How do the nails grow? How can I make my nails stronger? Do artificial Nails hurt your natural nails? Can nail polish help my nails grow faster?
These are all valid questions for your nail care expert.
Where do we begin???
First let's start with the anatomy of the Nail. Boring, but needed to understand how the nail grows and how to keep the nail healthy.
The above diagram show the different parts of the nail.
Growth of the nail begins in the Matrix of the nail, this is under the skin below the base of the nail. Nail Growth is greatly dependent on the health and nourishment of the body. If you nourish your body with the right foods, and enough water, and fresh air, your body should be healthy and this will reflect in your hair, skin and nails.
Nails grow at an average rate of 1/8th inch per month. Nails grow more rapidly in younger people, thus as one ages the nail growth slows down. Under normal circumstances, growth of a new nail plate takes about four to six months. The nail bed on which the nail body (plate) rests contains many nerves, as well as blood vessels for continuous nourishment.
As the nail is formed under the skin, in the matrix of the nail, you need to be extra careful when you push back your cuticles, and do not apply so much pressure, which could cause you to "dent" the newly formed nail, which could lead to a distortions in the nail, and possibly cause a furrow in the new nail.
When filing the nail, file from outside to center with a fine grit file. This will shape the nail without shredding or tearing it. Friction can be reduced with the use of an nail oil and the use of a hand lotion will help the massage feel great and moisturize the tissue of the skin as well as the nails.
Cuticle solvent will help break down excess cuticle tissue, where as a cuticle oil will help lubricate the cuticle where it can be pushed back easier. You can decide if your cuticle is excessive or dry and what route you need to take.
How can I make my nails stronger and healthier?
A professional manicure is recommended. When you go to a professional they should do a hand and nail analysis, and then determine what services would benefit you and your nails. In a professional salon, there should be a variety of services to choose from. You can start with a very simple water manicure, which will include basic nail care to give you a jump start to healthier nails. You can do a very basic water manicure at home, but it always feels better when you have it done at a salon.
STEPS to a BASIC WATER MANICURE.
- Wash and sanitize hands
- Perform visual examination of hands and nails
- Remove polish
- Analyze skin and nails thoroughly
- File and shape nails
- Apply cuticle remover or oil
- Place hand in finger bowl (bowl of warm, soapy water)
- Repeat filing, shaping and cuticle care on opposite hand
- Pat first hand dry
- Push back cuticles, gently.
- Scrub hand and nails
- Clean under free edge
- Pat hand dry
- Repeat cuticle care and cleaning on opposite hand
- Apply massage lotion or cream
- Perform hand and arm massage
- Remove all traces of massage lotion or cream from nails
- Apply base coat- let dry at least one minute
- Apply first coat of color,- let dry at least one minute
- Apply second coat of color, -let dry at least one minute
- Apply polish at free edge of nail
- Remove any excess polish from the skin
- Apply top coat - let dry at least one minute
- Apply quick dry product.
Can Artificial Nails Hurt My Natural Nails?
Yes. If not done properly artificial nails can damage natural nails.
There are seven layers to a healthy nail bed. If the technician gets carried away and files through those layers the natural nail bed will be left too thin.
If the technician does not keep their tools clean and sanitized, you, the client are at risk for infection from virus, bacteria or even fungus. It is very important to make sure the salon you frequent practices the highest levels of safety and sanitation.
MMA Alert - Methyl Methacrylate Monomer is outlawed for use in the Salon. It is a poisonous substance that should not be used in acrylic monomers. This substance is still used in some salons, even though it is illegal.
If I have Artificial nails put on How often do I need to go back to the salon.
At least every two weeks. If you are a nail bitter, you may need to go in sooner.
Will Nail Polish help my Natural Nails?
Yes, it can if it is a high quality polish. Some nail polish will have strengtheners and fortifiers in them to help give your natural nails a little more support.
Does Polish make my nails grow faster? No, but it can help protect the nail, by giving it a little extra thickness.
What is the best way to protect my Natural Nails?
Protect your natural nails by treating them like jewels not tools. This means to value them, protect them with the use of rubber gloves, when doing household chores. Keep them clean, and moisturized. File out any rough edges to protect the nails from snags and tears. When you exercise proper care on a regular basis, upkeep is at a minimum.
Hope you find this information interesting and helpful. If you have any questions pertaining to the Services We Offer at the Academy, you can give me a call at 405-238-3426. We are always happy to help you with all of your beauty needs.
See you soon at the Academy!