Lesson 5: Nail Prep Fundamentals (Natural Nail + Product Adherence)
NT101-M03-L01
M03-L01
45
Beginner
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
[ ] Explain why prep affects adhesion (lifting, chipping, premature breakdown).
[ ] Perform a beginner-safe nail prep routine (sanitize, assess, shape, cuticle work, surface cleanse).
[ ] Identify common prep mistakes (over-filing, flooding, skipping dehydration) and how to correct them.
[ ] Use a consistent prep checklist that protects nail health while improving results.
Prep is the foundation (results start here)
Most problems—lifting, chipping, peeling—start with prep, not product.
1) The prep goal (simple)
You want a nail that is:
clean (no dust, skin, residue)
dry (oils/moisture managed)
properly shaped (edges sealed; no weak corners)
protected (no over-filing)
2) Beginner-safe prep checklist
Sanitize + assess (hands, nail condition, contraindications)
Shape free edge
Cuticle work (non-living tissue only)
Dust removal
Cleanse nail plate (approved cleanser)
Dehydrate/prime only as directed by your system
3) Common prep problems (and the fix)
Lifting at cuticle: cuticle not fully cleaned or product flooded → refine cuticle cleanup; apply thin, controlled product
Lifting at sidewalls: missed skin/debris → refine sidewall cleanup gently
Chipping at free edge: weak corners/rough edge → shape + seal edge
Sensitivity: over-filing → lighter pressure + correct grit; stop if heat/pain
4) Luxury standard
Luxury prep is quiet, gentle, confident, and consistent.
MASTER
Completion:
[ ] Theory Complete
[ ] Workbook Complete
[ ] Practical Complete
[ ] Assessment Passed
[ ] Instructor Approved