I used to be so stubborn on not using forms because I preferred tips... But after learning how to properly use forms it's AMAZING. No more glue, no more sizing tips, no more crying inside when I accidentally glue a tip on crooked. Seriously just learn it and switchhhhh. They also look so much nicer
I never had a sculpted nail until I got away from the “walk-in” type salons. At that point, I also discovered quality over quantity. My nails fit and felt better. I didn’t leave the salon feeling like I needed to separate my skin from my nail, which I hated. So, when I went to school, I really focused on sculpting and getting that perfected. And I found out that I had to successfully apply a tip to pass my practical exam, so the joke was on me. I had to figure that out really quickly! I still prefer to sculpt and always will.
I have a similar experience. I think the walk-in salons do the tips because they are quicker and they tend to work off of volume. My nail tech is appointment only, and has only ever done one set of tips on me and that was the first one. We had a goal of growing out my natural nails to the point where we could just do overlays and we were there in no time. She can sculpt from the shortest nails so that's how we retain my length. I like the sculpts better too, more custom fit to my nails and I totally get what you're saying about separating your skin from the nail.
I think that nails with tips are just as good just take less time and the reason you would have to separate your skin is because the tech didn’t apply the tips correctly and probably too big
@@drywalllopez after learning what I have learned, and knowing what I know now... The tips were applied incorrectly and with too much glue. I don't worry about it these days since I am a nail tech and do my own nails. I might have a few tips around here for the hell of it, but I personally do not use them. Not even on extreme nail biters. The exception being full cover tips for nail art examples.
Forms and sculpting for me ! Once I learned sculpting it was heaven . The nails looks better all around . I do once in while , ( not often ) use glue on tips , but I just don’t think tips look as good or last . She’s right the glue gives out on tips and they lift at the free edge . Forms all the way !
I have never connected on a mental level with another techs thought processes like I do with Tracey. Im an old school tech and I had the same problems starting out with tips. I hate them now. They are clunky and bothersome most of the time. I only use them as a back up plan. Lol. However, my daughter is going to nail school soon and I will start her on tips so that she can learn some wonderful trial and error on the job training.
I can do both very well. Tips are definitely faster for me. Once you do it enough, you can look at a nail and figure the size usually between 2 tips very quickly. I’m not slow at forms but once you get into pinching and things of that nature, it can take some time. I offer both services and sculpting is actually higher priced.
It takes practice and everyone discovers different little things they do that makes it easier for them. Keep practicing, keep that determination, and you will get there!!
I remember you guys did a discussion about this before, and basically Tracy said something that blew my mind. My nails are flat, but nail tips have a c curve on them, so they don't fit me correctly. When I started sculpting my own nails, they NEVER break. I pinch them to make the c curve, but they don't break because they're custom fitted for my nail beds. I used to pop nails at least 1x a month.
My thumb has a crappy c curve. It’s pretty flat. One of em. The tip would start lifting off of it by the time I had glued the rest and started adding acrylic lol but I also now realize my nail beds are oily af.
I use c curve tips on my flat nails. You only have to bend the part you're going to glue on so it becomes flatter! It won't ruin the c curve but it will fit your nail bed without forcing it down. I only use tips and I very rarely break a nail! I started using base coat instead of nail glue, it's much better
I offer both, but highly encourage my clients to do sculpted sets. I have also gotten the “that’s an old technique“ comment, 🤣 but have had a couple of clients referred to me from other nail techs who do not sculpt. I currently have no clients who wear tips.
Forms! When I started doing my own nails I vowed I would only use forms and I have. I did have to learn tips for the state board test but I've never used them on a live client.
I’ve tried tips first but after watching Greg do forms I now do only forms with both Gel & Acrylic. They just look sooooo much better. Thank you guys you have no idea how much you’ve helped me.
I am really glad that the options are there. I could never find a salon tech that would do anything with my severely chemo damaged nails. Many even told me that nothing could be done. Then I learned that combining hard gel and tips I could have beautiful nails. There is absolutely no possible way to get a form to fit properly on me. But by using hard gel as an overlay then using it to adhere my tips I could then build an actual nail.
Both. I’ve been forming my own nails and a select couple clients and I love the shape and the look of the nails overall, you can always tell sculpted nails. But tips are great too! We come a long way lol. I came from a period where you had to shape, the was no stiletto, coffin or tapered tips. You had to SHAPE HONEY but now it’s a breeze. But me personally I FORM.
I have a TON of tips.....but find myself always slapping on a form to do my nails.......now I'm stuck with all these tips! There are so many benefits to using forms.....Once I got over my fear and learned how to use forms I actually prefer them now. I see so many nail techs still using them, and I wonder if they ever lose the skill of using a form after time. I think it's important to be able to perfect all forms of nail extension application, that way when someone comes in you can give them exactly what they want.
I didn’t even know forms were a thing until I started watching these videos. No one in my area uses them. Having tried them on myself forms over tips absolutely, it takes more skill but the end result is better looking and longer lasting.
I am a very beginner so I use tips. I have tried forms and have a lot of trouble shaping the nail. With tips the shape is already there for you. In the long run I want to use forms in the future, I just have to keep practicing. Thanks for the video guys!! 😊
I’ve just started doing nails about a year ago and I started with forms right away because they just look so much better when the nail starts to grow out
I wish there was a form that made it easier to see clear acrylic and gel. I find it so hard when doing them. It's like a guessing game everything lol. But tbh with color it's pretty easy if you follow you guys tutorials.
SAME!!!!!! I must need super bright lights in the room like having damn near the sun lighting my room cause otherwise normal room lighting still doesn’t help. It’s not easy to see clear acrylic on forms for me.
Me too! I find this impossible- I want to learn using forms as I think it takes more skill. But I feel like I’m going blind when I’m building a tip with clear!
I prefer forms vs. tips! In school I was fascinate to see my instructor use forms and I really wanted to learn how to use them. I'm still learning the art of nail forms and proper placement. Now tips, OMG the struggle is real! sizing the nail for tips takes me soooo long and if I don't have a great glue that nail won't adhere to the natural nail, I pops off and I'm saying to myself "girl just save your mind and grab a form"!! This is a great topic....
