Why You Need To Shorten Nails In Order To Extend Them

[@WhatsMarlyUpTo]

Oh my gosh! I'm only at 13 minutes and already you have addressed so MANY of my questions that I was just researching for answers. Here it just dropped in my notifications today. Wow! I was trying to find out if extentions could be done with overlay remaining, answer YES; and wondered about how to address the forms not going straight along the sidewalls, you explained to use a thicker gel to prevent seeping under and you also said it was NORMAL to have this issue which made me feel so much better. I just did my first overlay and I love them but my nails look so stubby now, even though they are super strong. I have paper thin, very flexible, flat natural nails. So I have been wanting to do an extention to make them look prettier. So guess what I am doing after finishing your video?? LOL I do have a question, I built up my overlays so that they have an arch. Because the overlay hasn't grown out from the cuticle at all yet, is it still ok to extend if the overlay is full cover? I expect that I'll have to file down the arch somewhat to strenthen the extention by covering the entire nail. Don't want it to be overly thick. What do you think? Or anyone else that is reading my question, feel free to chime in. Love you Liz, and especially love how you educate us so well in all your videos. Saw your videos with Suzie on NCE. She is another of my favourites to follow on YT.

[@TheNailHub]

You just have me a great idea for my next video. I will cover how to extend when you’ve already got a solid overlay on! Such a good question!!! 🙏❤️

[@WhatsMarlyUpTo]

@@TheNailHub Awesome to hear because I have one hand done after GREAT difficulty and patching and such. Looking forward to my next notification that your video is up!

[@essjai5D]

@@WhatsMarlyUpTo I’m a newbie myself so I’m curious to see the answer! I’m wondering though, if you are extending - doesn’t that impact the placement / position of your apex? I’m wondering if you’d have to file the nail a bit and move it back?

[@WhatsMarlyUpTo]

@@essjai5D Did you see the video Liz posted very recently? She addresses the importance of the apex position.

[@airamsantos8700]

Hi Liz!!! I am addicted to watching your videos! you have taught me so much, Thank you, thank you, thank you. I start my nail tech program this past July, what I have learned is just the basics to just get my license and keep moving. I watch your videos every day since my teacher shared one of your videos with us the students and OMG! I was like, wait a second I want YOU to be my teacher! You are amazing, so detailed-oriented, specific from start to finish with all your terms and explanations. I wish I can get to meet you one day and even take a whole class with you, thank you for your time and dedication.

[@emilyantiqua]

If you want proof that they’re your natural nails, just cheat and use LE natural fiber😂

[@u2bleas]

I love LE's natural fiber! My clients are amazed when they come in and I can make their nails look real again!

[@zeta802]

You are such an amazing teacher! So glad you’re back.

[@Nicole.the.Nail.Stylist]

Great info! We've missed you!

[@barking79spiders]

Gosh I've learned so much from you from every video you've posted - thank you so much!

[@apolishedsociety9504]

Love this cut (without the bangs) the best on you! You give Mary Tyler Moore vibes! 😍 Great video, as always.

[@TheCupofthea]

very very useful ! I wish you talk about top coat eventually please.....Mine never stay shinny !

[@TheNailHub]

Hi if they go dull quickly (like 3-7 days) it could be your lamp is not fully curing them. If they go dull after 2+ weeks it is most likely just wear and tear. Soak off top coats will get rubbed and worn out faster than hard gel top coats.

[@lovetolove011]

It’s been so long! 🧡

[@tinab7791]

I remove and reapply (too often probably lol) just because I really dislike the look of my natural nails underneath. Thankfully, your always leaving an overlay concept saves my natural nails from this abuse 🤣

[@MadeByTaniel]

Hey, just a tip, you can always file off your natural nail growth underneath to save you the trouble. This way you won't see your natural nails at all underneath and you won't have to keep removing your product

[@briannab4770]

@@MadeByTaniel - Heya. I try, but it's so difficult! I've tried multiple different nail bits, but I can only file off little chunks of it. I can never file it off properly, so I still have fragments of natural nail that remain underneath. Are there any particular bits you recommend? I have been using a nail bit from Amazon that's specifically designed for the underside of the nail. I love the bit, but NOT for the underside.

