F.A.Q.
Q: What is the difference between tips and sculpted nails?
A: Tips are applied with glue/resin and a plastic nail tip. Acrylic is applied to the nail bed and then on top of the glued tip. Sculpted nails are made for each client by using a nail form (laminated paper) that has a sticky backing. Acrylic is applied directly to the nail bed and extended out. Form is removed and the enhancement is left.
Q: What’s the difference between regular polish and gel polish?
A: The main difference is HOW they dry. Regular polish has to air dry, which takes a hour or 2 depending on the amount of polish applied. Gel polish dries in a UV or LED lamp. So its dry when you leave the salon.
Q: What is the difference between Hard Gel and Acrylic?
A: Hard gel has a honey like consistency and is applied then hardened in the UV or LED lamp. Hard gel is ready to be filed smooth immediately after being removed from the lamp, it files off with very little pressure and is unable to be soaked off. It must be gently filed off for removal which takes 15-20 min. Acrylic hardens over a small amount of time. It is ready to be filed smooth in about 5 min and a generous amount of pressure is applied. Acrylic can be soaked off using acetone and gently filed and buffed off which takes 10-15 min. They both provide great protection and make beautiful enhancements for the natural nails.
Q: What is better for my nails?
A: Honestly anyones nails can benefit from any technique. As long as the technician isn’t using any overly invasive techniques Or illegal products on the natural nails that can cause damage.
Q: Is MMA acrylic bad for the nails?
A: MMA is Methyl Methacrylate (MMA). MMA has been made illegal and is banned in the nail industry. It is also referred to as dental acrylic and should NEVER be used for nails. It has a foul smell and can damage the natural nails severely. When soaked off it turns really gooey and is hard to safely push off the nails. Persons who have applied nails with MMA usually rip the nails off because it is so difficult to soak off. (EMA) Ethyl Methacrylate is what I use. Which is not illegal and is used in the nail industry by nail technicians all over. It is the safest product to use when using acrylic. It does not have a over offensive smell and will crumble off when soaked off using acetone.