Star Nails UV gel, problems!

[Shardena]

Hi, I am in need of some advice. I am using Star Nails thick sculpting gel with the star nails uv top coat and clients keep coming back with nail that have lifted loads or fallen off! I always complete a thorough prep of the nail and i use the Xtreme primer before application of the gel, taking care to make sure the nail plate is dry. Do you have any advice or experience in using star nails uv gels? Thanks!

 

[NoticeableNails]

Is this a problem that has just started to occur?
Or is it a problem you've always had with these products?

If it has just started, it might be that your bulbs need changing? The gel might not be fully curing.
If you have always had this problem with this gel, then I would look at your technique. Talk us through your routine.
Perhaps you aren't being as thorough as you think with your prep? Perhaps you aren't building any structure into the nail.

Talk us through, and we might be able to spot your problem x

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[Shardena]

Its a problem that has occurred right from the start. I have never used star nails gel before and didn't know what to expect. My prep starts with a cuticle removal and file of the free edge. I then use a white buffing block to gently buff off any lumps/bumps. I then use my scrubfresh to cleanse the nail before applying the tips. After applying and shaping the tips i cleanse again and use the primer on the nail (not the tip) without leaving it wet looking. Then i apply the sculpting gel (away from the cuticles), cure for 3 mins (my cnd lamp is new so the bulbs are good) and then do the top coat for 2 mins, then wipe. Just wondering if im missing something in the prep or application? Thanks for your help!

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[NoticeableNails]

With only one layer of gel I doubt there'll be any structure to the nail. So there'll be no strength.

What training have you done? You seem to be using a right mix of products and equipment.

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[Shardena]

I trained at college 10 years ago but specialised in massage and waxing more so only did a few sets of gels a week using bio sculpture gel with tips. But i havn't worked in the beauty industry for the last 3 years as wanted to try something else so i got a bit rusty. Then did the shellac training course in November this year and practised the gels on willing victims before i came back into the salon environment. Do you think i should use two layers of the clear self leveling gel on top of the thick sculpting gel instead of one? Would that prevent lifting? X

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[NoticeableNails]

I would highly recommend you get some training to refresh your knowledge.
Whilst everyone has to start somewhere it's not advisable to "experiment" on clients. You could unknowingly give them allergic reactions from overexposure. Also it may put off potential clients if you develop a reputation for shoddy work.
The extra layers wouldn't prevent lifting, but would give strength and structure to the enhancement. This would prevent breakages.

As I said I strongly suggest you invest in a uv gel course with the products you would choose to work in.


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[Shardena]

Id love to to a conversion course with CND for the Brisa gel, just need to save up a little first. Was thinking of swapping to NSI in the meantime. And don't worry, my victims were friends and family! Would never practise on my clients. Thanks for your advice and help

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[AllThumbs]

the problem here is youre not using enough gel layers, and unfortunatly you need something a little rougher than a buffing block. star nail is an old school gel but can be used successfully to make great nails. use a 180 to buff the natural nail. you dont want it too smooth. when you apply your base layer you want to "scrub" the layer on. move your brush up and down back and forth like your using scrub fresh to work the product into the scratches you created with the file. thats your base layer. you need about 2-3 layers to build a successful nail. once you cure your base layer then do a thicker second layer, flipping the finer upside down and waiting for the gel to flow toward the center of the nail. this creates the structure layer. flip back right side up and allow a min to settle and then pop in the lamp. continue until you get your desired thickness. refine, then top coat. voila!

 

[NoticeableNails]

I would also recommend paying the nail angel website a visit.
They have a wealth of great videos and tutorials.

Whilst I understand courses aren't cheap. But maybe you might be better holding off spending money on gels until you can afford the course. As you'll be picking up bad habits at the moment and effectively wasting product and money.

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[Shardena]

Thankyou to both of you. I have been stressing a lot over the worry of clients coming back to me with nails hanging off and am so glad that you have both responded to me. Ill definitely be giving the 180 file a go along with the 'scrubbing' motion with the gel! Xx

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[TortoiseShell]

Its a problem that has occurred right from the start. I have never used star nails gel before and didn't know what to expect. My prep starts with a cuticle removal and file of the free edge. I then use a white buffing block to gently buff off any lumps/bumps. I then use my scrubfresh to cleanse the nail before applying the tips. After applying and shaping the tips i cleanse again and use the primer on the nail (not the tip) without leaving it wet looking. Then i apply the sculpting gel (away from the cuticles), cure for 3 mins (my cnd lamp is new so the bulbs are good) and then do the top coat for 2 mins, then wipe. Just wondering if im missing something in the prep or application? Thanks for your help!

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Are you using ScrubFresh by CND? It contains acetone. I've never used Star Nails before but from what I've read it soaks off rather easily, so crossing the products could be your problem. I would try prepping with alcohol.

 

[izzidoll]

Hi tortoiseshell and welcome to the site!
This is a thread from December 2012 you have replied to and 'bumped' up so I am sure the Threadstarter will have solved her problem by now

 

[TortoiseShell]

LOL Realized that after replying, haha. Sorry, new to the site, as you said.