[@MadeByTaniel]

@@briannab4770 If the nail is long enough, I will use a tapered bit to file off as much as I can without touching fingertips. Then I'll use one that is designed for the underside or some kind of cuticle bit that will go far enough under without cutting or hurting me or my client to remove any little bits that might be there. I would recommend doing that before you refill so that if you over-file you can always repair it while you are doing your fill instead of the other way around. You can try different bits to see what works for you. Just because a bit is said to be for a specific purpose doesn't mean it works best for that purpose and trust me girl, some of them do so much more than they are advertised to do lol

[@anitaprashar8657]

watching your video is good understanding of how it needs to be done but still don't have the hang of it, thanks for the videos

[@TheNailHub]

Definitely takes a lot of practice but you can do it.

[@inelavujich738]

Yay Liz! So happy when you make these videos, I always learn so much! My question is how you also work with crooked fingers/ cuticles and the forms. Sometimes people have slanted cuticles and I have a hard time knowing what's best so I end up asking them which way they want me to direct the nail, I just don't know if that's correct. Thanks!! Love your channel!

[@rubygriffin2558]

I would make the tip slope so that it looks even.

[@TheNailHub]

Follow the bones of their finger. If you watch my “how to use nail forms” video I explain this. When you align forms don’t go off the nail plate. Go off the full finger.

[@inelavujich738]

@@TheNailHub 👍 Thank you so much! I will definitely practice this 😊

[@wynthehuman]

Liz I’m so happy and grateful you’re back thank you for all the knowledge you share in this channel ❤️❤️❤️

[@nailsofinterest]

No talons!!!! Yes!!!!TFS💜💖💜

[@sarahbatchelder8850]

Great video liz missed your videos!

[@amberh4815]

I know it has been said before, but I need to put in my two cents.....you are AWESOME!! I get seriously excited when I see that you have posted a new video. You are a fantastic teacher and I always learn something new with your videos. Thank you!

[@TheNailHub]

Thank you 🥰

[@manfredfails7485]

My nails grow upwards. It annoys me so much.

[@TheNailHub]

We all have challenges so don’t get too annoyed. And it can all be camouflaged by product and techniques if you want to. ❤️

[@Nails_By_Kimberlee]

*THIS* is the kind of content I've missed from you so much!

[@NostressAdi]

Yay another video!!! She’s back y’all 😆😆

[@HypnoticDreamsASMR777]

Yay!!! I'm so so so glad you're back! ❤❤❤

[@Rhiandell]

Ok, but what about if the nail isn't sloping in either direction and there is nothing else to correct? Do I still have to cut down the natural nail if I'm entirely happy with the shape and literally just want to extend it? I've been discussing this with my and we can't figure it out. Unless we do a complete removal, her natural nails will eventually reach all the way to the free edge after a couple of infills. How is that any different than if I don't cut them all the way down when doing a fresh set? I don't use an e-file, so have no way to remove the natural nail underneath as it grows out.

[@Tara.strong]

As long as it is not separated from the artificial nail it's fine. Just seal the natural nail with topcoat so that water won't cause it to pull away.

[@TheNailHub]

Hi if the nail is perfectly shaped then no need to do any of this. You can just keep doing overlay backfills for eternity. One additional thing is if you find that the free edge starts to peel or separate after a while you just need to bevel the edge or re-cap it well. Sometimes even doing a mini extension by leaving forms on while you work helps to put gel in front of the natural nail. Gel and acrylic do wear off with constant wear and tear so sometimes the free edge of the natural nail will become exposed over time. That's the only thing I would watch out for.

[@margareta249]

Just subscribed. I came across some of your videos. So much information which i need to learn as im learning to do my own nails. Im thankful that you talked about the nail form because i kept getting it wrong. Thank you for showing how to use and adjust the nail form. I will be looking to your videos for learning about nails and products, gels and builder gels and technics etc. Again thank you 😊

[@ninahlt91]

Oh my goodness. I never knew how much I missed your videos. Short hair looks amazing on you

[@drariannamedici]

Dear Liz, thank you so much for explaining why you should cut down the length of the natural nails 💅 for proper application of form's and extensions. Have you ever dealt with Onychocryptosis and how 🤔 you manage or deal with this type of issue?

[@TheNailHub]

Ingrown toenails usually come from trimming corners too square or too far back. Are you experiencing ingrowns on your fingers? Same would apply. A lot of salons and techs erroneously use nippers to trim the corners of nails deep into the sidewalk but this leads to ingrowns. I usually leave the sidewall alone and am very careful when working on corners.

