Myths about nails: should you breathe, how to file correctly, is shellac harmful?

Well-groomed hands are a necessity for any self-respecting woman. Modern girls prefer to have manicures coated with gel polishes. They give a beautiful appearance to even short nails and allow the manicure to last much longer than usual. But such processing imposes certain prohibitions on the use of familiar things.

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Use quality varnish

Cheap varnish will last a short time. Low-price products do not contain durable plasticizers. You will have to apply it more often - the consumption increases, and the savings on materials are not justified. Such a product may still contain harmful impurities and damage your nails.

A high-quality varnish contains hydroxyethyl methacrylate, or HEMA.

What file should I use to remove gel polish from nails?

Without any doubt, a nail file is the most convenient tool for removing gel polish. However, before you begin this procedure, you should carefully select the appropriate nail file. You should take a closer look at wood products. As a rule, coniferous or fruit tree species are used for their production. You just need to keep in mind that a wooden nail file should not be treated with disinfectants.

As for paper files, they are disposable and cannot withstand disinfection. Metal files will last a long time. They tolerate disinfection of plastic products well. Plus, they last a long time. As a rule, ceramic and glass nail files are especially popular. They can also be processed using solutions. The only drawback is that these products are very fragile and can break easily.

If we consider the spraying of nail files, then the best, of course, will be ceramics and glass. They are worth choosing for one simple reason - they do not damage the nail surface. Removing gel polish using a metal abrasive is a bad idea, because the metal will damage the nail. It is also worth paying attention to a nail file with diamond coating.

Do not file your nails while wearing gel polish.

The coating seals the edges of the nail plate. The ingress of moisture and dirt is reduced to a minimum. If you file the tip of the nail, the protective function of the gel polish disappears. A microscopic gap is formed through which droplets of water and dust enter - the coating will not last long due to delamination.

We extend the life of a manicure with gel polish - we do not file it ourselves.

What not to do before applying gel polish

Even the most professional nail esthetician becomes confused when a client shows up with “prepared” nails. What causes poor manicure wear?

• Moisturizing nails with cream . Never apply cream before a manicure. This complicates the work of the master, so the result may be disappointing. The cream covers the nails and cuticles with an imperceptible film that cannot be removed even by washing your hands with soap. The nail plate becomes moist and “closed.” And during a manicure, the master specially applies a dehydrator to dry out the nail bed, because this allows the gel polish to last a long time and not chip. Of course, after applying gel polish, you can moisturize your hands with cream, but after 2-3 hours;
• Self-trimming of burrs and cuticles . Usually, girls cut their cuticles poorly, leaving them torn and unkempt. Many people think that by treating the cuticle themselves they will shorten the procedure time, but, on the contrary, the master will need more time to clean and polish the skin. Often, when the cuticle is torn, gel polish runs, and this will certainly lead to detachment of the material.

Despite the fact that the gel polish coating can last even a month, masters do not recommend overusing the coating, because this not only does not look aesthetically pleasing, but also contributes to the deformation of the natural nail plate. The maximum limit is three weeks. We hope that now you will know exactly what not to do after applying gel polish.

Interesting: Stylish manicure for teenagers 2021

Which design lasts longer on nails?

Everyday home and professional work quickly wears out the nail coating. Choosing a manicure design to wear for a long time:

• French with different color smile lines;
• Graphic drawing;
• Multi-color coating, glitter;
• Aqua design with dried flowers.

All these are flat options, they will last perfectly until a new correction. It is possible to add small rhinestones at the base to prevent chipping. Short nails with a simple design will last longer than long ones.

Advantages of using strengthening gel under gel polish

No matter how long your nails are, they should look neat and well-groomed. But the nail plate is constantly exposed to various mechanical and chemical influences. A special gel was developed to protect it. If your nails are thin and brittle, then it would be most rational to use this product.

1. The gel strengthens nails, making them denser and stronger.
2. Gives a well-groomed appearance.
3. Reduces the impact of harmful factors on the nail plate.
4. Prevents delamination and reduces fragility.
5. Allows you to grow your nails to the desired length.

