Posts by Katie Barnes
How to ensure a correct gel polish cure – and why it’s so important
Do your nail files or dust filings look like this when you are performing a gel polish removal? If so, your gel polish was not properly cured. Let’s discuss some possible reasons why this may happen. There’s a big difference between ‘cured’ and ‘properly cured’ and it can be difficult for nail techs to recognise…
Read MoreWhy & how to take care of yourself at the nail desk
Many nail techs go home after a long day with aches and pains in their hands, shoulders and back. A tech’s hands are vital for performing the job, yet too many of us often neglect caring for them as we should. Proper posture and improved ergonomics can help reduce these symptoms and help with career…
Read MoreWhy it’s important to declare your tips from clients
Nail techs and beauty therapists reportedly have the seventh lowest paid job in the UK. However, the job roles often come with bonuses that aren’t aways considered; TIPS. A tip is a sum of money given by customers for a service they have received. Many don’t consider tips as an earning but any sum of…
Read MoreL&P: What is it?
A question I hear at least once a day from techs, is ‘What is L&P’ or ‘What is liquid & powder’? It is alarming to be made aware of how many techs don’t understand what liquid & powder is. Understanding the terminology and chemistry behind the products we are working with is essential. L&P is…
Read More6 reasons why nail competitions can help your salon work
Sometimes, it really is the taking part that counts. If you do not win a nail competition, there is always something to learn. Setting aside the element of placing, competing in nail competitions -whether live or portfolio based – can be hugely beneficial to your salon work. While the significance is not always initially apparent,…
Read MoreTales from a tech visit to Swarovski HQ
Earlier this year, 15 educators, including myself, were honoured to be selected as the first UK and Ireland education team for Swarovski Crystal Beauty Academy. This education team is the first pilot for the global team, led by Marian Newman. We recently had the exciting and exclusive opportunity of being invited to Swarovski HQ in…
Read MoreWhy it’s important to respect ‘the basics’ in your nail training
As a successful and professional nail technician, ongoing training is essential for a long and prosperous career – and each skill must be mastered in stages for success. Prerequisites are certain areas that must be satisfactorily completed before you enrol on another, usually more advanced class, or before you are admitted to a certain training…
Read MoreWhat to do when you suspect a nail product allergy
Itching; redness; swelling; nail separation; burning; peeling or blistering are all ways that your body is telling you that something is wrong. While recognising an allergy is important, it is equally essential that you know what to do afterwards. However minor the symptoms may appear, if client or tech begins to experience any of these…
Read MoreHow to keep your nail tools in tip-top condition
Are you experiencing premature tool breakdown? This can be a common issue among nail techs but there is a simple solution to help keep your tools in top class condition. Follow the manufacturer guidelines Following the manufacturer’s guidelines is essential for success and longevity with your tools. These precise instructions are carefully composed for a…
Read MoreHow 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…
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