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Nails - Pink & White Gel Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .


From the catwalk


The catwalks have been making the most of barely-there nudes. In particular Ralph Lauren was seen to be teaming 20s inspired, vampish flapper numbers with the feminine French manicure - also known as pink and white - at New York Fashion Week.


This is fantastic news for nail techs and you should really play on this 2012 trend by showing your clients what you can offer them with gel enhancements and the bang-on- trend pink and white mani.


As well as looking refreshing on the fingertips of catwalk models, this look will probably have remained one of your most sought after enhancements by those clients always seeking the classic look. However, the current trend provides you with the perfect opportunity to reach out to those style-savvy clients too, keeping their nails just as stylish as those witnessed on the catwalks.


All about the gel


"Gel nails come from the foundations of acrylic nails," says Suzanne Alcock Thompson, Education Director at ASU Nail & Beauty Supplies / Training Academy. "First to hit our industry was acrylic nail extensions: a monomer mixed with a polymer. When mixed together they harden to create the acrylic nail, however they do not fully set for a further 24 hours.


"Many years later, Gel nails were introduced. It has ingredients from acrylic monomer with oligimors and initiators that will only cure when exposed to a UV lamp. This has proved to be a lot easier when learning Gel nail extensions, giving


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you longer for the product to set as it will only set/cure when exposed to the UV lamp."


Gel nail treatments have fast become very popular, not only by those seeking extra strength and a longer lasting manicure, but also by clients looking for a traditional pink and white enhancement.


"In my opinion, Gel nail enhancements will never go out of fashion," says Audrey Heffernan of Hennessy Hair and Beauty. "They give a fantastic finish with high shine and a precise crisp white smile line. Also in their favour is the length of time they last for without having to do any maintenance to them at home."


Susan Cressy, author of The Illustrated Beauty Therapy Dictionary, describes Gel nails as the "application of a Gel over a plastic nail tip to produce a natural-looking false nail with a high gloss finish. The Gel is set hard by using ultraviolet light or spraying with setting gels." However, enhancements can also be created from Gel using a form and the sculpting method.


Tips vs sculpt


Creating the actual enhancement is also quite simple using a Gel formulation and gives the flexibility of either using a tip or a form to create the extra length. Using a form, the enhancement can be sculpted using just the Gel. The Gel is applied to the natural nail and continued onto the form to the desired length of the enhancement. An overlay of gel is then applied using your shades of pinks and whites, followed by a Gel top coat.


If you're using a tip for the extra length, the tip is applied to the end of the nail and if both the natural nail and the tip are prepared correctly, most Gels can be applied over these to achieve the French look and strengthen the tip, but you should check with the manufacturer whether the particular Gel you choose can be used for this.


"The key to a good enhancement is all in the prep of the nail," says Audrey. "If you don't prep well, you are setting yourself up for disaster, lifting and even in some cases the enhancement popping off. Any oil left on the nail is a major factor in lifting."


Over the last few years, Gels that can be applied in the same way as polish have become very popular, mainly due to the fact that they are simple to apply, there's no waiting for them to dry, and it lasts on a clients' nails for two to three weeks without any chipping. These gels are mainly used as a natural nail overlay, however, most can be used over the top of a Gel enhancement to create the pink and white (this should be checked with the manufacturer first or discussed during your training).


Let's gel


To create a sophisticated Gel French manicure, stock up on the Gel system of your choice, choosing pinks and whites. Offering a pink and white Gel enhancement doesn't have to be boring though, there are many different shades of pink available, including some with shimmer and sparkle, and even variations on the traditional white tip.


Turn the page for a selection of pink and white gels...


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