Answers & Questions

1. What is manicure and what are its benefits?

• These treatments promote good blood circulation, which in turn can help improve skin texture, elasticity, and firmness.
  
  

2. What is the difference between acrylic nails and gel nails?

• The main difference between gel and acrylic nails is that the gel nails are cured underneath a UV light whereas acrylic nails are cured by air.

3. How can I keep my nails healthy and strong?

• Keep fingernails dry and clean. This prevents bacteria from growing under your fingernails.

• Practice good nail hygiene. Use a sharp manicure scissors or clippers.

• Use moisturizer.

• Apply a protective layer.

• Ask your doctor about biotin.

4. What is semi-permanent nail polish and how long does it last?

• A good quality semipermanent gel polish can guarantee you that it will last at least 3 weeks.
  
  

5. What is the best way to care for my cuticles?

• Don't Cut Your Cuticles. Dermatologists say there's no good reason to cut the cuticles. 

• Moisturize. 

• Avoid Rough Manicurists.

• Steer Clear of Drying Agents.

• Keep Your Hands Out of Your Mouth.

6. What treatments exist to strengthen brittle nails?

Recommendations for keeping your nails from splitting or cracking, but this pearl of wisdom can also keep you healthy: “Keep your fingers away from your mouth. If you tend to bite your nails, then keep them short so you aren’t tempted to chew on dirty nails all day long.”

Coat and condition them

At bedtime, apply heavy hand cream. During the day, moisturize in between exposure to water or hand sanitizer. You can also apply a nail conditioner with lanolin a few times a day. Avoid nail conditioners that contain alcohol, because that will further dry out your nail.

Try nail slugging

If you’re looking to do some extreme moisturizing, nail slugging — a trendy new technique that’s gone viral on social media — might be right up your alley. Nail slugging is the quirky younger sister of face slugging, a practice that’s been popular for several years now.

Slugging, as the name suggests, is a slimy process. After applying skin care products, you cover your hands in a layer of petroleum jelly (or a similarly occlusive product, like an emollient) before going to sleep. The goop traps all that product on your skin, allowing it to more fully seep in.

You could technically slug your nails — or your face for that matter — during the day, but most people would rather be greasy in the privacy of their own homes.

Limit use of nail polish

Gel manicures provide a durable coating. Unfortunately, the removal process is damaging to the nail. Even removing regular nail polish can damage the nail, suggests choosing a clear polish if you can’t go without a coating. “Find a formaldehyde-free clear polish that you can apply and leave on for a week. If you choose a color and it chips, you’ll have to replace the polish, which dries out the nail.”

Some vitamins may help

“Taking a daily biotin supplement (one with about 5,000 micrograms) can improve nail health". “To see a difference, you’ll have to wait about six to eight weeks for the entire nail bed to grow out.” Protein also helps keep nails healthy. Make sure you take in a minimum of 45 grams each day.

Manicure must-dos

The cuticle protects your new nail as it grows out. While manicurists routinely push back or trim the cuticles, it’s better to leave them alone. Moisturizing your hands will keep the cuticles from becoming ragged. If your nails are breaking, clip or file them, so they are temporarily shorter. By taking protective steps, including moisturizing, you’ll give your nails a chance to grow out less rigid.

Beware of myths

“Drinking water is essential to good health, but you can’t drink your way to more supple nails". Consuming gelatin doesn’t improve nail health, either. “I drank a lot of gelatin as a teenager,” she says. “I can personally say that it doesn’t work.”

7. Is it safe to wear false nails regularly?

• If you want to wear artificial nails for more than a few weeks, you'll need touch-ups every 2 to 3 weeks to fill in the gaps that appear as your nails.

8. How can I prevent fungal nail infections?

• treat athlete's foot as soon as possible to avoid it spreading to nails.

• keep your nails short.

• keep your feet clean and dry.

• wear clean socks every day.

• wear flip-flops in showers at the gym or pool.

• wear shoes that fit well and do not have high heels or narrow toes.

• throw out old shoes.

9. What is the current trend in nail designs?

• And they are an excellent choice for those who do not trust much in this art, but want to be part of the trends of the moment.

• Among the simplest proposals for short nails we find geometric drawings, as well as hearts or small flowers.

• On some nails we find small green dots located in a vertical line, as well as others with a half moon and even more tiny dots.

• Perhaps the biggest trend in 2024 was chrome nails, and that will continue into the next year.

10. What precautions should I take when visiting a beauty salon to get a manicure?

• Are the tools clean and sanitized? Take a peek into a salon you plan to visit to see how the technicians handle their tools and work areas.

• Limit a mani-pedi to once a month. The break is better for your nails and your skin.

• Make sure your nails are healthy.