will this save your weak nails?? 😔💅🏻

If this helps me not break any nails, I -- 😲
As always, don't listen to anything I'm saying ;) and read all manufacturer's instructions before using any products, especially gel. So many of y'all recommended I try a rubber base coat to prevent my longer natural nails from breaking so I did a bunch of research and chose this one from a fellow content creator / business owner ‪@Nailzkatkat‬ . I'll keep you updated on how it lasts and if it actually goes well this might be my new base and I'll just paint nail polish over it? I've seen other nail artists do that so I dunno. Anyways, I hope you had a great week this week:)
What I used: (some links are affiliates so I can continue to feed my cat 🫶)
🎀 Rubber Base Gel (she has lots of different ones for different skin tones!) : www.nailzkatkat.com/products/... ‪@Nailzkatkat‬
🗡️ Glass File + Cuticle Remover Set: rstyle.me/+FrhgbAbi90YOeWxYma... (affiliate)
💅 Amazon nail favs: www.amazon.com/shop/thegrayte... (affiliate)
🖌️ Nail Art Brushes: amzn.to/3UlpWak (aff)
🐰 Nail art stickers - use code THEGRAYTERGOOD10 : deco.miami (aff)
💧Drip Ring (code thegraytergood) mariejune.com/discount/thegra... (aff)
🦵 Just get some Criss Cross/Superscults Hourglass Leggings and thank me later. ;) www.popflexactive.com/good

[@katfox678]

I’m so so glad you made this because I’ve been wanting to try this to help grow and strengthen my natural nails, and I don’t even know where to start!

[@thegraytergood]

Aw I’m so glad, and I’m just here to help! 🥰🤝 Checking vitamin levels with your doctor is also a great place to start:) I’ll keep y’all updated on how this goes!

[@ambermoon1401]

​@thegraytergood what vitamin deficiency should we be looking for?

[@kaynee4876]

@@ambermoon1401 vitamin D and calcium. Biotin supplements also helps

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

​@@kaynee4876 Those just seem to be such average/basic deficiencies. And so so important.

[@jessipfeifer6011]

Is there anything like this that isn’t gel?

[@Ms2unique4u]

FYI….. the 1st layer you applied without curing is called a “slip layer”. The purpose is….gel attracts gel like a magnet. If you apply the slip layer without getting any on your cuticles or sidewalls, when you apply the 2nd larger dollop, it should stay primarily where the slip layer of gel was applied, ie….not getting on your sidewalls or cuticles. I hope that makes sense! 😉 Beautiful mani btw!! 🥰

[@thegraytergood]

Ooooo thank you so much! That makes sense 💖💖💖

[@simple_naildesigns]

Love that! Thank you for sharing!

[@mattiebee347]

Oh my god I had no idea, this is the best thing I’ve ever learned in a comment section

[@MsWnDrLnD]

Is this like builder gel?

[@jessyinfamy787]

I loved this info! I screenshot it and saved it to my Nail inspo pinboard 📌❤😊

[@glittermonster317]

I have super brittle nails and I have been using a rubber base gel and it has changed my life!! My nails don't break and they actually grow!!

[@fortune.]

Really? Can I ask which one you use? I've tried everything and still - breakage and brittle. Do they have this in the nail salons? Any help is great that's budget friendly! I'll try!

[@Makeuploveculture]

I’m still having trouble too- I’m fact my nails seem to bend even more and feel more “soft” after putting on gel.

[@nopeninja9765]

@@MakeuplovecultureAre you using the right type of gel? Hard gels like poly gel and builder gel shouldn’t be as bending as soft gel.

[@em.415]

What brand?

[@maxwellgrimsley]

What brand? 👀

[@thegraytergood]

They’re freckles and not sunspots, I’ve had them since I was a baby. And I do use sunscreen when I use a lamp, skin protection is always a good idea 🫶

[@binkybun8692]

Babies are not born with freckles. Freckles usually develop after 2 years old, and are triggered by sun exposure. Google is free. Let's stop this misinformation that you are birthed with freckles.

[@jxstmxlly3664]

I have a question where do you get your stuff for your nails and where did you get the rubber base from I want to start looking after my natural nails but idk where to start

[@GoGoGadgetDoom]

As a fellow speckled person, it’s nice to see hands that look like mine. It’s pretty rare in the tubes.

[@sinverrette9803]

They also have UV gloves are you can get black industrial latex/non latex glove with mil at 6-8..

