MENU
SEARCHThere was no school this week because of summer break. I felt 50/50 about this break because on one hand it delays graduation a week, but on the other hand a few of my classmates have
There was no school this week because of summer break. I felt 50/50 about this break because on one hand it delays graduation a week, but on the other hand a few of my classmates have been having some personality clashes (I blame the heat), which has created a negative energy at school and I could use a break from that.
The plan this week was to study for finals and practice. So I set up a YouTube video marathon and got my practice on. I watched videos from several nail professionals including Young Nails and Robin Moses (which led to Robin Moses-inspired zebra stripes). I also love the NAILS Troubleshooter series. I would definitely recommend them if you haven’t already checked them out. The acrylic overlay, and smile line videos are my favorites. They are easy to understand and to the point.
In between studying and watching videos, I practiced acrylic. I’m still struggling a little with gel, so I feel like I need to do well with at least one enhancement system while I’m practicing the other. I worked on some overlays and embedding. I have seen people create their own custom acrylic mixes, and finally tried it myself. I created a few glitter mixes and am now thinking about creating some color mixes to try out. I was so busy working with acrylic and gel that I didn’t really work on nail art this week.
Gel is my current obsession. I don’t know why this product is giving me so much trouble. I’ve been practicing my gel application on myself because I can tell what is going wrong on my mannequin fingers. I don’t know what is going wrong. I prepare the nail and follow the directions, but then a few days later I start lifting and then I start the process over. I spoke to my instructor about it and the only response I received was that the gel is too thick, when surprisingly it isn’t. After racking my brain, I realize my lifting is coming from getting the product on my skin. This reminds me of something the Nailogics educator said when he was doing a gel demo; he didn’t have us pull the gel all the way to the side or the end of the nail because the product moves. I thought that was just for that product, but maybe it applies to all gel. And I’m not sure if always having my hands in water matters, but I guess it could definitely speed the lifting process up. It would be all too easy to just give it up and specialize in acrylic, but I am determined to figure this out.
— Starr
As of this writing this instalment of my nail student blog may be the last one for a while. Similar to many schools and other institutions around the world, due to the threat of the coronavirus pandemic classes at San Diego City College have been suspended until further notice.
I was fortunate enough to attend the three-day International Salon & Spa Expo (ISSE) held in Long Beach, Calif., January 26-28.
The first semester of nail school is now in the rear view mirror! I am now officially 50% done with my education to become a licensed nail technician.
We had two tests this week: 1) UV and LED Gels and 2) The Creative Touch.
This week we had a test on electric filing. We also received a lecture on UV and LED gels during the week (overlays and extensions).
Student blogger Gregory Fletcher shares his Nail Camp experiences.
During week seven we began performing nail services on clients.
During week six, we learned about nail product chemistry and the basics of electricity.
During week five, we received another lecture on skin structure, growth, and nutrition and tests on pedicures and nail tips and wraps. A good portion of the week was focused on giving manicures.
During week four, we had lectures on pedicures and on skin structure, growth, and nutrition.
This week we received lectures on chemistry and liquid and powder enhancements (acrylic) and had our first hands-on lab with reallive people.
This week we had our first written tests (multiple choice) and our first practical (nail tips).
I survived my first week of nail school! Well, I assumed that I would. But you never know!
NAILS has a new student blogger! San Diego-based Gregory Fletcher is looking forward to getting into the nail industry after retiring from his first career in the financial services industry
Let’s continue to shine, continue to spread light, joy and love to all around us! We’ll make a difference one smile, one hug, one nail service at a time!
It’s been such a long journey, from being excited and feeling unstoppable to being tired and exhausted and feeling like I couldn’t do it anymore. Now, every day that passes and I get closer to my graduation date I get more and more energy.
It was a really exciting week for me, and I'm starting to see the finish line as I continue to progres.
