Are We Still Capping the Free Edge?

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 surprised by how many technicians said yes—even in 2023.

While capping the free edge used to have a purpose, it’s now considered an old-school technique when working with modern professional products.

With most current gel and acrylic systems, capping the free edge:

• Adds unnecessary bulk

• Thickens the free edge more than needed

• Creates extra work

• Wastes product

And in many cases… it simply isn’t needed anymore.

The Free Edge Should Be Thin—Not Bulky

When a nail service is complete, the free edge should be about the thickness of a credit card. Anything thicker often comes from excess product buildup—commonly caused by repeatedly capping the free edge throughout the service.

Instead of focusing on capping, we should be focusing on proper structure and finish filing.

What Is “Finish Filing”?

Finish filing is done at the very end of the service, once everything is complete:

• Structure

• Colour

• Top coat

Right before applying cuticle oil and lotion, we lightly skim:

• The free edge

• The sidewalls

This final step ensures the nail is clean, balanced, smooth, and perfected—without adding bulk or extra layers of product.

Are You Capping

and

Finish Filing?

If you’re capping the free edge and then finish filing, ask yourself why.

That process:

• Adds unnecessary steps

• Uses more product

• Creates extra filing work

• Doesn’t improve durability

Finish filing alone achieves a cleaner, more refined result.

What About Chrome Nails?

This is a common concern:

“If I don’t cap the free edge, won’t chrome peel?”

Here’s the truth:

Anything that isn’t acrylic or gel (like chrome, pigments, or powders) has the potential to wear because it’s sandwiched between layers, not structurally bonded.

Our recommendation:

1. Apply a Tac It top coat

2. Follow with a Steel top coat

3. Yes—still finish file

This method protects the chrome while keeping the free edge thin and refined.

Products Change—So Should Techniques

It can feel uncomfortable to change something we’ve done for years. But growth in our industry means adapting as products evolve.

On modern hard enhancements:

• A capped free edge no longer serves a real purpose

• It doesn’t improve longevity

• It doesn’t improve strength

• It often takes away from the overall aesthetic

Once you stop capping the free edge, you’ll notice how much cleaner, sleeker, and more beautiful the finished nails look.

What We Teach at Absolute Gel System

At Absolute Gel System, we:

• Teach our students not to cap the free edge

• Do not cap the free edge on clients or models

• Focus on structure, balance, and finish filing

The photos shared here are from our training educator Kristen, and you’ll notice—no capped free edges.

Try It Yourself

If you’re still capping the free edge, we encourage you to try a service without it:

• Build proper structure

• Apply your colour and top coat

• Finish file at the end

See the difference.

Feel the difference.

And let us know what you think.

Education evolves. Products evolve. And as professionals, so should we.

— Absolute Gel System