FLOCK ’TIL YOU DROP

The dreaded question from any client requesting nail flocking is: “How long will it last?” Previously in the domain of the party-girl one-night-only accessory, 3-D textured nail art wear can be extended, says Beverly Bennett, a veteran nail tech and owner of DollarNailArt.com. Bennett offers new clients a complimentary welcome kit, which includes top coat and a toothbrush. She advises clients to apply top coat every other day and to use the toothbrush to clean under and around nail edges. “Keeping it clean and oil-free will let it last longer,” Bennett says. The free top coat strategy also works in her favor because “after they use up the bottle, they buy more from me,” she says.

If your client is still leaving a trail of fibers in her wake, you may want to use half-rounds next time. Instead of a spherical bead, this style of embellishment has a flat bottom to better anchor it to the nail. Examples include DollarNailArt.com’s Geostuds. Though you can’t apply half-rounds by pouring them on like flocking, the final 3-D texture effect is the same. Bennett says that, with practice, you’ll be able to pick up four half-rounds at a time with a manicure stick.

Of course, if your client likes the look but not the raised texture, another option is embedding the flocking in a nail enhancement. The gel or acrylic will keep it from falling off, but the tactile nature of the style will be lost.

Click through the photo gallery to see products in the following categories:

CAVIAR: Bullion beads let you create the sophisticated fish-egg look with ease. 

BLING: Whether real sequins or chunky glitters, 3-D looks with these eyecatching textures are ideal for all your clients’ festive occasions.

VELVET: Capture the popularity of the soft and luxurious fabric for your flirtier clientele.

CRUSH: Crackly and courageous, these chunky looks stand out, literally and figuratively.

By Sree Roy

Photography by Kimberly Pham