Nail Myths

Nail Myths!

They are all over the place! And they can be so confusing - what to believe and what to not....

Let me explain some of the incorrect statements I found on the internet......

1. You shouldn't wear nail products all the time because nails need to breathe.

Absolutely false! Your nails do not breathe. They are dead. The only living part of your nail is the matrix where new nail is formed. 100% of the oxygen that is needed by the nail matrix to create a new nail plate comes from your bloodstream. Absolutely no oxygen penetrates through the nail itself.

2. Calcium makes nails stronger

Research studies have shown that increasing your calcium intake really won't make make much difference at all. A good balanced diet can help you have strong nails, but mainly nails respond well to good care. There isn't much to be gained from taking supplements that promise long strong nails if you then consume unhealthy food, use your nails as tools and immerse the nails in chemicals and don't bother with any kind of nailcare. Forget about supplements as a 'fix' for nails. The key to strong healthy nails is - a good balanced diet, regular manicures, good cuticle oil, washing up gloves when doing housework and never use nails as tools!!!

3. Nail enhancements and gel polishes damage nails.

No they don't. Nail coatings don’t cause any harm the nail plate at all.
Any nail damage, if it does occur, is usually the result of improper application and/or removal. Nothing that can be put on the nail will damage your nails. A nail technician who is not properly trained, or who rushes their work, will cause damage by over filing or incorrect application. A client who picks or pulls the nail enhancement or gel polish off will damage the nail. Nail enhancements can actually be beneficial by providing weaker nails with a protective coating.

4. It is best to avoid all nail products because they have chemicals in them.

It is easy to worry too much about the term 'chemical' - Chemicals are everywhere and even water is a chemical substance. The use of chemicals is not something that is going to always cause harm. The only problem with chemicals is that improperly used chemicals can cause harm. So always ensure that your nail tech is qualified! Nail products are not harmful, but going to a nail tech who doesn't fully understand how to use those products is not really a good idea!

5. The white spots on nails are a sign of vitamin or calcium deficiency.

These white spots on fingernails are called “leukonychia” and they are very common. They are not a sign of a vitamin or mineral deficiency. The main cause of them is an injury to the nail, usually so minor that you will not have noticed it. The matrix at the base of the nail where the nail cells are formed is very delicate and even the tiniest damage can cause these white spots to grow. Drinking more milk will do nothing to help!

6. Gel Polish is Shellac

This misunderstanding frustrates me the most! It is not a hugely problematic myth - but it is a very annoying one for nail techs when a client expects one thing and gets another because there is huge confusion over what the products are. I have had many people come to me asking for 'Shellac' and saying they have always had 'Shellac' yet I know, from how they are describing the application and removal, that they have been previously given a Gel Polish and they were told it was Shellac...

Shellac is a type of Gel polish, but Gel polish is not Shellac! Confused?...I'll try to clarify what I mean by that....

I do both CND Shellac and Gel polish manicures. The correct term for Shellac is 'hybrid polish' which means it is a combination of gel polish and regular polish. I also use Halo Gel polish and I can tell you, from experience as a nail tech and Gel polish/Shellac wearer, that Shellac and Gel are definitely NOT the same. Both are great polishes, but that is where the similarity ends. They have a different prep method, different application, different wearability, different removal method, different removal timings and the cost of the service is different....

Does that sound to you like they are "the same"?

Shellac became a very widely known type of Gel polish in the early days of Gel Polish. Nail salons began to refer to their standard Gel Manicures as a "Shellac Manicure" - mainly because it is a very recognizable name, so it helps to bring in clients who rightly associate the name 'Shellac' with very high quality but also, sad but true (and it still happens) because Shellac is one of the more expensive ranges and so the cost of the manicure was higher than other Gel polishes, it means that salons could set their price higher while actually using a cheaper product. There is so much confusion over the term 'Shellac' that clients do not know they are actually getting a different product. Shellac is a brand of Gel, it is not a generic name for 'Gel'. It has very unique properties that differentiate it from a standard Gel Manicure. So always make sure you know what you want and need when asking for a Shellac or Gel Manicure.

