It is a truth universally acknowledged that anyone with gel nails has the inescapable desire to pick at them and peel them off.

We all know that ripping or peeling off any type of nail enhancement is terrible for your nails. It doesn’t matter if it’s acrylic or full cover extensions or builder or gel, you should never ever peel or ‘pop’ these off because it removes layers of the natural nail and causes damage.

All nail enhancements start with a layer of nail plate being removed, this might be called buffing, removing the shine, filling, ‘fluffing’ or etching and it’s not harmful to your nail health when done carefully.

But if it’s done too often, too severely or if you pull off nail enhancements lifting natural nail layers with it, your nails can get thin, prone to breaking and sensitive.

To help avoid this, not only am I very careful when I’m working on your natural nail, I also give every new client an after-care kit. When you leave your appointment you will have

• The 180/100 grit nail file that I’ve used during your appointment to refine your nails
• The nail brush used during your appointment
• 240 (fine) grit mini nail file to reduce length or file sharp edges if required
• Nail buffer
• Removal Sachets
• Orange sticks
• *cuticle oil or balm is available for you to buy and add to your kit.

Aftercare

It is perfectly ok to file your nails as they grow if you find them too long, or uncomfortable. Always file in one direction.

You should regularly apply cuticle oil or balm to the skin around your nails. This improves how well your nails behave with your manicure but also prevents catchy bits of skin and hang nails.

You can purchase a cuticle oil pen to add to your aftercare kit and that should be used at least once a day, and before bed:

Always wear gloves when washing dishes and cleaning, avoid getting dyes and strongly pigmented dyes, tanners, spices on your nails a they can absorb the colour.

It’s recommended to go no longer than 3 weeks between appointments, I know this is a luxury service but after that time you’re in danger of lifting, and water damage so please do let me know if you’re away and need more removers just in case. I don’t mind, health first always.

To remove in an emergency

If your nails start to peel or are chipped, are catchy or you’re sick of them, please contact me and if I can fit you in for removal I would be happy to do so.

Safe removal

• Use the 180 grit file to remove the shine from the nails. Hold the file at one end gently and lightly “kiss” the artificial nail surface. Never file your natural nail with this harsher file
• Your nails will have a top coat, several layers of colour and a builder base coat. It is safe to gently file to the base colour if you’re comfortable doing so and the more you file, the faster the acetone will get to work on your nails.
• Separate the remover sachets, These sachets can be used to remove several nails one after the other, so if you are intending to remove the full set, you will need to be patient, or simply removed the damaged nail only.
• Tear off the very top of the remover sachet, and place your finger inside with the cotton pad over your nail. There is a sticky strip on the back to secure
• This should be left for 10-15 minutes, then uses the flat part of the orange stick to scrape off the gel
• Do not apply too much pressure with the stick, and if areas don’t lift, simply put the finger back into the sachet.
• It’s possible to remove all 10 nails with just 2 sachets, if you’re patient!
• Further refills are available, if you’ve used the removal kit and come for your next appointment with nail in good condition then I will refill your kit for free.
• And yes, if you have chewed your nails to bleeding stumps and the surface looks like a Texas Chain Saw massacre victim, then the refill will cost £3 🙂