I use in NSI balance......it's one of the newer formuals (launched at the same time as Brisa) so it has very little heat spike.
Holly Cliffe' Vancouver, BC On 11-Feb-09, at 11:47 AM, Lisa Cianciotti wrote: > What gel system do you use, Holly? > > Lisa Cianciotti > Mount Pleasant, PA > > From: holly cliffe <[email protected]> > To: [email protected] > Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 12:46:08 PM > Subject: NailTech:: Re: Why gels? And Essie pedi opinions... > > I have started using clear plastic forms to sculpt gel (they are > made by NSI). I love these things for two reasons....first of all > my white sculpting gel levels out beautifully over these forms and > the UV light is not blocked by the traditional foil forms so the > white gel cures more completely (this has always been a problem > with the bright white gels). I never use tips anymore, only > sculpting and with the clear plasltic forms I can use nice bright > whites and not worry about curing. > > I have all of my clients in gel and I have never come across a > client whose lifting problems I can't sort out with different > viscosities or application methods or sometimes they have to STOP > using their thumbs to dial their cell phones or release the death > grip on a pen. > > In the gel vs acrylic debate, I found gel so much faster to file > than a/c and once I got used to the medium I found my fills and new > sets were faster than working with a/c. A full set takes just > under an hour, fills 45 min back fills about an hour. > > I also like that there is no liquid/powder ratios to mess around > with.....gel is always clear as glass. > > Holly cliffe > Vancouver, BC > > > On 11-Feb-09, at 8:29 AM, Michelle Cordes wrote: > >> Howdy Marsha, Melody, and Shannon...etc... etc... :) >> Yes, I learned how to do gels in school... right alongside the >> acrylic and wraps. That was 13 years ago, and since I understand >> that products change and get better, and new ones come out, I have >> continued to try to find a gel I can master that doesn't frustrate >> the cr#p out of me!!! So here is some more info. >> >> I can easily do tips or natural overlay of clear gel. That is a >> piece of cake. I can do pink gel and white gel paint, still pretty >> easy. I find that either the client does great (no lifting or >> breaking) or they are an ABSOLUTE MESS- no in between. This has >> made it hard for me to figure out if I have done something wrong >> or they just can't wear gels- but if it's just some can't wear >> them- then DAMN lots of people can't! >> >> My next issue is tips. I don't use tips for my acrylic for a >> reason. I prefer to sculpt because it is faster for me, there is >> no glue breakdown, and I feel I get a more flattering shape to the >> nail. I can't sculpt gel. Just can't. I have tried with every >> product, gone to classes, watched endless videos and I just can't >> seem to get it. Haven't had my a-ha moment yet... :) >> >> And then my third issue is time. I do a full set of pink and white >> sculpted acrylic in just under an hour, backfill in just under an >> hour, and my fills take about 45 minutes. From what I have seen, a >> one color gel fill is also between 45 minutes to an hour, but a >> full set is at least an hour and a half. I charge $30 for a fill, >> $38 for a backfill, and $70 for a full set with acrylics... I >> would have to charge MORE than that because gels are more time... >> >> So yes, Marsha, I guess I am asking... why should this old dog >> learn some new tricks? I have always subscribed to the idea that >> people should find what they are best at and then find the clients >> who are looking for what they do, otherwise you can get the "jack >> of all trades, master of none" thing goin' on. But I also don't >> want to be that nailtech who sits around going "my way is the >> best, so I'm not learnin anything new"! >> >> Any input from anyone? :) >> Michelle Cordes >> >> >> From: [email protected] >> <[email protected]> >> Subject: NailTech:: Re: Why gels? And Essie pedi opinions... >> To: "NailTech Group" <[email protected]> >> Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 4:32 AM >> >> The largest reason why gels are preferred by clients is that they >> are hypoallergenic and no fumes. Typically zero lifting.... They >> are not porous like AC so polish doesn't stain them and acetone >> will not break