Let’s be real. There is a specific kind of panic that sets in when your favorite nail set starts to outstay its welcome. Maybe you’re at the three week mark, your regrowth is showing, and that one corner of your pointer finger is starting to lift just enough to snag on your hair. It’s tempting… dangerously tempting to just pop it off.

But as your nail tech. I’m here to tell you, put the nail down. I know life happens. Maybe my schedule is packed, or you’re stuck at home and just can’t make it to an appointment for a soak off. While I always prefer to see you in my chair so I can baby your natural nails myself, I’d much rather you do it correctly at home than to peel it off and pray that it doesn’t break your nail. Let’s walk through why your nails get damaged and how you can perform a salon grade removal in your own kitchen.

As informative that this blog is, I have a ton more you can read here —> https://nailsbyemely.com/blog/

Why Peeling is a Nail Crime

To understand why we soak, we have to understand what your nail is actually made of. Your natural nail isn’t just one solid, indestructible shield; it’s actually made of about 100 thin layers of keratinized cells pressed together. The very top layer is called the dorsal layer. This is the strongest, most important part of your nail because it’s what the product, like acrylic grips onto for dear life.

When you peel, pop, or force off an enhancement, the bond between the product and your nail is stronger than the bond between your own nail layers. This means the product doesn’t just let go, it takes the top 10–20 layers of your natural nail WITH IT. This is exactly why your nails feel paper thin, bendy, and sore after you pick them off. It’s not the chemicals in the product that ruined your nails, it was the physical trauma of the removal.

The Save My Nails Toolkit

Before you even think about starting, check your cabinets. Using non acetone polish remover (the blue or purple kind from the grocery store) will not work for professional acrylic. You need the heavy hitters.

Grab these items:

• 100% Pure Acetone: This is the only thing that will break down the polymers in your extensions.
• A Nail File (100/180 grit or 100/80 grit): You need a coarse side to break through the product.
• Cotton Balls or Pads: I recommend cutting cotton pads into quarters so they fit your nails perfectly without wasting product.
• Aluminum Foil: Cut into 10 squares, about 3×3 inches each.
• A Wooden Orange Stick or Metal Cuticle Pusher: For the gentle nudge.
• Cuticle Oil: If you don’t have any, jojoba oil or even olive oil will do in a pinch, maybe even vaseline if you’re desperate.

Step 1: Buff the Surface

Most professional top coats are designed to be acetone resistant. That’s why your polish stays shiny for weeks! However, that shine is now your enemy. Take your 100 grit file and buff the surface of every single nail until the shine is completely gone.

If you have long acrylic extensions, use a clipper to cut down as close to your natural nail length as possible. The less surface area the acetone has to melt, the faster you get to go to bed.

• For Builder Gel: File the product down until it’s very thin, but stop before you hit your natural nail. Remember.. Builder gel DOES NOT soak off. You just need to file it all off with a coarse file.
• For Acrylics: Thin out all of the bulk.

Caution: Make sure you don’t file all the way down to your natural nail, just thin out the bulk of the product.

Step 2: The Skin Shield Trick

Acetone is a solvent, which means it’s literally designed to eat things. While it’s safe for a short time, it will turn your skin white and chalky by sucking out every drop of moisture.

To prevent this, apply a bit of cuticle oil to the skin around your nail and your knuckles. Just be careful not to get it on the nail itself, as the oil can actually act as a barrier and prevent the acetone from soaking into the product.

Step 3: The Soak and Wrap Technique

This is where most people go wrong. You can’t just dip your fingers in a bowl of acetone (well technically you can) but heat is our #1 friend with this step, which is why wrapping is important.

1. FULLY soak your cotton piece with 100% acetone.
2. Place it directly onto the filed nail.
3. Wrap the foil square around your finger tightly. You want to create an airtight seal.

The Pro Tip: Fold one side across, then the next, and lastly fold the tip of the foil under your finger to trap the heat in.

Step 4: The 20 Minute Meditation

Now, let your hands sit. Set a timer for 20 minutes. Don’t try to peek, even at the 10 minute mark. Every time you open the foil to check, the acetone evaporates and the product starts to re-harden. If you find it hard to sit still, put on a show, YouTube video or a podcast and commit to not touching your hands until it’s over.

Step 5: Slide, Don’t Scrape Rule

After 20 minutes, take one foil off. The product should look like it’s blooming, bubbling up, or looking soft like wet cake.

Use your wooden orange stick or pusher to gently nudge the softened product off the nail. It should slide right off with zero effort. If you hit a spot that feels hard or stuck DO NOT PUSH. Re-wrap that finger for another 5–10 minutes. This is the stage where most people get impatient and start scraping, which leads to those white scuff marks on your natural nails. Patience is the difference between healthy nails and a repair bill later.

