Step-by-step: The perfect prep

BRIEF ABOUT PREP

Prep are the first letters of the English word preparation, which translated into Danish means preparation. In the nail world, prep means preparing the nail for a nail product.

During prep, all dead skin cells, cuticles and natural oils are removed from the nails, so that they are completely clean and dry for the products to be applied. If the prep is not done correctly, the nail products will surely lift, break or completely fall off because the product cannot adhere properly to the nail. Prep is therefore one of the most important disciplines within nail art. In fact, one can go as far as to say that it is crucial for good durability. The best advice is therefore to be efficient when doing prep.

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO FILLING

1) Wash hands

2) File length and shape
File the nail to the desired length and shape with the 220 side of a 180/220 grit wood file. If it is to be extended with tips, the nail should preferably be cut down so that there is only 1-2 mm of free edge.

3) Remove cuticles
Push the cuticle back with a cuticle pusher . Use the opposite end of the cuticle pusher to scrape away the invisible cuticle (read more about the invisible cuticle on page 5 of the Theory Book ). If necessary, cut off excess cuticle with a cuticle clipper .

To achieve an even more effective prep, you can also use an electric nail file after the cuticles have been pushed. The advantage of using an electric nail file for the cuticle is that you can get down to the sides better and remove the invisible cuticle more efficiently and safely. Prep with an electric nail file can thus increase durability. For cuticle prep with an electric nail file, you use a Cuticle Bit which is specifically intended for cuticles.

4) Create a roughness in the surface of the nail
Buff the nail with a 100/180 grit buffer . For normal nail types, the 100 grit side can be used. For thin nails, the 180 grit side is recommended. Remember to get well down the sides and around the cuticle. It is also a good idea to buff the tip of the nail and the underside of the nail so that the free edge seal also adheres to a surface that has been primed. This is especially important if you tend to lift the tips of the nails.

To achieve an even more effective prep, you can also use an electric nail file to buff the nail. The advantage of using an electric nail file is that it files more efficiently and is faster than a normal nail file. It is appropriate to use a 320 grit sanding roller and keep the revolutions very low.

If you have experience that products generally do not stick very well to the nails, you can carefully make a slightly coarser surface grid (i.e. a deeper roughness in the top layer of the nail, to which the product can adhere better). This can be done by lightly filing across the nail with the 180 grit side of a 100/180 grit nail file instead of using a buffer. However, it is extremely important to file carefully and only create a very superficial roughness.

5) Clean with Cleaner+
Clean the nails free of oil and dust with a Lint Free Wipe saturated with Cleaner+ . Remember to also clean under the nail and get well down the sides. If necessary, use the cuticle pusher or a rose stick to get the Lint Free Wipe all the way to the cuticle and down the sides. It is also possible to use a Micro Wipe Stick saturated with Cleaner+ .

When the nails are wiped with Cleaner+ , they should appear dull and dry. If there are still shiny areas on the nail, these must be matted with the buffer or file, after which cleaning with Cleaner+ must be repeated.

6) Apply Prep&Prime
Apply a very thin layer of Prep&Prime to the entire nail and let it air dry for 60 seconds. Prep&Prime takes care of disinfecting and dehydrating.

7) Continue the nail treatment with the selected product

IMPORTANT
A typical beginner's mistake with prep is touching the nail (or possibly a tool or a tip that goes on top of the nail) after you've done the prep. The smallest amount of oil or dirt from the skin will settle on the nail and cause any type of product to lift. Therefore, make sure you never touch either the nail or anything else that will be on top of the nail when prep has started.