beginning of the end of my service career, I struggled with Denial.  I had been developing the contact dermatitis for years.  I did my best not to touch acrylic monomers or gel products that would create the skin reactions, but the effects gradually grew worse.   My skin now peels off in sheets and my skin cracks, even bleeds, when I come into contact with the smallest amount of the acrylates on the exterior of a gel polish bottle.  And since I’m getting older, my arthritis was building.  It hurt just to hold people’s fingers or toes as I worked on them.  It doesn’t sound like much, holding someone’s finger or toe, but this was constant and repetitious.   Imagine pinching your forefinger and your thumb together to hold a moving object still or turning it from side to side for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week for over 30 years.  It took a toll on my joints.

I couldn’t believe that I would possibly have to give up doing nails, just because of some silly skin conditions and joint pain.  I got Angry (the second stage).  I was not about to let these little problems stop me!  I started to Bargain with myself (third stage), that I would wear gloves; I took (and still take) anti-inflammatory drugs; I used creams, ointments, and anything else that might minimize my reactions and my pain.  It just got worse.  I still had my side business, Bella10 Nail & Skin Care, but I had to give it up the “hands on” service side of my business.  It became obvious, I needed to “retire” from nails.

Needing steady regular income, one of my client/friends was nice enough to offer me an office job that I felt quite qualified for.  As a new employee, I decided to focus on her business.  I had to put my Bella10 Nail & Skin Care business on hold for what I deemed as “a little while”.   I focused, I learned, I struggled for 9 months… until my boss/friend had to let me go.  There are no hard feelings towards my friend and their business, it was a great experience.  I started to realize, as I was coming to an end of my office job, that I had been in a steady emotional decline for the last 9 months, over having to “retire” from the nail service industry.  I missed my client/friends, the comfort level of being an expert in my field, being able to provide my clients and new customers with great advice and products.  I was officially in a state of Depression.  The worst part was, all my prior hard work on my Bella10 Nail & Skin Care business had suffered as well.

Since I left my friend’s business, I have been home.  My partner has been helping me, supporting me, and I have been helping him, taking care of him.  I felt that I wanted to try to focus on Bella10 products (and this blog) again, but he motivation wasn’t quite there.  I tinkered around with some formulas that could be of benefit for natural nail care.  I had one formula fail, I created two others which require adjustments to the formula and I have another that I believe was an amazing success.  My success with my CutiOil Balm and a conversation with one of my favorite beauty bloggers (who can’t get enough of my Bella10 products) have inspired me and given me he motivation to build Bella10 Nail & Skin Care again!  Can this be my Acceptance phase?  It’s been a year since I “retired” from the nail service industry.  Do I dare to concentrate on natural nail care and nurture my Bella10 Nail & Skin Care product line?  Why not?  I honestly believe in natural nail care whenever possible and I don’t actually have anything to loose right now.  I have friends and relatives who emotionally support me, I’ve built friendships with Bella10, trust in my brand, now I get to start my nail career over again but with a different focus. 

I still feel the loss of all my old client/friends from when I did nails.  I generally miss our regular visits at the salon, seeing their wonderful faces and just being in their presence.  I still try to keep in touch with many of them, in person or on Facebook.  They really don’t stray far from my mind since they are the ones who inspired me!  They inspired me to create one of the best natural nail care product lines.   Over 30 years of providing nail services, learning about nails and skin, discovering what does and doesn’t work, WERE NOT IN VAIN.  I originally created Bella10 for my clients and my friends, the next chapter of my life is to share Bella10 with the world!

Visit Bella10 Nail & Skin Care today!

AN ORGANIC SOLUTION TO HEALTHY NAILS AND RADIANT SKINRATED ONE OF THE TOP TOXIC-FREE LOTIONS ON THE MARKET TODAY

Bella10 CutiOil has been listed as a "Can't Live Without" 

in "NAIL IT!" Magazine

6 Questions to Ask Yourself if Your Nails Are Breaking

I was recently asked by a friend for help with her nails... "My nails have been breaking a lot all of the sudden."  And if  you are having sudden problems with your nails breaking, peeling nails or split nails, here are the questions you need to ask yourself.  

Even if you are not honest with your nail technician, be honest with yourself.

1. How long are your nails when they break and how you are using them?  

        If they get too long they will break easier.  

