What you need to buy for nail extension. Gel nail extension. Instructions with photos for beginners. Which gel is better, technology on forms, tips. Gel nail extension at home - step by step

Nail extension is a modeling of natural nails in order to correct existing defects. Extension also means an artificial increase in the length of the nails.

Basic set of tools for nail extension

Before starting the nail extension procedure, the novice master must prepare a set of necessary materials and tools. With their proper selection, a woman will be able to do a manicure on her own.

Basic set of tools for nail extension:

  • UV lamp;
  • a set of files of different shapes (oval, rectangular, boomerang) and sizes (100, 120, 180 grit);
  • pusher;
  • brushes for modeling (straight and narrowed);
  • quadrilateral buff.

Let's take a closer look at each of the tools and determine which one is best for a novice master to choose.

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UV lamp

The lamp is selected with a power of 24-36 watts. The tool is necessary in the procedure of nail extension and when covering them with acrylic. The functions of the UV lamp include:

  • gel crystallization;
  • protection of the nail plate from the appearance of a fungal infection (it may occur as a reaction to the application of a foreign substance to the nails).

It is not recommended to look into a UV lamp during the nail extension procedure. This action can harm the eyes.

It is recommended to initially choose a powerful UV lamp. It is from this indicator that the rate of crystallization of the gel on the nails depends. When choosing a tool, beginners should pay attention to its structure. The device is a small box with a hole for two hands. Inside there are lamps (one or two, the number depends on the power), protected by a foil coating. The use of foil is also necessary for precise focusing and enhanced UV power.

When building nails, pay attention to the serviceability of the lamp and its appearance. It must not have cracks. UV lamps are not recommended to be kept in rooms with high humidity and touched with wet hands, this is fraught with tool breakage.

A selection of lamps that you should pay attention to the novice master:




Files for nail extension

When choosing a file, a novice master should pay attention to the following criteria:

  • shape - oval, rectangular or in the form of a boomerang;
  • material - soft emery or ceramic base;
  • functions - the nail file will be used for polishing nails, grinding, etc.;
  • purpose - for natural nails or for treated with gel, acrylic;
  • abrasiveness is the hardness of the tool. It is defined in grits (from 80 to 400). An indicator of 80 is the hardest file, 400 is the softest.

Each saw has its own purpose. For example, oval is used to shape the nails and to align them. Also, this type of nail file is used to shorten nails. The rectangular shape of the tool functions similar to the oval.

A boomerang-shaped tool is convenient to use if you need to round the edges of the shape of the nail plate. The second way to use a boomerang-shaped nail file is to cut the gel (acrylic) in the cuticle area.

When choosing nail files, we recommend that you pay attention to the following:




Pusher

The second name of the tool is a scraper. It is used in manicure, pedicure and nail extensions. Pusher in cosmetology is used to push back the cuticle on the nail.

When choosing a scraper, pay attention to its condition and shape. It is selected depending on the shape of the nail plate. Pushers are:

  • oval;
  • square;
  • semicircular.

Recommended pusher for beginners - Mertz 109. It has a visually pleasing design and build that makes it comfortable to hold in your hands. Pusher Mertz 109 has a universal shape that allows you to push back the cuticle on any shape of the nail.


Modeling brushes

To build nails, a novice master will need to purchase brushes for gel modeling. When choosing them, you should pay attention to the material of manufacture. Brushes must be made of synthetic bristles. To create a smooth surface on the leg, the composition of the tools must be rigid.

When choosing brushes for modeling, you should pay attention to the consistency of the gel. If it is liquid, then we choose narrow brushes, if it is thick, then wide models will do.

Quadruple buff

An indispensable tool for nail extension is a four-sided buff. It can be used to polish and polish nails of different sizes and shapes. Buff copes with all the shortcomings on the nail plate, leveling it and giving it a natural shine.

There are 4 sides in a standard buff, and each of them has its own purpose:

  • the first - with its help, the desired shape of the nails is modeled;
  • the second - aligns the nail plate, making it even;
  • the third is designed for grinding flaws;
  • fourth - polishes nails to a shine.

