Glamazons, isn’t it annoying to get a gorgeous manicure only to find the color chipping or your nails breaking just a few days after a salon visit? I get vicious when my hands look busted after they’ve been coated with my favorite lacquer shade! In the name of preserving my nails’ pretty I decided asks two of my fav nail pros their secrets and tips.
Lisa Logan is a NYC-based nail guru who brought minx nails to the forefront by dazzling the nails of Beyonce and Solange Knowles, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Madonna and more. (SN: Lisa is a minx nails maven, she has her own line called Minx Professional for Lisa Logan.)
Terrance Terry is an Atlanta-based expert manicurist out of the SM Nail Bar who has has adorned the nails of Hollywood heavy-hitters such as Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Anita Baker, and Mary J. Bilge, to name a few.
Both of these busy trendsetters took the time to share their tips on how to keep your nails looking good.
Why won’t my polish stay on?
Lisa: The cocktail of the base and top coat that you use will determine the life of your polish. Let’s not forget that everyone’s nails are different. If you have a thinner nail bed that breaks have nails filed smooth before applying color because if not, as the nail flakes or chips, your polish will come off with it in chunks. How are the new nail polish trends factoring into the work place? People are wearing crazy colors and prints these days? Is bright red or bright pink appropriate for work now? Lisa: Sometimes girls just want to have fun, but your boss might freak out about it. Have fun with your feet and accent your nails by taking a subtle approach like having four fingers in one shade and painting the thumb, pinky or ring finger with a neon color or design.
What are the best ways to prevent my polish from peeling?
Terrance: There are a couple of different things that cause polish to peel such as using a cheap polish, very hot temperatures, and sometimes it’s because oil excretes from the hair skin and nails. Before you apply nail polish make sure the nail is dehydrated by spraying nails with 70 percent Isopropyl alcohol and removing it with a lint-free paper towel.
How should I store my polish collection?
Lisa: You always have to keep it at least at room temperature. Always make sure that the tops of the polish are tightly sealed because any air that gets into the bottle can cause drying, especially if it’s a quick-dry product. Just imagine how much drying is taking place internally with constant opening and closing of the bottle, so make sure it’s sealed tight.
What is the best nail care advice for between manicure and pedicure appointments?
Terrance: Apply a top coat every two days and it will help your polish last longer. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Make sure you always have a good moisturizer to keep your hands and the bottom of your feet smooth. Use an exfoliant, like a sugar scrub, and keep a bottle of cuticle oil in your purse and apply a little after you wash your hands.
How do you keep darker nail polish colors from staining your nails?
Terrance: With any type of polish you should always apply a good base coat before you apply any enamel or lacquer. That will keep your nail color for staining whether it’s light or dark color. Always use a base coat.
How can you maintain naturally white nail tips?
Terrance: Use a top coat that has a UV inhibitor which will keep it from yellowing. Yellowing is usually caused by the pigments of different hair creams and lotions, or if you’re a smoker, so a good top coat can help keep the white from turning yellow.
How much money should I tip my manicurist?
Lisa: It’s all about customer service and the experience. Each experience is individual, and I won’t put a price on what to give, but if I work hard and give you excellent service, your tip should reflect that.
For more nail care tips visit the Sister 2 Sister magazine website.
Glamazons, what are some your tips to keep your nails looking fab?
Ciao Bellas,
Glamazon Margo
1 Comment