Nail extension aftercare is what you do at home plus what we do at your infill appointments, both aimed at keeping your set looking neat and cared for in everyday life. However carefully your extensions are applied, how good they look over the next few weeks depends largely on your daily habits. Here are seven easy tips for protecting your nail extensions, and when to message us.
Why do nail extensions need regular upkeep?
Nail extensions build the length and shape you want using a material applied over your natural nail; we set out the steps on our manicure and nail extensions page. Your natural nail, meanwhile, keeps growing. So within a few weeks a gap appears at the base, between the natural nail and the extension.
As that gap grows, the balance of weight on the nail shifts. The tip moves forward, and lifting at the edges or a break from a sudden knock becomes more likely. Regular infill appointments restore that balance, and a little care at home makes the time between appointments easier.
How do you look after nail extensions? 7 tips
Most of these tips are small changes of habit. You do not have to take them all on from day one; adding even a few to your routine helps your nails stay neat until your next infill.
1. Wear gloves for housework
The simplest thing you can do for your nail extensions is to put on gloves for washing up, cleaning or any job that keeps your hands in water for a long time. Long spells in hot water and direct contact with strong cleaning products can, over time, affect the shine of the nail surface and the hold at the edges. A thin pair that fits well protects both your nails and the skin of your hands.
2. Do not use your nails as tools
If you use the tip of a nail as a lever, to open a can, scrape off a label or lift something, the extension can easily break or lift. For jobs like these, reach for a small tool instead of your nails. The same goes for typing and tapping on your phone: once you get used to touching with the pad of your finger rather than the tip of the nail, it makes a noticeable difference over time.
3. Do not put off your infill
For nail extensions, an infill is usually recommended every 2-3 weeks. At this appointment we fill the gap that has formed at the base of the nail, reshape the nails and tidy the surface. It usually takes 45-75 minutes, depending on the condition of your nails and the design.
If you use your hands a lot or your nails grow quickly, a slightly shorter interval may be better. Stretching it well beyond three weeks, on the other hand, makes lifting and breakage more likely. Every set is planned and carried out to a personalised protocol, so your interval may differ from someone else’s, and we plan a routine that suits you together.
The most practical way to stop the date slipping in a busy week is to book your next appointment before you leave the salon, or later the same day by email.
4. Keep your cuticles moisturised
With nail extensions, the skin around the nail matters too. When cuticles dry out they can crack, the edges look rough and your nails look less cared for than they are. Applying cuticle oil or hand cream to your cuticles once or twice a day eases that dryness, especially on days when you wash your hands often. A drop of oil at the base of the nail, spread lightly with a fingertip, is enough. For looking after your hands and cuticles in colder weather, see our post on autumn and winter skin, hand and nail care.
5. If a nail lifts or breaks, do not glue it at home
When the edge of a nail lifts or a tip breaks, it can be tempting to glue it down at home, pull off the lifted part or try to file it smooth. But moisture and dirt can get under the lifted part, and repairs at home can also wear the surface of the natural nail. Leave the nail as it is, take care not to catch it on anything, and message us. A short appointment is usually enough to put a single nail right.
6. Choose a length and shape that fit your day
Long, pointed nails can look very elegant, but they may not suit everyday life. If you type a lot, have a small child or work with your hands, a medium length with a rounded shape or softened corners may be more comfortable from day to day. We talk about length and shape at your first consultation and choose together what suits your nails and the pace of your day. If you would like a bolder design for a special occasion, the length can be adjusted again at a later infill.
7. Have your extensions removed at the salon
When you want a break from extensions or want them off altogether, pulling, scraping or forcing them off at home puts strain on your natural nails and can leave them thinner. At the salon, we take them off without rushing, using a method suited to the nail. Afterwards we give your natural nails a short manicure and talk through the next step together. If you are thinking of gel polish in the meantime, our post on nail extensions or gel polish sets out the differences.
When should you message us?
If something about your nail extensions does not feel right, there is no need to wait for your next appointment. Please message us if:
- The edge of one or more nails has lifted, or a nail has started to come away at the base, broken or cracked
- There is redness, swelling, discomfort, or a change in colour or texture on or around the nail
- You have an open wound, cut or irritation on your hands
- You have reacted to polish, gel or acrylic products before
- You have a known blood sugar or circulation condition
For lifting and breaks, we will put the nail right in a short appointment. In the other cases we may postpone the session and suggest you speak to your doctor first; postponing an appointment is never a problem for us. Your extensions are looked after by our expert team of qualified practitioners, who explain each step and keep you comfortable throughout.
Frequently asked questions
How often do nail extensions need an infill?
An infill is usually recommended every 2-3 weeks. How quickly your nails grow and how much you use your hands affect that interval. We plan a routine that suits you together.
How long does an infill appointment take?
An infill usually takes 45-75 minutes. The size of the gap at the base of the nail, whether any nails have lifted or broken, and the design you choose can all change the timing.
Do nail extensions damage your natural nails?
That depends largely on how they are applied, looked after and removed. With proper preparation, careful application, regular infills and removal at the salon, your natural nails are less likely to become worn. Pulling or scraping extensions off at home, or putting off infills for a long time, can put strain on the natural nail.
Can I glue a broken extension back on at home?
We would not recommend it. Moisture and dirt can stay trapped under a nail glued at home, and the lifted part can strain the natural nail. Simply leave the broken nail as it is and message us; we will fix it in a short appointment.
Nail extensions at our salon
At our beauty salon in Nişantaşı, Istanbul, we plan your first set, your infills and removal around your nails and the pace of your day. You can read how extensions are applied, how long they take and what to know before your appointment on our Nail Services page.
If you have a question about your nail extensions or would like to book an infill, just message us and we will find a time that suits you. Our address and directions are on our contact page.
