Do you have ridged nails and want to apply semi-permanent nail varnish? Find out how to achieve a smoother surface and which base coat to choose – Base Coat, Rubber Base or Builder Gel – with LuluNails Belgium.
Ridged Nails: How Can You Achieve a Smoother Semi-Permanent Nail Polish Finish?
Do your natural nails have visible lines, ridges or small irregularities?
When semi-permanent nail varnish is applied directly to an uneven surface, some ridges may remain visible beneath the colour.
The firstreaction is often to want to file the natural nail down heavily to make its surface perfectly flat.
This is not the right approach.
Overly aggressive preparation can unnecessarily thin the natural nail plate.
It is generally preferable to work with:
gentle preparation a suitable base coat regular application.
Depending on the condition of the nail and the desired result, you can use, for example:
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Base Coat;
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Rubber Base;
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Rubber Base Colour;
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Flexible Builder Gel.
In this LuluNails Belgium guide, find out how to choose the right product.
Quick Answer: Which Base Coat Should You Choose for Ridged Nails?
For very fine ridges, a suitable base coat may be sufficient before applying the semi-permanent polish.
For more visible irregularities, a Rubber Base can provide extra body and help create a visually smoother surface.
For a nail that also requires more structure or reinforcement, a Flexible Builder Gel may bebe considered depending on the type of nail and the technique used.
Here’s a quick guide:
Slight ridges → Base Coat
Uneven surface → Rubber Base
Irregularities requiring structure → Builder Gel
However, the product must always be chosen according to the actual condition of the natural nail.
What is a ridged nail?
A ridged nail has visible lines or ridges on the natural nail plate.
These ridges may be:
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fine;
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more pronounced;
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vertical;
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localised;
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present on several nails.
From an aesthetic point of view, they may become more visible when applying:
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a very light colour;
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a ‘Milky’ polish;
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certain nude shades;
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a very glossy shade;
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an extremely thin coat.
The aim of preparing the nails for a manicure is not to aggressively remove the entire natural surface of the nail.
Rather, it is a matter of creating a base that is smooth enough to allow for a neat application of the chosen product.
Can semi-permanent nail varnish be applied to ridged nails?
Yes, provided the nail is suitable &for a cosmetic application and the procedure is carried out correctly.
A slightly ridged surface does not automatically prevent the application of semi-permanent nail varnish.
However, the result depends very much on the base coat used.
If the colour is applied to a very uneven surface, the unevenness may remain visible.
This is particularly the the case with certain colours:
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Nude;
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Milky;
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transparent pink;
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milky white;
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highly glossy shades.
A slightly more texturising base coat can then help to achieve a more even surface before applying the colour.
Should you file down the ridges on the nail before application?
You need to be careful.
Vigorously filing the natural nail plate until the ridges disappear completely is not a good strategy.
The nail plate has a limited thickness.
Excessive filing can make the nail:
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thinner;
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more sensitive;
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more flexible;
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more brittle.
During preparation, use only the level of preparation specified by your system.
The aim is:
to prepare, not to thin.
If an irregularity needs to be compensated for, it is often preferable to work with a suitable base rather than trying to remove the entire difference in level with a file.
Base Coat, Rubber Base or Builder Gel: What’s the Difference on a Ridged Nail?
These three products do not serve exactly the same purpose.
Base Coat: for slight ridges
A Base Coat is the standard base layer applied before semi-permanent nail varnish, depending on the system used.
It is particularly suitable when:
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the nail is sufficiently strong;
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the ridges are slight;
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no major corrections are required;
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you simply wish to apply your nail varnish.
However, a base coat is not intended to create significant structure.
On a very uneven surface, it may not completely conceal the unevenness.
Rubber Base: to visually smooth an uneven surface
Rubber Base generally has a thicker consistency than a standard Base Coat.
Its texture allows you to apply a layer that provides greater structure.
It can be particularly useful when the natural nail has:
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minor irregularities;
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slight ridges;
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a surface requiring greater uniformity;
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a need for slight reinforcement.
