Nail forms for extensions – what are they for?

Nail forms create support for the product where the natural nail plate ends. After fitting the form under the free edge of the nail, you build the extension on it, cure the product, then remove the form and refine the line with a file. It is an alternative to nail tips – instead of a ready-made tip, you model the length yourself, exactly as you planned it with your client.

On a form you can build a classic oval, an almond or longer, avant-garde shapes. That is why good nail forms are an accessory that is useful for beginners and for an experienced stylist working in a salon alike. The choice of type depends mainly on the material, the number in the roll and the technique in which you build the extension.

Paper forms or plastic nail forms for extensions?

The material of the form affects how it behaves under the product. The category includes aluminium-paper, holo, plastic and plastic modern versions. The modern series is made of film, so it is stiffer than paper and does not bend during work. Plastic forms like these work very well in the salon and for avant-garde shapes.

• White forms – they are stiffer than the pink ones, have extra guide lines for avant-garde shapes, a different shape and are longer.
• Pink forms – the second colour version, without the extra avant-garde guide lines.
• Aluminium-paper and holo – you can compare their descriptions on the product pages and choose the material that best suits your technique.

Nail forms 100 pcs or 500 pcs – which roll to choose?

A roll of 100 pcs is a good choice to start with, for learning or for occasional extensions – it is easy to compare how a given material behaves under the product. A roll of 500 pcs is a stock for someone who does extensions every day and does not want to restock accessories often. In the modern version you can choose plastic modern nail forms 100 pcs, and for intensive work plastic modern nail forms 500 pcs will work better.

How to use nail forms for extensions – a perfect fit step by step

The sequence below is general – adapt it to the system you work in:

• fit the form under the free edge so that it sits tightly against the natural nail and lies straight along the axis of the finger,
• prepare the nail plate: matt it, remove the dust and dehydrate it, for example with Nail Fresh Dehydrator 10 ml,
• if needed, adjust its outline – scissors for trimming forms, which cut from the very first millimetre, make precise cutting easier,
• build the extension with the gel method – spread the gel from the plate towards the end of the form, for example Tixy Cover Pink 30 ml builder gel, or with acrygel, for example Dual AcrylicGel Milky 15 ml,
• cure the product in a UV/LED lamp following the instructions for the product,
• peel off the form, remove the sticky layer with a cleanser and refine the length and shape.

Make sure no gap appears between the form and the nail – the product could flow under it and change the line of the extension. Product that has run outside the form is easiest to remove before curing.

Wear of the nail set – a professional way to a perfect shape

Not only the look but also the wear of the finished manicure depends on how accurately the form is fitted. If the form is crooked, it is harder to get an even free edge line, and longer filing weakens the structure. A few minutes spent on fitting means fewer corrections at your client's next appointment.

When planning an extension, pay attention to proportions: the natural nail plate, the width of the finger and which nail shape suits the hand best. If you want to do a nail set with a clear smile line, take a look at the guide Structured French – what is it and how to do it?

Nail forms – frequently asked questions

What is the difference between forms and dual forms?

You fit a nail form under the free edge and build the extension on it. With dual forms you apply the product inside the form, which is pressed on from above – you will find these nail forms in the Dual Forms category.

Do plastic modern nail forms bend?

No. They are made of film, so they are stiffer than paper and do not bend.

Are nail forms suitable for a manicure at home?

Yes, if you know the rules of extending nails. To start, choose a smaller roll – it lets you calmly practise fitting the form and curing the gel.

How should I store a stock of nail forms?

Keep the roll in a dry, clean place, away from dust, and take only as many forms as you need for the current treatment. That way the remaining ones will be ready for the next nail set.