How to Create the Perfect Apex for Your Acrylic or Gel Extensions

Hi guys,
In one of our recent videos, JJ asked about the apex, and what it was. Now JJ has been our model hundreds of times so I thought to myself if she doesn't understand it, then maybe you guys could do with a little lesson about it as well :)
So, in this video I am going to talk about the apex, why it needs to be where it is and how to shape it. Unfortunately, JJ wasn't available to be the model this day, so she'll just have to watch it like all of you guys and I decided since I needed my nails doing, I would just do this on myself!
I hope this video is helpful to anyone who watches it.
If there's anything you don't understand and feel like it's a question everyone would ask don't hesitate to get in touch with me. I would love to put YOU in our videos, so send me a video on Facebook or Instagram or even my Snapchat - Kirstynails.
Love,
Kirsty xxxx
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[@sarahnz1223]

I have been trained since 1999 and believe that you never stop learning, I adore your videos, you are such a talented lady, your work is stunning, plus, your sense of humor is such a bonus !!!!! well done and keep them coming

[@shaybaker3987]

I’ve been doing nails for 8 months and still have issues with my apex area 😭 hopefully I’ll get it soon. Thanks for the helpful video 💖

[@cecikierk]

I always wish I have a third hand when I try to put forms on or attach fidgety decorations, but I'm always glad most people only have 10 nails when I'm on the 9th nail for the final top coat.

[@NaioNailsOfficial]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@amandaward7823]

I would love to see this done with a shorter nail! Even with it being long it is helpful, but seeing it on a shorter length would be great. I’d also love to see a video with more detail on shaping the sides (not sidewall but the curve going from middle to side, I seem to have issues with this) and also on overall thickness. I know to a point the thickness is a personal preference, but I always feel like I’m not getting it right and don’t know how to tell if it’s thick enough or too thin, or too thick. In case you can’t tell, I’m a total beginner. Your videos have been super helpful as I’ve been basically teaching myself. So glad to have found you!!

[@Ha_kik]

Hi Kristy, can u pls film a video of the wrong nail to create. So we have a visual of what not to do.

[@twerkinthecityhuh6340]

Huh??? How insane

[@sluttyxrayons6993]

twerkin highlandsquare-ite oh yes ... how is that insane? it’s good to see visually what not to do, so you can avoid it. it’s a great idea for visual people.

[@marlainaluvslocs4729]

Hanami Kikuchi it’s so many videos out there on what not to do... which is a great idea because all the ones I looked at I’ve seen what I was doing wrong and I swore it was the right way but when seen and explained it made a lot of sense to me

[@wildflowersnhoney209]

I like the coffin/ballerina with the french fade on your working hand. Very nice.

[@catpride1323]

I agree with Laura Life, can you so do this on a shorter nail, cause if the nail is shorter does back third move further back? Can you also do it on a coffin and a square or sqoval nail. It really isn't redundant for those of us that are learning this. I am Canadian and we put the apex in the middle, so your nail is to go perfectly up and down - highest point at the top in the middle and it should be even from every side or angle that you look at it. So hard to describe in text. So your way, what we call the European Way, is so new to me, I need to see this apex in different lengths, styles, etc. to fully understand how it works. So Please - More Videos on this subject. Thank you ;)

[@cindyjoy5147]

I appreciate these how-to/informative videos, Kirsty. Thanks!

[@YS-rk6me]

You are very talented at doing nails and TEACHING how to do them. You explain soo good. Thank you so much for helping me build my little nail business in the student accommodation I’m staying in ❤️

[@harmonypainter]

Can you do a video with tips about how to apply acrylic to customers that have different shaped cuticle areas please. I would love to hear your opinion!

[@ms.stonetv854]

I swear Kirsty is one of the best teachers of techniques!!!😍

[@nevenavukmanovsimokov]

Can you film the same video but with gel?

[@personallyjoua]

Nensii yes please!!

[@Alison-candipop]

Me too

[@PRINCESSNAILSBYDIANA]

Yes pretty please

[@floracristiani8844]

Yeeees please, it will be fantastic

[@sandisutherland1374]

Nensii i

[@infiniteabundancedeserve7337]

Your teaching skills are very simple and relatable. You’re a great teacher 👍🏾

[@KTEM88]

My pointer finger curves in the same way!! This was a very helpful video, thank you for taking the time to explain everything in such detail :)

[@benawacho8214]

I love you Kirsty 💜 you're a great teacher!

