Rachel's Nails

Author: Rachels Nails

  • How weather in Reading affects your nails?

    At Rachel’s Nails, we’ve noticed that our clients’ nails don’t always behave the same way throughout the year. A manicure that lasts beautifully in spring might feel completely different during a damp winter or a particularly warm spell. The weather in Reading really can affect your natural nails, your skin and even how your manicure wears over time, although the changes are usually subtle rather than dramatic.

    That’s why we don’t just look at the treatment you choose. We also consider what’s happening with your natural nails, your daily routine and, sometimes, even the season. Understanding how the weather influences your nails can help you keep them stronger and your manicure looking its best for longer.

    Does the weather really affect your nails?

    Yes, it can.

    Your nails naturally expand and contract slightly as moisture levels change, while your skin and cuticles respond to changes in temperature and humidity throughout the year. Although weather isn’t the only factor that influences nail health, it’s something we’ve found can make a noticeable difference for many of our clients.

    The good news is that a few small adjustments to your nail care routine are often enough to keep your nails looking healthy in every season.

    Winter in Reading

    Cold weather tends to bring one of the biggest changes we see.

    When temperatures drop, many people spend more time indoors with central heating. While this keeps us warm, it can also leave the skin and cuticles feeling much drier than usual.

    Dry cuticles aren’t just a cosmetic issue. They can become rough, split more easily and leave the area around the nail looking untidy.

    Natural nails may also feel slightly more brittle during colder months, especially if they’re repeatedly exposed to cold outdoor air followed by warm indoor heating.

    That’s why winter is the time we most often remind clients not to skip cuticle oil.

    Applying it regularly helps replace some of the moisture your nails and surrounding skin lose throughout the day.

    Damp weather and humidity

    Reading experiences its fair share of damp weather, particularly during autumn and winter.

    Many people assume humidity is always good for nails because it adds moisture to the air. In reality, it’s a little more complicated.

    Natural nails absorb small amounts of water during everyday activities, and repeated cycles of becoming wet and drying out can make them more flexible. While flexibility isn’t necessarily a problem, excessive moisture exposure can sometimes contribute to peeling or splitting in nails that are already weak.

    That’s one reason we recommend wearing gloves when you’re cleaning, washing up or spending long periods with your hands in water, regardless of the weather outside.

    Warm summer days

    Although British summers are generally milder than those in many countries, warmer weather can still change how your nails and skin feel.

    Many people spend more time outdoors, gardening, travelling or enjoying holidays.

    Hands are often exposed to more sunlight, swimming pools, sand and frequent hand washing.

    None of these automatically damages your nails, but together they can leave the nails and cuticles feeling drier than you might expect.

    We’ve also noticed that clients often become less consistent with aftercare while they’re away on holiday. It’s easy to forget cuticle oil when you’re packing for a weekend away, but maintaining that routine can make a real difference.

    Does weather affect BIAB, gel polish or acrylics?

    Weather itself doesn’t usually cause BIAB, gel polish or acrylics to fail.

    However, the condition of your natural nails can influence how well any enhancement performs.

    For example, if your nails become particularly dry during winter or softer after repeated exposure to water, they may behave slightly differently than they would during another season.

    That’s why proper preparation is so important.

    When you visit us, we always prepare the natural nail carefully before applying any product. Good preparation and good aftercare generally have a much bigger impact on longevity than the weather alone.

    Why do cuticles seem worse in winter?

    This is something we hear from clients every year.

    Cold air outside and heated air indoors both tend to reduce moisture in the skin.

    Because the skin around the nails is naturally delicate, it’s often one of the first places where dryness becomes noticeable.

    You might see:

    • Dry skin around the nail.
    • Rough cuticles.
    • Small splits or hangnails.
    • Skin that feels tight after washing your hands.

    Fortunately, these problems are usually easy to manage with regular moisturising.

    Everyday habits matter more than the forecast

    Although the weather plays a part, we’ve found that everyday habits usually have a greater impact on nail health.

    For example, repeatedly exposing your hands to cleaning products without gloves is likely to affect your nails more than a few rainy days.

    The same goes for picking at gel polish, using your nails as tools or forgetting to moisturise your hands.

    Weather can influence your nails, but your daily routine often determines how noticeable those changes become.

    Looking after your nails throughout the year

    A few simple habits can help keep your nails in good condition whatever the season.

    We usually recommend:

    • Applying cuticle oil every day.
    • Moisturising your hands regularly, especially after washing them.
    • Wearing gloves for household cleaning and washing up.
    • Avoiding peeling off gel polish or BIAB.
    • Booking maintenance appointments before products become excessively grown out.
    • Using your fingertips rather than your nails to open packaging.

    These are simple routines, but they can make a significant difference over time.

    Should you change your nail treatment with the seasons?

    Not necessarily.

    Many clients are perfectly happy wearing the same treatment all year round.

    Sometimes, though, we may suggest small adjustments depending on how your nails are behaving.

    For example, if someone’s natural nails become particularly dry during winter, we might focus more on hydration and aftercare. If another client is spending weeks gardening or travelling during the summer, we may recommend a practical nail length that’s less likely to catch or break.

    Rather than changing treatments simply because the season has changed, we prefer to base our recommendations on the condition of your nails at each appointment.

    When should you ask for professional advice?

    If your nails suddenly become extremely brittle, begin lifting away from the nail bed, develop unusual discolouration or repeatedly split despite good aftercare, it’s worth having them assessed.

    Sometimes the cause is simply seasonal dryness, but persistent changes can have other explanations.

    We’d always rather take a proper look than have you guessing at home.

    Final thoughts

    At Rachel’s Nails, we know that Reading’s weather can have a subtle influence on your nails throughout the year, but it rarely tells the whole story. Healthy nails are usually the result of good daily care, appropriate treatments and paying attention to what your own nails need as the seasons change.

    If you’ve noticed your nails behaving differently at certain times of the year, we’d be happy to have a look during your next appointment. We’ll assess the condition of your natural nails, answer any questions you have and recommend the care or treatment that genuinely suits you—whatever the weather outside.

  • Can Short Nails Have Biab?

    Not every client who walks into Rachel’s Nails is hoping to leave with long nails. Quite often, we’re helping someone who prefers a neat, practical manicure that fits around work, looking after children or simply everyday life. If you’re wondering whether your short nails can have BIAB, the answer is very often yes. In fact, we’ve found that shorter natural nails can be some of the best candidates for BIAB, as long as they’re healthy enough for the product to be applied correctly.

    It’s easy to understand why there’s so much confusion. Social media is full of photos showing long, perfectly shaped BIAB manicures, which can make it seem as though length is a requirement. From our experience, though, that’s simply not the case. What matters far more is the condition of your natural nails and what you’d like your manicure to achieve.

    What is BIAB actually designed to do?

    One thing we always explain when someone visits us is that BIAB isn’t designed to create instant length. Builder in a Bottle is a strengthening gel that reinforces your natural nails, helping protect them from everyday wear while encouraging healthier growth over time.

    Rather than replacing your natural nails, BIAB works with them. It creates a supportive overlay that can reduce breakage and help maintain the length you’ve already managed to grow.

    That’s why we always look at the health of the nail first, not simply how long it is.

    Does nail length matter?

    In most cases, no.

    We’ve applied BIAB to clients with everything from neatly trimmed nails to nails that have been kept short for years. As long as there’s a healthy nail plate for the product to bond to, short nails are often perfectly suitable.

    People are sometimes surprised when we say this because they’ve assumed BIAB is mainly for long nails. The reality is that the product was developed to strengthen natural nails, and that benefit isn’t limited by length.

    Why short nails often work so well with BIAB

    There are several reasons why BIAB can be an excellent choice for shorter nails.

    Less pressure on the nail

    Long nails naturally act like a longer lever. When they’re knocked against a keyboard, caught on clothing or bumped while opening a cupboard, more force travels through the nail.

    Short nails don’t experience the same amount of leverage, so they’re often less likely to snap or crack during everyday activities.

    Combined with the additional support that BIAB provides, this can create a very durable manicure.

    A practical option for busy lifestyles

    Many of our clients deliberately keep their nails short.

    Some work in healthcare or childcare. Others spend their days typing, gardening, cooking or going to the gym. They want nails that look polished without getting in the way of daily life.

    For those clients, BIAB often provides the perfect balance of strength and a natural appearance.

    It helps protect nails while they grow

    We’ve seen plenty of clients who felt they could never grow their natural nails because they always broke at the same length.

    While BIAB doesn’t make nails grow faster, it can help reduce everyday breakage. That means many people are finally able to keep the growth they would otherwise lose every few weeks.

    Over time, those short nails may naturally become longer simply because they’re better protected.

    How short is too short?

    There isn’t a simple measurement.

