Happy Veterans Day

  

"Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for serving our country."

UpKept Spa

536 Main Street

Vacaville, CA 95688

(Inside Jon Edwards Salon & Spa)

Tel: 707.208.7646

Nail Health

 

In the realm of beauty and self-care, nails often take a backseat. However, maintaining healthy nails is not just about aesthetics; it's a reflection of our overall health. 

Nails, much like hair and skin, are made up of a protein called keratin. They grow from the nail matrix, an area under the skin at the base of the nail. Understanding this basic anatomy can help us better care for our nails and identify potential issues.

One common nail issue is brittleness, which can be caused by various factors such as aging, long-term use of nail polish, and exposure to harsh chemicals. To combat this, it's essential to keep your nails hydrated. Applying a nail oil or cream regularly can help maintain moisture and improve nail flexibility.

Another prevalent issue is nail fungus, a condition that can cause discoloration and thickening of the nails. If you suspect a fungal infection, it's crucial to seek professional help as early treatment can prevent further complications.

Now, let's talk about nail care. A balanced diet plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy nails. Foods rich in biotin, such as eggs and almonds, can promote nail strength and growth. Additionally, keeping your nails clean and dry can prevent bacterial and fungal infections.

When it comes to nail art and manicures, it's important to give your nails a break from time to time. Constant application of nail polish can lead to dryness and discoloration. Opt for nail polishes that are free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene.

In the era of DIY, many of us are tempted to do our own manicures and pedicures at home. While this can be a fun and cost-effective option, it's important to practice safe nail care. Avoid cutting cuticles as it can lead to infections, and always use sanitized tools. Book your appointment at UpKept today, we would to perform a professional manicure or pedicure for you. 

In conclusion, nail health is an integral part of our overall well-being. By understanding the science behind our nails and following proper care practices, we can keep our nails healthy and beautiful. Remember, your nails are a reflection of your health, so take good care of them!

Article Source

The Benefits Of Massage During A Manicure

 

A manicure is a relaxing and rejuvenating experience that can leave your hands and nails looking and feeling their best. But did you know that incorporating a massage into your manicure can offer even more benefits? In this article, we will explore the benefits of massage during a manicure.

1. Stress Relief

Massage is a proven way to relieve stress and promote relaxation. A manicure that includes a hand and arm massage can help you unwind and de-stress, leaving you feeling more relaxed and rejuvenated.

2. Improved Circulation

Massage can also improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the hands and arms. This can help to reduce swelling, promote healing, and improve overall skin health.

3. Softened Cuticles

Massaging cuticles with cuticle oil during a manicure can help to soften and moisturize them, making them easier to push back and trim. This can help to prevent hangnails and other common nail problems.

4. Improved Nail Health

A hand and arm massage during a manicure can also help to improve nail health. Massaging the nail bed can help to stimulate nail growth and strengthen the nails, making them less prone to breakage.

5. Improved Skin Health

Massage can also help to improve skin health by promoting the production of collagen and elastin. These proteins are essential for maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin, and massage can help to stimulate their production.

6. Pain Relief

If you suffer from hand or wrist pain, a massage during your manicure can help to relieve pain and tension. Massaging the muscles and joints can help to reduce inflammation and improve range of motion, making it easier to perform everyday tasks without discomfort.

In conclusion, incorporating a massage into your manicure can offer a range of benefits, including stress relief, improved circulation, softened cuticles, improved nail and skin health, and pain relief. By taking a little extra time to relax and indulge in a massage during your manicure, you can leave feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to take on whatever comes your way.  Article Source

Add Massage To Your Nail Appointment

  

Megan tells us the benefits of massage and how it can be added to any service at UpKept.

The Perfect Nude for Every Skin Type

 

For years, there has been a debate on how to choose the right nude for your skin tone. Some say it’s going a shade darker or lighter than your skin, while others say it should mirror your fingertips.

While we don’t believe there are rules when it comes to wearing color, we do believe in helping you find your most flattering personal shade of nude. To help you, we created a guide with light, medium, and deeper skin tones in mind so you can find the best nude polish to compliment you all year round.

