Disgraceful Acrylic Nails

Hey I hope you enjoyed my last blog. I've spent the past 5 days learning how to use google+, Blogger, iMovie and generally learning how to create interesting content. There are so many things I can't wait to blog about but I'm going to base today's blog on a topic I feel needs to be addressed. 

E-files 

In 2008 I trained as an Acrylic nail technician. If you have read my last blog you will understand how passionate I am about the nail industry and training to become a certified technician was something I couldn't wait to do.

Training

I studied in Brighton for 3 days in total; first learning the theory and science behind Acrylic nails, then practicing tip and sculptured application. I then had a two week gap to build case studies before I could return to demonstrate my competency on day 3 in product application. 

"I passed"

During my training we were shown how to 

• Prepare the nail plate 

• Apply the product

• File and shape

• Rebalance

• Infill  

All of which were done using different grade hand files, never an Electric file/drill. 

Treatment time to begin was 4 hours and over time with lots of practice this was reduced to 1hr 30 minutes which is a normal amount of time to expect to be sat having a set of sculptured acrylic nails applied. 

Outrageous Behaviour 

Over the last 7 years I have had numorous clients come to me that have had acrylic nails done at walk in nail bars usually rushed in and out with in 20-30 minutes to be left with a substantial amount of damage. The natural nails and cuticles are prepared with an electric file to save time usually resulting in a burning sensation, pain and sometimes bleeding to be told that it's normal for that to happen. Once the nails have grown out they are then prepared for infills in the same way resulting in whats call the "ring of fire" red rings all the way up the nail plate showing every infill that's been done.

My Most Recent Example 

On Wed this week (21/1/15) I had a lady come to me with some serious damage. She had been recommended to a nail bar to have her wedding nails done and was left with this damage after just one treatment. 

She didn't know what to do with them and had been covering them up with nail varnish although you could still see the ridges through the polish. She thought this was normal after having a set of Acrylic nails applied!!! 

Repair job 

I removed her cuticles and decided that shellac would be the best option to give her nails the strength they needed to grow out. We decided on a french finish. It will take roughly 6 months for her nails to grow enough to get rid of the damage. 

This picture shows how they looked once I had properly manicured them.

Regrowth program 

It's going to take time but I'm pleased she didn't get sucked into the vicious cycle of going back every 2-3 weeks leaving no option but to return because of the damaged and needing to cover them up. It infuriates me that people get away with doing this calling themselves professionals. 

"Make sure you research where you're going and know exactly what you want before booking an appointment with some "Rogue Trader".

I'd love to hear what your thoughts are on this topic I know some people use E-Files to rebalance once product has built up over a few treatments. I just disagree with them being used to strip layers from the natural nail plate.

Kolaine