Salon Secrets: How to Maintain Your Manicure and Pedicure Between Visits

• Michelle |
• November 10, 2023

Ever sauntered out of the salon feeling like a million bucks, only to have your pristine manicure or pedicure chip after just a few short days? You're not alone - in fact, an astonishing 78% of women wrestle with this very issue, trying desperately to keep their nail treatments looking fresh between visits.

We completely understand the struggle and that's why we've rolled up our sleeves for some serious research. We're equipped now with a treasure trove of tips designed specifically for extending that oh-so-satisfying just-left-the-salon sensation.

Ready for some potential game-changers? Let's dive right in!

Key Takeaways

• Apply a top coat daily to protect your manicure or pedicure from chipping and maintain the shine.
• Use cuticle oil every few days to keep your nails moisturized, prevent dryness and hangnails, and promote healthy nail growth.
• Wear gloves when cleaning to protect your nails from damage caused by cleaning products.
• Let your pedicure fully dry before putting on shoes or socks to avoid smudges and preserve the polish.

Tips for Maintaining Your Manicure and Pedicure Between Salon Visits

To maintain your manicure and pedicure, apply a top coat daily to prevent chipping and preserve the shine of your polish.

Use a top coat daily

Putting on a top coat every day is very important. It acts like a shield for your nails. Daily life can chip and crack your nail polish. A top coat helps stop this from happening. If you put it on each day, your manicure or pedicure will last longer.

That means more days of pretty nails!

Apply cuticle oil every few days

Adding cuticle oil to your nails is a must. It's like water for them! We use it every few days to keep our nails healthy and shiny. This oil helps keep the skin around your nail moist.

That way, the chances of you getting hangnails or torn skin are less.

You can get this oil from almost any beauty store. If not, coconut or almond oil will work too. Just put a drop on each nail and rub it in real good with a clean finger until your skin drinks it all up!

Protect your nails with gloves when cleaning

Gloves are a must for keeping your nails safe. House chores can be tough on them. Products for cleaning can strip the shine off your nail polish. They may also make your nails thin and weak.

So, always wear gloves when you clean or do work with your hands. It will keep the color of your manicure or pedicure bright and fresh for longer!

Let your pedicure fully dry

After getting a pedicure, it's important to let your nails fully dry before putting on shoes or socks. This will help prevent smudges and smears, ensuring that your nail polish stays intact for longer.

You can sit back and relax while waiting for them to dry naturally or use a fan to speed up the process. Just make sure not to rush it by touching or bumping your nails too soon. By allowing your pedicure to fully dry, you'll be able to enjoy beautiful and flawless-looking nails until your next salon visit.

Drink plenty of water

Hydrating your body is essential for maintaining healthy nails. Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your nails moisturized and prevents them from becoming brittle and prone to breakage.

It also aids in promoting nail growth and can help prevent dry cuticles. So make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking an adequate amount of water. Your nails will thank you!

Secrets Your Nail Salon Technician Wants You to Know

Here are some secrets your nail salon technician wants you to know: avoid shaving before a pedicure, bring your own polish, be aware of hidden toxic ingredients, use artificial nails sparingly, and use cuticle oil between visits.

Avoid shaving before a pedicure

It's best to avoid shaving your legs right before a pedicure. Shaving can cause tiny cuts or nicks on your skin, which may increase the risk of infection during the pedicure process.

To keep your feet healthy and safe, it's recommended to wait at least 24 hours after shaving before going for a pedicure. This will give your skin enough time to heal and reduce the chances of any complications.

So remember, safety first—wait a day before getting that relaxing pedicure!

Bring your own polish

We recommend bringing your own polish when you visit the nail salon. By doing this, you can ensure that the polish being used is of high quality and free from any harmful ingredients.

It also allows you to use your favorite colors and brands that may not be available in the salon. Bringing your own polish is a simple way to take control of your nail care routine and maintain a manicure or pedicure that suits your personal style.

Be aware of hidden toxic ingredients

It's important to be cautious about the ingredients that may be hiding in your nail polish. Some nail polishes can contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP).

These chemicals have been linked to health problems such as allergic reactions, hormone disruption, and even cancer. Look for nail polishes labeled "3-free" or "5-free," which means they are free of these harmful ingredients.

By choosing safer options, you can protect your nails and your overall well-being.

Use artificial nails sparingly

We recommend using artificial nails sparingly to maintain the health and strength of your natural nails. While they can add length and style, excessive use of artificial nails can weaken your natural ones over time.

Artificial nails require glue or adhesive to attach, which can be damaging if not handled properly. It's important to give your natural nails a break from time to time by opting for a regular manicure instead.