[@raquel.garcia.1995]

Girl, those of us with freckles understand 😂 I hate when people give advice about something on your body that’s permanent and that you were born with Freckles are natural and beautiful!

[@sarahcox9284]

This lady has the most beautiful natural nails I've ever seen.

[@mrskaa7584]

I do rubber base with long nails and just do 2 thin layers and cure them each completely. Then color and top coat over it. It definitely makes my nails thicker and stronger. I remove the gel polish with an e file and then soak off the rubber base. It takes a while, at least 20 minutes, and I use a heating pad to warm my hands while they are in foils. I rub aquaphor ointment on the skin around my nails beforehand to protect them from acetone. The rubber base also allows me to use the efile to remove color without worrying too much about hitting my natural nail. I like to be able to see my natural nails between manicures without getting an e file too close to them, and this allows that.

[@thegraytergood]

Oooo this is all good info, tysm! Especially the aquaphor to protect the skin

[@zzzborky5677]

How do you remove gel polish? Soaking it in water?

[@nony690]

⁠@@zzzborky5677You apply enough gel remover or acetone onto some wipes or cotton pads, and then wrap them around your finger, making sure the wet part is completely covering your nail. Then apply tin foil around it and use a nail clip to make sure it doesn't fall off. You need to wait around 15-20 minutes before you take the foils and wipes off, and then take off whatever is left on your nails with a high grit file or e-file.

[@Kiahhhhhhhh]

Thanks for saying this, I just bought a rubber base with no experience whatsoever and the part about putting a bead and dragging it down intimidated me. So I’m glad to know I can just do two thin layers. Did you cure after each or did two then cured?

[@everykindnessandblessinghq]

​@@zzzborky5677 You can file it off or soak it off. There are tons of videos showing exactly how to do it and everything you will need. Good luck! 😊

[@hellostina]

I started learning rubber base gel with a clear gel - such a mistake! 🤣 Yours looks fantastic 💜

[@thegraytergood]

Awh I bet that was tricky - I want to try clear but the color is easier to see for sure 😅 I still need to practice but I feel like I got it mostly level, ty!

[@stasianova399]

What happened?? Why was it a mistake?

[@Acidfunkish]

​@@stasianova399You can't really see where you're building it, so it's often lumpy, but you can't easily tell until you cure it.

[@zeedee8321]

How did u remove it? Acetone or drill?

[@jujuba1117]

You can put the clear one under a ligth If the reflection of the light breaks and is not uniform then you need to level, the reflection of the light does not break when it is perfectly level, you can also use the reflection of a light to level or know where to level any product

[@gia6721]

You should get a nail dehydrator and a primer (acid or non acid), it will help the gel last for 2-4 weeks on with no lift

[@procreatetimelapse5389]

Could you please link those two products that you think would work well with this rubber base? Is it necessary to purchase any special brushes or tools? I want to start doing my nails more seriously lol, I have an UV lamp, a file, a buffer and a transparent UV top coat that I cure over polishes but I’m looking for something more professional looking and long lasting.

[@melkunie5824]

@@procreatetimelapse5389 I use Modelones dehydrator and primer, but before I put those on I start by filing down the nails with a 100/180 grit (lightly!!), this helps adhesion to the nail even more. So file nails lightly, use a fluffy brush to get rid of any dust, dehydrator and then top it off with primer. Then you wanna start the actual gel polish :) hope this helps and good luck!!

[@procreatetimelapse5389]

@@melkunie5824 thank you so much, that was super helpful!

[@blue-sb4wq]

​@@melkunie5824 hi, do dehydrator needs curing like gel too? Thanks!

[@gina.angelli]

Just dehydrate with pure acetone or Isopropyl alcohol. The dehydrators you can buy are just a 50/50 mix of the two

[@gabstacyfastwolf9385]

The fact that it’s called « bare minimum » 😭 I NEED IT

[@YOUNGTHUGGAMANELAFLARE]

I started using a rubber base and omg the difference is night and day! My nails feel so much stronger, almost like acrylics and they haven’t chipped at all, usually my nails break or chip constantly but I haven’t seen zero chips

[@SchemeThatToddSetUp]

What rubber base do you use?

[@nadinb1014]

can you tell us the brand?

[@Hereandqueer]

What product are you using?

