MENU
SEARCHAfter 18 years in the Human Relations field, June Sierra decided to become a nail tech.
Lezlie and Jim McConnell over at Light Elegance made us a custom matte nude color to our specifications. It’s now available in the permanent collection under the name Skinny Dipping.
Lezlie and Jim McConnell over at Light Elegance made us a custom matte nude color to our specifications. It’s now available in the permanent collection under the name Skinny Dipping.
After 18 years in the Human Relations field, June Sierra decided to become a nail tech. That was five years ago, and she’s been moving forward ever since. “Being a nail tech provided me the opportunity to be my own boss,” she says. “I schedule the hours and days I want to work, and I choose the products I want to work with.” Just a few months before the shoot, June became the proud owner of Final Touch Salon in Rancho Mirage, Calif. She rented space at the salon before taking it over and opted to leave it as a booth renter salon.
But doing nails and Human Relations aren’t as different as you might expect. June notes that in both fields you have to learn to deal with different (sometimes difficult) personalities, follow stringent state regulations, and get your scheduling down to a science. The main difference she sees: “Being your own boss and making decisions without all the red tape that precedes HR decisions.”
Nail tech June Sierra (right) drove out to Los Angeles from the Palm Springs area to do a full set of gel fingernails and gel toenails on this month’s cover model, Ariel.
She’s been using Light Elegance gels for the last year and a half and she was certified as an educator this past February. Her salon only offers gels; she explains, “Light Elegance provides me with three viscosities, along with incredible durability and flexibility. You can create a beautiful set with tips or by using forms. Repairs are a snap. It’s also hypo-allergenic so it can be used on my sensitive clients as well.”
Here’s how you can do these nails:
1. Prep the nails. (This is very important.)
2. Apply Bonder and cure for 120 seconds.
3. Apply Extreme Gel and cure for 120 seconds.
4. Cleanse the sticky residue from the nails, file the nails to shape with a 180-grit file, and cleanse the nail again to remove dust and oils from the filing process.
5. Apply gel color and cure for 120 seconds. (We used Light Elegance’s Skinny Dipping.)
6. Apply Super Shiny and cure for 120 seconds.
7. Cleanse the nail to remove the sticky residue and apply Light Elegance Cuticle Oil.
For more information on Light Elegance Products, visit their website at www.lightelegance.com.
Marine-exclusive antioxidants act as a natural biological shield for the feet to help protect skin, smooth cracks, hydrate roughness, calm inflammation and disrupt bacterial and fungal activity, leaving feet feeling softer, smoother, more hydrated and healthier.
The MelodySusie P-PLUS30GT UV/LED Rechargeable Nail Lamp represents an upgrade in curing technology, designed to address several challenges through improved light reflection, intelligent heat management, and cordless operation.
Meet Luminary Nail Systems, the innovative professional nail brand founded by a husband-and-wife team that is dedicated to strength and longevity.
Elevate your tip service with the OPI GELevate™ Extension System, featuring tailor-made Soft Gel Tips, GELevate 4-in-1 Builder with Intelli-Builder Technology and the Lightening Flash Cure Gel Lamp. This new system from OPI allows for flawless tips in no time.
Nail technicians are embracing the Medical Pedicure as a service and placing it on their menus. But what is it? What training is required? Is it within our scope of practice as licensed nail technicians?
MelodySusie introduces the Fleurwee Gel Nail Polish series—a revolutionary gel polish that is HEMA/HPMA- and TPO-free, plant-based gel polish for a high-quality nail care experience.
Americanails' Original Base and Top Coat Gels are universal, reliable, affordable, and all you'll ever need to ensure a long-lasting gel manicure.
Get the look: Cynthia Erivo's 3D Blooming Mani at the 2024 Tony Awards featured 3D elements and crystals completed with OPI.
Check out these new launches from The GelBottle, including new BIAB shades and a line of body care products for a luxurious spa experience.
Kim Kardashian's manicure created for GQ’s annual 'Man Of The Year' event are the perfect understated, yet edgy look for fall or even the holiday party season.
Are your salon procedures safe for the health-sensitive community? Beauty industry expert Joy Johnson shares her tips for a safe salon and spa.
When the weight of the body lands on a swollen nerve, it can be debilitating. Learn the symptoms and alert clients to this common problem that develops in the nerves of the foot.
With the PC1 Nail Drill Pen, achieving healthy nails and a flawless manicure has never been easier. This user-friendly nail drill pen covers all your nail care needs.
Meet the new MelodySusie portable nail drill that offers customizable speed options.
Attending a presentation by Doug Schoon is an opportunity not to be missed for anyone in the nail care industry. His extensive expertise, commitment to accurate information, and engaging presentation style make for an enlightening experience.
Ski jump nails can be corrected with liquid-and-powder acrylic and an accurately sized tip.
What's really so smart about a smart e-file? A lot! Hear from celebrated nail artist Sarah Grimes about why she loves Gelish's smart new Go File IQ.
Sponsored by Gelish
