HOW TO REMOVE GEL NAIL POLISH WITHOUT STRIPPING YOUR NAILS

PHOTO CREDIT | Buudkaanaa

As we all figure out what week and day it is, we have all been thinking about some of our routines that we have not been able to enjoy such as getting our hair done, manicures and brows! Prior to COVID-19, we made and kept our appointments and many of us moved from having polish manicures to gel to ensure that our tips were always on point. We all have our different gel flows whether you go every 2 weeks or 3 weeks. As we all navigate COVID-19, many of us started seeing our gels taking a turn for the worst and we had to tackle removing it and upkeeping our nails. Somehow, we’ve all realized that the removal process isn’t the easiest and we’re missing enjoying a glass of bubble while at Paintbox while this is getting done.

We have some tips on how you remove gel nail polish without stripping your nails! First off, even when the polish begins to peel, don’t continue to pull it back. When you peel it, you’re actually stripping your nail bed of the upper layer and encouraging the nail to break. Instead, you’ll need some simple tools that include: acetone, cotton, aluminum foil, an orange wood stick, nail file, buffer and cuticle oil. Start with taking your file and swipe it over your topcoat which also includes the gel color. If it starts to hurt you, then you need to stop as you don’t want to over file. You want to make sure that you are beginning to open up the polish a bit.

Apply cuticle oil to each nail to make sure that your nails still have moisture on them as you continue each of the steps. When you’re ready to remove the gel, you need to soak the cotton in the acetone and place it over your nail. Wrap the aluminum foil over your tip so that the acetone doesn’t dry. If you feel that your foil may not stay closed, we suggest gel nail polish remover clips that will keep it firmly around you nail. You should keep this on for 10-15 minutes. When you remove the aluminum you will see that the gel will start to loosen. We suggest doing it one nail at a time. If you open one and see that the gel hasn’t start to flake or move back, put the aluminum back on.

If the nail is ready, take the orange wood and gently push the gel off in the same direction the gel was applied. Don’t take the stick and push it into your nail bed as you will dig into it and ruin your nail. Make sure that you buff your nails to remove any polish that might not have come off from just the acetone. When your nails are done, moisturize your hands as acetone can be very drying. This part of the removal can take 30-40 mins so we suggest having a refreshing drink of your choice nearby especially if it is your first time.

If you feel that your nails are a little weaker or not as fabulous as you’re used to seeing them, apply a nail hardener and then apply coconut oil, jojoba or cuticle oil into cuticles.

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PROPER GROOMING TIPS FOR MEN

Let’s face it, the beauty industry nowadays isn’t just targeting ladies any longer – gentlemen have as much right to feel clean and look impeccable! Gone are the days of skipped showers and untrimmed beards, the man of the 21st century knows the importance of following certain beauty rituals in order to showcase the best version of himself, and with no shame.

In that spirit of rekindled love for hygiene, we’ve gathered some essential tips and tricks for guys to properly groom and freshen themselves up. From hair to skin and nails, it’s crucial to adopt a routine that will guarantee you looking sharp everyday. 

We’ve also included some products and commodities you’ll certainly find useful to have in your bathroom.

Visit your barber, regularly

Unless you’re going for a negligé bad boy look, one of the first things you should consider to improve your daily appearance is to pay your barber a visit on a regular basis. Regardless of its length or how much of it you have on your head, your hair needs a cut from time to time in order to stay sharp-looking. Let your barber give you recommendations on which hairstyle best suits you.

Choose the right hair products

Even with that, it’s essential to choose the right toiletries to have your hair looking and feeling healthy. Skip the cheap shampoo and select a product that’s appropriate to your hair type: straight, curly, prone to breakage or dandruff, etc. With an effective shampoo, your hair is bound to look thick and lustrous. Remember that synthetic gels, sprays and other hair pastes aren’t fashionable anymore. Keep it organic.

Keep your bathroom organized

Start thinking of your bathroom as your temple of beauty. As any sacred place, it must be well-equipped and organized for you to be able to prepare conveniently in the morning. This is why you should invest in keeping your space neat; there are several brand options, including this one here, which will help you in compartmentalizing your toiletries for easier and better access, along with some friendly grooming tips. A must for those looking to optimize their time in the bathroom.

Pamper your beard

Beards are a renewed trend in male grooming. A modern man does not have a beard, in fact, he wears it. As with anything that adorns your face, it should be kept trimmed and hydrated to avoid getting that caveman allure. Purchasing a beard kit that includes trimmer, scissors and oil is a fantastic idea to stay on top of your facial bush. You’ll find plenty of these kits available online.

