What is a "Greenie" and can i apply gel over one?
A “Greenie” is something that many nail techs will come across during their career but what causes it and should we work over it? A “greenie” on a nail is a term used to describe a green discolouration that can occur on or around a fingernail, usually as a result of a bacterial infection...
Should i be using HEMA-free gels?
Let me ask you this, do you have a HEMA allergy? If the answer is no then in all truth, NO you don’t NEED to be using HEMA-free products. That might sound strange coming from a brand that is predominately HEMA free but here at Nail Order we like to give accurate and real-world advise.
What does it mean for a nail product to be "hypoallergenic"?
When a nail gel is labeled as hypoallergenic, it means that the product is formulated to minimize the risk of causing allergic reactions. This does not guarantee that no one will have an allergic reaction, but it indicates that the product is less likely to cause issues for people with sensitive skin or known allergies to common nail product ingredients. Here are some key points about hypoallergenic nail gels:
Let's talk allergies
The first thing to say is its very important for nail technicians to remain calm and rational about the presentation of possible allergies. Someone may present with a contraindication that is not in anyway related to the nail products they have had on, we have to remember that we are not doctors and are not able to diagnose, we can simply advise. The worst thing you can do is jump straight to the assumption that the client is having a reaction and put fear into the client.
What are heat spikes and how can i combat them?
We have all had a client quickly whip their hand out of the lamp because they are experiencing a heat spike. Understanding why they happen can help us reduce the occurrence of heat spikes.
Which nail lamp should I use to cure my gels?
The answer is pretty simple… the lamp the manufacturer of your gels recommends or a lamp with specifications that the brand recommends. The sceptics among you may believe that a nail lamp is a nail lamp, I used to believe this myself, but knowing what I know now I can tell you that this is false.
Why do my pink and neon pink gel polishes change colour in UV light?
Have you ever painted a neon pink set of nails and when the come out of the lamp after curing have gone darker? Or similarly, painted a set of lighter pink nails only to find the colour has faded? It’s one of those phenomena in the industry that is so frustrating and common to many brands, but why does it happen?
Why is nail prep so important and and the Nail Order method of prep
Nail prep is crucial for several reasons, particularly when it comes to maintaining nail health and achieving long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing manicures. Here are some key reasons why nail prep is important:
Which grit of nail file should i be using?
Do you get confused when you hear the terms “higher” and “lower” grit nail file? Logic may dictate that the higher the grit the more rough and “gritty” a file is but in fact the higher the grit the softer the file is
Why we don't recommend the use of cleansers, dehydrators or acetone after prep
First imagine a natural sponge, where when exposed to water it swells and becomes more flexible, then when it’s devoid of all moisture it shrivels and becomes more brittle. This is pretty much how the natural nail acts when exposed to (or removed of) moisture.
Prescriptive manicures.... What are they ?
The term "prescriptive manicure" is a buzz word in the industry right now but what is it? A “prescriptive manicure” is a tailored nail treatment designed to address specific issues, needs or lifestyle of an individual. Unlike a standard manicure, which follows a general routine of shaping, buffing, and polishing, a prescriptive manicure is customised based on the condition and health of the client’s nails, cuticles, and skin.
What is Flexi Gel and when should you use a Rubber Base?
Have you ever wondered what a rubber base is? Flexi Gel is Nail Order’s Rubber Base gel and the great thing about rubber base is that it can be used for a multitude of things. A rubber base allows for more flexibility of the nail than a treatment such as a builder gel but will still add strength.
What is AnGel and when should i be using a builder gel?
Most brands have their own name for their range of builder gels and ours is called AnGel. AnGel was designed to be an easy-to-use builder gel that performed more like a traditional builder than contained HEMA but was actually free of HEMA.
Why do we not believe in using Builder Gel to extend nails?
At Nail Order we take quite an unusual stance when it comes to builder gel… we do not believe that it should be used to extend the nail categorically. By that we mean, not specifically to our products, but we do not believe that soak-off builder gels are suitable for creating an extension.
What is Dura Gel and when should i use hard gel?
Not yet used a hard gel? If you are a gel tech then this is a MUST for your kit! Nor one product fits all and that is why we need to ensure that we have a range of product types to suit a range of nail techs. Hard gel should be your go-to for creating length but also for creating extreme strength.
Full Cover Tips vs Traditional Acrylics
Full Cover Tips: The Better Alternative to Traditional Acrylics Nail enhancements have come a long way over the years, and one of the most popular options on the market today is full cover tips. These tips are a great alternative to traditional acrylics, offering a host of benefits that make them the go-to choice for many nail technicians and clients alike. In this article, we'll explore the advantages of full cover tips and why they're a better choice over traditional acrylics.