[@drariannamedici]

@@TheNailHub Dear Liz, yes the nail salon was the culprit and in my toed and two fingers. But I have been learning from you during my down time Ma'am and now do my own. So thank you for your precious time and knowledge.

[@toriaden833]

I have a client that has really bad ski slope nails. I guess I would need to cut the length every other fill, and start over again? Also can we train the natural nail to grow properly?

[@TheNailHub]

Yes really severe ski jump nails usually get fresh extensions every few weeks. You don’t have to take all product off. Just shorten and re-extend and connect to product already on the nail bed. Unfortunately I’ve never seen ski jump nails get trained to grow differently.

[@toriaden833]

Thanks so much

[@lulabella9249]

Have you done a video on how to create ski-jump nails? I think they're beautiful and would love to create it on my toenails, if it's possible. Thank you!!!

[@tinawilstrup955]

So I just did this, and in my head it makes perfect sense and the nails look long and clean underneath. However, when they grow it's easy to see that product did slip between the form and under my nail leaving a wedge that is now a perfect dust/dirt-collector. What did I miss - how do you prevent that? 🙏

[@tinawilstrup955]

Thank you so much for explaining this! 🙏 I totally thought the forms had to be fit to the natural nail, and it's practically impossible 🙈

[@rhondaclark5335]

Hi Elizabeth, thank you for sharing valuable information🌸

[@camillesnaildesign3972]

I love how you take each topic and go so in-depth on each of your videos! I definitely needed this one today!! 👍 Thank you!!!

[@jobjobyvonnegaskin8356]

Hello, thank you for all the information you post. 😊 I don't take it for granted you do alot in contributing to healthcare.

[@tinawilstrup955]

The nodges worry me though. I use polygel and I'm sure that would touch the skin.

[@abernathiee]

Yay for another video!

[@angelanuqui8091]

i am your really new fans to what your doing nails on... and i really love it now i watch all the previous video you have.. but i have a request can you do it a bitten nails to do extension nails?

[@mariemitchell3898]

Thank you so much for the info. God bless you sweetie.

[@majelladekkers3382]

Thank you! Finally I understand this!!!!

[@jennalamaina1285]

Best video and advice ever! Solved many of my problems

[@nanasloves]

That answered my questions! Thanks!

[@kristinecheng2509]

I think nail technicians are plastic surgeons in a way. 😬

[@Jen-fz8uq]

yessss professor nailhub teach us!!

[@JulytheGarno]

Thank you and its very nice to ear you again !

[@legslikewhoa]

I gagged at the thought of extra chunky teeth 🤮 😂

[@lelarobinson2854]

My thumbs are such a pain in the ASS to fit a form to because they both ski jump into outer space AND I have a natural pinched c curve. All my nails create about a 45-50% c curve. I tried to sculpt a Russian Almond on my ski jumpers and the side profile was vomitrotious and very unprofessional to say the least!!! That was 3 years ago and I haven't attempted it every since. I only overlay and correct the arch of my thumbs with gel builders because l and p is a big ol pain in the ass while building an arch. With gel, all I have to do is flip my thumb over to create a really nice and carefree apex and cure.

[@jeanniewahine5443]

Your word "vomitrotious" just cracked me up!

[@FastandTasty365]

Do you recommend using dual forms? I am a diy’er and not great at getting my gel top to be nice and smooth and uniform down the length, as well as straightening out my sideways nails on these older hands. Dual forms look like they might resolve those issues, however I’m wondering what your thoughts are, regarding using them.

[@TheNailHub]

Hi Lorraine, it's better to work on your skills get perfect your application. Dual forms are good in a pinch, but they can be like training wheels if you don't already have the skill set developed. For an expert they are a nice shortcut, but for someone still learning they can become something that you depend on and ultimately hold you back. Just my two cents.

[@princessblingy7542]

Nice to see you again 😀😀😀

[@wo0o0o0ho0o0]

Yay

[@RavenRose88]

Hoe long can you grow out your natural nails under gel, after getting several rebalance/fills. How often should you remove and trim the natural nail? My long extentions feel stronger when my natural nail is long underneath

[@TheNailHub]

You can keep them as long as you want. However sometimes your natural nail will start to curl and separate underneath of an enhancement if it is the full length of the enhancement so I recommend having your natural nail beveled under so it thins out towards the edge of the enhancement. Hope that makes sense. I have a video on regrowth and how to clean under nails and I talk about this. Also cuticle helps to prevent the curling issue.