I'm struggling with forms but I'm not giving up on learning how to do them because I've seen the benefits in terms of speed and strength because of the structure
I started with forms and it went smoothly with polygel but I now use tips mostly. Tips: 1. Glue tips with gel base coat instead of nail glue, it's more durable (think that with gel extensions that's what holds the whole nail down) 2. If they are too curved bend their well a little so it gets flatter. You shouldn't force the tip down as it will pop off eventually. I think most of the hate for tips is because in the past there weren't much variety on them. Now you have c curve or not, shorter or longer, square, coffin, stiletto shapes so they fit everyone. My nails are too short sometimes so it's very hard to fit the form correctly underneath. Overall both ways done right look as good and are comfortable. Form would be quicker for a short extension. I think you should know both methods
Forms are better, although i struggle with it. I taught myself to do nails and started with tips. When i first tried forms on myself i was sold. I will continue to practice until i get it!!!
It took me 3.5 on my first full set which I sculpted I don’t own any tips after that I was considering buying some tips. I truly love sculpting soooo much better!!
I am still super new to acrylic but once I switched to forms, it just felt SO much better on my fingers! Currently I have formed acrylic on my left & I ‘HAD’ tips on my right hand (‘cause I thought it’d be so much easier since I’m right handed) & it was definitely easier to apply acrylic BUT it felt...weird on my fingers ☹️ I was super unhappy w/ them & I think I only wore it for about 2 days before I clipped them off! When I looked close as I was filing the acrylic part off, lo & behold, there was a damn air pocket in the tips! Never again will I do the tips method! There’s nothing wrong w/ it but it’s just not for me 😁
I was taught with forms, and I do enjoy building a nail but I totally get why people use tips especially if they’re just starting out. I also see how nail forms can be intimidating. I noticed all the nail tips being used in the nail art space on socials and ngl at first I was a little 🤯 over it. Any time I’ve tried to do tips the nails weren’t that great. They broke easier 🤷🏻♀️ but I haven’t given tips another try in quite some time. I also feel like there aren’t any tips out there that fit all of my nails right. The well issue from one line to the next, it’s like I’d need to get 20 different lines of tips to have 1 set that fits properly. I know the well of the tips was an issue for me for why they always broke and it wasn’t my nail prep bcuz the acrylic wouldn’t be lifting. Not sure why I never made the connection back then that I could have used a tiny bead of acrylic for glue tho 😂 now this kinda makes me want to go get a pack of tips ☠️💜
I’m new to all of this, I prefer forms. I don’t have clients or anything yet, but for the people who do. Do you ask your clients what they want or just use what you’re comfortable with. Honestly I’m in a small town and before I got into this I didn’t even know about forms or sculpting🤯😂
I love this video. I had a hard time with forms. Learning on my own. Now there is the lazy girl nail. I haven’t tried it but it looks easy. Thank you for sharing this information. I love you all.
same. forms all the way. the thing im still not confident when using forms is i took too long to do a whole set, took me like 2-2.5 hours to do medium/short length set with just basic gel polish on top.😫
@@hoangvu3121 me too and sometimes even longer🤭 i think it is normal in the beginning. I am trying not to worry so much about the time. My focus is getting the technique and the speed will come naturally. That might help you to not feel pressured by time but I completely understand
30+ years of sculpting...but without me wearing gloves. Now, in California, since gloves are required, it's impossible to use forms. Tips are more work, and take more time. I'm thinking about applying the 1/4 well tip with hard gel to avoid pocket lifting...then it takes even more time though!!
The first time I started using forms I was like "yeah screw this I'm always going to use tips on my clients". Believe it or not, I only used tips ONCE and the lady was a cleaner. Her nails kept breaking and uuuugh. I always use forms now and they never break. Maybe after 4 weeks one snaps because it's too long (coffin shape and cleaning don't go well lol)
I've always preferred forms over tips, but since I only do Gel, sculpting on very short or bitten nails is a real PITA. So, now I use reverse forms or full coverage gel tips on problem fingers.
Forms all the way I used to be a tips girl thinking they are faster and easier but with forms you don't need to use glue which wears away with continued water exposure so I think forms are more durable. Also you get a nicer c curve with forms and you are able to pinch whereas tips you can't really do that and sometimes its hard to find the right size for your nail beds. Also you can be just as quick with forms just takes practice But there is a place for tips too like severely short bitten or damaged nails. Id love to see how Tracey does this working with forms! Oh and the design aspect and doing art is wayyy easier with forms. I went out and bought a whole bunch of colored tips and after realizing that got rid of them
Every single time I wear or use tips for myself, no matter the brand, style, or length, they end up splitting straight down the center and into my natural nails. Form girl here, for sure!
Awesome!! I'm gunna have to give forms a try again lol especially after seeing the video where tracy pre cuts them to fit squared nails very helpful tip🤗🤗👍
I haven’t found my love for sculpting yet but I’m continuing to practice so I can get there. Because I actually prefer sculpting over tips. It’s just not my strongest point yet
Nail enthusiast here (not a pro), three years in now. Sculpt all the way. I could never get a tip nail to look right. Now that I’ve improved my gel application and filing (and know that’s not the problem) I try tips from time to time. I still can’t get them on right, always crooked or sloping up or down or every which way. There’s something about how the form encircles the end of the finger and nail bed that makes it so much easier to get it lined up for the right shape, like there is just more to hold on to and steer into place.
At TAFE Qld, the teacher pushed every class to attach forms and file to shape. I was away one day is the whole course and that day they did tips so I never got taught to attach them. You guys at YN where supplier's at Bundamba and you came to do different styles of nail application and I missed that as I couldn't attend. I had no confidence at the end of the course, it was rushed & only tips where used, needless to say I did not attemp the physical side of nail attachments but had completed successfully all the product knowledge and nail technology from study books. I use your tips and do polygel out of tubes now and have taught myself, but I would love to come to a hands on class when covid is in control....Rozz...Brisbane
I have hand bitten nails and my nails are damaged right now so I cannot use forms right now! But I love to sculpt. Growing out my nails now. That's the benefit of tips for me....not having any nails!