Why You Should Avoid the TikTok Hacks

I’ve seen viral removal methods that honestly make me want to close my eyes.

Let’s debunk a few:

• The Dental Floss Hack: People use a floss pick to saw under the nail to pop it off. This is essentially controlled peeling. It rips the nail layers apart and can cause onycholysis (where your nail lifts away from the pink nail bed).
• The Hot Acetone Microwave Method: Never, ever put acetone in the microwave. It’s highly flammable. If you want it warm, put the acetone bottle in a bowl of warm water like a baby bottle.
• Warm Water and Dish Soap: This might work for press ons, but it will do absolutely nothing for professional acrylics or builder gel. You’ll just end up with prune fingers and an intact set of nails.

Aftercare

Once the product is gone, your natural nails are going to look a little sad and dehydrated. This is normal! Acetone removes the natural oils from your nail plate.

• Wash your hands with mild soap to stop the chemical reaction.
• Apply cuticle oil every hour for the first few hours. Your nails are porous, and they will soak that oil right up.
• Use a very fine grit buffer (220 grit or higher) to gently smooth any tiny ridges.
• If your nails feel extra sensitive, wait 24–48 hours before applying any new polish to let the keratin layers settle and re-hydrate.

Trust the Process

I know it’s a lot of work for a diy project, but your nails are the foundation for everything we do. If you take care of them during the off time, your next set is going to look ten times better and stay on ten times longer.

If you wanna learn other ways to make them last check out this other blog! If you’re a tech and need help with retention don’t worry I have one for you too –> Retention Tips

Healthy nails make my job easier and your sets look more flawless!

Until I see you back in my chair, stay hydrated, keep your cuticles oiled, and please, for the love of all things glittery. STOP PICKING!

Don’t wanna do it yourself? Find time to book an appointment with @nailsby_.emely !!

The post The Nail Emergency Guide: How to Safely Remove Your Set at Home Without Damaging Your Natural Nails appeared first on nailsbyemely.

We all know that feeling, you leave the salon feeling like a brand new person, clicking your fresh set against every surface. Your nails are a work of art, an investment in your confidence. Let’s be honest, it’s also a total mood booster. But a few days in, the “new nail high” starts to fade, and reality sets in. Whether you’re typing away at work, hitting the gym, or tackling a mountain of dishes, your nails are basically in survival mode.

The truth is, while I put my heart into making sure your prep and application is flawless, the secret to a set that actually lasts four weeks instead of two, lies in what happens AFTER you walk out my door. Nail aftercare isn’t just me being extra, it’s a commitment to protecting your nail health and your bank account. Longevity is a 60/40 partnership between my skill and your daily habits. In this ultimate guide, I’m giving you the real insight on why nails lift, the habits you need to quit ASAP, and the pro tips that will keep your set looking fresh until we meet again.

Jewels, Not Tools

If there is one thing I need you to tattoo into your brain, it’s this: Your nails are jewels, not tools. This is the #1 mindset shift you need to make if you want your acrylics to survive.

I see it all the time, we use our nails for everything without even thinking. You’re scraping off a price tag, prying open a soda can, or trying to pick a knot out of a shoelace. Dont worry I catch myself doing those things sometimes as well but every time you do that, you’re putting crazy pressure on the bond between the product and your natural nail. Even if the nail doesn’t snap right then and there, you’re creating these tiny cracks that eventually turn into lifting at the cuticle or the edges. Once a gap opens up, moisture and bacteria move in, and that’s when things can get messy.

How to break the habit

The Soda Can Hack: Use the side of your finger, a spoon, knife, keys, literally anything that you can fit under there. Please, I’m begging you.

• Package Opening: Amazon boxes are the enemy. Use scissors or a knife. Your nails are not box cutters!
• Keyboard Typing: If you have long extensions, try to type with the pads of your fingers. It feels weird at first, but it saves your nail beds from constant jarring.

If you want to see my latest work and the different shapes I offer, head over to other pages on my website! I have tons of pictures on there. 

Why Cuticle Oil is Your Bestie

Most people think cuticle oil is just for making your fingers look cute and shiny for the fresh set photo, but it’s actually the most important thing you can do for maintenance. Your natural nail is made of keratin, and it needs to stay flexible.

When you have a set on, the product is hard and rigid. Meanwhile, your natural nail underneath is still alive. If it gets dry, it starts to curl or shrink away from the acrylic. Since the acrylic can’t move with it, the bond breaks. Boom! Lifting. Daily cuticle oil keeps the natural nail flexible so it moves with the product instead of fighting against it.

Apply it at least twice a day. Keep one in your purse and one on your nightstand. Trust me, your nails will thank you.

Water is the Enemy

I know, I know. We have to wash our hands and clean, but prolonged exposure to water is a nightmare for nail longevity. Your natural nails are like sponges, they expand when they’re wet and shrink when they’re dry. This constant “breathing” eventually weakens the glue or acrylic bond.

Also, those cleaning chemicals? They are basically a slow motion version of soaking your nails in acetone. They eat away at your topcoat and soften the product. 

How to protect your investment

• Wear Gloves: If you’re doing dishes or cleaning the bathroom, put on some rubber gloves. Your manicure (and your skin) will stay looking much better.
• Dry Them Properly: After a shower, make sure you dry under your extensions. If moisture stays trapped under a lifted spot, you risk getting a greenie (a bacterial infection), and nobody wants that.

Why I Need to See You Every 3-4 Weeks

There’s a reason I’m always bugging you about your fill in schedule. It’s not just because I want to see you (though I do!). It’s about the structure of your nails. The apex is the thickest part of the nail that I build over your stress area to act as a shock absorber. As your nail grows out, that thick part moves closer to the tip of your finger. That’s when the nail is front heavy. If you bang your nail when it’s overgrown, it acts like a lever and can snap your natural nail right in the middle.. Staying on a 3-4 week schedule keeps the weight balanced and your natural nails safe.

Don’t forget to show me how your set is holding up! Tag me in your #FreshSet photos on Instagram @nailsby_.emely  and use the #MyNailTechSaid for a chance to be featured on my story!

The “Don’t Pick” Rule

If you do get a lift or a crack DO. NOT. PICK. IT. I know it’s tempting. I know you want to pull it off, but when you pull off a lifting nail, you are ripping off layers of your natural nail plate. This makes your nails thin, weak, and super painful.

If something goes wrong:

1. Keep it clean and dry.
2. Put a Band-Aid on it so it doesn’t snag.
3. BOOK YOUR NEXT APPOINMENT or a quick repair asap. Don’t try to glue it at home, you might trap bacteria underneath!

At the end of the day, your nails are an investment in you. You deserve to feel confident and have a set that lasts. If you follow these steps, oil, gloves, and no picking. You’ll be amazed at how much better your nails look at the 3 week mark.

Ready for a luxury experience and a set that actually stays put? Book an appointment with me today. I can’t wait to get you right!

The post How to Make Your Nail Sets Last Longer appeared first on nailsbyemely.

If you told me a few years ago that I’d be doing nails and running a small business while still in high school, I wouldn’t have believed you. Something that started as a hobby has now become a whole career, one that I’m proud of and excited to keep growing.

I’m sharing my story for anyone dreaming about becoming a nail technician or any beginner nail artist who just needs a little motivation to keep going. The road isn’t always paved with glitter and top coat. It’s often messy, dusty, and exhausting. But if you have the passion, I promise it is worth it.

Where it all began

My love for nails started long before I ever thought about turning it into a business. I was 15 years old when I got my first polygel kit from Amazon. I started by watching countless YouTube videos, practicing on myself at my kitchen table. My first sets were terrible. They were thick, lumpy, and would lift, crack, or break off just after a few days. I didn’t understand the importance of the cuticle area or why my “apex” was non-existent. But despite the mess, it was something that I loved. I found the process of filing and shaping strangely therapeutic.

Leveling Up to Acrylics

By 16, I decided to try acrylics. I thought, “If I can do polygel, acrylic will be easy.” I was wrong. The liquid to powder ratio was my biggest enemy. My beads were either too wet and flooded my cuticles, or too dry and wouldn’t move. My sets didn’t even last a full week before popping off.

Still, I loved the creativity and the challenge. I practiced on my friends and family as much as I could. Eventually, I bought a mannequin hand to improve my technique. I also spent hours learning to use builder gel, and that’s when my mom became my primary muse. She let me have total creative freedom with her natural nails. I would practice my prep, techniques and my application on her all the time.

With every set, I got a little better. Smoother application, better retention, and a lot more confidence. My parents noticed my dedication and encouraged me to take my little hobby more seriously. That’s when we started researching nail schools in my state, and everything started to fall into place.

The Reality of Nail School 

I attended Mountainland Technical College. The nail course lasted three months, though at the time, it felt like the longest three months of my life. My class was small, with just six students. While I initially worried about the small size, it ended up being an amazing way to build connections. We shared tips, venting about our mistakes, and cheering each other on.

The program taught me far more than I expected. I went in thinking I’d just be learning how to make pretty designs, but the curriculum was intense. We covered:

• Chemistry: Understanding how polymers and monomers create a chemical bond.
• Sanitation & Safety: The difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing.
• Nail Anatomy: The most difficult part of my journey.