[@andnownails]

So informative! Wow. Really helpful. My natural nails have become wonky over the years. Especially my left thumb and right ring finger. They suck! Mine are very similar to yours although most of my hyponichium are extended. I'm a beginner with enhancements.. Learning myself, plan to go to school in the next year! Thanks so much for the info. You teach very well.. Good illustration 😊

[@codaliber1751]

Thank you!

[@Panama1979]

Thank you🙏💜

[@tshepiso123]

I have learned so much from just this one video. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us. You explain things so clearly it's always easy to understand.

[@angelanuqui8091]

thanks you

[@Temblett1]

Hi there Liz! UK follower here, I’m a massive fan and have learned so much through watching your whole nail fundamental series - your education has thankfully made me avoid what seemed to be the beginning of a HEMA allergy by choosing Light Elegance and Akzentz on your recommendation, so thank you so so much!! You mentioned patching up and repairing a broken corner of an extension in this video, and I wondered if you might be able to do a quick tutorial for us on how you would go about this? I find this happens on my extensions sometimes, and no matter how I line up my form, I always end up having gel spill through to the underside of the nail, and the new repair generally cracks off within a day or so for me, so if a patch repair is possible, I think so many of us would love to learn how to do it successfully! Once again, thank you so much; From one Laverne & Shirley super fan to another (growing up in cold and gloomy 1980’s North East of England, this was not the cool show to watch - I was a decided oddball!) All the best to you xxx

[@Ikkanhetleren]

Thank you so much for your videos! I think I almost watched every video. Totally obsessed with the detail you explain things, it is super helpfull ♡♡

[@christiangyrl3]

Thank you so much Liz. I’ve learned so much from you. I can’t thank you enough.

[@lindat1879]

Another well informed tutorial 😊. Was pleasantly surprised to see the notification. All your videos make so much sense. I've been watching them for several years now and your nail Fundamentals series was/is so well done I decided to get certified last fall after being a DIY'r for about 7 yrs. I was hoping you would've offered an online training program since I love how you teach but since you don't I took one that was available. I still go back to your videos as well since they're so helpful and look fwd to your new ones. 🥰

[@reginaclepper4943]

I really enjoy and appreciate your videos. You have taught me so much, thank you!

[@chantaldowling4342]

I had always used full coverage tips and sculpted my nails with forms for the first time 3 days ago. I was always scared to try because I have ski jump nails on six of my fingers. Thanks to your tips and tutorials I was able to use a thicker builder gel to extend the nail and they turned out decent IMO for my first time. I never would have had the confidence to try without you providing this education and advice. Thank you so much I appreciate you!

[@chantaldowling4342]

One thing I need to work on the most is shaping and finish filing.

[@TheNailHub]

That’s awesome! It does take time and practice so don’t get discouraged. I know you can do it.

[@pumkinpieturtle]

Do these tubs of hard gel harden if exposed to sunlight?

[@TheNailHub]

Yes. Don’t let any UV light near your gels. Including the Sun.

[@leeshpilrain204]

Thanks so much for the video! Love watching your channel always informative and easy to understand even for a non native speaker

[@brendajohnstone8576]

That was VERY informative! Thank you sooooo much!

[@llxnova2330]

Hi Liz... I've watched all your videos a million times! I'm trying out at a nail salon next week and the nail tech wants me to extend her nails but keep her natural nails long. What should I do?

[@TheNailHub]

If it’s for a simple try out then you can attempt to align the form to her natural nail. But I would make a point to say that is not the way to get best results. Show them what you know instead of just conforming to their current level of knowledge. ✊

[@llxnova2330]

@@TheNailHub Thank you for responding so quickly! Having you back me up gives me a lot of reassurance. :)

[@Imokanurnot]

Such an amazing video, you've gone into such detail that I'm understanding so much more than I previously did. This is going to help so much with winning the war of the nail forms that it's not even funny. I'm assuming this will work well with acrylics as well. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, I appreciate you! 💗

[@sharonelizabethmiller3723]

Excellent tutorial! So much useful information made simple and clear!

[@shannonleary9328]

I literally just bought a builder gel kit I was going to try out and was curious about what to trim. Thank you for this!