down the gel like it will AC. >> >> I will note that the majority of the public believes that gel is >> "better for your nails than AC." What they mean is they think >> there is less damage to the nail plate.... But I am always quick >> to inform them that it is the TECHNICIAN that causes damage to >> nail plates!!! Haha! Except, of course, in the case of >> "chronics"---- those that chew, rip, tear, and/or pick their nails >> off! >> >> You newbies will begin to find that most spas and a lot of salons >> do not want techs to use AC because of the "perfumed aroma" that >> is released! Giggles... I just tell them it smells like money to >> me! However they will not let you use AC in their businesses >> because of that. >> >> So... I would recommend that ANY professional nail artist, >> specialist, technician-- whatever you dubb yourself-- learn ALL >> products! AND know the differences, pros & cons of each... It will >> only make you more marketable! >> >> Melody Montgomery >> Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. Cellular >> From: shannon >> Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2009 04:05:15 -0800 (PST) >> To: <[email protected]> >> Subject: NailTech:: Re: Why gels? And Essie pedi opinions... >> I ditto what Marsha said, they file like butter. Just easier to >> work with for me. >> >> Shannon Arnold >> Flip Flop Beauty Shop >> Coopers Plains, NY >> [email protected] >> >> --- On Wed, 2/11/09, Marsha Rubino <[email protected]> wrote: >> From: Marsha Rubino <[email protected]> >> Subject: NailTech:: Re: Why gels? And Essie pedi opinions... >> To: [email protected] >> Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 3:28 AM >> >> One reason I like using gels is that they are so easy to file and >> doing a backfill is a snap. Doing a backfill in acrylic is way too >> much work. But I am confused by your question, Michelle.....you >> say you have been using gel since school.......is it you feel you >> haven't mastered them yet and are you asking....is it worth the >> effort? Plus, although they are becoming more widely available, >> for many years, it was hard for clients to find someone who did >> gels....at least in my area. I wanted to fill that need. >> >> Marsha McDonald Rubino >> GIMME NAILS >> 37 Fifth St. E. Suite 102 >> Kalispell, Montana 59901 >> [email protected] >> >> >> From: Michelle Cordes <[email protected]> >> To: [email protected] >> Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 12:39:54 AM >> Subject: NailTech:: Re: Why gels? And Essie pedi opinions... >> >> oh. and I suppose I should add this... >> I've used gel since nail school. I have used Vibrato, OPI >> Microbond, IBD (including gel polish), and currently use Brisa. I >> have used over tips, natural nails, tried to sculpt, builder >> white, paint on white... I am not new at this... really.... LOL! >> OK, now let me have it ladies! >> >> Michelle Cordes >> >> --- On Tue, 2/10/09, Michelle Cordes <[email protected]> wrote: >> From: Michelle Cordes <[email protected]> >> Subject: NailTech:: Why gels? And Essie pedi opinions... >> To: [email protected] >> Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 11:35 PM >> >> Hey ladies. Ok, 2 questions... >> >> 1.) Has anyone tried the Essie pedicure line? My co-worker just >> bought an intro kit and I am interested to hear any input y'all >> have... >> >> 2.) Can you girls who do gels AND acrylics (or have in the past >> done both) explain to me why go with gel instead of acrylic? Other >> than odor, I get that part. But for example, we do lots of acrylic >> in the salon I work in, so there would be no reason to do gels to >> keep smell away. Seriously, I just watched the tutorial videos at >> gelessentialz.com and it looks like lots of work to me compared to >> sculpting acrylic!!! LOL... somebody... anybody... help me >> understand!!! :) >> >> I hear y'all talk about gels, and it fascinates me, but I just >> can't figure out why I would want to master them personally! Sell >> me, girls!!! >> >> Michelle Cordes >> Washington (State), where it is snowing. again. so all my clients >> can cancel. again. sissies. :) >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > > > > > --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "NailTech" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/NailTech?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
