Nail Fundamentals Q&A - Session 6

[@WhippetOut]

THE perfect video. I could have listened to you for twice as long. Thank you for this super-informative one.

[@NostressAdi]

I could listen to you talk for hours Liz!!! Keep these coming please!! I love long videos where you explain things!!

[@razorcatshark3223]

Really a wonderful session because I always enjoy your thorough discussion on topics. Additionally, I thank you for not defaulting to condescension when including DIYers. One can be a home nailist (due to a global pandemic) and still appreciate the complexity of the businesses surrounding products and their delivery, as well as the wonderful skills of the professionals we have worked with in the past. Thanks again

[@TheNailHub]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@crystalwynne3889]

I am SO HAPPY that I watched all the way to the end of this video. I would absolutely watch a video of you discussing household vacuums.

[@TheNailHub]

Haha don’t tempt me. 😂🤓

[@MiaKoo]

You are so intelligent. I love your thirst for knowledge. Thanks for all the great tips and content on your channel. I learn so much just through your thorough explanations given. Even down to the science!! Keep up the great work 👍 👏 💅

[@craziest520]

these videos are what I consider "relaxing me time", so good and informative

[@TheNailHub]

I'm so glad!

[@Mir_Nohti]

I love when you talk! I never get tired of hearing you.

[@VampyTN]

I watched yesterday and rt away I put foil on the base of my lamp. 🤸🏼‍♀ Huge difference!! 😍 thank you so very much! 😆

[@monicakim840]

Liz you are the GURU of all things nails. Thank you for explaining why certain products are professional only! Makes perfect sense! As a DIYer I'm bummed I can't get some of the products on your site, but I get it! :)

[@velabeckwith1967]

Wanted to let you know I tried out the typhoon 2 way medium carbide drill bit. What a game changer! Thanks for all your hard work. Vela

[@thearmchairjournalist566]

Absolutely fantastic video, you are a excellent educator and explain the ins & outs clearly. You’ve helped me so much to be confident in doing my Cert 111 training 💜

[@macmclernon9603]

Absolutely brilliant. I suspect that I was responsible for the DIY/Pro availability gripe... though I wasn't taking it personally, just venting my frustration because no one would tell me *what* level of education counted as professional (there's no licensing in the UK.) However, I did a course which qualifies me for insurance purposes (made really easy by having watched your videos over & over) and apparently that's sufficient! So thanks for all your hard work and great advice!

[@TheNailHub]

You’re not the only one frustrated. ❤️

[@jvp609ify]

I've missed these filled with great information videos. Perfect for sorting my glitters 🥴 I appreciate you taking the time.

[@lovenails5352]

Hello! I love all of your videos! Can you please make a video about greenies. I would greatly appreciate more information about it, and how to take care of it. Thank you!

[@TheNailHub]

Sure thing!

[@Nails_By_Kimberlee]

I second this!

[@tidegirl6526]

I would expand this to include all infections not just pseudomonas

[@tinab7791]

I have a ton of 99% right now because that was all I could get my hands on when I needed to restock. I did not realize that about the dehydration rate/bacterial death. Thank you for the info about dilution, I will give that a try.

[@TheNailHub]

Yes you can add distilled water to it. Sometimes it's hard to find IPA, especially these days with the emphasis on the pandemic so don't worry. You can use your 99% and dilute it just fine.

[@palmirarui1157]

How can we diluted, how much we must added?

[@icoulddobettermaybeitsthis1347]

As a beauty school drop out who originally went to school for hair cutting/styling/coloring and I think we did maybe 4 weeks of true education on anything and all nail service. I am now a couples years out the industry and considered a DIYER since I didn’t obtain my license it infuriates me that it is a question people feel so entitled to products. There is a reason I am not able to purchase products that you and other licensed professionals can. I think the easiest thing that should be noted is everyone wants things on a budget. Which that should be your first sign as why you need a license on things. The products you use can lead to allergies which can hurt people. Most the time people are wanting a cheap little uv/led lamp. And then complain when it’s not working with their system. Which lets face it, it’s because they haven’t taken their time to educate themselves and under how “gel” works. I was in a live stream the other day where someone was talking about LE saying how they wish the sold to public, and they were upset they didn’t. When earlier this same person complained that the streaming brands lamp was to expensive. I think these videos of yours are perfect! If people don’t prefer your “long winded answer” I think it’s a perfect example as why products aren’t sold to everyone 🥴. I truly appreciate you and every video you have put together that truly helps educate everyone. I am obtaining my license in the next couple months when I move back home and can attend school again. I can not wait to start purchasing from your website and supporting brands I believe in.

