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Nail aftercare

Nail Aftercare

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As nail professionals, we strive to be the best we can be (or should at least). We want to provide our clients with a great experience, beautiful nails, and long-lasting results. We create beautiful spaces, take classes, and keep practicing but, somehow, many of us forget to stress one of the most critical factors of long-lasting results: nail aftercare at home!

Making sure you are providing good nail aftercare advice will help keep your clients happy and regular at your salon. There are aftercare dos and don’ts for every type of service you provide. Let’s take a look at the main ones.

Manicure aftercare

  • Use suitable moisturizers. Ingredients like mineral oils and lanolin can cause lifting. some ingredients in sunscreens can also damage nail coatings.
  • Wear rubber gloves when washing up to avoid contact with harsh detergents, which may dehydrate the nails and skin. Do the same when gardening or doing domestic chores to avoid accidental damage.
  • Remove any rings before washing your hands, so that soap does not build up behind them and irritate the skin.
  • Dry your hands thoroughly after washing them or taking a bath.  
  • Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Use hand cream regularly to keep your hands soft and moisturized. Keep hand cream at the kitchen and bathroom sink to remind yourself to apply it after washing. Change your hand cream depending on the season, using something richer during the winter months.
  • Use a nourishing cuticle oil (not petroleum-based) daily. It will keep your nails, cuticles, and surrounding skin conditioned and moisturized.
  • Smooth rough edges of broken nails straight away with a good quality nail file, with the correct roughness for your nails.
  • Tinted lotions, suntan creams, hair products, and highly coloured foods can stain or discolor the coatings, so thoroughly wash hands after use, or wear gloves.
  • If wearing traditional nail polish, apply a good top coat over it every 2-3 days to help it last longer.
  • Drink plenty of water and keep a balanced diet to provide your skin and nails with the essential nutrients and hydration they need to be healthy.
  • If any adverse reactions occur like a rash, redness, or inflammation of any kind around the nails, please contact your nail professional immediately.

Extra aftercare for gel polish and enhancements 

  • Be gentle for the first two days. There is still curing happening within the enhancements (especially l&p ones) during that time, so they are not yet as strong. 
  • Use cuticle oil daily. Cuticle oil can help plasticize the enhancements, making them more shock-resistant. 
  • If there are any signs of lifting, reach out to your nail professional right away. Water and bacteria can accumulate under lifted nails and cause an infection.
  • Remove properly. If you decide to remove your coating at home, do NOT pull it off. This will rip off parts of the nail plate and cause damage. Use removal guidelines. You will need a nail file, orange-wood stick, cotton wool pads, tinfoil, acetone or an acetone-based remover, and cuticle. 
  • Maintain every 2-3 weeks. Visit the salon to rebalance your enhancements or remove and reapply your gel polish coatings regularly. Not only will they look immaculate all the time, but it is also healthier for the natural nail underneath.
  • If you apply traditional nail polish over your enhancements, remember to use a base coat to help avoid staining. When you want to remove it, use non-acetone polish remover, as acetone can damage the enhancement underneath.

Don’ts

  • Avoid intense hydration after leaving the salon, and for the first 24 hours. That means long baths, saunas, or the pool. The bonds between your nails and the coating are still building, and the extra hydration can disrupt the process. 
  • Avoid using any harsh soaps or contact with harsh chemicals after your service. 
  • Do not use the fingernails for tools (for instance, to praise lids off tins).
  • Do not bite your fingernails, pick at your cuticles, or pull off hangnails. These habits can damage the nail bed or the live tissue around it. Even a minor cut alongside your fingernail can allow bacteria to enter and cause an infection.

