. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nails -GelQ&A
Q: What should I look for in a gel application brush?
Nataliya Al-Ta’ai: “Invest in a good quality gel brush as it is the most important tool in your kit. Choose the brush that is recommended by the manufacturer of your chosen product. Take good care of your brush; store it horizontally in a brush case away from direct sunlight or a UV lamp.”
Audrey Heffernan: “The brush should be wide enough so that you can apply the gel in three strokes. It’s hard to say which gel brush to go for because nail techs like different kinds of brush. In my opinion it’s a totally personal choice!”
Annette Coyle & Klaire McGarry: “Gel brushes use a special bristle configuration built from synthetic hairs, with handles made from high grade plastic; this is perfect for use in a gel technique. Sculpting brushes with synthetic hair allow easy pick up, smooth control and product application of any brand name gel enhancements.”
Sinéad Ellison-Mydat: “Sable hair is always best although being a natural hair it does shed sometimes.”
Cliona Sweeney: “If you are just starting out I would recommend a size 6 Oval Kolinsky hair brush. This is a relatively small brush so it is easier to work with; the oval shape is also great for cleaning up your smile lines.”
Q: How can I prevent gels and gel polish applications from lifting at the side walls?
Nataliya Al-Ta’ai: “Pay attention to sidewalls during the preparation of the natural nail plate ensuring proper removal of hidden cuticle that can cause a barrier for adhesion. Make sure to leave a tiny free margin between the sidewalls and product to prevent lifting during application.”
Audrey Heffernan: “The prep procedure is most important in preventing this. If you don’t remove the surface shine with your buffer from around the side walls, this could cause lifting. Also if the gel was applied too thick, this again would be another reason for lifting.”
Sinéad Ellison-Mydat: “Firstly make sure you have not used any oils on the hands or nails prior to application. After applying gel, use a toothpick to go round the cuticle and sides to ensure that there is no gel attached to the skin. This is what will cause the gel to lift as gel cannot adhere to skin.”
Cliona Sweeney: “Preparation is key to prevent lifting. If there is shine, oil or non-living tissue left on the nail plate it will cause the product to lift. Prep products such as nail surface cleanser will sanitise, temporarily dehydrate and leave microbial agents on the nail plate to help fight infection. Lifting also occurs when the product is applied too closely or floods the side walls or cuticles.”
Tara Collier: “You can prevent gel polish from lifting at the side walls by not allowing product to run onto skin while applying layers. If this does happen you must clean skin (correct) before curing.”
Q: I have invested a lot of money in a gel system. How can I get the most in return?
Annette Coyle & Klaire McGarry: “Do not lower you prices or offer introductory offers! Unless your prices keep pace with your costs, your growing experience and inflation, you’re going to be losing financial ground.
“Time is one of your most important resources, so it pays to use it wisely. Like many professions, nail care means being harnessed to the clock. When you work efficiently, you can see more clients and increase your profitability.
“And reduce your expenses – making the most of what you’ve got means monitoring your product usage, controlling your inventory, eliminating waste and buying in bulk.”
Sinéad Ellison-Mydat: “Do your training and practise as much as possible before your assessment. The better you are the more you understand your product, the better your application will be – and word of mouth is a powerful tool. We also advise clients to use Social Media to their advantage, posting pictures of their finished work.”
Tara Collier: “You can get the most return from your gel polish system by cleaning, caring and storing your gel polish and lamp correctly so they last. Plus, keep up-to-date with new training and colours.”
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