How to Sculpt a Square Nail Using Gel

Former NTNA competitor Katie Barnes demonstrates how to sculpt a square nail using gel, using her KB Tool Range to adjust the nail form.

See Katie's steps for a more extreme nail design.

1. Prep the nail.

2. Remove the form from the form paper and place the tab symmetrically in the middle of the form. Leave a gap where the form meets the natural nail — otherwise this will thicken the cutting zone and be more prone to tearing.

3. Precisely close the lower wings of your form together, ensuring both sides meet up flawlessly. Do not close the form into a point. Leave this open ended.

4. Place the form on the finger. From the side view, the form should be straight in line with the finger. From the bird’s eye view, the form should be open ended. If there are gaps where the form meets the nail, the form must be tailored to fit seamlessly.

5. Using KB Form Tailoring White Gel Pen, draw around the shape of the free edge. Using a white gel pen prevents staining and denting.

6. Use KB Curved Form Tailoring Scissors to cut out this template.

7. Place the form back in the same position as step 4. Any gaps will now be closed. Use the white gel pen to place a mark where the corner points of the natural free edge are.

8. Using KB Straight Form Tailoring Scissors, make approximately a 1cm long cut at a 45-degree angle.

9. Place the form in the same position as step 4. Check that it is straight by using a ruler or straight file. Pinch underneath the form. The cuts in the previous step will allow a tight pinch and deep c-curve to be created without the need for pinching the enhancement.

10. Adhere the side wings to the finger.

11. The form seamlessly fits the nail ready for product application.

12. Apply builder base gel to the natural nail. Cure for the manufacturer’s recommended time.

13. Apply a slip layer of cover pink gel, then apply the free edge shape. Bring the side marginally lower at the side wall to ensure correct filing. Cure for the manufacturer’s recommended time. Repeat two more times, working towards the cuticle zone. The apex should be at the back third and the upper arch should come out straight from the apex to the free edge.