Nail extension is a simulation of natural nails, with the purpose of correcting existing defects. Under the extension also refers to an artificial increase in the length of the nails.
Basic set of tools for nail
Before the beginning of the nail extension procedure, the beginning master should prepare a set of necessary materials and tools. With their proper selection, a woman will be able to independently make a manicure.
Basic set of tools for nail extension:
- UV lamp;
- a set of files of various shapes (oval, rectangular, boomerang) and sizes (100, 120, 180 grit);
- pusher;
- brushes for modeling (straight and narrowed);
- four-sided buff.
Let's take a closer look at each of the tools and determine which one is best for a novice master.
UV lamp
The lamp is selected power of 24-36 BATT. The tool is necessary in the procedure of nail extension and when they are coated with acrylic. The functions of the UV lamp include:
- gel crystallization;
- protection of the nail plate from the appearance of a fungal infection (it may occur as a reaction to the application of a foreign substance on the nails).
Looking at a UV lamp during the nail extension procedure is not recommended. Such an action can harm the eyes.
It is recommended initially to choose a powerful ultraviolet lamp. The rate of crystallization of the gel on the nails depends on this indicator. When choosing a tool, beginners should pay attention to its structure. The device is a small box with a hole for two hands. Inside there are lamps (one or two, the amount depends on the power), protected by a foil coating. The use of foil is also necessary for accurate focusing and amplification of ultraviolet radiation power.
When building nails pay attention to the health of the lamp and its appearance. It should not have cracks. UV lamps are not recommended to be kept in rooms with high humidity and touched with wet hands, this is fraught with instrument breakage.
A selection of lamps that are worth paying attention to the novice master:
Lamp for nail extensions CND UV Lamp 36W 
UV lamp for building JessNail 36 W 
Lamp for nail extensions LED + CCFL "Diamond"Nail files
When choosing a file, a beginner should pay attention to the following criteria:
- shape - oval, rectangular or boomerang;
- material - soft emery or ceramic base;
- functions - the nail file will be used for polishing nails, grinding, etc;
- appointment - for natural nails or for treated with gel, acrylic;
- abrasiveness - the rigidity of the tool. It is defined in grids (from 80 to 400). Indicator 80 is the toughest file, 400 is the softest.
Each file has its own purpose. For example, oval is used to shape the nails and align them. Also this type of nail file is used to shorten the nails. The rectangular shape of the instrument functions similar to oval.
The boomerang tool is convenient to use if you need to round the edges of the shape of the nail plate. The second way to use a boomerang nail file is to cut a gel (acrylic) in the cuticle area.
When choosing nail files for nail extensions, we recommend to pay attention to the following:
Oval nail file 
Rectangular Nail File 
File boomerang for nailPusher
The second name of the tool is scraper. It is used in manicure, pedicure and nail extensions. Pusher in cosmetology is used to push back the cuticle on the nail.
When choosing a scraper, pay attention to its condition and shape. It is selected depending on the shape of the nail plate. Pushers are:
- oval;
- square;
- semicircular.
Pusher recommended for beginners - Mertz 109. It has a visually pleasant design and structure that allows you to comfortably hold it in your hands. Pusher Mertz 109 has a universal form that allows you to push the cuticle on any form of the nail.
Pusher Mertz 109Modeling brushes
For nail extensions novice master will need to purchase a brush to simulate the gel. When choosing them, pay attention to the material of manufacture. Brushes should be made of synthetic pile. To create a flat surface on the foot, the composition of the instruments must be rigid.
When choosing brushes for modeling you should pay attention to the consistency of the gel. If it is liquid, then we choose narrow tassels, if it is thick, then wide models will do.
Four Way Buff
An indispensable tool for nails - quadrilateral buff. With it, you can polish and polish nails of different sizes and shapes. Baf copes with all the flaws on the nail plate, aligning it and giving a natural shine.
The standard buff has 4 sides and each one has its own purpose:
- the first is using it to simulate the desired shape of the nails;
- the second - aligns the nail plate, making it smooth;
- the third one is designed for grinding flaws;
- the fourth - polishes nails to shine.
When choosing a buff, pay attention to abrasiveness. Suitable for nail extensions from 300 to 900 grit.
Buff must be disinfected after each use. This will eliminate the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
Necessary materials
In addition to tools for nails need such materials:
- gel;
- tipsy;
- primer;
- cuticle oil;
- forms;
- degreaser;
- napkins;
- the finish.
