Myths and Fables Concerning Nails 6 December 2004

geeg · **Myths and Fables Concerning Nails 6 December 2004**

Myths and Fables Concerning Nails 6 December 2004

Pterygium is all that stuff we remove from the nail plate prior to application.

No it is not …Cuticle is the non-living tissue that you remove from the nail plate prior to product application. There can be allot, as in your nail biter, or a little if someone looks after their nails.

Pterygium is 'living' tissue that (when talking about nails anyway) grows down the centre of the plate dividing the nail and is very painful if you try to do anything to it ... you certainly cannot remove it. Pterygium is a term for any overgrowth of skin cells (psoriasis is pterygium) on the body.

Eponychium is the living tissue, which surrounds zone 3 of the nail plate and is often incorrectly referred to as cuticle! No wonder so many get confused. But they wouldn't if they used the correct terms.

Blending tips causes nail plate damage

Lack of file control near the natural nail while blending and thinning tips is what causes nail plate damage. Start thinning from the free edge and work back to the well of the tip and by the time you get to the well, 90% of your work will be done for you with NO damage to the plate.

3. A light touch with your file stops ‘burning’

A light touch plus fast movement plus air trapped between the abrasive and the nail product creates friction and heat. Use firm pressure and keep the abrasive moving evenly over the surface of the nail product to prevent friction burns.

4. A rebalance appointment should take half the time of a full set.

Actually a rebalance if done correctly and with full care and attention to preventative measures, will take almost as long as a full set. The price should reflect the time it takes to do the job thoroughly.

5. Green nails should be soaked in alcohol or antiseptic solution or gin to cure the infection.

If you see a client with a bacterial infection on the surface of the nail plate, then it is sufficient to remove the enhancement and clean the surface of the plate with a sanitizer. Once the habitat that favours the bacteria is removed, the bacteria no longer can thrive. The ‘staining’ on the nail will have to grow out. It is not a sign that bacteria are still present. A sanitized nail can have an enhancement re-applied immediately.

6. A Fill is the same as a Rebalance.

A Fill is just that, filling in a space where the re-growth of the nail is showing. A Rebalance is a restructuring of the whole enhancement for balance and beauty.

7. You will only win a competition if you use a certain product line.

Statements like this only demonstrate either a lack of knowledge or sour grapes! Individuals who only see the hands of the competitors judge nail competitions. Judges are completely unaware of the brands used by the competitors.

8. ‘Pinching’ is the way to achieve the ‘C’ curve on a sculpted nail.

‘Pinching’ is ONE way to achieve a ‘C’ curve on a sculpted nail. Correct Form application as well as excellent brush technique is another way.

9. Tips with overlay are stronger than sculpted nails.

Actually a sculpted nail is less likely to break than a tip with overlay. A tip and overlay application has a natural breaking point where the tip is adhered to the nail plate.

10. Thick enhancements are stronger enhancements.

A thin beautifully balanced enhancement can be stronger than a thick unbalanced enhancement. Balance is the key to toughness and strength. Building the nail to withstand stress is a key part of the strength of enhancements.