        Don't wear the free edge (white part of the nail) longer than half the length of your nail bed. 

2.  Have you been using your nails as tools or jewels? 

        Here is where you ask yourself...
        "Does my nail look like a screwdriver?" "Can I use my nail like a screwdriver and not have it break?

        Also, if you love certain types of hobbies or work that is hard on your nails, use gloves.  They will protect your nails better than going without them.

        Lets be honest...  If you use your nail as a screwdriver, they will break.

3.  Have you been eating right within the last 6-8 MONTHS?  Is there Biotin in you vitamin supplements you are taking?  Are you drinking enough water?

        Healthy foods rich in natural vitamins and minerals along with supplements that have biotin will keep your nails (and hair) healthier than having a cheeseburger and fries.  

        Drinking your daily supply of water makes for healthier nails too.  It is a good rule to drink half your height in inches to that amount of ounces of water.  Example: If you are 5'4" tall, your total inches would be 64" tall.  Divide 64 in half which equals 32.  You should probably be drinking approximately 32 ounces of water every day.

      

4.  Are you keeping your nails hydrated with a good cuticle oil?  

        Lotion on your hands doesn't necessarily mean better hydration for the nails, they need oil to keep them flexible.  

        Lotion is made mostly with water and nails need water from the inside, not from the outside.  Which brings us to the next point.

Bella10's CutiOil was created with 
a specific blend of natural oils and vitamins to hydrate the cuticle and nail.
Regular daily use will minimize breaking, peeling and splitting nails.

5.  Have you been in a lot water or in a lot hot water lately?  Strong chemicals? Do you wear gloves when doing house chores?

        Water swells individual nail cells and softens the protein that holds those cells together, kind of like glue.  Being in water a lot will leach the natural oils which keeps your nails flexible and keeps the protein from drying out.  Hot water expands the nails further and when they are combined with detergents and cleaning chemicals, this will leach out the natural oils from our nails even more, leaving them dried out and brittle. Solution, use only warm water, not hot.  This will reduce the drying effect.  Also it is wise to wear gloves when using cleaning chemicals.

        Being in too much hot water = Your nails will be prone to splitting, peeling and breaking.

6.  Do you keep polish on them?

        Even clear polish adds a layer of strength and protection to the natural nail.  
        There are also gel polishes that can add strength without the constant application.  
        A warning on gel polishes though, they are very strong and if the gel polish is peeled off or removed incorrectly or if the nail is buffed too much on top of the nail, your nail will weaken dramatically!  It will be as if you have just removed artificial nails.

From "8 Tips on How to Grow Your Nails Faster and Stronger"

If you are recovering from Artificial Nails
and trying to get healthy natural nails back, check out
"The Secret to Artificial Nail Recovery"

Arizona’s Bella10 Lotion Receives Notoriety for Most Organic Formula

Bella10 is quickly becoming one of the leading Arizona organic products on the market today after receiving a recent toxicity ranking of 1 from the Environmental Working Group for their signature product, Crème de la Bella.

• 

Sedona, Arizona (PRWEB) December 12, 2013

Founded by Alicia Lyons, Natural Nail Care Expert, Bella10 is quickly becoming one of the leading Arizona organic products on the market today after receiving a toxicity ranking of 1 from the Environmental Working Group. Lyons has been in the nail care industry for over 30 years and is the author of The Secret to Beautiful Natural Nails. Bella10 products can be found in several Northern Arizona retail stores including: Crystal Magic in Sedona and Chocolate Blonde Salon in Cottonwood.
The Bella10 nail and skin care line was developed in 2012 with the goal of creating a vegan product that would promote healthy skin and nails. Always keeping in mind the fact that over 60% of products topically applied to the body are actually absorbed by the body, Alicia focused her efforts on creating a lotion that would be as natural as possible. “Bella10 skin care is like food for your skin, rich in Amino acids and vitamins A, C, D and E,” expresses Lyons. “No one wants to eat petro-chemicals or parabens.”
The Bella10 signature product, Crème de la Bella, was designed to be a very lush yet all natural lotion that leaves skin hydrated and smooth with no greasy feeling. Crème de la Bella was recently reviewed by the Environmental Working Group and received 1 for product purity, 0 being water up to 10 being Formaldehyde (EWG rating for Creme de la Bella Hand & Body Lotion). Bella 10 uses a blend of organic butters and oils to help to maintain the precious elasticity of skin, as well as an array of natural vegan botanicals that eliminate free radicals while soothing and rejuvenating skin. All ingredients used in the line are naturally derived and never test on Animals. Bella10 products are also Petro-Chemical, Paraben and Phthalate free.
Lyons realizes that most individuals may not fully understand the importance of natural body care and the significant impact it can have on the human body. She believes that to properly care not only for outside appearance but inside as well, people really need to take a moment to reflect on their daily habits and how the environment that they are constantly being exposed to may be affecting them. With the ever increasing awareness of the carcinogens in the air and how skin is constantly absorbing them, customers can trust in the quality and purity of one of the finest organic lotions in Arizona.
About Bella10: Bella10 strives to bring personal and professional Natural Nail care knowledge to a whole new level with one of the finest organic lotions in Arizona. For more information, visit: http://bella10.com/.

