The secret to long lasting nails
I regularly have clients go 6 weeks between fills. Very seldom do they come back with any nails that have lifted or chipped. Here are a few tips I recommend to achieve a long retention time between sets!
1. Make sure the nail is dehydrated! You need the nail to be as dry as possible before applying any products to it, otherwise you’re going to be dealing with nails lifting from the back end regularly. You can use a nail dehydrator or just isopropyl alcohol to dry out the nail.
2. Make sure the nail plate has been roughed up! I use a 180 grit buffer on the nail plate to lightly scratch the top layer of the nail, so that the enhancement can cling onto the ridges and better adhere to the nail plate. This will also help get dead skin cells off the nail, which leads me to my next point…
3. Make sure the product is ONLY on the nail plate. Gel and acrylic do not stick to skin. When the product runs into the side walls and the cuticle area, if it’s not properly cleaned up, this will cause the enhancement to start lifting in that area. Plus, you don’t want to risk skin sensitivities by having nail products on the skin.
4. Make sure you’re using one system for the entire set. Brands have their products made to work with their brand, and mixing different formulas does not guarantee you a good result.
5. Use cuticle oil! Once your nails are done, hydration becomes important! As the nail grows out, dry nails have a tendency to curl inwards like leaves in the fall. If this happens, you’ll start to see the nails detaching from the enhancement at the free edge, and you’ll see chipping in square shaped nails. Cuticle oil will keep this from happening!
To achieve beautiful and durable nails, understanding foundational nail care is crucial. Nail maintenance plays a vital role in extending the life of enhancements. A well-prepared nail is key; always start by properly dehydrating the nail to enhance adherence. Employing a 180 grit buffer to lightly scratch the nail plate not only ensures a strong bond but also removes dead skin cells that can hinder product application. When applying your nail products, focus solely on the nail plate, avoiding skin contact to prevent lifting at the edges. It's also important to utilize products from the same brand to maintain compatibility, as different formulations can lead to problems. Finishing off with cuticle oil hydrates the nails, protecting against inward curling and ensuring the enhancements stay intact as the nails grow. These practices, combined with routine care and the right products, will help you achieve and maintain stunning nails with confidence.