[@shimooo9498]

😭😭 that glittery extentions on your hair i love you so much naio ❤❤❤❤

[@bryrayne9666]

Perfect as always kirsty

[@shantaflood9476]

Can you maybe do a video like this on a square nail? Thank you. Love your channel, I'm a nail tech student and your videos have helped me out sooo much with structure and design.

[@tinacampbell2610]

My first 2 fingers curve too! Creative & independent awesome! Love your videos!

[@yukobyyuko]

Hello Kirsty, thank you for this video. If the nail is half shorter, do the apex starts more close to the cuticule ? I mainly do salon length..

[@Barbieflygerian]

hi...I was looking through my dvd collection nail stuff - and there you were in those essential nail art videos....keep it up

[@melissacrosier6190]

Amazing! Absolutely amazing! Seriously.

[@BM-mg2ht]

As always very informative, thank u, u're a great educator.

[@nailadee]

Could you please do a vid on dealing with ski slope nails? I have slightly ski slope nails and it’s a real challenge to make sure the extension goes straight out on a stiletto instead of having to go up to the point. It’s not a problem with square, only stilettos.

[@lauraslife5520]

And now pleaseee with a shorter nail :))) Watching from the south of germany

[@BunziRebornbabies]

Thankyou Kirsty this is something I have been struggling with as i new to doing my own nails think I have got this and with give it a whirl later ♥️ xx

[@rosana6041]

Thank you so much!! 😘 I love your videos, you are an excellent teacher.

[@legetah703]

What a beautiful person! Love her personality!

[@zdenkadavis4314]

just looking at it i wanna go and practice. you are amazing and so helpful

[@betsymorgan7996]

Thank you so much I did not understand anything about Apex 30 years ago when I was doing nails we didn't know about that part

[@jeannehaile8465]

Thanks so much! I always love your videos. Your work is beautiful and you're such a wonderful teacher. One question: if the nail extension is shorter than this example (salon length or... "gasp" ...shorter) does the apex shift back closer to the cuticle to maintain the first third of the nail rule? Thanks again!

[@OmniQuill0427]

No, the apex does not shift placement. The extension amount does differ bc you wouldn't be drawing the extension out so far. Good rule is the hold your brush down the barrel. You'll see the angle required.

[@NoseyNuNu]

U explained this soooo perfectly ! I was having trouble with apex placement, now I understand! Thx ❤❤❤

[@seeliejane]

Ooh I got the shivers with the filing lol I could FEEEELL it

[@LaurenJoannaYT]

She makes it look so easy!😩X

[@jacquelinedimattia774]

Thanks Kristy for sharing this helpful video...💅😍

[@fitzysnails8025]

Loved this video!...I struggle with getting a good apex..I seem to flatten it....lol.....Thank You for doing this!..x

[@DS-du7ol]

Thank you so much for this demonstration And walk through 🙌 this is something I am struggling with 😭

[@aggelotzeve9194]

so helpful and beautiful work ❤😙

[@fablefaces3785]

Hi there. Can I ask a question. Do all apexes have to be that high. They look so different from a natural nail. Can you make them flatter so they actually look like a longer natural nail. Many thanks.

[@nicoleiannuzzi449]

Just love your videos! I am a wondering can you show how to do this will gel, such as a poly gel. I know u can turn it upside down but some gels are not self levelling. Thanks so much!

[@L3dprinting]

Sister your mad crazy good at your artistry, hat off to you!!

[@wilsagerena8842]

Girl! You are awesome. Love that apex.

[@dannideva2002]

That apex! 😍😍

[@mattiatappa2339]

Sei meravigliosa Naio! Grazie per i tuoi tutorial

[@riverrowanphoenix1876]

I have a wonky finger, just like that! I'm glad I'm not the only one. Lol.

[@themurrrr]

River Rowan Phoenix all my fingers are a bit wonky 😝 But my acrylic sculpted nails distract from that!!!

[@NaioNailsOfficial]

Beauty is in the imperfections that make us unique :)

[@caseyquinn2679]

My index fingers do the same! So do my mom's

[@lillymartin5457]

Is it weird that your videos make me tired but not out of boredom just i get really relaxed coz u dont have any annoying background music and when u talk u dont shout u talk like a normal human like relaxed and simple 😂

[@dorajuarez3080]

how beautiful!

