Professional nail products are an investment and the tools of a trade for a nail technician, so it’s essential to know how to store and care for them to maximize their lifespan. Especially when using premium professional nail products from Glitterbels.com, you'll want to ensure that they remain in top condition for as long as possible. Here are some tips and tricks as to how you can prolong the life of your nail products, including some of the common tools of the professional nail technicians’ trade like acrylic powders, gel polish, builder gel, hema-free builder gels, monomer, and acetone.
Acrylic Powders
Shelf Life: Typically, acrylic powders can last between 12 and 18 months if stored correctly. Storage Tips: Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Moisture and UV light can degrade the quality. Ensure the lids are tightly closed to prevent contamination.
Gel Polish
Shelf Life: Gel polish usually has a shelf life of around 12-18 months, assuming it is being opened and closed regularly. Over time, it may become thicker or start to separate.
Storage Tips: Store your gel polish bottles upright in the dark at an ambient temperature.
Builder Gel and Hema Free Builder Gels: Shelf Life: Both types tend to last for around 12- 18 months. However, Hema-free formulas may sometimes have a slightly shorter shelf life due to their unique composition. Storage Tips: Like gel polish, keep your builder gels in a cool, dark place. Always make sure the lids are securely closed to prevent exposure to the air and potential curing.
Monomer
Shelf Life: Monomer can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, depending on the brand and formulation. Here at Glitterbels, we would suggest a shelf life of 12-18 is standard but, as a busy nail technician, we don’t envisage it hanging around for that long!
Storage Tips: Store monomers in a tightly sealed container, away from heat sources and open flames. Monomer vapours are flammable, even if the Monomer is Hema Free. Also, always ensure your workspace is well-ventilated when using monomers to avoid inhaling the fumes.
Acetone
Shelf Life: Typically 12- 18 months. Though in reality Acetone's shelf life, if properly stored can be years. For optimal results protect it from exposure to air, water, and light, as these elements can lead to crystallization and dilution. By ensuring that the acetone remains in its original container, securely sealed, its shelf life can be significantly extended. However, like any product, it’s best to use it within a year for optimal performance. Storage Tips: Acetone should be stored in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight and open flames. Ensure the cap is tightly closed after every use to prevent evaporation.
General Tips for All Professional Nail Products
Temperature Control: Always store your nail products in a climate-controlled environment. Extreme temperatures, especially heat, can degrade the quality and effectiveness of products. Regularly Check: Every few months, check your products for any signs of separation, unusual odours, or changes in consistency. If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to replace them. Keep Clean: Ensure that your brushes, tools, and containers are clean before dipping into your products. This will prevent contamination and prolong the life of the products. Store away from direct sunlight: Exposure to direct sunlight can elevate the temperature of skincare products, shortening the shelf life of the formulation. This not only diminishes the effectiveness of the ingredients over time it can also mean you will need to replace them quicker. The longevity of your nail products largely depends on proper storage and care. And, whilst we hope you will be so busy you will constantly need to replenish your stock before they get too old, it is worth checking your products every month or so to make sure they are still in tip-top condition.