When choosing a buff, pay attention to abrasiveness. Suitable for nail extensions from 300 to 900 grit.

The buff must be disinfected after each use. This will prevent the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.

Necessary materials

In addition to tools, nail extensions need such materials:

  • gel;
  • tips;
  • primer;
  • cuticle oil;
  • forms;
  • degreaser;
  • napkins;
  • the finish.

For high-quality building, it is worth paying special attention to the choice of materials. The gel should not be the cheapest and should not have a pronounced smell.

Let's take a closer look at the process of choosing materials for beginners and what you should pay attention to when buying them.

Gel

Gel for nail extension is the main material in the work of the master. It should be chosen with extreme care and attention. Gel happens:

  • Single-phase. Standard extension material. Such a gel is considered the most economical and multifunctional. One tool is used as a basis, fixing and modeling;
  • Two-phase. The composition of the gel includes 2 components, which:
    • cover;
    • protect;
    • form the nail plate.
  • Three-phase. Developed with three components that act as a base, shape the nail and set the coating.

Gel for nail extension is transparent and colored, but this does not affect its curing under UV rays. Its speed depends on the quality of the material and the scheme of its application.

At home, a single-phase type of gel polish is used.

tips

Tips are plastic molds similar to natural nails. When building nails, they are needed to increase the length of the nail plate. Tips can be of different shapes and lengths, colors and designs, as well as the material from which they are made.

When choosing tips for nail extension, preference should be given to a look close to the shape of the nails. This will allow them to be firmly installed and avoid deformation of the nail plate. Also, when choosing a material, pay attention to the material of manufacture. They should be soft, but not break.

To give the tips the desired shape, do not cut them with nail scissors. To carry out this procedure, there is a special tool - a tip cutter.

Tips are divided into sizes - there are 10 in total. Numbering is made from 1 (the smallest) and above. When using the material, the numbers are removed with a nail file.

primer

A nail primer is a tool used to degrease the nail plate in order to prepare it for applying the gel for a long period. The material protects the nail from exposure to chemically harmful substances.

The primer does not dry in a UV lamp.

In the process of gel nail extension, the primer can be replaced with simple vinegar or alcohol. These two products do an excellent job of degreasing the nail plate and disinfecting it.

Applying cuticle oil is the final step in gel nail extensions. It is used to prolong the effect of trimmed manicure. Thanks to the oil, a woman can forget about the need to trim the cuticle until the next extension correction. And this is about 4-5 weeks.

The finish

There are two types of finish gel:

  • With sticky layer. The entire nail is covered with this type of material in order to preserve the pattern for a long time. If you do not cover the design with a finish with a sticky layer, then the pattern will crack and look sloppy;
  • No sticky layer. Such a finish polymerizes quickly and does not need further removal.

Popular finishes include the following brands:



Sterilization takes place in several stages:

  1. Preparation of solution for disinfection. Dilute water and concentrate in equal proportions.
  2. Processing tools. In the open or disassembled form, we immerse them in the solution and lay them out on a specially prepared metal tray.
  3. Sterilization of instruments in kraft bags. Only completely dry instruments are placed in the sterilizer. Sterilization is carried out under the influence of high temperatures. The tools must cool down before being removed.

Tools with anti-corrosion coating are subject to disinfection. When building gel nails, modeling brushes, a buff, a pusher and nail files are subject to sterilization. For proper disinfection, the instruments must be completely covered with the solution and kept in the sterilizer.

Devices cannot be sterilized without pre-treatment in a disinfectant solution.

Sterilization of instruments is a mandatory step in gel nail extensions. Due to it, viruses, fungi and microorganisms are destroyed. Thanks to the preliminary cleaning of the devices, dirt, remnants of skin, blood and other elements are washed off.

Workplace preparation

Before building nails, a novice master must properly prepare his workplace. A few tips for organizing it:

  • The room should be spacious and bright.
  • The work table should be placed in the corner. This will provide natural light.
  • The desktop should not be very wide. The client and the master should be comfortable sitting opposite each other.
  • If the master prefers everything to be on the table, then it is advisable to choose a larger one.
  • The table must be stable and with a surface that is resistant to extensions.
  • At the time of the procedure, a lot of dust spreads and therefore it is recommended to choose a table with a special hood.
  • Armchairs and chairs with adjustable height are selected.
  • To create the right lighting, a table lamp with a mount is used.

