Issue link: https://www.ahpindiestylist.com/i/1544743
20 AHP Indie Stylist Volume 7 Issue 1 NAIL FILE THE Beauty and wellness careers are well-known for requiring a solid investment in supplies before a pro can open the doors to a shiny new business; aer all, what is a stylist without good shears, a massage therapist without a table, or an esthetician without backbar products? e same is true for nail techs, who need to stock up before showing off that fresh set. Whether you're a new nail pro or a cosmetologist looking to add nails to your menu, here's some advice to help you create your starter pack. INVEST IN QUALITY PRODUCTS Just because you can get 36 bottles for $20 online doesn't mean you should. Low-quality polish is poorly pigmented, doesn't cure as well, and is known to lead to allergies, chipping, and liing. It's better to buy a few bottles of professional quality polish at a time to build your supply. • High-end recommendation ($15–$18/bottle): Chaun Legend, Kokoist, Luxio, PLA • Budget-friendly recommendation ($8–$12/bottle): DND, OPI ELECTRIC NAIL FILING IS YOUR FRIEND Just like with polish, it's worth the investment for a good electric nail file. Cheap $40 e-files typically have weaker motors and less torque, which forces you to use higher rpm and apply downward pressure to get the same result. ey also tend to be louder and cause more vibration, leading to hand fatigue. If you can't justify spending a few hundred dollars on a MediCool Pro Power, you can look at other options to get you started. Makartt Pro has e-files they list as "pro" in the $100–$200 range that will do the trick. e drill bits you use make a difference too. You know what they say: "Buy it nice or buy it twice." Quality e-file bits get the job done safer and faster and they last longer than what you find on discount sites. Cheap bits can damage the nail plate, cause rings of fire, and need to be replaced more oen. Nailing Your Nail Pro Starter Pack by Amber Edwards GET T Y IMAGES, PEXELS