Posts by Katie Barnes
How to close a nail form correctly to ensure a great enhancement
The perfect form fit is one of the most important elements when it comes to a well-structured sculpted nail enhancement. The correct placement of the nail form is essential but an often overlooked component of the form fit is the symmetrical closure of the wings. Without this, it will be impossible to create a balanced…
Read MoreWhat it takes to become & remain a successful nail technician
Becoming a nail technician is often a career choice that is snubbed and looked down upon. It is often perceived as ‘just painting nails’. Anyone that has ever tried to paint nails well, will appreciate that this is a skill in itself. This element is just the tip of the iceberg of a nail technician’s…
Read MoreWhy c-curve’s are imperative to a great final nail shape
While the c-curve on a nail enhancement has the important role of creating an attractive enhancement and providing strength, it is also responsible for a considerable part of the desired finished free edge shape. The nail’s c-curve isn’t just found at the natural free edge point; it starts where the natural nail begins to grow…
Read MoreWhy the arch is integral to a well balanced nail enhancement
The extension side line that comes out from the natural sidewall that you see is known as the lower arch. Along with the c-curve and apex, the lower arch is one of the most important elements of a successfully structured nail enhancement as these three components work in harmony together. The lower arch is determined…
Read MoreWhy it’s important to charge your worth
In the nail industry, we are fortunate to have such a rewarding career. However, with this in mind it is still important to remember that you, along with your peers, educators and colleagues are all running a business. Remember you’re not a charity, if you want to help people you need to be able to…
Read MoreWhy & how you should tailor each nail service to the individual
Just as a hairdresser wouldn’t give every customer that sits in their chair the same hairstyle because it wouldn’t suit them or their lifestyle, nail techs should tailor their services for different clients. This leads into the all-important client consultation; the conversation whereby you sit down and chat to your client about their concerns and…
Read MoreWhy & how you need to perfect your filing technique
Having a well-structured filing routine that is repeated on every single nail is paramount for success and consistency when finishing and filing your nail enhancements. Many nail technicians rely on filing to fix any issues from poor application. However, filing should only be used to refine and perfect application techniques, not correct them. Over-aggressive filing…
Read MoreWhy you should check insurance cover when learning new nail techniques
Continued professional development (CPD) ensures that you maintain and enhance the knowledge and skills you need to deliver a professional service to your customers. Constant updating of skills is vital to success in any industry, but it’s especially true in the nail and beauty industry. CPD is about keeping up-to-date with the latest treatments, products,…
Read MoreHow to ace encapsulation in L&P & gel nails
Encapsulation, also referred to in the nail industry as ’embedding’ is the action of enclosing something in or as if in a capsule, for example in-between two layers of nail products like L&P or gel. The possibilities of what you can encapsulate are endless; from conventional nail items such as glitter, cracked ice and confetti…
Read MoreWhat it’s like to be a nail educator
So, you want to become an educator? First, ask yourself why. Is it because you assume that it is the next step in your career, there’s more money in it and everyone else is doing it? Or do you want to improve and push industry standards, support and encourage others to grow and achieve their…
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