Akzentz or Options First? A strange request...

[captain.wookey]

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are all ok.

Right, my fiancee is a nail technician who currently works with the Pure Nails Acrylic, UV Gel and Gel-Acryl products. She's been talking about switching to a different product, particularly a new gel system.

Anyway, she's just rented a room in a salon and to celebrate, I would like to surprise her with a nice new gel system.

I've done loads of research and have gathered quite a bit of knowledge for a guy who knows sod all about nails, but I do like to take interest and support Laura in what she does.

I've looked at a few options such as Biosculpture and Calgel, but sadly I cannot afford the training, kit and product costs for these.

Futher research on here has led me to Akzentz/Options which sounds really good and seems to get favourable reviews.

Right, now for the questions....

1> Should I surprise her with a kit for Akzentz (buff-off?) or with their Options (soak-off?) system. I'm sure she'd like both, but which would you recommend first?

2> I need to get a shopping list together, just the things needed for creating a basic set of enhancements (clear overlays or with tips). Can anyone help me? If she likes the system, then I'll buy her some more stuff! I don't want to outlay too much, when she may dislike the system.

3> I've seen threads on here about the options range and the new opti-bond stuff, does that replace the surebond as well as the base n gloss?

4> Does anyone know where I can find a basic tutorial for overlays or tips and overlay? I've seen the training DVD's for sale on nailsplusbeauty.com but i don't know what stuff they use in the DVD, does it apply to both the Akzentz and Options systems?

Anyway, sorry for the rambling, i'm trying to make as sense as I can to all of you when i'm not a nail tech.

Thanks Anyway

Wes.

 

[Bagpuss]

Aww what a lovely fiancé you are...:hug:

How long has she been trained in Gel...?

My honest opinion would be to just get her the trial kits for both...I wouldn't go buying her all the full size individual pots just yet.

Let her have a play with the try me kits (that are very reasonably priced for how much you get) and let her see what she prefers.

You (or your fiancé) can always ring Karen from nails plus beauty for advise...she is so helpful.

 

[Zingara]

Great advice from Bagpuss there....I would recommend exactly the same. As one is a ahrd buff off gel, and one a soft soak off gel I believe there is room in a service portfolio for both - depending on my customers requirements. If a client is after nice nails for a special occasion, then Akzentz OPtions woud suit perfectly, and if the client wants to have her nails looked after regularly and return for maintenace to keep them in good condition, then a buff off gel would be great.

So a trial kit for both would perfect for her! And I'm sure Karen at Nailsplusbeauty will be only too happy to recommend the exact products needed in the kits.

 

[captain.wookey]

Thanks bagpuss. I do try to be good.

She did here VTCT(?) I think about 2 years ago and then gels about 18 months ago, then acrylic about 6 months ago. She's been doing friends and family's nails over this period and loves what she does.

She worked as a care assistant for about 10 years but back problems have made it difficult for her to continue and so she needed a change in direction. So, i've convinced her to take the plunge and go for it, doing what she loves (nails) full-time.

I've actually ordered her a Go-Gel trial kit at £28.95 to try out, don't know if it's any good but is supposed to be a very similar product, with similar results to Biosculpture and Calgel. However, it was ordered a week ago, annd so far no product has showed up, neither has the call back that was promised. It was ordered from a sub-distributor, not from Nailsforu UK directly, which I now wish I had done.

Thanks for the advice, I think I am going to order the Akzentz and Options trial kits too. She can then choose the one she likes working with best.

Zinghara, I think you are right in saying that she should have both in her service portfolio. I actually had a quick chat with Karen at Nails plus beauty yesterday and I must say she was a breath of fresh air, so helpful and honest.

I'll give her a call again today I think, and get things rolling.

Thanks guys.

 

[Zingara]

Don;t think you'll get hold of Karen today....nailsplusbeauty usually operates mon-Fri....as to be fair do most nail wholesalers apart from the over the coutner ones. But you can order on line.

However I wouldn't worry, Karen is normally very prompt with her dispatch and postage and you won;t be waiting a week for goods from her!

Two more things.....one why not get your fiance to come join us here....she'll pick loads of stuff up and it'll be a great way of getting started in this industry, and two, if she is retiring from care work because of a bad back, then I would strongly suggest you also pay good attention to her seating. This job can be wonderful but is a haven for bad posture, hunched over a desk, if you don't get it right to start with!

 

[captain.wookey]

Hi again Zingara,

She looks on the site, but I don't think she's registered. I'll get her to sign up and join the fun.

I'll ring karen at Nailsplusbeauty.com on Monday then. I want it to be a surprise to Laura, so I need to do the ringing.

Definately going to go for the options, seems to have a nice little community of friendly users on here, which is always a good sign and great help.

Her back gives her problems with the moving and handling she has to do and from being on her feet all day. She's under physio and taking advice about posture etc.

Thanks again for your help.

Wes.

 

[captain.wookey]

Right, I've had a go at putting together a small kit that will allow the creation of Natural Look extensions - with or without tips, in both Akzentz (Buff-Off) and Options (Soak-Off)

I've read the description of the training DVD #1 and decided to include this, along with the gels that they use in the DVD.