    Instead of counting millimetres, we assess the overall condition of the nail.

    If the natural nail is healthy and there’s enough surface for proper adhesion, BIAB can usually be applied successfully.

    There are situations where we may recommend waiting a little longer. For example, if the nails have been bitten extremely short, the surrounding skin is sore or damaged, or the nail plate has been significantly compromised, allowing a little recovery first may give a better result.

    Every client is different, so we never assume one treatment suits everyone.

    Can BIAB be applied to bitten nails?

    Sometimes, yes.

    People who bite their nails often assume they have to wait until their nails are much longer before considering BIAB.

    That isn’t always true.

    We’ve worked with many clients who were trying to stop biting their nails, and in the right circumstances, BIAB can provide extra protection while healthier nails begin to grow.

    However, success depends on the condition of the nails at the time of the appointment. If the nails have been bitten so short that there’s very little healthy surface remaining, we may suggest another approach until the nails recover slightly.

    Our goal is always to recommend what’s genuinely best for your nails rather than simply applying a product.

    Will BIAB make short nails look longer?

    Not immediately.

    Unlike acrylic extensions, BIAB isn’t intended to add noticeable length.

    Instead, it creates a stronger foundation for your existing nails.

    Many of our clients notice that after several weeks, their nails appear longer than usual. That’s not because BIAB has created extra length overnight—it’s because the nails have been protected from the everyday chips and breaks that previously prevented them from growing.

    BIAB or acrylics—which is better for short nails?

    The answer depends entirely on what you’d like to achieve.

    If you’re hoping to leave the salon with dramatically longer nails straight away, acrylic extensions may be the more suitable option.

    If you’re happy with your natural length and simply want stronger, healthier nails that look neat and last well, BIAB is often an excellent choice.

    We always talk through these options before starting because there’s no single treatment that’s right for everyone.

    Looking after BIAB on short nails

    Good aftercare makes a noticeable difference, regardless of nail length.

    We usually recommend:

    • Applying cuticle oil every day.
    • Moisturising your hands regularly.
    • Wearing gloves when using cleaning products for long periods.
    • Avoiding picking or peeling the BIAB.
    • Returning for maintenance appointments when recommended.
    • Using your fingertips rather than your nails to lift labels or open packaging.

    These small habits help protect both the BIAB and the natural nail underneath.

    Common misconceptions about BIAB on short nails

    One misconception we hear from time to time is that short nails aren’t worth having professionally done until they’ve grown.

    We don’t see it that way.

    Well-shaped, healthy short nails can look incredibly elegant. In fact, many people deliberately choose a shorter length because it’s easier to manage while still looking polished and professional.

    Another misconception is that BIAB is only for people with naturally strong nails. In reality, many clients choose BIAB because they want extra support while their nails become healthier over time.

    When might BIAB not be the right choice?

    Although BIAB suits many people with short nails, there are situations where we’d recommend something different.

    If there’s an infection, significant lifting of the natural nail, or severe damage that needs time to recover, protecting the health of the nail should always come first.

    Likewise, if your main goal is instant length for a special occasion, another treatment may be more suitable.

    We believe it’s always better to explain your options honestly than recommend a treatment simply because it’s popular.

    Final thoughts

    At Rachel’s Nails, we’ve learnt that healthy, beautiful nails come in all shapes and lengths. Short nails don’t automatically rule out BIAB—in fact, they can often be ideal for it. The most important factor is the condition of your natural nails, together with your lifestyle and what you want from your manicure.

    If you’re still unsure whether BIAB is the right choice for your nails, we’d be happy to take a look and talk you through the options. We’ll always recommend the treatment that genuinely suits your natural nails, so you leave with a manicure that not only looks lovely but also supports healthy nails in the long term.

  • Why Your Nails Feel Weak After Acrylic Removal?

    At Rachel’s Nails, one of the most common questions we hear is, “Have my acrylics damaged my natural nails?” If you’ve just had your acrylics removed and your nails suddenly feel thin, soft or weaker than before, don’t worry—this is usually a temporary change rather than permanent damage. More often than not, it’s the removal process and the current condition of your natural nails that make the difference, not simply wearing acrylics.

    We’ve seen plenty of clients come into our salon feeling convinced they’ve “ruined” their nails for good. After taking a closer look, the reality is usually much more reassuring. Natural nails are remarkably resilient, and with the right care, they can recover well over time.

    Why do nails feel weak after acrylic removal?

    One of the biggest reasons is that your natural nails have been protected by a hard enhancement for several weeks. Once that layer is removed, you’re suddenly feeling your own nails again, and they naturally seem much softer by comparison.

    However, there are also a few technical reasons why your nails may genuinely feel weaker.

    The removal process can affect the natural nail

    When acrylics are removed correctly, the product is softened and carefully worked away to avoid unnecessary stress on the natural nail.

    Problems usually happen when acrylics are picked, peeled or forced off too early. Because the acrylic is still firmly attached, peeling it away often lifts tiny layers of the natural nail at the same time. That’s why your nails can feel thinner, rougher and more sensitive immediately afterwards.

    Over-filing during application or removal can also contribute. Gentle filing is a normal part of any acrylic service, but removing more of the natural nail than necessary can leave it temporarily weaker until healthy growth replaces those layers.

    Acetone leaves nails feeling dry

    Professional acrylic removal almost always involves acetone because it’s the safest and most effective way to break down the product.

    The downside is that acetone also removes natural oils from the nail plate and surrounding skin. Straight after removal, it’s perfectly normal for nails to feel dry, slightly chalky or more brittle than usual.

    This doesn’t mean your nails are permanently damaged. In most cases, regular cuticle oil and hand cream help restore moisture over the following days and weeks.

    Your nails are simply working on their own again

    Many of our clients are surprised by how flexible their nails feel after removing acrylics.

    The truth is, while you’ve been wearing acrylics, your natural nails haven’t had to absorb the knocks and pressure of everyday life. Once the enhancement is gone, they’re back to doing the job on their own, so they naturally feel different.

    How we advise our clients

    At Rachel’s Nails, we never assume every client needs the same solution. Before recommending another set of acrylics, BIAB or simply giving your nails a short break, we always look at the condition of your natural nails first. Someone with healthy, strong nails may be ready for another enhancement, while someone with thinning or peeling nails may benefit from focusing on recovery before their next appointment.

    Looking after your nails at home

    If your nails feel weak after acrylic removal, there are a few simple things we usually recommend.

    • Keep your nails slightly shorter while they recover.
    • Apply cuticle oil every day to help replace lost moisture.
    • Use a nourishing hand cream regularly, especially during colder weather.
    • Avoid using your nails to open cans, scrape labels or pick at anything hard.
    • If you’re planning another manicure, make sure your natural nails are assessed first rather than automatically choosing the same treatment again.

    Small habits like these won’t change your nails overnight, but they do give new, healthy growth the best chance to come through.

    Final thoughts

    At Rachel’s Nails, we always remind our clients that weak nails after acrylic removal are usually a temporary stage—not a sign that their natural nails are permanently damaged. With the right aftercare, a little patience and the treatment that’s most suitable for your nail condition, most people see their nails gradually return to their normal strength.

    If you’re unsure whether your nails are recovering as they should, we’d love to take a look. Book an appointment with us, and we’ll assess your natural nails, answer any questions you have and recommend the treatment that’s genuinely right for you.

  • How To Dry Nails Fast – Quick Tips

    How To Dry Nails Fast – Quick Tips

    There is no better way to spend some relaxed time than to acquire or give yourself a beautiful manicure. Nothing beats a stylish set of nails, whether you’ve been eyeing numerous cosmetic trends or want to keep things simple with an everyday manicure.

    All of the pleasure, though, comes to an end when it’s time to dry your nails. You risk damaging your manicure if you don’t wait long enough. And, of course, with a hectic schedule, waiting too long is out of the question. So you’re probably wondering how to dry nails quickly. Look no further if you’re sick of dealing with a smeared manicure.

    We’ll show you how to dry nails fast, including some useful suggestions, in the section below. But first, let’s look at how long nail paint should take to dry.

    How long does it take for nails to dry completely?

    It’s time to address the age-old question: How long does nail polish take to dry? While it’s tempting to believe that your nails only require 10 to 15 minutes to dry, previous manicure sessions have proven that even after waiting, your nails might get smeared.

    The fact is that nail paint might take up to two hours to dry. And, while a few hours might feel like an eternity when you have a busy schedule, it’s critical to get your manicure to set quickly so you can get on with your day.

    Because the surface layer of your nails dries first, you may believe they dry faster than they actually do. You may softly touch your nails and feel them dry, only to ruin them a minute later when you use your hands for anything.

    This is due to the fact that your nails are only dry on the surface; the lacquer below is still wet and might be damaged, smeared, and so on.

