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Ridged Nails and Product Removal

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Recently we spoke about nail porosity and ridged nails. So the question arose: what kind of problems might we have with product removal from ridged nails?  A ridged nail per definition has a surface problem, let’s have a look at some of those problems.

Unintentional nail plate damage

  • When we soak off nail coatings, we use a wooden stick or a cuticle pusher to remove the last bits of product.
  • The nail plate is softer after we remove the nail wraps, so we should take great care to not unintendedly damage the nail plate further.
  • The slightest pressure can cause surface damage that can cause even more problems in the future.
  • Use the soak-off liquid for the allocated time and reapply if need be.

Open beaded ridges 

  • If we look closely at a nail plate with open beaded ridges, we can see that the base coat of our product will seep between the upper layers of the nail plate.
  • When we come to remove it by soaking off some of the product will remain on the nail plate, when we scrape this away with our cuticle pusher, we will rip open the upper surface of the nail plate and cause even more damage.
  • If we file the product off with a hand file or e-file, we will also rip open the upper layers of the nail plate causing extra problems the next time.

Nail plate damage

  • If we repair the nail plate surface first, we won’t cause more damage. 
  • There are products on the nail plate that can repair the upper layers of the nail plate before product application.
  • If you don’t have IBX you can use a product that is made to remain on the nail plate for longer than 14 days – maybe an Acrygel. 
  • Be very careful to note the condition of your client’s nails and advise them on the importance of nail plate maintenance with a good quality nail oil.
  • Remember when you do a rebalance that your client had ridges – don’t file them away!
Nail plate damage on ridged nails after product removal

Just beaded ridges

The other problem that we might see is that white superficial onychomycosis has developed.
This is a surface nail plate fungi, that needs to be treated with an antifungal product & oil before you apply any other products.
Some clients are more likely to develop WSO than others, it’s a part of their own resident microbiomes – you may get lucky, but you may also see this result. 
We can see that the client took care of her nail units with oil & lotion the proximal nail fold and lateral nail folds are in great condition and still, she has developed WSO.
Again, IBX in the nail plate will reduce the chances of WSO.
In the case of this client, we recovered the nail plates with an anti-fungal product, applied IBX and used acryl as the base for her nail coatings with a primer as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

White Superficial Onychomycosis
White Superficial Onychomycosis

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

  • The other problem that we might see is that pseudomonas aeruginosa found its way into the nail plate.
  • Pseudomonas Aeruginosa is a bacteria that we carry with us in our resident microbiome.
  • If it’s warm and the client has her hands in water a lot or does not maintain her nail coating with oil – we create the perfect environment under gel polish for PA to develop.
  • Recovering these nail plates took us 8 weeks! 
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa treatment on ridged nails


Of course, these problems can happen not only to ridged nails after product removal but to healthy, smooth nails as well. It is just that ridged nails are more susceptible.

Related Terms:

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White superficial onychomycosis. A mild fungal infection on the surface of a nail plate. Seen as white powdery patches. This needs treating by a medical professional and is highly infectious.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_8b7d43aba9f5473d70e6d8637a224ad6":"

Proximal nail fold<\/div>
Proximal Nail Fold\n

Seal above the nail matrix at the proximal edge of the nail unit.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_227918726547f703ae4cbfa16cdfd23e":"

Lateral nail folds<\/div>
Lateral Nail Folds\n

Side nail seals along the lateral edges of the nail plate.<\/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_bf14a4ea1e9a021067618f2217250ee7":"

Onychomycosis<\/div>
Onychomycosis\n

Onychomycosis is also known as nail mycosis, mould, or fungal infections. The\u00a0infection destroys the nail keratin and specific symptoms appear in the form of\u00a0delamination, onychoschizia, colour changes and hyperkeratosis, causing the nail plate to become fragile. When the infection reaches the nail bed, the fungi use the ridges as paths to the matrix.<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_38facef7a7714b599fe3ba7261229d19":"

Anti-fungal<\/div>
Used to treat fungal infections.<\/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_47cedaa48c855fddda2626da1f52ddf6":"

Pseudomonas<\/div>
pseudomonas\n

Pseudomonas is a family of infectious bacteria. On nails, it cause what is often called 'greenies' (a colloquial term). It is also called Chloronychia, or Green Nail Syndrome. It is seen as a discolouration on the nail plate that starts as yellow and darkens to green then almost black. It's almost always associated with the lifting of a coating from the nail plate.<\/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_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_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_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_24d9c18b31af136f57c5a0ccde2da5d2":"

Soak Off<\/div>
Soak Off Nails\n

Using Acetone or another solvent (remover) to soften nail coatings (gel polish or acryl) making swift removal from the nail plate possible.<\/p>\n
\n

'Wraps' can be used or cotton buds and aluminum foil to hold the solvent in place.<\/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_31d46d5d457ee68b0f8c907375348085":"

Wraps<\/div>
nail wrap\n

Also known as removal wraps or foil wraps. A method used to remove nail coatings, using an acetone soaked pad within a foil square, that is wrapped firmly around the finger for the required time for an effective breakdown of the nail coating. <\/p>\n
\n

Also see Acetone<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_08ad98412a9ffb1f23068a4ab1ec1c62":"

e-file<\/div>
e-file\n

This is a electrical piece of equipment using \u2018bits\u2019 of various shapes and abrasiveness used to shape or remove nail overlays or enhancements.<\/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_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_e7431d1154dd66f12c8e0559215cd86c":"

Fungal infection<\/div>
nail fungus, fungal infection on a toenail\n

A type of infection caused by a fungus, which can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, nails, and hair. Fungal infections <\/a>are typically characterized by symptoms such as itching, redness, and inflammation, and can be treated with antifungal medications. Some common types of fungal infections include athlete's foot, ringworm, and onychomycosis<\/a> (fungal infection of the nails).<\/p>\n<\/div>","cmtt_be4f3ed4190c326680dcfaad66790282":"

Base<\/div>
\n

This is often what an alkaline substance is called but is commonly used as a term describing a nail coating that is a first layer adhering to the nail plate.<\/p>\n<\/div>"}}; -->