Minx Q&A
In this section we have collected feedback from Minx manicurists in hopes to help you get a better understanding of what Minx is all about. It includes product information, trouble shooting, and suggestions for working with Minx clients. If there is anything you feel would be helpful to include please send us an email to Info@MinxNails.com.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

What exactly is Minx?

Minx is a solid film with an adhesive back that is heat activated. The heat gives Minx the conformability to fit over the compound curves of nails and seals it onto the nail bed. Minx is brewed in North County, San Diego, California. The patent pending proprietary material Minx is made of can be easily removed with heat by either the manicurist or the client.

If Minx is applied and removed with heat can I go into a hot tub wearing Minx?

Yes, when applied correctly Minx has a waterproof seal that will not release until the seal is broken by lifting the edge with a finger nail or object such as an orange stick.

Do I need the Minx Heat to apply Minx?

No, to insure proper application a heat lamp is required. Minx offers a specially developed Minx heat lamp that provides your clients with the optimal performance. You can also buy a heat bulb from your local hardware or lighting store and install into your own lamp.

SUGGESTED SPECS FOR HEAT LAMP BULBS:

• Feit Electric 250 watt clears 130V. #250R40/1-130
• Philips Heat Light 175 watt clear 120V #175PAR/Heat 120V

If you are in a country that has different voltage you can go to
http://www.lighting.philips.com for the Philips heat light that will work in your country.

The Minx Heat is currently made for US voltage. If you purchase it for overseas you may need to buy a converter.

Can I use a hair dryer instead?

If you have purchased a mini-kit you can use a hair dryer or other heat source to trial Minx on yourself, friends and family. The blowing, the noise, and the inconsistence in heat make a hair dryer not suitable to use on clients.

Do I or my client need Minx Heat to remove Minx?

No, you are using the heat to make the adhesive easier to remove once the seal has been broken. For this you can use warm water or a hair dryer.

How long does Minx last?
It depends on several factors; the most important being proper application. The norm being 1-2 weeks. Minx does not chip, it may wear slightly at the free edge of the nails that are heavily used but will not wear any further.

Do I need a top or base coat?

No, you need a clean, dry surface and Minx.

Can I apply the clear Minx over nail polish to help protect the polish and nail?

It depends on the nail polish and the grip the polish has to the nail plate. If there is good adhesion Minx works nicely over polish. If not it may take the polish completely off the nail. We recommend experimenting on yourself with the polish you use before using on your clients.

Can I apply Minx on acrylics, gels, silk wraps, and or natural nails?

You can apply Minx on any of the above surfaces.

How long does it take to apply Minx?

With practice you should be able to apply Minx in the same amount of time you would apply nail polish. (includes base coat, two color coats and a top coat)

How long does it take to dry?

Minx requires no drying time. When you are finished the client can leave immediately. Because Minx is a dry coating there is no smudging.

How do I get training?

Once you purchase a starter kit you will get access to our online training video. The video is approximately 12 minutes. We then expect you to practice, practice, practice. It takes between 10-15 sets before you should be applying Minx on clients. You may get an application that looks good at first but may have problems in a day or two that is due to application issues. This is why we recommend practicing on yourself, friends and family. Observe Minx often during the wear time and remove it during the practice time (vs having them remove it).
There are two other levels of training; we will have information on them shortly, keep checking our website for updates.

TROUBLE SHOOTING.

My client has really small nail beds and the Minx templates are too small.

You can trim Minx with a nail scissors. There are two methods you can use. First method is to apply Minx starting on one side (vs starting in the middle of the nail bed) leaving the side that needs trimming off the nail bed then trim the excess with a scissors. For the second method you can cut out the template, including the backing, you will be using. Place over the nail bed and trim to size before applying.

My client has really big nail beds and the Minx templates are too big.

You can try using toe nail templates or turning the template sideways (both require trimming Minx). If this does not work you may need to tell your client we currently do not have anything that will work for them and that you will let them know when we will. In the future Minx is coming out with a smaller and larger template.

Minx seems to have shrunk but only from the free edge.

This could be three different issues or a combination.

1. The file may not have been held correctly and some of the top layer of Minx was filed off. (please see photo of correct way to hold file. Note: if dealing with really short nails you may need to trim with scissors or file side to side. Manage your clients expectations by informing them they may experience some edge issues if their nails are very short.)

2. Filing under heat. You want to remove Minx from the heat source and allow to cool (about 10 seconds) like most materials heat causes Minx to expand and cool shrink. You want Minx to have shrunk before filing off the free edge.

3. Wear- if you have a client that is rough on their nails they may wear the very top edge (about 1/16th inch). Once the contact area is worn it does not wear further.

Minx is lifting at the free edge.

1. Did you perform the three point check under heat? Heat not only helps the adhesion to the nail bed it also changes the memory of Minx to conform to the compound curve of the nail. If you do not use enough heat or pressure Minx may look good for the first couple days and then may experience issues such as lifting.

2. Client may be rough on their nails- if they are pickers instruct them to get in the habit of rubbing Minx into the nail vs rubbing away from the nail which will make it lift. We recommend wearing gloves when gardening or other activates that involves abrasive products. If they do experience lifting at the edge they can scrub with a nail brush under warm water than apply pressure to re-adhere Minx to the nail.

Minx is lifting on the sides or bottom of nail.

1. Did you perform the three point check under heat? Heat not only helps the adhesion to the nail bed it also changes the memory of Minx to conform to the compound curve of the nail. If you do not use enough heat or pressure Minx may look good for the first couple days and then may experience issues such as lifting.

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4. Was the nail cleaned with alcohol and two lint free wipes? You want to use one wipe that is soaked in alcohol to clean and the second one to wipe dry. If you only use one wipe there is a good chance there is still contamination on the nail which will not permit a good seal. You can also use a Q-tip to clean thoroughly around the nail folds.

5. Was Minx applied over the cuticle? You can not get a proper seal when applied over the cuticle.

6. We recommend a dry manicure and to apply the cuticle moisturizer and oils after applying Minx.
   
   There is a crease what can I do?
   
   In some cases you can remove Minx and reheat it which will bring it back to its original state. If this does not work you may have to use another Minx, and trim to fit. Practice, practice, practice will help prevent this from happening but if it does, rework or redo it as you do not have a good seal and not only does it not look good it will not perform will.