[@lestutosfrenglish]

That's surprising I heard that you should never remove lenght with a file and only use it to shape ! I am glad you can use it still !

[@TheNailHub]

You can absolutely remove length with a hand file or an efile. On natural nails best with a hand file. On artificial it's easier with an efile.

[@lestutosfrenglish]

@@TheNailHub cool, thank you for the clarification!! 😁😁

[@rhondaarmstrong1405]

Great video! Learned so much! Thank you!

[@annab6948]

Excellent instruction. Thank you!

[@breezyplace]

What dust collector do you recommend?

[@TheNailHub]

I use the Zephyros. You can find it on our site thenailhub.com.

[@joannwhitney2131]

Thank you Liz. Love your lessons, and always have.

[@semonethomas6307]

Thank You Thank you so much Elizabeth! You are a WONDERFUL EDUCATOR FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO LEARN THE WORLD OF NAILS! I HAVE QUESTIONS AS I'M FOLLOWING YOUR NAIL HUB CHANNEL AND THE MORE I FOLLOW THE MORE I LEARN!!! I LOVE YOU FOR ALL YOU TEACH/SHARE!!!!😘😘😘😘😘 MY QUESTIONS ARE : ONE WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT NATURAL NAIL LIFTING FROM THE NAIL BED/PLATE; SHOULD THE NAIL NOT HAVE ANY APPLICATION? TWO: HOW TO PREVENT/ TREAT THE GREENIES AKA SARAMONIUS ( I'M SURE I SPELLED WRONG). AS I'M PRETTY POSITIVE YOU'VE COVERED THESE ISSUES BEFORE, I JUST HAVEN'T COME ACROSS THE TUTURIALS YET. THANK YOU AGAIN AND ALWAYS SEMONE😘😘😘PRONOUNCED SIMONE AS IN NINA

[@TheNailHub]

Hi Semone, I will definitely go over these 2 topics soon! :)

[@juleeetik7toki]

My nails tend to flatten out as they get longer and that is problematic. So I’ve been shortening my nails for a few years now. However, the corner removal was a big game - changer for me using forms. Thank You. ❤

[@TheNailHub]

Glad that helped!

[@geniferteal4178]

I like your makeup, neat and clean, just like the lesson. Well explained, not much extra chit chat. I look forward to seeing more of your videos. This was my first.

[@nailsofinterest]

Oh you're going to love her!! Check out her essentials playlist!! About a year of weekly lessons!!! Lamps, to gels, to forms to every essential thing!!!💜💖💜

[@rubygriffin2558]

Your hair is very pretty & healthy.😍

[@jessicalinneaa]

You’re honestly such an angel. I don’t know anyone who does videos like this where they’re so precise and straight to the point while also making it easy to understand and I also love the visuals where you show us with either finger and product or just a drawing while explaining the structure and techniques. I’ve learned from your videos more than any other channel and I feel like I’ve watched almost all of your videos by now. I love love love them! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us! ❤️

[@TheNailHub]

Thank you for supporting my channel! 🥰 so glad it is helpful.

[@vatishacarney2270]

Thank you for this!!! 🙏💖

[@emmaestill]

This is so helpful Liz, thank you!! I’m struggling with when you need to clean out underneath an extension (using an under nail clean-out carbide but). Is it normal for there to be a little notch or gradation from the hyponichium area towards the free edge? I feel like it looks so bulky close to the attachment point before it thins out towards the edge. I hope I’m explaining that ok haha

[@TheNailHub]

Hi Emma, if the natural nails is not causing any problems you can just leave it. I actually find that a small diamond barrel bit works better than those typical under nail cleaners. And really you only need to bevel the free edge. No need to remove everything. But yes as you explained it you will have a natural nail that is the thickest by the hyponychium and then fades out thinner and thinner (almost ombre) towards the free edge.

[@leeevers8976]

dang it……. I missed you!!

[@deborahmilan8807]

Thank you for sharing 🥰

[@JordanaMafalda]

Thank you 😊🎓💅🏼

[@geertjemeinesz7842]

Thank you so much!

[@rhondaarmstrong1405]

Is there a way to change the way the nails grow?

[@TheNailHub]

Unfortunately not really. Curving/pinching/tight c curves can sometimes be helped with lots of moisture but usually your nails will grow the way they want

[@chasehim3761]

oooo!