Reality shows have been a big trend in the beauty industry in recent years. Whether it’s hair or nails, clients want a look that lasts and is easy to maintain because it’s friendly to their busy schedules and budgets. When it comes to nails, gel nails are the route many customers choose because they are long-lived, durable, and beautiful. The innovative formulation is more accessible and gentler to apply. In particular, construction gel or BIAB nails are listed in the top 10 nail trends worldwide, and customers are looking for a healthy, long-lasting option. If you want to keep up with the latest trends in the nail industry to meet your client’s needs, you will need to follow these tips to build your gel skills!
1. Seek in-person training on nail polish.
The best manicurists are those who invest in continuing education so they can keep up with the ever-changing industry! The Nailpro Nail Show, held September 8-9 at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento, California, offers plenty of nail education opportunities for the best manicurists in the industry.
Jaime Schrabeck from Precision Nails is teaching a class on hard glue, in which attendees can learn how hard glue can easily lengthen natural nails and protect them for beauty and durability. This course will help you streamline your application and maintenance procedures to minimize time, filing, and effort while eliminating lifts and breakages.
Suppose you want to prioritize time maintenance for gel manicures. In that case, you should take a class from LaTonya So, founder of Omni Nail Academy, to keep your fast gel nail clients happy. In this class, So will help attendees create a wonderful spa-style experience for their clients at the best price while leveraging their time management skills.
2. Keep up to date with the latest news on gel nail polish.
As we’ve mentioned before – and it can’t be stressed enough – the nail art industry is rapidly evolving and changing, so you need to stay updated with the latest news and updates.
Since many consumers are starting to take gel polishes into their own hands, one recent concern has been allergens. There have been recent reports of a rise in the number of people with gel allergies, which is unsurprising given that gel polishes are now more widely available to consumers. As a manicurist, raising awareness about allergens and educating your clients on this issue is essential. Thankfully, Dr. Vivian Valenty, founder of Dazzle Dry, joined us in exploring this issue and addressing nail allergens. She answers five frequently asked questions about gel allergies, provides insights into potential allergens and allergen-specific ingredients, and shares nine steps for nail professionals to consider to minimize the effects of allergens.
With nail allergens becoming a growing concern, many customers are becoming more concerned about the ingredients in the products they use. That means, as a nail art professional, you should, too. Nail brands are beginning to change how they formulate nail polish, offering safer and more sustainable options, such as HEMA-free alternatives. When new nail products hit the market, pay attention to what’s in the bottle and choose options that match your values and customers.
3. Make sure you prepare your nail gel correctly!
The most essential part of any manicure is nail preparation. Practice the correct preparation steps on your natural nails to avoid lifting and ensure longevity.
We contacted Anastasiia Rozdobutko, owner of Banana Nails in Chicago. We asked her to share the three steps to gel nail preparation.
4. Buy the best gel products.
The spotless gel manicures are achieved with high-quality products, so you’ll want to ensure they are in your Arsenal! At Nailpro Nail Show, you can find the best gel at the show.
Ibd Beauty will be bringing its gel collection to the show. For over 40 years, ibd has been a trusted brand in the nail industry, providing technicians with high-quality products. From the brand’s Just Gel Polish to Hard Gel and Control Gel and corresponding tools and accessories, there are products for every type of gel manicure.
Dreamtime Creations will bring Tino Vo and his gel nail polish line to Nail Art! Recent nail trends are all about expressing yourself; the best way to do that is through color! Tino Vo is available in neon, cat’s eye, aurora, stained glass, and mixed and solid glitter gel polishing. The brand also offers nude and neutral colors! We love that there are so many eye-catching options for every type of client – whether they want to embrace their inner mermaid, show off their glow, or show off with their nails.
5. Practice using gel nail polish!
You know what they say, “Practice makes perfect!” While this may be a cliche, it is true. If you want to master a skill, you have to study hard. This may mean getting out of your comfort zone and experimenting with different gel products to see which works best for you and your clients.
One way to practice your nail art skills is to enter a nail art contest. The highlight of the Nail show is our Nail Master Challenge, where participants can test their skills in a supportive environment. Contestants will get products that will be seen once the competition begins, shifting the focus from resources to skills.
In our formal event competition, participants will have 40 minutes to complete a black, white, metallic, and neutral manicure on one hand of a live model. Clients often come to their salons for manicures on special occasions. The “Black Tie Event” challenge brings formal nails to life, using glitter and neutral colors to create intricate but dazzling nail art.
Our new virtual competition challenges manicurists to design their most creative cosmic/galaxy-inspired nail set inspired by this year’s nail pro Show theme, Next Gen Beauty. Contestants must submit 4 photos: one before, three during, and one after, and a 5-minute video of them making their nails.
Become a hairspray expert!
As a professional manicurist, it’s essential always to look your best. There are plenty of opportunities to improve your nail polish skills. From ready-to-use in-person and online education, the latest gel polishing techniques and news, to the rapidly growing gel nail product market, now is the time to prioritize investing in continued growth. Once you are confident in your gel polishing techniques, be sure to put them into practice. Soon, you will know that you will be a gel polishing professional!
