Dear lady, is your next manicure appointment due but you cannot quite figure out what to do? With new techniques emerging frequently given the developing technologies worldwide, it is important to have some basic knowledge to help you achieve your desired result without compromising too much of your nail health. Here is a quick guide to what techniques you could consider for your next appointment:

Builder gel

This is a technique that involves the application of a thick gel polish to either your natural nails or tips and forms for extra length. After application, it is cured under a UV light just like it is done with regular gel polish. This technique adds strength to the nails, allowing them to grow longer and thicker. While builder gel can be applied on its own because it comes in a range of colours, some may also choose to add regular nail polish to add some creativity and style to the application.

Builder gel is usually packaged in a bottle or a pot which is usually dependent on its consistency. While softer gel in a bottle creates a simple overlay on the nails, the hard gel in a pot applied with a brush is stronger on the nail and is better for length and extension of the nail. Soft gel is a better option for short, natural looking nails and short extensions. Your choice here will depend on the outcome you’re looking to achieve in terms of length and the time it will take until your next manicure appointment.

The removal process involves soaking the nails with acetone in a piece of cotton wool for the soft gel, while hard gel is filed off. If done wrongly, this can be detrimental to the health of your nails, this is the reason why one should always go to a trained nail technician for your manicure and pedicure.

Press-ons

This is a simple DIY (Do-It-Yourself) technique and is preferred by many for its ease of application. It also takes a significantly shorter time to apply in comparison with the other techniques. These nail extensions come in a range of colourful and trendy designs and shapes to suit every lady’s unique tastes and preferences. The simple technique involves getting pre-shaped and designed nails from a store and sticking them on your natural nail. Most of these are temporary, making them suitable for abrupt occasions.

The first step in this process is to pick the right size of nails. Most retailers will allow you try on a sample before purchase. However, if buying online, a tape measure may come in handy as the sites usually provide measurements. Next, file down the base to match your nail bed shape as most come in generic shapes. After this, customize the nail length and sides to your liking in case the nails do not come in the particular length you prefer. Finally, apply an effective glue because this will determine how long these nails last. Also, be careful to apply according to the instructions on the pack to avoid air bubbles. Voila! You’re now ready to rock your beautiful nail set in a matter of minutes if you get the right nails.

Dip Powder

This technique is praised for being long-lasting. With this technique, nails are dipped into a coloured powder that coats the nail. Like with other techniques, this one involves a careful nail preparation process where the nails are cleared of any previous nail polish residue, shaped and any oils removed using some acetone on a cotton pad. This is done to make the manicure last longer.

As a primer for the dip powder, a clear base coat is applied right before the nail is dipped in the powder. The excess powder is then brushed off and the process is repeated with base coat and powder until an opaque even layer of colour is achieved. The nails are then filed to achieve a smooth, flat surface after which the top coat is applied.

Unlike regular gel polish, this process doesn’t need to be cured under a UV light but lasts longer without chipping, making it preferable. Dip powder nails too can be painted over with regular nail polish for versatile designs.

Caution, however, needs to be taken during removal. Avoid any temptation to yank the nails off. Rather, soak them in acetone and be patient to allow them come off easily and protect natural nails.

Additional tips;

1. Always be clear with your nail technician about your desired result from the start.
2. Allow your nails to breathe and relax between manicures.
3. Visit a qualified technician for safe removal of your manicure to avoid excessive damage to your nails.
4. Pay attention to the ingredients included in different substances used on your nails; some are more harmful than others.