Nail Art
Pre & Post Care
Taking proper care of your nails before and after nail art is essential to ensure the longevity of your nail design and maintain healthy nails. Here are pre and post-care guidelines for nail art:
Pre-care for Nail Art:
Clean Nails: Start with clean and dry nails. Remove old nail polish and ensure your nails are free from dirt, oil, and debris.
Nail Health: Keep your nails healthy by regularly moisturising your cuticles and nails with a nourishing cuticle oil or cream. This helps prevent dryness and promotes nail strength.
Nail Length: Ensure your nails are at your preferred length before getting nail art done. If you need to trim or shape them before your appointment.
Avoid Cuticle Cutting: Do not cut or trim your cuticles yourself. Leave this to a professional nail technician during your nail art session to avoid the risk of infection.
Choose Nail Art Design: Decide on the nail art design or colours you want beforehand. This will save time during your appointment and help you get the desired format.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive products on your nails in the days leading up to your appointment. This includes acetone-based nail polish removers, which can weaken nails.
Aftercare for Nail Art:
Protect Your Nails: Be mindful of your nails for the first few hours after nail art. Avoid activities that could damage your nails, such as opening cans or using your nails to pry things open.
Apply Cuticle Oil: Regularly moisturise your cuticles and nails with cuticle oil or cream to maintain health and flexibility.
Wear Gloves: If you're doing household chores or tasks that involve water or chemicals, wear protective gloves to prevent your nail art from chipping or fading.
Avoid Heat: Be cautious around excessive heat, such as hot showers or saunas, as it can cause the nail art to peel or fade prematurely.
Use Nail Strengtheners: Consider using a nail strengthener or hardener if your nails are prone to chipping or breaking.
Nail Touch-Ups: If you notice any chips or wear in your nail art, touch it with nail polish or visit your nail technician for repairs.
Regular Maintenance: Depending on the type of nail art, you may need to schedule regular maintenance appointments with your nail technician to keep your nails looking their best.
Nail Polish Removal: When you're ready to remove your nail art, use a non-acetone nail polish remover to prevent excessive drying and damage to your nails.
Nail Rest: Allow your nails to "rest" between nail art sessions. Avoid applying and removing nail polish to give your nails time to recover.
Nail Health: Continue maintaining your overall nail health by eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding habits like nail biting.
If you have specific concerns or questions, don't hesitate to consult with our nail technician for personalised advice.
Here are some common side effects and considerations:
Nail Damage:
The application and removal of acrylic or gel nail extensions can weaken natural nails over time. This may result in brittle, thin, or damaged natural nails.
Allergic Reactions:
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the chemicals used in nail products, such as acrylics, gels, or nail adhesives. Symptoms can include redness, itching, swelling, and discomfort.
Nail Infections:
If nail extensions are improperly applied or if there is moisture trapped under the nails, fungal or bacterial infections can occur. This can lead to nail discolouration, swelling, and discomfort.
Lifting or Peeling:
Nail extensions or nail art decorations can sometimes lift, peel, or chip, especially if exposed to water or the nails are subject to frequent impact or pressure.
Brittle Nails:
Excessive use of nail products and frequent application and removal of nail art can make natural nails brittle and prone to breaking.
Skin Irritation:
Harsh nail products or improper application can cause skin irritation and redness around the nails and cuticles.
Toxic Exposure:
Nail technicians and individuals applying nail art should be cautious when handling nail products that contain potentially harmful chemicals. Prolonged exposure can lead to health issues.
Nail Discoloration:
Some nail polishes or nail art products may cause temporary nail discolouration or staining. Using a base coat can help prevent this issue.
Injuries:
The use of sharp tools or improper techniques during nail art procedures can result in injuries, such as cuts or nicks.
Long-Term Use Considerations:
Continuous and long-term use of acrylic or gel nail extensions can weaken natural nails, making them more susceptible to damage and infection. It's essential to give your nails regular breaks from extensions.
Practice good nail care and maintenance, including regular moisturising of cuticles and nail beds. Be attentive to any signs of irritation, infection, or discomfort, and seek advice from a healthcare professional if needed. If you have known allergies or sensitivities, inform our nail technician in advance to avoid potential issues with nail products.