GEL SYSTEMS SIMPLIFIED
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MAGPIE REBRANDING GUIDE
Magpie Gels are designed to work together as a complete prescriptive system, which allows nail technicians to tailor services based on the client’s natural nail strength and lifestyle. Not every client requires maximum strength of a hard gel or builder gel structure, so choosing the correct base and structure product is key to creating durable, balanced enhancements. Just like skin care, your clients nail needs can change throughout their lives especially after hormonal shifts.
By combining:
• Proper nail preparation
• The correct base coat
• As well as the suitable structure product in correct structure
Technicians can create durable, balanced enhancements that protect the natural nail while providing long-lasting wear. The key to success with our system is matching the product strength to the natural nail. Remember:
STRONG NAILS
• Naturally curved
• Thick
• Able to grow long without product
= structure gel
WEAK NAILS
• Thin or bendy
• Flaking or splitting
• Flat nail plates
= builder/hard/acrygels
STEP 1.Thorough Nail Preparation
Start by performing your usual cuticle work before gently removing the shine from the natural nail using a 240-grit zebra file. We recommend a 240 zebra file specifically because it removes surface shine without damaging the nail plate while creating the ideal texture for gel adhesion.
Avoid prepping using:
• Harsher grit files (no more than 180)
• Buffers
Coarser files can cause unnecessary trauma to the natural nail, while buffers can smooth the surface too much and reduce adhesion.
Once the shine has been removed, scrub the nail using our Prep and Dehydrate blue liquid (not pure acetone). Our prep solution is specifically formulated to:
• Remove oils and contaminants
• Dehydrate the nail plate correctly
• Prepare the nail for optimal adhesion within the Magpie system
STEP 2: Choosing the Correct Base Coat
Once the nail has been properly prepared, the next step is selecting the right base coat for your client’s nail type.
GMS+ is our strongest and least flexible base coat. It is also HEMA-free, making it a great option for clients who prefer HEMA-free systems or who require a strong foundation beneath their structure product. This base coat provides maximum adhesion and works particularly well for clients who experience lifting.
RUBBER UP contains HEMA, therefore it provides increased adhesion and flexibility, allowing the product to move more naturally with flexible nails. This makes it particularly useful for clients whose natural nails tend to bend or flex more easily.
GET A GRIP is our HEMA free base coat which moves easily with the natural nail and self-levels quickly during application. Excellent for clients who have strong nails or an allergy or sensitivity to HEMA base coats.
Our BUILDER GELS also include a built-in base layer. These products are:
• HEMA-free
• Designed to streamline application • Slightly less adhesive than dedicated base coats
While they can be applied directly to the nail, they are not quite as strong as using a separate base coat, which is why many technicians still choose to apply a base underneath for maximum adhesion. Our easiest soak off base is Get A Grip. However we never recommend soaking off at each appointment because acetone can weaken the nail plate over time. Instead we recommend infilling at each appointment to protect the health of the natural nail plate.
Step 3: Choosing Your Structure Product
Once the base layer has cured, it’s time to build structure and strength. We offer several structural products that increase in strength as you move through each system.
It’s important to remember that not every client requires the strongest product available. Clients with naturally strong nails often perform perfectly well with lighter structure gels, while weaker or longer nails usually require stronger builder gel/hard gel or acrygel systems.
GIVE ME STRENGTH and GIVE ME STRENGTH+ (baseless version) are our structure gels, designed to add reinforcement without excessive rigidity. It works beautifully for clients with:
• Naturally strong nails
• Natural curvature
• Short – medium length overlays
For many clients, a base coat followed by one or two layers of structure gel provides the perfect level of support.
BUILD IT is the next step up in strength. It offers more reinforcement than structure gel while still maintaining flexibility. This makes it ideal for:
• Short – medium length nails
• Clients needing additional support than a structure gel alone
BUILD ME UP provides a higher level of strength and rigidity. This builder is better suited for:
• Clients with weak natural nails
• Longer nail lengths
• Clients who are hard on their nails
Because of its strength, it should be applied with correct structure (multiple layers) and apex placement to prevent excessive rigidity. If applied to thin BMU can crack.
At the top of the system is SCULPT IT, our hard gel. This product offers maximum strength and durability and is designed for:
• Short – long enhancements
• Clients requiring very strong structural support
• Clients with weak nails
Hard gel does not soak off and must be used alongside a base coat.
We have FREE application workshops available to watch on our YouTube channel here.