I'm going to run this all by Karen at Nails plus Beauty on Monday, but I was just interested in seeing how I did.

1> Training DVD.
Akzentz Educational DVD #1 - Showing how to create natural look extensions with and without tips.

2> Stuff that can be used for both systems
1 x Surebond
1 x Gel Cleaner
1 x Akzentz Gel Brush - Flat

3> Akzentz (Buff-Off) Gels as per the DVD
1 x Super Bonding Gel
1 x Natural Clear Gel
1 x Pink Opalescent Shimmer Top Coat

4> Options Gels(Soak-Off) to build natural look extensions (this is where I am most unsure)
1 x Opti-Bond Gel
1 x Clear Gel

She already has all other tools etc. SO i'm hoping this is all she needs to get started practicing then offering both of these gel systems.

She can then go on to order colours etc.

Feedback would be much appreciated. How did I do?

Thanks

Wes.

 

[Zingara]

Right, I've had a go at putting together a small kit that will allow the creation of Natural Look extensions - with or without tips, in both Akzentz (Buff-Off) and Options (Soak-Off)

I've read the description of the training DVD #1 and decided to include this, along with the gels that they use in the DVD.

I'm going to run this all by Karen at Nails plus Beauty on Monday, but I was just interested in seeing how I did.

1> Training DVD.
Akzentz Educational DVD #1 - Showing how to create natural look extensions with and without tips.
Great DVD...well worth it!

2> Stuff that can be used for both systems !
1 x Surebond
1 x Gel Cleaner
1 x Akzentz Gel Brush - Flat-
Good selection

3> Akzentz (Buff-Off) Gels as per the DVD
1 x Super Bonding Gel
1 x Natural Clear Gel
1 x Pink Opalescent Shimmer Top Coat
You could ultimately combine all these, by buying Trilite, which is a one component gel, and is strong and shiny, but in all honesty this selection is great for a a trial kit as the viscosity differs, making them easier to use for their individual purposes. You may want to consider adding a soft Paint on White, as in my experince many more people want french finish than just natural.

4> Options Gels(Soak-Off) to build natural look extensions (this is where I am most unsure)
1 x Opti-Bond Gel
1 x Clear Gel
You wouldn't necessarily need Opti-bond as the Clear gel wiorks well as a bonder anyway. I use Opti-bond under colours but not clear. Again you could consider a White here, so she can offfer french finish again. Maybe Brite white, to compliment a soft white in the buff off range?

She already has all other tools etc. SO i'm hoping this is all she needs to get started practicing then offering both of these gel systems.
Just get her to check her lamp & bulbs are up to scratch. To be honest Akzentz cures under a 9W, so probably are....most lamps are above that but best just to check.

She can then go on to order colours etc.

Feedback would be much appreciated. How did I do?

Thanks

Wes.

Put you some comments in red above, but tbh....top marks:!: & a gold star for a non-tech and a fella to boot! :wink2:

 

[captain.wookey]

Whooo! I'm getting good at this. lol

The reason i have chosen the Super Bonding, Natural Clear and the Pink Opalescent is because that's what it says it uses on the DVD and I thought it would help her conversion if she could follow along exactly. You say the DVD is good. Are they the products that they use to create a Natural Look? I'll have a read about the Trilite.

I believe DVD #2 covers scuplting and pink/white backfill, is the backfill bit the french finish?

I picked the Surebond because it says it works with the soak offs? What is the affixit? From what i've read on here it seems to be the same thing but cannot be soaked off? Is it best to use Affixit with the buff-off gels and Surebond with the soak-offs? Or am I right in saying Surebond is ok for both?

I think her lamp is a 9w, I'm sure thats what bulb she bought from the wholesaler's the other day.

I'm not sure this surprise thing is such a good idea any more. I'll speak to Karen on Monday and if I am still this confused, I'm going to have to spoil the suprise and get Laura to do the shopping and I just get my wallet out. LOL

Thanks Again

 

[Zingara]

Whooo! I'm getting good at this. lol

The reason i have chosen the Super Bonding, Natural Clear and the Pink Opalescent is because that's what it says it uses on the DVD and I thought it would help her conversion if she could follow along exactly. You say the DVD is good. Are they the products that they use to create a Natural Look? I'll have a read about the Trilite. I think thats a good idea....stick with whats on the dvd. Trilite is a one component gel, so it does every layer, but not alwasy as well as the gel designed for it IYKWIM....kind of a gel of all trades...master of none! lol! I use it as a strong glossy top layer on problem prone clients, for an extra assurance.

I believe DVD #2 covers scuplting and pink/white backfill, is the backfill bit the french finish? No, the Pink/white bit is the french finish.....where you have the pink nailbeds and white tips. It's clean popular look, and often requested. For this you need a white gel. The backfill (in UK known more commonly as infill - the dvd's were produced in Canada) is the 3 week maintenance service where you 'fill' in the bit at the bottom that has grown out and re-structure the nail where necessary...ie the strong stress strip!

