We talk about;
Nail Prep, Common Problems such ad lifting, cracking & Cuticle Care
If you are having concerns with the Gel polish lifting prematurely, cracking or other problems, then we recommend that you don't use water or soak your fingers before applying the Gel Polish - It will help with proper preparation and longer lasting nails as well as prevent premature peeing or cracking.
You can put moisture back into the cuticles once you've finished applying Gel Polish.
Cuticle care is a really important step in nail preparation - the cuticle is the dead skin which is at the base of the nail plate and if not removed properly, can effect the Base Coat from adhering to the nail plate.
Many people may not know this, but one of the secrets to long lasting Gel Nails, is not to put you hands in water right before the application.
You can try a dry manicure - avoid soaking your hands or fingers in water. Also try to avoid soaking in a bath or washing the dishes right before going to the Salon for a Manicure!
Nail Prep & Cuticle Care
DIY
1: Trim and file your nails and push back the cuticles using a cuticle pusher or wooden orange sticks.
Both are inexpensive and can be purchased for just a couple of dollars each.
Angle the orange stick to gently push the cuticles toward the base of your nail plate, slowly a little at a time. Be careful not to push too hard and tear the skin as you may get a bacterial infection. The skin is there to protect the nail bed.
If you want to proceed with proper cuticle care and are having trouble pushing back the cuticle, soak your hands in warm water - add a few drops of essential oils to help soften your skin.
You can use, vaseline, moisturizer and soak them for awhile longer to soften them up.
Both are inexpensive and can be purchased for just a couple of dollars each.
Angle the orange stick to gently push the cuticles toward the base of your nail plate, slowly a little at a time. Be careful not to push too hard and tear the skin as you may get a bacterial infection. The skin is there to protect the nail bed.
If you want to proceed with proper cuticle care and are having trouble pushing back the cuticle, soak your hands in warm water - add a few drops of essential oils to help soften your skin.
You can use, vaseline, moisturizer and soak them for awhile longer to soften them up.
2: After pushing back the cuticle you will need to remove dead skin.
If you think you want to try this step, make sure you educate yourself first about the correct way to remove cuticle skin, we do not recommend that you try this at home as it requires professional training - and you need to be extremely careful that you do not clip away at the live tissue (eponychium). Dead skin will appear white in colour.
If you want to skip this step, you can gently buff the lose, dead skin with a file buff which will also remove the shine on the nail plate, explained in the next step.
Next, file and shape nails as desired - try and keep the nail tip in a straight square shape for natural looking nails.
4: It’s important that the nail plate is dehydrated and clean, free from dirt, natural oils, dead skin and moisture to ensure the base coat will adhere properly to the nail plate.
(At this stage, if you have applied moisturizer to your hands - wash them thoroughly in warm soapy water and dry with a clean towel.)
The best way to cleanse the nail plate, use a lint-free wipe and cleanser.The solution should be a 99% isopropyl alcohol based cleanser to dehydrate the nail plate.
Base Coat Application
Proper gel polish adhesion:
Proper gel polish adhesion:
It’s important that the nail plate is dehydrated and free of oils, skin and debris.
Apply a thin layer of Base Coat to each nail on one hand and cure under a UV lamp or Led lamp for the specified time. For 36 watt UV lamp it's generally 2 mins each hand.
Take careful concern that the base coat does not come into contact with the skin edges. Once it has been cured under the Curing lamp it may become like glue on your skin - in the same way be careful not to get the base coat between the nail tip and skin underneath.
If possible try and apply the Base Coat over the edge of the nail tip (capping the edges) - without getting it on the skin underneath.
You can use an alcohol wipe with an orange wood stick to remove any excess from the skin.
With some practice, it gets much easier !
If possible try and apply the Base Coat over the edge of the nail tip (capping the edges) - without getting it on the skin underneath.
You can use an alcohol wipe with an orange wood stick to remove any excess from the skin.
With some practice, it gets much easier !
Now your ready to start applying the Gel Polish
Below is some tips on how to achieve a great result - Remember to place your hand under the UV or Led Lamp for the recommended times and check with the Brands manufacturer if unsure.
1. Apply your colour coat selection and apply a thin coat - keeping clear fo the skin edges.
Cure in a 36 UV Lamp Cure 2 minutes each time for Best Results
48 Led Lamp Cure 20 - 30 Sec for Long Lasting Results.
Do not wipe the nails in-between coats (they should feel sticky)
2. Apply a second colour coat and cure under UV or Led lamp.
3. Apply the final Top Coat and cure under UV or Led lamp. Use a cleansing solution of 99% isopropyl alcohol based cleanser or alcohol wipe to remove the sticky residue for a fabulous shiny finish.
