How to Get Long Lasting Nails
Long lasting nails take a little bit of work. Find out how to get long lasting nails with help from a licensed nail technician, certified massage therapist and cosmetologist in this free video clip.
Expert: Sarah McLean
Contact: www.sarahmclean.com
Bio: Sarah McLean is a licensed nail technician, certified massage therapist and cosmetologist.
Filmmaker: Reel Media LLC
~Introduce the topic by stating your name and your purpose for writing the how-to essay. In this case, you can write about what nail color works best for different skin tones or discuss how to take care of nails.
~Provide a list of items needed to do what you’re explaining in the how-to essay. For example, if you’re showing someone how to paint their nails, you will need nail polish, a base coat and a topcoat.
~Present instructions in an easy-to-understand format with step-by-step instructions. For example, you could start off the procedure by explaining that taking care of nails starts with a lengthy hand soaking session. You could also talk about proper nail cleaning techniques and cutting procedures.
~Explain why it is important to follow these steps. For example, if you’re talking about painting acrylic nails, explain that following these steps will result in longer lasting nail designs.
~Close your essay with reasons why readers should take advantage of your advice. Explain that long lasting nail designs are worth the extra effort because they look great and last longer than other nail designs or styles.
When the acrylic nails start to grow out you will need to re-fill them. There are two types of refill, one is a full set where the technician will remove all of the old acrylic and apply a new set. The other option is a partial set where the technician will only refill the bottom of your nail bed. If you choose this option, it would be best if you did not wait too long to get your nails redone as your natural nail may begin to grow faster than the acrylic nail.
How do I remove my acrylic nails? To remove your acrylic nails you have several options. You can visit a professional nail technician and they will safely soak off your acrylics in acetone and finish with a manicure or pedicure. If you prefer to do it yourself, there are several different ways of removing them at home.
Place your fingers in 100% acetone for up to 10 minutes and rub off with an orange stick or cuticle pusher. You can also use acetone on a cotton ball wrapped around each nail with aluminum foil on top of that to keep the cotton on while it soaks in overnight. Use caution when removing gel nails as they may chip from rough removal causing damage to your natural nail below.
Since I decided to give my nails a break from acrylics, I’ve been trying to find the right combination of products and techniques that will allow me to grow out my nails while keeping them strong enough to avoid breaking. After much trial and error, I’ve come up with a system that is working so far. I think the key is to keep your nails as healthy as possible. Here are some tips:
1. Use nail strengthener every day. It’s a pain because it takes a long time to dry, but it really works.
2. Use moisturizer on your cuticles every night before bed. Mine tend to get really dry and peel if I don’t do this daily.
3. Apply oil to your nails every night before bed. This helps keep the cuticles moist and the polish from chipping.
4. File your nails regularly. This keeps them from peeling and breaking as easily as they would if you let them get too long before filing them down.
5. Only use acetone free polish remover when removing old polish or cleaning up messes (it’s less drying.)
6. Don’t be afraid to cut your nails short when necessary! It’s better than having them peel or break off completely!
Apply a thin coat of clear nail polish to your nails to lock in natural nail color. Apply another thin layer of clear polish, if needed.
It’s so important to maintain your natural nail health by not using polishes that are harmful to your nails. The most popular nail polish brand is OPI, who has a vast array of colors and lasts for a long time. If you want to go for the natural look, I would suggest using OPI’s “natural nail base coat” and then going with their “alpine snow white” color. This will give your nails a clean, crisp look that is free of any polish or chemicals.
Another great product is Sally Hansen’s “hard as nails clear polish.” You can use this on its own if you want the natural look or you can use it as a top coat for other colors.