[@cherylmoellrkwmwksjjw6265]

I love listening to you. I find myself taking notes...you are absolutely awesome the way you explain things...could have watched you longer. Btw Rainbow vacuums are great 😉

[@Nails_By_Kimberlee]

My nail lamp doesn't have a base plate at all. A few months ago I decided to cut out a super stiff piece of cardboard and cover it with aluminum foil to help reflect the light around more inside the lamp. The idea just came to me and here I was thinking I was a genius for thinking up some new nail hack 😂😂😂😂

[@tidegirl6526]

Well you know what they say about great minds thinking alike 😉

[@Nails_By_Kimberlee]

@@tidegirl6526 lol

[@TheNailHub]

That's a great idea!

[@TheNailHub]

@tidegirl 100%

[@briannab4770]

Oh my gosh, I thought *I* was the genius for putting a mirror underneath my lamp, haha.

[@fionnails7293]

Love watching your videos Liz, and your attention to detail. I always learn something new. Great tips and advice re: IPA and aluminium foil. "Knowledge is Power" as they say and confidence to becoming a better Nail Tech, qualifying not so long ago 🙏🤓😀 I agree with the requests for advice re : pseudomonas, and also if you feel it is totally necessary to buff/sand gel after you have wiped off the inhibition layer, for whatever reason, when applying more gel on top? It's definitely my little bugbear feeling I "have" to do so all the time🤔 Thanks again 🍀🤗

[@christiangyrl3]

Thank you so much Liz. I love Q and A videos. I always learn something I didn’t know. Question??? What do you have on your nails they are so pretty?

[@plumcreekantiques7191]

Awesome video as always …. I think some would appreciate your knowledge on which DIY brands are high quality or comparable to professional grade…..thanks

[@christinewilliamson7413]

Thank you for your very informative videos. I struggle with applying French white and get “clouding” or completely file off white. I’ve tried many different techniques. A video troubleshooting this would be great. Thank you

[@karenlee1977]

This was great, Liz! Thanks for the expertise :)

[@lukelandon8129]

Omigosh thankyou for all that info! This was super helpful! As usual 🤩💅

[@ginamaries8854]

Very informative. I've learned a lot. Thank you for sharing. God bless you.

[@Val-ee4hd]

Thanks for question #5 glad this was asked. And thank you for answering :)

[@easynails123]

Thanks for this! I appreciate your attention to detail! I would love a video on sealing the cuticle on enhancements I always seem to file too much !🙏🙏💕💕💅

[@couragedearheart2951]

I use a non acetone polish remover when I have put regular polish over the overlay. No problem!

[@simonaelena5438]

Thank you for the video, quite informative, I am still watching! My question is: how to avoid gels from "pulling" from the free edge? I do apply the base coat and encapsulate the free edge, I use the same brand of base coat and gel, but with some gels, while the cuticle area looks awesome, the free edge in the case of a natural nail overlay really looks awkward. Thank you!

[@simonaelena5438]

and this happens as I put the gel on the nails. I "take" it to the free edge, go "over" a bit, but it immediately pulls from the area and it leaved a VERY VERY thin layer near the free edge ..

[@TheNailHub]

Check that your lamp is fully curing your base. I’m not sure what brand you’re using but it sounds like there’s a lot of incited inhibition layer that is causing the pulling. It could also be the nail cleanser you use. If you’re using a different brand of cleanser it could contain incompatible ingredients. those are usually the 2 main culprits.

[@simonaelena5438]

@@TheNailHub it’s a local ‘professional’ brand called Cupio, but they sell to DIYers too. I do have a new lamp as of yesterday so I will definitely try the same ‘setup’. Also, I do not wipe off the base’s inhibition layer, so I will check whether this may be the issue :). Thank you so much, Liz, I love the tech details you are sharing with us!!!

