Beauty Guide
Tips on buying an electric nail file for the first time
by Alice on Mar.20, 2010, under Nail Care & Polish, nail FAQ
Every nail technician should have at least an electric nail file. So if it is you first time to buy those electric nail drills, here are some tips for you.
First, consider what you want to use it for. Are you going to use it to clean under the free edge only or will you be using it for everything? If electric nail file is used for prepping the natural nail for acrylics, filing the acrylic smooth, shortening the free edge, buffing to a high-gloss shine, giving manicures, and smoothing down calluses on pedicures. The only time you pick up the file is to make sure the edges of the nail are smooth.
Buy the best machine your budget will allow and get it from a reputable company that offers service and support. Talk to other techs to find out what electric file they recommend. It is also wise to invest in a class that will let you try different machines first hand so you can decide for yourself which is the best one for you. Make sure the electric file you select has enough power for its intended uses. For instance, if you are using if for pedicures, you will want something with higher torque.
Check out the warranties for the machine. How long are they? What do they cover? Do they have loaner program if your machine needs to be worked on?
Of course, you are highly recommended to learn as much as possible via internet, magazines, etc. This blog is a good resource to you.
Electric nail files for nail beauty
by Alice on Mar.17, 2010, under Nail Care & Polish
Electric nail files are our friend for nail beauty and they come in different shapes and weights of handpiece and file bits. See this post for how to choose a good electric nail file.
1. Which Handle Shape Suits You?
Nail techs can be funny about brushes, and each one has a preference when it comes to shape, weight, length of bristles, thickness of bristles, etc. The hand piece of the electric file will elicit similar opinions. A couple design features to consider:
Where is the majority of weight of the hand piece? Some drills can make a tech’s hand tired by the end of the day from trying to keep a heavily weighted hand piece elevated. Choose a handle that allows the drill to be held as a pencil.
2. Choosing your right Bit Head
Once you’ve determined which drill to purchase, you’ll need to decide which bit head you prefer.
CARBIDE - Carbide bits have flutes cut into them that provide the cutting power. The more flutes on a bit, the finer the cut. A carbide bit reduces material by acting like a potato peeler, shaving layers off while leaving the surface smooth. It can be disinfected for multiple uses, durable, available with different coarseness and in many shapes and sizes. But the edges of a new carbide bit can be sharp. (Smooth the edge with a nail file or an old diamond bit before using on a client.) Some carbide bits don’t work well in reverse (for left-handed techs) because of the direction of the shave; however, double-cut or crisscross designs are available.
DIAMOND - Diamond bits are made by applying an adhesive to a shank and rolling it in diamond material that dries on the shank. The diamond particles file the nails by scratching the surface to remove material. It can be disinfected for multiple uses, are available in a variety of grits, shapes, and sizes. But course-grit bit heads can be sharp for novice techs.
SANDING BANDS - Sanding bands are disposable files in the shape of a barrel. They slip over the head of a mandrel. Sanding bands, like traditional nail files, come in different grits. They are inexpensive and disposable, but the material generates a lot of heat; the “seam” on the band can snap during use.
BIT HEADS … Abbreviated
Two basic bit heads will get techs started: a barrel bit (or a safety bit, which has a rounded tip, Safe on natural nails, including toenails.) and an under-the-nail bit. However, as skills improve, techs may want to expand their repertoire of bits. For that, choose bit heads that are job-specific.
Tapered cone/UNC: Regardless of what you call it, this little tool is ideal for cleaning the tight spots under the nail.
CONE: Another handy tool for under the nails or for running along the cuticle.
Small barrel and large barrel: Used for surface work, shortening, and backfills. Bits come in different sizes and coarseness to satisfy any tech.
Mandrel/sanding bands: Made of paper, so they are not able to be sanitized. Bits must be discarded after one use. Bands slide over the mandrels.
Pedicure bit: Comes in many shapes and sizes. Some pedicure bits have a hollowed-out inside to reduce heat. Electric files are excellent at removing calluses.
Prepper bit: Prep nails and gently remove ridges on toenails using this smooth bit.
French fill bit: Create a trench with ease using this specially designed bit.
Backfill bit: These bits come in different sizes. Techs choose the size depending on the amount of growth on the client’s nail.
Inverted backfill bit: Another option for fills. An ideal bit to trench and remove product at the tip of the nail.
Buffing bits: Some buffing bits are made from chamois, some from silicone, and others from rubber. Chamois buffers cannot be disinfected, but they are washable. Silicone bits can be filed down (similar to a pencil) and then disinfected. Rubber bits can be disinfected.
Generally, an electric nail drill kit contains a handpiece and different shapes of file bits. You can refer to getbetterlife.com for choice.
3. What Is RPM?
RPM stands for revolutions per minute. What does that mean to you? For prepping the nail, techs usually keep the RPM under 5,000. Generally, the drill is also at this low speed when the tech is doing work that requires the drill to be at a 45-degree angle. When techs remove old product or shorten nails, the RPM reach speeds close to 15,000. Once new product has been applied, and techs begin shaping and finishing, RPM hover around 10,000.
The importance of knowing how to use Electric nail files
by Alice on Mar.17, 2010, under Nail Care & Polish
For more than two decades, nail technicians have used electric nail files for all types of services. Despite their wide use, there hasn’t been consistent or widely available information or education on their proper use in salons.
