To ensure your nails look and last their best until your next fill, here are a few simple
guidelines to follow.
Avoid filing your nails shorter:
Filing can break the seal between the natural nail and the enhancement encouraging dirt
and bacteria to become trapped between the layers. Lifting can also spread and the
natural nail can pull away and chip off. However, if you are not able to receive a fill
on time filing may be your only option to prevent your nails from becoming
excessively unbalanced and more prone to stress cracks and breaking. If this is necessary only use a file,
never a clipper.
Check ingredient labels on lotions:
If lifting is a recurring problem you may want to have a look at the lotions or products you frequently use. If it
contains mineral oil or petroleum oil it can eventually break down the bond with your natural nail and the
enhancement. Additionally any oil based products or Vaseline may affect the bond negatively. Discontinue
use, use less frequently, or wash nails with soap and water directly after using.
Avoid excessive water exposure:
When nails are in water the natural nail swells and becomes saturated and when it dries it contracts and curls
and can eventually separate from the enhancement. This is called free edge separation and occurs when the
nail is dehydrated. This can happen when the nail is excessively long and the free edge is farther away from
the nail bed, or the nails are repeatedly exposed to water. Use gloves and cuticle oil to help prevent it, and
rehydrate the natural nail.
Use cuticle oil daily:
Cuticle oil helps to hydrate your skin and natural nail keeping them healthy and flexible. If your nails are prone
to free edge separation applying cuticle oil to the underside of your nail can keep it hydrated to prevent the
natural nail from becoming dry and curling away from the enhancement.
Don’t pick!:
This is extremely important to ensuring your nails last as long as they can. Picking at the nail can cause it to lift,
and picking at a l