Is it the Product… Or is it You?
Answering this question can be a difficult thing to do. But if we aren’t honest with ourselves about our skill level, then we won’t be able to learn what we need to and grow.
After over 30 years of doing nails, I’ve troubleshooted every issue under the sun. Runny and discoloured acrylic beads… Stubborn gel that’s sticky, chipping, wrinkling- or not even curing at all! Throughout my own lengthy experience, I have learned for myself that it in fact was never the product that was the issue. It was always how I was using it.
It always comes down to technique.
I mean- I get it. It’s way easier to blame the product. Easier on your ego anyway, because self criticism can be a difficult pill to swallow. And while you should refrain from being over-critical of yourself, realistic observations about your technique will give you helpful insights into ways you can improve your performance. It’s not about berating yourself for your mistakes- it’s about using those mistakes as cues to try something different next time. That’s when you learn.
Blaming the product may make you feel better in the moment, but it robs you of your opportunity to learn.
If you convince yourself the product is the problem then you will likely switch products to try to solve it. Continuing on this path is costly and isn’t the answer.
If you’re working with a professional line like Young Nails, Ugly Duckling or Suzie’s Clean Acrylic and you’re having issues- I can save you time and money by telling you that it’s not the product.
You must look at the common denominator, which is the skillset you are using every time- regardless of the brand.
Improving your skills may require hard work, dedication and patience, but it will allow you to work with any decent product- even drug store consumer brands like KISS- and produce consistent results. And that’s the sign of a truly talented nail technician.
When faced with issues like chipping, lifting or popping, the nail tech who looks into their technique and problem solves solutions will be the tech who actually fixes the problem. And they’ll be a better technician for it.
If you don’t take any ownership over your mistakes then you are bound to hit a dead end.
Whether it’s running out of different products to try or blaming your client (which is seldom the culprit). So, for the sake of your money, time and professional reputation, rather than dissing your product, simply seek out the correct information on how to use it.
That’s one of the main reasons I began an educational YouTube channel- to troubleshoot technique.
Here are some videos I’ve created to help you do just that…
Let’s keep curious about our issues- and keep learning!
Good luck!
