You won't get too far in the nail care industry without using hundreds of these convient paper nail forms. Experienced nail technicians use these in order to provide a base over which to create an artificially sculpted nail surface. Luckily, paper nail forms are disposable and easy to use, making it easy to get in as much practice as you need to perfect this technique.

However, before you start using paper nail forms to sculpt your clients nails, it is important to know exactly when a sculpting method is appropriate and when it is not.

The following conditions indicate that a sculpted nail method is the good choice...

* Hook shaped nails.
* Chipped or Broken nails.
* Normal long nails with a slight curvature.
* Nails of clients who do not use their hands for strenuous activities.

Unlike other nail deformations, hook shaped nails and broken nails can be easily fixed with sculpting. Otherwise however, only use sculpting on normal long nails.

Otherwise, do NOT use a sculpting technique...

Most other nail deformities indicate that you should use nail tips instead of a sculpting method. If your client has crooked nails, flat nails, or upward curving nails, a nail tip technique is a better choice. You should also avoid using a sculpting technique if your client has a tendency to bite his or her nails.


Okay, now that we know who is and who is not suitable for the nail sculpting technique, lets learn how to use paper nail forms:

Step 1 – First of all, remove the centre piece from the nail form by gently pressing it with your finger.


Step 2 – Second, reattach this piece by sticking it to the reverse side of the form. This will prevent the form from sticking to the underside of the nail.


Step 3 – In order to make the form match the curvature of your clients nail, bend it slightly as you see pictured.


Step 4 – Next, tear the form at the perforations on the narrow side of the hole.


Step 5 – At this point, fit the long black side of the form under the nail surface. It is a good idea to use two hands for this part.


Step 6 – With your fingers, gently make sure that the nail form is securely in place.


Step 7 – Next, at the edge where you see the number “7” fold the form in so that the two adhesive surfaces touch.


Step 8 – Make a small incision with a pair of scissors at the same side of the form and fold it back in order to make sure that it stays.


Step 9 – At this point you should recheck the curvature of the form to make sure that it matches that of the nail.


Step 10 – Fold down the loose edges of the form so that they stick firmly to the surface of the finger.


Step 11 – All done! You are now ready to begin building a sculpted overlay on your client's nail.


When you are done sculpting, you can simply remove the form and throw it away.