Nail extensions are a fundamental skill for any nail technician looking to offer clients beautiful and long-lasting styles. One of the most popular methods is using forms, which allow for precise alignment of extensions to the natural nail shape.
Did you know you can effectively extend nails without using forms? In this article, we'll discuss various techniques to achieve this without relying on traditional forms, and we'll also answer a common question: how to extend nails with gel without a form?
How to Extend Nails Without a Form? Is It Possible?
Absolutely! The beauty industry is constantly innovating, introducing new products and techniques that make it possible to extend nails without forms. Depending on the technician’s preferences and the type of nails, there are several options, such as traditional tips, full cover tips, and even gel extensions without the need for classic forms.
Each of these methods requires proper preparation of the natural nail plate to ensure a durable and aesthetic look. Key steps include disinfecting, buffing, and correctly dehydrating the nail surface.
Nail Extensions with Tips – A Classic Solution
One of the simplest and oldest methods for extending nails without a form is with tips. Although tips were often associated with the chunky, unflattering looks of the early 2000s, today’s products have advanced significantly.
Modern tips are thin, flexible, and expertly contoured with a well-formed arch, enabling them to look just as elegant as nail extensions made with forms.
How to Extend Nails Without a Form Using Tips?
Indigo's transparent, matte tunnel tips are ideal for various types of nails, perfect for traditional or advanced applications. Designed without pockets and with multiple sizes, they are ideal for fast extensions:
- Transparent, matte finish
- Easy strip placement
- Suitable for a wide range of nail sizes
- Pocket-free design
- Large pack containing 504 pieces
MPORTANT!
After attaching the tips, only the natural nail plate should be dehydrated! It’s best to fold a lint-free wipe for this task. Likewise, any primer should only be applied to the natural nail plate.
Extending nails with tips can be simpler and faster than using forms, but what if you’re dealing with a naturally wide nail plate?
Dual Forms – Making Wide Nail Plates Easy to Handle!
Soft & Short Square Dual Forms are a game changer for wider nail plates! These come in 12 sizes, are transparent, flexible, and are perfect for both gel and acrylgel applications. Faster curing times, precise control, and reusable up to 240 times in a convenient pack.
Full Cover Tips – A Modern Alternative
Among the latest methods for extending nails without a form are Indigo’s full cover tips, which have become a true hit. With these matte tips, you can create extensions in a salon square, oval, or rounded square shape without extra glue, gel, or acrylgel layers. The matte inner surface eliminates the need to buff before applying products. Want a professional, durable look in a snap? Try Full Cover Tips!
The application process for full cover tips includes:
- Clean and disinfect your and the client’s hands. Wear gloves. Assess the condition of the client's hands and nails to ensure there are no contraindications
- Push back cuticles using a pusher or wooden stick and work on them with a bit, like Cuticle 9, 1.
- Shorten the nails using a 180/240 or 100/180 grit file.
- For precise buffing, use a 100/180 grit buffer or a mandrel with a 240-grit band. Suitable bits include Diamond II or Diamond III.
- Remove dust from the nail plate with a brush, dusting brush, or compressed air.
- Saturate a lint-free wipe with Cleaner No. 1 and thoroughly dehydrate the plate.
- Apply the appropriate primer (Acid-Free or Acid Primer).
- Select the tip shape and match sizes to each nail, ensuring the tip fits exactly to the nail's sidewalls.
- Apply a thin layer of a base product like Protein Base and cure under a lamp (30 seconds in MultiLed).
- Coat the inner side of the tip at the cuticle area with Protein Base and apply it to the nail, pressing from the cuticle to free edge to distribute the base along the plate.
- Cure the tip and base under the MultiLed lamp for 60 seconds.
- If necessary, shorten the nail or reshape the free edge, and refine the area around the cuticle with a bit like Carbide 6 Multicolor.
- Buff the surface with a 100/180 grit buffer and remove dust.
- If needed, clean the surface with a wipe saturated with Wipe Off Cleaner.
- Paint nails with your chosen color until full coverage or create a design. Cure each layer for 30 seconds in the MultiLed.
- Seal with a top coat, like Tip Top or Wet Look, and cure for 30-60 seconds.
- Wait at least 60 seconds for the top coat to cool.
- If using a top with a tacky layer, remove it with Cleaner No. 3 Shea Super Shine Effect.
For an extra shine, finish by polishing the nails with a dry lint-free wipe.
How to Choose the Right Products for Extensions Without Forms?
Selecting the right products is the first step in creating durable and beautiful nail designs. For form-free extensions, thick builder gels, such as Easy Shape Light Rose and Easy Shape Cover, are ideal, as they allow precise sculpting.
It’s also essential to have the right tools, such as bits for nail preparation, files, buffers, and high-quality brushes for gel application. Don’t forget the basics: cleaners, primer, base (e.g., Take Your Time), and top coat are essential for the styling process.
Comparing Methods – Which is Best?
Form-free nail extensions require precision and the use of suitable products, offering endless possibilities for unique designs. Whether you choose traditional tips, full cover tips, or gel extensions, each of these methods can produce aesthetic and durable results.
Which method is the best? There’s no universal answer. The choice depends on the stylist’s personal preferences and the client’s nail characteristics. Tips offer a quicker and simpler solution, while Full Cover Tips are ideal for those looking to skip time-consuming sculpting. Remember, preparing the nails and applying the right techniques are crucial for long-lasting, beautiful designs.
Published:
12.11.2024
Updated:
12.11.2024