Comparison

TipMate App vs Nail Tech Prep

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

TipMate App

Features
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TipMate is a precision-focused tool designed to support nail technicians during nail tip placement. Built for professionals who value consistency, accuracy, and efficiency, TipMate helps reduce guesswork and improve alignment when applying nail tipsβ€”especially during structured or full-set services. Whether you’re a student, licensed tech, or seasoned professional, TipMate supports better habits and cleaner application through guided placement assistance. Why Nail Techs Use TipMate β€’ Improve tip alignment and symmetry β€’ Reduce rework and time spent correcting placement β€’ Support consistent results across all fingers β€’ Useful for practice, training, and professional services TipMate is designed to complement your existing skillsβ€”not replace them. It’s a support tool created with nail professionals in mind. For educational and professional use only. Results may vary based on technique and experience.

About

Nail Tech Prep

Features
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NAIL TECH PREP: PASS YOUR STATE BOARD WRITTEN EXAM FIRST TRY The nail technician state board written exam has a first-attempt pass rate of approximately 50 percent. Candidates who fail most often struggle with the chemistry behind nail enhancements, infection control procedures, and identifying nail disorders. This app is built around all three. NAIL SHAPE GUIDE Square: straight free edge at 90 degrees. Squoval: square with slightly rounded corners, most universally flattering. Round: follows the natural curve of the fingertip. Oval: elongated round with tapered sides. Almond: tapered to a narrow rounded point. Coffin or ballerina: long tapered sides with flat squared tip. Stiletto: tapered to a sharp point. Lipstick or slant: filed diagonally for an angular look. Mountain peak: V-shaped center dip. Flare or duck: widens at the tip. For each shape: filing direction (always one direction only, never sawing), best nail length, best hand and finger types, and common mistakes that cause breakage. OVERLAY COMPARISON CHART Acrylic: monomer and polymer powder, strongest system, acetone removal. Gel: UV or LED cure, more flexible, soaks off. Dip powder: activator and colored powder, no UV lamp, soaks off. Gel polish: thin soak-off coating, 2 to 3 week wear. Nail wraps (silk or fiberglass): weakest system, used for repairs. Builder gel (BIAB): thick self-leveling UV or LED gel, strengthens natural nail. For each system: chemistry, curing method, wear time, removal method, lifting causes, and contraindications. SANITATION CHECKLIST Non-porous metal implements: clean, then submerge in EPA-registered disinfectant for 10 minutes minimum. Porous implements (foam files, buffers, wooden sticks): single-use only, discard after each client. Electric file bits: same as metal implements. Foot spas: drain, clean, and disinfect after every client, flush lines at end of each day. When to refuse service: open wounds, fungal infection (onychomycosis), bacterial infection (paronychia, greenies), warts, inflamed tissue. 1,000+ PRACTICE QUESTIONS INFECTION CONTROL AND SANITATION (30%): Disinfection levels, quaternary ammonium compounds and contact time, single-use vs multi-use implements, foot spa disinfection, nail disorder contraindications and when to refuse service. NAIL SCIENCES AND DISORDERS (25%): Nail anatomy (plate, bed, matrix, lunula, cuticle, hyponychium, eponychium), growth rate, nail disorders (onychomycosis, paronychia, pseudomonas greenie, onycholysis, beau's lines, leukonychia, pterygium), conditions requiring physician referral. MANICURE AND PEDICURE PROCEDURES (20%): Correct service order, cuticle care, massage movements, paraffin application, callus removal limitations. NAIL ENHANCEMENTS (15%): Acrylic chemistry (exothermic reaction, bead consistency, application zones), gel curing requirements, dip activator chemistry, removal procedures, lifting causes, fill and rebalance technique. STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS (10%): Licensing hours and renewal, scope of practice, salon requirements, client record-keeping, health inspection standards. Every question includes a detailed explanation. FREE: 5 questions per day, 5 nail shapes, disinfection reference card. No account required. MONTHLY ($9.99/month): All 1,000+ questions, all 10 nail shapes, full Overlay Comparison Chart, complete Sanitation Checklist, reference library, exam simulator, 3-day free trial. ANNUAL ($24.99/year): Everything in Monthly. Save over 55 percent. Best value. LIFETIME ($49.99): One payment. Permanent access. PASS PROMISE: Complete all questions with 80% or higher average, hold active subscription for 3 months, still do not pass. We extend your access by 4 months at no charge. voltexam.com/pass-promise Not affiliated with any state cosmetology board, NIC, or PSI Services. Privacy Policy: https://www.voltexam.com/privacy Terms of Service: https://www.voltexam.com/terms

Screenshots

TipMate App4 screens
Nail Tech Prep4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TipMate App at none against Nail Tech Prep's 3. On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. Nail Tech Prep sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. TipMate App asks for nothing beyond the download.

Scorecard1 real difference Β· 5 level
TipMate App versus Nail Tech Prep: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTipMate AppNail Tech Prep
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyβ€”Every 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo β€” betterYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad β€” betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.617.0 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size4 MB7 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperLA PERLE NOIRE LLCDeeun Inc.

In-app purchases

None

TipMate App

No in-app purchases

3 purchases

Nail Tech Prep

Subscriptions2
  • Monthly Access3 Days trial$9.991 Month
  • Annual Access$24.991 Year
One-time1
  • Nail Tech - Lifetime Pro$49.99

Questions

Is TipMate App free?
TipMate App is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Nail Tech Prep free?
Nail Tech Prep is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do TipMate App or Nail Tech Prep have ads?
Neither TipMate App nor Nail Tech Prep shows ads.

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