5 Common Full Coverage Nail Tips Mistakes | Soft Gel Extensions

[@PaolaPonceNails]

A little off-topic, but if you also needed help with your gel nails and how to help them stop lifting I created this resource for you: paolaponcenails.com/problems

[@bovinegirl]

I just watched this out of curiosity. When I first saw full coverage tips being used... I was like "oh... I been doing that since gel was invented." I got full cover tips long ago that I'd stick on with sticky pads & when gel came around I'd stick them on with gel if I wanted them on for 3+ weeks. I didn't even file the insides. I'd adhere them with that rubber base gel & do a thin layer of acrylic for hardness & then a design. Never had lifting, maybe by week 4 I'd get some cracking on the edges (because I was working in a bar) but man, it was such a nail hack! Nobody knew they were fake. Now they're making gel full cover tips & special gel to adhere it. I didn't even do all that. Main thing is to not have air bubbles... As long as you get it on proper fit & adhered, you're good.

[@itzelhernandez7746]

That’s so cool!

[@hanC21317]

Unfortunately for me this isn’t the case.. I prep my nails, use a dehydrator & primer.. AND I make sure there’s no air bubbles. Mine last a couple days, if that :(

[@bovinegirl]

@@hanC21317 I've been experimenting a lot recently & I've also done this with acrylic. It actually (for me) works even better than gel. I'm kinda hooked on using acrylic with dual forms too.

[@Feenyx118]

@@hanC21317 It could be that you have naturally oily nail beds that cause lifting

[@hanC21317]

@@bovinegirl I really wanna get into acrylics, but I don’t know where to start! It seems really tricky to master 😂

[@thecoolosersabrina]

I’m glad I found this video! I just bought a whole bunch of nail supplies for full coverage nail tips. I’ve tried a lot of ways to do my nails like; acrylic, poly gel, press ons, etc. I’m hoping this method will be easier to do and I really hope I enjoy doing my nails this time around. And omg girl, I’m here watching your video almost falling asleep 😂 Your voice is really soothing. It reminds me of those videos where people talk to help people relax and fall asleep.

[@sophiedarnell467]

me tooo!! I'm listening to chill hiphop/jazzy music in the background while watching these vids, and given that its 12:35am here, says a lot haha

[@allysonsodano4945]

OMG THIS VIDEO JUST SAVED Me!!! I had too much pressure and too small tips and they were popping off and I was going to lose it! Thank you girl! ❤

[@PaolaPonceNails]

Yay!

[@HDToast]

This video was so incredibly helpful. I can’t wait to put these tips into practice this weekend. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@lisainfl210]

I wish I'd seen this before I attempted my first set of full-coverage nails...LOL. I'll definitely implement these tips for the next time! Thanks for sharing!

[@thecheekynaildresser]

Yesssss! Someone who took the time to show this! What a life saver you are!

[@PaolaPonceNails]

Thanks Tricia. I just know we all struggle with these nails. So funny how in the beginning we all thought these were too easy... but there is actually a little "science to them" lol.

[@IfUonlyKnew-e5h]

Thank you SO MUCH for making this video! I’ve been dying to find out why my pre-designed full cover tips aren’t curing nor adhering to my nails 😖!! I will be watching this video a lot for reminders! Thank you so much !

[@NicolesBeautyScene]

This was one of the best explanations I’ve ever seen!!!!

[@Beckanai]

You have saved me so many headaches and popped nails! Thank you so much!

[@Aluvr2059]

Thanks Paola! Can’t wait to see the poly gel video

[@mphomokanyane443]

yes they have boosted my confidence i use full nail tips full time. and struggle with size. if not that i smudge my cutex lol

[@faithnoon8761]

I was having trouble with the full tips sliding off before I could cure them. This video helped tremendously. Thank you!

[@PaolaPonceNails]

So glad to hear!

[@lauraghilardi1461]

I was definitely using tips too big for me and they all popped off, I’m gonna give it another try right now, wish me luck!!

[@tonijones1878]

Thank you for this video. I have a container full of different brands of nail tips and full coverage nails. NONE of them fit my flat nails. I came across this tutorial and gave one of your recommendations a try. I purchased the Give Me Tip. They are just a bit more pricey than other brands, but worth it! Hands down, the best full coverage nails for flat nail beds. The fact that I can flatten them more if I need to is great. I was even able to flatten just the nail bed section of the nail. Thank you so much. ☺️

[@PaolaPonceNails]

Lovely to hear!

