DIY: Wax balm for sealing nails

What is nail wax

Nail wax is a cosmetic product based on natural beeswax, which is used to improve the condition of the nail plate, skin and cuticle.

Despite its origin, the product is safe even for allergy sufferers who have previously noticed a reaction to honey.

Regular use:

• strengthens nail plates;
• prevents delamination;
• softens the cuticle;
• protects nails from external factors - weather conditions, household chemicals;
• when used on the skin of the hands, it smoothes out fine wrinkles and returns the skin to a healthy color;
• accelerates the healing of the cuticle after an unsuccessful trimmed manicure;
• accelerates the cure of onychomycosis, a fungal disease;
• eliminates the consequences of long-term vitamin deficiency, when the nails are destroyed as a result of a lack of vitamins.

Anyone who has any problems with nails and cuticles, as well as girls who care about the condition and appearance of their hands, should pay attention to wax products.

The functions listed above are achieved due to the unique composition. It includes more than 300 different compounds that tend to accumulate in tissues and give a prolonged effect.

Highest concentration:

• vitamin A. One of the most important vitamins for nail plates, which ensures their strength, healthy color and rapid growth;
• B vitamins;
• fatty acids – oleic, cerotinic. Fatty acids moisturize the skin. They also improve the permeability of other components of the composition into the deep layers;
• esters.

Nail wax comes in several formats:

• pure product with added extracts, vitamins and oils . There are no chemical components or dye preservatives in such products. They have a dense texture and may require preheating;
• cream wax A wax-based cosmetic product transformed into a cream. Cream wax is easier to use for daily hand care, as it spreads well and has a light texture.
• hand creams . Unlike cream wax, here the concentration of the bee product is lower - the cream still comes to the fore. Such products are suitable for caring for hand skin that needs protection, for example, in winter, when the weather outside is unstable, windy, or snowy. For example, the MILV brand has such a cream.

Wax with added oils or cream wax can be prepared at home - read a separate article about this in NAILS Magazine. And here we will discuss what procedures can be performed for nails, hands and cuticles and consider the most popular manufacturers.

Wax has three main uses:

1. Preventive care for skin, nails and cuticles;
2. Lamination;
3. Sealing.

Nail structure and growth: what healthy nails and skin should look like, care rules

Characteristics and composition

Beeswax is a complex compound of organic origin, which contains simple lipids. Chemically, these waxy lipid fats are almost inert and do not include alcohol and glycerin. It is produced by the body of honey bees as a construction and waterproof material for honeycombs. Honeycombs are used as food storage chambers and incubators for raising workers and queens. At the same time, wax production by insects in relation to honey is 1:3.

Wax-based products strengthen nails and stimulate their growth

Wax consists of 47–50 types of chemicals, their compounds and water.

Of them:

• water – up to 3% specific gravity;
• fatty acid groups – up to 16% (mycyric, palmitic, cerotinic, lemon balm, montanic, neocerotinic acids);
• alkanes or saturated non-cyclic hydrocarbons with simple bonds – up to 17%;
• esters (ether derivatives of lemon balm alcohol and palmitic acid - mycyrin) - up to 75%.
• polyalcohols with two or more hydroxyl groups;
• vitamins A and E.

Among the physical characteristics of the substance, it is worth noting the following features:

• becomes soft at temperatures from 35 ° C;
• melting point – from 61 °C to 69 °C. Boils at 100 °C, and white foam appears;
• does not dissolve in water, has water-repellent properties;
• dissolves in paraffin, gasoline, acetone, turpentine.
• pure wax without impurities has a fine-grained structure. Easily splits when struck with a hammer, the cut has a matte sheen;
• the wax shavings curl into a spiral and do not crumble, as when adding paraffin.

Wax, free of impurities, very easy to process

How to use on hands

For preventive wax care of the skin of the hands, nails and cuticles, wax cream and cosmetic cream with added wax are suitable. The whole point of preventative care is systematic moisturizing, like a simple cream.

