Nails - Base & Top Coats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prep School
I’m sure you’ve all heard of a quote made famous by Benjamin Franklin who said: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail,” but never has this old adage been more important than when it comes to your nail services.
Any technician worth their salt understands that thorough preparation is the key to longevity when it comes to manicures and pedicures, so it seems natural to assume one would turn to base and top coats to ensure their gel / polish applications had the staying power required to live up to their clients’ expectations.
Back to base-ics
For those of you with clients under the misconception that the only function of base coats is to prevent darker lacquers from staining the nails, the reality is base coats now have much more functionality than ever before, and it‘s up to you to set the record straight.
“Not only will [a base coat] correct and condition the nail, but it also creates a flawless foundation on which to paint, giving a perfect finish and better durability
for the colour,” comments Susan Gerrard from Gerrard International.
Of course, experience will teach you that not all nails are alike, especially as no two clients are likely to be exposed to the same set of circumstances and external influences on a daily basis, but fortunately there is a vast array of ‘prescriptive’ base coats available – from ridge fillers which can help even out bumpy nails, hydrating base coats to solve dryness and nail strengtheners in varying degrees to help nails grow long and strong.
“Used frequently, the correct base coat will help natural nails to grow long, strong and beautiful, showing off the perfect paint to its best advantage,” adds Susan.
But, it’s not just natural nails that base coats can be used on, as they also provide the perfect colour anchorage and stain protection for nail enhancements too – ensuring that extended nails remain looking beautiful for the life of the enhancement no matter how often your client changes their mind about the colour!
Top that!
Top coats, on the other hand, are designed to add the perfect finish to your clients’ nails whether they prefer the
traditional shiny look or opt for an on- trend matte or textured finish.
The main advantage of using a top coat is to provide a protective layer for the coloured layer and prevent chipping, but ultimately it makes a manicure or pedicure last longer – meaning happier clients.
Of course, adding yet another layer on top of the previous applications of base coat and coloured polish means yet more drying time for your clients (unless it’s of the gel variety) but top coats are working harder than ever before and now there’s a range of solutions to keep even the fussiest of clients happy, from quick- drying top coats for clients in a rush, to ones with added sparkle for those en route to a party.
Take me home…
As a nail professional, it probably comes as second nature for you to start with a base coat and finish with a top coat, but your clients may not be so product savvy.
“When retailing base coats to your customers, ask them what their main priority is from their manicure,” suggests Susan. “Tailor your retailing to this answer, informing them of the benefits the treatment base coat gives, and how this will help them to answer their manicure goals.
“It is very important to educate your customer during their treatment on the importance of proper home care for their nails, as there is only so much you, as a manicurist, can do during an appointment,” adds Susan.
To further help boost your retail sales, make sure your home care products are easily visible from your manicure / pedicure areas and change your point of sale items periodically with special offers to catch clients’ eyes.
Turn the page to discover a selection of the latest base coats and top coats…
96
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108