Technique

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

You Might Also Like:

Something to Talk About: Product Lifting

Something to Talk About: Water-Logged Nails

Topics:acrylics acrylic maintenance lifting

More FAQ

My clear and acrylic nails appear dull or frosted. What am I doing wrong?

After I apply clear or natural acrylic nails, they don’t appear clear. They have an almost frosted or dull look. What am I doing wrong? Am I applying too much?... read more

How to I keep wraps from lifting on a client with poor circulation?

I have a client with very poor circulation, and therefore, very cold hands, making it difficult to keep her silk overlays from lifting. I have already tried pH balancers and extra silk and resin, but the lifting continues to occur. What else could I try that might work?... read more

If I don't etch the nails before applying acrylics, do I need to apply more primer?

During my training for fills, I was taught to etch the natural nail regrowth for the strongest hold and to prevent lifting. Yet, I recently read that a technician did not etch the nail because it causes so much damage. I agree, but wonder what the major difference would be without etching? Should I apply more primer?... read more

Should I remove the gel overlay from my client's damaged nail?

I have a client who wears gels over her natural nails. She hit her nail really hard and although it didn’t come off, it did bleed underneath the nail plate. Should I remove the overlay from the nail? Should I be worried about infection setting in?... read more

Is it common to have to change products or procedures depending on the weather?

Is it common to have to change products or procedures (including changing the ration of the products) depending on the weather? Is it possible for perspiration to make the product lift?... read more

Can you over-cure gel?

Can you over-cure gel?... read more

Why do some of my clients feel a burning sensation when I use my e-file?

I have only had my license for six months, and I have definitely found that my e-file cuts down on time. The only problem is when I’m reducing the acrylic to take off old product, some of my clients feel a burning sensation. I make sure I’m not applying too much pressure. I have my RPM set at 15,000 and usually use a medium-grit sanding band. What can I do about this? Should I go back to carbide bits?... read more

Why do some people wear gels over acrylic extensions?

I’ve heard that some people wear gels over acrylic extensions. Why do they do this, and how do you do this? Is there anything you have to be careful of during the application?... read more

I’ve heard that some people wear gels over acrylic extensions? Why do they do this, and how do you do this?

I’ve heard that some people wear gels over acrylic extensions? Why do they do this, and how do you do this? Is there anything you have to be careful of during the application?... read more

When I’m reducing the acrylic to take off old product, some of my clients feel a burning sensation. What can I do about this?

Myth Busters: Will suntan lotion mixed with the ocean's salty water turn gels to goo?

I heard that if you go into the ocean with a lot of suntan lotion on, the small amount of acetone in the suntan lotion interacts with the salt water and can run down your fingers and turn your gels to goo. Is this true?... read more

What’s the trick to getting dark glitters to cure when doing rock star gel nails?

What’s the trick to getting dark glitters to cure when doing rock star gel nails? I do my nail prep, then a layer of Akzentz Base N Gloss. I cure and put another layer of Base N Gloss, then sprinkle on the glitter and tap off some of the excess. I cure after that, and I brush off the excess again when it’s done, but a lot of glitter will come off with it. And this is with a brand new gel lamp. So I put on more gel, more glitter, etc., but I’d like to get it right the first time to save time.... read more

Prev Next