There is nothing quite like a little pick me up than having nice nails. Whether they are long or short its amazing how a lovely colour will transform your nails from drab to fab.
Most nail polishes these days promise to be chip free, longer lasting and able to achieve salon results but the reality is, to be able to get the most out of your polish it would require a base coat, at least two coats of colour and a top coat and let’s face it the average mum doesn’t have the time to be spending applying all of the above and that is where a gel polish is just the thing for the busy yummy mummy.
When applied properly you can expect to have chip free glossy nails for around about two weeks depending on how quick your nails grow and how well you look after them and by that I mean using a good cuticle oil and wearing gloves for housework and not using your nails as tools (refrain from using your nails to open a can or pick open a parcel etc)
As a nail technician I can’t help but notice everyone’s hands. No matter where I am, I find myself glancing at their nails and it actually shocks me how many people go to great lengths to pick, bite and pull at their nails and cuticles. I shiver at the thought of it. Mostly anyone who knows me now hide their hands when they see me if they have had an extended biting session the night before.
There is a lot of misconception about whether gel polishes and extensions damage nails but let me clear that up for you. If applied correctly and removed by a qualified technician they will not be damaged. Whereas those that pick at their extensions or try to remove them themselves because of lack of time or money are only going to end up with sore and damaged nails. If you really want to remove them safely by yourself then below I will tell you exactly what you will need to ensure you remove them without causing damage to the natural nail.
What you will need: Pure acetone, orange stick or cuticle pusher, cotton wool balls, 100-150 grade nail file, foil and a nail buffer.
Step 1: Gently push your cuticles back
Step 2: Lightly go over your nails with the nail file to take the shine off the gel polish and break the seal to ensure the acetone penetrates through (never use a 100 grade nail file on natural nails, this file is only for use on extensions or gel polish).
Step 3: Break up your cotton wool balls into small pieces, soak in acetone and apply on top of nail.
Step 4: Wrap a square of tinfoil around the cotton wool ball and your nail, leave on all nails for around 10 mins.
Step 5: Remove foil and cotton wool and lightly scrape the gel polish away with your orange stick or cuticle pusher, if the gel polish is still not coming off easily, reapply the cotton wool and foil with some acetone for a few minutes more.
Step 6: When you have removed all traces of the gel polish, wash your hands and then lightly buff your nails with the nail buffer to smooth out the nail.
Step 7: Apply cuticle oil to each nail and massage in.
If you find applying the cotton wool and foil to your own nails a bit fiddly, ask someone to help you or you can pick up a packet of soak-off gel nail wraps from most Sally Salon Services or online. These have built in pads with stretchy tape that make applying to your own nails a little easier.
Whatever method you use remember it is critical to use your cuticle oil afterwards to put the moisture back into your nails as acetone is very drying. Cuticle oil should also be used twice daily when you have extensions, gel polish or even on your natural nails as it deeply conditions, improves circulation and stimulates nail growth.
So now all that’s left to decide is what colour to go for……..