Before you begin, you’ll need to know if you have warm, cool, or neutral undertones.

To find out, take a look at your veins. If they’re green to olive, you have warm undertones, which often look best with gold accessories. If they’re blue-green, you are neutral which pairs well with rose gold, and if they air on the side of blue-purple, you’re cool, which looks great with silver. Read on to see our picks for your skin tone, as well as what types of accessories flatter you best.

Nude Nail Colors for Light Skin Tones

If you have light skin with blue or purple undertones, you’ll want to reach for soft pinks like Mod About You or Put it in Neutral. For blueish-greenish undertones, a peachy shade like Mimosas for Mr. & Mrs. or a warmer pink like You’ve Got That Glas-glow will stand out – pair these shades with rose gold accessories, a metal that’s always flattering for this undertone. Olive undertones can opt for warmer hues like Tiramisu for Two.

Nude Nail Colors for Light Medium Skin Tones

Medium-toned skin with cool undertones not only looks great in silver jewelry but shades like Taupe-less Beach, a soft gray with subtle hints of lavender. Blue-green undertones can go cool with Don’t Bossa Nova Me Around or warm with Somewhere over the Rainbow Mountains, while shades like Coconuts Over OPI will look flawless on olive-green undertones.

Nude Nail Colors for Medium Skin Tones

Put it in Neutral and Passion are favorites of ours for tan skin with cool undertones –pinky beiges will always flatter you. Blue-green undertones will look best with warm shades like Krona-logical Order and Somewhere over the Rainbow Mountains, while opaque creme polish like Be There In A Prosecco will perfectly flatter warmer-toned skin– this undertone and shade also looks great with gold accessories.

Nude Nail Colors for Medium Deep Skin Tones

Baby pink shades like It’s a Girl! or a gentle wash of buff like Coconuts Over OPI looks great on medium-deep tones with blue and purple undertones. Neutral undertones will look great with a dove beige color like Icelanded a Bottle of OPI and rose gold rings, while Samoan Sand is a stunning warm nude nail color for skin with olive-green undertones.

Nude Nail Colors for Deep Skin Tones

Deeper-toned skin with cool blue-purple undertones are always flattered by rich shades of rosy pink, like Tickle My Francey or Passion – complete the look with silver stacking rings or bracelets. If you have blue-green undertones, opt for bright, pinky nudes like Tagus in that Selfie, but if you’ve got olive undertones, rich chestnuts like My Italian is a Little Rusty is always a good look.

Book an appointment today for your perfectly matched nude nail look!

Article Source

Moms Self Care

 

"I don't need time at the spa... just alone time in my car."

We all deserve self care! Make it a priority! 

Book your appointment at Upkept today to get pampered! 

You deserve it.

How To Break The Nail Biting Habit?

 

Real talk, there is nothing cute about biting your nails. Not only is it unattractive, but it can be a huge burden on your nail health. Whether it's a nervous habit or something you've been doing all your life, there is no time like the present to stop biting your nails. 

Here are some of our tips on how to break your nail-biting habit:

If you bite your nails as a nervous habit, try replacing it with something else, like doodling or squeezing a stress ball. Anything that keeps your hands preoccupied and out of your mouth.

-Treat yourself to a manicure as often as possible. I know, this one might be hard on your wallet but having a gorgeous manicure is a great way to break your nail-biting habit. If you always have healthy and good-looking nails, you won't want to ruin them, especially if you paid good money for them.

- Keep them short. We've mentioned this when it comes to overall nail health, but it's especially important if you have a problem biting your nails. If you get used to filing or clipping your nails regularly, you won't have anything to bite!

- Try a nail-biting solution. Bitrex is a common chemical that is used to make things taste bad. Try applying a similar solution to your nails daily. As soon as you try to put a finger in your mouth, you'll want to spit it out immediately....and brush your teeth.

- If the problem persists, invest in some gloves that you can wear daily (this one might only be helpful in the winter). Wear them as often as you can and especially in circumstances where you are tempted to bite your nails.

Article Source