QuestionQUESTION: I have worn gel nails on and off and have noticed recently that my nail is lifting from the nail bet. Meaning I can look under my nail at my skin. What do you think is causing my nails to lift? I guess you'd recommend I take them off but my nails are aweful underneath - what's the best treatment I can use to either stop the lifting with the nails on or make my nails stronger once the gel nails are off?
ANSWER: Dear Cassie,
There are many causes of natural nails to lift from the nail bed, but usually it's trauma or infection.
The condition is known as " Onycholysis " .
Very common traumas are if the nail is struck hard, or slammed in a door, OR if you are visiting an unreputable salon that is NSS (Non Standard Salon) that is not applying nor maintaining your enhancements properly.
Please see here to learn more about nss: http://ongles-chez-victoria.tripod.com/victoriasnails/id18.html
If the salon is forcing/prying/ripping off your enhancements instead of soaking them off when a broken one needs replacing, then they are responsible for the damage.
If you are picking off your enhancements, this can cause the nail to lift as well.
Keep your nails VERY VERY short and reaching only the end of your finger so that they don't catch on anything and cause them to lift further. Visit a doctor to make sure that there is no infection underneath causing the issue.
Also, you need to ascertain if you truly have UV Gel nails on, or if you've been scammed by an NSS. Please refer to the link above that I posted to find out. One clue: UV Gel NEVER NEVER contains powder. If they used any powder, then they are NOT real UV Gels. They are simply acrylic.
I hope this helps
Best regards
Victoria
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks Victoria for your response- they definitely used gel "powder". I will remove these nails off this weekend. Definitely changing salons. What do you suggest I use to nurse my nails back to health?
AnswerI'm sorry to hear that you were indeed scammed. There is no such thing as "gel powder". It's either UV Gel OR it's Liquid and Powder Acrylic (there are also wraps and dips, but they aren't used that often).
With regards to your nails... the best you can hope is to grow out the damage.
Keep them ultra short so as to avoid catching them and causing them to lift further. Apply cuticle oil liberally 2-4 times a day to the cuticle area and the nail plate surface.
See a doctor to rule out infection that MUST be treated or it can cause permanent damage.
You 'might' consider finding another technician who is topnotch and well qualified to apply an overlay. This will protect them from tearing while growing out the damage. And make them less sensitive. Again, I remind you ULTRA SHORT is the key.
If you are in the US, try beautytech.com. There are many AMAZING and CARING techs on that site. Try to find one in your area to either help you nurture them with natural manicures or protect them with overlays.
All the best
Victoria
