I've just painted my toenails Harlot Red (OK that's a bit of poetic licence :D) and I got to thinking, so here is the big question. What is your take on reflexologists and painted fingernails? Good? Bad? Indifferent? If it's well done and not chipped I can't see a problem, but would be interested to know everyone's views.
You can tell it's Sunday afternoon, can't you? All the really important issues coming up.............
RE: Nail varnish
For me fingernails should be coloured paint free as paint can hide dirty fingernails!!!!
well manicured and maybe a clear varnish but thats it......
hmm wonder if im going to be on my own on that one...
T
x
RE: Nail varnish
I won`t wear nail varnish to do reflexology, as I was informed when I did my diploma that`s its a no no, health and safety rules, and its not professional like tigerbee says it hides muck and dirty.
so that`s two of us that feels like this.
RE: Nail varnish
yep, i have to agree... no varnish on fingers (but i always have it on my toes!). i also keep my nails trimmed short and as i am learning manicure just now, they look well turned out!
mind you, i am surprised at how many therapists i have met, mostly beauty i must admit, that have long nails and often false ones and they do massage! i also know some reflexologists that have longish nails and say they have adapted their thumb walking technique... hmmmm, one wonders how they hook in and back up! eeeeks!
RE: Nail varnish
Nail polish on hands a definite no no for therapists.
Before I trained I used to have acrylic nails, regularly french polished and I actually find it quite liberating not worrying whether I'm going to chip the polish or lose a nail when I'm doing housework.
Lesley
RE: Nail varnish
When I trained we were told never to wear nail polish as the client may have an allergy to it. Unlikely I know as most clients wear it on their toes, but nevertheless. I never wear it and always file my nails right down. However I had treatment from a Reflexologist once who was wearing nice pale pink polish on short nails and it didn't bother me, I thought it looked quite nice. But I would say don't wear it, then you can't get into bother.
RE: Nail varnish
I don't wear nail polish when giving Reflexology - in fact I never wear it! 
:D:D:eek:
RE: Nail varnish
I agree with the 'no varnish' on hygiene grounds. Best to look as professional as possible. I always used to have long painted nails before I took up therapies. Now, if I have a weeks holiday and my nails grow it feels weird and I start stabbing myself if I rub my eye, etc. Makes a rattly noise when typing as well! I agree with Rosie about being a bit squeamish when I see people working with long nails. I particulalry hate it when the beauty specialist on QVC is demonstrating facial stuff and goes round the eyes, her nails are about an inch long!
Also, I use surgical spirit on feet before I start any procedure, and that brings some nail varnishes off, bad enough getting the clients 'Passion Purple' on the cotton wool, without adding my own colour.
Maybe we are all missing a trick here and we should do pedicures after reflex and get paid for re-painting the toes!
regards
Sue
RE: Nail varnish
Hi Siobhan, nice to see you back, ( I've been absent for a week too) hope you had a good hols.
I've wondered about the varnish thing too, although taught not too. My tootsies are Passion pink at the mo!! I did a treatment once and realized I had purple varnish on my thumb (just experimenting, you know).
And the client didnt faint or anything. Also apparently it can protect your nails from fungal infections getting in. So clear may be a good idea if client has suspect feet. (A client who has fungal nails paints hers for treatments).
As to pedicure, I know we're not insured to cut nails but I often file down sharp nails for my elderly clients, some of them are lethal!! I think its a great idea to paint them for them if they like, elderly ladies really like that sort of thing at times and cant reach them to do it themselves.
Jan X
RE: Nail varnish
Hello
I don't wear nail varnish, when l am carrying out a treatment, when l trained we were taught not to use it, and to keep nails trimmed....
RE: Nail varnish
A reflexologist with long nails - ouch! The jury is out on the nail varnish bit but thanks for the interesting replies. Now if anyone can tell me how to get toothpaste out of a black t-shirt since I drooled this morning and didn't notice... 
RE: Nail varnish
When I do that I usually attack it with a wet flannel and it comes off, although if its whitening it might bleach it a bit. I walked round with a blob of cherry jam on my front yesterday!! So embarrasing.
(Its so hot outside I'm in the coolest room, north facing)
Jan x