[@kristinenoffsinger5138]

Thank you!! Ive been practicing my own nails since quarantine!! And its my self care-- me time\hobby. I really really enjoy. Builder gel, poly gel are my favorites🙌💅😘 I may start doing nails in the future, so I definitely subscribed. You seem to have great knowledge!! 💋💋👌💞💅💜❤

[@innerbeauty2431]

For those of us who are less artistically capable with our non-dominant hands, is it possible to paint the extensions with our designs and then adhere them to our natural nail afterwards?

[@hdezines]

Subscribed just based off your calming and lovely voice. Your informational video is great as well.

[@Walkgoob1]

I'm just seeing this video. Thank you so much! Question: I have extremely flat nail beds, what is the best way to do these kinds of tip when applying the tip to the nail and the tip adhesive doesn't even touch the nail bed? I hope that makes sense.

[@fig4778]

I've seen some people do multiple coats of the base gel on the natural nail and then letting more gel pool in the tip

[@maddiemayhem961]

Use a thicker base coat to adhere (like polygel for example) and file the hell out of the actual tip!

[@elninio981]

Great tips excuse the pun. Please tell me how u feel about putting a layer of the gel/glue (I have mylee full cover set) down on natural nail to fill any dents and make it smooth and cure... Then go in with the gel/glue on tip then curing that ontop 🤔 I have had success with my first go, I did lose 2 in the first week though, so wondering if laying down a layer of gel/glue curingbon nails then adding gel/glue to tip and going ontop.... Do you think it might help with longevity?

[@ellenlevenson7831]

I adhere my full coverage tips with acrylic. No light is required; light pressure and a minute to dry. Adhesion is great; they last for weeks. It also helps when I design the nails before applying to my nail beds. Very little acrylic overlap to the side walls or elsewhere. I take them off by filing through the tips and soaking in acetone in a hot water soak bowl.

[@kimberlycruz9193]

Wondering if I can use the dip products to hold them down?

[@ellenlevenson7831]

@@kimberlycruz9193 You can't use dip powder as you would acrylic because it's a hybid that can't be used with monomer. You can use acrylic like dip powder provided you use the same method as for dip powder. I don't see a way, therefore, to use dip powder under a full-cover nail. You can use dip powder to cover a nail tip that you glued to your free edge. You'll need to cover the free edge first and then proceed with the rest of the dip procedure.

[@jwallabaddabingbaddoboomgu257]

This puts glue to shame! But is it not bulky? What about the cuticle area is there a gap when it grows out xx

[@ellenlevenson7831]

@jwallabaddabingbaddoboomgu257 I put it on thinly. It doesn't take much to adhere. Yes, there is a gap when they grow out. I either add acrylic or replace the press-on. Since I don't like to wear acrylic for more than 3-4 wks, I usually replace them.

[@coriliz444]

A poly gel video would be awesome!

[@mygeorge1951]

Thank you for this informative tutorial. How do I avoid the bubbles? Gracias

[@kimberlyspiegelhalter467]

Thank You so much for these tips! I hope I can adhere my nails properly now. 😀

[@iffykitten8742]

Love the video very informative and in depth. But what I really want to know is what YOUR nails are? I love the shape and color. Is it sculpted acrylic or also full cover(age) tips?

[@PaolaPonceNails]

So in this channel we only use soft gel. My nails have a tinted base in Peach by Nail Thoughts x Kokoist kokoistusa.com/collections/tinted-base/products/nail-thought-tinted-base-gel-peach-base-10ml?variant=40198383566934 Code PPN10 saves you 10%

[@christina5kids16grands]

6:25 I laughed so hard...I really needed that. Just breathe...relax... it's so funny. Honestly, with all the stresses in life, and there are countless...sometimes the anxiety from attaching my full cover tips can top it all🤣😅Thanks so much for a fantastic video!

[@TheScentCloset]

I have natural sculpted nails so I bought all sculpted 😭😭😭 lessoned learned 😆

[@SweetNJuicy1621]

Hello! Thank you for this video. Sp I have a question, I have tips just like that and I've seen other videos where they buff the underside of the tip or use bond. Would I need tp do that with those specific tips?

