Aftercare
The aftercare of your nails is the most important part of helping ensure your nails last!
Although they feel invincible with Gel Polish on, unfortunately they are not and will break or chip if you are not careful with them. It is very important that you follow all aftercare instructions to keep your nails looking their best for as long as possible!
Keep in mind that your nails are the most fragile over the first 24 hours after your service as although the product is 'set' or 'cured' it does continue to set and cure over this period. Gel Polish nails are designed to last 2-3 weeks as this is when the compound of the product starts to break down naturally and starts to weaken.
Firstly, I strongly recommend the use of a good cuticle oil daily (ideally 2-3 times a day), we recommend Dadi Oil and Solar Oil which is available to purchase in the salon. Cuticle oil keeps the natural nail hydrated and healthy under your product and will help keep your Gel Polish lasting longer, as the healthier the natural nail is the longer your product will last. It will also help to keep the product flexible and moving with the natural nail which in turn helps the product last longer as it means it is less likely to crack or split!
Find a hand cream you love! Using a hand cream you love will help remind you to do your aftercare!
I personally use and recommend Maine Beach - Kakadu Plum hand cream.
Wearing gloves when cleaning, doing dishes or gardening - cleaning products and chemicals can not only start to break down your Gel Polish faster but it some cases can also cause staining! Having your hands submerged in water for long periods of time can also cause the Gel Polish to break down sooner. Our nail plates absorb water resulting in them becoming soft underneath the solid Gel Polish, if care isn't taken water can get under the Gel Polish where lifting may occur and could potentially become a breeding ground for bacteria, no thanks!
Watch out for certain makeup, chlorine, hair dye, purple shampoo, sunscreen, insect repellent, brand new dark denim and certain items used in cooking such as turmeric as these can all cause staining especially on lighter colours. If you do come into contact with any of these, wash your hands thoroughly. If a stain is present, wipe over the nail with a cotton pad and isopropyl alcohol, acetone or nail polish remover. DO NOT soak the nail as this will cause the product to break down and lift. Wash hands, apply cuticle oil and hand cream.
NO PICKING! Picking at your Gel Polish is likely to cause damage to your natural nail underneath and can cause premature lifting in the product. When you pick off your Gel Polish, is peels away the layers of the nail plate causing thin, brittle, flaky/delaminating nails.
Our nails aren't tools! Avoid opening cans, picking labels or picking anything really! This will likely cause your product to lift or chip due to the pressure on the product.
Return to a nail professional regularly for maintenance or removal.