I Spent Over £100 on Imenka Dual Forms V2 — First Impressions of the Full Range
Nine boxes, a genuine personal purchase, and a first look at the complete Imenka Version 2 dual forms range. This is not a sponsored review. Every box was bought with my own money, and this article shares my honest first impressions before testing each form on real nails.
First Impressions of the Full V2 Range
The V2 range spans nine boxes across three categories: salon essentials (S, M, XL), nail extension shapes (stiletto, square, arched square), and an almond bundle (almond, arched almond, Russian almond). Early impressions are strongly positive, particularly for the arched almond and Russian almond, which appear to fix the structural dip that made Version 1 disappointing.
What Is Actually in the V2 Lineup
The range is organised into three groups. Salon essentials cover S, M and XL, the forms most technicians reach for day to day. Nail extension shapes cover stiletto, square and arched square. The third group is an almond bundle, sold together, covering almond, arched almond and Russian almond.
Salon Essentials: S, M and XL — What Each Is Actually For
Size S is built for flatter nail beds with less pronounced C-curve. This has not changed from earlier impressions of the range.
Size M shows a clearer difference from Version 1. The arch on the new M is noticeably higher, closer to what would previously have been expected from an L.
Size XL is the one most likely to confuse newer technicians, because the name suggests it is for larger nails. It is not. XL is intended mainly for hooked nails and corrective work, with the appropriate choice depending on how much curve the client’s natural nail has.
A full comparison of the old and new Size S, including packaging, sizing numbers and plastic flexibility, is covered in a separate article: Imenka Dual Forms Size S: Old Version vs New Version.
Nail Extension Forms: Stiletto, Square and Arched Square
The stiletto form has a genuinely nice apex, visible clearly from the side profile, and looks suited to medium to long extensions depending on the client’s natural C-curve. This is one form I expect to reach for often.
The square form sits differently. It has a much flatter apex than the stiletto, tapering into a narrower free edge, and sits close to the natural nail. It looks like a form that will see regular salon use.
The arched square has a lower apex again, closer in feel to the Ready To Go arched square. The plastic on the body of this form is noticeably thicker than the others in the range, while still remaining flexible. Square nails need that additional structural support, which explains the thicker build on this particular shape.
The Almond Bundle: Almond, Arched Almond and Russian Almond
The plain almond shape was the hardest to form a first impression of. The apex looked unusual on first inspection, and rather than judge it from appearance alone, this is one that genuinely needs a full set applied to a real nail before forming a fair opinion.
The arched almond made a strong first impression, closely resembling the Ready To Go smooth almond that has been a long-standing favourite. This is very likely to become a regularly used form, suited to short, medium and potentially full-length work based on the architecture alone.
The Russian almond arrives in a considerably larger box than the rest of the bundle, with 180 pieces compared to 140 in the other boxes, reflecting a wider range of sizes. The body of the form is more structured, appropriate for supporting longer nail extensions, while the cuticle area remains smooth for a clean imprint.
Fixing the V1 Dip
Version 1’s Russian almond and other extreme-length forms had a noticeable dip through the middle, which was disappointing enough that those forms were barely used after purchase. The V2 Russian almond appears to have corrected this structural issue.
Clear vs Frosted Plastic: What the Difference Means
Every form in the range is clear except the Russian almond, which uses a semi-frosted plastic. It is frosted enough to change the finish, but not so opaque that visibility underneath is lost while working.
Clear plastic tends to produce a glass-smooth surface, which most technicians will want to buff lightly before polish. The semi-frosted Russian almond, by contrast, allows polish to be applied straight after the form is removed, without that buffing step.
Why This Upgrade Felt Worth the Cost
Version 1, in total, represented a significant investment that ultimately saw very little use. The dip in the extreme-length forms was disappointing enough that most of that original set sat largely untouched. Version 2 represents a considerably larger spend again, but the early impression is that this set will actually get used, rather than sitting in a drawer.
Packaging and Shelf Organisation
Each V2 box carries its name printed on the side, unlike the original packaging, which had no side labelling at all. This allows the full range to be displayed upright on a shelf, like books, with each box identifiable at a glance rather than needing to be pulled out and checked individually.
Individual Reviews Coming
These are first impressions from opening all nine boxes together. Full comparisons against Version 1, along with real nail results from each shape, will follow in dedicated reviews. Understanding how to evaluate dual form structure, plastic type and shape suitability for yourself, rather than relying on someone else’s unboxing alone, is covered in depth inside the Ultimate Dual Forms Online Course.
Key Takeaway
The full V2 range shows meaningful structural improvements over Version 1, particularly the Russian almond, which appears to have resolved the dip that made the original largely unusable. Early standouts are the stiletto, arched almond and Russian almond, though full judgement is reserved until each is tested on real nails.
Want to Evaluate Dual Forms Like a Professional?
Understanding structure, plastic type 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
Is XL the right choice for clients with large nails?
Not necessarily. XL is intended mainly for hooked nails and corrective work, with the right choice depending on the client’s natural curve, not the overall size of the nail.
Why is the Russian almond plastic different from the rest of the range?
It uses a semi-frosted plastic rather than clear. This allows polish to be applied straight after the form is removed, without needing to buff first, while still allowing enough visibility to work accurately underneath.
Does the arched square form suit every client?
It is built with thicker, more structured plastic specifically to support square nails, which need that additional architecture. Suitability still depends on the individual client’s nail shape and natural curve.
Was Version 1 of this range worth buying?
Based on personal experience, no. The dip in the extreme-length forms, including the Russian almond, made much of the original set impractical, and it saw very little actual use after purchase.
Will full reviews of each form be published separately?
Yes. This article covers first impressions from unboxing. Detailed comparisons against Version 1, along with real nail results, will follow for each individual shape.
Want to choose and use dual forms with real confidence? View the course details →
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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. This is not a sponsored review; all products discussed were purchased personally. Product ranges, pricing 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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