Okay, you've made your decision. You would love to have your nails done. You are really looking forward to your first set of nails . You are inspired by your friends, social media, celebrities, music videos and the latest nail trends.
Take a look at your nails and imagine: your own hands with beautiful nails. You can't wait to have it match your clothes and make up.
Getting your nails done is currently extremely popular, and customer demand is increasingly expanding to younger target groups. But what are the options and what should you take into account when you have a set of artificial nails applied for the first time? Read all about it in this article.
What a set of nails do to your hand
@theactorsvow I am ✨obsessed✨ with these @alithenailtech #youractingmom #SyncYourMiO #naildesigns #nailtransition ♬ original sound – iwannatrypercs💊
@bigfatjenna in love 🥺 nail art by me 💗 nails by @chloedawsonnails recreation of nailsbydaovo on insta 🤍✨ #nails #nailart #nailtransformation #nailtransition #nailsnailsnails #nailartdesign #chromenails #acrylics #acrylicnails #coffinnails #coffinnailshape #silvernail s #nailinspo #nailinspiration # nailartlove ♬ original sound – ._.Trash._.
Video: First time doing nails with your BFF
In this video, two friends, Brighton and Fiona, go to get their nails done at a professional salon after admiring beautiful nail designs on social media. This is a special experience for Brighton, as it is her very first set of artificial nails . They watch with anticipation as their nails are transformed and they can't wait for the end result!
After 3 days
Three days later they share their opinion about their new long artificial nails. They both feel more cared for and confident with their beautiful nails. They do notice that simple tasks such as pressing buttons are a bit more difficult and that it can hurt if they accidentally bump into something. But after a while they get used to it and can no longer imagine life without nails.
Table of Contents
Age
Age is an important factor in deciding what you can and cannot do with your nails. There are various options available in my salon from the age of 13. More about this will follow shortly. If you are under 16 years of age, permission from your parents or guardian is always required to have your nails done. Always inform yourself what rules nail salons apply.
Under 16
If you are under 16 years old, your hands and nails are still in full growth. This means that they have not yet fully grown. That is why I strongly advise against wearing artificial nails for a long time at a young age. It can lead to uneven growth of the natural nails.
Press-ons
If you would like to wear nails for a special occasion, such as a birthday party, graduation party, wedding or any other event, then it is better to opt for custom-made nails, called custom press-ons . You can apply and remove these yourself. In addition, press-ons can be reused several times.
Full Cover Gel Tips
Do you want to try nails for the first time and wear them for longer than just a day or a weekend? Then I recommend opting for a set of full-cover gel tips . These can remain in place for up to 3-4 weeks and must then be professionally removed. This way, the natural nails have time and space to grow again.
Do's and Don'ts
Here are a number of do's and don'ts for your first set of artificial nails so that you can get started with your new set of nails without any problems.
Do: Go to a professional, reliable salon with good reviews
To avoid problems, it is important to go to a professional and reliable nail salon. Although it may be tempting to have your nails done by a friend or acquaintance who also happens to do nails, it requires more expertise than you think. An inexperienced nail technician can lead to nail problems such as damage or infections.
Checklist
- Always check whether a salon positive customer reviews , for example on platforms such as Google Maps.
- If it is too cheap to be true, then it usually is
- Always check whether there are enough photos or videos of the previous sets that a salon has installed
- Is the salon active on social media channels such as Instagram or Facebook? Read the comments of others
Don't: Don't choose cheap nail salons or friends/acquaintances
Never let price be the only motivation for your first set of nails. It's better to save a little longer to save yourself a lot of misery (and money). Cheap salons are often run by novice nail technicians who are still learning the trade. This can result in loose artificial nails or lifting , which increases the risk of infections such as pseudomonas .
Do: Get inspired for a cool nail design on social media
To make it easier for your nail technician and to ensure you get exactly what you want, it is indeed a good idea to save samples on your phone.
Here are some important aspects to pay attention to when choosing your new set of nails:
- Length : Think about what length you would like your nails to be. Would you rather wear them short, medium or long? It is useful to have an example photo of the desired length, so that your nail stylist has an idea of your preference.
- Shape : Consider what nail shape you want. Popular options are ballerina/coffin, almond-shaped or stiletto.
- Design : Think about what type of nail art you would like to have. Do you like simple, minimalist designs or exuberant and detailed patterns? Gather inspiration on your phone by saving nail art images that appeal to you.