For convenience, a novice master can use a cabinet for tools and storage of nail files, as well as other auxiliary materials. The workplace of the master should be comfortable and stylish. Nothing should interfere, everything should be at hand.

Nail extension is a fairly popular procedure among the fair sex, because it guarantees a beautiful, flawless manicure and well-groomed, elegant nails. But what if you do not have enough time or money to go to the master? Then the best option would be to build nails at home on your own.


Content:

The first, fairly simple and unpretentious method of nail extension, is the use of overhead tips. These tips are simply glued to your nails with a special glue. Unfortunately, such a manicure does not always look natural and organic, in addition, the glue has a rather negative effect on the condition of the nail plate and will eventually lead to its treatment. To remove false tips, it is enough to drop a little nail polish remover under the plate (required with acetone), wait a few seconds and carefully remove the tips with an orange manicure stick.

Another means of nail extension is gel. The gel technique involves the use of a special biological gel based on the resin of coniferous trees. With this extension, the nails acquire a natural, well-groomed appearance, the nail plate becomes smooth and radiant. The disadvantage of the gel method is the low strength of the gel coating, if cracks, chips or breaks occur on the nail, then it is necessary to completely change the nail, and its rather high price (when compared with the other two methods).

The third way to build nails is the use of acrylic. Acrylic is a combination of special powder and monomer liquid. When building at home, acrylic is combined with a catalyst that helps soften the material for further application and gradual solidification on the nail plate. Nails with the acrylic method are stronger, easier to correct, have a more natural look, since their thickness is less than that of the gel. However, very often acrylic causes irritation and allergies, has an unpleasant odor, blocks the access of oxygen to the nails, which leads to a violation of the structure of the nail plate.

The extension technology in the second and third cases involves the use of:
– special forms – patterns, thanks to which you can create a nail of any shape, size, length. With this technology, the pattern, in a special way, is attached under the nail plate, and the material is applied on top of it. After drying, the pattern is removed.
– tips, the so-called plastic nails, which are first glued to the nails, and then covered with extension material on top. It is necessary to choose the required size of tips, depending on the shape of the natural nail.

Is it possible to grow nails at home

Very often, after the implementation of the nail extension procedure in the salon, girls are sure that they can do the same at home on their own. But is it? Definitely, yes, however, in order for the nail extension procedure at home not to disappoint, you need to have certain knowledge and a number of necessary tools.

Nail extension at home has several advantages:
- First of all, costs much less, because you will only need to spend money on all components once and there is no need to pay extra “for the work of the master”;
- Secondly, save time, because you do not need to go to salons. In addition, the build-up can be done at any time convenient for you;
- third, correction of nails, restoration of chips or cracks you can do right away, so to speak, "on the spot".

In any case, it is possible to perform the nail extension procedure on your own; for this, you need to have a lot of patience, time and do everything very carefully.

List of gel nail extension materials

So, if you decide to learn the art of gel nails, then you need to arm yourself with the following tools:

1. UV lamp for drying the gel. The best option would be to purchase a 36 watt lamp with a timer.
2. A set of brushes for applying gel. For modeling nails, choose a flat artificial brush.
3. Tips or forms with which the nail modeling will be carried out. Pre-check the tips for plasticity, if they bend well, do not break and do not leave a white stripe - these are good tips that will not let you down during the work. As for the forms, it is better to choose with a wide gluing area, so the forms will not peel off from the fingers.
4. Glue for tips.
5. A set of nail files, buffs. Files will be needed for polishing, filing and shortening nails. To smooth the surface of the nail, you need to take a nail file with a grain size of 100 or 120 grit. Buff is a large rectangular hard foam, designed to wash down an artificial nail.
6. Cuticle pusher.
7. Classic scissors for cutting nails and nippers, for trimming skin or burrs.
8. Nippers, the so-called boat, for cutting tips.
9. Lint-free napkin for wiping nails before sticking tips.

