You've just gotten a manicure and your hands and nails look great. Before you head back to the salon for your next appointment, read through this handout and make sure you're doing everything you can at home to keep your hands and nails looking just as fresh and polished as the day you got your manicure. Listen to your nail tech. Carefully follow your nail tech's recommendations for at-home care. If you have weak, brittle nails and she recommends you use a nail strengthener at home, follow her instructions. Treat your nails with care. Wear gloves when gardening or exposing hands to water for extended periods of time. Do not use your nails as tools. Use a soda can opener to pop tops, for example. Use top coat to help nail polish last. Chipping nail polish seems to be a chronic problem for nail clients. Solve the dilemma by applying a layer of top coat 24 hours after your service. That should double the duration of your manicure and keep your nails looking shiny and new. Mend a chipped nail. So you've applied top coat, but you still managed to chip a nail. What to do? Using your fingertip, dab a small amount of polish remover on the affected area and lightly smooth it over. Re-coat with polish and top coat. Keep your hands well moisturized. It's important to keep your nails looking great, but your hands are important, too. Use a cream or lotion daily to keep them hydrated and smooth. If you're often outdoors, use a lotion with an SPF of at least 15. Don't forget about cuticles. Use cuticle oil or treatment religiously. It keeps cuticles supple and moisturized and helps keep pesky hangnails and dry skin at bay.
Leave it to your nail tech. A slightly chipped or snagged nail can easily be mended by gently filing the nail. But if you have a bigger problem such as a split nail, don’t attempt to fix it yourself. Call your nail tech and schedule an appointment to get it fixed. If you're sick, stay away. If you have a contagious skin or nail disease, wait until it clears before visiting the salon again. If symptoms persist, make an appointment with your dermatologist. If unsure about nail condition ask one of our nail technicians and they will advise you.
