Nails: A Tutorial
Nails do not breathe, they do not sweat, they do not eat, and they do not rest.
Nails provide a rigid backing to protect the delicate fingertip, which we use to grasp items and distinguish textures. The nails themselves allow us to pick up small items and scratch itchy skin.
Nails are simply layers of dead keratin. As such, they do not require oxygen. The nail bed, cuticle and matrix (where the nail is formed) do, however require oxygen because they are composed of live skin cells.
Because nails are made from dead protein, they cannot be strengthened by vitamins or mineral supplements. You can help yourself grow the healthiest nails you can by giving the matrix a healthy, nourished environment in which to grow. Nourish yourself well (inside with a well balanced/vitamin rich diet, including lots of water; and outside with well moisturized skin and cuticles) and your hair, skin and nails will thank you.
If you decide to wear artificial extensions, please note that the top layers are thinned by the application of the artificial product, but this does not affect new growth. The thinner condition is not permanent.
Your nails will adapt to artificial extensions. When the nails are covered by artificial product, the natural nail is not exposed to sensations of water, air or temperature. If and when the artificial product is removed, the nail bed can again monitor it's environment (including your usage of them) then the nail bed will start to grow in thicker and stronger to protect the nail bed and fingertip. It will take three to six months for a completely unaffected nail to grow out.
A SHORT DETOUR ABOUT CUTICLES
Cuticles serve a very important function for our body. They act as a barrier against germs by protecting the entry into the thinner skin surrounding the fingertip. Your cuticles should never be CUT off during a manicure or artificial nail service. Dead skin (for example, a hang nail) can be gently removed with the proper tools. Cuticle that has grown forward onto the nail bed can be pushed back and removed. A qualified and licensed nail professional knows how to treat cuticles. Never let a manicurist CUT them off!
THE TRUTH ABOUT ACRYLICS
Acrylic Nails are the most common form of nail enhancements in the salon industry due to their ease of use, strength and durability.
Acrylics are safe and non-damaging to the natural nail plate when applied and maintained by a licensed nail technician using proper techniques and legal products.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN - "LEGAL PRODUCTS?" The acrylic nail chemical that has been approved for use in the beauty industry is called EMA or Ethyl Methacrylate. Currently a chemical called MMA or Methyl Methacrylate, which has been illegal since the late 1970's, is being used by some disreputable manufacturers and salons. MMA was deemed dangerous both to the consumer and the salon professionals.
There are a few chemical components that distinguish the legal EMA from the illegal MMA. However, this small difference makes EMA much safer! Another difference, and one that is most relative to consumers, is PRICE. The illegal MMA is about 1/16th the cost of the approved MMA. This explains much of the price difference at many salons.
You will be happy to note that EMA is one of the most studied chemicals on Earth. There is a huge amount of scientific literature that backs up the safety of this important substance. It is now used in everything from household plastics to medical devices that are implanted in the body.
As a point of information, all artificial nail enhancements treat natural nails in the same way, as they are ALL artificial coverings. This salon (and our independant, qualified and licensed nail professionals) uses and specializes in the application of acrylic and gels as our preferred method of artificial nail services.
Information for this tutorial was researched and aided by NailPro Magazine, Doug Schoon - Chemist at Creative Nail Design and Laura Campos - Laura's Pro Nails, Florida.
More information about MMA can be found at www.beautytech.com/info.
