Nail decoration goes back over 6000 years to when the Egyptians used to colour their nails by buffing them with henna. The Chinese invented nail enamel over 5000 years ago and the fascination for long nails began during China’s Ming dynasty. The Romans used to apply nail polish made from animal fat and blood around 100AD
Today our fascination for long, beautiful nails continues to grow and is responsible for establishing a multi-billion dollar industry.
Basecoat – is used for priming, adding strength and giving protection. There are many variations of basecoat available, but remember a basecoat needs a clean oil-free nail surface to adhere to or it will be likely to peel off as soon as it dries.
Standard basecoats are primers that provide some strength, but their main function is to aid nail varnish to glide on smoothly and help to prevent darker shades from staining your nails.
Ridge fillers are basecoats containing silk, talc or other particles to fill in depressions. If your nails are ridged or peeling at the top, ridge fillers can ensure a smooth finish.
Antifungal basecoats are formulated with ingredients that will help to kill micro-organisms that cause infection.
Topcoats are a clear polish designed to protect your manicure from chipping, flaking and peeling. They are similar to basecoats but dry more quickly and have a glossier finish. Adding a layer of topcoat each day can extend the life of your manicure.
Perfect Nail Polish must always be fresh. Polish that has been allowed to thicken will not apply thinly or evenly, it will tend to bubble or streak and will not adhere properly. Nail polish thickens when it is exposed to the air. If a bottle remains open during application, or it is exposed to heat, the solvents evaporate and the polish becomes gooey, thick and stringy. Store nail polish in a cool, dark place and keep the neck of the bottle clean to prevent it from thickening. Avoid shaking the nail polish bottle as this creates air bubbles that can transfer to your finished application. To mix your polish, roll the bottle between the palms of your hands.