Nail Studio By Tom

Builder gel application used to take me foreverrr.
In real time it only takes less than 3 minutes. What changed? I started using the SHi Workflow Gel System, this allows me apply builder gel with greater precision, cleaner, and in shorter amount of time.
Nail Smart, Not Hard

PSA: Stop Moving Your Hand ❌😬
When the tech e-file your nails, if you move your hand, this can be dangerous.

Why speed matters in the salon setting

Difference E-bits are used to solve difference problems.
If your customers have a sensitive skin type, it’s recommended to use the 5-in-1 safety top bit . Understand difference skin types is key when mastering the E-file manicure.
Comment “ E-bit” if you want to know which speed I used.

Watch closely, because there’s something mysterious happens at the end of this video. Can you spot it?

This is real time. 17 seconds for removal. The biggest lesson I’ve learned: use good carbide bit. Run your e-file close to the max (Mine’s 35K - 25K and up is great). Stay steady and move one direction.
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Here’s what you don’t see 👇
When you use a sandwich form for building gel, the problem usually begins with size. The biggest mistake I see is when you force a form to fit. If you have to apply pressure in order for the form to stay on the nail, the size of the form is already too small. When pressure is applied, it escapes underneath the form instead of building structure.

I suggest choosing one size larger so that the form sits naturally. When the nail is correctly sized, it protects the nail, improves control, and prevents unnecessary leakage.

A good gel nail structure always begins with respect for the natural nail.
Give this a try before your next set and see what a difference it makes.

Structure Gel vs. Soft Gel

Why you need to use structure gel in conjunction with the Pop-Up sandwich form system?

The answer is simple:
Strength!

Pop-Up sandwich forms naturally create a hidden apex, the strength is built into the inside C- curve of the nail.

The structure of the Pop-Up sandwich form pairs best with the SHi Smart Structure Gel System because structure gel cures rigid, and supports that built-in apex.

Soft gel is flexible, so it doesn’t give the same internal strength as sandwich forms are designed for.

Although smart structure gel does not need to be used on every customers, it is an essential product to have in your salon .

In this video I used the SHi Smart Structure Gel System (Available 🔜 Fall 2026)
With a HEMA-free formula, Smart Structure Gel provides superior strength and retention.

Here’s what I do differently