Gel polish coating on nails

Nail strengthening is becoming popular and should be done regularly. Since the procedure is not cheap, it is worth mastering it to do it yourself at home. It does not imply any special difficulties. This method is quite easy to use and gives noticeable health and cosmetic results.

Filing nails before applying gel

For beginners, there are many instructions and descriptions of the principles of working with the material, but it’s easier to watch a video tutorial. It tells step by step how to perform the procedure, the expected results, the most common mistakes and shortcomings of beginners. A complete list of necessary materials and tools is also given.

Degreasing agent

In general terms, for work you will need:

• antiseptic solution;
• degreaser;
• 1-2 files with the finest abrasive;
• buff;
• several cuticle sticks.

During the work process, it is necessary to strictly follow the sequence of actions so as not to violate the technology. There is a preparatory stage and, directly, strengthening.

Nail treatment

During preparation, the following manipulations are carried out:

• antiseptic treatment;
• removing excess skin from the cuticle;
• giving the nail plate the desired shape;
• degreasing.

Nail strengthening is carried out using different gels - single-phase, two-phase and three-phase. The main difference between them is the number of stages. Single-phase coatings combine a base, base and topcoat, while three-phase coating is applied in 3 stages.

Ordinary

In most cases, this gel is used to build up and give nails a certain shape. There are various compositions. Some are quite elastic and suitable for creating only short nails, while others are more rigid and can be used to create any length.

But this strengthening is only minimal; the gel fills the unevenness and cracks on the nail plate and, as a result, a kind of protective shell is created. It is removed by filing; after removing it, the nails become weak and brittle.

Biogel

Strengthening with this product differs from the previous one in that the biogel consists of natural ingredients. Also, to apply it, you do not need to file off the top of the nail. The main ingredient of the biogel is protein; its molecular structure is similar to the structure of the nail plate. Therefore, the gel lasts from two weeks to a month. Also, the coating is porous in its structure, which does not interfere with the access of oxygen to the nail cells.

Removing biogel is also much safer compared to the previous option. Therefore, it is most often used to restore nails.

How to cut toenails?

You can trim off extra millimeters with nail scissors, but not with rounded blades. The best option is toenail clippers or tongs. They cope better with hard and thick plates and ensure a smooth edge. When asked how to properly cut toenails, many women are interested in whether it is possible to use a nail file. Sharp corners and free edges can be softened, but it is better to use a glass or paper-based tool. Metal files damage the structure of the plates, which provokes their delamination.

How to prepare your nails for shellac?

Preparing your nails for shellac is a process, to say the least. To prepare your nails for shellac, start with the following procedure:

1. Remove any remaining polish from your nails.
2. Then give your nails the desired shape.
3. Trim your cuticles, push back any excess skin you find, and then wash your hands.
4. Then lightly file your nails with a file or scrub.
5. Apply a layer of Shellac Base Coat, leaving a small gap between the polish and the edges of your nails.
6. Take a UV lamp and hold each hand for two minutes.
7. Once the base coat has dried, you can apply any color of shellac and top coat.

Click here to get CND Shellac Base Coat from Amazon.

Should I use shellac on acrylic nails?

Applying shellac to acrylic nails is often used as a way to strengthen their strength and as a way to extend the time you have between new sets of acrylics. However, the jury is still out on whether this is worth applying to your nails. There is no data to suggest that this will extend the life of your acrylic nails.

Most people who use shellac do so because they don't have time to dry. Even then, it won't last any longer than regular acrylic nail polish. If you were hoping for a longer-lasting manicure, shellac isn't worth the extra cost. In terms of convenience, everything might be fine. It's up to you.

Is it possible to file nails with shellac?

You can always file your nails with polish, although you may not like the results. Shellac can be used to file your nails to achieve the desired edge. However, there is a slight problem with filing nails that have shellac on them: it breaks the protective film that protects the color.

