The Ultimate Aftercare Guide

We all know that feeling, you leave the salon feeling like a brand new person, clicking your fresh set against every surface. Your nails are a work of art, an investment in your confidence. Let’s be honest, it’s also a total mood booster. But a few days in, the “new nail high” starts to fade, and reality sets in. Whether you’re typing away at work, hitting the gym, or tackling a mountain of dishes, your nails are basically in survival mode.

The truth is, while I put my heart into making sure your prep and application is flawless, the secret to a set that actually lasts four weeks instead of two, lies in what happens AFTER you walk out my door. Nail aftercare isn’t just me being extra, it’s a commitment to protecting your nail health and your bank account. Longevity is a 60/40 partnership between my skill and your daily habits. In this ultimate guide, I’m giving you the real insight on why nails lift, the habits you need to quit ASAP, and the pro tips that will keep your set looking fresh until we meet again.

Jewels, Not Tools

If there is one thing I need you to tattoo into your brain, it’s this: Your nails are jewels, not tools. This is the #1 mindset shift you need to make if you want your acrylics to survive.

I see it all the time, we use our nails for everything without even thinking. You’re scraping off a price tag, prying open a soda can, or trying to pick a knot out of a shoelace. Dont worry I catch myself doing those things sometimes as well but every time you do that, you’re putting crazy pressure on the bond between the product and your natural nail. Even if the nail doesn’t snap right then and there, you’re creating these tiny cracks that eventually turn into lifting at the cuticle or the edges. Once a gap opens up, moisture and bacteria move in, and that’s when things can get messy.

How to break the habit

The Soda Can Hack: Use the side of your finger, a spoon, knife, keys, literally anything that you can fit under there. Please, I’m begging you.

• Package Opening: Amazon boxes are the enemy. Use scissors or a knife. Your nails are not box cutters!
• Keyboard Typing: If you have long extensions, try to type with the pads of your fingers. It feels weird at first, but it saves your nail beds from constant jarring.

If you want to see my latest work and the different shapes I offer, head over to other pages on my website! I have tons of pictures on there. 

About

Why Cuticle Oil is Your Bestie

Most people think cuticle oil is just for making your fingers look cute and shiny for the fresh set photo, but it’s actually the most important thing you can do for maintenance. Your natural nail is made of keratin, and it needs to stay flexible.

When you have a set on, the product is hard and rigid. Meanwhile, your natural nail underneath is still alive. If it gets dry, it starts to curl or shrink away from the acrylic. Since the acrylic can’t move with it, the bond breaks. Boom! Lifting. Daily cuticle oil keeps the natural nail flexible so it moves with the product instead of fighting against it.

Apply it at least twice a day. Keep one in your purse and one on your nightstand. Trust me, your nails will thank you.

Water is the Enemy

I know, I know. We have to wash our hands and clean, but prolonged exposure to water is a nightmare for nail longevity. Your natural nails are like sponges, they expand when they’re wet and shrink when they’re dry. This constant “breathing” eventually weakens the glue or acrylic bond.

Also, those cleaning chemicals? They are basically a slow motion version of soaking your nails in acetone. They eat away at your topcoat and soften the product. 

How to protect your investment

• Wear Gloves: If you’re doing dishes or cleaning the bathroom, put on some rubber gloves. Your manicure (and your skin) will stay looking much better.
• Dry Them Properly: After a shower, make sure you dry under your extensions. If moisture stays trapped under a lifted spot, you risk getting a greenie (a bacterial infection), and nobody wants that.

Why I Need to See You Every 3-4 Weeks

There’s a reason I’m always bugging you about your fill in schedule. It’s not just because I want to see you (though I do!). It’s about the structure of your nails. The apex is the thickest part of the nail that I build over your stress area to act as a shock absorber. As your nail grows out, that thick part moves closer to the tip of your finger. That’s when the nail is front heavy. If you bang your nail when it’s overgrown, it acts like a lever and can snap your natural nail right in the middle.. Staying on a 3-4 week schedule keeps the weight balanced and your natural nails safe.

Don’t forget to show me how your set is holding up! Tag me in your #FreshSet photos on Instagram @nailsby_.emely  and use the #MyNailTechSaid for a chance to be featured on my story!

The “Don’t Pick” Rule

If you do get a lift or a crack DO. NOT. PICK. IT. I know it’s tempting. I know you want to pull it off, but when you pull off a lifting nail, you are ripping off layers of your natural nail plate. This makes your nails thin, weak, and super painful.

If something goes wrong:

1. Keep it clean and dry.
2. Put a Band-Aid on it so it doesn’t snag.
3. BOOK YOUR NEXT APPOINMENT or a quick repair asap. Don’t try to glue it at home, you might trap bacteria underneath!

At the end of the day, your nails are an investment in you. You deserve to feel confident and have a set that lasts. If you follow these steps, oil, gloves, and no picking. You’ll be amazed at how much better your nails look at the 3 week mark.

Ready for a luxury experience and a set that actually stays put? Book an appointment with me today. I can’t wait to get you right!