Hey there all my mani, pedi and enhancement nail peeps. I hope you are all healthy and staying busy. I know you all are in desperate need of some attention to your nails (hands and feet). And while you and I may see nail care as an “essential”……our government does not. And we all want everyone to stay safe. Since I am unable to see you all in the salon, or otherwise, I am sending you some tips to take care of your hands and feet at home during this mandated “stay-at-home” time.
First, my mani clients…. Keep your nails shorter than you normally would. File them down and keep the edges smooth so that nothing catches. Keep your hands moisturized as you would between your regular appointments. Continue to massage cuticle oil into your cuticles daily to keep them soft and nourished. For more information about at-home care please refer to my blog article here: http://botanicalblendsstudio.com/2019/12/31/manicure-care/
For my pedi clients…. You will most likely need to trim your nails at least once or twice before I am able to see you again. Please do not trim them too short. Trimming too short can cause ingrown nails. Trim them straight across and avoid cutting them down in the corners. When you trim, be sure there are no shart pointy corners that can become ingrown. File the corners rounded and smooth. I know you all are going to be concerned about callus formation and rough skin. PLEASE do NOT resort to using a “cheese grater” type of callus file on your feet. Nor should you use a pocket knife, credo blade, or any other type of blade on your feet. If you must do something, use an actual FOOT FILE. It will look like a nail file only bigger. This one from Walmart would suffice until you can get an appointment for a proper pedicure – https://www.walmart.com/ip/Plastic-Handle-2-Sides-Remover-Foot-File-Massage-Pedicure-Tool-23-5cm-Long-White/46643629
And now, for my enhancement clients. You have a hybrid product on your nails. It is a cross between acrylic and gel and does not soak off with acetone. It has to be filed off to be removed. The best thing you can do is to use a nail file and shorten them a little each week to keep up with their growth (if you have an active length to start with). If you have longer nails I would recommend cutting them down to an active length and file the edges smooth. This will cut down into the thicker portion of the product. You can remove the polish and file the top to thin the nails if needed.
If you do feel you need to remove them follow these steps:
1. Trim the nails down with clippers (toenail or fingernail clippers).
2. Remove the bulk of the product with a 100-grit nail file. Be sure not to file all the way through to your natural nail.
3. Now use a buffer to buff the surface smooth.
4. Polish them with regular polish or just leave them clear.
5. Massage cuticle oil into the cuticle and nails as you would be doing daily.
Most importantly, please know that I am available to answer any of your questions. You may email me at mel@botanicalblendsstudio.com . Text me at 919-562-5440. Or visit my Facebook page @BotanicalBlendsStudio and send me a private message. I am here for you and will walk you through your at-home care if necessary. I can also point you in the right direction with the necessary items to take care of your nails during this time until we can get back into the salon.
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