

Good Luck Charms
Nails by Tracy Waterman of Perfect 10 Nail Salon in Merrimack, N.H.
Tip of the Month: Tech Shares Some Time-Savers
Lynette Madden, owner of Salon 29 at Main in East Greenville Pa., learned to save time sizing when she was a new tech.
I’m Ready For My Close Up
As a NAILS editor it is my job to learn the ins and outs of the nail industry.

NAILS' Gel Handbook
It’s 2003. Do you know where your gels are? One of the fastest- growing salon services, gels still remain a mystery to many nail techs and their clients. Whether you are familiar with gels or just turning your attention to them, use this primer to help guide you through the multitude of uses, techniques, and troubleshooting tips associated with today’s gels.
Gel Application Guide
The following sampling of step-by-steps are only a few of the different gel services and techniques possible. Try your hand at these services and see if there is something you can incorporate into your own repertoire.
Help Desk
What am I doing wrong? Is alcohol a better polish prep?

Electric Filing Techniques: Removing Lifted Acrylic
Using an electric file to remove lifted product will greatly reduce the time spent on this common repair.

Electric Filing Techniques: Prepping for a Full Set
Getting the nails ready for a full set is one of the most important steps in artificial nail application.

Troubleshooter: Shaping Acrylic Nails Oval
Some diehard fans of the oval nail remain - causing problems for some nail techs who can’t seem to get the same result they would with the square look.
Take Them All Off - How to Remove Gels
Here, we give you some tips on removing gels. From filling to soaking there’s more than one way to do it. And it doesn’t always have to be difficult.
The Help Desk
Your questions answered by Doug Schoon, Melissa Carlini, and David Dyer.

From Tips to Toes II
Now that your client has pink and whites on her toes, keep them looking fresh and elegant with a backfill. She can have great-looking toes all summer long.
The Help Desk
Your technique questions answered by Melissa Carlini, Brooke Gilliam, Debra Marr-Leisy, and La Shaun Crown-Glenn.
The Help Desk
This month's Help Desk features the advice of Rima Kitsko, LaCinda Headings, Lin Halpern, Debi Waszut, and Mary Metscaviz.
What's Your Problem?
Whether you’re a beginner struggling to reduce thickness at the cuticle or a veteran whose C-curve is looking flat, this troubleshooting guide, put together by nail technician Shari Finger can help. Here are her tips to combat common acrylic woes.
The New Wave of Gels
Light-activated gel systems have been revamped for the healthy, odor-free environment of the 90s.

Demo: Star's New T3 Fiber-Gel
Star Nail Products combines UV gel and fiberglass mesh for strong enhancements without the use of resin or activators.



