Manicure

Things to Consider When Getting a Manicure

For New Nail Colors

• As most nail salon owners know, new nail colors are always the first thing people want to try out! But before you spend big bucks on new polish, check out the reviews on the product.
• Purchase products that make care plans available, so you can set up a program of care that includes your chosen polish color and a portion of your chosen color to wash and dry your nails every day, with the rest going into your bag.
• If you're concerned about your manicure drying too quickly, cuticle oil is your friend! Put into a little bottle, it will stop your nail from drying too quickly after your manicure.
• When purchasing one product, pay close attention to the product information. There's so much product information available online today, but remember to read through carefully. Determine what needs work. Many of the packages will have a list of labels or ‘manufacturer's notes' that are warning you against a certain part of your nail, like a sharp tip or nails turning white, so you don't get it. Also, keep in mind that sometimes the color you thought was great, doesn't look so great after hours of buffing.
• Another way to avoid getting stained nails on repeat manicures is to switch your manicure color after every single manicure, and buy a new color every three or four months.

For Nail Painting

• Make sure to clean up afterwards, and reduce the chance of chip by brushing off from your fingers to the surface before drying.
• If you have had any diseases that caused you to have weak nails or nail sensitivity, make sure to check in with your nail salon provider and ask what products and techniques are used to treat nail ailments.
• If you're having any problems in your mouth or throat, as not all nail salon workers are trained to handle common oral illnesses. Be sure to tell them as soon as possible so they can prevent any further damage.
• Keep track of your appearance throughout the entire process so you can see how well it matches the color you are having painted. If they show you the perfect color, you won't feel rushed and will most likely end up liking the shade.
• When your nails are dry, remove your polish. You don't want dry nails holding your nail polish in place and your next manicure might be ruined.
• Cream colors can be softer and messier than hard-carved, polishes. Prepare yourself for more care and attention.
• Besides nail polish, acrylic nails are more likely to be the most expensive type to get for your nail art, due to their thicker texture. Cuticle oil, shaping techniques, and salon procedures are often involved in perfecting the shape and size of the nail, which is why you'll save money and have great manicures if you choose to go with a craft-inspired polish that's more difficult to apply.
• For those who prefer more contemporary nail colors like hand painted gems or pigmented gel colors, make sure your nail salon is willing to get more than one polish for you at a time.
• You can sometimes have to get dirty to apply these more interesting nail-art designs. If your manicurist is not working, ask whether or not they're cleaning it up before taking off the polish, especially if you have very severe polish-job issues.

Can You Have A Manicure Too Often?

Prevent Dangers During a Manicure

Don't shave your legs beforehand. Any small nick or cut can open you to an infection, so wait until afterwards to use that razor.

Tool safety means using the right ones and making sure they are clean. Disinfect them with rubbing alcohol before and after use at home. In a salon, ask how they sanitize their tools—including the foot bath and filter—between each customer, or even bring your own tools along.

Use only a pumice stone or foot file to remove calluses and dead skin—never something sharp. The risk of injury from a sharp object, and the resulting infection, is too great. For this reason, we never recommend performing “bathroom surgery” to address any kind of skin condition.

Never cut or force back your cuticles. You can use a soft cuticle stick to gently push them back after your bath or shower when they are soft. Anything else is asking for trouble.

Trim nails straight across, not too short, and not too long. File any ragged edges with a metal file or emery board, but don't cut down the corners. That could lead to ingrown toenails.

If you use polish remover, moisturize your nails afterwards. These harsh chemicals can dry out the keratin and make it more brittle. Give your nails a rest from polish, too, now and then. It is not healthy for them always to be covered, and deep tones can discolor the keratin unless you use a couple of base coats first.