[@lorenabarela3473]

how do you keep from cutting the cuticle when filing?

[@miyamuni]

Your hair is so cute and this was a very helpful video.

[@terezahlavackova3858]

Could you do this with gel aswell, please? ^^ love your videos!

[@tanniahernandezcastellanos6121]

Love it!!!

[@simonejohnson1993]

Is the apex placement the same if it's a shorter nail?

[@claracatch1188]

Beautiful

[@valflower2599]

Your great love your videos!!!

[@connyalvarez8152]

Buenos dias como siempre me encanta sus diseños saludos y bendiciones. 😙😙😙

[@lindashaw4821]

how do you know what is a good thickness ? first time using it , they turned out pretty good except for 2 nails, that looked good but just felt thick and heavy.

[@livechangechallenge]

This is really helpful, thanks. I’m just learning how to do Gelish Polygel nails, and the apex is the bit il least confident about getting right! Have you tried Polygel, if so, what do you think of it? Thanks xox

[@chincilly]

Best Video ever. I love it. I love you 😘. Have a nice Weekend. Best regards from germany.

[@karijohnson3187]

So if there is a gap between the nail and form is the extension more likely to break at the free edge?

[@ivanaaleksic1314]

I just love to watch your videos 😄😘😘😘👌💕👍

[@jessicataylor4440]

What about the ballerina/coffin shape? Should it come straight off the apex, as it does in a square now, or should it slowly slope down form the apex, like it does in the stiletto?

[@ellafacebooktruecrimecases3644]

I love your unique style

[@Hopeandpeaceinjesus]

My finger curl AND rotate from the constant dislocations so that’s fun... I also keep forgetting that my right nail beds are lower and longer so by the time I’m done on a set one hands a little longer... 😅😅

[@gabrielagil1044]

Very helpful pretty girl! 😘

[@sycogurl5758]

Hey!! I love your videos!! But I was wondering, what if you have short short nails? Would the apex be closer to the cuticle or in the same spot?

[@kazcannell2679]

Could you do one with a short nail please x

[@AylieRose]

kaz cannell was just about to ask this too, I find short nails so much harder cause there’s less room to fit it all in 😊

[@_claireb_5359]

theyve got a short almond nail tutorial up x

[@ImjustHere4Thecomments]

Goes in the same spot

[@mitchykinsxx]

kaz cannell the apex would still be in the same area.. The back third of the nail. It just wouldn't be as extended down the nail.

[@leighanderson1228]

kaz cannell I find short look fat & bulky so I’d love a short apex video x

[@XxmuraniumxX]

So I don't have an issue with building an apex, but I do seem to have an issue with the sides of the nail where I either apply too little or too much acrylic and the sides look too thick.

[@amandajarvis7231]

me too !

[@amandaward7823]

I’m having this issue too!! I just can’t seem to get it right and then they just don’t look as smooth as they should. So frustrating!!

[@catfromlp1]

My index fingers are the same!! I feel so much better that I'm not the only one lol

[@denissepibernus5903]

Really helpful! Thanx

[@SeanBrown23]

I have a question. Can you make an apex or concentrate on structures with acrylic overlay using nail extensions or natural nails?

[@envynails1346]

u have beautiful natural nails way better than mine bitten nails thanks for teaching us this method i learn a lot from it

[@fabiieepantoja4130]

I love your work ❤️ but I also love your hair color. Do you know what it’s called? And what kind of shampoo you use?

[@jdejesus368]

Hi hun, Can u do a video like this with someone that likes to have their nails on the short side? I do tips but like them short and tend to struggle with apex placement. Love ur work. Ur amazing 😍😘

[@rhiannacyr5408]

What is the the easiest acrylic liquid type to use? I'm a little slow because I like mine perfect but the liquid I have begins drying very quickly sometimes before I can even begin maneuvering the acrylic?

[@sandraatkinson5065]

I love watching your videos I trained about 15 years ago but life took me in a different direction but in the last two months I have started doing my nails but with polygel do you ever work with it and if so could you show your work

[@aidalupintura]

Mi loca hermosa, me encantan tus videos!! 😍 😍 😍 😘 😘 😘

[@alex1462]

Do I need to build an apex on a long natural nail?

[@angelar.williams951]

Love the work you do with Nails so beautiful... is there going to be anymore Makeup video's I was enjoying those too?

