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

Why do some of my clients’ toenails seem to warp with age?

Why do some of my clients’ toenails seem to warp with age? Sometimes it seems like they are taking on a shape of their own.... read more

How do I make acrylic or gel stick to predesigned tips with art?

I have decided to try predesigned tips with art, but I am having trouble making the acrylic or gel stick to them. After a few days the product lifts off the tips. I tried to gently file the tip’s surface but it takes the design off. Please help.... read more

What causes gel to crack?

Any idea what causes gel to crack?... read more

How do I prevent lifting when using resin wraps?

I’m using resin wraps, and I’m encountering lifting from time to time. I think my prep is good, and that it might just be product getting on the skin. Is there anything I can do better?... read more

How do I add glitter to an enhancement without causing it to breakdown prematurely?

A current trend is to add glitter, mylar, and other embellishments to nail enhancements, but how can nail techs be sure they aren’t compromising the strength of the enhancement and causing premature service breakdown by adding too much? Sometimes the glitter tips I’ve sculpted break off at the free edge, causing clients to doubt my abilities. (This occurs more often in gels than acrylics.)     ... read more

Are there gels that do not have to be cured under the light?

I have a client who had her nails done while I was out of town. She requested gel nails, however there was no light used. The tech used powder then mixed it with the liquid to make the gel. She was assured it was gel and not acrylic, but no light was used. After the nails were completed, they put a different coat on and used light. Sounds like acrylic with a gel sealant to me, but they told her it was a new way of applying gel. I am very confused. I thought all gels had to be cured under the light.... read more

What is a good technique for polishing a French manicure on toes?

What is a good technique for polishing a French manicure on toes? I seem to make a mess and can’t get a thin, white free edge.... read more

How do you warn your clients not to use lotion before they come in?

I read about a tech who had a client that could not hold gel on her nails. The tech tried everything, and then found out the client had been applying hand lotion prior to the services. My question is, what are the signs to look for that a client has recently applied lotion? And how do you warn your clients not to use lotions before they come in?... read more

What is the best way to control gel when I am putting it on the nail?

I’ve been doing nails for two years using acrylics, and I’ve recently switched to gels but I’m having trouble controlling the gel when I put it on the nail. I know I need to practice more, but is there anything I can do to help get the hang of it?... read more

Why do I have problems with acrylic lifting?

I have problems with acrylic lifting. I have very good prep and can find no problems with my application. The only thing I can come up with is maybe I put the apex in the wrong spot. I put my apex in the middle of the nail, not necessarily on the spot on the natural nail where the free edge joins the nail bed. Is this the reason why I get lifting around the cuticle? It seems if I put the apex back further (if the nails are long) then they will look a bit silly.  ... read more

How do I control the gel when I put it on the nail?

I’ve been doing nails for two years using acrylics, and I’ve recently switched to gels but I’m having trouble controlling the gel when I put it on the nail. I know I need to practice more, but is there anything I can do to help get the hang of it?... read more

Why do I get lifting around the cuticle on my acrylics?

I have problems with acrylic lifting. I have very good prep and can find no problems with my application. The only thing I can come up with is maybe I put the apex in the wrong spot. I put my apex in the middle of the nail, not necessarily on the spot on the natural nail where the free edge joins the nail bed. Is this the reason why I get lifting around the cuticle? It seems if I put the apex back further (if the nails are long) then they will look a bit silly.... read more