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Manicure Experience
I'm going to rely on my own experiences for this one.
Manicure - Acrylic Nails
Arriving at the shop you will probably have to wait for a while so the other customers can finish up. Take your time to catch up on your fashion magazines (about as up to date as a dentist office, but good reading).
After you sit down, the first thing that happens is the removal of old polish. They do it the same as anyone.
Cuticle removal happens in a couple steps. Painting cuticle remover on the edges of the nails (sometimes you get a warming mitt) and then attacking them with clippers.
That done, they begin to go at you with a moto-tool. This is the part that will leave its mark on you if you try to remove the nails. They rough up all of your nail surface with a heavy grit grinder.
Superglue for the nails comes next. They glue the nail tips to the end of each nail. They will leave them long at this point.
They cut the nails roughly to size and begin the artistry. A white acrylic powder is moistened with acetone which is globbed onto the nail. Using a brush they smooth this out and remove all difference between your nail and the tip. Note: this makes the nail VERY thick. Get out the grinder again.
She will now finalize the shape of the nail with the moto-tool and clean the bottom of the nail (a ridge usually forms that has to be removed. After they are done with the tool you must wash your hands.
At this point it is a good idea to get the money out as well as your car keys. Digging in a purse or pocket can ruin your manicure. Pick your nail color.
You probably will have a few coats (bottom, color (2 coats), and a top coat). Some places will have you hold your hand in front of a fan to dry, others will have an ultraviolet dryer. I prefer the ultra-violet.
Carefully pay the manicurist and stay until your nails are dry (using the dryer provided). If you leave and mess them up getting into your car you are most likely on your own.
Each week the nails grow and the acrylic must be filled in. This is usually a relatively inexpensive process and you get to know the other ladies well.
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Removal If you aren't going to go full time you probably want to know how to get these things off, eh? The main thing you need is acetone (No not nail polish remover) You need the heavy duty stuff ACETONE 100%. You can get this at beauty supply houses or even at Wal-Mart. Do not pour this in ANYTHING PLASTIC. It will dissolve. Use a glass. You have to melt these things off. Soaking your nails will get most of the acrylic off but you have to add some elbow grease. Nail clippers and files can rough up the nails so the solvent can have more of an effect. Your nails will NOT look normal afterward. They will be VERY rough. When they grow out then you will have a smooth patch working its way up your nail. I recommend a nail buffing kit. These have three levels of abrasion to work on your nails. Start with the roughest and work to the smoothest. You may get away with it. Don't do this too often, you are weakening your nail every time you take the nails off. |
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