We always want our clients to have the BEST experience with us and of course, we want you to LOVE your nails (no judgement if you love them more than most people!). So we thought we'd share some tips for before, during and after your appointment, to ensure you are getting the best results...and your nail tech will love you for it!
3 things YOU should or shouldn't be doing before your next nail appointment...
1)For new clients avoid cutting or filing your nails before your appointment, it’s best to leave them so your nail technician can shape them properly for you.
For regular clients don’t pick/bite your gels off. You might think you’re helping us out but this will just make us nail techs sad, your nails won’t be too happy either! You can damage the natural nail plate meaning your next couple of sets may not last as long!
2)Are you ready for this one? DON’T use cuticle oil before your appointment! Yep, you read that right. My clients know how much I go on about how you NEED to use cuticle oil… which you do. But quickly doing it in your car before your appointment, A) isn’t going to fool your nail tech into thinking you’ve been using it regularly & B) it could actually sit on the nail and cause your gel manicure to lift, when the new gel product is applied. Meaning your manicure might not last how you might want it to.
3) Save some nail inspo, whether that be colours that you like or inspiration from another set of nails you’ve seen on Instagram, or a pattern on Pinterest or even take inspiration from that new dress that you bought! You can find inspiration everywhere.
3 things you should or shouldn’t do during your next nail appointment…
1)You shouldn’t wear a fluffy jumper yep, that fluff just gets everywhere. And unfortunately your gels have a tacky layer until the end so unless you want hairy nails, it’s definitely a no from us, leave the fluffy jumper at home.
2)You shouldn’t touch things during your treatment. Your nail tech will have ensured your nails are cleansed throughly ready for gel application. Picking up your phone, leaning your hand on your face, putting your hand in your bag or through your hair, no matter how careful you think you are being, risk getting dust, oil, fibres, make up or dirt on your nails which can effect the look and longevity of your gel manicure.
3)You should sit straight, facing your nail tech, close to the desk, keeping your arms on the nail arm rest, nice and relaxed. Turning round, sitting at angle or putting just your hands on the arm rest can it make it very difficult for us to see what we’re doing and long term effect our backs. Try to avoid moving around too much, small movements really do make it difficult for us, especially when applying gel near the cuticles or doing nail art.
3 things you should or shouldn’t do after your next nail appointment…
1)You shouldn’t have a hot bath or shower for the first 24 hours. I’m not saying you can’t shower, just avoid soaking your nails in really hot water for a long period of time. Water causes our nails to expand, and in the first 24 hours your gels are actually still finishing the curing process so as the nails expand it can cause the gel to almost stretch. When your nails shrink back down to normal, the gel might have some issues, such as lifting.
2) Do use cuticle oil. Daily. TWICE DAILY. Here’s why… it will hydrate your nails and skin around your nails meaning it will help to prevent brittle nails and dry skin! It will feed the live cells in the nail so as new nail grows through it will grow stronger, preventing breakages! Cuticle oil helps to prevent your nails drying out which will then help to prevent your gel manicure lifting. And it smells nice!! (Lots of scents available in the salon!)
3)Don’t use your nails as tools. I know it sounds obvious but sometimes we do things on auto pilot. And with all the different builder gels available now sometimes we think our nails are indestructible but I’m here to break it to you…. THEY’RE NOT INDESTRUCTIBLE!
Here’s a few examples of everyday things you may be doing that could be putting your nails under pressure…
Opening cans with your finger nail - try using the side of your finger or you can purchase a keysie! (Available in the salon!) Or just someone else.
Peeling off labels. Off the back of card or something like that. Use tweezers instead.
Flushing the toilet you know when it’s a button? And you reach out like, and push it. Guess what that nail is taking all the pressure! Try bending your finger instead (using middle area of finger) or use something you might find in your bag like a lipstick or a pen!
Following these simple tips will ensure the best nail treatment and your nail tech will thank you for it!
Until next month,
Rach x