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09-20-2012, 10:40 PM
(This post was last modified: 09-20-2012, 10:42 PM by Luvglitter.)
Gotsa practice on yourself, hun! Best way to learn how it feels to hold the unit, how much pressure, what speed, etc. Butcha gots to be very careful and use a very light touch and makes sure ya only use it on top of product and don't file into your nail. Check out the Medicool files.
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There are 2 PNI models. One is $100 and the other is $125. I got the model that is $125 and it's a pretty nice looking unit. I haven't gotten a chance to play with it yet but I have heard from others who have it that it works well.
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If you can afford a practice hand, I highly recommend getting one. Not only can you use it to practice with an e-file without wrecking your own nails (or your hubbies), you can also use it to practice hard gel or acrylic, gel polish, regular polish, nail art, etc.
Every so often you can find one on here in swap and shop.
I have been doing nails for over 10 years and still use mine when learning something new.
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I never used one professionally because we didn't learn it in school, and most of my clients loved the fact that I only did hand filing, so I just continued to hand file. I did use one on myself sometimes though, and I agree that you will figure it out fairly quickly that way.
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Awwww it isn't that hard to practice on yourself. Ya just got to be careful. If you are only filing on product there is no damage to your nail. Could also practice on a tip with product on it. Did it on me during school and never had any issues with my nails. These are inexpensive ways to practice till ya can take a class.
I remember seeing, a while back, someone posted about polishing your nails, two coats of polish of two different colors. When you file through the one color w/o going through the second coat that will teach ya how to have a light touch and not cause any damage. Might give that a go and see how that does for ya.
And if ya buy an e-file while you are in school that is a write off hun.
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09-22-2012, 02:05 AM
(This post was last modified: 09-22-2012, 02:09 AM by anointdhndz.)
Another thing is make sure if u go for a Kupa to get one of the Upowers and not their cheapest model ( the proper name has left me at the moment) they dont vibrate at all and will last much longer and you can change the innards of the efile itself and give it a "tune up"... so if u baby it it will last a long time. One thing is make sure you make it a habit to take out any bit..wether its a sanding band/ mandrel or what...if you drop it with the bit in it you can actually ruin it and that is a
mistake that will be so expensive.
Sorry lost my place... so ya..make it a habit from the get go cuz accidents happen..and u can get pretty inexpensive bits and sanding bands from Nailite. I think their carbides are only like $8 bucks and mandrel are under a dollar. You will more than likely only need a few different ones to start. Def get a small carbide barrel and a cpl of mandrels...but only use the carbide on the actual acrylic.
" Take time.....to be kind".....

~Tracy~
Full Time single mom,
Medical Receptionist &
Part Time Nail Artist
Akron, OH
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I learned to e-file by practicing on myself. There were lots of "ouches", but you learn fast that way about pressure. There is so excellent advice here, and it's true that if you have a few special clients they may let you "use" them. I am so grateful to those people who did that for me. But, for the most part, I hand file and my clients prefer that. Also Youtube videos are very good. But it's like everythings else you do...practice. Also, to be truthful, I don't need an e-file very much as I am a real proponet of natural nails. Gel polish has revolutionized my business. I do have a Kupa and when I need it it is great. Good Luck and have fun!
Remember: God puts us where he wants us to be.