5 Tips to Build Your Gel Manicure Skills

Lived-in looks are a defining trend in beauty in recent years. Whether it’s hair or nails, clients want looks that are long-lasting and easy to maintain because they are friendly to their busy schedule and their budget. When it comes to nails, gel nails are the route many clients are going down for their longevity, durability, aesthetic appeal and innovative formulations for easier and more gentle applications. In particular, builder gels or BIAB Nails are included in the Top 10 Global Nail Trends at the moment, with clients looking for a healthy and long-lasting option. If you want to keep up on the latest trends in the nail industry to meet your clients’ demands, you are going to want to follow these tips for building your gel skills! 

1. Seek out in-person education on gel polish. 

The best nail techs are the ones that invest in continuing education, so they can stay up to date on an ever-changing industry! The Nailpro Nail Show in Sacramento, CA at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center on Sept. 8 and 9 offers plenty of opportunities for gel education from the best in the industry. 

Jaime Schrabeck from Precision Nails is teaching a class on hard gels where attendees can learn how hard gel enhancements easily extend natural nails and protect with a beautiful, durable finish. This class will help you simplify your application and maintenance procedures, so you can minimize your time, filing and effort while eliminating lifting and breakage.

If you want to prioritize time maintenance for your gel manicures, you should attend Omni Nail Academy Founder LaTonya So’s class on ways to keep your express gel manicure clients happy. In this class, So will help attendees create a wonderful spa style experience for their clients at the best price point, while also utilizing their time management skills. 

If this has you excited, make sure you register for the Nailpro Show now! Nailpro readers get 50% off Nailpro Nail Show registration with code XOXONailpro. 

2. Stay up to date on the latest news in gel polish. 

As we’ve mentioned before — and it can’t be emphasized enough — the nail industry is rapidly growing and changing, which means you need to be plugged in and informed on all the latest news and updates. 

A recent concern with gel polishes, as many consumers have started DIY-ing, is allergens. There have been recent reports of gel allergies rising, which isn’t surprising considering gel polishes are now more widely available for consumer use. As a nail tech, it’s important to have increased awareness about allergens and how to educate your clients on the issue. Thankfully, Dazzle Dry founder Vivian Valenty, Ph.D., dove into the issue with us to address concerns on nail allergens. She answers five frequently asked questions regarding gel allergies, provides insight on potential allergens and allergen specific ingredients and shares 9 steps for nail professionals to consider to minimize the impact of allergens. 

With nail allergens becoming a rising concern, many clients are becoming more aware of the ingredients in the products they use. This means, as a nail professional, you should be too. Nail brands are starting to change how they formulate their polishes by offering safer and more sustainable options, such as adopting HEMA-free alternatives. As new nail launches make their way to the market, make sure you are paying attention to what’s in the bottle and picking options that speak to your values and that of your clientele. 

3. Make sure you practice proper gel nail prep! 

The most important part of any manicure is nail prep. To avoid lifting and ensure longevity, you want to make sure you practice proper preparation steps on the natural nail. 

We reached out to Anastasiia Rozdobutko, owner of Banana Nails in Chicago, to share her top three steps for proper gel nail prep. 

4. Invest in the best gel products. 

The most spotless gel manicures are achieved with quality products, so you want to make sure your arsenal is stocked with them! At the Nailpro Nail Show, you will be able to find the best in gels on the show floor. 

ibd Beauty is bringing its line of gels to the show floor. For more than 40 years, ibd has been a trusted name in the nail industry with its high-quality products for nail techs. From the brand’s Just Gel Polish to its Hard Gels and Control Gels and corresponding tools and accessories, there’s products for every type of gel manicure. 

Dreamtime Creations is bringing Tino Vo to the Nailpro Show along with his line of gel polish! Recent nail trends are all about making a statement, and the best way to do that is through color! Tino Vo has neon, cat eye, aurora, stained glass and mixed and solid glitter gel polishes. The brand offers nude and neutrals, too! We love that there’s so many eye-catching options for every type of client — whether they want to embrace their inner mermaid, show off some sparkle or be loud and proud with their nail look.

Remember to use code XOXONAILPRO during registration for 50% off!

5. Practice using gel polish! 

You know what they say, “practice makes perfect!” While this may be a tired statement, it is true, nevertheless. If you want to master a skill, you are going to have to work at it. This may mean stepping outside of your comfort zone as you try different gel products to see what works best for you and your clientele. 

One way to get practice with your skills is through entering nail competitions. The diamond of the Nailpro Show is our Nailpro Master Challenge, which allows entrants to put their skills to the test in a supportive environment. Competitors will receive a kit of products that they don’t see until competition start time, shifting the focus from resources to skill. 

In our Black Tie Affair competition, competitors will have 40 minutes to complete a manicure using only black, white and metallics and neutrals on one hand of a live model. Clients often visit their salons for a nail set for a special occasion. The Black Tie Affair challenge brings formal nails to life using sparkle and neutrals to create sophisticated but dazzling nail art.

Our new virtual competition challenges nail techs to come up with their most creative universe/galaxy-inspired nail set inspired by this year’s Nailpro Show theme Next Gen Beauty. Competitors must submit 4 photos: a before, three during, and one after of their universe-inspired nail set, as well as a 5 minute video of them creating their nail set. 

Why not throw yourself in the ring and push your boundaries? It’s a great learning opportunity and a fun experience! You can use code XOXONAILPRO to enter the Master Challenge at 50% off for a limited time. 

Become a gel polish expert!

As a nail professional, it’s important to always put your best foot forward. There’s so many opportunities available to grow your gel polish skills. From readily available in-person and online education on the latest gel polish techniques and news to a rapidly growing market for gel nail products, now is the time to prioritize investing in your continual growth. Once you feel confident in your gel polish skills, make sure you put them to the test. Sooner than you know it, you will be a gel polish pro!