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Advanced Technique · Polygel Reconstruction

Problem Nails Masterclass:
Hooked, Curved & Downward Nails
— Fixes That Actually Work

Four real clients. Four different disasters. Hooked nails, missing sidewalls, deep cracks, inherited extensions. The cases other techs quietly refuse. This is advanced reconstruction — polygel, precision filing, and techniques that transform problem nails permanently.

LevelAdvanced
Lessons12 videos
Duration2 hours
AccessLifetime
CertificateIncluded
Enroll Now — $131.99 →
✓ 12 lessons · 4 real cases · Professional manuals included
✓ License-safe technique
✓ Anatomy-based — dead tissue only
Problem Nails Masterclass — real client reconstruction result
Real client result
✓ Hooked nail — fully reconstructed
🛡 14-Day Money-Back Guarantee — refund if less than 30% of course viewed. Full policy at vel.academy/refund
See It In Action

Watch what's inside — in under 60 seconds

What You'll Learn

✓Correct hooked, curved, and downward-growing nails using polygel reconstruction
✓Build sidewalls "in the air" when natural structure is completely gone
✓Assess crack severity — know when to cut, seal, or wait for grow-out
✓Transform oval shapes to squares by building corners that don't exist yet
✓File reconstructed nails without undoing your correction work
✓Fix inherited extensions faster than full removal
✓Lift dropped tips that point at the floor
✓Handle the cases other techs quietly refuse — and charge premium for it

Who This Course Is For

→Nail techs who want to stop turning away clients with difficult nails
→Professionals ready to charge premium prices for reconstruction work
→Techs who inherited clients with hooked, curved, or damaged extensions from other salons
→Graduates of Oval or Square courses ready to move into advanced cases
→Anyone who wants to become the go-to tech for problem nails in their area

Course Curriculum

12 lessons across 4 real cases · hooked nails · crack repair · shape transformation · extension correction

Case 1 — Curved & Hooked Nails
1
Assessment
Reading the Disaster
Assessment checklist before touching any problem nail — growth point, hook severity, direction.
2
Polygel Placement
Building Sidewalls in the Air
Guide polygel toward growth points and build structure where there's nothing.
3
Filing
Filing Reconstructed Nails
Thin from underneath, then surface file — protects the correction work you just built.
4
Hand Filing
Square Corners That Never Existed
Hand-file precision: tip first, then lower arch, then sidewalls.
5
Gel Finish
The Final Layer: Gel Over Polygel
A thin gel layer adds shine and refinement without losing the shape you just created.
Case 2 — Long Square with Cracks
6
Crack Assessment
Cracks Into Living Tissue
Assess crack severity — know when to seal, when to cut, when to wait for grow-out.
7
Repair & Rebuild
Long Square Reconstruction
Crack repair protocol, higher base placement, and polygel for heavy deformation.
8
Long Nail Filing
Filing Long Reconstructed Nails
Match finger lengths, thin without weakening, no heat or vibration.
Case 3 — Oval to Square Transformation
9
Building Corners
Creating Corners That Don't Exist
Polygel at the growth points, shaped before curing, then filed square.
10
Final Shaping
From Round to Sharp
Gel overlay plus precise filing — soft ovals leave the chair as crisp squares.
Case 4 — Inherited Extension Corrections
11
Extension Fix
Why Correction Beats Full Removal
Correction is faster and less damaging than starting over from scratch.
12
Correction Filing
Filing Corrected Extensions
Thin from underneath, protect rebuilt corners — same rules, extra caution.
Free Resource

Hooked nails, lifting, shape failures —
know exactly what went wrong.

Get the free Nail Result Diagnosis Map.

Problem nails have patterns. This map gives you a decision tree for the most common failures — find the root cause fast, apply the smallest fix that makes the biggest difference. Use it at your station before every difficult appointment.

  • Hooked and curved nails — growth point assessment before you pick up any tool
  • Lifting mapped by zone — separate logic for cuticle area, sidewalls, and free edge
  • Crack assessment: surface split vs nail bed — when to seal, when to wait
  • Shape transformation logic and inherited extension decision trees
Free Nail Diagnosis Map – Stop Lifting,
Breakage & Shape Problems in 60 Seconds.
Symptom → Cause → First Fix.
No more guessing which product is to blame.
This Diagnosis map is a practical troubleshooting tool for nail techs. It helps you identify the most likely cause of common failures and apply a First Fix (the smallest change with the biggest impact).
By submitting this form, you agree to our Privacy Policy and consent to VEL Academy processing your personal data to respond to your inquiry.
Problem Nails — e-file work in progress
Ready to start? 12 lessons · 4 real cases · Lifetime access
Enroll Now — $131.99 →

