Journal

Gel nails can mean gel polish, rubber base, builder gel or hard gel. Learn what each one does, how long it lasts, how it comes off and whether gel harms your nails.

How chrome powder turns gel into a mirror, how to seal it so the tips don't chip, and 12 chrome nail designs, from silver and gold to pearl glaze and powder-free metallics.

Fifteen almond nail designs, from micro French tips to a golden cat eye, each with the shades and steps to recreate it, plus how to file a neat almond at any length.

Builder gel vs acrylic compared for nail techs: strength and flexibility, odour, application, removal and nail health, plus how to switch an acrylic client to builder gel.

An honest comparison of polygel and builder gel for nail techs: how each one is applied and removed, how they wear, and which one to choose for each client.

How builder gel and gel polish differ in structure, strength, wear and removal, which one suits which client, and how to combine them in one service.

When a builder gel set is ready for an infill, how to reduce the old gel with an e-file, re-prep the regrowth and rebuild the apex, and when to remove it.

Where builder gel lifts tells you why. The 8 causes of lifting, how to fix a nail that has already lifted, and the prep routine that prevents it.

Why a gel top coat over regular nail polish often wrinkles or peels, how to try it if you must, and the full gel system that gives real gel shine and wear.

No-wipe, wipe or matte? The criteria that make a gel top coat worth stocking in the salon, how to apply it for maximum shine, and how to fix common problems.

What a structured gel manicure is, who it suits, and how to build the apex with builder gel, step by step, with the mistakes to avoid.

The criteria that matter when you choose a builder gel for the salon, and the five shades that cover most everyday client requests.

Do you need a base coat under builder gel? The correct order from dehydrator to top coat, when a rubber base helps, and the mistakes that cause lifting.

Micro French, milky French, baby boomer, colour tips or a line of gold: twelve modern ways to wear the French, and the pro method for a crisp line.

Gel stays wet until it's cured, which makes it ideal for blending. Learn the brush and sponge methods, then try 12 ombre nail designs, from a baby boomer to black tips and a cat eye fade.

Liquid gold, moonlit silver, holographic or golden glitter tips: twelve sparkling manicures for the last night of the year, and how to keep them perfect until morning.

From a single dot to leopard print and holographic accents: 30 gel nail designs for every skill level, with the steps to recreate each one at home.

Lilac or lavender, mauve or deep plum: which purple suits your skin tone, 12 designs to recreate at home, and how to stop pale purples from streaking.