How to Look After Your Nails Between Appointments

Your nails work hard every single day, so a little care between appointments goes a long way. Good aftercare keeps your nails looking beautiful, helps prevent lifting or breakage, and makes your sets last comfortably for weeks. Here’s a simple guide to keeping them at their best.

Keep Them Dry When They Need To Be

Water and chemicals are the two biggest enemies of long lasting nails.

Use gloves for:

• washing up

• cleaning

• bleaching

• scrubbing

• anything that involves detergents or hot water

Even the strongest enhancements can weaken if they are soaked in water or cleaning products day after day. Gloves protect both your nails and your skin.

Cuticle Oil: The Secret Weapon

A little cuticle oil every day supports nail flexibility and prevents dryness.

Benefits:

• helps prevent breaks

• reduces lifting

• keeps the skin around your nails soft

• encourages healthy nail growth

You can use whatever brand you prefer, just make it a daily habit. Think of it like skincare for your nails.

Avoid Using Your Nails as Tools

Your nails are not screwdrivers, scrapers or levers.

Try to avoid:

• opening cans with your nails

• picking labels

• peeling things

• prying things open

• scratching at stubborn marks

These small habits can crack, lift or stress the nail enhancements. If something needs force, use a proper tool or the side of your finger....anything except your nails!

Be Careful With Length and Shape

If your nails are too long or the shape doesn’t suit your lifestyle, they are more likely to break.

If you notice:

• pressure

• catching on clothing or hair

• bending

• a corner feeling weak

We can adjust things at your next appointment. Longer nails need more support and regular maintenance.

Lifting Happens: What To Know

If you ever spot a small lift, don’t pick it. Picking pulls the enhancement away from the natural nail and can cause damage.

What to do instead:

• leave it alone

• keep the area dry

• book a quick repair if you don't have an appointment soon

A tiny lift can be fixed easily. Picking at it usually makes things worse.

Avoid Home Removal

Peeling or pulling nails off removes the top layers of your natural nail.

If you ever want a break from enhancements, book a proper removal. I will gently take them off and file the nails into a nice natural shape.

Repairs and Emergencies

If you:

• break a corner

• trap a nail

• tear one

• get sudden lifting

• feel pain or pressure

Send me a message. Repairs are always better when they’re done early.

At Home Filing

If a sharp corner catches on something, you may gently buff the sharp edge. Avoid filing the top surface or trying to reshape the nail yourself. If in doubt, ask and I will guide you.

How Long Should They Last

Most people are comfortable between 2 and 4 weeks depending on:

• nail length

• lifestyle

• nail shape

• natural nail growth

If you get to 4 weeks and everything still looks good, that’s great. Just remember that nails grow and the stress point moves forward, which means longer than 4 weeks can make them more fragile.

If You Have Allergies or Sensitivities

If your nails ever itch, burn, go red, feel tight or look unusual, let me know as soon as possible. A sensitivity doesn’t have to mean the end of pretty nails. We can switch you onto HEMA free and tailor things to your skin.

Your Hands Matter

A little care each day keeps your nails looking beautiful for longer. Your routine doesn’t need to be complicated. Gloves. Cuticle oil. Avoid picking. Avoid harsh chemicals. That’s the magic combo.

If you ever need advice or you’re unsure about anything, just ask. I’m always happy to help keep your nails strong, healthy and looking amazing.