    How to dry nails fast without making smeared 

    Are you ready to find out how to dry your nails quickly? Continue reading for four ideas on how to speed up the drying process and achieve a perfect manicure in no time.

    Using fast-drying nail polish

    Using fast-drying nail paint is one of the simplest techniques to help your manicure dry quickly. Fast-drying nail lacquer, unlike other nail paint formulations, works to dry and set your nails in a matter of minutes. There is no need for a lengthy drying time. With so many color and finish options available, you’re sure to discover the right polish for you.

    Paint thin nail layers

    Paint your nail paint on in light, thin layers, allowing each layer to dry between coats. Apply 2-3 thin, light coats of polish after wiping off a bit of polish from your applicator brush. Allow your polish to dry for 1-3 minutes between coats. If you apply numerous thick coats of nail polish, it will not dry fully.

    • It will take longer to apply the polish this way, but it will dry much faster.
    • Paint each nail one at a time, then repeat in the same sequence. If you take your time painting each nail, the first one will be ready for its second coat by the time you finish the last one.

    Hair dryer is also a very good option

    For a quick fix, use a blow dryer to blast cold air for 2-3 minutes. Connect your hairdryer and set it to the cold air setting. Then, for 2-3 minutes, run the cool air across your fingertips. The chilly air may cause your nails to dry rapidly.

    • Do this for both hands to fully dry each nail.
    • Before you begin, make sure the dryer is set to the low setting. To avoid harming the polish, hold the hairdryer 12 inches (30 cm) above your nails as you dry them.
    • Your nail paint may begin to bubble or ripple if you use a warm heat setting or hold the dryer too near.

    Immerse your fingertips in a basin of cold ice water

    Allow your nails to air dry for 60 seconds before filling a small basin halfway with extremely cold water. Then, add 2-5 ice cubes. Hold your fingertips in the icy water for 1-2 minutes before removing them from the dish. In general, cold hardens nail paint, so an ice bath is an excellent technique to get your nail polish to adhere.

    • When applying this method, use caution since it might damage your nail paint if you dip your hands in the water too quickly. The polish should be virtually dry at this point.
    • While this speeds up the drying time of your nail paint, it will make your hands incredibly freezing!

    Put your hands in the freezer

    As much as we dislike being cold, when it comes to our nails and the opportunity to not smudge them before they’re dry, we’re ready to go to any length. In this situation, it entails placing your hands in the freezer for a few minutes. The cold air will assist to harden the top coat of polish, allowing you not to be too cautious after having your manicure done.

    Spray your wet nails with an air duster

    An air duster is a blast of chilly, pressurized air that shoots out fast. Hold the can around 30-45cm away from your hands to keep them from getting too chilly. Your nails should be mostly dry after a quick 3-5 second spray over your fingertips. Because the air is chilly, this works great for drying nail paint. Make sure the sprayer is aimed towards your nails.

    • Before you spray your nails, make sure they’re mostly dry, since air duster might damage your nail paint. You may unintentionally harm the polish’s surface.
    • Air duster may be purchased at most office supply stores.

    To save time, try using drying drops or setting spray

    Are you ready to decrease your drying time in half without making a mess? It’s time to get to know quick-dry nail drops. This product not only dries your manicure quickly, but it also protects your nails from dents, smudges, and scratches. Some formulations are also effective at nourishing your cuticles and nails. Essentially, it is a must-have. All you have to do is dab one or two drops onto newly polished nails. Wait a minute or two for them to dry, and everything is ready to go!

    When it comes to avoiding messes, a nail polish drying spray is a wonderful option. You can depend on obtaining the perfect manicure with every usage because it is ideal for minimizing drying time. Simply wait a minute after painting your nails before spraying evenly over each nail with the can held a few inches away from your hands.

    • Nail drying treatments, such as sprays and drops, are available at many beauty supply and pharmacy stores.

    Frequently asked question about how to dry nails fast

    Q: Can I dry my nails in front of an air conditioner rather than a freezer?

    A: Yes, this will aid in the drying of your nails. Anything that helps your nails harden faster will help them cool faster.

    Q: Can I wash my hands in the sink with cold water?

    A: Cold water can assist, but make sure it isn’t a strong stream otherwise it can ruin your nail polish/varnish.

    Q: Is the ice water technique suitable for nail art?

    A: It is determined by the amount of nail art present. If there is only a small amount, it will dry properly. If there is a lot, it will either fail or take a very long time. However, if you use a fast-drying top coat, that will assist. In this instance, we propose that you use UV/LED light to dry your nails.

    Summary

    There is nothing more frustrating than spending a couple of hours sitting with your hands in front of you, trying to avoid touching things for fear of damaging your freshly painted nails. We hope that all the information that Rachel’s Nails has provided above may help you overcome this situation. How to dry nails fast is not that difficult.

    Every day, ensure that you have a fundamental understanding of nail care and protection. You can apply all of the nail care methods we listed above or come to our nail salon for nail care to get faster results. We may be found at 12a Norcot Road, Reading, UK, or online at https://rachelsnails.co.uk/.

    We believe that this article can help you to figure out the proper ways about how to dry your nails fast with easy tips.

  • How To Do Ombre Nails At Home, Easy Tutorials

    How To Do Ombre Nails At Home, Easy Tutorials

    Ombré nails (like ombré hair) are a style of manicure that creates a color gradient. A bright hue on the top of the nail fades into a darker color at the tip. It may take some time and effort to achieve the ideal ombré effect, but there is plenty of creativity to make your one-of-a-kind ombré effect nails. Here are 2 simple tutorials about how to do ombre nails at home.

    What are ombre nails?

    Ombre is a term derived from the French word “ombrer”. This is not the name of a certain color, but the concept of the change in shade, the intensity of a color, also known as a transition.

    In the past few years, ombre color has returned in hairdressing, makeup and trending techniques. Then spread to the Nail field. This is the beginning of one of the most popular nail trends today.

    Why are ombre nails becoming more trendy recently?

    More than just a color transition from dark to light, the ombre pattern in the nail really brings top-notch art to the nails.

    Creativity above all boundaries

    Instead of just using a boring background color, nail technicians can break all the rules to unleash their creativity and mix colors.

    Nail ombre gives the women a mysterious, enchanting and colorful look. Thanks to the unlimited color creativity, ombre nail styles are extremely diverse and constantly changing.

    Diversity of customers

    Nail ombre is suitable for all ages from young people to the elderly. Bright, eye-catching colors will be the perfect choice for young people.

    As for the elderly, deep colors will be preferred.

    Suitable for all situations

    Thanks to the simple design, the ombre nail is easy to combine with different outfits and accessories.

    Therefore, this nail style is often used by women in many different situations such as birthday parties, proms, weddings, etc.

    How to do ombre nails by using a sponge

    Step 1: Remove any extra cuticle.

    To begin, in order to have the most beautiful nails, we must trim the extra skin surrounding the nails. This not only prevents the paint from smearing out, but also makes the nails neater and more attractive. To remove any skin from your nail plate, use a cuticle stick.

    However, if you do it alone, it will be tough; you may ask someone else to assist you in cutting the cuticle, or if your hands do not have too much additional skin, you can avoid this step. When pressing and cutting it, take care not to bleed.

    Step 2: Shape and file your nails

    Decide how you want to shape your nails before cutting them. File the tip after trimming the usual nail style. Finally, smooth the nail surface with a polishing tool or nail file to complete the style. You may also make nails that are round, square, pointed, almond, or oval. Here is how to correctly file and shape your nails, according to our instructions.

    Step 3: A clear base coat should be applied first. 

    Apply a thin layer of clear base coat to all of your nails. A clear base coat protects your nails from staining from colored polishes and helps to extend the life of your manicure by reducing the occurrence of chips in your nail paint.

    Step 4: Start by applying your base color polish.

    The basic color for ombré nails is generally white polish or the lightest color you intend to use for the ombré effect. While a white polish will make colors appear more vivid, choosing the lightest of your intended ombré polishes will result in a softer, more delicate ombré look. Apply this color to all of your nails as a backdrop. Allow your nail base to dry completely for a few minutes before applying next layers.

    • Paint two coats of your base color to get an opaque base. Allow the first layer to thoroughly dry before applying the second.
    • It is preferable to apply two thin coats of lacquer to your nails rather than one thick and heavy layer of polish to assist them dry quickly.

    Step 5: Using a makeup sponge, apply your ombré colors. 

    Using a tiny makeup sponge, paint your ombré colors in straight, horizontal lines side by side. The area of the sponge that you paint with should be around the same width as your nail. Begin by drawing a line across the width of the sponge with the lightest nail polish color. Then, below the first color, paint with the next darkest color. Finally, apply the deepest polish color beneath the second line of polish. Make certain that all of the colors are painted adjacent to one other, with no visible sponge between them. For each color, apply a couple coats of polish on the sponge so that the polish is wet enough to print onto your nail.

