Going beyond tips and toes
There was a time when one mark of a true lady was the state of her hands. Soft and smooth, untouched by the sun, and without a hint of dirt under impeccably kept nails: these were hands that knew no toil more strenuous than delicate embroidery, letter or journal writing or floral arrangements. Gloves were employed to protect the hands should its owner engage in recreational activities like riding or archery.
Such a life of leisure and lack of manual labor is a rarity these days. Even the remaining bluebloods among us do their fair share of work. But that does not mean that the elegant hands of yore are a lost cause. We can still achieve that look of near flawlessness that was once the sole province of the rich and privileged.
A visit to Tips ‘n’ Toes, arguably
Tips ‘n’ Toes was the first to bring the technology of sculptured nails or nail extensions to the country. The process involves affixing artificial nail tips, usually plastic, to the ends of the fingernails, which are then trimmed and shaped to the length and look the customer desires. A transparent acrylic paste is applied on top to even out the surface, then buffed to a fine sheen to give the nail a natural finish. Another method is to apply acrylic to the nail tip and shape it as desired when it hardens. The result is not as white as with plastic tips, but it still looks very natural. The customer has the option to have the finished nail polished in her favorite color or left as is. Currently, the most popular style is the innocently sexy French Manicure.
What are the advantages of nail extensions? For one, they last several weeks without the inconvenience of chipping, tearing or cracking as can happen with natural nails. For another, in an emergency, they can be applied quickly, a tip at a time, with no one the wiser. Tips ‘n’ Toes has repaired many a broken nail at the last minute for modeling or showbiz clients. In fact, it is not uncommon for students to indulge themselves during summer break, particularly those attending schools that ban long, polished fingernails. This way, they won’t have to wait long for their nails to grow out, only to have to cut them short again come school opening.
A related service is nail art, which involves applying everything from floral designs to Swarovski crystals to the fingernails in decorative patterns. Little girls as young as age three can have this fun and trendy look. Some customers have been known to have their ring fingers alone adorned with crystals in order to match their diamond rings. Jenny also mentioned that many of their clients are foreigners, especially fashionable Japanese or Korean women.
Nail care at the salon is not limited to the hands, either. Foot spas and pedicures are offered as well, and Tips ‘n’ Toes counts a number of men among its clients seeking this service. For people who are on their feet all day, it is the height of luxury to be treated to a footbath followed by a soothing massage, a brisk exfoliating scrub, a conditioning mudpack and a moisturizing slather of honey before the actual pedicure. And yes, sculptured nails can be applied to the toes as well if you wish. Margaret recounted how some men and women have unsightly dead toenails concealed in this manner so that they can go barefoot or wear revealing sandals with confidence.
Because an adhesive is used to affix the nail extensions, it is best to return to Tips ‘n’ Toes for removal. They use a special solvent to remove the tips, then shape and condition the new nail growth back to its original state. But if one wishes to retain one’s sculptured nails, maintenance visits every two weeks are advisable. As the nail underneath grows, it can separate from the plastic tip, creating a space in between where moisture can seep. This can lead to fungal infection if not properly checked.
The newest service Tips ‘n’ Toes offers is Eyelash Extensions. This is a longer process, taking up to one and a half hours, but the end results are very much worth the time and effort.
First, the eye area is cleaned of any oil or makeup. Then the lower lashes are carefully taped down to prevent them from sticking to the upper ones — a thin application of petroleum jelly keeps discomfort to a minimum when the tape is removed. The lashes are then combed to separate them.
Lash extensions of varying lengths are affixed individually to the ends of your own lashes with a special adhesive. These extensions naturally curl upward and make the lashes look extra long and thick. Yet they appear so natural, they’re guaranteed to leave your friends wondering just how you achieved that new look without the use of lash curlers, mascara or false eyelashes. Unlike sculptured nails, lash extensions come off naturally as the real lashes are shed.
Jenny and Margaret assure clients that they use only US-made, FDA-approved products. As Margaret pointed out, they want to protect not only their customers but their staff as well. After all, the staff members are in close contact with the products every day. Their customers can therefore rest easy that they will not be exposed to any harmful chemicals or fumes.
One thing I appreciated with these services is that you can see and feel the enhancements, but they don’t have that obvious, fresh-from-the-parlor look that screams “makeover.” It is all so utterly natural no one will think you’ve had something added — something beyond the usual to improve your appearance. The changes are subtle and apt to leave people guessing and commenting: “Your nails are gorgeous; I can never make mine grow like that.” Or “Your lashes look great. What mascara do you use?”
We are long past the days when only upper-class ladies could claim soft, smooth hands (or other well-maintained body parts). With a little help from beauty specialists like Tip ‘n’ Toes, any woman can have the look of a lady of leisure even when leisure is a rare and precious commodity.
For more information, call Tips ‘n’ Toes at the following numbers: 892-6362,
