Nail technicians will know the importance of brushing the nail consistently throughout the nail preparation process. With a clear view they can differentiate between dead, live, attached and detached cuticle. This will both protect their clients by avoiding overworking their nail fold and nail plate and save time and effort.
Natalie, founder of Manicure Project, a nail technician herself with a diploma in nail technology, has assessed the methods of brushing during nail preparation following attendance of relevant courses and masterclasses. With knowledge at postgraduate level in ergonomics and repetitive strain injury in the hand, wrist and elbow, Natalie recognised certain issues and was inspired to design an ergonomic nail preparation brush.
Nail preparation, for most, is the longest and most tedious part of nail treatments. It is no secret that it is the most important stage for nail health, clean product application and a long-lasting manicure.
Most nail technicians still use one of two brush types during nail prep – simply because they are all that has been available to them since the beginning of time. With lack of innovation until now, they are still being included in courses as – yes – it is a major teaching point that consistent brushing is essential during nail prep. It is time to break the cycle.
Two commonly misused brush types:
The standard nail brush was designed to be used during hand washing to remove dirt and grit from under and around the nails hence its harder bristle type. It is popular amongst mechanics, chefs and generally every industry where hands get visibly dirty. The harder bristles of this brush are not ideal for repetitive use on freshly worked on or sensitive nail folds. The bristles of these brushes are dispersed meaning they are not ideal for removal of the finer dust. The handles of this brush were designed for a grip hold but are commonly used otherwise by nail technicians to allow for tool holding during the preparation process. Rotation in the hand and wrist is necessary when used in this way.
A nail dust brush was designed to be used with dip powders and chrome powders. The softer longer bristle type leaves the required amount of product on the nail and dusts off any excess. Its large brush head does not provide precision when removing detached cuticle particles from around the proximal nail fold or when removing the filed off nail from under the free edge. Its handle means that the nail tech needs to repeatedly put down the tool they are working with during the nail preparation process to use it. This is disruptive to any nail treatment particularly e-file preparation as for safe handling the handset must be switched off each time and placed in its holder – technically without the bit attached to avoid damage if dropped.
These brushes are not ergonomically designed for use during nail prep as:
These are all issues the HSE advises are looked out for when considering ergonomics and safe practice.
Ergonomics, as explained by the HSE, is the science concerned with the ‘fit’ between the professional and their work.
Ergonomics puts the nail technician first aiming to ensure that their treatment – their interaction with their equipment and tools, their education and their environment – fits each professional.
To assess the fit between the nail technician and their treatment, a range of factors must be considered which include, but are not limited to:
By assessing the treatment process, it is possible to design safe, effective and efficient products and systems. Applying ergonomics can reduce the potential for injury, such as repetitive strain injury to the hands, wrists and elbows and improve performance and productivity.
These are some issues to look out for that ergonomics can solve:
Neutral posture in the wrist refers to the position the wrist is in when rested to the side of the body. When bending the elbow to the level of a table, the wrist remains in its neutral posture if it is positioned similarly to a handshake.
Manicure Project’s registered ergonomic brush designs overcome all the above issues.
These nail prep brushes are:
By rotating the brush to where it suits the nail technician, their wrist can remain in the neutral posture and be protected from repetitive strain injury.
The brushes’ clean aesthetic will bring a touch of class and luxury to nail treatments. These brushes are not only designed to bring comfort to the nail tech, but also to their clients. Their soft yet compact bristles are ideal for repetitive use on freshly worked on and sensitive cuticles and are perfect for precision work. Their bristles effortlessly reach under and around the nail fold, side walls and free edge to remove particles.