Pedicure aftercare

  • Avoid wearing any tightly fitted footwear after getting your pedicure treatment done. Try to wear open-toe shoes to allow your nail coating to set properly.
  • Use a nourishing cuticle oil (not petroleum-based) daily. It will keep your nails, cuticles, and surrounding skin conditioned and moisturized.
  • Smooth rough edges of broken nails straight away with a good quality nail file, with the correct roughness for your nails.
  • Change your socks daily. It is best advised to wear cotton socks.
  • Gently scrubbing your feet daily is recommended to avoid dead skin buildup and skin conditions such as athlete’s foot.
  • Ensure feet are thoroughly dry after washing, especially between the toes. If needed, apply talcum powder or a special foot powder between the toes to help absorb moisture. If your feet get sweaty, foot sprays containing peppermint or citrus oil are useful to cleanse and refresh the feet during the day.
  • Apply moisturizing cream daily to your feet preferably after bathing when the skin is softened, or before going to bed at night.
  • Ensure that footwear fits properly.  Foot problems such as bunions can be aggravated by incorrect footwear.
  • Avoid wearing high heels for long periods of time. They can cause postural problems, and increase callus formation.
  • Keep your toenails straight. Do not cut them too short or down the sides. This will make them grow into the skin.
  • Drink plenty of water and keep a balanced diet to provide your skin and nails with the essential nutrients and hydration they need to be healthy.

Create handouts with your aftercare instructions and give them to your clients to take home. Add these instructions to your website. Discuss them thoroughly with your clients, and stress how important it is that they follow them, as they are part of the service. Explain how aftercare will help your clients make the most of their investment in nail care services.

After all, knowing about nail aftercare is not going to get us results. Practicing it will!

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\n

A nail polish remover that does not contain acetone, a strong solvent that can be harsh on the nails and skin. Non-acetone polish removers are gentler and work by breaking down the nail polish without drying out the nails.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_f00b3885820d8ff0625113ec4f5b0c80":"

Nail professional<\/div>
\n

An individual who is qualified to provide a wide range of nail services.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_20c62df9f3ceabe7c6b86d495a57ae23":"

Athlete\u2019s foot<\/div>
Tinea pedis\n

<\/p>\n
\n

Also known as tinea pedis, it is a fungal infection that affects the feet, especially between the toes. It can easily be treated with topical medicines.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n
\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_db63a8e31d3136269cc7f9c771785a9b":"

Nail coatings<\/div>
\n

Any product used to coat a finger or toe nail for strength or to add length and\/or colour.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_b194e98c35f4b702f309014939ccb864":"

Natural nail<\/div>
natural nails\n

The nail that is produced by the nail matrix and covers the end of the finger or toe.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_d55613534809369fdf42d2c96b66509f":"

Moisturizer<\/div>
\n

A moisturizer is a product that helps to hydrate and nourish the skin. It can be especially important for nail technicians who frequently use water and chemicals, which can dry out the skin.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_47ffca807399854a8cf9ed917af26471":"

Nail polish<\/div>
\n

A cosmetic product that coats the nails with a colour or clear film for strength and\/or an aesthetic quality. It is full of solvents that dry by evaporation.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_783442aaff5178bd8416a959b2c3204e":"

Inflammation<\/div>
\n

Inflammation refers to\u00a0your body's process of fighting against things that harm it, like infections, injuries, and toxins, in an attempt to heal itself.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_83c2e0027d148c1e3bf3798ab243599c":"

Cuticle oil<\/div>
cuticle oil\n

Cuticle oil is a moisturizing and conditioning product for nails and cuticles. It is most commonly made up of vegetable oils, which absorb better into the nails and skin. However, there are also cuticle oils made from mineral oils, which stay on the skin creating a barrier keeping the existing moisture within.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_1246a1b7fb9bed3e4702bd0168f71114":"

Nail plate<\/div>
Nail Plate\n

Hard layers of modified and keratinised skin cells, bonded together, to form a protective plate on the end of each finger and toe, that prevents damage to the underlying bone and allows for manual dexterity.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_45eb09e37877670f7fedeadbb322551b":"

Enhancement<\/div>
\n

A term used to describe any artificial nail, including acrylics, gels, and nail wraps.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_4e3b89a162dd8df8a9f8d5de4794ebba":"

Gel polish<\/div>
\n

Gel polish is a type of nail polish that is cured under UV or LED light to create a hard, durable and glossy coating. It is a two-step process that involves applying a base coat, followed by the gel polish color, and then finishing with a top coat. <\/p>\n
\n

The gel polish is composed of a mixture of monomers, oligomers, pigments, and other additives that polymerize when exposed to light. This creates a strong bond with the natural nail, making the manicure long-lasting and resistant to chipping, peeling and cracking. <\/p>\n
\n

Gel polish is typically removed by soaking the nails in acetone, and is a popular choice for people looking for a low-maintenance, high-shine manicure.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_e4531ac60c2cb1fbabc9f3c62c5f342c":"