    • The ombré effect is often created with two or three colors, but you may experiment with other colors and combinations to find what you like most.
    • It may help to wet the makeup sponge first before applying the colors. Fill the makeup sponge halfway with water. Wring out the sponge until about 80% of the water has been gone. Then, using the nail polish colors, paint on the nails.

    Step 6: Apply the polish to your nails using a stamping technique.

    Stamp the polish onto your nail by repeatedly pressing the sponge (with the polish side down) on top of your nail, taking the sponge away every couple of stamps to see if the ombré is dark enough and to your preference.

    Step 7: Apply the nail polish on your nails. 

    Roll the paint onto your nails by pressing the sponge’s side edge on the side of your nail. Gently slide the sponge (with the polish side down) across your nail to the opposite side. Repeat to deepen the polish colors and enhance the ombré effect.

    • This procedure will cause some nail paint to be transferred to the skin around your nails. To avoid this, apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly to the skin around your nails or apply tape to the skin around your nails. Otherwise, you can wipe the sides of your nails afterwards using nail paint remover.
    • There is a lot of flexibility in how you apply the color to your nail. To create your ombré effect unique and distinctive, modify the location of the sponge (stamping vertically on the length of your nail, tilting the sponge to particularly stamp on a specific hue).

    Step 8: Fill the sponge with nail polish. 

    After you’ve completed the ombré effect on one nail, refill the polish onto the sponge to keep the ombré colors moist and bright. Paint the nail polish colors in the same order as previously, starting with the lightest and working your way down to the darkest. Make sure that all of the polish colors are blending well with each other.

    • Keep in mind that if you try to ombré your nails with a sponge that isn’t sufficiently dampened with paint, the dry sponge will actually peel off your base color coat and damage your varnish.
    • If you stamp or roll your nails fast, you’ll probably only need to add polish to the sponge every other nail.

    Step 9: Finish with a topcoat. 

    After you’ve given all of your nails enough time to dry (approximately 10-15 minutes), apply a top layer of clear polish to them. Because sponging creates a stippled and rough appearance on your nails, you may want to apply two layers of top coat to smooth them out.

    Step 10: Make sure the skin around your nails is clean. 

    Swipe a tiny paintbrush or Q-Tip soaked in nail polish remover around your nails’ edges and cuticles.

    • The cotton on the Q-Tip will aid in the removal of polish from the skin, whilst the paintbrush will be more precise in removing extra nail polish.

    How to do ombre nails by using a nail brush

    The first 3 steps are the same as when you do ombre nails by using a sponge.

    Step 4: Apply the 2 colors polish

    If you’re going straight to your natural nails, start by applying and curing your base coat; if you’re using extensions, jump right to the color. Apply your first color shade from the base of your nail to about halfway up the nail. Then, take your lighter polish and apply it to the remaining half of the nail, carefully pushing the deep color up to meet the light polish.

    Step 5: Blend the colors together

    Take your nail brush with you. To get this look, use a brush with thin, wispy hairs to create the perfect faded appearance; ombré brushes are available for purchase for this reason. To begin blending the colors together, carefully tap the transition line between the two tones with the brush. Cure this layer with your UV or LED lamp. To get the ideal, gradual ombré look, repeat the previous process, applying your two colors and softly pressing your brush from side to side.

    Step 6: Apply a transparent layer and top coat

    Use a slightly more translucent paint to apply another layer on your nail. After applying and curing, paint the top coat to make sure that everything stays in place.

    Frequently asked question about how to do ombre nails

    Q: Can I do ombre nails with regular polish?

    A: Of course! We recommend you use regular polish with the sponging technique but gel polish when using the nail brush.

    Q: How can I remove the extra nail polish off my skin?

    A: Once your nails are dried, wash it off. You may need to massage a little. You could also soak a q-tip in nail polish remover and wipe away the excess nail polish.

    Q: Where can I get a sponge like the one in this article?

    A: The sponge they’re using here is a cosmetics sponge (or cosmetic wedge), which you can find anywhere beauty products are sold. Some dollar/pound stores could have these too. You may use any sponge, although ones with air bubbles will provide a less smooth finish.

    Summary

    Going to a nail salon is comparable to doing ombre nails at home. You should have a pleasant time doing this if you have the right equipment and the patience to learn.

    Because each of the steps we listed is essential, you should finish them all without skipping any of them. If getting your ombre nails done is too difficult, you can come to Rachel’s Nails for it. We apply ombre nails with professional polish and specific equipment, and then apply a nail treatment coating on top of your nails. Rachel’s Nails offers not only manicures but also pedicures and cosmetic treatments.

    Every time you visit our nail salon, you will be served by expert nail technicians. We want to make sure that when consumers visit Rachel’s Nails salon, they get the best experience possible. Everyone can afford our prices. Aside from that, we provide high-quality products and services. We are located at 12a Norcot Road, Reading, UK. Here is our website https://rachelsnails.co.uk/ and you can read our blogs to get more information about nails.

    We hope that you find this article helpful and you can follow the tutorial about how to do ombre nails at home quick and easy.

  • How To Do Gel Nails At Home – Simple Tutorials For Everyone

    How To Do Gel Nails At Home – Simple Tutorials For Everyone

    When you apply gel nails, you get the strength of artificial nails with the look of natural nails. When you apply gel nails, you do not encounter the harsh fumes that you get when you apply acrylics. Under UV light, the gel hardens. Each layer must solidify for two to three minutes under this light. This forms a chemical connection between the gel and your nail.

    Prepare tools to learn how to do gel polish at home

    Gel polish will help your nails to have the same durability as using acrylic paint while still looking very natural. Moreover, when applying gel nail polish, you will avoid the strong smell of acrylic paint. That’s why many people prefer gel polish nowadays. To get started on how to do gel polish at home, you need to prepare some of the following necessary tools:

    The basic gel polish set includes: primer, gel polish, top coat polish, then choose the color you like the most. Here are some tips on choosing the paint color that we want to show you in order to have the right color: with neutral skin color (light skin color or yellow skin), it is quite easy to choose because it suits most paint colors, but if you have dark skin, you should choose colors in light tones.

    Nail file and nail clippers

    Nail file, clippers are essential steps in performing a DIY manicure. Most of the time, the surface of your nails isn’t smooth enough to go without one. A nail file’s aim is to prepare your nails to adhere to gel polish not just adequately, but also for a longer period of time. Nail clippers are used for trimming your nails in order that you can get proper nail shape.

    How To Do Gel Nails At Home - Simple Tutorials For Everyone

    Q-tips, gel polish remover or acetone to clean excess polish

    In the process of getting your nails done at home, you may have some unexpected problems such as having excess polish on your skin. So Q-tips and acetone are good solutions for these.

    UV lamp to dry paint

    You will be unable to cure your gel nails without a curing lamp that produces UV radiation. It is possible to cure your DIY gel paint manicure naturally by sunning your nails and taking advantage of the sun’s UV rays, but it is not the most efficient technique because you would have to wait for the weather to be favorable. In this case, a UV lamp or LED curing lamp is the best option. However, we recommend using an LED curing lamp because it emits less UV light and dries the gel polish the fastest.

    Now let’s start with the gel polish process. 

    We believe that after reading this article, you will understand how to have the very standard, beautiful gel polish that is no different from going to get your nails done in a salon.

    Step 1: Cut excess cuticle

    First of all, in order to have the most beautiful nails, we need to cut the excess skin around the nails, this helps the paint not to be easily smeared out, but also helps the nails to be neater and more beautiful. You can use a cuticle stick to push any skin away from your nail plate.

    However, if you do it yourself, it will be a bit difficult, you can ask someone else to help cut the cuticle, or your hands do not have too much excess skin, you can skip this step. Be careful not to bleed when pushing and trimming it.

    Step 2: File and shape your nails

    Before cutting your nails, decide how you want to shape the nail. Trim the regular nail style and then file the tip. Finally, complete the styling by smoothing the nail surface with a polishing tool or nail file. You can also create round, square, pointed, almond or oval nails. Here is our instruction about how to file and shape your nails properly.

    Step 3: Apply a layer of primer on the nail surface

    This is an important step to help protect the nail and create a better bond with the gel polish. You know, nail polish often contains chemicals, this step will help protect nails from the chemicals from gel paint.

    Before proceeding, you often shake the primer paint bottle well, then take a little of it and apply a thin layer on your fingers. Apply your base coat in a very thin layer to your nails. Gel is applied in a much thinner layer than regular nail polish. When applying your base layer, take care not to get the gel on your fingertips.

    Allow your base layer to dry under the UV lamps for 20-30 seconds, twice as long as the manufacturer recommends. This is enough for the primer to dry.