Press Release Article compliments of PRWeb
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/12/prweb11405486.htm?&co=f000000013080s-1098587417

Jessica Cosmetics - "A Night At The Opera" Fall 2013 Collection

I have always wanted to go to the Opera.  What an experience that would be...  Epic dramas, romance and intrigue all set to glorious music and colorful sets.  Glamorous men and women, dressed in their finest... "Velvet & Pearls" adorn guests and performers during the "Opening Night", from the "Overture" through the "Blue Aria" sung by the "Prima Donna" of the performance, and on to the "Standing Ovation".  Like Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" to Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" sitting beautifully in the window box.

Prepare yourself for "A Night At The Opera"!

Shall I illuminate Jessica Cosmetics and "A Night At The Opera" Fall 2013 collection!  Prepare yourself for splendid attire and glorious color for your finger nails and toes alike!  This is no time to hide your dainty digits in long gloves with this season's luxurious color palette.

Starting with "Velvet & Pearls", this is a stunning Black shade that is as rich as velvet.  It applied smoothly and without streaking.  While I have never been a huge fan of black polish, this color has completely changed my viewpoint on the color.

An additional point about this color is that when it was removed, it did not smear or run all over the nail and cuticles.

 I find this is a color that can be worn on any skin tone and with any item of clothing!

The next color in this stunning collection is "Opening Night".   I found this shimmery fuchsia to be right in line with this season's fall fashion colors.

I found it to be a very vivacious color, wildly deep, and it would be great to wear on a party night when you are feeling just a little spunky!

Wear this color with purples, blues and blacks or with other fuchsia attire during this fall season.

 
"Overture"  is another of my personal favorites.  I just love iridescent coppers!  In the bottle, this color has hints of shimmery gold which blend in with the color beautifully on the nail.  "Overture" is warm and golden, giving a glimpse of the inner fire within all of us.

It will go extremely well with warm toned skin and wear well with attire in the emerald and linden greens that are showing for this fall, as well as blacks and corals.

"Blue Aria" is a creamy dark cobalt blue.  It reminds me of deep ocean waters.  Like deep ocean waters, it has mystery and allure.

Your darkest denims with love this color!  Paired with your favorite dark denim jeans, it can be worn with almost any color in this season's color palette.  Wear it with blues, greens, corals, purples, blacks and fuchsias.

Like the black, this color removes cleanly with polish remover.

"Prima Donna" is, as Jessica Cosmetics puts it, "a violet celebration of the inner diva". This is truly a complex purple that is spirited, mysterious and exotic.
 

In the bottle it shimmers with a very slight hint of red which, on the nail, helps give it it's vibrancy and energy!  Another perfect color for the fall season.

 This color works well on someone with a cool skin tone.   It combines well with fuchsia, black, blue and even rich corals for this season's colors.

Lastly, because I am such a green girl, I am thrilled to present "Standing Ovation".  In the bottle, "Standing Ovation" has hints of shimmering blues and golds and even a little purple.  This gives it it's rich shimmering emerald to linden green that is so popular for this fall season. (It'll also be great for Christmas!)

It works well with any skin tone and pairs well with the greens of this season, coffee browns, corals, blacks and even blues.

