Acrylic is still one of the most popular systems requested by clients due to the length it can achieve, it's strength and durability. Yet without the correct training and guidance, it can be one of the hardest systems to perfect. Finding a training academy that will not only guide you through the initial course but will offer you continuous support after your qualified is of utmost importance, as I can guarantee you, once qualified, will still come across some problems when working with the system regularly. At Totally Polished Training Academy, we pride ourselves on offering you 24/7 support, once qualified, with every Pure Nails training course.
CORRECT PREPARATION IS KEY!!
With any service, prep is by far one of the most important steps. Taking your time to prepare the nail will ensure you get long-lasting nails that will keep your clients happy and keep them returning time after time.
As a rough rule, we suggest that prep should take no less than 10 minutes (1 minute per nail). Removing the nails natural oils along with dead cells and debris will allow the product to adhere correctly. Once you have correctly prepped the nails, we should then dehydrate the nails using our trusty Halo Prep & Scrub- the nails should now have an all-over chalky appearance, this means that you are ready to move onto the next step.
Step 2: TIP / FORM FITTING
Choosing the correct tip for your client and/or correctly fitting a form, will give you the perfect foundation to build a beautiful nail extension. Having been in the industry for over 30 years, I have always struggled to find the best Nail Forms, however, working alongside Pure Nails, I have helped to create the perfect forms which are SO simple to use and look beautiful on every client- I would highly recommend. The dual forms can be used for extreme length and/or salon nails- they are so versatile!
If the form isn’t fitted correctly, it will create issues on application and weakness in the extension itself- it is vital to get this step correct, so take your time!
If using tips, ensure the tip is fitted correctly and suits the shape of the nail- shorten, shape and blended to remove bulk. Once completed, use Halo's Prep & Scrub and your Halo Plush Brush to remove any dust. Now Halo Mega Bond Primer should be applied only on the natural nail (the primer should be applied after tip application or your form application, just before your about to apply the acrylic to ensure maximum bond.)
RATIO & APPLICATION
Spending time with your acrylic and choice of liquid is so important. Get to know your brush, the ratio and how long you need to apply the acrylic, as this will help you to work out which acrylic liquid is most suitable for you.
Pure Nails offer two liquids along with a selection of powers. We have the original Monomer which is the slower setting of the two, making it perfect for beginners and also perfect for hot salons/warmer weather. Pure Nails Liquid Pro is a faster setting monomer which is ideal for when the weather is colder/once you become more advanced in working with acrylic and feel the need to speed up your application- I also love it for 3d work, the faster setting creates beautiful and quick forming beads allowing you to get amazing definition in the work.
Making sure your ratio is correct is also another important part. At Totally Polished Training (Pure Nails accredited training company), we suggest working with a 3-1 ratio. This means that once your brush is loaded with monomer, you then need to wipe it once on the glass Dappen Dish, then go to your acrylic powder and pick up three times (bounce your brush in the powder and count to three).
At Totally Polished Training, we like to teach the 3 ball method. This means, working with smaller beads, giving you more control when first learning about the product and structure of the nail. This is just our preference there are lots of ways acrylic can be applied, and over time you will find your own method and way. As long as the structure and shape of the nail are there, you do whatever suits you best!
HOw does the 3 ball application work? Well, we start at the tip of the nail; patting and pushing the acrylic from side-to-side to ensure we receive an even coverage over the nails, we then blend it down towards the cuticle and middle of the nail. Your second bead will be placed here (on the blend), you will then start to pull back to overlap where you place your first bead, now blend it to where the third bead will be placed.
With your third bead, you need to make sure you start to build strength in the nail and the apex. The last bead (the smallest of the 3), is placed on the where we blended the second bead, we will then gently push down to the cuticle area keeping it thin and even, not allowing the product to flood the cuticle area or touch the skin.
When all product is applied, you're happy with the results and the product has set- it is now time to pinch with the Pure Nails Pinching Tool to obtain that beautiful C curve.
FILING & FINISHING TECHNIQUES
Once you have created your set of acrylics- it is now time perfect the shape and buff them!
Using the correct file is of utmost importance. Using a grit too harsh, will put too much pressure on your new acrylic and can create stress fractures- which will lead to problems for the client further down the line. For this purpose, we suggest using the Halo Elite Half Moon 180 Zebra File and the Halo Elite 100/180 Buffer.
The way to file all depends on the style and shape the client has chosen. We do have some filing techniques videos on our YouTube channel to guide you on different way to shape your client's nails. We do also offer an Advanced Shaping and Filing course, so feel free to drop us a message to find out more- we'd love to see you!
Once all filed in, go over the nails with your 180 Halo Elite Buffer. Now remove the dust with Halo's Prep & Scrub and your Plush Brush- you are now ready for colour!!
Don’t forget to finish off any set of nails with Pure Nails Cuticle Feed. After all the buffing and filing, your client's nails will need to feel nourished. Retailing oil to your clients will help them to maintain their new acrylics and to keep them looking their best between maintenance appointments- it's also a way to earn some extra money!
Keep up to date with all our top tips and nail inspo on socials. Make sure you follow us and give us a tag on Instagram @purenailsuk. We look forward to you joining our Halo family!
For any training enquires please email:
Purenails@totallypolishedtraining.co.uk and for support, please email me on nailtechsupport@purenails.co
