Nail Student FAQs

Steps to rectify problems during course work (GO THERE NOW)

Q: Is there a time limit to complete a Home Learn course?

Fear not...there is NO time limit at all for completion of your work. Everybody (especially women) have a hard time dedicating time to themselves. Family, events, duties, etc. always seem to interrupt our best intentions, don't they? But I will tell you in all honesty, that those who start and finish a complete card within 3-6 weeks tend to score much higher because the focus of learning is less likely to be broken. Still, if you are happy with the results of your nails (both visually and technically) and you think that people will be willing to pay their hard earned money for them, then submit them to us for assessment. If not, then get yourself some more Nail Trainer nails and keep practicing.  Then redo the cards, focusing on quality. However, please note that the shelf life of some products is limited to 6-8 months.

Q: When I get my course/kit, what should I do first?

Ideally, open the contents to ensure every item is there. Next, watch the instructional video IN ITS ENTIRITY at least once (if not twice) to familiarize yourself with what is expected of you in order to pass the course. Spending this time watching the steps will be invaluable to you before you begin the practice routine.

Q: Is it necessary to read all of the textbook in the course?

Yes, Yes, YES! The book we have included in each course is your nail "bible". Since INFORMATION IS POWER, charge your brain with this wonderful knowledge! Remember, THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE MORE SUCCESSFUL YOU WILL BE!!!

Q: Is spending only 1 hour per night practicing going to be enough?

It will take you longer than most students to complete the course, but if you're doing it EVERY NIGHT, then your skill progression should still be very good. Consistency in repetition is the key. So as long as you're determined to sit down and focus on it every night, you should be okay. Personally, I recommend a minimum of 2 hours per night-if possible-- because 1 hour will evaporate before you know it!

Q: The card states that I need to save nail 1 and 10, then nail 2 and 9 and so on. Do I have to do that even if I think that they aren't good enough (I think that I can do better) or should I save two that I'm happy with?

You've received 100 assorted nails in your kit. You must return only 40 of them to me for scoring. Keep in mind however, that the first progress card (ideally) should be completed with size #13 nails and the whole hand card MUST be completed with 6 complete sets of size 6,8,9,13 & 18 nails. So pull these 40 nails out and save them (separately) to do your best work on (after you have practiced each step a LOT) because they are the ones you'll be submitting to us for assessment. Therefore, you should first PRACTICE on the remaining 60 nails to your heart's desire. What this means is that you have an enough nails already in your kit to complete two and a half SETS of submission cards! Believe me, you have plenty of nails. But if you need more, simply call your distributor.

Q: On my Progress Cards, do I turn in the bad nails as well as the good ones or does that mean I need more practice?

Here's what I always suggest students do with a new packet of nails: Find the appropriate nail sizes for both cards and go ahead and slot those in. (#13's look best on your Essential Techniques card.) You might want to reserve ONE nail in each set as a substitute. Now, with 100 nails total and 40 + 6 in reserve for the course, that leaves you with 54 nails to play with. Go ahead and practice your little heart out on the 54 nails FIRST. Make all the mistakes you want to--as long as you learn from them! (smile) ALWAYS try to make the next nail you do better than the last one you did. Striving for perfection is your goal now. Slow down and focus on quality--not quantity. Be critical of your work. Why? BECAUSE YOUR ASSESSOR WILL BE! Think of that person as your FIRST CLIENT. You're going to have to impress her, or she won't return for her two week appointment....okay? Where most students go wrong is assuming that because they've completed the course requirements, they will be certified. NOT with Essential Nails courses! Having one of our certificates means you can produce salon-quality results! So dedicate yourself to the necessary PRACTICE it requires to "master" the techniques of doing PROFESSIONAL nails before you send in any of your submission cards for assessment.

Q: I find that the hardest technique for me seems to be putting the tip on the natural nail without getting air bubbles. I have tried all amounts of adhesive and also the rocking motion but I am still getting air bubbles.

If your glue supply to the tip's well is ample and rocking the tip aren't the cures, then may I suggest putting glue on the tip's well AND a tiny dollop of glue ON the end of NT hand's nail too? But when you press the two together, don't press too hard, else both glues will simply ooze out the sides, top and bottom, causing a mess. Be patient while allowing the glue to set. If you see a bubble under the tip well, quickly rock the tip SLIGHTLY to remove the air pocket then hold in place until it sets.

Q: I have found that the primer that is in the kit has broken some of the practice nails so I have been reluctant to use it.

Ohhhh, but you MUST use it! It IS required. Problem is... you're using TOO MUCH primer.. Literally 1/2 drop can do 5 nails; 1 drop = 10 nails. Please do NOT skip this step! It is a VITAL part of the preparation routine. Without it, you will DEFINITELY experience massive problems in the real world. I don't mean to be forceful with my reply...but please don't think you can skip steps when difficulties are realized. If you could have skipped that step, we wouldn't have included it in the first place!   NOTE:  For training purposes, the primer contained in the Home Learn courses is NOT the same intensity as the full-strength primer that is purchased from a nail supply company.

