Pro Tips
The Truth Behind The "Let Nails Breathe" Myth
Separating fact from fiction. If you're like us, you've probably come across a fair share of nail myths. But have you ever stopped to wonder which ones are true?
The Myth: Nails don't breathe
Belinda says: Possibly the myth that makes nail techs everywhere sigh in despair! We know our nails don’t breathe and that they are in fact dead cells being pushed up the nail plate by new ones being made in the matrix. So why has this remained a thing? Often, when clients are saying “I’m going to give my nails a rest”, they might be subtly indicating that they won't be booking appointments for a while.
The truth is that our nails are protected by our nail coating and are quite often better off being looked after and cared for by a professional every 3 weeks and the client who is following after-care recommendations, such as using a good nail and cuticle oil like OPI ProSpa Nail and Cuticle Oil.
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Understanding exceptions
Belinda says: There are exceptions and this gives us an idea where this myth came from, if a nail tech is causing damage to the nail with harsh prep and removal, using products that are not suitable for professional use with harmful levels of ingredients or no reliable SDS available, then you can forgive the client for thinking a rest is needed. Or, if the client regularly picks off their nail coatings, damage will be caused. For the most part this is an exception, but it highlights where people may get the idea of needing a break from their nail coatings.
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Helping clients understand
Belinda says: The nails don’t breathe, they are dead cells, much like your hair, and often feel soft after removal for a few reasons, one being that we are used to them being thicker and harder and forget what it’s like to have natural nails! Like our hair, we can recommend a treatment to clients with condition concerns. OPI Repair Mode™ can be used as a Power Boost service at each appointment.
The Myth: Using hand cream counts as oiling cuticles
Belinda says: If you use hand cream it counts as oiling your cuticles, OPI ProSpa Nail & Cuticle Oil really is the number one for nail and cuticle care AND making our nail coatings last longer.
Many clients think if they use OPI ProSpa Protective Hand Nail & Cuticle Cream it does the same, but the reality is, it really does not.
Molecule size is important, ingredients are important, here are very few that penetrate the nail.
Look for oils that contain squalene, avocado or jojoba.
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The Myth: E-files are bad and can cause damage
Belinda says: As with any tool, it’s important to have had the correct training to use it. An e-file can be an effective way to reduce appointment times and to perfect prep.
It is just as easy to damage the natural nails and skin with nail files, pushers and nippers if used incorrectly.
The Myth: False nails look fake and/or thick
Belinda says: Many clients comment about ‘acrylic nails’ looking thick. A well applied nail with great strength does not need to be thick, it does need to be well constructed. As with anything, the correct training is required to ensure you are applying consistently so any refining with the file is minimal.
So whether your chosen system is a liquid and powder acrylic system, a hard gel, or a builder in the bottle, understanding the basic construction of a strong nail and how to create it, will apply to all.
Let’s all make it our mission to create beautiful, thin and strong enhancements that last.
The Myth: Gel and or enhancements damages your nails
Belinda says: If you are using a good quality product from a reputable manufacturer then the likelihood of this being true is very low. The things that tend to damage the nail can be excessive or harsh prep, over filing, leaving the nails too long between appointments, picking or biting nail coatings off at home, or the salon prise the enhancements off with tools. By avoiding those things, the nail should actually be very well protected under the nail coating, in fact it’s a little like your own nail is wearing a suit of armour so it’s less likely to come to harm.
The Myth: White spots are due to a lack of calcium
Belinda says: As a child, I remember being told that those white spots on my nails were due to lack of calcium. In fact, that is a myth. The white spots are little areas that become detached from the nail bed (the blood supply makes it pink) and that bit of nail is then white as not attached. We cause it when we bump or bang our nails, and the marks will need to grow out. Children seem to get them more than adults because they are so busy with their hands and their nails are a little softer/thinner when younger.
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