Hi, I'm new to the site and just wanted to introduce myself.
I've recently completed the Creative Foundation Course. I have done a few sets of L&P and have lined up a few more victims to try and get my practice in. At the moment I'm charging £5 a set, just to cover my costs, but I can't do that indefinitely as money is in very short supply:cry: I've not been particularly happy with my efforts to date however my "clients" seem pretty happy with them. In saying that however, none of them get their nails done regularly so I guess don't have anything to compare them with ... maybe just as well just now
I have been checking out the site tutorials to try and get some more ideas and they look really helpful. They have motivated me to get my trainer hand out to do a bit more practice! I would like to get some further info on a couple of points. I noticed on one of the tutorials re PREP - I know you etch the nail lightly to remove shine, however on the tutorial it said that etching wasn't needed as the products used would stick to the nail (I'm paraphrasing from memory so forgive me if I'm wrong). Does that mean I shouldn't be etching the nail? I was shown to use the Koala and etch lightly in the direction of nail growth. Am I doing that correctly?
I'm also really struggling with my smile lines (or should that be frown lines:irked: ). I know that much of it comes with practice ... and more practice, but if anyone could give me further tips I would be very grateful. I've also printed out the tutorial. I know I'm not getting my ratio right - it's either too wet or too dry. Also, how do you perfect the size of the bead? I tend to find that it's too small and I'm struggling to cover zone 1 adequately.
On some of the nails I've done so far I've found that the free edge has curled under or is a bit squint. The client has commented that that is how her nail grows naturally. How can I correct that? Is it happening because of the way I am placing the form? I am aiming to produce a natural looking nail, but if possible would like to improve on nature.
Another thing - when you fit the form, do you place it and stick the underneath together first before sticking down the sides? I was shown to do that but on the tutorial I thought it looked like the sides were being stuck first. Not sure if I'm just picking it up wrong or if it doesn't really make a difference.
I'm planning to do a set on a girl who has bitten nails, I know I should keep them shorter than she would probably like, but I wanted to check, do I need to get the form right up to the free edge? If so, how do I avoid the "ski jump" effect?
One last question .... honest:o but are there any tutorials on manicures for natural nails or does anyone know of any good sites where I could get some ideas?
I've ordered a book "The Encyclopedia of Nails" (at least I think that's what it's called) which I saw recommended here, which I hope will be a good source of information, but I'm keen to pick up on any additional information I can get my hands on!
Apologies for such a lengthy first post, but I seem to have sooooo many more questions than answers!
I look forward to reading your replies and I look forward to becoming a part of your friendly community :biggrin:
Julie
I've recently completed the Creative Foundation Course. I have done a few sets of L&P and have lined up a few more victims to try and get my practice in. At the moment I'm charging £5 a set, just to cover my costs, but I can't do that indefinitely as money is in very short supply:cry: I've not been particularly happy with my efforts to date however my "clients" seem pretty happy with them. In saying that however, none of them get their nails done regularly so I guess don't have anything to compare them with ... maybe just as well just now
I have been checking out the site tutorials to try and get some more ideas and they look really helpful. They have motivated me to get my trainer hand out to do a bit more practice! I would like to get some further info on a couple of points. I noticed on one of the tutorials re PREP - I know you etch the nail lightly to remove shine, however on the tutorial it said that etching wasn't needed as the products used would stick to the nail (I'm paraphrasing from memory so forgive me if I'm wrong). Does that mean I shouldn't be etching the nail? I was shown to use the Koala and etch lightly in the direction of nail growth. Am I doing that correctly?
I'm also really struggling with my smile lines (or should that be frown lines:irked: ). I know that much of it comes with practice ... and more practice, but if anyone could give me further tips I would be very grateful. I've also printed out the tutorial. I know I'm not getting my ratio right - it's either too wet or too dry. Also, how do you perfect the size of the bead? I tend to find that it's too small and I'm struggling to cover zone 1 adequately.
On some of the nails I've done so far I've found that the free edge has curled under or is a bit squint. The client has commented that that is how her nail grows naturally. How can I correct that? Is it happening because of the way I am placing the form? I am aiming to produce a natural looking nail, but if possible would like to improve on nature.
Another thing - when you fit the form, do you place it and stick the underneath together first before sticking down the sides? I was shown to do that but on the tutorial I thought it looked like the sides were being stuck first. Not sure if I'm just picking it up wrong or if it doesn't really make a difference.
I'm planning to do a set on a girl who has bitten nails, I know I should keep them shorter than she would probably like, but I wanted to check, do I need to get the form right up to the free edge? If so, how do I avoid the "ski jump" effect?
One last question .... honest:o but are there any tutorials on manicures for natural nails or does anyone know of any good sites where I could get some ideas?
I've ordered a book "The Encyclopedia of Nails" (at least I think that's what it's called) which I saw recommended here, which I hope will be a good source of information, but I'm keen to pick up on any additional information I can get my hands on!
Apologies for such a lengthy first post, but I seem to have sooooo many more questions than answers!
I look forward to reading your replies and I look forward to becoming a part of your friendly community :biggrin:
Julie
