“It’s better for your nails!”: 5 Sure-Fire Ways to Avoid Nail Damage
(New Age Spa Institute specializes in nail education for licensed professionals, in addition to esthetics, makeup, massage, and clinical aesthetics. In this Part 2 of the Nails Blog Series Feature, the NASI team tackles methods to prevent and avoid nail damaging services. Didn’t read part 1? Read it now by clicking on the title → “Demystifying Today’s Most Popular Nail Services”)
The following are a few sure-fire ways that’ll benefit your nails (and pocket) in the long term:
- Don’t be afraid to vet your nail tech! The first and most important safeguard for your natural nails is a highly skilled, licensed nail care professional. Licenses are often on display in the salon and if they are not, ask your nail technician if they are in fact licensed in your state.
- HYDRATE! As we mentioned, acetone can be extremely dehydrating to the nail and surrounding skin. Think of it like this: when we get our hair colored or highlighted, the stylist often does a deep conditioning treatment in the salon or suggests one for take-home. Hair and nails are both made of the protein keratin. So, it would stand to reason that, just like dry hair, dry nails would greatly benefit from conditioning. While hand lotions can help rehydrate the surface, a quality cuticle oil penetrates deeper into the skin and nail plate, replenishing its moisture levels and increasing flexibility. Some cuticle oils, such as CND RescueRx, contain keratin to strengthen as well as hydrate. Keep one in your purse, car, or anywhere else you will see it and be reminded to take a moment to pamper your nails.
- Resist the urge to pick! We have all had that moment when our nail breaks or our polish chips and we feel inexplicably compelled to pick off the rest as well. DO NOT DO IT! If there is any advice you follow from this list, let it be this! While it may feel satisfying to you at the time, the damage that will result will make it even harder for enhancement products to adhere and last on your nails. There is nothing better for enhancements than an uncompromised, healthy foundation to adhere to. The weaker, thinner, and more damaged your nails are, the more the enhancement product will lift or chip, perpetuating the vicious cycle of picking! In the instance that your nail chips or breaks and you cannot get into the salon for repair, it is better to soak the product off yourself, enlisting the help of a friend for faster removal. If you would rather not attempt soaking off, smooth any jagged edges with a nail file to prevent snagging and wait it out for a professional!
- Maintain your enhancements regularly While enhancements services have amazing durability and longevity, they are not permanent! All nail enhancements should be maintained every 2-3 weeks, depending on how fast your nails grow. If either product is left on too long without maintenance, it will begin to breakdown, chip, lift, or peel. Enhancements are a commitment, so choose an enhancement that will best fit your lifestyle.
Which brings us to our last point
- Know yourself! Enhancements are for everybody, but they are not created equal. One type of enhancement may be better suited for your lifestyle than another. If you know you don’t want to commit to bi-weekly fill appointments, than perhaps acrylic and hard gel enhancements are not for you. If you want to grow your nails past your finger tip, gel polish may not be for you, as it is so flexible. If you work in water, such as nurses or hairstylists, dip may not be the ideal enhancement for you as it is porous and starts to break down when excessively exposed to water. It is important to be realistic about what you want and what your nails can actually handle. If you aren’t sure which type of enhancement will be best for you and your lifestyle, ask your nail technician for their best advice.
The Takeaway:
No nail enhancement product is healthier for your nails than another! So, go on and get that gel mani! Dress those finger tips with dip! Extend your nails to lengths you’ve only dreamed of! Just remember to put yourself in skilled, licensed hands, hydrate daily with cuticle oil, and treat your nails like jewels, not tools!!
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