How to prep the nail for gel polish application

Proper prep of the natural nail care before gel polish application is imperative, as there are many elements the consultation and prep process that have vital implications on the end result. As with any other treatment, the importance of a thorough consultation is paramount. This will allow you to identify the current health of the natural nail to guide you up towards the necessary steps you need to take for each clients needs.

Not every client is suited to a gel polish manicure, therefore it is up to you to conduct a thorough consultation and advise the client accordingly. Thin, weak or severely damaged nails and those that show delamination, peeling, pitting, rides and onychomycosis should all be treated extremely carefully, if at all, and the client should be fully informed throughout every step of the service. Always remember that you are not a medical professional and it is not your job to diagnose. Learn to recognise certain conditions and if you are ever in doubt about your client and their nails, refer them to their GP.

“As a nail tech, a key thing to do is be completely honest with your customer when you assess their nails, as there are some conditions which mean a customer may not be able to have gel polish applied,” explains Helena Marimon, HQ educator at The Gel Bottle Inc. “A client will most likely come back to you as you gain customer loyalty by showing you care, rather than carrying out treatments and manicures, which they may be best avoiding temporarily.”

When preparing for a gel polish manicure or pedicure, ensure the nail plate is thoroughly cleansed to guarantee maximum product adhesion. The cuticle must also be efficiently removed from the nail to help avoid lifting. “Prep the nail fully to ensure all of the nail folds are pushed out of the way and all of the cuticle is removed,” says Kayley Cairns, Hazel Dixon Nail Artist Academy educator for Essex. “If this isn’t done, a nail technician is far more likely to flood the nail and the finished result will be less tidy.”

Don’t be afraid to spend a lengthy amount of time fully preparing the nail for gel polish application. “The key euros nail pros make with a gel polish system is not being thorough enough with preparing the nail,” concludes Samantha Birkett-Leigh, CND education ambassador. “It’s so important to spend enough time making sure the nail is clean and dry before application to ensure longevity. It’s also important to establish your client’s needs and wants and to make sure the service is right for them. No product will last if you’re applying it to the wrong nail type.

“I think clients fall into the trap of thinking one product fits all, but it’s up to us as nail professionals to advice and educate them on what we think will work best for them depending on their nail type/lifestyle. It’s common for a client to turn up with a picture from Instagram that they want you to recreate, but if you think it’s unachievable or unrealistic, it’s important that you explain this to them and let them know why.”

For more tips on the gel polish system, check out the May issue of Scratch!

Image courtesy of Gel II showing shade G023 Come To Me.