The first thing I notice is that you buff the nails. You actually get much better results with gels if you do not buff. Trust me, I know it’s a hard habit to break, but buffing takes up to an extra 10 minutes, and it doesn’t help the gels at all, so it’s better not to do it. The other thing is your client might be washing her hands before you apply the gel top coat. Most soap has oils or some type of conditioning agent to help with dry hands, but this can work against the gel and explain the separation or “hole” you’re seeing. Also, be careful about using a quick acetone swipe to prep the nail before the gel top coat. It can eat away at the acrylic underneath and cause little air bubbles or heat spikes. — Amanda Dodge is an educator and mentor for Young Nails.
Technique
More FAQ
Is there a way to remove dark spots from the bottoms of my clients' feet?
Now that it’s pedicure season, some of my clients have asked if there is a way to remove dark spots from the bottoms of their feet. They have no medical conditions.... read more
How do you help restore the nail bed after an electric file has been used on it leaving "rings of fire"?
What can be done when a client suffers the painful grooves in her nail from improper drill ulse?... read more
Why are my gel nails still sticky and thicker on one end?
Why are my gel nails still sticky and thicker on one end?... read more
Can you please recommend a good size acrylic brush for the novice to practice with?
I am a nail tech and still new to our industry. Can you please recommend a good size acrylic brush for the novice to practice with?... read more
Do ultra-white gels not cure properly because they are so dense?
I was told that when using ultra-white gels, you have to apply a thin layer of clear or soft white underneath or the gels won’t cure properly. The explanation was that bright whites are denser so the UV light has difficulty penetrating. Is this true?... read more
Are there any dangers associated with children wearing artificial nails?
I know two children (ages 8 and 10) whose mother has had acrylic nails placed on them. I don’t think it’s a good idea to have them on such young girls, especially since they are very active. Are there any dangers associated with children wearing artificial nails?... read more
Why is my gel top coat pitting and separating over my pink-and-white applications?
I use UV gel top coats over my pink-and-whites. Sometimes they don’t set up right — they pit and separate — and sometimes they seem great, only to pit and separate later in the day. Could it be due to air getting in the bottle? It drives me crazy.... read more
Is there a certain technique for drilling out pink-and-whites?
I use a French drill bit to rebalance my pink-and-whites. Is there a certain technique for drilling it out — for instance is there a certain angle? Do I do short nail beds and long nail beds the same way?... read more
Why won't gel nails stay on my client?
I have a client who is a homemaker and nail biter. Gel nails don’t stay on more than 48 hours. They just pop off. She is the only client I’ve had this happen to. Why?... read more
After soaking off old acrylic, can a client, at the same visit, get tips and overlays?
After soaking off old acrylic, can a client, at the same visit, get tips and overlays? Or should we wait until the next visit when moisture in the nail isn’t a problem?... read more
Are there any medications that affect how well acrylic nail extensions adhere to the nail?
Are there any medications that affect how well acrylic nail extensions adhere to the nail?... read more
How do I keep acrylic nails from popping off my client with sweaty hands?
I have a client whose hands sweat like crazy. I put a full set on her and in two weeks they just popped off like nothing. I am using OPI Absolute with primer and Bond-Aid and they just keep coming off. Do you have any advice?... read more