In order to maintain your Nail Enhancements for long-term wearability, please read and follow these simple guidelines.
Oil nails twice per day to maintain inherent flexibility. Product that is allowed to become brittle will crack and break.
I recommend that the oil you use or sell contain Jojoba and Vitamin E oils. Jojoba oil has a very tiny molecule, which is small enough to penetrate the surface layer of the skin and pull the larger molecule of the Vitamin E in behind it. Oils in addition to these are generally added to condition and moisturize the skin and nails. Applying oil to the nail enhancement will help to maintain flexibility by lubricating the product molecules. Applying oil to the natural nail free edge will help prevent 'curling away' and to maintain proper levels in the natural nail plate.
Repetitive or severe pressure on the nail extension will lead to cracks that result in full-blown breaks. Treat your nails as jewels, not tools!
The use of 'tools' to help you perform your daily routines will help to insure against breakage. For instance, use a spoon to lift the ring pull on a can, use the side of your hand or finger to open car or frige doors, and never reach for anything with your fingertips as the nail extensions will reach the object first.
Nails that are too long for your lifestyle and activity level (repetitive downward tip pressure) result in service breakdown. If your nails become too long between appointments, shorten the length with the 240-grit file.
The higher the activity level, the shorter the enhancement should be. An active length = 1/4 the length of the nail bed. An average length = 1/2 the length of the nail bed, and a full fashion length equals the length of the nail bed. Extensions longer than the length of the foundation (the nail bed) will cause undue downward pressure with normal use of the hands and fingers that may result in a broken or torn natural nail plate.
Properly applied product will shrink when cured and create an airtight seal. Mechanical forcing of product through extreme pressure, picking or nipping rough edges will result in lifting. Use a 240- grit file to remove rough edges or blend any lifting into the natural nail plate. Holding the file flat to the area of lift, gently file in the direction of the lifted material until the area of lift is removed. Do not over-file! Over-filing removes vital nail plate layers and will weaken the natural nail foundation. To re-seal the product, massage a drop of oil into the nail surface, then buff to a dull shine with the 360-grit buffer. You may also choose to buff to a high shine with a 3-way buffer.
When changing polish between maintenance appointments, remove polish with regular polish remover and a lint free cotton or gauze wipe. I have never recommended the use of non-acetone polish remover, as it requires more time to soften polish, thereby remaining on the product surface, softening and weakening the surface layer. After the enamel has been removed, wash hands and scrub nails with a soft toothbrush. Apply cuticle oil to the product surface and massage into the cuticles and overlay. Using the 360-buffer, buff the oil into the nail surface to re-seal the product. Buff to a high shine with a 3-way buffer or apply one thin coat of base coat, two thin coats of enamel and a thin application of topcoat, allowing the layers to dry between coatings.
Fungus infections (Greenies) are caused by air-borne spores (pseudomonas bacterium) that have become trapped between the overlay and the nail plate layers. These spores require food to eat and
moisture to grow. The nail plate layers contain contaminates along with the natural oil and moisture. Should any lifting occur between visits, buff away the area of lift.
Do not attempt to glue the area of lift unless nail glue is used & its a temporary solution untill you come and see me this is because most instant glues are not moisture resistant. Instant glue also sets-up the instant it is exposed to air. The glue cannot ‘re-seal’ lifted material and may incorporate air-borne bacteria or spores into the area of lift. The bacteria or spores will be trapped between the nail plate and the overlay, utilizing the natural nail contaminates as food and the moisture to grow. The results are a greenish to brownish stain on the nail plate, which is a by-product of the infection. Should any area of lift be too large to remove by filing, or visible discoloration is present, please call for a nail repair appointment.
Wear gloves when performing household chores, working in the garden or whenever you use cleaning solutions of any kind.
Most household cleaning solutions contain chemicals that will affect the overlay and result in service breakdown. Some household pest sprays contain a chemical that may actually melt the surface of the overlay and compromise the integrity of the product - De-greasers like 'mr muscle' or 'flash with bleach' suck out the oils your nails need to remain flexible this can result in dried out brittle nails where crumbling can occur around the edges.
If you are a hairdresser the neutraliser used for perms can damage enhancements by softening & causing lifting - Please wear gloves if this is you!
Below is a care guide for Natural nails.
The 10 commandments of nail care
Despite reasonable efforts, we have been unable to attribute the following. We are however grateful to the author, and thankfully acknowledge their rights to the following piece.
1. Thou shalt not get dehydrated.
Drink plenty of water and protect the nails from fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Use a good nail conditioner and sealing topcoat to finish the job.
2. Thou shalt not let your skin dry out.
Use a good hand lotion to moisturise hands and cuticle area. The right fragrance can make all the difference.
3. Thou shalt eat right.
Proper diet is as important to nail care as it is to the rest of the body. Calcium or iron deficiencies may cause irregular nail growth and tell-tale white spots.
4. Thou shalt improve blood flow.
Blood flow around the nail bed brings the nutrients that allow healthy nails to grow. Massaging in hand lotion is an excellent way to stimulate blood flow into the nail bed.
5. Thou shalt not forget thy gloves.
Wear gloves when doing cleaning tasks either in the house or garden. Extra moisture tip: put a tiny bit of sweet almond oil on the hands before putting them in the gloves.
6. Thou shalt not use acetone.
Using harsh chemicals like nail varnish remover more than once a week can be very damaging to nails and surrounding skin. Use acetone-free remover.
7. Thou shalt not use fingernails as tools.
D o not use fingernails as replacement Swiss army knives. Use proper tools for the job.
8. Thou shalt not bite thy nails.
Nail biting is a difficult habit to break. Nail grooming can be an effective way to relieve the temptation to bite. Nail polish serves as a visual cue to keep from biting.
9. Thou shalt keep thy hands healthy.
Fingernails serve as a barrier to infection. Untended hands quickly show wear and tear.
