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Auckland’s “Nail Queen” Amber McIver of Verdo Nails shares her “nail know-how” including her top Autumn/Winter trends, manicure advice for keeping your nails in tip-top shape and the secret to keeping your nail polish chip-free...
What made you decide to pursue a career as a manicurist and nail boutique owner?
I saw a real need for a high-quality boutique nail salon. With the downturn in salons and the quality coming out of them, I saw a huge gap in the market to provide women with an experience. I personally live and breathe all things nails and beauty.
With so many nail salons, how do you set yourself apart?
We are all about making our clients feel loved and appreciated. It’s about building relationships with our clients. We do a great job, which helps but coming into our salon, clients say it’s welcoming, has a great atmosphere and they feel loved. We also ensure discretion, which is a huge part of how we set our selves apart.
What are some of your favorite products to use and why?
Shellac is my favourite product. It’s amazing and has really changed the nail industry. I love the fact that my clients don’t have to worry about their nails looking good, and I love it when they come back into the salon with perfect looking nails two weeks later.
What do you love most about doing nails?
Making women feel amazing. When your feeling a bit low or having one of “those days”, a manicure can make you feel like a million dollars. We are also great at listening, so women can come in and “download” and feel we are not judging.
What are some trends in nail shades this Autumn?
When we are going into the cooler seasons, we tend to find the warmer colours come out to play - warm browns, blue-based reds, rich burgundies. The weather does play a huge part in colour selection!
What are some easy ways to transition into cooler weather nail shades?
Do not go straight from Summer to Winter colours; transition into slightly warmer Summer colours. Also, it does depend on the weather - if it’s cold and you want to wear warm, wintery colours, go for it. Just make sure they are applied perfectly.
Any tips for pulling off some of the season’s most daring shades?
Make sure they suit your skin tone. It might be a great colour but if it washes you out and makes your skin look sallow, then it’s best to make sure it suits you. Make sure you take your time applying these daring shades, as if they are quite vibrant, they won’t look good if you have slapped them on.
What nail looks need to just pack up and move on?
Long, long nails painted in bold, bright colours. Short, manicured nails look much better these days. Also, the French acrylics that have way too much white on the tips.
What nail colours are complimentary on all skin tones?
Pink is a popular choice for women as it does suit all skin tones, and it does help that there are so many different variations of pinks as well. If you are fair-skinned, then blue-based polishes will best suit you and if you are darker-skinned, then yellow-based polishes will suit you. The best way to see the base in a nail polish is to hold it against a white piece of paper and look for the reflect behind it.
Your five favourite polish shades?
OPI’s “I’m Not Really a Waitress” and “Cajun Shrimp”. CND’s Shellac “Tutti Frutti”, “Wildfire” and “Decadence”.
In your opinion, what are the best ways to keep your nails in tip top shape?
Cuticle oil and more cuticle oil! I can’t stress this enough. It keeps your nails strong, flexible and hydrated. You will be less likely to break your nails and it will keep your non-chip polishes (like shellac) on much, much longer.
What is your best tip for keeping nail polish chip-free?
Good quality nail polish like OPI, Orly and Essie. A good base coat and top coat. Also, make sure it’s a separate base and top coat, as they both do very different things. A base protects and provides a surface for your colour to adhere to, while a top coat seals and gives you that great glossy look.
What is the one mistake you find women make when it comes to their nails?
Over-buffing at home and not realising that over-buffing takes layers off your nails. Using the incorrect tools, i.e. files that have too high a grit, as that can damage your nails. And not using cuticle oil!
How can you extend the life of a manicure?
Use good quality products and again, loads of cuticle oil.
Is there anything you’ve found that one could eat to improve nail strength?
I have found taking Waihi Bush flaxseed oil has been great for my hair, skin and nails.
Is there a time of year when it is especially important to pay attention to nail maintenance?
No, all year around you should take care of your nails. I find with my clients and myself, with the change of season, you need to keep your nails hydrated with heaps of cuticle oil.
Should we use different products to moisturise our nails than for our hands?
Yes, cuticle oil for your nails and then hand cream is great for your skin. Cuticle oil has small enough molecules to penetrate through your nail plate into your nail bed. You can, however, use Jojoba oil; Jojoba oil is great for everything.
What tips do you recommend to ensure a perfect manicure at home?
Have the correct tools, take your time and don’t be rough. Educate yourself on how to do a manicure at home properly and you should have no problems at all.
What’s next for you?
Expansion is on the cards for 2012, initially within Auckland but I would like Verdo Nails eventually to be throughout the North Island. For me, I really want to educate the public about nail health and hygiene in salons in general. I also am planning to start mentoring salons to help them achieve their goals.
FEB MARCH 2012
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