calgel lifting

[silverchick]

Hello everyone, long time no write!
I haven't been on here for ages, we were all set for move to Spain, and i didn't think it wise to build a client list then leave them in the lurch!
However, change of plans for a while and idea shelved and so am getting enthusiastic again about getting some clients and have my first one next week.
I have been doing my own nails all this time. but am having a few problems with lifting at the free edge, if i do a French, they only seem to last for about a week before they start to lift.
I have spoken to Calgel H/O and they have been as helpful as ever, and have given me a few pointers, i think perhaps one of the reasons could be that my nails are quite thin, and so capping them is quite tricky.
Can anyone think of any other reasons? or tips if they have had problems?
do people find it better doing when doing a clear French to do the white first then the clear?
Thanking you in advance!

 

[Michidda]

"do people find it better doing when doing a clear French to do the white first then the clear? "

I have Calgel overlays (french)on my own nails at the moment.
I have found that it is better to do clear first, then white on the natural nail.
I have had lifting at the free edge in the past, but now, I always do clear first and it doesn't happen.:green::green:

 

[gillian w]

I do clear, then white, then clear.

 

[motherbird]

Clear/white/clear for me too - I find the white glides on smoothly to a coat of clear.

You say you are capping - with every layer yes ? Hmmm not filing it away afterwards or somehow wearing it away over time perhaps ?

Am I mad here or do I vaguely remember something about not putting the white straight onto the nail or one of the whites at any rate ?? Im sure some more ideas will come up.

 

[lilly]

hi, you do a clear before competion white, ( the other whites can go straight on the nail) cure, buff (optional but i find the white doesnt bleed ) then another white if needed, cure, then on to you clear layers x

 

[Little Angel]

HI

If your nails are really thin: Is this due to you picking your gels off? Or other products? Too much soaking off? Or are they naturally this way?

My suggestion would be to lengthen them slightly. Using your Calgel clear and a form add your length this will ensure your nails are thoroughly capped. When I say add length I really only mean a couple of mm.

When you have sculpted your nails buff them down and then apply your French as usual.

Infill them for at least your next 3 times you should find your natural nails have improved by then.

HTH

 

[pippadoodle]

HI

If your nails are really thin: Is this due to you picking your gels off? Or other products? Too much soaking off? Or are they naturally this way?

My suggestion would be to lengthen them slightly. Using your Calgel clear and a form add your length this will ensure your nails are thoroughly capped. When I say add length I really only mean a couple of mm.

When you have sculpted your nails buff them down and then apply your French as usual.

Infill them for at least your next 3 times you should find your natural nails have improved by then.

HTH

Brilliant advice from Tracey, hope this does the trick for you.

When doing nno french, I first do a layer of clear just where the smile line goes, cure 30 seconds, 1st layer of white very thin, cure, 2nd layer of white, cure then coat of clear, capping all the way. xx

 

[motherbird]

Thats a neat idea Pippadoodle- putting first layer of clear only where the smile goes, it would avoid overcure/yellowing on your first layer of clear as you put it in for longer to cure the whites - I like !

 

[silverchick]

Thanks for all the valuable advice!
I did a set of French overlays on a friend today, using snow white to tip, and then clear, and i'll see how that goes. Goodness! is sooo much easier doing someone elses nails!!
Would be very grateful for any hints at all with regard to using Calgel, if anyone has found great methods for any of the steps!
Incidentally, Chris from Calgel, who I spoke to at about 4.15 on Friday, posted some training notes to me, which arrived on Saturday morning!! Hows that for yet another example of fab customer service from Calgel!!

 

[Terese]

I know what you mean about it being easier on someone elses hands!!!

Takes me forever on mine

 

[Loulou Mc]

I know what you mean about it being easier on someone elses hands!!!

Takes me forever on mine

Ha ha me too!!.

The tip about extending your own nail slightly by sculpring with clear is a good one and I do find this works.