5 Reasons To Ask For Forms Instead of Tips

Something I get asked about often in my line of work is the question "what are forms?"

Forms are the ORIGINAL way of doing nails, you know, before those horrific plastic tips were created. We all know those tips. You go to the salon as a teen, where they try to talk you into getting extras on your nails that will cost extra... and you have to say yes because you're just a kid and you don't really know any better. But did you know that when you go into a salon, you have the option to ask for a specific service? In my past six years as a licensed nail tech, I have only ever used forms. I began my career knowing that I was not going to be using those crappy plastic tips, so I taught myself how to use forms, and practiced... a ton. Yet, not many people are aware that these things called forms actually exist. The most common response I get is "you don't use tips? But how do you make them longer?" followed closely by "but are they still going to stay on?" The answers are -- I use forms instead of tips to extend the product over your natural nail in order to give the appearance of a longer, well taken care of manicure, and YES! These bad boys make it so I can make your nails longer and stronger. Since I get asked these things pretty often, I've compiled a list of the main reasons that I use forms in my salon. Here they are:

They're Way More Comfortable

When I say Way More Comfortable, I mean that in the most honest way possible. Think of all the times that you have had plastic tips applied. You know that feeling right after the glue dries, and your fingertips feel like they could burst from all the pressure? Forms don't have that awkward pressure. When forms are applied for the first time, I'll admit that you might think they're a little uncomfortable. Sometimes they pinch the groove on the side of your nail. Sometimes they might pinch the hyponychium (the skin at the tip of your nails that is usually covered by the nail itself). But once that initial shock of something new is gone, it really is gone.

There are several different styles, but the forms that I use are actually stickers that wrap around the tip of your finger. They leave your nail exposed so I can still apply product and at the same time, make your nails longer. Since I'm using your natural nails to create the shape of your enhancement, the end result is so comfortable that you may not even notice that you have anything on. I can't even count the number of times in the last six years that someone has told me they really thought their nails were going to feel heavy in the end, when actually it was the complete opposite.

They Create Truly Custom Nail Enhancements

You know how your nails look a smidge different than the nails of the client sitting at the next table over? That's because nobody's nails look exactly alike. Have you also noticed how tips come in only 10 sizes? Yeah, there are way more than 10 different shapes and sizes of nails. Thanks to forms, I am able to customize your nails to be unique to you. If your middle finger is shaped a little wonky and your past experiences in a nail salon have made you believe your nails will never look good, don't worry... I can save it! When I use forms to lengthen your nails, I am using the shape of your nail as a guide. Whether your nails are bitten off, or shovel shaped, or maybe even a little crooked... using forms allows me to align the product onto your fingers and sculpt it into the perfect shape, made just for you.

Your Nail Tech Can Make Them ANY Length

When I used to go to the salon as a teen, I would be asked how long I wanted my nails. Since I worked a part time job and wasn't really supposed to have nails, I would always say I wanted them short. Apparently, that meant they were to be a half inch above the tip of my finger. Know the feeling? It's no fun. I would always have to go home and file my nails shorter. That would mess up the top coat and design, which just meant I had wasted all that extra money.

When using forms to build out a full set, I'm able to make your nails SHORT when you ask me to make them short. The best part though, is that when I do make them short, you don't end up with these bulky and ridiculously thick monstrosities that won't allow you to pick anything up. Instead, your finished nails are slim and elegant looking. You can even still use them to pick up things like dropped pennies, credit cards, and floss!

No Super Nail Glue

For me, nail glue is the most uncomfortable part of getting nails. I really hate that feeling of having to peel off the glue from my skin after my service is 'over'. It always makes it seem like the finished product isn't actually finished. When I use forms, I'm not using glue at all. As mentioned above, the forms adhere to your fingers since they are stickers, and the product goes right on top. When the product is dry, the form is removed, and you are left with a gorgeous (but not quite finished) nail extension!

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