As one of New York City's most renowned manicurists, Skyy Hadley knows a thing or two about great nails. Hadley got her start in 1988, working at premiere beauty salons, such as Bliss Spa and Prive Salon, and providing valuable advice for major fashion and beauty publications throughout the years. She has worked with numerous celebrity clients, including Uma Thurman, Liv Tyler, Mariska Hargitay, Claire Danes, Faith Evans, Sean Combs, Isaac Hayes, Chris Webber and more. Today Hadley is the owner of As U Wish Nail Spa, located in Hoboken, New Jersey.
She shares some valuable nail know-how to get perfect feet for spring and summer.
Tips for a Perfect Pedicure
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LoveToKnow: Thanks for taking the time to speak with us, Skyy. Let's talk warm weather! What are your basic recommendations that everyone needs to follow in order to survive the season with flawless feet and show off those gorgeous new sandals?
Skyy Hadley: For a truly perfect pedicure, you should go to a nail professional. However, when life gets crazy, you often have to take your feet into your own hands! When performing a pedicure at home is the only option, there are a few techniques to follow that will ensure your feet stay healthy and look beautiful.
Moisturizing
LTK: Moisturizing seems like such a cold weather-specific rule, but it's important year round, right? What should we be doing in the spring and summer months?
SH: Yes. After removing any nail polish and spraying the feet with an antiseptic, soak the feet in water and milk. Adding milk is a crucial step, as water can strip the skin of moisture and leave the feet drier. Milk naturally exfoliates and nourishes the skin - and it's right in your refrigerator.
Cuticle Care
LTK: What is the best way to care for toe cuticles?
SH: Care for your cuticles with caution. Lightly shape the toenails by cutting them back slightly and massaging the toes and feet with cream or oil. After your feet have soaked for a few minutes, push back the cuticles - but do not cut them. Cutting them just creates more hangnails and can even lead to infection.
Dealing with Rough, Dry SKin
LTK: Rough, dry skin is another hindrance that most women deal with at some point or another. How do you recommend dealing with this?
SH: Scrub wisely! Lightly buff the nail plate while it is still moist with a cuticle cream or conditioner. Then buff the skin on your feet by applying a foot scrub and massaging it deep into the skin, concentrating on trouble spots. To really smooth things over, use a diamond file on particularly rough patches, like the heel and ball of the foot. Avoid using pumices, which can trap bacteria.
Stay Polished
LTK: Warm weather is essentially synonymous with pretty toenails. In addition to keeping them smooth, what's the best way to make them look their most attractive?
SH: Stay polished. To maintain and prolong your color, use a primer on the nails first. This step actually dehydrates the nail by bringing the natural oils out, in turn making color grip longer. After applying the color, add a top coat. Three days later, apply a top coat again to prevent the color from chipping.
Top Toenail Tip
LTK: What is one tried-and-true, no-fail nail tip that every woman should abide by to enjoy great looking feet year round?
SH: Keep things smoothed over. Keep the heels from cracking by massaging shea butter, light oil and/or Vaseline on at night. Then put socks on so the skin can absorb the formula even deeper overnight.
More About Sky Hadley
Skyy Hadley, manicurist to the stars, has been featured in several national magazines. For more about Sky Hadley or her salon, visit the website at: www.asuwishnailspa.com. Or visit the salon in person at:
104 Hudson Ave.
Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 420-5959