[@PaolaPonceNails]

Supposedly no, just wipe with alcohol. Others still etch it a bit.

[@SweetNJuicy1621]

@@PaolaPonceNails Thank you!!!!

[@antalapuza]

Now this was the video I was looking for!!

[@tamarasnailology8245]

I'm experimenting with pre-etched full cover tips before I use on my clients but they're unreliable on plastic nails, regardless of prep (nothing sticks like it does to a real nail plate as you know!). I'm worried that the etching isn't as "roughed up" as I can achieve with my large ball bit, but I'd also like to save some time in my nail service. Do they work for you and if so, how long does a set last for your clients? I otherwise love this method and use it as my primary extension service.

[@nanfredman1991]

I use full coverage tips on myself, so the press-and-cure part is pretty tricky. Have you anything to say about that situation?

[@Anon_E_Muss]

If I get a bubble, I use the nail drill to gently drill open the spot where the bubble is, then fill with builder gel. That way, no lifting. If it's a big bubble, take off nail tip and start over. For better adhesion, prep nail plate and cuticles well and use clear acrylic instead of builder gel. Long hair pretty nails has a recent video demonstrating this.

[@bovinegirl]

Make sure you press out the air from cuticle to tip. Hold the top, cure the lower half and once it holds (about 10-15 seconds depending on lamp) you can let go of the top. They also have clear clamps now. I prefer to use my finger to hold in place tho, so you can know you got it air tight. Must have is a lamp with no bottom! Harder if you need to stick it inside a space.

[@Spacecat3611]

Buy the Kiara sky mini LED lamp - seriously the best way to do full coverage tips on yourself. I use apres gel tips but with the Kiara sky lamp and it works so well!

[@angelinauriostegui4244]

On Aliexpress they have a goose neck uv light that you attach to your table,it’s around $8.00 & it’s a game changer. This way both hands are free to apply the tips.Best of luck & keep on practicing👏🏼👏🏼💅🏼

[@nanfredman1991]

@@angelinauriostegui4244 Thank you!

[@TheAcarbone]

I will be trying full coverage nail. Thank you for sharing.

[@wendyrager8411]

If using dip powder, can I do a refill like I would normally do a fill in?

[@czarnesk]

Xtens and xvx makes a hand free uv light with a flexible neck and a foot pedal to turn it on. It's a Gods send for me!

[@PaolaPonceNails]

Ugh! I had the Xtens one, but the light didn’t feel strong for me?

[@czarnesk]

@@PaolaPonceNails I think you're probably right, I have the xtens one also. I just use it for the initial cure when applying full coverage tips. I use my kokist lamp for the full cure.

[@nekophia]

I live in the US and I was wonder what web I can order the Korean brand that you mentioned, "from the nail" ? Please do reply, im so curious and would love to use more korean products for my nails 🥺

[@carmencamilleri9518]

Hi Paola, I would love to see a polygel method, I have tried it but the tip just comes straight off, just like when you use the plastic ones to form a nail.

[@sonia4315]

what brand was the base gel you used?

[@MaKillah]

do you have a video for a good lamp to use? the lamp from my kit is cute but im having to squirm and its ruining me!! a flashlight lamp or goosenecks!?

[@jameeshabattle7953]

I am ready to try again! Great video!

[@loukalicious]

Yes I think number 5 is mine...thankfully because what if I didnt detect any. My clients and I would keep suffering from this mystery. SO helpfull! Thanks a lot Paola!!

[@KgomotsoMosito-fx1iv]

Thank u Paula pls show us the right method then❤

[@magickalbayrabbit996]

Be sure to use the cord that came with the lamp. I didn't realize it came with one, tried using just a random USB cord that fit the lamp, and the lamp didn't work properly once I used the cord that came with it worked perfectly. So relieved almost thought I wasted 40 bucks

[@rosenorris5030]

Thank w, big help!!!

[@alizefitzgerald8720]

For the gelip could I use the nail thoughts bases to apply and fill them? And if I get the medium square length is it possible to shape them in the coffin shape? And in your video you leave a little space at the cuticle when applying the tip correct? I can’t wait for your next kokoist class!

[@PaolaPonceNails]

Yes to all, and Kokoist Gelip should be sort of filled in on the first time, hence the gap at the cuticle area.

