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About Maggie Franklin
Expertise
Professional Nailcare: nail enhancement chemistry and technique, mancuring and pedicuring. I am not qualified to give medical advice or make medical diagnoses.

Experience
I am a professional nail technician with 17 years experience in the professional beauty industry. I am licensed in the states of California (license #M120766) and Colorado (license #8611.) I have been an active member of the online mailing list at Beautytech.com since 1999 where I network with 100s of nail industry professionals around the world. Over the last 15 years I have accumulated several advanced training certificates, including the coveted Creative Nail Designs Master Nail Technician status, and personal training by Tammy Taylor, Tom Bachik, and Tom Holcomb. I briefly joined the competition circuit in 2002, taking first place in the second annual Strut Your Stuff Online competition in the Enhancement 2 category. In 2009 I have decided to make time in my schedule to get back into competition by joining "Team Pink," the competition team captained by current world champion nail technician, Lynn Lammers. I boast several contributions to articles that have appeared in both Nails and Nailpro magazines, including a brief stint as a Nails Magazine Help Desk contributor and now I write a semi-weekly blog for Nails Magazine while continuing to attend tradeshows and continuing education events.

Organizations
Nail Tech mailist list at Beautytech.com

Publications
Nails Magazine. Nailpro Magazine. Blogging for Nails Magazine since September, 2008: http://blogs.nailsmag.com/maggie/

Education/Credentials
CA license #M120766. CO license #8611. CND Master Nail Technician. Tom Holcomb Academy. Personal training with Tom Bachik. Two day advanced training with Tammy Taylor. AEFM certified for use of electric file. HRTE (High Road to Education) in San Jose, CA 2009.

Awards and Honors
2nd Annual Strut Your Stuff Online competition, 1st place in Enhancement 2. Member of "Team Pink" competition team 2009. 3rd place, Novice tip-and-overlay relay at IBS Las Vegas, 2009.

You are here: Experts > Style > Spas > Nail Care & Manicures > Gel Vs. Acrylics

Nail Care & Manicures - Gel Vs. Acrylics

Expert: Maggie Franklin - 11/5/2009

Question
Hi-I live in NW Florida.I have been getting acrylic tips for some time now. The tech talked me into the gel nails-said they would last longer. Well-They did seem stronger,but after reading one of your answers, I am somewhat confused about what product/services I truly received. After 3 weeks,(too long!), I went in today for a "fill in".The tech first took off the polish,then applied what I thought was the same thing as the conventional acrylic fill-in- with the powder mixed with liquid.He then used a drill to file the whole nail smooth.after this, he filed,put on the conditioner(?),and I washed my hands. Now for the gel part-After all this, he then applied what he said was the gel,( with a brush from a bottle like nail polish).I put my hands under a UV light for 2 minutes,and then the nail polish. Before the polish, my nails still looked bad-yellowed and discolored-no way could I wear them without polish. I then had the usual 4 minutes under the light/air box to cure. Now-my question-WHAT exactly did I get? Without trying to sound prejudiced, no one in the place speaks English well,so it's hard to understand . Am I too, being sold the more expensive "gel/acrylic" rip-off? Thanks in advance. I have learned much from reading your articles here.

Answer
Yes. This is definitely a traditional acrylic fill with a gel topcoat over it. This is NOT a true gel nail. With true gel nails, the entire nail would be built from the UV-cured gel, building it up in layers with every layer being cured under the UV light.

BTW: I'm also saddened to hear that the nails wouldn't be suitable to wear without polish! Gels AND acrylics make beautiful enhancements with or without polish when done well using quality products.

I would report the salon to the state board-- I don't know the specifics for Florida, but I know in CA our department of consumer affairs deals with false advertising of salon services.

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