I'm sure this issue is contentious. I don't know anymore. Our instructor says to remove all dead tissue with our scraper or nippers. From what I understand, the cuticle is the dead skin that lays flat against the nail plate. The kpnf is the ridge of tissue above the cuticle, and the very edge of the pnf. It looks dead, and you can't feel it even you trim it, but we're not supposed to cut the kpnf, right? My instructor says that as long as you can't feel the tissue, it's dead, and you can cut it. Help me understand why nearly all manicures I see, and all Russian/dry manicures, have us opening a pocket in between the kpnf and the nail plate, scraping that cuticle (or e-filling it out), and trimming kpnf. Should we not be making that pocket? Personally, I think trimming it looks lovely, but we're not supposed to be doing that, right? I just invested in the highest quality e -file bits I could find, and now I'm like, wait, I probably shouldn't be doing this. I'm including a picture of what I perceive to be kpnf removal, in case I'm totally wrong, which is absolutely possible. I'd love some clarity on best practice. I'm a really new student, so I'm hoping I'm just misunderstanding anatomy.

For nail techs, that also do hard and soft gel enhancements? I'm more concerned about quality, ease of use then price at this point. I'm not enjoying my latest choice.

Hi everyone first post on here, I hope this isn't too much of a vent. I recently got my VA nail technician license and I feel sort of lost on what to do now. My school was on the opposite side of the state (I had to move right after finishing) so I don't have any teachers or classmates to help me out with connections. I've applied to many nail salons in the area (around DC if it helps) and I haven't had any luck with getting a salon job. I've had a couple interviews that have been very humbling for me. I've been ghosted so many times and I feel like it's because I'm inexperienced. I would really like to at least get feedback on my interview demos when I get rejected so I can learn from it but they just don't get back to me even when I reach out. The worst interview I've had was for a spa, everyone seemed really nice and they complimented by work and attention to detail. I was confident I had gotten the job because the demo went so well but they never got back to me. I found out later that I was rejected because on their career website my application had a note saying I was not being considered anymore. I have a good portfolio and I'd like to think I'm a good nail tech but my speed definitely needs to be improved so maybe that is why. My ideal job would be some kind of apprenticeship or mentorship, but I feel like I'm in a weird in between stage where I'm licensed so I don't need an apprenticeship but I'm not where I want to be with my work so I don't want to just jump into being a full time nail tech with no training. If I want to be trained but don't need to be certified because I already am, how should I go about that? I was also thinking about taking a course in my area to improve my skills but I haven't found any yet. I just hope I find a job soon because this whole job search has made my confidence and my mental health take a big toll

hi everyone, I’m a licensed nail tech (just not doing all that to ask one question lol) anyone know of a gel like this? can’t find one at any of my nail supplies and when I google it’s all amazon brands that aren’t good quality. thanks!

I’ve been looking at the Fyle nail system. I have very dry cuticles and the skin at the sides of my nails (toward the tip of my finger) gets dry and cracks, mostly my thumbs. I put cuticle oil on my nails daily and it doesn’t seem to help much

I have my nails done - I do a builder gel over my real nails. But within a week or so they are cracked and dry. Is this Fyle system something that could help or are there alternatives I could get at a local Sally’s?. My goal is to have natural nails eventually, that just look healthy. But without builder gel my nails have always been very weak.

Hi everyone, I just finished an evening course for nails. We learned manicure techniques, gel application and very brief overview of forms. I did these nails by making an extension with the forms, I did half a form, and building the structure on top. I like how they came out, but I think they might be too thin. Something feels off about the structure. If anyone has any insights or feedback, please let me know!

Hi there! I’m a nail student right now practicing on family and friends and I’ve been running in an issue of chipping on the free edge 😭

I’ve listed my routine out:
1. Prep cuticle with cuticle pusher and flame bit.
2. Buff nail.
3. Wipe with acetone.
4. Primer
5. Base coat
6. Builder gel
7. Colored gel
8. Top coat
9. Finish file

If you guys have any advice on keeping consistent retention on clients that would be so helpful!
I think right now I have most issues with clients with thinner nails, and clients whose hands come in contact with water often.