    Step 4: Paint 2 thin layers of color

    When the base paint is completely dry, let’s start painting. Just like the base paint, before painting, shake the bottle of gel polish of the color you chose previously. 2 thin layers of the color gel should be applied. It will most likely appear streaky, but this is typical for the initial layer. Make careful to paint over the tip of your nail as well as the surface with these colorful layers. This prevents the gel from curling back off your nail.

    Step 5: Paint the top coat

    Applying the top coat guarantees that the cover you’re about to apply preserves all of your nail work. While gently sealing your nail tips, apply a small coating of the top coat over the colored gel paint. It’s a simple tip for extending the life of your nail polish. After that, smooth the layer over and cure using the LED cure lamp you previously used.

    Step 6: Take off the tacky. 

    After curing the top gel, some gel techniques leave a tacky, sticky coating on and around your nails. If this is the case, just wipe the tacky using a cotton ball soaked in acetone or nail remover. To finish your gel manicure, massage a cuticle oil into the area at the base of your nail. If your gel nails get dull after a few days, use a buffer to smooth out the top layer of clear coat, then clean your nails and reapply another clear top coat to restore the shine.

    How to remove gel nails after

    Step 1: Remove the top layer using a file. 

    To remove your gel nails, first file away the top layer of the gel. This will dull the sheen. Only once the shine has been gone can you proceed with removing the gel.

    • Avoid removing the polish off your nails. This might remove layers of your nail, leaving them brittle and dry.

    Step 2: Soak your cotton ball in acetone or nail remover solution

    If you do not use acetone or nail remover, the gel will not come off. Acetone is classified into two types: normal-concentration acetone and super-concentrated acetone. We’re talking about the ultra-concentrated version here. Take ten cotton balls and soak them in acetone. Cotton balls should be large enough to cover the entire nail.

    • Because acetone is a strong chemical, use caution while working with it. Also, bear in mind that acetone is highly drying to your nails, so they may get brittle as a result. The obvious disadvantage of this method is that your skin might get red, dry, and damaged more readily than with normal acetone, at the price of time.
    • If speed is important, 100 percent acetone is the best option since it dissolves gel nail polish in half the time of ordinary acetone nail paint remover.

    Step 3: Wrap a piece of tin foil over your fingertips. 

    Place one of the cotton balls on your nail, covering it completely. Wrap the nail and the tip of your finger with tin foil while the cotton ball is still in place. Apply this to the rest of your nails.

    • It is best to perform this with one hand at a time. Wrapping the second hand with foil-covered fingers is quite tough.

    Step 4: Remain them for a few minutes before removing one at a time. 

    Allow the foil to remain wrapped for 15 minutes. Keep it tight and don’t try to open it to see whether it’s functioning. Remove the wrapping one nail at a time after 15 minutes. The gel will have begun to flake away. Push the gel off your nail using a cuticle stick.

    • If you can’t get rid of the gel, just by using the cuticle stick or re-wrap your nails with an acetone-soaked cotton ball and foil. Allow for another 15 minutes before attempting again.

    Step 5: Finally, apply cuticle oil. 

    You should finish with cuticle oil once more. Cuticle oil should be massaged into the area surrounding the base of your nails.

    Apply cuticle oil to the surface of your nails and buff them with a nail buffer if they are tough.

    Frequently asked question about how to do gel nails at home

    Q: Do I lightly rub to remove the sticky coating of gel builder between layers of gel?

    A: You do not need to remove the gel polish before applying the top coat. You should only remove it once you’ve done the manicure and applied the coating.

    Q: How long do gel nails last?

    A: They should stay on for around three weeks, depending on the quality of the labor put into the nails or the quality of the materials utilized. Some gel nails can last up to three weeks, but you can’t really guarantee more than two. It also depends on the length of your nails and what you do on a daily basis, such as cleaning or dishwashing, whether they chip or peel off.

    Summary

    Doing gel nails at home is similar to going to a nail salon. As long as you have the proper equipment and the patience to learn, you should have a good time doing this.

    Because each step we stated is critical, you should complete all of them without missing any of them. Once again, the greatest gel polish shines through. We have fantastic alternatives for your at-home gel nail manicure, so don’t forget to check out our gel polish collections.

    We hope that you find this article helpful and you can follow the tutorial about how to do gel nails at home quick and easy.

  • How To Take Off Fake Nails: 2 Easy Ways That Everyone Can Do

    How To Take Off Fake Nails: 2 Easy Ways That Everyone Can Do

    False nails look wonderful, but they might be difficult to remove if you haven’t done it before. You may either go to a salon or do it yourself at home to remove the nail adhesive. After soaking your nails in soapy water, carefully file them off if you have glue-on nails or tips.

    Then, using a nail buffer and acetone, remove any remaining adhesive. To glued-on nails, just use acetone and file away any leftover gluey residue. After that, you’ll have natural nails that are strong and healthy.

    How To Take Off Fake Nails: 2 Easy Ways That Everyone Can Do

    How to take off fake nails without using acetone

    Soak your nails for 15 minutes in warm, soapy water. Fill a bowl or sink basin halfway with warm water and a little amount of mild hand soap. Place your hands in the bowl or basin so that your glue-on nails are completely immersed, and let them there for about 15 minutes.

    Soap and water will seep into the nail adhesive and soften it, making the nails simpler to remove.

    To soften the glue, soak your nails in a little pure acetone, but keep in mind that acetone is considerably harder on your skin, nails, and cuticles than soap and water.

    Alternatively, soften your nail adhesive by smearing a few drops of cuticle oil on each fake nail and allowing it to soak in for a few seconds.

    Once the adhesive has loosened, gently pry the artificial nails off. Look for a location where the nail has already begun to detach and gently pull the nail out from there. If you can’t find a loose area, gently work the tip of a nail file beneath the fake nail’s edges to loosen it.

    If the nail does not come out easily, do not try to rip it off. If you need to soften the glue a few more minutes, soak the nail in soapy water for a few minutes longer.

    Excess glued nails should be gently filed away using a nail buffer. Once the artificial nails have been removed and your natural nails have dried slightly, use the “buff” side of a nail buffer block to buff away the majority of the adhesive. When you’re confident that you’ve eliminated the majority of the adhesive, rinse the powder away with water.

    After buffing your nails, you may use the “shine” side of the buffer to polish them.

    Using acetone, remove any residual glue. To remove any remaining traces of nail glue, soak a cotton ball in acetone and massage it on each fingernail. Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any acetone residue from your hands and nails.

    Apply a little amount of nail moisturizer or cuticle oil if your nails feel dry after rubbing them with acetone.

    How to take off fake nails with an acetone soak

    Cut your fake nails as short as possible. Acrylic nails are composed of materials that attach directly to your natural nails rather than being glued on. Trim the artificial nails to a short but comfortable length using a pair of nail scissors or clippers, taking care not to cut any of your real nails. Because there would be less debris to dissolve, the remainder of the removal process will be sped up.

    Trimming down into your nail bed will be unpleasant.

    This method is applicable to both SNS (dipping powder nails) and acrylic nails.

    Remove the fake nail’s shiny surface using a file. If the artificial nails are still connected to your natural nails, remove the glossy surface using a nail file. Back and forth across your nails with the file until the shiny sheen is gone and the nails look matte. Make an effort to massage each area of the nail equally. This will expedite and improve the removal procedure.

    Stop filing that place if you notice any of your natural nails showing through under the artificial nails. You risk harming your natural nails if you continue to file.

    Wipe any dust away with a clean, dry cloth or cotton pad. A microfiber cloth is a cheap and effective alternative, but any clean cloth will do. Remove any dust from your nails to allow the acetone to more easily penetrate the leftover acrylic.

    Apply petroleum jelly or oil cuticles to the area of skin surrounding your nails. This will shield your skin from the acetone. Apply a small coating to your nail beds as well as the skin underneath and around your nails.

    Apply petroleum jelly or oil cuticles if you have dry or sensitive skin.

    Wrap a cotton ball soaked in acetone around each nail on one hand. If you have acetone in a dripper container, carefully squeeze it onto the cotton pads. If the acetone is in a normal container, pour it into a small disposable dish before dipping the cotton pads into it. Each wet cotton pad should be placed over one of your nails.

    Cotton balls can be used instead of cotton pads if you don’t have any.

    Acetone and cotton pads can be purchased at a pharmacy or a supermarket. If you have sensitive skin, use an acetone-based nail paint remover that is specially formulated for it.

    Acetone fumes may be hazardous, therefore always use it in well-ventilated places.

    Wrap an aluminum foil strip around each nail and cotton pad. Tear out a piece of aluminum foil about 1 inch (2.5 cm) by 2 inches (5.1 cm). Make sure the cotton pad is in place before wrapping the foil around the nail and cotton pad.