Now, directly, we note what is needed from the materials:

1. Camouflage gel.
2. A primer is a tool that is used to better “adhere” the gel to a natural nail.
3. Foundation or bonder, applied immediately after primer.
4. Finishing gel designed for the final processing of artificial nails. The top coat makes the nails shiny, smooth, gives them a well-groomed appearance.
5. Liquid for removal of a sticky layer. Many at home replace such a drug with ordinary medical alcohol.
6. Cuticle oil. It is applied after the completion of the extension procedure, it serves to care for the cuticle.

Of course, if you want to embellish your nails with drawings, rhinestones, glitter, then you will need to purchase additional materials: paint brushes, acrylic paints, a couple of colored gels, etc.

List of materials for acrylic nails

Acrylic nail extension technology is simpler than gel nail extension and involves the use of the following tools:
1. Orange stick or cuticle pusher.
2. Forms or tips, and accordingly, glue for tips.
3. Manicure scissors for cutting nails.
4. Polishing nail file with a grit of 1000-3000 grit.
5. Tip cutter or cutter for cutting tips.
6. Acrylic brush. It is very important to choose a good quality brush made from natural materials.
7. Files for polishing a natural nail - 180 grit, and for working with an artificial nail - 150 grit. To save money, you can use one nail file.
8. Special brush for removing dust after polishing nails.
9. Buff.

As for preparations for acrylic nails, you will need:

  • 1. Acrylic powder and monomer.
  • 2. Dehydrator - liquid for degreasing the nail plate.
  • 3. Primer.
  • 4. Liquid- special liquid for periodic rinsing of the brush from acrylic powder.
  • 5. Finish gel, top coat for acrylic nails or regular clear varnish.
  • 6. Cuticle oil.

In principle, this will be enough to create a beautiful manicure. However, to form a variety of patterns on the nails, if you wish, you can buy: a couple of colored acrylics, brushes for drawing, acrylic paints, decor for nails.

Estimated prices for materials

Today, you can buy materials for nail extension with gel or acrylic in a specialized store or you can order it via the Internet. Of course, for greater savings, it is optimal to buy a kit right away that contains all the materials necessary for building. On average, a starter kit for gel nails (for beginners) will cost you from 4,000 rubles. The same kit for building acrylic nails will cost from 2000 rubles.

Buying sets in a set, you have the opportunity to save from 10 to 25% of your money. In addition, with the help of professionally selected tools, you can easily master the process of extension and significantly improve your skills.

It's good that technologies in the beauty industry do not stand still, and services that 5–6 years ago were available only to visitors to nail salons can now be afforded by almost any woman, and without leaving home! The most enterprising people use this fact for additional income, the economical ones - so as not to run to the master with every broken nail, and those inclined to creativity - for the soul. If you also belong to one of these categories, the question of buying the right tools and materials for nail extension has probably already matured in your head.

A camping set for a nail extension master: the necessary tools and materials

True, we can talk about saving only in the distant future. First you have to invest in the purchase, and invest seriously. Do not, in fact, equip your mini-salon with junk items bought on occasion and from someone's incomprehensible hands! Everything that you are going to purchase must be of high quality, be in excellent condition and be able to last for a long time. Otherwise, your manicure will turn out not only mediocre, but also unsafe.

What exactly will the future nail service master need?

Essential Tools and How to Use Them

Since nail extension is done using gel or acrylic, in addition to the obvious devices (tweezers, nail files, pushers), you cannot do without special equipment. We are talking, of course, about an ultraviolet lamp, since neither acrylic nor gel freezes in air.

How to choose the right UV lamp

If you are a novice master, get a very simple unit without additional functions. However, with good power - at least 24, and preferably 36 watts! Get ready for the fact that this will be one of your most significant expense items, but it's worth it, because without such a lamp it will stop or, if it is low-power, the entire build-up process will significantly slow down.

For craftswomen who hope to earn extra money with their hobby, it makes sense to take a closer look at models equipped with a blower, a timer, a touch monitor and other “excesses”. All of them make the process of using the lamp more convenient and enjoyable, but they will hardly pay off if you buy the device solely for personal use.

