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
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
Why aren't my soak-off gels looking shiny after the first few days?
All these soak-off gels are great, but I’ve noticed after a few days they aren’t as shiny as when first applied. I’ve tried several different top coats from regular nail polish top coats to the UV-cured top coats but they all peel off. Any suggestions?... read more
Is it true that most white gels do not cure all the way?
Is it true that most white gels (whether traditional or soak-off) do not cure all the way? If so, why is that?... read more
A client wearing acrylics wants to come in weekly. Should another coat of acrylic be added or is there another procedure to follow?
A client wearing acrylics wants to come in weekly. Should another coat of acrylic be added or is there another procedure to follow?... read more
I have tried different products with no noticeable improvements [in lifting or popping]. Am I clipping too much?
I have been working as a nail tech for some years now, but have always had problems with clients’ nails lifting or popping off within two to three weeks. When they lift, I use a nail dehydrator after clipping the edges and filing the exposed natural nail, and then I double prime before applying acrylic. I have tried different products with no noticeable improvements. Am I clipping too much?... read more
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
If oil causes acrylic nails to lift, then why are we urged to use it and to tell clients to use cuticle oil?
If oil causes acrylic nails to lift, then why are we urged to use it and to tell clients to use cuticle oil?... 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?
Can you use any primer with any acrylic?... read more
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
Could chlorine in the water make my client's acrylics lift?
I am a new tech with a client who does water aerobics for two hours each day. Her acrylics are always lifting. Could the chlorine in the water cause this?... read more