[@jaegerballz]

gel will eventually come off in acetone, but it’s not easy. when the olygomors in gel products cure they turn into polymers which are usually resistant to chemicals. this will make the soak off take longer, so it’s easier to just file them down. (obviously not everybody has a drill to drill it down, but if you’re still going to soak, get the product as thin as possible) also make sure not to soak off every time, or too often. acetone isn’t great for your nails and scraping the product off can cause micro cuts in your nail beds, eventually weakening them. i hope somebody finds this useful ❤❤

[@FlorenceFire]

Just file the upper layer, it will come off in no time

[@cobrafan1403]

Oligomers....e-file....

[@aouroram722]

There are cheap drills on shein and do good job. Easier.

[@meow7629]

oh my god that is the prettiest color i’ve ever seen in my life

[@thegraytergood]

It’s the perfect base color - just the right amount of opacity 😮

[@ashleymcclung8495]

What is the website to buy it?

[@apples113]

Omg this is a game changer. Can’t wait for the update on the nails

[@thegraytergood]

Hopefully it works well! I made a wedding cake this week which is usually a bit hard on my nails so 🕵️‍♀️

[@thegraytergood]

this had better change my life 😯✨💅🏻 #rubberbase #nails #naturalnails

[@AlexandrasGirlyTalk]

They look stunning!

[@thegraytergood]

Ah thank you so much - hopefully they last! Also hey hi hello, I love your work 🥹💖

[@call_me_kara]

PLEASE DONT REMOVE GEL WITH ACETONE Because gel is thick it's need a lot of time to soak off, and that time of contact with acetone is harmful for skin and nails Nail masters usually use special nail drill for removing gel. But you can just buy a hard enough nail file(100-180 grid) and file a top part Also, when you wanna do gel nails again, you don't need to remove ALL old gel. Removing the top part and the lifts are enough. Just leave a thin layer of base and apply a new one on top of it.

[@katfox678]

Thank you so much for this! This is probably why i felt my nails weaken after using gel.

[@elle4873]

I do my nails with rubber gel. You can use acetone. You just need to file a majority of it off with a file so that the acetone can work on the first try and you just need to remove whatever small is left.

[@In.my.red.headdd]

Thank you!!!

[@loveu8910]

There are many nail tech who use acetone. How is it harmful? I feel like not removing the old gel can be more harmful to your natural nails than using acetone to remove nail gel/polishes.

[@call_me_kara]

@LoveU Why not removing old gel can be harmful? I am a manicurist. Gel, after curing in the uv lamp, is just a plastic. It's absolutely safe if it's cured. Gel base contains acids, and while it's not cured, acids lift the scales of the nail and adhere to it. Acetone isn't made for human skin and nails. It dries out the skin and nails, which makes them brittle and thin. And even if it's liquid "without acetone," it's still harmful. There are just other chemicals close to acetone. Acids in gel lift the scales of the nail on a very thin layer, which is harmless in small quantities. Applying gel, then removing it with acetone and applying it again over and over lifts and destroying the scales of the nail deeper and deeper. Also, in the US and Europe, a lot of nail techs that doing really harmful mistakes and quality of their manicure is really bad, I don't know why this is going on.

[@zoekoos7171]

You may not be a nail tech, but girl your video's show it!

[@thegraytergood]

I appreciate the vote of confidence - I watch a lot of nail videos and follow some amazing techs and learn a lot that way 🥰💖💅🏻

[@CMissShelleyMichelle]

​@thegraytergood Who do you follow, please, if you don't mind me asking? ❤ 😊

[@AlwaysBeKind14-io3hl]

Your nails are the most well kept smooth ones I’ve ever seen! Wow! 💅🏼✨

[@kyliee.c]

I also bought it! I find it works so well to grow out my nails without them breaking all the time! I also used to nail bite and this actually makes me stop and realize i have something on my nails!!

[@thegraytergood]

Ooooooo good to know! Yeah my nails aren’t super strong and I got recommended rubber base a lot, I want to try builder gel too :)

[@kyliee.c]

@@thegraytergood yeah me too! They say that rubber base is good for nails that begin to grow because it’s flexible and builder base is good for long nails because its hard! But do your own research before you buy❤️😊

[@katherineparis7922]

Cómo se llama ese producto???

[@vstra5097]

Do you just prep the nail and then apply rubber base? then put it under the UV and after that you also use a Top coat right? I am currently learning :)

[@MissJosNailCo]

You did a great job! A straight light line is everything!

