Sophia Delgado
IBD, originally named International Beauty Distributors, offers a range of nail products, including gel polishes, builder gels, and soft gel tips. Their gel products are designed to provide long-lasting, colourful, and natural-looking nails. IBD's builder gel, for example, can be used to create hard nail extensions with a brush-on application, while their soft gel tips provide a seamless seal from the cuticle to the free edge. When applying IBD gel nails, it is important to follow the correct steps, including pushing back and removing the cuticle, removing the shine from the natural nail, applying a gel or polish, curing, and finishing with a top coat.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | IBD |
| Year founded | 1970 |
| Original name | International Beauty Distributors |
| Types of gel | White, clear, pink |
| Use of white gel | Painting nails |
| Use of clear gel | French tips |
| Use of pink gel | French tips |
| Application | Brush-on |
| Features | Acid-free, odour-free, non-yellowing, anti-fungal, antibacterial, high-shine, chip-resistant |
| Curing time | 3 minutes |
| Soak-off time | 20 minutes |
| Application time | 30 minutes |
| Nail extension duration | Up to 1 month |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing your nails
Wash and Dry Hands: Before beginning the nail service, both the client and the nail technician should wash their hands thoroughly and ensure that their hands are completely dry. This step helps create a clean and hygienic environment for the manicure process.
Disinfect the Work Area: It is important to disinfect the work table or surface before starting the nail service. Place a disposable towel on top of a regular towel to create a clean and sanitary work area. This ensures that your nail tools and products are placed on a sterile surface, reducing the risk of bacterial contamination.
Push Back and Remove Cuticles: Using a cuticle pusher, gently push back any overgrown cuticles. If there is excess cuticle growth, carefully remove it with the cuticle pusher or use cuticle nippers to trim it gently. Pushing back and removing the cuticles creates a neat and tidy nail bed, ensuring that the gel polish adheres smoothly and evenly.
Remove Nail Shine and Filing Dust: The next step is to remove the shine from the natural nail plate. Use a fine nail file, buffer block, or a 180-grit emerald file to gently buff the nails and remove the shiny layer. This step helps the gel polish adhere better to the nail surface. After buffing, ensure that you remove all the filing dust from the nail plate using a dry nail wipe or a soft brush.
Apply Nail Dehydrator: To ensure optimal adhesion of the gel polish, it is essential to use a nail dehydrator. Apply a nail dehydrating product, such as IBD Dehydrate, to the nail plate and wait for a few seconds before proceeding to the next step. This step helps remove any excess moisture from the nail bed, creating a ideal surface for the gel application.
By following these detailed steps for preparing your nails, you will create a solid foundation for your IBD gel manicure, ensuring longer-lasting and more flawless results. Now, you are ready to move on to the next steps of applying the IBD gel polish and creating your desired nail art designs.
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Applying the gel
Firstly, prepare your nails. Gently push back the proximal nail fold using a cuticle pusher, and remove any excess cuticle from the nail plate. This step ensures that your nail bed is ready for the gel application. Next, remove the shine from the natural nail plate. Use a fine nail file, a buffer block, or a 180-grit emerald file to gently buff the nail surface, creating a matte texture. This step helps the gel adhere better to your nails. Remember to remove all the dust generated from filing with a dry nail wipe.
Now, you can begin applying the IBD gel. Start by applying a nail dehydrator to cleanse the nail plate and promote adhesion. Wait for 3-4 seconds, and then proceed to the next step. Apply a thin coat of the IBD base coat, bonder, or Dual Builder Gel, ensuring it is evenly distributed across the nail plate. Be careful to avoid contact with the surrounding skin and keep it away from the cuticle area. Allow this layer to self-level, creating a smooth surface.
At this point, you can use a lamp to cure the gel. If you are using an LED lamp, cure for 30 seconds, and if using a UV lamp, cure for 1 minute. Repeat this process for all your nails.
Once the base coat is cured, you can add colour. Apply a thin layer of the IBD gel colour of your choice to the entire nail surface. Again, ensure an even application and avoid the cuticle area. You can string a bead down the centre of the nail to help with self-levelling. Flash cure for 10 seconds and repeat if necessary to build the desired structure and apex.
Finally, seal and protect your manicure. Apply the IBD Dual Builder Gel, Top Coat, or Finish Gel to add shine and durability to your nails. Cure your nails under the lamp one last time, using an LED lamp for 30 seconds or a UV lamp for 2 minutes.
Your IBD gel nails are now complete! Enjoy your long-lasting, colourful, and natural-looking nails. Remember to cleanse and moisturize your hands and nails after the application, and always follow proper removal procedures when it's time for a change.
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Curing the gel
Curing the IBD Builder Gel:
The IBD Builder Gel is designed for use with both LED and UV light sources. When curing the IBD Builder Gel, the recommended curing time varies depending on the light source used:
- For LED lamps: Cure for 30 seconds.
- For UV lamps: Cure for 1 minute.
The curing time ensures that the gel hardens adequately, providing a durable and long-lasting finish to your nails.
Curing Process for Nail Extensions:
When creating nail extensions with the IBD Builder Gel, the curing process is slightly different:
- Apply a thin layer of IBD Builder Gel to the natural nail and cure for 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 1 minute under a UV lamp.
- Apply the gel to the inside of the nail tip and press it onto the natural nail.
- Flash cure under an LED lamp for 15 seconds or 45 seconds under a UV lamp.
