Nail Care Tips

Medical Home > Cosmetic Plastic Surgery > Aesthetic Trends > Nail Care Tips

Celebrity Manicurist Carolyn Cianciotto Hands Down Some Tips on Nail Care

By Carolyn Cianciotto

Don't you wish that you could get those perfect, healthy nails everyone but you seems to have?  Here are some "how to's."

What makes for good nail health? - Start at Home: Use Nailtique regularly if you have firm nails and breakage problems. For a person with thin nails and peeling problems, I suggest the Vitamin Biotin. Also, Vitamin E will temporarily improve the nail surface, although it does not penetrate the nail.

How do you tell if you are getting a good manicure?

If a manicurist is experienced, then the manicurist will show a lot of confidence in performing her craft.

Ask yourself:

  • Does she clean the instruments in front of you for you to witness?
  • Does she look at both of your hands before she starts?
  • Does she have a clean table?

A good, thorough manicure should take 40 minutes.  Even if you are just getting a polish change, the nails still need to be cleaned and buffed. If possible, bring your own nail file, because their nail files may still harbor dust and bacteria from other people's nails.

Nail Care Tips

  • Cuticles -- Cutting your cuticles only breaks the layer of skin and causes hangnails. Instead, have them push your cuticles down, a much healthier, sterile way to go.
  • Bumpy Nail Bed -- Manicurists often don't know how to remove ridges from a nail - they file, they push, and they send the client out the door. When you have a bumpy nail bed, the manicurist must buff the nail lightly until all bumps are gone, without damaging the nail, and then apply the base coat.  A good manicurist NEVER leaves bumpy nails.
  • Eliminating any residue or oil on the nail -- Manicurists should not use acetone on the nails before applying polish. It completely strips and dries out the nail.  Just as you would not dry out your face before putting on makeup, why dry out the nail? If the nail bed is too dry and does not have an acidity balance, the polish will crap and chip. Manicurists should just use soap and water, go over nail with a damp towel, and then apply polish.  This will make the polish last 10 times longer.
  • Filing -- Another myth is that you must file in only one direction, but this needs to be done to really sculpt the right shape.
  • How many coats of nail polish should a manicurist apply? -- Base coat, two coats of nail polish, top coat. If the nail polish is starting to get old, it will peel, get dry, and have more volume than the nail itself. Nail polish should be applied in thin coats.
  • Drying methods -- The quick-dry formulas are the best, and I do not believe in aerosol sprays. The oils do not actually dry the nail it just protects the nail polish from whatever lands on it. Nail polish should be allowed to dry for at least 10 minutes. I then apply the quick-dry topcoat to the nail. There is no such thing as an "instant dry". You must really wait an hour before reaching into a handbag or putting any pressure on the surface of the nails. Until then, you need to be somewhat careful.
  • Fake Nails, Extensions -- Fiberglass has created a lot of allergic reactions and swelling around the cuticle. Once you put something on your nail, the nail underneath will not be healthy. I do NOT suggest acrylic or wraps.  If you do choose to have wraps, you must properly maintain the wrap so as not to allow air, water, and bacteria to develop between the wrap and the nail. When the wrap or the acrylic starts to rise off the nail and moisture gets under the nail, fungus can develop.
  • Nail Trends -- Round and oval nails are the hot trends right now. Also, short and down to the edge is popular. If you have a wide nail bed, square would be better suited. A pointy nail shape is a thing of the past.  French manicures are passé for some people but perennially popular for brides and young girls. They are not the hottest look, but are still here to stay.
  • Nail Colors -- Red nail polish is coming back, plums, and browns, anything dark. You will see really dark colors or neutral colors this fall and winter.
  • Shelf life of nail polish -- Every time a bottle is opened, it oxidizes. As long as the bottle has not been opened, it can last a year. Beyond a year, you will lose the consistency.

 





Carolyn Cianciotto is a twenty-five year veteran of business administration and direct service. Her experience includes the management of top quality salons and spas spanning the states from Palm Beach, FL, to New York City.
 
A successful entrepreneur, Ms. Cianciotto also holds licenses as a nail technician and esthetician. She is a certified reflexologist.

As a result of her experience and commitment to customer satisfaction, she has developed a unique company--- philosophy---technique and line of products which reflect her dedication to premium personal care service.
 
Ms. Cianciotto's personable energy and professional style have attracted a clientele of well-known celebrities and top executive business people known for being in demand of and making the time for nothing but the best.  Please visit: www.CarolynNY.com.