Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Technique

My clear and acrylic nails appear dull or frosted. What am I doing wrong?

April 18, 2010

If your nail enhancements are not as clear as you would like them to be, there could be several reasons why. First, the clarity of the powder itself. Natural powders tend to be a bit more opaque than clear powders. The clarity of the powder also depends on the manufacturer, so experiment with different product lines until you find the clarity you want. Second, if the nail actually appears frosty, it could be that your product is too dry or is crystallizing. Third, it could be that you are not buffing the product to a scratch-free, high-gloss shine. Work up in grit size to eliminate scratches (180 to 240 to 1200 to a cloth buffer). As for the thickness, a truly clear powder will be clear no matter how thick it is. -- Headings

More FAQ

I have a client with fan-shaped nails that are also very flat.

I have a client with fan-shaped nails that are also very flat. We have tried all types of artificial nail treatments. Everything will be fine until the second or third fill. (She loves beautiful nails and has even tried getting fills every eight days.) She has also tried hard to grow her own natural nails, but nothing seems to work for her. Please help.... read more

What is the main difference between a classic pedicure and a spa-type pedicure?

What is the main difference between a classic pedicure and a spa-type pedicure?... read more

Is it OK to fix a broken enhancement with glue?

Is it OK to fix a broken enhancement with glue? I heard it can cause an allergic reaction or infection that makes the natural nail ooze underneath the enhancement.... read more

How does salon temperature or body temperature affect the acrylic application process?

How does salon temperature or body temperature affect the acrylic application process? Does it cause lifting or cracks?... read more

Why do light-colored polishes get streaky?

When I use light-colored polishes, the polish tends to get streaky. I’ll keep going over it to get rid of the streaks, which then leads to thick polish. What am I doing wrong? Is there a special technique for light or sheer polish application?... read more

I cannot figure out what is causing my client's inability to keep a full set on.

I have a client who has come to me faithfully for two years. My problem is that her nails never stay on no matter what I do. She has gone to several different techs and has always had this problem. She has psoriasis, and very thin, extremely dry skin. One slip of the file and she is a bloody mess. She often comes in with just three nails on-or else they are all on but by the time I nip all the lifted acrylic, she is down to nothing. I feel bad, like it’s my fault, so I only charge her for a fill. She is a very good tipper so charging extra for fall-offs doesn’t seem right to me. But I can’t keep putting full sets on her every two weeks. Any suggestions?... read more

Simple Troubleshooting Keeps Pink and White Separate

Why does the pink get in the white tip when I sculpt nails?... read more

Enhancements Are Not Recommended for Clients with Fragile Nails

I have a client with soft, thin, fragile nails. How can I help her and what kind of services can I do?... read more

Some Acrylic Systems React Differently on Each Client

Do acrylic products act differently on different people? I use the same technique, but I don’t get the same results on everyone.... read more

Glass Files Work Well on Natural Nails

What files work best on natural nails? ... read more

What would cause a toenail to turn brown?

My client says she hasn’t dropped anything on her toenail, but she admits that she picked the nail off at one point and it grew back brown.... read more

How do I use a drill with a sanding band and avoid damage to the nail plate?

I’m thinking about using a drill with a sanding band to prep. How do I use it and avoid damage to the nail plate? I’m concerned about what speed, what grit, and what kind of band, and whether I can use it to remove pterygium.... read more