I got your ultimate acrylic set last weekend and I love it so far!! The only issue I have is the tips - I wish they were straight and not so curved (I mean the sides, not the C curve). But other than that I love your products!! ❤️☺️
I’d love to hear an updated conversation including the new “gelly” tips. Apres, Kiara Sky etc offer a soak off flexible gelly tip that is applied with cured gel and not glue. Imho they are an amazing game changer! Young Nails should make a version of the system 100%
I used to think sculpting was fragile. Your own nail underneath wasn't there for strength. Figured the tip was an extension of your own nail=strength. WRONG! And I also remember I could make sculpts look really good, when tips were the popular thing to do. I later realized water breaks the glue down in like a week. And with all our COVID-19 handwashing, what a great way to convince clients to get sculpts. I cannot believe how many new clients have never seen or had sculpts done on them! And they love them! I love doing them, as I can get them perfectly shaped, and they're amazed. What an ego boost! So.... Unless they INSIST on tips, and I explain what will happen & I won't guarantee them, I will always use forms. And Tracy, I also think that little smidge of acrylic that seeps down underneath gives a bit more support. Unlike a tip that just sits in top, and has only a bit of glue that might run under. Sorry about being so wordy, but sometimes that's what it takes! After 33 years in the biz, my company is the best it's ever been, and I'm the happiest I've ever been. ALOT goes to my constant learning & tips I get from all of you at YN. 💜👏 THANK YOU Tracy, Greg & Habib💙
I use forms on me, I started with forms cuz I have a hard time finding tips to fit my thumbs. I use tips on my daughter n mom. For the life of me I can't seem to get them on correctly with other people
I know I’m late to the show on this, however, I don’t mind either. They both have their place and purpose and just the the gel vs acrylic debate not a one fits all type of thing. Although I do think forms are going to go fits better with how the nail comes out of the nail bed because you have the ability to better control the narrowing of the form than a tip.
I don't work with tips but I have done plenty of fills over tips from other techs work, and I have noticed tips do not last as long. For the most part, with clients that have full sculpts I can maintain their nails and do fills to the point their nails are all real underneath. I have never been able to do that with tips. Eventually the glue breaks down and the tip separates from the natural nail creating a weak spot which breaks. However, I can't speak for how the tips were applied since I have never worked with tips myself. My course only taught forms, so that's all I know.
I had to use tips for my nail courses, but I always planned to use forms. I actually haven’t used tips in close to a year. I just never liked dealing with the glue and sizing of tips🙈 plus, it makes dealing with nail biters much easier for me🙂
Ok yes! So I’m not a nail tech, but I am a nail biter and the tips always feel suffocating and encourage me to chew even MORE! But with forms, it feels a lot lighter and I don’t chew! Plus, the sculpted nails are never as wide as with tips.
For me, for a long time I saw it like cheating bcuz I was taught with forms. Now, I can see why people use them and how forms seem intimidating for some people but I personally don’t like using them.
I have only done my own nails and really struggle with forms. It takes me most (I’m serious) most of the day to do my own nails. It’s really difficult for me to get the forms placed correctly on my fingers. They don’t ever fit under the real nail like I think they should, and that in turn makes the sculpt curve down. I’d love to get better and faster doing sculpting using forms.
I feel you, I’ve been sculpting for many years but I have 1 finger that the nail is so arched on that I struggle to get a form on it right. I will sit there and mess with that form for 45 minutes and still not be happy with how it’s sitting but by that time I’m frustrated and over it so I do it then spend forever filing it to try making it better
I am very new to the nail game but I love the artistry of forms I find it challenging yet rewarding it is personalized to the person that you are working on made for them and only them...edited I meant forms it was like 6am when I wrote this lol
FORMS🤘🏼 lmao like two feet! Who describes things like that 😂 So I’d have that issue with using tips. It would pop in the center. Never found strong nail glue. One of my thumbs is also has a subtle arch. Tips doesn’t work on that thumb. I still prefer forms. Customizable. I’ve seen different types of nail beds and forms help create the perfect nails.
Same omg I wouldn’t know if nail glue got better in the last 15 years but none of it would stay put! If I mentioned it to others I always got "you must not be doing proper nail prep, or it’s not good enough" but I knew my nail prep was fine because only the nail tip would break + a bit of center lifting. Other than that there was no lifting and you couldn’t pick the acrylic off without peeling off my nail.
@@krystalfukinmarie757 you know what though? Perhaps it has to do with my oily nail beds. Tips just don’t work on my nails. Any nail enhancement would work on my nails for more than a couple of days. Then I started to use YN’s protein bond. It’s miracle in a bottle. Works for me. Anyways, maybe my nails just can’t maintain any nail glue long enough. Perhaps it’s the same for you but nvm lol you said the acrylic was fine everywhere else. It just broke where the tip met the nail bed. Edit: I was so discouraged. Over and over because I thought I could never do proper nail prep. Even though nails would last longer on sets I did for other people. Literally no other primer works as good as Protein Bond. Ever since I started using it my nails last 3* weeks.
@@mckenny5505 I think you’re right & I believe you. I can’t even tell you the number of people who I’ve come across who have said the same exact thing in regards to protein bond! There are so many people who thought they were doing something wrong, not prepping correctly, not being careful enough with their nails, etc. they gave in, got the protein bond & have never had an issue since!
It’s sad that lots of people have issues like this and it may not be there fault :( no shade on YN but not everyone knows of YN or maybe they do but don’t know just how good protein bond is and that it works for ...? Is it overly oily nail beds? That stuff seems very sticky, don’t ya think? Like I’m all for YN having an amazing primer but other companies don’t have amazing primer like this lol it’s like one of a kind. I’ve tried many primers from different companies. None feel like protein bond. How many people out there having prep issues or think it’s their prep application is crap 😔when all they need is super sticky primer(aka protein bond)
@@mckenny5505 I’m not sure what it is, but I think you might be on to something with the oily nails theory 🤔 it is super sad that there’s people who think they’re doing something wrong & don’t have anyone to tell them it’s not them doing anything wrong & there is a product out there that will help 😔 then there’s the issue of not everyone knows of YN or the wonders of protein bond & maybe they do but can’t afford it, or are afraid to make the purchase unsure if all the raving reviews are real.