[@simonaelena5438]

@@TheNailHub oh and my cleanser is just IPA + acetone, so that is not the issue. I checked the brand’s instruction on the bonding base and they do not mention the need to wipe off the un-polymerized gel.

[@AJManol]

Excellent education, as always! Thank you!

[@ladyessexlioness]

Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us lovely videos xxx

[@debrapierce1964]

Thanks for the tip trick about foil to the base of my lamp it works better I have a 120 lamp but it had a black base I used the foil and it helped with my friend who is 92 and can’t get her hand turned for thumb easily

[@elenabaker]

So informative . Thank you!

[@Danellr007]

There were many helpful tips here. But I would like for there to be more transparency on the lamp situtation. Such as someone actually showing what different brands of lamps output are in nm. No one has done this, even Jim at LE has skirted the issue of actual output numbers on lamps other than LE lamps. There must be a tool that shows the nm output.

[@TheNailHub]

Hi the nm is just the wavelength of light. All full spectrum lamps (aka UV/LED) will emit the full range of 365nm-420nm. That is why they are able to cure both formulations of gel. Nanometers just refers to what range of UV (or really near UV) light so you know what type of gels it will cure. But emittance (potency of the light) and brilliance (amount of light) are super important. Wish manufacturers would add those data points. But most lamps come from a handful of Taiwanese and Chinese manufacturers so they are the ones that should truly relabel things.

[@Danellr007]

@@TheNailHub See this is exactly what I mean. there needs to be more information. So that we can make informed decisions. I feel like we are getting half the info trying to make a whole decision.

[@gracem16]

Hi Liz! Should I be putting foil on the bottom of my LE mini dot? I haven’t done it up to this point, do you think it could have caused curing issues? I’m only using LE products. Thank you!

[@TheNailHub]

No need to but you can if you want an easy to clean surface under it. The small size means there’s no need to reflect light.

[@hamsteritahams2908]

I absolutely love your videos! They are so educational. One question, you mention that a nail bit can last for 3 to six months... But as a diy that uses a bit once every 15 days or so... It could last years, couldn't it? How to tell when I need to get rid of them?

[@TheNailHub]

Yes it could last a year as long as it doesn't get dented, rubbed in your storage area, or dropped. Diamond bits are usually the ones that wear down the fastest, but even carbides will stop shaving well after a while. You can tell when you have to speed up your machine or use more pressure than you did before. Similar to using a dull knife. You'll know when it isn't as sharp as it used to be.

[@christiesteckelberg8366]

Liz where can I find a safety sanding mandrel bit?

[@genahebert4]

Hi Liz! Can you please tell me what water vacuum you use for house/floor cleaning or any suggestions? I love vacuums and I’m obsessed lol..i have heard of them but doesn’t have a clue what to start with

[@genahebert4]

I just realized you said the rainbow! Sorry about that lol

[@danalisa8102]

I’m a DIYer and I diluted 99% IPA with acetone. 3/4 to 1/4. Is that ok to make the 99% efficient or should I use water? And if so, what ratio? You are a lifesaver to us at home. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@TheNailHub]

Hi you should dilute first with distilled water and then you can add a bit of acetone to the diluted mix.

[@danalisa8102]

@@TheNailHub thank you!

[@AK-kl7pg]

21:37 is the world going to blow up 😆🤣 you have such a great way to explain things 😁

[@debijusnailzz2021]

Thank you, learned some new information.

[@LeisureReader]

I'm curious if acrylic has varying degrees of flexibility like gel does. Thanks for the videos!

[@TheNailHub]

No it does not. It is more of a one size fits all product in my experience. And is very rigid.

[@jemmawhitehouse1043]

Wow you look fabulous!!!!

[@TheNailHub]

Thank you so much

[@ortik4]

Hello gorgeous! Thank you forever for your videos! May I ask where you've found that cute mold for gel decorations?

[@TheNailHub]

I got this one sent to me but I think you can find them on amazon or ebay. They are often resin/epoxy molds for jewelry but can be used for gel if they are clear.

[@ortik4]

@@TheNailHub many thanks for your quick reply!

[@SusanIvanova2257]

@@ortik4 look for UV resin molds. I've done my fair share of UV resin crafting and it's extremely similar to gel nails. So the molds for this type of resin are usually translucent and made to be put under UV lights.

