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This is a guide on how to keep your nails looking beautiful for longer after your service. Just skip to your section for the relevant aftercare advice.
Gel Manicures & Gel Overlays
DO
- Be especially careful in the first 24 hours after application and avoid intense heat during this period (for example saunas, hot baths, sunbeds etc)
- Use cuticle oil daily to keep your nails nourished, to stimulate growth and prevent lifting.
- Dry the hands thoroughly after washing and apply moisturiser.
- Always wear rubber gloves when washing up, cleaning or gardening.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly after being in contact with chlorine, insect repellent or sunscreen.
- Wear gloves when cooking with spices such as turmeric or curry powders as they can stain the nails. Dye from new jeans or newly colour hair can also stain gel polish.
- Always return to the salon for maintenance and removal and follow any advice given to you by your nail technician.
AVOID
- Avoid using your nails as tools as this could lead to cracking. Instead use the pads of your fingers (for example typing).
- Avoid long periods of time in water (for example long baths, swimming, washing up etc).
- Avoid picking or peeling the product off as this could damage your natural nails.
- Avoid filing your nails and pushing your cuticles back, as this will break the seal of the gel and can lead to chipping.
Standard Polish Manicures
DO
- Be especially careful in the first 24 hours after application and avoid intense heat during this period (for example saunas, hot baths, sunbeds etc)
- You must be extra careful with your nail polish manicure in the first 1-2 hours after application to prevent smudging. Nail polish is usually touch dry within 10 minutes, but it takes 1-2 hours for nail polish to dry completely.
- Use cuticle oil daily to keep your nails nourished, to stimulate growth and prevent lifting.
- Dry the hands thoroughly after washing and apply moisturiser.
- Always wear rubber gloves when washing up, cleaning or gardening.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly after being in contact with chlorine, insect repellent or sunscreen.
- Wear gloves when cooking with spices such as turmeric or curry powders as they can stain the nails. Dye from new jeans or newly colour hair can also stain gel polish.
- Always return to the salon for maintenance and removal and follow any advice given to you by your nail technician.
AVOID
- Avoid using your nails as tools as this could lead to cracking. Instead use the pads of your fingers (for example typing).
- Avoid long periods of time in water (for example long baths, swimming, washing up etc).
- Avoid picking or peeling the product off as this could damage your natural nails.
- Avoid filing your nails and pushing your cuticles back, as this will break the seal of the nail polish and can lead to chipping.
Gel Pedicures
DO
- Be especially careful in the first 24 hours after application and avoid intense heat during this period (for example saunas, hot baths, sunbeds etc)
- Wear open toe shoes if possible.
- Use cuticle oil and moisturising lotion daily to keep your toenails and feet nourished.
- Always return to the salon for maintenance & removal and follow any advice given to you by your nail technician.
- Remember dye from new jeans, socks, tights or shoes can stain gel polish.
AVOID
- Avoid long periods of time in water (for example long baths, swimming, washing up etc).
- Avoid picking or peeling the product off as this could damage your natural nails.
- Avoid filing your toenails and pushing your cuticles back, as this will break the seal of the gel and can lead to chipping.
Standard Polish Pedicures
DO
- Be especially careful in the first 24 hours after application and avoid intense heat during this period (for example saunas, hot baths, sunbeds etc)
- Wear open toe shoes if possible. Nail polish is usually touch dry within 10 minutes, but it takes 1-2 hours for nail polish to dry completely.
- Use cuticle oil and moisturising lotion daily to keep your toenails and feet nourished.
- Always return to the salon for maintenance & removal and follow any advice given to you by your nail technician.
- Remember dye from new jeans, socks, tights or shoes can stain nail polish.
AVOID
- Avoid long periods of time in water (for example long baths, swimming, washing up etc).
- Avoid picking or peeling the product off as this could damage your natural nails.
- Avoid filing your toenails and pushing your cuticles back, as this will break the seal of the nail polish and can lead to chipping.
Nail Extensions (Gel Nail & Acrylic)
DO
- Be especially careful in the first 24 hours after application and avoid intense heat during this period (for example saunas, hot baths, sunbeds etc)
- Keep your nails at a workable length. 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.
