Posts Tagged ‘manicures’

Your next manicure could save your life

Thursday, March 15th, 2012

Well, maybe not exactly but skimping on professional mani/pedis could be more detrimental to your health than you think.

Your nails can change in shape, texture and color. If you have a regular nail care professional chances are they will notice these changes, which could possibly be a signal not all is well under the hood.

While we are all about an at-home mani to keep your beauty budget friendly, if you are seeing a spa professional once a month she/he will notice any change in your nails. Here are some things to look for when it comes to nail health:

A darkened band in your nail might be a sign that you have skin cancer

Shape changes to your nails may indicate alcohol or arsenic poisoning

Clubbing in your nails (when the tips of your fingers enlarge and your nails curve around your fingertips) results from low oxygen levels in your blood and could be a sign of heart or lung disease.

While regular manicures can be good for you, remember to always use a certified professional and check out our tips on making sure you ask the right questions before your next appointment.

Are you an at-homer or do you keep your monthly appointment?

Man Spa

Friday, January 14th, 2011

Spas aren’t just for women anymore. It’s a guy thing now. Men get stressed, overwhelmed and worn out as well. They need “me” time as much as women do, and sometimes a man cave just doesn’t cut it. Men deserved to get pampered, too.

Well, Men, you can do just that. The International Spa Association says that over one-third of spa-goers are men. It makes sense now why spas all over the United States are opening male-specialized treatments, and many places are offering male-only spas, or a “man spa” if you will. Men no longer need to worry about strolling into a spa full of women or feeling less masculine for getting a mani/pedi.

Big cities like Chicago, Cincinnati and New York offer a selection of man spas, while other places offer treatments tailored to men. These places offer things such as a hand or foot repair, not to be confused with manicures and pedicures. Many of these places offers things that a barbershop would have like a haircut or a straight-edge razor shave with a refreshing hot towel. You don’t need to worry about any aches or woes since most of these places offer massages, and even go as far as sport massages and a golf massage! If you’re tired of razor burn, then they have facials with anti-oxidants to open up your pores and leave your skin feeling smooth and without the tenderness. If you need a little extra help relaxing, then look for aromatherapy options that feature the essential oils you need to set a relaxing mood.

Men no longer have an excuse to be stressed out with so much opportunity to treat themselves. When spas offer MVP rooms with widescreen TVs, newspapers and business magazines, who is to say that can’t spare a little time for that? Guys, take this opportunity to pamper yourselves. You might as well buy your lady a day at the spa as well. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner after all.