25 Mar
GlossaryLive Blog, Pro Q&A

What is a reverse french application?

PRO Q&A

What is a reverse french application?

Perfect French Nails: White to Pink Transition

Article by Alisha Rimando | Published in 2023

Most French enhancement techniques teach the tech to apply white at the free-edge and create the smile line. Then the pink is added to the nail plate and the two are connected. In a reverse application, you add the pink to the nail bed and create a reverse smile line. Some let this dry and file it clean and smooth before adding a form and the white extension. The benefit to this technique is being able to push the white directly against the pink to create a clean line. This technique was originally created for applying cover pink powders. It can also be beneficial when sculpting gel.

Back to blog
28 Nov
GlossaryLive Blog, Pro Q&A

Is the cuticle tissue dead or alive

PRO Q&A

Is the cuticle tissue dead or alive?

Discover the cuticle basics that every nail tech should know.

Article by Alisha Rimando | Published in 2023

Cuticle is a thin layer of colorless dead tissue between the proximal nail fold, eponychium and the nail plate. Together they form a seal to keep pathogens from infecting the matrix area. To avoid product lifting in this area, best practice is to remove all cuticle that is directly attached to the nail plate, so polish and other nail products can adhere directly to the nail and not atop the cuticle. To gently detach cuticle from the nail plate, dip a 2×2 gauze square in cuticle remover and gently scrub the nail plate in a circular motion up to the eponychium. Trim excess cuticle or hangnails with a sharp cuticle nipper.

Back to blog
12 Sep
GlossaryLive Blog, Pro Q&A

Difference Between UV and LED Lamps

PRO Q&A

What is the Difference Between
UV and LED lamps?

The Glowing Debate: UV vs. LED Nail Curing Lamps

Article by Alisha Rimando | Published in 2023

LED (light emitting diode) is a direct light. This means the diode inside the lamp must shine directly onto the gel product to cure it. LED light normally takes 5-60 seconds to cure most gel nail enhancement products. LED bulbs traditionally last 50,000 hours.

UV (ultraviolet light) radiates light inside the lamp so all nails are exposed to the light. UV lamps usually cure gel nail products in 1-2 minutes. UV bulbs last about six months before they are in need of replacement.

The nail industry has turned to the newer technology of LED for a number of reasons; time saving, cost savings in bulbs and the fact that LED is a cool light, so there’s less heat transmitted during the curing process.

Related videos, articles & glossary terms on GlossaryLive

Back to blog