Using Ultima Gel as a builder:
1. Prep the natural nails using a 180 or 240 grit nail file, then apply Xprime to the natural nail. Do not apply any cleaners, dehydrators or acetone to the natural nail after prep as this can over dehydrate the nail and lead to premature lifting of the gel.
2. Apply a thin layer of Ultima gel to the natural nail and cure in our Lumi Lamp on 90 second low heat mode.
3. Repeat step 2.
4. Apply a thin slip layer, then begin building the apex allowing the product to self-level.
5. Cure on 90 second low heat mode.
6a. Remove the inhibition layer, refining where necessary using a 180 buffer and apply gel polish when happy with the finish.
6b. Apply gel polish straight on top if there is no refining required.
Using Ultima Gel as a strengthening base:
1. Prep the natural nail as above.
2. Apply one or two thin layers of Ultima gel (depending on strength required) to the natural nail, curing in our Lumi Lamp for 30 seconds (or on 90 second low heat mode for clients with sensitive nails).
3. Apply gel polish or top coat.
Using Ultima Gel as an Xtensions adhesive:
1. Prep the natural nail and full cover tips using your preferred Nail Order method: Xprep, Xetch or Efile. (Click here to see how we use these methods)
2. Add a bead of Ultima gel to the tip of the Xtension and apply to the natural nail at a 45 degree angle (no slip layer on natural nail required).
3. Flash cure - keeping a firm hold, raise to under the UV light and hold for approx 10 seconds (or until there is no movement).
*it is very important to ensure that you hold the finger no closer than 10cm to the light when curing. If you place the nail too close to the light (as with any UV gel product) it could cause a heat spike which can lead to damage to the nail bed and conditions such as onycholysis.
4. Ask client to hold the curing finger under the lamp for 30 seconds whilst you work on the other hand.
5. Once all Xtensions are complete place both hands in the lamp for an additional 60 seconds to ensure full cure (as sometimes clients may accidentally move their hand during the flash curing process).
