QuestionQUESTION: Hi Caitlin,
I would like to do my own french manicure gel nail extensions at home. I already have an LED light to cure. Please can you advise what other products I would need and also the type of gel, as I know you can get more than one type, eg. soak off gel being one of them. Also would I need white tips with wells or wellless tips? Hoping you you can ease my confusion and enlighten me!
Many thanks,
Alison
ANSWER: Hi Thaks for your question.
Firstly, exact product needs vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but I will give a basic run down
1. Fine grit file to work on cured nail (gel is much softer to work with over acrylic, so you don't want a rough one)
2. Builder gel - this is a thick gel to give more depth to the nail
3. UV top coat (this gives the final shine)
3. Tips - For french, you should look for a french cut wellless tip to create that amazing smile line with super ease.
4. Primer may or may not be required, this is individual to each manufacturer.
5. Gel brush - these brushes are much different to those used to apply acrylic.
6. Residue remover - once again, manufacturer dependant but this is usually also used to clean you gel brush at the end
7. Lint free wipes used with residu remover - cotton balls or something similar leave particles on the gel as it is sticky.
Type is a personal preference, soak off types are getting more and more popular and should you want to use this, acetone will also be required to aid in removal. But which one to use really is not a big issue, just find one you are comfortable with.
Hope this helps and if there is any other questions don't hesitate to ask!
Caitlin
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QUESTION: Hi Caitlin,
What a fantastic answer! Explained brilliantly!
Just one more thing, can I use nail glue to stick the tips and then the builder gel I guess is to level up the nail bed with the white tip? I know that you only cover part of the nail with the white tip.
Also are the two types of gel:
1) Soak-off (which includes gel polish)
2) File-off
Do you know any brands of soak that cure using LED light?
Kind regards,
Alison
AnswerHi Alison :)
Yes, you are correct in how to apply the builder gel, this is done to even out the nail bed when matching the tip :)
Also, all gels use UV lights to cure, regardless of what removal method they employ, so you are go to go there. Also, LED gel lights are just a newer type of globe that is now in use for curing gel, they work EXACTLY the same as the lamp types, so although it can appear confusing, it really is the same :)
Brands are hard, as I don't know where you are located, but I know Young Nails has an awesome soak off system and OPI have just released one as well. CND have one (although I have not used it) and IBD are also another reputable brand. Out of all those, I am sure you will one to your liking!
Hope this has been helpful :)
Thanks
Caitlin
