Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Technique

How do I keep clients' nails from lifting?

January 23, 2008

Many variables can cause lifting. I recommend attending a manufacturer’s class on your specific product. When switching products it usually takes a couple of weeks to master a slightly different liquid-to-powder ratio.

Also, prepping around the cuticle and groove walls makes a huge difference. A 180-grit file is coarse enough. Most techs make the mistake of only prepping in one direction, going in a circular motion around the cuticle. Instead, use the file like a pusher. This ensures better adhesion.

If a client has some lifting, don’t clip off the lifted product. This usually causes more lifting. Thin out the product around the area with a hand or electric file. Don’t file directly on the lifting; thin out the product behind it, then work on the lifting. If you try to go directly at the lifting first, you might file at too much of an angle and too much on the natural nail. — MaeLing Parrish is an EZ Flow educator and co-owner of Nail Sensation in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

More FAQ

What methods and type of equipment do I need for paraffin treatments?

I want to start doing paraffin treatments on my manicure clients, but I’ve never done this before. I’ve heard some techs use a crock pot for warming the paraffin. What methods and type of equipment would you suggest?... read more

Why do my clients' acrylic nails look discolored?

I am a new tech and have noticed that two of my clients who have been wearing acrylics for more than three months have discolored nails. One client’s nails look gray and the other’s nails have a yellow-orange tinge. What am I doing wrong?... read more

Should I apply more than one coat of primer before applying gels?

I applied one coat of gel on natural nails, and the gel peeled off the next day. Should I have used more than one coat of primer? The only preparation I did was to buff the shine off of my client’s clean nails, dust, apply a bonder, then one coat of gel, and let cure. What am I missing?... read more

How do I correctly apply tips? I am either getting bubbles or the tips pop off.

I am feeling frustrated because I have trouble applying tips. I am either getting bubbles or the tips pop off.... read more

How do you get a client to stop picking the acrylic at the cuticle?

How do you get a client to stop picking the acrylic at the cuticle?... read more

How can I place the acrylic so that the wide tips will look right?

Some of my clients have nail beds that are wider than the widest (size 0) tips. How can I place the acrylic so that the tip will look right?... read more

How can I keep my manicure implements from dulling?

How can I keep my manicure implements from dulling?... read more

How can I lay acrylic on a nail without it going onto my client’s cuticle?

I’m a newbie. How can I lay acrylic on a nail without it going onto my client’s cuticle?... read more

At what point in a pedicure do you use the hot towels and how?

At what point in a pedicure do you use the hot towels and how?... read more

Is acrylic causing curling nails?

I have an acrylic client whose nails have been healthy for many years. Recently, one of her thumbnails has begun to curl upward, about ¾ of the way up from the cuticle, toward the tip, but still well into the nail bed area. Each time I see her, it has curled more. I keep the nail trimmed as short as possible to avoid her pulling it on accidentally, and I keep it capped with acrylic (she doesn’t want me to remove the acrylic unless I absolutely have to.) It seems like the acrylic is not adhering to her thumbnail as well as it should. I don’t know if it’s because it’s short and she’s using it differently, or if it has something to do with the curling. Please advise.... read more

I had a client who is a runner, and her toenail was on the verge of coming off. What should I do?

I had a client who is a runner, and her toenail was on the verge of coming off. She wasn’t in any pain, but she wanted to try to have it look nice for an upcoming event. What should I do?... read more

How can I use an e-file to remove soak-off gels without overheating the nails?

I heard you can use an e-file to remove soak-off gels because it is faster, but when I try this technique the nails are getting too hot. Is there something I can do?... read more