I picked the Surebond because it says it works with the soak offs? What is the affixit? From what i've read on here it seems to be the same thing but cannot be soaked off? Is it best to use Affixit with the buff-off gels and Surebond with the soak-offs? Or am I right in saying Surebond is ok for both? Surebond is great non-acid primer/dehydrator with both systems....Affixit is a bit of a stronger acid primer version, and I only use it with lift prone clients. I'd stick with Surebond in your trial kit.

I think her lamp is a 9w, I'm sure thats what bulb she bought from the wholesaler's the other day. Most lamps use 9w bulb (ok - some use 4 or 6) 9w generally have like 2 'arms' to them. An 18w lamp will use 2 x 9w, 36w will use 4 x 9w...and so on!

I'm not sure this surprise thing is such a good idea any more. I'll speak to Karen on Monday and if I am still this confused, I'm going to have to spoil the suprise and get Laura to do the shopping and I just get my wallet out. LOL

Aww, don;t spoil the surprise....between us and karen we'll help you get it right....I reall ythink you are very much on the right track!

Thanks Again

Again, answers in red above!

 

[Bagpuss]

I use Akzentz (non soak off gel) and I use affixit...not surebond.

I am sure affixit is non acid Lyndsey....this is from there website

Affixit
New Bonding Technology! This amazing non acid based primer leaves a tacky surface that aids even the most troublesome nails. Its chemistry is unlike any other product out there! Apply like polish onto natural nails or new growth, let sit 60 seconds. It will leave a tacky surface eliminating lifting problems.

 

[captain.wookey]

Thanks again ladies. I'm determined to get this right without spoiling the suprise!

So for french, I need to throw in a pink and a white to each gel system kit. Any recommendations from the range? Your most popular?

Just one question I forgot to ask. In the ready made kits there is a Nail Prep to dehydrate the nails. Does Surebond replace this, or is it a good idea to use both? There is a £15 courier charge for delivery of this. Is she likely to have a product from her current brand that can be used in it's place or is it not a good idea to mix brands/products?

I think I'm getting there with massive help from you guys! Once I've sorted this out, I'm going to get Laura to sign up, she'll love it here. Friendly and Helpful!!

Cheers

Wes

 

[Zingara]

I use Akzentz (non soak off gel) and I use affixit...not surebond.

I am sure affixit is non acid Lyndsey....this is from there website

Affixit
New Bonding Technology! This amazing non acid based primer leaves a tacky surface that aids even the most troublesome nails. Its chemistry is unlike any other product out there! Apply like polish onto natural nails or new growth, let sit 60 seconds. It will leave a tacky surface eliminating lifting problems.

Sorry Angie, yes your 100% right....as usual :hug: it just throws me because of the don't get it on the skin thing!

Just to clarifY, I wasn't saying not to use Affixit....I know its particularly designed for use with the buff off range.....but Karen (and Deb Jacklin at Justnailz) did tell me I cold use Surebond with buff off instead, with pretty good results, so I was just pointing out that it would be suitable with both systems, for this 'trial kit' purchase!

When it comes to ongoing use....I'm probably a bit over cautious with Affixit - well with any primer really after I had a dodgy tech splash it on my nails like it was solar oil before I was trained.....before I know that it wasn't meant to hurt like that! So when i've used Surebond and its worked...I've stuck with it!

Nail Prep....difficult to say without knowing whats in the system she's using now and I don't know that system well enough. I wouldn't usually advocate mixing brands, but Akzentz Nail Prep may be generic....I don't know. The best person equipped to answer this is Karen, on the phone on Monday. And ask her about postage....I think she'll discuss the options for trial purposes with you then.

We look forward to meeting 'Laura' *waves* :lol:

 

[Bagpuss]

For the Akzentz try me kits you get...

Try-Me Kit - 5 x 7g gels - Bonding gel, Natural Transluscent Pink , Top Gloss Clear, Paint on French Natural White & Trilite Pink. Plus 15ml Affixit (worth £6-95 alone) 60ml Nail Prep & 60ml gel wipe.

Thats everything you will need...

 

[Carole.B]

i recently tried both kits before deciding to go with akzentz gel, brilliant value for money with everything you need to try and Karen was so helpful..xx

 

[captain.wookey]

Cheers everyone. You've been a massive help.

I think I'm just about there. I will speak to Karen tomorrow and get an order together.

I may just buy the pre-packed starter kits. Laura should know what can be substituted for what whilst watching the DVD.

If not she could always come on here and ask the guru's.

Thanks again.

Wes.

 

[captain.wookey]

Thanks again everyone.

I spoke to Karen and decided to go for the Options Starter Kit and then order the Akzentz classic gels next week.

 

[Naughtynails]

go to pompadour in derby they are a hair beauty and nail whole saler the girls in there are really nice and sure to give you some advice

 

[Bagpuss]

go to pompadour in derby they are a hair beauty and nail whole saler the girls in there are really nice and sure to give you some advice

do they sell akzentz...?