Dreaming of beautiful, long-lasting extensions with C-curve tips? In this guide, we’ll show you step by step how to prep your nails, apply the tips, and achieve a flawless result.
We’ll cover everything from proper nail prep and fitting the tips to adding reinforcement, so your extensions last as long as possible. Let’s get started and create your perfect nail extensions!
Products used in this guide:
1. Prep your nail
Before you start applying C-curve tips, it’s important to prep your nails. You can find our full guide on how to prep your nails here.
If you’re already experienced with doing nails, you probably know the routine: Wash your hands, push back your cuticles, use a cuticle clipper, buff, wipe with Cleanser – but when applying C-curve tips, you should wait to use PH-Bond and Primer.
2. Prepare the nail tips
Once your nails are prepped, choose the tip size that fits each nail. To make application easier, we recommend laying out all your tips before you begin applying them. This is important, as you need to apply one tip at a time.
3. Apply the nail tips
Once you have prepared all the tips, attach them to your nails. Apply a thin layer of our nail glue to the curved edge of the tip. Make sure to apply only a thin layer of glue to the C-curve tip, so it does not run onto the skin.
When attaching the tip, hold it in place on the nail for 15-20 seconds while the glue dries. Make sure to apply pressure to the tip while holding it in place to prevent air bubbles from forming in the glue.
4. Trim the tips
Once you have applied the tips and the glue has dried, it’s time to trim them. For this, you’ll need our Tip Cutter. When trimming the tips, we recommend leaving a little extra length, so you have enough to file them into your desired shape. It can also be helpful to place a finger on top of the tip while cutting – this gives the tip a little extra stability. Once the tip has been trimmed, it should be filed.
5. File your tip into shape
Once you have trimmed the tip, file the area where the tip meets your natural nail so the transition is smooth and even. Use a file with a grit of 220 or higher for this step, as this helps protect your natural nail. You can use either a handheld file or our electric nail file with a Sanding Band in the same grit or higher. Be careful to protect your natural nail and avoid filing into your natural nail plate. Once you have filed the transition, finish it with our buffer.
While filing the transition, you can also file the free edge of the tip into your desired shape. For this, you can safely use a 100/180 grit nail file.
6. Clean and prep the surface
Once you have filed the tip into shape, some dust will be left on the nail. Wipe your nails with Cleanser on a lint-free pad to leave them completely clean before applying PH-Bond and Primer.
Once you have cleansed your nail, you can apply your favorite strengthening product, whether that is Polygel, Liquid Builder Gel, or Rubber Base. It is important to add a strengthening layer to prevent your C-curve tip from breaking off. In other words, simply applying Gel Polish on top of your C-curve tip is not enough. In this video, we use Polygel as our example, but you can find guides for applying Rubber Base or Builder Gel in our learning universe.
7. Apply Polygel
You are now ready to apply Polygel. Start by squeezing a small amount of Polygel onto the spatula, then place the product directly onto the natural nail.
Because the product has a thicker consistency, it will not run in the same way as Liquid Builder Gel. This gives you plenty of time to shape the product. To shape the product on the nail, you will need a brush and our Cleanser. Dip the brush into Cleanser whenever you notice the product starting to feel a little sticky.
It is important to make sure the Polygel does not touch the skin.
Shape the extension by pushing the product up towards the cuticle. At this stage, it is important to avoid brushing the product on. Instead, gently pat the product into place until it has the right shape. Once the product sits neatly by the cuticle, continue working your way down the nail. Make sure the product is evenly distributed across the entire nail.
When you are happy with the shape and length, and you have checked that no Polygel has touched the skin around the nail, the nail is ready to cure in the UV/LED lamp.
The nail is now ready to cure in the UV/LED lamp for 120 seconds.
8. Finish the Nail
If you’re not completely satisfied with the shape, you can easily apply more Polygel on top, as long as you remember to cure the product for 129 seconds under our UV/LED lamp.
If you wish, you can file your nails into shape. For this, you’ll need our 100/180 grit nail file.
Start by filing the tip of the nail into shape. The next step is to file the surface of the nail. It’s important not to file off too much product, as the nail may break if it becomes too thin.
This is why it’s important to create an apex. The apex is the highest point of the nail, adding strength and improving the durability of your extension. The apex should sit around the middle of the nail, depending on the extension, and from the side it should look like a gentle curve that tapers towards the tip.
To create an even nail plate, finish by buffing the nail with our Buffer.
Now remove most of the dust from your nails with a brush or a dry Lint-Free Pad, then cleanse your nails with our Cleanser and a Lint-Free Pad.
Your extension is now complete.
9. Finish
You can now apply either a Gel Polish as a solid colour or nail art, or simply a Top Coat. It is important to be careful to avoid getting the product on your skin. Apply it as close to the cuticle and sides as possible, but without letting the product come into contact with the skin. You can see how in our guide section: Applying Gel Polish.
Once the product has been applied, it must cure in our UV/LED lamp for 60-90 seconds. Remember that every layer you apply must cure in the UV/LED lamp for 60-90 seconds.
And remember the rule of thumb: Four paper-thin layers are better than two thick ones!