Keep it short

Speaking of bushes, it’s important for any well-groomed man to keep his private parts from looking like a wild jungle. Pubes aren’t sexy anymore. Yes, we’re talking about both the pillar and the stones. Depending on your skin sensitivity, you’ll want to opt for either depilatory cream, trimmer or the good old razor (careful with that last one!). So start being proactive, and don’t just wait for a date night with your girlfriend to mow the lawn.

Adopt a healthy skin care routine

Know that the first step towards glowing skin is hydration and a balanced diet. Limit sweets, fast foods and saturated fat contents. This will prevent acne, rashes and other nuisances. 

Next, consider a few things:

• You need a face wash to cleanse your face, no more than twice a day. Popular options include water-based solutions or foams, depending on skin type (normal, dry, oily, combination).

• Invest in a quality moisturizer to hydrate your face and body, particularly in winter if your skin is prone to dryness.

• A weekly scrub is a great ritual to eliminate dead skin cells and feel refreshed. Look for ones with active ingredients such as charcoal.

The importance of nails

Now, we’re not suggesting you get a monthly mani-pedi (although, why not), yet it’s important to cut your fingernails and toenails on a regular basis. Along with your facial hair, nails are a prime and immediate indicator of your level of overall hygiene to strangers; failing to take care of them will result in bad, long-lasting first impressions. Again, proactive.

Fragrances: Less is more

While we all love getting compliments on how good we smell, it’s best to use deodorants and perfumes sparingly. Keep in mind that spraying yourself to death is not an alternative to your daily shower.

All things considered, gentlemen’s style is as much about fashion as it is about grooming these days. Any modern man should adopt these recommendations in order to look impeccable and to feel immaculate. Don’t just up your game to impress the ladies, do it for a healthier and finer lifestyle.

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IT'S ALL ABOUT NAIL HEALTH

Celebrity Manicurist and Owner of As U Wish Nail Spa, Skyy Hadley has a few tips on what we need to know about Nail Health especially for those of us that enjoy getting gel manicures!

• If getting a gel or acrylic set is inevitable, take proper care of your nails prior to the treatment to reduce damage post-removal. Use a nail hardener so nails will become stronger and less prone to damage.

• Avoid keeping gel or acrylics on for longer than two weeks, with three-week wear being the absolute max. Nails need to breath in order to be healthy, and these heavy polishes suffocate the nail beds and cuticles.

• Once your polish is removed, it’s instrumental to begin the repair process immediately to minimize long-term damage. The Sally Hansen Gel Rehab Overnight Nail Mask is the perfect remedy because after applying, drying and going to bed, all you have to do is wash off the treatment to reveal healthier nails. For nails that are super damaged, apply the treatment three consecutive nights in a row.

• In addition to the Overnight Nail Mask, moisturizing and taking vitamins will help to strengthen your nails between manicures, and helps to achieve strong, healthy nails for the long-run.

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HOW TO PROTECT YOUR NAILS

The weather is only going to keep getting colder. So, it’s imperative that we protect our nails no matter what! We talked with Celebrity Manicurist, Skyy Hadley on what we should do to make sure that are hands look good especially during this cold and dry part of the year!

1. Start with a Clean Canvas Hand cream is a necessity for winter hydration, but too much of it will make your nail polish come right off. Be sure to use nail polish remover before each polish application to remove surface oils, and make for a cleaner and more long-lasting manicure.

2. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate Cold, dry air and a chilly climate is going to suck the moisture out of your skin, and this includes your hands, nails, and cuticles. Apply and re-apply a nourishing cuticle oil as needed throughout the day to avoid hangnails, cracked cuticles, and peeling nails. Seal in the moisture with a heavy-duty hand cream, and you'll be good to go.

3. Never Go Naked Think of nail polish as a strong suit of armor for your nails. Having a fresh manicure makes you look polished and put-together and at the same time prevents your natural nails from peeling, breaking, and chipping. Save on time (and extra steps) and use an all-in-one formula with a built-in base and top coat.

4. Use a Nail Strengthener Create the ultimate barrier of protection using a nail strengthener which will prevent splitting, chipping, and cracking, all while helping your nails grow. Use it as a strengthening base coat - or for those who prefer to go au naturale, paint on one coat for a shield of protection without the polish.

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