What it means to have half moons on your nails
Fingernail half moons are the rounded, white shadows at the base of the nails. The industry term for this is lunula, which is Latin for ‘little moon’. The place where each nail begins growing is known as the matrix. This is where new cells are made that will make up…
What’s the difference between diamond, carbide & silicone E-file bits? A nail expert explains
E-file bits are made from different materials, come in different shapes, sizes and styles and have different purposes and benefits, says Katie Clark, award-winning nail tech & founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education. There are some bits which must only be used for certain techniques, otherwise it is…
Nailchemy & KB Tool Range announce collaboration – with 3 big benefits for nail pros
Katie Barnes Tool Range, a provider of nail tools, and nail product house, Nailchemy, have unveiled a product-focused partnership. Keen to elevate the experience of the nail technician, the brands are offering the KB Portable E-File and Nailchemy Dust Collector at promotional prices, to support the efficiency, precision and health…
A guide to taking care of your nail tools & brushes
They’re the most essential items in your kit bag, so refresh your knowledge on storing, cleaning and maintaining nail tools and brushes… “With all tools, the general rule should be that if you can feel a loss of efficacy or you’re having to change your technique, it’s time to replace…
Here’s why nail tools discolour & corrode – & how to prevent this
Maintaining high-quality nail tools is essential for delivering safe and professional nail services to clients. However, have you ever wondered why some of your nail tools – particularly metal ones – develop discolouration, tarnish and corrosion? Understanding the factors that contribute to these issues can help you prolong the lifespan…
Are you aware of the dangers of sprays & aerosols around electrical nail equipment?
When it comes to ensuring a safe and efficient nail salon environment, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers that certain products can pose. Here, I explore why sprays and aerosols can be hazardous when stored and used around electrical nail equipment, such as e-files and gel lamps.…
What’s the difference between the nail plate & the nail bed?
The terminology can be confusing, but it’s crucial to understand the different parts of the nail structure, including the nail plate and the nail bed. In this post, I explore the distinct characteristics of these two components and their roles. THE NAIL PLATE: what you need to know The nail…
Why gel polish shrinks & how to prevent it
Gel polish is a popular choice for many due to its long-lasting finish and resistance to chipping and fading, compared to traditional nail polish. However, one of the most common and tedious problems encountered when working with gel polish is the issue of shrinkage. Gel polish shrinking during application can…
Inside look: The power of nail creators & importance of crediting them
The nail industry is a dynamic and fast-growing industry, with creators and ambassadors playing a crucial role in shaping trends, showcasing products and inspiring millions of nail professionals worldwide. These talented individuals invest their time, creativity and expertise to produce exceptional work, yet often their contributions go unnoticed and uncompensated.…
Revealed: The beauty products that can & can’t be recycled
Recycling is a challenge for small businesses, particularly in terms of getting hold of services or outlets for the small volumes of waste materials that are produced. For beauty and nail professionals, this can prove even more difficult. While some specialist collection services do exist in some areas, they are…
4 controversial nail industry trends
In the ever-evolving world of nails, trends come and go and sometimes, controversial topics arise that spark debate among qualified nail technicians. As professionals in the industry, it’s essential to stay informed and educated on these discussions to better serve our clients and uphold the highest standards of nailcare and…
E-files: Why is direction so important?
Most professional E-files will come with two directions, forward and reverse. I always recommend investing in an E-file with both directions, to allow for enhanced performance and safe results. This type of E-file is sometimes mistakenly referred to as left and right-handed, but this is not always the direction that…
Here’s why your E-file bits get clogged – & what to do about it
Often, when E-file bits get clogged, it is likely the product it becomes clogged with is uncured. This could be gel, acrygel, gel polish or even acrylic. When product is fully cured it presents as pure dust which will sit in the teeth of your bit and still needs removing…
Here’s why you shouldn’t let your nail & beauty tools air dry after cleaning
Most nail tools and e-file bits are made from steel and iron. Rust occurs on nail tools, E-file bits, and other metal items when water (or moisture including humidity) and oxygen come into contact with iron or steel for a certain amount of time. This is a naturally occurring chemical…
The difference between left and right-handed E-file bits
Most E-files will come with two directions, most commonly called forward and reverse. The forward direction will rotate the E-file bits in the correct direction when working from right to left, or commonly for a right-handed tech. The reverse direction will rotate the bits in the correct direction for a…
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