In recent years, however, electric nail files have gained new ground more than ever. Manufacturers and nail technicians are aware of the importance of knowing how to properly use such a tool. Without proper education and practice, a nail technician can seriously damage a client’s nails and, potentially, permanently damage the nail matrix and inhibit nail growth.
It is said electric nail files still get a bad rap from nail technicians who use them improperly, from technicians who don’t use them and fear them, and from the myths that some nail techs still insist on believing and propagating. “Sometimes our industry is its own worst enemy”. Although those words may hold some truth, it’s also a fact that the industry is stepping up its efforts and attempting to make nail professionals as skilled as possible with these instruments.
With more and more salons vying for the public’s attention, proper education is one good way of putting yourself ahead of the rest. And we’re not just talking about getting nail techs more education. You also need to keep your clients in mind by educating clients by explaining the benefits of using an electric nail file. Let them know why electric nail files can be a good choice.
Once you’re well versed in electric nail file use, you’ll be able to speak with confidence and authority to clients as well. After all, there’s nothing worse than a nail technician who can’t explain what she’s doing to a client or seems unsure. If you encounter a client who’s had a bad experience at another salon, its all the more reason to show her you knows what you’re doing.
Nail care - Ways to enhance your nails
by Alice on Mar.12, 2010, under Nail Care & Polish
Nail enhancement is a broad term that encompasses several methods of augmenting your natural nail. Actually, in some instances, enhancements have less to do with enhancement and more to do with making eye-catching additions. Hence the commonly used term “fake nails”. If you get nail enhancements, you’ll be returning to the salon every 2 to 6 weeks- depending on your nail’s growth and how you take care of them- for a “touch-up”. This is for getting your nails’ newly grown area enhanced so that it matches the rest of the nail. This article offers you information about the following nail enhancements:
Nail Wraps
Nail wraps use sheets of fiberglass, linen, or silk to add a strong, protective layer to the nail, which in turn helps nails grow longer without breaking. To create nail wraps, your nail technician takes small pieces of fabric mesh and sticks them to your nails with an adhesive typically one of those nail glues that reminds everyone of super glue. After buffing the enhancement a bit to create a smooth surface, your nail technician applies a sealant to help keep out moisture and discourage the wrap from lifting.
Acrylic nails
To create acrylic nails, a nail technician mixes together two ingredients called powdered polymer and liquid monomer. When combined, the powder and liquid react to form a plastic-like paste. This paste is smoothed onto the nail where it hardens at room temperature. Acrylic nails are a good choice for anyone who wants long nails that are virtually indestructible.
If you are sensitive, you should avoid acrylic or porcelain nails. The monomer used in acrylic and porcelain nails is an irritant that can cause allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin.
Porcelain nails
Porcelain nails are similar to acrylic nails, except that they use a finely ground, glasslike material in the powder. They are applied just like acrylic nails and are good for creating a hearty, long nail. The finish is a bit more natural-looking than acrylic nails, making them a better choice for those of you who like to wear pale, sheer nail colors.
Gel nails
Gel nails, or gel systems as they are also called, are a newer type of nail enhancement that are created by applying layers of resin to the nail; these layers combine and harden to form a solid nail. Depending on the formula a particular nail technician uses, nails are hardened with an UV nail dryer or under ordinary room lighting. Gel nails are among the most natural-looking of the nail enhancements. Something to keep in mind if you want nails that look like your own, only longer and stronger.
Tips:
- Having the right tools makes home nail care easy, such as electric nail files.
- It’s not difficult to give yourself a manicure or a pedicure.
- Many nail-product ingredients are strong allergens. Always read the labels!
- When visiting a salon, pay attention to its hygiene practices.
- If you can’t grow your own nails, you could try nailing enhancements.
- For the adventurous, nail art and jewelry are an option
Source: http://www.getbetterlife.com
How to buy the right electric nail drill
by Alice on Mar.11, 2010, under Nail Care & Polish
There are a large number of electric nail drills for sale in the market and online, customers often do not really know how to choice the right electric nail drills. Following are some simple ways to buy an ideal nail drill.
The 3 most important features when choosing an electric drill
1. Does it feel right when you hold it?
Comfort and grip are critical. When in market, you can ask the seller and try hand by yourself. But when shopping online, you should read the instructions and features carefully. Things to be considered are the Vibration and noise of the electric nail machine during manicure.
2. Does it Cord or cordless?
You can buy cordless electric nail drills but if you want to get anywhere near the power of a plug-in version then make sure you pay enough to get a quality one. Cordless are very versatile if you want to get into awkward places and don’t like trailing yards of extension cable behind you – and you can use them easily outdoors. If you are liable to forget about charging it, want to be sure of always having reliable power, or intend to do lots of heavy masonry drilling, then plump for a corded variety. You’ll want a decent length of cord so you can get to most jobs from a plug socket. But you will need an extension cable for some tasks.
3. Power and speed.
Go for something which is 600 watts or above (don’t just choose the most powerful – go for a pleasing power / price combo). You need more than one speed and some come with a variable speed control.
Where to buy?
Getbettrlife.com is a great place to start your shopping. They tend to have many different models and styles to satisfy your needs. The products are good and have ‘CE certification’ and ‘one year manufacture guarantee’. Take a look at the products list: http://www.getbetterlife.com/Wholesale-nail-drill-manicure_c789.