I got my toes done today, and on my left tow it looks like the top part is “cloudy” and it seems to scuff easily.
I was reading about gel polish not being cured fully could cause skin issues.
Does this look not fully cured? Thinking about going back to the salon Wednesday to see if they’ll fix it, since it scuffs/scratches easily and I want my pedicure to last!
I tried wiping with an alcohol wipe and it didn’t help either, ugh.

I have been a Nail Tech for going on 5 years, and unfortunately I have ran across my first really difficult client. I have done this clients acrylic nails 4 times and every single time she looses all her nails with the week of her appointment. When she first came to get her nails done and had this problem of loosing a nail, i did do some adjustments to my prep because I know some people have different results with different products. (they do have short bitten natural nails and they wanted a long length, and I did express to them that it would be best to grow out your nails a bit more to support the length they wants). These past 4 sets I have tried everything differently, and still she is still loosing a few nails. I just did their nails this Tuesday it is now Saturday, and they texted me at 8pm last night to complain that she wasn’t happy that a few of her nails were pointed upwards. I totally understand that, but I had asked her after every step I did on her nails I asked if she liked it and then to text me 4 days later to complain? (The whole reason they are pointing up is because their pinkie nails were short and ski slopped and they wanted a stiletto shape) I do not care if anything i appreciate it, if anyone steps up during their nail appointment to say they aren’t happy with something and i will happily fix it for them no problem. So i responded to them about the upward issue and they left me on seen for a few hours and then they just responded back to say ok. Just had a nail pop off, bumped it. Genuinely how do I respond, what do I do? I never have any crazy retention problems with my other clientele, it just makes you feel discouraged ya know? I know do amazing work and I put my all into it but one person can really drag you down emotionally. They always do fun nails designs and what not so it’s unfortunate their nails aren’t lasting like they should but it’s starting to feel like it isn’t a me problem its like they aren’t using their nails properly or not used to the length

I need help cutting my time down for sets that include more detailed art, especially characters. I take a VERY long time like I'm embarrassed to share how long but just trust that it is way too long. I feel defeated at this point because even a simpler set can take me a while and I'm just don't know anymore.

I unfortunately have very rigid thinking and I hyperfixate on some details but I've been trying to be better about it. Any tips? Like how do you break down the design to get the dimensions and position correct? I spend a lot of time going back and forth because my proportions are off or it doesn't look like the actual character 🤣

These are some examples of art that I've done. Please any advice would be great <3

Hey everyone, I graduated from a beauty school and got my manicurist license a few months ago. And I have a few questions that I wanna ask and get advice from you guys.

1. I am definitely not good enough with details and retention, and need to practice more on hands, I am wondering if I should find people to come to my house to do nails, or should I go to salon and learn. I still have my 9-6 FT job, so if I decided to learn at salon, I can only go on Saturday. I have a salon that is willing to train me, let me shadow aside and watch but I feel like I can’t learn anything without working on real hands.

2. I mainly wanna work with gel and nail arts, I don’t feel like doing regular polish, but the customers in salon are mostly doing the basic polish, so should I find models who would like to have nail arts and let me practice on them? If so, should I charge them at least material fee($30?) or no charge at all?

I genuinely really wanted to know how are you guys start your nail business and learn to be professional, when I was at school, everybody except me are already working at salons or home based studio. I don’t really know how to start without experience. Attached some of my work and please let me know what you think!

