Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Technique

Am I losing my touch applying acrylics?

September 3, 2014

There are many techs who have great success with clients going three to four weeks in between fills with NSI products. The exceptional adhesion combined with durability and flexibility make it a great choice for techs looking to extend time between fills. So here are a few things I would look at:

First, I would make sure your product hasn’t expired and that it is stored correctly and not contaminated. Check the expiration date on the products. Liquids and powders are good for a year after they are opened. Liquids should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment and not stored near the powder.
Make sure you’re taking steps to not contaminate your liquid. For example, don’t use a dropper to take it out of the bottle and make sure you never leave it open on your station. Also make sure you’re using new liquid for each client.
Check your prep. Are you getting down into the sidewalls with your file and cleansing and dehydrating well in that area? Is your brush contaminated? Brushes should be cleaned and stored in a brush holder away from all the dust and contaminates that are present at a nail station.
Mix ratio of the product is also key. You should be using a medium-wet mix ratio with the NSI Attraction system. If you’re working with it too wet or too dry, this can cause product breakdown, which eventually leads to broken nails.
Are you using the correct primer properly? If a methacrylic acid primer is used and it touches existing product, it can cause product breakdown and discolor the acrylic. Attraction acid-free primer is the best primer to use with the Attraction line of acrylics.
— Malinda Haggerty, director of sales and education for NSI

More FAQ

Is there a way to remove dark spots from the bottoms of my clients' feet?

Now that it’s pedicure season, some of my clients have asked if there is a way to remove dark spots from the bottoms of their feet. They have no medical conditions.... read more

How do you help restore the nail bed after an electric file has been used on it leaving "rings of fire"?

What can be done when a client suffers the painful grooves in her nail from improper drill ulse?... read more

Why are my gel nails still sticky and thicker on one end?

Why are my gel nails still sticky and thicker on one end?... read more

Can you please recommend a good size acrylic brush for the novice to practice with?

I am a nail tech and still new to our industry. Can you please recommend a good size acrylic brush for the novice to practice with?... read more

Do ultra-white gels not cure properly because they are so dense?

I was told that when using ultra-white gels, you have to apply a thin layer of clear or soft white underneath or the gels won’t cure properly. The explanation was that bright whites are denser so the UV light has difficulty penetrating. Is this true?... read more

Are there any dangers associated with children wearing artificial nails?

I know two children (ages 8 and 10) whose mother has had acrylic nails placed on them. I don’t think it’s a good idea to have them on such young girls, especially since they are very active. Are there any dangers associated with children wearing artificial nails?... read more

Why is my gel top coat pitting and separating over my pink-and-white applications?

I use UV gel top coats over my pink-and-whites. Sometimes they don’t set up right — they pit and separate — and sometimes they seem great, only to pit and separate later in the day. Could it be due to air getting in the bottle? It drives me crazy.... read more

Is there a certain technique for drilling out pink-and-whites?

I use a French drill bit to rebalance my pink-and-whites. Is there a certain technique for drilling it out — for instance is there a certain angle? Do I do short nail beds and long nail beds the same way?... read more

Why won't gel nails stay on my client?

I have a client who is a homemaker and nail biter. Gel nails don’t stay on more than 48 hours. They just pop off. She is the only client I’ve had this happen to. Why?... read more

After soaking off old acrylic, can a client, at the same visit, get tips and overlays?

After soaking off old acrylic, can a client, at the same visit, get tips and overlays? Or should we wait until the next visit when moisture in the nail isn’t a problem?... read more

Are there any medications that affect how well acrylic nail extensions adhere to the nail?

Are there any medications that affect how well acrylic nail extensions adhere to the nail?... read more

How do I keep acrylic nails from popping off my client with sweaty hands?

I have a client whose hands sweat like crazy. I put a full set on her and in two weeks they just popped off like nothing. I am using OPI Absolute with primer and Bond-Aid and they just keep coming off. Do you have any advice?... read more