TECHNIQUE

French pedicure

How to nail the French tip pedicure

By Katie Barnes | 20 April 2025

Katie Clark, award-winning nail tech & founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education, answers questions about perfecting the French pedi… How big should the French tips be? A French tip should mimic the natural free edge of the nail. Estimate how long the client will wait between appointments, plus…

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Katie barnes chrome guide

Chrome pigments: a nail expert shares a troubleshooting guide

By Katie Barnes | 6 April 2025

Educator & award-winning nail pro, Katie Clark, offers advice for dealing with issues that can arise when using chrome pigments… The chrome nail trend is ever-popular, but are you applying chrome products correctly? Each brand may have slightly different instructions, so always follow these and get in touch with the…

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L&p acrylic vs dip powder

L&P acrylic vs dip powder nails: what’s the difference?

By Lilly Delmage | 22 March 2025

The L&P acrylic and dip powder systems are both artificial nail offerings, and popular choices for a long-lasting, durable nail finish. However, they have distinct differences. Understanding the terminology and chemistry behind the products is essential for meeting your clients’ needs. Here’s what you need to know about each system……

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Cuticle e file stock image

What is the cuticle & how much can be safely removed in a manicure?

By Katie Barnes | 6 June 2023

Possibly one of the most debated and controversial topics in the industry, following allergies right now, is the cuticle. What is it, what is living and non-living, and what and how much can safely be removed? It can be confusing to know the difference between the terminology you hear including…

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Nail enhancements canva

How to maintain your nail enhancements

By Katie Barnes | 21 February 2023

There are so many terms  regarding nail enhancement maintenance appointments, such as back-fills, fill, fill-in, touch-up and maintenance – and it can often seem quite complex to both nail techs to understand what the difference is. Most clients seem to be familiar with the term ‘infills’ but this isn’t always…

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Katie barnes nail maintenance infill

Nail enhancements: How, why & when to maintain them

By Katie Barnes | 10 August 2022

There are so many terms in the industry surrounding nail enhancement maintenance, such as back-fills, fill, fill-in, touch-up and maintenance, which can be confusing to nail techs and clients. Most clients seem to be familiar with the term ‘infill’s’ but this isn’t always the enhancement maintenance service that is best…

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Katie barnes nail infill feature

How to reduce your nail infill time

By Katie Barnes | 7 June 2022

Infill and maintenance services can be the bane of a tech’s life, taking a considerable amount of time, and often undercharging for the time spent.   However, a lot less time is required than you would think. I am going to share my top tips on infill and maintenance procedures…

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Nail manicure filing

Nail talk: The importance of parallel side walls

By Katie Barnes | 3 May 2022

Parallel side walls run from the side wall to the upper arch of the nail, starting at the cuticle zone and ending at the free edge. These sides help to give the nail enhancement a slim and slender appearance and they must mirror each other. It is a term heard…

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Halo polibuild reverse french

How-to: Reverse French using Halo’s Polibuild

By Guest Writer | 10 January 2021

The team at Pure Nails share how to create French style nail designs using the reverse technique and Halo’s PoliBuild system… Are you seeking an enhancement system that’s speedy to apply – but that offers super strength? Halo PoliBuild Precision Gel combines the benefits acrylic and hard gel to create a system…

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