NAIL TIPS AND TRICKS OF THE TRADE
On occasion, I get asked for my advice on how to care for my clients hands, feet and on basic skincare. So I thought I would share a "tip-of-the-day" on frequently asked questions.
Question: How can I keep my polish longer on my natural nails?
Answer: I always tell my clients that you can expect the color on your natural nails to last anywhere from 3-5 days depending on what you are doing with your hands on a daily basis. Keep in mind that water and harsh chemicals can cause your polish to chip quicker. Wear gloves more often. Another way to keep polish on your natural nails longer is to go over them with a clear nail polish every 2-3 days. Doing this helps to seal in the free-edge longer, which is usally where the chipping starts.
FYI: If you are looking for a polish that last as an alternative to traditional polish, you may want to try the Shellac Hybrid Manicure which last 2-3 weeks.
Question: My Gel Polish is cracking, what am I doing wrong?
Answer: There are many gel polishes on the market today and just as many salons providing this service. The initial prepping of your natural nail sets the foundation for how durable and how long your gel manicure will last. If your gel polish manicure is cracking, it could be several things. For starters, consider the brand of gel polish that your Nail Tech/Manicurist used (all gel polishes are not created equal, some are better than others). Secondly, if you live in a cold climate, the weather can be a factor for cracking. If it is winter time where you live, it is imperative that you use cuticle oil everyday to keep your nails hydrated, balanced and moistured. I do know that Shellac requires the use of cuticle oil to keep your natural nail plate healthy. Lastly, if you are experiencing cracking or issues with your gel nail polish on a regular basis, gel polish manicures may not be for you and you may want to consider another professional salon service that is more catered to your lifestyle and needs.
Question: How do I take the Gel Polish off?
Answer: Gel polish nails are most often taken off with 100% Acetone polish remover. To remove your old gel polish; take a glass bowl and pour enough of the acetone (just enough to cover the nails) and soak your nails in the acetone for about 10minutes or purchase the gel polish "soak off wraps" that can most likely be bought at your local beauty supply store. These nail soak-off wraps do require the use of 100% acetone. The gel polish will begin to "bubble" up or seperate and this is when you can use a buffer block or nail file to remove the remaining product from the nail. After removing all the product from the nail; make sure to use a cuticle oil and rub vigorously into the cuticle. Your nails and cuticles can be very dry after removing the gel polish, therefore, hydrating the nail with moisture is very imperative.
Purchase our cuticle oil right here: http://salonnailsbychana.com/Shopourstore.aspx
Question: My cuticles are very dry and cracked and sometimes they bleed. How can I help them look and feel better?
Answer: Dry cuticles look bad and can be embarrasing for some people. If you have negelcted to care for your nails; hangnails and dry, torn cuticles can become an issue. Your best solution is to maintain a strict regimen of care that would include a routine salon professional manicure or a DIY (do-it-yourself) approach. If you have not taken care of your nails it may be a little sensitive the
first time you get your nails done professionally. Your cuticles need stimulation and manipulation to keep them healthy. You should start by making sure to gently push your cuticles back with an orangewood stick or cuticle pusher at least 2x per week. This helps to keep the eponychium (cuticle) off of the nail plate, while at the same time stimulating your nails. You should also invest into using a good manicure scurb on a daily basis to hydrate and keep the cuticle from forming as quick onto your nail bed. Investing into a cuticle oil is highly recommended. A cuticle oil helps to maintain suppleness to your cuticles and will help to alleviate those awful and painful hangnails. Use your cuticle oil at night before bed or daily thorough-out the day.
Purchase our cuticle oil right here: http://salonnailsbychana.com/Shopourstore.aspx
Metal cuticle pusher
When using your manicure scurb make sure your hands are semi-wet. Scoop a small to medium amount out of your container, rub the scrub in a soft circular motion, while paying more attention to your cuticles. Rinse with warm water, pat dry, and then apply your favorite moisturizing butter oil or lotion. I recommend using Shea Butter to help heal and soften dry, cracked cuticles and hangnails due to it's thick, creamy consistency and natural therapuetic benefits.
Question: How can I keep the heels of my feet from cracking?
Answer: Using a natural abrasive scrub on a regular basis should help to soften and maintain your heels in good condition. The heels of the feet begin to crack due to lack of moisture and exfoliation. In order to acheive the results that you are looking for; you must continue to keep a regular regimne in place. I would advise using a pedicure scrub at least every other day. There are many scrubs to choose from on the market today.