7. Vitamins can absorb into the nail to make them stronger and healthier

Vitamins cannot absorb through the nail plate and alter the nail in any way. Vitamins only reach your nails through the blood stream by eating a balanced healthy diet. One vitamin that is often found in nail products however is “Vitamin E”, but it is not there for nutritional purpose. Instead it is used because there is strong scientific evidence to support Vitamin E’s antioxidant abilities and it is this reason it is used in nail care products like cuticle oil.

8. Cutting your whole cuticle off makes your nails grow healthier.

Ok....I saw this myth on the internet and it really is a whole mess of misunderstanding.
Usually when people are advising this, they are referring to the strip of skin at the base of your nail and calling it the 'Cuticle'. This is so wrong. Cuticle is a completely different thing and it makes me so angry to hear people handing out advice like this and they can't even get their nail anatomy right!
This small ridge of skin they are talking about is called the Eponychium. Some people like this to be cut or e-filed away because it makes the nail look tidier (Google 'Russian manicure') Many nail techs will not do this procedure due to the fact that it is too invasive to a delicate part of the nail ...and I agree.
The eponychium is living tissue, so cutting it can cause it to bleed. Cutting it can open the skin up to infections. It is there to protect your nail from infections. So do not cut it away!
The Cuticle is actually a build up of dead skin cells that grow up the nail from the eponychium.

Those skin cells are super sticky and attach themselves tightly to the nail plate to create a firm seal between the nail and the eponychium to help prevent bacteria getting to the nail matrix. That is a good reason to have cuticle - but even though it has benefits, we don't want it to be growing up the nail plate. The cuticle should be removed by scraping it away with a cuticle pusher. As it is just a thin layer of dead skin cells it can't be "cut off" (hence me saying that this myth is a whole mess of misunderstanding!).

So removing cuticle does benefit nail health. Is is the same kind of thing as when you apply a face scrub to clean away dead skin cells leaving you with a clearer complexion...cuticle removal has the same effect for your nails....but "cutting off your 'whole cuticle" (meaning chopping of the eponychium)...not a good idea!

9. Artificial nails cause fungal infections.

No, this is not true at all. Nothing used in the process of applying nail extensions can cause a fungal infection. Fungal infections are actually caused by pathogens we pick up from surfaces we touch and can occur with or without artificial nails. They can also happen if the client has not been advised of, or who chooses not to do, good aftercare. These infections are easily prevented by proper hand washing and sanitizing practices.

10. You shouldn't have nail treatments when you are pregnant.

There is absolutely no evidence that it is harmful to wear artificial nail enhancements or polish during pregnancy. A good nail tech will be able to advise you on the best treatment for you if you have health issues or are on medication while pregnant. But don't assume that pregnancy means you have to stop visiting a nail tech. Everyone is different and you might find that a Shellac manicure wears better/worse for you during pregnancy due to hormone levels, but it will not affect you or the baby in any way. It would be best to tell your nail tech as early as possible, especially if you have regular pedicures - because some pressure points on your feet should be avoided in pregnancy. You might find that you choose not to continue with your usual manicures for comfort reasons only. If you are an acrylic nail wearer you might be more sensitive to the monomer odour than usual, or the fragrance of some products might not be as pleasant as usual especially during early pregnancy and you might find it less comfortable to sit for the amount of time needed for your usual manicure. But from a health point of view nothing has changed...You can still have nail treatments if you are pregnant. Nail products cannot absorb into your blood stream and there are no adverse effects. And in fact, having regular hand and feet treatments can help you relax which is really beneficial for you!

Your Choices

I have heard so many worrying stories of poor care at nail salons lately.


I am not attempting to damage the reputation of High street nail salons - some are highly professional and wonderful places. Sadly, others know the ways to provide a very quick, poor service structured around keeping their costs ultra low and the profits very high. They know that, as the law stands right now, they can't be stopped. However clients can make an informed choice and avoid them - so know the signs of a NSS (non standard salon)

Be wary - of any salon that....

