If you want to have beautiful, long-lasting nail extensions, you can't just focus on the product or polish you're using. If you do not follow the right procedures while preparing your nails, whether it be for gel polish, gel nails, or acrylic nails, you risk lifting, peeling, and breaking your nails sooner.
If your basics are not right, nothing you put on top will last, regardless of how beautifully it is applied. Proper preparation work ensures smooth application, better product retention, longer than expected, and satisfied clients.
Here you will find steps and tools for preparing nails.
1. Clean and Remove Oils
Clean hands and dry nails are the initial steps in every nail service. It is important to first wash the hands and dry them. To remove surface oils, you need to use nail cleanser or some other alcohol-based solution to wipe off each nail.
For nails that are going to last, like gel nails and gel polish, you will want to create the least amount of lifting. And a clean nail is going to provide a solid surface for your product to bond and stick to. Clean nails and surfaces are a very important step in nail prep for gel nails, especially when we want our work to last weeks.
2. Push Back the Cuticle
The nail plate may not appear to have dead skin, but dead skin is one of the main causes of nail lifting. Push the cuticle back gently with a cuticle pusher before removing the dead tissue with a cuticle nipper. Do not cut any of the live skin, as this will lead to irritation and discomfort during and after the procedure.
During nail prep for acrylic nails, a cleaned-up cuticle area will allow for better application at the base and will help to prevent early lifting.
3. Shape and Lightly Refine the Surface of the Nail
If you want to know how to make gel extensions last longer, then once you've cleaned up the cuticles, you should always do a shape on the nail. You may be working on a square, an almond, or a round shape. The final result will be better even if you just file all the nails.
Then use a fine-grit buffer (180/240 grit) to remove the shine on the natural nail. This provides something for the product to grip onto. You only need to apply it lightly and uniformly throughout the nail plate. This will make your gel extensions last longer. A properly polished nail surface will provide proper stickiness.
4. Remove Dust and Dehydrate the Nail Plate
After you have polished the nail surface, there will be dust and fine particles that can become trapped under the paint. Clean the surface completely with a soft nail brush or a wipe without lint.
After cleaning, use a nail dehydrator to remove moisture from the nail plate. This will help with product bonding and decrease the possibility of lifting. If you have a system that has a pH balancer, then you have to apply that now. The pH balancer will help with nail prep for gel polish or acrylics, and it creates the ideal environment for your product to bond.
5. Apply Primer If Required
Depending on what method you are using, a primer may be necessary before the product. A primer helps the material bond more effectively to the nail and is beneficial for acrylics and some builder gels.
There are two types of primers:
1. Acid-based primers
These primers offer the strongest adhesion and can be harsh.
2. Acid-free primers
These are gentler than acid-based products and are good for natural nails.
Tools You’ll Need for Proper Nail Prep
Here is the list of the tools you will need for nail prep.
- Cuticle pusher
-
Cuticle nipper
-
Fine-grit buffer
-
Nail file
-
Nail dehydrator
-
Primer (if needed)
-
Lint-free wipes or a dust brush
- pH balancer (if your system calls for it)
If you're just starting out, you can shop professional nail prep kits that come with all the tools for proper nail preparation.
Conclusion
Nail prep is not only the first step, but it is the most significant step. It sets the basis for long-term success while minimizing future issues. Cleanliness, precision, and consistency result in better adhesion, a smoother surface, and increased client satisfaction.
If you need the right tools, take a look at Gina Nail Supplies. You will get everything you need to prep nails the right way. Check out nail prep kits and products to make your work cleaner, stronger, and longer-lasting.