Full cover tips are very easy and quick overall if client's nails have sidewall filed off, when using nailforms and gel with no sidewall it's a pain and most of times, with full cover tips it's done.
@@youngnailsinc thank you too for sharing your expertise, your experiences and always useful and energetic contents, you are amazing guys ❤️ Now I go to watch Greg's live!🤣🥰
I'm not a tech, but just someone doing my own nails. Personally, I like using forms and builder gel. I don't like most of the tips that are available because they have that extreme curve to them and even if you cut them short, they still look tacky. Don't get me started on how tacky they look when left long! I might consider a straight tip, but I'd still much rather use forms because it's just a lot more customized to fit the nails
I never sculpted it's a new to me after 29 years my nails dont break but it easy to create the shape but when yiu apply acrylic the shapes gone then a long battle to get it perfect.
Would love to see Tracey do some new sets. All I’ve seen in my area are tips. Not good ones either. Tips that go half way down the nail and you can see them. Flat, no apex with them either. Idk if it’s a fade right now to get flat natural looking nails but doesn’t look good. Maybe if the tips were blended in better might look good. I’ve seen 4 people with these flat no apex tips in the past week. . Really starts to irk a person 🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
That is what I do. Apply tips and if it breaks or pops I use a form. I dont do nailart apart from applying a sticker or some gems. I cant even draw a stick figure, let alone do nailart. I have been doing my own acrylics for 20 years. A lot has changed. So if I want to invest and do clients, what is best, acrylics, gel or polygels?
I have never done either. I want to learn and that's something I've been thinking bout. Should I just start learning acrylic on tips or just be brave and go for the forms?
I am not a nail tech, but I have gotten my nails done several times over my life. It’s nearly impossible to find someone who will do forms (instead of tips) whenever I’ve moved to a new state and left my old nail tech behind. I always have to call and try out several different salons before I find someone who will use forms.
I never had a sculpted nail until I did it for myself. Now I hate tips and only do forms because now I do my nails better than nail techs around here. They feel better, fit better, and are shaped better. I have flat nails. The techs around here are not interested in sculpting and nail art. Apparently they're not into making money.
I’m tips at the mo Because that’s what I trained in but I would love to move to forms It scares me a lot. I can sculpt my own nails even my weak hand well but give me a client and oh no!!!! 😳😳😳 think I’ll be watching lots of youngs videos to get it done before lockdown ends xx
From the get go I learned how to do forms because I know its much more difficult than tips 😅 when I tried tips on me the first (and last lmao) time, 7 of the 10 were glued wonky 😂 not my thing
Cant do forms with dipping powder... advantage of doing forms is your free edge is encapsulated, so when they grow out. They still intact and not got caught on things like putting a tip on, tip and nail seperated and water and things easy to get in between. I force myself doing forms cuz The Nail Hub keep sayin so and now i like forms better. I feel like most asian salons using nail tips. While EU salons use forms.
I use tips with my business but they are unpredictable how long they will last sometimes they last 3 weeks without infil sometimes 2 I don't know if to change my glue I'm using nsi atm. I'm also training to do sculpt soon too they have s choice. I set up my business 8 months ago
Hi guys, first I love all of your tips. I'm trying to do nails, I believe I have everything you would do nails. Now I'm goin to try acrylics. Do you have a suggustion on which slow drying acylic I could use? Oh ya, I like using tips and gel. I'll be watching, Thank you
I used to be so stubborn on not using forms because I preferred tips... But after learning how to properly use forms it's AMAZING. No more glue, no more sizing tips, no more crying inside when I accidentally glue a tip on crooked.
Seriously just learn it and switchhhhh.
They also look so much nicer
Thanks for sharing! We hope you enjoyed this video on tips vs forms.
I never had a sculpted nail until I got away from the “walk-in” type salons. At that point, I also discovered quality over quantity. My nails fit and felt better. I didn’t leave the salon feeling like I needed to separate my skin from my nail, which I hated. So, when I went to school, I really focused on sculpting and getting that perfected. And I found out that I had to successfully apply a tip to pass my practical exam, so the joke was on me. I had to figure that out really quickly! I still prefer to sculpt and always will.
I have a similar experience. I think the walk-in salons do the tips because they are quicker and they tend to work off of volume. My nail tech is appointment only, and has only ever done one set of tips on me and that was the first one. We had a goal of growing out my natural nails to the point where we could just do overlays and we were there in no time. She can sculpt from the shortest nails so that's how we retain my length. I like the sculpts better too, more custom fit to my nails and I totally get what you're saying about separating your skin from the nail.
I think that nails with tips are just as good just take less time and the reason you would have to separate your skin is because the tech didn’t apply the tips correctly and probably too big
@@drywalllopez after learning what I have learned, and knowing what I know now... The tips were applied incorrectly and with too much glue. I don't worry about it these days since I am a nail tech and do my own nails. I might have a few tips around here for the hell of it, but I personally do not use them. Not even on extreme nail biters. The exception being full cover tips for nail art examples.
Forms and sculpting for me ! Once I learned sculpting it was heaven . The nails looks better all around . I do once in while , ( not often ) use glue on tips , but I just don’t think tips look as good or last . She’s right the glue gives out on tips and they lift at the free edge . Forms all the way !
Exactly. I’m floored myself and another girl are being age shamed in the comments for a preference of sculpting.
I see tips as a weak point in a structure. Hit it and the attachment point is a breaking point. Sculpting is one solid structure. 🙂
Good point.