[@Shevan7931]

Wow beautiful ❤

[@all8506]

Wow your nail beds are gorgeous!

[@morphelmarshall7012]

OMG HOW IS IT LOOKS SO CLEAN

[@ElizabethAlexandra33]

she’s my absolute favorite nail content creator

[@thegraytergood]

Her work is incredible and the designs? Omg her flowers and French tips are always perfect 💕

[@ellis3536]

I love your little freckles on your hands ❤ Sooooo cute 😊

[@brenna_gardner_]

Ur nails 💅 are gorgeous!

[@Makeuploveculture]

Thankyou for actually showing how flexible your nails are and still are after putting the gel!!! I always thought I was doing something wrong

[@Noree-mc2hf]

HER NAIL VIDEOS ARE SO SATISFYING😩❤️

[@jinglenails]

You did it so good😍

[@nephtys369]

It’s such a difference. I think you’ll love it.

[@user-vs9yo2br1m]

hey OMG I love your nails!!I wish you could show us full videos on how to start,what beginners should buy and just show us how to create beautiful nails just like yours 🥰🤍

[@cyanide166]

Rubber base is a game changer. You can fix nails with it, fill holes and missing parts...

[@thegraytergood]

😮 omg I can’t wait to try more

[@rnbsteenstar]

That looks great looks great!

[@akira.lee.]

your hands, nails, skin tone, rings! absolutely beautiful ❤

[@Theperilsofbev]

Your application is flawless 🌹

[@ElectricAngel181]

Your nails look amazing ❤❤

[@celineemerson9994]

Seeing a nail bend, ALWAYS GIVES ME THE CHILLS

[@Nailsbyafroz]

This colour looks gorgeous on your hands , love it

[@hisforharley2022]

Same! Just learning as I go.

[@mysticgoddess1119]

Them nail beds though 😍 I have short, conicle nail beds and I'm always so jealous of all the longer evenly shaped one's

[@harshidhathasni5126]

You're nails look beautiful..💗

[@katrina1045]

Good job girl!

[@lft3636]

NGL, you did a good job here 👍

[@letmethinkaboutit8982]

The color on the nails is so beautiful. LOVE it.

[@Ninas_nailz]

I’m a nail tech, and you did amazing building that apex. Great job!

[@starlightangel1990]

Honestly, whats even better is the YN(young nails) fiber gel. Does the same exact thing as rubber base but is stronger and has keratin built in. As a nail tech, ive been using on myself for almost a year, and when i soak off, my nails are crazy strong. I dont trust whats in a lot of brands and i wont buy generic rubber base, but you have to be careful as many seem to have HEMA which is a widly known allergen and can cause more harm than good. I have yet to have anyone have a reaction the the YN fiber gel.

[@steampunkemo9211]

I know EXACTLY who you were talking about. As soon as you talked about the application technique

[@thegraytergood]

Her videos are so addicting to watch, I’m obsessed 💕

[@lillyeliz8656]

YOU SHOULD TRY PADDIE NAILS

[@thegraytergood]

What are those??? Or is it a brand?

[@marycampbell9734]

Omgggggg I love Kat and her RBG are literally life for me!!

[@katrina3893]

Omg i love her, NailKatz! ❤

[@TheeHoneyBadger7093]

It works and your application looks good on your natural nails💅

[@Ayesha85580]

The colour is so pretty 😍

[@CuteDolls-un4xr]

Omg that's such a pretty color

[@sparklywastaken1426]

Bendy is good, bendy is less likely to break. That’s why strengtheners don’t work, they make the nail brittle and cause more breaks. Rubber base coat works as a shock absorber, you have the perfect nails to use it with.

[@ThatisTB]

I'm so glad I found this video. That rubber gel is AMAZING.

[@twentyseven-]

Your hands are perfection!

[@monaminas]

You have one of the most beautiful hands I have ever seen!

[@ShidaGee876]

That colour!!! 😍

[@Eyraom]

I loved this!

[@SafaaAlaa-tr2jx]

Your freckles are beautiful

[@divatech185]

You did a great job. ❤

[@makenzieferguson1828]

Looks great! 💖

[@natluvie]

"im not a nail tech" shut up you're literally my inspiration and you'll always be my fav nail tech 🫵🫂

[@carriesullivan8234]

Hey sweeties! Loooks good as a cosmetologist just start your application a bit closer twards the free edge then go back with a fine brush to move it twards the cuticle. You will be much happier and wont accidentally floos your cuticle area.. good luck and great job on your video!

