A nail appointment should include more than choosing a colour. Use this guide to prepare questions about your current coating, care between visits and the difference between an ordinary maintenance question and a concern to take to a healthcare professional. It covers everyday care, not a home removal procedure.
Before the appointment: assess the natural nail
Putting artificial nails over already brittle or damaged nails can make matters worse. Repeated filing and maintenance may weaken natural nails. Discuss whether a break would be more appropriate than another covering, and ask to leave the cuticle untrimmed: it helps protect against infection. [3]
Daily care between visits
Keep nails clean and dry, moisturise after handwashing and wear gloves for wet cleaning tasks. Avoid using a nail to lift a lid or open a can. File small snags gently rather than biting them; repeated water exposure and using nails as tools can contribute to damage. [2]
Gel removal and the next manicure
Do not peel off a lifting gel coating; arrange removal. Between manicures, moisturise nails and cuticles and consider a polish break. Before a curing lamp, AAD advises broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ on hands or dark, opaque fingerless protective gloves. [1]
A reaction may appear away from the fingers
An allergy to artificial nail products can cause an itchy rash or loosening nails. The rash may also affect the eyelids, face or neck after contact with the nails. Tell the clinician about your manicure products, even when the irritated area is not on your hands. [4]
When a salon visit is not enough
Seek a GP assessment for unexplained changes in nail shape or colour, or unexplained nail loss. Painful, red, swollen and warm skin around a nail also needs medical advice. Do not assume that a different polish will address the cause. [5]
Questions to take to your appointment
- Which coating is currently on my nails, and which removal service should I book?
- What should I do if one nail catches or the coating starts lifting?
- Which care steps should I follow with this particular product?
- Can we discuss the nail’s condition before deciding on another set?
Frequently asked question
Does every client need the same return date?
Ask for an individual maintenance plan rather than copying someone else’s appointment interval. When booking, explain whether you want removal, a refill or a new application so the salon can confirm the appropriate service.