[@alizefitzgerald8720]

Thank you soo much!! I’m going to order some

[@marietrini7784]

Thank you for your tutorial videos....I’m a new self nail Tech and can use tips with poly gel the most. Slippage and bulkyness in the middle and sometimes to thin. Just subscribed hun

[@kawannahardy2924]

Great video. Does anyone know of a brand of full cover tips that are narrow with a strong c curve? Most of the ones I've tried don't have a strong enough c curve for my nature nail And aren't narrow enough for my pinky. Thanks in advance.

[@racheller.5685]

If you haven't already, try looking into Apres's "sculpted" nail tips - they are designed for those with curved nail beds and I know their pinky nail sizes are small (I have narrow nail beds and I'm a size 8 for pinkies)

[@kawannahardy2924]

@@racheller.5685 Thank you 😊

[@sunflower3351]

can i use polygel for the tips?

[@sillyf00]

This is the same as gel x nails right..?

[@katielunn6394]

YES polygel please!

[@RhondaBagley-if7qt]

I learned to tip nail downward. i struggle to hold tip on my own nail and get into light. can you plz show how you do this on your own nail??

[@sophia-marieyoung6773]

Ugh, that's the hardest part for me. I've started using a pair of tweezers to hold it in place while flash curing. Still not perfect, but better than using my hands.

[@Little-Sparrow]

I love full coverage gel tips!😍😍😍 best thing EVER! 😊

[@ROSE_reddy]

I’m having trouble making mines stick for a full day with nail glue! This particular one is old but still works so I’m gonna try my newer markarrt nail glues next.

[@debtutterow]

Thanks for the video..very helpful

[@MotherMagenta]

Do I need to have a base to give better adhesion

[@sophia-marieyoung6773]

It's not necessary, but you can if you want.

[@peachmenu8923]

Could I stick these on using the Gelish base coat? Or do I need a different type of gel?

[@PaolaPonceNails]

You can try. May work.

[@PuttyCream]

i’m confused . in the Give me tip application video they recommend that you apply 1-2mm away from cuticle. but you’re saying to apply them to all the way to the cuticle?

[@sophia-marieyoung6773]

You can do either. Depending on your preference. I do 2-3mm away and fill the rest with BIAB.

[@JustOffTuMama]

I would love more info on poly gel application

[@marietrini7784]

So these soft gel extensions are for poly gel or powdered gel or gel polish ? Can they be used as dual forms for poly gel building ?

[@capriciousspark4485]

They work as dual tips, but since they’re not as flexible, it’s hard to pry them off. You can essentially use them with either gel or polygel

[@mas905]

I have trouble with holding down the tip and curing at the same time under the lamp. And if you are covering the tip with your finger to hold it down, how does the LED light get through your finger to cure the gel and tip???🤔 Thanks, friends!

[@sophia-marieyoung6773]

Ugh, that's the hardest part for me. I've started using a pair of tweezers to hold it in place while flash curing. Still not perfect, but better than using my hands.

[@leneakamoneymoney3951]

That was very informative I had problems putting the right size nail on

[@cynthia6039]

hi! Do you know if using gel cover tips would work for regular press ons? like instead of using gel with a uv light, use regular nail glue instead ? 🤔

[@georgiahenson3012]

I believe so but they just wouldn’t last as long

[@roknmama76]

Yes they will! Dashing Diva Fast Bond glue on Amazon is $10 and your press ons can last a month. As long as you prep your natural nails properly you’ll get weeks of wear

[@Ehlaar]

@@roknmama76 if you never wash

[@queensasha4060]

This was very helpful! Thank you

[@LizT207]

Thank you for the awesome video! You're an incredible teacher!!

[@chaozinga]

Thank you so much for the tips! 😍🥰🤍 The biggest problem I have when I apply the tips to myself is to get them on straight. All of my fingers are crooked more or less, some of them are very crooked. So it's super hard to apply the tips straight, I think it looks wrong no matter how I angle them 😅 it can look straight if I have my nails facing me (you know how we usually look at our own nails, or when we do our own nails) but if I turn the hand so that my nails are facing away from me it looks crooked 😫😅 Soo frustrating! And if I try to fix it by counteracting the direction my fingers are pointing with the direction of the tips it just looks even worse😫😂 Haha I'm sorry for my bad explaining, I hope you get what I mean anyway 🙈😅🌸

[@tunnasch]

Oh, I hear you. Our skills aren’t imperfect, our fingers are! 😂 and I can tell arthritis plans to set in, so .. that’ll be fun.