Without a protective seal, moisture can get inside the shellac. This, in turn, can cause you to lose much of the appearance of your manicure. Sometimes this can even lead to chipping and premature failure. So if you're planning on leaving your nails filed without any treatment, you may be disappointed.

The best way to file shellac nails is to repaint them after filing. At the very least add a topcoat. This can help lock out moisture.

Which gel to strengthen nails?

There are many options for strengthening agents, for example:

1. Bio Sculpture gel has a completely natural composition. The product dries in a couple of minutes, heals microdamages, and evens out the surface.
2. Royal Sealer is a product for adding shine to the finished manicure. Can be transparent or colored. Helps whiten nail plates, used for strengthening or extension.
3. UV biogel - used to strengthen the plates in the summer, protects against UV radiation.
4. Irisk Classik Clear is a universal liquid coating that is completely transparent. Recommended for use when nails are growing slowly.

Where to buy and how much it costs

Prices for such coatings vary from 200 to 700 rubles. The cost depends, first of all, on the manufacturer’s brand, composition and other characteristics of the product. You can buy nail restoration gel in pharmacies or stores that sell products specifically for manicure. In addition, online cosmetics stores are actively engaged in the sale of such products.

Features of toenail growth

Pedicure is significantly different from manicure due to some nuances in the structure of the toes. Toenails grow slower than fingernails. The average value is 0.1 mm per day, but this indicator is individual. The horny plates on the feet experience more stress, especially when wearing closed shoes. For this reason, they are dense and hard, making it more difficult to trim toenails unless they are softened first. Another feature is that the free edges of the plates on the sides are located very close to the skin, which is why there is a high risk of ingrowth if the edges are not processed correctly.

How often should you cut your nails?

An adult decides independently when to perform a hygienic pedicure. Among the recommendations on how to properly cut toenails from podiatrists and foot care specialists is advice on regularly shortening the plates every 10-14 days. The exact timing depends on the individual speed of their growth, personal preferences in design and decoration.

Some women prefer long toenails, but even if they look beautiful with trendy nail art, it is not advisable to wear them all the time. Under the free edge, many bacteria and fungi accumulate, which can cause an inflammatory process. Even if you systematically clean the plates, take antiseptic baths and use disinfectants, it is difficult to avoid infection.

When is the best time to cut your toenails?

It will take time to carry out a high-quality hygiene procedure, so it is advisable to schedule it in the evening or on a weekend. If the plates are regularly varnished, it is easy to determine when to cut your toenails - their regrowth is visually noticeable. Without design, you need to monitor the length yourself. The free edge should not protrude beyond the pad of the finger or cling to socks or shoes.

Another interesting option for manicure correction with gel polish

Manicure correction with gel polish can be done by changing the design, but without removing the previous coating. In all cases, the cuticle is first processed, that is, it is cut or moved. Then you can use the following tools:

• Gel polish of a different color for the regrown part of the nail. You need to file down the “step” between it and the old coating, degrease it, and coat the open area with primer. After it dries, a base is applied to this area and polymerized. And then they paint it with gel polish. After drying it and covering the entire surface of the nail with top coat, you get a reverse French manicure. It is necessary that the border with the shade is even, otherwise it will have to be covered with some kind of decor.
• Rhinestones. Here, too, the transition between the natural plate and the coating is smoothed using a file, and the surface is degreased. Glue or a thick base is used as a fixative. In the second case, rhinestones are placed on a coated surface and polymerized in a lamp. Apply a topcoat around the stones and dry it.
• Glitter. You can tightly cover the entire strip of the regrown nail with them or stretch it with glitter. Prepare the surface as in previous cases.
• Strips of flexible foil or display material. Here, too, you should cover the entire natural part of the nails. The color of the foil is matched to the shade of the gel polish.
• Acrylic powder with decorative properties. You can take a colored or neon one with glitter, pour it onto a damp base layer and dry it. And then use a brush to get rid of excess grains and cover everything with top coat.