The acrylic system

Acrylic, the latest of the nail extension systems has been used for some years now.  Utilising a liquid and powder mixture, it creates quick setting material that can be moulded into a nail shape forming a very hard structure.  The results are often termed Sculptured Nails or French Sculpture. This system is ideally suited to nail biters, those with short nails or heavy-handed people. These nails may also be worn without nail varnish. Maintenance in the form of infills is required approximately every 2 to 4 weeks. This consists of refilling the growth area next to the cuticle with the acrylic mixture and checking the health of natural nails. These enhancements can easily be removed by soaking in an appropriate solution by a qualified nail technician. Acrylic nails should never be peeled off as this will cause severe damage to the natural nail resulting in very weak and brittle nails.

Here is a simple guide to keep your nails healthy and in good condition till your next service:

• Use a nail & cuticle replenishing oil daily to moisturize nails and cuticles.
• Use a mineral oil-free hand cream daily to ensure that the skin is kept supple and in good condition.
• When removing nail polish, only acetone-free remover should be used.
• Don't panic if a nail breaks or falls off - nail adhesive (available from your nail technician) will hold the nail until your next visit.
• Infills should be done approximately every 2 to 4 weeks.  By delaying, you will be risking breakage of the nail or even infections caused by any substance which could have got stuck to the nail enhancement.

• Don't wear your nails too long as this will put unnecessary stress on the natural nail.
• Nails are not tools!  Do not use nails as screw drivers, gardening tools or levers to open cans or kitchen cupboards! Treat them like jewels!
• Do not pick at nail enhancements as this will cause severe damage to the natural nail plate.
• If you want to remove your nail enhancements, do not peel them off as you will be peeling layers from your natural nail - ask your nail technician to dissolve them in the appropriate solution.
• Oils or lotions which contain mineral oil promote lifting. So watch the ingredients before buying any hand creams, body lotions, hand lotions, sun protection lotions etc. which will seep under the acrylic and cause lifting.
• Cosmetologists, waitresses, dishwashers, swimmers, etc. - try not to leave your hands immersed in water for a long time because since natural nails are porous and acrylic is not, your nails will absorb water and swell while the acrylic will remain in the same shape as before.  This constant expansion and shrinkage of the natural nail eventually causes lifting. Wear gloves, but always use talc - Hands sweat in rubber gloves so give them 'breathing' periods.
• Harsh detergents and other chemicals - even if diluted in water, have an adverse reaction on acrylic.  Wear gloves whenever possible.
• Never touch your natural nails while your nail technician is prepping them to apply acrylic. You will be transferring natural oils or other substances onto the nails which will cause the acrylic to lift off as it would create a barrier between the nail and the acrylic stopping complete adhesion.
• Don't smoke during application. Smoke contains tar, which is an oil. We want to remove oily films from the nail plate not add an extra layer!

• Make sure you remove any hand cream residue from your nails using cottonwool and polish remover (acetone-free) before applying polish in order to get a smooth finish.
• If you get bubbles in your nail laquer, add a few drops of nail laquer thinner (available from your nail-technician) to the polish. Do not shake the bottle but roll it between your palms.
• Do not apply polish under a fan or air conditioning vent as it will dry faster than you can apply it resulting in tackyiness.

• Chlorine in swimming pools, smoking, tanning beds, fake tans and hair dyes among other things cause nails to yellow. To whiten them, try soaking them in denture whiteners. This will oxidise the acrylics which will make them clear again.

• Don't be scared to use a nail file. Invest in a soft file and a buffer and try filing gently the top part of the acrylic near the cuticles when the growth starts to show. This will make it less evident and almost invisible when you re-apply your polish making your good looks last longer. Start by using the soft file and when you are satisfied with the result, buff them off with the buffer to obtain a smooth finish. Make sure you only buff over the acrylic and not on the natural nail as this would obviously damage the nail.

Remember - care and maintenance are essential for beautiful nails.

With the Acrylic System and some care from your part, beautiful nails will be your wish come true... No matter how badly nails have been bitten, nail sculpting will have your hands looking immaculate after just one treatment!