The aim is not to apply a huge amount of Rubber Base.
The aim is to use the material in a controlled manner to achieve a smooth surface.
Once correctly applied and cured, the Rubber Base can be used as a base for:
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a semi-permanent polish;
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a French manicure;
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a nude colour;
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nail art;
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a top coat.
Discover LuluNails Rubber Bases
Rubber Base Colour: Coloured Base Coat for a Natural Manicure
For a nude or natural manicure, it isn’t always necessary to apply several layers of colour.
A Rubber Base Colour combines the function of a coloured base with a texture that allows for greater control over the surface than some traditional bases.
It can be particularly useful for creating:
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Natural nude;
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Milky;
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Natural pink;
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French;
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Baby Boomer;
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minimalist manicure.
This allows you to achieve an elegant result with fewer steps, depending on the product and technique chosen.
View LuluNails Rubber Base Colours
Builder Gel: When Should You Opt for More Structure?
A Builder Gel goes further than a simple Base Coat.
It can provide greater structure to the application.
Depending on the type of Builder Gel and the procedure used, it can be used for:
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coating;
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reinforcement;
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creating a slight apex;
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correcting minor irregularities;
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maintaining a natural length;
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certain extensions.
For a naturally uneven nail requiring more structure, a Builder Gel may therefore be more suitable than a simple Base Coat.
However:
more product does not automatically mean a better result.
If the nail is short, strong and requires only a slight visual correction, a Rubber Base may be sufficient.
Discover LuluNails Flexible Builder Gels
Ridged Nails: Rubber Base or Builder Gel?
Here is a simple comparison.
| Need | Product to consider |
|---|---|
| Very slight ridges | Base Coat |
| Minor irregularities | Rubber Base |
| Slightly uneven nude surface | Rubber Base Colour |
| Natural coating | Flexible Builder Gel |
| Need for structure | Builder Gel |
| Creating an apex | Builder Gel |
| Significant extension | Suitable builder gel |
This is not a hard and fast rule.
The choice also depends on:
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the length;
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the flexibility of the nail;
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its thickness;
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the type of application;
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the product used.
How to Prepare Ridged Nails Before Applying Semi-Permanent Nail Polish?
Proper preparation is essential.
Step 1: Examine the natural nail
Before applying any product, check:
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the condition of the nail plate;
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the ridges;
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the length;
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the sides;
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the free edge;
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the cuticles.
This helps you choose the right technique.
Step 2: Treating the cuticles
Gently push back the cuticles and remove only the small bits of skin present on the nail plate, depending on your technique.
Applying a base coat or nail varnish to the skin or to cuticle residue can cause the polish to peel off.
Step 3: Gently prepare the surface
If the system you are using requires you to lightly remove the natural shine, use a buffer or a suitable file.
Do not try to remove ridges by digging into the nail.
Your movements must remain controlled.
Step 4: Remove dust
After preparation, carefully remove any dust.
The surface must be clean before applying the following products.
Step 5: Nail Prep and Primer if required by the protocol
Depending on your system, you can use:
Nail Prep to temporarily dehydrate the surface.
Then, if necessary:
Primer to promote adhesion.
This does not mean that all applications automatically require all products.
Follow the protocol for your chosen system.
How to Apply a Rubber Base to a Ridged Nail?
The Rubber Base can be particularly useful whenyou’re looking for a visually more even surface.
A common method is as follows:
1. Apply a thin first coat
This coat serves to spread the product evenly across the surface.
Avoid the cuticles and the sides.
2. Add a small amount of product
If the product and the procedure allow it, a small can be used to even out any unevenness.
The aim is not to create an extremely thick layer.
3. Allow the product to self-&/h3>
If the Rubber Base used has self-levelling properties, allow the product a few seconds toto settle.
Check the application:
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from above;
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from the side;
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starting from the free edge.
4. Cure
Follow the curing time specified for the product and the lamp used.
