Technique

Some Acrylic Systems React Differently on Each Client

March 1, 2002

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

Tanis Darling: Absolutely! That’s why we have so many great products to work with. I have said on many occasions that if there was one truly superior product, we’d all be using it.

Some clients do better in acrylic, some in gel, some in resin and activator systems, etc. Thank goodness we have so many wonderful products out there to address each of the issues that clients have. That is why I believe it is so important to be a full-service tech who can perform any type of enhancement service. Otherwise you are cutting yourself off to potential clients and income.

How do you tell what to use on each person is the obvious next question. Usually I go through a few stages of problem-solving before I switch a client to another product. If your client comes in with lifting issues and breakage, then it’s time to do a review. First look at what you are doing. Is it my prep? Is it my application? Is it my filing technique? (You’d be surprised at how much trouble can occur from bad filing technique.) If you have established that it is none of the above, then go on to the secondary stage of investigation. Examine the lifestyle of your client. You should have addressed this at her first appointment, but clients can and do take up different hobbies and activities without second thought to their nails at any time. Talk to your client and update this information. If all these questions are answered and troubleshooting is complete, then you can conclude that perhaps this client requires a different type of enhancement.

Topics:acrylic maintenance Canadian nail industry

More FAQ

What’s the trick to getting dark glitters to cure when doing rock star gel nails?

What’s the trick to getting dark glitters to cure when doing rock star gel nails? I do my nail prep, then a layer of Akzentz Base N Gloss. I cure and put another layer of Base N Gloss, then sprinkle on the glitter and tap off some of the excess. I cure after that, and I brush off the excess again when it’s done, but a lot of glitter will come off with it. And this is with a brand new gel lamp. So I put on more gel, more glitter, etc., but I’d like to get it right the first time to save time.... read more

What could be causing the gel to shrink?

So on my last client of the day, I finish her fill, buff her nails, apply gel top coat to one of the hands and it turns out fine. But on the next hand, I do everything like I usually do, but when I put the hand in the light to cure the gel top coat, disaster happens. One finger looks like it has a hole in it (in the top coat) and the others look like the gel has literally shrunk, and they’re bumpy too. I file it all off and start again, but the same thing happens. I try one more time, and it’s still the same. I do it all one more time and even use a different lamp, but get the same results. My bulbs in both lamps are about four months old, so they shouldn’t need replacing yet. What could be causing this shrinking?... read more

What's the trick to getting dark glitters to cure when doing gel nails?

What’s the trick to getting dark glitters to cure when doing rock star gel nails? I do my nail prep, then a layer of Akzentz Base N Gloss. I cure and then put another layer of Base N Gloss, then sprinkle on the glitter and tap off some of the excess. I cure after that, and I brush off the excess again when it’s done, but a lot of glitter will come off with it. And this is with a brand new gel lamp. So I put on more gel, more glitter, etc., but I’d like to get it right the first time to save time. And this only happens with dark colors. What can I do?... read more

What causes shrinking on gel nails?

Is there any such a thing as a "universal" UV light?

Is there such a thing as a “universal” UV light unit or do I have to buy a different light unit for each gel system? ... read more

Is there such a thing as a “universal” UV light unit?

Is there such a thing as a “universal” UV light unit or do I have to buy a different light unit for each gel system?... read more

What’s the best way to put on a tip?

What’s the best way to put on a tip?... read more

What’s the best way to do a pink-and-white backfill?

What’s the best way to do a pink-and-white backfill? I’ve been doing them for years now and I still can’t get my time down. I go back and forth between the traditional way and the reverse method and neither one cuts any time off. I don’t know if I’m over-filing during prep. It usually takes me an hour and a half. I cringe when I have to do one these days. Any advice on cutting time or a new way of doing it?... read more

What's the best way to put on a tip?

What’s the best way to put on a tip?... read more

What's the best way to do a pink-and-white backfill?

What’s the best way to do a pink-and-white backfill? I’ve been doing them for years now and I still can’t get my time down. I go back and forth between the traditional way and the reverse method and neither one cuts any time off. I don’t know if I’m over-filing during prep. But I do have a couple clients who make it a point to tell me how hard it is for them to sit through my long backfills — it usually takes me an hour and a half. I cringe when I have to do one these days. Any advice on cutting time or a new way of doing it?... read more

How do I prevent polish from bubbling?

On some of my natural nail clients my polish tends to bubble. I clean the nail plate with acetone very well before I polish. Then I use base coat, two coats of polish, and top coat. I usually have them hold their fingers in front of a fan between coats, and I spray a rapid dryer on after I finish. Any ideas? ... read more

How do I get acrylic or gel to stick to pre-designed nail tips?

I have decided to try pre-designed nail tips with art, but I am having trouble getting the acrylic or gel to stick to them. After a few days the product lifts off the tips. I tried to gently file the surface of the tip first, but then it takes the design off.... read more

Prev Next