    The metal foil will help to retain heat and moisture, preventing the acetone from evaporating before the glue has a chance to soften. This expedites the removal procedure.

    Repeat the technique for all of the nails on one hand before moving on to the other. If you find it difficult to work on your opposite hand while your other hand is still soaking, look for the assistance of a friend or wait until the foil and cotton pads have been removed before attempting to begin the second hand.

    After 20 minutes, remove the foil and pads. Set a timer for 20 minutes and allow the acetone to do its thing. Remove the cotton pads from the foil that has been wrapped around your nails. You should see that the adhesive has dissolved and the fake nails have softened.

    Leave the foil and pads on for another 15 minutes if the first nail is still coated in adhesive or the artificial nails are still securely in place.

    Avoid putting used acetone pads on wooden or plastic surfaces because the chemicals will harm the surface.

    With a tea towel, remove the spongy fake nails. Clean the dissolved debris from the fake nails with a clean dish towel. Apply pressure to the tea towel when cleaning the nails, but stop if your natural nails begin to hurt.

    If the fake nails do not come out easily, replace the acetone-soaked cotton balls and foil.

    Buff away any extra glue or paint with a nail file. Don’t be concerned about filing your entire nail. Instead, concentrate on the places where there are glue residues. You don’t want to file your natural nails, so try not to push too hard.

    A nail file may be purchased from a drugstore. It’s worth noting that some retailers will refer to them as nail buffers.

    How to treat your nails after taking off fake nails

    Hands should be washed with warm, soapy water. If you leave acetone on your skin, it will dry it out, so wash it off with warm water and natural soap. A natural soap will aid in the retention of your skin’s natural oils.

    If you just have normal soap at home, use that.

    Removing nail adhesive from your nails might cause your hands to get dry. To restore the natural moisture of your nails, cuticles, and hands, rub natural oil freely over them.

    Natural nail moisturizers such as almond oil and olive oil are effective. These may be purchased from a natural health and beauty store or a drugstore.

    Allow your nails to rest in between manicures. If you often use artificial nails, your real nails will benefit from a rest between treatments. After removing the fake nails, let your natural nails a few days to a week to heal before applying new false nails or paint.

    Try taking a week off between manicures every 8 weeks.

    Consider putting fake nails without adhesive the next time to see if it works better for you than having to remove nail glue.

    Frequently asked questions about how to take off fake nails

    Q: How do you get rid of remaining nail glue?

    A: Clumps of nail adhesive can be removed by buffing. Acetone can be used to eliminate small quantities of residue.

    Q: If I don’t want to use acetone, how can I remove the glue off my nails?

    A: If you don’t want to soak your nail tips in acetone, you can carefully file the glued-nails away.

    Q: No matter how hard I try, I can’t get my artificial nails off, and I’m too busy to go to a nail parlor. What am I supposed to do?

    A: Apply pure acetone to cotton balls, apply a wet cotton ball to the nail, and press it firmly against the acrylic, on the area where it has stuck to your natural nail, using tin foil to keep it in place (this prevents you from having to handle the acetone a lot). Use tin foil to retain an acetone-soaked cotton ball or two on each nail while the acetone eats away at the acrylic nail and adhesive. If you can not do it by yourself at home, you should go to the nail salon so that the manicurists can help you with this process.

    Summary

    That’s all there is to it when it comes to how to take off fake nails easily at home.

    If taking off fake nails is too difficult, you can come to Rachel’s Nails for the removal. We remove false with professional acetone and specific equipment, and then apply a nail treatment coating on top of your nails. Rachel’s Nails offers not only manicures but also pedicures and cosmetic treatments. Every time you visit our nail salon, you will be served by expert nail technicians. We want to make sure that when consumers visit Rachel’s Nails salon, they get the best experience possible. Everyone can afford our prices. Aside from that, we provide high-quality products and services. We are located at 12a Norcot Road, Reading, UK. Here is our website https://rachelsnails.co.uk/ and you can read our blogs to get more information about nails.

    It is quite simple to remove fake nails at home; all you need are the right equipment and to follow the step-by-step instructions. If any unforeseen difficulties arise, please feel free to visit our nail salon or the nearest health facility for assistance.

    We hope you may find a suitable method about how to take off fake nails safely and conveniently at home.

     

  • How To Grow Your Nails Strong And Long

    How To Grow Your Nails Strong And Long

    The process of growing long and strong nails is a multi-step one. You may grow your nails to any length you choose as long as you take excellent care of them. You should begin by eliminating unhealthy nail habits. Following that, taking the right vitamins and correctly manicuring your nails can help you answer the question: how to grow your nails?

    Getting Rid of Bad Habits

    Stop biting your nails.

    Biting your nails is bad for your health. Although it is a common anxious behavior for many people, it can result in bacterial skin infections on your hands and in your mouth. If you have dry or flaky skin around your nail beds, clip it away rather than bite it off. Here is our article about how to stop biting your nails.

    • Try keeping your nails nicely manicured or applying nail art to make you less likely to bite.
    • When you’re bored, chew gum. If you don’t have any gum, try to play a tiny ball, smartphone or do something else.
    • You should not bite the skin surrounding your nails. You may persuade yourself that by simply chewing the skin surrounding your nails, you are not causing any harm to the nail. This is untrue; the extra moisture from saliva will only weaken your nails and make them more prone to breaking.
    • Pick one nail a week that you will not bite. To wean yourself off the habit, gradually add more “no-bite” nails.
    • If your nail biting is severe, talk to a therapist about your anxiety or another issue that may be driving you to bite your nails.

    Wearing acrylics and gels is no longer necessary. 

    When acrylic or gel nails are removed too quickly, they become dry, brittle, and unlikely to grow again. Because it happens with moist nail-beds, even effective removal might cause harm to your nails. Your nail beds are most sensitive when they are moist.

    • If you choose to obtain gel or artificial nails, alternate between the two. In between gel or acrylic manicures, get a classic manicure.

    Stop picking at your cracked nail paint. 

    Picking at your polish typically results in the removal of the top layer of your nail bed. This creates a shaky base for your nails.

    Stop ignoring base and top coats. 

    When you’re in a rush and want your polish to dry quickly, it’s tempting to forgo base and top coats. However, if you skip these, you will damage your nails. They prevent your nails from discoloration and help the polish cling to your nails, resulting in less chipping. If it chips less, you’re less inclined to pick at it and harm your nails more.

    Stop utilizing your nails as a tool. 

    Peeling labels, scraping wax, or unfastening a key ring can all easily harm or break your nails. You may not even be aware that you are doing it, but if you want to maintain good and strong nails, you must begin to notice. Also, avoid immersing your nails in water for too long. This might soften the nail, causing it to become weak and flexible.

    • Slowing down is the greatest method to put a halt to this. Have scissors or another tool on hand to help you open, scrape, or peel anything you need during the day. Avoid doing anything that might cause your nail to flex. To avoid chewing your nails, keep clear nail painton them.

    Getting nail-growing nutrients.

    Take lots of Vitamin H. (biotin). 

    Biotin helps to develop and strengthen the nails, hair, and skin. Aim for 30 to 40 micrograms per day, either through diet or supplements. Biotin is high in whole grains, mushrooms, bananas, salmon, and avocado.

    Consume folic acid-containing foods. 

    Folic acid, often known as Vitamin B9, protects your nerve cells and maintains your red blood cells healthy. It is the finest vitamin for nail development, and it is difficult to consume too much because your body excretes excess naturally. Folic acid levels are high in fish, red meat, cheese, and fortified soy products.

    Get vitamin A. 

    Vitamin A will aid in the strengthening of your nails. The daily suggested dosage is 700 to 900 micrograms per day. Vitamin A is plentiful in sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, and leafy greens.

    Consume lots of vitamin C. 

    Vitamin C is best recognized for its immune-boosting properties. This indicates that it aids in the recuperation of the body. This recovery aids in the growth and strength of the nails. Vitamin C is rich in oranges, kale, strawberries, and bell peppers.

    Get manicure properly

    Shape and care for your nail base.

    You must begin with a suitable basis if you want to grow your nails long and strong. To begin, you must have clean and healthy nails. Keep your cuticles clipped and file them into shape.

    • They must be properly filed. Begin from the outside edge and work your way toward the middle. Your nails will become weaker if you go back and forth in a repeated motion.

    Take good care of your cuticles. 

    To soften your cuticles, soak your nails in warm water for 5 minutes. Do this up to four times each week. To remove the dead cuticle skin, use a cuticle remover to your nails and press the dead skin back with a cuticle stick. Rinse the remover and dirt away (Recommended to do once a month).