Doesn't have the products in their original containers.
If you can't see what the product is, how do you know what is being used? Any reputable salon will be happy to discuss with you the product that they are using. If they don't want you to know what the product is, then run away! If they do show you a product container, then make a note of the manufacturer and as many details as possible and then do some internet research about that product. If you can't find details of the product online then do NOT agree to using it. At For Your Nails Only the only products I decant are Isopropyl Alcohol, CND Scrubfresh and CND remover - this is only for ease of use, as it is much safer to have them in pump dispensers than risk spillage from an open bottle. You can always see the products that are being used and ask about them at any time.

Doesn't do a consultation form.
It is vital that a full record of your treatments is kept for future reference. An initial consultation form is full of important information. They need to know about your previous experience of nail salons, what you need and want, they need to know about your nails to advise you and ensure you choose and get the best service. They need to know a bit about your medical history and any allergies to ensure your safety. Records are also vital for insurance. In the event of something going wrong, a salon who has no record of your visits will totally be able to deny ever seeing you before. Salons with a poor professional attitude do not want any record of your being there, or any documentation of products used - so stay away from them! I always do a consultation form and they are kept securely for 7 years.

Can't/won't show you their insurance information.
I am insured and can show my insurance details to any clients if they wish to see them. If the salon you are choosing can't (or refuse to) provide you with details of who they are insured with, then how could you make a claim if you needed to? And do you really want people to provide treatments for you if you do not know that they are insured? Lack of insurance might mean they are just choosing not to pay for it. It should be a legal requirement, but sadly it isn't. Some salons just opt out hoping to ignore any issues that may occur. Lack of insurance might mean that they are unable to get any insurance - because the insurance companies have very strict rules about only covering nail techs who have recognised qualifications - and they may not have had the legitimate training needed to be insured. Training in the salon might have been their only education. As a customer, do you really want someone to work on your nails if their only training is being instructed a couple of times by someone who may not even have had proper training themselves?

Can't/won't show you their qualifications.
When you arrive at a salon for the first time, the first consultation should be almost like an interview. You are basically deciding whether to employ them as your nail technician! You should always make sure they are the right people to do your nails and that you are confident about their skills. It is not acceptable to arrive at a salon and just place your hands in front of a stranger and allow them to do a nail treatment without any communication other than choosing a colour. You NEED to be asking questions....
 
1. Are they qualified to do all elements of the job? They might have hard gel/acrylic training, but did they get training to use the e-file? They might be trained in Gel polish, but did they get further training to know how to work with the specific requirements for Shellac?
2.  Are they currently training, recently qualified and still practicing, or have they got years of experience? What skill level do you want to pay for? Everyone has to learn somehow, but do you really want to pay full price for nails done by someone who is still studying?
3.Do they know enough about the treatment to know if it is suitable for you? Are you the expert in the services they provide? No. You are there for the service AND their expert advice. that is what you are paying for. If they don't know if your nails are suitable for the application you want, should you be having it?
4. Can they advise you of your options when choosing a service? If they are not willing to run through your options of choice at the salon and take the time to help you make the best choice, then get out of there fast!

Don't ever worry and think "I don't want to offend them by asking this" Instead think to yourself "I need to make sure I am safe here". That is your priority and right. If they are not handing the information to you, make sure you request it. Do NOT ever be afraid to ask what their qualifications and experience level are and yes, you are allowed to request to see certificates. They might refuse, but a qualified professional nail tech will always be happy to talk about their education and experience level and will advise you on anything you ask. Someone who is evasive about this and any other information, will very likely have something to hide.

Doesn't tell you anything about the service/aftercare.
 A good nail tech will always discuss the suitability of the product for you and its aftercare at your first appointment. This is part of the information you need in order to decide if it is the best option for you. If a nail tech can't give you 1. Detailed information about pros and cons of a service (there are always pros and cons...no product suits all) and 2. Doesn't make any attempt to find out about your lifestyle, nail experience and habits, and 3. Doesn't inform you of any aftercare - then their lack of knowledge about the subject they should be an expert in, and their lack of concern for your care as a customer, should really be raising a red flag to you. Do you want them to apply the product if they can't give you information about it?

At For Your Nails Only, I always discuss a treatment with the client. Whether the client is new to FYNO or a familiar face, they will always get the information needed to make a choice about a new service - and I would always be very happy for them to take time to think about it first.

