Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Technique

Why are my gel nails still sticky and thicker on one end?

May 1, 2006

First let’s talk about the stickiness issue. Are you using a gel cleanser after curing? Almost all gel products require a cleanser to be used after curing. Too much stickiness is also a sign of not curing the nail long enough or not curing with the required amount of bulb wattage.

To deal with the thickness problem, watch how the customer is placing her hand under the curing light. She may be tipping the hand to one side or the other and causing the gel to pool in one area. One remedy is to have the customer start curing by turning her hand upside down under the light for the first ten to 15 seconds. After 10 to 15 seconds, turn the hands upright and continue curing for the amount of time required for your gel product. Also, during application, use a thin line of gel down the center of the nail and brush it out using one or two strokes. — Kathi Heim, owner of Kathi’s Hands & Feet in Richmond Heights, Ohio

More FAQ

What do I do for a client who has a chronic ingrown toenail, even though I always file it straight across?

What do I do for a client who has a chronic ingrown toenail, even though I always file it straight across?... read more

What can you do for peeling feet (almost like sunburn), and what causes this to happen?

What can you do for peeling feet (almost like sunburn), and what causes this to happen?... read more

Should clients soak off their nail enhancements every so often to "give their nails a break"?

Should clients soak off their nail enhancements every so often to "give their nails a break"?... read more

Do liquid-and-powder products have expiration dates?

Do liquid-and-powder products have expiration dates? Also, is there a deadline to use a product that has already been opened?... read more

Why is my pink-and-white client having itching, peeling, and burning skin around the nail plate?

I have a client who has been wearing pink-and-whites for two years and just recently has been having itching, peeling, and burning skin around the nail plate. I’ve changed from one major brand to another, with the same results. Why?... read more

How can I get a perfect French acrylic white tip?

How can I get a perfect French acrylic white tip? Sometimes, after I finish, the white doesn’t really look white. I see other techs’ clients whose white is really bright.... read more

What clients should I recommend wear nail extensions?

What clients should I recommend wear nail extensions?... read more

What’s a suitable temperature for acrylic to cure and why?

What’s a suitable temperature for acrylic to cure and why?... read more

What is the proper way to smooth callused heels?

What is the proper way to smooth callused heels? I’ve been using a callus eliminator and a coarse file to gently remove callused skin, but when I finish with the polish the heel still seems to be all dry and cracked. I then apply foot cream especially for dry skin and cracked heels, but the callus buildup is still there.... read more

What should I look for when buying an electric file?

What should I look for when buying an electric file?... read more

I read somewhere that Vicks Vapor Rub is a good treatment for toenail fungus. Is that true?

I read somewhere that Vicks Vapor Rub is a good treatment for toenail fungus. Is that true?... read more

Where can I find a round metal disc that is used to create perfect smile lines?

I’m looking for a round metal disc that is used to create perfect smile lines when doing pink-and-white acrylic nails. The disc has cut outs the shape and size of your nails. What’s the proper name for this disc and where can I find it?... read more