As long as you remove the shine from the nail, you are in good shape. Excessive filing on the nail is not necessary. Use a 240-grit file in the direction of nail growth until no oil or contaminants are left on the surface of the nail. A 240-grit file is gentle and shouldn’t cause the client any discomfort. Most acrylic lines make a product or combination of products that will cleanse and dehydrate the nail plate; a process that should leave the nail chalky white. Use a primer and make sure your product consistency is what it should be according to manufacturer’s recommendations, since different products call for different ratios. -- Wood-Lundy
Health
How can I increase adhesion on a hardly filed nail?
October 14, 2005
More FAQ
All of a sudden I have one client with pseudomonas. What is going on?
I have never had a problem with my clients getting “greenies” (pseudomonas). However, I do have one new client who has been getting a greenie on a different nail every time I see her. I never re-use a file on any of her other nails after filing off the green, and of course I disinfect my implements after each client. What is going on? She said she has never had this problem before, and I have never experienced this before.... read more
How to a correct a vertical split in the nail?
I have a client who has been coming to me every two weeks for about four months. She originally came to me with a vertical split going up her nail toward the cuticle on both of her thumbs. It appeared that it was only splitting about 1/8th of an inch from the free edge. But as time has gone on I notice that it doesn’t ever grow out because there is a ridge that travels completely to the cuticle. She moisturizes daily and has even been using various nail strengtheners. I don’t know how to correct this. Please help!... read more
Why aren't my client's nails growing and what can I do to get them to grow?
One of my clients has worn acrylic extensions on her nails for several years. She used to live in Florida, and her nail technician there used a drill on her nails. Since then, her nails have stopped growing. They grow about three-quarters of the way out on her nail bed, and stop. There has been no new growth for several years. What has happened to her nails, and how can I get them to grow? Also, can she wear extensions? I put fiberglass wraps on her nails last week and they all fell off in just a few days. Is this problem related to her nail bed problem?... read more
Can chemotherapy cause problems to the nails?
I had a client who wanted fiberglass applied on her “eggshell” nails. The next day, the application started to slide right off her nails in one piece. I couldn’t understand why. Then she told me she was receiving chemotherapy. Can that cause this problem? Since then, I have been using acrylic on her nails instead. It has worked better, but her nails are still lifting and sometimes one may loosen and fall off. What can I do?... read more
What is the average shelf life for acrylic powder and monomer?
What is the average shelf life for acrylic powder and monomer?... read more
What steps are taken by a state board to shut down (or fine) a salon that uses MMA illegally?
I live in Indiana and I want to know what steps, if any, are taken by the state board to shut down (or fine) the non-standard salons that blatantly use MMA in a state where it is supposed to be illegal?... read more
What do you do to be environmentally friendly in your salon?
What do you do to be environmentally friendly in your salon?... read more
How does cold weather affect the nails?
How does cold weather affect the nails?... read more
How do I handle a salon owner that breaks state rules regarding sanitation?
The owner of my salon is breaking many state rules and regulations regarding disinfection and sanitation, particularly when it comes to pedicures, and I am worried for my clients’ safety. I’ve spoken to her, but she doesn’t seem to care. How should I handle this?... read more
Why do you choose not to wear a mask when filing acrylics or gels?
We all know our lungs deserve a break from the dust produced when filing acrylics or gels — especially when using an electric file. But for a variety of reasons most of us choose not to wear a mask for protection. We asked techs who don’t wear masks to tell us why not.... read more
How do I get my salon owner to compy with state sanitation rules?
The owner of my salon is breaking many state rules and regulations regarding disinfection and sanitation, particularly when it comes to pedicures, and I am worried for my clients’ safety. I’ve spoken to her, but she doesn’t seem to care. How should I handle this?... read more
Can you get an infection without being cut?
My coworker did a manicure on a client and the client came back with a major infection. My coworker didn’t cut her during the service. My question is, can you get an infection without being cut? Could it have been my coworker’s fault?... read more