I have, in the past, actually advised clients to NOT have the work they want done, because their nails, or their circumstances at that time, meant that they would not have got the best from the service. If I were a NSS I would have just kept my mouth shut, taken the money and allowed them to find out later it was a wrong decision. But I don't work like that. It is always my responsibility to make sure that clients have the best for THEM. Their care is more important than my bank balance. And that is the difference between a myself and a NSS. They are focusing on mega profits being the key to their success. For me, success is all about happy clients who have healthy beautiful nails.

Remember - you are a customer paying for a service and you have every right to make sure that you have found a highly quality professional salon where you are going to be treated with the ultimate care and attention. Just sitting down in a chair and assuming all is fine because it is a 'salon' and believing that what they say is totally correct just because they say so, is not good enough.

Always take your time.

Ask questions.

Don't ever be pushed into having a service.

You are allowed to say "I will think about it" when they offer you a service you don't know anything about. Write the details down and do some research first (I highly recommend researching about Doug Schoon and always follow his advice)

Make sure you know the facts when you visit a nail salon. Don't end up making a costly painful mistake!

Solar Oil

Let’s take a look at CND Solar oil…..

I totally love all nail products…I am like a kid in a sweet shop if I ever see a nail products display in a shop. I could recommend so many....but if I was told I could only have ONE nail product I would instantly choose solar oil. Forget polishes and glitters (even though I love them!) My nails cannot survive without Solar oil. If I didn’t use it, within two weeks my nails would all be broken and peeling.

Any CND trained nail technician will tell you about the benefits of this miracle in a bottle. Not only is it great for your nails, but it has numerous other uses too…I thought I’d let you know how this miraculous oil works.

Nails need moisture in the form of oil and water…and it is the balance between the two that ensures nail health. Too little water and the nail will be hard and brittle. Too much and the nails become weak and soft.

Have you ever done the washing up or got out of the bath and your nails look like they are flaking? Your nails are made of layers and they are very porous, so they absorb water very easily. The water gets between the nail layers and pushes them apart, causing layers to peel away and the nail will then be weaker. Solar oil acts as a nail lubricant and protects the chains of keratin within the nail by filling the tiny voids and channels within the nail and pushing out excess water.

Any moisturizing product is good, and many people think that any oil will do for nails, but it is vitally important to recognize and understand the type of moisturizing product you are using and what you are using it for. Some oil products cannot penetrate the skin. Baby oil is a very good example of this. This is a mineral oil and its molecules are too large to pass into the skin. Mineral oil does help moisturize skin because it forms a barrier by sitting on the surface and sealing water inside the skin, preventing it from evaporating from the surface. However, while a mineral oil has its very good uses, it can’t penetrate the nail plate, and so this kind of moisturization isn’t what your nails need. You might be thinking that just any oil will do the job, but a non-penetrating oil will not provide nearly as much benefit as the quick-penetrating oil blends in SolarOil.

Let’s look at Shellac use first – 

Solar Oil contains Jojoba oil, Sweet Almond oil and Vitamin E oil and is designed to deeply penetrate through Shellac to the nail plate and protect skin and nails. If you are wearing Shellac, you should know that it is very porous and absorbs the oil very easily. This is important, not only for nail health, but also for the longevity of the polish. Solar oil will prolong the wearability of your Shellac. One of the common causes of a client’s service breakdown is excessive dehydration of the nail and because the oil penetrates through the Shellac to the nail plate, you can prevent this dehydration happening by using Solar oil at least twice a day. Over time Shellac continues to harden and the oil will absorb into the shellac making it more flexible and therefore less likely to chip. With the oil absorption reaching the nail plate it also helps with effective removal of the shellac, ensuring that there is no damage to the nail, It also means your nails maintain the right water/oil balance so they remain strong and healthy.

And if you don’t wear Shellac?

