Nail Art and Gel Application

1 Know how to prepare for gel polish and nail art services

• Prepare self
• Prepare the client
• Prepare salon area, tools and equipment for gel polish and nail art services
• Consultation techniques:
• ~Questioning
• ~Listening
• ~Written
• ~Visual
• ~Visual aids
• ~Manual
• ~Language
• ~Reference to records/history of skin and nails
• Individual client needs: 
• ~Audience
• ~Equality, diversity and inclusivity
• ~Perceptions
• Methods to remove different nail finishes:
• ~Polish
• ~French
• ~Gel:
• ~~Removal using a bowl soak
• ~~Removal using foil
• Methods used to prepare natural nail
• Nail and skin analysis
• Importance of nail and skin analysis
• Importance of establishing the client’s objectives
• Service plan
• Importance of adhering to service plan
• Contra-indications that restrict treatment
• Contra-indications that prevent treatment
• Importance of identifying contra-indications
• Importance of referring clients for medical advice

2 Be able to prepare for gel polish and nail art services

• Complete a consultation for a gel polish and nail art services
• Cleanse client’s hands and remove nail finish
• Perform nail and skin analysis
• Client objectives
• Client understanding and agreement of proposed service plan
• Record client information and consent

3 Know how to perform gel polish services

• Natural nail shapes
• Products
• Tools
• Equipment
• Explain the reasons for shaping the free edge prior to gel polish application
• Types of curing equipment
• Effects of over-curing and under-curing:
• ~Over-curing
• ~Under-curing
• Features and benefits of gel polish
• Adapt the gel polish service to suit individual client needs
• Methods of applying different gel nail finishes
• Differences between UV light and LED gel enamel applications:
• ~LED and UV Lamps
• ~UV Lamp versus LED lamp
• ~Advantages of UV gel polish
• ~Advantages of LED gel polish
• ~Curing time
• Environmental conditions
• Methods of removing gel polish:
• ~Gel
• ~Removal using a bowl soak
• ~Removal using foil
• Effect on the nails and skin of the incorrect use of products and equipment
• Implications of layering product and how it affects the removal process
• Difference between gel polish and standard nail polish and how they can be combined
• Problems that can occur if the gel product is too thick or too thin
• Different types of gel polish
• Chemical processes that occur during gel polish application:
• ~UV gel
• ~Catalyst
• ~Vapours and odours
• ~Initiator
• ~Photo-initiators (used to cure gel products)
• ~Viscosity
• ~Key ingredients/useful terminology
• ~Poly-Oligomer
• ~Shrinkage
• ~Oligomers
• ~Polymerisation
• ~Polymer
• ~Curing
• ~Capping
• How to adapt the gel polish application if combined with other nail service
• Contra-actions and necessary actions:
• ~Allergic reaction
• ~Exothermic reaction
• ~Premature loss
• ~Lifting
• ~Breaking and splitting of LED gel polish
• ~Discolouration of product
• ~Bacterial infection
• ~Breaking and splitting of natural nail
• ~Fungal infection
• ~Discolouration of natural nail
• Aftercare advice:
• ~Suitable aftercare products and their use
• ~Avoidance of activities which may cause contra-action
• ~Recommended time intervals between services

4 Be able to perform gel polish services

• Select products, tools and equipment in accordance with the gel polish service plan
• Nail shape
• Apply gel polish finish
• Necessary action to effectively manage contra-action(s)
• Keep correct records
• Communication and behaviour

5 Know how to perform nail art services

• Methods used to prepare natural nail
• Techniques used within nail art services and how to perform them
• Products
• Tools
• Equipment
• Reasons and benefits of applying a nail art base
• Range of creative nail designs available to clients
• How the client's nail shape and condition can limit the design choice
• How to select and blend and mix products and colours to complement the design
• Importance of sealing the final nail art design
• Benefits of creating a design portfolio to promote nail art designs
• Contra-actions:
•    Allergic reaction
• ~Discolouration of natural nail 
• ~Splitting of paint, paint scratching or streaking when applying top coat
• ~Colour wears off nails/uneven colour 
• ~Uneven application, stencil design not showing 
• Necessary action for effectively managing a contra-action
• Aftercare advice:
• ~Suitable aftercare products and their use
• ~Avoidance of activities which may cause contra-actions
• ~Recommended time intervals between services

6 Be able to perform nail art services

• Select products, tools and equipment in accordance with the gel polish service plan
• Nail shape
• Nail art service finishes
• Service techniques
• Coloured polishes
• Rhinestones
• Flat stones
• Polish secures
• Transfers
• Glitters
• Foils
• Nail art service painting techniques:
• ~Dotting
• ~Striping
• ~Marbling
• ~Freehand
• Apply nail art service
• Complete the service to the client’s satisfaction
• Necessary action to effectively manage contra-action(s)
• Keep correct records
• Communication and behaviour

7 Know the principles of working safely when preparing for and providing gel polish and nail art services 

• Hygienic and safe working practices
• Control measures for hazardous substances
• Environmental and sustainable working practices
• Importance of keeping work area clean and tidy
• Importance of adhering to manufacturer, supplier and salon instructions
• Client positioning
• Self-positioning

8 Be able to work safely and effectively when preparing for and providing gel polish and nail art services 

• Cleanliness of work area, tools and equipment
• Manufacturer instructions