[@amylouise2468]

Hi Kirsty, for some reason I've been under the impression that with max adhesion liquid you don't need to prime? Am I wrong? Love your videos by the way, you are my inspiration totally xx

[@sophiet90]

Hi Kirsty, do you know where they sell the larger sized brushes? I can only find size 10! ❤️

[@matanner9081]

Which is the "back" of the nail, the cuticle or the free edge?

[@cristinaforese6700]

Form where do you get your brushes for acrylic?

[@Fioonnailsit]

What do you mean exactly with back third of the nail ? Back third of the natural nail(bed) or nail including extended part ???

[@southjerseydeedee]

Watch the video!

[@annabor1000]

It's the back third of the nail.... exactly where she was pointing.

[@NaioNailsOfficial]

Imagine to divide the nail into 4 sections:the back third is the third section from the tip :)

[@divm8559]

including extended part.

[@ivyrose779]

Naio Nails OMG! That makes way more sense! I thought you meant divide the nail into thirds and it should be in the back one.

[@wendymcleod9766]

Does it matter the length of nail where the apex is placed?

[@jennse19]

Wendy Mcleod no. But when I watch her videos I find, the apex is getting higher the longer the nail is

[@nataliethomas3045]

alot of that is is its fay, fay has really long nails yes BUT she asks for a really high apex because she likes the look... it doesnt need to go beyond where kirsty lined up the file, with her finger x

[@tracicracraft7238]

The apex is always in the back third of the nail, No matter the length. Its mentioned at 7:38 and before.

[@mleedeau]

There are different teachings on this and ive seen other pros recommend the position change depending on the length of the nail, saying it should be further back for longer nails, and that short nails dont need to go as far back. Ive also seen ppl say that old school teachings said apex need to be about the middle of the nail, but new school go further back (the back third) on the nail. ,

[@nanajenk4830]

Does it lay the same with gel? Is it thinner ?

[@melanietimmsc]

Thank you! 😘

[@Ogedengbealaba]

Hi, can do a video on brushes, what number of acrylic brush is best and suitable to use on acrylic. Thanks, love your videos and sense of humour by the way

[@kawanaflores9977]

I tried the nail forms and the poly gel did not take.....is there a better product to use

[@ebonypainter9274]

My fingers are the same way!! And I am a creative person!! I used to be a hairdresser and now I'm looking to be a nail technician!!

[@fallenangel5346]

Thank you!

[@ACWells13]

Great video! Entertaining as always :D Just wondering, another nail tech account I follow puts the apex across the stress point- the point where her nail lifts from the nail bed which in her case is about halfway between the cuticle and the very point of the tip- is this wrong?

[@jennse19]

ACWells13 i would believe in kirsty or nail career education rather than any other KZbinrs

[@melanietimmsc]

ACWells13 good question... I always thought that the apex went on the stress point also. I do think the nail looks better when the apex is placed closer to the cuticle area (as Kirsty does it) than on the stress point. Which do you think looks better?

[@sutela2060]

very helpfull video. I love to see your videos and get inspired and learn. Do you ship to Denmark???

[@mandybetancourt6733]

How do u decide what shape nail shape will look best on you

[@Watery_Tart]

@@cassieLBscoville lol, that's kinda why I still don't understand the appeal of stiletto or coffin shapes

[@grannymama5318]

Yes... My pointer and middle finger are the same way. Do you get your nails done by someone else or do you do them? If you do, do you go back over them after the other person does them?

[@stephanieclarkson6887]

coco jones kirsty wont let anyone else do her nails

[@reemmish4558]

😍😍😍😍

[@carinalubbencarp-angler5661]

How do you do it with short nails?? Won't it be looking thick??? And my nails grow up.. the free edge is standing up they want to grow to the sky haha.. and mij nailbed isn't nice shaped.. it grows wider to my free edge i think it's looking weird also when i have nails..how do you deal with that when you apply the forms and your product??? Can you help me with this???

[@de7904]

How do you know if you made the apex too big? It's still the bottom third, but it's thick

[@jacquelynburiak9749]

What brush do you use?

[@thenycnailgoddess4254]

What Brush Kristy. I need to know what brush it is please Xx

[@chelseaskrlac2933]

So if you do the apex will that help prevent the nails from popping off?

[@kiroskiro]

Chelsea Skrlac Yes, the point of the apex is that it gives extra strength to the part of the nail that will endure the most stress. It helps keep the enhancement from bending away from the nail.