New to salon geek and in need of advice!

[Dimple]

Hello!

I'm a makeup artist but I've branched out to do nails (I'm a now qualified nail technician) and was wondering if anyone could give me some advice?

I'm wanting to do french manicures on the natural nail and need help selecting the nail polishes that last long!

I've been doing french manicures on friends and family so i can get some practice in but they tend to chip after a day or so, so before i introduce this to my clients I want to know that they will be happy with it.

What brand should use and how long should a french manicure last in general?

I know they last longer say if they are done on an acrylic but seeing as though its painted on the natural nail is it normal for them to chip so easily?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Dimple x

 

[Lucybluebell]

I use lumos base and top coat and my polish lasts for a week mostly..I like Orly polish

 

[justnailart]

I only work on natural nails and use OPI polishes together with their base and top coat. For a french I use Alpine snow and Alter Ego. I usually find they last between 5 and 7 days, obviously depending how hard the client is on their nails, a lot depends on their job and lifestyle, condition of nails etc!! HTH!! xx

 

[Chickafish]

What are you currently using?
The problem with traditional nail polishes is their wear period tends to differ from person to person, even with spot-on perfect prep. On some people, it can last up to a week without chipping, whereas some chip as soon as they take a shower or wash their hands. A good base and top coat can help make their manicures last a bit. Lumos is a good one. As for polish, there's the usual OPI, Jessica, Orly, essie, China Glaze, ect. The popular ones are popular because they do the job. A bit of a search in forums for reviews on each brand would help you a bit.

But if your clients are after a longer wearing manicure, maybe try training with a power polish like CND's Shellac or Nail Harmony's Gelish gel polish. Your clients could get up to 14 days or longer with those if done correctly. Loads of info on those as well.

 

[AndraM]

I don't do a lot with polishes, but as much as I do, I use OPI (colors) and Sally Hansen's products ( Diamond Flash Fast Dry Top Coat & Salon Manicure Smooth and Strong Base Coat )

 

[unas escarlata]

consider shellac, it doesn't harm the natural nail....

If you only want polish, go for CND with lumos base and top coat