In this engaging tutorial, Kirsty Meakin from Naio Nails shares her expertise on repairing damaged nails, particularly for those who lead an active lifestyle. With a touch of humour and practical advice, she guides viewers through the process of restoring a manky nail to its former glory.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the importance of nail care after trauma.
- Learn the step-by-step process for repairing a broken nail.
- Discover essential tools and products for the restoration of a broken nail.
The Importance Of Nail Care
Kirsty begins by explaining the significance of proper nail care, especially for those involved in sports. She shares her personal experience of damaging her nail while playing football, highlighting how common such incidents can be. The term "manky" is introduced, setting a light-hearted tone for the tutorial.
Assessing The Damage
Before diving into the repair process, it’s crucial to assess the extent of the damage. Kirsty discusses onycholysis, a condition where the nail separates from the nail bed, and stresses the need to remove any nail extensions to prevent further harm.
- Remove Nail Extensions: If the nail is broken, removing any extensions is essential to avoid trapping moisture and bacteria.
- Allow Time To Heal: Let the broken nail rest for a few days to dry out before attempting any repairs.
Preparing For Repair
Once the nail has had time to rest, Kirsty demonstrates how to prepare the nail for repair. This involves:
- Pushing Back Cuticles: Using a cuticle knife to remove excess cuticle and non-living tissue.
- Smoothing The Nail Surface: Employing an electric file to gently exfoliate the nail bed.
The Repair Process
Kirsty outlines the steps to effectively repair the damaged nail:
- File The Nail: Use a 180-grit file to smooth out the nail surface and remove any shine.
- Apply Nail Prep Dehydrator: This step ensures the nail is ready for the application of acrylic.
- Use Acid-Based Primer: For maximum adhesion, apply a thin layer of primer to the natural nail.
- Fit A Sculpting Form: Since the nail is damaged, a sculpting form is used instead of a tip to provide support.
- Apply Acrylic: Carefully apply acrylic to build up the nail, ensuring it is not too long and maintains a natural look.
Finishing Touches
After the acrylic has set, Kirsty demonstrates how to file and buff the nails for a smooth finish. She emphasises the importance of being gentle with the damaged nail to avoid causing further injury.
- File Gently: Use a 100-grit file for refining the surface without applying too much pressure.
- Buff The Nails: Ensure the cuticle area is smooth to prevent lifting.
- Apply Cuticle Oil: Finish off by hydrating the cuticles, although Kirsty saves the final polish for another video.
Conclusion
Kirsty wraps up the tutorial by reassuring viewers that even damaged nails can be restored with the right techniques and products. She encourages everyone to take care of their nails, especially after trauma, and invites them to subscribe for more nail care tips.
This tutorial not only provides practical advice but also showcases Kirsty’s personality, making nail care accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you're a nail technician or someone who loves DIY nail care, this guide is a must-watch!