[@capriciousspark4485]

The correct way of getting the nail straight is to look at them when your fingers face away. You need to align the center of the nail with the bones of your fingers.

[@MsKateeD]

EXACTLY!! Me TOOO!!! Ughhh- that is so frustrating and no one has ever helped me with this problem. If you find a solution...please let me know!!

[@kaykreatesbeautyartist]

Are any of the gel adhesives soak off able?

[@PaolaPonceNails]

All I know are soak-able.

[@jwallabaddabingbaddoboomgu257]

You use gel instead of glue??

[@Arizona_lilly]

My dual forms e to curve it never stays flat on at all and then cleaning the sides under side effects i use the clamp ir kinda helps but not strong enough

[@kimmom7785]

Can full nail be put over a product that is on the natural nail, ie (clear dip powder over lay )or does the nail have to be free of all product

[@PaolaPonceNails]

It may adhere

[@yahwehsentourage]

So glad you posted this video it was very informative. Please post a video on the poly gel as well I'm looking forward to watching it!

[@PaolaPonceNails]

K. When I did try it with polygel it did seem easier. But it still oozed out just a bit.

[@TheXxjackchopxX]

What kind of gel to adhere?

[@impressionsbyangie7418]

I slack on the lamp 😆 🤣...my mind will just be "full of thoughts" or something, I think I've turned and on and didn't...that type of goofiness lol...good tips though, very true!!♡ ive been doing full cover tips (w/ glue, then gel glue, then gel) for a LONG time👵🏼😁😉, pretty much the same concept really, just adjustments...tysm Paola!!♡♡♡

[@PaolaPonceNails]

I get ya Angela! When you were doing it with the glue, did you have luck making them last?

[@shureedawn7931]

How do you keep your full cover gel tips from separating from underlay of gel?

[@PaolaPonceNails]

Scrub underneath with 90% alcohol

[@catina4082]

Yes polygel video

[@frizzlefry176]

Putting too much pressure! I was definitely doing this. They would pop off the very next day and it felt like I had zero adhesion in the middle at all. Well. Now I know why

[@hannahhamilton9214]

I have the Kiara sky kit and I have followed all steps but for whatever reason the past two times of doing them they have been popping off in a day or two afterwards.. Any ideas as to why that could be happening..?

[@PaolaPonceNails]

What curing unit do you use?

[@karishmapatil3388]

My technician without holding asked me to keep my nail in cure and it cured perfectly. Why your holding the lamp on top and nail at end can you show how to do without holding

[@Taviesrey]

How can I put sculpted and long press ons without the curing gel to fill the gap?

[@PaolaPonceNails]

Dashing Diva Fast Bond Gel Glue www.amazon.com/dp/B00CHZSUCQ?ref=exp_paolaponce_dp_vv_mw

[@Saintly2]

Need to know how to do this on self as there are so many problems when you’re trying to do this with only one hand. Mine end up crooked as I can’t see through my hand. Also, no matter what I use, it's like my nails are so hot everything turns into a free flowing liquid that cannot be controlled. I keep trying different products & methods… but I just can’t seem to get anything to work without a struggle & at least 2 nails crooked. I'm starting to think there is no solution for me. And don’t get me started on polygel… it melts SO fast on my nails and I end up stuck to everything.

[@salakhalid7969]

Can we use the gelish dehydrator (ph bonder) with apres tips?

[@sophia-marieyoung6773]

You can, but mixing different systems can make it difficult to troubleshoot problems

[@felidawn9962]

Your voice is so soothing

[@troyestaphane6423]

All

[@j.bennette3390]

Thank you!!

[@PaolaPonceNails]

Thank YOU for watching J!