    • After pulling your cuticles back, apply hyaluronic acid to and around them for enhanced cuticle health.
    • Maintain your nails’ moisture levels. Using a moisturizer around your cuticles will help you avoid hangnails and damaged nails.

    Strengthening therapies should be used. 

    There are a variety of strengthening therapies available. Apply the one that matches your budget and schedule once you’ve formed a suitable base and properly cared for your cuticles.

    • Serums are costly, but they frequently offer the quickest and greatest effects in nail strengthening.
    • Creams are ideal for daily usage. Intensive protein treatments are available in the form of a cream that you apply to your nails in the morning and before going to bed at night.
    • The use of a strengthening polish will assist to protect your nails from peeling. It is incredibly inexpensive and simple to use.
    • To protect your nails, apply base or top coats and nail hardeners.
    • Keep in mind that using nail hardeners or anything similar increases the chances of your nails snapping or cracking, which may be unpleasant.

    Homemade remedies to grow your nails 

    Lemon juice

    Lemon juice may assist to lighten and eliminate stains from your nails, and the vitamin C encourages stronger growth. Allow to dry after swiping lemon juice over each nail with a cotton swab. A slice of lemon might also be used straight on the nail. Do this twice a week, then apply a thick moisturizer.

    You may also combine a few drops of lemon juice with 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cup and microwave for 15 seconds until warm to make a nail mask that can be massaged into your nails and left for 30 minutes, or overnight if possible, for optimum effect.

    Coconut oil 

    Coconut oil is extremely moisturizing and can help strengthen and soften your nails and cuticles. It also has anti-fungal qualities, which is helpful if you have a tendency to have nail infections.

    Warm coconut oil in the microwave for 20 seconds and massage into the cuticles before going to bed for a nutritious treatment. Wear a pair of thin cotton gloves overnight to keep in the treatment.

    Garlic oil

    Garlic contains selenium, which promotes nail development. You may either massage your fingernails with sliced garlic or, if that is too strong for you, create your own garlic oil to use as a nail mask.

    To make this, sauté chopped or minced garlic in a skillet with olive oil for 10 minutes, being careful not to let the oil boil or smoke. Allow the oil to cool before straining it into a glass container, removing the garlic bits. Every night, rub this oil into your nails and cuticles before washing off in the morning. Keep in mind that massage increases blood flow, which aids in the delivery of nutrients from your bloodstream to your nails.

    Honey 

    Honey can help maintain your nails and cuticles healthy and supple by preventing bacterial and fungal development. Combine the moisturizing qualities of honey with those of lemon juice to make a honey and lemon nail mask by combining 2 teaspoons of honey with a few drops of lemon juice and rubbing into your nails for 15-20 minutes. Rinse well, and you should have brighter nails, softer cuticles, and stronger nails over time if used frequently.

    Frequently asked questions about how to grow nails

    Q: What causes my fingernails to be brittle?

    A: The use of gel or acrylic nail polish might cause your nails to become brittle. You may also weaken them by immersing them in water or exposing them to dish soap.

    Q: Can a balanced diet and vitamins aid in the treatment of dry and brittle nails?

    A: Daily biotin supplementation can be beneficial. Taking an oral silicone supplement might also aid in the strengthening of your nails. Also, make sure you’re getting enough protein. Nails are composed of a protein-like substance called keratin, therefore it’s important that you obtain enough protein in your diet.

    Q: How to grow your nails faster?

    A: As we mentioned above, having a healthy diet, using nail treatments and doing some remedies at home to have best results. Be patient, good things take time.

    Summary

    Your nails are an indicator of your general health. If you want strong, fast-growing, healthy nails, you must eat a healthy diet. This includes eating a well-balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, adequate carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

    However, occasionally nails require a little assistance in becoming healthier and stronger. This is when home remedies might come in handy. Remember, you can’t make your nails grow quicker on their own. However, if you care for them, they will grow stronger and last longer, making them less prone to fracture.

    We hope this article can give you some solutions for the problem: how to grow your nails fast and easy. Take everything into consideration before doing it because everything takes time including growing your nails.

  • How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last ?

    How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last ?

    How long do acrylic nails last? Generally, you may wear them for up to three months without harming your fingernails if you care for them correctly.

    If you need assistance with taking care of your acrylic nails, you’re in luck because we’ve got some great suggestions for keeping your acrylic tips. Keep reading our  But, before we get to the advice, let’s go through what these nails are.

    What Exactly Are Acrylic Nails?

    These are artificial nails composed of a powdered polymer and a liquid monomer. These two components combine to form a dough-like ball that is bonded to your fingernail and then molded into whatever shape you choose. The majority of individuals use them to fill up damaged or bitten nails, but many more use them as nail extensions.

    Acrylic nails are typically safe to wear as long as they are well-maintained and kept healthy, but they may also serve as a breeding ground for skin infections if you are not careful with them.

    How long do acrylic nails last?

    A question many women have when applying nail polish is how long nail powder will last. Actually, this is a question with no definite answer. Because the durability of the nails will depend a lot on your aftercare and the skill of the manicurist.

    Durability is ensured by a professional nail technician.

    If the acrylic nails were done by a skilled nail technician, the customer should have the longest-lasting nails possible.

    Instead of nail polish, the nail technician might put a gel layer on top of the artificial nails. The gel provides the nails a more beautiful appearance and lasts longer than nail polish. With the gel coating, your acrylic nails should last longer.

    Clients have an impact on how long acrylic nails last.

    Acrylic nails are a long-lasting, long-lasting alternative to conventional lacquer manicures. A complete set of acrylics should last between six and eight weeks.

    The natural nails of your client grow. Even if your client’s acrylic does not crack or break, a fill-in visit is required.

    Besides, the quality of the nail powder layer will also directly affect the durability of the nail. If the manicurist is skilled and the quality of the powder is good, the retention time will be longer.

    Normally, the average time to keep powder in the nail falls between 10 and 15 days. If you can take better care, this time can be extended by a few days.

    After you’ve done your nails, your nail technician will show you a few things to keep in mind for your nails. Follow the advice of experts. At that time, your nail powder will be kept for a long time.

    How To Make Your Acrylic Nails Last Longer

    Customers regularly have no idea how to care for their nails and then criticize the product or the nail technician. It is your responsibility to educate your clientele.

    Here are some suggestions on how to care for your client’s nails so that her acrylic nails last longer.

    • Conduct Research

    If you want the greatest acrylic nails possible, you should look around your area for the top salons with the best nail technicians. We understand that this may appear to be a lot of effort at first, but you’ll thank yourself later after you’ve completed the ideal set of nails.

    When looking for the ideal salon, check for good indications like clean working areas, clean tools. You may also check up on their technicians online to determine whether their work is suitable for your requirements and style.

    At Rachel’s Nails salon, we provide acrylic nails extension service. Only from  £37 your nails will be soaked off and begin with a totally fresh full set coated with acrylic powder. We have talented nail technicians and a wide range of choices for you to choose from.

    • Do Not Ignore Regular Fills

    You must conduct some maintenance every couple of weeks unless you want damaged and even painful nails.

    Because your fingernails will continue to grow beneath your acrylic nails, you must get your artificial nails filled on a regular basis. If you know what you’re doing, you can do it yourself at home, but it’s typically safer to have a professional do it for you.

    Most people need to have their acrylic nails filled every two weeks, although this might vary depending on how long it takes their nails to grow out. Having said that, you shouldn’t put off getting a fill for too long — unmaintained acrylic nails can ultimately shatter and even harm the real nails below them.

    • Keep your acrylic nails clean on a regular basis

    Because artificial nails can store more bacteria than fingernails, you should keep them as clean as possible. Clean out any dirt on and under them with a gentle brush, and make sure your hands and nails are fully dry after washing them.

    • Keep your hands moisturized

    You must also take care of your natural nails if you want stronger artificial nails. Maintain the health of your hands and fingers by using a daily moisturizer and applying cuticle oil to your nails anytime they appear dry.

    • When doing manual housework, use gloves.

    Your nails may ultimately wear out after a couple weeks, but you may delay this by using protective gloves when doing household tasks. Because acrylic nails are susceptible to high temperatures and volatile chemicals, you should limit their exposure to chemicals found in cleaning products and hot water.

    • Take Care of Your Nails

    We understand how tempting it is to use our long nails to pry things open, but they aren’t all that powerful. Too much force can break your acrylic nails and harm your natural nail bed below, so try to be delicate with them.

    • Every two to three months, allow your nails to “relax”

    While nails do not require relaxing, they do require time without any modifications to repair and become stronger. Allow your nails to develop on their own without your fake nails if you want to maintain them healthy and ready for acrylic nails.

    • Stop biting your nails

    In daily life, you should give up the habit of biting your nails. This not only affects the durability of the nails but also harms health when the composition of the powder contains acrylic substances. Here is our article about how to stop biting nails.