What You Need

📚
Prerequisites
Complete the Oval or Square course first — this is advanced work, basics are not covered here
🎛️
E-File Skills
Confident with gel leveling, e-file removal, and shape filing · comfortable at 10,000–25,000 RPM
🧪
Polygel
Access to polygel — this is the core material for reconstruction work in all 4 cases
✂️
Tools
E-file with carbide bits · cuticle scissors · nail files · standard manicure tools

Your Instructor

Yuliia — VEL Academy
Yuliia
Nail Educator · International Competition Winner · VEL Academy

With over 15 years of hands-on experience and a first-place win at an international nail competition in Warsaw, Yuliia used to refer problem nail clients out. Now they're her favorite appointments. This course documents exactly how she got there — four real cases, every decision explained, no basics assumed.

15+ Years Experience 🥇 1st Place — Warsaw Dry Manicure Specialist Russian Manicure & Pedicure Expert E-File Expert

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this course suitable for beginners?+
No. This is genuinely advanced work. The course assumes you are already confident with gel leveling, e-file removal, and shape filing. If you haven't done the Oval or Square course, start there first.
What is polygel and why is it used for problem nails?+
Polygel is a hybrid product — thicker than gel, more workable than acrylic. It holds shape where regular gel collapses. For hooked, curved, or structurally compromised nails, polygel can be shaped before curing, which means you can guide it toward growth points and build structure in mid-air.
Can hooked nails be permanently corrected?+
The nail grows the way the matrix tells it to — that doesn't change. What you can do is correct the appearance and structure at every appointment. With proper reconstruction at each fill, the nail gradually improves. Some clients see significant long-term improvement; others need maintenance at every visit.
How do I know if a crack can be sealed or needs to grow out?+
Surface splits above the stress point can usually be sealed today. Cracks that reach into or near the nail bed need to grow out — sealing them can trap bacteria. Lesson 6 covers the assessment in detail.
Why is correction better than removing inherited extensions?+
Full removal damages the nail plate and takes more time. If extensions are structurally intact, correction is faster and less traumatic. Lessons 11 and 12 show the full workflow.
How long do these appointments take?+
Longer — don't promise 50 minutes. A hooked nail reconstruction first appointment can take 90 minutes or more. This is premium-priced work, and clients who need it understand the time investment.
Is a certificate included?+
Yes. A certificate of completion from VEL Academy is issued automatically after you finish all modules.
What is the refund policy?+
14-day money-back guarantee. Contact us within 14 days of purchase for a full refund — provided that no more than 30% of the course content has been viewed. Full policy at vel.academy/refund.
Enroll Today

Problem Nails Masterclass

One payment. Lifetime access. Four real cases, complete reconstruction from start to finish.

$131.99
One-time payment · Instant access
  • 12 lessons across 4 real cases — hooked nails, cracks, transformation, extensions
  • Full polygel reconstruction technique — sidewalls, lifting, cracks, shape change
  • Filing sequences that protect your correction work
  • ★ Professional manuals & nail diagnosis diagrams to support your learning
  • Full equipment list included
  • Lifetime access — revisit any lesson at any time
  • Certificate of completion from VEL Academy
  • 14-day money-back guarantee — up to 30% of course viewed. Zero risk.
Enroll Now →
🛡
14-Day Money-Back Guarantee Not satisfied? Contact us within 14 days of purchase for a full refund — as long as less than 30% of the course has been viewed. Full policy at vel.academy/refund
🎯 Free Nail Diagnosis Map — stop guessing why nails lift, break, or look bulky. Find your fix in under 3 minutes. Get It Free →
Enroll Today

Complete Russian Manicure Masterclass

One payment. Unlimited access. The complete e-file system — start to professional.

