Oils on the nail plate can block adhesion, but they cannot dissolve the product once it has bonded to the nail plate. Even small amounts of oil on the nail plate will block areas where the product will normally adhere. But once product adhesion to the plate is established, oils will not break this bond. Applying a penetrating oil to an enhancement surface can be very useful. Penetrating oils, such as jojoba, can add flexibility and toughness to the enhancement. (An oil that won’t penetrate the skin, such as mineral oil, probably won’t penetrate enhancements or nail plates.) In short, remove oils from the nail plate to prevent lifting, add penetrating oils to the enhancement to increase product longevity. It is a tried-and-true combination that really works. — Doug Schoon
Technique
If oil causes acrylic nails to lift, then why are we urged to use it and to tell clients to use cuticle oil?
December 20, 2010
More FAQ
Acrylic Glitter Mix Question
If I am mixing glitter into my acrylic powder what is the ratio I should use? Can I dip my wet ball into the glitter?... read more
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Is it true that most white gels do not cure all the way?
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A client wearing acrylics wants to come in weekly. Should another coat of acrylic be added or is there another procedure to follow?
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I have tried different products with no noticeable improvements [in lifting or popping]. Am I clipping too much?
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Why do tiny white spots appear on my finished acrylics?
When I apply acrylic I sometimes get tiny white spots in my finished product. I was told that this could be from contaminated powder. I also sometimes get bubbles with the white spots. I assume the bubbles are form too much liquid to powder.... read more
My client has constant lifting problems. Is she doomed to lifting, or am I doing something wrong?
I have a client whose nails always seem to lift around the cuticles no matter what I do. It happens as soon as her fill is finished. I’ve etched the nail well, cleansed it more than once, and always use a primer. Is she doomed to always have lifting, or am I doing something wrong?... read more
When someone comes to me for an acrylic fill and I wasn’t the one who put on the previous set, does it matter what product I use?
When someone comes to me for an acrylic fill and I wasn’t the one who put on the previous set, does it matter what product I use? Will my product adhere regardless?... read more
Can you use any primer with any acrylic?
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What causes the burning sensation when gels are curing?
I recently tried out a UV light-cured gel system on myself. A couple of times, when letting the gels cure, I experienced a really intense burning sensation. What caused this and how can I avoid it?... read more
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What methods and type of equipment do I need for paraffin treatments?
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