Can't Get Rid Of The 'Step'

[*Nail*Newbie*]

Hey!!

I have recently become Calgel qualified and still practising. However I am finding it difficult to get the confidence with extensions. I can imagine these are quite popular which really worries me. The reason being is that no matter how hard I try with the prep, there is still a 'step' between the gel and the tip.... The last time I tried doing a set it took me HOURS!! Which has obviously deflated my confidence even more :cry: I really dont wanna give up but just feels like I'm not getting anywhere, mainly for the reason above. Is this normal??

Thanks

 

[Rebecca J]

Hi

Do you mean there is still a step from where you have applied the tip to the natural nail?? If so have you blended the tip until till disappears into the natural nail?

Rebecca
x

 

[gemmat]

ive not been using calgel properly for that long (about 6 months) and def feel a bit of a newbie but heres my tuppence worth.

I had exact the same problem as you, so i tried the well less white tips. They looked lovely, but did not last!

Ive noticed a lot of geeks mention that calgel extensions dont last that long, and I hate to say it, I feel the same.

Granted, ive not practiced as much as I should, but ive become so disheartend with it.

How long do you get out of sets?

There are lots of very experienced calgel geeks who Im sure get on great with the extensions, just not me! Im sure they can help you more.

Also, you could go on the refresher course, I did, but still couldnt get the knack! xxx

 

[*Nail*Newbie*]

Thats right, and I feel if I blend anymore it turns to paper!!! Grr!! All the time I'm thinking to myself I need to hurry up and dont wanna spend ages on the blending - its like a vicious circle!

Thanks for your reply

 

[*Nail*Newbie*]

ive not been using calgel properly for that long (about 6 months) and def feel a bit of a newbie but heres my tuppence worth.

I had exact the same problem as you, so i tried the well less white tips. They looked lovely, but did not last!

Ive noticed a lot of geeks mention that calgel extensions dont last that long, and I hate to say it, I feel the same.

Granted, ive not practiced as much as I should, but ive become so disheartend with it.

How long do you get out of sets?

There are lots of very experienced calgel geeks who Im sure get on great with the extensions, just not me! Im sure they can help you more.

Also, you could go on the refresher course, I did, but still couldnt get the knack! xxx

Thanks for your reply!! The sets last a couple of weeks, but they just dont look nice... and very fake!! lol. I just hope and pray that people ask for overlays.... I'm ok with those!! Its really nice to see that people have felt like I do!! Just practice practice practice I suppose!

 

[mum]

It doesn't matter if the tip turns to 'paper'. You need to blend it properly so there is no shadow to show through the overlay and it looks real.

Whatever anyone tells you there is no important strength in the tip. It is there to create a platform to build the overlay on. The bond between the tip and the nail is not very strong. The strength must come from the overlay. The bond with it and the nail should be a strong bond and the strength of the overlay must come from the structure. This needs a thicker overlay in the stress area but thin on the free edge and at the cuticle area.

Practice your blending and overlay structure

Good luck

 

[*Nail*Newbie*]

It doesn't matter if the tip turns to 'paper'. You need to blend it properly so there is no shadow to show through the overlay and it looks real.

Whatever anyone tells you there is no important strength in the tip. It is there to create a platform to build the overlay on. The bond between the tip and the nail is not very strong. The strength must come from the overlay. The bond with it and the nail should be a strong bond and the strength of the overlay must come from the structure. This needs a thicker overlay in the stress area but thin on the free edge and at the cuticle area.

Practice your blending and overlay structure

Good luck

Thank you for your advise, I really appreciate it. I just need to stop worrying about how long it takes and to not expect I'm going to be an expert straight away. Thanks again

 

[zcook]

I use the well less tips there is virtually no blending and havent had any problems with them at all, I just blend the sides in, i think they are brilliant.

Pro impressions do them.

 

[mum]

Virtually all the brands have well less tips but I believe that there is no nail that should have a full well left in.

These tips still need good blending as, unless you're using opaque products, there is still a shadow that can be seen.

I've just said in 2 other posts (seems to be tip day today ) that french white tips suit very few nails as the smile cannot be put in the correct place to look good

 

[nailzoo]

most newbies have a step because they concentrate on getting rid of the line, rather than gradually thinning the thickness/bulk of the tip at the same time.

If you have blended correctly, you should have a flat surface to work with as a platform for your gel/acrylic.

No point resorting to short cuts and cheats.

ALL techs should know how to blend correctly.

 

[Emily9]

Thank you for your advise, I really appreciate it. I just need to stop worrying about how long it takes and to not expect I'm going to be an expert straight away. Thanks again

Dont be disheartened we've all been there :hug:

Worry about getting it right first and then worry about the timing which you will find will get quicker as you iron out these problems, I find Calgel tips take some blending not the easiest, i now use CND Velocity tips when needed which i got when i did the l&p conversion, they are fab! and have knocked a good 20 minutes of my timing already. If you can though i would sculpt!

I have no problem at all with how long my calgel enhancements last. The clear often discolours very quickly but this is also because clients don't take the time in the aftercare to keep them looking tip top!

Calgel enhancements should last very well, there's no reason for them not to, I often soak off and re-do clear french at every 2/3 week rebalance due to discolouration and personal preference but the pink and white french or colour i can easily just keep infilling/ rebalancing although i do suggest after a while (you will be able to know when for yourself) to soak off and re do as the filling is hard work they are very rubbery in texture.

There was a Calgel thread that covered some of this a couple of days ago, that might be worth looking at to pick up a few new tips! :idea: