How to Maintain Gel Manicures
For many women, nail maintenance is an essential part of their beauty regime, but some nail treatments can often be harmful to nails. Acrylic nails, commonly used for nail extensions, can be damaging to natural nails, causing them to weaken. Though not as sturdy as acrylics, gel nails form a protective coat that allows natural nails to grow under them, so that they stay healthier. Because gel nails last longer than acrylics, it’s important to maintain your manicure so that it stays in good condition. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Keep gel nail tips shorter when you first get them. They should only be about 25 percent as long as your nail, measuring from your nail bed to your fingertip. This length is long enough to allow the nails to grow under the gel, without the gel tip breaking too much from your daily activities.
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Visit the nail salon every two to three weeks to have a manicurist fill in, shape and condition your nails, so that they stay healthy. Having trapped water or dirt removed at these visits will also help prevent infections.
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Get your broken gel nails fixed at the salon. You’ll need the aid of a manicurist to file the old gel nail off and reapply a new one. Your manicurist will also repair cracked nails using fiber-wrap before applying more gel.
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Repair clean breaks in your gel nails by using nail glue to reattach the gel nail. Clean your nail with polish remover or alcohol. Brush glue on the back of the gel nail and place it on top of your natural nail. Hold the gel nail in place for about 10 seconds.
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Tips & Warnings
After three weeks of maintaining the nails at the 25 percent mark, they can be lengthened, but still shouldn’t be more than half as long as your nail.
Have your gel set removed professionally when it’s time to have them taken off. Doing this will help protect your nails and cuticle.
References
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