Features of using cream wax for hands and nails:

• Apply the product 2-3 times a day. Regular application will create an invisible barrier on your hands to external aggressive factors - wind, rain, aggressive household chemicals, dust;
• 10 minutes after application, remove excess. Wax-based creams are poorly absorbed and leave a greasy feeling on the skin for a long time. 10 minutes is enough for the desired part of the cream to be absorbed, so the excess can be removed with a paper towel;
• do not use wax creams on the entire brush regularly - only during periods when it is really necessary. If you constantly protect the skin of your hands, its barrier function will decrease, and the dermis will forget how to cope with the negative impact on its own;
• When you rub the cream into the skin, do not forget about the cuticles and nails. Each finger should be massaged for 1-2 minutes to rub in a small amount of the product.

By the way, periodic courses with wax cream noticeably tighten the skin, so they are suitable for hand rejuvenation. But even in this case, you should not use creams constantly - it is better, no more than 1 month, followed by a break of 1-2 months.

Nail health during manicure and pedicure: what a novice master should pay attention to

Purpose of the procedure

Polishing with wax is not only a caring procedure that allows you to give your nails beauty and shine. When treated with wax, the nail plate has a healing and nourishing effect due to the healing components contained in the wax.

The main component of wax has several types of effects on the nail:

• slight bactericidal effect;
• softening effect;
• calming effect.

The wax contains a whole range of useful components. These are mineral ingredients, beta-carotene, keratonides, healing resinous substances, propolis. This is why wax is so often used as a component of many cosmetic and medicinal products.

Wax polishing has several purposes:

1. Leveling the surface of the nail plate, giving it shine.
2. Enrichment of the top layer with nutritional and medicinal components.
3. Protects nails and cuticles from drying out and aggressive factors.

Anyone in the salon can order a wax polishing procedure. However, it is especially recommended for the following nail problems:

• With increased brittleness of nails, you will not only improve the surface of the nail, but also give it strength.
• Peeling of the nail is also an indication for waxing.
• If your nails are weakened after using nail extensions for a long time, then waxing is exactly what you need.
• Dull nails will be transformed after a wax polishing procedure.
• Slow growing nails can also be improved with this procedure.
• If the skin around the nail is very dry and rough, then waxing treatments will help to effectively soften it.

Polishing nails with wax is indicated for weakened, brittle nails. It will give them shine, smoothness, and also give them health.

For nails and cuticles

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Wax for nails and cuticles is best used in the classic format without adding cream components. The maximum concentration of useful components will help strengthen your nails with wax, prevent their delamination, add density and moisture. To speed up growth, we also recommend trying nail wax.

How to use:

• Prepare your nail plates - wash your hands with soap and dry them thoroughly with a towel. Do not apply wax to wet nails and cuticles - it will slip and will not be absorbed;
• A small amount of wax - literally the size of a match head, apply to the nail and rub into the nail plate with your fingers for 1-2 minutes. When distributing the wax, do not forget to touch the cuticle - it will become softer, stop “shaggy” and will be easier to remove during the manicure process.

Preparing for the procedure at home

Professional polishing of nails by masters is, of course, good, but not every woman has such an opportunity. But a wax bath can also be done at home, especially since it is not difficult to make nail wax with your own hands. But in order for the bee product to have a truly strengthening and protective effect, you need to thoroughly prepare for the procedure.

Firstly, we need tools for creating an unedged manicure - a file and a sanding block, as well as an orange stick for pushing back the cuticle.

It is not recommended to use scissors to trim the skin - open wounds will cause discomfort during polishing.

Secondly, we need ingredients to prepare the wax cream itself. This is beeswax itself, base oils (olive, almond, coconut) and essential oils. Wax for nails and cuticles can be applied after adding vitamins in capsule or liquid form.

Lamination

Nail lamination is the creation of a transparent glossy film on the nail plate, which protects it from external factors and mechanical stress.

Used for the procedure:

• wax;
• soft buff.

Before laminating your nail, perform a hygienic manicure - treat the cuticles in a way convenient for you, polish the side ridges, adjust the length. Then apply a small amount of ready-made or homemade wax mixture - literally the size of a match head - onto the nail and rub in with a buff.

