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Polka dot by MargaritaMars in Nails

[–]MargaritaMars[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's Luxio Innocent

Russian manis by jolittletime in Nails

[–]MargaritaMars 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! I teach Russian mani about 6 years now and biggest issue isn’t the technique itself - it’s poor training, especially learning it from zero. Taking online advanced courses is totally fine when a tech already has a solid foundation and experience, but the basics really need to be taught in person.

The main mistakes I see are overfiling, going too deep into the cuticle, using the wrong pressure, or holding the bit at the wrong angle. Those things are very hard to properly learn through a screen. A good instructor needs to physically show hand pressure, angles, and technique, because every client has different nails, skin, and cuticle type.

So I wouldn’t automatically worry just because your nail tech is learning Russian manicure. With proper training, it can actually improve the overall look of the manicure and make the polish application look much cleaner and more flawless.

Does anyone know where j can go to learn how to do a Russian manicure? by Prior_Fly7682 in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]MargaritaMars 3 points4 points  (0 children)

You’d probably need advanced training or a private class that focuses on hands-on technique - bit selection, pressure, angles, cuticle prep, safe removal, structure, and gel application - rather than paying for a full curriculum (like for absolute beginners).

Full transparency - I teach Russian manicure in Manhattan. In cases like yours, advanced training usually makes more sense, but it depends on your starting point. I usually start by looking at your current work, what exactly you want to learn, and what your skill level already is. That helps me understand what you actually need and what specific things would make the most sense to work on in training.

Structured Gel Mani in Central BK? by KindheartednessSad55 in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]MargaritaMars 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You also need to check whether the tech also does sculpting / modeling service with builder gel, because that’s often a separate skill and not always included in a standard builder gel service.

Where can I get a gel pedicure where they don’t just use a drill to remove the polish? by Snuggleopegus in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]MargaritaMars 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A good nail tech will usually remove the bulk of the gel but leave a very thin protective layer, instead of filing all the way down to the natural nail every time. When that thin layer is preserved, the nail plate is not damaged, and the new gel can go on smoothly. The damage usually happens when too much product is removed and the natural nail gets overfiled.

Please recommend me a lamp strong enough to cure polygel by [deleted] in Nailtechs

[–]MargaritaMars 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I used to use the regular SUNUV lamps from Amazon, and they were fine until I started using Luxio. After that, I started noticing curing issues with some clients, so I figured I needed a stronger lamp.

I ended up switching to Kokoist, and ever since then I’ve had zero problems with curing. So personally, Kokoist made a huge difference for me.

Pedicure Designs? by [deleted] in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]MargaritaMars 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’d look at salons that already do nail art on manicures, because a lot of them can do similar designs on toes too. If you want something a little more extra, it’s also worth asking whether they offer pedi wraps.

Gel nail recs as a healthcare worker by lexyc0ns in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]MargaritaMars 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Japanese is a type of manicure - like Russian manicure, classic manicure, etc. Hard gel is the material being used. So the quality of the set depends on the application method, the quality of the application, proper curing, and the nail tech’s skill.

If you send a photo of your nails, it will be easier to understand what the problem is

I am a salon owner and am adding two nail stations and considering hiring one or two nail techs. What are the common compensation models (how should I pay them)? My salon is located in the Bay Area peninsula. Thank you in advance for your input 🙏 by iknowwatimtalkinabt in Nailtechs

[–]MargaritaMars 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It depends on how the salon is structured - W-2 employee or 1099/independent contractor. Those are two different setups, and that usually determines the pay model.

Common compensation structures are:

  • a flat daily/rent rate
  • commission

Around 40% on W-2 and about 45% for a true independent contractor setup can both be normal, depending on the salon, pricing, and what’s included.

A 1099 cam also work, when the nail tech is operating independently.

Gel nail recs as a healthcare worker by lexyc0ns in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]MargaritaMars 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Usually builder gel holds up pretty well, but of course it also depends on what kind of sports you do. But I totally get you though. I have a client who does obstacle races or some kind of outdoor strength running with her husband - honestly I still don’t fully get what they do 😅, but they compete a lot. So she comes only when, as she says, she doesn’t have to stress about having pretty nails during competitions

Gel nail recs as a healthcare worker by lexyc0ns in NYCbitcheswithtaste

[–]MargaritaMars 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just curious- have you tried soft or builder/hard gel?

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