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  • Sculpting your Dreams

    Sculpting your Dreams

    Once you’ve mastered the basics of working with acrylic to create tip and overlay nail extensions, you will soon want to progress your skills to ensure you are offering the best possible nail service to your clients. Not only will it ensure your clients are dazzled by the results you achieve and bring new clients in through word of mouth, but you will save yourself time and stand miles ahead of the competition. All simply though learning to sculpt and use an electric nail file. We give you the lowdown on what they are and why you’ll benefit…

    What is Sculpting?

    Sculpting with acrylic is a method of creating nail extensions using โ€˜nail formsโ€™ as a platform to create the tip. This is then layered with acrylic to create a strong but tip-free extension. Traditional acrylic extension involves the use of plastic false tips & glue, overlaid with acrylic on top to give the extension strength. The sculpting technique can be kinder to natural nails as there is no glue, no tip is needed with a sculpted enhancement.

    How long do sculpted nails last?

    2-3 Weeks

    Benefits of Sculpting

    • No adhesive to break down over time.
    • Can be thinner than with tips as you donโ€™t have the bulk of the tip under the product.
    • Once mastered, sculpting is generally faster to apply than a properly applied and blended tip.
    • Generally better for nail biters because the moisture in the nails of biters can break down the adhesive and also the thick skin on the edge of a nail biters fingers will often push the tip off the nail or create a โ€œski jumpโ€ look to the nail.

    What is an E-File?

    An electric file (formerly called a โ€œdrillโ€) is a tool used by nail technicians to speed up, streamline, or make easier some nail services. The electric file allows nail technicians to file or finish areas of the nail that are hard to reach (for example, under the free edge of a newly created sculpted nail)

    Are electric nail files safe?

    As long as itโ€™s done properly and with the right tools, an electric file on the natural nail can be just as safe as a regular nail file. They can be used to gently push back the cuticle, exposing any dead excess skin which can be more comfortable than use of cuticle pushers.

    Itโ€™s the tech, not the tool.

    E-files often get a bad rep. When we see pictures of rings of fire, nail plate burns, and injured skin we assume itโ€™s the evil e-file at work. In truth, an e-file really canโ€™t do any damage without a nail tech wielding it. The big question is how can nail techs learn to use an e-file properly? Well, itโ€™s much like learning to drive a car. It takes proper instruction through an accredited course and careful practice. Youโ€™re going to have an accident here and there, especially in the beginning, but the goal is to learn and improve.

    Benefits of E-Filing

    • Reduces risk of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) for the technician as takes the hard work out of filing
    • Saves time so technicians can fit more clients in and clients can have quicker, more convenient appointments
    • Boosts earning potential as more clients in your working hours equals more money

    Interested to complete an Accredited Training Course in Sculpting & E-Filing? See below recommended courses. Many of our packages include training in Acrylic if youโ€™re a beginner so you can get the best value on your training!

  • The Magic of E-Filing

    The Magic of E-Filing

    Once nail salons are able to reopen (hopefully in August), we’re certain you wonderful nail techs will be packed out with clients wanting to restore their nails to former glory. We can imagine some of the nail extension horrors you may encounter and clever client scheduling will be key to fitting everyone in. But what else can you do to speed up your nail treatments to maximise your earning potential while additional safety measures are in place? Our blog this week looks at E-Filing…

    What is E-Filing?

    It is surprising to hear how many nail techs are not fully aware of e-filing and how it works. E-Filing is use of an electric nail file to speed up the time taken working on nail extensions. It can be used on both acrylic and UV Gel nail extensions to help finish and refine the product, to help with speeding up a maintenance or removal treatment such as to reduce the length of the extensions, take our excess bulk when rebalancing and to help with product removal (usually alongside use of acetone soaking). Experienced nail techs may also use an electrical file on natural nail plates (often called a Russian manicure), although specialist advanced training is required for this and not all insurers will cover this.

    E-Filing helps to reduce the amount of manual filing required to speed up your treatments, give more even finish for better quality nail results and can help to reduce the risk to the nail technician long term of an RSI (repetitive strain injury) or aggravating of conditions like Carpal tunnel or arthritis. Quicker treatments allows you to fit in more clients so boost profitability but is also great for time pressured clients, who often want a quick and effective treatment.

    Can anyone train to use an E-File?

    We offer courses in E-Filing which can be completed through our Online Student Portal and are accredited by IPHM. The course teaches you to utilise an electric nail file when working on acrylic or hard gel nail extensions. We do not cover use on a natural nails as most clients prefer use of manual files on natural nails for a safer, more comfortable treatment. We will also soon be launching a Classroom based training option. The E-Filing courses are suitable for anyone who has completed a recognised training course in Acrylic or UV Gel Nail Extensions and ideally also within Manicure & Pedicure. If you are looking to train within these skills also, you may wish to look at our Online Nail Training course packages, Virtual Academy Nail Courses or Classroom based training. The courses are suitable for those recently qualified or who have been working within nails for some time.

    The Main Perks

    Incorporating E-Filing into your nail skills will be invaluable, especially once rushed off your feet post-lockdown. You will be able to;

    • Offer quicker nail extension treatments including for maintenance and removal.
    • Fit in more clients each day to maximise your earnings
    • Offer better results in your nail services than with manual filing alone
    • Reduce the strain on your precious hands and wrists from less manual filing
    • Reduce the amount of nail files within your kit, great for mobile therapists
    • Metal E-file drill bits can be easily and more thoroughly sterilised, offering a much more hygienic service
    • E-Files can be picked up affordably and are usually guaranteed for at least 12 months making a great investment

    Still have questions? Why not contact our friendly team for more advice on the best training option for you?