5. Apply the colour
Once the base coat has cured properly, apply your semi-permanent nail varnish according to the instructions.
Which Colours Should You Choose for Ridged Nails?
Any colour can be used.
However, certain finishes make small irregularities more visible than others.
Milky
Milky shades give a very natural finish.
To achieve a particularly even finish, prepare the base carefully.
Nude
Nude is elegant, but some semi-transparent colours may allow the surface underneath to show through.
A uniform base is therefore important.
Red and Burgundy
Pigmented shades can create a very even finish when applied evenly.
Dark colours
Brown, chocolate, plum, midnight blue or deep burgundy are particularly striking in autumn and winter.
Glitter
Certain glitter finishes draw more attention to thecolour effect and can visually minimise the appearance of minor imperfections.
Discover LuluNails Semi-Permanent Nail Varnishes
Why Does My Nail Varnish Still Show Streaks After Two Coats?
There are several possible explanations.
The base coat is too thin
A standard base coat is not always able to compensate for a very uneven surface.
The colour is semi-transparent
Some nude or milky shades are deliberately translucent.
They therefore allow the base coat to show through more clearly.
The colour coats are uneven
A coat that is extremelythin in some places and thicker in others can visually accentuate the differences.
The surface was not sufficiently even before the colour was applied
A colour does not replace a levelling base coat.
For a very even finish, it is best to prepare a good surface before applying the colour.
Do you need to apply a lot of polish to hide streaks?
No.
Applying numerous thick layers of semi-permanent varnish is not the right solution.
A layer that is too thick may:
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run towards the cuticles;
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cure less effectively;
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create bumps;
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result in a thick finish;
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alter the visual shape of the nail.
The principle must remain:
a good base followed by thin, even layers of colour.
Can a self-levelling builder gel be used?
Yes, provided it is suitable for the desired application method.
A self-levelling builder gel makes it easier to spread the product.
It can be particularly useful for creating a smooth surface with fewer brush marks.
However, ‘self-levelling’ does not mean ‘automatic’.
You must always check:
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the quantity;
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the sides;
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the cuticles;
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the tip;
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the free edge;
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the thickness.
If the product is too runny or if too much is applied, it may run towards the cuticles before curing.
Should you file after applying a rubber base or a builder gel?
It depends on the result achieved and the product.
If theapplication is even and the structure is correct, a self-levelling product can significantly reduce the need for filing.
However, if you notice:
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a bump;
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one side that is thicker;
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a misplaced apex;
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an uneven surface;
correction may be necessary before applying colour.
The aim is not to systematically remove all the applied material.
Ridged Nails and French Manicure
A smooth base is particularly important with a French Manicure.
The French manicure draws attention to:
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the shape;
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the symmetry;
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the surface;
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the free edge.
For a natural French manicure, you could combine:
Rubber Base Nude white
or:
Builder Gel Nude / Cover white
Finish with a suitable top coat.
Striped Nails and Baby Boomer
The Baby Boomer look is based on a smooth transition between a nude/pink base and a white finish.
An uneven surfacesurface can visually disrupt this gradient.
Before creating the Baby Boomer look, ensure you create a properly balanced base using thefollowing method:
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Rubber Base Colour;
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Nude Builder Gel;
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Pink Builder Gel;
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Cover Gel.
HEMA- and TPO-free: What about LuluNails?
The relevant LuluNails ranges are formulated without HEMA or TPO.
You can find this feature in various products from:
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Semi-Permanent Nail Polishes;
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Rubber Base Colour;
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Flexible Builder Gel;
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relevant gels.
However, this does not mean that uncured product can be left on the skin.
Regardless of the system used:
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avoid the cuticles;
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remove any excess immediately;
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use a compatible lamp;
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observe the curing time;
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follow the product instructions.
What if ridges suddenly appear on your nails?
This article mainly concerns the aesthetic preparation of a ridged nail prior to a manicure.
