Newbie help - I'm getting worse!

[Claire.1611]

Hi Geeks,

I know a lot of newbies have posted this question but I just wondered if anyone had any useful tips for me...

I'm due to sign off at college next week for my nail course, when I first started my nails were ok (not brilliant - but better than I expected them to be!) As I'm nearing the end of my course, my nails seem to be getting worse! I can't seem to get the apex right and I'm spending ages filing, I have read all of the application tutorials on here but I'm still struggling!

I did three sets this weekend and felt so disheartened afterwards, I just feel like giving up! I could honestly cry! I wish I had trained with CND in the first place but didn't realise how it all worked, and thought if I went through college it would be the best route (more fool me!) I'm starting to panic as after next week I've got no one to run to to ask for help!!

Sorry for the long post, I just needed to get it off my chest, has anyone got any handy tips or words of wisdom for me?

Thanks for reading x

 

[user 35377]

Just don't give up, practice, practice, practice. Watch a lot of videos on people applying product. Remember to keep an eye on your own application--looking at the nail from all sides (frequently) to check shape and angle. Make it a point to learn how to sculpt with your brush--not your file. Don't give up, we all get discouraged at one time or another, but if your passion truly is nails, you will get through it!

 

[ally-mac]

Hi Claire,
Are you using acrylic or gel? tips or sculpts? c-c my nails is right - it's all about practice! You need to identify what you are doing wrong though otherwise you won't improve. If it's acrylic, you may need to focus on your mix ratio before focusing on building the nail itself as once you get that right, the whole thing gets a lot easier!
What products are you using at the mo?
xxx

 

[angel fingers]

they are probably not getting worse.

i would say its more likely that now you have more knowledge are more aware of the faults. this means that your eye knows the look of a good nail now. it will take some time and practice until your skill level meets up to your expectataions.

its a good thing though, its those who cant see whats wrong with their nails and think they dont need improving that wont suceed in the industry.
you might have some way to go but at least you are going in the right direction.

and besides, you have us to come running to when you have finished your course. take heart, you will be ok.

 

[Claire.1611]

Thank you, that's made me feel a bit better! Sorry forgot to say - I'm using acrylic, use CND but through college.
When I first started all I wanted to do was practice, practice, practice but now I feel like when I finish a set of nails I'm so disheartened it puts me off, but yet I love doing it! I think I might just practice on my Mum free of charge until I feel I'm ready to charge people.

Oh and I'm using tips, but sometimes I sculpt on myself (not very often though!)

It's pretty ridiculous when I think, next week I'll be a 'qualified nail technician' yet I feel like I know nothing! There must be some real butchers out there!

 

[shedunlop]

Funnily enough I had a conversation yesterday about this with another 'old girl' in the business. We were talking about our first nails, we thought they were so good but when we think back they were complete rubbish. Thick, sitting tall on the nail, a bit lumpy with lifting just waiting to happen. Then we learned what they should really look like and the self doubt set in!

You have reached this stage my darling so you are actually making progress! Just as others have said, you must keep at it, watch everything you can, read everything you can and as far as not having anyone to run to ?
YOU HAVE US!!!

 

[alexandra1984]

Hi Geeks,

I know a lot of newbies have posted this question but I just wondered if anyone had any useful tips for me...

I'm due to sign off at college next week for my nail course, when I first started my nails were ok (not brilliant - but better than I expected them to be!) As I'm nearing the end of my course, my nails seem to be getting worse! I can't seem to get the apex right and I'm spending ages filing, I have read all of the application tutorials on here but I'm still struggling!

I did three sets this weekend and felt so disheartened afterwards, I just feel like giving up! I could honestly cry! I wish I had trained with CND in the first place but didn't realise how it all worked, and thought if I went through college it would be the best route (more fool me!) I'm starting to panic as after next week I've got no one to run to to ask for help!!

Sorry for the long post, I just needed to get it off my chest, has anyone got any handy tips or words of wisdom for me?