Q: I seem to have difficulties in blending the tip wells properly, without lines. Any advice?

When you are filing down the seam line, I think you're using the coarse side of the file a lot more than I suggest in the video. Remember, just 4 or 5 strokes to take down the bulk, then SWITCH to the finer side to blend. If you remove too much with the coarse side, there's no going back to fix it...either it's broken clear through or it WILL break shortly thereafter! In the video, I outline everything step by step, so please duplicate EXACTLY as I do and your nails should look just like mine in the end. Change one thing, and you're not guaranteed the same results.

Q: Do I have to use the same filing routine you do in the video?

You do if you expect to get the same results I do!

Q: What do I do with the maintenance nail? (The long one with the crack and chip in it.)

If your course contains a maintenance nail, what you'll need to do is file down the bulk of the crown (top of the nail) to a normal height. This nail simulates a two week re-growth area. File it down real smooth. Then file down the length of the nail to that of a normal size nail bed....like nail #13. Remember, your mission is to make ALL of the nails in one set look like identical twins!.  Smooth out the entire surface (including the cuticle area) and sides. Using the coarse side of your file will make this job a lot easier and faster. Then tip it, blend it, overlay it, file/buff, and polish it just like the others. Remember to make all the nails look as similar to each other as you possibly can! CONSISTENCY is part of the criteria we are looking for when we assess your nails.

Q: Why is it important that the nail's crown be built up thicker? And is this called the apex?

Yes. The center of the nail is where the nail gains its durability. If it is thin, it will break. If it is a little thicker, it stands a good chance it will not. Most acrylic nails the assessors receive from students are thick enough. It's the gel nails that should be thicker in the apex area. Please THIS NAIL DIAGRAM for a better understanding of how the apex curve plays a role in the strength of the nail.

Q: What is the total target time for one hand?

May I urge you NOT TO WORRY ABOUT THAT just yet. The reason is that you should focus more on quality than quantity right now...you are still learning. So although you SHOULD make note of the time, accessors would much rather you apply and blend the tip PROPERLY and it take you 5 full minutes for one nail, than do it in a hurry and mess it all up while you're trying to do it in under 2 minutes. Understand? Assessors will NOT deduct points off for timing...but they WILL deduct points off for every technical mistake made. Once your routine is down, 25-35 minutes is a good salon time for each hand.

Q: Everyone knows how to polish nails so why is this part of the course?

Trust me…everyone does NOT know how to polish "professionally". Picture-perfect polishing techniques take PRACTICE. Ensure there is absolutely NO polish on the cuticles, but it is as close to the cuticles as can be (otherwise, it looks like the client needs a fill.) and that the polish covers both side walls completely. The best way to polish is to anchor your hand (or at least your pinkie) against something while bracing your hand and arm on the table, for stability. Watch the polishing section of the video and duplicate EXACTLY what you see. Also, use ONLY the red polish that is included in your course.

Q: What do I do if I run out of any of the products in the course/kit?

No problem!

Call Gina Wallace Enterprises on (816) 229-0611 to place your order!  Or go to our online shopping cart.

Q: How long does it take to get my results back once I've sent them to Essential Nails?

Because our assessors try to be very thorough in assessing your work and give each one of them individual attention, it takes a while to do just one assessment. We realize the number of hours each student has dedicated to completing the course so we do not want to discredit their loyalty and commitment to the course with a quick assessment. With this in mind, assessors cannot grade an entire batch in one day; it takes several days. With assessment, logging, more paperwork and mailing once more back to the student, it can take as much as two to three weeks to complete a full cycle! Please…. be patient.

REQUEST: Because the nail submissions are slotted into holes in the cards, it would be GREATLY APPRECIATED if you could tape the backs of the nails down to the card.  Simply turn the card over, with the nails intact, and lay down strips of tape, then press down between each one to secure them. This will protect your nails from coming out of the cards during the mailing routines. Thanks!

Q: I thought my nails looked good. Why did I not pass the course?

The multiple reasons were stated in our detailed report. Think of it this way: if I were your FIRST client, I would not return for more services because I was disappointed in the services I received. Do you want your second client to think the same? No! And NEITHER DO WE! If you find our scoring severe and critical, it is because it is. Practice a LOT more, eliminating the errors outlined on your assessment. Once you feel you've achieved an honorable standard (where clients would be willing to pay you their hard-earned money for your services), then resubmit your nails to us through your distributor. Our assessors will be happy to reassess them again... with the same expectations. Receiving a certification from Essential Nails is NOT a CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE... it is a CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT which is MUCH more highly regarded. You'll thank us in the end, and your clients will too!

