Hygiene, preparation, and storage
Cleaning and disinfection
It is important to prioritize hygiene when working with nail technology. This is to protect against unwanted bacteria and nail diseases. Below is an example of a good step-by-step work routine when it comes to hygiene and nail products at home.
Examples of funds that can be used:
- Soapy water for superficial cleaning (e.g. a solution of warm water and washing-up liquid)
- Disinfectant for disinfection (eg Rodalon, Chlorine, Bright Water surface disinfectant or Super D7)
Before and after the nail treatment, do the following:
- Surfaces are wiped with soapy water. Then use a clean cloth to wipe off the soap.
- Spread/spray disinfectant on the nail table, in the UV/LED lamp and on the Dust Collector . Wipe over with a dry cloth or paper towel after 15-20 min.
- Wash all metal tools with soapy water. Soak the tool in disinfectant for a minimum of 15 minutes. The liquid must cover all the tools 100%. Carefully dry the tool (if necessary, rinse the tool with water afterwards).
- Rinse the file and buffers under running water and let them dry. Then spray them with disinfectant.
Do not store your tools in closed buckets, boxes, etc. Bacteria thrive and spread in moist and low-oxygen environments. The closed storage boxes can therefore be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Please note that the rules for hygiene, disinfection and sterilization are different in clinics where specific and high demands are made.
Preparation and cleaning of brushes
It is important to treat your brushes well and correctly. Both to make it easier for oneself to work with the brushes, but also to ensure long durability and good hygiene.
Preparation of brand new brushes
When you receive a new brush, the bristles will be stiff before the first use. The starch covering the brush bristles must be removed so that the bristles become soft before use. The preparation takes place in the following way:
- Start by "breaking" the hairs by moving them gently against a surface.
- Pour the Cleaner+ into a Dappen Dish and dip the hairs into the liquid. Gently bend the hairs up the edge of the filled Dappen Dish so that all the hairs are soaked.
- Wipe the brush carefully in a lint-free wipe .
Preparing the brush before applying the product
Builder Gel
Let the bristles of the brush slide through a small amount of Builder Gel. Make sure the gel gets between all the bristles of the brush by gently spreading the bristles up the edge of the bucket. Then scrape off excess product.
Polygel
Prepare your brush by pouring some Cleaner+ into a Dappen Dish and dipping the bristles into the liquid. Then wipe the brush lightly in a lint-free wipe so that it is not completely soaked. This is also done repeatedly during the construction of the nail with Polygel , so that the brush does not stick to the Polygel when you work with it.
Clean brushes after use
After normal use such as application of Builder Gel or Polygel, the brush can be dried in a dry lint-free wipe and stored with the lid on. The brush will neither dry out nor harden, as this requires exposure to UV light.
If the brush has been used for e.g. nail art and want to be cleaned of colour, it can be dried in a lint-free wipe with Cleaner+ to remove the excess product. Then the brush can be slid through either Top Coat or Base Coat until it releases no more color. Then store it with the lid on.
Storage of nail products and brushes
All UV curing nail products and associated brushes must be stored in a dark and dry place without sunlight. This can e.g. be in a drawer or in a cupboard. You must ensure that all lids are screwed on properly so that the solvents in the products do not evaporate and thicken.
It is recommended to store the products at room temperature to maintain the optimal consistency.
There are no other storage requirements for steel tools, other than that you should preferably avoid storing them in closed boxes. Bacteria thrive and spread, as mentioned, in moist and low-oxygen environments.
