Nail Care Advice
Weak and bendy nails prone to flaking or tearing can be caused by illness, side affects to prolonged use of medication, poor diet or neglect.
Brittle, dry and ridged nails prone to breaking or snapping can be casued by over-exposure to the sun, poor diet, hands frequently submerged in water, regular use of chemicals/cleaning solutions or the prolonged use of commercial nail hardners. Avoid the use of stengtheners or varnishes containing formaldehyde as this has a drying effect on nails.
Regular Manicures will help strengthen and recondition nails
BIO SCULPTURE TREATMENT PRODUCTS available to purchase at your appointment with Kate
Cuticle Oil – will combat dry and dehydrated skin and cuticles. Massage into cuticles and nails daily
Vitamin Dose - a roll on product packed with vitamins for nail rejuvenation, moisturising, strengthening and nourishment. Great for encouraging nail growth
Executive Base - conditions and compresses the nail plate – remove after one week then reapply – Do not use over long periods of time as your nails may become brittle and can easily snap
Lavender Base - rich in lavender essential oil, moisturizes dry, brittle and layering nails. Apply two layers, then after one week, remove and re-apply, can be used as a base coat or a lovely soft colour
Acetone Free Polish Remover - non harsh product that removes tops coats and nail polish easily without ruining gel overlays or damaging the natural nail
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR YOUR HANDS
- Place fingers (nail deep) into a small bowl of household oil
- Place small bowl in a larger bowl, filled with warm water. The warm water will heat up the oil to help penetrate the nail plate and aid in reconditioning
Follow above procedure daily for 5 minutes or as regular as possible
Note: You will not be able to apply nail polish after this treatment as oil is a separation medium and your enamel will peel
Other tips
- Gently buff flaky area of nail to remove loose layer
- Gently buff with smooth side of a 3 way buffer to stimulate blood circulation and encourage nail growth
- Gently push back cuticles with circular movements using a cuticle hoof stick then massage nail and cuticle conditioner or cuticle oil into nail and cuticle area on a regular basis
- Use thin black file to shape free edge at least once a week to prevent any minor nail damage from worsening
- Drink plenty of water
- Always use protective gloves when working with water, harsh chemicals or gardening
HOME CARE ADVICE FOR YOUR FEET
What is a 'pedicure'?
• Shaping and cutting the toenails, pushing back the cuticles and removing callouses
• Callouses are a result of pressure from high heal shoes, exercise or carrying excess weight, especially during pregnancy
• A pedicure is a must, because we are on our feet most of the day
What is the best tool for clipping my toenails?
Toenails are usually thicker than fingernails, so use a heavier stainless steel toenail clipper not a smaller fingernail clipper as the shape is very important and the smaller clipper will leave an uneven finish.
How should my toenails be trimmed during a pedicure?
• Cut straight across then lightly file the corners if required. Never cut into the corners of the nail
• Don’t cut too short as you could cut into the flesh, which could lead into bacterial and other infections, including in-growing toenail – leave some free edge
• And plus, if you're cutting too short, by putting your shoes on, you're going to feel that sensitivity of pain
What is a 'pumice stone'?
• Shaped like a bar of soap, with the rounded sides
• One side is coarser than the other side. The coarse side is used to break down the callous, and the smoother side is used to even out the skin
What is a 'foot file'?
A foot file has a handle on it to reach those difficult areas. It has two different sides to it – almost like sandpaper. The coarser side is used to take down a heavier build up of a callous, and the smoother side of the file is used to even out the skin
How often do I need a pedicure?
It depends on the individual because some people are harder on their feet. You could have a pedicure, on average, once every four weeks. During Summer time, you may want to have a pedicure once every two to three weeks due to open toe shoes and generally more exposure. Try bright fun colours and designs with nail art, Bio Sculpture gel overlays or Minx nail veneers!
How can a pedicure keep my feet healthy?
By removing callouses, it's going to relieve pressure. You don't want to take off too much callous. A lot of people are filing their own callouses at home, but they're actually taking off too much callous. You need that skin to protect the wear and tear that we do every day on our feet. Clipping toenails and pushing back cuticles carefully will keep your toenails in very good health.
Should diabetics get pedicures?
Being diabetic you have to be even more careful. You should be seeing a Chiropodist, or if you have a manicurist that is very gentle, who knows what she is doing, and has clean implements, then it would be okay. There are over the counter diabetic creams for callouses – they shouldn’t be removed.
Diabetics should avoid walking barefoot, even in-doors. Something as minor as stubbing a toe on a coffee table or kicking a foot ball in the park could lead to a serious foot ulcer. While at the beach, seashells, glass or debris from the sea can puncture the skin and cause serious infections that can be perpetuated by diabetes. Walking barefoot on a hot pavement is especially dangerous and can lead to severe burns and infection.