For high-quality building it is worth paying special attention to the choice of materials. The gel should not be the cheapest and not have a pronounced smell.
Let us consider in more detail the process of choosing materials by beginners and what you should pay attention to when buying them.
Gel
Gel for nail extension - the main material in the wizard. It should be chosen with extreme caution and care. Gel happens:
- Single phase.Standard material option for building. This gel is considered the most economical and multifunctional. One tool is used as a base, anchoring and modeling;
- Biphasic.The composition of the gel consists of 2 components, which are:
- cover;
- protect;
- form the nail plate.
- Three phase.Designed from three components that act as a base, nail modeling and secure the coating.
Nail gel can be transparent and colored, but this does not affect its hardening under UV rays. Its speed depends on the quality of the material and the scheme of its application.
At home, use a single-phase type gel polish.
Tipsy
Tips - plastic molds that look like natural nails. When building nails they are needed to increase the length of the nail plate. Tips can be of different shapes and lengths, colors and designs, and also the material from which they are made differs.
When choosing tips for nail extensions, preference should be given to a form close to the shape of the nails. This will allow them to firmly install and avoid deformation of the nail plate. Also, when choosing a material, pay attention to the material of manufacture. They should be soft, but not broken.
To give the tips the desired shape, do not cut them with nail scissors. To implement this procedure, there is a special tool - tip cutter.
Tips are divided into sizes - there are only 10. Numbering is from 1 (the smallest) and above. When using material numbers are removed with a nail file.
Primer
Nail primer is a tool used to degrease the nail plate, in order to prepare it for applying the gel for a long period. The material protects the nail from exposure to chemically harmful substances.
Primer is not dried in the UV lamp.
In the process of nail extensions gel, the primer can be replaced with a simple vinegar or alcohol. These two tools do an excellent job with the function of degreasing the nail plate and its disinfection.
Cuticle oil
Putting oil on cuticles is the final stage in gel nail extension. It is used to extend the effect of cut manicure. Thanks to the oil, a woman can forget about the need to cut the cuticle until the next correction of the extension. And this is about 4-5 weeks.
The finish
The main task of the finish is to keep the gel coating for a long period. When applying a quality finish, you can forget about re-building for 3-4 weeks.
Finish gel is of two types:
- With a sticky layer. The material of this type cover the nail entirely, to keep the picture for a long time. If you do not cover the design with a finish with a sticky layer, the pattern will crack and will look sloppy;
- Without sticky layer. Such a finish quickly polymerizes and does not need further removal.
Popular endings include the following brands:
Finish gel Planet nails 
Kodi Finish Gel 
Finish gel for building CNDSterilization products
Before beginning the procedure of nail extension, you should sterilize the tools for work.
Sterilization takes place in several stages:
- Preparation of the solution for disinfection. In equal proportions we dilute water and a concentrate.
- We process tools. In opened or disassembled form, immerse them in the solution and lay out on a specially-prepared metal tray.
- Sterilization tools in kraft packages. Only completely dry instruments are placed in the sterilizer. Sterilization is carried out under the influence of high temperatures. The tools should cool down, after which they are removed.
Instruments with a corrosion-resistant coating are subject to disinfection. When building nails with gel, brushes for modeling, buffs, pusher and nail files are subject to sterilization. For proper disinfection, instruments must be completely coated with a solution and placed in a sterilizer.
Devices can not be sterilized without prior treatment in a disinfectant solution.
Sterilization of instruments is an obligatory step when building nails with gel. Due to it, viruses, fungi and microorganisms are destroyed. Thanks to the preliminary cleaning of devices, dirt, skin, blood and other elements are washed off.
Workplace preparation
Before nail extension novice master must properly prepare your workplace. Some tips for organizing it:
- The room should be spacious and bright.
- The work table should be placed in the corner. This will ensure the flow of natural light.
- The desktop should not be very wide. The client and the master should be comfortable sitting opposite each other.
- If the master prefers everything to be on the table, then it is advisable to choose one more.
- The table must be stable and with a stable surface to the means for building.
- At the time of the procedure, a lot of dust is distributed and therefore it is recommended to choose a table with a special hood.
- Armchairs and chairs with adjustable height are selected.
- To create the right lighting table lamp is used with a mount.
For convenience, the novice master can use the cabinet for tools and storage of nail files, as well as other auxiliary materials. The workplace of the master should be arranged comfortably and stylishly. Nothing should interfere, everything should be at hand.
