#Gel nail overlay tips diy Activator#

Always inform clients of the importance of resisting picking and peeling off the product, which Clifford reminds will damage the natural nail. Remove Like a Proĭip removal is an art form. “If you still get matte spots, use a shine buffer to rid the nail of any minimal matting,” Sritapan says. Use minimal brush strokes when applying top coat: This prevents over-working the product, which leads to matte spots.

#Gel nail overlay tips diy Activator#

Sritapan notes that by waiting the allotted activator time according to the manufacturer’s instructions, you can prevent brush hardening in the first place. To avoid this, wipe the brush on a lint-free wipe after each nail. Because ingredients and pigments used to create dip powder have varying weights, heavier shimmers and glitters tend to sink to the bottom of the jar.ĭon’t cross-contaminate activator with the base and top coats: “When you have activator on the nail and then brush base or top coat over it, the activator can start curing the brush,” says Nguyen.

Mix dip powder with a stick before using: “This creates the most accurate and even color pay off on every single nail,” says Clifford. Never flood the cuticle: “The first layer of base coat should only cover half of the nail and shouldn’t touch the cuticle until the final coat,” says Clifford.

“This allows the powder to absorb more evenly,” he says. Because base coat will start to dry as soon as you apply it, Nguyen recommends brushing over your very first stroke again to re-wet the area. Use thin layers for your base coat: “Working with thin layers of base coat prevents the dip powder from becoming too thick or uneven when dipping the nail, minimizing filing time later once the dip powder has been activated/cured,” says Clifford. Body and room temperatures as well as environment will impact curing times, too,” Sritapan says. “Understand that once you apply dip nails on a customer, heat will accelerate application time. There’s an art to dipping, and it begins with these best practices.Ĭonsider temperature: After practicing on nail tips (which you should do!), pay attention to your surroundings. If it were as simple as just dipping a nail into some powder, you’re clients wouldn’t come to you for the service. “I would stay away from jars that are too small for longer nails,” says Nguyen. “While this lowers the price, it also lowers the quality of the product and the final manicure,” she says.Ĭheck that the brand discloses its ingredient list on its packaging, says Katie Clifford, ibd brand manager.Īlso, be aware of the jar size. Though cost isn’t always tied to quality in nail products, Luu warns that cheaper dip brands will sometimes use an inferior polymer filler to boost their formulation. Seek out vivid pigments, says Vu Nguyen, Gelish dean of education, but always make sure the pigment is well blended for consistency.

“When you look at dip systems, they generally use a similar application process, but the activator cure time can vary, which will affect your application,” says Sritapan. “This is crucial because it allows for an even and clean application, which can shorten service time since it cuts down on buffing and filing.” Powder should be “free flowing,” says Luu. Just as with any nail service, you’ll want quality products that ensure lasting, consistent results. If you’re interested in expanding your offerings with dip services or you recently took up the “powder nails” mantle to satisfy growing demand, you’ll want to know these best practices, removal tips and product 411 to guarantee service success. Here, what those new to dip nails need to know and what veterans to the service should brush up on. “The dip nails category in particular remains strong because there’s no odor and clients are still looking for reinforcement,” confirms Darlene Sritapan, OPI North America education and capability manager.Ĭlients who shy away from UV/LED light usage and e-files may also be drawn to the service, Luu says, citing that most dip nail services forego light usage and can be completed using a hand file.Ĭonsidering these benefits, dip services could be a worthwhile addition to your menu. “Dip powder remains popular with many clients because of the fact that it gives them the strength of acrylic, applies in half the time and is just as versatile for designs and nail art,” opines Emma Luu, Revel Nail educator.Ĭlients with sensitive noses tend to prefer dip services as well, making it a good alternative to those who desire strong enhancements minus the monomer odor. Dip nails are hardly a novelty-they’ve been around for decades-but the benefits for both clients and techs have made this service a lasting one.