Only if you don’t build it correctly. You need an apex 😳👀
you can pinch the tips for the c curve too ;)
but i still prefer forms
@@hoangvu3121 but most don’t. They glue them in and work with what they have. Very often flat or overly hooked enhancements. 🙂
I have never connected on a mental level with another techs thought processes like I do with Tracey. Im an old school tech and I had the same problems starting out with tips. I hate them now. They are clunky and bothersome most of the time. I only use them as a back up plan. Lol. However, my daughter is going to nail school soon and I will start her on tips so that she can learn some wonderful trial and error on the job training.
I can do both very well. Tips are definitely faster for me. Once you do it enough, you can look at a nail and figure the size usually between 2 tips very quickly. I’m not slow at forms but once you get into pinching and things of that nature, it can take some time. I offer both services and sculpting is actually higher priced.
I have not built-up confidence in my sculpting yet, but I'm determined to get there!
Keep practicing! There is an entire community to help and support you.
@@Monietheseamonster I will definitely work on it!! Thanks for the encouragement!
It takes practice and everyone discovers different little things they do that makes it easier for them. Keep practicing, keep that determination, and you will get there!!
I've never had a sculpted set of nails, so I'm learning myself so I can do my own!😍💅😉
I remember you guys did a discussion about this before, and basically Tracy said something that blew my mind. My nails are flat, but nail tips have a c curve on them, so they don't fit me correctly. When I started sculpting my own nails, they NEVER break. I pinch them to make the c curve, but they don't break because they're custom fitted for my nail beds. I used to pop nails at least 1x a month.
My thumb has a crappy c curve. It’s pretty flat. One of em. The tip would start lifting off of it by the time I had glued the rest and started adding acrylic lol but I also now realize my nail beds are oily af.
I use c curve tips on my flat nails. You only have to bend the part you're going to glue on so it becomes flatter! It won't ruin the c curve but it will fit your nail bed without forcing it down. I only use tips and I very rarely break a nail! I started using base coat instead of nail glue, it's much better
I’ve never been to a salon that uses forms, so until RUclips i had no idea it was even a thing!
Same here. LOL
I offer both, but highly encourage my clients to do sculpted sets.
I have also gotten the “that’s an old technique“ comment, 🤣 but have had a couple of clients referred to me from other nail techs who do not sculpt. I currently have no clients who wear tips.
Do you charge different?
Forms! When I started doing my own nails I vowed I would only use forms and I have. I did have to learn tips for the state board test but I've never used them on a live client.
Your table talks are funny ! Took about 3 mins to get to the discussion 😹 you guys cover all the good stuff !! Very detailed
I’ve tried tips first but after watching Greg do forms I now do only forms with both Gel & Acrylic. They just look sooooo much better. Thank you guys you have no idea how much you’ve helped me.
I am really glad that the options are there. I could never find a salon tech that would do anything with my severely chemo damaged nails. Many even told me that nothing could be done. Then I learned that combining hard gel and tips I could have beautiful nails. There is absolutely no possible way to get a form to fit properly on me. But by using hard gel as an overlay then using it to adhere my tips I could then build an actual nail.
Both. I’ve been forming my own nails and a select couple clients and I love the shape and the look of the nails overall, you can always tell sculpted nails. But tips are great too! We come a long way lol. I came from a period where you had to shape, the was no stiletto, coffin or tapered tips. You had to SHAPE HONEY but now it’s a breeze. But me personally I FORM.
I have a TON of tips.....but find myself always slapping on a form to do my nails.......now I'm stuck with all these tips! There are so many benefits to using forms.....Once I got over my fear and learned how to use forms I actually prefer them now. I see so many nail techs still using them, and I wonder if they ever lose the skill of using a form after time. I think it's important to be able to perfect all forms of nail extension application, that way when someone comes in you can give them exactly what they want.
I donated a bunch of unused nail supplies to my local beauty school. I gave to the instructor to give away as prizes.
I didn’t even know forms were a thing until I started watching these videos. No one in my area uses them. Having tried them on myself forms over tips absolutely, it takes more skill but the end result is better looking and longer lasting.
I am a very beginner so I use tips. I have tried forms and have a lot of trouble shaping the nail. With tips the shape is already there for you. In the long run I want to use forms in the future, I just have to keep practicing. Thanks for the video guys!! 😊
I’ve noticed my nails last longer with forms opposed to tips when I do my own nails. And tips surprisingly takes me longer .
I’ve just started doing nails about a year ago and I started with forms right away because they just look so much better when the nail starts to grow out
I wish there was a form that made it easier to see clear acrylic and gel. I find it so hard when doing them. It's like a guessing game everything lol. But tbh with color it's pretty easy if you follow you guys tutorials.
SAME!!!!!! I must need super bright lights in the room like having damn near the sun lighting my room cause otherwise normal room lighting still doesn’t help. It’s not easy to see clear acrylic on forms for me.
Me too! I find this impossible- I want to learn using forms as I think it takes more skill. But I feel like I’m going blind when I’m building a tip with clear!
I use the Mia secret natural pink to build a nail. It has a tint to it so it's not 100% clear
I prefer forms vs. tips! In school I was fascinate to see my instructor use forms and I really wanted to learn how to use them. I'm still learning the art of nail forms and proper placement. Now tips, OMG the struggle is real! sizing the nail for tips takes me soooo long and if I don't have a great glue that nail won't adhere to the natural nail, I pops off and I'm saying to myself "girl just save your mind and grab a form"!! This is a great topic....
I'm struggling with forms but I'm not giving up on learning how to do them because I've seen the benefits in terms of speed and strength because of the structure
I think too, that sculpting products have got better and easier to use. More options on the consistency if you are doing gel for example.
I started with forms and it went smoothly with polygel but I now use tips mostly.
Tips:
1. Glue tips with gel base coat instead of nail glue, it's more durable (think that with gel extensions that's what holds the whole nail down)
2. If they are too curved bend their well a little so it gets flatter. You shouldn't force the tip down as it will pop off eventually.
I think most of the hate for tips is because in the past there weren't much variety on them. Now you have c curve or not, shorter or longer, square, coffin, stiletto shapes so they fit everyone.