From Me To U Essentials by Chana carries a Signature line of Manicure and Pedicure scrubs made with Sea Salts and skin nourishing oils to help soothe and soften calluses on the feet and heels.
When using your pedicure scrub make sure your feet are semi-wet. Scoop a small to medium amount out of your container, rub the scrub in a soft circular motion, while paying more attention to the rougher areas on your feet. Rinse with warm water, pat dry, and then apply your favorite moisturizing butter or lotion. I recommend using Shea Butter to help heal and soften the heals due to it's consistency and natural therapuetic benefits.
If you suffer from any medically diagnosed foot ailments seek the advice of your physician.
Question:How do you stay hydrated with moisture in the winter?
Answer: The thought of winter makes most of us want to hibernate and during this time of the year our skin suffers from extreme dryness and flakiness, which can be truly unflattering on any skin type or complexion. The best solution is to find a product that will combat severe to moderate dryness. I recommend using a thicker crème or butter during the winter months. My favorite is Shea Butter. Shea Butter is “natures” best gift for chapped hands and dry cuticles and the added bonus is that it can be used on the entire body to restore elasticity and moisture. Pure authentic Shea Butter comes out of various parts of Africa and is well known to be suitable for people suffering from Eczema, Psoriasis’ and other skin conditions that require constant moisture and hydration.
Question: How can I take care of my nails at home?
Answer: How to give yourself an at-home Manicure. Follow these steps:
Step #1. Take off any old polish you may have on your nails with pure Acetone (you can get acetone at Walmart or similar stores)
Step #2. Use a nail file to shape your nail and take down any length.
Step #3. Take a Buffer Block after filing and shaping your nails and buff your nails thourougly to remove any rough edges on the nail plate.
Step #4. Apply a cuticle softner onto the cuticles
Step #5. After applying the cuticle softener to the cuticles, soak them in warm water for about 1-2 minutes.
Step #6. After soaking the nails, take an orangewood stick or cuticle pusher and gently push the cuticles back.
Step #7. After pushing your cuticles back apply a hand scrub and work vigorously into the hands and cuticles to help polish the hands and remove any excess cuticle from the nails.
Step #8. Rinse the Scrub off with warm water and pat your hands dry.
Step #9. Apply your favorite hand cream or butter and work in well.
Step #10. If you are going to apply polish, make sure you take alcohol or acetone and remove the oil from the nail plate. When applying polish you want to make sure that the nails are completely dry and free from oil.
Question: How can I brighten up my dark nails and toenails?
Answer:
Soak your fingernails (or toenails) in lemon juice for 10 minutes. Then brush your nails them with a nail brush or tooth brush using a mixture of 1/2 white vinegar and 1/2 warm water and then rinse with warm water. This treatment helps your fingernails stay strong and bright! You may be surprised at how shiny and amazing your fingernails look!
Question: How do I get rid of the ridges on my nails?
Answer:
Ridges in the nail is a common nail characteristic and truly nothing to worry about. What you can do to remedy this small inconvenience is to use a buffer block and cuticle oil. Take the buffer block and gently buff the ridges out. You may not get all the ridges out but you will notice that your nail plate looks considerably smoother. After buffing make sure to moisturize your cuticles and nail plate with a cuticle oil or natural oil like Olive Oil or something of this sort.
Tip: Keeping a nail hardner on your nails will also help to temporarily keep those nail ridges at bay
Question: How do I get rid of foot fungus?
Answer: Foot Fungs (tinea pedis) is characterized by foot itching, burning, pain, and scaling. It is caused by a fungus and is treated with antifungal medications, many of which are available over-the-counter. Keeping the feet dry by using cotton socks and breathable shoes helps prevent athletes foot.
Fungus loves to thrive in wet, warm, dark places. The feet are normally covered up in shoes and socks and makes for the ideal breeding ground for this pesky bacteria.
Your local Pedicurist can not treat this condition. Seek the consult of your local physician (podiatrist) to help treat this condition.
Tip: If you suffer from Foot Fungus, here is a simple recipe that will help to alleviate the conditon. Fill a foot basin with water as warm as you can stand it. Mix in a cup of dead sea salts with a 1/2 cup of vinegar and add a few drops of tea tree oil. Soak your feet in the foot basin for about 15-20 minutes or until the water gets luke warm. Dry your feet off completely and then use a moisture absorbent medicated foot powder before you put on your socks.
Please note: If you are able to get your foot fungus in check, discard all your old shoes that you wore while your foot fungs was active. Wearing the same shoes could continue to spread the bacteria that causes tinea pedis.