Please note that it does not make sense to substitute nails painted with ordinary varnish under ultraviolet radiation. By and large, the lamp does not dry anything, but only polymerizes the gel, affecting it by no means at an elevated temperature. So you will not reduce the hardening time of a simple varnish, but you can easily achieve its cloudiness. It is better to use a hair dryer for this purpose, setting the mode without heating on it.

How to pick up files for a beginner

Pegs are needed! They process the “native” nail, preparing it for the procedure, bring the gel or acrylic nail to perfection and give the necessary shape to the tips. If you plan to do a manicure a lot and often, you should immediately purchase several files of different shapes and degrees of roughness. With regular use, they quickly become unusable, so the stock will come in handy sooner or later.

For artificial nails, a rough one with an indicator of 80X80 or 100X100 grit is suitable, for delicate natural ones - 180X240.

Each woman chooses the form “for herself”, but:

A separate conversation is a buff file designed for polishing natural nails. It is a block of foam rubber with a side equipped with an emery coating with a hardness of 120X120X120 grit.

The files will need a brush with a hard bristle to remove the smallest dust particles remaining after work.

Iodine for the beauty and health of nails:

Masters who are professionally engaged in manicure at home have a separate nail file for each regular client - this is more hygienic.

Other necessary materials and tools for working at home

What else might be useful?

  1. Manicure scissors for giving the nails the correct shape.
  2. Nippers for removing burrs. And do not think that the presence of scissors in the set makes this purchase optional! Acting with wire cutters is in most cases much easier and safer.
  3. Kater - also nippers, but this time for trimming false nails-tips.
  4. or an orange stick. With this tool, you can push back the cuticle, touch up the gel, glue the rhinestones and do other small work. An orange stick is considered a more eco-friendly option, while a metal pusher is a convenient option. But since the latter is equipped with a flat spatula at one end, a point at the other, and a ribbed surface in the middle so as not to slip out of the craftswoman's fingers, it is more functional. And, of course, durable.
  5. Tweezers to easily pick up and hold tips and shapes in the right position.
  6. Brushes for applying acrylic or gel. Keep in mind, for a professional, these are two different types of brushes! The specialist will not use the same set in both cases.
  7. Tips - miniature pieces of flexible but durable plastic that mimic the tips of nails. They can have a different shape, length and thickness, be wide, narrow, convex to meet the needs of women with any type of nail plate. In addition, you will have to purchase special glue for the tips.
  8. Forms. In fact, this is a stencil, focusing on which the master forms the future nail. Forms can be top, attached over the nail plate - and then the gel or acrylic is applied under them. Or lower, attached under the edge of the nail - in this case, the polymer is applied from above. There are disposable paper forms, reusable plastic and "eternal" metal forms.
  9. Disinfectors. They disinfect the cuticle, destroy bacteria and prevent the development of fungi under the gel.
  10. Dehydrator, primer and bonder. Many consider the listed funds to be analogues, but this is not entirely true. The primer serves to remove fat and tiny particles of dirt from the nail plate, and also prepares the surface for “adhesion” with the gel, slightly lifting the smallest scales of the nail plate. The dehydrator additionally rids the nails of excess moisture, improving grip. And the bonder serves as a fastening agent, thanks to which the gel will qualitatively establish itself on the nail and will not fly off from the first awkward movement.

So far, we have talked about tools that will be useful to you regardless of what you are going to use - acrylic or gel. And then you have to decide which of these materials you prefer to deal with.

Note that the gel is considered to be an easier polymer to handle, ideal for beginners. In addition, it does not emit toxic fumes and does not irritate with an unpleasant odor during operation, therefore, at present, the gel is clearly taking the palm from its less fortunate "brother".

For acrylic nails you will need:


You will definitely need a container for combining powder with acrylic liquid.

For you have to purchase:


Moisturizing cuticle oil will definitely not hurt you, which will prevent the appearance of burrs, lint-free wipes or cotton pads, acrylic paints for applying patterns to the finished nail and small decorations in the form of rhinestones, glitter and other cute little things.