[@rayelbrigham7777]

I love rainbow vacuums! Was fun to learn that tidbit about you, Liz 😊 Question: what are you wearing on your nails in this video? Specifically the chrome/silver/holo.

[@TheNailHub]

It's a mix of Light Elegance ButterBling and some more generic pigment on top. Sorry I don't know the brand of the pigment. It's just in a plain jar.

[@oni1983]

The product on my thumb on my right hand (dominant hand) always lifts...and it lifts from the sides. Cannot figure out the problem. The other nails are good but my issue is always this particular thumb!

[@stephanierigby325]

If it's gel, maybe it isn't fully cured?

[@juliijules3]

Very informative, thank you so much!!

[@stigish]

Liz thanks so much for these videos! I have a question, sorry if you ever answered this and I missed it. What are your thoughts on peel off base coat for gel polish? I know you recommend a builder base, but I'm very new to doing my nails and DIY so I don't have a nail drill yet, and soaking in acetone to remove gel takes time and isn't comfortable. Peel off seems like a great alternative, but I am curious on your take. Thanks!

[@itsacarolbthing5221]

Liz, anD is that fabulous lipstick, please? You look gorgeous!! Loved this video - so informative, as always!!

[@itsacarolbthing5221]

*what, not anD. Damn predictive text!!

[@TheNailHub]

It is “Victoria” by @kyliecosmetics

[@itsacarolbthing5221]

@@TheNailHub thank you. I am loving your new hair do, too. Xx

[@marissabenhaim6543]

What lamp do you recommend out of kokoist, akzentz, or the new opi starlight lamp?

[@joannabutler466]

I am so glad I found you. How helpful all this info is for us nail enthusiasts. I have a wuestion can I mix gel polish with my builder gel. I just want to know if it will weaken tje builder gel or if there's any problem with it.🤗you're the best

[@TheNailHub]

You could do a bit to create a tint or something, but yes mixing too much gel polish or even pigments or glitters into a gel can change the way it cures and also the way it is structurally sound. It can weaken the gel or make it dry/crumbly.

[@joannabutler466]

Thanks for getting back to me.💖

[@MissTanya2783]

Love the video ! Do you have any recommandations for a dust collector? Thank a lot

[@TheNailHub]

Zephyros is the one I normally use. www.thenailhub.com/collections/zephyros-dust-vacuum

[@Pixxelina]

Does anyone remember which of Liz’s videos shows her camera setup when she records her nails? 🙏🏻

[@emdee20817]

Finally! I always had a say in people worshipping 99% alcohol and how it is not effective in terms of sanitization👍️👍️💯　Great video, so informative as always💕

[@daniellehaag92]

Thank you Liz! I have a ton of 99% IPA, could you tell me how much to dilute it? Thank you!

[@TheNailHub]

2 parts water to 8 parts alcohol will give you an 80% mix which is perfect. And you can add a bit of acetone for good oil stripping power.

[@daniellehaag92]

@@TheNailHub thank you!

[@natashaowens2177]

I've fully cured certain brand & color gels and color IS in the sticky layer!

[@divm8559]

Can ring light flash cure gel? Thanks

[@farrahrosado8593]

I did that with alum foil! Great trick

[@maribeldelvalle1475]

Thank you for your help I’m from Puerto Rico

[@TheNailHub]

No hay de que!

[@SoniaRoimer]

Wooow! My favorite videos!!

[@TheNailHub]

So glad!

[@danielaturta1748]

You're amazing, thank you !

[@leB584]

If I don't want to buy a dust collector, can I just use a mask, will that help? Thanks for all your informative videos!

[@TheNailHub]

Yes you can but if you’re working on someone else have them wear one too. The other concern is powder from filing getting on the skin. Products like acrylics can still be polymerizing while we are finish filing which means the powder that settles on us can also potentially lead to allergies. So it’s more than just inhaling. Just wanted to be clear on that. ❤️

[@leB584]

@@TheNailHub Thanks so much! Much love from South Africa. 🙂

[@brendamanning1472]

Great Video as always, most informative. Just wondering if you have done or are planning to do a plastic wrap nail video?

