Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Technique

Why do I have problems with acrylic lifting?

January 1, 2009

Placing the apex in the wrong spot on the nail does not necessarily cause lifting. The apex should be over the center of the nail where the free edge is, but lifting is generally caused by two things. One is prep, of course, and I would have a seasoned nail tech evaluate your prep technique just to make sure you are doing it correctly. And second is an inexperienced application technique that places the product too close to the cuticle area. Less is more in this case, so you want to be extra careful to make sure your product doesn’t run onto the cuticle. -Vicki Peters, President of Vicki Peters Nail Products



 RECOMMENDS:

  • Always properly prepare nail plates using the OPI Enhancement Prep Method prior to acrylic application.  One of the main causes of lifting is non-living tissue remaining on nail plates.

  • The use of Bond-Aid pH Balancing Agent improves adhesion of all artificial enhancements. 

  • Apply only one coat of Bondex Acrylic Bonding Agent.  Using more than one coat will interfere with proper bonding. =

  • Use the proper acrylic working consistency.  Follow the individual guidelines for each OPI acrylic system to achieve the proper liquid to powder ratio.

  • Prevent product crystallization with the OPI HeatEQ Liquid Monomer Temperature Equalizer.

  • Avoid touching the cuticles with the brush at all times.  Prevent getting product on cuticles by leaving a small margin around cuticles and sidewalls.

  • Finish services with only Avoplex Oil and Lotions.  Avoplex products are free of mineral oil, lanolin and petroleum-based ingredients which can cause lifting.

  • Clients should avoid frequent exposure to water and chemicals; advise the use of cotton-lined gloves for washing dishes and cleaning.

  • Recommend that your client have regular bi-weekly fills and use only OPI Avoplex products to care for cuticles and skin between appointments.







More FAQ

How do I get a high-gloss shine on my pink-and-whites?

One of my biggest problems with pink and- whites is achieving a high-gloss shine. Over the last few months I have tried all kinds of files and buffers, but I still cannot achieve what I want.... read more

Are there special considerations when cutting elderly clients' toenails?

The quick of the nail grows more closely to the nail tip as we age. Consequently, it becomes easier to nick a client if you cut too closely.... read more

How can I get the same results from a file versus a sanding band when prepping the nail?

How can I get the same results from a file versus a sanding band when prepping the nail?... read more

How can you help clients with deformities of the feet to feel comfortable about receiving procedures?

How can you help clients with deformities of the feet to feel comfortable about receiving procedures?... read more

How do I advise clients to care for their nails that were damaged by improper drill use?

How do I advise clients to care for their nails that were damaged by improper drill use?... read more

What causes the natural nail to separate from the acrylic at the free edge?

What causes the natural nail to separate from the acrylic at the free edge?... read more

My pedicure client has deep cracks in her heels. Is it safe to work on her?

I have had pedicure clients (usually elderly) who have deep cracks in their heels. The cracks don’t bleed or appear to be an open sore. Is it safe to work on these clients? Is there anything the client or I can do to start the healing process?... read more

Is it best to have a toenail removed completely if you suffer from chronic ingrown toenails?

Is it best to have a toenail removed completely if you suffer from chronic ingrown toenails?... read more

When applying small wet beads of acrylic in the cuticle area, wouldn’t this make your ratio off and cause lifting?

I’m a newbie and I’m confused. When applying small wet beads of acrylic in the cuticle area, wouldn’t this make your ratio off and cause lifting because of overly wet beads? Should I use the same ratio for all three beads?... read more

When starting a pedicure, do you soak the client’s feet in disinfectant for at least five minutes or just soapy water?

When starting a pedicure, do you soak the client’s feet in disinfectant for at least five minutes or just soapy water?... read more

I have a client who has been working on her feet for 36 years and is now developing painful calluses. How can I ease her pain?

I have a client who has been working on her feet for 36 years and is now developing painful calluses. How can I ease her pain? What’s best for calluses like these?... read more

I think I may have scaly skin that's caused by something called two foot/one hand syndrome. What do I do?

In the November 2002 issue you mentioned that scaly skin can be caused by something called two foot/one hand syndrome. I believe that I have just that. (It’s awful.) What do I do?... read more