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Technique

What causes air bubbles in my clients’ nails?

December 14, 2007

Prepping is key. To start, completely remove dead skin and oils from the nail surface. Then, clean the nail plate thoroughly. When applying product, keep it 1/16th of an inch away from live skin. Apply around the edges thin enough so you don’t have to over-file.

Watch your mix ratio. Liquid and powder should never be too wet or dry.

If your bubble problem is with gels, make sure you’re curing for the full amount of time so each layer properly bonds. Remember to use the light your manufacturer recommends and change the bulbs when needed. — Heather Goodwin was first runner-up for Nail Technician of the Year in NAILS’ 2007 AVAs.

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LED lamp efficacy across gel brands

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How do I convince clients to try GelColor by OPI?

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Can humidity cause lifting?

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How can I get acrylic nails to shine better using top coats?

Can you tell me why when I use a top coat on acrylic nails the shine does not come out well? I must admit I don’t do the three-way shine after using the final white block prior to a polish application, but is there a best top coat for pure, long-lasting shine?... read more

Removing Gels to Apply Acrylic

There are many gel nail salons around where I live, meaning there are many people with gel nails. I do acrylic nails and I’m wondering if there is a special removal method to follow for gels because I know they don’t soak off like acrylic. I have a lot of people coming to me with their gel nails still on. Do I just thin them down as good as I can and apply the acrylic as usual? Will the acrylic still adhere with that thin layer of gel on? Or do I need to completely get rid of the gel and get to the natural nail to be able to apply the acrylic?... read more

Cleaning Dried Acrylic Off Brush

I need advice on how to get dried acrylic off my nail brush. I did my first set of fills today but now I am wondering how to clean my brush. My friend said soak it in acetone and then wash it really well. Could this affect my brush or is it OK to clean it?... read more

Acrylics Suddenly Lifting and Have Air Bubbles.

I’ve been a nail tech for three years and have worked at a few salons. I have since opened my own salon and am now having a problem with my acrylics. I am having a lot of lifting and air bubbles in the middle of the nail. I have never had this problem before. My technique has not changed. My prep is good. I remove the cuticle, rough up the nail, and prime. I have tried a few lines of products and it’s happening with all of them. Could it be the environment of the new shop? Please help!... read more

Clogged Airbrush

I have an airbrush machine that I have used one time. After that I have not been able to get any paint to spray out. I even bought a new attachment just in case I did something wrong or did not clean it properly. But before I try it again and risk ruining another attachment, can you please tell me what I might have done wrong? Is there a way to fix this problem?... read more

How can I make a correct C-curve without a tip and achieve an oval shape?

I don’t use tips — I’ve never been a fan. I build my pink-and-whites from scratch and have always been much happier with how they look and wear — my clients are too. But how can I make a correct C-curve without a tip and achieve an oval shape? I have several clients with an oval shape but I can’t get them this pointy and they end up having straighter sidewalls.... read more

I need help selecting a good UV light. What should I look for? Is price a good indicator?

I need help selecting a good UV light. What should I look for? Is price a good indicator?... read more