As an aside, if the guy sitting next to you on the plane is crowding your space, pull out your selection of files and start working on those nails intensely. After five minutes non-stop, hold them up in front of his face and real loud and proud exclaim " Whaddya reckon Mate?" That, combined with the Aussie accent usually does the trick.

Oh Dave,for your colouring I would recommend "Max Factor-Autumn Plum"

Steve

My wife recommends flaming pink.....

Rick Bockner and Michael Friedman were visiting during a concert tour and Michael, being an acrylic guy (he has a combination picking/frailing technique that is really something to hear), went to have his done. My wife knew a great place, so off he went. The gal doing the work wasn't too great at English, but did a good job for him, however she never really got the part about "for the guitar". She kept wanting to do the other hand and, when she finally got the idea that he was only going to need one hand, asked with a sly grin, "So...what color you want?"

It was strange the first time, but now I’m friends with the owners. Most of the girls know me too. The owner told me there was an article about guitar players in last months “nail salon trade magazine.”

Keep rocking Dr. Dave. Thanks again for the 12 pack, the ride into town, and that vocal technique book. Good stuff. Keep your seat belt on.

I'm assuming here that most guys don't do a lot of research before they choose a nail salon. My wife did, though, after her fingernails were damaged by going to an inexpensive salon. I may sound alarmist, but it's only because I care.

If you're not paying very much for your nails, there is a pretty good chance you're getting MMA, a dental adhesive, to bond the acrylic nail to your own. What are the risks of MMA?

"Inhalation may be fatal as a result of spasm, inflammation and edema of the larynx and bronchi, chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may include burning sensation, coughing, wheezing, laryngitis, shortness of breath, headache, nausea and vomiting. If absorbed through skin, MMA is extremely destructive to the tissue of the skin and eyes. It targets certain organs in the human body including the nose, the liver and the kidneys."

As a bonus, the MMA bond between your natural nail and the acrylic nail is stronger than the bond between your natural nail and your finger, so if you break a nail (accidentally slam your finger in a door, etc.), the acrylic nail doesn't just come off, your nail does too.

What to look out for in the salon:

"Overall appearance. If the environment around you is unsanitary, chances are so is your nail tech.

MMA has a very offensive and strong odor so be suspicious of any unfamiliar and offensive odor at your nail technicians station.

Nails that are unusually hard and difficult to file.

Nails that are difficult or impossible to remove in conventional solvents manufactured for the removal of acrylic nails.

Improper sanitation techniques. All tools should be sterilized and fresh towels laid down for each client. The nail tech should always wash their hands between clients.

Is your operators license clearly displayed?

Are employees wearing masks? Those who work with MMA know of its toxicity and will often wear masks to protect themselves.

Don't be afraid to ask questions! Your inquiries should be answered in a professional and educated manner. There is no reason that the operator should be secretive about their product brand names."

I stole most of this stuff from this website:
http://members.aol.com/alligal/nail1on/mma.htm

here's a beauty professional's network with info:
http://www.beautytech.com/nailtech/mma.htm

It's even in York (Pennsylvania):
http://www.ydr.com/awards/filefungus.htm