before and after: nail makeover gallery
Our readers perform makeovers every day. Here, we gathered a gallery of “before” and “after” photos from NAILS’ readers and manufacturers. See just what’s possible with skills and the right tools.
A Wrap in Time: History of the Nail Wrap
Whether linen, paper, silk, or fiberglass, chances are you’ve seen or done a wrap before. But have you ever thought about its humble beginnings? We decided to take a trip back in time to track the origins of wraps and see how far they’ve come.
Backscratcher’s Male Manicure
Men deserve great-looking, strong nails just as much as your female clients.
Do You Speak Spa?
Simplicity is key when you want to add that upscale spa feel to your basic pedicure, says industry consultant Bonnie Canavino/
Nail Strengtheners: What’s in the Bottle?
One of the best-selling retail items in most salons, nail strengtheners remain a bit of a mystery to clients and nail techs alike. Here we tell you how the different types of strengtheners work and when you should use them.
Getting Polish to Stay
For all the work you do to get your clients’ polish to last — from buffing to using the best in top coats — something keeps making it chip and tear away. Frustrated? Read on for tips from some of the trade’s utmost experts on how to make polish longer-lasting.
Behind the Scenes: More Men
A man's desire for buffed nails is providing a growth opportunity for salons.
Your Basic Manicure: Five Ways to Polish
Polishing is the last step to a perfect manicure and the last thing your client sees between visits here are five ways to apply polish.
Back to the Nail Basics
Natural nail care services are gaining a surge in popularity, thanks to creative nail technicians coming up with twists on the traditional manicure and pedicure basics you might have forgotten about - and to inspire you to update your menu with new - and fun - natural services.
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.
What’s in a File?
From filing to shaping, a nail file is one of the most important tools in any nail service. Use this guide to prep you on files — from grit types and what files are made of to what to look for in a quality abrasive.
Simple Switch Toughens French Nails
Nail tech Vicki Brenner shares her secret to getting French manicures to last longer.
Help Desk
What am I doing wrong? Is alcohol a better polish prep?
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.
Electric Filing Techniques: Working on the Natural Nail
As long as it’s done properly and with the right tools, an electric file on the natural nail can be just as safe as a regular nail file.
Secret Weapons: Ingredients that Give Services a Boost
Learn about — and leverage — the latest in specialty beauty ingredients and products to keep your salon’s competitive edge in the war against the ravages of stress, aging, environmental pollution, and life in general.
The Help Desk
"I have been a nail tech for a little over two years and I still have trouble blending the tips so that they don’t show through the acrylic at all. Do you have any advice?"