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QUESTION: "I saw the answer to another question regarding the same subject. Nail polishes make my nails get weak and flake. I have tried tne ones with No formaldehyde with no luck. Is there some other ingredient I should avoid. Without polish my nails are strong but do have some ridges. Once upon a time L'Oreal made a polish I could tolerate but they make it no more. Any suggestions? My daughter has the same problem. Thank you for your time."
ANSWER: You need to find a good basecoat that will address your specific nail type. I'm fond of Nail Tek products myself. They have several different formulas for different types of nails.
Also, always use cuticle oil. When you do your manicures at home, make sure you apply some cuticle oil on the nailplate and rub it in really well. A great oil that already exists in most homes is olive oil. Just make sure to avoid any formula that contains mineral oil-- including baby oils-- mineral oil is just too heavy to be absorbed into the nail plate or surrounding skin so it doesn't rehydrate very well.
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QUESTION: One more question - where do I find Nail Tek products, and will they list different kinds of nails so I can figure out what kind I have?
Nail Tek products can be found at many high end salons, and beauty supply stores. The products are clearly labeled for the type of nail they are recommended for, with formula numbers on the bottle to address soft and peeling nails, brittle nails, and healthy nails.
There is also a product called "Nailtiques" which is very similar and can sometimes be found in drug stores.
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Answers by Expert:
Maggie Franklin
Expertise
Professional Nailcare: nail enhancement chemistry and technique, mancuring and pedicuring. I am not qualified to give medical advice or make medical diagnoses.
Experience
I am a professional nail technician with 17 years experience in the professional beauty industry. I am licensed in the states of California (license #M120766) and Colorado (license #8611.)
I have been an active member of the online mailing list at Beautytech.com since 1999 where I network with 100s of nail industry professionals around the world.
Over the last 15 years I have accumulated several advanced training certificates, including the coveted Creative Nail Designs Master Nail Technician status, and personal training by Tammy Taylor, Tom Bachik, and Tom Holcomb.
I briefly joined the competition circuit in 2002, taking first place in the second annual Strut Your Stuff Online competition in the Enhancement 2 category. In 2009 I have decided to make time in my schedule to get back into competition by joining "Team Pink," the competition team captained by current world champion nail technician, Lynn Lammers.
I boast several contributions to articles that have appeared in both Nails and Nailpro magazines, including a brief stint as a Nails Magazine Help Desk contributor and now I write a semi-weekly blog for Nails Magazine while continuing to attend tradeshows and continuing education events.
Organizations
Nail Tech mailist list at Beautytech.com
Publications
Nails Magazine. Nailpro Magazine. Blogging for Nails Magazine since September, 2008: http://blogs.nailsmag.com/maggie/
Education/Credentials
CA license #M120766. CO license #8611. CND Master Nail Technician. Tom Holcomb Academy. Personal training with Tom Bachik. Two day advanced training with Tammy Taylor. AEFM certified for use of electric file. HRTE (High Road to Education) in San Jose, CA 2009.
Awards and Honors
2nd Annual Strut Your Stuff Online competition, 1st place in Enhancement 2. Member of "Team Pink" competition team 2009. 3rd place, Novice tip-and-overlay relay at IBS Las Vegas, 2009.
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