The use of Solar Oil isn’t only important on nail enhancements, it is just as important to use it on your natural nails too. I have clients who don’t wear Shellac, but I still advise they use Solar oil…and on the occasions I am not wearing Shellac I still apply Solar oil twice a day at least. The oil penetration through the layers of the nail allows your natural nails to be flexible, hydrated and nourished, keeping your nails protected and prevent brittle nails which can lead to peeling and breaking. Jojoba oil also carries Vitamin E deeply into skin to help reduce visible signs of ageing. These naturally light oils don’t just work wonders on the nail – they also keep skin soft and supple, allowing your nails to not only look good, but feel good too. It's super quick and efficient - a 15 ml bottle will last for ages because you only need a small amount massaged into each nail and surrounding skin. By massaging the oil in to the skin and nails, it will also increase the circulation to the fingers and nails therefore encouraging growth.

What else does it do?

Solar oil can also be used in other ways. It's great with any dry skin. Put a couple of drops on the back of hands to use like hand cream. It's great on elbows or any other places where you may find your skin is dry, including lips. It is often used to help psoriasis and eczema and other skin conditions. Solar Oil is sometimes used in burn units in hospitals as it helps heal burns quicker. Many people use it on small burns, blisters on heels from new shoes, or to heal insect bites faster. Apparently it can be used to fade scars and stretchmarks and it can be used to tame frizzy hair!

What’s not to love about this product? Now you might understand why this would be my one and only product if I had to choose just one. Why not try it for yourself?

Solar oil can be ordered from me in these sizes -

3.7ml - £3.95
7.3ml - £7.45
15ml – £12.95

Shellac myths and questions

I have recently done my CND Shellac conversion course. When I began working in this industry I tested a huge amount of products because I wanted to work only with exceptional high quality products and I wanted to find out for myself what works and what doesn't....I adored CND products, so choosing a lasting polish was an obvious choice for me...Shellac was the only way.

When I was doing research about Shellac I was amazed to find so much misinformation online about it and decided to put together this post to answer some questions.

Is Shellac the same as Gel?
This is a hugely common misunderstanding. Some people think Shellac is Gel and Gel is Shellac....that they are one and the same. But of course we do the same when we call a vacuum cleaner a 'Hoover' don't we? Not all vacuum cleaners are Hoovers! They are similar machines...they work in a similar way...but they are different brands.

Shellac is a hybrid of Gel and polish. It doesn't always last as long as Gel, but it has a gentler application process and the removal is easier and cleaner. People who love Gel want the super long lasting durability that it gives. Shellac fans love the fact that nails are protected during application and removal. Make sure that you know what you are getting when you ask for a Shellac or Gel manicure.


Does Shellac damage your nails?
No it absolutely doesn't. If Shellac is applied and removed correctly, it will NOT damage your nails. Products applied to nails don't damage them - it is poor application and prep work that will damage your nails.

Proper nail preparation and application is essential, so always check that the Nail Technician has trained with CND in Shellac and always check that they have a recognized qualification in Manicure and Pedicure. Someone who isn't qualified won't know how to apply Shellac and is likely to file the surface of the nail plate before application, causing the nail to weaken. They also are likely to apply the polish incorrectly and not give correct aftercare advice - leaving you with polish that will chip quickly.
An unqualified technician also won't have access to genuine CND products, because the products are only available to trained technicians. If they are not qualified, they will be buying counterfeit products from unauthorized sellers and this can cause many problems with allergic reactions and difficulty with removal. A client can also cause damage to the nail themselves if they try to peel the Shellac away as this will result in removal of the top layer of nail, which damages and weakens the natural nail.

Am I guaranteed it will last?
The longevity of the manicure depends on several things - the skill of the nail technician, clients paying attention to aftercare and the condition of the clients nails.  Shellac is not indestructible. For many people it will last 2 or even 3 weeks, but not using gloves while washing up and when using household detergents can cause the Shellac to weaken. Not using Solar oil is another reason Shellac may not last, as this is an important part of aftercare. Shellac works best on healthy nails, so if your nails are damaged, very weak or brittle, a good nail technician will always advise that it is best to invest some time in taking care of your nails with nails strengtheners and cuticle oils to build up the condition of your nails to ensure that Shellac works at it's best for you.