    Acrylic Nail Removal

    When it comes time to remove your acrylic nails, you’ll be better off looking for a professional because incorrect removal can be harmful to your natural nails.

    If your nails must be removed before you can schedule an appointment, you may do it at home by following our instructions. The easiest way is to cut your nails short, file as much of the acrylic off as possible, and soak them in acetone for 15-20 minutes. After you’ve done all of that, your acrylic nails should be soft enough to remove securely.

    Summary

    If you opt to wear acrylics for a long time, you will most likely need to have fills every two weeks to keep your manicure looking good. If you’re thinking of using them for an event and then having them professionally removed right after, that’s a great option as well. Acrylics are a “sometimes” or “usually” style statement for many people, rather than a lifetime commitment.

    Remember that attempting to remove acrylics at home is seldom a smart idea since you can quickly harm the underlying natural nail. Besides that, make sure to follow our suggestion above to keep your acrylic nails last longer.

    While most individuals can wait around two weeks before fillings, it’s important to understand that you may not be able to wait 14 days every time. Some tiny lifts or separations of the acrylic can be repaired at home, you should get an expert or come to Rachel’s Nails salon for help as soon as possible if you have a large break or crack to avoid infection.

  • How To File Nails Properly Without Damage Natural Nails

    How To File Nails Properly Without Damage Natural Nails

    In order to have a beautiful hand, women are often interested in filing their nails to bring the nail shape that best suits them. In addition, how to file nails also shape your nails become more beautiful because most nail styles will have different nail shaping methods. Here are some tips Rachel’s Nails suggest you to have beautiful nail files simply.

    How to file nails at home

    Filing your nails to keep them healthy is an easy way to ensure good nail health at home. You may have shapely and strong nails by using the proper nail file, selecting a nice shape for your nails, and filing in the proper places and directions.

    • Step 1: Getting Your Nails Ready

    Hands should be washed. Before filing your nails, carefully wash your hands with soap and water to remove any film or oil that may interfere with your filing.

    How To File Nails

    • Step 2: Select a nail file. 

    While there are numerous types of nail files available, emery boards are both inexpensive and efficient. To keep the edges from looking harsh or scraggly, use a file with a softer grit of approximately 180-200. If you wish to finish your nails with a different file, pick one with a high grit, approximately 300-600, to obtain the cleanest edge. At home, we recommend you to use the nail file with 240 grit.

    Coarse grits, such as 80-100 grit, should only be used on artificial nails. They will break up your natural nails if used with them.

    Metal files should be avoided since they might rip your natural nails.

    Glass, or crystal files are highly effective and can be readily cleaned in the dishwasher, but they are more difficult to find and use than regular ones.

    • Step 3: Make a decision on the form of your nails. 

    There are numerous different nail shapes to select from, but the most common are oval, square, and almond. The form you choose will be determined by your preferences and the type of nails you have.

    • Oval nails are ideal for growing out and keeping your nails. It’s the most practical since your nails are less prone to fall off in this form.The tip of oval-shaped nails is symmetrically circular. This nail style has an elongated, feminine appearance.
    • Square-shaped nails make a bold statement and look fantastic on those with long nails. The square form is achieved by filing the nail straight from the tip all the way across.
    • Almond-shaped nails are excellent for making your fingers appear slimmer. The design resembles the curvature at the base of your nail.
    • Do you have short nails that you can’t shape? It isn’t a huge deal. Use what you’ve got and apply cuticle oil to your nails every night to help them grow for future shaping.

    Step 4: Shaping your nails

    • Oval shape

    Make an oval form using your nail clipper. 

    If your nails aren’t already oval, you might want to start by cutting them into the proper overall shape. To make a rough oval template, use a sharp, clean pair of manicure scissors to cut off angular corners and any extra length. Trim gently and carefully to avoid cutting into your skin. If you are unclear about the exact form you want to create, you can use an image as a guide. When you file, you will be able to refine the form even further.

    Using a 240-grit file, file the edge of each nail straight across. 

    This top edge of the nail is known as the “free edge,” and it finishes at the tip of the finger. Place the file between your thumb and index finger, at a little angle to the edge of the nail. Run the file across the free edge 3-4 times in one direction along yoủ nails, taking care not to file against the skin of your finger. Make sure to be gentle at first, do it slowly and control.

    Hold the file under the corner of the nail, tilt it 45 degrees, and round the corner. 

    Pull the 240-grit file over the corner in a smooth, rounding motion to create a rounded edge. Repeat 3-4 times, then double-check your work. The corners should be rounded rather than flat or pointed. If it isn’t rounded, file it a couple more times using the rounding action. Then, repeat on the opposite side.

    • Square shape

    The first step is as the same as when you do with the oval shape

    File your nails in a straight line

    Once you have your nails to the desired length, you can start shaping them using the 240 grit nail file. First, file the top edges of the nail (the part that was just cut) in a straight line. In case the nail is too short and too close to the flesh, make sure that when filing you do not touch this delicate skin underneath.

    Check the length of the nails

    After you have cut and filed your nails in a basic square shape, check to see if your nails are straight and beautiful as desired. You can turn your hand upside down, point your palm towards your face, and see the length of your fingers. Pay attention to check the evenness between the fingers and adjust them like the 2 steps above.

    File your nail edges

    Place the nail file at a 45-degree angle to the edge of the nail, then start filing to shape them. Continue to keep the motion and pull the file up to the upper corner of the nail to create a square nail shape and smooth edge. At the same time, you also need to pay attention to the force of your hand when filing, to avoid causing damage and pain to the nail surface.

    Round shape

    Clip the Edges

    It is recommended to build this nail form out of square nails. If you have long nails, just shape them into a square form. After you’ve created a square form, trim the edges until the nail resembles a very short coffin nail. Later on, you will file it into the right form.

    File and shape your nails

    After you’ve cut the edges of the nail, begin filing it into the desired shape. Begin from the side of the nail and file towards the middle in the same way. Make sure that you just go in one direction. Begin from the side of the nail and file towards the middle in the same way. When you see one side of the nail becoming rounder, switch to the other side.

    Step 5: To smooth the surface of your nails, use a buffer.

    With a vigorous back and forth motion, rub a nail buffer horizontally over the surface of your nails. This smoothes out flaws in the nails that a file cannot address.

    Step 6: Moisturize your cuticles and apply cuticle oil. 

    To promote healthy nails, apply cuticle oil to your nails on a regular basis and keep your hands hydrated. Apply cuticle oil and moisturizer to your hands after each wash. Keeping your cuticles hydrated will aid in the prevention of hangnails. Keep cuticle oil and moisturizer beside your sink as a reminder to apply them on a regular basis.

    Step 7: Every couple of weeks, file your nails. 

    You should only file your nails every two to four weeks. Filing your nails too regularly might harm them by not allowing them to grow correctly.

    How to file nails at salon

    At Rachel’s Nails salon, nail filing often comes with classic manicure. Besides the nail filing services, you can get your nails cared for by our talented manicurists. Your hands will be soaked in vitamin C in order to moisturize them. Then the nail technicians will push and tidy your cuticles so as to have clean nails, trim and shape your nails, and softly massage them.

    We recommend you get your nails filed at the salon if you do not have enough proper tools at home. Nails filling at the salon will save your time because having someone shape your nails for you is always better than doing it by yourself. 

    Some questions about how to file your nails at home?

    Q: Is it okay to file my nails while applying nail polish?

    A: It’s great if you can file your nails when they’re naked, since the polish may flake and split, making them look terrible.

    Q: What is a hangnail? Can it be harmful for my hands?

    A: Hangnail is a common phenomenon, nails are scratched due to dry cuticle skin or caused by cutting too close to the nail. This problem can be treated by softening the skin around the nail with oil and trimming the flaking skin with scissors. Hangnail is a normal disorder, but if you are not careful to get an infection, it will be very dangerous.

    Q: How many tools do I need when filing nails at home?

    A: The basic tools for nail filing at home include: nail clipper to cut your nails short, nail file to shape your nails and buffer. You can always add moisturizer into this process to smoothen your skin and nails.

    Summary

    Filing your nails is an excellent method to keep them at a consistent length and shape, and it can help protect your nails from breaking. However, improper nail filing can result in jagged, ragged nails, as well as nail bed or cuticle damage.

    Rather than sawing back and forth with the file, it is preferable to file from the outside corner towards the middle of the nail and repeat the action on both sides.

    If you do not have enough necessary tools at home, we recommend going to the salon so that you can get your nails perfectly filed without damaging your natural nails. When coming to the nail salon, the nail technicians can suggest the suitable nail shape for your hands.

    We hope that this article will help you to answer the question: how to file nails properly both at home and at nail salons.

For last minute appointments or booking issues please direct call our number 07402286286.