- Repeat the process for all nails and then cure for a full 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 2 minutes under a UV lamp.
Curing for Natural Nail Overlays:
If you are using the IBD Builder Gel for natural nail overlays, the curing process is similar:
- Apply a thin layer of IBD Builder Gel to the entire nail surface.
- Do not cure immediately. Allow the gel to self-level by stringing a bead down the center of the nail.
- Flash cure for 10 seconds under an LED lamp or a UV lamp. Repeat this step if necessary to build the proper structure.
- Cure for a full 30 seconds under an LED lamp or 1 minute under a UV lamp.
Tips for Effective Curing:
- It is important to note that IBD gels do not heat up during curing, ensuring a comfortable experience for your clients.
- Always use a good quality synthetic brush for application and a lamp with at least 45W LED light for optimal curing.
- Work in a clean and dust-free environment to prevent any debris from affecting the curing process.
- Avoid exposing the gel to direct sunlight, as IBD gels will cure in UV rays, impacting the final result.
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Shaping the nails
Prepare the Nails
Before shaping the nails, it is important to prepare the nails and ensure they are ready for the gel application. Start by gently pushing back overgrown cuticles with a cuticle pusher. If there is excess cuticle, use cuticle nippers to carefully trim it off. Then, use a fine nail file or buffer block to gently remove the shine from the natural nail. This step helps the gel adhere better to the nail surface.
Shape the Nails
The specific shaping technique will depend on the desired look. IBD gel nails offer four different shapes: almond, coffin, stiletto, and square. Choose the shape that aligns with your client's preference or the look you wish to achieve.
For an almond shape, file the sides of the nails gently, tapering them towards the center to create a soft point. Avoid over-filing, as almond shapes should be subtle and not too sharp.
To achieve a coffin shape, also known as a ballerina shape, file the sides straight down, tapering them only slightly towards the free edge. The sides should be straight and not curved, creating a flat, rectangular shape with a slightly curved free edge.
For a stiletto shape, file the sides straight down, tapering them to a sharp, dramatic point. This shape is similar to the almond but is more pointed and pronounced.
If you're going for a square shape, file the nail straight across, creating a flat edge. Ensure the corners are slightly rounded to prevent the nail from looking too harsh and to avoid accidental snags.
Buff and Dust
Once you have achieved the desired shape, use a fine file or buffing block to buff the entire nail gently. This step helps smooth out any ridges or imperfections and ensures the nail surface is even. After buffing, use a clean, dry nail wipe to remove any dust generated during the filing and buffing process.
Apply the IBD Dual Builder Gel
With the nails shaped and prepared, it's time to apply the IBD Dual Builder Gel. Apply a thin layer of the gel to the inside of the soft gel tip, ensuring you only cover the length of the natural nail. Place the soft gel tip onto the natural nail, starting from the cuticle and moving towards the free edge. Gently press down to push out any air bubbles and ensure a seamless seal.
Follow the subsequent steps as outlined in the IBD gel nail application process, including curing and removing excess gel.
Remember, shaping the nails is an important step, but always ensure you don't over-file the nails, as this can weaken them and affect the overall health of the nail.
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Finishing touches
Once you're happy with the shape and length of your nails, it's time for the finishing touches. Start by removing the tacky layer with a gel cleanser and a lint-free wipe. This will help to remove any sticky residue and give your nails a smooth finish. After cleansing, you can apply a cuticle oil to your nail beds and cuticles to nourish and hydrate the skin. Gently massage the oil into the cuticle area and surrounding skin.
Now, let's enhance the shine and protect your gel manicure. Apply a thin layer of a high-shine top coat to each nail, capping the tips. This will add a glossy finish and extend the wear of your gel nails. Remember to seal the edges to prevent chipping. After applying the top coat, cure your nails under the LED lamp according to the manufacturer's instructions.
For a completely dry and smudge-proof finish, wipe each nail with a gel cleanser and a lint-free wipe. This will remove any inhibition layer and ensure your gel nails are fully cured. Finally, apply a few drops of cuticle oil to your nail beds and gently massage it into the skin. This will keep your cuticles hydrated and healthy, preventing dryness and promoting strong nail growth.
Your gel nails are now complete and should look flawless! Remember to reapply cuticle oil daily to maintain healthy cuticles and moisturized nails. With proper care and maintenance, your gel manicure can last for several weeks. Enjoy your beautiful, long-lasting gel nails!
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Frequently asked questions
IBD, originally named International Beauty Distributors, offers gel nail products that provide beautiful, long-lasting, colourful, and natural-looking nails. The company was founded in 1970 and was acquired by American International Industries in 2002.
Before applying IBD gel, gently push back the proximal nail fold using a cuticle pusher and remove the exposed cuticle from the nail plate. Next, remove the shine from the natural nail plate using a fine nail file or buffer block. Then, remove all filing dust from the nail plate with a dry nail wipe and apply a nail dehydrator to cleanse the nail plate.
Apply a thin layer of IBD Dual Builder Gel to the entire nail surface, starting close to the cuticle but not on it, and string a bead down the center of the nail to allow it to self-level. Cure the nails under an LED or UV lamp for the recommended time. Repeat this process for all nails and finish by applying a top coat.
Lifting can occur due to applying the gel too thickly or too close to the cuticle. Ensure that you are applying the gel thinly, evenly, and away from the cuticle. Additionally, blotting the bonder and using a thinner base or dry brushing can help prevent lifting.
