Nail extensions: read before joining fashion –

Nails are strongly linked to female aesthetics, and are a highly relevant factor in how we present ourselves to the world. For this and other reasons, nail stretching has become a fever among women, and has a variety of techniques and professionals available. But despite the beauty, you need to know a few things before jumping into the trend to properly take care of the health of your nail and its extensions.

First of all, did you know that before you even decide to put on a nail extension, you need to look for a specialist doctor? The dermatologist will assess whether it is possible to carry out the process, as the procedure is not recommended for those who have allergies, sensitive skin or diseases such as nail psoriasis (when the body itself attacks the nails, generating various signs such as wavy, deformed, brittle nails , thick or with white or dark spots), some type of infection or ringworm. The t stretchesThey are also not indicated for pregnant women, diabetics and children under 16 years old..

HOW STRETCHING WORKS

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The first step in the process is nail preparation. Before choosing the technique, it is important to perform the correct cleaning (after all, your natural nail will spend the next 15 days “covered”) and, if the client has a very thick cuticle, the excess is removed with the micromotor and drill appropriate as needed. If this is not the condition of the cuticle, just remove it with the spatula. Then, it is necessary to make small “grooves” on the surface of the nail, making it rough and eliminating any moisture or oiliness that it may have, in addition to applying the dehydrator, leaving it matte, and then the primer.

Once prepared, the nail designer Loyslene Nascimento account that there are several stretching techniques. The best known on Brazilian soil are the techniques toacrylic, polygel and fiberglass.

To the acrylic nails (or porcelain) a liquid called monomer and acrylic powder is used for its preparation. By mixing the monomer, which is a catalyst, it is possible to sculpt porcelain nails. Its application is relatively quick, and can often rebuild brittle or damaged nails.
the technique polygelwhich is new on the market, is a combination of acrylic gel and porcelain, being more malleable, allowing the professional to be able to do a more detailed job according to the client’s wishes.
Already the fiberglass it is composed of small fibers of the material (it really is glass!), which can deliver a more delicate result, and requires the use of a UV cabin during the process.

According to Loyslene, the choice between the techniques is related to the preference of the clients and the look of the professional. “Most of the time, the professional chooses, based on the shape of the client’s nail, which is the best and most beautiful for her. The most irreducible customers, we let them choose ”, she concludes.

the dermatologist Lucas Miranda explains that there is no more or less aggressive technique when it comes to stretching. “They are different stretches that deliver different results. It is worth talking to the dermatologist before the placement to find out whether or not you should use the stretching, pay attention to the choice of professional who will perform the procedure, the products used and maintenance care”, he advises.

HOW TO CARE

The nail designer explains that to maintain the quality and durability of the extension, it is necessary to keep the fingers away from the mouth, since saliva is too acidic for nails — even for this reason, many people can also use nail extension as a means of stop chewing them.

It is important to use gloves when handling chemical products (for example when cleaning the house) as they can also affect the durability and health of the work.

Finally, it is recommended not to open cans (or anything else) with your fingernails. In addition to putting extra force on them and running the risk of breaking them, the act can also end up partially detaching the work from the real nail, bringing serious consequences for the health of the same, as a space is created between both , making it conducive to the emergence of fungi and bacteria.

THE MAINTENANCE

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Maintenance needs to be done between 15 and 21 days, not being recommended by professionals in the area or by dermatologists to spend that time. “Stretching can damage the nail plate. That’s why it’s important to do the maintenance in the determined period, 15 in 15 days or a maximum of 21 days, always checking if there was any detachment or infiltration between the fake nail and the natural nail. It is worth noting that the technique should not be used for long periods. tells Lucas.

POSSIBLE RISKS

Loyslene says that when stretching is done with low-quality products, does not have the correct maintenance or the procedure is done with a broken nail, the probability of bacteria and allergic reactions becomes greater. “That’s why I don’t do it when the nail is broken or with an open wound, I ask the client to remove it and wait for the wound to close so as not to cause further problems”.

This happens because, if the nails have any displacement or infiltration, some holes may appear with the detachment of the material, allowing moisture to enter through these spaces, making the region an ideal place for the proliferation of fungi and bacteria, where, depending on the degree of aggression, or if it causes damage.

Ariana Mendonçaspecialist doctor in anatomy, believes that stretching should be something sporadic and remain as short as possible on the nail, to minimize the risk of infection and damage to the natural nail. “The stretching generates occlusion in the nail, making the environment conducive to the proliferation of fungi, in addition, as the natural nail is not visible, the diagnosis of the infection is not made, which makes it even more difficult and delays the treatment”.

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This special is part of the December 2021 issue of ,
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