Thanks for reading x

Ah dont give up Hun. Most of us have been in this position. You will get there. Im in exactly the same boat. Take a look at some of my previous posts where im worrying and moaning about my college! Samantha Sweet Private messaged me after she read one about my frustration with college. And i cant tell you what an uplift she has given me, To know that out there are people who care and understand your passsion is so heartwarming, It makes you think that you CAN do it, I too am worried about qualifing from college, im thinking what is the point? What was the point in paying all the fees? To go where with it? I really really wish id saved that bit more up and go on a creative course, My college has a lot to answer for. It seems they are more concerned about getting the passes rather then turning out quality techs~??? Anyway i have come to the conclusion that my course has been a small stepping stone into the NAIL world. Just a base to build upon. I will have to go onto another course to have some thorough education. But this is my college not others, Please dont think im tarrring them all with the same brush xx

 

[mrs o]

Its a good sign when you begin to see faults in your work.It means that your eye has come in.Lots of people think that the 1st nails they do are great,and that can be a worry that they cannot see room for improvement .Or else they are willing to accept average standards and dont want to push/challenge themselves for more.
All the great Nail Pros criticise their work-they always think that they could have done better,nicer,etc.
So -no I am sure you are not getting worse,you are just being pickier.(is that a word?)

 

[Claire.1611]

:hug:

Ah dont give up Hun. Most of us have been in this position. You will get there. Im in exactly the same boat. Take a look at some of my previous posts where im worrying and moaning about my college! Samantha Sweet Private messaged me after she read one about my frustration with college. And i cant tell you what an uplift she has given me, To know that out there are people who care and understand your passsion is so heartwarming, It makes you think that you CAN do it, I too am worried about qualifing from college, im thinking what is the point? What was the point in paying all the fees? To go where with it? I really really wish id saved that bit more up and go on a creative course, My college has a lot to answer for. It seems they are more concerned about getting the passes rather then turning out quality techs~??? Anyway i have come to the conclusion that my course has been a small stepping stone into the NAIL world. Just a base to build upon. I will have to go onto another course to have some thorough education. But this is my college not others, Please dont think im tarrring them all with the same brush xx

Thanks for your reply. I totally agree with you with regards to the college - all they want is to pass you! Must be something to do with money....
I think I'm going to save up and go to CND, there's no real one to one at college, we only have a small class but our questions seem to get fobbed off! The way in which we have been shown things seems to be all the shortcut techniques ie. blending a tip with acetone!

Again, thanks for your reply, I really appreciate it xx

 

[smartypantz]

You are probably not getting worse, but it just feels like it. I am fairly new to nails as well, and I remember the sheer frustration and the absolute certainty that I was getting worse. However looking back, I wasnt, it just felt like it. Photograph all the nails you do, and keep them, and then you can look back when you hit moments like this and you will see, that you are getting better hth

 

[ally-mac]

Mrs O has hit the nail on the head - you do get 'pickier' as time goes on and it's a good thing! I very rarely finish a client and think I've done an excellent job. I constantly think I could have done something better and that's what brings my clients back to me. They think their nails are excellent but the fact I am constantly trying to improve my end result means they are always satisfied.

Producing an excellent set of nails takes a LOT of time and a LOT of practice and it can be so frustrating. Why not create a set of nails and then write down a list of "work on's" for your next practice session? For example if you know you need to work on thinner enhancements then it's your mix ratio and product placement you need to improve on and sculpt with your brush not with your file. If it's smile lines, then practice on tips - if you get a large enough tip you can practice 2 or 3 smile lines on it!

When you first start out with acrylic it can be hard to work the product before it sets but this will come with time!
Don't give up - just keep practicing and it will pay off! You never stop learning when you're in the nail biz so keep this in mind! We all have something to learn and we most likely all have something that's our weakness eg some don't like gel sculpts, some acrylic sculpts, some don't like tips, some don't like natural nails etc. These dislikes usually come about because we don't quite get it right in the beginning and avoid it. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and enjoy the challenge - it's worth it xxx:Love: