Gel X vs. Acrylic Nails: What You Should Know About Wear, Cost & Removal

Gel X vs. Acrylic Nails: What You Should Know About Wear, Cost & Removal

What’s the difference between Gel-X and acrylic nails? This guide breaks down wear, removal, longevity, cost, safety, and ideal clients to help nail techs choose the right system for their service menu or specialization.

November 19, 2025 — Erica Schlabach
The Ultimate Gel Base Guide: How to Choose the Right Base for Every Client & Service

The Ultimate Gel Base Guide: How to Choose the Right Base for Every Client & Service

Discover the key differences between Akzentz, Kokoist, and Luminary gel bases—and learn which formulas deliver the best adhesion, structure, and flexibility for every client. This complete reference guide helps nail pros (and curious DIYers) choose the perfect base for flawless, long-lasting wear.

November 06, 2025 — Erica Schlabach
Nail Health: What Your Nails Might Be Trying to Tell You

Nail Health: What Your Nails Might Be Trying to Tell You

Nail Health: What Your Nails Might Be Trying to Tell You Your nails are more than just a canvas for color—they can be subtle messengers from your body. From pitted...
October 22, 2025 — Erica Schlabach
Dip Nails vs Gel – Choosing the Best Manicure Option

Dip Nails vs Gel – Choosing the Best Manicure Option

Dip Nails vs Gel – Choosing the Best Manicure Option Nail enhancements are one of the biggest reasons clients come back to the salon again and again. They offer what...
October 09, 2025 — Erica Schlabach
Everything You Need to Know About HEMA Allergy: A Nail Tech’s Guide

Everything You Need to Know About HEMA Allergy: A Nail Tech’s Guide

Everything You Need to Know About HEMA Allergy: A Nail Tech’s Guide If you’ve been in the nail industry for any length of time, you’ve likely heard some controversy around...
September 24, 2025 — Erica Schlabach
How to Do Sweater Nails: A Step-by-Step Sweater Nails Tutorial

How to Do Sweater Nails: A Step-by-Step Sweater Nails Tutorial

How to Do Sweater Nails: A Step-by-Step Sweater Nails Tutorial TL;DR: Sweater nails are a cozy 3D gel manicure where you paint raised “knit” patterns over a matte base, sprinkle...
September 09, 2025 — Erica Schlabach
Close up of soap nails manicure with soft neutral sheer color

What Are Soap Nails & How Do You Achieve Them?

What Are Soap Nails & How Do You Achieve Them? TL;DR: Soap nails are a clean, semi-sheer manicure style (often in soft pink or neutral tones) that gives a “just-washed”...
August 27, 2025 — Erica Schlabach
Builder Gel vs Gel X: Key Differences and Best Uses

Builder Gel vs Gel X: Key Differences and Best Uses

Builder Gel vs Gel X: Key Differences and Best Uses TL;DR: Builder gel is a thick, customizable gel applied and infilled directly on the nail, while Gel X is a...
July 30, 2025 — Erica Schlabach
Things You Should Know About Acrylic Toes

Things You Should Know About Acrylic Toes

Things You Should Know About Acrylic Toes When it comes to nail enhancements, most people immediately think of fingers—but lately, acrylic on toes is becoming more popular. From social media...
July 16, 2025 — Erica Schlabach
Why Tapered Diamond Efile Bits Are a Must-Have for Every Nail Tech

Why Tapered Diamond Efile Bits Are a Must-Have for Every Nail Tech

Why Tapered Diamond Efile Bits Are a Must-Have for Every Nail Tech When it comes to elevating your manicure game, using the right tools makes all the difference. And if...
July 02, 2025 — Erica Schlabach
6 Unique Nail Tech Certifications You Should Earn in 2025

6 Unique Nail Tech Certifications You Should Earn in 2025

6 Unique Nail Tech Certifications You Should Earn in 2025 If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the things behind the chair but still hitting a ceiling—you’re not alone. The...
June 18, 2025 — Erica Schlabach
Bitten Nails Blog

The Bitten Nails Manicure: 3 Nail Options for Nail Biters

The Bitten Nails Manicure: 3 Nail Options for Nail Biters Understanding Bitten Nails: A Unique Challenge for Nail Techs Every nail tech knows the feeling—you see a new client’s hands...
June 06, 2025 — Erica Schlabach