HANDS

Nails do not breathe! Nails do not need a break!

If you’ve had nails done elsewhere or had them damaged at a non-standard salon or with an in-experienced nail tech, then the best thing you can do, is get something put on them to help protect them, whilst the damaged, thin or over filed nails grows out.

We fix many nail issues and damage caused from home-based nail techs,  students in college and the non-standard salons, the salon owner Denise has worked with nails since 2006 and has been an Educator for CND, she’s had a training academy and works hard to get all of our nail techs up to the standards of Master Nail Techs, we pride ourselves in being absolute perfectionists when it comes to nails.

Damaged nails can be caused by many things, including:

• An in-experienced nail tech – Always ask to see their qualifications, a copy of their insurance and pictures of their work or their social media pages.
• Over Filing – The natural nail only needs to have the oily surface/shine removed; this is because nothing will adhere to the oil if its left on the nail plate. Some nail techs use heavy files or an electric file to rough up or over file the natural nail plate, this damages the natural nail before any product has even been applied.
• Hygiene – Tools and files should be cleaned in between every client, the area should be clean, and the nails should be dehydrated before any product is applied. Gloves should be worn by the nail tech or hands should be sanitized.
• Bad PREP – A big part of any nail service is spent doing PREP, this is where we get your natural nails and cuticles in to better condition before applying any product. Regardless of what service your having the PREP is the most important part. If any non-living tissue/cuticle is left on the nail plate, the product will lift. All we ask you to do, is purchase a cuticle oil and/or cuticle treatment and use them daily and follow our after-care advice below!
• Incorrect nail service – Its so important to have a thorough consultation to decide which nail service would suit your nails and lifestyle. Some nail techs only offer one service, so its one service fits all! Its important to decide what’s going to suit you and work for your nails, a natural nail service such as a spa manicure, or gel nails for a little extra strength, if nails chip easily then you may need something stronger to help them grow such as BIAB (Builder In A Bottle) and if you are extremely heavy handed and want longer nails then you will need acrylics!

PRE-TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Theres no need to do anything to your own nails before coming in for your appointment, unless they are in extremely bad condition or you are a nail biter, then we would suggest you send us some pictures in advance!

Saying that, if you’ve never had your nails done professionally before and your cuticles are overgrown, tough and won’t budge, or your nails are very damaged we strongly recommend you start using a cuticle oil on them for a week or two, on the run up to your visit with us. We retail Solar Oil and OPI Avoplex Oil (both recommended all nails and toes) so pop in and pick one up in advance.

If you’ve got a special occasion coming up, such as a wedding, don’t leave it until a few weeks before. We might need to put you on a nail treatment plan and help you grow them to the desired length if you don’t want extensions!

We will do removals of other people’s work, but we will need to know where you had the nails done, what they used and sometimes may ask you to send us some photos. Occasionally nails done elsewhere can take a lot longer to remove!

POST TREATMENT ADVICE

It is essential to follow this aftercare advice for all types of nails, including Gels, BIAB, Polish & Acrylics

• Avoid swimming, saunas, steam rooms and sunbeds for the first 24 hours.
• Do not use harsh chemicals or acetone, wear rubber gloves when cleaning and gardening.
• Strong chlorine, sun tan lotions and insect repellent can cause the colour to fade or lift. Wash hands after immediate contact.
• Do not pick or peel the gel as this will damage and weaken the natural nails.
• Use cuticle oil twice a day, drop on to each nail and rub in to each nail and the surrounding skin and cuticles.
• Never use your nails as tools, use the pads of your fingers.
• Keep nails to a manageable length to avoid splitting or breaking.
• If nails chip its usually because correct aftercare has not been followed or you may need something stronger on your nails.

REMOVAL OF GELS, BIAB & ACRYLICS

• All nail services other than normal polish must be removed professionally by a nail tech at the salon. It takes just 10-15 minutes and avoids any damage to the natural nails.
• If any problems should occur during the first 3-days of having nails applied we will fix them at no charge. Anything past 3-days will result in any repairs/re-work being a chargeable service.
• Remember natural nails do NOT breathe, they do not need a break away from gels as the gel does not damage the natural nails if it is professionally applied and removed.
• If you decide to stop wearing gels, you should continue wearing a natural nail strengthener, keep nails to a sensible length and continue the use of cuticle oil twice daily.

ACRYLIC NAILS

• Nail extensions are great if you want instant length but the prolonged wear of them is not recommended, especially if you do not keep to regular rebalances and tend to wear them too long.
• If you have had nail extensions applied we recommend having a rebalance (also known as an infill or maintenance) every two weeks. Our aftercare must be adhered to during the wear of acrylics.
• We aim to do just 2-3 rebalances in acrylic until your natural nails have grown underneath to the desired length. Our aim is to then remove the extensions and convert you to BIAB or Gels which is kinder to your natural nails.

BIAB NAILS

• BIAB (Builder in a bottle) works perfectly on natural nails and shorter extensions. It is stronger than gel, yet kinder to the nails than acrylic as it has more flexibility and actually strengthens the natural nails.
• Most clients tend to go 3-weeks with maintenance on BIAB and your nail tech will advise you how often you should get them removed and reapplied. Some clients never have to have them removed and reapplied and can just continue with regular maintenance appointments. Whereas some clients natural nails can curl and come away at the side walls or free edge, others are more heavy handed and will need a regular removal.
• Our aftercare must be adhered to during the wear of BIAB.