I do hope you have enjoyed this season's polish colors from Jessica Cosmetics .  They truly reflect the colors showing in fashion for this fall season.  Each color is sumptuously rich and vibrant (yes, even the black) and I am certain that you will love them all as I did!  They are available now and you can get them at Jessica Cosmetics online and at fine salons and spas internationally! In addition, Jessica Cosmetics colors are formulated with antioxidant vitamins for maximum conditioning and UVA/UVB protection from the sun.  They are quick-drying and Three Free (toluene, formaldahyde and DBP free)!  If you can't find them online, you can call 818-759-1050 and tell them Bella10 Nails sent you.  Each professional quality color is only $8.40. Grab your favorite or get the entire collection!

I hope you enjoyed "A Night At The Opera", I'll be sharing Jessica's Effects "Glitzy" collection soon.  If you like glitter, you'll love "Glitzy"!

How to Heal Fingertip Cracks and Fissures

I've had a few people asking me lately about fingertip cracks or as I consider them fingertip fissures.  These fissures are very painful and can inhibit the afflicted persons daily activities if they are bad enough.  I'm not surprised to hear of this issue as fingertip and cuticle cracks and fissures, along with hangnails, happen more in the winter months due to the drying effects of colder temperatures and indoor heating. 

 Before you try to fix this on your own, know this first, if you feel that the area is infected, see a doctor immediately.  You should not proceed with any of the following if there is any redness and swelling, or if there is any chance of pus forming.   Taking a chance with blood poisoning is worse than trying to deal with the fissure.  Soak your finger in warm salt water and call your doctor immediately.

If there is no infection present, there are a few things that can be done to help heal these fishers once they occur.  The first thing is to remove the excess skin on each side of the fissure.  What you will need is:

1.       Super Glue (if fissure is in danger of opening further)

2.       Cuticle sissors or nippers

3.       A 100 or 180 grit emery board

4.       An antibiotic ointment

Trim back the excess skin on each side of the fissure with a clean cuticle nipper or scissor.  Use caution when trimming the excess skin to prevent from cutting too low or making it bleed.  The fingertip fissure can even be filed smooth with a clean emery board. 

If the fissure keeps splitting, clean your hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap, cleanse the area with hydrogen peroxide (use this only once as it will eat away at live tissue) then use super glue to hold the fissure together and gently file off the excess skin.  This excess skin keeps pulling the fissure apart and prevents the split from healing.  And don’t be afraid of using an antibacterial ointment and Band-Aids if necessary.  

If this condition is not the result of extreme temperature changes or does not clear up with added moisture to the affected area, see a doctor.  Fingertip cracks and fissures can also be caused by skin conditions like contact dermatitis and eczema.  Also, products like harsh detergents and soaps with sodium lauryl sulfate can also cause this problem, along with fungal infections and under active thyroid conditions.  

One of the best things is to prevent the cuticle and fingertip fissures before they start.   Use a good cuticle oil daily and lotion your hands and fingertips regularly.  If you are extremely prone to these types of fissures, use a cream with Urea or Papaya Enzyme/Pineapple Extract as one of the ingredients as these help to soften the proteins of the skin to let emollients penetrate easier.

These tips on Fingertip Fissures is brought to you by Bella10 Nail & Skin Care.
Click here for more about Bella10.

Why Do I Have Nail Ridges?

I have heard this question from more clients than I can count!  

But what I need to know is...

What type of ridges do you have? Horizontal or Vertical?

Artwork by Dawn Loberg, from "The Secret to Beautiful Natural Nails"

Vertical Nail Ridges

     Vertical nail ridges are the most common type of nail ridges.  They are like a fingerprint for your nail, one that amplifies with age.  As we get older, they can become more pronounced due to everyday abuse; repeated blows, beating and battering of the fingertips and fingernails.  Vertical ridges also become more pronounced when the finger is injured from catching them in drawers and doors. 

     But injury and repeated abuse is not the only cause of increased ridges.  Vertical nail ridges also become more pronounced as we age, due to lack of moisture in the nail.  As we age, our skin slows in the production of sebum, which hydrates our nails naturally.  Depending on the individual, this natural process will dry out the nail.  The nails becomes seemingly harder and the ridges become more pronounced, but they can also become more brittle and prone to breaking.