Video: what things are on the list of necessary for a novice manicure master

All of the above is a basic beginner's set. Over time, if the process captivates you, you will expand and supplement this list. And young ladies who are seriously busy with nail design can be advised to take manicure courses. On them you will not only receive valuable recommendations from real professionals, but will also be able to try every tool and material in practice. The steady hand and dexterity that you will gain in the process of learning is worth paying some money for it, right?

The beauty industry attracts not only with its masterpieces, many are captivated by the very process of creating a well-groomed female image. girls, wishing to join the stream of the beauty industry, most often they start with a manicure. Someone plans to provide manicure services to others, someone may want to master the procedure exclusively for themselves. It doesn't matter which way, but many girls come to the desire to learn how to build nails on their own.

What tools and materials are needed for nail extension (basic list)

To begin with, let us denote what you need for any nail extension(list of materials for beginners):

  • a set of brushes for different stages of work;

  • a set of nail files with different abrasiveness;

  • disinfectant liquids;

  • lint-free wipes;

  • brush for brushing sawdust from fingers;

  • a set of tips or forms to give sufficient length to the nails;



  • liquid special glue for manicure repair.

What you need to purchase to work with nails, depending on the type of coating

Gel extension adds rigidity and durability to nails in any life tests. The transparent gel polymerizes without penetrating the surface of the nail and therefore does not affect its structure. But the process itself is longer, and the damaged coating cannot be repaired.

Equipment and materials exclusively for gel extensions

  • UV lamp or LED lamp for coating drying;

  • transparent gel base, which is used to prepare the base for coating;

  • transparent gel finish, which protects the design from possible injuries;

  • thick colored gels to match the color of the nail plate (pink, peach or white);

  • thick gel camouflage, as close as possible to the natural color of the nail;

  • a dehydrator that acts as a degreaser;

  • primer to improve the adhesion between your nail and the gel coat.

Working with acrylic is more harmful in itself, but the material for work is more fertile and malleable. In addition, a chipped nail can be corrected at any time.

Other components of the acrylic extension process







  • acrylic transparent monomer - the most important component in the nail formation procedure;





For beginners at the start of training, it is best to purchase professional materials for nail extension. All components for the procedure must be from the same line of a trusted manufacturer. It is most advantageous to buy a ready-made kit that contains everything you need for nail extensions for beginners.

The first thing to decide at the start is what kind of lamp is needed for nail extension. New ones are more expensive, but the drying process is noticeably reduced (from 3 minutes in a UV lamp to 30-45 seconds in an LED lamp - and this is for one nail). Lamp must be equipped with a timer.

The second question that needs to be resolved is how you will increase the length of the nail - or.

To build nails with tips, you need to choose the size of the tips, which (which is important) will perfectly match the curve of your own nail. Tips are easy to use, but one set may not contain all the sizes you need. Professionals buy large packages with different numbers of plastic nails.

What you need to buy for nail extension on forms is special foil rolls. Building on the forms gives a thinner and more perfect nail, but the process itself will have to be practiced.

What and where else do you need to buy for nail extension? All other tools for the process should also be chosen with special care. Gel or acrylic brushes it is better to take natural, of the highest quality. Any fluff from the brush will give the coating a visible defect. Buy nail files with a margin and each time check before work whether the abrasive layer is clogged. You can't do a good manicure with an old nail file. All other auxiliary materials can be bought in specialized stores.

What to do before nail extension

The debate about whether the constant wearing of artificially created nails is harmful does not subside. There are women who have been carrying out such a procedure for more than ten years without a break and are not going to give up a beautiful and durable manicure. The work of a good, proven master will never harm your hands, but it all depends on the condition of your own nails. Whether you need to give your nails a break from building up is up to you.

Step-by-step instructions for the extension process

Gel extension on tips

  1. Disinfect prepared nails with a spray.
  2. Neatly cut off the top glossy layer of the nail. You can not drive the nail file randomly, only along the nail growth line, gently cleaning the top layer of the nail. Brush off the dust from the nail.
  3. Choose the right one by tip size.
  4. immediately attach to your nail. Hold in the desired position for about 10 seconds until the polymer sets. Do this procedure with all nails.