[@ebaysell3051]

Anyone know brands on Amazon for flexible full coverage nail tips , I can’t find the brands she showed :( ones I have DONT bend an I have to much space at the tip from nail bed to press on :/ help :/

[@manimanibooboo]

You need to search for Soft Gel Full Cover. The thing is on Amazon there are A LOT of sellers saying their tips are Soft Gel, but they are not. They do sell Apres Gel X tips and Diami Canoe brand and as of today those are the only legit ones I have found, the rest are just rebranded regular ABS plastic full cover. I will note the prices are higher, if you are able, some sites to check out if you are a DIYet like myself are off the top of my head are Zillabeau, Nail Labo, Apres Nails, Enailcouture. Kiara Sky. I bought the tips she uses in this video in medium coffin from Zillabeau and had great customer service. So the key word is "soft gel extensions and/or full cover tips.". If you use Facebook, there are several groups dedicated to this particular kind of nail. Hope this helps!

[@tacotrivia6465]

Consider me convinced, I'm gonna buy some full coverage tips! Which brand would you recommend, kokoist gelip or f gel give me tip?

[@PaolaPonceNails]

About the same. F Gel currently does not sell individual refill packs.

[@TyTy-ud6gc]

Helpful. Thankyou

[@catina4082]

New subscriber 💜💜💜💜

[@jacindafriend3606]

Yes poly gel option please

[@Arizona_lilly]

Ao we should glue it on

[@zenaida2085]

What about when you get an air bubbles

[@tinafilosoglou5602]

Does any one have an issue with the tips curling around the cuticle when they start to grow out? I use natural so I don’t think it’s the c-curve and I prep the nail very well with buffing and getting rid of cuticles. Looking for a solution and can’t find anyone else experiencing this. I use the apres gel x system

[@PaolaPonceNails]

Hmm… maybe you can DM me a pic on IG. I cannot envision this situation 😅

[@sourpatch_tee6968]

Can anyone tell me what I’m doing wrong ? My soft gel nails are cracking vertically after I dip my nails in alcohol. I only dip them in alcohol to get the sticky residue off from the gel that I use to apply my press ons . Heeellpppp 😩

[@PaolaPonceNails]

Just don’t dip in alcohol but rather wipe :)

[@sourpatch_tee6968]

@@PaolaPonceNails thank youuu!

[@GenesisNicol3]

New subscriber!!! 💕

[@ladyinmauve]

Full cover, full coverage. I just don't understand how they are called "tips" if they cover the full nail. Idk

[@PaolaPonceNails]

LOL! Good point 😂 You’re a deeper thinker than I...

[@binauralharmonies3010]

New subscriber 😊.

[@jacquibrown4271]

What happens when you need a fill? Do they remove the whole thing by filing?

[@tanikahuckle8389]

Soak it off

[@MsKateeD]

I file along the cuticle area and prep, prime, base coat and the apply Gel to the grown out area. You don't have to soak off the nail tip, just blend new gel into the 'old' gel.

[@karlagodec6317]

But how do u take these off? Soak off or?

[@samanthasapato123]

Yes and file

[@Arizona_lilly]

I guess slightly larger is best cause once the gel cures ot won't lay right

[@KathyMcDowell1]

I'm all about full coverage tips‼️‼️ I'm NOT about paying $30 for them. Thats insane! I feel like I'm being price gouged. Thanks for the vid!❤

[@baybidness707]

Poly gel for sure

[@fionasmith9833]

I'm fed up, I get air bubbles under the nail and it's every time I apply them, and then the nails fall off within hrs of application can you please give me any tips thanks

[@PaolaPonceNails]

What gel are you using?

[@fionasmith9833]

@@PaolaPonceNails hi I'm using a base gel to stick the full nail on I cure it for 30 sec to 1 min, it's then I see the air bubbles I even put nail on from the cuticle to the free edge what am I doing wrong

[@angelinauriostegui4244]

@@fionasmith9833 from my experience a lot of the times that happens when you don’t prep your natural nails correctly, also a base coat is of a thinner consistency.a rubber base gel would work better due to the fact that it’s of a thicker viscosity.don’t give up keep on practicing!

[@lunaccodesign]

@@fionasmith9833 when doing these you want a thicker gel than typical base coat. But no matter what gel you use you need to basically rock these on with a good amount of pressure and keep pressure on while it cures to avoid any air. You can get clips that help with this for thinner gels. And make sure there is zero dead skin and that you've etched the nail and dehydrated it for better adhesion.

[@fionasmith9833]

Thank You for your reply I'll try a thicker base gel I'll keep practising

[@MsKimiCakes]

How do u remove them???

[@PaolaPonceNails]

Soak-off in acetone ☺️