#1 Reason Why You Shy Away From Fake Nails
“Fake nails damaged my nails so badly”
The “It” being artificial nails of any sort-acrylic, hard or soft gel. It’s hard to speak for everyone on what exactly was put on each client that gives them the reason why they won’t have enhancements again. And these are my favorite clients!
Also, I need to clear the air on “my nails need to breathe.” No, they don’t; nails don’t have little lungs. The nail that we visibly see is dead. Keratin to be exact; it’ what our hair is made of as well. So, as far as the job of stylists and nail techs, our scope allows us to upkeep and beautify dead cells that we grow from our head and hands! That being said, techs are capable of harming clients if they don’t apply proper techniques and skills to making you beautiful unintentionally. If done correctly, you could keep enhancements on forever without having to “let them breath.”
Here’s the deal. If I damaged your nails prior to application and then you go and pry them off instead of maintaining them, you’re going to get damaged nails. So, let’s remedy that: I promise never to damage your nails and you promise to not pry them off. And there’s a tell that seasoned tech’s could see if you pried them off or it popped off due to application error. With these promises kept damage is adverted right? Yes! It’s that simple and no, nail techs do not need to “sand down” your nails prior to applying any artificial enhancements. Removing the shine will do just fine.
Some places you go, like the high-volume salons on every corner that charge a very low and appealing price, are generally ones that are the culprit. In the nail world we call those shops NSS (Non-Standard Salons/Shop,) shops not performing at the bare minimum standard. A lot of the time the NSS shops are performing a routine. Everyone is handled the exact same as the last. It’s usually quick, sometimes painful, and cheap. That is sadly the “norm” we as consumers have come to expect from the nail industry. It doesn’t have to be that way and in fact it’s not ok.
No nail service should hurt. You deserve a clean personalized service; just as unique and properly done as your hairstyle is to you. Take the time to research your nail salon as you would for a doctor or hair stylist. Don’t let price be the only deciding factor. Another saying us nail techs like to say, “Cheap nails ain’t nice, and nice nails ain’t cheap.” Because you will pay in the end with damaged nails taking the cheap route!
Things to look for when searching for a reputable nail tech would be that they have a clean setup first and foremost. You are by law, supposed to have a clean, brand new file; clean implements to be used on you; and the station shouldn’t be covered in dust. Especially now during the pandemic, cleanliness should absolutely be a priority. Choose a tech that listens to your wants and needs, so that you get what you’re paying for. Now, nail techs aren’t perfect but if you do experience any pain and you let them know, it should stop there. Allow her to adjust what she is doing to allow you to comfortably receive your service.
While enhancements aren’t for everyone, I’ll dive into that at another time, there is a right and wrong way for them to be applied and have a beautiful result. Remember, your nails don’t need to breath and be diligent when looking for a nail salon to fit your needs. Nail services are a luxury, and you deserve the best!