If the appearance of one or more nails suddenly changes, becomes painful, shows unusual colouring, significant deformation or a, it is best not to simply mask the change with gel or nail varnish.
Medical advice may bebe advisable if the appearance of the nail gives cause for concern.
LuluNails products for application on uneven nails
To prepare for a manicure, LuluNails offers the following:
Preparation
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Cleaner;
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Nail Prep;
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Primer;
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files;
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buffers;
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dust brush.
Base
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Base Coat;
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Rubber Base;
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Rubber Base Colour.
Strengthening
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Flexible Builder Gel ;
Colour
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Semi-Permanent Nail Polish 7 ml ;
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GelColor 10 ml;
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Nude;
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Milky;
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Red;
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Burgundy;
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Brown;
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Pink;
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seasonal colours.
Finish
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Top Coat;
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Glossy top coat;
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Various finishes depending on the range.
Discover LuluNails Belgium’s nail care products
Where can you buy a rubber base or builder gel in Belgium?
LuluNails is a Belgian brand specialisingspecialising in nail care products and equipment.
In the LuluNails shop, you can find:
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Rubber Bases;
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Flexible Builder Gels;
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builder gels;
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semi-permanent nail varnishes;
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Base Coat;
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Top Coat;
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nail files ;
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bits;
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brushes ;
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files;
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professional accessories.
The shop allows you to order online with delivery to Belgium and several European countries.
LuluNails also offers nail technician training courses in Liège to learn the various techniques for preparation, shaping, building and finishing.
FAQ – Ridged Nails and Semi-Permanent Nail Polish
Can semi-permanent nail polish be applied to ridged nails?
Yes, provided that thecondition of the nail allows for a cosmetic application. A suitable base coat helps to create a visually smoother surface before applying the colour.
Which base coat should I choose for ridged nails?
For slight ridges, a Base Coat may be sufficient. For greater levelling, a Rubber Base may bebe worth considering. If the nail also requires more structure, a Builder Gel may be an option.
Does the Rubber Base hide ridges?
Its more structuring texture can help create a more uniform surface. The result, however, depends on theextent of the irregularities and the application technique.
Can you file away ridges on the nail?
Avoid filing the natural nail plate too aggressively to completely remove ridges. Excessive filing can unnecessarily thin the nail.
Rubber Base or Builder Gel for uneven nails?
Rubber Base for levelling or light reinforcement; Builder Gel when more structure or a coating is required.
Can you apply colour directly onto a Rubber Base?
Depending on the product’s instructions, a semi-permanent colour can be applied over a properly cured Rubber Base.
Can you use just a Rubber Base Colour?
For certain natural manicures, a Rubber Base Colour can already provide the base, colour and light levelling. Always follow the product’s exact instructions.
Which colour should I choose to conceal minor imperfections?
The resultdepends mainly on how well the base has been prepared. Highly pigmented shades or certain finishes may visually emphasise imperfections less than very sheer colours.
Why can I still see streaks under my Milky?
Milky colours can be semi-transparent. If the surface underneath is uneven, the differences may remain visible. First, create a more even base.
Where can I buy Rubber Base and Builder Gel in Belgium?
LuluNails offers Rubber Base Colour, Flexible Builder Gel, Builder Gel, Base Coat, Top Coat and Semi-Permanent Nail Polish via its Belgian online shop.
Conclusion: Don’t File Any More – Choose Your Base More Carefully
If your nails are ridged, the aim isn’t to remove more and more of the natural nail.
Instead, remember:
slight ridges → Base Coat
irregularities → Rubber Base
irregularities reinforcement → Flexible Builder Gel
more substantial build-up → Builder Gel
Next:
gentle preparation even base colour applied in thin layers thorough curing Top Coat.
A good manicure begins before the colour is applied.
By choosing a base coat suited to the natural nail, you can achieve a more uniform result without having to aggressively smooth away the natural contours of the nail plate.
LuluNails Belgium – Semi-Permanent Nail Varnishes, Rubber Base, Builder Gel & Professional Nail Products.