Fingernails. Toenails. We all have them - some look better than others. Some people are religious about their nail care and some people simply ignore them. Where do you fall? I would imagine that since you are reading this blog, you are probably fairly interested in healthy pretty hands and feet. Spa 131 is committed to providing the very best nail care anywhere around. We actually have a different approach to manicure and pedicure services than any other place in the Midlands. We don't believe that a manicure is only an emery board and a bottle of nail polish. Nor do we think a delicious mani/pedi should be reserved for special occasion. Between Owner, Marci Delaney, and Master Nail Tech, Monique Moss, we offer a total hand, foot and nail care program that goes way beyond masking problems.
We believe that artificial nails not only cover up problems, but cause damage to healthy nails!
< Our goal is to help our clients to have beautiful and healthy nails that are hydrated and alive! Need a consult to determine what program and/or regular nail care is best for you so that you'll be proud to show your fingers and toes? That's free! Yep! Come, let us see how we can best help you.
Not to totally freak you out or anything, but did you know that a trip to your local, neighborhood nail salon can turn into your worst nightmare? Eeeek!
Think about skin eating diseases and infections. While millions of people get manicures on a regular basis and don't every experience any issues, don't think that it could never happen to you. Nail salons that are not properly cleaned or didn't perform proper sanitization procedures, as well as inadequately trained technicians could be a veritable breeding ground for bacteria -Not actually a sweet place to relax and unwind.
Here's a link to a scary article written by Huffington Post - just to shed some light on this potential disaster.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/07/nail-salon-stress_n_2818567.html
But let's say you're an individual that's been wearing acrylics or other "glued on" pieces to your digits. Going au natural after acrylics or other stuff can be a challenge. Artificial nails - no matter how pretty they look - take a serious toll on the health and integrity of the nail bed. Most people experience quite a shock when their natural nails appear thin, brittle and constantly begin to split.
Understand that the chemicals involved in artificial nail application, including powders and gels, can cause damage to the underlying nail. Depending on how long one has been wearing the artificial nails and the health of the nails before beginning to wear the fakes, damage and health issues will absolutely vary from person to person.
The first step to regaining your nail's health is to remove the tips or acrylics. Be warned to never try to peel them off. Professional removal is always best, but you may soak them off at home. The acetone used to remove the acrylics is extremely drying, so bear in mind, to use this chemical with caution. Once the fakes are off, the nail bed may appear jagged, dry, and generally not very pretty. Remember that the natural nail has been suffocating and your natural nail growth has been stunted.
Taking Biotin (a B vitamin) orally has been shown to help build and maintain nail health. A 2007 report published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, scientists state that brittle nail syndrome may subside upon taking 2.5 mg of biotin in supplement form on a daily basis. I always feel like it works IF you have a deficiency. Biotin is found in many healthy diets, so you may not actually be deficient. Only a blood test could determine that. Biotin is found in foods like brewer's yeast, nutritional yeast, liver, cauliflower, salmon, bananas, carrots, egg yolks, sardines, legumes, and mushrooms. (Go eat your liver now . . . Oooooo Eeeeee!)
You will need to keep your nails trimmed down as they are getting healthy. Don't fret about length for a while. Gaining strength and building the thickness back up needs to be your goal right now. Don't worry . . . you'll get there.
Your nail professional knows what treatment products your nails may benefit from. Spa 131 uses a great nail repair treatment called IBX. Moe can tell you all about it. You may need additional ridge filler now, too. A good ridge filler does amazing things to help hide any unsightly torn or jagged ridges that you'll find after removing the artificial covering from your nails.
As silly as it sounds, you may actually be advised to avoid applying nail color for a while. Even though we use the healthiest nail polish (Zoya Nail Color is the ONLY nail polish approved by the Board of Obstetrics!) it is still a chemical product. The fewer the chemicals applied to your healing nails right now, the better it will be for them.
IF there is any evidence of infection or if you see that your nail is separated from the nail bed you'll need to see your doctor. While Moe is trained in her craft and is absolutely spectacular she is NOT a doctor and cannot treat a medical issue. This includes if she sees redness or inflammation (indicating a possible infection).
Finally, be patient while your nails heal. This is a process. You may need to adjust your expectations. No miracles here, however, once they have returned to a natural, healthy state you'll enjoy the new look. In addition, your new healthy nails will actually be easier and less expensive to maintain.
Any questions? Feel free to ask away. Between Moe and Marci, answers will come freely.
As usual, thank you for reading this post and we look forward to seeing you at Spa 131. Click on this link to schedule your next visit.
http://www.spa131.com
Marci Delaney
Spa 131
131 State Street
West Columbia, SC 29169
803-251-9400
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