In this video I will talk about a simple method I found that makes LUXE removal easier. Also I will talk about how I determine who is a candidate for CND LUXE, because not all people are... how I "sell it".... if I have chipping issues and how long LUXE lasts for my clients. So here I did few things differently. I started applied Beau as base under the color (more about this later) I roughed up the top coat super lightly with smooth carbide, literally took me a minute an a half. I wrapped all the nails and applied heating pad (that is VERY helpful) I waited about 4 minutes. And the product came off much better! The reason why I'm showing your removal from 1 hand only is because my filming skills are lacking (I didn't press "record" again!!) What is the point you ask? Why not use regular Shellac with regular base and Xpress Top Coat? Good question!!! I will do that next and film it and we can compare!!
My reasoning so far- Beau applies better than base coat - the formula of LUXE is nicer - i love the bottle, more product - BRUSHES!!! - more colors If you've been watching my videos you can tell that my experience with removal of LUXE has not been that fantastic. The removal is quick but it's not 1 minute. That's for sure. I started applying Beau as my base because any dark colors goes so much better over it. When it comes to the LUXE removal something it's as if the colors bakes onto the nail and I get staining and I have to rub it a lot to get it off. If Beau is applied as base the color comes off in bigger chunks and Beau is kind of wet underneath and it comes off super easy. Does the product work? Do I get chipping? The product works... on the right clients....
And it's up to us to be able to tell if a client is a good candidate for LUXE or not.
When it comes to nail salons people often work on "auto-pilot", client books what THEY want and techs do it because client asks for it.
Peeling nails with Shellac?
Sure! (Because they don't want gel).
Super long nails but they can only come every 5 weeks and pay for fill...?
Sure! (Because that's what they can afford)
You wouldn't go to hair stylist and say, I want this and that, this level of peroxide and this treatment. You go, tell them what you are looking for. They look and feel your hair, and tell you what they recommend. If you are going much lighter they will tell you if that can be achieved safely or how many visits it will take. They tell you if you need a treatment or not. Can you imagine any reputable hair stylist doing major lightening in 1 appointment when the client needs 3 stages because client doesn't have a budget for 3? I doubt that they would do it. If they do, because it's possible, they will add a treatment ($$) to protect the hair. Think about a difference between these approaches: A:
Client coming for consult and we get all info to determine what is right for her and her nail type (and client actually RESPECTING our professional recommendation)
B: Client books LUXE because she heard it's great and you do it because "client is always right".. or...
Client wears or wants BioGel (whatever that is from you know, discount place) and we say I don't do bio gel but we use Shellac- yeah...that is NOT gonna work either. HOW I DETERMINE WHICH PRODUCT IS RIGHT FOR THE CLIENT? What types of nails is LUXE good for? --- short of any type on a new client who wants the product for the look not "because it's stronger" --- not good for peeling nails --- longer nails are OK, with LUXE as long as they are hard/strong and client is not "used to" enhancements --- clients who likes polish but it's doesn't last or client doesn't like drying time On the right client LUXE definitely lasts 2 weeks. Gel Polish but especially LUXE is for the LOOK and the CONVENIENCE of instant dry not the function of "stronger nails" IF the client has less than perfect nails, I would use regular Shellac or one of the other brands I'm using. Something that has a thicker base gel that fills in imperfections works best. If the client has peeling nails I would use a layer of soft gel first and then color on top.
Speaking of which....I have been testing something super exciting too but I can't talk about this very much yet. If the client is interested in instant length, wants something permanent or needs shape correction or extreme shapes, hard gel would be definitely good for thta job. There is 1 problem though Hard gel, classic gel feels, well... hard, less flexible so it makes everyone think it's "stronger" But if we sell that "stronger" promise to clients they end up abusing their nails, also because they can't "feel" through hard gel. Yes for long nails we need more support but that doesn't mean the nails can be abused. If the gel is thick and strong enough that it doesn't break... something has to give... and that something will be the surface of the nails. Nail damage. For my style of work, thin, short, natural looking nails... honestly I get better results with soft, soak off gel than I did with hard gel. Why? Less chipping and pretty much no stress breaks (maybe 1 a month... or every 2 months...)
So yes, when you pick the right product for the job and clients have realistic expectations these products do work