GEL NAIL ENHANCEMENT
AFTERCARE ADVICE
Edited 01/07/2024
Remember, once you leave, the responsibility to care for your nails is up to you! I have done my job in creating a beautiful set of nail enhancements for you, it's now your job to look after them and get the best out of them.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Please be advised that ANY nail enhancement is not natural (it is forced onto a natural tissue) therefore requires care and supervision at all times.
- INFILLS - relative to your lifestyle and activity level, your nail enhancements will need infill maintenance every 2 - 4 weeks (depending on your personal nail growth). If regular maintenance is not done, then your enhancements will grow out of balance and structure, and become weaker (due to wear and tear, and incorrect structure) and the chance of breaking a nail becomes much higher.
- LIFTING - if you notice any lifting, do not pick or pull at the lifted area as this will cause lifting to increase, and could damage your natural nail. Please contact me and arrange infill or for the nail to be repaired. If an enhancement is lifting or damaged and this is ignored, it could lead to a subsequent bacterial infection (green nail mold), as well as painful brakeage.
- CUTICLE OIL - apply a good quality cuticle oil (almond oil is GOOD ingredient) at least once every day to keep your nails looking good and to nourish the natural nail underneath. Please make sure the cuticle oil (or any hand lotion) you use does not contain mineral oils or lanolin as these are the Number 1 causes of lifting. Some shampoos and conditioners can contain these ingredients also, so check the label carefully. Some hand sanitizers can contribute to lifting and dull topcoat.
- POLISH REMOVER - if you need to remove nail polish from your nail enhancements make sure you use a non-acetone remover as this will not damage your nail enhancement. For Gel manicure removal ask for directions from your nail tech or pharmacy.
- GLOVES - wear gloves when washing up, gardening or using household chemicals as exposure to these types of products can cause your nail enhancements to become weak and/or damaged and prone to breakage.
- 3D DESIGNS - anything "on-top of your nails (Crystals, sugaring, glitters, 3D designs and so on...) are un-natural and not supped to be there. If you choose such design, please be aware of tight spaces (wallets, pockets and so on...), anything that can "scrape" the surface of your nails.
- ADVERSE REACTIONS - if any adverse reactions occur - rash, redness, inflammation of any kind around the nails - please contact me immediately. Additionally contact your GP or call 111 for advise.
- DISCOLOURATION - tinted lotions, sun-tan creams, self-tan lotions and some hair products can discolour your enhancements, so wash your hands thoroughly after use or use gloves to protect your nails.
- DON'TS - do not bite, pick at your enhancements as this will cause lifting and damage to your natural nail.
- Do not pull backwards against the tips of your nails as this could cause injury or breakage.
- If you have doubts, please contact me and I will advise you on the next step.​
- Do not leave your hands in water for long periods of time without gloves as this can lead to the nail adhesive breaking down which can cause the extension tip to become weak and break.
- Do not do anything which will cause strong or repetitive pressure on your nail enhancement as this can lead to cracks which can, in turn, lead to a full break.
- Do not attempt to repair any lifting or damage to your nail enhancements yourself with "super-glue", or any type of "glue". Various types of "glue" are known to disintegrate the nail tissue and cause damage to the natural nails and nail beds.
- Do not attempt to shorten the length of your nails between infills, unless properly instructed by your nail tech.
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If your nails need any of the above attention, please contact me to make an appointment.
- REMOVAL - please do not try to remove your enhancements yourself, as this can cause major damage to your natural nails. If you wish to remove your enhancements, please contact me and come to have them removed properly and safely. If you have just gel manicure you can purchase "Gel polish removal kit" from me with specific instructions how to safely remove you gel polish. This does not apply for your nail extensions.
- BE CAREFUL - treat your new nails with care until you get used to them. There are many dangers for longer nails - car doors, kitchen cabinets, switches, drawers etc. After a short while you will get used to using your hands in a different way and your nail enhancements will feel as natural as your own nails.
- GOLDEN RULE - make sure your nail shape and length match your lifestyle. Nails that are too long for your activity level will place the stress area of your enhancement under too much pressure, which can result in breakage and damage to your natural nail.
- REMEMBER - your nail enhancements are jewels not tools. They were not designed to be used as a screwdriver, can opener or scraper!
- QUESTIONS - if you have any questions regarding your nail enhancements, please feel free to contact me – I am Your Nail Friend after all.
- AND LASTLY – enjoy your beautiful nails, be pretty and take in all the compliments that are coming your way – YOU WELL DESERVE IT!!!
Nail Facts:
- Fingernails grow at average of 3.5 millimeters per month. The infill time will be based on your personal speed of growth (as well as your tolerance level for "outgrowing canyons").
- Nails don't have lungs - they don't have to "breathe".
- Gel/Acrylic/manicure/electric file do not damage your nails - person, providing these treatments, does.
- Your nail treatment does not have to be unpleasant/painful/uncomfortable - if it is, RUN!!! FAST!!!
- You are entitled to request a technician to disclose the brands/products used on you.
- Don't be shy to ask if products used are UK industry approved.
- ALWAYS request a proof of purchase/payment - even when you pay cash! It needs to clearly state what you paid for, where, and who was the service provider - in case you have any issues.
- Your day-to-day life, occupation and lifestyle directly impacts the state and duration of your nail treatment.
- Professional nail tech will explain the process, give you suggestions based on your nail shape, state and overall health. They will tell you, what you can and cannot have, explain why, answer your questions, address your concerns, advise on the best treatments for you and always give you the receipt - physical or virtual (text/email). Listen to them!!!!
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GOOD TO KNOW:
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Anything "powder" is acrylic.
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Hard/Builder Gel is a product looking like hair gel.
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Polygel/acrygel looks like a "toothpaste".
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There is NO such product as "powder gel".
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"Dipping powder" is acrylic powder combined with "superglue" and/or base/top coat gel polish.
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Gel polish is colour (gel) cured in a UV/LED lamp.
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Gelish and Shellac are brands NOT products. Product is "gel polish", service is referred as "gel manicure" .
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BIAB stands for "builder-in-a-bottle". The Gel Bottle(TM) company is the creator of this product, recognized by the industry. The purpose of this product is the strengthening base layer/base layer-colour for natural nails.
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Most importantly - keep yourself safe!!!!!