What tips should I follow for successful UV nail extension application? Remember the most common cause of gel nails lifting is poor nail preparation. Try to meticulously remove all residual cuticle cells from the nail plate before proceeding to the next stage and do not touch the nail plate after the preparation stage to prevent contamination with skin oils. If you accidently touch the plate, wipe over again with finishing wipe to remove any oils you may have transferred.

UV rays are invisible, these are not the lilac light you can see, so even if your lamp appears dim this will not affect the performance. UV bulbs take about a minute to reach to full strength so turn on at least one minute before use.

If your nails have very pronounced ‘c’ curves you may find it difficult to cure the sides of your nails. Try rolling your fingers from side to side when under the lamp to expose all surfaces of your nail to the UV light and cure for 4 minutes.

Remember, once the finishing wipe has touched a nail you cannot apply more gel without first buffing to take shine off of the surface. Gel will not stick to glossy hard gel, only tacky gel or non-shiny gel!

If you find the surface of your gel is pitted, this is often a symptom of under curing. Apply another layer of gel and cure for 4 minutes.

Do not use a polish remover that contains acetone - this will melt your nail tips and dull the gel surface.

What after care advice should I follow? Do not use a polish remover that contains acetone - this will melt your nail tips and dull the gel surface.

To maintain your gel nail extensions, file the gel seams and around the free-edge regularly between in fills. Apply a little cuticle oil to the nails nightly, rubbing into the cuticle. Apply hand moisturiser at least once a day.

Do not allow water to become trapped under the nail and always dry your nails thoroughly after washing. Trapped water can lead to water mould, which requires medical treatment.

Do not use detergents, such as washing powders or washing-up liquid, or bleach without wearing rubber gloves, these will damage your extensions.

If the gel area lifts, file the lifted area and follow the infill procedure. Do not pick off.

Use a clear base coat under dark or strongly coloured nail polish to avoid staining your nails.

Can I apply UV gel to my natural nail?  Yes the UV gel and lamp can also be used without extension tips to create a strong, protective layer on the natural nail - promoting longer, stronger nails which don't split or peel.

Can I buy a replacement bulb for this lamp? Unfortunately no, the bulb in this model of UV lamp is not replaceable.  However if you are experiencing a problem with your lamp please contact our Customer Care team who can advise further.

How long will the nails last? UV nails are very strong and are designed to remain on the nail for up to three months as the natural nail grows underneath. If a proper routine of filing and infilling is maintained there is no reason to remove the nails as they will simply grow out with the nail, ultimately being trimmed off as you shape the nail tip.

How often will I need to do infills? As the natural nail grows it is necessary for you to in-fill as a gap will appear between the cuticle and the seam. The gel may also begin to lift. This is usually required about two weeks after your first application and every 2-3 weeks thereafter

Can I create a French Manicure finish? Yes you would simply need to use the Pink UV Gel and White nail tips.  Our UV Nails Extensions French Manicure can be purchased as a starter kit.

Can I use another brand of UV gel? We recommend that you only use Rio UV Gel. The reason for this is that it has been tested with our UV lamp, we would be unable to advise how an alternative gel may react when curing with our lamp, it could potentially cause 'heat spikes' which would cause discomfort and possible nail damage.

The gel isn’t curing? It is important to understand the curing process, the surface of UV gel will always remain tacky as the UV gel cures (hardens) from underneath.  After applying and curing your first layer of gel the surface will be tacky, this is normal, simply apply and cure your 2^nd layer of gel over this.  Again the surface of the 2^nd layer will be tacky and this is normal.  Apply and cure the 3^rd layer of gel over this, then gently wipe over the surface of the nail with some Finishing Wipe applied to a lint free wipe to remove the tacky surface, revealing the hardened gel underneath. 

I can’t feel any heat coming from the lamp, is this normal? Yes the UV lamp does not use heat to cure (dry) the UV gel. It is the UV rays emitted from the bulb that will cure the gel.