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Q. How often should I manicure my nails?

A. Once every 2 weeks is recomended for replacing the moisture in the skin and removing excess cuticles to prevent painful hangnails.


Q. What can I do for nails that keep peeling or splitting?

A. This may be a dehydration problem. Use an oil designed to penetrate the nail plate then follow up with a moisturizing cream. You may also want to increase your liquid intake.


Q. How fast do nails grow?

A. This varies from person to person and even between individual fingers of the same hand. Nails grow from between 1/500-1/20in. (0.05-1.2mm) per week, taking approximately seven months to grow out completely. Fingernails grow faster than toenails, and growth increases in summer time or warmer climates and decreases in colder climates or during illness.


Q. Why doesn't my polish stay on???

A. There can be many reasons. Some polish is just of poor quality and doesn't last. Also, oils on the nail will cause the polish to peel so make sure the nails are clean and dry before application. We've also found that some sunscreen and bug repellent lotions mess up the polish.


Q. Why does polish on my toenails seem to take forever to dry completely?

A. This is probably because feet are naturally a bit colder than hands and polish takes longer to dry on cold nails. Also, oil on the nail bed can be the culprit. Make sure to wash your toes and rinse them well first.


Q. What do white dots on my nails mean?

A. White dots can be caused by many reasons, especially dryness or trauma (bumps and bangs) to the nail. Certain medications can also cause this, as can a zinc deficiency.


Q. How do I avoid those bubbles in the polish?

A. Using thin coats will probably do it, but instead of shaking polish, try rolling the bottle between the palms of your hands. Also heat can cause bubbling so don't apply polish in direct sunlight or in hot rooms.


Q. Is it true that eating Jello will make your nails stronger?

A. For the most part this is a myth. Yes, in theory, gelatin: the ingredient in Jello associated with strengthening nails, does if fact do so, but you could not possibly eat enough to make a substantial difference. Once the consumed gelatin enters the blood stream, it is distributed throughout the body and thus the nails never get a concentrated enough dosage - same goes for milk and calcium.


Q. How do you care for annoying hangnails?

A. The problem has always been that once you have hangnails, the tiny pieces of skin continuously catch on clothing, rip and for most people, it can be incredibly painful. However, snipping the hangnail allows it to heal faster. Dry winter weather is the perfect time for hangnails to occur, so be sure to apply lots of handcream on a regular basis.


Q. Why is the skin around my nails red and swollen?

A. The possible culprit is bacterial infection. A nick at the manicurist, a painful paper cut or other trauma can set you up for a bacterial infection called paronychia. Keep the area clean and use Polysporin Ointment.


Q. I hit my nail causing the nail to detach from the skin. The nail is only attached at the base. What will happen if the nail falls off. Will it grow back?

A. Whenever the natural nail is torn from the nail plate while wearing acrylics, we tend to believe that the product used was MMA based. MMA is a dental acrylic that has been banned for use in nail products since the 70's. MMA (methyl methacrylate) is a deleterious substance that adheres so tightly to the nail plate that if the nail is hit or bumped just right, will not 'flex' with the blow, but can literally rip the nail plate from the nail bed. NO, it will not reattach. You will need to go to a dermatologist who can cut the nail plate away from the nail bed, and treat the open wound with medications to prevent a fungal or pseudomonas infection from occuring. Covering with a bandaid will help to seal bacteria and moisture into the injured area. I would check with the salon that applied the nails to see if they will tell you what they used on your nails, or see if you can get a small sample of the liquid.(if they use a reputable product they won't mind.) It is liquid MMA that has been banned! If the salon had a very strong chemical odor, chances are they were using an illegal monomer (liquid) when they applied your nails. You need to see a physician -- and really soon!!


Q. How do you know if MMA in the acrylic being applied to your nails?

A. Signals include the presence of strong odors emitted from the liquid being used and masks worn by most or all of the technicians in the shop. These signs do not necessarily mean your nail technician is using a product with MMA, but they are the most common. Also MMA product is very inexpensive, if a salon advertises acrylics for less than $25, it could be a telltale sign. If they are using EMA (safe acrylic) they can't make a worthwhile profit at that price. If you are not sure, ask to see a bottle that provides the chemical content of the product. Your nail tech will be glad to show you if he/she has nothing to hide!


Q. Are nail drills safe?

A. In the application of acrylic nails it is necessary to file the nail or rough it up. Technicians should NOT use an electric drill for this purpose. If a drill is handled properly, there is no damage to the natural nail. Using a drill on the natural nail raises the moisture level of the nail to 25%. Fungi and bacteria grow on the nail at 28%.


Q. What is nail fungus?

A. Fungus is a living organism that thrives in dark, damp environments. Fungal infections are very common in nails on both fingers and toes, but toenails are more likely to be affected by the fungus since it is attracted to dark and damp environments more typical of the foot than the hand. Affected nails have a yellowish or brownish discoloration and may thicken or become brittle over time.


Q. I had tips with acrylic overlay and when they were removed my nails looked horrible, what can I do to build them back up?

A. Definitely go to a professional you trust to get them off as safely as possible since you don't want to damage the nail bed. Either way, the nails will be quite weak for some time. Keep a weekly maintenance routine(at home or in the salon) with a full, profesional manicure bi-weekly. Use a nail hardener, and your nails will show improvements in a few months. Wait a few months before trying to grow long nails since they will be very likely to rip during this time. Be patient!


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Nail Elegance * Shelby * Ohio * (419)342-NAIL