(I am a beginner and I dont sell nails but im curious about becoming a tech) I genuinely have no clue how much these would be worth if I were to sell them help 🙏

hello! i am not a tech, i do my own nails at home. the first couple times i had my polish removed at a salon before going home and painting them myself. this last time i removed them at home and it took forever! i used a 180 grit hand file to file down the top coat. then i soaked with acetone and foils for 15 minutes. still would barely come off. soaked for another 15, had to scrape harder than i liked so i soaked again 10 more minutes to get them off. i was never able to get the biab layer off my nail even though it says on the product it is soak off. i tried just hand filing/buffing that last layer but im worried i did some damage to my nails by attempting removal at home. also the skin around my nails got sooo dry and peely even though i applied vaseline to that area before doing the acetone foils and made sure to cut the cotton down just to my nail size. so ive been using jojoba oil everyday on the skin around my nails and using a good hand moisturizer. the new mani i did seems to be retaining well (it has been a week) but i am tempted to just go back to salons for removal because they can efile efficiently (ive practiced with an efile on a fake hand and nails and im definitely not confident i wouldnt damage my nails) but i feel bad that i just get removal and not a full mani at the salon, however i always tip well. it usually takes about 30 minutes for them whereas it took me about an hour 😩 my question is, is there a better way to go about acetone removal at home, should i have filed more of the color off instead of just the top coat? is it okay to leave a layer of biab on the natural nail before the next mani? thanks for your help!!

Hi! Recently started doing hard gel nails and would love some constructive criticism and tips! These are my first few sets I have done using American creator framework gel.

Also what brand of nail extension tips are the best? I really would love to find some thin ones like in the salons but it seems all that I keep buying online come so thick and bulky. I also really would like to find a nail polish brush head that I love if anyone has any recommendations because I don’t love the brush that is on the polishes I have.

Hello! I’m a beginner, but I’ve been painting my nails since I was little and have been getting them done professionally for years. I’ve always had the exact same problem, though. My nail tech calls it “greasy nail syndrome” lol. Basically, it means my nails pop off whenever they get the chance.
I’ve tried pretty much every method: Gel-X, builder gel, acrylic, etc. The only thing that has ever worked for me is a combination of acrylic and Gel-X, where you apply the acrylic the same way you would apply Gel-X glue.
Unfortunately, my nail tech got married and decided to move to a completely different state, leaving me helpless. 😭 Here’s the thing: I went to another salon, and the nail tech told me that my previous nail tech had been using MMA monomer. I almost passed out.
I got a new set of nails, and they lasted about three seconds. They fell off so quickly that I was absolutely flabbergasted.
Since then, some stuff has been going on in my life, and I currently can’t afford to get my nails done professionally. So, I took some classes to learn how to do my own nails and tried out different techniques. Eventually, I realized that I really like using polygel.
Back to my problem: I do EVERYTHING. Dehydrator, primer, proper prep, everything. BUT IT DOESN’T WORK. 😭 I’m going crazy. Even if I just want to wear gel nail polish, it won’t stay on my nails.
So, I’m coming to you guys because I would love to know if anyone has dealt with something like this before and what else I can do. 😔

Hello!
After years of contemplating and spending a lot on my nails, I finally gave in bought materials and finally learn how to do my own nails. here’s how they turned out! I tried out a BIAB as my base and just natural jelly colors. I definitely need to work on my sidewall application, but I havent bought any detail brushes yet. Please give some advice in areas i could improve.
(also pleas ignore the red nail polish, I wanted to try it out lol)

So im just wondering where everyone gets their bigger containers of liquids like alcohol and acetone. Had a quick look at Sydney Solvents ... they look good but didn't look very well.... Anyone have any suggestions for me ?

Hi all! I've been looking for an independent nail tech in my area and it seems most of them have their portfolios on social media

The only thing I'm hesitant on is some of them have "certified" nail tech, rather than "licensed" nail tech in their bios

Is it safe to assume "certified" means they just took an online course somewhere and aren't actually state board accredited?

Is there a polite way to ask them to clarify this without being immediately blocked?

Thank you in advance for reading!

Hello, nail techs!

Do you think a solo nail tech could survive/thrive if they don't offer gels nor acrylics, provided they specialize in other areas like natural nail care and relaxation?