The Anatomy Hurdle

The hardest unit for me was anatomy. Memorizing the muscles, bones, and nerves in the hands and feet was super overwhelming. I struggled to remember the difference between certain things. I actually failed the anatomy test almost three times.

I felt so discouraged. I sat in my room after class and cried, doubting if I was cut out for this. “If I can’t even pass a written test, how am I going to run a business?” was a thought that was always in my head. But I pushed through. I made flashcards, watched biology videos, and studied for hours every day until I finally passed. After that, everything else seemed easier.

The State Board Exams

Once I completed my hours, I prepared for the state boards. This is the final test for every nail tech. I studied morning, afternoon, and night until the steps were engraved in my brain. I specifically remember, studying in the car right outside the testing center, crying to my mom because of how nervous and stressed I was. I took my test and not even an hour later I got emailed my results. I passed. That’s when I officially  became a licensed nail technician. It was proof that all the late nights and dust-covered clothes were worth it.

High School vs. Business

Starting a small business while still in high school was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I was lucky to have a lighter schedule during my senior year, but balancing classes, homework, clients, and my personal life took a monumental effort.

My booking schedule revolved around my school hours, which changed every day. There were times when I prioritized clients over homework. I would be under my desk in business law class, secretly replying to DMs and booking appointments. My grades started to slip, and I was failing most of my classes for a few months.

The Burnout

I never got enough sleep. I would go to school, take clients if I had any booked and then try to do homework. I was constantly stressed. My mind just wouldn’t hold any knowledge.

But as the school year went on, I started to find a rhythm. I learned to set boundaries, and knew when to say no to booking a client.

I graduated high school in May 2025 and instantly felt like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. For the first time, I could focus on my business without worrying about school deadlines. Or at least, that’s what I thought.

The Clientele Struggle & Growth

As the summer went on, I realized that graduating didn’t automatically mean I’d be fully booked. I no longer had those high school connections where I could see people in the hallways and talk about my business. The word of mouth circle felt like it had shrunk.

There were slow months where I only had two or three clients total. I sat in my studio, looking at my organized glitters and clean brushes, wondering if I was good enough.  I genuinely felt like giving up on my business and choosing a new career path. I felt invisible. I realized how competitive the nail industry is and I had to figure out why someone should choose me.

The Social Media Pivot

To get my name out there, I doubled down on Instagram. Most of my early clients were family members. I made business cards and handed them out at local stores, but the real growth happened online.

I started filming process videos. People didn’t just want to see the finished set, they wanted to see the transformation. I posted work with me videos, the process, and relatable memes.

Slowly, the followers started coming in. My friends would post my content on their stories, and their friends would follow me. Word of mouth finally caught fire. My calendar began to fill, and for the first time in a long time, I saw names on my schedule that I didn’t recognize. That was the best feeling in the world. Every client, every set, and every improvement helped me grow not only as a nail tech but also as an entrepreneur.

The Evolution of My Space

One of the biggest hurdles of starting at fifteen was finding a place to actually work. For a long time, my “salon” was just the kitchen table. I had to carry all my tools, lamps, and polishes out of my bedroom, set them up, and then pack everything back away before dinner time. It was exhausting. I remember the constant fear of getting a drop of polish on the floor and accidentally staining something. Working at a kitchen table wasn’t just uncomfortable for my back but it also limited how professional I felt.

Once I finally got my license, I knew I needed to treat my craft like the career it had become. I invested in a real, professional nail desk, one with proper drawers for my bits and files and moved everything into a dedicated room in our house. Transitioning into my own “nail room” changed my entire mindset. 

But the growth hasn’t stopped there. As my clientele has expanded and my collection of charms, glitters, and polishes has outgrown the spare room, I’ve started my next big project. Moving the studio into the basement. This new space is going to be a total game changer. It’s a larger, more permanent environment where I can truly customize the aesthetic and create the ultimate experience for my clients. Seeing the transition from a crowded kitchen table to a full basement studio reminds me how far I’ve come. It’s a physical representation of all the hours I spent studying anatomy and practicing acrylic beads.

Lessons I’ve Learned Along The Way

1. Patience is a Virtue

You won’t have a fully booked schedule overnight. It takes time to build a solid, returning clientele. Stay focused on improving your craft, and the clients will follow.

2. Consistency Over Perfection

Even when things are slow, keep practicing. If you don’t have a client, use a mannequin hand. Focus on your prep work and application, it’s the foundation. If a set doesn’t last, don’t get discouraged. Text the client, ask for photos, and troubleshoot what went wrong.

3. Comparison is the Thief of Joy

It is so easy to look at popular nail techs on social media and feel like your work is garbage. Remember: you are seeing their highlight reel, not their first few years of struggle.

4. The Business Side Matters

Being a nail tech is 50% doing nails and 50% marketing, accounting, and customer service. Learn how to track your expenses.

5. Believe in Your Own Growth

Confidence doesn’t come from being perfect. It comes from showing up, learning, and improving every single day. Every mistake is just a lesson in disguise.

The Beauty of Starting Small

I know exactly how it feels to scroll through your feed and see amazing artists who seem to have it all figured out. You see girls your age with huge studios and fully booked calendars, and then you look at your one appointment for the week and feel like you’re failing. I’ve been there, I’ve sat in my room and wondered if I should just pick a different career path because I wasn’t “blowing up” fast enough.

It’s okay to be a “slow” artist: When I first started, I was so embarrassed by how long a full set took me. I’d be at my kitchen table for four hours. It’s okay if you aren’t a “one hour tech” yet. I’d rather you take your time and give that client a set that stays on for three weeks than rush through it and have them lifting two days after. 

Don’t Let a Quiet Calendar Break Your Heart: There were months where my studio felt so empty. I’d have my products all organized and my brushes cleaned, just waiting for the phone to buzz. Those quiet moments are so hard, but they don’t mean you aren’t talented. Use that time to practice! Grab a practice hand and try that crazy design you’re scared of. 

Keep Your “Why” Close: Whenever I felt like giving up, I’d remember that feeling of a client looking at her new set and just beaming. That’s why we do this. We’re not just painting nails, we’re giving people a little boost of confidence. If you have a passion for that, don’t let a slow month stop you. You’ve got this, and I’m rooting for you every step of the way!

Final thoughts 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t have to have everything figured out to start, you just have to start. To any student thinking about becoming a nail tech: Go for it. It’s scary, it’s messy, and it takes an incredible amount of hard work, but it’s also one of the most rewarding things you can do. There is nothing quite like the feeling of a client looking at their hands and smiling because you made them feel beautiful.

If I can build a business while still in high school, you can too. The world needs your creativity!

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. 

The post My Nail Tech Journey appeared first on nailsbyemely.

If I had a dollar for every time I had to hide my phone under my desk to reply to a client’s dm during class, I’d probably have enough to buy a lifetime supply of  the Vbeatypure acrylic collection.

Being a student preneur sounds super aesthetic on tiktok, but the reality is much more chaotic. It’s dusty clothes, late night essays with shaking hands, and constantly feeling like your brain is split between two different worlds. If you’re currently trying to balance a growing nail business with a full time school schedule, I want you to know, I see you, I’ve been you, and you can do this without losing your mind.

The 24-Hour Hustle: My Actual Schedule

People always ask how I did it all. The truth is, I didn’t. I just followed a very strict, somewhat exhausting routine. To give you an idea of what it actually looks like to run a business while in high school, here was my typical Tuesday:

• 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM: Client Mode: If I had clients booked that morning I’d get up, start my day, do nails, and clean my studio.
• 11:00 PM: School, I go to class. Learn, or at least try to because my mind was constantly thinking about my business.
• 2:30 PM – 3PM: Rush home, more clients.
• 5 PM – 7:30 PM: Dinner+Family time. I always made sure I ate dinner with my family or at least tried to.
• 7:40PM: Go for a walk and clean.
• 9:30 PM: Edit content, plan content, study, homework.
• 1:00AM: Finally hit the pillow, just to do it all again.

It’s a grind. There is no way around that. But having a routine is the only thing that kept me from completely falling apart.

Marketing in the Hallways

The best part about being a nail tech in high school? You are surrounded by your target audience all day long. You don’t need a huge ad budget when you have a literal hallway full of potential clients.

I got my first few loyal clients by being my own walking billboard. I made sure my own sets were always flawless and a little extra to catch people’s eyes. When a girl in the bathroom would say, “OMG, I love your nails,” I didn’t just say thank you. I’d say, “Thank you so much! I actually did them myself.” 

Handing out business cards at lunch and offering to do “inspo sets” for prom or homecoming for people was a game changer. Once one girl in a friend group has a fire set, the rest will follow.

The “Desk” Struggle

For a long time, my “salon” was just the kitchen table. I hated it. I had to carry all my tools out of my bedroom, set them up, and then pack everything back away before my family sat down for dinner. It was exhausting, and it made me feel like an amateur.

When I finally moved into a dedicated nail room with a real, professional desk, my whole mindset changed. Suddenly, I could leave my setup ready for the next day. I had drawers for my files and bits, and a door I could actually close. That physical separation between “school life” and “work life” is huge. If you’re still working at a kitchen table, keep pushing! That first real desk is a milestone that makes you feel like the CEO you actually are.

Setting Boundaries 

This is where it gets lonely. To build a business, you have to learn to say “no.” There were so many Friday nights where my friends were going to football games or dances, and I had to stay home because I had a 7 PM client.

I had to tell my friends, “I love you guys, but this is my job now.” It’s hard to feel like you’re missing out on the high school experience, but you have to remember why. You’re building a future while everyone else is just killing time. The friends who truly support you will understand when you can’t hang out because your books are full.

Dealing with the Burnout

There were nights when my hands were all night long because of how overworked I was and I still had a 5 page essay due by midnight. I’ve sat on my studio floor and cried more times than I can count.

My best advice for burnout? Listen to your body. If you are so stressed that you’re failing classes (which happened to me), it is okay to block off a week on your calendar to just be a student. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you can’t do a perfect french tip if your brain is fried.

Being a student and entrepreneur is a marathon not a sprint. Take the breaks when you need them, keep your station clean, and remember that you’re doing something incredible. You’re not just a student. You’re a business owner.

The post High School & Hand Files: How to Build a Business While Being a Full-Time Student appeared first on nailsbyemely.

So, you’ve decided to take the leap and go to nail school. That is such a huge and exciting step. When I first enrolled at Mountainland Technical College, I had all these visions of me sitting at a cute desk, painting tiny flowers, and chatting with girls all day. And while there is a lot of that, I quickly realized that nail school is so much more than just a “beauty” class. It’s intense, it’s scientific, and it’s a total rollercoaster of emotions.

If you’re feeling nervous or just wondering what you’re getting yourself into, I wanted to break down what it’s actually like. Here is the tea on what to expect, how to survive the “science” part, and how to make the most of your course.

It’s Not Just About Pretty Nails

One of the biggest shocks for me was how much time we spent in the books before we ever touched a file. The first half of the course was reading, studying, and test taking. You might think you’re just going there to learn how to lay acrylic, but the state requires you to know the why behind everything. You’ll spend weeks learning about chemistry, sanitation, and my personal nightmare, anatomy.

You have to learn about the chemical bonds between polymers and monomers. You have to learn the difference between a virus and a bacteria. You have to memorize every single bone in the hand and foot. It feels like you’re back in high school biology, which was the last thing I expected. But honestly, looking back, this is what makes you a professional. Anyone can watch a youtube video and try to copy a design, but school teaches you how to keep your clients safe which is so important. 

Anatomy Hurdle 

If you read my main journey blog, you know that anatomy almost broke me. I’m not even kidding, I failed that test nearly three times. I would sit in my room with my flashcards, staring at words like onycholysis and hyponychium, and I would just start crying. I felt so slow compared to everyone else.

If you find yourself struggling with the written work, please don’t give up. I had to learn that my brain just didn’t work like a textbook. I had to start watching biology animations on youtube and drawing diagrams of the nail bed with different colored pens just to make it stick. Nail school is a short amount of time to cram a lot of info into your head, so give yourself some grace if you don’t get it on the first try, and if you’re good with anatomy, oh that section will be a breeze for you.

The Kit

When you start, you’ll usually get a kit. Opening that bag for the first time felt like Christmas, it was filled with files. Buffers, nippers, practice hands, acrylic, and so much more. A small tip I have for you, keep your kit well organized. It might be hard to properly fit everything in there but trust me it’s a lot easier to know where everything is than to stop mid appointment because you forgot where you put one of your products. 

You also need to take care of your tools from day one. School is where you learn stuff like sanitation. You’ll learn how to properly scrub your implements and soak them in barbicide. It’s not the most aesthetic part of the job, but it’s the most important. If you don’t respect your tools in school, you won’t respect them in your business.

Small Classes = Big Connections

My class only had six students, and at first, I was worried it would be too quiet. But it turned out to be the best thing ever. We became like a little family. Since you’re all making the same messy mistakes at the same time, you bond really fast. I was also nervous about having a ton of drama in a class full of girls but I got lucky and had the sweetest people in my class. To this day we still keep in touch and are constantly hyping each other up and giving each other tips for our business. Having those girls by my side made the long days feel shorter. When I was stressed about my state boards, they were the ones who talked me off the ledge. Don’t be afraid to ask your classmates for help, you’re all in this together. 

State Boards

The end of school is basically one giant preparation for the state board. This is the big final boss test. The nerves are real. All the girls in class were worried they would fail, obviously you could retake it but there’s a $100 fee for that, which is a lot for one test. 

The State Board isn’t necessarily about who can do the “cutest” nail, it’s about who can do a safe, clean, and structured nail. They are watching your every move to make sure you aren’t cross contaminating anything. My tip, practice the procedure until you can do it in your sleep, and ALWAYS use hand sanitizer. I used to set up my station at home and pretend I was being timed. It felt silly, but it helped so much. 

