Caleb Foster
International Beauty Distributors, or IBD, has been a pioneer in gel technology since 1970. The company's innovative gel products allow users to create beautiful, long-lasting, colourful, and natural-looking nails. IBD offers a range of gel nail options, including builder gels, soft dual builder gels, soak-off gel polishes, colour gel polishes, and glitters. The application process involves preparing the natural nail, applying the gel with a brush or a gel tip, curing the gel under an LED or UV lamp, and shaping and finishing the nails. IBD gels are known for their ease of use, seamless finish, and long-lasting results, making them a popular choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of gel colours | 3 (white, clear, pink) |
| Purpose of each colour | White for painting, clear and pink for French tips |
| Preparation | Wash and dry hands, disinfect table, set up supplies |
| File | 180 grit |
| Direction to file | One direction |
| Purpose of filing | Remove shine from nails |
| Other tools | Nail tips, nail glue, cuticle pusher, cuticle nippers, nail cleanser, nail wipe, LED/UV lamp, buffer block |
| Application | Brush-on |
| Ease of use | Easy for technicians of all skill levels |
| Finish | High-gloss, natural-looking, permanent, shiny, clear |
| Removal | Easy soak off |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your workspace and wash your hands
Preparing your workspace and maintaining good hygiene are crucial steps in achieving flawless IBD gel nails. Here's a detailed guide to ensure a smooth and sanitary process:
Prepare Your Workspace
Before you begin, it's essential to have a clean and organised workspace. Start by disinfecting your table or work area to create a sterile environment. Place a disposable towel on top of a regular towel to catch any spills or mess. Then, neatly arrange all your supplies in a logical order. Having everything within reach will make your gel nail application efficient and hassle-free.
Wash Your Hands
Both the client and the nail technician should wash their hands thoroughly before starting the service. This step helps ensure that dirt, oil, and bacteria are removed from the hands and nails, creating a clean canvas for the gel nails. After washing, make sure to dry your hands completely. Any residual moisture can affect the adhesion and longevity of the gel nail application.
Additional Tips for Workspace and Hand Preparation
- Ensure your workspace is well-lit, allowing you to see the nails clearly during the application process.
- Have a variety of nail sizes (0-11) readily available to accommodate different nail shapes and lengths.
- Prepare your nail care tools, such as cuticle pushers, cuticle nippers, nail files, and buffers. These tools will help you shape and prepare the natural nail bed for gel application.
- If you're using a nail lamp for curing, ensure it is easily accessible and functioning properly.
- For your convenience, wear comfortable clothing and tie your hair back to avoid any distractions or interference during the process.
By following these steps, you're not only maintaining good hygiene but also creating an organised and efficient workspace, setting yourself up for success in achieving beautiful and long-lasting IBD gel nails.
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File nails and remove shine
Preparing your nails is an important step in achieving the best results when applying IBD gel nails. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to file your nails and remove shine:
Firstly, you will need to shape your nails using a nail file or nail drill. The grit of the file is important; a 180-grit file is recommended for natural nails. Use a light touch and file in one direction to remove the shine from the nail plate. This process will create a slightly rough surface for the gel to adhere to. Be careful not to over-file, as this can weaken your nails. If you are using a coarse-grit hand file, do cross-hatch strokes, filing down until you see the colour flaking off. It is better to remove too little and repeat the process than to damage your natural nails.
Next, you will need to push back the cuticles. Use a cuticle pusher or a wooden cuticle stick to gently push back the proximal nail fold. This will help create a neat and tidy base for your gel nails. After pushing back the cuticles, you may need to trim and shape your nails further with nail clippers and a nail file. File the nails down and cut them to the desired length and shape.
Once you are happy with the length and shape of your nails, it is important to remove any debris and cleanse your nails. Use a nail brush and cleansing wipes to clean any remaining dust or filing residue from the nails. This step will ensure that your nails are ready for the next steps of the IBD gel nail application process.
Finally, you may want to apply a dehydrator or dehydrating cleanser to further reduce oil and moisture on the nail surface. This step is optional but can help the gel adhere better and prolong the life of your manicure.
Remember to take your time and be gentle throughout the process to avoid damaging your natural nails. With proper preparation, your IBD gel nails will look flawless and last longer.
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Apply gel and cure
When applying IBD gel nails, the curing process is a crucial step. Curing hardens the gel polish, ensuring that your nails are durable and long-lasting. Here is a detailed guide on applying the gel and curing for IBD gel nails:
Before applying the gel, ensure your nails are prepared. This includes pushing back and removing any overgrown cuticles, removing the shine from the natural nail, and cleansing the nail plate. Once your nails are ready, follow these steps:
- Apply a Thin Layer of Gel: Using a gel brush, start by applying a thin layer of IBD builder gel or dual builder gel. Begin close to the cuticle but not on it, and apply the gel towards the free edge of the nail. Ensure you only apply the gel to the length of the natural nail.
- Place the Soft Gel Tip: If you are using soft gel tips, place the tip on the natural nail, lightly pressing down from the cuticle to the free edge. This helps push out any air bubbles between the natural nail and the soft gel tip.