[@vstra5097]

Do you use a top coat after the rubber base? and can you apply the rubber base twice before you use the top coat? :) i am currently learning

[@thegraytergood]

Thanks for the tips! 🥰🫶

[@thelana63194]

This perfectly! ❤

[@adyady8363]

So-so beautiful❤

[@sashaspearl]

litterally stunning, as always! would you be able to try halal (permeable) nail polish? haven't seen many content creators review it

[@thegraytergood]

tysm, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! And sure I can definitely add it to my idea list 🥰💖

[@sashaspearl]

​@@thegraytergood thanks so much! your videos are always so informative and aesthetically pleasing, and i speak on behalf of you community that we really appreciate the amount of effort you put into your videos

[@Silvermoonshadow]

Your hands and nails are gorgeous and I am so jealous!!!

[@clairbby5436]

the first time i tried a rubber base looked NOTHING like this omg you did so well

[@ChaiLatte64]

Oh my god that looked so good !

[@XXfallenangel]

They came out phenomenal! ❤

[@Aestheticgirl_x]

I would be so lucky if you try popxo nail polish in pastel colours cause i have them and I want to do a nail art with them

[@sekrystalb]

I love NKK! her products are also good!

[@TotallyKayla]

Girl! You nailed the application!!!!!!!!! 👍🏻

[@thegraytergood]

Thanks for saying that 🥰🫶 I did my best! Definitely will get better with practice tho:)

[@TotallyKayla]

@@thegraytergood you seriously did an incredible job! I've been doing my own nails with all kinds of products for over 3 years now and my gel application is no where near that clean lol you seriously did amazingly well!! I love watching your videos. I'm glad you tried the rubber base, it'll absolutely help your nails stay long and strong!

[@michaelakenworthy6317]

You did a fabulous job! 🙌

[@jannavarapupraveena8498]

Wow..good and I love the song too

[@gonzali710_05]

bomb! and your nails are spectacular 😍

[@wondernessful]

I love her! Never bought her stuff because I have so many other stuff right but I learned so much from her

[@joenisnapje712]

Looks great 👍🏻

[@deepityglam]

So beautiful ❤

[@hanan135manan-td1lq]

Your nail is❤ c very beautiful 🎉

[@meiravv]

the colour is so nice love these vids :)

[@margosunny5765]

your nail shape is just amazing🎉

[@DayL2022]

So much easier to apply than Builder Gel. I used dehydrator + primer + protein bond + rubber gel base + gel top coat. Lasted for 12 days and no breakage.

[@simrans3719]

They do look so lovely at the end! 😍💜

[@angiesmith8697]

Im not a nail tech either but am self teaching thru these amazing nail techs here! They do such great tutorials! U got this girl!

[@vusalmehyddinov391]

Really they are very pretty❤❤❤❤

[@Mochamanis]

This is super helpful

[@___LAKSHMI___]

So prettyyyy 😍❤😍

[@thehealingfairee]

When you bent your natural nail and they hardly moved 🥺 my nails bend 90 degrees woth hardly any pressure! Its impossible to grow them out because the bending makes the corners crack. I've gotta try this!

[@NailsOnEmmJay]

Thank you for this!!! ❤😊

[@noface____]

rubber base is the only thing i use now. my nails used to break all the time and would not hold acrylics or other applications, they would always lift. but not this base 💕💕

[@blueclarity]

You did a great job. If you ever end up with a wonky nail you can file it into shape and throw another thin coat on top.

[@thegraytergood]

Oooooo good to know - ty! I’ll try that for sure 💖

[@sophiecorrales]

i have the nails kat kat rubber bases on my nails right now, they are so nice and natural and perfect for any occasion and as a competition dancer when we aren’t allowed to have colored nails, these saved me 😅

[@WatermelonSugarAyyy]

Love the nails doin well so far 😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@gloriaking9586]

Looks great

[@beautellaby_yari7384]

Beautiful ❤

[@iNoufFaisal]

I hope you’re still using it, i put it every month, i should’ve done every two weeks but i’m busy, anyhow my nails would never ever break it’s amazing!!!

[@Izel_Zel]

So good, I am very proud of you ,big fan❤❤❤😊

[@katyad3113]

its interesting that in the west people just started to use this technic. in post soviet countries its being done for like 7 years

[@runi2453]

Youre good! Much better than some nail tech wo arent really