Posts by Katie Barnes
How 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…
Read MoreHow to hold your nail brush correctly for optimum results
Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, reveals why it’s important to hold your nail brush correctly – and offers up some handy tips… Your nail brush is one of your primary tools. No matter what brush you are using, if you are not holding it right, you won’t achieve the desired result. You need…
Read MoreCauses of bubbles in L&P & Gel nail enhancements
Award-winning nail tech and educator, Katie Barnes, reveals reasons for pocket lifting… ‘Pocket lifting’ is a term used to describe when an enhancement gets a ‘bubble’ in the middle of the nail plate but the area around it is still sealed down. There are several causes for this kind of service breakdown: incorrect mix ratio;…
Read MoreHow to correctly file the natural nail
We hear the myth time and time again – ‘Nail enhancements damage the nail’ – but the damage is usually caused by over-filing the natural nail before any nail products have been applied, or by incorrect removal. Over-filing of the natural nail is one of the most common causes of nail damage. If the nail…
Read MoreHow to increase the staying power of nail gems
Educator and award-winning tech, Katie Barnes, reveals her top tips for applying crystals, gems and embellishments to nails… Most techs will have their favourite technique as there are several different methods that can be used such as nail glue, top coat and gel. Gel is my favourite method to apply nail crystals. You can use a…
Read MoreHow to choose the correct nail tip
Multi award-winning tech, Katie Barnes, serves up advice on choosing the right nail tip for your client… TYPES OF TIPS Most nail tips are manufactured out of plastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene monomers (ABS), a durable yet flexible material that can be shaped into a smooth surface that resists yellowing. When purchasing tips, seek…
Read MoreKatie Barnes on… preventing burns from flammable nail products
With such an increased report in allergies and accidents occurring with nail products from not just home users, but ‘professional’ nail technicians, I believe that there needs to be a call for better education on the situation. Creating beautiful nails is an art but one of the most forgotten and important elements is understanding and…
Read MoreHow to perfect nail product application by the cuticle
Mastering cuticle application can be a tech’s nemesis, but it needn’t be. Of course, it takes practice but follow my top tips for perfecting your cuticle application with L&P and gel polish. Perfecting L&P cuticle application When working with L&P, ensuring the mix ratio is correct – especially around the cuticle zone – is paramount.…
Read MoreHow to perfect a smile line on nails
A crisp, neat smile line that flatters the client’s nail and creates an elongated look can really set your work apart from other nail techs in both salon and competition work. However, achieving this perfect smile line can worry many techs and make them avoid offering this option altogether. The most important thing when creating…
Read MoreWhy nail techs should push themselves out of their comfort zone
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a nail structure girl through and through. Give me a pink & white challenge and I am in my element and what I would consider my weakness, is art. I can paint a face well, but the steps to achieve it don’t flow naturally. I recently returned…
Read MoreKatie Barnes on…young people & nail treatments
Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, discusses the appropriate age for a nail treatment… As the number of teenagers and children seeking nail and beauty treatments continues to rise, techs need to ask themselves whether it is safe or appropriate to treat a client under the age of 16. Any person under the age…
Read MoreKatie Barnes on…how to prevent allergies
Concerns have been mounting over the number of tech allergies being reported from using nail products. It’s so important to address your working practice and products to prevent this from disrupting your career and causing further pain. An allergy builds up over time from overexposure of repetitive skin contact with an allergen (in this case…
Read MoreWhy lateral structure will help your nails go the distance
Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, reveals why nail endurance is dependent on nail structure – and serves up advice on perfecting it… Beauty and endurance are two of the main qualities a client looks for when it comes to their enhancements. Both tech and client don’t want to have to worry about repair…
Read MoreHow to achieve consistent lengths with your nail enhancements
Educator and award-winning nail technician, Katie Barnes, serves u advice on achieving consistent nail lengths… Did you know that each nail is naturally a different length and grows at different rates, meaning it is unlikely that they will be exactly the same length at any time? Have you ever experienced a client return after their…
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