Nails Your Way

Five Most Often Asked Questions About Nail Care

What is the best way to prevent polish from chipping or wearing off at the free edge on the natural nails?

Natural nails bend easily and they also absorb water, so the constant expansion and contraction of the nails tends to break their bond with the polish. Removing excess cuticle growth is an important part of a natural nail manicure. If you apply polish over excess cuticle growth it will cause the polish to chip and peel. To improve polish adhesion, remove the cuticle with a cuticle cream exfoliant and remove all moisture and oils from the nail plate with a nail prep/de-hydrant & sanitizer. Next use a base coat followed by two coats of polish and a topcoat. To make the polish last longer and for extra strength, polish the free-edge (tip) of your nail with the topcoat.

What causes natural nails to split and peel off in layers?

Medical disorders such as hypothyroidism, overexposure to water (frequent “wet” work), chemical exposure, or damage to the matrix all can cause the nails to peel in layers at the free edge. To treat nails that peel use a moisturizing lotion or cream and a cuticle oil several times a day. Regular Therapeutic spa manicures using oil and herbal treatments such as lavender and grape-seed oil warm paraffin dips, along with Reflexology therapy will increase circulation and help treat this problem. The Crystal (glass) nail file is an excellent product that is designed specifically for use on natural nails. The Crystal nail file never wears out, it seals and protects the nails free edge and it reduces splitting and peeling. It is completely washable, sanitizable and sterilizable.

Why do nails separate from the nail bed?

Termed onycholysis, separation of the nail plate from the nail bed can result from, or accompany, trauma to the nail plate. When it starts at the free edge and proceeds toward the cuticle, a likely cause is a fungal infection. Injury, allergic reactions to nail products such as acrylics, certain medications such as chemotherapy drugs, and medical disorders such as hypothyroidism also can cause the nails to separate. If a nail has separated then keep it cut short and filed smooth so that it doesn’t catch on things and tear off. The Recovery Program with Home Care Kit accompanied with regular manicures will help begin the healing process for those who have decided to return to healthy natural nails.

What causes white spots on the nails?

Called leukonychia, these white marks can range from small white specks on the nail plate to completely white, opaque nails. The most common forms are leukonychia punctata, seen as small white spots that often materialize near the Lunula and grow out with the nails, and leukonychia striata, which manifests as multiple white transverse lines crossing the nail bed. The small white spots are most often caused by trauma (mild bruises) to the matrix and nail bed. White bands across the nail can be inherited or caused by trauma and some medications.

Why is it better not to cut or nip the cuticles?

The cuticle, which extends from the nail fold onto the underlying nail plate, helps maintain the integrity and function of the nail and its surrounding tissue. The cuticle seals the proximal nail fold to the nail plate. Normal cuticle growth should come off by pushing back the cuticles with a gentle, circular motion. If there’s excess growth, the cuticles should be softened first with oil or lotion. To keep the cuticles looking their best, find a licensed professional Manicurist & Onyxologist that will push back and exfoliate using Alpha Hydroxy on the cuticles instead of cutting or nipping them. Only the hangnails should be nipped. Over-cutting or over-nipping the cuticles can cause them to produce scar tissue and become overly thick. It also causes the cuticles to grow back faster than normal and this will keep your manicure from lasting as long.

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Nails Your Way
Jeanne Grace Curtis
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Douglasville GA 30135-4726

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