maintenance

In order to maintain your Nail Enhancements for long-term wearability, it is important that you please read and follow these simple guidelines. If you do not have the time or finances to keep on top of what it takes to maintain your gels, may I suggest you opt for regular manicures instead. 

*Nails must be infilled on a regular basis - Every 2-3 weeks! Leaving infills longer than this unbalances the nail and will make your enhancements more prone to lifting, cracking and breaking. 

*Oil nails twice per day to maintain inherent flexibility. Product that is allowed to become brittle will crack and break. There are several manufacturers products that I would recommend; however, since we all have our own personal choices, I will only recommend that the oil you use contain Jojoba, Vitamin E or macadamia 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.  Macadamia Oil is the closest plant oil to sebum that our body produces so is a great cuticle oil too. 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 opener to open cans, use the side of your hand or finger to open car or refrigerator 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 a abrasive 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 which 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 soft 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 a 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. 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 your buffer, buff the oil into the nail surface to re-seal the product. Buff to a high shine with a 3-way buffer and then rub over with remover to cleanse away any residue. 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. 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.

*Your personal implements can be purchased through several different outlets: An 'over-the-counter' beauty supply, chemist, Price Attack or Price Line or from your salon. Sanitize files and implements after every use in an approved sanitizing solution, rinse well, dry and store in the container.

*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 effect 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.