Preparing the Nail
WHY PREPARE THE NAIL
The nail preparation procedure is by far the most important stage of all, when applying nail enhancements and rebalancing existing sets (infills).
The majority of lifting problems and bacterial infections are caused by inadequate preparation.
This procedure will only take 5 minutes and will aid overlay adhesion and prevent nail infections by removing the oil, moisture and contaminants that can cause lifting.
If you do experience lifting problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you did a rubbish job... it may just mean that you have not done a thorough enough job for the particular nail plate you are working on.
NAIL PREPARATION PROCEDURE
Prior to commencement of any service it is essential to prepare your working area and nail tools. Disinfect all hard surfaces using Surface Sanitizer Spray.
If you are using a terry towel or hand rest use paper roll to protect surfaces, ensure they are replaced and clean prior to each service.
Your area needs to be free from bacteria and dust particles. It is good practice to sterilize all tools using Disinfecting Dip Solution and to either change your files or sanitise them if they are sanitizable. This should be carried out before the client arrives as many clients will be put off by the sight of dust and debris left over from a previous nail application or procedure…
Hand washing will remove many of the oils and contaminants so will speed up the preparation procedure. Ask your client to wash their hands using an oil free (non greasy) hand wash or soap and water (No-Rinse / Alcohol Based formulas are available but ensure they are oil free as lifting problems can occur). The nail technician should ensure they have also washed their hands otherwise oils and contaminants will be transferred back to the client’s hands.
Sanitise your client's hands and your hands with Hand Sanitizer Spray.
Wipe client's nails with Lint Free Wipes soaked in Non Acetone Polish Remover or Pure Acetone Tip Remover to remove excess oils and/or to remove old polish (Do this regardless of whether or not the client is wearing nail polish).
Tidy the cuticle area. Apply a cuticle remover to soften the cuticles, dead skin cells and the surrounding skin. Using a disinfected Cuticle Pusher, Cut gently push the eponychium back and remove any existing dead skin cells from around the cuticle and side wall areas with Cuticle Nippers, The removal of the dead skin cells is imperative to obtain a well adhered and non lifting enhancement. Dead skin cells are porous and will retain moisture if left on the nail plate. This moisture will interfere with the bonding process of your overlay.
Clip natural nail then shape nail using a Zebra Curve File. We don’t recommend the use of a Black or Zebra file, these files are rather harsh and will almost certainly damage or thin the natural nail plate.
Remove shine from natural nail surface using a White Sanding Block.
Remove Dust with Manicure Cleaning Brush then wipe with Lint Free Wipes soaked in Non Acetone Polish Remover or Pure Acetone Tip Remover
Apply Nail Prep/Dehydrator liberally over each of the nails and allow to dry. Once completely dry, the nails should have a chalky white appearance.
Nail Prep/Dehydrator will sanitise and remove any excess oils, moisture and bacteria present and dehydrate the natural nail plate, if nails are not completely chalky white or have and clearer patches still visible then there is still moisture or oils on the natural nail which need to be removed. The dehydration process is effective for approximately 20-30 minutes, once this time has elapsed the nail plate will start to re-hydrate itself.
Remember your overlay application (i.e. Gel or Acrylic) will not adhere to the natural nail if there is oil or water present on the nail plate, resulting in the overlay application lifting away from the natural nail in the days after application. Gently sand over these areas again using the White Sanding Block and repeat the process of applying the nail prep.
Do not touch the cleansed and dehydrated nail with your fingers, you will transfer your bodily oils to the prepared nail.