My nails are too short sometimes so it's very hard to fit the form correctly underneath.
Overall both ways done right look as good and are comfortable. Form would be quicker for a short extension. I think you should know both methods
Forms
There ended the discussion 🤣😂
Forms are better, although i struggle with it. I taught myself to do nails and started with tips. When i first tried forms on myself i was sold. I will continue to practice until i get it!!!
It took me 3.5 on my first full set which I sculpted I don’t own any tips after that I was considering buying some tips. I truly love sculpting soooo much better!!
I am still super new to acrylic but once I switched to forms, it just felt SO much better on my fingers! Currently I have formed acrylic on my left & I ‘HAD’ tips on my right hand (‘cause I thought it’d be so much easier since I’m right handed) & it was definitely easier to apply acrylic BUT it felt...weird on my fingers ☹️ I was super unhappy w/ them & I think I only wore it for about 2 days before I clipped them off! When I looked close as I was filing the acrylic part off, lo & behold, there was a damn air pocket in the tips! Never again will I do the tips method! There’s nothing wrong w/ it but it’s just not for me 😁
I was taught with forms, and I do enjoy building a nail but I totally get why people use tips especially if they’re just starting out. I also see how nail forms can be intimidating. I noticed all the nail tips being used in the nail art space on socials and ngl at first I was a little 🤯 over it. Any time I’ve tried to do tips the nails weren’t that great. They broke easier 🤷🏻♀️ but I haven’t given tips another try in quite some time. I also feel like there aren’t any tips out there that fit all of my nails right. The well issue from one line to the next, it’s like I’d need to get 20 different lines of tips to have 1 set that fits properly. I know the well of the tips was an issue for me for why they always broke and it wasn’t my nail prep bcuz the acrylic wouldn’t be lifting. Not sure why I never made the connection back then that I could have used a tiny bead of acrylic for glue tho 😂 now this kinda makes me want to go get a pack of tips ☠️💜
I’m new to all of this, I prefer forms. I don’t have clients or anything yet, but for the people who do. Do you ask your clients what they want or just use what you’re comfortable with. Honestly I’m in a small town and before I got into this I didn’t even know about forms or sculpting🤯😂
I love this video. I had a hard time with forms. Learning on my own. Now there is the lazy girl nail. I haven’t tried it but it looks easy. Thank you for sharing this information. I love you all.
Forms all the way...eventhough I am struggling to be consistent and confident
Don't give up! It gets better.
@@Monietheseamonster ❤👍
same. forms all the way. the thing im still not confident when using forms is i took too long to do a whole set, took me like 2-2.5 hours to do medium/short length set with just basic gel polish on top.😫
@@hoangvu3121 me too and sometimes even longer🤭 i think it is normal in the beginning. I am trying not to worry so much about the time. My focus is getting the technique and the speed will come naturally. That might help you to not feel pressured by time but I completely understand
@@claudiagordon4032 if i ever have a client wanted to sit that long 🤣🙈 ok im glad im not the only one
30+ years of sculpting...but without me wearing gloves. Now, in California, since gloves are required, it's impossible to use forms. Tips are more work, and take more time. I'm thinking about applying the 1/4 well tip with hard gel to avoid pocket lifting...then it takes even more time though!!
Thanks again for the direction to this video. Much appreciative.
Personally I love forms I’m not the best at them yet but working on it! Tips do take more time for me
The first time I started using forms I was like "yeah screw this I'm always going to use tips on my clients". Believe it or not, I only used tips ONCE and the lady was a cleaner. Her nails kept breaking and uuuugh. I always use forms now and they never break. Maybe after 4 weeks one snaps because it's too long (coffin shape and cleaning don't go well lol)
I've always preferred forms over tips, but since I only do Gel, sculpting on very short or bitten nails is a real PITA. So, now I use reverse forms or full coverage gel tips on problem fingers.
Forms all the way I used to be a tips girl thinking they are faster and easier but with forms you don't need to use glue which wears away with continued water exposure so I think forms are more durable. Also you get a nicer c curve with forms and you are able to pinch whereas tips you can't really do that and sometimes its hard to find the right size for your nail beds.
Also you can be just as quick with forms just takes practice
But there is a place for tips too like severely short bitten or damaged nails. Id love to see how Tracey does this working with forms!
Oh and the design aspect and doing art is wayyy easier with forms. I went out and bought a whole bunch of colored tips and after realizing that got rid of them
Every single time I wear or use tips for myself, no matter the brand, style, or length, they end up splitting straight down the center and into my natural nails. Form girl here, for sure!
I usually use tips but would like to learn sculpting!
Awesome!! I'm gunna have to give forms a try again lol especially after seeing the video where tracy pre cuts them to fit squared nails very helpful tip🤗🤗👍
I haven’t found my love for sculpting yet but I’m continuing to practice so I can get there. Because I actually prefer sculpting over tips. It’s just not my strongest point yet
I just recently wit tips cold turkey and I’m so happy I’m getting better every time I’m so excited
Nail enthusiast here (not a pro), three years in now. Sculpt all the way. I could never get a tip nail to look right. Now that I’ve improved my gel application and filing (and know that’s not the problem) I try tips from time to time. I still can’t get them on right, always crooked or sloping up or down or every which way. There’s something about how the form encircles the end of the finger and nail bed that makes it so much easier to get it lined up for the right shape, like there is just more to hold on to and steer into place.
At TAFE Qld, the teacher pushed every class to attach forms and file to shape. I was away one day is the whole course and that day they did tips so I never got taught to attach them. You guys at YN where supplier's at Bundamba and you came to do different styles of nail application and I missed that as I couldn't attend. I had no confidence at the end of the course, it was rushed & only tips where used, needless to say I did not attemp the physical side of nail attachments but had completed successfully all the product knowledge and nail technology from study books. I use your tips and do polygel out of tubes now and have taught myself, but I would love to come to a hands on class when covid is in control....Rozz...Brisbane
I have hand bitten nails and my nails are damaged right now so I cannot use forms right now! But I love to sculpt. Growing out my nails now. That's the benefit of tips for me....not having any nails!