Horizontal Nail Ridges

     Horizontal nail ridges are less common and can be due to a multitude of reasons.  Most often, they are due to infection and injury.  A common horizontal ridge can be be created if your feet mildly over-pronate, causing your toes to hit the tip of your shoe as you walk or run.  Over-pronating as you walk or run can also cause you to bruise your nail and even have it fall off.  Of course it is important to see a doctor when such an injury or infection occurs, especially in the area of the nail matrix, the area around the moon of your nail and below the cuticle.  This type of injury or infection can cause permanent horizontal nail ridges and waves, although this usually only happens on one or more fingers or toes.  When the ridges are on all the nails, it is usually a systemic nail disorder and you will want to consult a doctor. The most common type of systemic nail ridges can be the caused by, but are not limited to:

1.       Nail Pitting, most commonly from Psoriasis

2.      Beau’s Lines, which can be a sign of a zinc deficiency or something more serious like uncontrolled diabetes, etc. 

     If you are unsure on what exactly is causing the condition, see a doctor.  And for more information on nail conditions you should never ignore, including Nail Pitting and Beau’s Lines, check out the slide show by Mayo Clinic “7 Fingernail Problems Not to Ignore”.  

How to Care for Nail Ridges 

     Usually, vertical nail ridges can be minimized by applying a cuticle oil, like Bella10 CutiOil, daily, which can help with rehydrating the natural nails.  Bella10 CutiOil was created to be high in Lineoleic acid, which softens and conditions the nail, and with natural oils that mimic the skins natural sebum which can be lost as we get older.  I have seen some amazing results when used regularly  in a daily routine.  Nails have become less ridged, more flexible, and have less peeling and breakage.

     Other ways to deal with nail ridges cosmetically is best done with a ridge filling polish.  It will help your nail polish go on smoother than without it.  Use caution if you plan to buff down any nail ridge.  Most (but not all) nails are the same thickness all the way across.  If you buff  the ridge down, you may thin the nail plate at the point of the ridge, thereby creating a weakened nail.  This is usually true for vertical nail ridges.  Buffing can create splits down the nail that take up to 6 months to grow out.  It is a good idea to keep this nail shorter in instances where the split keeps occurring, especially if you are hard on  your hands and nails.   When the ridge continuously creates a split nail, this may be an instance when nail glue with a filler powder, acrylic or gel product is needed to hold the nail together.  Use good judgement when making this decision.


An Important Note on Nail Infection

     If for any reason, an infection develops surrounding your nail or even under your nail, due to an injury or severely split nail, see a doctor immediately.  Blood poisoning can easily occur with some infections and is not to be taken lightly.  Seeing a doctor can also reduce the chance for permanent nail damage.  Permanent damage can create horizontal nail ridges, waves, chronic nail splitting and even the loss of the entire nail, which can not be cured or corrected.

 For more information on natural nail care, Get the Book,

"The Secret to Beautiful Natural Nails" by veteran natural nail expert, Alicia Lyons

Prevent Peeling Nails

In my last post, I told you about an amazing TopInox® Stainless Steel Nail Clipper from Zamberg, that cuts so cleanly, and when used correctly will minimize micro-cracks in the nail plate that cause peeling nails.  Of course, it is always best to clip the nail after the nail has been soaked for at least 2 minutes. 

Clipping the nail is great if you need to take a lot of nail off at one time.  But even after clipping, the nail needs to be filed.  One of the best files I've come across over the years is a glass nail file, and luckily, Zamberg has those too!  Hey, I love one stop shopping!  lol

Check out these beauties!

 

I love that they have Bling too!

  

I personally like a pointed tip to my personal nail file

so I can clean under my own nails easily.

But seriously...

Glass nail files are gentle, yet effective way of filing the nails and preventing micro-tears between the flattened nail plates.  Micro-cracks and micro-tears can be caused by aggressive filing with a coarse nail file.  Also remember that filing the nails should always be from the side to the tip.  As shown below.

Artwork by Dawn Loberg, from "The Secret to Beautiful Natural Nails"

 Also, angle your file as shown here.

Artwork by Dawn Loberg, from "The Secret to Beautiful Natural Nails"

When ever you file, you will find small frays that stick out.  Be certain to gently file or buff that off with a light touch with your file or a very fine nail file or buffer.  A fray is an over-sized micro-tear. The less pressure with the file will be gentler to the natural nail and a nice glass file will do this beautifully.

Thanks for stopping by.  Hope you learned something new!

Want to know more on how to prevent peeling nails? Then you need to know about

 "Bella10 CutiOil is the Best Cuticle Oil Ever!"

Bella10 CutiOil is available at Bella10.com