Lamination takes about 15 minutes for 10 nails.

Lamination should be carried out no more often than once every 2 weeks. The wax composition remains on the surface for a long time, so unnecessary layering is unnecessary.

Nail lamination - procedure and review of products

Bio-wax for nails “Polishing” from “DNC”

One of the most popular nail waxes from DNS.

Price: 65 rub.

Manufacturer's promises:

My review of DNC nail wax

A brother of the previous review participant, from the same manufacturer, but with a higher price and quality characteristics. This wax is also very popular among food lovers and, in my opinion, is already closer to ideal. It would be generally ideal if it weren’t for its excessive oiliness. Although this is also its advantage.

This disadvantage can no longer be compared with the previous participant, it is not fat, but still more of an oil, but it also does not absorb for quite a long time and can leave traces. But if you need to “bathe your nails in oil” to restore them, it will come in handy more than ever. The fragrance of this wax is quite pleasant “honey” and unobtrusive.

By the way, during my rural vacation I noticed that if you regularly use this particular wax, much less dust collects under the nail plate. And after interacting with the beds, there is no need to then “scratch” the soap with your nails and overdry them with this same soap, so that your nails are, if not in perfect, but at least simply acceptable.

Sealing

Unlike lamination, the purpose of sealing nails with wax is to reduce delamination of the nail plate. When exposed to the plate, those places where detachments have formed are sealed and are no longer separated.

Natural wax is also used for the procedure - cream products are not suitable for this procedure, since the presence of a “greasy” component in the composition will not allow the product to be properly rubbed into the nail plate.

The procedure looks like this:

1. Adjust the shape of the nail, process the ridges using a 150-180 grit file;
2. Make a hand bath for 5-10 minutes. Water temperature 35-40 degrees, sea salt, herbs, oils can be used as a filler;
3. Use an orange stick to move the softened cuticle to the base;
4. Wipe each nail with a dry cloth;
5. A small amount of wax - literally 2/3 teaspoon, melt in a water bath;
6. Using a clean orange stick, scoop out a little pea-sized amount of melted product;
7. Transfer it to your nail and start rubbing. At the initial stage, you can do this directly with your fingers, and then take a special polishing block. The main thing is that there is no abrasive grain on the block - it must be smooth. Rub into each plate for 1-2 minutes;
8. After the fingers are ready, put them in a bowl of cold water so that the wax sets.

You can repeat this procedure at least every day, and the first result will be visible after the first procedure.

Nail health during pregnancy - prevention and treatment

Natural wax and biowax

Many people compare natural wax and DNC biowax to figure out which of these products is better to use in practice and which will be more beneficial for nails. So, what are their differences and what are their similarities?

Natural wax

The main advantage of beeswax is that it is natural and does not contain any harmful chemical additives that can have a destructive effect on the nail. Hot wax can help eliminate brittleness and splitting, soften cuticles, and speed up the growth process of natural nails.

Biowax - strengthens the nail, protects from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays and other external factors, nourishes the nails, heals wounds and microcracks. The consistency of natural wax and biowax is very different. Natural wax is very hard and has a rich dark yellow color. You could even say brown. Smells pleasantly of natural honey.

DNC biowax is much softer and has a greasy consistency. It has a specific, but also pleasant and not pronounced aroma for many. The process of applying products to nails is also different. In order to apply natural wax, you must first steam it in a water bath.

It should melt within a couple of minutes. After the wax becomes a homogeneous mass, you need to sharply lower your nail into it and quickly pull it out to avoid getting burned. Do this with each finger. When the procedure is completed, you can put on light gloves and walk around in them for about 30 minutes until completely dry. After time, the wax will fall off on its own.

As for the use of biowax, everything is extremely simple. You just need to open the lid and scoop up the wax with your finger, or keep the product in the microwave for 30 seconds to get a softer consistency. After this, you can apply cuticle oil.

The best manufacturers

INKI

Bio-wax for nails from INKI relieves inflammation, softens and increases the elasticity of the nail plate, and also accelerates nail growth. In addition to the main components in the form of natural beeswax and propolis, the composition also contains microsulfur, which has a pronounced antifungal effect.

