Examples of Nails That Screams for an Upskill Part 2

Let’s Talk About Dual Forms - so many nail techs assume they are easy, but that is far from the truth.

Dual forms look simple online - apply product inside the form, press it on, cure, done. Easy, right?

In reality, it’s a bit more complicated.

To get a clean, lasting result, you need to understand:

• the client’s natural nail shape

• how to manage product squeeze-out underneath

• maintaining a balanced C-curve

• refining the shape after curing

• choosing the right form for each client

Without this knowledge, nails can end up pointing upwards, uneven in length, or unstable - and clients notice.

It’s not that anyone did “wrong,” it’s just a technique that needs proper practice.

Examples of Nails That Screams for an Upskill Part 2

Case Study: When Dual Forms Don’t Work

This client came in with a set done elsewhere:

✖ Nails pointing upwards

✖ Uneven C-curve

✖ Each nail a different length and shape

✖ Product leaked underneath the natural nail

✖ Thick, bulky structure

✖ Gel colour applied inconsistently

Normally, I would try to keep product and rebuild the structure, but here it wasn’t possible. The client’s nails were very short and bitten, and the original product had leaked underneath.

Her skin was also sensitive from the day before, so I had to be careful while sculpting a fresh set.

Even though it took me 3 hours to create a balanced set - longer than my usual 1.5 hours for new clients - the transformation was clear. Lengths were balanced, structure stable, and the finish smooth.

What Are Dual Forms?

• Dual forms are full-cover plastic tips where:

• Product is applied inside the form

• Pressed onto the nail and flash cured around the cuticle

• Hand flipped to thin out the free edge as product squeezes underneath

• Form removed and shape refined

  
  

  When done correctly, they can be quick and beautiful. But they require proper knowledge and practice - they’re not a “watch one reel and try it on clients” technique.

Not every nail type or nail shape is ideal for dual forms, and some clients’ hands need extra attention to get the right shape.

The Real Lesson

This isn’t about blaming anyone.

It’s about recognising when a technique requires more knowledge or practice than we might think.

You might watch a few reels and feel confident,

“I can do this.”

And that’s fine - but the results show whether the technique truly works for that hand.

Practise, understand, and know your limits.

That’s how you grow your skills safely and reliably.

Why I Don’t Offer Dual Forms

I trained with a nail tech who mastered dual forms - and that’s exactly why I can spot instantly why application went wrong.

Even with that knowledge, I’ve chosen not to offer dual forms in my salon.

I prefer old-school sculpting: it allows me to control the structure, the C-curve, the strength, and the balance for every nail type. Without being able to sculpt and rely on traditional techniques, I wouldn’t have been able to help this client with such difficult hands.

The knowledge is there, but this approach gives my clients the most consistent and predictable results.

Maya xx