How to Do Gel Nails
Gel acrylic is a one-part system consisting of the application of a thick viscosity gel acrylic. Gel is normally ‘cured’ under a UV light. Do not confuse gel with traditional acrylic. Even though the two products are actually acrylic, they apply and wear differently. Gel applied over acrylic to seal the surface does not make your nails “Gel Nails”. Gel nails are actually acrylic nails; they are made from the same class of acrylates, but with different molecular structures, appearance, application procedures and different curing methods. Be certain you are receiving the artificial nails you requested.
Gel Nails are the future of the nail industry! Europe is already 90% GELS, the USA will be too within 10 years! Gels are and will be the “hot” service that clients demand. No other service can give clients both a natural nails look and feel combined with the convenience and durability of acrylic nails. Many clients have tired of acrylic nails in this past decade because of the disadvantages that can be associated with them (such as the odors and lifting and nail damage, etc) . These same clients now flock to salons in record numbers for “natural nail” manicures with many spa type add-ons to increase the ticket price. BUT…. Many of these clients have already grown weary of the weekly appointments and rigorous home maintenance requirements of “natural” nails. They want another alternative; they want natural beauty combined with strength and durability. Now you can give clients what they want…… Gel nails ARE the best of both worlds!
Immediate gratification and a healthy nail philosophy! Instant length and beauty can be achieved at the first visit by utilizing tips or forms in the gel nail full-set. The ultimate long-term goal with gels is for the client to end up growing out and wearing her (or his!) own long, strong, beautiful, HEALTHY nails under the gel; so that she is no longer to be considered wearing artificial nails, but with the gel becoming essentially just a very strong, bonded base coat to protect her own nails from cracking, splitting, peeling, chipping, etc. She is now wearing a nail enhancement, not “fake” nails, and the enhancement need never be removed, only maintained on a regular schedule! Just as hair color is an enhancement of her natural hair, not “fake” hair, and can be maintained indefinitely. Gel nail enhancements ARE the client’s own natural nail…. ONLY BETTER! And gels are totally compatible and complementary to other salon add-on services such as paraffin wax or hand facials, to complete the total hand beauty regimen.
* Remove the shine of your natural nails by buffing the surface of the nails with the help of a buffer.
* By using a medium grade emery board, you can then shape the free edge of the nail plate according to the size of your finger nail.
* While holding the gel nail tip at a 45 degree angle apply a drop of nail adhesive with the tip of the artificial nail against the outer edge of your natural nail.
* Press the artificial nail in the proper position after sliding it and wait till the adhesive holds the nail securely.
* A single coat of acrylic bonding agent can then be applied on the surface of your natural nail but not on the acrylic tip.
* Pour small amounts of acrylic powder and liquid in separate glass containers and use a brush to dip in to the liquid and press it lightly against the dish. This process helps you in releasing excess acrylic after which you can sweep the brush on the powder so that it has carried sufficient amount of it.
* The resultant ball should be big enough to cover your nail entirely. You may then place the tip of the brush carrying the acrylic ball in the center of the nail.
* Push some acrylic into the cuticle region, working towards the front and sides as quickly as you can, although you need not rush for it. This will fill in your nail behind the acrylic tip completely.
* Using the brush handle, tap your nail gently on the filled in area when it is dry. The setting of the acrylic is indicated by the familiar sound of clicking.
* Finally, buff and file the nails as per requirement before applying a base coat varnish, nail polish followed by a top coat. Applying a drop of cuticle oil to the cuticle can also prove beneficial.
Clients want and are willing to pay for “high end” services
Just as the top department stores have defined a separate niche for themselves from the “mart” stores, so will Gel Nails be distinguished from many other nail care services. I believe Gel Nails will never be a “discount” service offered in a “discount salon” atmosphere. Gel Nails are a long term, lifestyle choice. Gel Nails are meant to be a permanent solution to hand and nail beauty, not a temporary quick-fix. Gel Nail philosophy is not compatible with the type of consumer looking for only a quick fix of short term or temporary nails (i.e. “party nails”). Every market has market segmentation, which is good for the providers and for the consumers. While some salons will always cater to quantity sales (i.e. “party nails” and walk-in type business), the Gel Nail philosophy demands commitment and planning and so will attract a clientele that is compatible with that service level. Just as Nieman Marcus does not “compete” with K-Mart, neither do Gel Nail salons compete with discount salons. Two very different market segments. Two very different service levels and service providers! Two very different prices!
Benefits of Gel Nails:
1) Odorless
2) Natural Feeling
3) Thin
4) Flexible
5) Crystal Clear
6) Light Weight
7) Natural looking
No lifting!
Resources :
http://www.nailsplash.com
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