Q: Once I am certified and am free to perform services for "REAL" people, is there anything I should do and/or have my clients do to help maintain their nails?

Absolutely! First, order the Home Learn MAINTENCE COURSE upon completion of this course!!! You must know HOW to maintain their nails properly when they return to you in 2-3 weeks time. So get the education to do it right. They cover all three systems (Acrylic, Gel and Fiberglass), the recommended removal procedures of each, and much more! Secondly, there is a complete listing of things your clients should be aware of after their initial set is applied. Refer to the NAIL HELP. web page and print off copies for your clients to take home and review. EDUCATE them on how to care for their nails to prevent accidental breakages. Discussing topics like this during their first appointment is VITAL to the success of your business.

Q: Do you know where I can get some Nail Magazines?

Sure!  To view a long list nails-related magazines, click HERE.

Q: Once I have passed the course, how do I advertise my services?   

Exposure in advertising can take on virtually any medium: From bumper stickers or magnetic signs on your car, to t-shirts/jackets, to expensive color ads in the local newspaper. But the BEST advertisement you can get is FREE. It's "word-of-mouth" (your customers talking to their friends about how pleased they are with the fantastic looking nail extensions that YOU provided them!) Pass out your business cards anywhere and everywhere and always give 3 to every client for referrals. You may want to encourage a referral program, giving the referrer a FREE service once they've sent you three new clients.  This will take some organizational skills on your part, but the effort is well worth it.  You'll have your appointment book filled in no time.

One of my favorite mottos:
"Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise!"
(Quip from Ted Turner, CEO Turner Broadcasting)

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1 Nail Preparation - Remember to remove ALL traces of shine over the entire surface of the nail, including near the cuticle line, where lifting is most susceptible.

2 Tip Application - Use a sufficient amount of glue without it leaking over the surface, sides or underside. Press the well tip's corners down and hold for 5 seconds to secure, if necessary. There should be absolutely NO white "patches" on the surface or gaps UNDER the nail if it is secured properly.

3 Tip Blending - Begin using the coarse side of the file, then switch to the finer side after about 5-8 stokes in each area. You only want to remove the bulk with the coarse side. The finer side will smooth the surface nicely. Over-filing at the corners of the smile line will cause the nail to crack horizontally. And after filing, if necessary, clean the underside of the free edge by swiping it couple of times with a white buffer block, to remove any peelie bits.

4 Product Application - The goal: to layer a protective coating of product over the surface of the nail. We are not looking for a thick, lumpy coating, but instead, a smooth and natural-looking one that is durable and strong. Apply the product so that you have minimal filing to do. Correct any lumps/bumps while the product is still wet. Make sure you apply it to the cuticle area and free edge thinly and neatly, while building up the center (apex) of the nail thicker. Make sure there are NO traces of product on the cuticle, sides or underside of the nail.

5 Side Wall Definition - ALWAYS make sure your nails are streamlined (straight up and down) and have NO gaps between the nail groove and the tip, at the tip join. Make them straight up and down on both sides from the nail grooves (without bowing outwards). Turn sideways so you can see underneath it and file away any overhang.

6 Stress Area Definition - If a nail is going to break, it is most susceptible to breaking between the pink and white area at the smile line. Therefore, build this area up a bit to ensure it is durable and strong. (See diagram for a visual of where the stress area is. The stress area is incorporated in the apex.)

7 Free Edge Shape & Thickness - All free edge shapes should be identical on each set. All round, all oval, all squoval, or all square. What ever you choose, make sure they are "identical twins" to each other. Also, turn the nail up to eye level to view the thickness of the free edge. The goal: Only 2-3 times thicker than a natural nail. Any thicker than this and they LOOK "artificial". Don't forget to remove any overhang by filing the underside.

8 Apex Curve/Surface of Nail - The apex curve is outlined in the enclosed diagram. Please study it carefully. The curve of the apex defines the beauty AND durability of the nail. The surface of the nail should ideally be as smooth as a piece of glass-free of bumps, lumps, humps or imperfections of any kind.

9 Filing Techniques - ANY poorly constructed nail can be corrected wonderfully IF you have proper filing techniques. But slapping product on then filing it down not only wastes time, but causes undue stress to the nail plate. Therefore, PRACTICE the proper application techniques and you will advance quickly.

10 Polish Application - Please study the video's techniques of professional polishing. Then PRACTICE until you can polish a nail within only 7 strokes. (5 is the ultimate goal!) The cuticle line should be perfectly semi-circle without any polish on the cuticle. The sides and surface should be well covered also. Remember to BRACE your hand against the tabletop and your pinkie against your other hand (as demonstrated in the video) for stability.

Good Luck!