[@TheNailHub]

Hi Brenda, do you mean the nail art with cling wrap? Didn't know what you meant by plastic wrap but I'm assuming that's what you meant. :)

[@brendamanning1472]

@@TheNailHub yes that's the one (sorry, we call it glad wrap here!) would love to see a gel nail version of it, as I am having trouble getting it right thank you!

[@i.8885]

Can pure acetone be used as a dehydrator?

[@TheNailHub]

Yes it’s excellent for that but just keep in mind it will not kill bacteria.

[@i.8885]

@@TheNailHub yes I clean with alcohol beforehand. Thanks!

[@itsacarolbthing5221]

If you are filing natural nails, using a fine genuine crystal nail file seals the nail edge. Allegedly.

[@candiceruvalcaba9618]

any tips for those who love nails but cant seem to keep a set from lifting for more then a 2 weeks , literally with in the second week i get snagging in my hair , no matter if its gel acrylic ,or a new tech or completely difrent salon ,help insight thiight? my nails are somewhat thin , i cant grow them out any longer then naturally my finger tips if i do they tend to bend and eventually brake off like jerky 😢😭😖🤧🤧

[@dannyquiroz1953]

Thank you thank you 👏 💕

[@sharoudshattahi288]

you are the best dear 😍 I just wanna know if the gel itself or the uv/led light affect the pregnant woman in any way? or maybe the acrylic system as well?

[@TheNailHub]

As far as I have learned no there is no risk, but that is a question for your doctor.

[@lindahansen9413]

99,9 or 100% is accualy makeing a film over the baccteria. 75% is the absolute best for getting rid of baccteria. I am a dentist assistent, and we clean with 75 / 76 % hospital alcohol inbetween patients. 🤲🏼💗✨💕✨💕✨💕

[@pom6652]

tysm!! this was very helpful

[@miladymartinez7067]

Thanks 🙏😘😘😘😘😘😘

[@nikkirener]

You’re amazing

[@bunnybunch5782]

I have the rainbow vacuum, original from 1979!! They are superior!

[@TheNailHub]

Omg yes!!!!!! I’m a huge fan.

[@chasehim3761]

How did I miss this one?

[@Annika64...]

I really love these kind of videos but it's so annoying that your voice is so low compared to the commercials.

[@TheNailHub]

Just like TV. They amp up the commercial volume. 🙄

[@premeditatio]

@@TheNailHub any way to adjust your playback so it uploads at the same volume as commercials to create a more seamless transition? Or does it not matter, and commercial volume will always be engineered to be comparatively louder than videos? Regardless, even aligning volume between your voice and the much-louder theme music should be helpful.

[@popitzikaliou7]

Hello. Thanks for the vid. Why is this charity?

[@TheNailHub]

Sorry didn't understand your question. This is a Q&A video. Are you referring to the fundraiser that shows up underneath? I have been including that in all my recent videos as we are going to be announcing something special after the new year. :). Anyone can donate to Beauty Changes Lives to help contribute to scholarships for nail school.

[@popitzikaliou7]

@@TheNailHub yes. I mean that exactly. Thank you for answering. Gour videos are so cool

[@Anon_E_Muss]

I'd like to know what led lamps are OK to use as a desk lamp while I'm using hard gel products? I'm afraid to use my desk lamp with my hard gel application and ruining my brush. What led desk lamps do you recommend for nail work so one can see?

[@TheNailHub]

Hi there. So think of LEDs as a type of light bulb. They don’t all emit UV light. The LEDs used in nail lamps actually are made to emit light within the UV spectrum and specifically is UV-A light. If your desk lamp is LED it most likely does not emit any UV. Also any daylight LED desk lamps are usually great for working because the bright color (normally 5,000-5,500 Kelvin light temperature) makes it very easy to see details. You can go for expensive ones like the Daylight brand or Amazon also has great daylight task lights. Most of which you can change brightness and warmth of the color which is nice. Only normal lights I have seen be able to cure gels are halogen bulbs. Hope that helps.

[@Anon_E_Muss]

@@TheNailHub my goodness what a detailed, thoughtful reply! Thank you so much. I just finished my first set of hard gel active length extensions with forms thanks to you. Really appreciate your time and introduction to kokoist products!