ALL Acrylic enhancement systems are "Organic", don’t be fooled into thinking one system is better than another as it is advertised this way!
Acrylic enhancements do NOT ruin your natural nails - untrained nail technicians and self removal with teeth or other implements do!
Acrylic Nails and Gel Nails are both acrylic - just in different forms - not one system is "better" for your nails.
Gel nails very rarely lift (if applied correctly), but are not as strong as Liquid & Powder.
Liquid & Powder nails also do not lift if applied correctly and looked after correctly!
ALL Acrylic systems allow your natural nail to grow underneath.
95% of my clients started of with extensions, now their own nails are long underneath and they have overlays.
Nails do NOT need to "breathe" - the nail plate is porous, but does not need to "breathe" as it is made up of dead cells! It is also proven that is in fact healthier for the natural nail plate to be covered at all times, even if it's just with a clear polish.
Upon removal, natural nails can feel more flexible for the first few days. This is down to two things - one, they are missing the support of the acrylic layer, and two, there can sometimes be a build up of oil on the surface of the nail plate which can soften it slightly. The effect is temporary and will only last a couple of days. It is wise to coat the nail with a strengthener for the first few days.
Do not use nail strengthener for long periods of time as it can cause your nails to become brittle.
Nail plates do NOT need to be filed prior to having enhancements - they need to have the shine removed – nothing more!
Anything more will damage your nail. NEVER let ANY technician file your natural nail plate!!
Blowing on polish will lower adhesion and gloss of the finished product!
For your polish to last - prepare the nail thoroughly, use a base coat, then two coats of colour and a topcoat to seal - allowing sufficient time for ALL layers to dry in between!
Applying a second coat of polish too soon can result in an "orange peel effect".
The area to the back of the nail plate often referred to as cuticle, is actually called eponychium. Cuticle is the almost invisible layer that grows from under the eponychium to prevent bacteria getting under the skin. This layer can grow the full length of the natural nail and unless removed will prevent acrylic or polish from adhering properly - thus causing lifting in acrylic enhancements.
MMA - Methyl Methacrylate - is an ingredient used in monomers in the 1970's. This was proven to cause severe allergic reactions as it was able to "seep" into the skin. The majority of manufacturers changed their monomers and now use Ethyl Methacrylate as it is much safer. But, there are still some salons about who use MMA - referred to in the industry as NSS - Non Standard Salons! Their enhancements are usually very cheap (MMA is cheaper to buy than EMA), and are very very difficulty to remove - even with acetone. It will have a strong, almost fishy smell. It will be very difficult to file. Due to the incredible hardness of the product, there is a very real danger of losing a natural nail if you catch your enhancement. Use caution when choosing a salon - and don't be afraid to ask what products they use - be wary if they won't tell you or they don't know!
When placing your nails under a lamp to cure gel enhancements, occasionally you may feel a burn to your nail plate. This is either the gel has been applied to thickly, or the nail plate is damaged. In either case just remove your hand, then place it back in the lamp several times in quick succession until the heat has gone.
When your nails are at the fully prepped stage - and you are about to have the acrylic placed on your nails, playing with your hair/touching your face/answering your phone etc will put contaminants back on your nail plate and you will get LIFTING!!
Hypoallergenic means "less likely" to cause allergic reactions. The Brisa system is free of the common sensitizers found in other gels (acrylates, formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde)
