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Could chlorine in the water make my client's acrylics lift?

December 20, 2010

Water, whether chlorinated or from the tap, will not by itself cause lifting. However, if lifting has already begun, frequent exposure to water will exacerbate the problem. Lifting should not occur if the nail is properly prepared and the correct liquid-to-powder ratio is applied. It is also important to leave a 1/16-inch margin around the cuticle and side-wall. When acrylic cures, it will shrink slightly and grip the nail plate with an airtight seal. When acrylic product is applied to the cuticle and touches the skin, natural oils can be quickly absorbed into the product, and lifting will occur. — Preuss

Although I have been taught that chlorinated water will not cause lifting, sometimes I think it is possible. In any case, I suggest dehydrating the nails thoroughly, then either use a UV light-activated acrylic system or apply heat from your table lamp to traditional acrylics. — Stadamire

Although prolonged exposure to water (chlorinated or not) is not advisable, it may not be the primary cause of lifting. Review your application procedure, including preparation and filing techniques. Also consider the client’s other activities and the time between appointments. A combination of factors may be responsible. — Schrabeck

There are so many causes or potential reasons for “problem” lifting, but chlorinated water is usually not one of them. Although overexposure to water may cause the natural nail to expand and contract, pulling away from the edges around the free edge, it should not cause acrylic to lift from the nail. — Roberts

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