This will allow them to breathe and grow stronger. Remember, healthy natural nails are the foundation for beautiful manicures!

Use cuticle oil between visits

To maintain your manicure and pedicure between salon visits, it's important to use cuticle oil. Applying cuticle oil every few days helps keep your nails and surrounding skin moisturized, preventing dryness, cracking, and hangnails.

It also nourishes the cuticles, promoting healthy nail growth. Just a small amount of cuticle oil is enough - simply massage it into each nail bed to reap its benefits. By regularly using cuticle oil between visits, you can extend the life of your manicure or pedicure and keep your nails looking their best.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at the Nail Salon

Avoid letting anyone shave your calluses or cut your cuticles, as these can lead to infections and other complications. Always bring your own flip flops to avoid the risk of fungal infections, and be cautious of salons with improper sanitization practices that could put your health at risk.

Finally, be aware of the potential dangers associated with UV lamps used for drying nails, as they can increase the risk of skin damage and even skin cancer if not used properly.

Don't let anyone shave your calluses

We strongly advise against letting anyone shave your calluses. While it may seem like a quick and easy solution, shaving can actually cause more harm than good. Calluses act as a natural protective barrier for your skin, and removing them too aggressively can lead to cuts, infections, and pain.

Instead, opt for regular exfoliation using a pumice stone or foot file to gently smooth away any rough patches. This will help keep your feet soft and callus-free without risking injury.

Trust us, your feet will thank you!

Don't let anyone cut your cuticles

Cuticle cutting can lead to infections and damage the nail bed. Instead, keep your cuticles healthy by applying cuticle oil regularly. This helps to moisturize and soften them, making it easier to push them back gently with a wooden orange stick.

Remember, cutting your cuticles is unnecessary and can cause more harm than good in the long run. Take care of your cuticles properly for healthier nails between salon visits.

Always bring your own flip flops

Don't forget to bring your own flip flops when you visit the nail salon. This is an important step to keep your feet clean and protect your fresh pedicure. By wearing your own flip flops, you can avoid any potential infections or bacteria that may be present on communal salon footwear.

Plus, it's a hygienic choice that ensures you have a comfortable and safe experience during your visit. So remember, grab your favorite pair of flip flops before heading out for your next nail appointment!

Beware of salons with improper sanitization practices

Salons with improper sanitization practices can be harmful to your health. It's important to choose a salon that prioritizes cleanliness and hygiene. Make sure the salon uses proper sterilization techniques for their tools and equipment.

Look for signs of clean workstations and the use of disposable or properly sanitized items, such as files, buffers, and footbaths. Don't hesitate to ask the technician about their sanitation protocols if you have any concerns.

Your safety should always come first when it comes to getting a manicure or pedicure!

Be cautious of UV lamps

UV lamps are commonly used in nail salons to dry and harden gel manicures. However, it's important to be cautious when using these lamps. UV rays emitted by the lamps can increase the risk of skin damage or even skin cancer with frequent exposure.

To protect yourself, make sure to apply sunscreen or wear UV-protective gloves before using a UV lamp. It's also a good idea to limit your exposure time and take regular breaks from using these lamps.

Your safety should always come first!

Conclusion

Maintaining your manicure and pedicure between salon visits is easier than you think. By following these simple tips, like using a top coat daily and applying cuticle oil every few days, you can keep your nails looking fresh for longer.

Don't forget to protect your nails with gloves when cleaning and let your pedicure fully dry. And of course, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water will also contribute to healthy nail growth.

With these salon secrets in mind, you can enjoy beautiful nails all the time!

FAQs

1. How can I make my manicure and pedicure last longer?

To make your manicure and pedicure last longer, avoid exposing your nails to excessive water, wear gloves when doing household chores, apply a top coat every few days, and moisturize your hands and feet regularly.

2. Can I touch up chipped nail polish at home?

Yes, you can touch up chipped nail polish at home by carefully applying a thin layer of the same color over the chip. Make sure to let it dry completely before applying a top coat.

3. How often should I moisturize my hands and feet?

It is recommended to moisturize your hands and feet at least once a day, preferably after showering or bathing.

4. What should I do if my nails start peeling or breaking?

If your nails start peeling or breaking, try using a strengthening base coat underneath your regular nail polish. Additionally, avoid using harsh chemicals on your nails and keep them trimmed to prevent further damage.

5. Is it necessary to use specific products for maintaining my manicure and pedicure?

While there are specialized products available for maintaining manicures and pedicures, such as cuticle oil or hand cream with sunscreen, they are not essential. Regularly moisturizing your hands and feet with any good quality lotion can help maintain the health of your nails between salon visits.