Imenka Dual Forms Size S: Old Version vs New Version — What Can You Actually Create?
Choosing between the old and new version of a dual form range is not always straightforward, particularly when the packaging, sizing numbers and plastic all change between versions. This comparison looks specifically at the Imenka Size S dual forms, old version against new, to help you decide whether upgrading is worthwhile and what this size is actually designed to produce.
Old Version vs New Version: The Short Answer
The new version of Imenka Size S dual forms is the better buy. It offers more pieces, more size options, a wider fit for broader nail plates, and flexible plastic around the cuticle zone that allows a clean imprint without filing. The old version’s thicker, more rigid plastic and built-in cuticle architecture can create a visible ridge that is difficult to avoid.
Packaging and Quantity: What Actually Changed
The new version comes in a blue box, which is a small but genuinely useful change. It allows you to identify the range at a glance on a shelf, unlike the old clear packaging which gives no visual indication of what is inside. Both versions include labels for organising the box by size.
In terms of quantity, the old version includes 120 pieces across 12 sizes. The new version includes 140 pieces across 14 sizes, giving a broader range to work with.
What Size S Is Actually For
Size S does not mean small nails. This is one of the most common misunderstandings with this range. Size S refers to a flatter nail plate with less pronounced C-curve, not a smaller finger. The range still includes sizes running from tiny to quite large, all sharing that flatter profile.
Understanding what each dual form size is actually designed for, rather than assuming from the label, is exactly the kind of foundational knowledge covered in the free dual forms guide.
Width and Sizing Differences Between the Two Versions
One frequently reported issue with the old version was width. Technicians working with clients who have wider nail plates often struggled to find a suitable fit. The new version addresses this directly, offering a noticeably wider option at the equivalent size.
The sizing numbers themselves have also changed between versions. A size that matched a particular nail on the old range does not necessarily correspond to the same numbered size on the new range. If you are used to the old numbering, expect to relearn which number fits which nail.
Plastic Flexibility and the Cuticle Zone
This is where the two versions differ most significantly. The old version uses a thick, relatively rigid plastic with built-in structure around the cuticle area. In practice, this can create a visible ridge or step near the cuticle zone, regardless of how carefully the form is applied.
The new version uses noticeably more flexible plastic in the same area, allowing a clean imprint without any filing or refinement required afterwards. This is a meaningful difference for anyone aiming for a natural, modern-looking result straight from the form.
Why This Matters in the Salon
A form that requires filing to remove a ridge adds time to every appointment and increases the risk of over-thinning the natural nail during refinement. A flexible cuticle zone that produces a clean imprint on its own is a genuine time and quality advantage.
C-Curve Comparison
Viewed from the side, the difference in C-curve between the two versions is subtle. The old version may have a very slightly more pronounced curve through the middle, which can translate into a marginally straighter finished nail when using the new version by comparison. In practice, this difference is minor enough that it should not be a deciding factor on its own.
What You Can Realistically Produce With Size S
Size S dual forms are designed for short to medium-length nail extensions, or a natural nail overlay. They are not designed for long extensions or dramatic length, regardless of version. Attempting to push length beyond what the form is designed for will not produce the intended result.
In terms of shape, Size S is realistically suited to round or square nails only. This is a limitation of the form’s structure, not a matter of technique, and it is worth factoring into your form selection before purchasing based on the shapes you intend to offer clients.
Which Version Should You Buy
The new version is the recommended choice. Between the wider range of sizes, the corrected width for broader nail plates, and the flexible cuticle zone that removes the need for filing, it produces a noticeably cleaner result with less manual correction required.
If you already own the old version and are working within a tight budget, it remains usable and does not need to be replaced immediately. When you are in a position to upgrade, moving to the new version is worthwhile.
Choosing and Using Dual Forms With Confidence
Comparisons like this one help with a single purchasing decision. Understanding dual forms as a category, how to assess sizing, structure, flexibility and shape suitability across brands and versions generally, is a broader skill covered in depth inside the Ultimate Dual Forms Online Course. The course is built around thinking through these decisions for yourself, rather than memorising a fixed set of steps for one specific product.
Key Takeaway
Size S is built for flatter nail plates and short to medium round or square nails, not small fingers or long extensions. The new Imenka version improves on the old in every meaningful way, more sizes, a wider fit, and flexible plastic that produces a clean imprint without filing.
Want to Choose Dual Forms With Real Confidence?
Understanding sizing, structure and shape suitability across any dual form brand is covered in the Ultimate Dual Forms Online Course.
See Full Course Details →About Radina Ignatova and Her Teaching Philosophy
About the Author
Radina Ignatova
Professional Nail Expert | International Nail Educator
I am Radina Ignatova, a Professional Nail Expert since 2014 and International Nail Educator, based in Scotland, UK. I am the Founder of Artistic Touch Nail Training Academy and TheNailWiki.
At Artistic Touch Nail Training Academy, I provide professional online nail courses specialising in dual forms, gel systems, polygel application, advanced nail structure, E-File work and Russian Manicure, with a strong focus on professional salon safety. I continue to work actively in salon practice, ensuring that all education reflects real client scenarios and current industry standards.
My teaching philosophy is simple: I show real salon challenges, real mistakes and real performance testing, not just perfect demonstrations. This is how you develop genuine technical competence and become a confident, capable nail professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Size S mean these forms are for small nails?
No. Size S refers to a flatter nail plate profile with less C-curve, not the size of the finger. The range includes sizes from tiny to quite large, all sharing that flatter structure.
Can I use the old and new sizing numbers interchangeably?
No. The sizing numbers have changed between versions. A size that fitted a particular nail on the old range will not necessarily be the equivalent number on the new range. Expect to reassess sizing when switching versions.
Can Size S be used for long nail extensions?
No. This size is designed for short to medium extensions or a natural nail overlay. It is not structured to support long or dramatic length in either version.
What shapes work best with Size S dual forms?
Round and square shapes suit this size best. Other shapes are not recommended, as the form’s structure is built around short to medium length work rather than dramatic shaping.
Is it worth replacing old dual forms that still work?
If budget is a genuine constraint, the old version remains usable. When you are able to invest in an upgrade, the new version offers a meaningfully cleaner result with less manual correction required.
Want to build real confidence choosing and working with dual forms? View the course details →
Start With the Free Guide
New to dual forms, or want to understand sizing and selection before your next purchase? Start with the free guide.
Free Course: How to Pick Dual Forms →Disclaimer: This content reflects personal professional opinion based on hands-on comparison and is for nail technician education purposes only. Product ranges and specifications may change over time; always check current details with the manufacturer before purchasing.
About Artistic Touch Nail Training Academy
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