Updated by Alyssa Bueno on October 2, 2024 Acrylic nail art and dip powder nails are fun, but you have to consider important factors such as building an apex to make sure the nail art lasts long and looks aesthetically pleasing. The apex of the nail is vital to the nail's structure to ensure that it breaks properly and protects the natural nail plate from damage. However, not every nail set requires you to make an apex. An apex isn't necessary for medium- or shorter-length nails; correct application is all that's needed. If the acrylic is applied uniformly, the tip of most nail plates will be better supported by the nail product. This blog will teach you how to create an apex for your nails. What is an Apex? To give the nail its strongest point, you have to build a concave dome form called an apex on its stress point. First, to begin developing an apex, ensure that the nail is clean and dry. Check out our nail prep guide to get a head start on nail prep. How To Build An Apex: (For Dip Powder Nails) You can read our guide about Dip powder here for more information on this nail technique. STEP 1: Using a short horizontal stroke, apply a Base Coat (the adhesive for powder application) to the natural nail. The next thing you have to do is apply the Bond (the primer that dehydrates the nail). Then take a piece of dip powder and dip your nails into it. Do not overdo it on the side of your nails with manicure polish. Basecoat should only be applied in a single short stroke using Pro Gel Tips. STEP 2: Apply a base coat in a single vertical stroke to the center of your nail, avoiding the cuticle and the tip of your nail. After that, use your dip powder to coat your fingernail. Remember, the apex's primary function is to stabilize your nails when applying dip or any nail art. STEP 3: Avoid the area near the cuticle when you apply your base coat, covering around three-quarters of the nail until it reaches the free edge. Make room for a smile line! After that, reapply dipping powder on your nails. STEP 4: Reapply the base coat to the cuticle, this time with a smaller gap. Remember to use your favorite dust brush to clean it up. Utilize the Activator to complete the procedure. Your nail will be strengthened and stabilized as a result. You may hear a clicking sound if you tap on your dried nail.Use a fine or medium L-Smooth Top or Mandrel to smoothen your foundation layers and narrow the side region to prevent accumulation. These are great ways to get the perfect base for your manicure. STEP 5: Add your dip powder of choice after applying the base coat to the nails. STEP 6: Put the base on your nail again, then pour clear dip powder onto your nail. You can reuse your clear dip powder by pouring it into a small bowl and reusing it on your other nails. STEP 7: Make sure your nails are smooth before applying Activator again. Use a hand buffer to lightly shape the nail after drying, and then shape it using a 5-in-1 drill bit. Remember to use a lint-free wipe after dusting it with your preferred dust brush. Keep in mind: The closer you get to the meeting, the thicker it should be. STEP 8: The Dip & Dap - 4 Top Coat is the only one that must be dried by air, unlike the others. Please be aware that the Dip & Dap - 4 Top Coat is only intended for use with dip. How To Build An Apex: (For Acrylic Nails) You can read our guide about acrylic nails here for more information on this nail technique. STEP 1: Apply the bead to the nail's stress area. Where your nail tip and nail bed meet, this is typically located.The stress area can be found by pressing lightly on the tips of your nails. White/lighter areas of your nail bed will show it. That's where you should focus most of your attention. STEP 2: Add another bead closer to 3/4 of the way down the tip. You'll then smooth the bead down toward your nail's tip by utilizing the edge of your brush. It's a good idea to look at your nails from various angles, especially if this is your first time doing so! We want your layers to be evenly spaced. STEP 3: Once you've done that, get as near to the cuticles as possible while still leaving a little room for error. Pat the bead down, then delicately push to fill up any gaps. Remember to properly combine the beads to avoid any buildup between the skin and nails.Use a Monomer to clean the crevices of your acrylic brush. The product should be concentrated in the middle, while less product should be kept on either center side. STEP 4: Pat down the bead to create even layers by placing it (again) on the point of tension. You must blend with care, We need the apex to remain in place. STEP 5: Apply Topcoat onto your nails once you're finished to add shine and strength to your nails. After reading this guide, building an apex is no longer a struggle or a mystery if you want to know more about nail best practices and techniques. Join our iGel Beauty Facebook community to educate yourself and meet like-minded nail professionals.
