Erica's ATA

It’s a lot of pressure, okay😂

Let’s be real, size matters👀

No but really, once I have done the bulk of the exfoliation with my Pedi Carbide Sphere, it’s time to switch to my small Corn Removal bit.

This will allow me to be precise with removing the core of the corn that is causing so much pain.

Now, this can be an uncomfortable process. Check in with your client, and make sure they are not experiencing too much heat as you file in one area.

We then want to smooth the area with our diamond bit so it won’t catch or peel.

The big question: can the corn come back?

The unfortunate answer is: yes. A corn can come back due to chronic pressure and biomechanics.

Knowing how to safely address them, and having a foot care professional that can help should they reoccur changes the game👣

Small steps lead to BIG change. ✨

Don’t hold yourself back. Don’t compare your work, your business, or your journey to someone else’s.

✨Keep growing.

✨Keep learning.

✨Keep showing up.

We’re all on a journey. You get to define where you’re at, and where you want to go. Don’t let someone else’s timeline, success, or expectations define it for you.

I believe in you.

Keep going. Your next level might be closer than you think.

Love,
Your Hype Chick 💅🏼
Erica

Is it a corn, or a wart? Let’s break it down⬇️

Corns are kind of like a callus. The pain comes from the pressure it puts deep in the skin from that little triangle formulation at its core. It is dead skin, causing pain in live tissue.

A wart is living. It’s caused by a virus (HPV) and has blood capillaries keeping it alive. When filed, it can start to bleed. We always want to avoid live tissue and causing a bleed, so immediately stop working on the area if a wart is discovered.

In this case, our client has a corn, and we are able to exfoliate that area to relieve the pressure.

Follow Erica's 💅 Nail Tools & Tips for the final part of this series 👣

Not every person can have a detailed cuticle pocket.

There, I said it!

Let this be the permission you need to do what is best for the skin in front of you.

If that means doing less, do less!

If that means going deeper, go deeper!

Critically thinking about the nail and skin type in your chair for every client will change the game.

Using the Big E in medium grit at 7,000rpm

If you want to send your nail tech over the edge… wear a fuzzy sweater, and then touch it right before topcoat🫣

How could this little speck be so painful?

This little triangle has become covered in callus, and is pushing into sensitive skin.

The solution? File it out and smooth the area. Once that corn is removed, the relief for your clients is life changing.

Come back for part 2 of these series with Erica's 💅 Nail Tools & Tips

We’ve all cried over this…

Well, I’ve cried over this 🫣

Using your non-dominant hand to do your own nails is... let’s say, less than ideal.

Here’s what actually helps:

✨ I anchor myself to the table with my arms — less shake, more control when the hand doing the work isn’t the one you trust.

✨ I hold my e-file with my whole fist instead of just a couple fingers — a full-fist grip is way more stable when fine motor control isn’t on your side.

✨ I avoid pointy cuticle bits — a rounder, more forgiving bit shape still offers great exfoliation, with less chance of tearing the skin.