nails: gel q&a
and back to gel
Q:Why doesmedicationmake a difference to how long a gel application will last?
Steven RhysWells: “Different medication has different effects on the nails. Somemake the nailsmore oily, somemake the nailsmore porous and somemake the nailsmore brittle and weak; all of these factors would contribute to the product wearing
differently.Always check whatmedication your client is on during your consultation. If you
are unsure about whether you should apply a gel
overlay to a client who is on a certainmedication treatment then call the NHS helpline for advice.”
Q: Is it really important to train in each gel systemyou offer? Aren’t they just all the same?
StevenRhysWells: “Each company has its own specific products and each product has its own specific application
technique.No two products are completely the same and to get themost out of your product you should learn howto use it directly fromthe supplier. Self- education is paramount to any nail tech’s development and if you’re serious about your industry then youwill find time to invest and learn newskills. Investment reaps rewards; no one is too ‘experienced’ to learn something.”
Marie-LouiseCoster: “It is essential to complete any training provided by themanufacturer or distributor regarding the procedures in howto use their gel nail system. If you don’t train in the specific product’s procedures you cannot expect the same support and comeback, should anything gowrong, fromthe company as a fully trained salon or therapist.”
RachelGribble: “Each gel systemhas its own products andway of applying them, so, no they are not the
same.This iswhy it is important that you train in that product, in order tomake sure that you are doing it correctly, and to prevent all the problems that can arise fromincorrect product application and use. It can also be a requirement fromyour insurance; they often only insure you in the product you hold certificates in.”
TaraOldham: “Everymanufacturer’s gels are
different.Although the theoretical application is similar and shaping, filing, prep is all similar, there are techniques and steps that differ between brands and it is always best to trainwith the brand you take on. It is the onlyway you can really guarantee that you are doing the treatment correctly and if things gowrong, youwill find that the brand you bought fromwill be able to help youmore easily as theywill knowthe level towhich you have been
trained.Most reputable trainerswill file a training report on youwhichwill pick up on areaswhere theremay be need to pay close attention and thiswill help themtroubleshoot your problems quicker andmore effectively.”
NataliyaAl-Ta’ai: “Absolutely. Every systemis unique and has specific procedures thatmay be different fromothermanufacturers. Manufacturers thoroughly test the product systems before launch and develop and test the application and removal procedures to assure optimumperformance of their
products.Attending the coursewill introduce you to the product, allowyou to understand the specifics of the product to ensure proper use and longevity of the service to your
clients.Not only that, but youwill also elevate your skills, stay on top of innovations, pick up some tricks and tips, get your questions answered, solve any previous problems and stay on top of your game.”
Marie-Louise Coster: “Somemedications have an effect on the body generally – for exampleThyroxin can create a slippery layer on the surface of the nail that can affect the way the gel adheres to the nail. In such cases I would explain the situation to the client and if she really is insisting on having gel (and if not contra- indicated) carry out the procedure as normal paying particular attention to the nail prep prior to application and just see howmuch wear the client gets out of it, it will be a case of trial and error.”
LauraMaddock: “Strongmedication can cause nails to become thin, brittle and dry so the product will peel and lift off as the nail peels.”
Q:Will aHard gel bemore suitable for a client who has weak nails?
KarinHirschorn&EstherAnderson: “No, quite the opposite, aHard gelwill not be able tomovewith the nail and itwillmost likely come off and cause damage.”
StevenRhysWells: “Sometimes aHard gel can be a little too hard for someone with softweak
nails.Try something that actsmore like the natural nail, a product that flexes on impact, a product thatmoveswith the nail. Soak off gel in a pot gives that flexibility and strength to aweaker nail client. Short sculpted extensions or even an overlay in soak off gel in a potwould bemore suited to aweaker nail client.”
TaraOldham: “No – weak nails need a thinnermore flexible
gel.This can be soak off or buff off but it needs to be a gel that will work with the nail andmove with it or it will lift. It is a commonmisconception with techs that a thin gel needs something harder to protect it but this won’t work.”
LauraMaddock: “If they require length we would recommend Hard gel because Hard gel offers your client the strength and stability needed.”
NataliyaAl-Ta’ai: “Gel enhancements are durable and retentive and are ideal for hard, brittle nails requiring resilient protection, added length or redesign. Clients with weak nails willmostly benefit fromLiquid and Powder enhancements.”
Q: At what point in a luxury manicure treatment should I carry out gel application?
TaraOldham: “Right at the beginning. We never soak nails or add creams, oils etc to the nail plate before applying gels or gel polishes.Watermakes the nail expand, even when it is dry so if a gel nail enhancement is applied, once the nail shrinks back, the gel will lift. Performyour gel service and then carry out yourmanicure. Just take care to avoid the nail plate with product.You have already prepped the nails so the manicure part of the service should concentrate on the skin on the hands and arms.”
RachelGribble: “It is important not to carry out any wet treatments before the application of gels. So, for a luxurymanicure treatment, I would do the gel application first, and then carry out any luxury treatments.”
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