Manicure<\/div>
Nail Technician at Work\n

A manicure is a treatment to help improve the condition and appearance of the hands and fingernails. Usually consists of cuticle removal, shaping of the natural nail's free edge, moisturizing, and color or high shine on the nail.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_65613e97f2411bc5c33cf6caac8295d2":"

Nail file<\/div>
nail files\n

A\u00a0nail file\u00a0is an abrasive tool used to shape the edges of\u00a0natural nails or correct the shape of nail enhancements. It is often used in\u00a0manicures\u00a0and\u00a0pedicures\u00a0after the nail has been trimmed using appropriate\u00a0nail clippers. Nail files may either be emery boards, ceramic, glass, crystal, or metal files. <\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_d95ff256137df5d55882fc6ae81adf69":"

Bacteria<\/div>
Bacteria\n

There are many species of bacteria everywhere in the world. There are bacteria both inside and outside the human body. Many are good for you but some are not. Some can make you ill. A bacteria species that is relatively common for nails is a species of pseudomonas aka \u2018greenies\u2019. The \u2018bad ones\u2019 can be classed as pathogens but nail professionals must use robust hygiene protocols to avoid any type of bacteria infecting their clients.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_7c0955c448bab3a3a7d1e1d342b88764":"

Rebalance<\/div>
\n

A rebalance is a nail service for enhanced nails. When the original enhancement is applied it will have a structure to provide strength and aesthetic appeal. As the nail grows, the balance of the structure moves into the wrong position and compromises the strength and look of the enhancements. A rebalance levels the structure and removes some length. Then a new overlay is applied to create the structure as it should be and includes the new nail growth.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_c0fe0b3a4644dbc02acdaadbe8507e77":"

Base Coat<\/div>
Nail Base Coat\n

Base coats are used in nail coatings and are designed to have good adhesion to the nail plate. In a traditional nail polish it can also prevent any staining by the colour coating.

It is essential to use with a UV gel system (unless the specific brand has been formulated with its own adhesion properties) as it will adhere to the nail plate and also to the subsequent layers.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_e14623b52242301c74ec968ef95bc259":"

Chemical<\/div>
Chemical\n

A chemical is a form of matter that can exist as a gas, a solid, a liquid or plasma. Everything in the universe is a chemical except for energy: heat and light. We are made of 100% chemicals; the air is full of chemicals; water is a chemical. Marketing terms that use \u2018chemical free\u2019 are misleading and just wrong. NOTHING except energy is chemical free. It is a way for marketers to provide a false sense of security that is, plainly, unethical.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_c1a36df0013019a12f8f575de70e853d":"

Nail bed<\/div>
Nail Bed\n

An area of the nail unit under the nail plate consisting of Nail Bed Epithelium and Dermis.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_4af922be062f1ed50fed9b64967df68d":"

Nail care<\/div>
\n

Nail care refers to the maintenance and upkeep of the nails and surrounding skin. It includes regular cleaning, moisturizing, and trimming of the nails, as well as protecting them from damage and infection.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_1f5fea2327c91c95fdbb7c906005d25f":"

Lanolin<\/div>
\n

Lanolin is\u00a0a waxy substance derived mainly <\/strong>from <\/strong>sheep's <\/strong>wool. The sheep's sebaceous glands produce this \"wool wax\u201d to help shed water and keep the sheep dry. It's extracted by putting the wool through a centrifuge machine that separates the oil from other chemicals and debris.<\/p>\n
\n

Lanolin and its many derivatives are used extensively in both the personal care (e.g., high-value cosmetics, facial cosmetics, lip products) and health care sectors such as topical liniments. Lanolin is also found in lubricants, rust-preventive coatings, shoe polish, and other commercial products<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_be33e2937f9f182702984fbbe290b775":"

Lifting<\/div>
\n

When adhesion of a nail coating to the nail plate breaks down because the nail coating has reached the end of its lifecycle.
When the nail coating has also been applied to the nail plate but touched the skin, the movement of the nail plate causes a fracture in the coating and water and or oil can get underneath the coating and lift it from the nail plate.
When the client has had some kind of accident \u2013 banged his\/her nail coating and caused it to fracture or break allowing water and or oil to get underneath.
When the nail plate is not properly cleaned or prepared before application then the nail coating will not adhere well to the nail plate and lift away.
It\u2019s important to spot this in time and replace or repair the nail coating to prevent infections from 'Pseudomonas Aeruginosa' or White Superficial Onychomycosis taking hold.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_3b22ba315daeedb700f5e865872da088":"

