This sounds like a moisture problem. Some people have oily or sweaty nail plates. Try dehydrating the nails by spraying 99% alcohol on a towel and then scrubbing the nail. Then apply nail prep and a good base coat. — Kesha Hackett is the owner of Lavender Nail & Make-up Studio in Oakland, Calif.
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How do I avoid bubbles in my polish application?
February 21, 2008
More FAQ
How can I set up my salon with a rustic look?
I live in a mountain community where everything is rustic in appearance. I would love some ideas for how to set up my salon with that rustic look. I found some pedicure bowls online, and I was thinking about putting river rocks in the bottom for each client to massage her feet on while she is soaking. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated... read more
How do I decide what size rhinestones to buy for my nail art?
I want to purchase rhinestones for my nail art, but I’m not sure what size to buy (1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, etc.). How do I decide? Any input on what the most popular rhinestone size is?... read more
Do you have any suggestions about what to do about baggy, low cover-ups?
I’m really short, so the cover-ups my salon owner provides fall so low on me. They also look baggy and big. I’d prefer to look neat and professional. Do you have any suggestions about what to do about baggy, low cover-ups, and about what else is available to us in the industry?... read more
Why is it that most nail technicians and the manufacturers at the shows wear black?
Why is it that most nail technicians and the manufacturers at the shows wear black? I think it’s a dumb color for us considering all of the nail dust we have all over us.... read more
Why is my French pink changing color after a few days?
One of my weekly natural nail clients always wears a French manicure. After the past few visits, the pink has turned very bright within a few days, even affecting the white that was applied over the pink. What is happening?... read more
My clients are saying their nail polish isn’t staying on. What can I do?
My clients are saying their nail polish isn’t staying on. What can I do?... read more
Is the way you shape a client’s nails a matter of preference for yourself?
Is the way you shape a client’s nails a matter of preference for yourself? I see so many versions of square, round, and squoval nails.... read more
How do I use an airbrush to create nail art?
I bought an airbrush machine but have no idea how to use it to create nail art. Where do I begin?... read more
Does polish (or the polish brush) get contaminated after use on a nail infection?
Does polish (or the polish brush) get contaminated after use on a nail infection, allowing the infection to spread to other people if the same polish is used? I thought I read somewhere that the ingredients in nail polish kill bacteria.... read more
Should the base coat, polish, and top coat all be the same brand to be chemically compatible for better adhesion?
Should the base coat, polish, and top coat all be the same brand name to be chemically compatible for better adhesion?... read more
Do you think it's important for manufacturers to advertise in consumer media?
As a nail tech, you know your brands well, but do your clients? Do clients care enough about the products you use for manufacturers to make the advertising investment?... read more
Why don't we have to shake up the bottles of base coat or top coat as we do the polish?
Why don't we have to shake up the bottles of base coat or top coat as we do the polish?... read more