Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Technique

For two weeks I’ve been trying to increase my experience on acrylics on models, but I have chipped nails and unhappy models. I'm so discouraged.

December 1, 2012

Your freebies need to understand you’re doing their nails for free because you’re still learning. They have a certain responsibility to help you.

Start asking questions. What were you doing when the nails chipped or came off? Did they lift from the cuticle area and then come off or were they doing something to put pressure on them to make it happen? The answers to those questions will tell you a lot and will help you do nails better.

If they are lifting, then coming off, most likely it’s your nail prep or technique (liquid to powder ratio, stress area, product placement). Take some steps to perfect those things and you’ll solve many of your problems.

Watch lots of videos on YouTube. I’d suggest the Young Nails series. They really get down to basics. Their education works for all systems. Go to as many classes as you can afford and ask for help! The educators have all been in your shoes and love to help.

If your client testers are just being abusive to their nails then you don’t need them to help. Get two or three people who are very willing to help you out no matter what happens with their enhancements. And remind them their nails are something you put on top of natural nails — they are jewels, not tools — they need to treat them that way.

Hang in there. We all had the same problems. You’ll do just fine. Keep on working the education.

— Sharon Frenz, The Nail Boutique, Tomah, Wis.


I believe the rule of nails is 100 sets. It does take a lot of practice to get it down pat. Keep practicing and you will get it!   

— Brenda Bakker, Pretty Pampered Salon, Thedford, Ontario, Canada

Topics:newbie

More FAQ

Is it true that gels thin out a client’s nails?

I have so many nail clients who say gel nails thin out their nails. Is this true? When I do a fill, I don’t get right down to their natural nail, unless it has lifted. I always leave as much of the gel on their nail as I can, to protect their natural nail. So, can you tell me, if in fact gel nails thin out their natural nails?... read more

Does anyone know how to whiten discolored natural nails?

Does anyone know how to whiten discolored natural nails?... read more

Why do LED lamps generate so much heat?

I have tried almost every new LED lamp out there. Except for one brand, they all generate a lot of heat. I thought LED was not supposed to be hot. I am not talking about the heat spike that can happen with the exothermic reaction, I am talking about heat in general. I’d like to understand more about this.... read more

Why does my black enhancement gel crumble away after a full cure?

I’ve been having an issue using black gel (enhancement gel, not polish). I have tried several brands. I’ve done thin layers and thick layers. Sometimes it crumbles away after a full cure, at two minutes a layer. What am I doing wrong?... read more

How do you put lemon slices in your pedicure without having the scum all over your tub at the end of the pedicure?

How do you put lemon slices in your pedicure without having the scum all over your tub at the end of the pedicure?... read more

Why doesn’t my crackle polish crackle when I apply it over gels?

Why doesn’t my crackle polish crackle when I apply it over gels?... read more

What's the best way to remove acrylic from the brush?

My acrylic brush has gone hard and I can’t use it. Is there any way I can remove the product from the brush to re-use it?... read more

How much is too much primer?

How much is too much primer?... read more

How much is too much primer?

I am a new nail tech, and in school we only did acrylics on plastic tips. I came out licensed and loving it but knowing little about proper application on actual clients. I have taught myself through trial and error and with this wonderful magazine NAILS, but my question is: How much is too much primer?... read more

How can I speed up my pedicures?

How can I speed up my pedicures? I give full leg massages and apply polish at the end.... read more

Bubbles in my acrylic. How do I stop this?

I have bubbles in my acrylic. How do I stop this? Some clients have lifting around the eponychium area, even though I have sealed it. What am I doing wrong?... read more

Problems with edges when doing acrylics?

I am still having a problem with my edges when doing acrylics. I would like to just get it right so I am not touching the sides and the cuticle.... read more