Aren't you just selling me the Solar oil to make more money?
No, Solar oil is not sold to clients as a marketing gimmick. It is a very essential part of aftercare. It conditions and moisturizes the cuticle area, ensuring your manicure stays looking amazing. When cured, the Shellac forms tiny tunnels through the layers (this is what helps with the easy and safe removal) and the sweet almond and the jojoba oil both have molecules that are small enough to penetrate through the tunnels of the Shellac through to the nail plate to keep it moisturized. The shellac is also porous and absorbs the oil making it more flexible and less likely to chip. Wear gloves for chores and oil those nails at least twice a day and you will have lasting results!

Solar oil is cheaper on ebay, can I buy there?
Yes it might be cheaper, but in the U.K CND products are only available from two companies who won't sell to anyone who is not a qualified technician. So while you can save some money by searching selling sites online, the chances are you will be buying a fake product that won't work as well as the genuine one. This can leave you without the great results you were expecting and possibly having to deal with allergic reactions.

Nails need a rest from Shellac sometimes.
No, this isn't true. Nails don't breathe, so covering with Shellac doesn't affect the health of the nail. In fact, continued use of Shellac and proper, consistent aftercare will actually improve nails condition by protecting them and supporting healthy growth. So have a Shellac manicure as often as you want!

Isn't exposure to UV light dangerous?
According to Dr. Robert M. Sayre, Ph.D., of Rapid Precision Testing Laboratories one of the creators of the SPF rating system......

“UV Nail Lamps are safer than natural sunlight or sunlamps. The CND UV Nail Lamp bulb emits almost exclusively (more than 99%) UVA-1, the safest part of the ultraviolet spectrum. Hands get more UV exposure holding the steering wheel of a car or talking on a cell phone outside than they do from the use of UV nail lamps"

I've heard that Shellac is made from crushed beetles.
'Shellac' is a type of resin that is secreted by a female beetle called the Lac Bug. This Shellac resin was used in wood polishes and gave a very high shine. CND Shellac is a brand name - not an ingredient. CND named their polish 'Shellac' simply because the product embodies the same qualities of durability, long lasting shine and hardness as the original shellac furniture polish. Shellac is vegan and no CND produsts are tested on animals.


Can I remove the shellac at home?
It isn't illegal to do so! but any good nail technician will advise against it. There are many articles on the internet saying you can and saying how to do it, but they often give very bad advice. Usually misinformed internet articles advise filing away the top coat and soaking fingernails in acetone for up to 15 minutes. Just wiping the your nails with acetone can leave a chalky white residue on the skin - why would you want to soak your finger nails for 15 minutes in that? Both of these things are going to damage the nails severely. CND trained nail techs never file away the top coat and they use a CND professional remover which is designed to remove Shellac without drying out the skin around the nails or damaging the nail itself. Many nail techs offer removal for free so there really isn't any need to attempt a D.I.Y removal and, even if they do charge for the service, it is not a huge amount to pay for ensuring your nails are not damaged.

Pictures

When I was setting up my website I wanted pictures of clients in B&W with the nails featured in colour. As I have studied photography many years ago, I felt I could do this myself - at least I wanted to try.....it was so much fun. Of course when I was studying it was not digital photography - here I have been totally self taught!

These beautiful ladies loved their manicures and I think they had fun posing for the photos! I will be forever grateful to them for allowing me to take their photo and share it.

Website

'For Your Nails Only' has a website!

foryournailsonly

Click on the link to visit!

Opening soon!

I will officially be taking on new clients from December 1st! - Getting your nails ready for some Christmas Pampering!

To celebrate my new business I am running a prize draw during December. Every client who has an appointment in December will pick a prize winning envelope! None of the "Will I win?" scenario - with this prize draw everyone wins!

There are a huge variety of prizes up for grabs! It could be money off a treatment, a 'buy one get a second half price' deal....I have even included a prize of getting a Luxury Manicure FREE!!!

All the prizes will be valid to claim for two months from January 1st - So you can start the New Year with some pampering treats at For Your Nails Only!

Bookings are already being taken now so book your appointment for December quickly to avoid disappointment!

Dates not available during December are 24th - 27th....

P.S.....And don't forget about New Year Eve parties - get your nails looking wonderful for one of the most glamorous nights of the year! Make sure your nails are fabulous! There won't be many appointments free between 28th -31st December so plan early and grab an appointment!