By showing these examples to your nail stylist, you give them a clear idea of your preferences and help them to realize your desired nail style. Remember to be open to suggestions and advice from the nail technician, as they have expertise in creating beautiful designs and also have a fair amount of creativity.
Don't: Don't immediately go for an extremely long set
You've probably Cardi B , Doja Cat or Ice Spice in music videos, where they wear super long nails. Of course it looks great! Long nails are absolutely beautiful, but they are not always practical.
Firstly, nails that are too long are inconvenient and can be quite painful! The longer your nails are, the more likely you are to accidentally bump into something and experience pain. Moreover, the chance of lifting increases if you have too long nails.
Video: I wore super long false nails for 1 week
In the video she wears long nails that she made herself and quickly cause problems such as breaking from a small impact. However, this perfectly illustrates the challenges of having extremely long nails. Throughout the video, she shows how she tries to do various daily activities with her long nails. It's a fun and informative video to watch!
If you still want long nails, read my survival guide to long nails . Here you will find tips and tricks for dealing with long nails. For example, how do you put in lenses with long nails? Open a can? Big message in the toilet?
Below is a brief overview of some tips for wearing long nails
Tips for dealing with long nails
Don't go too long for your first set! Start with a shorter length, if this works well and if you want to go longer, let your nail stylist know. We work towards a longer length with each new set, which gives your brain time to adapt to your new nails.
Golden Tip
- Be careful : Always keep in mind that you have longer nails and be extra careful during daily activities. Try to avoid bumps and hard blows to avoid discomfort and pain.
- Use tools : Invest in tools like a nail brush with a long handle to make cleaning easier. This prevents your nails from coming into contact with harsh chemicals or dirt.
- Practice good hygiene : Long nails can easily trap dirt and bacteria, so make sure you thoroughly clean your hands and nails regularly. Use a soft brush to remove any dirt from under your nails. (See next chapter)
- Adjust your daily activities : Keep in mind that some daily activities may be more difficult with long nails. Opening cans, typing on a keyboard or fastening buttons may require some adjustment. Do you have a profession that requires a lot of hands, such as working in the catering industry? Then don't have long nails.
- Wear protective gloves : When doing household chores or activities that may expose your nails to water, chemicals or rough surfaces, wear protective gloves to protect your nails.
With this survival guide you can enjoy your long nails while taking practical aspects and possible inconveniences into account. However, always remember that comfort and health come first, so make sure your nails are a length that suits your lifestyle.
Do: Clean your artificial nails thoroughly every day + cuticle oil – Aftercare
So you've been to a good salon and you're now wearing a beautiful set of new artificial nails. Artificial nails can become a breeding ground for dirt and bacteria if you do not clean them thoroughly every day. This can lead to infections, but it also looks very unkempt and dirty. You don't want to know what I've found with clients under their nail extensions.
Care routine for artificial nails
- Wash your hands : Turn on the tap and put a few drops of hand soap (skin-friendly) on your hands, distribute it evenly over both hands and ensure that the soap foams more than enough.
- Clean the nail beds : Take the soft nail brush and gently scrub under your false nails and along the cuticle area. Use light circular movements to remove dirt or residue. Be careful not to damage the artificial nails or your natural nails.
- Push back the cuticles (optional): After cleansing, use a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. This helps to create a clean and well-groomed appearance.
- Rinse and dry : After you're done cleaning, rinse your hands under warm water to remove any soap residue. Pat your hands and nails dry with a clean towel.
- Apply cuticle oil : Apply cuticle oil daily to ensure that your cuticles feel soft and cared for. But also that the top coat of your artificial nails will shine again.
Don't: Bite or pick at your artificial nails
Do not bite, pick or pull on your artificial nails. Damaging the artificial nails can lead to bigger problems. Do you suffer from a raised edge (lifting) or other questions about your artificial nails? Do not hesitate to contact your nail stylist for more information and, if necessary, to book a repair.
Conclusion
Whether you choose short, medium or long nails, simple or exuberant nail art, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and have fun with your new nails. Remember that nails are a form of self-expression and a way to express your style and creativity.
At K-reative Nails I am ready to welcome you to my salon and guide you through your very first set of (artificial) nails. I understand the excitement and questions that come with getting your first set of nails, and I am ready to help and advise you based on your needs and preferences. Don't hesitate to send a message to ask a question.
Step into the world of beautiful nails, have fun with your new nail adventure and let your inner Nail Diva shine!
