It would take a miracle product to get me to switch. I spent seven years trying, sampling, and searching here and there before I found the one that worked for me. I have done nails for almost 10 years and the past few years have been the best. I believe it has a lot to do with the product I use.
Laura Bellavigna
Nailz & Tanz (Richmond Hill, Ga.)
In the 18 years I have been doing nails, I have changed products several times. I try to use the best product I know about at the time, but when I see a product advertised that has something different or is faster and lasts longer, I will give it a try. For me, cost is not the most important factor. If I’m convinced a product is better – and easier to apply – I would switch. I’ve seen hundreds of new products, but I can’t try all of them. I only try them if they appear to offer something my present product does not.
Jere Neal
Hair Villa (Fayetteville, N.C.)
It has been my experience that different products react differently from one client to the next. I keep several acrylic products on hand and use them accordingly. I start all of my new clients with my favorite acrylic and it usually works for everyone. However, if I see any signs of lifting, I change to another acrylic system until I find the one that works for that client.
Barbara Nott
Stylin’s Family Salon (Venice, Fla.)
I used the same product for about five years, so I knew shortly after I purchased a new bottle of monomer that something was wrong. Clients started calling the next day after their fill appointments, complaining or lifting. I called the manufacturer and walked through the 10-step process with them, and we agreed that I was doing everything right. I asked about a replacement and they said it wouldn’t be possible because there was nothing wrong with the product. It made me so angry that I refused to use that product line and threw out the rest of the monomer.
Brooke Gilliam
Nails by Brooke (Allen, Texas)
I would only switch my acrylic product if I could find one better in quality. Improved flexibility, color retention, quicker set-up time, better product adhesion, and self-leveling properties are what I find important. Less odor would be a benefit as long as it retained normal acrylic properties with no weird surfaces to file off. Cost is not a factor, as a truly great acrylic is priceless.
Carolyn Martinez
A Perfect 10 Nail Salon (Portland, Maine)
I would not change acrylic systems because when you find one that works for you and does not lift, chip, or yellow, then why change? I would try new products on myself, but that’s about it. Maybe I’d switch if I found a new one that worked well on me.
Andrea Randolph
Nails DeAndrea (Port Jervis, N.Y.)