Nail technician joins salon staff

Sisters High School 1994 grad Kara Condel recently joined the team at High Desert Hair as its Nail Technician and Esthetician.

The full-service salon is located at 161 E. Cascade Ave. Suite #6.

Condel said she began thinking about a career in the beauty industry while still in high school. She attended Phagans' Beauty College in Bend for seven months. She received 850 hours of training in such areas as facials, aesthetics and nail technology. Chemistry and anatomy were also part of the course. She reads periodicals to stay current and recently took a class in acrylic nails.

Her own nails are painted purple with various designs. She says acrylic nails are popular, especially with younger clients. The steps to achieve this look are to apply an artificial nail, if needed, for a longer nail. She then applies a layer of acrylic paint with a color chosen by the client. The nails are filed and buffed. Then, either a gloss or a gel is used to protect the nail.

The gel is used for people with an active lifestyle.

The next step is either a decal, or a hand-painted design applied by Kara. The job is finished with a topcoat. Kara is an independent operator at the salon. She offers a 15 percent discount to students, if they have good grades. She also has discounts for seniors, including a $20 senior maintenance.

Some of the facial scents include: milk and honey; pomegranate and fig; papaya and guava; and Tuscan citrus herb. An express manicure and mini-massage costs $25. Other manicures range up to $45, including manicures for men and a men's hand renewal.

Kara offers a variety of pedicures, from an express for $30, for 35 minutes to the Paradisso, $60 for 75 minutes. There are also combination pedicures and manicures. A full price-list is available at the salon.

She has two boys, ages 14 and eight.

Call 549-4495 for an appointment.