Help! My Nail is turning Green!
I received this email a couple of days ago from a hairdresser about a discoloured nail:
Question:
I’ve been doing my gel overlay for a while now with shellac on top and just changing the shellac every couple of weeks and doing a full overlay when needed, now I’m no pro so they are always a little dodgy, but I noticed a few infills ago my nail was a bit greenish looking lol,
Now I’ve taken them off and letting some air get to it, but I’m a bit worried, what can I do cos I don’t think anyone will put nails on me while they are like this,
Help!
Now I’ve taken them off and letting some air get to it, but I’m a bit worried, what can I do cos I don’t think anyone will put nails on me while they are like this,
Help!
Help! My Nail is turning Green!
Answer:
*Unfortunately, Your nail sounds like it may have mould.
Why?
I’s not uncommon for this to occur with artificial nails.
As some stage – probably at work as you are a hairdresser with your hands in water a lot – moisture has gotten in between your own nail and the product, it gets trapped there and grows then you see the green. With any nail service, it is vitally important to ensure the is completely clean and dry.
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A qualified Nail Technician should prep the area correctly to avoid any kind of contamination.
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What to do? Keep the product off it so you can see what it’s doing. Using an old file or block buffer, gently file the surface and some of the green may come off. Don’t use that file on any other nails and throw it in the bin – if you use it on your other nails you risk spreading the problem.
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Then wipe over it with Rubbing alcohol or tea tree oil (Tea Tree oil has antiseptic and antibacterial properties).
Keep it as dry as you possibly can until it clears up. Wear gloves when your hands are in water.
Keep an eye on it and if it’s not improving seek medical advice.
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Ideally, I recommend getting professional products applied by professional nail techs only.
However, there are a lot of home kits available now so if you are going to DIY always make sure the nail surface is clean and dry before applying any product – remove any oils and moisture with a clean block buffer and wipe with Rubbing Alcohol/Isopropyl Alcohol on a cotton pad.
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This will ensure there are no contaminants on the nail, and also the product will stick better to a clean, dry, oil free surface, making it less prone to lifting, which allows moisture to get in and get trapped under the nail.
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You can get Rubbing Alcohol at the supermarket for under $10.
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DISCLAIMER:
*If unsure I recommend you seek medical advice.
*I am not a Doctor and I do not dispense medical advice, only opinion, which is based on my experience as a Nail technician and Educator.
If you have any persistent nail problems visit your Doctor!