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SEARCHWhen week six rolled around, things got real. It was time to work with liquid and powder.
That's me working on applying nail tips and blending them.
At the five-week mark, my focus was on mastering the art of hand filing to blend glued nail tips. It’s all in the flick of the wrist. Pair that with long filing strokes and you’ll find your groove when you practice. A good finger stretch before you start helps too.
After working on hand filing, I finally got to do some nail art.
Once I got the hang of tip application, I had a little fun and broke out my polish brushes and did some simple geometric nail art over the extended nails. It had been nearly two weeks since I last played with polish and it was evident. My lines were not as sharp as I would have preferred, but it was more proof that practice is important.
My first acrylic enhancement.
When week six rolled around, things got real. It was time to work with liquid and powder. At first, we practiced our mix ratio to get the perfect bead -- that was hard. Then, we learned to apply a nail form -- that was hard. Then, we learned CND’s three-zone application technique to create a Forever French -- that was hard. I have a newfound respect for the acrylic faithful. The medium is one that will take time to master, but in the meantime, I’ll keep practicing.
After working on my first acrylic enhancement, I made a promise to myself: I will become a master at creating the perfect smile lines.
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.