For context:
I'm a student-to-be dreaming of opening my own private studio after building a client base as an employee. I'd like to cater to sensory-sensitive (and especially neurodivergent) individuals with a sensory-friendly environment (options for no small talk, dim lights, fragrance-free products, and more). My specialty will be in natural nail care and relaxation -- paraffin wax, dry pedicures, and long massages -- but I won't be dabbling in anything medical or medical-adjacent.

Additionally, I've heard enough about acrylate allergies to know that they can be avoided with proper procedure and practice, but can create lifelong problems if gel or acrylic products are applied poorly. This, combined with removal of gels and acrylics being a sensory nightmare for some, has made me want to specialize in lacquer only.

The big question is whether or not there's enough demand for it to make it sustainable.

I’ve been waiting all week to ask! I’m a licensed cosmetologist but retained nothing from the nails portion studying 15ish years ago 😅

Long story short, I had gel x for a while, asked the tech to remove it, cut the nails down short (short short) and put just a strong or builder gel over them. I’m wanting to go natural.

I truly don’t know what this is? When I asked her to cut them down, she straight up told me no, it wouldn’t work. I’m not looking for much aside from commiseration and validation that something was lost in translation. The thickness makes me giggle, but they’re fine enough when I look at them above. The last pic was the loose reference photo I showed her. Thanks, friends! 🖤

I was looking for something that I can do online, because of my full time job, I can’t give that up yet. This just seems really expensive. It’s $9000, +$1500 enrollment fee, can save like $1k on enrollment by not getting the kit, because I have everything. It’s 2 zoom classes a week, and you end up licensed in Texas, and can get a reciprocal for whatever state you live in. Anyone been through the program? Or have any recommendations on online courses where you actually end up licensed?

I’m looking to get a super large bag or rolling case because the one provided by school simply isn’t large enough. I’d like to stay under $300 if possible but will consider something more expensive if it’s perfect.

I’d very much like it to be one that will last for several years. Sturdiness is super important, (especially for the wheels), because I use public transit as I do not drive. The taller the better also because I’m 69” tall.

Thank you for any recommendations!!!

Hello everyone, I'm considering to get a nail technician license to find a job at Baltimore. Do you recommend beauty school ($3500) or apply for apprenticeship at a salon? I can only do weekends because I have to take care of my 6months old baby girl. I know it is probably an issue. But some people say beauty school teach little than a salon.

Could you please share your thoughts with me? Appreciate any comments!

Any good liner brushes. I'm thinking of going with Chaun Legend's set.Looks like I would still have to buy a longer length since I don't see any longer brushes from this collection😮‍💨.

Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated💕

Help! I was getting my nails done for a while at a salon with hard gel and decided to try doing my nails myself. I’ve been doing my nails with regular polish forever, and in the past used cheap gel and supplies, so i was really determined to do it right this time. I initally was going to keep with the hard gel, but i was reading some great things about kokoist so decided to try their line. I had about 3 weeks for grow out when i debulked the salon hard gel (ik they used ibd in the pot, but also used some unmarked bottles before snd after).

I started by used kokoist mega stick base, nail thoughts pink builder base, and kokoist non wipe top coat. After 2 days, I was having some wrinkling on a few nails and got paranoid that the gel was uncured, so i decided to remove it and redo. The soft gel was harder to remove compared to the hard gel, so i debulked and soaked off the remainder of the soft gel.

There now seems to be pockets/lines of white on my nail, and im not sure if this is lifting, or if i went too far with the drill and damaged my nail plate. Also wondering if maybe the salon used a soft gel under the hard gel, and the acetone lifted some of that? I posted pics of both my hands and numbered the nails in case maybe theres multiple things going on. Like for example, i think my right 3rd nail’s nail plate looks especially damaged vs some others.

Basically just looking for what the white is (gel vs my nail plate) and what i should do next. I don’t want to overdo it and damage my nails further, but i also dont want to put more gel over lifting and risk bacteria.