“You should drink more milk…” “You should apply this vitamin…” “You should soak in gelatin…” All of these things are helpful hints given to us by well-meaning grandparents, friends, or clients. The truth is, nails do not need calcium. The nutrients or vitamins they need are supplied by blood to the matrix, not by things applied to the surface. This means there is not a magical product you can apply that will shoot in vitamins, not is there a miracle food or drink that will thicken the nail. Your nails are determined by genetics and that is not something that can be altered.

If your nails are very thin and flexible, chances are you need a liquid-and-powder enhancement (acrylic). If your nails are very hard and brittle you may need a gel enhancement. If they are generally healthy and just need a bit of protection, then gel-polish or non-light-cured polish could be just the thing.

As discussed previously, damage does not come from product; it is created by people. This means your nail professional should be able to maintain the integrity of your natural nail no matter what product she applies. If not, perhaps you should reconsider your nail tech!

Here is a photo and caption for this week. I hope these have been a help to you in educating your clientele and your community!

“The nail plate’s upper layer and nail surface are very resistant and prevent most substances from absorbing at all. This is one reason why a healthy natural nail plate is a good barrier. Only water and certain naturally occurring oil-soluble substances such as squalene can penetrate easily through the nail plate.” — Doug Schoon