The damage caused by trowels, paintbrushes, dryer sheets and high heat is not only invisible but potentially catastrophic. So says Linda Griffiths, founder of the London-based nail salon chain Alchemy Nails and CEO of the Association of Professional Nail Polish Technicians.
The nail care expert tells HuffPost’s The Fix that if you are experiencing a growth defect (the dark line between two halves of your nail underneath the polish) or attempting to remove the old polish without cutting the nail, avoid these mistakes. Here are 18 suggestions to avoid nail disasters:
1. The wrong approach. Not everything you try works. Sometimes traditional manicures can help prevent cracked or torn nails, while unnatural manicures can damage the nail bed.
2. Don’t assume you’re cuter than everyone else. Many people have low self-esteem, so when they step into the salon they are likely to be insecure, says Griffiths. Just be nice to yourself. “In the end, nails will make you beautiful,” she says.
3. Don’t pin point. “You should massage your skin under your nails with your nail clippers to keep the nails firm so they don’t break,” advises Griffiths.
4. Resist the urge to scrape the nail. “Sore, bleeding, bleeding nails are what we fear most — even those who love beauty products often won’t admit this,” she says. At Alchemy Nails, Griffiths swears by the brand’s bright blue nail polish, which she says uses “salt, oxygen and color to cause the polish to heal in very short time.”
5. Don’t start with a dryer sheet. Having the nails forced apart with a flexible sheet like one from RéVive will only result in large cracks and possible leaking. “Proper polishes should not be peeled; they should be polished,” says Griffiths.
6. Avoid the flash dryer. “People have the belief they can just flash dry with very little care, but doing that will break your nail,” Griffiths warns. “Something as simple as applying a bit of nail varnish won’t break your nail.”
7. Ditch the tools. Many drying tools can cause friction and crack your nail. Be sure to grab your clippers and polish tools from your toolbox before you head into your salon.
8. Use the right natural oils. Albright Nails suggests applying jojoba or almond oil onto dry skin at the base of your nail to help support the skin and aid nail growth.
9. Fill in the holes. “If you notice a dip in the nail, leave it,” Griffiths says. “If you feel your nail is getting thinner, we recommend a clean water bath to remove dirt and polish from the area.” If your nail is cracked, it’s time to clean the cracks.
10. Don’t go straight for the varnish. “It is better to wait until they have dissolved the nail polish by layering top coat on the bottom layer and nailing it down,” she says. Once you apply top coat, continue to add lacquer every two days, she advises.
11. Go for an apron. “In the same way that we use aprons when we sew, these are your tips. Fill it with a towel and lay it on top of your fingers so the polish won’t be lifted,” Griffiths says.
12. Don’t overdo it. “If you’re trying to remove old polish to start with nail files or a pumice stone, don’t get too excited,” Griffiths says. “Put it away for a bit and then try again. If it’s still difficult, apply polish again and then nail whatever seems to be a little easier.”
13. Get it out of your hair. “Not every nail polish spills! But if the bottle or tube breaks, it will. The only way to save the lotion or polish is to get rid of your hair with water,” Griffiths says.
14. Don’t fall victim to the peel trap. “It’s a green or blue peel on the nail, which caused a lot of fun accidents,” Griffiths says. “You should always remove the nail with an insecticidal hand sanitizer such as Eucerin. Always avoid the spray.”
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