The “Messy” Reality

Expect to leave school covered in white dust. Expect your back to ache a little. Expect your hands to cramp. It’s all part of the process. 

Nail school isn’t very long, but it feels like a lifetime because you’re growing so much. You’re going in as a student and coming out as a licensed professional. It’s a grind, but the second you get that email saying you passed your boards, all the tears and dusty clothes won’t matter anymore.

Final Advice for New Students

• Ask Questions: If you don’t understand why a nail is lifting, ask your instructor to watch your prep. Please don’t be afraid to ask something, there’s a chance another girl in your class has that same question but doesn’t want to speak up.
• Don’t Compare: Some girls in your class might have been doing nails for years, others have never touched a brush. Stay in your own lane!
• Stay Organized: Keep your station clean. It helps your brain stay calm.

You’ve got this! School is the foundation of your entire career. It’s a challenge, but it’s a beautiful one. Just take it one bead and one flashcard at a time.

The post The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Nail School: What It’s Really Like appeared first on nailsbyemely.

We’ve all been there. You spend two hours on a set, you’re so proud of the art, and then a few days later, your client sends you a picture of her bare natural nail. When I was 15, my sets were thick, lumpy, and would lift if I even looked at them wrong. I used to think it was just bad luck but once I went to school, I realized that retention isn’t luck, it’s science.

If you’re struggling with nails popping off, don’t get discouraged. It’s usually just a few small tweaks in your technique that change everything. Let’s dive into the ways you can make your retention better !

The Holy Grail of Prep

If you take away one thing from this blog, let it be this: Prep is 80% of the work. You can be the best artist in the world, but if the nail isn’t ready, nothing will stick.

First, let’s talk about the cuticle. When we say “prep the cuticle,” we aren’t just pushing the skin back. You have to remove the dead skin that grows onto the nail plate, DEAD skin you need to make sure you’re not cutting off any living tissue. If your acrylic or gel touches a piece of skin, it will lift. I always use a diamond but when doing cuticle work.

Next is the surface. You need to remove the “shine”, but don’t over file! You’re just buffing the nail plate a tiny bit so the product has something to grip onto. Next is the golden duo: dehydrator and primer. Never touch the nail with your own fingers after you’ve prepped it. Your skin has oils that will ruin the bond.

Dehydrator: removes the oils and moisture from the nail.

Primer is like double sided tape. It creates a chemical bond between the natural nail and the product.

The Apex 101

One of the biggest reasons sets break or pop off is a lack of an apex. If your nails are flat like a piece of paper, they have no strength. The apex is the thickest part of the nail enhancement, that’s located where the free edge meets the nail bed.

Think of the apex like the pillar of a bridge. When your client hits their nail against something, the apex absorbs that shock. With acrylic, you build the apex with your second bead. You place it in the center and gently tap it toward the side walls. 

If the nail is too thin at the stress point, it will snap. If it’s too thick at the tip, it will be top heavy and pull away from the cuticle. It’s a balancing act.

Liquid to Powder Ratio

This was my biggest enemy at 16. If your acrylic bead is too wet, it will flood the cuticles and will just run down the sides of the nail and finger. If it’s too dry, it won’t move and cures way before you even have a chance to sculpt anything.

You want your bead to look like a smooth, shiny pearl. After you dip your brush in the monomer, wipe one side of the brush against the dappen dish. Dip the tip of your brush into the powder, and lightly tap a few times. If the bead has dry powder around the edges, it’s too dry. If it’s dripping, it’s too wet. Mastering this chemistry is what separates the beginners from the pros.

The Top 5 Reasons Sets Fail

If you’re doing everything right and they are still popping off, check for these common mistakes:

1. Touching the Skin: If the product touches the cuticle or side walls, it’ll lift which causes stuff to “pop off”
2. Improper Filing: Leaving  ridges near the cuticle area during the finishing file. Don’t damage your clients nails
3. Cheap Lamps: If you’re doing gel and your lamp isn’t strong enough, the product stays  gooey underneath which will also lead to contact dermatitis which is a big fat NO!
4. Dust: If there is even a tiny bit of filing dust left on the nail before you apply primer, the product will sit on the dust, not the nail.
5. Client Aftercare: Sometimes it’s not you! If your client is using their nails as tools to open soda cans or never being careful they will lift.

Retention takes time to master. Don’t be afraid to ask your clients for “retention photos” after two weeks so you can see exactly where the lifting is happening. Every lift is a lesson. Keep practicing, stay obsessed with your prep, and I promise you’ll see those 4 week old sets coming back in no time.

The post Troubleshooting Retention: Why Your Sets Are Popping Off (and How to Fix It) appeared first on nailsbyemely.