  5. Form desired nail length, with a nail file, level a small step at the junction.

  6. Apply primer to your nail.

  7. Apply p First layer of more fluid gel I. Dry in a lamp. Remove the sticky layer with a tissue.

  8. thick gel shape the nail. Pay attention to the smooth transition from the middle of the nail to the tip and to the cuticle. Dry in a lamp, remove the sticky layer.
  9. polishing buff clean up any imperfections from the surface of an almost finished nail. Once again, adjust the shape and length.
  10. Cover with a protective gel finish. Dry, remove the sticky layer.

  11. Lubricate the cuticles with fragrant oil.

Acrylic extension on tips

The procedure for preparing the nail and attaching the tips (points 1-6) are the same as for gel extensions. The differences begin at the stage of coating formation.

  1. So, the desired length is formed, let's get to work.
  2. then immediately into pink acrylic powder, forming a small pearl. Immediately transfer it to the nail and distribute it over the surface. Periodically, to smooth down, dip the brush into the monomer. To form the entire nail at once, you need to practice first.

  3. Dipping the brush into monomer and translucent powder and form a transparent surface of the entire nail. The border near the cuticle should be made in the form of a smooth transition to a very thin layer at the edge of the nail.

  4. While the acrylic is still a little plastic, with tweezers or with your own nails, gently press the nail on both sides along the growth line to get a beautiful "arched" end.

  5. After drying and full curing acrylic we file the edge of the nail, form the length and side sections.


  6. We cover the nail transparent finish to give the manicure a special shine and prevention from various kinds of damage

  7. The video shows a real master class on the resurrection of an injured nail. The master talks about what you need to build gel nails at home, and explains why you need a primer for nail extensions. Restoration of length does on tips.

To date, the profession of a master of nail service is very common. The reluctance of women to repaint peeled varnish every five days or a weak nail plate led to the relevance of nail extensions. To work in this industry, you need to select high-quality materials. It is the quality that determines how the work process will go, the final result, and whether the client will come again.

Novice masters do not quite understand what is needed for nail extension, so we advise you to familiarize yourself with the list of necessary materials. It all depends on the type of extension. There are gel and acrylic extensions.

What tools and materials are needed for nail extension

Materials for building gel

Using a special gel allows you to achieve the result of persistent and natural-looking nails, but you need to take care of the availability of all inventory.

For work you will need:

  • Antiseptic for hands and materials.

Important! Before the procedure, it is necessary to process the client's hands and materials for work. Otherwise, it threatens to introduce an infection or fungus.

  • Gel base, which, directly, displays the shape of the future manicure. A novice master should have several colors, you can’t buy only one color of the gel, since the skin color of clients can be different, and a very light base is not suitable for dark-skinned clients, and vice versa.

  • UV lamp. It will not be possible to do without it, since the gel coating is fixed with its help. The price of the lamp depends on its power, type of heating elements, design.

  • Files and buffs, which process the nail plate before coating. They provide strong adhesion to the gel and help to correct the shape. It is better to purchase several files of different abrasiveness at once and use each as needed. The buff is distinguished by its square shape and low abrasiveness.

  • Scissors and tweezers to remove cuticles and burrs. Before coating, it is necessary to remove the excess length of the nails and excess skin around the nail plate. Care should be taken that the tools are not blunt, as the quality of work is directly related to a sharp blade. They should only be sharpened by specialists, or a new set should be bought on time.

  • Pusher and orange sticks. Essential for cuticle care. Orange sticks are more gentle and do not injure the skin, it is convenient to push back the cuticle for further removal. Sticks can also be used to apply rhinestones, stickers and remove excess gel. They are indispensable throughout the entire process.

  • A set of brushes of various diameters that you will need to apply the gel. The volume of the brush should be used depending on the scale of application of the gel. The price depends on the material and brand.

  • Lint-free cotton pads to remove the sticky layer.
  • Brush for sweeping dust from hands.

