Libse Nail Cosmetics Ltd Nail Preparation

Preparing The Nail For Extension

Nail Preparation is a MUST

Nail preparation procedures are by far the most important stages of all nail services. They are particularly essential when applying nail enhancements and rebalancing existing sets. A good, professional technician will reliously prepare the nail and NEVER forget or skip nail preparation in exchange for speed. Preparing the nail only takes five minutes, those five minutes will aid adhesion and most importantly ensure that you have not put your client at risk of obtaining a nail infection. These 5 minutes are VITAL.

!Your Working Area

Before we begin explaining the appropriate methods of nail preparation we would like to briefly cover your working area.

Prior to commencement of any service it is essential to prepare your working area and nail tools. Disinfect all hard surfaces: manicure tables etc. If you are using a terry towel and paper roll to protect surfaces, please 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 sterilise all tools and to either change your files or sanitise them if they are sanitisable.

Don't Forget Your - Client Consultation!

ALWAYS...make sure you complete a "Client Consulatation". Consultation will aid you in determining what is the best for both you and your client. You will be able to determine whether your client has any contra-indications (reasons for not applying the nails), any medical conditions or medication that may affect the bonding process or cause any complications.

Client consultation will also allow you to keep up to date with your clients treatments. For example: The lady that comes in screaming she lost her nails after just one week or the client that leaves it 3 weeks before her maintenance and expects to pay the same as a fortnightly rebalance.

Keeping evidence of treatments will help you to be more firm and sieve out the little white lies.

Sanitise The Hands

You will need to sanitise both your hands and your clients with an antibacterial hand wash. There are many variations available: they range from sprays, gels and non-rinse formulas.

A non rinse formula is an excellent choice. The nail plate is porous and will retain moisture. Washing hands in water makes the nails expand slightly, then once dried they will shrink back to their original shape. You should try to avoid using water prior to nail extensions.

We like to use "Klin Up" (available online), it is a non rinse formula that evaporates once used.

If the client is wearing nail polish - you should remove it at this stage.

We like to use "KLIN-UP" (available online), it is a non rinse formula that evaporates once used.

Tidy Cuticles

Tidy the cuticle area. Apply a cuticle remover to soften the cuticles, dead skin cells and the surrounding skin. Using a disinfected cuticle pusher/knife, gently push the eponychium back and remove any existing dead skin cells from around the cuticle and side wall areas.

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

Remove The Free Edge

Take down the length of the free edge with a 180 file or similar. DON'T SEE SAW. File in one direction only OR......File from the left side to the centre in one direction only. Then from the right side to the centre. If you use sea saw motions you will separate the layers of the nail and they will be weak and prone to splitting in the future.

Filing is kinder than using clippers

Removing The Shine From Natural Nails

For optimum adhesion we recommend the removal of the shine from the nail plate. UV Gel will not adhere to a shiney surface.

DON'T use anything too harsh. The objective is to remove the shine only - NOT to etch grooves into the nails. (if you have been taught to etch the nail with a harsher file - please change your ways now).

We especially like to use either the PURPLE SAND TURTLE or the TEAL/GREEN SAND TURTLE. The sand turtles are great and do not cut cuticles like sanding blocks. They are also great for removing any stuborn dead skin cells that you may have found difficult to remove with your pusher.

Sand Turtles are GREAT. Wave bye, bye to cut cuticles!

Cleansing The Nail

Using a Lint Free Pad, Gauze Pad (Don't use the gauze if applying UV Gel) or our Prep Roll absorbed with your "Nail Prep", thoroughly cleanse the nail plate and surrounding areas. Again pay particular attention to the cuticle and side wall areas, these areas are almost definitely harbouring bacteria and oils. Your "Nail Prep" will sanitise and remove any excess oils, moisture and bacteria present and dehydrate the nail . The dehydration process is affective for approximately 20-30 minutes, once this time has elapsed the nail plate will start to rehydrate itself.

When should you use your NAIL PREP

Before Applying - Nail Tips

A nail tip is a covering and if any bacteria is present you will be sealing it between the nail tip and the natural nail. This will create an ideal environment for the bacteria to breed.

In-between Interruptions

Use your "NAIL PREP" between interruptions. " If you are mobile you will be subjected to numerous interruptions and distractions. The clientmay need to go to the toilet, telephone, door, assist a child and sometimes even the dreaded nappy change. Whatever the distraction, you must always apply your nail prep to ALL 10 nails again before commencing with the service.

Before Any Covering/Overlay

Once you have blended in your nail tips or prepared for an overlay (overlaying products: Acrylic, Fibreglass or UV Gel), you must cleanse the nail with your "Nail Prep". This will reduce the risk of entrapment of bacteria between the natural nail and the overlaying product. Again, this will create an ideal environment for bacteria. They will be snug, warm and reproducing at an fast rate.

Remember "Greenies" are the bacterias WASTE PRODUCTS

Yes, their little poohs and dead bodies. The waste products will stain the nail a yellowish colour at first and as more and more reproduce the more waste products and the stain will quickly turn green. In extreme cases of neglect the stain can even become brown/black. In such a severe case recommend that you client visits her GP.

Well, I hope you have taken this section seriously. The points in this section are imperitive