Education

Is there really a difference — and does it matter? When it comes to nail enhancements, there’s often confusion around soft gel tips versus ABS plastic tips. While both are popular options, they are not the same, and understanding the differences can help you choose the best product for your services and your clients. First, let’s clear something up ‼️ Any nail enhancement is technically a form of plastic once cured. Acrylic, dip powder, hard gel, Polygel, and soft gel all cre

What Is Hard Builder Gel? Hard Gel is a traditional builder product that offers strength and structure. Key characteristics of Hard Gel: Does not soak off Self-leveling, making application smooth and controlled Does not require alcohol to move the product A hard product with limited flexibility Some formulas do not burn during curing Can be flipped upside down to help create an apex Long-lasting wear Available in multiple color options Works perfectly with our Rubber Base & P

Why Do Nail Brands Push Their Lamps? If you’ve ever wondered why nail brands strongly recommend (or “push”) using their specific lamps, there’s an important reason behind it—and it goes far beyond marketing. It’s About Safety and Proper Curing When a brand formulates gel products, they also take on the responsibility of knowing how to properly cure those products to achieve 100% polymerization. This is critical for both performance and safety. Every gel system is designed to

Why Wearing Gloves Matters for Nail Professionals As nail professionals, we’re always evolving—learning new techniques, using better products, and raising standards within our industry. One topic that continues to spark conversation is glove use during nail services. So let’s ask the question honestly: Do you work with gloves on? Yes or no? And if not… why? The Role of Gloves in Nail Services Gloves are one of the many important ways we can protect both ourselves and our clie

For years, capping the free edge was taught as a must-do step in nail services. It became second nature—something many of us were taught early on and continued doing without question. But with today’s products, techniques, and education… Are we still capping the free edge? And more importantly—should we be? Let’s talk about it. Why This Conversation Matters Recently, we ran a poll on our Instagram stories asking nail techs if they still cap the free edge. Honestly, we were su

Choosing the right primer is one of the most important (and often overlooked) steps in achieving long-lasting nail enhancements. Every client is different, which is why understanding your client’s natural nails—and reassessing them regularly—is essential. This is also why a proper client consultation is non-negotiable. Natural nails can and do change over time, and what worked once may not work forever. Why Do Natural Nails Change? A client’s nail condition can shift due to m