Artificial Nail Tips FAQ
What types of nail tips are best for professional use?
Professional-grade tips come in three main well types: full-well (covers up to 50% of nail plate, ideal for short/bitten nails), half-well (covers 25-33% of nail plate, providing balance between coverage and blending ease), and well-less (minimal contact area, perfect for French manicures and quick application). Choose based on your client's needs and service type.
How do I select the right nail tip shape?
Consider both your client's preference and nail bed shape. Square tips work well for traditional French looks, while coffin/ballerina, stiletto, and almond shapes are popular for extensions. Pre-shaped tips save filing time for trendy styles. Always ensure the tip's C-curve matches your client's natural nail curvature for proper fit.
What's the difference between economy and premium tips?
Premium tips (priced $30-50 per pack) use 100% virgin ABS plastic for superior strength, feature pre-etched surfaces, and offer specialized designs. Mid-range tips ($10-25) provide good daily quality with standard shapes. Economy tips may contain recycled materials that crack more easily and require more blending work.
How do soft gel tips compare to traditional ABS tips?
Soft gel tips (like Aprés Gel-X) cover the entire nail, apply with gel adhesive, and are soak-off removable. They offer faster application and gentler removal than traditional tip-and-overlay methods. Traditional ABS tips require an overlay but allow more customization.