Top Coat<\/div>
\n

This refers to a nail product that is the final layer of a nail coating. It can be a traditional nail polish or a UV gel polish. The formulation will allow it to withstand scratches and be tougher than colour coats. It is essential to use in UV gel polish systems but optional in traditional nail polishes. A top coat can also be used over a liquid and powder coating to give it extra shine. Top coats usually have a high shine but there are also many alternatives e.g. matte, shimmer, slightly pigmented etc<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_233aa7066306b249d62603794d4832bb":"

Cuticle<\/div>
Cuticle\n

Keratinised and non-living skin cells of the proximal nail fold that seals the edge between the proximal nail fold and the nail plate creating an efficient seal at the base of the nail plate.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_3301334d7b41d59c5fe2f5d888d1da1e":"

Coating<\/div>
\n

A coating in nail services terms is any product that is applied to the nail plate<\/a> and leaves a layer of product. It can be traditional nail polish, a strengthening product, a UV gel product, an L&P product.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_0feaed3b66910e1ca5fc2a2031db83b4":"

Acetone<\/div>
\n

Acetone is a common solvent. It is used to remove nail product coatings efficiently and quickly. It is also a byproduct of metabolism within the human body.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_70fa3d2be2eef2d6c699649b32ead1ff":"

Pedicures<\/div>
pedicure service\n

An aesthetic treatment to help improve the condition and appearance of the feet.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_2ae2a5a730f9a5ec8dd0c72128dbb020":"

Lotion<\/div>
hand lotion\n

A lotion\u00a0is a low-viscosity\u00a0product intended for application to the\u00a0skin. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\n

Although there are many types of lotions,\u00a0hand lotions\u00a0and\u00a0body lotions\u00a0are meant to simply smooth, moisturize, soften and, sometimes, perfume the skin.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_6e4b2c42b82604c2f739d01368901b8a":"

Cure \/ Curing<\/div>
\n

This is the term used to describe the polymerization process for the acrylics (whether uv gels or l&p systems) used in nail coatings. A 'proper cure' is what should be achieved which is when, at least, 80% of the coating has been polymerised. Anything less than this is considered to be 'under-cured' and can cause an allergic reaction. \"Over-curing\" would be when the nail coating is cured in a lamp that has a stronger output than what the manufacturer recommends, and it will make the nail coating brittle.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_f94935a711b0f2d9c1ea8eb861281cd1":"

Polish<\/div>
\n

Polish, also known as nail polish or nail enamel, is a cosmetic product that is applied to the nails to add color and shine. It is typically made from a combination of nitrocellulose, a solvent, and pigments or dyes.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_5ea58b31c8a8ee01c133481894d8af72":"

Bunion<\/div>
Hallux valgus, bunion\n

A bunion, also known as hallux valgus, is a prominence usually on the big toe (but sometimes on the little toe) It is where the joint in the toe has become misaligned. It can become very painful and care should be taken when providing a pedicure. It does not get better natural and medical help is needed.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_3548e9c2172ef05f926a3f4d743f6235":"

Callus<\/div>
Callus on a heel\n

A callus is an area of skin that has been subject to degree friction and is protecting itself by a build-up of dry dead skin cells. A callus is most commonly found on the heels of the foot, the \u2018ball\u2019 of the foot, the side of the big and little toes, and at the side wall of some fingers. It can be carefully and gently removed using an abrasive or an alkaline product that breaks the bonds between the dead skin cells.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_a1f17f7b6c12911aab586fcc27ce999b":"

L&P<\/div>
Liquid and Powder\n

A two-part nail enhancement system using polymer powder and monomer liquid, and applied using a sable brush.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_4eb428598c1d8f289e6897779124e77d":"

UV Gel<\/div>
\n

A nail product that cures (or polymerizes) under a UV lamp.
There are various types of UV gels, categorized by the way they can be removed, or by the way they can be used.

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