Total Elegance - ARTIFICIAL NAIL CARE

Total Elegance

Artificial Nails

CARE OF ARTIFICIAL NAIL APPLICATIONS.

It will take about a week for you to relearn how to use your fingers.

Use the pads of your fingers to:

v Pull up pantyhose, stockings or tights.

v Button your clothing.

v Press elevator buttons.

v Use the telephone (alternatively use the flat end of a pencil).

Use flat hands when picking up objects, not the tips of your fingers.

Do not use fingernails as levers (like opening drink cans).

When making beds, always use the flat of your hand on its side to tuck in blankets.

Be sure to properly judge the following:

v Car door handles and the body of the car.

v Almost any type of door handle.

v Can openers.

v Opening drink cans.

v Drawers.

v Seat belts.

USING OTHER HAND PRODUCTS WITH ARTIFICIAL NAIL APPLICATIONS.

Always use Non Acetone Polish Remover. This is the best for both artificial and natural nails, as acetone melts artificial nails and also dehydrates natural nails, cuticles and skin. If your polish remover contains acetone, it will usually leave a milky white finish on your fingers and also has a very strong sharp smell.

Do not use any body soap that contains lanolin, as it can cause lifting of artificial nails.

Never use any nail polish that may have been thinned with polish remover, as the colour will become very transparent. If you find your lacquer is gluggy; restore the life back by adding a few drops of Orly Nail Polish Thinner.

PREVENTING LIFTING

Use OPI Avoplex Moisture Replenishing Lotion and Avoplex Cuticle / Nail Treatment Oil only. These are formulated without mineral oil or lanolin – ingredients that are notorious for causing lifting. Avoplex Treatment Oil softens the cuticles by replenishing natural oils, and Avoplex Lotion contains UV blockers which help to protect the hands from UV rays.

Water logged hands will cause expansion of the layers of the natural nail plate, and once dry they contract again leading to lifting of artificial nail applications. Use gloves as often as possible when exposing hands to water for long periods of time.

Use OPI Board Files, not metal files. Metal files usually create more chips in the nails.

Do not pick at nails as this creates more lifting. Buff lightly to eradicate loose areas.

In extreme circumstances where nail glue is necessary, use only appropriate Nail Glue. Do not use superglue as it is not anti-fungal and can cause disease between the natural nail and the nail application.

IF LIFTING DOES OCCUR IT COULD BE THAT:

v The nails are getting too long. The free edge should be 1/3 of the complete nail length. If longer more strain is put on the nail, causing the nail to crack or lift off. (The free edge is the end of the nail that grows beyond the fingertip).

v They have been over buffed or under buffed. Over buffing will take away too much product from the nail leaving such a thin amount of product that it can no longer adhere to the natural nail. Under buffing will cause the already loose product to loosen further. Remember to buff lightly, so not to damage the natural nail.

v There has been too much time between ‘fills’. The chance of lifting increases the longer a client goes without a ‘fill’. A fill should take place no later than every four weeks.

PREVENTING DISCOLOURATION.

Tan beds can cause yellowing of artificial nail applications. Use OPI Heat Cure Top Coat or NSI Airshield Top Coat to prevent yellowing. A top coat will give longer wear of your nail polish.

Always use gloves when applying hair colour products.

Cheap nail polishes may cause discolouration to artificial nail applications.

REMOVAL OF ARTIFICIAL NAIL APPLICATIONS.

This must be done by a professional. Do not pick the artificial nails off as this may damage the natural nail. Please call me if you wish to remove your artificial nails.

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