Gel help please!

[hannajadem]

hi there, it's a long one...

I recently qualified in mani, pedi and nail art at an independent training school. (I am awaiting my assessments in l+p and gel). As part of our kit we had Millenium's 'easy remove' gel. I do not get on with this gel at all. I am happy with application, and I have been wearing it on a couple of my own nails for over two weeks now, with no lifting or any problems at all. I tried removing it tonight and have managed to overfile my nail! It's not painful, but does feel really soft and thin. I have put a 'quick dip' acrylic on top of it for now to strengthen it. Is this sufficient? Or should I leave it alone?
My second question..
Now I feel a bit disheartened about the gel situation, I want to do a conversion course with a good gel brand, when I qualify. I know most gels are file off, will removal be covered at a conversion course? Which brands do you recommend? How much practical experience do I need before I can convert? I'm not just doing the conversion to learn about general gel removal, I'm happy with all other aspects of gels, and I was thinking of converting in both l+p and gel tbh, as I'm not too keen on Millenium's colours etc.
My third question (sorry!)...
I'm carrying on with Millenium gel for now while I'm practising... what exactly does 'easy remove' mean? Does it mean you can partially soak it off, or that it's easier to file off? I don't want to mess it up next time. I know with a file off you always leave a tiny bit of gel on the natural nail, but Im sure my trainer told me that because of the 'easy remove' you can soak off the last bit.

Thank you so much for taking the time to listen to me!:hug:

 

[adelekeegan1]

I only use Creative's Brisa gel which is a buff off so can't help you re Millenium, but buffing off product has to be learned like anything else.

Like you, I overfiled my nails to start off with but as your filing skills improve things will get better. HTH

 

[hannajadem]

Thank you Adele. Did you train with Creative or did you convert to Brisa later?

 

[tracey louise]

i use nsi gels which are also a buff off gel.when you are removing gel you are supposed to leave a very thin layer of gel on the natural nail for the exact reason that you have done damage to your natural nail.
even once you have finished your course you will still continue to learn things so dont worry to much we have all done things like this.xx

 

[hannajadem]

Thanks Tracy. Did you train with NSI? Would you recommend I convert with them? I have been looking at their site which says you need to have 3 months experience in gels before converting. I've been using NSI l+p and know you can buy their stuff without their training. Would you recommend converting or should I just try a sample of their gels to see if I get on with them?
Please help I'm so confused, don't want to use Millenium forever!

 

[tracey louise]

i would definately try some sample first before you make any descision about a conversion course.
i trained at college and nsi were the products we used.
i really like nsi products and there customer service is excellent.i just wish they were able to keep up with some of the other companies product wise but having said that they do do products that other companies dont so it works both ways i suppose.x

 

[hannajadem]

That's great. I will defo try a sample cos I LOVE their liquid and powder system, and the glaze n go. Just hope the gel is just as good for me.

Does anyone else have any recomendations for converting? Has anyone converted to a diff. gel brand and found it a good experience?

 

[Nataliya]

Everyone has their own preference with regards to products. It is about what would you like your product to do for you. I have used LCN - trained with them initially (too expensive), worked with NSI foe 3 years in the spa, so did not have a choice in what to use) - products were great, but limited possibilities with regards to camouflaging the nail bed, have been mixing things together, that was time consuming.
Tried Ezlow gel it - it was not for me. Totally Brisa for me - gel self levels, so there are barely any filing to do, loads of pinks, no need to mix, I love Brisa white paint for frenches, no lifting - all my clients love it.

It takes a while to figure out what is it exactly you are looking for, try before you buy is very applicable here. The best way is to go to the show where you can compare prices, possibilities and try it yourself.

 

[adelekeegan1]

Thank you Adele. Did you train with Creative or did you convert to Brisa later?

I trained with Creative, doing the foundation course in L&P and then did a conversion course to Brisa 6 months later. I would recommend it to anyone.

 

[hannajadem]

Thanks all for your replies. Gives me a lot to think about before deciding!