I got your ultimate acrylic set last weekend and I love it so far!! The only issue I have is the tips - I wish they were straight and not so curved (I mean the sides, not the C curve). But other than that I love your products!! ❤️☺️
You guys read my mind!!! I’ve always wonder which are better lol
Needed this video. Perfect timing.
Tips are my training wheels!
I've never seen a salon in my town that used forms, it's always tips 🙄😥
I’d love to hear an updated conversation including the new “gelly” tips. Apres, Kiara Sky etc offer a soak off flexible gelly tip that is applied with cured gel and not glue. Imho they are an amazing game changer! Young Nails should make a version of the system 100%
Check out this video: ruclips.net/video/7NIScxze-R4/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/vTW5BPALKbM/видео.html
I used to think sculpting was fragile. Your own nail underneath wasn't there for strength. Figured the tip was an extension of your own nail=strength. WRONG! And I also remember I could make sculpts look really good, when tips were the popular thing to do. I later realized water breaks the glue down in like a week. And with all our COVID-19 handwashing, what a great way to convince clients to get sculpts. I cannot believe how many new clients have never seen or had sculpts done on them! And they love them! I love doing them, as I can get them perfectly shaped, and they're amazed. What an ego boost!
So.... Unless they INSIST on tips, and I explain what will happen & I won't guarantee them, I will always use forms. And Tracy, I also think that little smidge of acrylic that seeps down underneath gives a bit more support. Unlike a tip that just sits in top, and has only a bit of glue that might run under.
Sorry about being so wordy, but sometimes that's what it takes!
After 33 years in the biz, my company is the best it's ever been, and I'm the happiest I've ever been. ALOT goes to my constant learning & tips I get from all of you at YN. 💜👏
THANK YOU Tracy, Greg & Habib💙
I use forms on me, I started with forms cuz I have a hard time finding tips to fit my thumbs. I use tips on my daughter n mom. For the life of me I can't seem to get them on correctly with other people
I know I’m late to the show on this, however, I don’t mind either. They both have their place and purpose and just the the gel vs acrylic debate not a one fits all type of thing. Although I do think forms are going to go fits better with how the nail comes out of the nail bed because you have the ability to better control the narrowing of the form than a tip.
You guys are amazing, full of informations for the beginners, love from Australia
My one dream to buy YN products 🥰🥰
Love from India
I only sculpt because of your channel!!!! I can't get a tip to stick to the natural nail to save my life!
I don't work with tips but I have done plenty of fills over tips from other techs work, and I have noticed tips do not last as long. For the most part, with clients that have full sculpts I can maintain their nails and do fills to the point their nails are all real underneath. I have never been able to do that with tips. Eventually the glue breaks down and the tip separates from the natural nail creating a weak spot which breaks. However, I can't speak for how the tips were applied since I have never worked with tips myself. My course only taught forms, so that's all I know.
I had to use tips for my nail courses, but I always planned to use forms. I actually haven’t used tips in close to a year. I just never liked dealing with the glue and sizing of tips🙈 plus, it makes dealing with nail biters much easier for me🙂
Ok yes! So I’m not a nail tech, but I am a nail biter and the tips always feel suffocating and encourage me to chew even MORE! But with forms, it feels a lot lighter and I don’t chew! Plus, the sculpted nails are never as wide as with tips.
I only sculpt 😍. I cringe when I have to force myself to practice with tips 😬
Why
For me, for a long time I saw it like cheating bcuz I was taught with forms. Now, I can see why people use them and how forms seem intimidating for some people but I personally don’t like using them.
@@drywalllopez the sound of the tips when filing, the smell of them, glue, sizing. 🤢
@@krystalfukinmarie757 yup just personal preference.
@@Just_Jayy forms are for old ladies I’m sorry 😂
I have only done my own nails and really struggle with forms. It takes me most (I’m serious) most of the day to do my own nails. It’s really difficult for me to get the forms placed correctly on my fingers. They don’t ever fit under the real nail like I think they should, and that in turn makes the sculpt curve down. I’d love to get better and faster doing sculpting using forms.
It was the same for me too! Don't give up. Sculpting really sets you apart from other techs
@@Monietheseamonster thanks! I’m glad I’m not the only one. 😊
I feel you, I’ve been sculpting for many years but I have 1 finger that the nail is so arched on that I struggle to get a form on it right. I will sit there and mess with that form for 45 minutes and still not be happy with how it’s sitting but by that time I’m frustrated and over it so I do it then spend forever filing it to try making it better
I am very new to the nail game but I love the artistry of forms I find it challenging yet rewarding it is personalized to the person that you are working on made for them and only them...edited I meant forms it was like 6am when I wrote this lol
I am terrified of forms... I want to learn them so bad but i haven't made the jump. I know I should do it.
Love your products and I learn so much from your videos
Central Illinois walk in salons usually are tips
I love your videos!! It helps me so much with my channel❤️❤️❤️
FORMS🤘🏼 lmao like two feet! Who describes things like that 😂
So I’d have that issue with using tips. It would pop in the center. Never found strong nail glue. One of my thumbs is also has a subtle arch. Tips doesn’t work on that thumb. I still prefer forms. Customizable. I’ve seen different types of nail beds and forms help create the perfect nails.
Same omg I wouldn’t know if nail glue got better in the last 15 years but none of it would stay put! If I mentioned it to others I always got "you must not be doing proper nail prep, or it’s not good enough" but I knew my nail prep was fine because only the nail tip would break + a bit of center lifting. Other than that there was no lifting and you couldn’t pick the acrylic off without peeling off my nail.
@@krystalfukinmarie757 you know what though? Perhaps it has to do with my oily nail beds. Tips just don’t work on my nails. Any nail enhancement would work on my nails for more than a couple of days. Then I started to use YN’s protein bond. It’s miracle in a bottle. Works for me. Anyways, maybe my nails just can’t maintain any nail glue long enough. Perhaps it’s the same for you but nvm lol you said the acrylic was fine everywhere else. It just broke where the tip met the nail bed.
