In conjunction with the launch of her new company, Nailebrity, industry veteran Elaine Watson introduces the It’s Not a Wrap, Take 2, protective base coat film that can help shorten the removal time and can make color last longer. “When used with soak-off gel, the technician can assure her client of more than two weeks of wear time without chipping. Instead of the usual 15-minute acetone-soaked removal, they can simply peel the color off in two minutes,” Watson says.

By incorporating the product into your menu, you can cut costs in other places and charge for a new service, she says. “The average U.S. nail tech charges $10 for a soak-off service. I’m suggesting that they take that fee and addit to the start of the service,” she says. “Once the removal is eliminated, (nail techs) can save on cotton, foil, and remover. By adding the film to the application, (nail techs) can eliminate the cost of dehydrators, bonders, and base coat, and they can charge $10 to apply the protective base coat and build client loyalty.”


Here’s how the product works:


1. Prep the nails by pushing back cuticles and clean off any debris. Remove the protective edge attached to the Take2 film. Size the Take2 film to the nail. When measuring the film, avoid the urge to use the exact size of the nail. The correct size is actually a little larger.


2. Peel the backing off the film. Do not touch the adhesive.


3. Place the film onto the nail while pressing firmly from the center to the outer edges. Once you stick the film down, do not peel it off to adjust or reposition it; it will ruin the adhesive. Now that the film is tacked down, the patented covering will release the protective layer of the film.


4. For ripple-free application, working from the center out, use the flat side of an orangewood stick to press and smooth out center to right and center to left, then center toward the cuticle. Finish by giving it a press and smooth around the edges.


5. Do not pull and stretch the film at the free edge, use a file in a downward motion to trim the excess film.


6. Pull off the excess film.


7. The nail is now ready for polish, glitter polisher, or gel-polish application. Make sure to apply color according to the manufacturer’s instructions.


8. To remove the film, use the flat side of an orangewood stick to slip under the edge of the film. Gently release it from the nail, making sure not to pull the film. Keep using the stick to work around the entire nail. Remove any leftover sticky residue with alcohol or acetone.


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