  • Tips that are glued to the nail plate, and thereby can change its shape and length. These are high quality plastic molds that are highly flexible and durable. Beginning masters do not quite know what is needed for nail extension with tips. All of the above materials are needed, plus a special glue that needs to glue the tips to the nail plate. Judgments about what length of nails is needed for building are contradictory, as there are many myths. The length can be any, it may not be at all, the novice master will select the tips and make the desired length and shape.

  • The primer degreases the surface of the nail, helps the nail plate adhere firmly to the gel coating. If you meet a master who does not know. why do you need a primer for nail extensions, it is better not to trust him with your manicure.

  • Forms are paper, plastic, metal templates. With their help form a form. For a high-quality result of work, you need to know what you need to build nails on forms. The form has a markup that allows you to calculate the length and width of the future design. At the end of the procedure, the form is deleted. Therefore, the manicure on the forms is much thinner and neater than on the tips.

  • A degreaser that removes the sticky layer. At home, medical alcohol is used instead.

  • Finish gel gives shine and smoothness. After its application, the manicure acquires a full-fledged well-groomed appearance.

  • Cuticle oil is applied at the end, prevents overdrying of the cuticle and skin.

Acrylic nail extension materials and tools are somewhat different from gel nail extensions. The tools and materials needed are the same, but there are still differences. Beginning masters of the nail industry confuse these two processes and do not know what materials and tools are needed for acrylic nails.

Materials for building acrylic

Acrylic technique is somewhat different from gel. It is not so popular, since the monomer (liquid) with which the powder reacts has a pungent odor and can cause allergies. But despite this, there are those who want to build up their nails with acrylic. A beginner will need:

  • Camouflage powder for creating a nail bed. It comes in flesh and white to create a jacket. You can also buy colored acrylics in small jars. They can be useful for drawing.

  • Acrylic paints.

  • Polisher. This is a file with an abrasiveness of 1000-3000 grit, which polishes acrylic nails to a shine.

  • Liquid is a liquid that the brush is dipped in before picking up acrylic powder.

  • Optionally, you can purchase sparkles, rhinestones, stickers, colored foil, etc.

How to choose materials

Clients may be interested in what tools are used in the process of work. It would not hurt a beginner to first ask not only what to buy for nail extension, but also how to choose the right quality materials and tools.

To decide which lamp is needed for nail extension, you need to decide in which area the procedures will take place. The work will take place at home for yourself and loved ones, or professionally, in the salon. This is the main criterion when choosing UV lamps. It depends on how much lamp power is needed. A popular and practical lamp is 36 watts.

If it is not possible to go to the masters, there is the option of building at home, it is only important to know what a beginner needs to build nails at home. The list remains unchanged, files, brushes, degreaser, primer and much more are still needed. The only difference may be the quality of these materials and their quantity.

Before starting work, a novice master needs to know what needs to be done before building nails. It is important to make sure that they are healthy, not damaged by the fungus, because under acrylic and gel the nail plate does not breathe and this can exacerbate the problem. Only after making sure that the nails look healthy, you can get to work.

Clients may be hesitant about giving nails a break from extensions. It is certainly necessary, because the whole process begins with the fact that the novice master removes the top layer of the nail plate, after which they can be brittle, thin, and grow poorly. It is important to take breaks between extensions, to let them breathe and get stronger.

Extension process instructions

For successful and productive work, there is a phased process. None of the points should be skipped, otherwise the build-up will be of poor quality and short-lived. It is performed in the following sequence:

  • it is necessary to disinfect nails and tools;
  • cut the cuticle;
  • file, remove the top layer of the nail plate;
  • treat with a primer;
  • apply the first layer with gel, dry;
  • apply a second layer;
  • remove form;
  • cover with the desired varnish and make a design.

Video about nail extension for beginners

To consolidate old and gain new knowledge, a novice master can refer to a video tutorial that details how to properly degrease a nail, glue the shape evenly so that it does not slip off the finger. Describes in detail how to apply the gel professionally. It is necessary to remove the form without sudden movements, otherwise you can break the extended manicure. This video will reveal many useful secrets.

Gel and acrylic extensions are a real find for modern women. Novice masters need to carefully and thoroughly familiarize themselves with this process, take the necessary courses to please their regular customers. Have you grown your nails? If so, which type do you prefer the most?