One of the most common questions I get from my clients is whether it’s time for a fill or if it makes more sense to start fresh with a new set. This usually comes up when your nails look good but still “okay,” and you’re stuck trying to figure out what service you actually need to get done. If you’ve ever stared at your nails before booking and thought, “Do I need a fill, or a whole new set?” You’re definitely not alone.

Both services are meant to keep your nails looking nice and pretty as well as maintained, but choosing the right one plays a big role in your nail health, how long your sets last, and how your nails feel overall. Knowing the difference can save you money, prevent damage, and keep your nails strong and healthy. 

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you feel confident about which option is right for you. 

What’s a fill ?

A fill is done when you already have a set on and your natural nail has grown out. That little gap near your cuticle? Totally normal, but overtime, it affects the balance and structure of your nail. 

During a fill, I remove some of the old product near your cuticle area and take off lifting if there’s any, then rebalance the nails so everything sits correctly again. This step is really important because as your nails grow, the stress point shifts forwards. If that isn’t corrected, your nails become more likely to lift, crack, or break. Once everything is balanced, I prep your nails so it’s ready for fresh products and fill in that gap near your cuticle. I also made a new apex at this point. Then I do the design of your choice so your nails look clean, polished, and well maintained again. 

Fills are perfect for when your current set is still in good condition. You keep your length and structure without removing all of the product. Which is usually healthier for your natural nails when done on time. 

A fill is the right choice when:

• Your nails are still intact with little to no lifting
• There’s no major cracks or breaks
• The shape is still good and feels balanced
• The product feels secured to your natural nail
• It’s been about 2-3 weeks since your last set

Staying on top of your fills helps your sets last longer and reduces any unnecessary removal, which means less stress on your natural nails.

Regular fills aren’t just about how your nails look, they play a huge role in keeping them healthy. When you stay on schedule, you avoid a lot of the issues that come from imbalance and overgrowth. 

What’s a new set?

A new set means everything is removed and we start fresh. This gives me a chance to fully check the condition of your natural nails, check to see if there’s any damage, and rebuild the structure from the beginning. This is where you have the freedom to change to any different shape or length. 

Sometimes, even if your nails don’t look THAT bad, it’s not safe to keep filling them. Too much lifting, thinning, or imbalance can compromise the nail, and at that point a new set is the healthier option. Starting fresh allows for proper prep, structure, and support moving forward.

A new set is also ideal if you want a noticeable change. Like switching nail products, changing your length, or going for a different shape.

You’d need a new set if:

• Multiple nails are lifting
• Your nails are cracked, broken, or very thin
• The shape has grown out too much to safely rebalance
• It’s been 8+ weeks since your last appointment
• You want a big change in length, shape, or system

Timing is everything when it comes to nail maintenance. As your natural nails grow, the apex of your nail moves forward. The apex is the highest point on your nails which keeps it from cracking and keeps the products and your nails strong. When the apex grows out, pressure isn’t distributed evenly anymore which causes lifting, cracks, and breakage. 

Waiting too long between appointments also makes your nails more likely to catch on something, bend, or snap. Longer, unbalanced nails put a lot of stress on your natural nail underneath.

The Anatomy of a Nail: Why the “Apex” Actually Matters

To understand why a fill is more than just “adding more produce,” you have to understand the apex. Think of the apex like the load bearing wall of a house. It is the thickest part of your nail enhancement, that is strategically placed over the “stress area” (where your nail is most likely to bend or snap).

When your nails grow out for three weeks, that “wall” moves toward the tip of your finger. That’s when the weight is all at the end of your nail, turning it into a lever. Every time you open a soda can or type on a keyboard, you are putting massive leverage on your natural nail bed. This is why “overgrown” nails feel heavy or painful. During your appointment I physically move that apex back to the center to protect your natural nail from any snaps or cracks.

Why there’s no “one size fits all” answer

Everyone’s nails are different. Your lifestyle, how fast your nails grow, your daily habits, the natural oil your nails produce and even your nail shape all affect how long a set lasts and what service makes the most sense. Someone who uses their hands constantly may need a new set sooner than someone with a more low impact routine.

That’s why communication is so important. Choosing the right service isn’t about guessing, it’s about paying attention to how your nails look and feel.

Not sure which one you need ?

That’s completely normal. A lot of clients aren’t sure, and that’s part of my job! Helping you choose what’s healthiest for your nails.

If you’re unsure, you can always ask when booking (through my instagram) or send me a photo of your nails ahead of time. I’m happy to take a look and recommend what makes the most sense based on the condition of your nails.

Taking care of your nails doesn’t have to be confusing or stressful. With good timing, regular maintenance, and a little professional guidance, keeping your nails healthy and beautiful is actually pretty simple.

The post Fill or New set? What’s the Difference appeared first on nailsbyemely.