Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use solid nail tips gel on short nails?
Yes. Solid nail tips gel can be used on short natural nails, provided the nail plate is healthy, and there is enough surface area for the full-cover tip to sit securely. Having little or no free edge does not necessarily prevent you from wearing nail tips, as the gel bonds the full-cover tip to the natural nail rather than relying solely on the free edge.
When applying Solid Nail Tips Gel Born Pretty (SN01) on shorter nails, proper prep and technique are important for secure adhesion. The nail’s size and condition also matter when determining whether a full-cover tip can be positioned correctly.
The chosen tip should sit comfortably from sidewall to sidewall and follow the natural nail’s width and curve without being forced into position. A tip that is too wide, too narrow, or incorrectly curved can compromise adhesion and contribute to early lifting.
For extremely short or bitten nails, there may be less surface area available for adhesion, which can affect retention. Sore or inflamed nails should be given time to recover before applying an enhancement.
Proper prep also plays an important role. Using suitable nail prep and nail care essentials helps create a clean surface for the gel to bond to and can support stronger adhesion and longer-lasting results.
How much solid nail tips gel should you use?
A mung-bean-sized bead of gel provides a useful starting point. That said, the right amount can vary depending on the size and shape of the natural nail and full-cover tip. Smaller nails may need less product, while larger nails may require a slightly bigger bead.
The aim is to use enough gel to cover the contact area between the natural nail and tip without excess product spilling out around the sides or cuticle area. Too little may leave gaps, while too much can create additional clean-up before curing.
The gel’s thick, mouldable consistency makes it easier to control the amount during application. You can pick up a measured amount at a time and adjust the placement before curing.
Are these nail tips HEMA-free?
Yes. This gel has a HEMA-free formula, making it a suitable option for at-home users and nail technicians who prefer to avoid HEMA in their nail products.
HEMA is an acrylate found in some gel nail products and is commonly used to support adhesion. However, exposure to uncured HEMA can contribute to sensitisation in some people, which is why some users prefer HEMA-free formulations.
Going HEMA-free doesn’t mean giving up the performance needed for applying nail tips. This gel has strong stickiness and a firm consistency to help keep soft gel and press-on nail tips securely in place.
As with any gel nail product, careful use still matters. Avoid getting uncured gel on the surrounding skin and follow the recommended application and curing directions to minimise unnecessary contact with uncured product.
Can I use this gel for nail art and embellishments?
Yes. Beyond attaching nail tips, our gel can also be used for modelling nail art and securing decorative elements in place.
Its firm, workable texture helps hold embellishments such as beads, rhinestones, pearls, and charms in position while you arrange the design before curing. This gives you time to adjust the placement and create your desired look.
You can also shape the gel to create raised or 3D nail art, making it a practical option for designs where you want to add dimension rather than a flat painted effect. Its mouldable consistency can be used to build small sculptural details directly on the nail.
However, very fine lines and intricate painted details may be easier to create with a dedicated liner or nail art gel designed for more precise application. The gel’s thicker consistency is better suited to modelling and embellishment placement than detailed brushwork.
We also offer a variety of nail art decorations and tools, giving you more options to recreate different looks at home or offer clients a wider range of designs. Once you’ve positioned the design or embellishments, fully cure the gel under an LED or UV lamp according to the product directions.
How do you prevent nail tips from lifting?
Preventing lifting starts with following the recommended application instructions for solid nail tips gel carefully. This includes the specified placement and curing steps. Each step exists for a reason, and skipping or rushing through prep or cure times can compromise how well the tip holds.
Before application, the natural nail should be clean and free from oils, moisture, and debris. Any residue on the nail plate can interfere with adhesion, so proper nail prep helps create a suitable surface for the gel to bond to.
During application, keep the gel away from the cuticle area and surrounding skin. Product that reaches these areas can create points where the enhancement may begin to separate as the natural nail grows.
After the tips are applied and cured, aftercare also plays a role in retention. Avoid picking at the tips, using them as tools, or placing unnecessary pressure on the extensions, as repeated stress can contribute to lifting over time.
If lifting continues despite careful application and aftercare, reassess factors such as the natural nail’s condition and your application technique before the next set.