Edit: I was so discouraged. Over and over because I thought I could never do proper nail prep. Even though nails would last longer on sets I did for other people. Literally no other primer works as good as Protein Bond. Ever since I started using it my nails last 3* weeks.
@@mckenny5505 I think you’re right & I believe you. I can’t even tell you the number of people who I’ve come across who have said the same exact thing in regards to protein bond! There are so many people who thought they were doing something wrong, not prepping correctly, not being careful enough with their nails, etc. they gave in, got the protein bond & have never had an issue since!
It’s sad that lots of people have issues like this and it may not be there fault :( no shade on YN but not everyone knows of YN or maybe they do but don’t know just how good protein bond is and that it works for ...? Is it overly oily nail beds? That stuff seems very sticky, don’t ya think? Like I’m all for YN having an amazing primer but other companies don’t have amazing primer like this lol it’s like one of a kind. I’ve tried many primers from different companies. None feel like protein bond. How many people out there having prep issues or think it’s their prep application is crap 😔when all they need is super sticky primer(aka protein bond)
@@mckenny5505 I’m not sure what it is, but I think you might be on to something with the oily nails theory 🤔 it is super sad that there’s people who think they’re doing something wrong & don’t have anyone to tell them it’s not them doing anything wrong & there is a product out there that will help 😔 then there’s the issue of not everyone knows of YN or the wonders of protein bond & maybe they do but can’t afford it, or are afraid to make the purchase unsure if all the raving reviews are real.
I didn't even finish my last box of tips and I started forming nails because of my instructor and since then never looked back to the tips
Full cover tips are very easy and quick overall if client's nails have sidewall filed off, when using nailforms and gel with no sidewall it's a pain and most of times, with full cover tips it's done.
Thank you for the feedback.
@@youngnailsinc thank you too for sharing your expertise, your experiences and always useful and energetic contents, you are amazing guys ❤️ Now I go to watch Greg's live!🤣🥰
I do both depends on my clients and also their nail beds .
I'm not a tech, but just someone doing my own nails. Personally, I like using forms and builder gel. I don't like most of the tips that are available because they have that extreme curve to them and even if you cut them short, they still look tacky. Don't get me started on how tacky they look when left long! I might consider a straight tip, but I'd still much rather use forms because it's just a lot more customized to fit the nails
I love to use both first time using form in school I get it right
I never sculpted it's a new to me after 29 years my nails dont break but it easy to create the shape but when yiu apply acrylic the shapes gone then a long battle to get it perfect.
Specially the coffin shape and ballet shoe shapes.
Would love to see Tracey do some new sets.
All I’ve seen in my area are tips. Not good ones either. Tips that go half way down the nail and you can see them. Flat, no apex with them either. Idk if it’s a fade right now to get flat natural looking nails but doesn’t look good. Maybe if the tips were blended in better might look good. I’ve seen 4 people with these flat no apex tips in the past week. . Really starts to irk a person 🤷🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
I am newbie but I think I prefer forms to tips.
I can build more natural looking nails this way
That is what I do. Apply tips and if it breaks or pops I use a form. I dont do nailart apart from applying a sticker or some gems. I cant even draw a stick figure, let alone do nailart. I have been doing my own acrylics for 20 years. A lot has changed. So if I want to invest and do clients, what is best, acrylics, gel or polygels?
Your tipps are amazing I live in South Africa and I used it stunning products.
I have never done either. I want to learn and that's something I've been thinking bout. Should I just start learning acrylic on tips or just be brave and go for the forms?
Forms last soo much longer but tips are easy and quick.
Forms all the way but it’s great to learn both. I need more practice on my tips lol
Good job Katie!!!!
I am not a nail tech, but I have gotten my nails done several times over my life. It’s nearly impossible to find someone who will do forms (instead of tips) whenever I’ve moved to a new state and left my old nail tech behind. I always have to call and try out several different salons before I find someone who will use forms.
Side note: if you are a nail tech in the North Bay Area California and you use forms, please let me know!
Totally understandable. You can always ask in our Facebook group as well and anyone in that area can respond.
I never had a sculpted nail until I did it for myself. Now I hate tips and only do forms because now I do my nails better than nail techs around here. They feel better, fit better, and are shaped better. I have flat nails. The techs around here are not interested in sculpting and nail art. Apparently they're not into making money.
Practicing application is so much easier with tips 😭but I only have reusable forms now
I’m tips at the mo
Because that’s what I trained in but I would love to move to forms It scares me a lot. I can sculpt my own nails even my weak hand well but give me a client and oh no!!!! 😳😳😳 think I’ll be watching lots of youngs videos to get it done before lockdown ends xx
Both
Wow, mind blowing, thank u for sharing this!
From the get go I learned how to do forms because I know its much more difficult than tips 😅 when I tried tips on me the first (and last lmao) time, 7 of the 10 were glued wonky 😂 not my thing
Forms, I don't get the lifting with forms
Cant do forms with dipping powder... advantage of doing forms is your free edge is encapsulated, so when they grow out. They still intact and not got caught on things like putting a tip on, tip and nail seperated and water and things easy to get in between. I force myself doing forms cuz The Nail Hub keep sayin so and now i like forms better. I feel like most asian salons using nail tips. While EU salons use forms.
I use tips with my business but they are unpredictable how long they will last sometimes they last 3 weeks without infil sometimes 2 I don't know if to change my glue I'm using nsi atm. I'm also training to do sculpt soon too they have s choice. I set up my business 8 months ago
I'm not good at doing either but I prefer forms.
I cant even figure out to ise them to do a sculpt
Hi guys, first I love all of your tips. I'm trying to do nails, I believe I have everything you would do nails. Now I'm goin to try acrylics. Do you have a suggustion on which slow drying acylic I could use? Oh ya, I like using tips and gel. I'll be watching, Thank you
we recommend our core powder for beginners, It begins to set in 90 seconds
Forms ate cheaper I suppose and you dont run out of certain sizes. Many shops dont sell them loose so you buy and spend money you will never use.
Forms are better and that’s just on periodt