Nails by Alecia

Q & A Q: It seems like no matter what polish I try my polish always chips on the edges. I have tried putting clear coat on my nails again after I leave the salon but it still peals. Am I doing something wrong?-------------------Nikki A: Well Nikki it doesn't sound like you are doing something wrong from what you have told me. But sometimes your occupation can cause your nails to chip (i.e. alot of typing). You are on the right path by repolishing your nails with a clear coat after you have left the salon, not only will it give you a little more protection, it can revitialize a dull polish. Next time I suggest you wrap the entire nail, most people forget to polish the tip of the nail, also known as your free edge. There are also other alternatives you can discuss with your technician such as a gel top coat that must be cured under a u.v. light, I find this solution to be most effective for my clients. Best of Luck.__________________ Q: My nails always burn when I get my nails done. I don't to take them off, but I am wondering should I switch to gel. Can you help?-----Kesha A: First I want to tell you to pay more attention to your bodies responses, often they will tell you when something is wrong. As acrylic nails harden they produce heat because of the chemical reaction that is occuring, most times you don't even notice it. The problem is when your nail bed is thin you feel the heat that is being produced. Your nails are probally extremely thin from excessive drilling or filling from your technician. Alert your technician to the burning sensations, if they do not have a alternative you may need to think about switching to another nail tech who can address your needs.(i.e. there is something that can be sprayed on the nail to stop the heat, your technician should know) As far as whether you should switch to gel, you should address the issues I mentioned above because the same sensation may occur with gel products. Q: I keep getting a fungus on my nails. When I get rid of it on one finger, then it will be on the another finger. My nail lady gave me some drops but why does it keep coming back if I am doing what she told me to do?--------Tammy A: Okay Tammy we need to address if it actually is a fungus you are getting or a mold. A common misconception is that "My nails are green...I have a fungus," when in actuality you truly have Mold growing on your nail. Fungus will cause your nails to have a odor and cause your nail to fall off in pieces and somecases the whole nail. Most likely you do not have what I just described you have a Mold, so lets talk about sanitation. First and foremost when you are going to a nail technician it is extremely important they are using clean files with each client and their implements need to be in Barbicide, a disinfectant. The reason why you seem to get the Mold that seems to "jump" from one nail to the other is most likely your nail tech is not disposing the file after it has been contaminated by mold from the infected nail. Once anything like a file, nail clippers, cuticle pusher etc. has come into contact with the mold it must be disposed or sterlized immediately! Failing to do so will cause the mold to spead to other fingers and even other clients...(YUCK!). Although there are various reasons for a mold or even fungus, one of the most common reasons nails are exposed to these problems is because of lifting. When the nail lifts it allows water to be trapped under the nail which is the perfect incubation area for mold and fungus. When you notice your nail is lifted make it to your technician as soon as possible, (i.e. Don't pull Mr.Band-Aid to the rescue fix it trick.) Continue to follow the instructions your Nail Tech. because it seems that the treatment is addressing the mold, but keep an eye out for what she is doing with the files after they have come into contact with the mold and if your nails are lifting. This should probally do the trick.___________________ Q: What is fiberglass and why it cost so much for it?-Ashlee A: Good question, most people dont know what fiberglass or silk nails are. Fiberglass and Silk nails are very similiar except fiberglass nails have a fiber mesh, where as silk have a silk mesh hence their names. These types of nails are more expensive because of the process involved. A layer of resin is applied, then mesh, followed by various layers of resin to seal the nail. These are the most beneficial to your natural nail, because when the product is removed your nails are in the same condition they were before the product was applied (when applied correctly.) The trick about these is finding someone who will do them. Some technicians haven't been properly trained in applying Fiberglass and Silk, and most technicians who have avoid them because of the time it requires. Therefor when you find an individual who does them they charge you according to the time needed.