Clients look forward to beautiful and intricate nail designs when they go to a salon. However, there are times when the result may not be exactly what they were hoping for. Mistakes such as smudges, chips, and uneven polish application can be frustrating and leave a client and nail tech feeling disappointed. Delve into the common nail art mistakes and how to fix them.
Using Low-Quality Tools
Owning a nail salon can get expensive, and buying various brushes and tools may not be feasible for all technicians. Buying cheap supplies can seem like a perfect way to save money. The problem with this is that cheaper items are often lower quality; cheaper brushes may have more fallout or be harder to control. This can result in smudges, streaks, and overall messiness in designs.
You’ll get the best supplies by establishing a budget based on your business’s needs and income. From here, you can search for tools within that price range and select ones with good reviews from other nail technicians. It may require some trial and error, but investing in higher-quality tools will ultimately save you time and frustration in the long run.
Filing Incorrectly
Incorrect filing can weaken nails, making them more susceptible to breaking. No client wants to leave the salon with damaged nails. You should always file nails in one direction, avoiding a back-and-forth motion that can cause peeling and splitting.
Moreover, ensure you always select the right type of file. Glass, metal, and crystal files have a smoother texture that is less damaging to the nail. It’s best to use a fine-grit file for natural nails to avoid roughing up the nail surface. On the other hand, acrylic nails often require a coarser-grit file to shape and remove any bumps or ridges.
Pro Tip
Never file nails when they are wet, as this can cause them to weaken and break more easily. If a client’s hands are wet, give them a few minutes to air-dry before filing.
Neglecting Proper Cuticle Care
Before painting the nails, you should always push back and trim the cuticles. Neglecting this step may result in uneven application, as the excess cuticle can get in the way. Also, clients may leave the salon feeling unsatisfied.
To prevent this mistake, invest in a good-quality cuticle remover and use it before every manicure. Additionally, moisturizing your clients’ hands and cuticles will keep them healthy and less prone to roughness or hangnails.
Pro Tip
Soak the cuticles in warm water or use cuticle oil to soften them before pushing them back; skipping this can make trimming more difficult and sometimes painful.
Skipping Base and Topcoats
Base and topcoats are essential for a lasting manicure. These products protect the nails from staining and chipping and help the polish adhere better. You should always use a base coat before applying color and finish off with a topcoat for added shine and protection. Allow each layer to fully dry before adding another for best results.
Pro Tip
Mia Secret’s gel top and base coats are must-haves for quality manicures. With our products, you can ensure a premium manicure that your clients will love showing off.
Not Understanding the Types of Polish
Different types of nail polish serve various purposes, and not knowing their differences can lead to disappointing results.
Traditional Nail Polish
The most common option, traditional nail polish, is easy to apply. It’s also the cheapest option, making it a favorite among many nail artists. However, it’s not as long-lasting as gel or acrylic, and it chips more easily.
Gel Polish
Gel polish, on the other hand, offers a glossy finish and wear that usually lasts up to two weeks without chipping. It also provides added strength to the natural nail. However, you must use a UV light for proper curing. Also, gel polish requires special removal equipment and can be more expensive than traditional polish.
Acrylic Dip Powder
Some nail techs use acrylic dip powder, which requires a base coat, activator, and topcoat. It’s usually more durable than regular polish and easier to remove than gel polish. When buying an acrylic powder, review the instructions to ensure proper application, as all brands are different.
Pro Tip
Mia Secret sells easy-to-apply acrylic nail powder in a wide array of volumes and colors. Check out our stock to find the most beautiful acrylic powders for your salon!
Applying Too Much Polish
When you apply polish, less is more. Too much polish can lead to smudging, bubbling, and uneven application. Likewise, the nails may take longer to dry or feel tacky to the touch.
As you paint, remember to wipe off any excess polish from the brush before applying it to the nail. You can always add more layers for opacity, but starting with a thin layer allows for better control and less mess.
Painting Over Mistakes
Some designs can be complicated or intricate, making mistakes easy. However, painting over these mistakes instead of fixing them can result in a messy and uneven design.
If you mess up while painting nails, use a clean brush dipped in nail polish remover to carefully remove the excess polish. You can also use small cotton swabs or toothpicks for more precise removal. Once you’ve cleaned up the area, allow it to dry before starting over on the design.
Rushing Through the Application Process
Nail art is a creative outlet, and there’s no such thing as rushing a masterpiece. Take your time and enjoy the process. If you make mistakes, remove the polish and start again to achieve the perfect result. Rather than get discouraged by your mistakes, learn from them and use them as opportunities to improve your skills.
Practice Makes Perfect
There’s always room for improvement, even if you’ve spent years painting nails. Use practice hands or ask friends to be your models so that you can refine and perfect your skills. This allows you to practice new techniques and intricate designs without the pressure of a paying client.
Get Help From Mia Secret
Understanding common nail art mistakes and how to fix them is essential for anyone who loves to express their creativity through nail art, especially nail technicians. Good practices help you produce flawless manicures and promote healthy nail care for your clients. Moreover, avoiding common mistakes protects your reputation if you own or manage a salon, as happy clients are more likely to return for future services.
To find the best products that will help you produce your finest nail art yet, turn to Mia Secret. We offer an extensive collection of nail art essentials, such as brushes, polish, and more. With quality tools and products, you can achieve flawless nails every time.