How to use: Apply a small amount of wax to the nail plate and rub in with massage movements.

Milory

Milory nail and cuticle wax improves the condition of the nail plate, cuticle and skin. With regular use:

• The nail plate is strengthened;
• Delamination stops;
• The cuticle becomes softer, burrs appear less often;
• Nails are protected from external factors.

We recommend trying this cuticle wax - it will help heal hangnails, as well as restore the skin after an unsuccessful trimmed manicure.

Formula Profi

Strengthening, restoring and nourishing nail wax from Formula Profi helps improve the condition of the nail plate both visually and in its inner layers. Makes nail plates denser, helps restore nails damaged by numerous coatings.

Use according to the instructions given for sealing:

• Apply a small amount of wax to the slightly sanded nail plate;
• Polish the wax using a polisher.

Masura

The brand produces a unique product - powder based on beeswax. The manufacturer recommends using it together with another polishing system - mineral paste.

To imprint the products, a special buffer with a working surface made of calfskin is used.

D.N.C.

The manufacturer has a whole series of products based on beeswax:

• hand cream concentrate;
• several types of wax exclusively for nails - nourishing, polishing and strengthening. Any DNC nail wax includes essential oils, which means it provides additional nutrition with useful components;
• wax mask-cream for hands and nail plates.

The products are distinguished by their natural composition and the complete absence of chemical components.

All about nail buff - types, materials, abrasiveness, how to use, how to choose

Spivak

There are two types of wax products presented on the manufacturer’s official website:

• limoncello;
• ylang-ylang.

It contains only wax itself and essential oils - no dyes, preservatives or chemicals. You can use the product without special buffs and blocks - rub the product into the nail plates until the surface is completely glossy.

Belweder

Belweder nail and cuticle wax contains panthenol, as well as a complex of essential oils, which can significantly improve the condition of the nail plate. Judging by the reviews, Belvedere's remedy helps restore nail strength and prevent splitting, as well as cope with the roughness of the cuticle.

Phytocosmetic

Phytocosmetic nail and cuticle wax contains iodine and calcium, which further strengthen the plates. To improve the structure of the nails and soften the cuticles, mink and castor oils are added. Suitable for all types of nails, including thin, weak and prone to splitting.

El Corazon

Biowax has a natural composition, which explains the prefix “bio”. Available in two formats - packs of 2.5 or 50 grams. There are three types of product:

• bleaching;
• nutritious;
• strengthening.

Any type improves the condition of nails and protects them from external influences, and also softens the cuticle. Contains oils, extracts and vitamins A and E.

El Corazon also separately presents wax for healing wounds and hangnails in a stick format - this product is convenient to take with you.

Vitamins for nails - which ones are needed and how they affect

Sealing nails in the salon - photo, video

Salon procedures for strengthening nails are not only useful, but also pleasant. Most salons will offer you:

• Sealing with hot files, which prevents delamination of the edge of the nail

Sealing the edge of the nail

• Spa treatments with healthy and aromatic essential oils.

Spa treatments for hands

• Paraffin hand masks that are good for both skin and nails

Paraffin baths
Sealing nails with gel deserves special attention. This is a relatively new product that is already used in many salons in our country.

IMPORTANT: A special soft gel is used to restore and strengthen nails. Unlike permanent gel polish, it is very easy to remove, but lasts almost as long, about 10 days.

If you want to seal your nails with biogel, you can do it at home. But there are a number of reasons why it is sometimes better to choose a salon: firstly, you cannot do without an expensive drying lamp, and secondly, the procedure itself is quite complicated; you need several types of gel, which are applied in a thin layer on top of each other.

Video: Strengthening nails with biogel

Reviews

Customers note that this procedure allows them to save a large amount of money. Constant use of wax strengthens the nail plate and increases its resistance to external factors.

Reviews of nail wax indicate that there are no products on the cosmetic market that combine healing, strengthening nails and caring for the cuticle properties. Using wax does not take much time, the procedure will be quite simple from the very first time.