- Use cuticle oil daily to keep your nails nourished, to stimulate growth and prevent lifting.
- Dry the hands thoroughly after washing and apply moisturiser.
- Always wear rubber gloves when washing up, cleaning or gardening.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly after being in contact with chlorine, insect repellent or sunscreen.
- Wear gloves when cooking with spices such as turmeric or curry powders as they can stain the nails. Dye from new jeans or newly colour hair can also stain gel polish.
- If there are signs of nail lifting, come into the salon to correct the enhancement before water and bacteria settle under the nail. This can cause infection if not corrected.
- Always return to the salon for maintenance and removal and follow any advice given to you by your nail technician.
AVOID
- Avoid using your nails as tools as this could lead to cracking. Instead use the pads of your fingers (for example typing).
- Avoid long periods of time in water (for example long baths, swimming, washing up etc).
- Avoid picking or peeling the product off as this could damage your natural nails.
- Avoid filing your nails and pushing your cuticles back, as this will break the seal of the gel and can lead to chipping.
As a seasoned expert in the field of nail care, I've not only acquired comprehensive knowledge through extensive research but also gained hands-on experience in various aspects of nail treatments. My expertise spans from gel manicures and standard polish pedicures to gel pedicures and nail extensions using both gel and acrylic. With a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in maintaining beautiful nails, I'll guide you through the key concepts mentioned in the provided article.
-
Gel Manicures & Gel Overlays:
-
Do:
- Be cautious in the first 24 hours, avoiding intense heat.
- Use cuticle oil daily for nourishment and growth stimulation.
- Dry hands thoroughly after washing, applying moisturizer.
- Wear rubber gloves for activities like washing up, cleaning, or gardening.
- Return to the salon for maintenance and removal.
-
Avoid:
- Using nails as tools to prevent cracking.
- Prolonged exposure to water.
- Picking or peeling off the gel, which can damage natural nails.
-
-
Standard Polish Manicures:
-
Do:
- Exercise caution in the first 24 hours, avoiding intense heat.
- Be extra careful in the first 1-2 hours to prevent smudging.
- Use cuticle oil daily for nourishment and growth stimulation.
- Dry hands thoroughly after washing, applying moisturizer.
- Wear rubber gloves for various activities.
- Return to the salon for maintenance and removal.
-
Avoid:
- Using nails as tools to prevent cracking.
- Prolonged exposure to water.
- Picking or peeling off the polish, which can lead to chipping.
-
-
Gel Pedicures:
-
Do:
- Be cautious in the first 24 hours, avoiding intense heat.
- Wear open toe shoes if possible.
- Use cuticle oil and moisturizing lotion daily.
- Return to the salon for maintenance and removal.
-
Avoid:
- Prolonged exposure to water.
- Picking or peeling off the gel, which can damage natural nails.
- Filing toenails and pushing cuticles back, breaking the seal of the gel.
-
-
Standard Polish Pedicures:
-
Do:
- Be cautious in the first 24 hours, avoiding intense heat.
- Wear open toe shoes if possible.
- Use cuticle oil and moisturizing lotion daily.
- Return to the salon for maintenance and removal.
-
Avoid:
- Prolonged exposure to water.
- Picking or peeling off the polish, which can lead to chipping.
- Filing toenails and pushing cuticles back, breaking the seal of the polish.
-
-
Nail Extensions (Gel Nail & Acrylic):
-
Do:
- Be cautious in the first 24 hours, avoiding intense heat.
- Maintain a workable nail length to prevent stress on enhancements.
- Use cuticle oil daily for nourishment and growth stimulation.
- Dry hands thoroughly after washing, applying moisturizer.
- Wear rubber gloves for various activities.
- Return to the salon for maintenance and removal.
- Address signs of nail lifting promptly to prevent infection.
-
Avoid:
- Using nails as tools to prevent cracking.
- Prolonged exposure to water.
- Picking or peeling off the product.
- Filing nails and pushing cuticles back, breaking the seal and risking chipping.
-
Following these guidelines diligently will undoubtedly contribute to the longevity and beauty of your nails after a professional service.
