Why lifting can happen when using builder gel in a bottle & how to deal with it
Since the rise in popularity of builder gels in bottles, I have noticed an increase in issues. When gel polish came onto the scene, many techs added this service to their menu, but did not carry out training in this medium; assuming it was the same as previous services. It…
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5 ways your nail & beauty business can save money
We are all feeling the pinch, so check out money-saving solutions for your nail and beauty business… 1. Be economical with your products Let’s use a nail file as an example. When you consider how much of a nail file you use in each service, it is rare that you…
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HEMA: What is it, why is it used in nail products & is it to blame for allergies?
What is HEMA? HEMA, also known as 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate or hydroxyethyl methacrylate, belongs to the monomer family and is used as an adhesive in nail products. Having an adhesive property in the product is important to prevent service breakdown. When alternative ingredients are used, using a coarser grit file can…
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What it means to have half moons on your nails
Fingernail half moons are the rounded, white shadows at the base of the nails. The industry term for this is lunula, which is Latin for ‘little moon’. The place where each nail begins growing is known as the matrix. This is where new cells are made that will make up…
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Nail science: how they grow & what makes them grow faster
Although it may sound like there’s no rhyme or reason to how nails grow, award-winning nail tech, Katie Barnes, shares the few basic factors that affect the speed of growth. The standard rate of growth of a normal fingernail is between 0.5 – 1.2mm per week, but this differs from…
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What’s the difference between diamond, carbide & silicone E-file bits? A nail expert explains
E-file bits are made from different materials, come in different shapes, sizes and styles and have different purposes and benefits, says Katie Clark, award-winning nail tech & founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education. There are some bits which must only be used for certain techniques, otherwise it is…
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Nailchemy & KB Tool Range announce collaboration – with 3 big benefits for nail pros
Katie Barnes Tool Range, a provider of nail tools, and nail product house, Nailchemy, have unveiled a product-focused partnership. Keen to elevate the experience of the nail technician, the brands are offering the KB Portable E-File and Nailchemy Dust Collector at promotional prices, to support the efficiency, precision and health…
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A guide to taking care of your nail tools & brushes
They’re the most essential items in your kit bag, so refresh your knowledge on storing, cleaning and maintaining nail tools and brushes… “With all tools, the general rule should be that if you can feel a loss of efficacy or you’re having to change your technique, it’s time to replace…
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Left-handed nail tech? Here’s how to adapt your tool kit
It is assumed that when working left-handed, you just work the opposite way. But if you are leftie, you will know this is just a myth. The majority of the population is right-handed, and so the majority of products and techniques are tailored to right-handed techs. This is applicable for…
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Here’s why nail tools discolour & corrode – & how to prevent this
Maintaining high-quality nail tools is essential for delivering safe and professional nail services to clients. However, have you ever wondered why some of your nail tools – particularly metal ones – develop discolouration, tarnish and corrosion? Understanding the factors that contribute to these issues can help you prolong the lifespan…
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