- Flash Cure: Keep the pressure on and flash cure the gel under an LED lamp for 15 seconds or 45 seconds if using a UV lamp. This initial curing process helps set the gel and prevent bubbles or lifting.
- Repeat for All Nails: Continue applying the gel and curing for each nail. Ensure you work quickly and efficiently to maintain consistency across all nails.
- Full Cure: Once all your nails are done, it's time for the full cure. Cure your nails for a full 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes under a UV lamp. This step ensures that the gel is completely hardened and set.
- Remove Excess: After curing, check your nails for any excess gel. Use a nail file or buffer to gently remove any excess gel and shape your nails as desired.
- Dust Off Nail: Use a soft brush or fiberless pad to dust off your nails, ensuring they are free of any residue or dust.
The curing process is a critical step in achieving long-lasting IBD gel nails. By following the above steps, you can ensure your gel nails are properly cured and set, resulting in a durable, high-gloss manicure. Remember to adapt the curing times based on the type of lamp you are using (LED or UV) for optimal results.
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Shape and buff nails
Shaping and buffing your nails is an important step in achieving the perfect IBD gel manicure. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve well-shaped and buffed nails:
Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools, including a cuticle pusher, a fine nail file or buffer block, and a 180-grit file. These tools will help you shape and buff your nails to perfection. Start by gently pushing back your cuticles with a cuticle pusher. If you have overgrown cuticles, you can carefully remove them with the cuticle pusher or use cuticle nippers to trim off any excess. This step is crucial in achieving a neat and tidy nail bed.
Next, it's time to remove the shine from your natural nails. Using a fine nail file or buffer block, gently buff the surface of your nails in one direction. This process will create a matte surface, providing a better base for the gel application. Be careful not to over-buff, as this can thin and weaken your nails. Once you have removed the shine, use a dry cloth or brush to remove any dust or debris from your nails.
Now, you can start shaping your nails. Using a 180-grit file, gently file your nails to your desired shape. You can choose from various shapes, such as almond, coffin, stiletto, or square. File gently and carefully to avoid damaging your nails. If you're new to nail shaping, it's advisable to start with a softer file and gradually increase the grit as needed. Take your time with this step, as shaping plays a crucial role in the overall aesthetics of your manicure.
After shaping your nails, you may need to smooth out any rough edges or ridges that remain. This is where buffing comes in. Buffing your nails will help create a smooth and even surface, enhancing the overall finish of your manicure. Use a fine-grit buffer or a buffing block and gently glide it across the surface of your nails in gentle, circular motions. Ensure you cover the entire nail, including the sides and free edge.
Finally, once you have shaped and buffed your nails to perfection, it's essential to remove any remaining dust or debris. Use a soft, dry cloth or a nail brush to wipe your nails gently. You can also use fiberless pads, which are gentle on the nails and effective in removing any residue. Ensure your nails are entirely dust-free before proceeding to the next steps of your IBD gel nail application.
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Cleanse and moisturise
Before you begin, both the client and the nail technician should wash and thoroughly dry their hands. The nail technician should also ensure their work area is disinfected and set up with a disposable towel on top of a regular towel. All tools and supplies should be laid out neatly.
Once the nails are shaped and extended to the desired length, you can begin the cleansing process. First, use a cuticle pusher to gently push back overgrown cuticles. If needed, use cuticle nippers to trim off any excess. Next, use a fine nail file or buffer block to gently remove the shine from the natural nail. Be sure to file in one direction only. Remove all dust from the nail plate with a dry nail wipe.
To cleanse the nail plate, apply a product such as IBD Dehydrate, followed by a bonder like IBD PowerBond. Avoid contact with the surrounding skin.
After shaping the nails with an emery board, remove all dust with a clean, dry nail wipe. Finish by cleansing the nails with a cleanser and moisturising the skin by applying cuticle oil.
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Frequently asked questions
First, push back overgrown cuticles and remove them with a cuticle pusher. If needed, use cuticle nippers to trim off excess. Then, gently remove the shine from your natural nail by using a fine nail file or buffer block.
Apply a thin coat of IBD Dual Builder Gel to your natural nail and cure for 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 1 minute with a UV lamp. On the inside of the soft gel tip, apply a thin layer of IBD Dual Builder Gel. Only apply the length of the natural nail. Place the soft gel tip on the nail, lightly pressing down from the cuticle to the free edge to push out any air bubbles. Keep the pressure and flash cure under an LED lamp for 15 seconds or 45 seconds with a UV lamp. Repeat for all nails and cure for a full 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes with a UV lamp.
Remove any excess IBD Dual Builder Gel on the soft gel tip with a file. Buff the entire nail using a fine file or buffing block. Dust off the nail. Finish the nails by applying a Building Gel Top Coat, curing for 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes with a UV lamp. Cleanse with a cleanser and moisturize the skin by applying cuticle oil.
There are three types of IBD gel: white, clear, and pink. The pink gel is used for French tips, and the clear gel can also be used for this purpose. The white gel is used when you plan to paint your nails.
