EGO BEAUTY

A little behind the scenes of what actually goes on in nail school…

There’s a LOT more science, precision, and technical knowledge behind doing nails than most people realize. And this is just the introduction to our e-file module! 🙈

Learning to do nails is so much more than just learning how to make them look pretty, it’s about understanding the why behind every technique, not just the how.

✨ Thinking about starting your own nail journey?

Enrollment is now open for my final Nail Technician Group Training of 2026, happening this December!

No previous experience needed, but also perfect for practicing techs looking to upgrade their skills, and with small groups, you’ll get plenty of hands on guidance and personalized support.

💌 Send me a DM for all the details and to reserve your spot!

NAIL MYTHS that need to go! 💅

It’s 2026 and I still see SO much misinformation in the nail industry 🤦‍♀️ so let’s clear up a few of the ones I hear all the time:

❌ “All gel polishes are the same”
Nope! Formulations can vary significantly in ingredients, pigmentation, viscosity, adhesion, flexibility, durability and curing requirements. Quality and proper formulation matter, especially when it comes to performance and reliable curing.

❌ “I’m allergic to acrylic so I can’t wear any nail products”
You may actually be allergic to a specific ingredient or group of ingredients, rather than every nail product. Acrylates and methacrylates are common sensitizers used in nail products, but related materials are also used in other industries, including some dental and medical materials. If you suspect an allergy, proper medical evaluation/patch testing with a dermatologist or allergy specialist is important rather than simply guessing which ingredient caused it.

❌ “All nail lamps cure the same”
Definitely not. A lamp producing light does NOT automatically mean it will properly cure every gel. Gel products are formulated with specific photoinitiators that respond to particular wavelengths and require adequate light exposure. This is why using the lamp recommended/tested by the manufacturer, along with the correct curing time, matters.

❌ “Acrylic is stronger than gel”
No! Both can create very strong enhancements. Their properties are different, and strength and flexibility depends on the formulation, product chosen, length, structure, application and the client’s needs.

❌ “Gel is healthier for your nails than acrylic”
No system is automatically “healthier.” Both gel and acrylic are part of the broader acrylate/methacrylate family of nail enhancement chemistry, although they cure differently. Most nail damage we see comes from things like poor quality products, improper technique, and negligence.

The product matters.
The chemistry matters.
But TECHNIQUE matters too. 👏

The more you understand the WHY behind your products, the better nail tech you become. 💕

Welcome to Episode 2 of my Nail Bit Series! 💎

Today we’re talking about how to tell a good quality diamond bit from a poor quality one and why the quality of your bits matters more than you might think.

Two bits can look almost identical, same shape, same grit, same size, but perform completely differently.

So what separates a GOOD quality diamond bit from a poor quality one? 👀

✨ Look at the diamond coating
A quality bit should have an even, consistent distribution of diamond particles. Uneven coating, bare spots or clumping can make the bit work inconsistently.

✨ Check the shape + symmetry
The head should be uniform and symmetrical. Poor manufacturing can affect how evenly the bit makes contact with the nail.

✨ Pay attention to vibration
A quality bit should rotate smoothly when properly seated in a good handpiece. Excessive vibration from a new bit can make your work harder to control and uncomfortable for your client.

✨ Notice how it performs
You shouldn’t have to compensate by adding excessive pressure or repeatedly going over the same area. A good bit should work predictably when you’re using the appropriate grit, RPM and technique.

✨ Watch how it wears
All bits eventually wear out, but a quality bit should maintain its performance through appropriate professional use rather than quickly becoming uneven or ineffective.

And THIS is why investing in good quality bits matters. 👇

Your bits are literally the part of your e-file making contact with the nail and surrounding skin. Their quality can affect your control, efficiency, consistency and your client’s comfort. A cheaper bit isn’t really saving you money if it wears out faster, slows down your service or makes you work harder to get the same result.

Good tools don’t replace good technique, but good technique deserves good tools. 💎

Save this one for the next time you’re shopping for bits!

🚩 Signs your e-filing needs adjusting…

If your e-file isn’t feeling smooth, controlled and efficient, something in your technique or setup may need adjusting.

✨ Your bit isn’t gliding smoothly or evenly:
Your RPM may be too low for the bit you’re using. The correct speed allows the bit to work efficiently instead of catching, skipping or dragging.

✨ You’re removing too much OR too little product:
Pay attention to your pressure. Too much pressure can remove product too aggressively and create unevenness, while too little can make you work unnecessarily long in the same area.

✨ Is your client feeling a burning sensation?
Heat is usually created by friction. Too much pressure or repeatedly going over the same spot can create uncomfortable heat very quickly. Keep your bit moving!

✨ Your client keeps pulling her hand away:
That’s a sign to stop and reassess. You may be creating heat, nicking the skin, or using the wrong part/angle of the bit for the area you’re working on.

✨ Your e-filing suddenly takes longer than it used to:
Your bit may simply be worn out. Bits don’t last forever! If you’re working full-time, they’ll need to be replaced regularly as their cutting efficiency decreases.

✨ Your bit is brand new but vibrating or jumping?
Check your RPM and technique. Different bits and levels of coarseness are designed to work within appropriate speed ranges. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

E-filing shouldn’t be about forcing the bit to do the work, it’s about understanding RPM, pressure, angles, contact area and movement so the bit can work for you.

Make sure to save this for your next e-file service! 📌