Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Technique

How do I glide the pink over the white without ruining the white?

December 2, 2005

Smile lines are a tricky business. You must build a “wall” of white to achieve a crisp smile line. You need to create some height at the smile line so it looks sort of like a pie wedge from the side — thicker and angled at the smile line and thinner at the free edge. I prefer to carve the “wall” at a reverse angle instead of having a straight wall. This can be achieved with a brush if sculpting and a drill bit if doing a backfill. I like the diamond bit that looks like a flying saucer. This allows the pink to flood under the white instead of over it. When pulling your pink down the nail, it shouldn’t flood over the white; it should stop at the white to avoid shadowing. -- Maeling Parrish

More FAQ

How do I keep acrylic nails from popping off my client with sweaty hands?

I have a client whose hands sweat like crazy. I put a full set on her and in two weeks they just popped off like nothing. I am using OPI Absolute with primer and Bond-Aid and they just keep coming off. Do you have any advice?... read more

How do I backfill the white tip with silk wraps?

I have a client who wants silk wraps with a white tip. Please tell me how to backfill the white tip with silk wraps.... read more

How do I apply gel polish without it pooling to the center of the nail and leaving the outside perimeter bare?

How do I apply gel polish without it pooling to the center of the nail and leaving the outside perimeter bare? ... read more

What technique is the best for a manicure and do you use different techniques for different problem nails?

I have tried several different ways to give the best natural nail manicure possible and want to know which way is the best. I have tried water manicures, which I’m told are no longer the way to go. I have tried soaking cuticles in heated oil or lotion before massaging. What technique is the best for the nail and do you use different techniques for different problem nails? ... read more

How can I get an arch on a flat nail?

How can I get an arch on a flat nail when doing an acrylic natural nail overlay without getting my finished product too thick? The nail always looks like it is too thick with too much acrylic at the free edges as well as at the cuticle.... read more

Why do my acrylic nails turn yellow by the time my clients come back for their fill?

Why do my acrylic nails turn yellow by the time my clients come back for their fill?... read more

Can you explain the difference between a regular gel and a builder gel?

I’m in school. Can you explain the difference between a regular gel and a builder gel?... read more

Why are my gels still dull after filing and buffing? What can I do to change this?

Why are my gels still dull after filing and buffing? What can I do to change this?... read more

Is it true that filing nails in a back-and-forth motion will cause the nails to break or become weaker?

Is it true that filing nails in a back-and-forth motion will cause the nails to break or become weaker?... read more

Why are my gels still dull after filing and buffing?

Why are my gels still dull after filing and buffing? What can I do to change this?... read more

How do I keep the white acrylic from blending in with the pink?

How do I keep the white acrylic from blending in with the pink? Is there a trick to keeping the white and pink apart?... read more

How do I speed up my services?

How do I speed up my services? I don’t want to hurt people by filing fast and some women can’t work with you during nail services.... read more