Aftercare

💅Here are some aftercare notes for your manicure: * Avoid water immediately after. For the first few hours after your manicure, try to avoid prolonged exposure to water. This allows the polish to fully set and harden. * Moisturise daily: Keep your hands and cuticles hydrated by applying a good cuticle oil and hand cream daily. This prevents dryness, cracking, and keeps your nails and surrounding skin healthy. * Be gentle with your nails: Treat your nails like jewels, not tools. Use the pads of your fingers instead of your nails to open cans, scrape stickers, or do other tasks. This reduces the risk of chipping or breaking. * Wear gloves: When doing household chores like washing dishes or gardening, wear protective gloves. This shields your nails from harsh chemicals and excessive water which can damage polish and weaken nails. Specific Aftercare Regular Polish * Dry time is key: Even if the polish feels dry to the touch, it can take up to 24 hours for it to be completely cured and hardened. Be extra careful during this period to avoid smudging or dents. * Top coat refresh: To extend the life of your manicure, apply a fresh layer of clear top coat every 2-3 days. This adds shine and a protective barrier against chips. * No picking!: Resist the urge to pick or peel your polish. This can remove layers of your natural nail, leaving it weak and damaged. Use a non-acetone remover to take it off instead. Gel Polish * Avoid filing: Do not file the free edge or surface of your gel polish. This can break the seal and lead to peeling or chipping. * No peeling: Never peel off gel polish! This is the most common cause of nail damage. It strips away the top layers of your nail plate, making them thin and brittle. Gel polish should always be professionally removed. * Cure time: Gel polish is immediately cured under a UV or LED lamp, so there is no drying time needed. However, it is still advisable to be gentle with your hands. BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) * Do not file the BIAB layer: Like with gel, do not file the BIAB application. This can compromise the structure and lead to lifting. * Professional removal: BIAB should be professionally removed or infilled. A manicurist will either file off the top layer to prepare for an infill or soak the product off completely. * Structure is important: The strength of BIAB is in its structured application. If you notice any lifting or chipping, it's best to return to the salon for repair to prevent further damage.

To keep your feet feeling fresh and your polish looking perfect, here are some key aftercare points to follow after your pedicure. * Choose your footwear wisely: Bring a pair of open-toed shoes or flip-flops to your appointment. Avoid wearing tight or closed-toe shoes immediately after your pedicure, as this can smudge your polish and ruin the finish. * Moisturise your feet daily: To keep your feet soft and hydrated, apply a high-quality foot cream or lotion daily. This helps prevent dry, cracked skin and extends the look of your pedicure. * Use cuticle oil: Keep your cuticles and toenails hydrated by applying cuticle oil every day. This will help prevent chipping and keep your nails healthy. * Be gentle with your feet: Avoid using harsh exfoliating scrubs or tools on your feet for at least a day after your pedicure, as your skin may be sensitive. * Avoid prolonged water exposure and heat: For the first 12-24 hours, avoid hot baths, saunas, and swimming pools. Excessive heat and moisture can cause polish to lift or smudge. Specific Aftercare Regular Polish * Allow for a full cure: While your polish may feel dry to the touch when you leave, it can take up to 12-24 hours for it to fully harden and cure. Be extra careful during this period to avoid bumps or dents. * Apply a top coat refresh: To extend the life of your pedicure, apply a fresh layer of clear top coat every 2-3 days. This adds shine and a protective layer against chips. * Do not pick or peel: Resist the urge to pick or peel off your polish. This can damage your natural nail and lead to peeling or splitting. When it's time to remove it, use a non-acetone nail polish remover. Gel Polish * No drying time is needed: Gel polish is cured under a UV or LED lamp, so it is instantly dry and hardened. You don't have to worry about smudging. * Do not file or pick: Never file the surface or edges of your gel polish, as this will break the seal and can cause it to peel. It is also crucial that you never peel off gel polish on your own. * Professional removal is a must: Gel polish should always be professionally removed by a technician. Peeling it off yourself can strip away the top layers of your nail plate, causing significant damage.