My clients and students are always pleased with my French technique. I start by coating the tips of two nails with white enamel. I dip a fine-tip sable brush into acetone, dab off any excess, and clean my smile line out, much the same way you’d sculpt white polymer. Continue until all nails are finished. With this technique, the enamel is still wet so it leaves no ridge. It also allows for personalized depth of your smile line. — Jessica Ellison, Nail Program Educator at Yorkville School of Make Up and Esthetics at George Brown College in Toronto
Style
How can I do a French manicure without the polish getting too thick?
May 1, 2006
More FAQ
How should I take care of my nail art brushes so they last?
How should I take care of my nail art brushes so they last?... read more
How can I store all of my nail products to keep it neat and stay organized?
I have a station with a couple of drawers. However, since I do regular and colored acrylics, nail polish, gel-polish, and glitters/foils, I can’t seem to store everything without looking like a hoarder. How can I store all of my nail products and keep it neat and organized?... read more
Traditional pedicure chairs or comfy chairs with portable spas?
Traditional pedicure chairs or comfy chairs with portable spas? Which is costand space-effective?... read more
Do you use over-the-counter (non-professional only) polish?
Reader to Reader: Do you use over-the-counter (non-professional only) polish?... read more
How do I create my own custom nail polish line or find a private label manufacturer that helps with polish design and branding?
How do I create my own custom nail polish line or find a private label manufacturer that helps with polish design and branding?... read more
As a Tech, How Do I Keep My Own Nails Intact?
I’m in a small but busy salon. I struggle to do my own nails and to keep them looking nice — they always get filed, soaked, and scuffed. Any advice on what to use? I do acrylics, gels, and Shellac.... read more
What Nail Art Designs Are the Most Eye-Catching to Passers-by?
I want to promote my nail business by wearing an eye-catching design on my own nails. What designs do you most get stopped on the street for, and where (the grocery store, the bank, etc.) do you most frequently get noticed?... read more
Do I Need a Fitting Room in My Salon?
If I want to add clothing to the retail section in my salon, do I need to add a fitting room too? If so, do you have any solutions that don’t require me to add an actual wall?... read more
How Do I Learn Nail Art If No One Is Available to Teach Me?
I am an apprentice in a natural nail salon. Sometimes I get requests for nail art. I would love to learn how to do different nail designs, but I am a beginner. I live in Virginia and there are never nail seminars or lectures or even hands-on classes here. Do you have any suggestions on learning nail art designs when there is no one in my area to teach it? Watching videos is good but sometimes you just need hands-on.... read more
What do I wear to do on-site wedding nails?
I’ve recently started offering on-site wedding services (nails and hair). What clothes should I wear for these bookings?... read more
What if I can't recreate the nail art photo my client brought in?
What do I say to a client who brings in a nail art photo of a look she wants on her nail, but I have no idea how to re-create it?... read more
Any advice for how to afford to keep my clients in style, without winding up with a ton of extra product?
Nail style trends seem to change all the time. Matte nails are in, then out. Bright colors are in seasonally, then come the pastels. Do you have any advice for how to afford to keep my clients in style, without winding up with a ton of extra product I can’t use when a trend is no longer popular?... read more
