UV Lamp

[kajay]

Hi, I have just recently enrolled on a Nail Liquid/Powder foundation course for nails. We received a basic kit, but need to buy a UV lamp, I have not received my lamp yet, and have just been practising on myself without curing. I have noticed that the top coat doesn't look that glossy on my nails, is that the purpose of the lamp curing? Can someone tell me about UV lamp use? Thanks.

 

[Vetty]

To be honest you need to wait until you are taught how and when to use your UV lamp...... The traditional way to make L+P enhancements shiny is to buff them or use regular top coat but people do use UV cured gloss as well and you need a UV lamp to cure it. UV lamps are also needed to apply gel enhancements.

The thing is not all UV lamps are the same - so the lamp from company A wont necessarily cure product from from company B.....

You need to talk to your tutor and see what lamp they recomend you use.

Hth's

 

[kajay]

Thanks for the advice. I will wait until I am told which one to get from my tutor. I have only recently enrolled on the course, and have applied 4 sets of acrylics up to now on friends, have got another 6 sets to complete before next class. I am really enjoying, and find the video tutorials really helpful on the Young Nails website. At the moment we are being taught the reverse application way, and its takes me about 2 1/2 hours to complete. I was wondering what is the normal amount of time it would take for a professional to complete it in. Also, what is the benefit of taking longer to apply reverse application french nails, as opposed to using white tips, which would be quicker. Is it because the overlay dulls the whiteness of the tips? That's the only thing I can think of.

 

[Vetty]

At the moment we are being taught the reverse application way, and its takes me about 2 1/2 hours to complete. I was wondering what is the normal amount of time it would take for a professional to complete it in. Also, what is the benefit of taking longer to apply reverse application french nails, as opposed to using white tips, which would be quicker. Is it because the overlay dulls the whiteness of the tips? That's the only thing I can think of.

The accepted time for a full set is 90 mins, so you're doing ok for someone in training. White tips are quicker as you say but to be honest very few people have nail beds that are flattered by white tips, most look short and stumpy! Also, as a white tip grows out you need to use your white powder or gel to rebalance, so IMO it's easier to use white product from the start...... Another thing is the more white smile lines you do the easier they are to do, if you rely on white tips smile lines may become an issue for you..

Smile lines are hard to crack but so worth it!

Hth's

 

[kajay]

Thanks for you advice Yvette. I have now completed my fifth set, and am amazed how I am getting better each time. I did my last set in 2 hours 10 mins, and realised I was applying a little bit too much product, which resulted in me having to do a lot of filing! I want to buy an electric file, and be trained in the use of it, because the nail technicians in the salon I am doing the course with have them, and say they wouldn't be without one!

I have another 7 bookings from friends for this week, so will have more than my required 10 sets. I am getting a lot of pleasure from applying nails, and find it really enjoyable to do, and see the finished results, and I am getting referrals from them already, but probably because its free! To be honest, I'm quite happy to do them free, and hopefully they will become future clients.

I am lucky I have free time to do them, my husband has his own business, which I help with the admin for one day a week, but have the rest of week free. Hopefully I can build up a business for myself. I want to do as many courses as possible to learn all the applications.