August 1, 2023

Manicure Aftercare

Taking care of your manicure after you have invested in the time and care to create it will give you the best possible outcome in terms of nail growth, great appearance, strength and nail health.

If your aim is to make your nails last for the longest period between appointments there are several golden rules that you need to follow in order to get the best wear from your manicure or gel polish.

Oil or apply balm to your cuticles
Wear gloves for washing up, cleaning, gardening and other manual tasks
Use a hand moisturiser
Never pick at polish from any edge and don’t file the seal on the free edge
Don’t try to file off your polish
Avoid chemicals that will dull the top coat
Go gently on your hands!

If you are hard wearing on them, use lots of chemicals, spend hours with them immersed in water, use sunscreen, art materials… (the list goes on) then your manicure will suffer either through dulling top coat, chips, lifting or even nail bed damage.

Oiling your Cuticles

Applying a high quality cuticle oil or balm isn’t just a vanity measure! It will keep the cuticle supple and help you to avoid hangnails, the ingredients will support nail growth from the matrix which will help your nails to grow through without drying out and curling, thereby reducing the chance for lifting of polish.

The ingredients in the oils and balms I use have the following benefits:

The Gel Bottle Cuticle Oil (Gel manicures) – Sweet Almond Oil and Coconut Oil – help your nails to grow. They are rich in vitamins and minerals and can help to soothe and heal dry, cracked skin. Peach Kernel Oil is easily absorbed by the skin and great for restoring the nail surface. Tea Tree Leaf Oil to safeguard against any potential nail fungus and other nasties (if you have a nail fungus condition, unfortunately you can’t be given a manicure until you have been given the all clear)
Navy Professional Cuticle Balm (Gel Manicures) – enriched with Rosehip oil, Aloe Vera extract and Coconut Oil as well as Shea Butter. Soaks well into drier skin and the ingredients enhance nail growth and keep the skin hydrated and nourished.
Peacci cuticle oil provides intense hydration and can strengthen your nail plate, preventing brittle and split nails. Packed with proteins, mineral salts, vitamins A, B, D and E, this nutrient-rich cuticle oil is easily absorbed to soften your cuticles.

Wearing gloves and reducing wear and tear to your hands and nails

We all have activities, hobbies, trades and other tasks we put our hands through day in day out! Nails, no matter whether they are your natural nails, gel polished, with builder or extensions aren’t made of metal or concrete! If you are hard wearing on them, use lots of chemicals, spend hours with them immersed in water, use sunscreen, art materials… (the list goes on) then your manicure will suffer either through dulling top coat, chips, lifting or even nail bed damage so do what you can to minimise damage and protect your beautiful work until it’s time to have a new set!

Picking and filing will cause damage

Don’t be tempted to fiddle with the edges of your nails by filing or reshaping them, or picking away at the polish because this will cause trauma to the nail bed. Not only that, but breaking the sealed edges can let in water and give you nail infections which will take time and effort to treat and grow out and will stop you from having further nail appointments until the problems are resolved.

If it’s time to remove your polish then either book and appointment with me to remove and/ or re-do, or grab some proper removal gear and follow my removal instructions.

Booking a fresh set!

It’s time for a fresh set when you see a good few mm of new nail growth, or your polish is looking too worn.

When it’s time for a fresh set, or if you need a repair please get in touch to book in!

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