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Technique

How do you help restore the nail bed after an electric file has been used on it leaving "rings of fire"?

June 1, 2006

First off, note that "rings of fire" can also be created by over-filing by hand.  In either case, these nails are very sensitive and sometimes will not hold product because of the damage.  You need to discuss what the client wants and the timeframe she is looking to work with. If your client is willing to go without product on her nails for a few months, you could recommend using a strengthener on her nails during the interim.  Have the client put one coat of strengthener on her nails daily for a week, then remove the product and repeat for another week.  She should also be using a good cuticle oil to help keep her nails plasticized (flexible).

If the client is not willing to "go without," I would either use two coats of resin on her nails at bimonthly appointments or switch her to gels.  She will still need to use a good cuticle oil daily. -- Lynnette Madden, owner of Salon 29 at Main in East Greenville, Pennsylvania.~

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