$311.99
One-time payment · Unlimited access
  • 5 complete courses: Oval · Square · Problem Nails · Pedicure · Stamping
  • ★ Bonus 1: Manicure on Mature Hands — exclusive to bundle
  • ★ Bonus 2: Express 34-Minute Full Manicure — exclusive to bundle
  • ★ Professional manuals & nail diagnosis diagrams to support your learning
  • 10.5 hours · filmed on live clients · timers on screen at every stage
  • Save $99 vs buying all courses separately
  • Lifetime access — revisit any lesson at any time
  • Certificate of completion from VEL Academy
Get Full Bundle →
📚 See the Full Curriculum 54 lessons · 8 sections · 10.5 hours of training +
1. Oval Nail Shape Mastery10 lessons+
  1. Oval Nails in 50 min: Russian Manicure E-File Technique From Removal to Finish
  2. Gel Removal in 3 Minutes: The Trick Is Knowing When to Stop
  3. Opening the Pocket: Orange Stick Work That Sets Up Everything
  4. Cuticle Cutting Without the Drama: Scissors at 45 Degrees, Tiny Steps
  5. Surface Prep at 10K: Creating the Perfect Canvas for Gel
  6. Thin Base Application: Less Product, Better Results
  7. The Hand-Flip Trick: Gel Leveling That Skips Surface Filing
  8. Oval Shaping: Symmetry Checks and the 20-Second Shape
  9. Top Coat and Final Filing: The Details That Make It Professional
  10. Gift Lecture: Quick Fix for Damaged Nails: Restoration Without Full Rebuild
2. Square Nails in 50 Minutes11 lessons+
  1. Square Nail Shape Mastery
  2. Three-Minute Gel Removal: Following the Diagram That Actually Works
  3. Orange Stick Prep: Opening the Pocket Without Jamming Pterygium
  4. Scissors Degrees: The Two-Grip Method for Clean Cuticle Cuts
  5. Thin Leveling That Needs Zero Surface Filing: The Hand-Flip Method
  6. Filing Square Degrees: From Sharp to Soft in the Right Order
  7. Black Polish in Two Coats: If It Looks Good in Black, You've Nailed It
  8. The Secret Step: Filing After Top Coat for That Crisp Edge
  9. Two-Coat Color Application: Center, Sidewalls, Fine Liner Method
  10. Gel Strengthening — Short Nails 1
  11. Gel Strengthening — Short Nails 2
3. Problem Nails Masterclass: Russian Technique14 lessons+
  1. Introduction: Problem Nails Masterclass
  2. Curved & Hooked Nails: What I Look for Before Touching a Problem Nail
  3. Curved & Hooked Nails: Building Sidewalls in the Air
  4. Curved & Hooked Nails: How to File Reconstructed Nails Without Correction
  5. Curved & Hooked Nails: Square Corners on Nails That Never Had Corners
  6. Curved & Hooked Nails: Gel Over Polygel for a Finished Look
  7. Long Square: Cracks Into Living Tissue — When to Cut, When to Seal, When to Wait
  8. Long Square: Reconstruction — Lifting, Cracks, and Twisted Sidewalls All at Once
  9. Long Square: Filing Long Reconstructed Nails Without Losing the Structure
  10. Oval to Square: She Wants Squares But Has Ovals — Creating Corners That Don't Exist
  11. Oval to Square: From Round to Sharp — Filing the Transformation Complete
  12. Extension Corrections: Inherited Extensions — Why Correction Beats Full Removal
  13. Extension Corrections: Filing Corrected Extensions
  14. Reconstruction Parallels: Missing Sidewalls — Jelly Gel Technique
4. Bonus: Manicure on Mature Hands3 lessons+
  1. Part 1: Why Some Clients Take 80 Minutes — And That's Okay
  2. Part 2: Talc Technique and Why These Hands Need Extra Care
  3. Part 3: The Time-Saving Workflow — File After Top Coat, Not Before
5. Bonus: Express 34-Minute Full Manicure1 lesson+
  1. Manicure in 34 Minutes: Full Service, Start to Finish
6. Nail Stamping Secrets7 lessons+
  1. Stamping Promo: What You'll Learn
  2. The Stamper I Use 80% of the Time: Firm Head, Rolling Motion, Real Results
  3. Clear Stamper: See Where You're Placing the Design
  4. Getting the Design Under the Cuticle (Without the Mess)
  5. Two-Color and Three-Color Gradient: The Scraper Trick
  6. Reverse Stamping: Hand-Painted Look Without the Skill
  7. Chrome, Foil, Watercolor Drops: Stamping Combined With Everything
7. Professional Pedicure Course: Russian Technique7 lessons+
  1. Professional Pedicure Masterclass: Russian E-File Technique for 50-Minute Service
  2. Clean Feet, No Coating: My Full Hygienic Pedicure Workflow
  3. Model 2, Processing: Nail Prep Before Color
  4. Model 2, Coating: One-Coat Red and the Filing Trick After Top Coat
  5. Model 3: Double Cuticle, Thick Coating, Sensitive Skin — Now What?
  6. Model 3: White Gel Without the Base Coat Hassle
  7. Speed Run With Timer: Watch the Full Pedicure at Work Speed
8. Additional Materials1 item+
  1. Additional Training Materials & Reference Guides

All lessons filmed on live clients with on-screen timers. Includes printable manuals and nail diagnosis diagrams for every course.

🛡
14-Day Money-Back Guarantee Not satisfied? Contact us within 14 days of purchase and get a full refund — as long as you've watched less than 30% of the course. Full policy at vel.academy/refund

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