From the apex point of view I'd say the dip in the nail is the problem. Level that dip out and your apex placement isn't too bad. HTH

Edit: Sorry should have said apply a little more product where the dip is, to bring it up level to the height you already have. Does that make sense?

Thank you!

I rated you the following and why!

Length 1/5 - You can actually see her nails are damaged and short. The length should be much shorter to compensate for this!

Shape 1/5 - You have critiqued yourself at the beginning and you were right. Egyptian Hats big time. All side walls need tapering to achieve abetter look.

Sidewalls & Edges 1/5 - Yes you can see that the tips haven't been blended in correctly and you can also see the Onycholysis underneath the product. You have however got the product thin and your 'down the barrel' shot shows consistent 1/2 moons which is also good so well done on that!

Apex Placement 2/5 - there isn't one really but I gave you 2 because I know you are trying and I felt you had made an effort to go thin with your product!

You already have a good inkling of what you need to do but my biggest advice is to TAKE CARE WHEN BUFFING TIPS IN. Your clients nails are trashed and you can really see that. Remember to keep your file on the tip only and thumb on zones 2&3 so you can't over buff!

Well Done on posting the shots! It's not easy to do and I admire you for it - good job!

Thankfully, they are mine and not a client's! I appreciate your advice.

S

Hi

To see that you have only been doing nails from Jan 07, I think that you have done well. You product is nice and thin but your sidewalls are far too wide - when shaping you need to firstly slim down the sidewalls of each nail and to aim for shorter and more even length nails. As for the apex placement - you need to get a more even distribution of product and build up the apex a bit more also try to get the product a bit thinner in zone 3. Take care when thinning down tips - try not to over thin and try to get the tip really thin for a natural look. If you want to hide any imperfections on the natural nail plate try using a good camouflaging powder such as Creative Perfect Color Powder in Flawless Pink.

Keep up with practise and well done.

Hope this helps.

Eva

I definitely think a more opaque colored powder would make a difference in the finished result for me. Thanks!

S

I can't really advise on tip blending as it's really not my strong point, but will try to advise on your apex & shaping/sidewalls.

Try gently pushing down on you free edge, you will see a whitish area, this is the stress area & where your apex should be. It should be a very gently smooth arch to the top of the product.

The sidewalls should run straight & parrallel to each other. Hold your file at a 90 degree angle to the nail & you will see where it needs to be brought in.

I hope this helps & my explanations are understandable.

This link should help with your tip blending
http://www.salongeek.com/finishing-m...ip+application