1. Keep your cuticles

Many people think they need to remove their cuticles to have perfectly manicured nails. However, this layer of skin that grows at the base of your nails helps protect against bacteria that could cause a nasty infection. Rather than cut your cuticles, use a cuticle pusher to gently move the skin out of the way.

2. Pamper your nails

Massage a high-quality cuticle oil into your nails on a daily basis to keep them supple and strong. If your nails are prone to cracks, splits and tears, consider applying a nail strengthener packed with keratin to increase their durability.

3. Protect your manicure

Your nails can be damaged by the sun as well, so don’t forget your fingers and toes when you apply sunscreen before going outside. It’s also recommended to use a topcoat with UV protection during the summer to ensure the sun doesn’t fade your nail polish or give it a yellow tinge.

4. Wear gloves as needed

Gardening is a rewarding and relaxing summer hobby, but it can easily damage your nails and potentially expose them to fungus. Be sure to wear gloves and closed shoes when you dig in the dirt. In addition to keeping your nails and skin healthy, this protection will help preserve your manicure and pedicure.

Top colours for summer

Reds, pinks and nudes are suitable year-round, but summer is an ideal time to experiment with bolder tones. For a fun twist on a classic look, swap your red nail polish with a coral or fuchsia tone that’ll look great with everything. Bright blue, yellow and orange are also playful summer options.

If bright colours aren’t your style, a metallic polish like gold, copper or silver can be the perfect blend of striking and neutral.

Book a medical spa treatment today

If you want to enjoy the benefits of a professional manicure or pedicure, visit a 91×ÔÅÄ clinic. Your nails will be in good hands with a trained makeup artist. We also offer laser hair removal and skin care treatments to help you look your best this summer. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or find out more about the various cosmetology courses we offer.

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Booking a professional manicure at a salon is an easy way to work some self-care into your schedule. But if you’re new to getting your nails done, you might not be familiar with the differences between normal nail polish and UV gel polish. 91×ÔÅÄ, your leading cosmetology school and medical spa, is here to break down their unique characteristics and benefits.

Drying time

Normal nail polish can take up to an hour to fully dry. Many of us know the struggle of assuming our fresh nails are ready only to accidentally smudge and dent the polish when we reach into our bag to pay.

On the other hand, gel polish dries completely in a matter of seconds. That’s because your nails are placed under a special UV machine, which greatly accelerates the process.

Durability

When it comes to durability, UV gel nail polish is the clear winner. With a professional application, it’s far more robust and resilient than normal nail polish.

Depending on how fast your nails grow, a gel manicure can last for up to four weeks without chipping or other damage. Meanwhile, a traditional manicure is easily damaged.

Cost

The application of UV gel polish does cost slightly more than traditional nail polish. However, UV gel typically lasts longer and may actually be the money-saving option in the long term.

Removal

Normal nail polish is easy to remove at home. Simply buy a bottle of nail polish remover and some cotton balls at the drugstore and your nails will be polish-free in mere minutes.

Unfortunately, removing UV gel polish takes more time and effort. If you opt for a DIY removal, you’ll need to soak your gel polish in acetone for at least 10 to 15 minutes. It’s a painstaking and somewhat messy process.

Nail Damage

Traditional nail polish is fairly gentle on your nails. However, removing UV gel polish can cause damage to your nail beds and cuticles. To avoid damaging your nails, it’s best to ask a professional cosmetologist to remove your gel polish in a salon setting.

Furthermore, the UV exposure required during a gel manicure can cause skin damage. Some people apply a sunblock to their hands before their appointment.

Need cosmetology services in Toronto?

Whether you’re looking for a manicurist, a makeup artist or other cosmetology services, the talented team at Toronto’s 91×ÔÅÄ can help. For information regarding our medical spa, monthly specials and the benefits of our treatments, contact us today.

The post The Differences Between Normal Nail Polish and Uv Gel appeared first on 91×ÔÅÄ.

Help your clients take care of their nails between treatments with the following dos and don’ts.

Do . . .

Use cuticle cream. Nourish those nails by taking a dab of your favourite cream and massaging it on and around your nails before bed.

Soak your nails in olive or castor oil to strengthen and soften them. With olive oil, you’ll see better results if you soak your nails for 15 minutes daily for a month before using more sparingly. You can also try an easy DIY strengthener using these oils :

• Mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil with one teaspoon of lemon juice. (The lemon juice will brighten your nails.) Microwave the mixture for about 10 seconds or until it’s warm to the touch. Stir and apply the substance to each nail and cuticle with a cotton swab.
• Put 1 teaspoon of castor oil into a glass container. Break 2 vitamin E capsules, and combine the liquid with the castor oil. Mix and dab onto your nails with a cotton ball. Use twice daily for about 5 minutes.
• Load up on biotin, also known as vitamin H. You can take daily supplements, or you can simply eat more foods containing this vitamin. Biotin-rich foods include cooked eggs, avocado, cauliflower, mushrooms, whole grains, tuna, liver, and peanut butter.
• Wear gloves while you clean or do other chores. The harsh chemicals in detergents and household cleaners can dry hands and nails and damage them over time with repeated contact. You should also wear gloves while gardening or working outdoors.

Don’t . . .

Abuse or overuse your fingernails. If you want dazzling hands, you have to be nice to your nails! Don’t bite or pick at them, and don’t use them as a tool to open cans or items like plastic clam-shells.

Use nail polish remover often—but avoid harsh chemicals whenever possible. Nail polish remover, especially brands containing acetone, will dry out nails if used too often. Look for organic brands or use a homemade solution. A couple of options are rubbing alcohol (which is still less harsh than store-bought removers) or a mixture of vinegar and lemon juice. If you go out for a manicure, check which products your manicurist uses, and make sure they aren’t causing more harm than good.

Become a pro in nail care and other beauty regimens like hair styling, skin care, or makeup at 91×ÔÅÄ. We offer training in Vaughan, Barrie, Newmarket, Oshawa, Bolton & Toronto. For more information about our aesthetics program, start here.

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